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SURVIVAL SEASON 2

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Warning!⚠️Please READ SURVIVAL SEASON 1 before proceeding with season 2!                                                                                                                   Season 1 
Game of Survival

Chaos of Love

Beginning of the End

Season 2
ALPHATHE APOCALYPSETHE END OF A NEW BEGINNING 
Disclaimer 
All images shown in the story are AI-generated. 
Official Teaser Available Here

An alternative universe.

A second chance.

Another life.

"I never lost my memories."
POV: Jang Sora.The glowing living room decorated with LED lights erupted with noisy cheers and laughter when Jake started making funny snorting noises to entertain the crowd. I pursed my lips at his ridiculous distorted face and shook my head lightly as the guys excitedly tossed the infamous red party cup in the air.We were playing truth or dare at a pre-graduate high-school party. Hosted by Carla, our class representative. And yes, the underage youths were illegally consuming alcohol. Diluted alcohol. I glanced down at the light blue juice that was supposed to be a 'Fruit Punch'. But I figured the rebellious teen added more than just sodas and fruits to the jar because I could feel the mixture burning my throat after a single gulp. Carla must've added too much liquor to our fruity drinks. I saw her poking around in her father's wine cellar earlier."Sora! It's your turn! Truth or dare?!" Michael boomed, stumbling across the living room to slump beside me on our cramped couch. I shyly glanced at the eager crowd when the popular football guy swung his arm over my shoulder to hold me with a smug smile."Uh... truth?" I muttered, unsurely glancing at the keen eyes around the room. A few classmates booed in response since they expected me to go for a dare, but I was too timid to risk getting told to do risky things by drunk teens my age. They made Carla drink a mouthful of water from her fish bowl two rounds ago. Jake was forced to eat a spoonful of hot chili peppers. Michael was told to dash across a speeding car- he could've been killed."Rumors say you're a filthy rich elite in Korea? Is that true?!" Michael immediately raised his question before the others had the chance to even think of questions to ask me. Taken aback by the unexpected question... I glanced at the others uneasily. I'm forbidden from revealing my identity."Uh- Well-""You have to kiss Michael if you can't answer us!" Someone screamed from the crowd of tipsy teenagers. My cheeks immediately flushed red, so I turned to find Michael grinning at me, smugly lifting his eyebrow to await my reply. "You don't have to answer if you're uncomfortable? But give me a kiss," Michael shrugged, sexily biting his lower lips. I nervously stared at his gifted curled lashes before glancing at his thick lips. Michael is a natural charmer. He's very popular amongst teens his age because he's built different. He is a Black American. But I heard he's half Swedish, so he's taller than most guys at our school."Stop it! You're making her feel uncomfortable!" Carla whined, snapping me out of my thoughts."Well? Do you want to give me an innocent peck? Or answer the question?" Michael teased until I felt my cheeks going numb. I don't like him or anything! But he's so handsome up close it makes my eyes hurt. His jawline is well-defined, and he's really solid- I can almost feel his sturdy body muscles under his clothes just by leaning against him."I- I have a boyfriend- so-""What?! Since when did you have a boyfriend?!" Carla gasped in shock as she sat on the floor in her sequin mini dress with the red vodka punch in her cup."You have a boyfriend?" Michael scoffed while eyeing me in surprise. I smiled and nodded at him. I never told anyone I had a boyfriend because I was supposed to conceal our identities."My boyfriend lives in Korea," I shrugged, turning to examine their shocked expression."I mean... he wouldn't know if you kissed another guy, right? You're leaving soon anyways- so why don't you try doing something reckless for the memories?!" Jake laughed as he noisily scrunched the chips in his mouth."Jake! What's the matter with you? She can't kiss another guy if she has a boyfriend!" Hannah fired our class clown a warning glare when she noticed I was nervously gripping my knee-length skirt."That's right. I don't want to get in trouble with a rich Korean boyfriend. Let's save the dare for later!" Michael laughed, turning to nod at the crowd."Save the dare for later?" I asked, glancing at him unsurely."Show us your secret boyfriend when you return to Korea! We're hurt! How can you conceal your relationship status from us? I could've confessed my feelings for you!" Michael chuckled, lightly ruffling my hair to tease me. I giggled in response and lowered my face to shake my head in embarrassment. The crowd resumed the game until everyone was tipsy. They eventually started bouncing and screaming to the upbeat music that was blasting from Carla's massive speaker.Except me. Of course. I sat quietly on the couch to watch my friends and classmates celebrate the end of their high-school journey with a weak smile. I'm not too close with anyone to be their best friend, but I get along with almost everyone, so I guess they're all my friends. They were always so welcoming and especially friendly to me. I never encountered problems with anyone since I moved here. Maybe that's because they think I'm rich. I sometimes pay for our hangouts, so they're all convinced I'm well-off."Sora, sweetie!" Carla drunkenly leaned over the couch to bind her arms around my shoulders. I turned around to find her exposed cleavage pressed against my cheek as she hugged me from behind."Yeah? You look drunk-""Someone is here to see you," She muttered, nodding at her front door."Visit me?" I repeated, unsurely staring at her rosy cheeks. She burped in my face, releasing a foul odor, so I scrunched my nose in disgust."I don't know, but he asked for you," Carla shrugged, straightening her back, and stumbled away to join the others. I glanced away from the crowd, got up from the crouch, and approached the front door. Someone is here to see me? But everyone is at the party..?I swung open the door to find a middle-aged buff man in a thick black jacket smoking on the front porch. He slowly lifted his face to examine me as I awkwardly stood at the front door to watch him exhale the steam between his nostrils. Who is he? He's Asian. Why is he looking for me? The man tried to speak when Jake appeared by the door with Hannah to check on me. So I quickly turned to reassure them and tried to explain the situation- I turned back around- only to realize the guy had left without speaking to me. I frowned as I watched him stroll away... steadily leaving through the front yard. Who's this mysterious guy? But before I had time to process the situation- I was dragged back inside Carla's house to party with the others._______________________I brushed off the stranger's approach as my graduation ceremony crept closer and closer. And yet... my family hadn't contacted me. Sighing heavily, I slipped my phone back into my pocket when eomma refused to answer my call. Why are they all ignoring me? Eomma and appa aren't coming to my high school graduation? And why isn't Jungkook answering my texts or calls? He's been distant lately. I feel like I've lost contact with everyone in Korea."Ah!" I gasped when someone suddenly grabbed my wrist as I walked down the empty dark road after returning from the mall. The man grunted in pain when I accidentally threw a hard punch at his face before I could stop myself. Damn! My reflex is crazy reactive!"Ugh-" The man groaned, covering his bleeding nose with his palm. My jaw dropped in panic when I realized it was the same man who visited me earlier at Carla's party."Who are you!? I'll call the police if you step any closer!" I threatened, shakily snatching out my phone to press on the keypad in a hurry."You're very heavy-handed for a young woman your age," He chuckled lowly after rubbing the blood from his nose. I gulped in fear as he stood before me, calmly wiping the fresh blood stain on his clothes with his tongue pressed against his cheek. He kept his distance and was oddly very calm, even after I struck him."I asked who-""I'm Choi Do-hwan. Your personal bodyguard," The man sighed, dropping his bloody hands to the side with his dimmed eyes trained on mine. I froze in my position but kept staring at him with a doubtful look. He awkwardly stared at me in silence before glancing away when he realized I wasn't too convinced.Yeah. A stranger showed up out of nowhere to claim he's my bodyguard? Did he think I'd squeal in delight? For all I know he might be a sex trafficker or maybe an organ harvester! And I'm prepared to run for my life- but what if he's a hot mafia dude from those smutty fiction books? Oh, that's hot- SORA!? I blinked out of my absurd thoughts, tightly clenching my fists to alert myself of the dangerous situation after losing myself to the intrusive thoughts.

"What are you talking about-""Jang Sora. Your parents sent me to escort you home after your graduation ceremony. We're leaving immediately. I'll ship out your belongings beforehand, so make sure to pack your things," Do-hwan sighed, handing me a letter with a golden seal on it. What's this? I quickly tore open the letter to find my mother's undeniable cursive handwriting on the paper. Only my mother can be this dramatic!
I expect your return, Sora. 
"Why would she send a letter? She's so old fashioned- tsk," I muttered, shoving the letter into my coat's pocket and rolled my eyes in disbelief. It's the 21st century, for fuck sake! She didn't answer my call but chose to send a living man across the globe to deliver a letter with a few words written on it? I blinked awkwardly, turning to look at the man again. He was quietly standing before me with a broken nose. Should I take him to the hospital?"Araso! I received your letter, so you can leave now! Shoo!" I rudely dismissed him, turned around, and stormed toward my house at the end of the vacant street. I'm sure he can treat himself! I quickly unlocked the door after sprinting home and hurried inside, and was about to bang the door shut when my door suddenly flew open, sending me stumbling backward- until I slammed flat against the wall behind the door. Thud!"Ow!" I rubbed my forehead after the collision- but froze in shock when I found the man peeking at me from beside the door to check on my condition with a straight face. Did he have to push the door so hard?! He could've shattered my skull!"Mianhae. I'm staying with you until the departure day," Do-hwan muttered, storming into my house without permission. I gripped the door in disbelief. He followed me all the way home?!"Why don't you stay at the hotel!? Or anywhere you've been staying?!" I whined, hastily closing the door as he strode into the living room to inspect my basic American house interior, clearly unbothered by my complaints. The man didn't like to talk much, so I eventually gave up on whining. I let him reside in the guest room, and it was pretty weird because he was a complete stranger. Did something happen in Korea? Am I in danger? Why did my parents send a guard to escort me?__________________________"I told you to stay home!" I gasped in shock when I noticed Do-hwan walking into the auditorium in his only set of clothes. Apparently, the man didn't bring any belongings when he came to the States and has been wearing the same outfit for the last few days."We're leaving afterward, remember?" He calmly turned to shrug at me as I stood glaring at him. The man really shipped out all of my packages and even forced me to pack my suitcase this morning."Wait outside-""Sora! Who's this!?" Carla chirped, suddenly appearing with our friend group."Oh! Is it your boyfriend from Korea?! Damn! He's a fine ass man I'd love to screw!" Jake joked, lightly smacking Do-hwan's abs with a bright beam. The man sideways darted my friend the 'not impressed' face and clenched his fist in annoyance."Boyfriend? I'm her body-""He's my cousin! He dropped by yesterday to attend my graduation since he lives closest to me!" I quickly interrupted Do-hwan. He turned to frown at me, so I lightly nudged him away from my friends until he sighed and walked off with his hands fitted in his tight black jeans pockets. "No offense. He looks old enough to be your dad," Hannah laughed as we watched Do-hwan carry his heavy body across the auditorium with his chest puffed out. He doesn't know how to smile, does he? He's intimidating the teachers and parents!"Guys! I got our seats!!!" Michael waved his arms in the air to grab our attention from the front rows, so I quickly pushed my friends forward and hurried toward the seats. Do-hwan told me I was forbidden from informing my friends about my departure. I can't even say goodbye to my friends. That's harsh. I guilty stared at their bright and cheerful laughter, knowing I'll be gone... right after this event. Sighing. I turned to eye our principal and teachers as he presented the diplomas to the honor students.
Fast Forward
"Your grade transcript is an eyesore," Do-hwan grimaced as he sat beside me in the business class cubicle on the plane. I averted my eyes from the dense clouds to find him flipping through my school report document with his eyebrows furrowed. He looks almost disappointed with my school performance."Did you have to say that out loud?" I grimaced. He's too blunt about things! It's very rude of him! He doesn't even respond to me sometimes! And would ignore me as if I didn't exist.[Choi Do-hwan Official Picture Reference]

"Your parents sent you to a private boarding school. You should've done better-""They sent me away to stop me from causing trouble," I mumbled, sorely turning my head to gaze out the plane's window. My parents decided to fly me out of Korea after I uncovered their dirty and twisted past. They killed Park Jihyun. They murdered the half-blood supreme alpha to seize his power. Eomma wanted to sacrifice Jungkook because he was a half-blood. She believes his bloodline would put our households at risk. I was upset after Jungkook got into a car accident and threatened to expose their secrets.
They revealed us to the society after Jungkook recovered from the accident, and I was sent abroad a month after. I didn't even get to say goodbye to anyone.

Well. It's not like I had anyone to say my farewell to. For eight years... I lived alone in a brand new city after being placed under a host family's care. I didn't even know how to speak English when I first arrived in the States. And I was homesick because I hated their greasy food. Naturally, as a child. I cried and begged to return home, but my parents never listened to my pleas and chose to abandon me with another family.

Eight years. They never allowed me to visit Korea once. I'd spend years after years detached from my home, friends, and family. Nothing. Jungkook stayed in touch with me, but he slowly disappeared as well. Maybe it's because of my parents? I don't even know if he's alive or dead.
"What are you doing?" Do-hwan fired me a funny look when he noticed I was collecting red bean ice creams at the duty-free store."Jungkook likes it!" I replied, happily jogging toward the cashier."You're aware they sell plenty of those outside the airport, right?" Do-hwan sideway fired me a bitter look as we strolled out of the terminal after our exhausting flight."Stop whining so much! You can have one-""No, thank you," Do-hwan rudely walked away when I tried to offer him an ice cream. I glared at the back of his head, swiftly jerking the ice cream pack and sneakily pretended to hit the stupid man from behind his back. What's with the attitudes?!"Jungkook will love it once we meet again! Where are we going??!" I chased after Do-hwan as he sternly strode through the airport. I glanced around the exit in confusion to search for familiar faces as people waited for their family members, friends, and lovers with cute posters to greet them. I blinked at the unfamiliar faces until we ended up at the parking lot. Do-hwan turned to examine me when he realized I was confused by the situation."No one came to greet me?" I asked, sadly glancing at him with the ice cream bag gripped tightly in my hand."Your ice cream is melting, so throw it away before stepping into the car," Do-hwan nodded bitterly at my half-eaten ice cream. I gulped the hot lump in my throat and threw away the ice cream before stepping inside a black car with my duty-free bag."Does Jungkook know I'm returning?" I asked after Do-hwan drove out of the parking lot."The society knows you're returning," Do-hwan shrugged as he navigated the steering wheel. I sighed and glanced down at the ice cream bag in disappointment. Everyone knew, but... no one came to greet me? I was gone for eight years. And yet no one wanted to see me again? Sora! Stop having absurd thoughts! Maybe they're busy! I glanced out the window, gloomily gazing at the familiar city with negative thoughts. The city changed so much! There are more skyscrapers now! The landscape I used to recognize is so much different from what I remember?!- Nothing looks alike to me! Gradually, the dark thoughts left my head as I pressed my palms against the glass window to admire my home country with a bright smile."Can you ask the chefs to prepare Korean food for me?! I miss the authentic taste!" I excitedly hopped out of the car after we drove through the enormous gate. I halted when I found the looming twin mansions sitting magnificently before me. Didn't they renovate the mansion? The garden. The water fountain... and even the private parking lot were still the same!

"I'll inform imo," Do-hwan dully replied as we strolled toward the front door when it suddenly swung open, and someone came strolling out in a hurry."Ah!" I gasped when the guy bumped hard into me by accident."Yah! Watch it!" A familiar voice scolded me after the impact sent me stumbling to the side. My body abruptly froze when I recognized his voice, so I whipped my head around to gawk at the guy in disbelief. The young man briefly darted me an annoyed glare. Is he-? I felt my heart pounding against my rib as he stood before me, wearing his usual intense gaze whenever he was frustrated."Jungkook-'' I tried to speak when he suddenly strode off without glancing at me. I halted in shock when he disappeared without greeting me. I heard a car engine roaring to life, and a sports car suddenly raced out of the mansion."Head inside-""Why didn't he greet me...?" I muttered when Do-hwan tried to nudge me forward."You probably look too ugly," Do-hwan smirked. I snapped my head in his direction with an offended look, firing him a sharp glare. Did he think this is funny?! I should've punched him harder!"I'll fire you!" I threatened Do-hwan and stormed inside the mansion with my arms crossed. To my astonishment... The interior remained exactly the same as the memories I retained of the place before I left. Nothing changed. Even the soothing candle scent was still present within the mansion. A few maids hurriedly approached me, quickly bowing in fear as I glanced around the bright living room to examine the glimmering crystal chandelier above us.Do-hwan escorted me to my main bedroom, located between the Kims and Jeon's mansion. And surprisingly... no one greeted me besides the staff. My parents were nowhere to be found. Maybe they're all busy? I brushed off the uneasiness and quickly unpacked my belongings. I gasped in shock when I opened my closet room to find rows after rows of my childhood clothes, shoes, and coats. Everything was neat and clean. Not a single spec of dust was present on the shelves. It's as if I never left the mansion at all. My parents must've maintained my room while I was away. I weakly smile while sorting my clothes inside the closet."Aigo! You poor thing! I couldn't greet you earlier!" Imo gasped, rushing into the empty dining hall when she noticed me sitting at the table alone. The maid informed me dinner was ready. So, I dressed up prettily, assuming my family planned a surprise welcoming dinner party to celebrate my return, but no. The room was vacant, and I was the only one at the table."Imo! I missed you!" I weakly smiled, quickly getting onto my feet to embrace her. She was a new staff member at our mansion when I first came to Seoul with Jungkook after revealing our identities to the society. Imo was in her mid-late 40s back then... so she's much older now. Her hair had gray strands and a few wrinkles on the corner of her eyes and over her forehead. I was never close to her, but she always took great care of me when I was younger."I made sure to cook your favorites! You must miss Korean food! The foreign cuisine is very greasy! It's unhealthy!" Imo cutely complained as she helped the maid set the plates before me."You cooked a lot... for a single person...?" I smiled at the steaming dishes before me. How can I possibly finish it all on my own?"Eat as much as you want! You're so skinny! It'll plump you up like a dumpling you used to be!" Imo patted my shoulder with a warm smile. I asked her to join me at the dining table, but she refused and insisted that she had other work to handle. And sure enough. I was eating alone in the dining room. It was pretty upsetting to be neglected by my family... but the meal was good, so I happily devoured it with appreciation... until Do-hwan stepped inside the gloomy room in casual clothes."The maid said you were looking for me," Do-hwan cleared his throat."Eat dinner with me," I nodded at the extra plates with my cheeks stuffed like a chipmunk. Do-hwan fired me a disgusted look as I messily ate at the table."Call me when you have other requests-""But this is my request! Eat with me! What kind of bodyguard are you?! Why do you keep talking back at me?! Didn't eomma check your application letter? It's very unprofessional to be this disobedient and stubborn!" I whined at him in frustration. Do-hwan suddenly scoffed at my childish behavior and slowly sat down across from me in defeat."I'm not permitted to sit at the dining table. Only family members are allowed," Do-hwan nodded. I chuckled at his words and placed a few slices of meat in his rice bowl."It's just you and me here. I won't tell anyone!" I shrugged, lowering my head to slurp the soup hungrily from the steaming bowl. Do-hwan hastily launched onto his feet when I suddenly gasped in pain. I choked on the hot soup in distress as he quickly rushed towards me."Are you crazy?! How can you swallow boiling soup?!" Do-hwan scolded, circling the table to hand me a few tissues. I fanned my tongue in pain when I felt my taste buds sizzling from the burn. Did I cook my tongue? Ah~ Why am I so clumsy?"I'm- fine!" I nudged him away to assure him of my condition. Do-hwan shook his head and went back to his seat with his stern eyes trained on me. He eventually ate the food, so we sat in the hushed room without exchanging conversation for a stuffy ten minutes."Your parents traveled to Japan for a meeting. That's why they're not present to welcome you," Do-hwan spoke up. I stopped chewing and averted my eyes to him unsurely. Did he pity me?"You don't have to defend them," I shrugged. My family was never really the same after all the tragic incidents."They're doing their best to protect you. That's why I'm assigned to look after you," Do-hwan replied. I smiled and shook my head as I picked the side dish with my chopsticks."They're not doing it to protect me. They need someone to watch over me because they're scared I might cause unwanted trouble. That's why they sent me away to a continent across the ocean. They abandoned me because I threatened their household security," I shrugged.
I was naive and childish, so I was very furious with my parents and even threatened to ruin our household, and as a result... I was banished from my own home to thrive alone.
"They were very anxious about your return. There were many precautions taken to safely return you to the society. After all, you're the supreme alpha," Do-hwan calmly spoke with me. I didn't feel like recalling the past, so I shrugged and ate quietly."Do you have a wife? Or maybe children?" I asked, breaking the silence inside the room."My wife passed away while she was pregnant with our son. I lost them both," Do-hwan shook his head. That's tragic. Do-hwan's face was neutral, but I figured it was best if I avoided speaking about his family. I headed to my room to wash up after dinner... and then... I wandered around the mansion out of curiosity until I ended up in the garden."I miss my childhood," I chuckled as I recalled funny memories from the past. Jungkook and I once jumped into the fountain to swim in it during a scorching hot day. Our parents were very furious when they found us splashing the fountain water. Jungkook threw in an entire red dye bottle, so it looked like we were bathing in blood. We were both grounded afterward. They had to bathe us repeatedly to get rid of the dye from our skin. Our faces were entirely red for about a week. It was a funny incident. We were living clowns."My lady. There's a gift for you," A maid approached me, so I quickly turned around in my nightgown to find her carrying a pretty flower bouquet."Oh, thank you~" I smiled, carefully taking the bouquet from her. She politely bowed and left me alone, so I weakly smiled at the flower with a questioning look. Who sent it to me? I should've asked the maid. I cradled the flowers and headed back inside my bedroom to arrange the flowers in a vase when a small card slipped from the wrapper."Welcome Back - J." I whispered as I read the simple text on the card. J? Who's J? Jungkook? But he didn't notice me earlier? I shrugged and carefully trimmed the stem to place it in the vase on my mini coffee table before getting ready for bed. I'll just sleep... and hopefully, I'll see my family soon. I wanted to contact my friends back in the states, but I figured I should rest first. I'll call Carla tomorrow morning to let her know about my whereabouts. I thought I would struggle to fall asleep due to my untreated insomnia, but I fell right into a deep sleep.
I occasionally get nightmares about my past, and it's repetitive.

Blood. Loud buzzing noises. Screams. Fire rage. Shattering glass. Loud honking noises. Bright Flashes. Gun explosions.
I keep revisiting the same incident every time I close my eyes, but not tonight. Strangely. My head was empty, and I felt really at peace. Maybe it isn't so bad at all? I'm very anxious about my return, but I'm partly glad I'm finally back home. Even if my home isn't an ideal place with many haunting incidents, I was still excited- I snapped out of my thoughts when the door to my bedroom suddenly swung open. I was half awake and thought I was dreaming, so I turned on my side to sleep when I heard a soft thudding sound inside my room. Thud. The door banged shut. I heard breathy chuckles in the dark room. I furrowed my eyebrows when I felt my bed sinking... as if someone was crawling onto the mattress."Stop teasing me~" A feminine voice whined. My eyes flung wide open upon the unfamiliar voice. I stared at the wall on my side until I felt the movement of the person beside me."Shhh~" A guy whispered, chuckling lowly. I blinked in confusion and slowly turned to find two silhouettes on my bed. What the fuck?"What if we get caught? Your parents are very strict~!" The woman whined as I listened to the sensual smooching sound behind me. Shit!? Are they making out on my bed? Why?! I wanted to turn around, but my body was as stiff as a board. I can't move?!"Don't worry. This room is always vacant. No one will suspect we're even here," The guy muttered. My cheeks flushed red in shock after I heard their conversation. I quickly pulled the blanket over my head when they started making wet kissy noises behind my back. I felt my mattress sinking, followed by constant movements beside me, so I covered my mouth under the blanket in shock to keep quiet."Why are you so shy?" The guy whispered in a raspy tone. I quickly covered my ears in horror when the woman moaned beside me."You're a bad guy~" She chuckled before letting out another arousing moan. My face was so flushed I couldn't feel my cheeks anymore the longer I listened to their inappropriate conversation.
SHIT? WHAT DO I DO?!

DO I GET UP? SHOULD I INTERRUPT THEM?

WHAT IF THEY'RE NAKED?

BUT I CAN'T STAY STILL AND LISTEN TO A COUPLE FUCKING EACH OTHER ON MY GODDAMN BED?!
"You're so cute~" The guy chuckled as I listened to their unsteady moans and gentle movements on the mattress. SHIT. I have to leave- I quickly scooted towards the edge of my bed and slowly poked my leg out to search for a landing until my feet landed on the cold floor. I bit my lower lips and screwed my face in distress as I carefully shifted my body over the edge. My head finally slipped out of the blanket with one leg on the floor, so I lowered my arm to search for support as I slowly rolled off the bed."Did you bring a condom?" The woman moaned as the guy pleased her. I screwed my face in distress with my body halfway off the bed edge when I felt the two of them rolling closer to me."Shit-" I cursed when the woman rolled onto my other arm on the bed. I was laying face-first on the mattress with one leg and arm over the edge while the remaining half of my body was still on the bed. I buried my burning face into the mattress as the woman lay over my arm. THEY WILL SEE ME- I shakily turned to find the man groping the woman's body beside me. So I quickly snapped my face away to screw my eyes shut at the unholy actions beside me. SHIT. I CAN'T MOVE WITHOUT HER NOTICING!"I'll get the condom- OH!?" The man suddenly sat up and tried to scramble off the woman when he accidentally shoved my head with his palm, forcing my face into the mattress. I felt his knees pressing on my lower back, sending a surge of sharp pain across my body as he climbed over me."ARH!" I shrieked in pain when he stumbled over my body. I lost my balance and fell off the edge of the bed, causing him to topple after me. The guy slammed hard onto me on the floor, so I let out a painful whimper at the rough impact."WHAT THE HELL?!" The woman shrieked, sitting up in shock in her loose dress as the guy struggled to regain his balance over me. RUN! SORA RUN! I quickly shoved his shirtless body off mine and quickly scrambled onto my feet in a hurry."Who are you-" The guy gasped, wildly turning to look at me, but I refused to respond and dashed toward the door when I felt a firm grasp around my gown's collar from behind."Stop the person! Who dared to enter your room!?" The woman cried."Let go!" I winced, tapping the guy's hand in distress as he clutched the back of my gown's collar until I was choking with the pressure around my neck."Who are you- Ah!" The guy tried to turn me around, so I smacked him hard in the face, sending him stumbling backward. I raced for the door and swung it open, but before I could take a step forward- I felt a strong arm encircling my waist. I screamed in panic when he roughly yanked me back inside the room, so I shrieked and grabbed hold of the door handle to stop him from hauling me away."AH! LET GO! AHHHHH~ DO-HWAN~~~" I shrieked in panic."BE QUIET! YOU'LL WAKE EVERYONE-" The guy growled, suddenly covering my mouth to stop me from screaming. I frantically thrashed in his clutch as I tightly clawed the door, refusing to surrender because I was too embarrassed to face him."OW!" The guy wailed in pain when I sank my teeth into his palm. He quickly released me in shock. The abrupt release... suddenly sending my frail body flying... out of the room."Yah! What's with the noises- FUCK!?" Someone appeared, storming down the corridor but didn't finish his sentence when I slammed hard into the person. Thump! I stumbled to the side just as he appeared at the doorway to check on the unexpected commotion."Someone broke into my bedroom!" The guy inside the room snapped, rushing out after me. I tumbled clumsily onto the corridor in front of another guy."HEY, THAT'S MY BEDROOM!" I screamed, accidentally blurting in anger."MOH?! YOUR BEDROOM?-" The shirtless guy argued as I struggled to sit up with a scraped knee.

"Who permitted your return?" The other guy asked in a low tone as I knelt before his feet. I rubbed the sweat beads off my forehead and slowly lifted my face to look at him in horror. That voice- no. My heart thumped against my ribs so hard I thought it was going to burst out of my chest. Our eyes met. And for a moment. I felt fear... paralyzing every part of... my body. His intimidating dark brown eyes... glaring right into my soul as he darkly towered over me. My legs were suddenly weak, so I remained paralyzed on my knees before him."O- oppa-" I stuttered, fearfully staring at him in terror as he frowned at me with a spiteful look. I was... kneeling... right before... Kim Taehyung."Who are you-?" The shirtless guy asked, so I shakily turned to face him- only to realize it was- Jeon Jungkook. Jungkook's face turned pale when he finally recognized me. Thud. Thud."What's going on-?" The woman stumbled out of the bedroom when the entire corridor grew hushed. I averted my eyes to find an insanely hot woman staring at me with a curious yet baffled look. Her eyes were sharp and alluring... and her lips were glossed with bright red lipstick. She was dressed in a lacy mini-dress. Her loose black hair reaching her tiny waist. I blinked and glanced back at Jungkook. He was completely frozen, standing shirtless by the doorway until his face drained in terror. I gulped, shakily averting my attention back to Taehyung... who was also cemented in his place. He intensely stared at me with a stern frown as I looked up at him on my knees."Jang Sora?" Kang Minah whispered, her jaw dropping in shock as she stood beside Jungkook. Dread filled me as I remained helpless in the corridor, caught between the people responsible for my past traumas.
Suddenly... I wanted to disappear from this world.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

POV: Jang Sora.Mr. Jeon suddenly pulled me into a crushing hug as soon as I got up from the couch to greet him in the living room. He told me he yearned for my return, so I couldn't help but smile a little brighter at his warming words. He's just as kind as I had remembered him.It was early morning when Jungkook's father rushed home to visit me from his business trip to a nearby city. He probably heard about the incident last night because imo came rushing down the corridor with a horrified look, thinking I was in trouble... only to find me kneeling helplessly at her young master's feet in a disheveled condition.I pursed my lips when I turned to find Jungkook strolling towards us in a neat button-up shirt and a plain black trouser. His damp hair... messily striking all over the place. It's as if he didn't dry his hair after a quick shower. Jungkook didn't greet his father and rudely slumped down on the couch, tilting his head back with his eyes closed. He looks sleepy."How many times- Did I warn you not to bring outsiders inside our home?" Mr. Jeon turned to scold Jungkook with his hands placed on his hips."Did Sora tell you that?" Jungkook mumbled without opening his eyes as he sat on the couch with his messy bangs over his eyes."The maids informed me! You never listen-""Minah is my girlfriend! She's not an outsider!" Jungkook whined, suddenly sitting up to fire his father a sharp glare. Taehyung quietly strolled down the staircase with a bag swung over his shoulder. He didn't greet Jungkook's father either as he dismissively walked into the living room. Taehyung tossed his things onto the couch, heavily sitting down to participate in the conversation. He was surprisingly untroubled by the family tension."I told you guys to greet Sora when she returns because the elders are busy with work, but you aren't even aware of her arrival? Imo told me you even brought your girlfriend to sleep in Sora's room! How can you be so heedless? She deserves an apology!" Mr. Jeon lectured Jungkook and Taehyung in frustration."I didn't see your message," Taehyung shrugged, dismissively typing on his phone without a glimpse of concern. Jungkook angrily bolted onto his feet and stormed out of the living room with an attitude, causing Mr. Jeon to lose his temper upon witnessing his son's neglect. I sorely watched the elderly man... chase his son to the front door, attempting to get the alpha to utter his apologies... but Jungkook didn't listen and raced out of the mansion in his luxurious sportscar.I awkwardly turned to watch Taehyung type on his phone on the opposite couch. Things didn't turn out well last night. Imo told Jungkook to escort Minah home after the woman helped me back inside my room, and Taehyung? He walked away without speaking to me. I guess he still resents me for what happened in the past. The alpha killed his uncle to secure his household. Taehyung suddenly lifted his piercing eyes to meet mine when he noticed I was staring at him, so I blinked and turned away to avoid him in fear. I'm scared of him."Did you get hurt?" Do-hwan yawned, strolling into the room in casual clothes."O-oh? No?" I stuttered, straightening my back on the couch. Taehyung sighed and got up to his feet to collect his bag when Do-hwan suddenly grabbed my elbow, making me seethe in discomfort. Why is it so painful?! It was just a scratch!"You're hurt," Do-hwan muttered, carefully pushing my sleeve upward to expose a swollen friction burn on my elbow from scraping my flesh with the carpet during my squabble with Jungkook."How did you know?" I asked Do-hwan as he closely inspected my wound."There's a light blood stain on your gown," Do-hwan sighed, rolling my sleeves down to show me the stain on the thin fabric. Oh? I didn't know I was hurt. How did he notice such a small blot? The room grew hushed, so I glanced to the side to find Taehyung eyeing my elbow with a straight face. He cleared his throat and walked off with his bag.Well. I met my family, but they weren't as enthusiastic about my presence as I anticipated. I understand Taehyung isn't on good terms with me, but even Jungkook is distant. He didn't even speak to me and left with his girlfriend in the middle of the night. I went back to sleep in my room until the maid woke me up to inform me Mr. Jeon had arrived at the mansion and would like to see me. I doubt they want me home.______________________"Why is he looking for me?" I muttered, unsurely striding into the security department after a maid informed me of Do-hwan's request for my visit. The guards and IT department immediately got up from their seats to greet my presence, so I smiled at them and walked toward Do-hwan's private office with a clear container."Oh, you're here," Do-hwan nodded as soon as I entered his office. He briefly glanced at me from his desk before averting his eyes back to his computer screen."You're not doing your job right," I stated while studying his oddly plain and uncluttered office."I've undergone your mother's strict evaluation before becoming the head of the security center, and you're telling me I'm not doing my job right?" Do-hwan countered as he typed on the keyboard with his sharp gaze nailed on the desktop screen."If you want to see me, then come to me! I'm your boss! How dare you order me around?!" I snapped, firing the man an irritated glare."Sit down and stop talking," Do-hwan replied. My eyes widened at his rude statement."Did you just tell me to shut up!?" I stomped up to his desk, offended by his instruction."Please have a seat, my lady," Do-hwan slowly shifted his poker face to me. I bit my lips in irritation before slumping down on the couch. He's so annoying!"I'll complain to eomma once she returns," I sneered, folding my arms with an uptight frown. Do-hwan finally turned away from his desktop and got up from his desk to approach me as I sat on the couch with my sharp glare trained on his nonchalant behavior. He grabbed a kit from his emergency cabinet and sat down beside me to unpack the materials."I've already proposed a medical center facility for medical purposes. You don't have to go to the hospital once we hire our own team," Do-hwan calmly explained. I sternly glared at Do-hwan, but he didn't look at me and carefully rolled up my sleeves. The man gently dabbed the cream on my elbow until I softened my expression, quietly watching him treat my wound with my lips pursed. My pain tolerance is high, so I won't whine over the little prick on my arm.

"How much does my mother pay you to babysit me?" I asked out of curiosity."Triple my standard salary. Your mother told me you're a hassle. You sure are an irritating inconvenience- I should request a salary raise," Do-hwan replied without hesitating. I glared at him again but didn't say anything and let him fix my elbow."I got you cake," I muttered, pushing the box toward Do-hwan on the couch."Did imo ask you to bring it?" Do-hwan asked as he bandaged my elbow."No. I baked in the kitchen because I was bored," I shrugged."Are you sure it's edible?" Do-hwan muttered without looking at me. I frowned at him in irritation. Does he even realize he's mumbling his thoughts out loud? I decided not to argue with him because I figured it was his habits to get me on my nerves. Do-hwan went back to his work after notifying me of my university schedule.
Apparently, I'm attending an Elite University with the other alphas. It's not exactly a 'university'. It's more of a private institute assembled by the society to train the heirs. The public is unaware of the establishment. Of course. And only wealthy families are permitted to receive privileged education. There are no enrollments or entrance examinations. The academy sends the invitation letter to selected candidates, and the household is required to fund the full tuition fees with no exception. Even the top ranks have to pay. It's insanely expensive.

The institute doesn't foster regular curriculums, unlike all the other schools. Of course, there are lecture halls and professors to guide the alphas, but the academic system mainly evolved around self-studying and personal development. This indicates the professors weren't hired to teach us. We're urged to figure out everything by ourselves... with their support. Do-hwan told me the grading system is very competitive and strict. There are no identical or duplicating scores. This means only one person in the entire school can score 100 percent on their transcript. No other student will receive the same result, so the second place will only score 99.99%. The system isn't purely graded on assignment marks either. It is assessed by the professors based on our behavioral responses during the course.

Everything about the school is worsening my anxiety because I am definitely not a genius equipped with extraterrestrial intelligence. There is a lot of pressure on me since I'm allegedly the 'Supreme Alpha'. The truth is I'm a dumbass. But they don't know that, so I'm expected to perform well regardless of my lacking knowledge.
"Are you comfortable at home?" Eomma asked, snapping me out of my thoughts as I sat in her office with my hands clasped together. She returned the day after Mr. Jeon arrived to see me while my father stayed in Japan."Yeah. But the atmosphere is a bit dull," I muttered. They wouldn't let me out of the mansion since I arrived, so I was very restless. I miss my friends."Do-hwan submitted your school transcript earlier," Eomma sighed, coldly staring at my school transcript at her desk. I nervously tapped my feet on the floor as I sat on the armchair before her. She did give me a warm hug upon her arrival and told me I was a bit skinny, but I still didn't feel comfortable around her."Am I not qualified for the institute?" I asked. Eomma didn't respond and kept her dim almond eyes fixed on the document, so I anxiously pursed my lips. I used to be angry at my mother whenever I looked at her, but ever since... she sent me away as a punishment for being rebellious... all I felt was pressure and fear when I see her now.

"We received an invitation letter from the institute a few months ago. Of course, you're permitted, but I'm afraid you'll embarrass yourself amongst the other alphas with this kind of output," Eomma shook her head, placing the paper down. I gripped my dress in fear when Eomma averted her dull eyes to study me. It feels like she's clutching my throat with her intense stares."Why did you bring me back? If I'm an embarrassment," I questioned. She could've abandoned me in the States."You're my child. How can I leave you out there alone?" Eomma chuckled lightly. Her smile was warm, but I still felt really unsettled. It's hard to accept her comfort. Not when I'm aware of her wicked nature."If you cared so much, then you wouldn't have abandoned me in the first place," I replied, locking my stern gaze on her. Of course, I resent her for isolating me from everyone. She had no idea how difficult it was for me to deal with my traumas. Alone. In another country. Surrounded by strangers I didn't trust."You were losing control of yourself, so I sent you away to offer you a break," Eomma calmly replied. I clenched my jaw at her words. A break? Is that her excuse?"Why did you bring me back?" I ignored her words and straightened my back on the armchair."You're mature enough to handle the society. They're eager about your well-being since you're the supreme alpha. I know there are many issues left unsolved between us, so this is an opportunity to resolve our disagreement," Eomma shrugged, leaning back against the armchair with her arms crossed. I felt like arguing with her, but I didn't want to irritate her again. She might send me away... or worse. Lock me up behind these brick walls! Sora- watch your words."I'm not complaining about my return, but I want to know the truth. Don't lie to me and tell me what you really need from me," I stared straight at Eomma. I'm suspicious of her motive."I want you to secure our power," Eomma replied without hesitating."How do I do that? You saw my transcript results- I'll never outrace the other alphas," I scoffed, nodding at the paper with a grimace. I'm stupid, so how does she expect me to acquire more power?"It's simple. Alphas strengthen their household through networking and alliance recruitment. We have powerful allies, but I want you to solidify their loyalty," Eomma nodded while examining my face."Solidify?" I frowned. Eomma's lips curved up into a smug smile."Have you met the other alphas yet?" She asked."I've only seen Jungkook, Taehyung and Minah. I know a few alphas, but that was almost a decade ago," I shrugged. I'm lost."Do you perhaps... like anyone?" She asked. I stared at her without blinking because it wasn't something I expected from her."Uh... what-""I'd like you to find yourself a partner. A powerful one," Eomma interrupted. Oh. I sat frozen in my seat. She wants me to find a partner?"Well- I like Jungkook, but he has a girlfriend-""Jungkook won't do," Eomma quickly shook her head."Why not? I heard he's the third rank," I asked, dumbfounded by her firm opposition. What's wrong with Jungkook?"He's not a pureblood, and you always brew up problems together," Eomma shrugged. Right. Eomma and her obsession with the so-called 'pure bloodline'."Do you have anyone in mind then?" I asked. I give up."What about Taehyung? He's very mature. He's the top ten at the institute," Eomma asked. Taehyung? Is she crazy?"Why do I need to marry him when he's your most trusted alliance-""His parents betrayed us before. They might be siding with us now, but we can never guarantee their loyalty. Especially when his lover is returning soon," Eomma shook her head. His lover?"Taehyung has a lover?" I blinked. I didn't know that."Oh. I heard Taehyung was involved with this 5th-rank alpha back in high school. She left him. The boy was very heartbroken afterward, but I received insider news. She might return before the next alpha announcement ceremony," Eomma nodded at me."Then what do you want me to do?" I frowned at her."Personally. I favor Taehyung since he's capable of initiating strategic defense schemes. We've also contributed a significant portion of our assets to his household to stabilize him, so it's a waste if he marries into another household. We'd lose our invested shares to the girl," My mother explained. I blinked at her and sat in silence to process the situation."You're saying you want me to secure Taehyung? To merge our assets?" I repeated, unsurely eyeing her."Yes. I'll talk with Taehyung's parents to arrange the marriage," Eomma keenly smiled at me. Is she nuts?"I can't marry him," I denied, firmly shaking my head."Why not?" Eomma's smile dropped at my rejection."He tried to kill me. You know that. Kim Taehyung drowned me. How can I possibly marry a man whose intention is to kill me? He hates me. He didn't look pleased when we met after my return! And he hasn't spoken to me since I arrived. Kim Taehyung despises me," I sternly scoffed at eomma. Anyone can tell he wants me dead! How can I marry him?"He didn't kill you-""Why won't you believe me!? Taehyung drowned me that day!" I whined. They're being unfair! I've repeatedly told my parents that Taehyung tried to drown me after I woke up from my coma, but they refused to believe me. They claimed I was delusional and that Taehyung never harmed me."If he wanted you dead. Then why did he drag you out of the water? He revived you that day and carried your soaking body back home so we could get you treated!" Eomma countered. I scoffed at her words and lowered my face to rub my nose in irritation."I might not know why he revived me after shoving my head under the ocean water, but I'm sure it was his intention to kill me. He wanted to kill himself, so I tried to help him- and he- he gripped my throat! I can vividly recall his angered eyes and the pressure-""Enough! It's the past! Taehyung was unstable, and so were you! It's been a decade, so don't use the past to justify your innocence! I'm sure you two can sort it out!" Eomma angrily cut me off when I started complaining. I pursed my lips at her fuming face in fright, immediately shutting my lips at her command.The conversation didn't end well, so I ended up storming back to my room, boiling in anger. No one believes me! He tried to kill me! I'm not delusional! I messed up my hair in frustration and slumped down on my bed to pant against the pillow. He still hates me now! As much as I blame myself for Taehyung's misery- it'll never change the fact that I almost died because of him. I might not understand why he played the savior to rescue me after attempting to unalive me underwater- but I will not be fooled! I saw the hatred in his eyes.
Even after almost a decade- There was no guilt in his eyes... at all.
___________________________"Meet me back at this entrance after your school day ends. Don't go anywhere with anyone. Do you hear me?" Do-hwan stared sternly at me as soon as we arrived at the entrance. It was heavily guarded, so Do-hwan could only escort me up to the door."Yes, sir!" I fired him a sarcastic smile. Do-hwan grimaced at my mocking behavior but didn't say anything and handed me a piece of paper."I've arranged a special tutoring session for you," He nodded at the document. It was an authorized learning support slip."Tutoring?" I blinked, looking up at him with my mouth hanging open."You won't be able to keep up with the others, so your tutor will help you. Make sure to attend the sessions," Do-hwan patted my shoulder, and before I could reply to him- The man turned around and strode away. I pouted at the packed schedule before turning to stare at the gate in confusion. It's a solid steel door- like a bank door. How the fuck do I open it? I blinked at the security camera glaring at me from above. Should I ask them? I lifted my hand to knock on the cold steel, then took a step back, awkwardly waiting for the door to open- but there was no response. Uh...?"Um- Hello? I'm- Jang Sora-? The supreme alpha. Can you open the door?... Please?" I waved at the camera above my head with an awkward smile. Gulping... I clenched the paper in my hand and glanced at the solid door again. Still. Nothing happened. Maybe I should assert my authority?"Ehem- Open the door! I'm the supreme alpha!" I cleared my throat before snapping at the camera in a deep voice with a stern stare. Maybe I should use my authority to intimidate them! I quickly glanced at the door again- Still. No response. The fuck? I scratched my head unsurely and turned to furrow my eyebrows at the security camera in frustration."Stupid fucking- AH!" I cursed, wildly spinning around to stomp on the floor like a child when I suddenly bumped hard into a person. I stumbled backward in shock at the rough impact and quickly looked up at the man. Taehyung... stood behind me with an unamused stare. My cheeks immediately flushed red when I realized he'd been watching my idiotic act this entire time.

"I'm sorry- the door wouldn't open-" I stuttered in panic as he quietly observed me. Taehyung didn't say anything and glanced back at the sealed door with a blank gaze."HEY! CAN'T YOU SEE ME?! THERE'S TRAFFIC HERE! LET ME IN- AH!" I quickly turned to scream at the security camera while waving the paper in the air when I felt a firm grip on the back hood of my jacket.

Taehyung yanked me by my collar to the side of the door until I lost my balance and stumbled after him. I tried to turn around as he dragged me toward a screen, but he grabbed my cheeks with his other hand and forcefully turned my face back to the glowing screen by the door. The alpha tightly gripped my hood to position me in front of the device... until a bright flash flickered... and I found myself staring at my own face. The screen scanned my face and- it suddenly switched to another screen with my face ID and Name on it.I stared at the screen without blinking, startled by the information displayed before my eyes.NAME: JANG SORA.RANK: SUPREME ALPHA.I blinked at the screen when the security lock confirmed my identity, and the door suddenly slid open. Taehyung shoved me through the door, so I stumbled inside in disbelief. What the heck is this technology?! I quickly turned around to speak with him when the door slammed shut right before my face. Thud. I froze in shock as I stared at the exit door when it suddenly slid open again, and Taehyung strolled inside with his hands in his pocket. He didn't look at me and walked straight past me without darting a glance."Uh- Thank you...?" I muttered, but he was already gone. Shit! I'll get lost! I quickly pulled my bag straps over my shoulder and hurried after Taehyung until we were strolling through a gigantic glass building. My jaw dropped in astonishment as I examined the advanced interior. I kept my distance from Taehyung since I knew he didn't want me around and quietly trailed after him. Taehyung walked up to an elevator, so I quickly entered after him before the door closed."Woah..." I muttered when the elevator immediately recognized Taehyung's face with its facial scan and automatically took him to the third floor. My jaw dropped even lower when the elevator greeted Taehyung by his name and even announced the floor's arrival before he exited the glass box. Damn! Everything is automated! I quickly scurried out after him as Taehyung fixed his gaze on his phone screen. He entered a lecture hall without glancing around and sat down as I turned my head from side to side in amazement. I slowly sat down beside him with my hands gripped tightly around my back strap."You're early today!" A guy beamed, snapping me out of the moment. I averted my attention to a cute guy with soft mochi cheeks sitting in the row in front of us. He spun his chair around with a bright beam- but halted almost immediately when he noticed me sitting next to Taehyung."Did you eat?" Taehyung dawdled without looking up from his phone."Jang Sora! Nice to meet you!" The guy gasped, reaching out to shake my hand. I flinched at his abrupt greeting when he grabbed my fingers to shake it without warning me."N-Nice to meet you-" I stuttered, awkwardly staring at the guy as he shook my hand with a bright smile. Taehyung suddenly froze in his seat and slowly... he turned to frown at me from his seat, so I pursed my lips anxiously at Taehyung's hardened stare. He didn't notice I was with him until now."Did you follow me all the way here?" Taehyung questioned, dumbfounded by my presence. I gulped at his stunned expression."Am I not supposed to be here...?" I whispered. Taehyung kept on staring at me with a bitter look. He's giving me that 'Are you kidding me look?' and it's annoying."You're unbelievable," Taehyung scoffed, turning away to pinch the tip of his nose bridge in distress. I pursed my lips unsurely when he kept on shaking his head instead of explaining the situation."You're funny! This class isn't for newbies! You must've followed Taehyung here without realizing it! Is that your schedule? Let me see! I'll help you find your class!" The guy smiled, reaching out to grab my schedule. Taehyung sideways glanced at me in disappointment and shook his head again before crossing his legs. The alpha turned back to his phone"I'm a bit lost..." I smiled at the guy sitting before us."You're supposed to be on the second floor! Come on! I'll escort you~!" The alpha laughed. He quickly got onto his feet, so I got up after him and walked out of the class. I'm so stupid! I was so busy admiring the interior I walked right into another hall with Taehyung without checking my schedule."Thank you," I smiled at the alpha."It's my honor to escort our supreme alpha to class. I'm Park Jimin, by the way. Fourth Rank!" Jimin grinned. I chuckled at his cheery attitude. He was very nice to me and even took me on a tour around the area. I found out The Park is The Kim's ally, so Jimin is Taehyung's close friend. Jimin told me to contact him if I needed help, which was really thoughtful of him. I thanked him and went to class with a few other alphas I didn't recognize. Everyone kept on staring at me to the point I felt really uneasy. I didn't have a class with Taehyung or Jungkook until the second session."Can I sit?" Jungkook tapped the desk next to mine. I looked up at him in surprise when he suddenly approached me."Sure," I shrugged, awkwardly glancing down at my device. Jungkook cleared his throat and sat down beside me. He didn't speak and pretended to flip through his book- but would frequently steal glimpses of me. He's been avoiding me since I returned, and I was upset to find out he's with another girl, so I didn't speak to him either."Are you mad at me?" Jungkook awkwardly asked, sideways glancing at me with a nervous expression. I turned to face his timid behavior. How did we get this awkward? We used to be so close- we even bathed together sometimes, but we can't even look at each other properly now. It feels like we're strangers all over again despite all the memories we shared."Should I be mad?" I shrugged, turning back to look at the lecture notes on my device."Can we speak later? At home," Jungkook lowered his voice when a professor stepped into the room."Okay," I nodded. Jungkook weakly smiled and turned to face the board before us. Well. At least he gathered the courage to speak to me first. Jungkook left class right afterward, so I aimlessly walked around the campus alone during lunch break. I didn't stay in the luxurious lounge for long because of the eyes and attention I was receiving."You look lonely," Someone spoke up as I sat by the large window panel in the empty corridor to watch a few lower ranks play basketball inside our in-door auditorium. I glanced up to find a handsome alpha approaching me with a weak smile."You look familiar," I nodded at him. I think I've seen him before."Remember the flower boy? I gave you a sunflower at the ceremony," He chuckled, sitting beside me with his gentle gaze on the transparent glass wall."Oh! I remember!" I gasped, turning to look at him in surprise. There was this- older alpha- at the ceremony with a basket of flowers. He went around gifting the newly revealed alphas flowers after they were introduced to the society. Jungkook and I each received a flower. Jungkook got a beautiful tiger lily that day!"Jung Hoseok. It's been a while, Jang Sora," Hoseok greeted as he sat beside me. He lifted his hand for a handshake, so I gladly accepted him. Hey! At least he remembered me!"You're still a warm person!" I grinned at him. Jungkook and Taehyung didn't even greet me when I arrived, but Hoseok made an effort to welcome me!"You lost your face chubs," He teased, causing my cheeks to flush red. Oh. I was well known for having adorable cheeks when I was younger. Hoseok pinched my cheek so hard one time I burst out crying because it was so painful. Jungkook got really upset at Hoseok for upsetting me- He ended up chasing Hoseok with his flower."Thank you for checking in on me," I smiled at him. There weren't many memories, but I can still recall the good moments between us."Did you like the flowers I sent?" Hoseok chuckled."Oh? You sent the bouquet that night!" I gasped, lightly smacking his arm in disbelief. It was a gift from Hoseok?"Jay~" Hoseok nodded. I giggled at his teasing smirk and shook my head."I loved it!" I nodded."Hoseok! I've been searching for you!" Someone whined from the side, so we both turned to find- Damn. His divine visual almost blinded my eyes. I couldn't help but stare at the alpha's crazily defined facial structure as he strode up to us."Seokjin! This is Jang Sora! Do you remember her? The cute kid with chubby cheeks!" Hoseok patted my back proudly."Of course, I remembered! You pinched her cheeks so hard that day- She ended up wailing with a bruised cheek! Kim Seokjin!" Seokjin laughed, placing out his hand to greet me."I remember you too," I smiled at him. He was one of the oldest alphas at the ceremony, but Seokjin was a cold boy back then. He didn't really speak much with us and would always complain to his parents like a spoiled kid."I heard everyone speaking about you but couldn't find you anywhere. Where's your young boyfriend? You better watch out, Hoseok! Jeon Jungkook will chase you if you make her cry again~!" Seokjin chuckled as he stood before us."Oh. We're not together anymore," I weakly shook my head."Right. Jungkook is dating Kang Minah," Hoseok sadly smiled at me. I had a humorous conversation with the two alphas. They were very kind and cheerful. Hoseok was very considerate- He took me to the study lounge after the lunch break. I don't have any more classes after lunch, but I do have a tutoring session with a senior alpha.
A moment later.
"I thought you got lost in this confusing building," A low voice spoke up as I sat in the comfortable spinning chair. I've been spinning it for the past five minutes while waiting for my tutor."Annyeonghaseyo! I'm Jang Sora!" I gasped, quickly stopping myself from spinning in the chair, and stood up to greet the alpha."Kim Namjoon- Careful!" Namjoon shrieked when my head suddenly swayed dizzily from spinning on a chair. He grabbed my arm to stop me from toppling to the side, so I chuckled and shook my head in embarrassment."I spun too much on the chair," I awkwardly scratched my head. Namjoon chuckled at my clumsiness before sitting beside me with a couple of thick books."I'm your tutor. Did you bring your transcript?" Namjoon nodded. I stared at his cute dimples with a weak smile. He's hot. Sora?!- What? Eomma said I should search for a lover!- Oh?! You're seriously not considering him just after 30 seconds of meeting him!?"Uh- no? I don't think you'd want to see my transcript... it's a disaster," I shyly shook my head. Namjoon scoffed at my honest response while flipping through the textbook."Okay then. I'll help you with anything you need," Namjoon nodded at me. Why are my cheeks burning?! Do I like him?! I can't help but stare at his cute dimple! His eyes are so sexy too~!"Does being my boyfriend count...?" I whispered under my breath."Moh?" Namjoon blinked, turning to look at me with a dumbfounded look. I pursed my lips in panic when I realized my unintentional request. We both sat staring at one another with flustered faces."Haha! I said I like your glasses!" I shrieked, awkwardly slapping the table to avoid the horrific situation. SHIT!? I'm so embarrassed!"Oh. I must have misheard you," Namjoon nodded, turning to look at the book with a faint smile. I want to disappear! How can I say that out loud!? I'm so stupid!
Namjoon was very patient with me during our private tutoring session. There were many terms I didn't understand, so he had to go through them with me. One by one with specific examples. I was a slow learner, but he never expressed any judgment and tried to simplify the concept for me until I understood it. I felt really comfortable around him since he didn't make me feel stupid for being clueless, so it only took us one session to get along with each other.

"How much is my mother paying a top alpha like you to coach me?" I smiled at Namjoon as we strolled down the corridor with the books in his arms. His tutoring charge must be crazy expensive."There's no required transactions. It's voluntary work," Namjoon chuckled, cutely denying receiving any payments."Are you serious?" I nudged his shoulder with a bright beam."Yeah. I'm coaching students for credits. It'll help me secure a seat in the elite council after I complete my study," Namjoon shrugged. I stared at him in disbelief. He's so determined! I can't believe he spends his free time doing community work to earn credits! I bet his transcript is overflowing with excessive recognition!"Oh? Someone made a new friend?" Someone called, so we both looked up to find a lean alpha striding toward us in a golden designer jacket."I heard you skipped a tutoring session. The head professor wants to see you," Namjoon's smile faded as the alpha looked me up and down with his tongue pressed against the inner side of his mouth."You're Jang Sora? I'm Shin Minho. The most handsome alpha on campus. Nice to meet you!" Minho placed out his hand. I unsurely shook his hand with a bright smile when Namjoon suddenly nudged me forward."Come with me. I'll let you borrow my notebook," Namjoon smiled, steering me away from Minho, who was still eyeing me with his eyebrow raised. His stare makes me uncomfortable. It's as if he's examining an object."Is he your friend?" I asked Namjoon curiously as he scanned his ID card on his locker pad."No one is friends here except for the official alliances. Here. I have all the useful notes and tips written in all the textbooks. Don't forget to read through each lesson before class," Namjoon handed me a stack of books. I gasped in shock at how heavy it was as Namjoon drew out the textbooks to stack them in my arms."Thank you!" I gritted while balancing the books in my arms with difficulty. Namjoon halted and turned to look at me with an apologetic look."You know what. I'll ask my driver to deliver it to you later," Namjoon laughed, taking the books back from my arms to place them in the locker after noticing my struggles."So... are you heading home now? No more tutoring sessions?" I asked, unsurely staring at Namjoon with my attentive eyes as he organized his locker. He's so freaking charming!"No. I have to host the school council meeting after this. Taehyung and Seokjin are the presidents of our council. They'll be staying behind today," Namjoon shrugged. The what?"School council?" I whispered, staring at him with my mouth wide open. Damn. Are the alphas actually serious about the power hierarchy? I doubt our school council is anything like my ordinary high school council."Yeah. It's an academic version of the actual council. We oversee the entire elite institute. We're opening a spot for a student representative soon and oh- There's also a vacant seat for the head secretary. Make sure to sign up for it," Namjoon nodded."I'm too stupid for the responsibility-""Don't underestimate your abilities. Especially when you're the supreme alpha. Your position is not a mere secretary but the power throne. You can rehearse your skills and capabilities at our council, so don't doubt yourself and give it a shot. The entire council and school will vote for the selected candidates," Namjoon explained, finally shutting his locker. He fully turned to face me... so I pursed my lips with my distracted gaze on his soft lips."Are you heading home...?" I asked without blinking and kept on staring at him without realizing it."Maybe you're suffering from short-term memory loss? I told you I'm going to attend the council," Namjoon laughed, lightly patting my shoulder. My cheeks flushed red in embarrassment after losing myself to his captivating smile. AGAIN."Oh! Oh! Right- Then I'll head home, but-""But? What is it?" Namjoon asked, frowning at my rosy cheeks. I scratched my head and glanced away."Give me your number!" I blurted, snatching my phone from my pocket and pushed it into his hands."My number-?" Namjoon scoffed, glancing down at my phone with a startled look."Uh- What if I have questions to ask!? I'll- contact you to clarify it!" I stuttered between the phrases as I searched for excuses to justify my intention. Namjoon stood quietly with his suspicious eyes fixed on mine, so I clasped my hands together and averted my eyes to the window to avoid him. Am I being too obvious? This is embarrassing."Here. Call me if you need anything," Namjoon exhaled, handing my phone back to me. I quickly snatched it from him."I'll see you tomorrow! Good luck with the council!" I patted his shoulder and stiffly turned away. Namjoon tried to speak, but I quickly ran off in a hurry to avoid him with flustered cheeks. What's the matter with me!? Why am I getting flustered over a phone number?! I need his contact to communicate-"AH! Yah!-" Someone gasped when I suddenly slammed into another girl near the entrance. I gasped and stumbled across the floor after spilling her drinks. She scoffed at me in shock, so I quickly regained my balance and bowed at her apologetically."I'm sorry!" I bowed at her again as the girl stood in her black boot heels, mini short skirt, and expensive fur around her shoulders."Who the fuck-" The girl fired me a sharp glare. She had on full dark feminine makeup. I glanced at her unique Black Hime Cut hair (You can search it up). The front section of her hair was trimmed up to her sharp chin. But the back of her remaining silky hair dangled... all the way to her waist. She looked nothing like the other alphas. Is she a superstar? Why is she overdressing?"Did I ruin your-""Do you know how much this fox fur cost?- You bitch-" The woman snarled at me in her coffee-soaked fur- Halt. The alpha pursed her lips and glanced past me with her eyes wide open in fear, so I quickly turned around to find... Kim Taehyung... standing behind me with his hands in his pockets. He sideway-eyed my started reaction with an unbothered look before averting his eyes back to the girl."The supreme alpha will pay for the damage. Refrain from using informal speech within the institute premises," Taehyung sighed lowly. Whoah? He sounds so intimidating. Well. Namjoon did say Taehyung is the president of the school council. I blinked at his neutral face when the woman's eyes grew wide open. She suddenly straightened her body with a nervous look."You're Jang Sora?!" The girl gasped, snapping her gawking gaze at me."Propose your compensation fee. I'll ask our secretary to handle the payment," Taehyung nodded at the woman as she eyed me in shock. Taehyung suddenly walked over to the splattered coffee and strode off toward the exit. I worriedly eyed her sticky clothes when I suddenly felt a firm tug on my hood. Tug! I gasped in surprise when Taehyung dragged me away from the girl, so I stumbled after him in confusion. What's with him!? He keeps hauling me around!"Wait- Taehyung-" I snapped as he towed me toward the exit, but he ignored my struggle and pulled me until we reached the entrance."ARE YOU DEAF?" I screamed, hastily shoving him away when he wouldn't stop treating me like a disgusting trash bag he didn't want to touch. Why is he dragging me around by my shirt?! Taehyung quickly turned to frown at my sudden outburst."My shoes! It slipped off!" I pointed at my exposed sock in irritation. Taehyung clenched his jaw and let out a frustrated sigh but didn't respond, so I fired him a sharp glare before limping back toward the closed door to scan my face."Why isn't it recognizing my face?!" I whined as I repeatedly positioned my face before the screen, but I was denied entry. Taehyung scoffed in disbelief as he watched me fix my messy hair. Maybe it's checking my eyes? I funnily widened my eyes before the camera sensor by leaning forward to position my bulging eyeballs in front of the scanner when the door slid open- and a guy... came strolling out. Kim Seokjin halted in shock when he found me making weird faces before the camera screen. Awkward silence."Is it your shoe...?" Seokjin unsurely asked, glancing down at my yellow duck sock, so I averted my eyes to his hand... until I spotted my lost sneaker... in his hand."Oh! Yeah! Thank you! It slipped off earlier!" I faked a forceful laughter to avoid the embarrassment, snatched the shoes from him and hopped around on one foot to slip on the shoes. Taehyung stood coldly with his arms crossed, waiting for my clumsy ass to fix the laces."I'll see you around then," Seokjin nodded, striding off without greeting Taehyung. I finally stabilized myself, then turned to glare at Taehyung, who was still eyeing me with a straight face. He is a cold-blooded freak!"You can head inside now. Do-hwan will be here soon!" I rudely nodded at the door. I've had enough of his silent treatment! Taehyung suddenly walked into the parking lot without me, so I sneered at his back in frustration."What's the matter with him?" I grumbled, pulling out my phone to text Do-hwan. He's late- I flinched in shock when Taehyung roughly fitted a helmet on my head."Huh- It's too tight- ARE YOU TRYING TO CHOKE ME- AHHHHH!?-" I squealed when he roughly tightened my chin strap until I felt it suffocating me. But Taehyung didn't seem to care about my discomfort and fastened it harder until I started gagging. He grabbed my hood again and yanked me toward his bike. Taehyung suddenly lifted me onto his giant ass black motorbike by my waist. And before I could process the situation- He mounted the bike. The deafening engine... roaring to life. What is he doing?! Do-hwan said to wait for him."Are you sure this is legal??? Do-hwan and eomma said to wait- ARRHERHJFERFJE?! AAAAAARGH!" I asked unsurely when the bike suddenly shot forward. I frantically grabbed his leather jacket in panic when my body suddenly tilted backward at the sudden jerk. Taehyung didn't respond to my discomfort, so I tightly grabbed his waist as he blasted out of the building."I DON'T LIKE THIS! AH! AH! AH!?- &*#^%!#?!- DO-HWAN! HE'S TRYING TO KILL ME AGAIN! EOMAAAAAA~ ARGHRFHUQHEF!" I screamed in fear as Taehyung raced down the street at a deadly speed. My heart pounded hard against my ribs when he dangerously switched between the lanes to outrace the cars on the road. Taehyung steadily accelerated his motorbike the more I screamed, so I whimpered in fear and bit down on my lips to stop myself from losing my shit."Eomma~" I whimpered with my eyes screwed shut. I felt my blood pressure rising until I was nauseous. My heart thumped repeatedly against my chest to alarm me of the dangerous situation in response to the deadly speed. I was so scared- unconsciously tears slipped from my lower lash line, so I screwed my eyes shut and buried my face into his back.I thought I was going to faint and fly off the motorbike due to the severe panic attack- when we suddenly came to an abrupt stop. My lungs refused to inflate for a stubborn thirty seconds as I sat breathless on the motorbike with sweat beads all over my forehead. Taehyung suddenly got off the leather seat and turned to loosen the helmet around my chin as I hyperventilated on the bike."Stop being dramatic and get off," Taehyung muttered without looking at me. I blinked out of my cluttered thoughts with tears in the corner of my eyes."Dramatic?" I asked shortly, staring sternly at him with a flustered face from screaming all the way home. Taehyung didn't respond as he sternly stared at my unstable condition."Get off- UGH!? YAH!" Taehyung sighed, trying to pull me off the motorbike- when I suddenly threw the helmet at his head. He gasped in shock and stumbled backward with his hand on his head. Clatter! The helmet fell to the ground after I swung it at him, creating a loud clatter. Taehyung quickly snapped his furious face to me with a dark frown to disapprove of my outburst, suddenly jerking forward to encircle his strong arm around my waist."DRAMATIC!? ARGH! YOU ARROGANT PERSON!" I screamed, angrily grabbing his hair- causing Taehyung to wince in pain. He quickly released me onto the ground, but I refused to let go of him and yanked him by his hair with all my might."LET GO! STOP IT!" Taehyung roared, roughly pushing me away. I cried in pain and stumbled to the side at his harsh force. He taunted me on the ride on purpose! Did he have to go this far?! The alpha grabbed his hair in shock after I released his hair roots and fired me a fierce glare to disapprove of my violent behavior.

"You didn't have to take out your resentment on me like this! My life isn't yours to play around with! Why am I the one treated like shit when it was you who strangled me?! Look at me in the eyes and tell me why I fucking deserve this?! You're an asshole! How can you blame everything on me!? You killed your own uncle to save yourself and chose to blame it on me?! Wae?! I was a child! You knew that, yet you still held me accountable for your crimes! If you wanted me dead so badly- Then you shouldn't have dragged me out of the water! I'm better off dead, so why did you fucking revive me?! How can you let me live just to torment me like this!? You're a fucking selfish jerk, and I hate you!" I screamed at his face until hot tears burned my numbed cheeks. Taehyung glowered at me with his deadly energy until he was trembling in anger. I whimpered in distress and stormed off to enter the mansion, leaving him alone by the front door with his stupid fucking black motorbike.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POVTHUD. I violently slammed the front door shut and stormed through the living room while rubbing my tearful eyes when I noticed Jungkook lying on the couch with his arm tucked under his head. He quickly sat up with a startled look and tried to speak, but I ignored him and rushed away in a hurry.A maid immediately bowed in my presence as she cleaned the portraits in the corridor. I lowered my face to hide my tears and hurried into my room. My mind was suddenly bombarded with painful memories, so I frantically undressed my body in the bathroom. I need to shut it out! I quickly turned on the cold shower to let it drench my steaming head until the build-up tension eased in my chest. Don't think about it! Don't think about it! After a while... I deeply exhaled to soothe my mind while standing under the shower with my eyes closed.Sora, you can't lose yourself like this! They'll keep on hurting you if you show them your vulnerability! The shower icy cold downpour was turning my skin bright pink, so I quickly rinsed my slippery flesh and stepped out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped securely around my drenched body to find a silhouette on the couch inside my dark room."What are you doing here?!" I snapped, switching on the lights to find Jungkook sitting with his arms crossed. His face flushed bright red when he found me in my towel and nothing else.

"You agreed to talk with me!" Jungkook swallowed, turning his head away to give me some privacy. I exhaled in annoyance before walking into my closet room."Leave. I don't feel like talking right now," I muttered while changing in the room and finally walked out to find Jungkook... still seated on the couch."Why not? Is it because of Taehyung? He's an asshole, so you should get used to it," Jungkook shrugged. I ruffled my damp hair with my sharp eyes trained on him."Is Taehyung the only asshole in this mansion? Get out of my room!" I demanded, nodding at the door in irritation."Moh? What did I even do?! I'm desperately trying to resolve our problems, and you're telling me to leave?!" Jungkook scoffed, launching to his feet with an offended glare. I fired him a dumbfounded look."What did you do?! Shibal! You dated another girl while I was away!" I shrieked, angrily hurling a cushion at his face. Jungkook immediately ducked to the side with a terrified face at my violent outbursts."We were young! You're still my first love- but-""You could've spoken to me first! You could've given me proper closure! But you did nothing! You brought your girlfriend into my room and even did inappropriate things with her on my bed! You're a heartless jerk! Now get out before I bruise your face pretty again!" I screamed, angrily hurling another cushion at the door. Jungkook's eyes were wide open in disbelief, but he didn't snap back and angrily stomped out of the room."CLOSE THE DOOR!" I screamed when he strode out without shutting the door. Thud. Thud. Jungkook retraced his steps backward on my demand and reached for the handle to slam my door shut. Stupid! Stupid! When will he grow up?! I glared at the door in frustration before slumping down on the couch to rub my burning face.Fuck- Did he have to ruin my mood just after I struggled to contain myself?! Hot tears spilled from my eyes once again as I fought to resist the discomfort. What's going on? I thought I was okay with everything, but why am I hurting again? Is it the guilt of losing him? Or is it my past traumas? Even if we were together when we were young- I never treated him right. I bullied him and would often conceal my feelings because I didn't know how to express my silly affection. It was always Jungkook who showed me his undying fondness. But I'd brush his efforts with little to no attention. I've always liked him... but I wish I could've shown him how I truly felt instead of cradling the feelings to myself. Maybe that's why he detached himself from me...?
Why are you blaming yourself? He could've given you an appropriate closure even if he was done with you. Sora. You're hurt because the only person you thought was your solace... left you for someone else. You thought you'd still have Jungkook, but you've already lost him.
I sat up on the couch to dry my tear streaks after breaking down and got up to review the materials I learned from school because I didn't feel like confronting my problems and drowned myself in the boring textbooks until a maid visited my room to inform me about dinner.I gloomily dropped my pen and walked out of my bedroom in mismatched pajamas, puffy red eyes, and striking messy hair. I'll eat quickly and go to bed- I halted by the entrance to the dining room when I found the tables filled with food and beverages. The loud chatter suddenly died down at my presence, so I slowly glanced around the room to find... my parents- appa returned? The Jeons and Kims were all present inside the room. Jungkook and Taehyung were occupied with their phones, but the elders were very attentive. Mrs. Jeon eyed my shabby condition with a disapproving look."Sora! Aigo~! Didn't you brush your hair? You must be too comfortable around us!" Appa gasped, getting up from his seat to embrace me. Caught off guard, I unconsciously gripped his cardigan as he patted my head, slowly averting my eyes to find eomma smiling at me from her seat."We're so guilty for not welcoming your return yesterday, so we're hosting the celebration now!" Mrs. Kim smiled from her seat. I gulped after my father pulled away to pat my shoulder, so I stiffly bowed at the elders. They're very lively. I sat down in my mismatched clothes to eat my food in silence.

"I wonder if you have a boyfriend in the States?" Mr. Jeon asked from across the table when he noticed I wasn't speaking to anyone. I lifted my eyes from the fork and averted it to him."Boyfriend?" I asked, sideway darting Jungkook a bitter look. He cleared his throat when our eyes met, guiltily glancing down at his plate as he chewed the food in his mouth."You looked very gloomy since you arrived. Why? Is there someone you dearly missed?" Mr. Jeon sadly eyed my puffy eyes. What makes him think my misery is caused by someone outside this mansion? It's the goddam family and society."There is someone I left without bidding goodbye to," I weakly smiled. Jungkook suddenly lifted his face to stare at me in surprise."You have a boyfriend? Why didn't you tell me?" Eomma asked, lowering her steak knife with a slight frown. Taehyung was eating in silence, unbothered by our conversation. I don't exist in his world."It was a person I really liked... but I never gave us a chance because I thought I had a boyfriend in Korea. Turns out... my long-distance boyfriend was already with another woman when I returned. I could have granted the person a chance instead of hopelessly yearning for someone who didn't care about my well-being," I nodded. Jungkook turned stiff in his seat. The elders awkwardly shifted their attention to Jungkook's flustered face. My frank statements seem to put him in a very uncomfortable situation."Did you apologize to Sora?" Mr. Jeon darted Jungkook an uptight frown. Jungkook gulped and tried to speak when my mother joined our conversation."You can't blame Jungkook. He might be your first love, but you were really young, Sora. People change. You were away, and your relationship didn't have a defined boundary, so it's natural for you two to grow apart," Eomma shook her head to defend Jungkook. I smirked at her words. For a moment, did you think my eomma cared about Jungkook? No. She opposes our relationship."You're right. I doubt there was even love between us since we were so young. Right, Jungkook-shi? There were no deep feelings between us. I'm not upset. In fact, I've already taken an interest in another person," I exhaled, smiling brightly at the elders. Jungkook blinked at me in shock after I carelessly dismissed our past relationship. He seemed offended for some reason but didn't dare express his discontent."You've already found another person? After your first day at school?" Appa chuckled at my claims as if he didn't believe me. I can't sulk forever over the past. I was stupid before, but I won't let them deceive me anymore. I left this country a fool, but I've grown, and I'll play their games."That's right. He's an intelligent man... and he could potentially be the society's future leader," I nodded. Taehyung suddenly stopped chewing, slowly looking up at me with an uneasy stare.

"The next leader is undoubtedly Taehyung," Jungkook scoffed, bitterly shaking his head."That won't happen if I don't marry him," I chuckled, shaking my head at Jungkook to deny our potential marriage."Marry me?" Taehyung huffed at me in disbelief."That's right. I am the society's supreme alpha. The council's seat will only welcome the man I choose to marry because I can easily crown a king with my power," I smiled warmly at Taehyung, whose face suddenly darkened at my words. Did he really think he can become the leader without my support? The elders exchanged uncomfortable looks, but I pretended not to notice the dread on their faces."Who is the alpha? I bet you're bluffing! Taehyung is the univeristy's president," Jungkook fired me an annoyed glare. He knows I'm taunting everyone, but I won't let him catch on."Seokjin is also the president. It's the alpha rule to maintain balance in the council. Taehyung isn't the only candidate," I shrugged. My mother suddenly coughed, hysterically choking on her wine. She pursed her lips at me in horror."You're interested in Seokjin???" Appa asked in disbelief."Seokjin is really handsome- He instantly captured my attention at first glance, but no. Kim Namjoon. I did some investigation as soon as I arrived here. Kim Namjoon is working with Kim Seokjin. Namjoon might not be as powerful as the leading alphas, but he's capable of handling the society," I nodded. Did they think... I'm a sleeping sheep? I won't let them use me as a puppet to solidify their power."I don't think you should make up your mind without proper consideration. How are you so sure he feels the same for you?" Eomma shook her head to disapprove of my partner's preference. She's catching on too. I need to throw her off now."I probably won't catch his attention with this messy appearance, but don't worry, mother. You gave birth to a beautiful daughter. I'm confident I can get any man I want, especially when I'm a powerful heiress. Sooner or later... they'll all chase after me," I chuckled, placing my fork down. Taehyung scoffed with a funny expression as if he couldn't believe those words flowed from my mouth. I brightly smiled at him with an unbothered expression until his face hardened. He glanced away in discontent.

"I love your spirit, sweetie. But Seokjin and Namjoon are our rivals," Mrs. Kim sadly nodded at me."I'll turn them into our allies... and I'll make the entire society submit to us," I said shortly and got up to leave the table. The dining room grew hushed as I strode away until I was back inside my bedroom."Sora! You can't say nonsense! You'll get in so much trouble!" I smacked my head in distress."I'll find a way-" I muttered, slumping down on my bed to lie down when my phone started ringing, so I quickly sat up to stare at the unknown number on my phone screen."Yeoboseyo?" I answered the call.
A moment later.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, unsurely walking toward the front gate to find Namjoon standing by the lit path. He was dressed in casual clothes with a bunch of books in his arms."I'm here to personally deliver your books," Namjoon nodded at the stacks of study materials the guards were carrying inside."You didn't have to come in person! It's already late!" I lightly shook my head."I thought it would be disrespectful if I let my driver-""Someone's getting nosy with our family affairs?" Another voice interrupted. We turned around to find Taehyung walking up to us with his hands in his sweatpants pockets. Namjoon dimmed his eyes at Taehyung's presence."I'm simply helping Sora stay on track, Mr. President," Namjoon nodded at Taehyung's not-so-welcoming greeting."Kim Namjoon running errands for free? That's unusual," Taehyung chuckled while shaking his head. I glanced back and forth between them as Namjoon clenched his jaw at Taehyung."You should head home! Here! This is a popular snack I got from the States!" I smiled, placing a bag into Namjoon's hand with a bright smile. Namjoon shifted his eyes from Taehyung to mine as I held onto his hands with a radiant beam to distract him from Taehyung's rudeness."Call me if you need anything," Namjoon nodded, causing my cheeks to flush red."Araso! I'll see you tomorrow!" I giggled. Namjoon waved at me and turned to leave the mansion, so I cutely waved at Namjoon until he drove off in his car, finally turning around to head back inside, but I halted almost immediately when I found Taehyung staring darkly at me."You should be cautious around him. He doesn't have good intentions and don't be foolish over trivial past conflicts with your family," Taehyung muttered. I smiled at his blank face."I'll be careful around the alphas, but they're not the real threat," I shook my head."The household's security is your only hope in surviving-""I won't trust anyone easily. Not even you," I narrowed my eyes at Taehyung."I know you're putting on an act to-""An act? Eomma told me, I'm supposed to marry you to merge our power, but I refused. You don't want me, and I don't want you either. I'm doing you a favor," I shrugged, trying to walk past Taehyung when he suddenly caught my wrist to stop me. I glanced down at his tight grip before looking back at him with a slight frown."You're doing me a favor? I am working tirelessly for the position to sustain your household-""You can work your ass off for the council- but you'll never earn it if I don't allow you to. Don't try to guilt trip me with your good acts when it was you who tried to kill me. I might've been foolish before, but I won't let anyone drown me again," I firmly stared at Taehyung's rageful glare."Your parents will fall without me, and Jungkook- so don't provoke me-""If I remember correctly. It was you... who killed your uncle to save yourself from perishing in the game. Am I wrong? Kim Taehyung. Don't try to threaten me when you know I have absolute power to destroy you. I'm no longer a people pleaser, so don't try to hold me accountable for your crimes," I gritted, yanking my arm from his grip, and quickly marched away before he could respond to me. Taehyung scoffed at my attitude, but it didn't bother me. I hurriedly strolled toward my room... only to find my bedroom door... slightly opened."What are you doing inside my room again? Wasn't it enough for you to bring another woman onto my bed?" I dully questioned when I found Jungkook peeking at my drawers. My presence must've startled him because he immediately slammed the drawer closed before snapping his head in my direction with an embarrassed look. Taehyung had already ruined my mood. What is he doing here again?"I was waiting for you," Jungkook gulped, glancing away to avoid my eyes. I told him to leave me alone, but he's back again!"Leave," I nodded at the wide-opened door with my arms crossed. Jungkook quickly darted me an irritated look."It's a misunderstanding-""I don't think bringing another woman onto your first love's bed is a misunderstanding. You knew it was my space. And yet it never bothered you to use my room as you pleased. I doubt it was your first time together in my room. I don't need any explanations because I've seen enough," I huffed, nodding bitterly at Jungkook's rosy red cheeks. He fired me an uptight frown."I know I've hurt your feelings with my careless actions-""Naturally, I should be heartbroken over such an incident. Anyone would break at their partner's betrayal, but I wasn't that upset. I thought I loved you, but it didn't hurt. I'm only disappointed, so I really meant what I said earlier in the dining room. I believe we've grown apart, and I've been loving you less the longer we were separated," I sighed, slowly leaning against the door frame to watch Jungkook's sore reaction."Are you sure there's nothing left? If you do, you have to tell me now because even after our time apart, you're still the only person I cherish most. I don't want to hurt your feelings," Jungkook clenched his jaw. I quietly stared at his intense gaze to think about his words."I suppose... there's nothing left between us because of how quickly I liked another man. Is that enough?" I asked, raising my eyebrow at him."Kim Namjoon? You shouldn't associate with-""You've matured, and I'm proud of you," I cut him short with a weak smile. The childish and reckless Jeon Jungkook has finally grown into a sensible man."What?" Jungkook blinked at me in confusion."I've also grown, Jungkook-ah. You're the only person I yearned for while I was away, but now that we've united again, I'm finally at peace to see you grow up so well," I shrugged."What are you talking about?" Jungkook furrowed his clueless eyebrows at my odd statements."I'm saying I've also grown. Everyone might think I'm still a weak and foolish child, but no one was actually there with me... to watch me grow. You don't have to worry about me anymore. Let's not be a burden to each other's life. I really appreciate your concern, but I've already learned to thrive on my own. Whether I like Namjoon or not... please don't interfere with my life anymore," I muttered, slowly walking up to Jungkook. He quietly watched me approach him with a tensed body as if he wanted to fire back at me."You know this isn't only about personal matters, right? The brutal game will endanger all of us if you're reckless," Jungkook narrowed his eyes."I promise I won't endanger you, so keep your nose out of my business, and I won't trouble you. I've simplified my words for you. Do you get it now?" I smirked, causing Jungkook's face to flush bright red. And as I anticipated, Jungkook suddenly lost his temper and stormed out of my room without responding to me. I chuckled and turned to watch him disappear from my view."Maybe he didn't change at all?" I scoffed, closing the door in disbelief. Slowly, I sat down on my bed with a slight smirk. Revenge. Did they think they could tame the weak child they banished out of fear of being exposed for their treacherous crimes?
Their biggest mistake is bringing me back into the game.
_____________________"What's this?" Namjoon smiled, lifting his eyes from the digital text on his tablet to look up at me from his seat. I grinned, lightly pushing the little gift box toward him. Taehyung briefly glanced at our interaction from the table beside us."For you," I shrugged, sitting down before Namjoon with a keen smile. Namjoon cutely shook his head as he reached for the navy rectangular box to unbox it before me. I pursed my lips with my eager eyes fixed on Namjoon's reaction as he opened the box to reveal a classy black ballpen."How'd you get your hand on this edition?" Namjoon scoffed, glancing up at me in disbelief as he picked the pen from the box."It's lined with 18K white gold," I nodded at Namjoon as he examined the expensive ballpen with a stunned expression."How'd you know-""Obviously? I've never seen you scribble with an ordinary pen before," I chuckled, nodding at his other pen collection, placed neatly in his leather pencil case. Namjoon is a pen enthusiast. Although he never speaks about it... he probably has an entire space dedicated to pens."What's the occasion? Why would you get this for me?" Namjoon darted me a grateful nod from across the table."Nothing. I like you a lot... so I thought I should gift it to you," I shyly smiled at him. Namjoon's cheeks suddenly flushed red at my blunt honesty... but our moment was immediately interrupted when Taehyung let out a mocking scoff. We turned to the side to find Taehyung packing up his books. He wasn't looking at us, but I could sense his mockery from the other table. Taehyung rudely swung his bag over his shoulder and walked off without speaking to us."Did something happen at home? Taehyung's been acting this way since the day I visited you at the mansion," Namjoon asked with his eyes trained on Taehyung as he stormed out of the study lounge."He's been on edge since my return. Taehyung despises me," I shrugged, slumping on the chair with a pouty look. I'm not on good terms with Taehyung, ever since the day I claimed to expel him from the council."He must be pressured by your presence. I thought your parents would let him succeed your position in the council. Kim Taehyung must be disappointed with your return," Namjoon muttered while twirling the ballpen between his slender fingers."He's even more upset now after I signed up for the secretary position in the council," I shook my head. Namjoon encouraged me to partake in the artificial school council, so I did as he suggested... and Taehyung didn't seem to favor my decision."It's optional for the school presidents to have a personal secretary, but Kim Taehyung never cared about it. He prefers to work alone. I wish Seokjin could help you, but he's very picky, so he probably won't accept an inexperienced alpha," Namjoon apologetically smiled at me."It's fine. I don't expect to pass the trials anyways," I shook my head. Taehyung will never let me into the school council. Namjoom thanked me for the gift, and we parted ways after our tutoring session. I thought I could rest at home, but my parents found out about the pen I gifted Namjoon. And they were somewhat... very bitter about it.
A moment later.
"Why would you waste our assets on Kim Namjoon?" Eomma frowned at me from her office desk. I stood staring at my shoes with a dull expression. I'm so tired. They always pick on me for the littlest mistake I make."I told you I like him," I muttered, sideways glancing at Taehyung, who was scrolling through his phone with a slight smile. Is he enjoying this? Of course, he notified my parents about it because he's a pathetic prick! It doesn't make sense for a high-ranking alpha to feel threatened over a mere object! Should I buy him a pen and shove it up his filthy ass?!"Kim Namjoon is an opportunist! I told you not to associate with him-""He's my tutor! Can't I be grateful!?" I snapped, angrily glaring at my mother. She scoffed at my defensive argument before glancing at Taehyung."I'll order Do-hwan to search for a new tutor then. Avoid Kim Namjoon," Eomma shakily exhaled while rubbing her nose bridge in distress."What? Why would you replace-""I don't want you around Kim Seokjin's minions!" Eomma snapped at me. I wanted to scream at her, but I'd be exposing my own weakness if I did. Instead, I angrily stormed out of her office to cool off my head with a cold shower in my room. But I was still very angry afterward... so I quickly got dressed in my nightgown and stormed out of my room without brushing my wet hair. Kim Taehyung. I will not let you trample on me like this!"What's the matter with you?!" I snapped, wildly shoving Taehyung's door open- only to find him half-naked in his towel. Taehyung turned his head to look at me with a confused frown. He didn't answer me and glanced at my wet hair... drip... drip... the cold droplet... splattering onto the carpet in his bedroom. I waited for his response, but he only turned away to expose his bulky shoulder muscles and disappeared into his closet."Talk to me!" I snapped when he appeared again in his usual fine silk robe. Taehyung ignored my existent and tried to walk past me. What a jerk! I huffed in frustration, furiously turning to grab his arm when he tried to leave his room. Taehyung halted in his place, coldly glancing at the tight grip around his wrist."Leave," Taehyung sighed, shifting his dangerous eyes to mine. I glared at him in disbelief as he stood before me with an intimidating stare."I will not drown- not again," I gritted, taking a bold step closer to him. Taehyung didn't budge and hovered over me with his dull eyes fixed on mine."Did you think you could defy me if I wanted to shove your head underwater?" Taehyung asked, smugly raising his thick eyebrow to infuriate me. Sora! You can't surrender! I tightened my grip around his wrist when I felt a surge of boiling anger erupting within me, but I chose to suppress it."I'll make sure you drown with me if I find myself choking at your hands again," I snarled with my head tilted upward. Taehyung maintained a straight face, but I could clearly see his clenched jaws."I will not let Kim Namjoon threaten my position, so don't use him against me," Taehyung muttered, slowly rotating his body to face me."I'm not using anyone against you. Don't be delusional," I sternly stared at Taehyung's stone-cold expression."So you really like Kim Namjoon?" Taehyung scoffed, funnily tilting his head to frown at me in disbelief."Why? Are you afraid I'll place Namjoon on the supreme alpha seat instead of you?" I replied with a slight smirk."Me? Scared of a fourth-rank alpha? Don't be delusional, Sora. Did you really think he's into you? Seokjin is using him to deceive you," Taehyung chuckled, biting his lips to hold in his laughter."You won't be laughing once I achieve my goal," I frowned at Taehyung's mocking laughter."Your goal? Ah! Your intent is to search for a lover so you can grant yourself independence from your household. If that's your goal, then at least redirect your attention to someone powerful," Taehyung shook his head at me."Namjoon might be a fourth rank, but he can-""You know nothing about the game, so stop straining yourself to appear clever. I can read you like a transparent glass, Sora. And if he's really into you- then he wouldn't have pushed you to enter the council. Why? He knows you're weak. Did you think you're the only alpha competing to enter the council? He's encouraging you to embarrass yourself under the spotlight. Everyone is betting on your far-fetched success in the game," Taehyung gritted. I blinked at him in disbelief."W-what?" I stuttered, unsurely staring at Taehyung without blinking."Kim Namjoon is trying to prove how weak you are to the other alphas... and once you lose in the competition... All the alphas will strike you. Your allies will bear the consequences of your idiotic acts. Why else did I spend years asserting dominance in the council? It was to protect our household," Taehyung narrowed his dark eyes. I gripped his hand unsurely."Oppa... I won't disappoint you. I promise," I smiled, tiptoeing to give Taehyung a soft peck on his firm cheek. He suddenly froze in place at my unexpected tenderness. I smiled innocently at him as he stood stiffly before me with a dumbfounded expression. I used to give him a lot of innocent pecks when we were younger. He obviously hates being around me, and I believe the intimate mark I left on his skin will make him feel super uncomfortable."You-""Goodnight," I smiled while patting his hand, and before he could respond- I quickly walked away. Taehyung loves to taunt me. He has nothing... but pure hatred for me, so I will use affection to poison him._______________________
A future event
"This is stupid-" I drunkenly muttered, aimlessly extending my arms in the pitch-black room to search for the exit. Why did I agree to do this? I'm so fucking dizzy!- Shit- I suddenly stumbled over something on the floor and landed hard on the couch."Ouch!" Someone gasped when I stumbled on them in the complete darkness."Sorry!" I gasped, quickly sat up, and scrambled away from the intimate lovers in embarrassment. How on earth am I supposed to find my way out of this place when I'm this drunk?! My cheeks flushed red when I heard the wet smooching sound from different directions. Are they seriously making out?!I thought the average had crazy party games, but the alphas- I froze in my position when I heard soft moans... from my right side. Thank god the room is dark! I really don't wish to see people groping each other! I gulped at the inappropriate sound and slowly stepped to the side when I suddenly bumped into a solid barrier. It's the wall! Yes! I frantically patted the wall until I found a door and carefully turned the knob. It's the exit! I excitedly opened the door and hurried out, slamming the door shut behind me and quickly turned around in relief. But I was still blinded by absolute darkness. Huh? Did I enter the wrong room? Where am I?"This is unbelievable," I sighed in frustration when I realized I was still trapped inside the room. Carefully, I walked along the wall to feel the room layout with my fingers. Creak. I froze when a loose handle clicked open at my slight tug. Wait a minute-"I'm in the closet room?" I whispered when I blindly reached inside the wardrobe to feel the rows of hanging clothes. This must be Hoseok's wardrobe. I glanced behind my back, even if I couldn't see anything- only to realize the nasty smooching sound had faded behind the door. No one came into the closet?"Whatever! I'll stay here until the time is up!" I whispered under my breath and slowly knelt down on the floor to pat the carpet. The room was so muted- I couldn't hear anything but the dull static sounds ringing in my ear. I'm definitely safer in the closet. I crawled into the wardrobe on my knees, turned to sit with my back pressed against the inner wall... then reached out to pull the closet door close. I'm too drunk to move around anyways, so I'll wait until I sober up a little before finding my way out of this place."I should've brought my phone," I sighed while hugging my knees in the dark room. Hoseok smells nice. I can smell his faint cologne in the closet. Sighing, I lowered my head to press my face against my knees in silence. They'll search for me-"Ah!-" I gripped my head in shock when a painful contraction hammered in my head. Why's my head hurting?! I huffed quietly in the dark wardrobe, cluelessly looking up at the closet door in confusion. What's this-?I froze in my position when I heard soft muffles beside me, so I blinked and turned my head toward the source of the sound- and to my horror- the wardrobe was no longer dark. I found myself staring at a frightened pale boy. He was about three or four years old, and his cheeks were glossed with warm tears. What is the kid doing in here-? I sucked in my breath when I felt someone gripping my hand tightly, so I turned to the other side to find- yet another boy... sitting beside me. He was slightly older than the pale boy. What's happening?I glanced back and forth between the two kids. Why is the older boy frowning at the small gap in the wardrobe? He wasn't crying, but I could sense his fear as he shuddered beside me. Creak. I froze in my place again when I heard the door opening. I glanced through the gap to find a looming shadow entering the room. The small boy whimpered in fear and lowered his head to press his face against his knees as the older boy balled his hands into tight fists as if he were ready to charge through the wardrobe doors. My heart started racing in fear... the longer I stared at the dark shadow... gliding closer toward the frightened boys."Shit-" I gasped, suddenly flinging my eyes open in panic when I felt my body jerking from the intense shock. Was I dreaming!? I softly groaned as I sat up against the wall- and somehow... I was back inside Hoseok's wardrobe. My head didn't hurt anymore, and I was weirdly calm. I quickly turned from side to side to check for the presence of the two boys, but the cramped space was too dark for me to see. I'm alone. Ah~ Did I imagine everything? The kids I saw were Jungkook and Taehyung. What is this?I rubbed my forehead with one hand to recollect my senses and leaned back to tilt my face upward with my eyes closed. I don't recall the memory. When did it occur? Both Taehyung and Jungkook were very young... I must be one or two years old? Was I too young to remember the memories?- I froze against the wall when I felt something twitching in my hand... so I glanced down in horror even if I couldn't see anything. It's a hand. Why am I holding another person's hand? I thought it was a dream- I quickly snapped my head to the side in shock and was about to say something when the person clasped his hand over my mouth to stop me from screaming."Shhh!" He hushed me, startling me with the unexpected presence so I tried to yank his hand off my mouth. I thought I was alone!? Why am I holding his hand!?"Who are you-" I managed to blurt but was immediately silenced when I felt a swift force slamming against my body. My eyes grew wide open in shock when I felt his lips on mine- I gripped his shoulder in panic as he pinned me against the wall to hold me in place.My mind was partly dazed under the influence of alcohol, and for some odd reason... my body began to heat up at the presence of his humid breath, softly panting... against my face. He slowly withdrew his lips from mine but didn't back away, and even if I couldn't see him- I knew he was only an inch away from my face. I softly shook my dizzy head in confusion, too starstruck by his attack to process my thoughts. I can't think of anything but the sweet aftertaste he left on... my lips. Which lollipop did he pick? I gulped, slowly turning in his direction as he softly breathed against my face."Your lips are very... sweet," I whispered without thinking. The person didn't respond to my compliment, so I slowly slipped my hands off his shoulders to trace my fingers up to his face. I couldn't think straight as I ran my thumb over his moist lips until I felt my cheeks heating up again. Sora... this isn't a good idea.Slowly, I leaned forward... aimlessly searching for the sweetness on his lips. One more time... I want to taste him one more time. I missed his lips and pecked his cheek instead... so he gently turned his face to meet my lips in the dark. The man hugged my waist, carefully drawing me closer to him as we blindly kissed in the wardrobe. Was he beside me this entire time? Did he hold my hand? I clung to his neck with one arm while running my hand through his hair with the other. The chilly air around us suddenly growing warmer as his greasy lips brushed over mine in a steady rhythm. He suddenly presented his tongue between our kisses- making me muffle in surprise at his boldness. I gripped his firm biceps as our kiss progressed into a full-on... makeout session."You're good at kissing-" I chuckled, pulling away to take a deep breath as he heavily panted over my lips. The alpha impatiently drew me back into the kiss without responding.I eventually lost my balance on the floor because he was making my heart flutter so badly- I failed to regain control of myself. He firmly held onto my waist to prevent me from falling backward as we kissed on the floor, so I secured my arms around his neck to draw him closer until I felt his chest pulsating against mine. Our interaction is oddly... addictive? The unknown man suddenly pulled me over his thighs, and before I knew it- I was sitting on his lap in the wardrobe. I cupped his face between my hands as we exchanged our slimy spits in the darkness until his touch infected my body with a strange throbbing sensation. Why is he so quiet? He leaned against the wall with his hands on either side of my hips to hold me on top of him. We're both out of breath but we can't seem to pull away from each other. I slowly untangled my hand from his hair to feel his firm chest as he massaged my waist to ease my strained muscles."Hmm?" I softly giggled when he drew his lips away to kiss my neck. He's really good- I moaned a little with my head tilted back as he softly nibbled my collarbone, so I gripped his hair again as we lost ourselves to the flaming desires."Sora???" A faint voice called from outside the closet room. We both froze at the sudden disturbance when we heard footsteps approaching the closet room. The person suddenly secured his arm around my hips."Ah!" I gasped when he effortlessly lifted me off the floor. I grabbed his neck in shock as he lowered me onto my feet. Who is he? I tried to make out his face, but it was too dark for me to see him. Thud. Thud. I heard footsteps approaching the closet room as the guy caressed my cheek with his fingers. He gently turned my chin back to him when I tried to look away and lowered his face to kiss me one last time. His tingling breath... softly brushing against my lips as he stroked my lips with his. I didn't want to let go of him, so I held tightly onto his arm when he suddenly placed his hands on my shoulders and turned me away from him. Oh? I blinked in confusion and tried to turn around, but he suddenly took a step back just as I grabbed his hands to stop him from leaving my side."Sora?" The person called outside the door. I felt his grip leaving my hand. No... Why is he releasing me? I tried to hold onto him, but he kept backing away from me into the darkness. He gave me one final squeeze before my fingers slipped from his. I opened my mouth to speak with him when the door to the closet room suddenly swung open, and someone suddenly switched on the lights. Flick. I immediately shielded my eyes from the blinding beam as another person strolled inside the room."Wait-" I gasped, quickly dropping my hand to stop the mysterious man, but the room was empty. My jaw dropped in surprise. He's nowhere to be found. Where did he go?"Are you okay? What are you doing in here?"Jungkook asked, lightly tapping my shoulder to get my attention. I quickly spun around to face Jungkook with my eyes wide open."I was just- I-" I tried to explain myself, but I still couldn't process what had happened to me. How is this possible? I blinked and turned to scan the tidy room again as Jungkook frowned at my odd behavior."Your cheeks are red. How'd you wander in here?" Jungkook cutely chuckled. I turned back to stare at Jungkook in utter confusion. Was I imagining everything? Like the memory I had earlier? It felt so real though?"I didn't want to kiss anyone, so I hid," I shrugged."You hid!? That's not fun! So you didn't kiss anyone?" Jungkook scoffed."Oh- oh! I didn't kiss anyone-""Which lollipop did you suck?" Jungkook frowned at my lips."Blue?" I blinked in response. Jungkook pursed his lips with his eyes trained on my lips, so I stood awkwardly staring at his observant stare."Are you sure you didn't kiss anyone?" Jungkook tilted his head to the side while studying my flushed face with a doubtful look."Oh- I didn't-""Your lips and tongue are purple," Jungkook scoffed with his arms crossed. I froze in shock, unconsciously touching my lips with my fingers. It turned purple??? I glanced at Jungkook's orange lips."I don't remember-" I shrugged, quickly walking out of the closet to find Hoseok's messy bedroom. Everyone left. How long was I in the closet? I strolled towards the staircase until I spotted the other young alphas... gathering downstairs with excited grins on their lips color."You probably kissed one of them. Search for purple lips," Jungkook lightly nudged my shoulder as I frowned at the crowd below us."Who did you kiss?" I asked, turning to stare at his orange lips."Minah, of course. She had a red lollipop. I had yellow before the game," Jungkook shrugged, calmly strolling down the stairs. I sighed and followed him with an anxious expression. Who did I kiss? I nervously eyed everyone's lips... but I couldn't find another purple- CRASH. The crowd suddenly halted at the loud clatter, so I quickly glanced at the center of the room to find Seokjin... lying unconsciously on the ground."What's wrong?" Namjoon called, quickly pushing through the crowd."Seokjin is drunk! I'll take him to his driver!" Hoseok immediately knelt down to grab Seokjin as I uneasily stood staring at them from the staircase. Seokjin's head flopped weakly against his friend's shoulder as Hoseok dragged him out of the mansion... and the crowd suddenly buzzed into noisy chatters again.

"You found our supreme alpha!" Minho called, waving at me from the stair landing. Jungkook and I averted our attention back to the crowd, so I took a deep breath and strolled toward them."Who did you kiss?!" Jimin shrieked in excitement. I glanced at the green tint on Jimin's lips. It's not him."She doesn't know," Jungkook awkwardly turned to look at me."Are you serious? You're so drunk you can't even remember?!" Minho laughed, nudging Mira, who was furiously rubbing her bright pink lips in disgust. Minho's lips were also pink... they must've had the same flavored lollipop. It was Hoseok's idea to play the lollipop game during the party. Everyone had to pick a flavor, suck it until the dye transferred to our tongue, and then we all had to enter his dark bedroom to make out. It was a match-making game.
Of course, the couples stayed together like Jungkook and Minah and a bunch of other lower ranks. Namjoon couldn't participate since we ran out of lollipops, so he waited outside. I was pushed into the room by Jungkook, and now I have no idea whose mouth I shoved my tongue into. This is ridiculous!
"I couldn't see-""Your lips are purple, so whoever has purple lips is probably your partner," Minah chuckled at me while clinging to Jungkook's arm. Everyone started glancing at each other lips to search for the unknown man I kissed."Ahhh~ My back hurts~" Hoseok panted, cluelessly pushing his way into the crowd. We turned to look at the sweat beads on his forehead after he carried his drunk friend out of the mansion. My heart almost shattered against my ribs when I realized the pigment on his lips... matched mine. Everyone else must have caught on as well... because they suddenly broke into a loud cheer. Minho excitedly shook Hoseok's shoulders with a wide grin to tease him."Your lips are purple!" Minah shrieked, pointing at Hoseok and back at me. I stood frozen in my place when Hoseok's cheeks flushed red in embarrassment once he realized I was his match."Recalling your hot and steamy memories now?" Jungkook whispered in my ear, causing my cheeks to flush even redder. Hoseok broke into a soft smile as he stood before me, so I bit my lips and shyly glanced away."What happened between you two? You better share the moment with us!" Jimin laughed, nudging Hoseok with an evil grin. We both chuckled and lowered our heads to avoid their teasing cheers and laughter when someone suddenly stomped past us."What's the matter with her?" Mira scoffed, trailing her eyes after Haerim."I saw her arguing with Taehyung earlier in the garden," Jimin pursed his lips as we watched her storm out of the front door. Gae Haerim returned to Seoul a week ago, and Taehyung was always on edge ever since. I heard they were high school sweethearts, but she left him without proper closure. Talking about Taehyung. Where is he?"They'll probably get back together," Hoseok shrugged."You two should work it out too," Jungkook nudged my arm again, earning a sharp glare from me. He's annoying! Hoseok shook his head with a weak smile as we chatted with the other alphas. The party was boring at first, but after the make-out session and the strong liquor I consumed... it suddenly became a lot more entertaining. Hoseok and I were weirdly shy around each other. I couldn't get the steamy memories out of my head either, so we kept blushing whenever we made eye contact."Can we talk?" Namjoon asked, appearing behind me as chatted with Hoseok by the staircase. Everyone else was dancing with the crowd. I excused myself from Hoseok and followed Namjoon out of the mansion. The fourth-rank alpha didn't say anything as he walked me through the garden to drown in the deafening music."What's the matter?" I cluelessly blinked at Namjoon's neutral expression."When you said you liked me. Did you mean it?" Namjoon asked, glancing at my purple lips before shifting his curious gaze back to my eyes. Why is he asking me when he knows the answer?"Oh. Of course, I meant it," I unsurely nodded."How do you feel about Hoseok now?" Namjoon asked, tilting his head at me."Why are you asking? I'm a bit flustered because we kissed-""What's your exact intention with us?" Namjoon interrupted me. I stared at him unsurely. What is he trying to say?"I don't quite understand-""I also had good feelings for you, but I doubt your intention now. Was it Taehyung's plan for you to mess with me and Hoseok?" Namjoon questioned."Mess with you and Hoseok? What-""If you're trying to seduce us-""I am not! Why would you say such things!?" I gasped in shock."I didn't notice it at first, but it's pretty clear now. Why else did your family request me to tutor you? Because they thought you could turn me against Seokjin. Only to realize I wasn't a fool, so they told you to stop seeing me, and now... you're after Hoseok. He might seem like an easy target because he's got a pure heart, but I won't let that happen. I will not let you ruin Seokjin and his allies," Namjoon calmly confronted me. I think Namjoon is drunk because despite his stable tone... his cheeks are bright red."This is a misunderstanding. I never intended to use you or Hoseok," I shook my head to defend myself."If it wasn't your intention to ruin us, then why did you apply for the executive seat in the council instead of the secretary?!" Namjoon snapped."I didn't want to serve any sides, so I figured I should be the middle-man," I shrugged."You do realize I will have to step down from that position for you. Right?" Namjoon scoffed at me."No one dared to compete with you for the position, even if your serving period is over. Can't you let me take control for a year? I'm only trying to prove Taehyung wrong," I sighed. Taehyung doubted my ability to pass as the head secretary, so I got pissed and applied for Namjoon's position- thinking he'd be thoughtful enough to let me take the seat, but he's glaring at me now."Are you seriously taking advantage of our personal relationship? You can't cheat your way into the council!" Namjoon frowned at me."So you think I'm incapable of succeeding in your position? Then why did you push me to enter the council? Is it so you could watch me embarrass myself?" I asked with a straight face. Taehyung was right... it was Namjoon's plan to humiliate me in front of the alphas. Namjoon clenched his jaw at my words, so I glared at him and turned to stride away."Sora-""No. You knew I was vulnerable when I returned, and I trusted you because I had good feelings for you! I thought you saw potential in me, but it was all a game to you!" I snapped, turning to glare at Namjoon."Are you hurt because I don't feel the same way for you? If that's the case-""No! I didn't mind your rejection! But your attempt to expose my weakness to the world full of vicious people- made me realize I am too fucking good for you!" I argued in tears.Namjoon tensed his body at my word as I hastily stomped away with a bright tree face. I knew I couldn't return to the party in this state, so I left Hoseok's place and headed towards the exit when I noticed Taehyung's sports car parked by the entrance. I sniffled and tried to walk past his car with my arms crossed when the headlight suddenly lit up. The beam was so bright... I had to screw my eyes shut. Slowly... I turned to look at Taehyung... who was staring dully at me from inside his car. Flick. Flick. The cold man signaled me with his blinking headlights.
A moment later.
I sat quietly in Taehyung's car with my head rested against the window. Taehyung heard our argument earlier. He told me to get in since we were both done with the party. I didn't look at him the entire ride home and pretended to be asleep since I was partly embarrassed to face him. He was right about Namjoon... and I am a fool for trusting outsiders.We arrived at the mansion shortly after, but I still couldn't bring myself to face Taehyung. I'll just pretend to be asleep in his car. Hopefully, he'll leave me alone- I sucked in my breath when he pulled the car door open and slipped his arms under my legs to lift me off the seat. Shit- I tried not to stir as he carried me into the dark living room.

"I know you're awake, so carry yourself to your bedroom," Taehyung sighed, suddenly halting inside the living room. I gripped my fist with my eyes screwed shut. Fuck! I have to speak with him now! Slowly, I opened one of my eyes to peek at him- only to find Taehyung staring dead into my eyes with an unimpressed expression. I opened both my eyes awkwardly as he held me in his arms without budging. I cleared my throat with a guilty expression."P-put me down- I'll walk to my room-" I stuttered, avoiding his piercing stare with a flustered face. He sighed and lowered me, so I clung to his thick neck to regain my balance. Pause. My gaze suddenly adjusted to his face. Taehyung stared at me unsurely when he found me staring at him with a startled expression."What?" Taehyung asked, slowly releasing my waist as I intensely stared at his face in the dark."Why are your lips purple?" I asked, blinking at Taehyung with my mouth slightly open. He froze in his place as I gawked at him in shock.
The sensual memories inside the closet... flooded my mind once again.

His sweet lips... the way he embraces me... the way he turned to meet my lips in the dark... it's so vivid I can still feel his touch lingering on my skin.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Flash back: Before Hoseok's PartySora's POV"What do you think you're doing?! I told you not to meddle with the council's affairs, yet you dared to submit your application for the executive chair?!" Taehyung scolded me in irritation as we stood in the empty university corridor."I figured I should apply for a vacant spot," I shrugged."That's Kim Namjoon's position," Taehyung frowned at me."The serving term is one-year maximum, and Namjoon had already served the council for over a year. I'm sure Namjoon will encourage me to take over his position," I explained. Why is he hindering me from joining the student council?"Kim Namjoon will never let you dominate him," Taehyung clenched his jaw."What if he does? We're quite close-""Then go ahead and beg him for his position. You'll get your answer," Taehyung sneered, darkening his gaze on my stubborn determination."It doesn't mean I deserve to be mistreated by everyone else just because you hate me!" I snapped at Taehyung. He scoffed at my rudeness and tried to speak again when I suddenly stormed off in anger... just in time to find Namjoon stepping out of a lecture room."Oh. Sora? You're leaving?" Namjoon smiled when he noticed me storming up to him. I gripped my fist with my piercing gaze trained on the clueless alpha. Namjoon blinked at my tense expression before looking past me to stare at Taehyung."Come with me," I muttered, lightly grabbing Namjoon's wrist. He didn't resist my lead and followed me away from Taehyung. I pushed the door open to an empty lecture hall, pulling Namjoon inside without clarifying my intention."It's pretty noticeable when you're mad," Namjoon pointed out after I slammed the door shut behind my back and spun around on my heels to stare intensely at the tall man."You're aware that I like you, don't you? I've always been open with my feelings," I asked without taking my eyes off Namjoon's neutral expression. He unsurely eyed me as we stood inside the empty lecture hall."It seems like it, but I never made any assumptions because I thought it was your nature to be emotionally unrestrained," Namjoon sighed while standing before me with a faint smile. I quietly stared at Namjoon and narrowed my eyes at him. What should I say to prove my feelings for him?I gripped my hand, stepping forward to shorten the gap between us until we were way too close to each other. Namjoon was much taller than me, so I had to tilt my face upward to meet his dragon eyes. Thump. Thump. I can hear my heart pounding in my chest. Carefully... I tip-toed upward to give him a soft peck on his lips. The alpha didn't budge as he stared straight at me with a blank expression. I slowly opened my eyes, and then took a step back to maintain an appropriate distance between us.

"Is this enough to make an assumption now?" I asked while searching his expressionless face for answers. Namjoon is fairly skilled at hiding his feelings- I can't tell if he's stunned or shaken by my action, but his cheeks are flushing red."I'm not sure," Namjoon replied with his eyes fixed on mine."Why are you not sure? You still don't believe me?" I blinked in confusion. I didn't expect him to be this oblivious when it comes to love."No- It's just- I'm- give me a moment! My mind is completely disoriented!" Namjoon quickly turned away from me to rub his burning face. I stared at his odd behavior with my eyebrows furrowed as he took deep breaths to calm his nerves. Did I give him a heart attack?"Did I do something wrong? Wae? Are you alright?" I asked, taking a step forward with a concerned look."Don't come any closer! My heart is beating too fast- I can't breathe!" Namjoon warned, fearfully lifting up his hands to stop me from approaching him. I pursed my lips unsurely, alarmed by his timid reaction."Is your heart fluttering for me?" I broke into a slight smile. I knew it! Namjoon chuckled at my cuteness with his hands on his hips while shaking his dazed head to recollect his scattered mind."I'm just startled by your boldness. I suppose you're heavily influenced by the Western cultures," Namjoon chuckled, finally looking me in the eyes."Oh. Kids in the state are usually very expressive about their feelings. Koreans are a bit conservative. I'm sorry if I startled you," I shyly nodded. Namjoon finally took another deep breath to recollect himself for the last time."Sora, I'm not ready," Namjoon gulped, worriedly scanning my bright facial expression."Not ready? For me? Why?" I blinked innocently."I appreciate your feelings, and I'm very- happy that you're expressing yourself with so much courage, but- I'm still sorting out... myself at this very moment. I'm afraid I can't take proper care of you," Namjoon calmly attempted to justify himself."Is it because I'm not pretty?" I blinked, cluelessly staring at his worried gaze."No?!- You're pretty! It- It's not that you're not visually appealing! It's just- I've got other priorities right now- it's my obligation to serve the official council. How can I accept your feelings when I can't prioritize you? I can't be reckless with your feelings, and I definitely do not intend on embracing you out of pity either," Namjoon frantically waved his hands before my face to explain the situation. I grew hushed with my eyes fixed on his. He's nervous."Do you want me to kiss you again? Maybe it'll help you reconsider-""M-Moh?- Sora- I-" Namjoon stuttered. His eyes bulged open at my clueless offer, but before I could do anything else- The door suddenly slid open. Thump! Thump! I turned around to find Taehyung storming inside the room with his jaws clenched. The alpha roughly grabbed my wrist and yanked me out of the room with a grim expression. What is he-?! I gasped in shock as he forcefully dragged me through the corridor."Where are you taking me!? I'm not done with Namjoon-""How are you so shameless!?" Taehyung snapped, furiously turning to glare at me, so I hastily jerked my arm free from his tight grip."Were you eavesdropping?!" I shrieked in disbelief."So what? He rejected your love confession, so stop being so desperate!" Taehyung huffed, leaning his angered face downward to glare into my teary pupils."Whether he likes me or not- you have no right to interfere!" I whined."You're pathetic," Taehyung clenched his jaw while glaring at me."We're both suckers for love. I heard you were heartbroken over a girl-""Do not concern yourself with my problems!" Taehyung snapped, cutting me short. I glared at him until hot tears formed in my eyes."Is it wrong to love?" I asked as the aching emotions swelled within my chest."Love is a weakness," Taehyung gritted, refusing to back away as he darkly towered over me. I chuckled in pain and softly shook my head at his words. So that's the reason..?"So you spared me? The day I was supposed to die by your hands. Why did you resurrect me if you wanted me dead so badly? Because love... made you a weak person? Is that why you despise me so much? Is that why... you keep hurting me... because I am your weakness?" I whispered in tears. Taehyung blinked at me with a startled expression as I stood before him."I regret letting you live," Taehyung coldly responded, causing my chest to ache intensely. How can he be so heartless?"Then make sure you succeed when there's another opportunity to kill me... because if you fail again... I will become your unavoidable weakness. And will use it against you," I seethed in tears. Kim Taehyung stood glaring at me without blinking as his darkness loomed over him. Kim Taehyung hates me because I am his... weakness.
I wanted to find a place to hide and cry after fighting with Taehyung, but Hoseok appeared out of nowhere to invite me to his party. Of course. I didn't feel like interacting with anyone, but if I disappeared after being stabbed... people would assume I lost the battle. I need to show up regardless of my situation to avoid absurd rumors about me.
___________________The Present: After the party.Sora's POVKim Taehyung stood in the dark living room with his unblinking eyes glued on my face as I stared at his tinted lips with my mouth half open. Hoseok's lips were also purple. What's happening? Where was Taehyung during the party? I didn't see him anywhere. That's right. If Hoseok was inside the closet with me before Jungkook found us... then how did he get downstairs before I did? Hoseok's room was empty when Jungkook came to fetch me... and we were the only ones on the upper floor. Hoseok was already downstairs when I got to the stairs-"You're drunk," Taehyung suddenly spoke up, snapping me out of my thoughts. He quickly released my intoxicated body, so I grabbed his arm to stop him from leaving. Taehyung glanced down at my hand as I tightly gripped his shirt in bewilderment."Where were you during the party?" I questioned, refusing to let him leave."That's none of your business-""Why are your lips purple???" I whined in extreme annoyance. Why is his freaking lips purple?! Taehyung frowned at my reaction and tried to push me aside, but I clung to his arm and quickly grabbed hold of his face to turn him back towards me, so he grabbed my hand and tried to yank it off his face. What if it's him?! Why is he avoiding me?! I stubbornly squeezed his cheeks to take a better look at his pouty lips."Y-Yah! What are you-""Stay still! Let me see your lips~! Ah-! Let me go~!" I ordered, firmly cupping Taehyung's face until he lost his temper. Snatch! He firmly grabbed my wrist and hastily yanked my hand away from his face. I tried to resist the man, but he only tightened his grip around my wrist to stop me from touching him again."You're already a pain in the ass when you're sober, so don't make me deal with your drunk behavior too!" Taehyung snapped in frustration."My lips are purple after I made out with- ""I didn't suck any lollipops!" Taehyung argued."Then why are your lips purple-""Haerim kissed me!" Taehyung bellowed. I immediately shut my mouth at his angry response. Oh. He made out with Haerim...?"So we didn't kiss?" I blinked, awkwardly staring at Taehyung. He clenched his jaw with his deep brown eyes fixed on my lips. There was a short pause between us as I waited for his reply."Go to bed," Taehyung sighed in defeat, gently releasing my wrists from his grip. I misunderstood his involvement. I gulped at him while rubbing my throbbing wrists.Kim Taehyung rolled his eyes at my embarrassing behavior and strode away to leave me alone in the dim living room. What's the matter with me? I gripped my face and slumped onto the couch to recall the memories again. Was it really Hoseok? Sora, ask him about it tomorrow. If he's the one... He'll definitely recall the same memories."You're still up?" Do-hwan paused on the stairs when he found me sitting on the couch."What are you doing here? And where have you been?" I asked as I watched him stroll down the stairs in casual clothes."I had to report to your father in his office earlier. Why? Did you miss my absence? Your parents sent me away to complete an undercover mission," Do-hwan teased. I sighed at his cocky smirk and laid back on the couch to scratch my itchy head before letting out a deep sigh. Hah~! Why is my life so complicated!"They were so mean to me," I muttered while staring at the crystal chandelier, dangling from the high ceiling above my body. Do-hwan carefully sat by my feet to examine my drained condition as I remained motionless on the couch in my golden party dress."Were they mean to you, or were you causing trouble?" Do-hwan asked. I glared at him from my position- suddenly sitting up to smack his thick bicep in annoyance. He never sides with me!"Can't you comfort me?!" I whined, cutely pouting at him. Do-hwan quietly examined my sulky face before letting out a heavy exhale. The man leaned back against the couch to stare at the giant portrait of the household on the wall with his hands clasped over his thighs."I heard Kim Namjoon rejected you. Is that why you're upset? " Do-hwan asked, side-eyeing me with a faint smile."It's everything! I thought he liked me, but he got so upset when I tried to take over his position in the council! Everyone hates me! Even my family! Is it a crime to exist?!" I complained, lightly smacking my forehead in frustration."It's hard to love when you're powerful, Sora. And it's even more difficult to live with so much power. You did nothing wrong, and even if you don't have bad intentions... you're still everyone's greatest fear. My advice is... focus on yourself for now. You can love... but please... love yourself first. I'm afraid the greedy alphas will use you for their own good," Do-hwan spoke in a calm tone. I quietly contemplated his advice... until I felt the tension in my chest subsiding."Can I tell you a secret?" I whispered, shifting my listless eyes to Do-hwan."What if I use it against you later?" Do-hwan smiled at me."The person I loved most... is really... angry with me," I muttered, deeply sighing in defeat."Jungkook? Is it about the alpha he brought into your room?" Do-hwan asked, unsurely raising his eyebrow to question me."No. Jungkook was my first love... but I've always loved someone else harder. He used to love me. He used to cherish me. And he always... comforted me with his warmness, but I failed him. He lost so... much because of me. And- even after losing everything in his life... He chose to let me live. No matter how hard I try to apologize... this guilt... in me... is crushing my rotten heart," I whispered as unconscious tears spilled from my eyes. Do-hwan probably has no idea who I'm talking about because he wouldn't stop staring at me with an unsettled expression.
Third Person POV
Jang Sora suddenly broke into soft sniffles and lowered her head to hold back her tears beside her clueless bodyguard. The man stared at the young alpha with so much pity as her frail body weakly shuddered beside him. The man wanted to comfort her, but he knew... it's best if he keeps his distance from his young lady. The supreme alpha suddenly stopped whimpering, so Do-hwan blinked out of his thoughts when she weakly tilted against the couch with her messy hair dangling all over her face. Flop! Sora's face weakly flopped against the cushion... and the whiny baby... suddenly grew hushed."Are you asleep? Yah~? You must be very drunk," Do-hwan scoffed, gently brushing her hair aside to reveal her pink runny nose and soaked eyelashes. Sighing, the buff man carefully slipped his arms under the supreme alpha's legs and lifted her from the couch. The man quietly carried his young lady toward her room when he suddenly found Kim Taehyung... standing by the intersection in his night robe."Did you bring her home?" Do-hwan halted before Taehyung, whose face was sullen as he stared at her puffy face."I'll ask the maid to handle her," Taehyung shrugged, averting his eyes away from Sora, and strode off with little to no concern."She said it's a secret. He must've overheard everything," Do-hwan muttered with an anxious expression. Exhaling deeply, the bodyguard entered her lavish bedroom and gently settled her lifeless body onto the mattress. He left afterward so the maids could prepare the supreme alpha for bed.
A moment later...
The mansion door creaked open again a little past midnight, and Jeon Jungkook came stumbling inside the living room, half out of his mind after exhausting his energy at the party. He grumbled under his breath, drunkenly stumbling down the corridor while rubbing his dizzy head."I'm going to have an awful hangover," Jungkook groaned, lowering his hand to rub his bloated stomach. The alpha placed his fingers on the steel handle and was about to enter his room when he caught a glimpse of the supreme alpha's... opened bedroom door. The alpha grunted, unsurely rubbing his blurry sight while frowning at her unsecured lock."Why didn't she lock her- door?" Jungkook burped the foul alcoholic smell. He ruffled his hair and slowly dragged his feet towards her room as his head swayed from side to side. The drunk alpha grabbed Sora's door frame and drunkenly poked his head inside her dark room to find Sora... resting on her bed. But she wasn't the only person inside the room. Jeon Jungkook shook his dazed head again as he struggled to focus his blurry gaze on the other person sitting on the edge of the mattress."H-Hyung?" Jungkook called, squinting his eyes at the figure, but he coincidentally lost his balance and wobbled weakly to the floor. Thud.Jeon Jungkook abruptly collapsed onto the cold floor, blacking out on the spot before he could make sense of the situation. The person sitting beside Sora... slowly lifted his head, dimly turning to stare at Jungkook... who was sprawling unconsciously on the polished tiles. Sighing, he shifted his dim gaze back to Sora's pale face. He carefully placed a cooling patch on her forehead to lower her fever before getting up to pick up the hangover medication he brought for her.Kim Taehyung quietly tucked Sora into her bed before turning to approach Jungkook. The sober alpha quietly stood over his cousin's wasted body on the floor with his dim gaze trained on his helpless condition. Without blinking... Taehyung carefully stepped over Jungkook's body and strode away without helping his cousin. Thud. The oldest alpha entered his room, leaving Jungkook... unattended in the dark corridor.____________________Sora's POVSoftly grunting... I stirred on the mattress in discomfort as I struggled to exhale and inhale on my bed. Why do I feel so stuffy? I tried brushing off the swelling discomfort within my chest, but it felt like I was suffocating, so I opened my eyes to find myself... lying face-first on the bed."What the fuck-" I murmured, groggily attempting to push my body upward- but weakly collapsed back onto the mattress due to the heavy weight on my back, so I turned my head to the other side in confusion... until I found... a sturdy torso crushing my frail body... with his mass."Yah- Why are you in my bed again? Did you bring your girlfriend into my room?" I hoarsely whispered, slumping back down in defeat, and shoved my face into the pillow to block out the bright sunbeam. Jungkook didn't respond and softly snored beside me, so I opened my sleepy eyes again to dart his unresponsive behavior an annoyed glare."You're so heavy!" I groaned, shoving Jungkook's body off mine when he tried to hug me, sending the drunken alpha rolling onto the other side of my bed. I gave up on waking the dumb pig and eventually fell asleep beside him again- WHACK! I frantically jerked awake by a sudden blow to my face."-Yah!?" Jungkook snapped. I quickly sat up with my eyes half open- Smack! I gasped in shock when the soft pillow collided against my face again... slamming me back onto the mattress."Why are you hitting me?!" I whined, angrily kicking Jungkook's exposed abs in annoyance as I struggled to shake off the sleepiness."What are you doing on my bed?!" Jungkook shrieked while glaring at me. I thirstily licked my lips with one eye open and scratched my hair with an unbothered expression."This is my room, dumbass," I muttered, weakly collapsing back onto my pillow."Moh? How did I end up here!?" Jungkook gasped, snapping his head around to scan the unfamiliar interior in bewilderment."I don't know. You probably stumbled into the wrong room after the party," I grumbled with my eyes closed."And why am I half naked? Did you undress me!?" Jungkook suddenly accused me of the nonsense. He's really noisy. I ignored him and snuggled into the pillow when he suddenly smacked my back, causing me to shriek in pain."Why'd you hit me!?" I screamed, turning around to find Jungkook perching on my bed with an uptight look."Did you take off my clothes?! You pervert-""Did you think I'd only take off your shirt if I wanted to take advantage of you?" I muttered, lifting my head to smirk at his pants. Jungkook's eyes grew wide open in disbelief. He quickly covered his torso with flustered cheeks."You pervert!" Jungkook snapped, suddenly launching onto me. I giggled as he playfully tickled my waist, so I smacked his chest to keep him away from me."You reek of alcohol!" I whined as Jungkook struggled to hold me down. Why is he taunting me?! I bit his muscular shoulder when he wouldn't release me, causing Jungkook to screech in pain. He immediately released my body and rolled away, so I snaked my arm around his neck to headlock him from behind. Got him! Jungkook coughed in distress as I restrained him on my bed with my legs wrapped firmly around his legs to prevent him from escaping my clutch."Yah! I can't- breathe! Let go! Let go! Let go! Argh~!" Jungkook funnily tapped my leg as I firmly secured my arm around his vulnerable neck. The alpha groaned in distress as he repeatedly patted the mattress to signal his surrender."I'm always better than you in martial arts," I laughed, eventually releasing him, so Jungkook frantically jerked away from me to cough over the edge of my bed with his hand clasped around his red neck."Did you think I'd surrender this easily? Oh... Sora... " Jungkook lowly chuckled, firing me a devious smirk. I froze."Ah! Yah! S-Stay away!" I tried to stay calm when Jungkook swiftly scrambled towards me, so I frantically stumbled out of my bed in a panic."Revenge time! Why are you running?!" Jungkook laughed, sprinting after me. I screamed in fear as he bolted after me, so I dashed down the corridor as fast as I could to outrace him. Why is he so fast?! He used to be a slow child! I screamed at the top of my lungs when Jungkook extended his arms to seize my body, but I abruptly dodged his grip and took a sharp turn- CRASH. My eyes flew wide open in horror when I failed to control my balance and ran straight into a maid- who was carrying a tray. I tumbled into her and collapsed hard onto the floor."Omo! Young lady!" The maid shrieked. I collapsed clumsily onto the hot stew on the tiles. Thud. I seethed in pain as the maid helped me into a sitting position."Are you alright? I'm sorry-" I apologetically stuttered as she worriedly wiped my burning hand with a napkin."I'll bring cold water!" The maid quickly got to her feet just as Jungkook appeared with a bewildered expression."Yah? Are you alright?" He panted, crouching down beside me to examine my stinging hand."I'm fine. I ran into our maid," I groaned. Jungkook firmly pulled me back onto my feet, so I clutched his naked torso as he lifted my lightweight body over the shattered bowl on the floor. Do-hwan suddenly appeared through the door but halted in place once he found the mess in the living room.The maid eventually returned with a bowl of cold water to assist my burnt hand.
A moment later.
I sat quietly on the couch in the living room as Do-hwan applied cooling creams to the burns on my forearm. The maid stood beside us with her head lowered, anxiously sneaking glimpses of my condition. I feel terrible. I tried to assure her I was fine, but she's still very anxious."Are you sure you didn't get hurt?" Do-hwan questioned the frightened maid."Neh. Only young lady got hurt," She worriedly eyed me."How can you be so careless? You could've burned her precious skin!" Jungkook glared at the maid. She suddenly dropped to her knees at his words and apologized to me all over again."I'm the one at fault. Don't hold her accountable for my childish acts," I shook my head, so Do-hwan ordered the maid to clean up the mess, and she finally left to attend her other duties after I dismissed her presence.Jungkook left to shower in his bedroom as well... so I got up from the couch and headed back to my room... until I found Taehyung walking toward me with a blank face. He briefly glanced at my bandaged hand before looking back up at me."What happened to your arm?" He asked, unsurely eyeing my soaked nightgown."There was a minor accident earlier," I awkwardly nodded at him. Why is he suddenly interested in my well-being when he usually ignores my presence? Taehyung eyed me in silence before walking away without saying anything else. Yeah. That's more like him. I sighed and entered my room to shower.What should I do today? It's the weekend, and I've completed my work. Maybe I should bother Do-hwan? No one will keep me company except- I halted in the living room when I found a few maids and guards carrying a bunch of bouquets and gift boxes inside the mansion. Taehyung was sitting on the couch with a slight frown as he sorely eyed the pile of roses on the couch."What is this? Is there a special occasion?" I asked, walking up to the maid out of curiosity. Are they celebrating an event? I smiled and lowered my hand to graze a blooming rose with a faint smile as the flowery fragrance filled the living room.

"It's a gift for you, young lady!" A guard chuckled as he carefully rested the flowers on the couch."My gift?" I asked, unsurely staring at the guard in surprise."The Jung's heir sent you the flowers and gifts," The guard informed. My cheeks immediately flushed red. Hoseok sent these?! Why?!"Throw them out," Eomma suddenly appeared with her arms crossed. I quickly turned around to find her strolling down the stairs."Neh? Throw out the-" The maids gasped as she glanced at the flowers and gift boxes in shock."The flower will rot and leave a foul odor in the mansion," Eomma bitterly stared at Hoseok's gifts with a dull expression."You can't throw them out! They're mine!" I complained, hastily snatching a bouquet to cradle it against my chest. How can she instruct the maids to throw away a present that is meant to be mine?!"Don't let the mere flowers and gifts flutter your heart. If you want flowers, I can plant you a garden full of them, and if you want gifts, I'll shower you with everything you desire. Never soften your heart for men's artificial love language," Eomma shook her head. I gripped my fist in irritation."Bring everything to my room," I demanded with my sharp eyes trained on eomma. She glared sideways at my opposition as the guards and maids glanced back and forth between us."The guards and the maids already wasted enough time fulfilling their duties for you. If you want to keep them, then do it yourself. Everyone is occupied with their tasks so don't disrupt their schedule," Eomma forced a smile. I huffed at my mother's smug expression and hastily turned to grab the massive bouquets. I clutched as many as I could carry, then stormed back to my room with them. It took me five round trips to move everything into my room... on my own... since the maids were too afraid to assist me."Why did he have to send so many gifts?" I muttered, dropping the pretty gift packages onto the couch in exhaustion. Should I thank him? What is he doing this for?- Right. Namjoon warned me not to associate with Hoseok- I halted when I noticed a small written note between the sunflowers.
One of the flowers must be your favorite!
A faint smile appeared on my lips as I read the first line of his letter. I smiled and slowly sat down on my bed to read the remaining love letter until my cheeks flushed red. Should I see him? I lifted my eyes to stare at the heap of flowers and gifts on my couch. Whatever! Just because I failed a few times- It doesn't mean love isn't for me! Hoseok requested to meet me in the afternoon for a dinner date. I've made up my mind, and I'll see him!"Where are you going?" Do-hwan called when he noticed me walking through the mansion's opened door in my knee-length off-shoulder dress, loose wavy hair, and dolled-up face."An alpha invited me to a dinner date! He sent me those gifts earlier!" I quickly skipped towards Do-hwan in excitement. Do-hwan is repairing one of the car engines in the garage. He suddenly pursed his lips and glanced at another person, so I turned my head to find Taehyung... wiping his dirty hands with a towel. Do-hwan is helping Taehyung fix his car?"Is he picking you up?" Do-hwan averted his eyes back to mine after darting Taehyung an uncomfortable look."Oh! He said he'll be here in half an hour! Aren't I pretty~? He'll surely love this outfit!" I nodded, excitedly grinning at him. Taehyung bitterly eyed me as I twirled before my bodyguard in my pretty pink dress.

"Do-hwan, instruct the guards to lock the mansion door for the day. Forbid anyone from leaving or entering the mansion," Taehyung dully muttered with his sharp eyes trained on the engine while leaning under the car hood. My eyes grew wide open in disbelief."But Sora has a date-""No one is allowed to leave. Not even the supreme alpha. Please inform her," Taehyung replied without looking at me as if I didn't exist beside him. Do-hwan bit his lips with a troubled look as I glared at Taehyung's rudeness with a resentful glare."Do-hwan. Why don't you remind Kim Taehyung I will not abide by a second-rank alpha's order?" I quickly turned to smile at Do-hwan."If she throws a childish tantrum, please inform her I'm only taking orders from her mother," Taehyung calmly responded, causing me to snap my head in his direction with a bewildered look."YAH!" I screamed, accidentally smacking Taehyung's thick arm. The alpha funnily staggered to the side at the sudden force, so Do-hwan immediately grabbed my arm to haul me back."Oh? You were here this entire time...?" Taehyung smirked, raising his smug eyebrow at me, causing my ears to steam in anger."You stupid-""Sora! Stop being childish!" Do-hwan gasped, swiftly grabbing my waist to stop me from launching at Taehyung."I've had enough! Let me go!- Argh! You stupid jerk!" I screamed, wildly thrashing between Do-hwan's arms to reach Taehyung with my piercing glare nailed on him."Stupid jerk? You're the brainless person in this house," Taehyung sneered with his arms crossed. I gripped Do-hwan's arm in disbelief. What did he say?!"Brainless?!- Argh-""SORA!" Do-hwan gasped when he suddenly lost me. I forcefully shoved Do-hwan's massive body out of my way and dashed toward Taehyung. I will kill him! Taehyung's blank face suddenly flashed in horror as I pounced toward him. He was too stunned to defend himself, so I jumped on my feet and high-kicked him hard across the face. CRASH. Do-hwan's jaw dropped in disbelief after Taehyung collapsed onto the equipment cart... and tumbled hard onto the floor at the harsh impact."Ugh?!-" Taehyung grabbed his left jaw in shock. The alpha furiously glared at me as I fumed over his injured body."I told you not to provoke me!" I shrieked, furiously dropping onto my knees and shoved Taehyung backward with all my might until he collapsed onto the garage's dirty floor, so I angrily scrambled onto his torso, screamed in annoyance and snatched a handful of his hair, causing Taehyung to grunt in pain."Let me go! Or I'll fucking fracture your skull!" Taehyung growled, trying to jerk my hand out of his hair, but I only yanked him harder. Do-hwan quickly leaped forward to grab my arm again to stop me from attacking Taehyung.

"You cruel jerk- Argh!!!!" I screamed, widening my eyes in shock when Taehyung suddenly thrust his sturdy body up into a sitting position- sending me flying backward with immense force. The alpha angrily slammed me onto the garage floor, and a second later- he was right on top of me with his baring fangs. Do-hwan lost his balance and collapsed to the side in horror as Taehyung stapled my feeble body beneath his heavy mass."Should I knock some sense into you?!" Taehyung seethed as I frantically screamed and thrashed under him."Stop meddling with my life!" I yelled, refusing to give up, and kept on resisting him."My life depends on yours, so don't you dare-""I WILL NEVER LET YOU EARN THE SEAT IN THE COUNCIL- YOU MURDEROUS JERK!" I screamed. Taehyung glowered at me in rage."Taehyung- That's enough- Release her-" Do-hwan sighed as he watched Taehyung restrain me on the floor."No one will marry an immature fool like you! You should be sorry for me because I'll have to put up with you for the rest of my life!" Taehyung roared. I scoffed at his words."Who says I'm marrying you?! Get off me!- Ah! I'll find my own groom and make sure he rules over your fucking arrogant dick!" I screeched, angrily slamming my head against Taehyung's face. Thump! He grunted at the rough impact and collapsed to the side with his hand clasped over his bruised forehead. Do-hwan suddenly hauled me onto my feet to keep me away from Taehyung."No one will marry you! You'll die a lonely death!" Taehyung bellowed, firing me a sharp glare as he sat on the floor."Oh really?! I'll marry the first man I run into once I leave this mansion! Watch me! Spst-!" I spat at Taehyung, making him shriek in disgust.Do-hwan's mouth dropped open when my nasty saliva splattered all over Taehyung's face. Oh shit. Taehyung froze in his position at my daring disrespect. I pursed my lips in fear when Taehyung's face turned bright red. Did I go too far...? Do-hwan exchanged a frightened look with me as Taehyung slowly thrust himself onto his feet."I will never let you leave the wall alive- JANG SORA!" Taehyung bellowed at the top of his lungs. I'M DEAD! I fearfully spun around on my sparkly heels and sprinted for my life with my terrified eyes set on the distant front gate. Do-hwan immediately grabbed Taehyung by his collar when he tried to chase after me."Aaaaaaah!" I squealed in fear while stumbling over the pavement when my heels snapped to the side, causing me to sprain my ankle, so I quickly bent down to slip off my heels when Taehyung suddenly broke free from Do-hwan's arms. I shrieked in fear and ran on my painful feet towards the gate."THAT'S ENOUGH- YOU TWO!" Do-hwan bellowed, but Taehyung didn't listen and scurried up after me. I tightly gripped my heels, bolting toward the confused guards by the gate as they watched me sprint toward them like a maniac."Stop him! Stop him! He's trying to kill me!" I quickly pushed the guards aside and dashed out of the gate."Sora!" Hoseok waved, stepping out of his car with a bright smile."SHIT," I cursed, glancing down at my dirty dress. Taehyung stained my dress with his dirty hands!"Young master-""Get her!" Taehyung roared, forcing his way past the guards when they tried to stop him. Hoseok can't see me in this condition! Hoseok averted his attention to Taehyung, so I quickly lifted my dress and raced down the street in the opposite direction."Woah- Woah! What are you doing?!" Hoseok quickly blocked Taehyung's path."STOP RUNNING! WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?!" Taehyung shouted, shoving Hoseok aside. My eyes grew wide open when I found Taehyung sprinting after me. I can't outrace him! I turned around the corner of the street to search for a taxi but there was none, so I rushed forward until I spotted a pizza delivery guy on a mini red scooter."Excuse me! Please take me away!" I gasped, quickly hopping onto the back of his scooter."Mohya-" The guy shrieked, wildly whipping his head around to gawk at me with his eyes bulging open."Hurry up! We have to leave, or we'll die!" I screamed, fearfully tugging his shirt in fear."W-We?! Get off my scooter-""ARGH!!! They're coming! Please just fucking drive-" I screamed in fear when I turned around to find Taehyung speeding towards me with a couple of guards behind him."SHIT- WHAT THE FUCK-" The man's eyes grew wide open in fear once he noticed a horde of enormous men sprinting toward us."THEY'RE THE MAFIA! WE HAVE TO LEAVE NOW! THEY WILL KILL US!" I screamed, smacking his helmet in frustration. The man averted his startled yet frightened eyes to me as if he wanted to punch me in the face when I wouldn't stop harassing him."I HAVE A PIZZA TO DELIVER!" He screamed in fear, turning his scooter gear with all his might- abruptly jolting us forward without a warning.  VROOM!"WE HAVE TO LEAVE NOW!- AAAAAAARGH!" I screamed at the top of my lungs while clenching my buttcheeks. Taehyung was only a few feet away from the scooter- so I turned around to hurl my heels at his face with all my might. SMACK!"Jang Sora- get off- URGH!" Taehyung stumbled to the side when my heels flew straight into his face."HURRY UP- ARGHJ!EWLJHDUEYQG!" I shrieked in panic. The scooter suddenly jerked forward again, causing me to screech even louder while clenching my butthole."ARGHHHHH I'M GOING TO DIEEEEEEEE-" The pizza man screamed as we sped down the street on his old scooter. I gripped his waist to secure my balance before turning around to find the guards chasing after us."WHY IS YOUR SCOOTER SO SLOW?! SPEED UP!" I whined, smacking the man's helmet again. Whack! Whack!"OW! YAH!- STOP HITTING MY HEAD, OR WE'LL CRASH AND DIE TOGETHER!" The man gasped when he suddenly lost control of the scooter, causing us to zigzag wildly over the street. I cried in fear when the scooter blasted forward, causing my body to jerk backward at the acceleration.

"FASTER! FASTER! FASTER~!" I screamed with my eyes screwed shut. The man didn't respond to me and shot forward at full speed. He turned into different alleys until we lost the guards and Taehyung, so I exhaled in extreme relief and glanced at his pale face through the scooter mirror. He fired me in an intense frown but didn't say anything, so I bit my lips and glanced away to avoid his glare.
A moment later.
I soullessly chewed the chewy pizza before the river as I sat on the bench alone... until the pizza guy appeared beside me. He tossed a bag of beer at me before sitting down to frown at my striking messy hair, dirty dress, and smudged makeup."Are you sure you don't want to notify the police?" He bitterly eyed my disheveled condition as I shakily popped the beer open, thirstily gulping it down without answering him. I let out a satisfied burp before stuffing the tasteless pizza into my mouth again. The man scoffed at my deranged behavior before leaning against the bench with a sore expression."You have to pay me back for the pizza. I'm supposed to deliver it to a customer," He sighed, sideway eyeing me as I quietly gobbled his cold pizza.

"Give me your account number. I'll transfer the payment," I spoke with my stuffed cheeks."Give me your hand," He muttered, so I placed my empty palm out for him. The pizza guy fired me a disgusted look when he noticed the sticky tomato sauce on my fingers. He shook his head while wiping my hand clean before writing down his bank information with a pen. I closed my fist after he released my hand and went back to munching the cheesy slice."Thank you for saving me," I nodded at him."I'll take you to the police station after you stuff your stomach," He nodded bitterly."You don't have to. I'm fine," I muttered, slightly shaking my head."I'll still report to the police-""I SAID YOU DON'T HAVE TO!" I snapped, frowning up at him in disbelief, sending bits of the pizza crusts all over his face. The man fired me a disgusted look."It's not only about you! You claimed you were chased by the mafia! My life could be in danger!" The guy snapped."They won't kill you. I lied. They're not the mafia," I shrugged, bitterly gulping the beer again to flush the sticky bread down my throat."Who were they-""You don't want to know, but I can guarantee they won't hurt you, so don't worry," I shook my head to assure him. He stared at me with a skeptical look."Did they abuse you? You don't look well. I- If you need a place to stay for a while... then I can help you," The man awkwardly eyed my messy condition with a pitiful look."Why would I bother you when I've got a comfortable bed at home?" I shook my head."What's your name? I should at least know your name- just in case you don't pay back my pizza fee," He asked while scratching his head."Jang Sora. I'm Jang Sora. You can find me at the mansion you stopped by earlier," I chuckled while shaking my head."AH! Are you a rich heir? Or perhaps- you were abused by a rich husband?" He funnily widened his eyes with an eager smile."You watch too many dramas. Not all rich people are evil," I shook my head with a slight smile."But why are you hurt then?" He nodded at my swollen ankle and dirty bare feet."Do I look like I'm the type to get bullied? I actually kicked a grown man in the face before I left the mansion," I pridefully swallowed the cold pizza. The man eyed me doubtfully as if he didn't believe my words."Then why did you scream and harass me earlier if you're not afraid of them?" The man scoffed with an annoyed glare. I stopped chewing with a flustered face."I'm a black belt!" I defended myself."Then why did you run!?" The man snapped. I pursed my lips to search for an excuse."I'm on a mission to search for my perfect future husband," I said shortly, staring at him dead in the eyes. The pizza guy blanked out again. Dumbfounded by my odd exclaims."Should I contact the psychiatric center to check if they lost a patient?" The man glanced away to scratch his head while dialing his phone."YAH! I'M NOT CRAZY!" I gasped, attempting to snatch the phone from his grip."This woman- aish-" He scoffed."I'm a typical person! Look at me! Do I look like a crazy person?!" I snapped, widening my eyes at him with an offended look. The pizza man grew hushed as he examined my dirty face."I don't know. You're pretty," He shrugged, glancing away with flustered cheeks."Right?! I am pretty! I can easily find myself a lover!" I agreed, turning back to chew my pizza."She's really insane. I need to call the police-" The guy suddenly tried to get up, so I wildly grabbed his arm to stop him."I promise I'm not crazy! Let me stay with you- for the night. I'll triple the amount I owe you," I begged, tightly gripping his wrist. The pizza man glanced down at his wrist and back at me with an unsettled frown."Araso. You better pay me well," He finally agreed. I broke into a wide smile. He took back on his scooter and even gave me his helmet as we drove through the empty street.
A moment later...
"Mohya?! Why are we here?! You said you'd bring me home-" I straightened my back on his scooter when he suddenly halted in front of the familiar mansion. The man calmly got off his bike to unclasp my helmet. I stared at him with my mouth wide open. He betrayed me!"I don't want to end up dead trying to take advantage of a lost psychopath. If this is your home, then go and rest on your comfortable bed," He nodded at the gate. I scoffed at his words with an offended glower while perching on the tiny seat."Bu- But-""Sora," Do-hwan's deep voice spoke up. I snapped my head away from the pizza guy to find Do-hwan frowning at me by the gate."Are you her father?" The pizza guy turned to stare at Do-hwan."Thank you for bringing her home. Let's head inside. It's freezing cold," Do-hwan took off his wool cardigan to pull it over my shoulder and lifted me off the scooter. I clung to his thick neck as the pizza guy anxiously eyed me and Do-hwan."She owes me the fee for a double pepperoni cheese pizza and two cans of beer," The pizza guy informed. Do-hwan glanced down at my smudged lips with a bitter look."I'll take care of the expense. Have a safe trip home," Do-hwan nodded, suddenly turning away to carry me inside. I gripped Do-hwan's shoulder while keeping my sad eyes on the pizza guy. He seemed restless. The pizza guy finally disappeared from my sight after the guards shut the gate to seal me off from the outside world. I exhaled heavily and pressed my face against Do-hwan's chest."Can I sleep in your office?" I muttered in a broken tone."No. You'll sleep in your room and don't cause a commotion again. Your parents aren't happy with your squabble with Taehyung. Just lock your door if you don't want to see anyone. I'll visit you after you wash up to treat your ankle," Do-hwan spoke sternly. I knew I shouldn't talk back to him because he sounded disappointed in me. Do-hwan carefully lowered me onto the couch and left my room. I sighed and lowered my hand to rub my swollen ankle before limping into the bathroom.Do-hwan returned to my bedroom afterward with a medical kit to fix my ankle... as promised. I sat quietly on the couch in my room as he knelt on the floor to bandage my feet. The door suddenly opened, and Taehyung appeared, causing me to tense my body upon his unexpected appearance. He fired me a sharp glare before averting his gaze to my swollen feet."Leave if you're here to fight with her," Do-hwan warned Taehyung without looking up as he massaged my ankle to soothe the soreness."The election is tomorrow, so withdraw your application as my secretary and the executive chair," Taehyung stood by the door. I stared at him with a tired expression as he darkly stared at me."Okay. I'll withdraw everything," I nodded, turning to look at Do-hwan in defeat. I underestimated him. Taehyung stared at me with his usual expressionless face before leaving my room without closing the door. Do-hwan sighed and finally got up to sit beside me as I pouted at the floor in tears."Are you going to sulk again?" Do-hwan sadly eyed my tearful eyes. I quickly rubbed away my tears and turned to look at him."It's so difficult for me to breathe," I patted my aching chest to express my discomfort."Your high kick was pretty impressive," Do-hwan smiled. I suddenly paused to stare at his funny smirk."What?" I blinked at him. Is he teasing me?"Taehyung has been icing his bruised jaw while you were away. It was a badass move," Do-hwan chuckled, lightly patting my back."Should I have kicked him harder?" I whispered. The corner of my lips... curving up into a slight smile."Once your ankle heals... I'll spare some time to train you. Are you up for it?" Do-hwan offered. I pursed my lips and nodded at him with a wide grin."I'll kick him harder!" I laughed. The tension inside my chest suddenly subsided."No. Just because you got away with hurting him today doesn't mean you should do it again," Do-hwan shot down my enthusiasm. I pouted at his words, so he ruffled my hair, and then got up to leave my room. Do-hwan is on my side! I quietly chuckled when the door to my room suddenly opened again... and Jungkook came stumbling inside with his arms wrapped around Minah's waist. I froze on the couch as they made out with each other in the doorway. Smooch. Smooch."Take another step into my room, and I will dislocate both of your jaws," I spoke in a dull tone. Jungkook suddenly jerked away from Minah and wildly turned to gawk at me with his eyes wide open in shock. Minah fired me an embarrassed look as I stared blankly at the couple with my hands clasped together.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The crowded university corridor instantly grew hushed once people noticed my presence. Click. Clack. Click. Clack. Fuck! My ankle is killing me! Why did I wear heels?! I walked at a stable pace over the polished tiles with my chin held high as the gawking eyes trailed after me from either side of the packed pathway. I averted my eyes away from the attentive mass to concentrate my gaze on the wide-open auditorium door with a blank face.
The Annual Council Election Conference
The banner loomed above me as I strode inside the school council hall to find a circular room filled with layered seats. It's my first time in this spacious venue. I scanned the two empty seats at the top of the conference hall. Withdraw my secretary application? I smirked as I eyed the president's seats and gradually entered the room to approach the lower rows."Sora!" Hoseok called, excitedly waving at me from my left-hand side as he sat in a decent black suit."You're really handsome," I nodded at Hoseok, causing his cheeks to flush red after sitting beside him in my plain knee-length dress."You're the main character in this room," Hoseok nudged my arm."Main character? We're all the supporting roles in this room," I scoffed.Taehyung suddenly entered the hall in his tailored ink-black suit and pushed-back hair. I pursed my lips to watch Taehyung march past us with his eyes fixed directly on his seat without sparing anyone a glimpse of his attention. His energy... it's so... assertive? Anyone in the room could sense his rigorous authoritative leadership because the entire room suddenly held their breath upon his presence. Kim Taehyung calmly ascended the stairs and sat in the president's seat. Still, he didn't look at anyone. The alpha glanced down at the device on his desk with a cold expression."I thought you applied for Namjoon's role?" Hoseok blinked, curiously smiling at me."I withdrew all of my applications," I shook my head but immediately paused when everyone turned their head toward the entrance again once another alpha showed up.His vibrant presence, sweeping across the council with so much force, I could almost feel his power in the atmosphere. I had to stop breathing for a good five seconds... upon witnessing the powerful shock waves of his overwhelming ambition. Unlike Taehyung... Seokjin had this saintly aura around him. A godlike presence. I sternly scanned the hushed space as Kim Seokjin strolled into the room in his dashing suit and sleek pushed-back hair with a slight smile. It's so pleasing to admire his visuals. Seokjin wore a prideful smile as he made his way up the stairs with one hand in his pocket."Why did you withdraw the application? Is it because of Namjoon?" Hoseok gasped, but I wasn't paying attention to him. I carefully observed Seokjin from my row as he wiped his desk with a sanitary wipe before disposing of it. Seokjin briefly glanced at Taehyung, who was also eyeing him with a grim expression.Seokjin smirked, then turned to stare at the council hall with his hands clasped together as if to oversee his followers and foes. Unlike Taehyung... Seokjin is extremely attentive to the crowd. The alpha observes every presence within the room as Taehyung remains motionless with his stern gaze on the documents. I blinked out of my thoughts when Seokjin's eyes landed on mine. He didn't glance away and kept his eyes on me, so I awkwardly waved at him. He smiled at my reaction and lowered his face to skim through the document with a slight smirk."Namjoon hasn't spoken to me since the party," I sighed, finally averting my eyes to Hoseok."He shouldn't be like this. I'll talk to him if you want-""Don't bother," I smiled, patting Hoseok's hand to reject his offer. My smile faded almost immediately when Namjoon strode out of the backroom in his navy suit with a neatly groomed hairstyle. He professionally placed a copy of the documents for each president before settling on the row below the council's leaders. There are five circular rows in the massive conference room. The highest row is the president's seat with only two desks. The second row accommodates the executive chair with only one seat... and the remaining three rows are for the remaining alphas.
The alpha's system is nothing similar to the average's practices.

The alpha presidents worked independently, and there weren't any departments or members to assist them. Namjoon is the middleman between the higher-ups and the other students. He's in charge of relaying messages between the presidents and the alphas.

There were supposed to be two secretaries to assist each president- but the top alphas refused the support and chose to handle their work alone. Jungkook informed me countless alphas had attempted to apply for the secretary role only to be overlooked by the presidents.

They won't even consider the applications or the candidates.
"You should be sitting on Taehyung's side! On the upper row!" Jungkook unexpectedly appeared before me, blocking my view with his body."I like the view from the commoner's row," I shook my head. I'm sitting on the lowest row with Hoseok because it's easier to monitor the council. Jungkook scoffed at my refusal and strolled to the opposite side to join Minah and Jimin. As expected, Minho and Mira sat on Seokjin's side. Haerim blankly settled beside Jimin on Taehyung's side. I took a deep breath and leaned back with my arms crossed.
The automated door slowly slid closed as the dim lighting gradually brightened... once the alphas settled in their seats. The lower ranks grew hushed as soon as Namjoon cleared his throat to capture everyone's engagement. He slowly stood up before his desk, located on the second row... between the presidents.
"It is my privilege to warmly welcome our society's household strongest pillars today for our 15th annual council conference. I, the appointed executive chair, Kim Namjoon, am delighted to announce the presidential election result," Namjoon greeted the alphas with his sharp dragon eyes. Everyone averted their eyes to the enormous screen behind the president as Namjoon disclosed the digital result to the audience."As expected," Minho scoffed at the 50% - 50% voting poll. Both Taehyung and Seokjin acquired the same votes in the election."The elected presidents of the year are Kim Seokjin and Kim Taehyung. The executive position will appoint the same executive chair, and that is me, Kim Namjoon. There were 10 secretaries' applications this term. But regrettably, none of the candidates passed the president's conditions, so the secretary seats will remain vacant until a qualified candidate is chosen," Namjoon announced in a dull tone. The alphas didn't seem impressed by the outcome. The result must've remained this way since the second-rank alphas seized control of the school council. Namjoon proceeded to declare the latest academic laws and regulations to the alphas. I almost dozed off at the meeting because I wasn't interested in their artificial system."Are you done?" I yawned while leaning back against my chair with my arms crossed. Namjoon suddenly halted mid-sentence at the sudden disturbance. Taehyung and Seokjin shifted their eyes to me with questioning stares."I will wrap up the meeting soon-""Excellent. I almost dozed off on my desk while listening to your code of conduct. May I speak for a moment? I'll make it quick," I smiled, thoughtlessly standing up to stretch my stiff back. Seokjin glanced at Taehyung for explanations, but even Taehyung was taken aback by my intrusion. Namjoon maintained a straight face before turning to look at Taehyung for assistance."Of course. The supreme alpha may express her thoughts. Please come forward to the upper row," Taehyung raised his eyebrow at me. I smirked at his warning gaze. I know he's telling me to back off."No. I will remain on the lower ground because I really enjoy watching our hard-working presidents from this position. Namjoon-shi. Can I have a mic?" I chuckled while making my way out of the lowest row to stand in the center of the room with my head tilted slightly upward to smile at the top alphas. Namjoon swallowed uneasily at my request and quickly strolled down the stairs to approach me."What are you doing...?" Namjoon whispered as he clipped the mic to my dress's collar."Thank you," I replied with a cheery smile without answering his question. Namjoon clenched his jaw, turned around, and headed back to his seat as the alphas redirected their attention to me."Please give the supreme alpha a round of applause," Taehyung huffed, glancing away in discontent. The room suddenly erupted with booming claps, so I patiently waited for the noise to die down.

"I'm sorry if I'm not as professional as the council expects me to be, but I haven't received proper language training for the council because apparently I was told not to be involved. I guess my only role as the female supreme alpha is to deliver healthy heirs-""The council isn't about your personal life matters," Taehyung spoke through his microphone to shut me up. I pursed my lips and averted my sharp eyes to him."Ah. I'm sorry, Mr. President. Anyways. Let me ask a few questions since I'm new to all this- Whatever complex council- Please allow me to clarify a few misunderstandings," I politely bowed at Taehyung from the ground."Namjoon can assist you if you have any concerns-""So the voting result tied once again over the last five years?" I nodded at the screen. Seokjin glanced at Taehyung with his eyebrows furrowed after hearing my question."The election procedure is strictly secured and justified. The results can't be breached or altered by any entity. An alpha may only cast one vote. And unlike the ordinary voting system... the alpha's council polls are not anonymous. Rather, the entire council can see the transparent preference of each alpha. Transparency enables the society to determine our leaders with confidence and not with the dread of being exposed. I, for instance, voted for Kim Seokjin, and everyone can see my leadership selection on my academic report," Namjoon explained. He lost me halfway after I blanked out."Does that mean... the number of votes is even?" I asked, averting my eyes back to Namjoon. The alphas in the room glanced back and forth at my dumb questions."Sora, if this-""Be quiet. Kim Namjoon-shi, please answer my question," I shot down Taehyung without looking at him. The room gasped at my disrespectful reply to the president. Taehyung suddenly tensed his body at my coarse interruption."There are a total of 160 votes from the alphas and lower ranks, Sora-shi," Seokjin answered when Namjoon refused to respond to me."The statistics exclude me. Am I correct?" I questioned while pointing at myself with a slight frown."Sora! What are you doing?" Jungkook nervously whispered. I glanced at Jungkook's scowl with a troubled look."Are you doubting our election-""Definitely not! Aigo~! I'm not skeptical of the system at all!" I chuckled, playfully waving my hand at Namjoon. Taehyung gripped his fist at my childish behavior but didn't dare snap at me."Are there any other concerns I can clarify for you?" Namjoon exhaled, briefly checking his watch to check the remaining time."I wasn't allowed to vote in the election... despite being the supreme alpha. So if I vote now... the outcome won't be a draw anymore, right? One of the two presidents will overthrow the other in the council," I questioned innocently. A flash of horror suddenly swept across Taehyung's face. Seokjin straightened his back as the council grew quiet once again."Do you wish to vote?" Namjoon gulped, nervously glancing at Seokjin's stiffness."The even digits will become odd once I cast my vote... and based on the thick and heavy council textbook... I skimmed through before this meeting... once a president overpowers the other... The individual will be appointed the one and only council president. I mean- it's the rule to maintain balance in the council to avoid power abuse, but if we were to recall the past academic proposals and regulation revisions... None... Not a single one passed because the presidents kept rejecting each other's proposals-""Sora-" Taehyung tried to stop me, but I ignored him. He can't kill me in this room."Kim Taehyung proposed 20 laws in the past three years, and none of them passed because Kim Seokjin rejected all of them. On the contrary, Kim Seokjin proposed 32 laws over the past three years, yet all of which were disregarded by Kim Taehyung. You guys held countless conferences over the past years, but the council itself... doesn't seem to make any progress. At all. Why may I ask? Because the votes always stood in a deadlock. You don't actually believe the council is functioning effectively, right? Three years of dual leadership and yet... the council is still adopting the same dogmatic system. We can only truly grow and evolve if there's a winning and losing side, but no one is willing to yield here. So how are we going to rehearse our skills as the future pillars of the society? As a matter of fact, the actual council doesn't even adopt dual leadership. There's only one leader, and that is the supreme alpha. So what's the point of all this complicated conference setup if you're holding the rope without any tension? You should be playing tug of war up there!" I scoffed, smugly turning to stare at the bewildered alphas and lower ranks. We're racing in a loop!"What? How dare you disregard-""No. Let the supreme alpha speak. Sora has a point," Seokjin shot Namjoon down when he tried to argue with me. I quickly averted my eyes to Seokjin with a broad smile."That's a real leader right there! Someone... willing to listen to us, commoners! Someone... willing to overcome their weakness instead of cowardly hiding in the shadows!" I praised Seokjin. Taehyung snapped his head towards Seokjin's smug expression before firing me a sharp glare from his seat."Sora-shi. I'm willing to resolve the issues you raised... but you can't just point out the faults without solutions," Seokjin keenly leaned forward with his hands clasped together."Maintaining power balance in the council will not get us far in the real world. Only... an unequal power... will yield the best result. So, allow me to cast my vote today to select the one true leader for the council. There should only be one president," I smiled at Seokjin. Taehyung took a deep breath as Seokjin skeptically stared at me without blinking. Neither of them trusts me. Kim Taehyung is afraid I'll vote for Seokjin to get back at him, and Seokjin is afraid I'll side with my allies to eject him from the council."High-risk. High return," Namjoon scoffed. The presidents suddenly grew hushed as they thought about my words. Neither of them will back down, but they can't disregard a supreme alpha's vote... either. They're slipping right into my scheme."We can't hastily alter the laws-""Exactly. A leader is all about changes. The manager will only do things right but a leader? We do the right thing. Even if meant... breaking free from a restricted cycle. We should break free from the old ways and thrive together in a new system," I smiled at Taehyung when he tried to counter me."Taehyung is right. We can't approve your request yet, but we'll consider it-""No. You claimed the election should be transparent, right? The election date is already over. So I can't be granted the privilege to vote after the conference concludes. If you insist on following the rules, then I have to vote now... and I will disclose my decision to everyone. We should all be confident with our preferences. Correct? I'm simply following the council's code of conduct," I weakly shook my head. The alphas averted their attention to the pale presidents, eagerly awaiting their responses to my request."There must be an appropriate way to resolve this issue. How can I trust your decision when you're Kim Taehyung's ally? If I allow you to cast your vote... How can I ensure you're doing it for the council's welfare and not for your own interest?" Seokjin questioned, raising his eyebrow at me."I have nothing to gain in this school council. My duty belongs to the real council, Seokjin-shi. I do not intend on disrupting the council with personal matters," I assured with a slight smile. Seokjin sideways-eyed Taehyung's nervous expression before glancing back at me."Kim Taehyung. What are your thoughts on this?" Seokjin questioned. Taehyung kept his deadly gaze on me in silence before leaning back in his seat with his hands clasped together, suspiciously pondering my intention."I actually favor her suggestion. I'm confident I'll win," Taehyung smiled, pressing his tongue against his inner mouth. Seokjin suddenly tensed up at Taehyung's response, so he exchanged uptight looks with Kim Namjoon before averting his restless gaze to me again."It seems like neither of you will risk your position, but I also have an alternative solution if you're against me casting the final vote," I proposed, slightly smiling at the presidents."Sora, stop it!" Jungkook quietly snapped from the side."Let us hear the alternative solution," Seokjin nodded stiffly."The council left out my vote on purpose... to maintain balance in the election. I believe my voice should be treated fairly, but neither of you wants to lose in the election. So... to address this problem... I'd like to appoint myself for a position," I calmly folded my arms as I stood before everyone's eyes."Position? You want to use your supreme alpha privilege to gain access to the council?" Namjoon huffed with a disapproving glare. I softly chuckled while shaking my head."Rest assured, Namjoon-ah. I'm not threatening you for your chair. In fact. I'm nominating myself for a non-existent position. I, Jang Sora, the society's supreme alpha, am requesting a sovereign role in the council to oversee the president's activities," I lifted my chin to smile at the presidents until their faces turned pale."A what?" Taehyung blinked, widening his eyes at me."I will work along both of your sides in the council. Only then... can we utilize our council to its fullest potential. The presidents may maintain their positions if you agree to my request. I believe it is my obligation as the supreme alpha to monitor the council's leaders," I smirked at them. Seokjin's jaw dropped in disbelief at my condition. The hall suddenly erupted into noisy chatters as the alphas and lower ranks whispered to one another.

I smugly shifted my dark gaze to Taehyung with a bright smile as he intensely glared at me with fear in his eyes. He was so angry... bulging veins began to form along his neck as the scorching flames fired towards me, but... I stood firmly in my position without flinching.
Checkmate.

.

.

.

His hatred will never... scratch me again... because I have trapped him with his own wrath.

Kim Taehyung. Hold on... for your dear life... until it's all gone.

I have set your fear on fire.
________________________I curiously strolled over the mansion's pavement leading to the main gate after a guard informed me an unknown guest demanded to see me. It was late afternoon. The sun is setting, and it's getting pretty chilly. I took a shower after returning from the council... and I am dressed in a loose shirt... black pants... and a cardigan."She said she lives here!-" A familiar voice snapped once I reached the main gate to find a few guards arguing with someone. My eyes fell onto the familiar red mini-scooter that saved my life. I glanced at the pizza man as he glared at my guards with a cute black helmet on his head."Why are you here again?" I asked, causing him to snap his head in my direction."The transaction!-""Sir, please don't step near her!" The guard swiftly blocked the man's path to stop him from approaching me."He's not here to harm me. I'll leave with him for a moment, so please inform Do-hwan about my whereabouts," I sighed, strolling past the guards with my arms crossed."My lady! You're not allowed to leave-""If you won't let me leave... I'll run off and cause a commotion like yesterday! But if you let me leave in peace, I will return safely. Which option do you prefer?" I questioned. The guards frowned at my condition as they thought hard about the best option."I'll save you the trouble and return before my parents notice I'm missing. Let's go," I sighed, turning away from the guards to approach the pizza man. He was glancing back and forth between me and the anxious guards."Where are we going?" The pizza blinked at me unsurely."Let's have grilled pork belly," I shrugged, swinging my leg over the scooter, and sat down with my arms crossed. The pizza man froze on the sidewalk as he watched me perch on his scooter with a startled look before glancing back at the guards. I widened my eyes at the pizza man, signaling him to get on, so he rubbed his safety helmet awkwardly before getting on the scooter with me.
A moment later
I quietly stuffed the greasy pork belly into my mouth without looking up at the pizza man as he bitterly judged my hunger from the opposite seat. He didn't speak and kept sizzling the pork belly for me, so I thanked him before gulping down the bitter soju shots."You're wasting my time-""How much do you earn hourly? I'll pay triple for your company," I muttered while chewing the food."The amount you owe me is only 34 000 won, but you sent me 1 000 000 won? I tried to return the payment, but the bank wouldn't let me transfer it back!" The pizza man whined."It's to cover your scooter fuel," I shrugged."Fuel doesn't cost a million won!" The man scoffed. I stopped chewing and looked him dead in the eyes."You're a righteous man, aren't you? It's the fee for saving me. I told you I'll pay you well!" I bickered, spitting the lettuce at him. The man glared at me in disgust.

"Saving you? Who are you? How's your life so expensive?" The pizza man huffed."I'm Jang Sora. There's no price tag on my life or yours! Just take the money as my token of sincere gratitude!" I huffed before tilting my head backward to gobble the soju shot again."I don't feel good about-""You're so noisy! Eat with me! Do I look like a pig to you? Help me finish the dish!" I poked the meat on the BBQ grill in annoyance. He glared at me but eventually surrendered and ate with me. It only took us two soju bottles to numb our sober minds."Are you really that rich~?" The pizza man drunkenly narrowed his eyes."I'm not rich. My parents are. And what's your name?" I burped and screwed my face in distress to relieve the gas in my stomach."Min Yoongi! I'm Min Yoongi~!" He chuckled, cutely slapping his rosy red cheeks to recollect his numbed mind.

"Are you from Busan? You have a strong dialect! I used to live in Busan, so I can tell you're from the coast!" I grinned as he poured me another shot. We clinked our glasses before swallowing the clear alcohol with our eyes closed."Gaaaah~! It's been so long since I had a good drink. Oh! I resided in Busan before I moved here!" Yoongi nodded while contorting his face. The soju must be burning his inside."So you're a Busan kid, huh?" I chuckled while chewing the food on one side of my mouth."No. I was born in Daegu, but my parents moved to Busan when I was a teen! I'm a Daegu man!" He funnily giggled. I laughed and shook my head."I was born here in Seoul. My family moved to live in Busan when I was a child," I smiled while poking the hot sauce with my chopstick."Oh? We could've met if you didn't move back to Seoul!" Yoongi laughed. I nodded with a weak smile as we ate and drank at the old BBQ shop. Yoongi eventually took me back to the mansion after our friendship dinner. He was quite drunk... his scooter kept swaying all over the empty street as we drove home. Fortunately, we made it safely to my front gate without a scratch, given our intoxicated state."Head inside before your scary men attack me~!" Yoongi drunkenly nodded as I weakly dragged my body off his scooter."Oh!" I gasped, stumbling to the side after I lost my balance."Yah! Be careful!" Yoongi snapped while rubbing his droopy eyes. We burst out laughing at my clumsiness, so I pushed myself off the wall and stumbled back toward his scooter."Can I try~?" I drunkenly pointed at his scooter."What~? My scooter~?" Yoongi questioned."Oh! I'm curious~! So let me try! Get on! Let's go for a ride~!" I giggled, pushing him aside to hop on his scooter. It's not hard to drive a scooter. I think I can master it on my first try~!"Are you sure you can drive~?" He chuckled, thoughtlessly getting on behind me. The main gate suddenly opened, and the guards appeared to welcome me inside."Give me five minutes... I'm almost done- ARGHHHHHH!" I waved at the guard to dismiss them while turning the scooter's gear- VROOM! The wheels suddenly jolted forward."ARGGHHHH!- YAH?!- JANG SORA-?!&^%#$!?-" Yoongi screamed in fright as we wildly blasted forward, causing the guards to shout in fear as we shot across the street with little to no control of the old scooter."AH-!?- WHY CAN'T I STOP!?- ARWEHEWDHGDE!" I screamed, frantically steering the handlebar to the right- causing us to drift wildly across the empty road. Yoongi gripped tightly on my waist as we zoomed back toward the mansion."MY LADY- STOP-""GET OUT OF MY WAAAAAAY!- I CAN'T CONTROL THIS- ARGHHHHHHH- I SAID GET OUT OF MY FUCKING WAAAAY!?- &*^!%$!" I screamed at the top of my strained lungs when the headlight illuminated one of the guards. He attempted to block my path with his arms extended to his sides. The guard's eyes bulged open in horror when I couldn't slow down, so I sharply drifted the scooter to the right- Thump! The scooter briefly soared over the high curb before landing roughly onto the pavement- and jerked violently toward the other bustling guards standing by the gate. They screeched in fear and leaped to the sides to dodge Yoongi's uncontrollable scooter."STOP TURNING THE GEAR-!" Yoongi screamed as the scooter fired through the mansion's pavement at its fullest speed."W-WHAT? I- CAN'T- HOW TO STOP THIS-?- !&$!#*%- HELLLPPPPP~!" I screamed in fear as we wildly bolted through the mansion. Yoongi screamed at the top of his lungs when I failed to slow down the scooter."WE'RE GOING TO CRASH IF YOU DON'T STOP-""JEON JUNGKOOK- GET OUT OF MY WAAAAY!" I warned in panic when Jungkook appeared out of nowhere near the giant water fountain."WHAT THE FUCK-" Jungkook's face turned pale when the scooter shot straight towards him. The bright headlight... illuminating... his startled face as he watched us race toward him."ARGGGHHHHHHHH!" I screamed to anticipate the disaster. Why isn't he moving?!"ARFFGDEWJBEWHD!" Yoongi screamed even louder as he hugged my waist."URGH?!!-" Jungkook yelped in extreme pain. CRASH.I hysterically steered the scooter slightly to the left side just before we ran Jungkook over... barely missing him. Jungkook shrieked in shock at the forceful blow and tumbled to the side just as the scooter drove straight into the water fountain. Yoongi and I bellowed in fear as we tipped over the edge- and- SPLASH! I flew off the scooter and plunged straight into the fountain. Yoongi's body violently flung after me- tumbling hard into the other side of the fountain. CRASH! The scooter collided with the marble fountain- and the roaring engine suddenly died. Vroom! I frantically tried to scramble out of the shallow pool when I slipped and fell face-first into the fountain. SPLASH!

"H-help- help!" I gasped, desperately gripping the marble edge to stop myself from submerging underwater while rubbing my blurry vision."My leg~ Oooooow~!" Jungkook wailed as he gripped his wounded legs while rolling on the wet pavement by the marble fountain."I'm stuck- Argh!?" Yoongi groaned as he sat under the wrecked scooter in the water fountain."Jeon Jungkook! Help me out!" I screamed, shakily scrambling over the edge with my arms extended out for him."You broke my leg!-""HELP ME OUT!" I screamed until my vocal chord cracked. Jungkook sat up in pain at my demand and tried to stand up, so I gripped his shirt when he suddenly wobbled back onto the pavement."Argh- I can't stand up!" Jungkook shrieked, painfully hugging his leg again."Y-Yah!" My hands slipped from his shirt. I ended up falling back into the pool. Splash! The mansion's front door suddenly burst open- and someone came rushing out to check on the chaotic situation. The guard raced towards us in horror."What happened?! We heard the loud crash- Omo! My Sora!- Are you alright!?" Mr. Jeon gasped, immediately rushing towards the fountain when he found me sitting in the shallow water."APPA! I'M YOUR SON! WHY ARE YOU RUSHING TO HER?!" Jungkook screamed as he rolled on the pavement when Mr. Jeon tried to reach out for me. The man turned to look at his son in terror."What's the matter with you?!" Mr. Jeon gasped at Jungkook, withdrawing his hand away from me when I tried to reach for his support."Help him first!" I snapped, nodding at Yoongi, who was groaning underneath the scooter. Do-hwan suddenly appeared with a bewildered look. He quickly grabbed Yoongi's arm-"ARGHHH- DON'T PULL MY ARM!" Yoongi yelped, causing Do-hwan to halt in shock."Lift the scooter!" Do-hwan ordered. The guards quickly jumped into the fountain to lift the scooter and carefully hauled Yoongi from underneath it. Mr. Jeon bent down to help Jungkook as the young alpha whimpered in distress. I'm in pain! I rubbed my stinging forehead and tried to get up on my own."Sora! Stay still! It's slippery~!" Do-hwan warned as I splashed through the water just as my parents and the Kims came rushing out as well."Omo! What happened- SORA!" Eomma shrieked when I swung my legs over the edge but slipped and fell back into the fountain."AH!" I unconsciously caught someone's arm when he jerked forward to grab me. The man slipped, lost his balance, and ended up tumbling into the fountain with me. I frantically grabbed onto his body after my head dipped underwater again."The water is turning red! Who's bleeding!?" Mrs. Kim gasped, rushing up to the fountain as I sat up again to rub the water from my eyes in frustration. I froze in horror when I found... Kim Taehyung... sitting inside the water fountain with me. His clothes and hair are soaked. Taehyung intensely stared at my terrified face as the water dripped... from the tip of his nose tip. Oh, shit- Did I grab him when I?- The alpha suddenly clasped his hand over my forehead as appa tried to reach for me. Taehyung firmly secured his strong arms under my legs and stood up, so I wrapped my arms around his shoulder as he shakily swung his long legs over the fountain, stepping out of the water with ease."She's bleeding," Taehyung gritted, tightening his arms around my body. He didn't let appa take me and hurried inside the mansion with my wet body before the others. A few guards and Mr. Jeon were helping Jungkook on his feet while Do-hwan supported Yoongi. Taehyung quickly settled me on the couch, so I wiped my face when he suddenly grabbed my hand to stop me from touching the cut on my forehead."Hold it firmly over the wound," Taehyung muttered as he took off his soaked shirt to press it over my wound. He quickly got up and jogged away shirtless as I sat on the couch... drenched in my own flowing blood. I gulped and glanced down at my bloody hand. I'm in deep trouble...Taehyung immediately returned with a few maids. I was too startled to speak, so I remained stiff on the couch until Taehyung gently removed his shirt from my forehead to press a bandage over the gash. I winced in pain as he patted my forehead to secure the open wound. Jungkook wailed dramatically after collapsing onto the couch with his injured left leg as Do-hwan helped Yoongi onto the couch beside mine to assist his discomfort.
A moment later.
The chaotic mansion suddenly grew hushed after the guards took care of the mess I initiated. I quietly sat on the couch with a night robe over my soaked clothes as our family's personal doctor fixed the gash on my forehead. Taehyung had to stop the blood with a bandage while we waited for the medical team to arrive at the mansion. Jungkook on the other hand... sprawled dramatically on the opposite couch with sweat beads on his forehead as the doctor fixed his leg. Yoongi was quietly grunting as Do-hwan bandaged his forearm. I bit my lips and glanced up at eomma and appa as they frowned at the three of us. They will kill me.Do-hwan eventually  drove Yoongi home in one of our cars, so I was left with Jungkook in the living room. The elders darted us a disapproving look before returning to their bedroom."I'll take you to your bedroom," Do-hwan sighed, but I shook my head and nodded to Jungkook."I can walk," I whispered and pushed myself off the couch. Do-hwan sighed as he watched me stride away, then walked toward Jungkook to help him off the couch. Jungkook grunted in pain with one arm around Do-hwan's shoulder. He limped on his left leg and they disappeared together.I exhaled deeply while strolling down the corridor until I spotted Taehyung stepping out of his bedroom in fresh clothes. He must've gone to shower and changed into warm clothes. He halted to stare at my bandaged head before walking past me while ruffling his wet hair. Gulping, I entered my room to shower without wetting my forehead and changed into my nightgown. I'm so sore."Take the pain killer," Do-hwan placed a mug of warm water and a pill on the table after I stepped out of my closet."Thank you," I grunted, sitting down to take the pill with an aching body. I couldn't look Do-hwan in the eyes, so I avoided his gaze until he sat down beside me."Let me fix the bandage," Do-hwan gently lifted my chin. The man kept his stern gaze on the bandage and softly brushed the loose hair strands away from my face."I'll feel better if you scold me," I muttered, awkwardly blinking at him with my face tilted upward. Do-hwan averted his disapproving gaze to my pale face and pursed his lips as if to hold back his hurtful words."You stupid child-" Flick!"OW!" I winced, grabbing my forehead in shock when he suddenly flicked the bandage, sending a surge of throbbing pain all over my numbed head."How can you cause so much trouble?!" He scolded. I pouted in tears and lowered my face to sniffle like a little kid."I just wanted to have fun-""Does having fun involve cracking your skull, breaking an arm and a leg?" Do-hwan huffed. I guiltily looked up at him with an apologetic look."Did you take care of my friend?" I asked, wiping away my tears."Oh. I'll send your friend to the hospital for proper checkups until he recovers," Do-hwan nodded, getting up to collect the empty mug. I lightly touched my bandage again as I watched Do-hwan exit my room before turning to lean back on the couch with a lifeless expression.Suddenly. I burst out laughing like a maniac. Why is the incident so humorous? I chuckled weakly and shook my head while recalling the chaotic incident. The door to my room suddenly slid open again, so I immediately stopped laughing and straightened my back when I found Taehyung standing by the doorway. He awkwardly stared at me without saying anything, so I blinked and glanced away to avoid his gaze. Taehyung was very upset with me after the council- He headed straight home without speaking to Seokjin or Namjoon."Does your head hurt?" Taehyung asked, taking a step inside my room. I didn't answer and stared at him with an uneasy expression. Taehyung watched my timid reaction before closing the door behind his back and walked forward. I immediately scooted away from him when he tried to sit next to me."What do you want?" I firmly gripped my fist as he calmly stared at me. Taehyung exhaled and scooted closer to me. I sucked in my breath at his strange behavior."I'm sorry," Taehyung whispered in a soft tone, suddenly leaning forward to embrace me in his arms. I didn't budge and stiffly sat against his pulsating chest as he held me against his warm body."Did you hurt your head?" I asked, unsurely blinking at the wall as he patted my hair with his chin rested on my shoulder."Let's not fight anymore," Taehyung whispered, suddenly pulling away to soften his gaze on me. I didn't feel at ease with his sudden change in behavior. This is alarming."Can you give me some space? I don't feel comfortable being this close to you," I requested sternly. Taehyung paused to search my eyes for whatever he was searching for and finally scooted away to grant me an appropriate gap between us."I'm apologizing for what happened earlier at the council," Taehyung sighed."If you're doing this to make me quit my position... then don't bother wasting your energy. Leave now," I nodded at the door. Did he come here to make me resign from my new role in the council? Taehyung frowned at my cold statement before lowering his face in defeat."I'm proud of you. I was shaken by your proposal and got pissed- but that was a clever strategy to assert our dominance in the council," Taehyung calmly spoke in his deep voice."You can't waver me. I promised Seokjin and the alphas to remain unbiased, so whatever charm you're trying to cast on me... it won't work," I firmly shook my head. I won't fall for his fake acts. Taehyung sighed heavily at my stubbornness and got up to leave without explaining himself. He left just as quickly as he came.__________________
The Next Day
Jungkook and I... remained side by side on the couch with sore expressions in the noisy student lounge. Jungkook sat with his leg cast extended outward while I sat next to him with a bandaged head. The other alphas kept glancing and sniggering at us. We're the living clowns. Jungkook chewed the inside of his cheek in discontent while glaring at me in irritation from the corner of his eyes.
He kept nagging me about the incident this morning- I ended up kicking his injured leg out of anger. Jungkook wailed in pain and smacked my bandaged forehead in response, causing the blood to seep through the bandage just before we left the mansion. We had a minor squabble. And we're ready to attack each other again. And to worsen the situation, we're both in a bad mood- and the funny looks from the others... aren't making us feel any better.
"Pfff! What happened to you two?!" Minho burst out laughing as he entered the room to find us perching on the couch. Jungkook and I averted our blank eyes to Minho as he laughed his ass off at our condition.

"Are you guys alright???" Jimin gasped worriedly as soon as he noticed our injuries. He quickly rushed up to us with an anxious frown. I shifted my gaze from Minho's stupid face to purse my lips at Jimin's furrowed eyebrows."Ask the drunk girl," Jungkook darted me a side glare, crossed his arms, and slumped back against the couch in irritation."Drunk girl?! Yah-""I'll rip your bandage off if you dare kick me again!" Jungkook threatened when I tried to smack him."Woah~! Calm down!" Jimin gasped, grabbing my wrist to stop me from attacking Jungkook before squeezing in between us to form a barrier between Jungkook and me. I huffed in annoyance and glanced away again. Jimin turned to examine my head with a slight frown."Jungkook! What's wrong with your leg?" Minah shrieked, rushing toward Jungkook to give him a crushing hug."AH! DON'T LEAN ON ME!" Jungkook screamed in pain. Minah immediately pulled away from Jungkook before crouching down to examine his leg cast with a pouty look. I rolled my eyes and got up from the couch to storm out of the room because of the alphas' dramatic reactions. So annoying!"Why is your head bandaged on your first day as the new council leader? Did you damage your brain trying to catch up with our workflow?" Seokjin appeared in the hallway with his bag swung over his broad shoulder as I stared out the transparent window to watch the lower ranks inside the lobby below."Not you too. My head is throbbing right now," I muttered, sourly glancing at him. Seokjin exhaled as he leaned against the railing with a straight face."I don't know what kind of scheme you're trying to orchestrate... but I will not fall without a fight," Seokjin spoke with his eyes trained on the lower ranks."I won't weigh you down in the power game," I exhaled."I figured," Seokjin muttered. I turned to face him with a questioning look."What do you mean?" I raised my eyebrow unsurely. Seokjin chuckled under his breath before turning to smile at me."Your bruises. You keep getting new ones. Your ankle wasn't right yesterday, and you look like a mummy today with the bandaged head. Home must be an awful place," He smirked. I quietly stood staring at Seokjin with a blank face."I got into a minor accident," I sighed, glancing away. I can't tell Seokjin about our internal affairs even if there are unresolved conflicts within my household. He might use it against me. Seokjin slightly tilted his head to the side while eyeing my grim face as if to observe me, so I stared right back at him. Does he know everything? I feel uneasy when I'm around him."Well, it's not like the school council will benefit us in the real council anyway. I look forward to working with you," Seokjin exhaled, suddenly blinking out of his thoughts when I refused to look away."Sora!" Hoseok called. We both broke our eye contact and glanced toward the elevator to find Hoseok strolling towards us."I'll see you at the council meeting," Seokjin shrugged, walking away as Hoseok jogged toward me with a slight frown."Your head-""I slipped and fell. Don't worry," I quickly shook my head. Hoseok must've noticed my annoyed expression, so he bit his lips and immediately dropped the topic."Congratulations! You were really badass during the council yesterday!" Hoseok excitedly praised me."I have a question regarding the party night," I suddenly took a step forward to narrow my suspicious eyes on Hoseok. He froze with an unsettled look as I stood before him. Was it really Hoseok that night? Taehyung didn't... exactly answer me either."What about it?" Hoseok asked, blinking innocently at me."Can you recall whatever happened between us?" I asked. Hoseok didn't answer me right away but stared at me without budging. I blinked at his hesitation. He doesn't know. So it's not him-"Come with me," Hoseok suddenly grabbed my wrist and dragged me with him. Where is he taking me? I unsurely followed Hoseok as he pushed the lecture hall doors open to check inside, finally drawing me into the dark council hall."Wae?" I asked, glancing around the dim room in confusion. Why did he bring me here??? The room is dark because all the lights are turned off and all the windows are sealed shut, but I can still see his face in the darkness."You asked if I remembered our moment. Instead of answering you... I'll prove it to you," Hoseok suddenly stepped forward, causing me to jerk back against the desk. I gripped the table edge tightly as Hoseok leaned forward to whisper in my ear. His hot breath... panting softly against my ears."Prove it to me?" I asked, nervously averting my eyes to Hoseok as he pinned me against the desk on the lower row. Carefully... Hoseok interlaced his fingers with mine to hold my hand. I gulped and glanced down at our hands before looking back up to stare at Hoseok's face in the dark room."Let us... recall our moment together. Shall we?" Hoseok whispered, averting his sensual eyes to my lips in the dark as he held my hands. My cheeks flushed at his words, but I didn't take my eyes off his. Hoseok smiled at my stiff body and slowly leaned forward to shorten the gap between us. I gripped his hands nervously and closed my eyes until I felt his steamy breath panting over my face. And suddenly... I was reminded of our night together.Jung Hoseok gently nudged his lips against mine... then slowly withdrew his lips away... after just one peck. I sucked in my breath and slowly opened my eyes to find Hoseok observing my flustered face with a slight smile. That night... He kissed me once as well before pulling away. I swallowed uneasily as I released my hand from his to place my palm against his firm cheek... before tilting my head upward to kiss his cheek. Hoseok smiled weakly and turned his face to chase my lips, so I giggled and leaned backward when he tried to press his lips against mine again."It is you," I smiled, shyly biting my lips. Hoseok firmly secured his arm around my waist to tug my body against him while biting down on his sexy lips."Let's finish what we started," Hoseok slightly parted his lips and leaned forward to attack my lips again- Click. We both squinted in discomfort when the council hall suddenly lit up. I slightly turned my face away to shield my eyes from the blinding glare. Hoseok shook his dazed vision and turned around to scan the empty room in confusion. Who turned on the lights-?My heart suddenly dropped... when my eyes landed on another person... sitting composedly in the upper row. He was seated in one of the president's seats. Hoseok froze in his place as we stared at the man's blank eyes. He gazed down at us from his seat with his legs crossed over the desk.
Kim Taehyung calmly sat in his chair with little to no emotion in his eyes.
"Take a step away from her," He dawdled from his seat. Hoseok didn't budge and stared intensely at Taehyung. Was he here the entire time?!- Did he see everything? Why didn't he interrupt us earlier???"Let's find another place-""Let go of his hand," Taehyung ordered when I tried to drag Hoseok away. I halted with Hoseok before glancing down at our interlaced fingers. I gulped and averted my eyes back to Taehyung's dark gaze from the highest row."Keep your nose out of my-""Jung Hoseok. I told you to step back," Taehyung sighed, slowly rising from his seat after uncrossing his legs. Hoseok gripped my hand tightly as Taehyung strolled down the stairs with his hands in his pocket."We both have feelings for each other," Hoseok firmly turned his body to face Taehyung."Oh really? You like Sora?" Taehyung chuckled while shaking his head. I stared at Taehyung's raging darkness in fear as he slowly strolled toward us with a blank expression."Whatever. Let's leave-""I can't let my future bride leave with another man," Taehyung dawdled when I tried to tug Hoseok away. My eyes bulged open at his words. Hoseok snapped his head toward Taehyung for an explanation."B-Bride?" Hoseok stuttered. Taehyung averted his dull eyes from Hoseok to rest his gaze on me as I stared at him with my mouth wide open."Isn't it obvious? Why the supreme alpha returned to Korea...? Just before I completed my final year? I am expected to marry her. So I'd appreciate it... if you don't touch my bride," Taehyung nodded at our hands. What is he doing? He said he won't marry me!"That's nonsense! I told you I won't marry you!-" I suddenly paused mid-sentence when it struck me. I gulped in fear as Taehyung smirked with his eyebrows raised. He's cornering me. Hoseok glanced at my petrified reaction for an explanation... until blood drained from my face.
I defied his order and meddled with the council... and even threatened to replace him with another man- so he's- he's-
"You and I. We're destined to rule the society together, Sora," Taehyung darkly stared at me with a devilish smile.
Shit.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
Hoseok stood sternly with his narrowed eyes trained on Kim Taehyung's expressionless face. What's his motive behind this behavior? I'm unsure of how I should react. Sora, you have to be extremely cautious."Haha! You're so funny!" I shrieked, suddenly bursting into loud laughter, causing both Hoseok and Taehyung to glance at my unexpected reaction."M-Moh?" Hoseok unsurely asked when I wouldn't stop chuckling."Taehyung loves to mess around with people! He might seem unapproachable, but he's a rather witty guy~!" I giggled, lightly smacking Taehyung's chest."What are you-""I'll see you at home! Let's go~!" I turned to smile at Hoseok when Taehyung repeatedly blinked at my questionable response to his threat. I grabbed Hoseok's arm and tugged him out of the lecture hall."Are you sure he was joking? He didn't look like he was-""He always scares away my boyfriends! It's his instinct to protect me since we're a family," I denied and shook my head to reassure Hoseok. He didn't look convinced but nodded at me with a weak smile. We pursed our lips again before glancing down at our interlaced fingers."So... about us..." Hoseok gripped my hand and lifted up our hands with a smug smile."Can you give me time to think about it?" I asked. I want to think this through to avoid making a hasty decision. Hoseok darted me a puzzled expression and dropped our hands but didn't let go of me."Think about it? I thought we both-""It's not like that! I like you! But I need a little time to sort things out with my household first! I don't want our dating news to startle my parents, and I'm sure it's the same for you," I smiled. Hoseok chuckled softly with a bright smile and nodded in agreement."Araso. Let's take it slow then," Hoseok agreed, suddenly pulling me into a crushing hug. I patted his back happily before pulling away to examine his cute eye-smile.
Well. Hoseok and I became more than friends after that day, but we were still in the 'no-label' zone because I wanted to get to know him first. It's weird for me to jump into a relationship with him... especially not after his best friend rejected me. We might've had an unforgettable moment together when we were drunk in his closet... but it doesn't indicate I should rashly accept his confession either.
"Ah!" I shrieked, jerking against my seat when Hoseok playfully tickled my waist. I smacked his chest in shock, so he gently grabbed my hands to stop me from resisting him."Are you guys dating?" Mira dawdled from her desk before us with a slight frown."Of course not! Stop touching her!" Jungkook snapped, throwing a crumpled paper at Hoseok from the desk behind us. Hoseok scoffed at Jungkook's interference before glancing back at me with a keen smile."Should we date?" Hoseok suggested as Mira and Jungkook watched us with disgusted expressions."Maybe...?" I chuckled until our faces turned rosy red. Hoseok bit his lips and leaned forward to shorten the gap between our faces when Jungkook suddenly shot up from his seat to clasp his hands over our faces, hastily shoving us apart."Yah! Stop being so shameless! I will tell your mother!" Jungkook threatened. I scoffed in disbelief at his rude intervention after almost losing my balance on the chair."You're the shameless jerk!" I snapped at Jungkook. He fired me a sharp glare and hastily sat back down to cross his arms over his chest."Is it true? I heard he took Minah onto your bed on the day you returned?" Mira questioned, leaning over my desk with an excited smile while eyeing Jungkook's annoyed frown."Who told you that!? Why would I-" Jungkook tried to defend himself."Minah told me!" Mira snapped. Jungkook bit his lips with a startled expression. He scoffed at Mira and glanced away in discontent. He can't defend himself from the crimes he committed against our relationship."Should we go somewhere else?" Hoseok turned to smile at me. I quickly nodded, so Hoseok took my hand, and we quickly got up together."Where are you going?- Jang Sora!" Jungkook snapped. I ignored his call and walked out of the lecture room with Hoseok- coming face to face with Namjoon. Hoseok's face turned pale, and we quickly released each other's hands. Namjoon dully eyed our hands before looking up at us again."I need to speak with you," Namjoon shifted his gaze to Hoseok. We awkwardly exchanged glances."I'll find you," Hoseok nudged me. I nodded and walked off alone to avoid Namjoon. Should I search for Seokjin? I have a few questions regarding the council's administration workflow. Where could he be? I don't see him in the library, and definitely not in the student lounge. Maybe he's spending his time in the conference room like Taehyung?I deeply sighed as I strode towards the conference hall, and pushed the door open but halted almost immediately when I found Taehyung seated in his usual seat... but he wasn't alone. Haerim was sitting on his desk in her short skirt. They both turned to look at me in surprise as I stared at Taehyung's hand... which was curled around her tiny waist. I pursed my lips and straightened my body with a weak smile."What are you doing here?" Taehyung dawdled, still keeping his hand around her waist."I was searching for Seokjin. Have you seen him, by any chance?" I smiled. Should I take my revenge?"Why would we know about his whereabouts?" Haerim rudely lifted her eyebrows. Oh? She thinks she can be rude to me just because Taehyung is beside her?"Hands off her waist," I spoke in a calm tone, crossing my arms with a slight smirk."Moh?" Taehyung frowned at my order."My dear lovely groom~ Please let go of another woman's body~! I'm upset~!" I spoke in a sweet and feminine voice. Taehyung suddenly tensed his body at my mischievous intent. Haerim narrowed her eyes at me and glanced down when Taehyung withdrew his arm from her waist."Stop fooling around-""Lovely groom? What's this...?" Haerim scoffed, glancing at Taehyung for explanations."It's nothing-""I would appreciate it if you get off my groom's desk. I think you might be distracting him with your exposed thighs," I chuckled while covering my mouth. Taehyung scoffed at my pretentious acts when Haerim huffed and hopped off his desk with her sharp glare trained on me."You're marrying her?-""I'm quite busy, so I'll head out now!- Oh! I'll see you at home, my dear lovely husband~! *smooch* *smooch*" I teased, sending him flying kisses, causing Taehyung to darken his face. I giggled and quickly strode out when Taehyung suddenly marched down the stairs after me. He must be upset!"Jang Sora! I will not tolerate-" Taehyung furiously bellowed, but I slammed the door shut and raced off in a hurry. Thud. I quickly stopped dead when I heard the door banging shut again, so I turned around to find Taehyung glaring at me."Haha~! I'll leave now, my dear lovely husband~!- Shit-" I cutely waved at him when he suddenly stormed after me, so I quickly sucked in my breath, turned into the left corner, and dashed away to avoid the provoked alpha. He will break my neck if he catches me! I quickly pushed the elevator button to distract him and hurried toward the emergency stairs instead.

"I am not stupid! Get down here this instant!" Taehyung's voice roared from the emergency door below. I gasped and covered my mouth while rushing up the remaining floors, desperately trying not to make any noises until I found a steel door. I'm heading toward the rooftop! Sora!- It's a dead end! I hastily shoved the entrance open- THUD!"Argh!" Someone winced behind the door at the blinding impact. I stumbled forward with my eyes wide open, quickly spinning around to gawk at the injured alpha."I'm sorry!- What are you doing here?!" I gasped shutting the door behind my back. I watched Soekjin rub his sore forehead with an apologetic look."Don't you have eyes-""JANG SORA?!-" Taehyung's voice boomed from the stair landing before the door. I quickly clasped my hand over Seokjin's lips, frantically signaling him to be quiet."Let me go-" Seokjin tried to speak, so I smacked his swollen forehead, causing him to screw his face in pain."Don't let him find me!" I shook his collar before scurrying across the rooftop opening. Shit?! There's no place to hide! Seokjin scoffed as he watched my chaotic ass... rushing all over the clear rooftop to search for a hiding place. I gasped in shock when he suddenly grabbed the back of my shirt to tug me back and shoved me behind the door to hold me in place. Badum. Badum. Badum. My heart started pounding in fear when we heard Taehyung's footsteps approaching the door from the other side. Seokjin turned to frown at my sweaty forehead with one eyebrow raised.

"Try moaning!" I snapped, quickly unbuckling his belt, causing Seokjin to gasp in bewilderment."What-?! Yah- Let go of me-""Shut up and do as I say!-""Aaaah~" Seokjin groaned in pain when I hastily grabbed his hair to yank his head backward. Seokjin winced at the painful tug and screwed his face in discomfort, causing Taehyung to halt... just outside the door."Who's there?" Taehyung asked without opening the door. Seokjin averted his frightened eyes to me as I held him captive with my fingers entangled in his hair."Make him go away!" I mouthed Seokjin as he stood in his loose pants."Let go of me you crazy- AAAAHH~ Oh- God!-" Seokjin winced in distress. He tried to shove me away but moaned out loud again when I tightened my grip on his hair."Do as I say, or I'll pull out every strand of your hair!" I furiously threatened him. Seokjin glared at me in extreme annoyance as he stood stiff in place with his head tilted backward in an uncomfortable position."I asked who's there? Answer me before I-" THUD. Taehyung tried to shove the door open when Seokjin slammed it shut with his swift reflex."It's me!- I- Don't open the door!" Seokjin warned Taehyung as he glared at me. Taehyung grew silent."What are you doing up here?" Taehyung asked from the other side of the door."Ah~ Ah~!" Seokjin groaned when I slowly released his hair. Seokjin fired me another annoyed glare before turning to frown at the rusty door. I held my breath in fear when Seokjin swung the door open to face Taehyung as I hid behind the door.
Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung furrowed his thick eyebrows suspiciously when he found his fellow alpha standing before him with striking messy hair and an unbuckled belt. Kim Seokjin fanned his red face before leaning his sturdy body against the door frame with his arms crossed."What are you-""Doing the obvious? It's very rude of you to disturb me... and my partner. What do you want?" Seokjin raised his eyebrow at his rival, darting the supreme alpha a brief glare as she pressed her back against the wall with a pale face. Taehyung unsurely stared at Seokjin's burning red face before averting his eyes to the rooftop opening when he heard labored breathings beside the door. Sora immediately clasped her hands over her lips to stop herself from making any sound."Have you seen Sora?" Taehyung asked as he stood on the stairs before the rooftop opening."How would I know? Now, will you piss off? I'm not quite done yet!" Seokjin complained as Sora frantically reached under her shirt behind the door. Seokjin immediately averted his eyes from Sora in horror when he realized she was unclasping her bra."Get out of my way! I'm checking the rooftop-""Yah! I said I'm not done-" Seokjin immediately held his hands up to stop Taehyung from taking the final step up the stairs. Taehyung suddenly froze in his place when something dropped onto the ground from behind the door. The top alphas both halted and glanced at the racy garment on the concrete floor. Seokjin's face flushed... even redder when he looked down to find a nude bra resting at his feet. Taehyung immediately stopped resisting at the sight of the woman's lingerie on the ground."You're disgusting," Taehyung turned to frown at Seokjin with a flustered face. Seokjin's face turned... blood red as he struggled to contain his reaction to the horrific situation. The alpha gulped and tugged his loose shirt uncomfortably while staring at Taehyung. He was undeniably startled by Sora's daring decision to fling her bra at him."Fuck off now before I lose control of myself. Would you like me to show you my untamed... manly side? Hmm...?" Seokjin clenched his teeth and leaned forward to challenge Kim Taehyung's stubborn glare."No, I'd rather die," Taehyung snarled at Seokjin's sweaty forehead before stomping back down the stairs. Kim Seokjin glared at Taehyung until he disappeared down the stairs. Bang! He immediately slammed the door shut again to find Sora wrapping her arms around her chest area as she stood in her shirt with nothing underneath. Seokjin tried to scold her when his eyes landed on her bra on the ground again... so he gulped and snapped his face away in disbelief."Thank you," Sora whispered, crouching down to collect her undergarment. Seokjin fully turned his body away to give her some privacy as she pulled it back on."You're lucky there's no security camera up here! How can you be so careless?! Preserve your prestige, for goodness sake!" Seokjin snapped as he stood with his hands on his hips.
Sora's POV
"You should buckle your belt if you want to protect your flawless image," I muttered while fixing my bra. I had to take off my shirt in order to put my bra back on."You are a daredevil," Seokjin sighed, lowering his hand to fix his loose pants."You should head down first. I'm not attending class today," I muttered and slumped down on the rooftop in defeat. Seokjin cautiously turned to look at me with a bitter stare before pulling the door open and left without a goodbye. Thud. He slammed the door shut, so I hugged my knees and buried my face against it.A few hours later.I can't escape Taehyung forever. I have to face him at home. I'm tired. I'm tired of challenging him like this, but I can't stop myself. Creak. The door to the rooftop suddenly opened again... and someone stepped out... after a few hours passed."You're still here?" Seokjin frowned with his bag swung over his shoulder once he spotted me in the same position."Is this your hideout spot?" I asked. Seokjin sorely glanced away before dropping his bag to sit beside me. The alpha leaned against the wall with his legs extended over the concrete pavement."It's quiet and chilly out here. I like it," Seokjin shrugged as he dug into his bag for something. I nodded and turned to stare at the vast opening with my chin rested on my knees."Share this place with me. I think I might need it," I shrugged. Seokjin pulled out his packed sandwich from his bag to unwrapped it, so I pursed my lips and glanced at his handsome side profile in surprise. A top alpha... packs his own food? That's unexpected."Does it happen often? Running away from Kim Taehyung as if your life depends on it?" Seokjin asked without looking at me."He doesn't hurt me, but it's my instinct to run away from him," I smiled. Seokjin side-eyed me with a sore expression before glancing away."Don't give Hoseok false hope if you're going to marry another man," Seokjin sighed while chewing his half-eaten sandwich. I gripped my hands and glanced away."I can't marry him," I shook my head. Seokjin scoffed and turned to stare at me with a questioning smile."Isn't it... your parent's strategic move to merge your assets? You want to defy them?" Seokjin asked. I stared at his handsome face in silence- Sora! I snapped out of his captivating visual and cleared my throat awkwardly."I'll be the most powerful alpha if I marry Taehyung... but I don't want to," I shook my head."So you'll choose love over power? Even if it meant opposing your own family? Tsk. You're very foolish," Seokjin scoffed while shaking his head."Foolish? Because I'd give up everything for love?" I playfully glared at him."No. You don't have to give up everything for love. In fact, love is power," Seokjin shrugged while chewing his homemade sandwich. I quietly watched... his moist... and plump lips with a curious smile- SORA?! I blinked out of my thoughts after losing consciousness to his handsome face again."Taehyung told me love is a weakness," I muttered, bitterly glancing at the vast opening beyond our gaze. Seokjin chuckled."Because love broke him. So you're going to let his perception of love ruin your definition of love? Haerim broke him. It's natural for him to see love as a menace," Seokjin turned to smirk at me."What should I do then?" I whispered to myself."Marry a powerful person but make sure you love the person. You'll be much more powerful if you're in love with them. Power isn't only about the physical assets," Seokjin muttered. I blinked again and lowered my head to take a deep breath."Should I fall in love with you then?" I asked, turning to smile at Seokjin. The alpha suddenly snapped his face toward me with an offended look."Of course not! How do you fall in love so easily?!- If I remember correctly- you confessed to Namjoon not too long ago- and now you're fooling around with Hoseok! And at this very moment, you're asking me if you should fall in love with me?! Yah. I don't think you're in love with anyone at this rate. You don't even know what love is! Figure it out first before you carelessly claim to love someone! It could cause a lot of problems! Don't deceive yourself into falling in love just because you're lonely!" Seokjin scolded me. I pouted at his words and lowered my head to process my messy thoughts, sulkily nodding in agreement."Maybe I should tell Hoseok the truth," I gulped. I'm a mess. I desperately wanted love, so I let our brief moment of intimacy in the closet... form some sort of... hopeless attachment between us."Namjoon is against your relationship with Hoseok because he sees you as a threat," Seokjin shrugged. So he's aware."Am I a threat to you?" I asked."No. Why would a fool like you be a threat to me?" Seokjin mocked. I darted him an irritated glare."Do you think I should marry Taehyung?" I sighed."Logically. If I was you, I'd marry Kim Taehyung for power. But as your rival, I'd hate to see you together because you'll be too powerful," Seokjin shrugged."You're right. It should be easy for me to fall in love... with the hottest alpha in society," I nodded."Hottest!? Pfff! He's definitely not the hottest here!" Seokjin fired me an offended glare. I stared at him in disbelief."Did I hurt your pride?" I chuckled, lightly smacking Seokjin."Of course not! No one can wound my pride!" Seokjin immediately denied it. I scoffed at his prideful exclaim while shaking my head with a weak smile. He's funny."Okay then! I've decided on a new resolution for myself!" I exhaled, straightening my back with a motivated smile. Seokjin unsurely eyed me."And what's that?" Seokjin asked, raising his eyebrow with a doubtful look."Instead of selecting men to fall in love with- I'll be the one picking from the crowd instead!" I suggested. Seokjin's mouth slightly parted at my claim. He's dumbfounded."Are you bipolar?" He blinked."I'll make everyone fall in love with me! You're not an exception!" I excitedly snapped and hopped onto my feet. Seokjin stared at me as if I was out of my mind."I've been chatting with a psycho the entire time...?" Seokjin scoffed as he watched me skip away. I waved at him and hurried down the stairs with a bright smile. That's right! Why am I the one chasing after men when I'm the most entitled woman in this society?! Pffff! I should've realized that sooner!_______________________"How is it legal to construct a building without an elevator?! And why didn't you warn me?!" I whined as I dragged my feet up the remaining stairs with heavy sweat beads all over my forehead. I tried to wipe my face but struggled miserably because my hands were occupied with gift bags."This was your idea!" Do-hwan snapped back as he climbed the stairs behind me. I weakly wobbled to the floor after reaching the 5th floor of the old apartment building. Do-hwan panted heavily and leaned against the wall to take deep breaths as I collected the bags and stood up in frustration. We approached the designated room number and glanced at each other unsurely."P-Pizza man!? Pizza man! It's me- Jang Sora! Hello? Are you home?! Pizza man-" I repeatedly knocked on his door, but there was no response. Why isn't he answering?! I banged the firm door with a slight frown."What are you doing here?" The familiar spoke up. Do-hwan and I immediately turned to our side to find Min Yoongi... standing in the corridor with us. I glanced at his arm cast with a startled expression."I'm here to visit you, of course," I replied, nodding at his arm. Yoongi bitterly eyed us before walking forward to unlock the door, so I stepped aside to make way for the man."Come in," Yoongi muttered, pushing the door open. Do-hwan and I quickly followed him inside with our bags."Take off your shoes!" Yoongi snapped when I tried to follow him inside without taking off my sneakers."Sorry!" I gasped, hurrying back to the door. Do-hwan awkwardly eyed Yoongi's warning glare and slipped off his shoes at the door."I can't afford housekeepers to clean up mud in my house," Yoongi sarcastically nodded at us as he walked into his tiny apartment kitchen to open the fridge with his uninjured arm."This is a pretty decent apartment," I gasped, happily walking around his living room to scan the spacious interior. It's quite huge for pizza man!"I got it at a discount because it's haunted," Yoongi muttered. I froze, abruptly snapping my attention to the man with my bulging eyes as he placed two water bottles on the coffee table."What do you mean it's haunted?" Do-hwan asked, sitting down on the couch to uncap the water bottle."My neighbor told me a woman hung herself in here... a year before I moved in. The landlord couldn't rent the place to anyone," Yoongi sighed, sitting on the floor in the living room. Gasp! This place is haunted?! I immediately sat beside Do-hwan with a terrified expression."Did she hang herself in here?!- Why would you live in a haunted house?!" I gasped, fearfully goggling the creepy ceiling in fear."She gave me a fair discount, so I moved in without much thought," Yoongi shrugged. Do-hwan quietly uncapped another water bottle and handed it to me, so I took it from him and took a sip with my keen eyes fixed on Yoongi's unbothered face."So... did you encounter any paranormal activities?" I widened my eyes, eagerly leaning across the table to stare at his neutral face. Yoongi sat with his arms crossed as he observed my keen stare."Oh. I hear weird sounds... and sometimes I'd hear a woman crying at midnight," Yoongi suddenly nodded with his eyes wide open. I gasped and covered my mouth in shock. That's scary~!"She- She doesn't haunt in broad daylight- does she???" I gripped Do-hwan's arm in fear. Yoongi let out a deep exhale and slowly glanced around the room as if to search for the ghost. I gulped intensely when his eyes suddenly stopped at the empty chair beside me."She's sitting behind you with her bent neck," Yoongi muttered."Ark- YAH!!!" I shrieked, frantically scrambling over the floor to avoid the empty chair. Do-hwan's eyes bulged open in shock as I crawled onto his lap and tightly hugged his shoulders with my eyes shut."Stop scaring her!" Do-hwan snapped as he patted my back to console me while I sat sideways on his lap like a little kid. I gripped his shirt and glanced at the scary chair with a pouty look."She has mental issues, doesn't she? I could tell since we first met," Yoongi chuckled at my reaction. I froze and turned to glare at him in disbelief. Did he lie to me!?"Did you notice it? Wah~ Should I take you to the psychiatric hospital?" Do-hwan nodded at Yoongi with a teasing smile, causing me to snap my face toward the smug man as he held me in his arms."Ah! I hate you two! I'm not crazy!" I smacked Do-hwan's chest, quickly crawling off him to sit on the floor with my wary eyes on the creepy chair."Thank you for the gifts," Yoongi chuckled while shaking his head."It's nothing. How's your arm?" I nodded at him. Yoongi glanced down at his cast and shrugged."It's pretty painful, but it doesn't hurt as bad now," He nodded. I sighed in relief."I'll transfer the compensation fee for damaging your scooter," I muttered. I'm too embarrassed to look at Yoongi. Do-hwan informed me Yoongi was recovering very quickly... but I insisted on seeing him in person. I'm afraid my parents would hurt him because he's involved with my cursed existence.My chief bodyguard took me back to the mansion after our day outside. I begged him to stay out until he agreed... and we spent time together at the cinema and I even convinced the tough man to have ice cream with me. My brief moment of fleeting happiness immediately vanished once I found myself inside the living room again. Taehyung was frowning at his mother by the staircase."You should be taking care of her-" Mrs. Kim scolded Taehyung. My entrance must've startled them because they both stopped speaking and averted their attention to me. Were they speaking about me? I gulped, unsurely lowering my head to greet the elderly alpha. "Have you eaten, darling? Taehyung is having dinner soon, so why don't you join him?" Mrs. Kim smiled warmly. I glanced at Taehyung, who was staring at me with his usual blank gaze- He quickly glanced away once our eyes met. We haven't spoken since the day I ran from him at the university. It's impossible to communicate with him without arguing... so I figured it was best... if I avoided him."I have eaten out with Do-hwan. I'll head to my room now," I smiled at her and left without greeting Taehyung. The alpha watched me walk away in discontent."Are your legs okay now?" I asked Jungkook when I found him limping toward his room."They removed the cast, so I don't feel as heavy anymore," Jungkook shrugged as I worriedly walked by his side. The alpha awkwardly turned to look at me when I wouldn't stop observing his injured leg."What?" I blinked. He scoffed and turned away."How long are you going to fight with Taehyung? You know he'll never let you have anything your way," Jungkook sighed. He noticed the tension?"I won't submit to him," I muttered, keeping my dim gaze on our matching pace when Jungkook suddenly grabbed my arm to stop me. He sighed and fully turned to face me."He's a jerk because he's guilty of his crimes in the past. Maybe he's afraid of you because only you know the truth about everything. Why don't you show him you're not at all scary? Show him you're on his side. He might give in and soften for you. Taehyung has taken great care of us since we were young," Jungkook whispered as he held my arm."Me? Why would I side with him? I told you he tried to-""Drown you? Yeah, I know what he did to you," Jungkook cut me short. I pursed my lips with a startled expression."You believe me?" I asked. No one believes me in this house."Sora. A person who can swim can't drown this easily. I wasn't there to witness his crime... but Taehyung was obviously guilt-ridden after the incident. The elders tried to interrogate him about the incident, but he wouldn't speak a word of it. He never said you drowned on your own because he knew it was his fault. A lot happened in the past. You, me, and Taehyung are all aware of it. He knows. I know. You know all about our parent's evil deeds, but what can we do? We're still a family," Jungkook softly shook his head at my stubbornness."You're going to forgive my mother after she poisoned yours?" I scoffed at Jungkook. A flash of sorrow reflected over his pale face, but he sighed and shook his head again."Eomma had a choice. Your mother might've taken part in the incident, but it was eomma's choice to end her life. She even tried to end mine. My mother chose her fate, and it's not your fault. I'm tired of living in the painful past. We need to heal, Sora. We can't recover if we keep our wounds exposed like this," Jungkook gently places his hands on my shoulders. I gulped at his words... until I felt a hot lump forming in my throat. It was my plan to ruin my family once I returned... but after seeing the desperation in Jungkook's eyes... am I really willing to put everyone through the same misery again? Over an incident that happened almost a decade ago? Am I the only one stuck in the past when everyone has already moved on?
No. I'm not the only one. Taehyung is stranded too.
I thought about Jungkook's words for a couple of weeks because I couldn't get the thoughts out of my head. Should I let everything go and start afresh? That seems nice. Will I be happier? Let's pretend it was all a nightmare. I blinked again- only to find myself standing in front of Taehyung's bedroom door with a file clenched tightly in my arms. Just because I'm moving on... it doesn't mean I'm weak. Fine. I'll back off for now until they provoke me first. Knock. Knock. I carefully knocked on his door. No answer. Knock- The door creaked open and Taehyung appeared in his night robe. He didn't open his door all the way and stared at me from between the small gap."I- I need help with my task-" I stuttered, unsurely peeking at his room. Taehyung glanced down at the file in my hand before looking up at me again."You signed up for the trouble, so figure it out yourself," He coldly replied, shutting the door in my face. I bit my lips at his rejection and turned away in defeat. Jungkook's advice is quite a challenge. Sora! You can't give up!
And so. It became my mission to get on Taehyung's good side. I'd follow him around at home... and even at the university to ask about the council. He was always annoyed by my constant disturbance but would always answer my questions in a dull tone. I have to try a bit harder. The Taehyung I used to know... was a very kind soul. I know he's still the same.
"I'm not in the mood to speak right now!" Taehyung eventually shouted from the other side of his bedroom door when I wouldn't stop bothering him."You don't have to speak! I brought-" I immediately pursed my lips when he swung his door open to greet me with his deadly glare. Taehyung clenched his jaw, so I blinked at him and glanced down at the small cake on the plate. I baked it earlier with the chefs in the kitchen."I made a strawberry cake for you," I nervously raised the plate before his fuming breath. Taehyung kept his intense gaze on me for roughly ten seconds... but eventually gave in and glanced down at the cute decoration."You didn't put rat poison in it, did you?" He asked, suspiciously folding his arms before me."Of course not. Eat it- I overheard you asking Haerim to have dinner with you this afternoon," I gulped, glancing away awkwardly. Taehyung asked Haerim to go out with him, but she refused and left."You were eavesdropping?-""No! I swear! I heard it by accident. So I made you this cake- just in case you felt terrible today," I shook my head. Taehyung stood staring at me without dropping his intimidating glare. Come on~ Stop being so stubborn and accept my truce offering!"What's with you lately? Did you think I wouldn't notice you tailing me everywhere?" Taehyung asked, raising his eyebrow in suspicion."It seems like I can't avoid you forever since our parents insist on our marriage... so I might as well try to argue less with you," I sighed, quickly pushing him aside and strode into his room without his permission. Taehyung scoffed in annoyance as he turned to watch me place the cake on his desk. I licked my finger after I accidentally touched the cream on his cake. The alpha glanced back and forth between me and the dessert with a slight frown as if to interpret my strange behavior with his arms crossed firmly over his buff chest.
And it worked. After the day I made him the cake... he wasn't so... troubled by my presence anymore. He didn't entirely open up to me, but he still helped me with the council work, and we didn't argue over the past anymore.
I nervously chewed my nails while clenching the pencil in my hand as I sat cross-legged on the floor in Taehyung's room. I don't understand this study case. Should I ask him again? He already explained it to me three times though. Gulping, I slowly turned my head to the side to peek at Taehyung as he sat on the couch with his legs crossed, keeping his sharp gaze trained on his device.

"What are you looking at? Did you think I wouldn't notice you scribbling nonsense on the paper?" Taehyung asked without looking at me. My cheeks flushed red, so I quickly turned back to find the random doodle on the document. I grabbed the eraser and frantically rubbed it over the nonsense in embarrassment."Namjoon could've easily simplified this for me..." I gritted under my breath. Taehyung won't tell me a single clue!"Moh? Are you comparing my tutoring skills to that asshole? No one will simplify the complication in life for you, so learn to solve it yourself," Taehyung huffed, still keeping his eyes fixed on the tablet. I fired him a resentful glare before letting out a heavy sigh, finally getting up from the floor to slump on the couch in defeat. He keeps nagging me!"I need a break," I mumbled, shoving my face into the cushion. My head is hurting!"You've been solving the same study case for a week-""I have a question," I sighed with my face pressed against the cushion."Get back to work-""The marriage. Is it real, or are you and the elders using it to tame me?" I asked, lifting my face off the cushion to frown at the man. He didn't look at me and kept on typing with an unbothered expression."It's probably to bind both of us," Taehyung replied."Do you want it? The marriage," I asked."Why are you asking me the question?" Taehyung responded."I don't think we can live happily in an arranged marriage. Especially not when we aren't on good terms. You obviously like Haerim," I muttered. Taehyung didn't reply to me right away and kept on typing his report without a bother. Clack. Clack. I listened to his clattering keyboard... calmly awaiting his response."Are you curious about my relationship with Haerim?" Taehyung asked, finally lifting his eyes to meet mine as I lay face-first on the couch. I stared at him without blinking."She's pretty and smart," I mumbled. Taehyung didn't blink and stared at me."What about it?" He asked."Well. If you want to marry Haerim... then maybe you can convince our parents," I shrugged, sitting up on the couch to scratch my head. I can't convince my parents otherwise, but Taehyung can probably change their minds."Why? Are you interested in a new man?" Taehyung huffed, glancing back at his screen again."Hoseok confessed his feelings, and I still haven't given him a response," I shrugged, glancing down at my hands awkwardly."Are you asking me for permission to date him?" Taehyung dawdled."If I date Hoseok, then you can date Haerim. Let's enjoy our life for now before the marriage," I suggested. Taehyung grew hushed again."I'm not getting back with her," Taehyung muttered. I blinked at my hands before looking up at him in surprise."Why? You two seem to-""How can I be with a person who betrayed me? I'm not as forgiving as you think," Taehyung answered sternly. Right. Haerim left his side."So why did you kiss her? You asked her out to dinner last week," I asked. Taehyung stared at me blankly. There was a moment of silence between us."Haerim wants to get back with me... so I asked her out to dinner so I could give her proper closure. She rejected my invitation because she knew my intention to terminate our relationship," Taehyung sighed. I grew quiet while staring at him."So you're not going to date her? Does that mean I can't be with Hoseok either?" I asked. Taehyung sorely lowered his head to rub his face before looking back up at me."What is this behavior? Are you in heat? Did you sleep with people in the States? Is that why you desperately want a man right now?" Taehyung questioned with his eyebrows furrowed. I wanted to fire back at him but stopped my mouth from running wild when I noticed the concern in his cold frown."It's not that. Don't think inappropriately! I'm just- lonely and I want-""Want a man to entertain you? You're a supreme alpha. Every man in society has their prying eyes on you, but that doesn't mean you should mindlessly let them use you," Taehyung interrupted me."I'm an adult. Not a child. I'm aware of my actions, so you don't have to worry about me," I countered."So why do you want a boyfriend?" Taehyung asked. I gulped at his question and glanced down again. It feels like I'm a child, and he's interrogating me!"I want to be loved," I shrugged, glancing away with bright red cheeks."Is that all? For all I know... you're searching for the mysterious man you touched and kissed in the closet. Do you want love? Are you sure it's love you're searching for in the dark closet room?" Taehyung pressed, raising his eyebrows at me. I gripped my hands in embarrassment before darting him an irritated glare."Oh! So what if I'm horny?!- My body has matured and I need a partner- Tha- That's why I'm politely asking you for permission to avoid unnecessary trouble with our parents! Whatever I do with my body isn't your concern!" I blurted in frustration until my face flushed red. I should just tell him the truth! There's nothing to be ashamed of! Taehyung dully examined my rosy red cheeks without reacting to my confession."You're still a virgin?" He asked, leaning back against the couch, clearly amused by the information."Why do you care?" I huffed."You really stayed loyal to Jungkook while you were away? That's impressive," Taehyung suddenly chuckled."It's not that I'm loyal! I was tempted many times but figured I should wait until I returned, but no one seemed to like me at all! Why are all the female alphas so hot and pretty here???" I whined, slumping against the couch in frustration. I thought men would swarm around me once I returned, but it's the exact opposite!"Just because a man's holding back his desire... doesn't mean he doesn't want you," Taehyung answered. I blinked at his words before averting my gaze to Taehyung again. What did he say?"Do you want me? If not... then you shouldn't stop me- from seeing other men," I whined, quickly sitting up to kneel before the man with an upset pout. Taehyung laughed at my words with his hand tucked under his chin while admiring my dark frown. Is he teasing me?!"Me? Do I want you? You...?-""Ah! Whatever! I'm going to bed!" I grimaced at his mocking smile before launching off the couch and stomped to bed in a grumpy mood. I'm frustrated! I want to be loved, but it's hard to love when people only value my power and not me! Grunting in annoyance, I flipped over on the mattress to stare at the empty ceiling in defeat. Would I be happier if I lived in a world full of love? A world where everyone loves me and would kill to prioritize me? If everyone loved me... I'd live a life full of happiness.
Third Person POV
Flash BackA young little girl dressed in a thin floral dress hummed softly under her breath as she wandered around the massive mansion corridors on her own. 5-year-old Sora was bored out of her mind without the presence of her family. She skipped down the hallway with a baseball clutched tightly in her hand until she noticed a slightly opened bedroom door."Oppa?" Sora called in her cute voice, cautiously pushing the door open to poke her ponytail head inside the vacant room."Wah~!" She softly gasped when he found Taehyung's collection of toys stacked neatly on the shelves. Sora nervously glanced back at the empty hall before stepping inside his spotless room to observe the intriguing items with her glassy pupils in astonishment."Oh! How did he do this~?" Sora gasped, rushing toward Taehyung's desk once she noticed a small wooden ship inside a clear bottle. The little heir bit her lips and closed one of her eyes to peek inside the small bottleneck before frowning at the ship inside it."How did he put the ship inside the bottle...?" She murmured, climbing his desk to examine the bottle out of curiosity. The young girl shifted from side to side while wiggling her butt to observe the bottle with an eager frown as she thought hard... about possible ways to fit the ship inside such a small opening."What are you doing?" A voice spoke up just as the door swung open- and Taehyung appeared in his school uniform with a bag swung over his shoulder."Oh! Oppa- I was just- oh!" Sora lifted her head in panic as she knelt on Taehyung's desk. She accidentally knocked over the bottle- sending it rolling off the table. The young girl gasped, scrambling forward in an attempt to catch the bottle- Crash! The bottle smashed over the floor, causing the intact ship to shatter into bits. Silence. The room grew hushed as Taehyung stood by his doorway with his startled gaze on the mess stirred by the little alpha. Sora pouted in fright when she noticed his upset expression, so she slowly scooted over to the desk to find her way down."Don't move," Taehyung gritted as the little alpha tried to crawl off the desk."Oppa! I didn't mean to- I'm sorry-""I said don't move!" Taehyung snapped in anger, causing Sora to stiffen in place as she dangled from the desk with her fearful eyes fixed on his angered glare. He was so scary... she didn't even breathe while hanging onto the edge of the wooden desk with her little palms."I-I thought it was cool-" Sora muttered, cluelessly wiggling her bare feet to search for a landing over the broken shards- when Taehyung suddenly hurled his bag to the side and stomped towards her."I told you to stay still!" Taehyung snapped, seizing her arm just before her feet met the floor."Ah! Oppa! My arm- ah!" Sora shrieked in pain when she felt his painful grip on her arm. Taehyung was much bigger than her in terms of physical complexity, so he easily lifted her lightweight off the floor by her upper arm and heaved the young alpha out of his room as she wailed in pain."Stay out of my room!" Taehyung angrily shoved the little alpha out of his door and slammed it shut. THUD! Sora tumbled hard onto the wooden floor after he violently swung her out of his room."Ow..." The young alpha whimpered after colliding with the solid floor. She didn't dare whimper and sat up to rub her throbbing arm... only to realize she had a light scratch on her left forearm.Young Sora bit her trembling lips as heavy tears filled her eyes. She sniffled and looked up at the closed door with an intense heaviness in her chest before pushing her weak body upward and strolled away in tears. The young alpha wasn't the type to cry out loud, unlike her partner, Jeon Jungkook. She preferred to rub the streaming tears off her plump cheeks and disappeared to sulk in her secret hiding place.
Dinner
The elderly alphas settled in the dining room to have their evening warm meals as Taehyung quietly slurped his warm soup with a bandaged hand."What's wrong with your hand? Did you get hurt?" Mrs. Kim worriedly grabbed her son's hand to examine the bandage. He quickly yanked his hand back."I'm fine," Taehyung muttered and lowered his head to stare at his soup. The child injured himself while clearing the mess inside his room."Where's Shora~? I can't find her anywhere~! Shoraaaa~?" Jungkook whined as he strolled to the dining table in his adorable superhero pajamas."Right. Where is Sora? I haven't seen her since this afternoon?" Mr. Jang straightened his back in his seat. Taehyung stopped chewing his food and slowly glanced at the empty seat across from him."I saw her earlier. Sora was sulking in the playroom. She refused to talk or eat the snack I brought her. Did you check the playroom, Jungkook?" Mrs. Jeon, Jungkook's average mother, asked as her son poked the meat with his fork."She's not there. I already checked," Jungkook shook his head while swallowing his food."I'll get the maids to search for her," Mrs. Jang sighed."Her meal will go cold," Jungkook's mother nodded at the untouched plate.Kim Taehyung wiped his lips before excusing himself from the dining room and walked up the stairs to head back to his room when he noticed a little blood stain on The Jang's doorknob. Taehyung paused by the door to examine the almost unnoticeable dried blood on the handle. He gulped and slowly reached out to turn the knob. Creak. The oldest alpha stepped inside Sora's parents' room and carefully closed the door behind him.The room was dead quiet... so he carefully scanned the vacant bedroom to search for a presence. Nothing was out of place. He slowly knelt on the floor to check under the master bed... but it was also empty. Taehyung unsurely knelt on the floor while glancing around the room before entering the bathroom... and yet... Sora was nowhere to be found. He sighed and walked back toward the door when he caught something in the corner of his eye. Taehyung halted and slowly turned to stare at the slight gap in the wardrobe. The oldest alpha stood in silence to examine the loose handle... and finally yanked open the door to leave the room without checking it."She'll come out when she's hungry," Mrs. Jang sighed after the maids informed her they couldn't find the youngest heir. It's Sora's habit to disappear when she's upset."Jungkook! It's time for bed!" Mrs. Jeon scolded him when her child refused to follow her up the stairs."WEEEEEEE~!" Jungkook energetically sprinted all over the living room as he pretended to fly with his extended arms. The mischievous alpha dodged his mother's grip and hopped onto the couch where Taehyung was sitting. Taehyung leaned back against the couch when the little boy carelessly leaped over his head and tumbled into the other couch. Jungkook shrieked excitedly at his mother's warning glare."I want to play with Shora~! Where is she?!" Jungkook threw a tantrum when Mr. Jeon suddenly swept his son off his feet from behind the couch."You'll see her when you wake up! Let's go to bed~!" Mr. Jeon playfully squeezed Jungkook's baby face. The child whined in annoyance at his father's playful actions but eventually burst out laughing when he was tickled in the waist. Taehyung sat in the living room with the wrecked ship before lifting his dull eyes to watch The Jeon head up the stairs with their son."Taehyung-ah. It's bedtime. Head to bed," Mrs. Kim gave her son a soft peck as the Jang got ready for their business trip. Taehyung glanced at the clock. 11:00 PM."I'll head to bed in a bit," Taehyung smiled. His parents ruffled his hair and left for bed as well after the Jang left the mansion.Taehyung sat alone in the living room before getting up to check the dining room until he found a plate of food left on the table for Sora. The elders knew the child would find her way toward food when she was hungry, so they left the meal for her. Taehyung sighed at the cold meal and slowly walked toward the cabinet to pull out a fresh box of homemade rice cake. He gripped the package tightly before making his way back up the stairs. The oldest heir grabbed a few tissues and carefully entered The Jang's dark bedroom again. Thud. Taehyung saw a tiny hand grabbing the wardrobe door upon his unexpected entrance- slamming it shut in his presence. Clack."She was about to leave...?" Taehyung whispered under his breath as he listened to the obvious thumping and thudding sound from inside the wardrobe as if she was crawling away to hide in her secret bunker."The Jang won't be back until tomorrow, so I'll hide the most delicious rice cake here!" Taehyung cleared his throat as he strolled into the room. The wardrobe grew hushed again. Smiling, Taehyung yanked open the wardrobe door to place the dessert box inside. Sora's pretty doe eyes grew wide open in panic as she sat at the far end with her back pressed against the solid wood. She quickly clasped her mouth as she hugged her knees, desperately praying not to get caught by the alpha.

Taehyung pretended not to see her adorable pale expression in between the hanging clothes and shut the door after hiding his bait in the closet. Thud. Thud. The young heir watched Taehyung stroll away between the small gap. Clack. The bedroom door suddenly closed again. The young alpha exhaled in relief and slowly averted her temped gaze to the sweet rice cake box... at the base of her feet. She bit her lips in difficulty until she felt her empty stomach... growling in hunger."Oh?" Sora pouted when she opened the box in the dark wardrobe to find a single piece of half-eaten rice cake in the box. She exhaled in frustration, finally pushing open the wardrobe to let the refreshing air inside, and sat on the floor to stare at the leftovers. The alpha picked up the squishy textured snack before pushing it into her mouth.She quietly munched the chewy sweet rice cake with a sulky expression until her belly growled intensely again. It wasn't enough to soothe her stomach. She rubbed her tummy and slowly got up to leave her parent's room with her empty rice cake box- but halted when she noticed a single rice cake placed on a tissue in the corridor. The young child glanced around the empty corridor in confusion before walking towards the delicious-looking rice cake."Did someone drop their sweet rice cake...?" Sora muttered, crouching down to pick the snack from the tissue and shoved it into her mouth.

"Oh?!- Another one?" Sora gasped cutely with her stuffed cheek when she spotted another rice cake on the window stool. She quickly scurried toward it and shoved the cake into her mouth again. The heaviness in her chest slowly subsided when she spotted yet another rice cake near a vase in the corridor. The alpha's face lit up brightly as she skipped toward the rice cake. The young soul kept stuffing the snack into her mouth to stretch her chubby cheeks... like a little hamster."Ahah~!" She shrieked when she found another rice cake on a tissue by a door. She quickly crouched down to pick it up when she noticed a tissue sticking out from underneath the door gap."Oh?" Sora lay flat on the floor to peek under the door to find an entire box of rice cake inside the empty room."Hah~! There's more!" She cutely sat up in enthusiasm. The alpha thoughtlessly turned the knob and pushed it open without paying attention to her surroundings. She quickly skipped into the room and was about to grab the box when it was tugged away from her clutch. The young heir froze in her place when she looked up to find... Kim Taehyung... staring at her with his eyes narrowed at her sneaky behavior."Are you hungry?" Taehyung asked, keeping his stern eyes on her frightened eyes. Sora tried to open her mouth to speak, but it was stuffed with sweet rice cake, so she nodded and rubbed her empty stomach to express her hunger. Taehyung smiled at her chipmunk cheeks before striding away to close his bedroom door. Sora unsurely watched Taehyung as he switched on the lights. The oldest heir grabbed a first aid kit and walked back toward the little girl as she knelt cutely on the floor."Swallow the sweet rice cake in your mouth, and I'll give you more," Taehyung sighed, grabbing her hand to tug her onto her feet. He led her to his bed.... so the chubby girl innocently crawled onto his mattress with her attentive doe eyes on the rice cake box. Taehyung frowned at Sora's messy dress. The alpha sighed and entered his closet room to grab a loose T-shirt."Your clothes are dirty," Taehyung helped Sora change into his oversized T-shirt before putting her dress away in the laundry basket."Oooow!" Sora whined when Tahyung smacked her small hand to stop her from touching the rice cake box."Swallow the cake in your mouth! You'll choke if you keep eating more without swallowing it!" Taehyung scolded. Sora pouted at Taehyung and nodded while chewing her cake in her mouth as she sat in his shirt. The oldest alpha's shirt... was far too big for her... it was as if she was wearing a dress. Taehyung crawled onto his bed again with the young alpha and gently grabbed her injured forearm."Does it hurt?" Taehyung asked while inspecting the light scratch. Sora shook her head and glanced down at the wound with her puffy cheeks."It doesn't hurt? Even if there's blood all over your dress?" Taehyung doubtfully raised his eyebrow at her dismissive behavior. Sora cluelessly blinked at Taehyung while swallowing the rice cake and shrugged again."I'm not whiny like kookie," Sora finally replied. Taehyung scoffed and shook his head in disbelief."You can have the rest of the rice cake. I'll fix your arm- SLOWLY!- EAT ONE BY ONE!" Taehyung tried to speak but didn't finish his sentence when Sora hastily grabbed the rice cake from the box with both hands- so Taehyung immediately grabbed her wrists in shock. Sora grimaced at his disapproving glower and slowly released the powdery rice cake from her grip. She patiently took one rice cake to place it inside her mouth."You're so mean," Sora muttered."You keep on testing my nerves. I told you to stay out of my room," Taehyung exhaled as he cleaned her wound. Sora didn't wince and sat in silence while watching the alpha treat her arm."Why won't oppa let Sora inside your room? Do you hate me, oppa?" The child questioned."There are many glass objects in my room. I'm afraid you'll get hurt. Just like the incident earlier. You could've cut yourself if you weren't careful," Taehyung calmly explained as he applied ointments to her scratch. Sora picked up another sweet rice cake with her free hand while struggling to swallow the red bean-flavored one in her inflated cheeks."Is that why you were so mad at Sora...?" Sora asked while staring at Taehyung's soft expression."Oh. I told you not to move because the shards were under the desk, but you wouldn't listen," Taehyung exhaled. The child stopped chewing and glanced at Taehyung's bandaged fingers before averting her eyes to his bandaged feet."Did you get hurt because of the glasses Sora broke?" Sora questioned."Yeah. I got a few cuts trying to clean up the mess," Taehyung nodded as he placed a bandage on her scratch to secure it."I'm sorry, oppa. I'll be careful next time," Sora muttered. Taehyung didn't respond as he patted her cute bandage and then got off the bed to put the first aid kit away. He climbed back onto his bed as Sora closed the box of rice cake."I'll let you play in my room, but only if I'm here... with you. Got it? Never enter alone," Taehyung gently reached over to brush her stained lips."Got it. Oppa is not mad at Sora anymore?" Sora's face suddenly brightened."Of course, I'm still upset! Aigo-""Ah! Oppa~" The child shrieked in shock when the oldest alpha flicked her forehead. She whimpered and grabbed her forehead in shock. Taehyung chuckled at her cute rosy cheeks and soft glare as she fired him an irritated look."What do you want to play with? I'll bring it to you," Taehyung nodded at his collection of toys. The youngest heir suddenly smiled and turned to grin at him with her eager eyes."You," She blinked innocently."M-moh?" Taehyung raised his eyebrow at her unexpected response."Sora wants to play with oppa!" She giggled, grabbing his hands with a bright expression. Taehyung pursed his lips while admiring her chubby cheeks with a faint smile."You're not mad at me...? For hurting you?" Taehyung blinked, curling his fingers around her hands to hold her warm fingers. Sora smiled and leaned forward to peck his cheek before pulling away with a flushed face.[Young Taehyung x baby Sora]

"Sora broke oppa's toys. Sora should be sorry. Right?" Sora nodded at Taehyung."You know I don't care about my toys, right? I'm only concerned about your well-being," Taehyung sighed. Sora giggled at his response and leaned forward to kiss his cheek again."I love you," She grinned, leaning forward to wrap her arms around his neck. Taehyung chuckled at her affectionate behavior while embracing her plump body in his arms."I love you more," Taehyung chuckled while patting her head. Sora giggled again as the older alpha rocked her fragile body from side to side."Can I sleep in your room tonight?" Sora asked, pulling away to smile at him."Oh. Of course... but wash your lips and drink some water, or you'll get a sore throat," Taehyung caressed her cheeks. She nodded at Taehyung's order and quickly scurried into his bathroom to rinse her lips. She drank a glass of water and then crawled back onto the bed with the older alpha after he turned off the lights."I saved half of the rice cake for Jungkook. He loves it too," Sora smiled as she shifted under the blanket to hug Taehyung's waist. The alpha boy slid his arm under her head and leaned over her, carefully releasing her ponytail from the tight hairband to ease her scalp. He combed his fingers through her hair with tenderness to loosen the tangled strands before slumping down on the pillow with her."You two always argue and fight over the littlest things," Taehyung chuckled. Sora placed her arm over Taehyung's chest to hold him close to her."I like him. He's annoying, but he makes me happy-""You like him? What about me?" Taehyung scoffed, glancing down at her plump cheeks with a slight smile."I like you too. I like Jungkook. And I like oppa. I don't want to leave you two! We should stay together forever!" The young heir excitedly suggested. Taehyung grew quiet as he stared at her pale face in the dark."Oh. It's okay to love your family. But we can't stay together like this forever," Taehyung shook his head."Why not? You'll stay with us forever, right?" Sora blinked nervously."Of course, I will stay by your side, but once we grow older... we'll turn into adults, and once we're old enough... we'll have to choose the person we want to spend the rest of our life with, and when that happens... there can't be three people. There can only be two souls when it comes to love," Taehyung explained. The young heir grew silent as she thought about his words."Does that mean... one of us will be abandoned?" Sora asked with a cute pout."I wouldn't say abandon. One of us... will have to search for another soulmate. It's either I leave or Jungkook," Taehyung explained. Sora blinked at him in confusion. The naive soul was too young to understand the concept of adult love."So I have to choose between you and Jungkook?" Sora muttered, sadly staring at Taehyung."You can pick another person. It doesn't have to be us," Taehyung responded."But I don't like anyone else but you two," Sora frowned. Taehyung grew quiet as he stared at her innocent yet anxious eyes."Don't stress about it. We're still young. You'll understand when you're older," Taehyung exhaled, tugging the young heir's face against his chest to embrace her. Sora sighed deeply, scooted closer to him, and closed her eyes until she fell asleep against the warmth of his secured embrace.
End of flashback.
I groggily opened my heavy eyelids after having the recurring dream until my blurry vision adjusted to the high ceiling above my head. It was still dark outside. I sighed heavily and slowly averted my eyes to the man sleeping beside me. His steady breaths... rising and sinking underneath my blanket. I closed my eyes to inhale his soothing scent before opening my eyes again... to gaze at his lifeless face as he quietly snores beside me. My arms were placed over his bare chest... and his thick arm... cushioning my head with his comforting warmth. I stared at him in silence while rubbing his smooth chest with my fingertips... until the fresh memories flooded my head with our steamy moments. I softly grunted and pushed my body off the mattress to rub my face, causing the blanket to slide off my naked body... so I sighed and turned to stare at the man again. What have I done? I turned away to rub my face when I felt him stirring beside me. The chilling... goosebumps suddenly sweeping... across my cold skin... when I felt his fingers skimming over my naked back."Are you okay?" He softly grunted as he pushed his sturdy body off the mattress with a sleepy face. The man gently placed his arm around my waist to secure my naked body as he struggled to stay awake. I didn't respond to his question... so he lifted his concerned gaze to observe my pale face while holding me in his dark bedroom."Are you sober?" I quietly asked as he leaned against my body to embrace me in his arms in a sitting position."You're Jang Sora, are you not?" He chuckled hoarsely. I smiled at his sleepy face while combing my fingers through his hair."We were... drunk..." I muttered, anxiously staring at him. He didn't respond and slowly opened his eyes to fix his tender gaze on me. The man gently held my jaw and leaned forward to press his lips against mine, so I closed my eyes to inhale his relaxing body scent. He slowly pulled away to smile at me while rubbing my moist lips with his thumb."It wasn't a mistake. I can assure you that," He whispered while hovering his lips over mine. I bit my lips intensely as he gazed into my eyes while grazing his fingers over my shoulder... down to my bare back until I felt my body shuddering at his touch."Are you sure?" I asked. The man chuckled at my distrust and snuggled his face against the crook of my neck to inhale my scent. I pursed my lips at his steamy breath and hugged his body against mine to savor his warmth."Should we try again...? Since we're both sober? Hmm...? I can prove it to you again," He spoke in a raspy tone as he traced his nose tip up my neck until his lips landed on my ear. I shuddered at the presence of his warm lips, making me smile shyly at his affectionate strokes."Show me," I nodded. He smiled and leaned forward to kiss me under dim the moonlight glow.I grabbed his firm face as he laid me back on the mattress. The man lowered his warm body onto mine, so I wrapped my legs around his strong hips as he held me captive with his steamy body. My face grew numb once again as he sensually touched my weaknesses with his hands and lips. I gripped his wild hair before clawing his back muscles in pleasure as he pressed his moist lips against my neck again to ease my tense body."I'll show you," He whispered, sensually pulling away to smile at my flushed face as I rested my head on the pillow. I pursed my lips at his tempted gaze before lifting my head upward to meet his addictive lips. He chuckled and lowered his godly structured body over mine... to stimulate our heated nerves... in the chilly dark room.End of the future event.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
I cheerfully sat at the dining table for breakfast with my mother and Jungkook after I got ready in the morning. Jungkook was too busy typing on his phone, leaving his cold food unattended on his plate as I quietly ate my meal when my mother suddenly placed her newspaper down to frown at me from across the table. Five minutes. It only took her five minutes to spot yet another mistake I made just by chewing my food."What are you wearing?" Eomma questioned with her eyebrow raised. I looked up from my plate to find her uptight gaze fixed on my wrist, so I averted my eyes to the golden bracelet."It's a gift from a friend," I shrugged, poking my food with an unbothered look."Jung Hoseok. Did you think I was oblivious?" Eomma asked. I stopped chewing and straightened my back before averting my empty gaze to her without blinking. Jungkook unsurely glanced at me when he noticed the tension in the dining room."Why bother asking if you already know?" I coldly replied. Eomma scoffed at my rudeness and folded her arms."How many times did I urge you to stop screwing around with a weak household? You shouldn't be entangled in a meaningless fling," My mother flared her nostrils in extreme spite. Jungkook nervously lifted his glass to sip the water as I calmly stared at my mother."Screwing? Isn't that a bit too harsh-""There are rumors about you sneaking off with the alpha into a dark room to do who knows what! A supreme alpha must uphold her grace and dignity-""Did Taehyung tell you that because he was definitely the only one there. I can't get intimate with a guy, but Taehyung can freely roam his hands in another woman's skirt? Isn't it a bit unfair, mother?" I scoffed while stirring my seaweed soup with a slight smirk. Jungkook sniggered at my words but immediately pretended to clear his throat when my mother darted him a sharp glare."Jung Hoseok is exploiting you," Eomma sighed, suddenly softening her voice."So are you," I nodded and got up from the table, causing eomma to scoff at me in disbelief. Everyone is exploiting my existence, and it sucks. I grabbed my bag from the couch and left with the guard to attend the university.
A moment later.
"Are you dating Jung Hoseok?" Minho asked, showing up out of nowhere to slump beside me on the couch as I sat in the alpha lounge with my legs crossed. We were the only ones in the room. I glanced at my wrist again and back at his curious gaze."Wae? Are you interested in me?" I asked, averting my eyes away from his stupid smile. Minho released a breathy chuckle and placed his arm over my shoulder, slightly drawing my body against his. I side-eye his arm with an annoyed look."I heard you like... dark rooms," Minho whispered, leaning his face against my ear. It's the rumor. It's spreading across the university like wildfire, and it's fucking irritating. Minho's face was so close to my cheek I could feel his humid breath brushing against my face. I smiled and turned to stare him in the eyes as I raised my hand to place it over his."You heard the rumors?" I asked, tilting my head to smile at his tempted gaze as I softly grazed my finger over his. Minho bit his lips and glanced down at my lips with a slight smirk."I can find a room for us," He suggested while maintaining intense eye contact with me. I softly giggled, lowered my face, and shook my head."I know a dark place for us," I smiled, seductively lifting my gaze to meet his again. Minho slightly pressed his tongue against his inner cheek at my flirty response."You do...?" Minho asked while playing with my fingers over my shoulder."It's really... dark," I replied."Take me there- ARGH?!- YAH!" Minho whispered, leaning forward, and tried to kiss me when I roughly grabbed his hand- aggressively jerking it off my shoulder. The alpha shrieked in pain when I grabbed his collar and twisted his arm on the couch to disable him."Sure, I'll take you there," I laughed as I watched Minho screw his face in distress while being restrained face-first on the couch with his stupid face shoved against the cushion."Let me go!" He demanded, angrily resisting me. I roughly shoved him off the couch, sending him tumbling off the floor. Thump! Minho grabbed the back of his shoulder in pain as he knelt on the floor with a fuming red face. I slowly rose to my feet with my arms crossed as he remained at my feet."I'll make sure... to take you... to a dark room... the next time you touch me," I snarled. Minho snapped his head upward to glare at me with his burning eyes. I shook my head and turned away when he frantically scrambled onto his feet. The door swung open... and a flood of alphas entered the room after their second lecture."HOW DARE YOU- URGH!" Minho roared, angrily pouncing at me so I quickly turned around just in time to find the alpha storming toward me with his fists clenched. Minho tried to tackle me, but I swiftly swung my balled fist- SMACK!- I slammed my knuckles hard into his jaw, sending Minho toppling over the floor. Thump! He foolishly collapsed onto the carpet, clearly startled by my hasty punch.The other alphas halted by the opened door at the unexpected quarrel between me and the dickhead. Minho tried to get back up again but I didn't give him time to breathe and roughly kicked his head. THUD. The alpha weakly collapsed onto the floor. Cold... and motionless with a... single strike. I panted heavily and straightened my body as Minho sprawled on the floor with his mouth ajar before averting my dull eyes to the frightened crowd by the door."Anyone else wants to join him in the darkroom?" I questioned with my eyes trained on the alphas. Did they think they could trample me with their nonsense? Taehyung stood fixed by the door with an unimpressed expression as he glanced at Minho's unfortunate condition."Bring him to the infirmary. Sora. Follow me," Seokjin sighed, nodding at the alphas. Jimin and Namjoon immediately rushed forward to heave Minho's lifeless body and hauled him away as I rubbed my sore knuckle. The alphas filled the room, but no one dared to approach me, so I huffed and sat back down to lie on the couch and closed my eyes with my arms crossed over my chest."Jang Sora," Seokjin repeated in an authoritative tone when I ignored his order."I'm not in the mood," I muttered, keeping my eyes closed. I heard heavy footsteps stomping up to me, but I didn't budge and stubbornly remained on the couch until I felt a painful grip on my wrist. I jerked up and tried to attack the person... thinking it was Seokjin- only to find Taehyung's intimidating glare burning into my eyes instead. I froze on the couch as he tightened his grip around my wrist. How dare he glare at me after causing so much trouble!? Taehyung hastily hauled me onto my feet and dragged me out of the lounge as Seokjin bitterly rotated his body after us. "Don't touch me!" I grimaced, stubbornly defying his grip to make Taehyung release me, but he refused to free me. He harshly forced me into an empty lecture hall- BANG. The agitated alpha banged the door shut to seal me off from the prying eyes in the corridor."What's wrong with you!?" Taehyung snapped. I stared at him with my arms crossed."He tried to harass me!" I snapped back."So you knocked him out!? You've been causing so much trouble-""Because of you!" I screamed in frustration. Taehyung paused to glare at me in shock."Me? How am I accountable for your random burst of violence!?" Taehyung argued. I scoffed and turned away to rub my face in distress. I want to punch him! I want to murder everyone! I'm so fucking upset! They're calling me by hurtful terms because of the rumor!"You started the rumor! Wae?! I tried to make peace with you, but you told everyone I was screwing Jung Hoseok in a dark room, and now every fucking alpha is after me with the absurd-""I NEVER TOLD ANYONE ABOUT IT!" Taehyung yelled in my face."DON'T LIE TO ME-""Only three people were in the room, and I never uttered a fucking word about it! Neither did you! Why are you unleashing your anger on me when there's obviously another suspect!? You say you're trying to make peace with me, and yet you're blindly blaming me for the stupid rumor your lover boy spread himself?!" Taehyung stomped forward to flare his nostrils at me. I opened my lips to speak, but no voice made it out of my mouth. What? Is he accusing Hoseok?! I gripped my fists angrily when I felt a boiling surge jolting in my chest."Hoseok would never-""It wasn't me, and you're in denial! You're doing everything to pick a fight with me! It's pathetic, Sora! Go and ask that mother fucker yourself! I told you he's up to no good!" Taehyung snapped. I stared at him in tears when a wave of dread struck me. Hoseok? Why would he do that!? It doesn't make sense! I shoved Taehyung aside and stomped into the hallway. Fuck!"-I told you to dissociate yourself from her!" Namjoon scolded someone when I almost reached the intersection in the hallway."It's not like that-""We all know you're using Jang Sora to stabilize your household! Are you going to turn your back on Seokjin over a trivial problem?! Seokjin is your friend!" Namjoon seethed at Hoseok. I pursed my lips and stood quietly beside the wall to eavesdrop on their conversation."What are you standing there for?!- Confront him!" Taehyung suddenly shoved me from behind the wall, causing me to stumble forward. Hoseok froze with Namjoon when he found me standing before him in tears. Taehyung clenched his jaw as he stood beside me with his dark glare on the alphas."S-Sora-""She thinks I'm responsible for the rumor about you screwing her in a dark room. Tell her it wasn't me. You and I know the culprit behind it. Tell her," Taehyung intensely stared at Hoseok with his deadly gaze. Hoseok's face turned pale as he averted his terrified gaze to my shattered expression."I didn't mean to spread the rumor. I swear- I was- excited to be with you, so I told a few friends, but they twisted my words and-""See? Is that enough now?" Taehyung turned to stare at me as I stood... staring listlessly... at Hoseok. He told people about our secret moment. Namjoon sighed and crossed his arms over his chest as I frowned at Hoseok's betrayal."S-Sora, I'm sorry-""Fuck yourself," Taehyung spat at Hoseok.Taehyung firmly placed his arm over my shoulder and suddenly turned me away from the alphas. I was in so much shock- I couldn't react and followed him away from Hoseok.We halted at another corridor when we found the medics rushing Minho out of the university on a hospital bed. Minho's parents chased after their son with pale expressions. Seokjin suddenly stepped out of the infirmary room with the doctor to watch the team transfer the injured alpha away. Taehyung pulled his arm off my shoulder when Seokjin turned to stare at me in disappointment. I'm in trouble.A moment later.I sat stiffly in the principal's room with my hands clasped together. Seokjin sat on another chair by the window, so I side-eyed his bitter expression and lowered my head. The principal remained at his desk with a stern frown after failing to make me speak. Knock. Knock. The door to the office suddenly slid open, and Taehyung appeared. He didn't look at me and bowed at the elderly principal before taking his seat beside me.

"I asked you to contact her parents," The man sighed at Taehyung."The Jang is currently on a business trip. I'm here as her legal guardian," Taehyung formally spoke with the principal. The man sorely averted his eyes to me as I stared at my hands with a blank face."The university is a violent free ground-""Many fights broke out in the university before. I hope you can overlook this case. I'll privately speak with Sora at home," Taehyung cut the man short. I fidgeted with my fingers when I felt an eruption of distressing emotions within my chest. Why am I acting this way? I don't understand where all this anger is coming from and I can't control it!"Shin Minho is suffering a mild concussion. He's still unconscious at the hospital," Seokjin spoke up. They're both here because they're the presidents."My household will cover his medical bill-""Kim Taehyung. It's not about the settlement fee. She should be disciplined for acting so recklessly!" Seokjin argued. Taehyung darted Seokjin an annoyed look."Sora-shi. You're the newly elected school president, and yet you're abusing your power before the eyes of the alphas. Are you not going to defend yourself? If you refuse to communicate your faults, then I have no choice but to strip you from your position in the council," The principal sighed. I remained quiet and stared at my bruised fingers until my tears splattered onto my hands. I am extremely frustrated because everything feels so unfair, but I know I can't win the case even if I cried and begged them to sympathize with me."Let's suspend her," Taehyung said shortly. The room grew hushed. I stopped sulking and looked up at him in tears, but he kept his stern gaze on the principal."What do you think?" The principal asked, glancing at Seokjin. The alpha stared at me intensely, so I gripped my skirt to stop myself from trembling and lowered my head again."I don't think we should expel her, and I don't think we should terminate her position in the council over such matters. I'm sure there was a misunderstanding. She should apologize for her careless acts. But I agree with the suspension. She should be given time to reflect on her misconduct," Seokjin sighed."She's not apologizing to anyone. Not to Shin Minho. He tried to harass her. We can suspend her, but the supreme alpha will not deliver her apology to him," Taehyung firmly rejected Seokjin's suggestion. The principal sighed at the presidents and averted his eyes back to me."Give me your thoughts, Sora. I'm willing to listen to you," The principal spoke softly. I bit my trembling lips and blinked the blurry tears out of my eyes."I- want... to go- home," I managed to mumble as a hot lump formed in my throat. The room grew hushed once they got my statement. The principal nodded and leaned back against his seat in exhaustion."I'll issue a suspension letter and send it directly to your parents. I forbid you from entering the university for a week. This case will remain open until Shin Minho recovers," The principal nodded. I sniffled at his decision and got up to leave the room without paying my respects. I rubbed away my tears and took a deep breath as I walked through the university filled with judgmental stares. Fuck them all. I don't want to be here anymore.I didn't wait for the guard to pick me up from school and strode out of the university by myself. The afternoon atmosphere turned gloomy when the dense cloud drifted across the vast sky, and a strong gust of cold wind suddenly swirled up a storm in the city. People started rushing over the sidewalk to dodge the anticipated rainstorm... but I kept walking steadily with my unblinking eyes fixed on the path before me. I strolled aimlessly on the street with a muted mind until I felt the first wet droplet splattering on my face. Splat.I blinked, abruptly pausing on the sidewalk and looked up at the dense cloud above my head until a few more icy raindrops fell onto my dull skin. I closed my eyes and walked forward again when the storm suddenly vented its sorrow, pouring its freezing cold shower onto me. And yet, I didn't run for shelter and kept walking against the strong wind current until I was completely soaked. One step... after another... splashing thoughtlessly onto the puddles on the ground. One breath after another... I inhaled the moist scent of the damp dirt. One blink after another... to filter out the raindrops from my blurry vision.What's weird was... I couldn't feel any emotions. I felt an icy cold jolt expanding all over my body as if to seize control of my consciousness. The discomforting sensation slithering... all the way up to the back of my skull. I was weirdly calm as I walked through the rainstorm without flinching at the piercing pellets. Knock. Knock. I blinked once... and I was suddenly standing in front of a steel door in a dim hallway of an apartment building. The door creaked open at my disruption, and a familiar face appeared. He halted when he found me... standing on his doorstep with an empty stare.

"Yah. What are you doing here?" The pizza man waved his hand before my downcast face, turning his head from side to side as if to search for another person in the hallway. Snap. I blinked out of my thoughts and focused my eyes on his concerned expression."Ah! I'm cold! Let me inside!" I shrieked when a flood of emotions suddenly returned to my vulnerable body. I shakily pushed Yoongi aside and stormed into his house in a hurry to avoid the chilly atmosphere."Your shoes-! Yah~! Ah~! Your muddy shoes!" Yoongi whined in annoyance as he closed the door."Sorry!" I gasped, hurrying back to his door when I accidentally smeared his floor with my dirty sneakers. Yoongi bitterly eyed my condition before letting out a deep sigh as I shuddered against the door with my arms wrapped around my soaked clothes like a lost puppy.
A moment later.
I hungrily slurped the tasty seaweed soup from the bowl while sitting on the solid floor in a set of loose shirt and shorts. Yoongi was nice enough to offer me his spare clothes. I sideways turned my head as I chewed the warm rice to find Yoongi mopping the mud on the floor."I'm sorry," I apologized again. The pizza man didn't answer me and walked away after cleaning the mess I made. He picked up my soaked sneaker with a plastic glove to hang it near his door with a disgusted face."Why didn't you buy an umbrella~? Ah~! What a mess~!" Yoongi whined after disappearing into his kitchen. He suddenly appeared again with a pot of ramen and carefully placed it on the coffee table."Wah~? It smells so good! Thank you for the meal!" I happily giggled. Yoongi handed me a chopstick as he sat across from me."I should charge you for the service!" He grimaced."You know I'll pay you well!" I smiled at him. Yoongi scoffed at my statement and shook his head with a slight smile."Why's a rich woman like you eating soggy ramen in a poor man's house?" He asked, placing a bowl of ramen for me after separating it from the steaming pot.

"The university suspended me for knocking out a guy. I don't feel like going home because I'll get into more trouble with my parents," I shrugged."Are you serious!?" Yoongi laughed, firing me a skeptical frown as if he didn't believe me."I wish I was kidding," I shrugged and slurped the steaming ramen. I gasped in satisfaction, causing Yoongi to smile at my delighted reaction."Why did you knock him out?" He asked."He tried to lure me into a dark room with him!" I shrugged. Yoongi paused to stare at me in disbelief."So you gave him the darkness he deserved," Yoongi nodded as he ate his ramen."That's right! You totally get me!" I reached across the table to pat his shoulder. Yoongi scoffed at my informal speech and shook his head."The storm will last a few days because of the typhoon. I'll contact your bodyguard-""No! No!- You can't! I'm not leaving!" I shrieked when he tried to grab his phone. Yoongi frowned at me with his eyebrows furrowed."Do you plan on crashing at my place-""Oh! Let me stay! Just for tonight!" I pouted at him. Yoongi blinked at my deranged behavior unsurely."I don't want to get in trouble with you again! You should go home!" Yoongi shook his head disapprovingly."Wai- Wait! Listen to me- oh?! Just one night! I promise I'll leave!- Just one night?! Please?!" I snapped, hastily circling the coffee table to grab his phone. Yoongi groaned and tried to push me away, but I stubbornly gripped his hand to stop him from contacting Do-hwan."Just one night...? Is my home a motel?!" Yoongi whined, dropping his hands in defeat when I wouldn't stop pouting at him like a child."I'll leave tomorrow!" I insisted, hungrily grabbing my bowl of ramen while sitting beside him. Yoongi fired me a sharp glare. I'm not going home! Taehyung will lecture me! Do-hwan will scold me! Jungkook will mock me! My parents will scream at me for being a nuisance!
A few days later.
"YOU SAID YOU'LL LEAVE! ENOUGH!- I'M CALLING YOUR GUARD!" Yoongi demanded."GIVE ME ANOTHER DAY! I PROMISE I'LL LEAVE!" I whined while fighting with Yoongi in his kitchen to stop him from contacting Do-hwan. Yoongi hastily pushed my face away with his palm as I extended my arms to prevent him from dialing his screen. I promised to stay with Yoongi only for a night, but I got too comfortable with the peace and delicious food. Even the ghosts in his apartment didn't scare me anymore. I'd rather live with the dead than live with my bloodsucking family! The dead can't hurt me! Only the breathing ones can!"ARGH!- YAH?! WHY ARE YOU BITING ME!?-" Yoongi screamed in shock when I bit his arm. Knock. Knock. We both froze in the kitchen when we heard the faint thuds on his door."Min Yoongi? I'm Choi Dohwan-" My eyes flung open in fright at the presence of his voice. Badum!"Help me just this once! Oh?!-""No! I'm telling him!-""I'll tell him you kidnapped me! You'll get in trouble!" I furiously whispered, causing Yoongi's eyes to widen in disbelief."Ohoh?! You-" Yoongi widened his startled eyes at my threat when Dohwan knocked again. I quickly released Yoongi's hand and hurried inside his living room to hide behind his couch. Yoongi scoffed and opened the door for Dohwan after I disappeared."Have you seen Sora?" Do-hwan's voice spoke up from the front door. I bit my lips anxiously while crouching against the wall by the couch with my arms wrapped around my knees. What if he tells Do-hwan-"No. Is she missing?" Yoongi asked."Are you sure she didn't come by-""She visited me on a stormy day but left afterward. She seemed upset," Yoongi shrugged. Do-hwan grew silent as I nervously listened to their conversation. I'll jump out of the window if he drags me home!"Contact me if she returns to your place," Do-hwan sighed. Thud. I heard Yoongi closing the door, so I peeked from behind the couch to check for Do-hwan. Yoongi shook his head repeatedly."Why are you doing this? Your family is searching for you," Yoongi frowned, turning to glare at my childish behavior. I slowly crawled from behind the couch and sat cross-legged on the floor with my hands clasped together."I don't like my family," I said quietly. Yoongi stood by the doorway to watch my dim expression and turned to rub his face in disbelief."Alright. You can stay. I'm heading out," Yoongi nodded, turning to pull on his jacket."Where are you going?! Take me with you!" I gasped, quickly scrambling onto my feet. Yoongi turned to frown at my oversized clothes, so I glanced down at his loose shirt awkwardly.The pizza man eventually agreed to let me leave with him after I changed back into my clothes. He did the laundry for me. Oh! Yoongi didn't buy a new scooter with the money I compensated and chose to fix his red mini scooter. He took me on a ride to his university in the evening, so I happily raised my arms in the air to feel the soothing wind with a bright smile as we commuted around the busy street."You'll fall off the scooter! This isn't a drama and you're not the main character- so hold onto me if you don't wish to crack your skull!" Yoongi whined for the fifth time when I kept releasing him."I love the breeze!" I grinned and lowered my arms to hug his waist. Yoongi glared at me through the mirror, so I leaned forward to place my chin on his shoulder."I don't have money to pay for your injury if you get hit by a car," Yoongi muttered, glancing away and steered into a different street. I smiled at his cute grumble and turned my face to kiss his soft cheek. Yoongi suddenly stiffened on the scooter."Yah-""I'm happy," I smiled at his flustered cheeks.Pizza man awkwardly glanced at me through the mirror and gulped as I tightened my arms around his waist. He suddenly smiled and looked forward, making me giggle at his positive reaction. We finally arrived at his crowded music school as young adults rushed in and out of the area. Yoongi carefully lifted the helmet off my head as I stared at the food tents and young people with... my eyes wide open. Damn!!! This place looks fun! I've never been around so many people?! It's a festival!"Let's head inside," Yoongi nudged me after parking his scooter. I excitedly walked beside him with a wide grin while gripping his loose jacket so I wouldn't get lost as we entered the school fair. I shrieked in delight when I noticed people crowding around a student performer. She's singing with her partner! Oh! She's so talented!"Your school is so cool! I wish people were this cool at my university!" I gasped while clapping with the crowd as he stood beside me. Yoongi quickly shifted his gaze away when I turned to nudge him with a cute smile."The rich suck, don't they?" Yoongi asked, turning to walk away, so I walked after him with my eyes trained on the performer. Why is he leaving already?! I want to watch the performance!"Oh! They're too serious in school!- They party! They make out with their tongues! They get wasted with expensive liquor! And then they have shameless sex all over the place!" I shrugged while grumbling under my breath as we walked through the crowd. The alphas... love dark clubs and weird sexual fetishes. Everyone wants to kill one another, so they're not as comfortable to be around when I know they want me buried under the ground!"Can you eat the ordinary food here?" Yoongi asked when we stopped by a fishcake tent. I hungrily stared at the boiling soup and fishcake sticks."Hey! I've got a functioning stomach like yours too! I can eat anything!- I'll transfer money to you once I return home," I nudged his arm and reached out to grab a few fish cakes. The vendor offered me a paper cup filled with hot soup, so I thanked him and slurped the spicy broth with a satisfied frown. Yoongi blinked at me curiously as I devoured the delicious fishcake, so I offered him a bite which he gladly accepted. We ate at the stall and finally paid for the number of sticks we had together."Yoongi?! We've been searching for you!- Oh? Who's this?!" A group of university students suddenly appeared before us."Oh! Hyeongjung!" Yoongi waved as we approached his friends."Anneonghaseyo!" I greeted them."Is she your girlfriend?!" A female student grinned at Yoongi, causing our cheeks to flush red."Oh. She's my girlfriend!" Yoongi answered without hesitating. I blinked at his false exclaim, briefly widening my gaze on the pizza man. What did he just-"You're so lucky! She's so pretty!" His friend gasped when Yoongi suddenly took my hand. My eyes bulged open as I stood beside him, dumbfounded by his claim. Is he out of his mind?! I awkwardly glanced down at our interlaced fingers."I'll see you guys around!" Yoongi patted his buddy and pulled me forward. I awkwardly smiled at his friends and followed him away because I was too stunned to speak."Did you say I was your-""Why? You disagree with my statement?" Yoongi smirked as we walked side by side. I frowned at his cocky smile but didn't say anything. Is this a joke?"Where are we going?" I asked when he pushed the door to his university building open and pulled me inside with him.I unsurely followed the pizza man as we walked down the empty hall, hand in hand. I'm not complaining, but he should've warned me if he's trying to impress his friends! Yoongi didn't respond and nudged a door open on the 2nd floor. We entered a dark room, but the lights from the school event below were bright enough to illuminate the space. I glanced at a slick black piano in the center of the room."Is it okay if I leave the lights off? The professor will kill me for sneaking in here," Yoongi asked as we stood in the vacant room."S-Sure," I nodded. Yoongi tugged my hand again and brought me toward the piano. He's still holding my hand? It feels nice. I slowly sat down as he settled on the cushioned bench with me.Yoongi finally released my hand from his warm grip and placed his pale and slender fingers on the piano key. He brought me here for this? That's so sweet of him. The pizza man started pressing on the keys to form a delicate melody. I remained quiet and watched him play the piano until I softly swayed my head from side to side with the soulful tune... as he beautifully performed the piece with his swift hand movement."I love it, but what song is this?" I asked, glancing at his pale face under the dim glow."It's a song I composed," Yoongi smiled after ending the music. He turned to stare at me with a weak smile. I blinked at his tender eyes in silence."Am I the first person to hear this masterpiece?" I whispered. Yoongi didn't respond right away and stared at me without blinking."Oh. You're the first," Yoongi smiled. My cheeks flushed red. I softly chuckled and shook my head shyly."You're making me feel special-" I grinned, happily turning my head towards him again when I felt a swift moment by my side.Min Yoongi unexpectedly leaned forward to close the gap between our bodies. I stopped breathing when I felt his soft lips landing on mine. The pizza man had his eyes closed as he sat beside me until I felt my heart thumping against my chest. Oh...? A spasm of unexplainable emotions suddenly blossomed within my soul as I remained starstruck beside him. Yoongi slowly drew his face away from mine... and finally opened his eyes to lock our gaze.

My head was entirely blank, taken aback by his romantic gesture. I pursed my lips unsurely at his unexpected action until Yoongi awkwardly turned away to ruffle his hair. So... I lifted my hand to feel my lips and turned away as well to stare at the piano in astonishment. He kissed me. Just like that? What's the meaning of this? He never showed any signs of interest before, so why... so suddenly? A bright flicker suddenly erupted outside the window, and a burst of colorful fireworks bloomed in the night sky. I froze and stared at the stunning scenery through the window in the dim room with the pizza man. Neither of us... uttering a word."What a coincidence," Yoongi muttered. I turned my head to find him staring at the fireworks and glanced down at his hand on the piano. My face suddenly grew warm, so I diverted my attention back to the scenery without speaking. My soul is also... flaring with colorful emotions.
A moment later.
The scooter came to a halt in the dark street. I lifted my head off his shoulder and straightened my sore back when I found the looming gate beside us. Yoongi carefully killed the engine and got off the scooter as I remained on it."You're safer at home," Yoongi smiled as I stared at him in disappointment."You really brought me home," I mumbled. Yoongi reached out to untighten the chin strap and lifted the helmet off my head. He gently fixed my messy hair, yet I didn't budge and stared at him without blinking."I'll always bring you home, and I'll always... keep my door open for you whenever you need me," Yoongi sighed. I stared at him sadly as I remained on the bike and finally got off with a heavy sigh. What's the point of seeing him again when he'll only bring me back here? It's pointless."I won't bother you anymore," I muttered... and walked away without bidding him goodbye. Yoongi's smile faded at my impassive attitude as he turned to watch me leave, so I waited outside the gate until it opened and walked inside without looking back. I let out a heavy exhale and entered the quiet mansion. The living room is dark. Everyone must be asleep. I went to my room without anyone's notice and headed to bed.
Next Day
I groggily sat up on my bed with striking messy hair and crawled off the mattress while rubbing my puffy face. I'm still suspended from the university. Ah. How long can I avoid my mother's rage...? Sighing, I drew my bedroom door open... and strolled into the living room to find the maids dusting the portraits. They were startled by my sudden appearance, but I ignored them and made my way toward the dining table with eyes half open."-Send more people to search for her!-" Appa snapped at Do-hwan. Everyone in the dining room abruptly froze when they found me strolling through the doorway in my pajamas."I'm home," I announced, bowing at the elders. Do-hwan sighed heavily and excused himself from the room upon my unexpected presence."Sora! Where have you been???" Mrs. Kim gasped anxiously. My mother scoffed at me as I dismissively sat down before them to eat the warm porridge."I stayed out for a few days-""You gave an alpha a mild concussion and ran away after the university suspended you?! No texts! No calls! What were you thinking!?" Eomma scolded from across the table. Did she have to scream? My throat is too sore to argue with her. I scratched my head after lowering my spoon and stared at her sleepily with my puffy face."I lost my phone," I shrugged. Eomma huffed in discontent at my response as my father fired me an uptight look."Sora. You're the supreme alpha-""I know. But I'm still alive... so can you not nag me?" I grumbled and lowered my face to slurp the porridge again, causing Mr. Jeon to fall quiet."You should visit the hospital and apologize to Shin Minho," Mrs. Jeon, Jungkook's stepmother spoke up. The door opened and Taehyung suddenly appeared, strolling inside to sit beside me."She's not apologizing to that fucker," Taehyung rolled up his sleeves. I turned to look at him unsurely, but Taehyung ate his food without acknowledging my presence."But she-""He tried to lure her with inappropriate intentions. She's not apologizing for defending herself," Taehyung stated sternly. And why is he defending me?"But-""If that's the case, then do not apologize," Appa finally exhaled, cutting my mother off before she could fire me another scolding. I glanced at my father uneasily as he wiped his fingers with a napkin.Eomma sighed and slumped back against her armchair with her spiteful gaze... on me. Why can't she look at me with love and affection? Taehyung got up to leave without bating me an eye and left for school after having a few spoons of his food. I got up after him and returned to sleep in my room until the evening approached."Shit..." I muttered when I felt a dull ache in my head. I slept too much. I showered, pulled on my clothes, and walked into the garden for refreshing air- only to end up inside Do-hwan's office when I didn't know where else to go. He briefly glanced up at me as I slumped onto his couch and laid down with my pillow. Maybe I should apologize to him? He's been busy because of me."This isn't your bed-""Are you mad at me too?" I asked with my apologetic gaze on Do-hwan. The man clenched his strong jaws from his desk while twirling a pen between his fingers."I hope you grow up. You won't survive the society behaving this way," He sighed, shifting his intense gaze to the document on his desk."I stayed at Yoongi's place," I confessed."I know. I saw your dirty sneakers hanging from his window when I visited," Do-hwan responded. I blinked and turned to look at him in surprise."Why didn't you drag me home?" I asked. He knew I was at the apartment when he came by."What's the point? You'll run away again. I knew you were safe, so I asked Yoongi to bring you home at your own will," He shrugged. Yoongi knew Do-hwan knew about my whereabouts."Do you trust Yoongi that much?" I asked."I don't, but you can fight. If you can knock out a grown man triple your size... I don't have to worry about you that much," Do-hwan replied. I smiled at his words and sat up with a wide grin."You're right! Why are my parents so worried about my safety when I can easily disable anyone!" I proudly puffed my chest with my hands on my hips while sitting on the leather couch. Do-hwan fired me a disapproving look before averting his eyes back to the document."Not everyone will fight with fists, Sora. You'll drop dead once they have a gun in their hands and a bullet lodged in your skull," Do-hwan reminded me. I stopped smiling and slumped back on the couch."Can you get me a new phone?" I asked."I will. And I will install a tracker," Do-hwan nodded. I glared at his blunt honesty and crossed my arms in frustration. Tracker?! That's too much! I left my chief guard's office after the warm sunset, but I didn't feel like dealing with my parents again, so I wandered around the mansion, aimlessly strolling up the staircase... until I ended up on the rooftop."Oh? They have a pool up here?" I muttered when I opened the rooftop door to uncover a rectangular swimming pool. It was very dark, but the lights from the mansion below were enough to help me navigate around the calm pool."Oh! The water is cold!" I gasped, quickly jerking my feet from the cold surface. I skipped over the rooftop to lean over the balcony until I spotted the tiny guards... patrolling the property below.I glanced back at the swimming pool with a slight smile. Should I swim? I thoughtlessly yanked off my shirt and pulled down my pants before slipping into the cold pool in my underwear and bra. Ah! So freaking cold! My almost naked body vibrated intensely... as the icy ripples washed softly... against my naked skin.

"It's not so bad!" I laughed while splashing around the dark pool. We used to have pool parties back in the States! I remember being so conservative I always wore a shirt over my bikinis because I didn't feel comfortable exposing my skin. My friends would always tease me about it. I miss them.I brushed back my soaked hair after emerging from the water and floated in the pool with my gaze trained on the clear night sky. I drifted peacefully over the surface with my limbs spread out to admire the... shimmering stars with a faint smile while listening to the muted silence of the calm water.My ears were under the surface, so I couldn't hear anything... but the soothing ripples of the muted pool water. I floated motionlessly with an entirely vacant mind while facing the sky as I drifted with the gentle pool waves. I think I found a new spot to relieve my stress- SPLASH. I shrieked in panic when someone dove into the pool- submerging my body... under a surge of massive waves. I frantically splashed in the pool to search for balance until- the person seized my waist and yanked me out of the suffocating surface."ARGH!" I gasped in shock, wildly whipping my head around to stare at the man."What are you doing?!" Taehyung snapped. My eyes bulged open when I realized his clothes were soaked as he held me in the pool.

"I was swimming!? What's wrong with you?!" I whined, shoving him away in irritation. Why did he suddenly attack me!?"I thought you were trying to drown-""I was floating!" I argued, angrily smacking his chest with my fist.Kim Taehyung scoffed at me in disbelief so I loudly whined and hopped toward the edge while coughing in distress. He flooded my lungs and my nose is burning because of him! The alpha quickly reached for the concrete edge and hauled his sturdy body out of the pool as I swung my legs over the rim to heave my quivering body out of the water. Did he have to ruin my moment all the time!?Why did he jump into the pool like that?! Fuck-! I repeatedly smacked the side of my head while sitting on the pool edge in an attempt to pump the water out of my ears- when Taehyung suddenly switched on the rooftop lights. I squinted my damp eyelids at the source of the blinding beam before firing the alpha a sharp glare as he stood in his soaked clothes."You're unbelievable!" He snapped. I scoffed and pushed myself off the floor. Ohoh? Why is he getting upset?! I never asked him to save me from drowning! He could've let me die if he thought I was drowning!"I was peacefully enjoying my time alone when you suddenly attacked me in the water-""I thought you were drowning!" Taehyung argued from across the pool."I wouldn't know if you tried to kill me again!" I fired back. Taehyung huffed at my words with an offended look- and suddenly stomped around the pool with his fists clenched. I gulped in fear as the alpha dangerously towered over me with his deadly glare glued... on my soaked face. Well shit. I didn't mean to expose my inner thoughts. I briefly glanced at his dripping wet bangs while frowning at the man with my face tilted upward.

"Say it again," Taehyung urged, taking a step forward with a furious scowl. Yup. He might throw me back into the pool and shove my head under the water for upsetting him like this. So many dumb ways to die, Sora. I tightly grip my fists in fear while struggling to challenge his intimidating gaze. I need to disable him."Your crotch is bulging," I mumbled, glancing briefly at his wet sweatpants."M-Moh?" Taehyung blinked, unsurely stuttering with his eyebrows furrowed as I stood with a poker face. The man glanced down at his gray sweatpants- and abruptly froze in place... once he noticed his embarrassing... erection."You must be cold," I gulped, turning away to grab my clothes from the ground. The alpha scoffed, swiftly covering his hard crotch with a flustered face. I need to leave! He'll get upset again if I stay!"Don't get the wrong idea-""Well... I am... almost naked... I get it. Men will be men," I shrugged while picking up my clothes. Taehyung pursed his lips as he intensely eyed my wet body, so I shook my head and strode away."Yah- Yah! I said I didn't mean it!" Taehyung called, awkwardly chasing after me to explain his situation. There's nothing to explain when it's this obvious.

I dismissively strolled down the stairs in my wet undergarment, hurriedly striding through the corridor to avoid Taehyung... as the man frantically stumbled after me in his soaked clothes, repeatedly ordering me to stop so he could explain himself, but I didn't listen and rushed away."Woah-!" Jungkook appeared out of nowhere.The alpha halted abruptly to gawk at my exposed body when he found me in the hallway with only my lingerie on. I stared at him awkwardly until his cheeks turned rosy red. Jungkook refused to look away and shamelessly gawked at my breasts with his dilated pupils. When did they become so dirty?! They used to be innocent children!"Pervert," I grumbled, throwing my dried clothes at his face and hurried away.Jungkook was too stunned to react so he quickly yanked the clothes off his face, dazed by my unexpected obscene appearance and snapped his head after me... to chase his gaze after my jiggly bum. I shook my head at his parted lips and strode into my room. Thud. I slammed the door shut just as Taehyung appeared... before his dumbfounded cousin with his hands clasped over his crotch.I quickly entered the shower stall to rinse off the pool chemical from my skin as the lukewarm water ran all over my body until... I noticed my reflection on the...transparent glass. Their tempted gaze and the way they... eyed my body.I quietly recalled the memories of Taehyung and Jungkook's... obvious engagement... in my mature body. The way Minho spoke so lustfully in my ear... and the way Hoseok held onto my hips in the dark. They all have one thing in common. I twisted my youthful body before the glass to observe my figure.Lust.I gently grazed my soaked shoulder with my fingertips and lowered my face to observe my natural body curves. Slowly... I reached for the scrub to exfoliate my dead skin with a faint smile. They're not so different after all. I hummed softly while showering in the foggy stall and finally strolled out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped securely around my chest. I glanced at the usual nightgown with the long sleeves before averting my attention to the racy pieces on the other side. A white and silky lingerie caught my eye, so I extended my arm to brush my fingers against its fine texture."Sora?" Do-hwan called. I heard my bedroom door opening so I quickly slammed my closet door shut and pulled on my usual gown before striding out to find Do-hwan waiting for me."Yeah?" I asked."Jung Hoseok dropped by to visit you earlier," Do-hwan informed."He did?" I nodded, turning to brush my damp hair with an unbothered expression."He insisted on seeing you, but I told him you weren't available because it's your mother's order-""That's fine. I don't have anything to say anyways," I shrugged. Do-hwan unsurely frowned at my odd behavior."What are you up to?" Do-hwan questioned, folding his arms suspiciously. What am I up to? They told me to avoid Hoseok... and now they're suspecting my behavior after I obeyed their order?"Nothing. I'm just happy because I figured out their weakness," I smiled at him through the mirror."Whose weakness?" Do-hwan asked."The puppies," I shrugged, carefully placing my hairbrush back inside the drawer.Do-hwan weirdly eyed my blank smile as I happily strode out of my bedroom. I went to the dining room to have dinner- only to find Taehyung eating by himself. The alpha hastily shoved the remaining food into his stuffed mouth and left before I could greet him. Is he embarrassed? I quietly ate dinner alone... until my phone vibrated on the table... so I glanced at the screen with a straight face.Incoming call: Pizza Man."Yeoboseyo?" I answered the call without lifting the phone."Are you home?" Yoongi spoke through the line. I stopped chewing and glanced at the screen unsurely."Yeah. I am. Why?" I asked. There was a long pause between us."I'm outside," He finally spoke up. I blinked at my food and averted my eyes to the window. What is he doing here? Sighing, I placed my chopstick down and rose from my seat.The guards didn't want to let me out of the mansion, but I demanded to see the pizza man, so they had no choice but to open the gate for me. Yoongi wasn't at the gate. Did he leave? I scratched my head and turned to look at the empty street until I noticed a scooter at the far end. A guard nervously watched me when I turned to look at him."I'll be right back," I assured the guard and walked away before he could stop me. What is he doing here at this time? Yoongi was holding a bag in his hand as he leaned against the scooter."You came," He quickly straightened his back."You called," I nodded, unsurely eyeing him. The man couldn't look directly at me and chose to glance aimlessly around the neighborhood.

"I got you some Kimchi. My mother sent it from Busan. You said you loved it when you stayed at my place- so I thought-""Thank you," I nodded, reaching out to accept his gift before he handed it to me. Yoongi was a bit taken aback by my immediate acceptance, so he awkwardly stared at me with his mouth half open."I'll bring you more if you-""You should head home," I smiled and turned away from him."Are you upset with me because I brought you home?" Yoongi asked. I stopped on my track, slowly turning to face him with the kimchi bag in my hands."It's my home, after all. Why would I be upset?" I asked, tilting my head at him with an innocent smile."Then is it because I ki- kissed you?" Yoongi asked, nervously rubbing his hands over his skinny jeans as he searched my dull face for answers. I stood quietly... staring at his timid behavior."What are you trying to-""You didn't contact me since the day I brought you back home. I was worried, so I came to see you- Why the sudden coldness? Is it because of the kiss???" He muttered random phrases. I sorely examined his timid behavior."You can feel it? The cold treatment? I'm not treating you coldly. People are just... used to my positivity... until I contain it and they immediately think I'm a heartless person," I shook my head. People never really appreciate my warmth until I stop feeding them with it."If I did something wrong, then at least tell me-""You did nothing wrong. You don't have to overthink because what happened in the piano room stays there. It's okay if you didn't mean what you did," I shook my head. Yoongi frowned, appearing somewhat troubled by my statement."I meant it. I like you," Yoongi suddenly confessed. I chewed my inner mouth while scanning his uptight expression. I prayed he wouldn't express his feelings because... it'll only complicate our situation. But he did. Now I have to face him."I liked the kiss too if you're wondering," I finally admitted. I might not have responded to Yoongi when he kissed me, but I enjoyed it. I can still recall our moment together, and it flutters me. "I need an answer from you," He sighed, sternly locking his eyes with mine. I stare at him in silence to contemplate my thoughts as the gentle wind brushes against my cheeks."Thank you for gathering the courage to show me your affection. I really appreciate it," I nodded, forcefully smiling at Yoongi."Is it because I'm poor and you're rich?" He blinked. My chest ached in extreme discomfort as I stared at his clueless expression. I suddenly felt like crying but held back my emotions and proceeded to stare at him with little to no reaction."It's more than that. There's so much you don't know about me and the life... I live behind these stone walls. I'll only put you in a tough spot if I accept your feelings," I nodded at the gloomy mansion beside us. Yoongi averted his eyes to the high walls and back to my sad eyes."Do you... perhaps... already have an owner of your heart?" He asked. I blinked at him and fell quiet. My heart? It's empty."I want to open it up for you, but I can't," I answered."Why not?" Yoongi asked while staring at me with his eyebrows furrowed."It's locked, and I don't have the key to it," I exhaled. My parents locked me up in this miserable world and handed the key to Kim Taehyung. He's the owner of my heart. How can I possibly open my heart to another person? I'd be a fool if I took a step forward to embrace Yoongi, knowing very well we don't have a future together. Especially... not with an average. I will only bring harm to him."Sora," A dull voice spoke up from behind me. I blinked at the familiar voice and turned to find Taehyung walking toward me with his hands in his pocket. I bit my lips and glanced back at Yoongi as he intensely stared at Taehyung."The key. Does... he have it?" Yoongi asked, swallowing the hot lump in his throat, referring to Taehyung."The guards have to close the gate. Let's head back inside. I need to speak with you," Taehyung called again. He didn't walk all the way and chose to wait for me halfway. I stared sadly at Yoongi."Have a safe trip home," I forced another smile before spinning around in my silk gown and strode off with the bag. The pizza man stood grounded in his position as I parted from his side. I can't involve an innocent person in the society's affairs. It had to be this way. I calmly approached Taehyung... who was eyeing Yoongi with a dead stare."He gifted me homemade Kimchi... for helping him recover from his injury," I shrugged, walking past Taehyung."Don't associate with the average. Your mother despises them," Taehyung warned as he walked by my side."I know what you're capable of doing, and that's why I'm walking away from him," I chuckled emptily. Taehyung suddenly halted, frowning at my statement so I raised my eyebrow... unsurely questioning his hardened face."The past-""The averages my mother killed... I still remember them. I hope you won't get your hands dirty again trying to avenge my mother's grudge against innocent lives," I smiled at Taehyung as he darkly stared at me. He killed his uncle for my mother. I knew that. He knows I know."Our past-""I know. It scarred us. I'm asking you for the last time... do not push me... or I'll slash both of our healing wounds open until we bleed to death," I warned him. Taehyung darkened his gaze upon hearing my threat... before averting his eyes to... Yoongi as he watched us from a distance."Are you threatening me to protect him?" Taehyung asked, shifting his deadly gaze back to mine."Do not touch him at all cost," I nodded. Taehyung clenched his jaw."Don't tell me you're in love with a stranger-""It's not about love. I simply... don't appreciate you meddling with my personal life, even if it's my mother's order to secure me within your possessive claws," I muttered."Did you think I'm not tired of fighting with you-""Then stop provoking me if you want peace. Why are you always so restless when I've already offered you peace? I know you don't cherish me as a family anymore, but I still love you after all the troubles I went through!" I snapped at his face. Taehyung fired me a startled expression."What-""You might not have noticed it when we were young. Why... I was always so clingy to you! I liked you a lot! You probably considered me as your younger sister, but I never saw you as an older brother!" I shakily glared at him in anger."Jeon Jungkook was your first love-""He was my first love because I didn't know what love was! I never understood my feelings when I was young! I loved him! Of course, I did! But I loved you more, and that's the truth! I always sulked and hid whenever you got mad at me. Jungkook didn't hurt me as badly, but you did! It feels like I'm being torn apart whenever you treat me so coldly!- I never wanted to be on your bad side- but you'd blamed me for the deaths of countless people! You even drowned me because you were so furious at me for simply existing in this brutal world! Did you know how tormenting it was for me to live as a constant disappointment in your eyes?! I thought I'd heal while I was away from home, but you're still treating me like shit! It fucking sucks because why am I the one hoping for your forgiveness when I knew the past wasn't even my fault?!" I glared at him in tears."I don't hate you!" Taehyung bellowed in my face. I glared at him in resentment. I lived my entire life holding my broken soul accountable for his misery!"How can you say that when you're glowering at me with so much hatred?" I confronted him as we furiously glared at one another."I am frightened of you! You knew the past! And I'm fucking guilty! I was young and naive and fucking stupid! Did you think I lived every day of my life without thinking about the fucked up shit I did to you?! I have nightmares every day because of the past, and I am trying to control myself! But you keep provoking me!" Taehyung snapped back. I bit my lips in difficulty and lowered my face to whimper."You live your life with a recurring nightmare because of your guilt, but I live mine with a broken heart because I loved you more than I'm supposed to! There's a difference!" I shrieked in distress. Taehyung let out a shaky exhale with his stern eyes fixed on mine."What do you want me to do then?!- Apologize?- How will my words fix anything?!" Taehyung snapped. I sucked in my breath when a headlight suddenly pulled up on the sidewalk, so we both turned to find... Jung Hoseok... stepping out of his sportscar.I nervously gripped the kimchi container as warm tears glided messily over my burning cheeks. Shit. I quickly turned my face away to avoid Hoseok and lifted my hand to wipe my tears in embarrassment. I'm not supposed to expose my vulnerability like this! Taehyung glared at the alpha, who was approaching me with a determined glower."Sora-" Hoseok called for me- but was cut short when Taehyung suddenly grabbed my shoulder, jerking me forward to seal the gap between us, so I unconsciously gripped his forearm at the unexpected movement- Smooch. Kim Taehyung... firmly pressed his lips against mine.I sucked in my breath in shock while holding tightly onto the Kimchi bag. The alpha firmly cupped my face between his warm palms and tilted his face to fit his nose against mine as I remained paralyzed in place with my eyes bulging open.The tears in my eyes suddenly ceased at the warmth of his passionate strokes... leaving me with an utterly blank mind. I didn't react and stood with my face secured within his grip. The man eventually withdrew his moist lips... from mine... after a minute of kissing me nonstop... and finally opened his tender gaze to study my pale face."I won't stop you if you want to go to him, and we can keep living our lives with our hands around each other's throats... but if you stay... I will fix our problem. I promise," Taehyung whispered. I stared intensely at Taehyung's emotionless face and turned to look at Hoseok's pained frown. I gripped the kimchi bag and glanced back into Taehyung's dull eyes in fear. What should I do? I nervously averted my eyes to find Yoongi mounting his scooter. Why am I suddenly swept up in this mess?
Sora. This isn't a love triangle.

Only one of the three is genuine with you.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
The breezy night wind tenderly brushed my thin nightgown as I stared at Taehyung's warm gaze with little to no reaction. The man stared back at me without blinking as he awaited my response to his offer. I'm blank. I gulped and glanced to our side to find Hoseok staring at us with an unsettled expression. Taehyung gently grabbed my wrist and tugged me, so I followed him back inside the mansion gate without speaking with Hoseok. Still. I gripped tightly onto Yoongi's kimchi bag while struggling to sort out my mind.

"Where are you going?-" Taehyung quickly spun around with a dark frown when I hastily tugged my wrist out of his grasp and hurried away. I didn't answer Taehyung and jogged around the mansion until I was storming inside the empty security department."Sora!" Taehyung snapped, startling me with his angered voice, but I didn't stop and hurried toward the transparent office with a pale face."Oh? What are you doing here-" Do-hwan lifted his face from his desk as I barged inside his personal space without warning him. Taehyung suddenly pushed the door open behind my back and grabbed my wrist again. Why is he so clingy?! I whined and shoved him away."Make him go away!" I demanded, hurriedly circling Do-hwan's chair to hide behind his bulky body."What's going on? Why are you terrorizing her?" Do-hwan turned his head from side to side to observe my strange behavior before glancing back at Taehyung's uptight expression."I only want to speak with her!- Yah! Stop hiding-" Taehyung spoke in irritation, stubbornly circling the desk, so I nervously gripped Do-hwan's forearm with my face shoved against the man's solid back."Why don't you head to bed?" Do-hwan asked, darkly rising from his armchair up to block Taehyung's path before he could seize my arm. I gripped Do-hwan's shirt with my frightened gaze on the alpha. Taehyung halted before Do-hwan and averted his dangerous eyes to the chief guard."How dare you block my path? Did the elders grant you too much power? Step aside," Taehyung sneered. The man didn't budge and remained as solid a barrier between us."I might not have the power to challenge your authority as a mere average, but it is a strict order from The Jang to protect the heiress with my life. I am permitted to assassinate any alphas who intend to harm Sora. And you're not an exception," Do-hwan warned. Taehyung stared intensely at Do-hwan, causing me to tense up in fear. What if they end up fighting? Taehyung finally exhaled in defeat, signaling his surrender."How is kissing her harmful?" Taehyung questioned with a dumbfounded look."What?" Do-hwan questioned, unsurely side-eyeing my flustered cheeks."I kissed her, and she freaked out," Taehyung sighed, folding his arms with his thick eyebrow raised at me. Do-hwan blinked as if he couldn't comprehend Taehyung's words and awkwardly glanced at me for an explanation, so I bit my lips and retreated into Dohwan's shadow without responding."And why would you- kiss her? All of a sudden?" Do-hwan asked, turning to Taehyung again."Why would you ever kiss a woman, Do-hwan-shi?" Taehyung rolled his eyes. I felt my cheeks flushing even redder as I listened to him speak.The chief guard unsurely averted his startled gaze to me again, so I quickly dropped the heavy kimchi box on his desk and dashed past Taehyung. Whip! I sprinted out of Do-hwan's office and ran as fast as my legs could carry me until I reached my bedroom. THUD. I slammed the door shut and shakily locked the handle before backing away with swelling sweat beads over my forehead.
Thankfully, Taehyung gave up on chasing me.
_____________________Taehyung's unexpected affection left me timid the entire night and for the next few days. I couldn't comprehend my feelings, but I know one thing for sure. I do not enjoy it. Kim Taehyung and his unexpected character development is somewhat... very unsettling. I fear it is a well-thought-out scheme to trap me within his grip. I consistently avoided Taehyung at the mansion during my remaining suspension period. And finally~! I can return to school again! It's really suffocating inside the dull mansion!  I hurried to school without eating breakfast to avoid Taehyung. I didn't stay at the alpha lounge and went to the rooftop alone. He won't find me here."Can you stop invading my privacy? Are you stalking me~?" Seokjin whined when I opened the door to find him leaning against the railing. I briefly paused at his disapproving grimace and carefully closed the door behind my back.

"I really need this space right now. Share it with me," I mumbled, walking toward Seokjin until I found myself... staring at the campus view from the high ground. Seokjin bitterly glanced away as he leaned against the railing with his arms rested over the steel."Hoseok visited you last night," Seokjin said shortly without looking at me. He knows his friend came to see me? "We didn't speak. I will not steal your ally. If that's what you're worried about," I muttered in disinterest. Seokjin faintly chuckled with his gaze on the foggy view before us. Why is he laughing?

"It's time for our joint session," Seokjin muttered, grabbing my backpack after half an hour of absolute silence between us. I gasped and stumbled after the alpha as he dragged me back down."Stop dragging me!" I snapped, hastily smacking his hand in annoyance. Seokjin released me on demand, so we strode side by side down the emergency stairs."Hoseok seems to fancy you. It's almost heartbreaking to watch him try so hard only to be neglected," Seokjin muttered. I sideways glared at the alpha."I am not dumb. I heard Namjoon disapproving of Hoseok's relationship with me, and it's because of you," I mumbled while rolling my eyes as we entered the bustling hallway."Sure. I initially thought Hoseok's random courtship was a political scheme but... it seems like... he actually favors you," Seokjin smiled, politely holding the door open for me. I entered to find the crowded lecture hall full of the top ranks. It's a joint session... so most of the alphas are present. I stiffened at the attentive gazes from every direction and quickly sat in the front row when Jimin suddenly sat beside me. We exchanged weak smiles."Why is everyone so noisy?" I muttered as I unpacked my bag."They're excited about the upcoming Alpha Ceremony," Jimin chuckled as he flipped through his notebooks."It happens every year. What's with the hype?" I grumbled under my breath. The ceremony is boring! They host it to announce the new alphas, and I literally have to prepare myself weeks before it. I have to be on a strict diet so I can fit in a gown that'll squeeze me like a sausage and my parents will fuss about my date for the event again!- Oh! They'll probably force me to give a stupid speech or something!"It's different this year. Rumor says... there will be many powerful anonymous alphas at the ceremony," Jimin smiled keenly. I bit my lips and glanced at the soft chatter with an unsettled feeling in my gut."Well. Did you find yourself a date?" I asked, dropping the topic. The presence of new alphas will threaten my parents and their allies, which means they will pressure me to merge with the Kim through marriage."Not yet. I thought of asking you, but I'm afraid Taehyung will-""She's my date," Taehyung spoke up out of nowhere, so I snapped my head to the side... to find the nonchalant alpha... standing beside Jimin's desk. The room grew hushed as they watched Taehyung speak with us."She is? What about Haerim-""Switch with me. I want to sit up front today," Taehyung tapped Jimin's shoulder. Jimin's lips slightly parted at Taehyung's request, so he awkwardly glanced at me before averting his eyes to Haerim. She was sitting at the far back... next to Taehyung's previous desk."I don't feel well today anyways. I could use the back seat," Jimin shrugged, getting onto his feet, and walked away after collecting his materials. Haerim crossed her arms in irritation when she realized Taehyung traded his seat with Jimin, so I glanced back at Taehyung with a disapproving look."I don't want to fight with your lover-" I whispered as he settled beside me. Taehyung dismissively reached inside his bag and carefully drew out a packed sandwich. I pursed my lips uneasily as he placed it on my desk with a juice box."You skipped breakfast today. Eat before class begins," Taehyung nodded, turning to skim through his device with an unbothered expression. I stared at him in shock, anxiously turning back to find the alphas eyeing our interaction. Everyone averted their gaze to Haerim in the back seat, who seemed super bitter about the situation."Seriously- Don't fool with me-""She's not my lover. Rest assured," Taehyung exhaled without looking at me while scribbling on the device with his electronic pen. I frowned at his odd behavior when he suddenly grabbed my sandwich to unwrap it for me. The alpha grabbed my hands, firmly placed the sandwich into my palms and forced it to my lips, so I stiffly took a small bite with my intense gaze on him as I chewed the crunchy texture. He's doing this intentionally. Why? Did he fight with Haerim? Is he making her jealous?"I swear if Haerim snatches my hair because of your stupid act-""She won't do that. Don't talk while you're eating," Taehyung interrupted me. He calmly took out a tissue to dab my lips from across his desk and collected the bread crumbs from my skirt. The alphas stared at me awkwardly as I swallowed the bread lump in my mouth with difficulty. I exhaled in irritation and leaned back against my seat in defeat. I'm so restless."What's the matter with him?" Jungkook mouthed two desks away from mine."I don't know," I mouthed back, sideways glaring at Taehyung. I sipped the juice and sat quietly until a professor entered the room."Who's eating inside the classroom? You know food is strictly prohibited," The professor sniffed the air at the entrance. I gulped and glanced down at my half-eaten sandwich in horror. Did Taehyung do this to get his revenge?!"Put it away!" Jungkook signaled. I quickly tried to chew the remaining food in my stuffed cheeks, wildly dodging under the desk to avoid the professor's hawk-like gaze. Snatch! Taehyung suddenly reached over to seize the sandwich from my hand. I froze in shock as he calmly took a bite from my half-eaten sandwich."Kim Taehyung. Are you abusing your authority as the school president to eat in class?" The professor dully eyed Taehyung from the podium. Taehyung stopped chewing with his blank gaze on the elderly man as I nervously watched him take the blame for me."I'm sorry, sir," Taehyung lowered his head to apologize before shoving the remaining sandwich into his mouth. He collected the dirty tissues before getting up from his desk to leave the lecture room while chewing and left to throw away the empty package. The alpha eventually returned after washing his hands and settled back into his seat. The professor unsurely glanced at me with a bitter expression before averting his eyes back to Taehyung's composed behavior."You should wipe your lips, Sora-shi. And welcome back to school," The professor nodded at me. My cheeks flushed red when I felt crumbs on my lips, so I frantically wiped my mouth in embarrassment. The professor knows Taehyung took the blame for me! The man shook his head with a slight smile before he began lecturing the crowd. I could feel the presence of everyone's attention on me, so I gulped and lowered my head to stare at the lesson on my device.
A moment later...
"You may work in pairs on the next project. Please register your names," The professor nodded at the widescreen on the wall after a tedious few hours of nonstop lecture. I anxiously glanced at Jungkook, but he was already scribbling Minah's name on their registration list. Who should I work with?"Taehyung, you can't be partnered with two people," The professor suddenly spoke up from his seat. Everyone glanced at the live registration on the screen. Oh?Team 1: Jang Sora and Kim Taehyung.I blinked at my registered name with Taehyung at the top and slowly read the list until...Team 5: Gae Haerim and Kim Taehyung.I glanced at Taehyung to find the alpha... hovering his pen over his screen... with his eyebrow raised upon detecting his duplicated names. Did he register our names?"Sir, Taehyung is my partner," Haerim suddenly raised her hand from the back seat. The alphas sniggered and glanced at me. Taehyung darkly pressed his tongue against the side of his inner mouth before glancing back down at his screen."Then I will delete your registration with Sora-""I'll be Sora's partner," Seokjin suddenly spoke up. Taehyung frowned at Seokjin's request. I swallowed uneasily and glanced at the professor again."I want to be Sora's partner. I registered my name with her before Haerim wrote mine with hers," Taehyung insisted. The professor glanced back and forth between us with a sour expression."Are you guys young kids? You can't even decide on your team? Sora. Who do you want to pair with? There's only Taehyung and Seokjin left," The professor grimly glanced at me, so I nervously stared at the names on the list."Seokjin. I'll work with him. I should work with people outside my household," I answered. Fwip! Taehyung suddenly snapped his head in my direction with an offended look. He's not happy with my decision."I'll register our name," Seokjin replied from across the room. The alpha quickly deleted Taehyung's name from beside mine and typed his name on the screen."Turn in your work after the Alpha Ceremony," The professor nodded before locking the registration form to confirm the teams. I didn't look at Taehyung and lowered my face to read the assignment criteria in silence. He shouldn't be doing this. I really don't want to cause unnecessary drama with Haerim.The professor eventually dismissed the class after briefing us on the assignment objectives, so I quickly packed my things and strolled out of the room as the alphas chattered excitedly. Even the lower ranks are enthusiastic about the alpha's ceremony. I dread it."Why would you do that?! Sora!" Taehyung snapped, storming after me in extreme discontent. I ignored him and walked away. My head aches... whenever I speak with him."Leave me alone-""You wanted me to prove my devotion! I did! Why are you pushing me away now?!" Taehyung snapped, hastily tugging me into an empty hallway with his glowering glare fixed on me. Devotion? Affection? How can he claim to care with so much hatred in his eyes? Did he think I was blind?"Do you expect me to believe you? Unexpectedly kissing me? Showing me your overflowing affection when everyone knows Haerim has a chokehold on you. You're making me the fool here!" I sneered. Taehyung clenched his jaw and lowered his face to release a shaky exhale."I won't raise my voice at you, but you have to believe me. Everything I do for you is genuine!" Taehyung insisted, lifting his stony eyes to stare into mine."I won't fall for it. Not this quickly. If you're sincere... then be patient. Once I believe you're doing it with real feelings... then maybe... I will consider accepting your offer. Until then... please refrain from putting me in an uncomfortable situation," I sighed, backing away from him before striding into a different corridor. Thump.I halted almost immediately once I walked into a crowded hallway to find people chattering in extreme excitement. My eyes landed on a few heart-shaped balloons, so I glanced at the floor to find... scattered rose petals all over the corridor. The lower ranks gasped dramatically, so I lifted my face to find... Jungkook... standing before Minah... with a massive flower bouquet in his arms."She's so lucky!""They deserve each other!""I'm so jealous!"I blinked within the crowd as I watched Jungkook smiling... wide... at Minah's flustered face as he asked her to be his date. He's so romantic. I stared at their heart-warming interaction with a warm sensation as the golden afternoon sky illuminated the congested corridor. Minah giggled, cutely drawing her boyfriend into a crushing hug before giving him a soft peck on his lips, causing the crowd to squeal at their affectionate interactions.
Flash Back
"Sora! I got something for you!" Teenage Jungkook jogged towards me at our first alpha ceremony with something hidden behind his back."What is it?" I asked while munching the chocolate fudge offered by the waitress. Jungkook shyly giggled and took out a bundle of random flowers with a wide grin. He was around 12 years old. I was eleven. It was right after Jungkook got into a car accident when our parents exposed our identities at the ceremony as the anonymous alphas. I stopped chewing the delicious snack and glanced at Taehyung, who was dully sitting beside me with a lifeless face.

"Did you pick it from the garden outside?" I asked while feeding Jungkook the chocolate fudge. He nodded and leaned forward to kiss my cheeks with a cheeky grin."Jungkook! Behave yourself!" Mr. Jeon snapped when his son wouldn't stop kissing me."Take it! I even nicked my hand trying to pluck it for you!" Jungkook pouted while showing me a minor scratch on his finger. I smiled at his cuteness as I accepted the messy bundle from his hand while grinning at the pretty flowers... until I noticed something odd about it. I frowned at the... withered petals."Some of the flowers have withered... and some... haven't fully bloomed yet. Why would you pick them?" I gently caressed the flowers that didn't get a chance to fully mature... because Jungkook decided to pluck them for me."But they're all flowers! What's the difference?- AH! YAH?!" Jungkook innocently shrugged but shrieked in shock when I softly smacked his face with the flower bundle."Where did you get the flowers?!" I snapped, hopping off the chair in disbelief. Jungkook pouted and nodded toward the exit."Outside!" Jungkook pointed. I made him take me to the small orchid outside the venue, and to my horror... I found the gardener whining in the orchid. Pretty flowers and random petals... were scattered all over the ground. The orchid was a mess. I gasped in shock upon witnessing the mess and glanced down at my flower bundle with a guilty frown."I tried to pick as much as I could!" Jungkook beamed pridefully. I scoffed at his cute bunny face."You fool! How can you destroy the orchid?!" I shrieked, angrily smacking him again with the flowers."Ohoh?! Why are you so ungrateful-""I am grateful, but you didn't have to destroy- Jeon Jungkook!" I screamed, smacking him repeatedly until he shrieked and dashed away from me. I chased the fool back into the venue in my puffy gown with the flower bundle."YOU'RE SO MEAN!" Jungkook screeched as he sprinted between the elders to avoid me."ARGH!" I shrieked when I accidentally sprained my ankle on my mini heels and collapsed hard onto the rough carpet. Thump! I whimpered in pain- until someone towed me back onto my feet by my upper arm."Are you alright?" A young boy, slightly older than me appeared with a bright smile."Ow!" I whimpered when I felt a painful surge in my ankle. The young alpha helped me onto a chair before crouching at my feet to inspect my ankle."Oh no~! It's swollen~!" The alpha pouted, looking up at me worriedly. I stared at his dashing forehead and glanced around to search for Jungkook, but he was nowhere to be found."Is this your flower?" Another older alpha boy appeared. He picked up the bundle from the ground and handed it to me."Thank you," I smiled at the alpha."I'm Kim Seokjin, and this is Jung Hoseok," The alpha reached out to shake my hand as his friend examined my ankle."I am-""Jang Sora. The Supreme Alpha," Hoseok smiled as he got back onto his feet."Thank you for helping me," I nodded at my injured ankle."You're very cute. I thought the supreme alpha would be much older," Hoseok giggled. Seokjin nodded in agreement when Hoseok suddenly leaned down to give me a soft peck on my chubby cheek. I froze in my position until my face turned bright red."YAH!? HOW DARE YOU KISS HER?!" Jungkook shrieked, appearing out of nowhere with his doe eyes bulging open in shock."Oh? Aren't you Jeon Jungkook?!- Taehyung's cousin!" Seokjin gasped, spinning around to greet the furious alpha. Jungkook didn't seem to care and sprinted forward."SHE'S MY GIRLFRIEND!-""WHAT-""HOW DARE YOU SEDUCE MY GIRLFRIEND-""WHAT THE HELL- GORILLA BOY-" Hoseok shrieked in shock when Jungkook roughly snatched the flower bundle from my hand and smacked the alpha with all his might. Whack! Hoseok shrieked in panic when Jungkook kept attacking him. Whack! Whack!The Jung's heir fearfully screamed at the top of his lungs upon Jungkook's barbaric outburst and sprinted off for his life, so Jungkook childishly screeched with his puffy red face and chased Hoseok away with his flower weapon. Seokjin stood stiffly... watching the immature alphas zoom across the venue, and eventually averted his attention back to me. My cheeks flushed even redder with the secondhand embarrassment."That's... your boyfriend?" Seokjin asked, awkwardly turning to look at Jungkook's ridiculous behavior. Hoseok's terrific yelp could be heard from somewhere in the crowd."Yeah. He's my first love," I nodded. Seokjin scoffed and shook his head."Sora," A dull voice spoke up, causing goosebumps to spread across my skin. I glanced to the side to find Taehyung staring at me with a dull face. He came to escort me. Seokjin turned to eye Taehyung coldness unsurely.

"I'll see you around," Seokjin nodded at me and strode away with his chin lifted."I sprained my ankle," I muttered, hopping off the chair. Taehyung didn't speak and walked away, so I quietly limped after him. I was scared of Taehyung ever since I recovered from the drowning incident. The elders wouldn't believe me no matter how desperately I begged them. They believed Taehyung."Jungkook! Stop it!" I snapped when Jungkook appeared out of nowhere with a fuming red face and striking messy hair. All the flower petals had fallen off... and he was left with the flower stems. I weakly smiled at Jungkook's upset expression as he intensely clenched onto the ruined flowers.
End of Flashback
I blinked once- and I was back in the dark reality. At least Minah appreciates his effort. Something... I couldn't show him when I was younger. Sighing, I turned around to find Haerim glaring at me with her arms crossed, but I didn't spare her a glance and walked in the opposite direction."I want to start on our assignment as soon as possible," Seokjin nudged my shoulder as I strode across the lobby on the ground floor."Sure," I nodded."Do you want to meet up at your place? Or my place?" Seokjin asked as he walked beside me."Can we go to your place? I don't think my family will feel comfortable having you over," I shrugged. Seokjin chuckled and nodded in agreement. He wouldn't feel comfortable around my parents either."My place it is," Seokjin smirked. I fired him with a weird look."What's with a pervy look?!" I snapped, lightly smacking his broad shoulder."Hey, we won't be studying anatomy there! It's strictly schoolwork!" Seokjin shrugged, softly nudging my shoulder. I chuckled at his teasing smile while shaking my head. I like his humor. We eventually separated ways at the entrance and I headed straight home because I had no other classes to attend.
It became a contagious trend for the alphas and lower ranks to put on a dramatic show by asking each other out for the upcoming alpha ceremony. Even Jimin, Hoseok, and Namjoon found their date. Except me. No one approached me. Why? Is it because they think I'm attending the event with Taehyung? He never really spoke to me about it either. Oh. And besides being dateless... There's another problem. Gae Haerim. She's extremely disturbed by my mere existence.
"Yah! Stop drifting away!" Seokjin snapped, waving his hand before my unblinking eyes, so I shook my head and glanced at the alpha as we sat in his brightly lit living room. I've been visiting Seokjin's place almost every day to work on our assignment together.

"Sorry," I muttered. Seokjin frowned at my distracted state and got up to leave the living room. I exhaled heavily once he disappeared and glanced back at the texts on his computer screen to read through our report when he returned with a bottle of wine."Let's take a break. Do you want wine?" Seokjin asked."Make it a full glass," I nodded while stretching my arms on the couch."I'll pour you half," He replied, carefully pouring the red wine into the clear glass he brought."Do you have a date for the ceremony?" I asked. Seokjin smiled and handed the glass to me, so I took a sip of the expensive liquor as the alpha circled the coffee table to sit on the couch across from mine."Not yet. Why? Are interested in me? From what I know... you don't have a date either," Seokjin smirked. I took a huge gulp from the wine glass, screwed my face in discomfort and leaned back with my eyes closed."I suppose Taehyung is my assigned date," I muttered, opening my eyes to stare dimly at Seokjin."You think? He didn't ask you out appropriately? That's shockingly disrespectful of him, especially when you're the supreme alpha," Seokjin laughed, carefully sipping his wine with a teasing smile."He's always like this. I'm used to it," I shrugged."But I heard Haerim is his date though?" Seokjin questioned. I pursed my lips and sat in silence to recall the distressing incident.
Flash Back
"Kim Taehyung?!-""Are you serious!?""He's really a fool for you!"A few lower ranks dramatically shrieked at the beautiful alpha. Haerim softly giggled as I strolled down the hallway, passing by her with a straight face. "Oh. Taehyung asked me to be his date. He even got me a matching bracelet!" Haerim laughed, smugly side-eying me. Her group of friends shot me a displeased look, but I didn't care and walked off with a poker face."Don't listen to them. She's probably just bluffing," Minah suddenly appeared, placing her arm around my shoulder to steer me away from the crowd."He did tell Jimin I'm his date," I muttered, brushing off the topic."Why would Kim Taehyung go to the ceremony with a 5th rank when you're the supreme alpha?" Minah assured as we entered the canteen together."Minah! Sora!" Jungkook waved from our usual lunch lounge. I smiled at him and sat down with the couple until... Kim Taehyung appeared with the food trays. He placed the tray for me and sat with us. Taehyung's been acting nice... but I won't let my guard down."Is it true that you asked Haerim to the ceremony with you?" Jungkook bitterly eyed Taehyung."Moh?" Taehyung darted Jungkook a sore grimace while slicing his steak with a knife and fork."See! Haerim is spreading the rumors on purpose!" Minah nudged me, just as someone else approached our crowded table. Thump. Lee Mira joined our table without an invitation."Rumors? But I saw you accompanying Haerim to a famous designer studio for her dress yesterday though? Or were you there with Haerim to pick out Sora's dress?" Mira smirked, causing Taehyung to tense his body."She insisted-""I pity you, Sora. He's shamelessly wearing the couple bracelet with Haerim," Mira nodded at Taehyung when he tried to place the steak slice on my plate. I glanced at his wrist, and sure enough... It was the same bracelet as Haerim's. I blinked and looked up at him with a neutral face."You are... so mean," Minah pursed her lips at Taehyung awkwardly until Haerim appeared with her group of friends in the crowded canteen. Everyone at our table turned to look at her bracelet before glancing at Taehyung's wrist again."The elders won't be happy about this," Jungkook shrugged while darting his cousin a bitter look. Clatter! I hastily dropped my fork and got up from the table without touching my food. Fuck! Am I his toy?!"Sora-!" Taehyung called with a startled look."Oh, Seokjin-! I'm ready!" I waved when I found Seokjin strolling into the canteen with Namjoon."Moh- What?-""Let's work on our assignment!" I smiled, quickly grabbing Seokjin's arm and steered him away when Taehyung tried to chase me. I don't want to see his face! How can he disrespect me like this?! Kim Seokjin whined all the way out of the university when I wouldn't stop forcing him to take me away from the stupid academy. The alpha eventually drove me to his private villa and I took a nap in his living room because I didn't feel like staying conscious to deal with my problems. Seokjin was nice enough to let me sleep and finally woke me up in the afternoon to work on our assignment.
End of Flashback.
Fast Forward"Sora!" Minah nudged my arm, so I blinked out of my deep thoughts and glanced at her after she woke me up from my congested mind."Why do you keep spacing out? Did something happen...?" Minah anxiously asked. Jungkook lifted his gaze from his phone to glance in the direction I was staring at... as we remained in the lounge."Huh? No. I was staring at the tree behind Seokjin," I shrugged, lowering my face in embarrassment."What about Taehyung? Did he apologize?" Jungkook asked."He's not the kind to confront our problems," I shook my head in defeat."That's a terrible habit. The ceremony is in two weeks, and he hasn't asked you to be his date? Haerim is getting all the spotlight because of the couple bracelet they shared," Minah pouted, turning to fire Haerim a sharp glare as she gossiped with her friends."Should I tell the elders? His behavior is getting out of hand," Jungkook darted me an uptight look. Taehyung is upset with me again because I told him to drop his act."Don't bother," I shook my head. The elders will only worsen our situation. Taehyung can do whatever he wants. I eventually dismissed the issue by excusing myself to the bathroom and quickly hurried through the hallway until I spotted Taehyung walking in my direction."Bring me the proposal drafts," The alpha instructed as he passed me, blankly walking off without sparing me a glance, so I scoffed at his demand before turning to glare at his head in annoyance. He's bossing me around like a slave! I huffed in extreme discontent as I strode into the bathroom to handle my business before walking up to the sink with a... pale expression. My period is late. Sora! Stop scaring yourself- but it's been over a month- and I still didn't get my period.I left the bathroom afterward to approach my locker and unlocked it to retrieve the proposal document for the school president- but halted in place when I found a black velvet box placed over my stack of books. Who the hell had access to my locker? I uneasily frowned at the empty hallway before reaching inside to take out the box and popped it open to find a single golden bracelet. I blinked in confusion when I realized it was the same couple's bracelet Taehyung shared with... Haerim. What's this? Did he get it for me? I lifted my head to frown at the corridor again. Is he nuts...? I gripped the box and slammed the locker door shut before storming toward the alpha's lounge. Thump! I shoved the door open while searching for his stupid fucking face with my wild eyes."What's the matter with you?!" I snapped, angrily tossing the box at Taehyung, who was seated on the couch. The room abruptly grew hushed upon my unexpected outburst... so the alpha... blankly glanced at the velvet box and back at my fuming red face."It's a gift for you," Taehyung calmly responded. I scoffed in disbelief, furiously firing a sharp glare at Gae Haerim, who was eyeing us with a smug smile."Did you think I'm that pathetic to want your petty dog collar?! She might be your puppet, but I'm not! How dare you bring me the same gift you bought for your lover?!" I snapped in irritation. He's too much!"I did it because I wanted to ask you to the ceremony with me. I figured it was the most appropriate way to do it, but you're angry at me again. What else do you need, Sora? For me to kneel? Should I buy balloons and flowers and sing for you? Will you be satisfied then? I'll do it all for you. So tell me. What exactly do you need?" Taehyung asked while sitting with his legs spread apart on the couch as I fumed before his face.Everyone stared at my dramatic confrontation with their mouth wide open. Why is he framing me as an inconsiderate person now?! I gripped my fists in extreme anger until I felt my blood boiling at his words, so I averted my eyes to Haerim again. She shot me a spiteful glare. I scoffed and turned away from Taehyung with my eyes closed."Forget it. Gift this to the person who desperately wants it. Haerim-shi. You want it so much. Right? You can have both-" I shakily snatched the box from Taehyung when he suddenly shot up from his seat."Jang Sora!" Taehyung bellowed in my face. I froze in fear at the sight of his rageful glare. Taehyung was so angry his entire body was trembling."What?! Are you going to threaten me again!? I'm not as stupid as you think I am! Just because I stayed hushed- It doesn't mean you can toy with me however you want to! I'm sick and tired of your manipulative behavior! It's fucking disgusting!" I screamed at his face."Guys. Let's not argue," Jimin finally found the courage to speak up. Taehyung glowered furiously at my offensive statement."You won't have a date for the ceremony if I don't fulfill my duty! If that's what you want, then have it your way!" Taehyung sneered, making me scoff at his rudeness."Fine!" I shrieked, angrily spinning on my heels and stormed out of the lounge with my balled fists. I never wanted him anyways!"For god's sake! The elders will-""Leave her be- and don't fucking chase her!" Taehyung warned Jungkook when he tried to get up after me. He's only doing it because it's his duty?! Fucking stupid jerk!I frantically wiped my warm tears and ran as fast as I could to avoid the prying eyes from every direction. There are too many people in the corridor! I shouldn't break down like this! I quickly shoved the bathroom door open and hurried into one of the stalls, locked the door and slumped on the toilet bowl before bursting into tears. Why am I always crying over that scumbag?! Hic~! I firmly covered my mouth to minimize my dramatic whimper with my head lowered until my body vibrated in extreme distress. Hic~!

Knock. Knock. I sucked in my snot and turned to stare at the next stall in silence. Knock. Knock. The person knocked again. I blinked away my blurry vision when I noticed a hand appearing underneath the stall barrier with a few tissues."Thank you," I choked, bending down to accept the tissues and blew my nose with it. The bathroom fell quiet again, so I rubbed away my tears and sat in silence until the person beside my stall stepped out from their stall. I heard the sink water running. I'll stay here until she leaves. The faucet suddenly switched off. There was a prolonged silence in the room. Isn't she leaving? I quietly watched the shadow of the person approaching my stall."Are you aware... you're in the guy's bathroom?" Seokjin finally spoke up from behind the door. My cheeks flushed red as soon as I recognized his voice, so I repeatedly blinked at the unfamiliar bathroom interior in shock. I accidentally barged into the wrong bathroom?! SORA! I hastily launched to my feet to unlock the door-"Taehyung is really a dickhead!" Hoseok whined out of nowhere. Seokjin suddenly pushed my stall door open and quickly stepped inside with me, so I backed away in confusion."Did something happen again?" Seokjin asked from the stall as Hoseok cluelessly entered the stall next to ours."He got Sora the same bracelet as Haerim and even claimed no one is willing to take her to the ceremony," Hoseok muttered as he peed in the stall beside ours. Seokjin frowned upon hearing Hoseok's words and glanced at my tear-soaked face. I softly sniffled and lowered my head in embarrassment."He did that?" Seokjin pretended to speak in a curious tone."Yeah. Sora was very upset. She left crying. I'll head out first," Hoseok replied while washing his hands and then left the bathroom. Thud. I tearfully stood with Seokjin inside the muted stall without uttering a word."Is that why you're swollen...?" Seokjin whispered, darkening his gaze on my puffy eyes. I pursed my lips to stop myself from pouting while struggling to hold in my tears and shook my head in defeat, causing the alpha to grimace at my unstable condition.
A moment later...
I tightly gripped the item and shoved it in my jacket's pocket before stepping out of the female's bathroom- only to find Minho squabbling with Taehyung in the corridor. Oh? Why are they fighting...? I paused in the crowded space as the alphas aggressively shoved each other back and forth. Minho recovered from his injury?"Where is she?! I will make her pay-!" Minho screeched as he struggled within Taehyung's suffocating headlock."You harassed her!-""HAH!- There you are!- Jang Sora! You bitch-!" Minho shrieked in anger once he spotted me in the crowd. THUMP! Taehyung grunted in pain when Minho slammed him against the information board and scrambled onto his feet with his raging glare trained on me as I remained petrified before the bathroom door with a terrified look. Dash! The alpha angrily pounced at me with his baring fangs, making me flinch in fear."Yah! You stupid punk~!" Minha shrieked, hastily grabbing a handful of Minho's wild hair- just as he grabbed my arm. I shrieked and tried to shove him off me, but he refused to let go and attempted to seize my other arm, so Minah jerked Minho's hair with all her might to steer him away from me and yanked him backward."You gave me a goddamn concussion!-" Minho fiercely screeched as I stared at his spiteful glower with a dumbfounded look."TAEHYUNG- NO!" Jimin gasped. I quickly turned around just in time to find Taehyung grabbing an antique statue of the university's founder from the display and swung it straight at Minho's skull. Minho yelped in horror as he frantically dodged the impact, barely missing it by an inch.Park Jimin roughly tackled Taehyung onto the ground, sending the antique statue soaring toward me as I stood frozen in extreme shock. I couldn't budge at the shocking commotion- until I felt a rough tug yanking me out of the way- so I shrieked and stumbled to the side. CRASH! The antique statue shattered violently against the wall, narrowly missing my head by an inch. I scoffed in shock before snapping my head at the broken shards on the floor in bewilderment."Are you stupid?! This is an attempted murder!" Jungkook roared at his cousin's impulsive act to crush an alpha's skull as he firmly held my arm. Jungkook saved me. Kim Taehyung shakily panted heavily on the floor with a few light scratches on his face as Minho struggled to breathe on his knees.

Clatter.

Everyone averted their eyes from the mess, slowly turning to stare at the object after it fell out of my pocket. I looked down to stare at the pregnancy test in horror. Jungkook's doe eyes grew wide open. Minah took a double look as Taehyung frowned at the floor. The other alphas and lower ranks gasped in disbelief. I quickly bent down to snatch the pregnancy kit in panic just as the bathroom door to the women's room opened... and Haerim stepped out with a sly smirk."You're pregnant?" Jungkook glanced at me in bewilderment."No- it's not like that-""You were with someone?!" Minah gasped in disbelief. I gulped at their shaken reaction and glanced at Taehyung's deadly glare in fear.

"I- I was just-""Who is it?" Taehyung asked in a low voice. A wave of fear swept across the corridor as the alpha directed his darkness at me. I stood stiff in my place... too afraid to look away from Taehyung's murderous scowl."Taehyung, listen-""I ASKED YOU A FUCKING QUESTION!" Taehyung roared, hastily scrambling to his feet, so I sucked in my breath, fearfully gripping the kit in my palm until I felt a hot lump... forming in my throat."Are you going to stay quiet, Seokjin-shi~?" Haerim chuckled, smugly leaning against the bathroom door frame with her arms crossed. Taehyung snapped his head towards Seokjin, who was standing beside Namjoon and Hoseok with an expressionless face."Seokjin?! What did I miss?!- Why Seokjin?!" Minah gasped, snapping her pale face at Seokjin with her lips ajar. Both Namjoon and Hoseok immediately glanced at their friend with a startled look."You got her pregnant...?" Taehyung scoffed at Kim Seokjin, who remained muted within the tense corridor. He didn't seem frightened of Taehyung and remained composed in his place."He brought her the pregnancy test himself. I heard them talking. If he's not the father... then who else could it be?" Haerim laughed while shaking her head."Shut up!" Minah snapped at Haerim, earning a sharp glare from her."Kim Seokjin...?" Taehyung lowly chuckled while shaking his head in disbelief."It's not him-""Oh. It is me. Do you have a problem?" Seokjin admitted when I tried to defend him. Taehyung froze at Seokjin's confession, abruptly halting his psychotic laughter. Silence. Dread filled my body once the smile on Taehyung's face faded... replaced by the menacing darkness, making me swallow in fear as I glanced back and forth between the presidents."Tell me this is a joke," Jungkook furiously turned to frown at me as the lower ranks gossiped about us. I bit my lips when I felt my head swaying from side to side. Hoseok stared at his friend as if he didn't hear him right. Namjoon was calm. He averted his eyes to me with his eyebrows raised."I will not let you off with this. Did you think you could fool her- just because she's naive-""I didn't fool her. I had her consent, and she was comfortable with me. You are the one fooling her, Kim Taehyung. I didn't play stupid mind games with Jang Sora," Seokjin exhaled with his hands in his pocket. Taehyung turned to glare at me again."How can you do this to me after all I did for you-""All you did to her was place her as your second choice. We all know that. You don't deserve her-""Shut the fuck up!" Taehyung seethed at Seokjin in anger."Seokjin, quit it," Namjoon finally fired his friend a warning stare. Kim Seokjin let out a deep sigh and slowly stepped towards me, so I unsurely stared at the alpha with my tearful gaze as he halted before me and reached down to hold my trembling hand. The man firmly gripped my fingers to assure me of his support... so I pursed my lips in fright and glanced at Taehyung's evil-infested glower in extreme fear.

"Since everyone is so curious about us. Fine. We're dating. And I will take responsibility for everything I did to her. The pregnancy included," Seokjin nodded. I blinked at Seokjin's unexpected confession. Taehyung stared at us as if a lightning bolt struck him. Cemented in his position. In fact, everyone was petrified by the startling news."I want to hear it from you. Say it, Sora," Taehyung pressed, darkening his gaze on me. I nervously stared at Taehyung before glancing down at Seokjin's warm hand again, wrapped securely around mine."I don't want to be here," I whispered, tightening my hand around Seokjin's fingers. I hate their prying eyes!"I'll take you home," Seokjin calmly nodded. The alpha released my hand and placed his arm on my shoulder instead... before leading me away from the crowd, so I curled my arm around Seokjin's waist and followed his lead with my head lowered... leaving the witnesses shaken in their positions with the shocking disclosure of our relationship.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV

Seokjin accompanied me home as I insisted after the incident at the university because I was feeling super nauseous. He was weirdly understanding and didn't push me to speak, so I thanked him once we arrived at the mansion, and he left. I should've spoken to him. I requested the maids to bring dinner because I wasn't feeling well. They did as I asked, so I ate alone in my room, then I made sure to lock my door because I was afraid Taehyung would break inside to strangle me.

Are you questioning my relationship status with Seokjin? It's not real. He only did it to get me out of trouble. And how did I end up with a pregnancy test? Well, I suspected I was pregnant because of my delayed period. Why would a virgin supreme alpha be pregnant? It's a long story, but I'll tell you later. I promise.

I tried to ignore the stupid situation, but people just... wouldn't leave me alone at the university or even at home. Luckily, the elders were away on their business trip during the whole commotion, so I only had to deal with the foul gossip at the academy. Jungkook wouldn't stop bugging me about my relationship status with the second-rank alpha. He would follow me around. Try to bicker with me. Whine like a child and then get upset when I refuse to respond. I didn't engage with anyone and completely isolated myself from the world. Taehyung avoided me, which was also a huge relief. To be honest, I might ask him to kill me if we ever get into a fight again.
Sighing deeply, I skimmed the book in my hand as the prying eyes in the lobby monitored my every movement with the intent to staple my faults. The alphas and lower ranks are gossiping about me and I can assure you it's some mental shit. They declared I'm pregnant with Seokjin's child. They shamelessly accused me of being a slut. Some... would say Seokjin used me for my body and that I was a horny bitch. The worst problem was... Seokjin didn't show up to school for the next few days. He didn't contact me either. He just... disappeared. I don't know what's happening, but the society is having so much pleasure slut shaming me. Women would fire me disgusted dirty looks while the men made disdainful sexual jokes. But I was too weary to even give a damn and chose to be alone."FUCK OFF!" Jungkook bellowed at a group of lower ranks when they wouldn't stop catcalling me. They flinched in fright and hurried off as the alpha approached my side. The good thing is... only Jungkook seems to care about me. That's a relief. Minah tried speaking to me often, but I withdrew from our conversations as soon as she tried to initiate a topic."Are you going to follow Taehyung's path? Punishing yourself like this? You know you can speak to me, right?" Jungkook sighed, slumping down on the couch with me. He's here to poke me for answers again. I'm not annoyed by his behavior because it's typical of him. I didn't respond and quietly read the files in silence. Jungkook sorely grimaced at my muted silence with his eyes narrowed in irritation.

"You know it bothers me to see you like this. What happened, Sora? I'll kill Seokjin if it makes you feel better," Jungkook sadly watched me. He's speaking softly instead of nagging me. That's funny."You should at least eat something if you're pregnant. Don't starve the innocent child," Jungkook spoke. I sighed and closed the book before shifting my blank gaze to his worried frown."Speak to me," Jungkook smiled, reaching out to hold my hand."Do you believe their words?" I asked shortly."Of course not! I'll only believe you, so tell me! What happened? It's okay if the relationship is fake. But most importantly... What's with the pregnancy kit? Are you faking it to provoke Taehyung?" Jungkook shook his head. I blinked at his eager expression."Is Seokjin popular with women?" I asked. Jungkook frowned at my question as if he didn't expect it."Not as popular as me, but he is popular. But as far as I know... he's never dated anyone in the past. That's why it's... quite shocking for everyone to hear him claim you. I bet he's a virgin," Jungkook excitedly nodded like a puppy."You're not a virgin, are you?" I questioned. Jungkook's face suddenly flushed red."Of course not! Why are you asking?!- Tell me about your situation!" Jungkook whined, impatiently squeezing my hand over his lap. I let out a deep sigh and was about to speak- when I heard the lower ranks gasping by the door, so Jungkook and I turned toward the entrance to find Seokjin strolling in a formal button-up shirt and trousers. My heart ached at his presence. I thought he wouldn't acknowledge my presence... but the alpha strolled straight toward me with a stern expression."Are you okay?" Seokjin asked, swiftly sitting down to examine my face in concern. Huh? I blinked at his presence unsurely. Jungkook awkwardly scooted aside to grant us some space."I'm fine-" I nodded. Thump. Seokjin suddenly pulled me into a comforting hug, so I fired Jungkook a startled look as the alpha held me in his strong arms. That was... unexpected... especially publicly... like this."Please bear with my parents. I promise I'll resolve everything," Seokjin whispered in my ear. What? His parents...? Seokjin drew away from me as I uneasily searched his apologetic frown. The lower ranks gasped again just as... two elderly alphas appeared... in their fancy clothes. Seokjin nervously eyed his parents while holding my hand until my gaze landed on a familiar face. My jaw dropped in shock once I noticed Choi Do-hwan... strolling in after the second rank."What are they doing here?" Jungkook's muttered, dumbfounded by their presence. Taehyung unsurely stared at the elderly couple with the other alphas while standing on the floor above. The head of the university principal suddenly appeared to greet Seokjin's parents and Do-hwan. Jungkook turned to look at me in dread. Yup. I'm in trouble.
A moment later.
I found myself sitting... beside Seokjin in the principal's office with his parents and my chief guard. He showed up as my guardian to substitute my parent's absence. Seokjin's parents were exactly... like those rich and arrogant parents in the movies. I could sense their snobbish energy even before they open their mouths.

"I urge the university to investigate the dire issue thoroughly!" Mrs. Kim, Seokjin's mother, spoke up in a demanding tone."I believe it's only a groundless rumor-""About my precious son! People are circulating dishonorable tales about him and the supreme alpha! The academy should be liable for allowing such outrageous infamy to circulate the campus!" Mrs. Kim argued when the principal tried to dismiss the issue. Seokjin briefly glanced at me worriedly but remained hushed by his parents' side."I believe your son and supreme alpha is-""They degraded his perfect reputation! They claimed- They claimed my Seokjin got the supreme alpha pregnant! He's not a predator! I can't tolerate the absurd-" Mrs. Kim suddenly burst into tears without finishing her sentence. I exchanged awkward glances with Do-hwan as the woman wept before the tense principal, funnily dabbing her napkin against her streaming tears."I believe the rumors will cease after a week or two and everyone will move on from it. It's best if we remain patient with the unforgiving circumstances," Do-hwan sighed. Mrs. Kim fired Do-hwan a sharp glare."Is my son's a cheap whiteboard you can easily erase dirty ink from? He's a pure porcelain-""Eomma. That's enough," Seokjin interrupted her with his eyebrows furrowed."Darling! Are you going to let those people slander you like this?!- They deserve to be punished!" Mrs. Kim sniffled in tears as her husband sat in absolute silence. Is his father deaf?"If it's anyone... Sora's the one absorbing the most damage. They're not targeting me," Seokjin sighed and briefly glanced at me."Why did you get involved~? I raised you to steer clear of other's problems!-""It is my problem. Eomma. I had to intervene," Seokjin clenched his jaw."Moh? Don't lie to your mother-""They spent a night together," Do-hwan exhaled. The Kims stiffly froze in their seats as the principal straightened his back on his armchair."No, they didn't! Seokjin would never invite a woman over! My son vowed to never-""I asked her to stay over, eomma. I'm sorry. But we did spend time together at my place," Seokjin confessed, causing Mrs. Kim to gasp dramatically again."My bundle of joy! How can you-" Mr. Kim grabbed his wife when she suddenly fainted in her seat before she could finish her sentence. Jolt! Seokjin quickly got up to support his motionless mother, leaving me dumbfounded in my seat- until the medics burst into the office with the equipment.
Ten minutes later... I was left alone with Do-hwan and the principal. We sat in absolute silence after the Kims left... because Mrs. Kim had... fainted. What the fuck.
"What about your parents? Are they aware?" The principal asked in exhaustion."Not yet, but they will probably react the same way," I shrugged."I can't control a problem outside of the school premises. But is there anything I can do for you? I'll do my best to help you two," The school principal sighed. I pursed my lips and got up to bow to him."This is our problem, so we'll deal with it. Thank you for assisting us," I politely spoke. Do-hwan sighed, and we eventually left school together."Your parents will be home once we get there... so be prepared," Do-hwan warned as he drove me home. Fuck. I lowered my face in dread upon hearing the dire warning and closed my eyes to calm my mind. The consequences are unavoidable.
Flashback

"Do you have a date for the ceremony?" I asked. Seokjin smiled and handed the glass to me. I took a sip after he circled the coffee table to sit on the couch opposite mine.

"Not yet. Why? Do you want to ask me out on a date? From what I know... you don't have a date either," Seokjin smirked. I glared at him and took a huge gulp from the wine glass. I screwed my face in discomfort and leaned back with my eyes closed.

"I suppose Taehyung is my assigned date," I muttered, opening my eyes to stare at Seokjin.

"You think? He didn't ask you out appropriately? That's shockingly disrespectful of him, especially when you're the supreme alpha," Seokjin laughed, sipping his wine with a teasing smile.

"He's always like this. I'm used to it," I shrugged.

"But I heard Haerim is his date though?" Seokjin questioned. I pursed my lips and sat in silence to recall the distressing incident.
"When you look at me... do you think I'm pathetic?" I asked with a numbed face. Why is my mind swaying so much? The liquor isn't that strong."Yah. Are you drunk already?!" Seokjin snapped, sitting up with a startled look."I'm not-""Stop it with the deep talk- YAH? What are you doing?!" Seokjin shrieked in shock when I suddenly leaped from the couch to pull my shirt off my body because it was too warm inside the living room."I'll go for a swim in your pool," I muttered, dismissively sliding his glass door open and stepped into the breezy exterior."You're drunk! And it's getting late! You should head home before your parents send an army of guards into my mansion!" He groaned, frantically striding after me, but I didn't listen and pulled off my pants to undress before the alpha. Seokjin scoffed at my shameless behavior and glanced away in horror as I slipped into the water in my undergarment."I'll leave after a refreshing bath!" I giggled, drunkenly splashing across the pool. The alpha snapped his glare at me from the pool edge and stomped back inside his mansion, so I dismissively swam back and forth in his pool... until he returned with a wine bottle and a flustered face."Get out now!" He demanded, funnily marching towards the pool edge with a pink face."Finish the bottle, and I'll get out," I playfully splashed the water at him. Seokjin intensely glared at my stubbornness before shoving the bottle against his lips and tilted his head back to drain the liquor. My eyes bulged open in shock when he finished it in one lift. He wants me out that badly?!"Now get out!" Seokjin demanded, hastily placing the bottle away. I submerged my entire body under the water to get the last wash before emerging from the calm surface and swam toward the pool edge. I gripped the cement rim and tried to haul my body over the edge, but I failed miserably and slipped back into the cold water. I'm tipsy!"Fuck. I think I'm too drunk to get out," I grumbled, lifting my head upward to find Seokjin crossing his arms in irritation."Use the stairs, woman!" He nodded at the pool stairs."I'm too lazy to swim to the end. Pull me out!" I whined, drunkenly crossing the pool to his side, and extended my arms for him. The alpha huffed in annoyance and lowered his body to grab me, so I yanked onto him- when he suddenly lost his balance and tilted forward."ARGH!" Seokjin shrieked, abruptly releasing me... and to my horror... he plunged into the pool. SPLASH. I shrieked in shock as the massive wave- sent me stumbling to the side. What the heck?! Seokjin frantically splashed around in his damp clothes as he struggled to navigate his drunken body."You're drunk!" I gasped while rubbing the water from my eyes."Great! Just great!!!- You're a nuisance!" Seokjin angrily threw a tantrum in the cold pool, causing my jaw to drop in shock. Splash! The water harshly slapped my cheeks as the alpha scrambled for the pool edge."How dare you splash water at me?! You fell yourself!" I shrieked, angrily splashing back at him. Seokjin tried to heave his body out of the water but failed and slid back into the pool."STOP SPLASHING- YOU MANIAC! MY EYES~!" Seokjin screamed, spinning around to confront me with his squinted eyes, but I kept splashing until he leaped across the pool to tackle me."AH! Why are you attacking!?! Yah!" I shrieked as he roughly grabbed my wrists to stop me from harassing him."I will drown you if you keep it up!- It's freezing cold!" Seokjin threatened as he fired me a warning glare, so I pursed my lips with my unblinking gaze trained on his soaked bangs before lowering my eyes... to his damp clothes. I stared at the defined outline of his toned muscles and finally glanced up at his handsome face again.

"You're funny when you're drunk," I smiled, tilting my head to admire his glowing red face."You won't be smiling when I drown you-""Drown me then. See if you'll succeed. We're both drunk, so even if you kill me now... I won't be able to escape," I whispered, eagerly leaning my face forward to encourage him."Do you want to die that badly?" The alpha asked, unsurely searching my teary eyes. Oh. I wanted to live when I was young... but I want to disappear now. The world is too harsh for me."Do it," I nodded, blinking at him in tears as the hot lump formed in my throat. I can't stifle my pain any longer. If my family can't kill me... then I'm sure my rival will do it. Seokjin and the other alphas detest my power anyways."Maybe I won't be as guilty because... I'm drunk," Seokjin agreed, lifting his hand to place it on my damp cheek as we stood facing each other in the water. His private villas were entirely empty. We were the only souls standing... under the dim moonlight radiant... in his brightly lit pool."It's a simple task... just don't let me breathe," I whispered in tears.

Kim Seokjin grew hushed while struggling to make up his mind so I smiled, gently squeezing his hand over my moist cheek. The alpha suddenly leaned forward, so I gripped his hips under the water's surface to anticipate my death with my eyes closed. Nudge. The man softly pressed his moist lips against mine, causing my heart to jolt in a panic. Huh?! I was too taken aback... by his unpredictable movement- so I stood stiff in place, quickly flinging my eyes open to gawk at him."I'll be bored to death if you die," Seokjin whispered, pulling away to stare at me. I bit my lips in confusion when I felt a warm spasm within my chest. The emotion was so intense I couldn't cry anymore but stared at him with a static mind."You're going to regret not killing me," I whispered, frowning at him with a startled look.Kim Seokjin scoffed at my statement and leaned forward to kiss me again, so I unconsciously encircled my arms around his thick neck muscles and tugged him closer to me. He carefully placed his hands on my waist to massage my bare skin under the water as we kissed in the pool until we were both out of breath. It was a swift and uncalculated decision to hold each other... and we both probably will regret everything... but my soul was too desperate to release him. Seokjin finally withdrew his plump lips from mine after the intense make-out session. I tried not to pant... but I was entirely breathless. We stared at each other in silence. What just happened...?"Did I take away your breath...?" Kim Seokjin whispered while brushing his thumb over my moist lips. I chuckled at his words and leaned forward to hug his sturdy body. I did stop breathing for a moment. The alpha firmly secured my waist to hold me against him as he waddled toward the pool stairs. He helped me out of the pool and left to grab me a bathrobe as I stood in the opening with my arms wrapped around my exposed body."Thank you," I smiled when he tossed a towel at me, so I dabbed my moist skin dry before pulling on the bathrobe to fend off the cold air."You can use the shower," Seokjin muttered as I stepped inside his villa and entered his bathroom to wash my soaked body. Shaaa~! I stood calmly under the lukewarm water with my eyes closed while recalling the... vivid glimpses of the steamy moments between us. What was I thinking? Seokjin isn't someone I should be involved with. What should I do now? Everything was unintentional and I don't even have feelings for him!
A moment later.
"Oh? You're drinking again?" I asked, pausing unsurely once I found Seokjin swallowing a glass of wine. He already showered? He must've showered in his personal bathroom."I can't take you home in this condition, so call your guard," Seokjin weakly bent over his kitchen counter while pinching his high nose bridge in discomfort. He probably regrets it too."I'll do that-""What happened earlier... it really has no... deep meaning. I'm sorry if I- placed you in a tough position- ""I know," I nodded. People can make mistakes, and I know it was nothing between us. Seokjin pursed his lips at my casual response with his hand tucked under his chin as I drew out my phone to contact Do-hwan."But..." Seokjin suddenly mumbled while leaning against the counter."But...?" I repeated, unsurely lowering my phone with my eyebrow lifted at his anxious frown."Do you want to spend the night here? Since we're both drunk? I won't force you... but if you want to stay then-" Seokjin shrugged, turning to drain his glass again."Oh. Sora. Should I pick you up now?" Do-hwan answered my call. I glanced at my phone and back at Seokjin. There was a long pause between us... until Do-hwan spoke again to ask if I was alright."No. I'm fine. I'm spending the night at... Minah's place," I answered. There was a long pause from Do-hwan's side of the line."Okay," Do-hwan finally spoke up. I exhaled in relief and bid him goodnight. Seokjin lifted his head to look at me in surprise."You're staying?" Seokjin asked."On one condition. You and I will pretend... as if nothing happened after we wake up tomorrow. Deal?" I asked."I have the habit of forgetting everything when I'm drunk. I'll probably forget everything tomorrow," Seokjin shrugged. I intensely stared at Seokjin until my heart thumped anxiously. Sora?! What are you doing!? Don't be stupid!"So...? What are you waiting for?" I asked... as Seokjin remained cemented in his position. The alpha scratched his head and finally straightened his body."Okay... I'll lead the way," Seokjin nodded, taking my hand in his before leading me down the corridor of his villa until we arrived at his bedroom. I nervously swallowed as he pushed the door open, so I stepped inside with him. Thud. He carefully closed the door as I scanned the organized room in curiosity."I'll ask my men to escort you home if you-" Seokjin muttered while rubbing his face- but was cut short when I fired him an annoyed glare."What's with you?! You brought me to your room only to tell me I can leave? If you're that nervous then-" I snapped in frustration. Yank! The drunk man swiftly towed my waist forward without a warning, making me freeze in shock at the jolting movement- as he forcefully slammed his lips against mine. I sucked in my breath once I felt the alpha... fastening his arms around my body while stroking my lips in a steady rhythm."It's weird... how your lips taste so familiar..." Seokjin whispered, pulling away to frown at me. I pursed my lips to stare at his conflicted eyes. Seokjin smiled and gently kissed me again, slowly guiding me backward until my legs collided with his bed."You're weirdly very calm," I giggled as he held onto my waist. Seokjin effortlessly lifted my lightweight body onto his bed by my hips, so I smiled and laid on the mattress as he remained over me in his clothes."I can't believe I'm doing this," Seokjin shook his head in an attempt to sober up his clouded mind until I opened my arms for his embrace. The alpha smiled at my welcoming gesture... and lowered his face to kiss me again."You'll spend the night kissing me?" I whispered, pulling away to cup his flustered cheeks."Should we take off our clothes now?" Seokjin smirked, sitting up between my parted legs. He swiftly took off his sweatshirt to expose his toned torso. He's hot. I bit my lips as I watched him slip off his trousers."Do it for me," I suggested, eagerly staring at Seokjin as he remained in his underwear. Seokjin chuckled at my teasing smile. He leaned over me to push my shirt upward and gently lowered his face to kiss my bare stomach. I shrieked and smacked his head in shock."Why are you hitting me?!" Seokjin gasped, quickly sitting up with a confused smile."I'm ticklish!" I whined. The alpha funnily shook his head at my complaint while helping me slip the shirt off my head. His face suddenly flushed red once his drunken gaze landed on my... perky breasts."Oh? Where's your bra-""It's soaked. I packed my wet undergarments in my bag," I muttered, uncomfortably covering my chest. Seokjin blinked at me awkwardly as he gripped my waistband, carefully pulling the pants off my hip bones. A wave of chills... suddenly swept across my body... making me shudder helplessly as he stripped me naked on his bed. I gripped the bedsheet nervously as he removed the garment from my ankles, leaving me exposed on his bed."Your face is blood red," I smiled. Seokjin didn't reply and tossed my clothes off the bed, so I shyly twisted my legs as he slipped out of his underpants. The sturdy alpha lowered his face to kiss my knees as I kept my legs closed with an anxious frown on his handsome visual. Why is the room so warm...?"You used my soap. That's unfortunate," Seokjin whispered as he gently kissed naked my thighs... causing me to twist and turn my body at his thrilling stroke. This is why people enjoy intimacy so much?"What do you mean?" I asked while playing with his messy hair as he softly nibbled my hip bone. He's taking his time, and I like it. I thought I'd be uncomfortable, but I'm enjoying this. I gradually eased my stiff muscles as the man planted his wet kisses over my sensitive flesh. No one has ever touched me like this before... so his every stroke is very foreign to my body. It makes my nerves tingle. Seokjin finally nudged my knees apart to position his sturdy body between my legs while kissing the crook of my neck, making me shiver at his pleasing strokes."I wanted to smell your scent," Seokjin sexily whispered against my lips. I'm burning. What is this sensation? I drew the alpha down by his neck... until he rested his naked body over mine and sensually rubbed his nude skin over my flesh to stimulate our nerves with the heated friction."You're weird," I laughed uneasily. Seokjin didn't smile and stared at me with his dreamy eyes. Is he even awake...? The seductive man suddenly tilted his head to kiss the crook of my neck again, so I exhaled and tilted my head back in pleasure."Bear with me," Seokjin finally replied as he nudged his hard crotch against my throbbing groin. I nodded in response while arching my back over the mattress to savor the pleasuring strokes of his foreign touch. The alpha was extremely slow... but I didn't mind because I was comfortable with whatever he was doing to me."We've got an entire night to spend," I assured while gripping his toned back. Seokjin smiled at my words and gently kissed my warm cheeks. It took us a while to actually have sex... since we enjoyed the arousing foreplay... a little too much.The love-making session wasn't wild or crazy because Seokjin was strangely very gentle with me. It was an enjoyable experience. In fact, I didn't feel as much pain as I anticipated, even if it was my first time... but that's probably because Seokjin helped me ease my tense body with the teasing strokes. He wasn't too rough. It was a very humid and pleasurable night... because I remembered drenching in sweat after collapsing with him on the bed. I had to get up to shower because I didn't like the stickiness of my moist skin.
A moment later.
"Are you sober now?" Seokjin asked as I strolled out of his bathroom with my eyes half open.

"Not yet," I shook my head while climbing his naked thick thighs to sit on him without any clothes on. He smiled and leaned upward to kiss me as I combed my fingers through his wild hair."I'll get you a spare shirt," The alpha gently kissed my lips while fondling my breasts, so I nodded and slipped off his thighs. Seokjin smiled as I weakly slumped onto the bed and rolled over without any clothes on to snuggle against the mattress. He eventually crawled off the bed to fetch an oversized shirt before returning to fit the garment over my naked body."Should I leave? I should leave before we both sober up," I asked, sleepily sitting on his bed. Seokjin glanced at his digital clock. 3:08 AM."It's too late. Sleep in with me. I don't mind," Seokjin shook his head while pulling a shirt over his toned trunk. Creak. The mattress sunk under his weight as the alpha crawled towards me."We have school early tomorrow," I muttered. Seokjin gently cupped my cheeks and softly kissed me again, so I closed my eyes to inhale his soothing scent."Stop trying to go home. I'm not sending the honored supreme alpha home... after getting in between her legs. I'm not that type of man," Seokjin smiled while caressing my cheek."If I stay... you'll wake up with all the memories you insist on forgetting," I bit my lips."We might not want to remember the moment we shared, but I at least want to remember the woman I spent my night with. Stay with me," Seokjin shook his head. I laughed at his sweetness and hugged him with a weak smile. Thump. We collapsed back onto the mattress in each other's arms."Don't be embarrassed once you wake up," I warned. Seokjin remained on his side with a faint smile after he turned to switch off the lights. The alpha sweetly tugged me in by my waist and snuggled his nose against my hair."Get some sleep. I'll contact the academy tomorrow to request our absence," Seokjin whispered. I smiled at his words and finally closed my eyes. I don't know if it's Seokjin or the alcohol or the sex... but I definitely had a fulfilling good sleep. It's as if I was hypnotized. I didn't even have any nightmares and slept like a baby in his arms.
Next Morning
I grumbled under my breath and slowly turned on the mattress to search for Seokjin's presence, but all I could feel was the cold bedsheet. What if it was all a dream? Why would I dream of Seokjin out of everyone? Urgh. I rubbed my swollen face and turned to lay face-first on the mattress. It doesn't smell like my pillow. I squinted my blurry vision at the beaming sunlight, radiating between the flapping curtains before lifting my head to study the simplistic interior."It wasn't a dream...?" I mumbled, groggily rolling on my back while struggling to recall the fuzzy memories. It took me a good minute for my head to clear up- Jerk! I jolted into a sitting position in bewilderment. SHIT.My eyes grew wide open when the surge of memories overfilled my head. I can remember everything?! Even the cringy things I said to him?! Fuck! I groaned under my breath awhile gawking at the humidifier on his cabinet in shock. I really got laid with the man my family detests?!I frantically took off Seokjin's shirt and pulled on my clothes as fast as I could... before swinging the door open and poked my head out into the empty corridor. Where did he go? I should hurry and leave!- I can't face him! I hurriedly scurried into the living room to grab my bag and raced toward his front door when the door opened- and he suddenly appeared in casual clothes. I stiffened in shock upon his unexpected presence. Seokjin halted to stare at the bag over my shoulder.

"Are you leaving? Without breakfast?" Seokjin asked, closing the door behind his back. I nervously swallowed and averted my eyes away with flustered cheeks. He saw every part of my body last night! I even moaned his name! God, Sora, you're so stupid!"It's fine. I'll just- eat at home-""Are you really going to behave like this? You'll only make it awkward for the both of us," Seokjin frowned at my restless behavior. We stared at each other in silence. Well. Shit. I made him promise me to pretend to act casual... but I'm the one losing my shit over it. I pursed my lips in embarrassment, slowly returned to the living room and dropped my bag in defeat."Do you remember everything?" I scratched my head as I followed Seokjin into the kitchen, briefly glancing at the warm meals on the dining table."I do. Strangely. I can recall everything," Seokjin nodded. I pursed my lips and slowly sat down before my rice bowl. Seokjin didn't seem to care and sat across from me."Well. That's a bit uncomfortable-""It's not like it was a mistake between us, right? We had each other's consent," Seokjin asked as he chewed his rice. I gulped uneasily and glanced down to process my thoughts. We had fun last night."You do it often, don't you? That's why you're so unbothered?" I asked, lifting my face to frown at him."Do what?" Seokjin asked as he lowered his face to slurp his seaweed soup."A one-night stand," I said shortly. Seokjin halted with the spoon halfway in his mouth. The man sighed, suddenly lowering the utensil to his bowl while frowning at me from across the table. I nervously fidgeted with my fingers as he intensely studied me."Have you ever heard any rumors about me with another woman?" Seokjin asked. I blinked at him and shook my head."No, but you're not the type to openly tell anyone about your love affairs," I shrugged."I was a virgin until last night. You're the only woman I've been with. My parents are strict. They actually want to set me up in an arranged marriage, so I was instructed to stay pure until then," Seokjin muttered, lowering his face to eat again. My eyes bulged open in disbelief."You're lying?! How can you be a virgin-""Why are you so worked up?! And why would I lie to you!?- I took my time last night because I was trying to figure out- t-the proper way to handle our bodies!" Seokjin snapped. I pursed my lips again with burning red cheeks. Snatch! I hastily grabbed the spoon and shoved the rice into my mouth once I failed to stop my stupid mind from recalling our embarrassing moments."I am a virgin. I mean- I was. Yeah. I lost it to you," I confessed. Seokjin lifted his eyebrow to frown at me."What about Hoseok? Weren't you-""No! We never did anything like that together! You can't possibly believe in the stupid rumors?" I fired him an offended look."Well. Hoseok did claim you were innocent. I believe you," Seokjin shrugged, averting his attention back to his food."Why are you so relaxed?! Are you messing with me?!" I snapped, leaning across the table to frown at him in irritation. Seokjin chewed his food unsurely as he observed my tense behavior."We took each other's virginity. We kissed. We hugged. We felt each other's bodies. We slept together. We had sex. What should I freak out over when these are natural interactions between two people? You're only embarrassed because you think this is wrong. Why? It definitely wasn't an accident. We might be drunk, but we were both aware of our actions," Seokjin asked calmly. Why is he so sensible? And why am I so agitated?"I don't know. I'm just nervous," I stuttered, awkwardly turning to poke the seaweed soup with my chopstick."We're adults, Sora. I had a great time last night... and I don't want you to behave this way. There's nothing to stress about. I won't tell anyone. As we promised... this stays between us, and whatever happened last night stays as it is," Seokjin sighed. I nodded at his comforting words, but I still felt troubled by everything we did together last night."Do you not think... negatively of me?" I asked, briefly glancing at him."Why would I? Does being with you make you less of a woman?" Seokjin asked. I pursed my lips and lifted my eyes to meet his tender gaze. He seems honest."I don't know-""Did you expect me to treat you like your family did? Or are you guilty because I am the guy your family warned you not to associate with?" He asked."Both," I answered. Seokjin sighed and placed his chopstick down."And do you actually feel guilty? For being with me? Look at me and tell me if I make you regret... the night we spent together. Tell me," Seokjin pressed, darkly frowning at me."It's not you. I enjoyed my time with you too. It's just that-""Not every man will treat you like Kim Taehyung did. Not every man is toxic. Whatever happened between us... I have to admit I was enticed by you, and that's why I wanted to be with you, and it wasn't my evil intention to get in between your legs. There's more to it, and that's what it is. I can't deny my action. If you want to know if I held you with genuine feelings then. Of course, I did. I was... curious about you. And I don't intend on using our time together as a reason to think lowly of you either," Seokjin exhaled. I sat quietly, staring at him in guilt."I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause a misunderstanding," I apologized. He's right. Not everyone is like Taehyung. I shouldn't act this way."It's a bit tough for me too... if you're wondering," Seokjin nodded, glancing down at his rice bowl."Why?" I asked."I was foolish to think getting intimate with someone once is normal. All the one-night stands... people talk about. It seemed uncomplicated. But it's not like that at all. If I could turn back time... I wouldn't have asked you to stay," Seokjin sighed. My heart sank at his words."You're regretting it," I muttered, glancing down at my hands."Attachment," Seokjin said shortly."Huh?" I looked up at him."I thought I could sleep with you and move on. But... there's this strange feeling. I want to hold you longer... and I don't want to let go. It's dangerous for both of us. We won't work out, so we should leave it as it is. I don't regret being with you. I'm just scared of getting attached," Seokjin assured."You're right. We shouldn't do this anymore," I agreed.Do-hwan sent a driver to pick me up from Seokjin's place at noon, so I eventually returned to the mansion after doing unholy things with the society's so-called perfect man. No one seemed to notice I wasn't home last night. I hurried to my room to get changed- until a maid informed me Do-hwan wanted to speak with me... so I visited his office to find the man leaning against the armchair with his arms crossed."Why did you lie to me?" Do-hwan grimaced, frowning at me as soon as I entered his office."Lie? What-""You do realize I can track your location, right?" Do-hwan frowned. I blinked at him awkwardly."Fine! I stayed at Seokjin's place to finish my work!" I snapped, hastily sitting down on his couch with an attitude."That's it? You smell like him!" Do-hwan snapped. I frowned at his complaint and sniffed my shirt... and sure enough... Seokjin's soap was still on my body."I swam in his pool and showered at his place-""That's it?-""Why are you so nosy about my affair?" I whined, stomping my feet in annoyance."Sora, you're the supreme alpha-""So what? Am I not human? Can't I have sex?!" I blurted in irritation but quickly pursed my lips after... I accidentally exposed the truth. Do-hwan exhaled in extreme frustration and lowered his face to pinch his nose bridge as he leaned against his desk."I knew. That's why I let you off last night, even if I could see your exact location," Do-hwan muttered, finally looking up at me with a bitter look."Then why did you have to ask?" I mumbled, glancing away in tears. He knew! And yet he made me tell him everything!"Because I want you to be honest with me. Sora. I am responsible for your well-being. I am asking you to trust me," Do-hwan softened his voice."You work for my mother," I gritted."I've never reported your troubles to your parents. I am on your side. You can live your life. Sleep with anyone but please... you have to be careful. Seokjin is one of the most powerful alphas, and your parents fear his household. I let you off last night after you called because... Seokjin is aware... that I can track your last known location through our call," Do-hwan explained. They always demonize innocent people. That's what my family does."He didn't harm me. Seokjin was very considerate. I was comfortable the entire night. He even asked me to stay after we got intimate. Lent me clothes and even cooked breakfast for me. He's not as bad as you think," I shrugged."Okay. I believe you, but what about Taehyung?" Do-hwan asked. I frowned at him in confusion."What about him?" I asked."It's clear your parents want you with Taehyung. Are you going to get yourself involved with another man? I'm afraid you'll be caught up in a love chaos," Do-hwan sighed, eyeing me in concern."Seokjin and I agreed to never do it again. I'm aware of the consequences," I admit."Good. If possible... please save yourself the heartbreak and stick with Taehyung," Do-hwan sighed."He's taking another woman to the ceremony," I muttered, gloomily dimming my eyes at my chief guard. They're telling me to choose Taehyung when he clearly shows no interest in me. How can I live my life that way? Even if he tried to show his love, it never came naturally but rather a duty he must fulfill to ground me in my place. Did they expect me to agree with an arranged marriage like all the characters do in stories? I will not go down without a fight.______________________
Although I promised Seokjin to brush off the incident between us... I couldn't help but feel restless in his presence. Seokjin didn't seem to be bothered about it and would converse with me normally... so I tried my best to do the same.

Flashback
Sora X Seokjin in the bathroom.
"He got Sora the same bracelet as Haerim and even claimed no one is willing to take her to the ceremony," Hoseok muttered as he peed in the stall beside ours. Seokjin frowned upon hearing Hoseok's words and glanced at my tear-soaked face. I softly sniffled and lowered my head in embarrassment.

"He did that?" Seokjin pretended to speak in a curious tone.
"Yeah. Sora was very upset. She left crying. I'll head out first," Hoseok replied while washing his hands and then left the bathroom.  Thud.  I tearfully stood with Seokjin inside the muted stall without uttering a word.
"Is that why you're swollen...?" Seokjin whispered, darkening his gaze on my puffy eyes. I pursed my lips to stop myself from pouting while struggling to hold in my tears and shook my head in defeat, causing the alpha to grimace at my unstable condition.
"I think I'm pregnant," I whispered, nervously staring at Seokjin. He didn't respond and stared at me without blinking."Your period is late?" Seokjin asked. My lips trembled, so I sucked in my breath and nodded as he hovered over me in the cramped space."Two weeks late," I nodded, looking up at him with tearful eyes. Seokjin rubbed his nose bridge and leaned against the stall wall with his arms crossed."But I used a condom that night. I made sure we were safe," Seokjin frowned at me with a skeptical look. I suddenly felt the overwhelming emotions crushing me."Are you saying it's not your baby?!" I whimpered, lowering my face to sob in distress.

"Yah! Stop crying and speak properly! I didn't say it's not mine! I'm just confused!" Seokjin snapped as he grabbed my shoulders, gently shaking me back to my senses. I wiped away my tears and looked up at him again."I am just as confused! My parents will kill me if I'm pregnant with your child!" I whined. Seokjin bitterly stared at me with a conflicted look."We can either keep the baby or abort it. It's up to you. Whether you're prepared for it or not. Either way, I'll stay by your side," Seokjin exhaled quietly."How can we raise a baby when we don't even love each other?" I blinked in tears."It was our choice to make love, but you're right. We can't raise a baby without love," Seokjin nodded. I whimpered, weakly slumping down on the toilet with my head lowered. My mother will twist my neck if she finds out!"Get up and head to the women's bathroom," Seokjin grabbed my wrist. He snuck me out of the guy's bathroom after checking the empty hallway. I blinked restlessly when he told me to wait for his return and left without explaining himself, so I dreadfully turned to look at the mirror and washed my face over the sink. I waited in the bathroom for about 20 minutes until Seokjin returned."What's this?" I asked when he handed me a bag."A pregnancy kit. Let's confirm it," He nodded as we stood in the women's bathroom."You wait outside," I nodded. Seokjin pursed his lips and strode out to grant me privacy. I exhaled and entered the stall on my own.
A moment later...

I tightly gripped the item and shoved it in my jacket's pocket before stepping out of the female's bathroom- only to find Minho squabbling with Taehyung in the corridor. Oh? Why are they fighting...? I paused in the crowded space as the alphas aggressively shoved each other back and forth. Minho recovered from his injury?

"Where is she?! I will make her pay-!" Minho screeched as he struggled within Taehyung's suffocating headlock.

"You harassed her!-"
"HAH!- There you are!- Jang Sora! You bitch-!" Minho shrieked in anger once he spotted me in the crowd.  THUMP!  Taehyung grunted in pain when Minho slammed him against the information board and scrambled onto his feet with his raging glare trained on me as I remained petrified before the bathroom door with a terrified look.  Dash!  The alpha angrily pounced at me with his baring fangs, making me flinch in fear.
"Yah! You stupid punk~!" Minha shrieked, hastily grabbing a handful of Minho's wild hair- just as he grabbed my arm. I shrieked and tried to shove him off me, but he refused to let go and attempted to seize my other arm, so Minah jerked Minho's hair with all her might to steer him away from me and yanked him backward.

"You gave me a goddamn concussion!-" Minho fiercely screeched as I stared at his spiteful glower with a dumbfounded look.
End of Flashback_________________________
The Present

"Your parents will be home once we get there... so be prepared," Do-hwan warned as he drove me home. Fuck. I lowered my face in dread upon hearing the dire warning and closed my eyes to calm my mind. The consequences are unavoidable.
"JANG SORA!" My mother's usual voice screeched as soon as I stepped inside the living room to find the elders gathered together. Jungkook and Taehyung stood by the corridor with bitter expressions."Fire at me. I'm ready," I nodded at my mother's fiery face."I was away for a few days!- And you're pregnant with Kim Seokjin's child?!" Eomma snapped, storming up to me in anger."So you believe their rumors?" I asked calmly."Didn't you confirm it yourself?!" She snapped at me. I dully averted my eyes to the elders as they anxiously watched me from the sideline."I'm not pregnant," I sighed, finally admitting the truth. Jungkook's eyes flung wide open in disbelief."Then why didn't you defend yourself? How can you let them-""No one would've listened anyways. After all. I'm not a trustworthy person. Right, eomma? Even you don't believe my words," I smiled at her. SMACK. I froze in shock when eomma harshly slapped me hard across my face. I can feel her burning handprint... on my cheek."Don't test me," She gritted."You didn't have to hurt her!" Mr. Jeon gasped, nervously approaching with a worried frown."Is that all you've got? Eomma...?" I smiled while staring at her with a wide grin... causing her face to drain in horror at my psychotic smile."You-""Did you think a mere slap could break me? Everything... everything in me is shattered because of you. Did you think this pain could compare to the misery I felt in isolation after you sent me away? Why didn't I defend myself from the groundless words? Because I know the rumors will cut you deeper than it's hurting me. Did you think I'd live under your shadow forever? Just wait, eomma. This is only the beginning. No one in this room will get away with the inhumane shit you did to me because... I still remember all of your fucking crimes! And the only way to get rid of me is to kill me! So if you fucking want me dead... then end me. I won't mind!" I evilly snarled at her until tears filled my mother's eyes. The elders grew hushed at my words."Did you really think a mere rumor could weaken me? Jang Sora?" Eomma gritted, dangerously leaning her face forward to challenge my glower."What if the rumor is true?" I smirked at her face."Moh?" Eomma blinked."What if your daughter... the supreme alpha... is a whore like they say I am?" I chuckled at her face."You said you're not pregnant-""Oh. Luckily I'm not pregnant, but it doesn't change the fact that I spread my legs open for a dick because I was a horny slut. What will the society think of our household once they know the truth? Should I tell everyone?" I laughed, smugly lifting my eyebrows at my mother."You wouldn't dare ruin your own reputation!" Eomma snapped. I huffed and shook my head."Taehyung, you're not seriously... considering... marriage with a filthy woman like me. Right? My dirty image will only pollute yours," I smiled at Taehyung's dark expression."I swear to god, Sora-" Eomma tried to snap at me again when the front door suddenly slid open, and Do-hwan appeared with an uptight frown."We have a visitor," Do-hwan informed. Eomma cleared her throat and straightened her body at the unexpected interruption."Who is it?" Mrs. Kim asked, getting onto her feet unsurely."Speak of the devil," Do-hwan replied, stepping back to hold the door open, so I turned around to find Kim Seokjin... inspecting our damaged water fountain with his hands clasped behind his back."What the hell is he doing here-?!" Eomma gritted just as Seokjin turned in our direction. The elders quickly got up from their seats to approach the alpha. Seokjin smiled and politely bowed at them."The audacity," Taehyung snarled, storming angrily toward the front door, but was held back by his father. Taehyung glowered at Seokjin... who kept on a composed smile."What brought a top-rank alpha to our mansion tonight?" Eomma forced a smile as she greeted Seokjin. I walked up to him with a questioning look."What's wrong with your cheek?" Seokjin stared at my bruised face with a slight frown."Nothing. A wild cat slapped me when I tried to pet it," I giggled, earning a sharp glare from eomma. Jungkook sniggered funnily until his father smacked his back, so he immediately straightened his body to hold back his laughter. Seokjin kept his eyes on my swollen face before averting his suspicious gaze to my parents again."I personally visited to express my sincere apology for hurting Sora and your household's prestige," Seokjin did a ninety-degree bow again. My parents stared at him unsurely."I'll forgive you... but I don't want you... anywhere near my daughter anymore. You'll only put her in a difficult position. I hope you understand my intention to protect her," Eomma spoke coldly. Seokjin straightened his back with a stern look before glancing at me with a neutral expression."Actually. I am here to ask for Sora's approval as my partner for the Alpha Ceremony... since Taehyung is taking another woman to the ceremony," Seokjin smiled at my parents."What?" Mrs. Kim gasped, snapping her attention to her son in disbelief."You fucker-" Taehyung seethed, but Mr. Kim immediately tugged his son back to stop him from causing a scene."You asked another woman to attend the ceremony with you?! I thought we agreed you'd take Sora-""It's alright. Don't force him... against his will. I'm sure the mere ceremonial date won't do any harm. The society will degrade our household reputation if I don't attend the event with Seokjin after the scandal. It's best if we go together to prevent them from initiating excessive conspiracies," I shook my head when Mrs. Kim tried to scold Taehyung."Sora's right. The society will never stop gossiping if she doesn't interact with Seokjin. Let's just allow it to happen this once until they forget about it," Mr. Jeon sighed."Well, there goes a happy ending, and why are you so sore? You didn't seem that upset when you chose to wear your romantic couple bracelet with Haerim at the university," Jungkook sarcastically glared at Taehyung and walked off with a bitter look. Taehyung fired his cousin an irritated look."Do as you please. Have a safe trip home," Eomma sternly nodded at Seokjin when she failed to find another excuse to separate us. The tense woman spun around on her heels and left, so the elders followed her. Mrs. Kim had to drag Taehyung away. I sideways turned to stare at Do-hwan when he refused to budge."You two can use my office if you need to speak," Do-hwan nodded, finally granting us the privacy we needed and strode toward the front gate. Seokjin stared at me in silence."Let's go," I smiled, walking away from the front door."We don't have to speak yet if you're not feeling well," Seokjin sighed."I'm fine," I shrugged. Seokjin followed me to the security department, so I pushed Do-hwan's office door open and strode inside to sit on the couch. Seokjin glanced around the office in curiosity as I patiently waited for him."Your household is much more refined than I thought," Seokjin smiled, slowly sitting on the couch with me."Are you here to spy on my security team?" I asked, raising my eyebrow at him. Seokjin averted his eyes to adjust his gaze on my burnt cheek and lifted his hand to brush his fingers over my sensitive skin. I stared at him without blinking."It doesn't look like a cat's paw," Seokjin weakly smiled."Don't worry. It's a minor family squabble," I shrugged, pushing his hand away from my cheek."So this is why you loathe your family? Because of the fierce cat?" Seokjin smiled at me. I chuckled and shook my head at his joke."Thank you... for cushioning... my fall. Thank you for shielding the disaster for me when you could've easily dodged it," I apologetically muttered. Seokjin stared at me in silence as if to contemplate his thoughts."I would've felt extremely terrible if I left you stranded. After all, it is also my responsibility," Seokjin replied."I'm not pregnant. I should've told you earlier, but I was too overwhelmed," I confessed. The pregnancy test was negative."I know. I told you I used a condom," Seokjin shrugged."I would've never... expected to get caught up in this storm with you out of all people, but I'm glad I did because you're a good person, Seokjin," I smiled warmly. I thought the society was infested with evil monsters and their alpha spawns. That's what my family raised me to believe when in fact... I am the monster's spawn... and he's a good person. It sucks... to know I'm the evil force in the society. I lived my entire life in a lie."Our relationship... I confirmed it," Seokjin muttered."You did. I didn't expect you to go that far," I laughed, lightly smacking his arm."What are we going to do about it?" Seokjin asked."Maybe we should fake it until the ceremony is over? That's the longest we can pretend," I shrugged. I don't want to drag this on for too long after witnessing... how sensitive his family is to his welfare."Actually. I'm not into fake relationships," Seokjin sighed, apologetically staring at me. My smile faded."Oh. It's alright. I know you're not the kind to be involved in scandals. We can just attend the ceremony then," I nodded."It's a waste of time, Sora," Seokjin frowned at me."What?" I asked unsurely."A pretentious relationship. Pretending to be each other's love interest. Such a relationship is only ideal in films but not in real life. You should spend genuine time with the people you really care for, not with someone you don't want... just to please the eyes of the masses. Don't bother wasting your time on that kind of love," Seokjin sadly stared at me. I felt a sharp stab in my chest upon hearing his words.
I've never thought of it this way before, but he's right. I know he's not wrong about this. How long will I keep living my life... wasting my time on temporary people... just to achieve a... fleeting moment of happiness? Just like how I approached Namjoon and almost settled with Hoseok. Pushing and pulling with Taehyung and constantly thinking of Jungkook. Getting too close to the pizza man, Min Yoongi, only to back away like a coward because I was never ready for a committed relationship.
"I understand," I sighed, finally looking Seokjin in his eyes."People already believe we're together. And I honestly don't want to deal with another surge of scandals once we announce our intended breakup," Seokjin exhaled. I stared at him in silence."What?" I blinked."I initially didn't want to hastily accept my feelings after I embraced your naked body on my bed because that would only make me... a selfish person," Seokjin lowered his head."I embraced yours too... you don't have to feel guilty," I muttered. Is he pitying me because I offered him my body? He shouldn't act this way. It'll only make me pity my decision to be with him."Would you call me a selfish man if I tell you I don't wish to fake the relationship with you because it's a waste of my time?" Seokjin lifts his conflicted eyes to stare at me."I actually understand-""So if I ask you not to waste your time... and accept the relationship with your heart. Is it too much to ask?" Seokjin interrupted me. I pursed my lips unsurely."Accept the relationship as in-""Sora. I am willing to attempt this thing we call a relationship where we supposedly belong to one another with you... but I don't want you to accept it if you're... not prepared. You can be honest with me, and I'll respect your decision. It's the easiest and quickest way to cut our attachment loose so it wouldn't evolve into painful thorns for the both of us," Seokjin finally voiced his intention. I stared at him in absolute silence."What about your parents? They won't be happy," I asked unsurely. His mother might have a panic attack."Love should only be between two people. It will fail if we allow a third party to dictate our feelings and purpose," Seokjin answered. I'm speechless."What if I told you... I am not the protagonist in this story? What if I tell you I'll only stain you with my evil if you hold me?" I asked. I'm the antagonist in this story... and he's the protagonist."I've already held you once and... unlike your claim to be the villain... I don't think you're at all... harmful to me in any way," Seokjin smiled. I stared at him with a blank face."I don't want to infect you with my poison," I exhaled. Seokjin sighed and slowly lifted his hand to place his warm fingers against my cheek."I'll kiss you again... and if I get poisoned... I'll retreat. Okay?" Seokjin asked. I stared at him in silence without responding. Slowly... he leaned forward to shorten the gap between us... so I closed my eyes in anticipation... until I felt his soft lips on mine. Seokjin didn't pull away so we sat with our lips glued... until I felt really uncomfortable.

"It's getting a bit awkward," I muttered against his lips after a moment. Seokjin chuckled, and finally withdrew his lips from mine. I smiled at him as the alpha took a deep breath to process his thoughts."I'm still alive," Seokjin smiled, tilting his head to the side with a smug smile. My cheeks flushed red, so I leaned forward to wrap my arms around his sturdy body. Seokjin let out a soft chuckle at my positive reaction as he held onto my waist."I think I'm the one in denial. Not you," I grinned, pulling away to gaze at his captivating smile."Do you approve?" He asked as he gently rocked me from side to side in his arms. I examined his dilated pupils while biting my lower lips and finally nodded in agreement... so Seokjin leaned forward to press his lips against mine again. I smiled between our kisses as he gently combed his fingers through my hair."Ehem," Do-hwan cleared his throat. We quickly broke apart to find the buff man... standing by the door with his sharp eyes narrowed on us."Why are you lurking there?! Can you give us five more minutes?" I grinned at Do-hwan's disapproving expression while clinging to Seokjin's neck."No, I won't allow it. Get up and go home! Sora needs to sleep!" Do-hwan scolded Seokjin. We laughed at his fatherly demand and turned to smile at each other."Please take care of her while I'm away," Seokjin pecked my cheek and got up to bow at Do-hwan."I've been taking care of her just fine!" Do-hwan snapped in an offended tone."Ohoh? What's with the attitude!?" I fired Do-hwan a warning glare. The man glared at me, so I glared back until he glanced away in annoyance."Ehem. Well... she's quite a handful... I'd... appreciate your help," Do-hwan cleared his throat at my threatening glare."You should think of Do-hwan as my father," I nudged Seokjin."I will take care of her, father-in-law," Seokjin lowered his head at Do-hwan, causing the side of Do-hwan's lips to curve up into a wide smile- but he immediately cleared his throat again as he struggled to maintain a straight face."Aigo! Go home, young man! Her parents will fire me if they knew I let you seduce her in my office! Leave!" Do-hwan funnily waved his hands as he tried hard not to smile. We chuckled at his cuteness as I took Seokjin's hand and led him out of the office."Why didn't you come to school after you exposed our relationship?" I curiously asked as we walked hand in hand through the garden."My mother grounded me. She'll probably kill me after this, but I'll find a way to see you," Seokjin shrugged, turning to smile at me once we reached his car... which was parked near the fountain."Your mother might faint if you disobey her. Just give me a call," I smiled brightly. Seokjin chuckled and lowered his face to kiss my lips. I giggled at his tender stroke while holding his hands."I'll see you tomorrow," Seokjin smiled while caressing my cheeks. I held onto his waist with an intensely stirring chest."Okay," I nodded, happily tiptoeing to kiss his cheek. Seokjin gave me a crushing hug before backing away and finally stepped into his car. I giggled like a little child and waved at him as he drove out of the mansion. Am I dreaming? Because I don't want to wake up! I bit my lips shyly once the head lights disappeared through the gate before spinning around-"KAMJAGIYA!?" I shrieked when I found Jungkook standing behind me with a white face mask plastered on his face like a ghost in his mismatched pajamas"You're really dating Kim Seokjin? I thought I was hallucinating," Jungkook scoffed, walking up to me with his facial mask in disbelief."Do you have a problem with our relationship?" I raised my eyebrows."No- but damn, you really went for the ace player," Jungkook shrugged."What are you saying?" I frowned."Namjoon rejected you... thinking you wanted to take advantage of him. And he convinced Hoseok to give up on you to prove their loyalty to Seokjin... and here you are... clasping Kim Seokjin within your palm. You went for the leader after his knights in shining armor backed out. How impressive indeed," Jungkook chuckled, funnily clapping his hands to applaud my achievement."It wasn't intentional," I shrugged, quickly walking back inside."What did you do with him that night to get Kim Seokjin hooked on you?" Jungkook asked, eagerly following me through the corridor."Stop being weird-""Come on! Tell me! What happened between you two? For him to crawl all the way to your doorstep to ask you out even if he knew his parents despise your parents? Oh?!- Tell me!- What's the secret?!" Jungkook whined as he trailed after me."I asked him to drown me," I smiled."Moh?" Jungkook frowned at me. I laughed and shook my head."Stop being nosy-""Yah! Spill the tea! Yah!" Jungkook shrieked, so I dashed away and entered my room before he could stop me. Thud! I shook my head at Jungkook's nosy habits and finally collapsed onto the couch while smiling like an idiot at the thought of finally achieving the love I desperately prayed to experience.
Kim Seokjin is a jackpot!

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The Present
Sora's POVThe professor's monotonous voice gradually faded in the background as I rested my chin under my hand on the school desk with my dreamy eyes trained on a person sitting a few tables across from me. I weakly smiled when Seokjin briefly turned to look at me from his desk, making my heart flutter upon receiving his attention. We held eye contact until... I noticed a middle finger blocking Seokjin's handsome face.I blinked with a slight frown as Jungkook pretended to inspect his middle finger with his hand raised in midair. Jungkook turned to smirk at me, so I fired him a sharp glare for interrupting my moment. He's a jerk! I sighed and averted my gaze back to the board- only to sense an intense stare from my other side. I awkwardly turned to find Taehyung glaring at me from the corner of his eyes. And what's his problem? I shrugged and straightened my back. Taehyung averted his eyes away and crossed his arms in irritation."Class is dismissed," The professor nodded after collecting his materials and left the class before the alphas."YAWH~ I was so distracted by the annoying cupids!" Jungkook yawned aloud while swatting his hand with a smug expression as if to fight off an invisible insect. I glared at him in annoyance while packing my materials. He keeps mocking my relationship with Seokjin!"Are you seriously dating Seokjin?!" Minah appeared out of nowhere with a wide grin. Thud! She slammed her hands on my table, startling me with her liveliness."How many times... should I confirm our relationship for you guys to believe us?" Seokjin dawdled, walking up to my desk with his bag swung over his shoulder. Minah gasped dramatically at his confirmation."Ow!" Jungkook shrieked when his girlfriend smacked him in excitement. Minah funnily giggled as she clutched onto Jungkook's arm."This is unbelievable! I thought I'd never get to witness Seokjin's dating life! Let me document this! The lower ranks will go crazy!- Smile~!" Minah frantically pulled out her phone to film us."Not again~!" Jungkook grumbled, rolling his eyes in annoyance."Jungkook!- Look at the camera! Let me confirm their relationship!" Minah whined while adjusting her phone camera lighting before us. I sat in my seat beside Jungkook as Seokjin stood behind me. The alpha placed his hand on my shoulders, so I looked up at him and lifted my hand to hold his fingers.

"Is this necessary~?" Seokjin muttered as Minah adjusted her camera angle to get the perfect shot of us."Of course! You're the power couple!- Jungkook! Stop making that stupid face and smile properly!" Minah shrieked once she noticed her boyfriend grimacing at her from behind. Jungkook pursed his lips in irritation before forcing his bunny smile at the camera on her demand. Seokjin suddenly crouched beside my chair with his arm over my shoulder, so I wrapped my arm around his neck to tug him closer. He slightly tilted his head to rest it against mine as we posed for the picture with the alphas."My post will blow up!" Minah giggled, finally lowering her phone after snapping a thousand selfies with us. Jungkook groaned and slumped back in his chair in exhaustion. Minah is an active social media influencer. In other words... She's known as a reliable information source by the lower ranks."Oh? Oh no~! He's in the picture too," Minah pouted, sorely side-eyeing Taehyung as he darted us a dull look. Taehyung grabbed his things from the study desk and stormed toward the doorway."Tae- Taehyung! Wait for me!" Haerim called from the back of the classroom, but he didn't stop and left the classroom as she struggled to get up from her seat. Taehyung is giving both Haerim and me an attitude."Why is he so upset? He always mistreated Sora," Minah dismissively huffed while inspecting the pictures on her phone."Of course, he's grumpy. His parents spent an entire night... lecturing him for courting Haerim," Jungkook shrugged."He's been moody. Just leave him be- and oh- Congrats," Jimin appeared with his hand in his skinny jeans pocket. I smiled at the Park's heir as Seokjin massaged my shoulders. I never expected to be involved with Seokjin, given his prudent nature... but here we are... officially exposing our relationship to the society. The alphas cheerfully chatted within the space... until I noticed Namjoon and Hoseok... exiting the classroom without greeting Seokjin, so I glanced up at Seokjin's somber expression as he watched his friend leave without him.
CRASH. THUD. THUD.
We all halted, snapping our heads toward the corridor in confusion. We heard a few people gasping, so we quickly got up from our seats... and poured out of the lecture room to find... Haerim sobbing in the corridor. I averted my eyes to find Taehyung stomping in the opposite direction. Did they fight? Again...?We glanced at the broken object at Haerim's feet. Her bracelet. It has completely snapped into pieces. Did Taehyung break it? Why??? The alphas grew hushed as they watched the alpha sniffle pitifully with her head lowered. Nudge. Seokjin softly interlaced our fingers, snapping me out of the tense atmosphere, so I tilted my head upward to find him smiling at me as we stood in the crowd._______________________
The gossip about my pregnancy eventually subsided after a couple of weeks. This was all possible thanks to Minah. She kept posting about us on her social media, which the lower ranks love to monitor since she's friends with the top-rank alphas. People began to accept our relationship, and I didn't get as many strange looks from people anymore. Nevertheless, a minority of them are still skeptical of our relationship's authenticity and are betting on our breakup after the ceremony because they think we're only putting on a show to cleanse our image clean. But it didn't matter. I'm happy with Seokjin.
"Are you asleep?" Seokjin softly whispered while playing with my hair as I rested my head on his lap. We're chilling on his couch in his living room. His private villa became my second home after we started dating because I preferred his peaceful space over my own mansion. I lifted the book off my face, sleepily gazing up at the alpha as he sat on the couch with a file in his hand. He's not the type to go out partying due to his strict upbringing... so we spend most of our time studying together.

"Is it okay if I stay over?" I asked. Seokjin smiled as he caressed my cheek with his thumb."Do-hwan established a few terms with me. The first rule... Sora's curfew is 10:00 PM latest, or he'll assume I'm holding you hostage at my villa," Seokjin repeated Do-hwan's words in a low voice."I'll give him a call," I shook my head, sitting up beside Seokjin with my head tilted against his shoulder. The alpha chuckled and placed his arm over my shoulder."Rule number two. If Sora calls to threaten or beg me to stay over at your place... He will assume I'm forcing you to speak against your will," Seokjin continued. I stopped typing on my phone and looked up at him in disbelief."Did he really say that?" I scoffed at Do-hwan's contact. Why would the chief guard assume such nonsense?"Rule number 3. Don't get the supreme alpha pregnant, or he'll dissect my balls without anesthesia," Seokjin nodded with a straight face. I snorted at the last phrase and smacked his chest in disbelief. Do-hwan is setting too many terms for our relationship!"He does sound like my father," I chuckled in tears while shaking my head. Seokjin smiled and kissed my head as I texted Do-hwan to inform him of my whereabouts. He is strict, but if I ask politely... the man will soften and agree to my request.Stupid Sora: I won't call you, so let me stay at Seokjin's place.Big Man Do-hwan: You're smart.Stupid Sora: Is that a yes?Big Man Do-hwan: I can only handle one Sora, so don't try to produce clones of you. I will quit my job.Seokjin chuckled at the man's response to my request as I messaged my chief guard. The buff man is quite funny! I finally lowered my phone and turned to smile at Seokjin until he scooted forward and gently stroked my lips with his- so I grabbed his face and drew him closer. The alpha tilted his head to fit his nose against mine as I traced my finger over his neatly trimmed hairline."I have a concern," Seokjin exhaled after we broke the kiss."A concern?" I raised my eyebrows as he held onto my hands."What is your exact relationship with Taehyung? I'm not trying to get nosy about your family affairs. It's just- I want to clarify my concern to avoid unwanted misunderstandings," Seokjin asked. It's complicated. I can't tell Seokjin the entire truth about our past without exposing my household's dark history."I grew up with Taehyung and Jungkook. They're like my family. We were the three anonymous households under Park Jihyun's reign. Taehyung... is like an older brother to me," I replied while examining his red nose tip. The man softly pecked my lips and pulled away again."Was he always like this? He used to be a bright kid when he was first revealed at the ceremony. You and Jungkook were still anonymous then," Seokjin asked curiously."He was never cold and violent. Taehyung was a sweet and caring child. He took great care of us, but as you know... the elderly alphas aren't the perfect parents. There were a lot of issues within our household in the past, especially when we were young. We developed a lot of traumas from the fights and even deadly attacks from an outside source. Taehyung was the most wounded by the incidents because he was the oldest. Jungkook and I... we were too young to even understand the situation," I explained. The story is much more twisted, but this is all I can tell Seokjin."You seem to intimidate him though," Seokjin nodded."He's probably treating me this way because he's still attached to Haerim, but the Kim wishes for Taehyung to marry me so we can merge our assets. That's why he's keeping me under control, and it's also probably why he's not happy with our relationship," I shrugged. Seokjin grew hushed with his tender gaze on my face as he gently stroked my knuckles."I'll have to do better than him," Seokjin finally smiled."What about you?" I asked."What about me?" Seokjin lifted his eyebrow."Were you ever involved with any woman? You should let me know too if there was a case," I blinked. How can anyone have no emotional attachment? That's absurd."No-""Are you sure? Don't lie to me! How can you not have feelings for anyone?! Are you a monk?!" I snapped, leaning forward suspiciously with my narrowed eyes on Kim Seokjin. The alpha tried to distract me with a kiss- but I placed my palm over his face and shoved him away."Araso! I'll tell you!" Seokjin chuckled, grabbing my hands when I refused to let him touch me."So you do have a lover!" I gasped, scooting back on the couch with my eyes wide open. And yet he told me he was never involved with anyone! Men are liars!"I wouldn't say she was my lover. It was someone I met when I was a freshman. She's not an alpha but an average," Seokjin confessed. I felt my chest aching intensely."Why did you lie to me then?!" I snapped, glaring at him in irritation. I wouldn't have minded if he told me the truth earlier!"I never even got to hug her! I wanted to confess my feelings- but the timing wasn't appropriate. We never saw each other again," Seokjin shrugged."Do you still think about her? She was your first love?" I questioned. Seokjin frowned at my flustered face."Are you upset?" Seokjin huffed."Are you avoiding my question?" I pressed dimming my eyes on his annoying smile. Seokjin chuckled while shaking his head and tried to grab my wrist, but I immediately jerked away to avoid him again."Why are you acting like this!? You wanted to know the truth, so I told you!" Seokjin snapped at my disengaging reaction. I firmly crossed my arms over my chest and narrowed my eyes at his unserious expression. Why is he smiling so brightly? He won't answer me and is avoiding my question so he must still think about that woman! Huff!"I changed my mind. I'm going home," I announced, quickly scrambling off the couch to pack my belongings."Ohoh?!- Why are you acting like this!? You can't seriously be jealous of someone from my past-""I'm not jealous!" I denied it, hastily zipping my bag in annoyance."Sora!" Seokjin quickly grabbed my arm when I tried to storm away."Don't touch me!" I whined, pushing him away."No! I won't let you leave!" Seokjin refused, firmly back-hugging my frail body to hold me in place."I said let go- Ah! Hahaha?!- What are you?- Stop!" I tried to shove Seokjin away when he suddenly spun me around and shoved me hard onto the couch, making me shriek in distress as he climbed over my body with an evil grin. I quickly sat up in horror but the alpha was much swifter and tickled my waist to disable me, so I screamed in tears while fighting to push his hands away from my sensitive nerves. The alpha laughed at my fuming red face after successfully pinning my hands beside my head, earning a sharp glare from me."You're a possessive woman, aren't you...?" He smiled while hovering over on the couch as I lay beneath him."I won't be anyone's second choice!" I snapped, frowning at him as a hot lump formed in my throat. Seokjin's smile immediately faded at my words. He stared at me in silence. Finally... lowering his torso to rest his heavy body on mine. The man released my hands and gently cupped my cheeks while caressing his lips over mine to soothe my strained mind. I didn't respond to him and remained motionless on the couch."You're my only priority. Don't hurt your feelings with unnecessary assumptions," Seokjin whispered, sadly lifting his face to stare at me. I stayed quiet, so he kissed my forehead and tugged me into a sitting position. Seokjin lifted my body effortlessly to make me sit on his lap, so I sighed and hugged his neck with my face buried into his shoulder. Seokjin patted my back and gently rocked me on the couch."I will leave you the instant I become a second choice," I whispered. Seokjin suddenly tightened his grip around my body."Okay. Leave me if I ever mistreat you," Seokjin nodded. I exhaled deeply as I held onto him. Seokjin placed his hand on the back of my head and gently patted me as I sat against his warm chest with my eyes closed to savor his assurance.______________________The entire venue erupted with loud applause after I concluded the school council conference with the professors and the student alphas. Seokjin gave me a thumbs up from his desk to approve of my performance, so I smiled and bowed at the crowd before taking my seat. Whoo! It's my first time hosting the council as the president, so it was very nerve-wracking! I even got an uncomfortable stomach ache earlier due to the overwhelming anxiety!Seokjin turned to speak with Namjoon as he prepared the documents for the president... but Namjoon ignored Seokjin and strode into the back room without sparing his attention to his friend. Seokjin pursed his lips at his friend's coldness before glancing at me anxiously. Namjoon and Hoseok have been avoiding Seokjin ever since we announced our relationship. I glanced away from my boyfriend when Taehyung placed a file on my table without any instruction and strode away in his formal suit."Is it okay if I see you after school? I need to speak with Namjoon," Seokjin sighed, spinning on his chair to face me as I arranged the folders at my desk."Sure," I smiled at him. Seokjin nodded and got on his feet to leave the room, so I turned to watch the alphas pour out of the venue."Sora! We'll see you at the lounge!" Minah waved from the doorway."Okay," I mouthed her. Jimin gave me thumb-ups as well before striding out with Minah and Jungkook. I watched the professors discuss as they exited the hall... until the venue was finally empty. I pressed the screen on my desk to shut the door and leaned back on my chair to process my thoughts. The position wasn't as difficult as I assumed. Sighing, I opened my eyes to stare at the stack of documents Taehyung left on my desk and straightened my back in curiosity."I'll skim through it before leaving," I nodded, flipping the pages over to check the objectives of the next meeting. He already scheduled everything? I rubbed my sore forehead and flipped to the last page to find a small note stuck to it.
I'll pick you up after school.
I stared at the single phrase. It's Taehyung's handwriting. I lifted the sticky note from the document and leaned back on my chair to inspect the sloppy scribble without blinking. Why? We haven't spoken since he found out about my relationship. I snapped out of my deep thoughts, then got up to leave the room with the document before tossing away the crumbled paper as I made my way down the empty corridor. I halted by a lecture room when I noticed Seokjin leaning against a desk with his arms crossed through the glass window."Oh? What is he doing-?" I muttered, excitedly walking up to the door- Halt. Namjoon and Hoseok were on the other side of the room. He's not alone...? I stood with my hand hovering over the door handle as Seokjin frowned at his friend.They were staring at him with sour looks. They must be arguing. Seokjin suddenly lifted his face to find me staring at him through the transparent glass. I smiled and waved at him, causing Namjoon and Hoseok to turn to me. Seokjin said something to his friends and got up to approach me, so I keenly beamed at him as he stepped out of the room and carefully closed the door behind his back."You should have lunch with the others. I'm a bit... occupied with them," Seokjin informed."Oh? What about you? Aren't you eating?" I blinked. Seokjin softly tucked my loose hair strands behind my ear."I'll skip lunch today. I really can't let our problems go unresolved. We also have a household gathering at my parent's place tonight, so I'm trying to resolve the situation with them," Seokjin explained."I understand. I'll see you after school then?" I smiled. Seokjin nodded with an assuring smile. He gave me a gentle peck on my lips, so I patted his neat suit and turned to leave with my bag. I should leave him with his friends. I know Namjoon isn't fond of me... but I shouldn't meddle with Seokjin's friendships. It'll make me a selfish person to turn him against his friends.
A moment later.
"So... you never told us how it happened..." Minah curiously leaned over the table with her pretty eyes fixed on mine as I ate my lunch from the tray."What?" I asked her unsurely while chewing the rice."Your relationship with Seokjin! No one saw it coming!" Minah shrieked, reaching across the table to smack my hand."You guys never interacted at school, but you were suddenly pregnant with his child? You never brought him home either! I'm guessing it happened when you were at his place to work on the assignment!" Jungkook suggested, nudging Minah. My face flushed red upon hearing his theory."Come on~! Tell us! What did Seokjin do? I really can't imagine that man flirting with you~!" Minah giggled beside Jungkook."He didn't flirt with me-""Moh?! So you guys just hit it off?!" Jungkook gasped, spitting out his food. The other alphas turned to look at our table weirdly."Keep your voice down!" I snapped, smacking Jungkook's head. He grimaced and wiped the mess on the table with a few tissues."Wait a minute- Did you guys date after getting intimate?!" Minah gasped, keenly widening her eyes with her hands clasped over her mouth."Yeah. Seokjin said he didn't want to be caught up in another scandal, so he insisted on accepting our situation. He said he doesn't want to waste his energy on a fake relationship," I nodded. Minah pouted, suddenly smacking Jungkook, who frowned and fired his girlfriend an annoyed look as he chewed his food."Seokjin is so cool! He took responsibility for his actions! That's why he immediately got Sora a pregnancy test!" Minah funnily pouted."Yah. Why are you acting like I didn't treat you well?!" Jungkook glared at Minah."Guess what?!- My period didn't show up after we spent time together for the first time too! I told Jungkook about it, and he ghosted me for two weeks! He didn't even come to school! Tsk! What a coward!" Minah glared at Jungkook."I told you I was sick!" Jungkook whined."Was it that bad that you couldn't even send me a text?!" Minah bickered with Jungkook."It was that bad! I couldn't breathe and I had a high fever!" Jungkook argued. I smiled at their cute interaction."Jungkook gets sick easily when he's extremely guilty. Or... when he's frightened. Your pregnancy news must have startled him," I chuckled while shaking my head."Ah! That makes sense! You're such a jerk!" Minah clapped her hands sarcastically before firing Jungkook a mocking glare."Was he good?" Jungkook asked, suddenly shifting his eager gaze to me."Good...?" I raised my eyebrows."Was he- good... in bed?... Big...? What's his size? Was he big...?" Jungkook awkwardly asked. Minah's face flushed red."Jungkook!" Minah gasped, smacking him in disbelief. I smiled at him as Jungkook groaned and rubbed his bicep. I shook my head while chewing. Why would he ask?"Taehyung!" Haerim snapped. We quickly turned our heads to find Haerim... grabbing Taehyung's arm."I have work-""You promised to take me out today!" Haerim snapped. Taehyung clenched his jaw and glanced at the nosy alphas with a dark stare."I'll see you at the ceremony," The alpha replied, coldly pushing her hand off his arm and strode away, leaving his lover dumbfounded in the crowded canteen. Haerim scoffed at his rude attitude while clenching her hands before snapping her head to glare at me."Yah?!- Watch where you're directing your rotten eyes at!" Minah warned Haerim when she wouldn't shift her gaze away from me. Haerim clenched her jaw in extreme resentment and stomped out of the room without confronting me. They've been fighting a lot lately. I can't be bothered by their dramas."I don't understand him. Why won't he push her away if he's done with her?" Jungkook muttered while poking his food."She's too clingy," Minah snarled at the opened door.Jungkook and Minah eventually left the university early because they had an appointment with a stylist to adjust Minah's dress for the ceremony. I stood calmly in the lobby to wait for Seokjin as I watched the lower ranks and alphas leave the campus. What's taking him so long...? Namjoon and Hoseok are treating Seokjin coldly because they're against our relationship."Seokjin asked me to refer a message. Head home without him," Mira suddenly passed with her arms crossed. She didn't look at me and walked away.Huh? I turned to search the corridor for Seokjin again. They must be in a serious fight. Sighing, I strode forward and entered the empty parking lot to search for my driver... but there was no other car besides a sleek black Lamborghini. Taehyung suddenly exited his seat to round the vehicle and slid the car door open. He blankly stared at me without speaking, calmly waiting for me to approach him. Oh. I almost forgot. His note. I turned to inspect the empty parking space unsurely before averting my eyes back to find him. I do not have an excuse to avoid him."I told the driver I'll escort you home," Taehyung exhaled. I stared at him without blinking as I stood my ground and finally strolled toward him with a straight face."What is this about?" I asked while eyeing the red handprint on his left cheek. Did Haerim slap him...?"We can't speak here," Taehyung said shortly. I glanced at the empty passenger seat and back to him with a restless feeling. I do not wish to associate with him anymore but what is it that he has to say? Sighing deeply, I stepped forward, slipped into the passenger seat, and buckled my seatbelt. Taehyung slid the car door shut and got into the driver's seat on the other side of the car. I didn't speak to him as he drove out of the campus with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. I lowered my face to send a text message. I have to inform Do-hwan of my whereabouts... just in case Taehyung tries to murder me. I eventually glanced at the street after informing Do-hwan of the situation. Taehyung side-eyed me while steering the wheel... but didn't say anything so we remained hushed on our way out of the congested city. Where is he taking me?
A moment later.
"Why can't we speak at home?" I bitterly stared at the city lights from the parking location on a steep hill. Taehyung killed the engine after letting down the windows so the breezy wind could flush our stuffy lungs. I stared emptily at the setting sun as he unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned back on his seat.

"Because I wish to address our shared past," Taehyung answered with his dull gaze on the distant view. I briefly turned to frown at him. What is there to speak about?"I'm seriously tired of this-""Haerim knows," Taehyung spoke in a soft tone. I pursed my lips with my eyes fixed on his dashing side profile. Haerim?"What?" I asked, blinking at him with a restless frown."After you left Korea... I isolated myself from everyone... until I met Haerim. I never intended to tell her anything about our past, but it just slipped. I thought... I could trust her," Taehyung muttered, finally turning his head to meet my eyes."What did you tell her?" I asked. I felt dread looming over me."I told her I killed- my uncle to serve your mother. I told her- I lost control of myself and slaughtered the innocent man's life to survive. She's aware of our household affairs... before we were exposed to society. She knows our parents... seized Park Jihyun's power after he passed," Taehyung confessed quietly. Suddenly, I didn't know how to respond to him, so I stiffly glanced at the purple sky with nothing... but an uncomfortable hollow void in my chest."That's why she left your side," I whispered in realization."All those acts... everything you reckoned... all the false rumors she spread... and my neglect of the entire situation... it's because I'm afraid she will expose the truth to the society," Taehyung admitted, lowering his head in exhaustion."She's threatening you?" I asked, glancing at the alpha with a dark frown."Haerim is blackmailing me. I tried to gaslight her- but- I'm afraid she'll disclose not just my crime... but our entire household's involvement with the later supreme alpha's death to the society," Taehyung nodded, fearfully glancing at me with a troubled look."And you used me as your protective shield to serve her? So she wouldn't tell everyone about the murder? I'm the sheep in your game?" I scoffed, tensing my body uneasily. Taehyung shakily exhaled and lowered his face again before nodding to admit his fault. The man fired me an apologetic look after a moment of silence between us as I remained frozen in the car seat, utterly shaken by his confession. "I'm sorry. I should've told you sooner. I thought... I could handle Haerim. But she kept spreading rumors and clinging to me... and I couldn't do anything but play along with her. The bracelet... I got it for you first... but Haerim got one for herself and claimed I got it for her because she knew I'd gift it to you," Taehyung shook his head. I took a deep breath, weakly leaning against the seat to process my overflowing thoughts."What am I supposed to do when this is a problem you got yourself into?" I muttered with my eyes closed. I could sense Taehyung staring at me from his seat, but I refused to look at him. Is he at a dead end?"I know it's not an excuse to neglect you and I know I was wrong but- I'm asking you to believe me," Taehyung spoke softly. Sora. His voice... I don't know what he wants from me... but I don't want to soften for him."Fine. I believe you," I nodded, sitting up in defeat after contemplating my thoughts."If the reason you got with Seokjin is to get your revenge on me-""Seokjin is not a revenge game against you. I like him," I turned to frown at Taehyung. He observed my face with an unconvinced look."He is our rival. Sora-""What did Kim Seokjin... ever do wrong to make you believe he's evil? Nothing. His household is simply a powerful competitor in the game, and the elders are afraid of his existence. So they made him the villain because my mother is insecure. She fears the Kims," I shook my head sternly."What if he's using you? How are you so sure-""I will take responsibility if it's ever his sole intention to use me. If Kim Seokjin... turns out to be the villain... like you claimed... then I will face the consequences with the knife in my back after he backstabs me," I sternly glared at him. Did he expect me to fall for the elder's ill-intended propaganda?"The elders don't care about our feelings. They want a royal marriage between us to solidify their power. What will you do then? Love another man only to leave him behind? Why are you doing this to yourself?" Taehyung questioned while frowning at me. I scoffed a his words and turned to stare at the dark sky after the sun fully disappeared behind the distant mountains."Eomma wants me to marry a powerful man. And the most powerful household after the Jang... is Seokjin's and you. You both hold equivalent power and authority in society. Why is that I have to choose you? When Seokjin provide just as much security?" I darkly refuted."If you do that... you will provoke my parents. And once... you betray us... your family will go to war with mine. The Jeons will side with my household and not yours, Sora. Are you going to break our alliance just to be with Kim Seokjin? Can't you see his intention? He's breaking us apart to weaken us. I am warning you of the consequences now... because once Seokjin backstabs you... you won't be the only victim. We'll all crumble. This isn't child's play, Sora... it's the game of survival- and believe me when I say... power will always overpower love," Taehyung sighed. I pursed my lips with my eyes fixed intensely on him. I can't let him manipulate me."So that's the difference between you and Seokjin. You claim love is a weakness, but Seokjin claims... love is a strength. Love is power," I sighed."Exactly. You are the power... he's seeking, Sora. The only way to achieve power is through love. Love is a weakness to me... not because I don't claim to love. I'd fucking die for you and I'd do anything for your utmost comfort because that's how I express love. You are my weakness, Sora. The love I have for you can kill me, but the love Seokjin has for you will only make him stronger," Taehyung exhaled."How can you claim to love me so easily-""Because I do. I love you. More than anything and anyone. I'm struggling to express my feelings for you because of the situation I'm in right now, and I'm not claiming to be a saint either. But I can assure you... the love I have for you... will never kill you. It will only kill me and that's a promise," Taehyung shook his head. I blinked at his strained expression and glanced at the night view with a heavy heart. He's messing with me again!"Fine. I'll believe you and if peace is what you're seeking... then I will accept it," I nodded."Breakup with him," Taehyung said shortly. I stared at him as if he'd lost his mind."It is not your right to dictate my life-""I will... get rid of Haerim if you let go of Seokjin," Taehyung insisted. I stared at him unsurely."She'll never shut her mouth unless she's dead," I huffed."If I can kill once... I can do it again," Taehyung sneered, firing a dark glower. I pulled my lips into a thin line once I felt his darkness dominating his soul."I will never involve myself with your crime-""Of course not. I will never allow a drop of blood to stain you, Sora," Taehyung pressed, causing me to gulp uneasily at his deadly stare. I exhaled in defeat once the alpha refused to surrender and glanced at the city view with a tense frown. He's not serious about this... is he?_______________________
Next Morning
"Wake up!" Someone snapped, hastily yanking me by my arm to make me sit up on my bed before I could even open my eyes. I groaned in confusion after snapping out of my wildest dream as the person frantically yapped beside me. I lowered my face to shake off the drowsy sensation from my dazed mind as Jungkook shrieked nonsense in my ears."What?" I mumbled, sleepily squinting my eyes at his pale face. What is he saying...? My brain is not braining."The elders-! Taehyung is in trouble!" Jungkook snapped at me with his eyes wide open. I blinked at the alpha's frightened expression unsurely while sitting on the bed with striking messy hair... until it struck me. Who's in trouble?! I hastily scrambled out of bed and followed Jungkook into the living room to find Taehyung kneeling on the floor... grunting in pain. My dazed mind suddenly cleared up as I watched him whimper on the floor with a bruised face and arms clasped over his wounded stomach."Honey! That's enough!-" Mrs. Kim gasped- SMACK! Mr. Kim angrily struck Taehyung hard across his face, sending his son tumbling weakly onto the polished tiles. The alpha balled his hands into tight fists while struggling to endure the pain over his bruised cheekbone. Dread filled me as I watched Mr. Kim strike his son in the living room, so I shifted my bewildered gaze to the elders as they anxiously watched the man abuse his son. No one dared to interfere."How long do we have to put up with you?! We could've died if it weren't for the Jang- and yet you dare embarrass Sora by asking another alpha to the ceremony with you?!- How dare you raise your voice at your father?!" Mr. Kim roared at Taehyung. The alpha lowered his head in pain as Mr. Kim towered over him with his fuming red face.

"That's enough!" I blurted when Mr. Kim tried to strike Taehyung again. Halt! The man abruptly paused with his hand raised in the air once he noticed... me and Jungkook... gawking at his brutal acts."Sora. Let the Kims deal with their-" Appa warned me- but I didn't let my father finish his words and stormed forward to block Mr. Kim from striking Taehyung again as he struggled to sit up from the floor."I am merely lecturing him-""With your fists? When he's bleeding like this?- How can he possibly understand your words when he's in so much pain?" I frowned at Mr. Kim's rageful expression. The man glanced at Taehyung's unfavorable condition and back at me with an uptight glower."I'm on your side Sora-""Then don't hurt Kim Taehyung!" I snapped, hastily bending down to seize Taehyung by his upper arm as he struggled to stand on his feet. The alpha grunted lowly as I swung his arm over my shoulder. Jungkook gulped and hurried over to help me heave Taehyung, who was too weak to carry himself. I carefully led Taehyung away from his infuriated father as his mother sobbed in distress with her hands clasped over her mouth."Is he drunk?" I whispered as we entered Taehyung's bedroom."Of course he is! He came home a bloody mess this morning and got into an argument with his father. Why else did you think he'd let his father beat him up like this?" Jungkook frowned, settling Taehyung on the couch. He was out drinking? That's unlike him! I sighed deeply while examining the dried blood stain on his bruised lips. How can a father bruise their children's skin like this?!Jungkook eventually left the room because he had to see Minah for their date, leaving me behind with his lifeless cousin. I grabbed the first aid kit from the cabinet to treat Taehyung's wound while perching on the couch with a dark frown. Does this happen often...? I thought I was the only one getting abused by my mother.I quietly wiped the dried blood off his face with a soaked towel before applying ointments to his swollen wounds until my chief guard showed up to lend the alpha numbing creams. Taehyung passed out the instant we laid him down. I dabbed the medication on Taehyung's wounds as Do-hwan changed Taehyung into a fresh set of pajamas. He reeks of alcohol."Why was his father so upset?" I whispered while brushing Taehyung's hair from his face, dimming my gaze on the bruise on his cheekbone."The alpha brought the woman home," Do-hwan muttered while folding Taehyung's dirty clothes."Alpha? Who? Haerim?" I frowned, turning to look at Do-hwan with my lips ajar."Yeah. Taehyung spent the night with her and came home drunk. Mr. Kim was infuriated once he found his son... stumbling home with the young woman after he... specifically instructed Taehyung to disengage his involvement with the alpha," Do-hwan nodded."He didn't have to beat him up over something so trivial-""It's not trivial, Sora. The Kim is extremely restless with your relationship with Seokjin," Do-hwan sighed. I slowly looked up at Do-hwan as he stood by the couch to watch me paste a cooling patch on Taehyung's feverish forehead."What?-""Sora. Your parents promised to share your power with the Kims through marriage. But you're dating another alpha from a different household. The Kims are venting their frustration on their son now... but how long will it take... until they shift that anger toward your household? The Kim will never tolerate your relationship with Kim Seokjin- because it means they're losing the opportunity to be the strongest household in the society," Do-hwan explained. I pursed my lips and glanced back at Taehyung. He did warn me when we spoke... but I didn't think his parents would go as far as hurting him like this. Knock. Knock. Do-hwan strode across to the room and pulled the door open. A maid politely bowed as I sat on the edge of the couch."Master Kim Seokjin requested your presence, my lady," The maid informed. Do-hwan sighed and turned to leave the room with the maid as I made sure Taehyung was resting comfortably before getting up to exit his room. I hurried towards the front door and pushed it open to find Seokjin standing by the doorway in his neat shirt and trousers."Are you hurt?" Seokjin asked, frowning at my dirty clothes unsurely."It's not my blood," I awkwardly glanced down at the blood stains on my hands and nightgown."Is everything okay-""I'm fine! Give me a moment! I just woke up, so I'm not presentable yet! I'll shower and get changed real quick, okay?!- Oh! Do-hwan!" I awkwardly assured my boyfriend- just as Do-hwan came walking out of the garage."What?" Do-hwan unsurely glanced at me."Can you escort Seokjin to our dining hall?" I smiled, quickly grabbing Do-hwan's arm. The man fired me the 'Are you fucking nuts?' look, so I darted him a threatening smile until the man gave in to my command. Seokjin awkwardly stared at my chief guard's bitter look as I patted his firm arm and hurried away to tidy up my messy appearance.
A moment later.
"Are you out of your mind?! How can you bring him inside after what Mr. Kim did to Taehyung earlier?!" Do-hwan scoffed as soon as he noticed me strolling toward him."What am I supposed to do?! Tell him to sit outside for an hour so I can get ready?!" I argued while adjusting my dress with a sore grimace. The man scoffed and turned to open the door for me. Creak. I entered to find Seokjin sitting stiffly with a teacup and cake before him. The elders were intensely staring at the alpha from across the table."Sora," Seokjin greeted, shifting uncomfortably in his seat."Let's go!" I beamed, hastily grabbing his hand before he got to touch the cake. My mother might poison him! Seokjin awkwardly got up from the chair and bowed to the elders, who were clearly troubled by his unexpected presence."What's the matter? They were just asking me about the school council and my thesis-""Don't eat or drink anything they give you!" I snapped as I dragged him out of the doorway."Why? They won't possibly consider poisoning a top alpha in their mansion, would they?" Seokjin joked, funnily nudging my shoulder as we hurried through the corridor. Halt!I stopped dead in my tracks and snapped my unblinking glower on the man's clueless smile... until the upward curve of his lips faded from his pretty face. If the elders can eliminate their family and friends... then... he's not an exception. Seokjin swallowed in dread as he observed my grim expression, so I eventually sighed and shook my head, gently pulling him forward. We left in his car to attend the university together.
.

.

.
"They will reveal the results today! Aren't you excited?" I grinned, excitedly nudging Seokjin as we walked hand in hand toward the entrance.The university will announce the thesis winner today! I wasn't in Korea last year, so I am rather enthusiastic about the announcement because I heard it's like a Nobel Prize! Kim Taehyung won the competition two years in a row!- In fact! He was always the winner since he started his course at the academy after high school! I stopped smiling the instant... I remembered Taehyung. He won't make it today, even if he wins... because of his injuries."I have high hopes this year... but I can't underestimate Kim Taehyung," Seokjin shrugged as we passed the entrance security section. He suddenly released my hand as soon as we entered the bustling place, so I blinked at my unoccupied fingers before glancing up at Seokjin's handsome side profile while making our way to class. My boyfriend took me to my class first before heading off to his. I don't want to study with the lower ranks because they make me uncomfortable.
A moment later.
"Seokjin!" I excitedly waved while dashing through the corridor after the tormenting lecture without the alphas. Seokjin was speaking with a professor in the hallway with a bright beam."Sora," Seokjin smiled once I got to him. I grinned and bowed at the professor, unconsciously clutching Seokjin's forearm as the professor spoke when Seokjin gently grabbed my hand to pull my grip off his arm. He raised his hand to pat my back instead before dropping his arm to place it in his pocket so I couldn't hold onto him. I unsurely frowned at his withdrawal as he dismissively chatted with the professor... awkwardly glancing around the bustling corridor while waiting for my boyfriend to conclude the conversation."Are you excited?!" I chirped once Seokjin directed his attention to me again after the professor strolled off."Sort of, but I have no expectations," Seokjin shrugged, calmly walking off, so I followed him into the auditorium filled with the alphas and lower ranks. Seokjin took me to the front row with the professors. I gulped and glanced at Taehyung's empty spot. Should I call Do-hwan to check on Taehyung?"Woah~! That's the award~?!" I gasped with my glimmering pupils set upon a sparkly crystal badge, placed on a velvet cushion inside a secured glass enclosure."It's majestic," Seokjin nodded with his yearning gaze on the grand prize."I saw those in Taehyung's bedroom! He had it in this small cubicle display!" I happily covered my mouth. Seokjin didn't reply, so I cleared my throat and glanced at his somber expression as he unblinkingly stared at the badge. Oh. Maybe I shouldn't have spoken about the awards he lost."Sora, you'll be Taehyung's representative today if he wins," The principal informed me. My face drained in horror. Me?!- Why not Jungkook!? Why me?! I nervously stared at Seokjin's stern expression. If Taehyung wins... I'll have to take that badge home... from Seokjin. I pursed my lips once the principal stepped onto the stage with a host."Kim Taehyung has a higher chance of winning," I heard the professors whisper beside me. Seokjin's face darkened, so I shifted uncomfortably in my seat with a racing heart as I listened to the boring speech. The host is summarizing Seokjin and Taehyung's thesis about some sort of... council regulations."KIM-" The host finally called out the first name. I sucked in my breath with my eyes trained on the man's taunting smile as he stood on the stage with the microphone. The entire hall grew hushed to anticipate the announcement until they were perching in their seats."KIM SEOKJIN! CONGRATULATIONS!" The man announced, causing an uproar of booming cheers and applause to erupt from the audience. I screeched in disbelief, wildly snapping my head in Seokjin's direction, who remained dumbfounded in his seat. I grabbed his arm and frantically shook him in extreme delight- until he stiffened in his seat. The principal and professors pridefully clapped for Seokjin as I fangirled beside him. He finally won the competition!"You won! You did it, baby!" I shrieked, grabbed his face, and leaned forward with the intention to kiss him when Seokjin suddenly stood up from his seat just before my lips met his cheek. I halted in confusion when Seokjin turned and walked toward the stage without acknowledging my sincere enthusiasm for his success. He sternly strode onto the stairs with a faint smile. I scratched my head and sat back in my chair to smile at him. The principal stepped onto the stage to hand Seokjin the badge. Seokjin briefly glanced at me, so I quickly lifted my hand to wave at him, but he looked away before I could express my support. My chest churned uncomfortably once again.Why am I sulking...? He's been neglecting my attention... every time we're in school. Or around other people- Sora! Don't be stupid! Seokjin isn't the type to publicly display his affection. You shouldn't distract him from his responsibilities just because you're dating him! Sighing, I shook my head and happily clapped with the others after Seokjin gave a short speech to express his gratitude.Seokjin brightly beamed at the cheering crowd as he stepped off the stage with the grand prize, so I quickly shot off the armchair to approach him... but was immediately outraced by a pack of alphas and lower ranks as they coursed forward to praise the alpha. Seokjin responded to their congratulations with a radiant smile and chatted with the crowd of supporters as I unsurely stood beside my chair. I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed, but I didn't want to make a fuss... so I sighed and strolled away from the commotion. Minah and Jungkook immediately dragged me to the school canteen for lunch because they were starving. I didn't feel like eating and blankly sat without budging as Minah chatted with Jungkook over their meals.Should I be concerned? Is there really a problem with his behavior, or is it just me? I can't figure it out. I enviously watched Jungkook and Minah's wholesome interaction from across the table. They love so carefreely... on campus and even outside. Nothing seems to bother them whenever they're together.Sora. Seokjin is a high-status alpha. His family expects a lot from him. The man was never once involved in a scandal until you arrived. He always treats you well whenever you're together, except for when he has to focus on his work. Do you actually want him to grant you all his time? It's very foolish of you to be so greedy. I frowned at my conflicting thoughts. Maybe it's because I'm on my period...? I finally got my period after the prolonged delay... so that's probably... why I'm emotionally needy.Seokjin didn't show up to eat with us at the canteen. Where did he go? I wanted to wait for him, but it's almost time for class again, and he's still not there. I sighed and got up from my seat without uttering a word. I feel so stuffy. Jungkook glanced at my untouched food as I packed my bag and walked off. I left my things in my locker before climbing the emergency stairs... until I reached the highest stair landing. Thud.A young and pretty lower rank giggled, suddenly pushing the rooftop door open as I stood on the landing below. Her cheeks were bright red. She immediately bowed once she spotted me staring up at her as she jogged down the stairs. I watched her leave through the exit door on the floor below before averting my dim eyes to the rooftop door again. Thud. Thud. I walked up the remaining stairs and pushed the door open to find Seokjin sitting at his usual place. He turned to look at me as I stepped into the opening."I didn't want to eat at the canteen today," Seokjin smiled, patting the floor, signaling me to sit with him. I eyed a cute lunch box beside him and sat down with it in between us. The lower rank brought him food?"Aren't you going to eat it?" I asked, averting my bitter gaze away."No. I already packed lunch. Do you want some? Ah~!" Seokjin picked up the lunch box from between us and placed it aside. The alpha scooted closer to me before turning to offer his half-eaten sandwich.

"I'm full," I lied while shaking my head. Seokjin chewed unsurely while inspecting my grumpy expression. He shrugged and ate the remaining sandwich as I sat in silence."Did something happen? Are you unwell? You've been sulking all day," Seokjin muttered with his eyes fixed on the view. So he noticed."It's probably just my period," I mumbled while hugging my knees."Should I take you home?" Seokjin asked worriedly. I shook my head with my face buried against my knees. Seokjin dusted his hands after shoving the remaining chunk into his mouth and wiped his fingers clean with a wet wipe before placing his arm over my shoulder... gently drawing me against him."You were very cute when you cheered for me," He mumbled. The heavy thoughts in my head disappeared without a warning. I lifted my head, unsurely frowning at his faint smile."You didn't even notice me," I huffed. He didn't even pay attention to anything I did."Of course I did. But it felt like I was going to melt if I looked at you for too long, so I looked away," Seokjin chuckled. My lips suddenly curved up into a weak smile. Seokjin patted my head and leaned forward to kiss my lips. I closed my eyes as he tenderly grazed his lips over mine until the stuffy emotions subsided from my chest."Congratulations," I smiled after he pulled away. Why am I demonizing his good nature? I examined his flushed cheeks as he stroked my cheek with his thumb. Seokjin nodded and leaned forward to pull me into a comforting hug... and suddenly... the doubts I had earlier... faded away.
Fast forward.
I softly knocked on the plain door to announce my presence before pushing it open to find Taehyung rubbing his face on the couch. He turned to stare at me unsurely as I gripped the bag in my hands. He woke up...? His entire face is swollen."If you're here to talk about-""I brought you bubble tea and... some ginseng gummy," I replied, placing the bag on the coffee table. Taehyung shifted his bruised eyes to stare at my gifts with a questioning look."Do you feel bad now that I lost in the contest?" He grunted, dimming his gaze on me."I didn't know... you were taking the blow for my reckless actions," I muttered, clasping my hands together in guilt. Taehyung stared at my apologetic remark with an uneasy gaze before averting his eyes to the bag again."What are you standing there for? Sit down and pop the bubble tea for me. My arm hurts. Did my old man have to strain me so badly over something so trivial?" Taehyung groaned, slumping over the couch to massage his strong shoulder. He's not kicking me out...?"Should I massage your arms?" I asked, sitting down eagerly. Taehyung furrowed his eyebrows at me as he rubbed his sore shoulder."No. Thank you. You might dislocate my shoulder. Just pop the drink for me," Taehyung nodded rudely while lying on the couch with his eyes half open. I fired him a sharp glare before turning to stab the straw through the lid, carefully handing him the plastic cup. Taehyung didn't reach it and leaned forward to suck from the straw. I pursed my lips as I fed him the drink."I'm sorry," I muttered, lowering the bubble tea after he took a few gulps. Taehyung glanced at me again while rubbing the bandage on his left cheek."I provoked my father on purpose. Took Haerim home when I was drunk. That's why he was so furious," Taehyung muttered."He shouldn't hurt you this badly," I grimaced. There's no valid reason for his father to abuse him so severely."It's more than just a father and son problem, Sora. My parents are extremely restless because of the upcoming ceremony. A pack of high-rank alphas will reveal themselves. This is a threat to the existing households. Especially ours... because the more alphas we greet at the ceremony... The more our influence in the council will shrink as we split the power portion with them," Taehyung muttered. I sat in silence to contemplate the dire situation. Our households and alliance combined make up roughly 40% of the entire society... but with the presence of the new anonymous alphas... they will drastically reduce the figures. We might even drop to 30% or even less."The only strategy to terrorize the anonymous alphas is to merge our assets," I nodded. The system is complicated. The anonymous alphas usually reveal themselves when the society is weak or unstable. However, if there's an extremely powerful household... they will reconsider their disclosure... and stay in hiding to avoid being terminated by the upper ranks."Seokjin must be kissing his badge," Taehyung grunted while staring at his previous badges from the couch. I blinked out of my thoughts when he suddenly changed the topic."The professors claimed you might win before the announcement," I shrugged. If it was Taehyung they bet on... then why did Seokjin win?"No. I knew I was gonna lose this year. I saw Seokjin's thesis... and he theorized a few appeals better than mine," Taehyung shrugged, reaching for the bubble tea from my hand. I let him take it and sat in silence.
We ended up chatting about various topics without arguing... so that was a relief. Maybe I can mend the rifts between us? After all, it's not Taehyung I should fear... he's my parent's weapon. And every time they use him... against me... it is him... who ends up burning out. He's caught in the crossfire between me and my parents. Maybe I should provoke my parents less...? So they don't have to hurt him as often. Maybe... we wouldn't be as angry with each other if I backed down a little to grant him a break.

Taehyung agreed to settle the conflict between us after we talked a few times. He told me everything about Haerim's intention, and it was understandable for him to behave this way. It's not like we can do anything about it. We'll have to stay low until we figure out a way to deal with her.
______________________
Fast Forward
"Sora???" Seokjin called, cluelessly strolling into the empty living room upon his return from the academy."CONGRATULATIONS!" The alphas and the lower ranks shrieked. Jungkook set off an explosive confetti paper over Seokjin's head as I leaped out from behind the couch to surprise my lover. Beep! Beep! Kang Minah loudly blew the party horns as the other lower ranks cheered for Seokjin's first achievement in his private villa. Seokjin froze in shock as we cheerfully hyped him up in the living room."Your villa is crazy stylish!" One of Minah's friends laughed as he scanned the interior."Can we use the pool? Let's have a pool party!" Minah suggested, eagerly pointing at the pool outside the living room."I brought the best champagne for you!" Jungkook smugly smiled with his arm over Minah's shoulder. The alphas and lower ranks chattered in excitement as Seokjin stood fixed in position with his startled gaze on the commotion before his eyes. He must be in shock! How adorable!-"I want everyone out of my villa this instant," Seokjin spoke in a dangerously low tone, causing my smile to drop upon noticing the agitation on his face."Wae? We should celebrate!-" I nervously smile- Thud! Thud! Thud! The alpha stormed toward his door and angrily swung it open with a dark glower. The chatter immediately died down as we stared at his harsh reaction with our lips a jar."My parents will visit my place in an hour," Seokjin clenched his jaw, darkly glaring at each and every one of us until his disappointed gaze landed on mine. Badum. My heart ached in extreme discomfort at the sight of his spiteful glower. He's upset with me...?  But- But I only wanted to celebrate his- victory...?
A moment later...
The alphas and lower ranks poured out of the villa in confusion after we failed to celebrate Seokjin's accomplishment. Jungkook fired me a worried look as I dimly followed Minah out of the villa. Seokjin immediately slammed the door closed after everyone evacuated his property... so I sighed and nervously turned to find Minah pursing her lips at me."We'll see you at school," Minah patted my arm with an unsettled look. I weakly nodded at her as Jungkook walked away with the other alphas and lower ranks. I watched them exit the front gate in their respective cars before turning to frown at Seokjin's villa again. Sighing, I carefully entered the private to find Seokjin... vacuuming the scattered confetti on his floor. Virrr~! I nervously glanced at the heap of food and drinks I prepared before averting my eyes back to Seokjin's blank face."I'll clean up the mess-" I offered, quickly approaching him and tried to grab the vacuum when Seokjin yanked it out of my hand and turned away to sweep under a chair. I frowned at his impassive response."Are you mad at me?" I asked. Seokjin didn't answer my question and proceeded to suck up the golden confetti without speaking."I called Do-hwan. Go home," Seokjin muttered without sparing me his attention. I stood staring at his cold shoulder in disbelief."You can't possibly get upset over my effort??? I only wanted to celebrate your achievement!" I gritted. Why is he overreacting?!- I don't understand!"I'm won't argue with you," Seokjin replied, rudely walking off without looking at me. Thud. I heard him slamming his bedroom door shut, so I shakily exhaled and turned to rub my forehead with swelling tears in my eyes."Whatever!" I yelled loud enough for him to hear before snatching my belongings from the couch and stomped out of his villa with a burning chest. I angrily marched toward Do-hwan's car before he could get out to assist me."What happened-" Do-hwan froze as I angrily shoved my things into the back seat- SLAM! I banged the car door shut, hastily buckled my seat belt and leaned back with my arms crossed over my chest."Take me home!" I demanded, fiercely glaring at the gate."The first fight...? Got it," Do-hwan cleared his throat awkwardly while examining my smoking ears and flaring nostrils. The man spun around in his seat to start the engine and we eventually jerked forward, so I huffed in extreme annoyance. I stormed straight to my room without speaking to anyone upon my arrival at the mansion. Why did he have to be so sensitive when I was trying to please him?! Well- My temper didn't cool down... until I fell asleep that night and woke up with a sore throat. It's all his fault!"Are you not going to school?" Jungkook asked, suddenly opening the door to check on me as I coughed under the blanket."Leave me alone," I grumbled, weakly rolling over on my bed to pull the blanket over my head."You're not seriously avoiding school because of that jerk?" Jungkook dawdled from the door."I have a sore throat," I mumbled, screwing my eyes shut in discomfort... until I heard Jungkook sighing. He eventually closed the door and left, so I flopped onto my back with my downcast gaze trained on the ceiling. I finally got up to grab my phone- hoping to see a text from Seokjin... but there were no notifications. He's really upset with me?! That's unfair!Sighing, I tossed my phone aside and strode towards the living room, slumping on the couch to brood over the fight. My condition worsened the day after our fight... and I ended up suffering from mild flu. Do-hwan had to take me to the hospital for treatment because my fever was too alarming."Urghh..." I whimpered while struggling to swallow the soft porridge, but my throat was stinging so much- I couldn't ingest the warm fluid. My eyes are burning! My nose is stuffy! My body is sore! And my head is throbbing in pain! Urgh!"Are you alright?" Taehyung suddenly spoke up. I weakly lifted my face to find him... strolling into the living room in his casual clothes as I sat with striking messy hair in my nightgown."Your bruise healed," I grunted while rubbing my stuffy nose.Taehyung bitterly watched me poke my tongue over the spoon as he sat across from me. He suddenly got back up and walked away without speaking, so I shrugged and turned back to stir the warm bowl. The alpha returned with a cool patch after a few minutes... so I frowned at the man with a questioning look. He left to get me a cool patch? Taehyung didn't utter a word as he tore open the package and approached me with it.The alpha gently placed his hand under my sticky chin, tilting my head upward before brushing my hair away from my face and carefully pressed the cold patch on my forehead. I shivered in distress as the icy sensation jolted all over my skull, so Taehyung ruffled my hair and tossed the empty package in the automatic dustbin before settling down again."Did you fight with Seokjin?" Taehyung asked, pulling out his phone to type on it."How did you know?" I hoarsely replied."Jungkook is not a quiet kid. Oh- And the president wasn't in a great mood at school either," Taehyung shrugged."Seokjin is in a bad mood?" I asked, unsurely eyeing Taehyung."Yeah. He got irritated over the simplest things I said. It's unlike him," Taehyung nodded. I sighed and looked down at the stupid hot porridge in annoyance. Why is it so hot?! Should I suck it with a straw?!"He got mad at me for throwing a surprise birthday party at his place," I muttered. Taehyung scoffed at my words... as if he couldn't believe his ears."At his private villa???" Taehyung laughed."Yeah. Why?- Why are you laughing?!" I stared at his silly reaction unsurely."Seokjin never lets anyone visit his private villa except for Namjoon and Hoseok- and you- since you started seeing him. It's probably his sacred sanctuary, but you foolishly invited the alphas and lower ranks to his place? I'd be upset too if I were him," Taehyung smugly raised his eyebrow. I glared at the alpha's mockery and leaned against the couch- Clatter. I dropped the spoon into the bowl before slumping onto the cushion with a lifeless expression."I only wanted to make him happy-""Not by allowing the dangerous alphas inside his house," Taehyung shook his head. I didn't argue because I was too sore so I exhaled and closed my burning eyelids. Whatever.Taehyung eventually left the living room once I refused to continue our conversation, so I strolled back to my room without finishing my food to take a nap because the medication was making me drowsy. I've been home for five days... since the fight with Seokjin... and yet he didn't text me. Not once. I weakly lifted my phone to contact Seokjin... but he didn't answer my call. Ahhh~! I don't want to admit it, but this is my fault! How can I be so stupid?! I groaned in frustration while tossing and rolling on the bed to yank my messy hair in guilt- eventually sitting up on the mattress to glare at my door."I should apologize," I muttered. Seokjin has every right to be upset with me, and I shouldn't be childish about it. I visited the kitchen to bake a cake with the chefs and finally packed a slice of carrot cake for Seokjin.I carefully carried the bag into the car and took off with my driver to visit Seokjin's villa. Just apologize. He's a sympathetic man. I nervously clenched the bag as I strolled toward the glass door. It's after school time... and the sun is setting... Seokjin should be home by now. I nervously stood by the door and rang his doorbell... but there were no answers. Is he not home?

I blinked and peeked through the transparent glass to search for Seokjin... but he was nowhere to be found. I intensely chewed my lips with my eyes glued on his keypad. I'll wait for him inside- Beep. I froze in place when the keypad denied the passcode I entered. I stared at the screen unsurely and lifted my fingers to press the pin again. Beep. The red light flickered once again. My heart sank. Did he really have to change the passcode...?I gripped the paper bag with a slight pout as an uncomfortable ache... punctured my chest with its invisible blade. He denied my entry...?  I sighed in defeat, gloomily turning around with my head lowered- just as Seokjin's car came rolling into the property. He stepped out of the car with Namjoon and Hoseok... laughing cheerfully with his friends. I stood with my burning gaze on his brilliant appearance. How is he so... unbothered? Hoseok jokingly nudged Seokjin's shoulder, who was grinning from ear to ear.Taehyung told me he was moody... but Seokjin didn't seem to care about my well-being... at all. What am I doing here? Sora? What are you doing? How can you be this pathetic? Namjoon was the first to notice me standing by the door. He halted. Seokjin and Hoseok glanced at Namjoon in confusion before looking in my direction to find me standing with my gift bag. Seokjin's bright smile immediately disappeared in my presence. Oh? He doesn't wish to see me?"What are you doing here?" Seokjin asked, unsurely walking up to me. Instead of feeling guilty like I did earlier... I felt extreme anger surging through my body. I was angry with his stupid question. What am I doing here? Am I not welcome anymore?"You changed the pin," I spoke shortly with my dull gaze fixed on Seokjin's troubled frown."I was about to tell you-""Tell me? You didn't even text me," I coldly stared at Seokjin. Hoseok uneasily observed my burning red face before exchanging awkward glances with Namjoon. My throat is burning so much- but I don't care. I want to pierce his heart with my words!"I'm not going to argue with you-""Whatever. I shouldn't have visited in the first place," I sneered at Seokjin and marched off, coldly bumping into his shoulder. Thump! I was so furious with his action I could hear my ears ringing with static sounds. He will stop me! He has to stop me from walking away, or I'll never return to him! I abruptly stopped on my way to the gate when he didn't call for me. Is he really not chasing after me?! I snapped my head back to find Seokjin entering his villa with his friends, causing the fiery flames to erupt within my chest. Scoff!"I don't need you to live!" I screamed at Seokjin's villa and stomped away with an attitude.
I don't need any man to live! He's nothing to me, and I don't need him! I'm the supreme alpha! And I can easily find a new man if I want to! I will not break over a jerk like him!

A moment later...
"He's so mean~! Hic~! That stupid jerk~!- How can he break my heart like this~!? Hic-! This is so unfair~!" I pitifully whimpered with my cheeks stuffed with the carrot cake."Aigo..." Do-hwan bitterly watched me from his desk as I bawled in distress on his couch with the carrot cake container in my arms."Stupid jerk!!! He even changed his pin- so I couldn't access his villa~! Hic- He didn't even chase after me when I stormed away~! I thought he was a prince charming in romantic dramas- but he's just like every other nasty man! Hic!- A heartless jerk! I'll never see him again~! Oh?! Hic!- Even if he knelt and begged for forgiveness~! I'LL NEVER SEE HIM AGAIN! STUPID JERK~!!!" I sobbed in frustration as I angrily jabbed the carrot cake with my spoon- Thump! Thump! Thump! I smashed the sticky paste in extreme resentment- suddenly pouting harder and howled at the top of my lungs to express my distressing misery.

Do-hwan pitifully watched me abuse the cake I baked for Seokjin with a disappointed look. I threw a nasty tantrum by kicking my legs in the air like a maniac before slumping weakly on the couch as warm tears streamed down my numbed face. How can he treat me like this!? After promising to be a good man! I'm so upset! I hysterically thrashed on the couch again... until Do-hwan rubbed his forehead and lowered his face over the desk... because he was so done with my childish attitude."Sir-!" A guard suddenly knocked on the office door. He halted in shock once he found me screeching inside Do-hwan's office like a dumb monkey. I immediately grew hushed upon the unexpected intrusion- and frantically jerked off the cushion to rub the stinging tears from my cheeks before wiping the smudged cream from my lips in extreme embarrassment."What is it?" Do-hwan sighed, averting his weary gaze to the guard."Master Seokjin is here to visit our young lady. Would you like to meet him?" The guard asked while examining my bright red face and runny nose. Hic~! I quickly covered my lips to stop myself from hiccuping."Do you want to see him?" Do-hwan dawdled, raising his eyebrow with a bitter look. I pursed my lips at his question and glanced at the trainee guard as the slimy snot... trickled messily from my nostrils."Hic!-" I hiccupped again while gripping tightly onto the container filled with smashed cakes. I said I won't see him again! I won't see him!-Stupid jerk! I won't see him!- WHIP! I hurled the container aside and bolted across the office in my silk gown- Halt! I abruptly stopped by the door to fix my appearance."Aigo~!" Do-hwan groaned as he watched me rub the tears and cream from my face.I sniffled and patted my messy hair to ensure I was pretty before strolling out of the security department... causing the shaken guard to step aside with his lips ajar while eyeing my deranged behavior. I calmly walked toward the front door... took a deep breath... and finally stepped out to find Seokjin waiting for me with his hands in his pockets. Seokjin lifted his grim gaze to scan my face as I blankly approached him."You look sick," Seokjin spoke in a concerned tone with his gaze trained on my puffy eyes."I caught the flu," I answered coldly."I couldn't stop you when you left earlier because I had to discuss family matters with Namjoon and Hoseok. That's why I came now," Seokjin sighed."I'm sorry. About the incident. It was my fault. You can be upset with me," I nodded with little to no emotions. Seokjin observed my dull expression uneasily."Oh. I was really furious that day. I didn't want to speak with you because I was afraid of hurting your feelings with unintentional words-""It's alright. I'm already hurting," I replied. Seokjin frowned at my monotonous response."Am I supposed to apologize-""No. Of course not. There's nothing to apologize for," I swallowed the burning lump in my throat with difficulty. My throat is throbbing in pain again. "Are you going to keep up with the attitude? I don't like to play childish games," Seokjin sighed when I wouldn't stop responding to him with little to no emotions."I know. I won't play childish games with you anymore," I replied, sternly staring at Seokjin's uptight scowl. He stared at me with an unsettled expression and finally released a deep sigh."I'll leave if you don't want me here-""I have something to say before you leave," I interrupted just as Seokjin was about to turn away. The alpha paused at my request and glanced at me again."You have my attention," Seokjin sorely sighed."Let's break up," I said shortly. Seokjin froze in his place upon hearing the unexpected request."Suddenly?-""We're not going to work out so let's just stop seeing each other," I shrugged."How can you immediately resort to ending our relationship over a mere fight?" Seokjin scoffed at me in disbelief."It's not immediate. You've shown me too many reasons to give up on our relationship," I shook my head. Seokjin furrowed his eyebrows at me as if to read my crazy mind."Sora, this is not funny. I never treated you-""Maybe not intentionally, but you never really appreciated my affection. Especially when we're around other people. You would never respond to my affection in front of the alphas and would brush it off. Every time I tried to get closer to you... you withdraw. It's nothing worrisome... but I don't like it. The way you neglect my efforts. Sure. You're busy with work and your career... but it doesn't kill you to appreciate me," I coldly replied with my unblinking gaze on the startled alpha."School isn't a place to hook up! I care about you! It's just that I don't want to be distracted-""Then I shouldn't distract you. I will stop from now on so you can focus on your work. I won't suppress my feelings for your needs anymore, so it's best if we break up. You should find someone willing to give you the space you need. And that's not me," I responded with a blank face. Seokjin stood motionlessly before me as the afternoon breeze brushed his soft hair. Even the sky was gloomy... as I requested to end our relationship before the setting sun.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The Present
Sora's POV
"Then I shouldn't distract you. I will stop from now on so you can focus on your work. I won't suppress my feelings for your needs anymore, so it's best if we break up. You should find someone willing to give you the space you need. And that's not me," I responded with a blank face. Seokjin stood motionlessly before me as the afternoon breeze brushed his soft hair. Even the sky was gloomy... as I requested to end our relationship before the setting sun.
"I refuse to break up with you," Seokjin sternly replied. I paused, slightly taken aback by his assertion."A one-sided relationship won't work-""It's not one-sided. We both like each other, and it doesn't make sense to end our relationship over a minor problem," Seokjin insisted with a disapproving frown."It's not a minor problem to you," I blinked. If it wasn't that big of a problem, Seokjin wouldn't have ignored my existence for days without reaching out. I'm not claiming to be right in this case, but if my actions bothered him to the extent he didn't want to talk or see me again... it'll only make sense for us to split up. I won't justify my problematic acts, but I will apologize for my wrongdoings. Seokjin clenched his jaw at my words before letting out a deep sigh."I don't want us to waste each other's time. If we break up now... all the moments we spend together will go to waste-""Why do you keep claiming it's a waste of time to be in a relationship- and yet you want us to work? It seems like you're conflicted with your decision to be with me. If it's really a waste of your time to be in love, then let's cut everything loose now so I don't have to bawl my eyes out for longer than a week," I argued. It's a waste of time. That's what he keeps telling me. If it's so wrong to be with me... then what is he hanging on for?"Sora, please. Let's sensibly deal with this instead of shutting each other out-""I'll give you time until the ceremony is over. Think it through, and we'll end it after the event," I sighed."I like you! Why won't you believe me!? I- I don't know how this- relationship- thing works! It's my first time- and I'm- I'm trying to figure out everything! Can't you offer me some sympathy? It's difficult for me to adjust my daily work routine with our relationship, but that doesn't mean I don't care about you! I want to spend time with you! If that's what you're curious about, then yes! I want to be with you all the time! Oh? I might not display a favorable reaction to the way you were staring at me in class, but you were fluttering my heart! Whenever you touch me- I feel like I'm in heaven- and every time I hold you... I don't want to let go! It's difficult for me to process my feelings because I've never experienced them before! I can't give up on my work... or do I wish to give up on you! I'm trying Sora! I'm trying so hard to figure us out, and I'm sorry if you feel like I don't appreciate your love! But I'm trying- desperately- to adjust- and even now... I'm feeling an- intense heartache... and yet- I can't understand why! I was never raised or taught to deal with love before. And even with so much pain- I'm still yearning for you! I don't know what it is, but if this is love... if this is what it's like to be in love... then I guess I'm damn screwed!" Seokjin suddenly lashed out at me until his eyes burned with tears. I gripped my fist and fell silent upon witnessing his frustration.
The darkness... inside me has taken over me once again. That's why I'm saying all these hurtful words to him as a self-defense instinct to avoid getting hurt... It's what I've been doing ever since my family traumatized me. But I'm aware. I know he's in pain because of my irrational claims. Should I allow the darkness to dominate my mind... or do I resist it and address the problem?
"I just don't want to hurt our feelings anymore," I confessed. I am a complicated soul to love. I'm aware of that. And I do not wish to bleed my pain on him. Seokjin closed his eyes in defeat as he carefully reached out to hold my hand. He's frustrated with my stubbornness."Sora. Let's fix this instead of tossing away everything we have. Hmm...? I'm sorry for telling you it's a waste of time when- I'm really just- a coward. A coward... who can't stand... losing someone so... precious," Seokjin begged as he firmly squeezed my hands. My chest ached intensely at his pleading gaze."Do you really... want me in your life because you love me... or is it because of my body? Or perhaps... my power? It's hard to tell authentic love apart from an artificial one... especially when we're thriving in a power-thirsty society," I spoke quietly. I don't blame Taehyung for cautioning me about Seokjin's intentions, nor will I blindly believe Seokjin is taking advantage of me, but the possibilities are there. The chances of this courtship being an evil love game to achieve power. It's possible and I know I'm holding onto a double-edged sword. Seokjin stared at me with a discouraged expression, slowly raising my hand to place it on his left chest."Can you feel my heartbeat? Feel it and tell me... if I'm pretending to love you," Seokjin replied. I grew hushed as he firmly held my palm over his chest. Thud. Thud. Thud. Why is his heart thumping so hard?  I pursed my lips and glanced back at his distressful gaze."We live in a scary world. A society... filled with greedy... and hostile alphas... and they only want one thing from me. Death. It's hard for me to believe in anyone-""I promise... I do not intend to hurt you. In any way. Physically. Emotionally. Or Mentally. Please. If I ever... hurt you... on purpose... then I'll grant you permission to stab me. Here. Right in my beating heart. You can do it... and I will not whimper," Seokjin stared at me in tears."I'm lost right now, and I don't know where to turn or where to go~ or whom to trust~ I just- I just want someone I can be with without having to worry-""I know. Sora. I know. I feel the same way. I'm also searching for a person I can depend on without the fear of being betrayed. I understand your situation," Seokjin sighed while gripping onto my fingers with a pained expression."To be honest with you... my family is against our relationship. My parents are forcing me to give up on you... and Taehyung is getting into so much trouble with his parents for renouncing me," I whimpered, slightly shaking my head in defeat as a surge of tears swelled in my eyes. Seokjin stared at me darkly."Taehyung?" Seokjin questioned uneasily."Taehyung is not a bad person. He's not your rival. It's our parents you should be afraid of," I whispered, lifting my frightened gaze to meet his uptight frown."I know. He never scares me. But let's focus on our relationship for now. So, answer me. Will you allow me to handle this problem?" Seokjin grabbed my shoulders and lowered his face to stare straight at my torn eyes."Okay," I blinked, weakly nodding in defeat. I'll trust him this once. Seokjin exhaled in relief at my approval and encircled his arms around my waist to hold me against his solid body."Thank you," Seokjin whispered in my ear. I bit my lips with an aching heart upon receiving his comforting strokes over my back and lowered my face to bury it against his chest."Are you done talking...?" Do-hwan's voice dully spoke up, causing us to jerk in panic. Whip! We released each other, wildly spinning around to find the chief guard leaning against the mansion's pillar... with the scrambled carrot cake container in his hands. Do-hwan was stirring the smashed carrot cake with a dead stare."Neh?" Seokjin asked uneasily when the man wouldn't drop his suspicious gaze. Do-hwan narrowed his eyes at Seokjin, gradually pushing his sturdy body off the pillar with the spoon clenched... tightly within his rock-hard fist."I warned you not to mess with Sora-""I came to apologize!" Seokjin snapped, backing away from Do-hwan in fear when the man wouldn't stop walking toward him with a fierce scowl."The next time... Sora... blinks out another droplet- I repeat... if a single droplet of her tears drips because of you... I will finish you with this fucking spoon," Do-hwan dangerously points the spoon at Seokjin's pale face. The alpha stiffly swallowed as Do-hwan threatened him with the silver spoon."Y- Yes- sir-" Seokjin stuttered. The chief guard darkly narrowed his razor-sharp gaze on the timid alphas with an unconvinced look. There was a moment of tense silence between us as I anxiously watched Do-hwan contemplate his next move. He can't possibly consider hurting an alpha?-"Finish this," Do-hwan suddenly dropped the spoon into the container and handed it to Seokjin."W-What?" Seokjin frowned, unconsciously receiving the container filled with scrambled brownish cakes. The alpha grimaced at the nasty thick paste with a disgusted face."Sora made it for you, so finish it," Do-hwan firmly poked Seokjin's chest with his index finger and crossed his arms with his chin held high, still training his dangerous glower on the tense alpha. Seokjin gulped at the thick paste of smashed whip creams, nervously glancing at me and back to the container."S-Sora made this? Sure- I'll eat- it. Why- does it taste- salty...?-" Seokjin shakily nodded, lifting the spoon up to lick it but frowned at the odd taste and glanced at me again before averting his terrified gaze to Do-hwan."Oh! It was a perfect cake she baked with so much love when she packed it! But that's the result of your stupid treatment! She had to add extra ingredients to it after she returned sulking earlier! What are the special ingredients? It's her tears and slimy snots! I watched it drip into the container with my own eyes! If you can squeeze those liquids out of her I'm sure you can swallow it too, right?! So eat up! Have a taste of your own foolishness!" Do-hwan snapped. Kim Seokjin gulped in terror as he stared at the nasty cake. The alpha lowered his shaky hand to pick up the spoon and poked the cake unsurely. He glanced at me for help before averting his eyes back to Do-hwan's glowering face. Seokjin pouted helplessly and lifted the spoon to eat the cake again. Do-hwan smirked in satisfaction upon witnessing Seokjin's disgusted face.

"That's enough! I'll get you a new slice!" I snapped, swiftly snatching the container from Seokjin as he chewed the squishy paste of sweet cream with an uncomfortable grimace."Send the remaining cake to my office so I can share it with the security team," Do-hwan smiled at me, happily striding off with a smug smile after bullying a top-rank alpha. Seokjin uneasily tasted his lips, so I took his hand and dragged him inside the mansion. I threw the container away and pulled him through the empty corridor."This is your room?- It's quite spacious," Seokjin gasped as he entered my private space with his eager gaze on the tall arches of my glass window and fluttering ancient curtains. I settled the new slice of carrot cake for him on my coffee table after I asked the maid to deliver it."They renovated most of the rooms except mine because I was away. You can eat in here- I'm afraid my parents will see you in the mansion," I nodded at the cake. Seokjin smiled as he settled at the foot of my bed, funnily bouncing over the mattress while glancing around the room."Your room is giving off so much princess vibes! It's cute!" Seokjin chuckled while scanning the modern Victorian interior. Taehyung and Jungkook upgraded their rooms to a modern design. I smiled and crawled onto his lap to wipe the cream from the corner of his lips. Seokjin watched me lick the cream off my fingertips with a slight smile."Are you going to eat my cake or not...?" I raised my eyebrows as he pressed his hands on the mattress to support our bodies."Can I... taste you first?" Seokjin smirked, lifting one hand to caress my rosy cheeks. I bit my lower lips at his tempted eyes as he slowly lowered his hands to hold my hips. Seokjin tilted his face upward to kiss me as I perched on his lap... so I exhaled and deepened our kiss to suck out the aftertaste of my flavorful cake from his tongue. Seokjin slipped his fingers under my dress to rub my thighs until I shuddered at his teasing strokes and pushed him back to make him lay on my bed."Be right back," I smiled, crawling off Seokjin's torso. I hurriedly left my room before returning to find Seokjin resting in the same position with his strong arms tucked under his head."Where did you go?" Seokjin asked as I crept back onto his torso."I don't want to get pregnant," I smiled, lifting a condom pack clipped securely between my fingers."Where did you get it?" Seokjin scoffed, forcing his body off the mattress with his elbows to snatch it from me."I stole it from Jungkook's drawer," I giggled. Seokjin chuckled in disbelief and slumped back onto the bed while examining the plastic wrapper with a slight smirk."You're naughty~!" He laughed, shifting his bright gaze to me, so I shyly smiled as Seokjin reached under the thin fabric of my gown to unclasp my bra. He quickly sat up again and tugged my face forward to silence me with his lips as he took off my dress and undergarment... until I was sitting naked on his crotch. I impatiently undid his shirt and belt while he fondled my breast, lowering his face to nibble on my sensitive tips until I let out an unexpected moan."You know... part of me... want to protect you... from getting pregnant..." Seokjin whispered, sensually shifting his alluring gaze to study my flushed face as he softly groped my blossoms."What do you mean?" I pursed my lips while sitting on his hot body."But whenever I hold you... I have this strong urge... to get you pregnant... because I want you to have our babies so badly..." Seokjin whispered while brushing my cheeks with his fingers, causing a surge of warm blood to rush up to my face. He's not drunk, is he?"Didn't you say we're too young to have kids?" I asked, circling my arms around his neck."When I'm in my right mind, yes. But when we're both naked like this... my human instinct is to reproduce with you... not just for pleasure... but the urge to make you the mother of my children is so powerful... I feel like I'm going to lose control," Seokjin whispered. I giggled and gently boop my nose against his."The alphas... they say you're royal blood. A virtuous man... so pure and perfect... an untouchable entity. What happened... to him?" I asked while grazing his defined hairline, softly tucking the stands behind his red ears. Seokjin sensually skimmed his fingers over the arch of my back to tease my sensitive nerves as we sat facing each other with nothing in between us. Just our bare skin... rubbing against each other. The alpha smiled while examining my face with his tender pupils."You happened. I never permitted myself to experience this kind of attachment with another soul because... of the society's stigma. Love is a weakness. That's what they claim. But how can it be a weakness? When you've shown me... love isn't so scary. Love is so much more than just a weakness. Sweet kisses... warm hugs... small conversations... and carefree thoughts. How is it deadly when I feel so... comfortable around you?" Seokjin whispered as I smiled faintly at his glowing skin. It's our habit to converse a lot during our intimacy. We're not even having sex yet, and yet... we're already in so much pleasure with the small talk and gentle touches over our vulnerable skin."If I wasn't a powerful woman... would you have fallen for me?" I asked, curiously tilting my head to the side without breaking our eye contact. Seokjin chuckled and leaned forward to peck my bare shoulder as I ran my fingers through his soft hair."If another alternative universe exists... and I happened... to meet you. If I was still a high-status alpha... and you're an innocent average. I'd probably still approach you. Maybe not to initiate a relationship, but I will likely find my way to get your attention... even if it means being a bit arrogant to show off my qualities to you. I'll probably try to charm you with my visuals... and brag about my face because that's all I can think of when I'm nervous," Seokjin smiled, gently pecking my cheek. I chuckled at his slippery tongue and tugged his head against my shoulder as he fondled my breasts with his palms."An alpha shouldn't date an average though. It will be a tragic love story," I pouted.
That's the heartbreaking truth of love and life. The power curse. An alpha is free to love the average, but it comes at a deadly price. There are only two paths. The love will either strip the alpha from their status... and they become the commoner, or... the average lover dies.

After all, the ruthless society will never allow the weak to thrive within it. Choosing to embrace a powerless person is suicide. And yet some alphas... challenged their destiny and married the average for love. Jungkook's father... and Taehyung's aunt. They both married the average and as foreseen. Both their spouses passed away as a sacrifice to achieve greater power.
"An alpha's love story can be as tragic, you know? Most of us... marry for power and never for love. A lonesome marriage. It's a nightmare I've always feared," Seokjin replied. I stared sadly at his warm gaze, finally leaning forward to kiss him. Seokjin panted against my face as he adjusted my hips over his crotch to slip inside me, so I gripped his broad shoulders and tensed my body."Are you staying over at my place tonight? Don't you have work to complete?" I asked as I raised and lowered my hips to work my heated body over his."At this rate... I feel like I'm participating in an illegal teenage sleepover at your place," Seokjin frowned once he felt the hot jolt of pleasure between our legs. I moaned softly and hugged him as Seokjin helped me bounce steadily over his thick thighs. I pushed Seokjin backward to make him lie down as I took control of our bodies... until I felt the scorching warmth... expanding between my thighs with every stroke I felt inside me.I pursed my lips to resist the stimulating pleasure and lowered my hands to press my fingers over Seokjin's firm chest in difficulty while riding his manly bulge. Hngh~! Seokjin grabbed my wrist and brought it to his lips. The alpha gently kissed my palm while observing my difficult frown as I rocked steadily over his crotch until I moaned again and lowered my face in pleasure. I shivered in satisfaction when I felt an uncomfortable sensation jolting throughout my body.Seokjin suddenly grabbed my fleshy hips when I tried to slow down and started working his way into me from underneath. I gasped in shock at the pace of his thrusts, weakly slumping over his toned trunk in defeat as he seized control of our bodies. I clutched his firm cheeks with my lips pinned firmly over his... to muffle my breathy moans as he thumped inside me at a quick pace- until I felt my body erupting with an uncomfortable spasm."Wait-""I'm almost there-" Seokjin panted as I repeatedly tapped his pulsing chest for a break."Babe- I said wait-" I whimpered in difficulty when he wouldn't stop beating between my legs- Breep! Seokjin immediately halted- halfway inside me as I remained frozen over his crotch with a bright red face. The alpha glanced at my startled face in surprise."D-Did you just- fart??? It smells like carrot cake!" Seokjin scoffed, funnily staring up at me from the pillow... eyes bulging open in disbelief. I screwed my face in embarrassment and lowered my body to bury my face against his warm chest."I told you to wait!" I whined against his flesh as Seokjin held me over his moist body."You wanted to get off to fart before resuming our intercourse?! I don't think that's normal! Just fart if you want to!" Seokjin laughed. I groaned and smacked his chest in extreme shame when he wouldn't stop teasing me."The pleasure is too intense... I clenched my buttcheeks too tightly," I giggled as he rubbed my moist back to comfort me, so I eventually lifted my face, shyly grinning at Seokjin's flustered face as he gazed at me with a fond smile."You're too cute~!" Seokjin laughed, lifting his head to peck my lips."Stop teasing me~!" I pouted while hugging his neck and buried my face against his neck as he steadily worked his body against mine again. Seokjin hoarsely chuckled and kissed my cheek until I started moaning against his ear with every arousing stroke I felt between my legs."Ease your buttcheeks, will you?" Seokjin teased, lightly slapping my butt. I whined in annoyance when he wouldn't stop joking about my fart. I kept my face buried in his hair because I didn't want him to see my flushed face. His breathy laughter... was eventually replaced by a low grunt as the alpha approached his climax so I stiffened my body and groaned in extreme pleasure.I pursed my lips intensely when I felt a hot jolt inside me- Thump! I curled my toes in difficulty while gripping his fine hair- until Seokjin slumped under me in exhaustion. Hah~! I felt him filling the condom inside me, so I exhaled and slowly lifted my hips to slip him out of me as Seokjin panted heavily under my body. The man wiped the heavy sweat beads from his forehead as I remained on him. He reached for my hands, so I leaned back down to rest my body on his as Seokjin secured me between his arms with his eyes closed."Let's wash up together after we calm down," I suggested as Seokjin struggled to catch his breath beside my ear. He cupped my face and turned me toward him, gently pressing his lips against mine to savor our successful intimacy. I insisted on borrowing Jungkook's clothes for him... but Seokjin said he could sleep in his boxer... so we went to bed together.
Third Person POV
Jang Sora panted cutely against Seokjin's face as she slept on his firm bicep. The alpha sleepily stared at his exhausted lover in the dark... gazing at her pale skin, puffy eyes, and slightly parted pink lips... until he felt an intense stir in his chest as he gently rubbed her bare shoulder. He leaned forward to kiss her forehead."I love you," Seokjin whispered while resting sideways on their shared pillow. The alpha was so mesmerized by her beauty... he couldn't help but admire her flawless face. Never would he have guessed... he'd be this captivated by her calming energy."Some day... when I'm ready... I'll tell you I love you when you're awake," Seokjin muttered under his breath. Sora stirred uncomfortably, slowly opening her sleepy eyes to stare at Seokjin."Hmm? What did you say...? You can't sleep?" She yawned, rubbing her eyelids as Seokjin watched her struggle to open her eyes."Your stomach is growling," Seokjin replied. Sora closed her eyes again, so the alpha assumed she was sleep-talking when- *gurgle* Her stomach stirred again. Seokjin huffed at her cuteness as he placed his palm over the thin silk of her nightgown to feel the vibration of her hungry belly."I'm hungry," Sora muttered, turning to lie on her back with her eyes closed."Do you want to eat?" Seokjin asked, getting up to sit on her bed before averting his eyes to the slice of cake on her coffee table."The maids are asleep, and I don't want to cook in the kitchen. My parents might find out about you- and Taehyung will get in trouble with his parents again," Sora hoarsely muttered as she scratched her head."Why do you keep saying Taehyung will get in trouble?" Seokjin frowned. Sora sighed, groggily sitting up beside Seokjin with her eyes half open."His father hurt him because of me. Because I'm dating you. I don't care about the elders, but I don't want Taehyung to take the blame for me," Sora shook her head as she scratched her head. Seokjin shifted his gaze to her fallen... silk strap and leaned forward to kiss her shoulder."I can cook for you at my place... but we'll have to leave," Seokjin suggested, hugging her waist as they sat on the bed. Sora's droopy eyes dropped closed again as she slouched against her lover."Okay. Let's pack the cake," Sora finally nodded, stirring awake from her idle mind. Seokjin smiled and got off her bed to get dressed as Sora sleepily grabbed a cardigan from her wardrobe. She pulled the cloth over her thin gown and turned to open the door."This is all you're wearing? It's cold outside," Seokjin blinked at her thin layers. Sora rubbed her swollen face and took Seokjin's hand without uttering a word. She sleepily led him out of her bedroom to guide him through the maze-like corridor. Thud. Thud. The couple halted in the living room when another person came strolling out of the corridor leading to the kitchen. Kim Taehyung abruptly stopped in his place once he found Sora standing in her nightgown with her fingers interlaced with Seokjin's."Are you heading out? At this time?" Taehyung asked, unsurely glancing at the dark sky through the tall arch windows."Oh. I'm hungry. Seokjin said he'll cook for me at his place, so I'll head out with him. Can you not tell the elders? I'll return by dawn," Sora muttered, sleepily yawning beside her lover. Seokjin unsurely glanced at Taehyung... who was staring right back at him with grim look."I'm hungry too. Mind if I join you guys?" Taehyung requested."Moh?" Seokjin frowned. He expected Taehyung to lash out at Sora, but the alpha was weirdly calm."If Seokjin is okay with you visiting his place," Sora shrugged. Half out of her mind."What's with the uptight frown? I won't breach your security system. Plus, I'm not comfortable with you taking her out this late, so let me join you," Taehyung insisted."We're on good terms now," Sora yawned again, turning her head to stare at Seokjin. The alpha blinked at her cuteness before shifting his attention back to Taehyung."Sure. Let's go," Seokjin sighed, tugging Sora forward. He can't sleep in an unfamiliar place anyways, and he doesn't want to part from her yet, so he'll take her to his villa. The sleepy supreme alpha funnily waddled off with her lover as he led her toward the mansion's front door.

Taehyung exhaled and turned to follow the couple in his casual clothes. Seokjin helped Sora into the passenger seat as she held the plate of carrot cake over her lap. Taehyung slipped into the back seat as Seokjin started his engine... and the top alphas... left the mansion together. No one muttered a word as Seokjin drove on the empty dark street. Cling... Seokjin briefly glanced to the side to find Sora... eating his cake."You said it's for me, but you're eating it now," Seokjin scoffed. Sora scooped the melting cream and lifted the spoon to Seokjin's lips."Ah," Sora stared at him sleepily. Seokjin opened his mouth, so she carefully fed him."Ehem," Taehyung cleared his throat when he couldn't stand watching their lovey-dovey interactions from the back seat. Seokjin fired Taehyung an annoyed glare through the mirror before averting his eyes back to the empty street."Ah," Sora suddenly turned in her seat to offer Taehyung a spoonful of the cake. Seokjin glanced at Sora in confusion as she waited for Taehyung to accept her offer."I'm not eating from the same spoon," Taehyung frowned. Sora pursed her lips and glanced down at the cake before shoving the rejected chunk into her mouth. She carefully sliced another piece on the plate- and then picked the cake with her fingers."Ah~?" Sora turned to offer Taehyung the cake again with her fingers. Taehyung unsurely eyed the piece of cake as Seokjin intensely watched them through the mirror. The alpha scoffed, eventually scooting forward to let her feed him. Sora pushed the cake into his mouth, weakly smiling at the man as he stiffly tasted the delicious flavor.The supreme alpha gently dabbed the cream off his lips and turned back to settle in her seat. Seokjin side-eyed his girlfriend as she sleepily licked the cream she wiped off Taehyung's lips with her fingers. The alpha felt intense jealousy erupting in his chest but chose to remain calm... so he averted his eyes back to the road. They're like siblings, he thought to himself."Why are you eating all of my cake? Feed me! AHHHHHH~!" Seokjin complained when she forgot to feed him. Sora chuckled at his cuteness before turning to feed him again as Taehyung sorely glanced back and forth to watch their wholesome interaction. Slightly irritated... Kim Taehyung shifted his stern gaze out the window until they arrived at Seokjin's villa."I'll take a walk around the garden. Call me when the food is ready," Taehyung muttered, strolling toward the orchid with his hands in his pocket."Don't do anything sneaky!" Seokjin yelled after Taehyung, but the alpha ignored him and disappeared from sight as the supreme alpha adorably waddled toward the door with the empty plate, patiently waiting for her boyfriend, who was collecting his coat from his car seat."What are you standing there for?" Seokjin asked as she awkwardly cupped the plate."You changed the passcode," Sora pouted, glancing at the screen. Seokjin chuckled, suddenly back hugging her before the closed door. He gently turned her body toward the digital screen after taking the plate out of her hands with his chin rested on her shoulder."Why didn't you try another passcode? You could've figured it out if you tried," Seokjin whispered as he held her from behind with one hand."But I don't know-""Your birthday, Sora," Seokjin sighed. Sora pursed her lips and lifted her finger to press on the screen. 24th... January 1998. Sora carefully keyed the 6-digit pin. 240198. Click. The door slid open. She halted to stare at the open door in disbelief."You didn't change it after I confronted you, did you?" She frowned. Seokjin kissed her cheek and led her inside, so she fired him a skeptical look."Don't try to argue with me. I won't argue with you, or you'll try to break up with me again," Seokjin smiled. Sora glared at Seokjin and strolled into the kitchen after him as the alpha dug into his fridge for fresh ingredients. Taehyung suddenly pushed the door open after the refreshing walk and entered the villa with his mouth half open."Why don't you have any maids? It's true that you live alone?" Taehyung asked, poking his head around the villa in disbelief."Why do I need a maid when I can care for myself? I only need the guards," Seokjin replied as Sora placed the pan on the stove to heat it."What are we making?" Sora asked while adjusting the heat."You up for spicy pork cutlet?" Seokjin asked, pulling out the meat from the freezer."Sure. But we can't make it spicy," Sora replied as she turned to search for onions."Why not? We like spicy-""Taehyung can't eat spicy food," Sora replied dismissively. Seokjin halted at her concern for the alpha's preference before shifting his gaze to Taehyung, who awkwardly stood in the kitchen's doorway."I can't eat spicy food! Don't make it spicy!" Taehyung snapped when Seokjin wouldn't stop frowning at him. Sora didn't pay attention to the alphas as she washed the vegetables in the sink."Aigo! I told you to tie up your hair when you cook! You'll have to shampoo your greasy hair again~!" Seokjin whined, dropping the meat container to search for a hair tie in his pocket. He gently tugged Sora's hair from her face and lifted it up to tie the loose strands as she scrubbed the veggies."I'll stay in the living room," Taehyung cleared his throat, stiffly walking off when he had enough of their interaction. Seokjin and Sora helped each other cook the dish in the kitchen and finally settled the crispy pork cutlet on the coffee table with the rice bowls. Taehyung blinked at the mouth-watering food before glancing up at the couple again."Do you often... cook together?" Taehyung asked."Always. Seokjin doesn't like outside food, so we never ordered anything," Sora nodded, grabbing a piece of the cutlet with her chopstick to stuff it into her mouth. Seokjin sat down beside her with a glass of water. Taehyung glanced at Seokjin and carefully lifted the culet to place it in his rice bowl."It's not bad," Taehyung muttered as he chewed the juicy texture with a slight frown. The food was far more delicious than he anticipated."Of course, it's delicious! I'm the best at everything I do!" Seokjin smugly snapped at Taehyung. The alpha glared at his rival before lowering his chopstick to grab another piece.

"So... how did you two- end up together?" Taehyung coughed, eagerly glancing at the couple as he perched on the couch."Why are you interested in our love affairs?" Seokjin scoffed. Taehyung glared at Seokjin in annoyance."I'm just irritated because you lied to her!" Taehyung snapped. Sora stopped chewing and lifted her face from the bowl to question Taehyung's irritated face."What do you mean I lied-""You said you're the perfect man! People say you didn't have a lover in the past, but that's not true! You were screwing someone on the rooftop!" Taehyung accidentally blurted. Sora froze beside her lover. Her face flushing red... upon hearing the alpha's confrontation."T-that day- I was- there with him. On the rooftop..." Sora confessed awkwardly. Taehyung's eyes bulged open in disbelief."Moh!? It was you!? The undergarment-! Waaah~ You were screwing him when I was searching for you?-""NO! We didn't do anything!" The couple denied it with a flustered face. Taehyung stared at them as if they were out of their minds."But you were moaning-""She was scared of you and threatened me to put on an act so you wouldn't find her. It was for show," Seokjin shook his head. Taehyung fired Sora a disappointed glare, so she shifted her gaze away in embarrassment."Then how did you end up together? The rumor-""We did sleep together," Sora shrugged. Taehyung suddenly choked on his rice and spat all over the dish, causing Sora's jaw to drop at the mess. Seokjin whined in disbelief as Taehyung pounded his chest in distress."Keep your mouth shut!" Seokjin groaned, covering his precious dish with his hands. Taehyung grabbed a few tissues to cover his mouth as he resisted the urge to cough. The alpha eventually gulped some water and slumped back with a runny nose and burning red eyes."The rumor- it's true?" Taehyung cleared his throat while wiping away his tears."Yeah. I thought I was pregnant... so he got me a pregnancy kit, but it turns out I wasn't pregnant. He asked me out after the incident because we were already caught up in the stupid scandal," Sora nodded. Taehyung stared at her bitterly before averting his gaze to find Seokjin glaring at him from across the table."Leave us alone. I have genuine feelings for her," Seokjin insisted. Taehyung rolled his eyes while chewing his food and slumped against the couch."Araso. It's not like I can do anything anyways. Just avoid enraging the elders, and I'll let you live in peace," Taehyung shrugged as the supreme alpha hungrily devoured her food with an unbothered look. The two alphas glanced at her puffy cheeks with their lips pursed before glancing at one another again. Nom~! Nom~! She loudly chewed the savory meal.
A moment later.
Kim Seokjin cleared the table and did the dishes as Sora brushed her teeth in his bathroom."You even have your set of personal essentials in his bathroom? Even your own soap and shampoo? And a toothbrush? What is this? Are you trying to move in with him already???" Taehyung scoffed when he recognized Sora's personal items in Seokjin's bathroom as he washed his hands over the sink."Seokjin bought me everything I needed because I stay over often," Sora shrugged, walking out of the bathroom after washing her brush. Taehyung followed her to the living room to find Seokjin stretching his back in exhaustion."It's 3:00 AM, but we can sleep in tomorrow," Seokjin yawned."Aren't you taking us home?" Taehyung blinked. Sora and Seokjin exchanged awkward glances."I'll ask my men to escort you home," Seokjin shrugged, nodding at his door."Great. Let's go," Taehyung nudged Sora and walked forward but stopped when she didn't follow him. The alpha turned to frown at the supreme alpha unsurely as she clung onto Seokjin's arm."I'm staying over with him tonight," Sora pursed his lips. Taehyung's mouth dropped open at her blunt statement. The alpha averted his gaze to Seokjin in irritation."Didn't you sneakily spend time together at the mansion the entire evening? Isn't that enough-""You can go home if you want! I'll head home tomorrow~!" Sora whined, stubbornly clinging to Seokjin's thick forearm like a child. Taehyung scoffed at her childish behavior before lowering his face to rub his forehead."Whatever!" Taehyung cutely glared at the couple and walked out of the door, but before the couple could speak... he suddenly banged open the door again and marched back inside."I'll stay too," Taehyung said shortly with a dark grimace."What?!- No! Go home!" Seokjin snapped at his sudden demand to stay over."I'm too sleepy to go home! Show me to your guest room!" Taehyung funnily waved his hands while kicking off his slippers and stormed back into the living room."I don't have a guest room! I live alone!" Seokjin snapped while chasing the alpha with an uptight look"What do you mean you don't have a guest room?!" Taehyung turned to glare at Seokjin in disbelief."Just go home!" Seokjin pointed at the door. Taehyung clenched his jaw and averted his uptight face to Sora."I'll sleep on the couch," Taehyung huffed, suddenly dropping onto the couch and rolled over without a bother."Wahhhh~! This jerk!" Seokjin scoffed as he stood staring at the alpha with his arms crossed."Should I go home with him? I'll head home if you don't want him here," Sora suggested anxiously. Seokjin averted his eyes to her in annoyance."I'll bring him a blanket," Seokjin huffed, striding away to grab a blanket from his closet and hastily threw it at Taehyung. The alpha didn't thank Seokjin and pulled the blanket over his head as he rested on the couch. Unbothered by Seokjin's infuriated presence. Seokjin fired Taehyung one last glare before grabbing Sora's hand and led her to his room.

"Are you sure? I can leave-""No. I want to be with you! That stupid bastard is doing this on purpose to irritate me!" Seokjin shook his head after shutting the door behind his back. Thump! Thump! Thump! He stormed into his closet room while tearing off his shirt.The supreme frowned uneasily as she crawled onto her lover's bed until he returned in his fresh pajamas. He switched off the lights and got in bed with her, so she turned on the mattress to sleep on her side with her arm placed over his buff chest as she anxiously examined his red ears."You seem irritated," Sora whispered, lightly brushing back Seokjin's hair. He opened his eyes to stare at her slight smile in silence."Because you seem close to him," Seokjin muttered."We're like a family. We grew up together," Sora assured him. Seokjin frowned at her but decided to give up and nodded."Do you want to move in with me?" Seokjin suddenly asked. Sora pursed his lips."Suddenly?-""You don't want to?" Seokjin asked. Sora giggled and shook her head."Of course I do, but our parents will be furious," I shrugged. Seokjin sighed heavily and tugged her head against his chest."You're right," Seokjin agreed. Sora smiled and tightened her grasp around his body.The crowded bed eventually grew a bit humid for them, so they naturally tossed and turned on the mattress in their deep sleep until they ended up on different sides of the bed. Seokjin stirred after a while and sleepily turned to pat the bedsheet to search for Sora... only to realize she was on the other end, so he groaned and scooted over the bed until he found her warm body.
The alpha swung his heavy limbs over her frail body to hold her against him. Sora grumbled after a while and pushed Seokjin away because she was feeling too stuffy within his embrace.
Seokjin unconsciously rolled back to the other side as Sora expanded her arms and legs on the bed with her messy hair dangling over her face. The dark room steadily grew brighter as the sun rose over the sky until the supreme alpha yawned and sat up on the bed to find Seokjin sleeping... face first on the mattress. She grumbled and crawled out of bed to leave his room."Taehyung...?" Sora sleepily searched for the alpha in the living room just as Taehyung walked out of Seokjin's bathroom with his damp hair."I went for a morning swim," Taehyung explained as he walked shirtless into the living room. Sora nodded and slumped on the couch while scratching her messy hair as Taehyung pulled on his shirt."Do you want to eat breakfast?" Sora yawned again."No. I'll leave first," Taehyung shook his head as he collected his items from the couch."I'll see you at home," Sora smiled. Taehyung waved at her, strode out of the villa to enter Seokjin's car, and left with the driver. The supreme alpha scratched her head and sleepily slumped on the couch. She eventually got bored of admiring the rising sun and got up to enter Seokjin's personal work office... quietly logging into the guest user on his computer... to surf the internet.
A moment later.
The supreme alpha chewed her nails as she intensely read the mature webtoon on the screen- Clack. Seokjin suddenly entered the room with a dazed look. Shit! She quickly grabbed the mouse to delete the tabs in a hurry.

"What are you doing in here?" Seokjin asked, approaching her with a confused look when he found his girlfriend gawking at his desktop screen."F-Food! I was- just watching videos of new recipes!" Sora stuttered as she frantically deleted the tabs in a panic."Can you warm up our leftovers from last night?" Seokjin requested as he gently lifted his girlfriend's lightweight body off his leather armchair to settled on the seat and placed her on his lap instead. Sora turned to give him a light peck as he held her over him before averting his eyes to the cooking video."I'll be right back," Sora smiled and skipped out of the room. The supreme alpha microwaved the food for her lover and eventually returned to Seokjin's work office with the plate and a glass of water."What were you doing on my computer?" Seokjin asked as soon as she entered with the food. Sora halted in fear as Seokjin averted his eyes from the screen suspiciously while scrolling through the history tabs."I- I was just reading a novel-""Novel? There's a list of graphic sites- Yah!?" Seokjin frowned, clicking on the links curiously. THUMP! Sora immediately shoved the plate onto the desk and dashed across the room in fear."No! I can explain!- Ah~!-" Sora frantically grabbed the mouse from Seokjin in a panic as she leaned over the desktop to switch the tab when Seokjin secured her waist with his strong arms and tugged her away. She whined with her arms extended- but the alpha simply hauled her back to stop her from touching his desk.

"You've been snooping around?!" Seokjin scoffed."It's not what you think- No! NO-! No~!" Sora whined, frantically thrashing over her boyfriend's thighs but he refused to release her.Seokjin effortlessly shifted the mouse with his other hand until Sora's eyes bulged open in horror as she frantically resisted him. Click. The alpha clicked her search history again, and an entire list of adult content showed up on the screen before them. Seokjin paused to stare at his desktop in shock. Sora pouted in guilt, suddenly flushing red as she stiffly gripped her nightgown."Ani- Why would you search this?!" Seokjin turned to look at her with his eyes bulging open. He glanced back at the manhwa art to find a couple... making love on the screen. It wasn't a video, but the drawing was pretty explicit. Sora groaned and lowered her face in embarrassment."I just- I was just curious~!" Sora pursed her lips with her head lowered."Curious...? About sex?!" Seokjin blinked. Sora stared at his confused frown worriedly, finally releasing a deep sigh when he wouldn't stop staring at her as if she was out of her mind."We're both not that- skilled with lovemaking yet! So I did some research! I saw a few videos, but it was uncomfortable to watch so I searched for something else- and these novels... They're quite nice," Sora shyly nodded at the graphic contents on the screen."Ah~! You're unbelievable~!" Seokjin released her body and slumped back in disbelief."Wae~? We only do it in two positions! I want to try something different~! It's quite nice... don't you think?" Sora pouted, turned to the screen again and reached out to scroll through the panel. Seokjin grew hushed as he watched his girlfriend stare intensely at the explicit pictures with her curious pupils."You keep surprising me," Seokjin finally exhaled in disbelief as he leaned forward to grab the plate from his desk.The naughty supreme alpha giggled as she sat between his legs on the armchair. Seokjin shook his head and poked the cutlet before lifting it to his mouth as he read the novel with Sora. He quietly averted his eyes to find her chewing her fingers intensely as she read the spicy scenes. It was weird for him at first, but the longer he stared at her naive... yet... curious nature... the more his chest churned for her."That's an interesting position," Seokjin mumbled, nodding at the screen. Sora blinked and turned to look at Seokjin in shock."That's weird!" She disagreed before turning to look at the couple again. They were staring at their reflection as they made love."Do you want to try...? I have a body mirror too," Seokjin smirked. Sora's face flushed red as she hugged her knees between his thighs."No! I don't like it!" Sora shook her head and glanced away to hide her flustered cheeks. Seokjin laughed at her dismissal after pushing the plate away and hugged her warm body from behind as he read the novel with her on his lap. The couple spent their day exploring... love-making techniques until Seokjin whined and dragged Sora out of the room because he was afraid he'd lose control of himself._______________________
Alpha Ceremony
I sucked in my breath to squeeze the remaining air out of my deflated lungs until my face turned pale as the stylist fastened my corset before the mirror. She briefly looked up at my troubled expression once she failed to shrink my waist to her desired size."Did you gain weight?" Eomma asked as she watched me through the mirror with a slight frown."Can't we loosen it~?! I can't breathe!" I whined, finally exhaling in defeat. Eomma shook her head in disappointment and got up to leave the room. I've been eating too much at Seokjin's place because he kept cooking delicious food! Imo came strolling inside with a makeup artist.

"Aigo! Give her some space to breathe! She should feel comfortable at the event~!" Imo instructed the stylist when she noticed me screwing my face in discomfort as the stylist fought to fasten the corset laces. The woman nodded and turned to tighten my corset again.
Imo returned to the mansion a few days ago... after her mother passed away in her hometown. I have very few memories of imo because she was only an assistant when I was younger. I was away for a few years, and the woman still looked exactly like I remembered her. Except... the wrinkles beside her eyes grew a bit deeper and a few gray hair strands appeared in her once pitch-black hair.
The stylist did her best to bind the corset around my body and finally helped me into a long off-shoulder nude v-neck dress with thin straps. Imo reached under the fabric to adjust my boobs beneath the padding to pump up my cleavage. I stared at the flower ornaments embroidered on the bodice as the stylist spread out the dress for me.The makeup artist did a bit of touch-up on my makeup and fixed my hair as I stood in the mirror with a neat bun and a few loose curls. Imo eventually dismissed the stylist and makeup artist before turning to unbox a rectangular box loaded with shimmering jewels. I stood without uttering a word as she clipped a sparkly diamond choker around my slender throat."What a pity," Imo suddenly sighed as she carefully clipped the earring for me. I stared at her with a questioning look."Is something wrong?" I asked unsurely."Taehyung won't be attending as your partner. He'd look perfect with you," Imo sighed. I pursed my lips. Imo is Taehyung's nanny. She's attached to him."I'm sure he'll shine just as brightly with his date," I replied, brushing off the topic. Imo repeatedly showered my body with the scented mist until my skin glowed healthily with its shimmering effect. I finally lifted my gown to let imo slip on my golden heels.A maid entered to bring the heels padding for the base of my feet and I was finally ready after an entire day of prepping for the event. I had to wake up early this morning for a steaming milk bath to moisturize my skin. My mother got a specialist to give me a body massage after the bath and even a team of hair techs to add volume to my hair."You can't lay down! Aigo~!" Imo gasped when I tried to lie down on the couch. I pouted and sat up again as she rushed over to dab a bit of blush over my face."You have to be the brightest star at the event!" Imo beamed as she gripped my shoulders- turning my body from side to side to search for the flaws. I was finally allowed to leave the mansion in the puffy gown.Do-hwan was busily instructing a few guards and drivers about our routes to the venue. The man is dressed in a dashing formal suit since it's his duty to escort my parents to the event."Tada~!" I giggled, opening my arms to show Do-hwan my dress for the night after he dismissed his security team. The man turned to stare at me with a playful frown as if to inspect my dress."Are you sure you can breathe?" He asked while beaming at me. I did a cute twirl for him in the nude dress as he watched me with a faint smile."I think I can survive," I nodded excitedly."Aigo~! Minah will be disappointed," Jungkook spoke up from behind me, so I quickly spun around to examine his deep wine-colored suit."Why would she be disappointed?" I glared at him as I patted my pretty dress."Your mother exclusively reserved the best designer to craft that dress. No alphas at the venue will shine as brightly as you," Jungkook smiled with his hand in his pocket."What's your concept? Hot bad boy?" I laughed at his suit."Oh. Minah is going red as usual. I need to match her aesthetics," He shrugged. He's like a superstar... whatever he wears... makes him stand out so much. No wonder the girls at our elementary school bullied me because I was close to him."You're wearing our household's heirloom," Appa suddenly appeared in his formal attire, referring to the golden flower crown on my head. It was passed from my father's side of the family."Where's Taehyung?" Jungkook asked, checking his luxurious watch unsurely."He left earlier to pick up Haerim. You should head out to escort Minah," Do-hwan replied.Jungkook nodded and walked off to his respective car just as eomma strolled down the stairs in a silver slim-fit dress and for some reason... she didn't look too excited. Only the young alphas are thrilled about the event because that's where they can show off their pretty dresses and wealth to the society. The elders are much more timid because of the newcomers in the game."Impressive," Appa pursed his lips once the latest model of a black limousine came rolling inside the mansion's gate, followed by a few security vehicles. Do-hwan scoffed at the unexpected arrival until the wheels stopped turning and the driver stepped out to open the door for... the Kim's heir. Kim Seokjin stepped out in his dashing pitch-black suit. His sleek black hair... neatly brushed back to reveal his handsome face."Seokjin-!" I gasped, trying to rush forward when I felt a firm grip on my wrist, so I halted and glanced down to find appa holding tightly onto me."He must come to you. The supreme alpha should never chase," Appa muttered, keeping his stern gaze on Seokjin.I cleared my throat uneasily once appa released my hand... so I patted my dress as I stood beside my parents and Do-hwan. Seokjin strolled toward us with a slight smile. I tried not to smile too wide at his insanely hot visual. He looks so manly! The Kim's heir stopped before me, politely bowed to my parents and straightened his back with confidence. My mother nodded at him with an approving smile."I have arrived to escort the supreme alpha," Seokjin nodded at the vehicles beside his limousine. I bit my lips with my hands clasped together when he finally shifted his attention to me. Seokjin didn't blink and stared at my enchanting appearance for a good ten seconds before snapping out of his thoughts."We'll see you at the venue," Appa responded, leaning over to peck my cheek. I smiled and glanced at Seokjin again as he placed out his hand, so I took a deep breath and lifted my fingers to hold his warm palm. The alpha slightly tugged me forward, so I turned to wave at Do-hwan and walked off with Seokjin.

We both maintained a composed behavior in front of my parents until we reached his car. The driver held the door open for us, so I slipped inside to find a spacious lounge in the car with a mini bar inside. Seokjin lifted my dress off the ground as I carefully entered to settle on the leather seats. He got in after me."Are you thirsty?" Seokjin asked as he carefully settled my dress and leaned over to check the fridge without looking at me."Why aren't you looking at me?" I curiously questioned his strange behavior."I'm afraid I'll ruin your makeup if I stare at you for longer than a second. Your beauty is blinding me," Seokjin smirked as he retrieved a mineral water bottle from the fridge. I chuckled and shook my head in disbelief."I can always reapply my makeup, you know?" I giggled. Seokjin finally glanced at me again as the car slowly rolled out of the property. We sat quietly... gazing at each other's captivating visuals in the stylish limousine with glowy lighting.Seokjin's face gradually flushed red the longer he maintained eye contact with me, so I shot him a coy smile until Seokjin leaned forward to shorten the gap between our bodies. I threw my arms around his neck with my lips pressed against his as he held onto my waist. Huff. Seokjin panted heavily against my face as we made out in the limousine."My heart is going crazy. How are you so beautiful? I'm only used to being perfect myself," Seokjin frowned, pulling away to speak in a raspy voice. I gently traced my finger over his earlobe while biting down on my lips."I don't want water. I want champagne," I smirked. Seokjin scoffed against my face. He leaned forward to grab the bottle and popped it open as I requested. We shared a glass and finally placed the drink away."You're ruining your pretty dress," Seokjin pouted as I swung my legs over his lap."You'll help me fix it... right?" I asked as I adjusted my position to sit facing him on his thighs in my puffy gown. Seokjin lowered his hand from my waist to hold my butt as I encircled my arms around his neck."If you keep doing this... I can guarantee we'll show up at the event a hot mess," Seokjin smirked, leaning back against his seat as he stared at me with temptation.I poked his nose tip with my finger as he held me in the moving limousine until Seokjin lowered his gaze from my eyes to my... plump cleavage. He glanced back up at me with a conflicted expression and suddenly leaned forward to bury his face in my chest. I giggled and hugged his head as he gently kissed my cleavage until I felt my body convulsing in extreme pleasure.

"You're the naughty one!" I chuckled after Seokjin lifted his flustered face with a dazed look."You contaminated my innocence with that adult novel of yours!" He argued, carefully tugging my neckline to cover my cleavage so he wouldn't lose his mind."Ah~ My back hurts. Can I lay down~?" I grumbled, finally slipping off his thighs to sit beside him.Seokjin turned to tap on an automated screen without answering me. The automatic seat suddenly extended and another cushion couch appeared under my legs, so I exhaled and rested my head on his lap... softly groaning in relief... once I felt the dull pain in my lower back subsiding. Seokjin leaned over my body to adjust my gown and then leaned back to stare at me from above as I lay on his lap with a weak smile."I'll wake you up once we get there," Seokjin assured while rubbing my bare shoulder, so I nodded and closed my eyes. Seokjin gently spread a soft blanket over my upper body to cover up my exposed skin. I snuggled into the soft fabric and fell asleep without much thought.
Third Person POV
Kim Seokjin tenderly patted Sora's hair after she fell asleep on his lap. The alpha stared quietly at her delicate facial features, then reached out to grab a few tissues. He gently wiped her smudged lipstick and brushed back her loose hair strands. The second-rank heir slid his fingers between hers and gently gave her a light squeeze before leaning back against his seat. He eventually dozed off for a brief moment... until he was awoken by the driver just before they entered the gate. There was mild traffic in the parking area because the alphas had to take turns on the red carpet."Sora," Seokjin lightly tapped her shoulder, but she didn't stir. He smiled and gently lifted her body."Oh?" Sora grumbled, suddenly opening her eyes as Seokjin helped her sit up until the blanket slid off her shoulders."We have about ten minutes," Seokjin informed her. She groggily nodded as she rubbed her eyes. Seokjin handed her a water bottle, so she drank from it and finally withdrew a lipstick from her purse to reapply it as Seokjin adjusted her gown to prepare her for the event."That was a refreshing nap," Sora dabbed her lips. Seokjin smiled as he interlaced his fingers with hers.
Sora's POV
I nervously watched the red carpet from inside the limousine until I felt my heart thudding against my ribs. Why am I so nervous? A crowded place with cameras and stalking gazes isn't a comfortable environment! The vehicle finally came to a halt. Seokjin turned to fix my hair before the guard slid open the door for us. He immediately got out first and reached out to lift my gown as I carefully stepped onto the red carpet in my golden heels. The host was announcing the arrival of all the alphas ahead of us."KIM TAEHYUNG AND GAE HAERIM!" Speaker boomed as blinding camera flashes flickered ahead of us."It's the supreme alpha!" Someone shrieked as soon as I stepped onto the red carpet to greet the crowd with Seokjin. I nervously scanned the unfamiliar faces as they gawked at me as if I were some supernatural being, so Seokjin released my hand and placed his arm around my waist instead.Seokjin led me over the red carpet as people gossiped and took pictures of us. I forcefully wore a soft smile as we approached the crowd. We halted when I noticed Taehyung standing in his complete black set with Haerim... She was dressed in- What the hell? I froze in place when I realized she was wearing the exact... same dress as mine. I frowned uneasily as the crowd gasped in surprise. They averted their eyes back and forth between us. How is that possible? There's only one dress in the entire world!"JANG SORA AND KIM SEOKJIN!" The host suddenly announced our names, causing my heart to skip in a panic.Taehyung suddenly averted his eyes away from the flickering lenses to turn in our direction as the evening breeze gusts against us. The man froze in his position once he found me standing by Seokjin's side. Haerim turned to frown at me when she noticed the absence of Taehyung's attention on her. Her pretty smile dropped when she noticed the identical dress on my body. Blood drained from her face as she glanced down at her gown in dread."The supreme alpha is wearing the latest crystal dress! The one crafted by Designer Cho! I heard the crystals on her gown are real!-""But why is Gae Haerim wearing it too?! That's impossible!-""One of them must be a duplicate!" People gasped as they gawked at my dress before averting their gaze back to Haerim with their eyes bulging open. Did she... intentionally wear a fake replication of my dress? Seokjin nudged me forward when he noticed me spacing out, so we approached the couple. They both stared without blinking at our appearance. Haerim shifted her gaze to Seokjin's dashing visual as Taehyung kept his emotionless eyes fixed on mine."Can we take the spotlight now? It seems like the camera isn't on you guys anymore," Seokjin smirked at the couple. Taehyung darted him an annoyed glare as Haerim turned to the cameramen... and sure enough... every lens was directed at us and not them."L-Let's head inside," Haerim stuttered, shakily linking her arm around Taehyung's forearm."Who do you think is wearing an authentic dress?!-""I bet it's Haerim! She went to order the gown with Taehyung first!-""Do you wish to share the spotlight?" Seokjin innocently lifted his eyebrows when the duo refused to budge. Kim Taehyung didn't utter a word and suddenly stormed away with Haerim.I smiled at Seokjin's smug expression. She's wearing a fake gown. This is unbelievable! Seokjin stepped closer to me as we turned to face the cameras. I tried to keep my eyes open at the wave of blinding lights... flickering and snapping mercilessly before my face to the point I couldn't see anything but a white screen. Seokjin eventually led me away after I told him I was getting dizzy."What is happening?! Didn't Haerim- just wear- Don't tell me she's wearing a fake?!" Minah shrieked as soon as we stepped inside the warm venue to find her standing with a few other alphas. She rushed towards me with her jaw wide open in her flaming red feather dress. She's a firebird in her blood-red jewels and lipstick."You noticed?" I shyly shook my head as she eagerly examined my dress."Anyone can tell this is the real dress! Look at the glistening crystals! You're crazy beautiful in it! Tsk! That shameless bitch can't compete with you! Where did she go?!" Minah scoffed, lifting her face to scan the crowd. This is a disaster! They're making a fuss over a mere dress!"How will I capture the society's attention when you're literally a flaming queen here?" I complimented Minah's slim-fit dress and the lustrous feathers."Wah~! It must be upsetting to show up in the same dress as Gae Haerim," Mira appeared with Minho by her side in her black lacy gown. Minho fired me a resentful glare, so I glanced away from his stupid face. He's still upset with me for wounding his skull. I should've crushed it when I had the chance!"Duh?! Haerim is wearing the fake one! How embarrassing!" Minah sneered at Mira's judgmental look."Didn't Gae Haerim order the gown first? Kim Taehyung brought her to the studio himself," Mira laughed, doubtfully eyeing my gown. I gripped my fist but refused to react to her insulting words. I must remain composed for Seokjin."Designer Cho came to measure Sora's body himself though. I doubt the elders would allow the supreme alpha to wear a replicated version," Jungkook defended me as he sorely doubted Haerim, who was turning pale with every passing second.The alphas averted their eyes to her as well. Haerim nervously glanced away to gossip with the lower ranks. She must be spreading false rumors about me again. Sighing, I turned to find Seokjin typing on his phone with an unbothered look as if he didn't care about my dress crisis."Let's take our seats. They will announce the anonymous alphas soon," Seokjin inhaled, finally lifting his face to look at me before slipping his phone into his pocket. I nodded, so he took me to our seats as the staff bustled around the luxurious hall to handle the flooding guests."Aigo~! I thought I saw another alpha in the same dress," Mrs. Kim, Seokjin's mother, eyed my dress in disappointment as the hall whispered about us. I bowed at her uncomfortably as she fired Seokjin a disapproving look.My blood started boiling when people wouldn't stop judging my gown... so I sternly sat down with my arms crossed over my chest. Minah sat beside me with Jungkook next to her as Seokjin remained by my side with an unbothered look. Haerim sat on the opposite side of me with Taehyung."What's this!? How is this possible!?" Eomma stormed forward after Seokjin's mother strode away in displease. Oh lord. Not again."That's enough-""Designer Cho came to visit you himself for the gown! This is unacceptable!" Eomma snapped as she fired Haerim a dirty look."Don't bother," I waved my hand. Eomma shot Haerim an infuriated glower before stomping away with an attitude. Seokjin patted my hand softly as I kept my grim gaze on the stage before us."Jealous bitch," Mianh snarled lowly with her eyes on Haerim as the alpha pridefully sat with a smug smile. What did I ever do wrong for Haerim to be this... competitive with me? I just want to be left alone.The host eventually initiated the ceremony half an hour after our arrival. All the alphas and lower ranks finally settled in their respective seats for the ceremony. They announced the new households to the society as the first agenda, so I sat in silence with little to no emotion. I'm fucking numb. I thought I was going to have fun at the ceremony but everyone is bitching about my stupid dress!"Haerim!-" Taehyung snapped when Haerim shot up from her feet with an upset expression. She stormed off in anger as Taehyung tried to stop her, but she didn't listen and disappeared. Taehyung exhaled in annoyance before slumping back in his seat after his father fired him a sharp glare... warning his son to stay seated."I have something for you," Seokjin suddenly whispered in my ear, so I averted my eyes from the newly announced powerful alphas on the stage in surprise."Something for me?" I asked unsurely. Seokjin glanced at the seated crowd and carefully rose to his feet."Follow me," Seokjin grabbed my arm. I blinked in confusion and got up after him, causing the lower ranks and the elders frowned at us as Seokjin led me out of the hall."Wae?" I asked, stepping out of the venue with Seokjin."I got you a new dress," Seokjin smiled as we strolled down the empty corridor."A new dress? That's unnecessary!" I gasped, tugging Seokjin's hand to make him stop. He frowned and turned to look at me."Kim Taehyung probably did it on purpose to embarrass you-""He would never do that," I immediately interrupted Seokjin."He knew you were going to wear the authentic dress... and yet he let Haerim wear it to the ceremony?! Sora, he's causing trouble to upset us!" Seokjin shook his head. I pursed my lips. Right. I can't tell Seokjin about Taehyung's situation with Haerim. But he's right... Why didn't Taehyung warn me if he knew? Am I some... sort of sick joke to his game with Haerim again?"Oh! Sir~!" A chubby man suddenly approached us with a massive black box in his arms."Designer Cho?!" I gasped in shock once I found the famous designer rushing towards us with his technical bags and the mysterious gift box. He's rarely available for appointments! What is he doing here?!"Master Seokjin contacted me earlier. I was about to board my flight but rushed here- as soon as I received his text to deliver you my latest gown!" The designer wheezed in difficulty as he cradled the box in his arms. I wildly snapped my head at Seokjin in disbelief."Thank you for delivering the dress," Seokjin reached forward to retrieve the box."Is there something wrong with this dress?- Are you unsatisfied? Why the sudden change of mind?" The designer worriedly examined the beautiful puffy gown on my body."There's nothing wrong with it. An alpha is wearing a duplicate of your dress at the ceremony, and the supreme alpha is once again... getting dragged by society," Seokjin coldly spoke as he held the box."Oh! That must be upsetting! Do you need a refund? I can-""No! It's fine! I'll keep the dress for another purpose! It's so beautiful! How can I possibly let it go?!" I gasped, apologetically reaching out to hold the designer's hands."Aigo~! I don't know if the new dress is appropriate for the event though. It's a bit racy~!" The man frowned at the black box in Seokjin's arms."It's fine as long as she outshines everyone else," Seokjin sternly shook his head."I'll help you adjust the gown then! Come on~! We don't have much time!" Designer Cho took my hand and dragged me to the dressing room in a hurry.The designer asked me to take off the nude gown so I did... but I felt like fainting with the binding corset secured around my body. I stared at the suffocating material around my waist before turning to poke my head out of the curtain to find Seokjin chatting with the designer. I'll ask Seokjin to loosen it for me."Babe?" I called while hiding behind the drape. Seokjin averted his eyes to me with a questioning look."Yeah? What's the matter?" Seokjin got up from the couch to approach me. Designer Cho was busily sewing the dress in the black box."I need a bit of help," I pouted.Seokjin carefully slipped through the curtain opening to step inside the changing cubicle with me, so I took a step back and glanced at the corset around my restricted abdomen. Seokjin suddenly froze in his place when he found me standing in nothing but the corset and my panties. He looked... concerned... for a moment as he studied my unbelievably tiny waist.

"Why are you wearing that? Isn't it suffocating...?" Seokjin's face drained in horror once he noticed how tight the corset was around my body. The fabric is cutting into my flesh and I feel like my breasts are going to fucking pop from the pressure. I stood stiffly upon witnessing his disappointment."Eomma said I gained weight," I pouted as I stood in my panties and the corset. Seokjin stared at my tearful eyes with his eyebrows furrowed."Sora, turn around. I'll take it off for you-""But what if I don't look good in the dress?" I muttered until a flood of tears filled my eyes. Seokjin stared at my condition in difficulty- suddenly pulling me into a comforting hug within the dim space, so I gripped his shirt with a startled look."How can anyone trap themselves in this dehumanizing cloth?" Seokjin whispered as he hugged me against his warm body. I felt him lowering his hands to tug the knot behind my back, causing the corset to loosen a little."I might not fit in the dress without it," I muttered. Seokjin warmly hugged me as he untangled the laces behind my back... gradually releasing my frail body from the brutal pressure. I gripped his waist with my face buried against his chest. One by one... he carefully unfastens the laces."It is not your obligation to fit in the dress. The dress must fit you, Sora. I've seen your body many times and I can assure you... you do not need this kind of... body cuff to mold your body into the harmful beauty standard with the purpose of impressing the eyes of lustful men. You're perfect in your own body... it's fucking heartbreaking to see you suffocating in this," Seokjin carefully popped each of my buttons until I felt the extreme pressure leaving my chest... and a rush of fresh air suddenly filled my lungs again. I took a deep breath and finally... exhaled in relief."Beauty comes with pain," I whispered as he undid the corset. The alpha finally reached the last button. Pop. He unhooked the last button... completely freeing my body from the agonizing grip of the suffocating corset. Seokjin finally released me from his arms... so I took a step back as he held the loose corset with a disapproving look."No. I will burn this the next time you wear it, Sora. I will not allow my woman to endure such pain to achieve the toxic beauty standard," Seokjin sternly lifted his dead eyes to me. I gulped at his... almost... angry face as he clenched the corset until his hand shook from the compression."Okay," I nodded, sadly turning around to face the mirror... until I noticed bright red bruises along my waist and breast due to the friction burn between my skin and the corset. Seokjin shifted his dark gaze to the bruise lines all over my back in silence as I stood in only my panties."I'll get you ointment," Seokjin took my corset and stepped out of the dressing room. He returned to hand me a new bathrobe, so I pulled it over my body and stepped out of the cubicle to find Designer Cho sewing the dress on the couch. Seokjin had left the room without informing me."I'm sorry for the hassle," I apologized, sitting on the couch to watch the man adjust the dress."Don't be sorry. I'm getting paid to do my job. I don't often cancel my schedule, but Kim Seokjin insisted on bringing the supreme alpha a new dress no matter the consequences. Fit the dress on her body... he demanded. His words gave me chills. The man specifically instructed me not to squeeze you in the dress," The man clipped the needle between his lips as he carefully trimmed the fabric for me."He didn't threaten you, did he?" I asked, weakly smiling."He's not that type of man. I've known him since he was young. His mother is my frequent customer, you see. And I designed most of Seokjin's clothes since he was a young boy. This is the first time he ever contacted me first... to request a gown for his woman. I was curious, so I came to see for myself. And unlike the strange... circulating rumors in the society... Kim Seokjin is in fact very... committed to the supreme alpha," Designer Cho smiled."Where did he place the corset? I can just wear it for a few more hours. You don't have to fix the dress," I muttered, turning around on the couch to search for the corset."He borrowed my scissors while you were changing," Designer Cho shrugged. I lifted the cushion to find my corset but... it was shredded into pieces. The man briefly glanced at the dangling corset and chuckled."I've never seen him this worked up over something so trivial," Designer Cho shook his head."It's not trivial! The stupid cloth was literally squeezing her like a sausage! We have thirty minutes before they come looking for us. Are you done?" Seokjin stormed through the door with a slight grimace."Almost. You should treat her bruises," Designer Cho smiled. Seokjin sat down with an ointment bottle. The alpha didn't feel comfortable showing my skin to the designer, so he led me back inside the dressing room. I tugged off my robe to expose my body."Why did you have to wear it? It makes me so angry," Seokjin grimaced as he gently rubbed the ointment over the bruised stripes on my back. I stood in silence as he ran his fingers over my bare skin. My heart churned intensely the longer I stared at his anxious frown as he inspected my wounded flesh. Seokjin spun me around to face him as I covered my boobs, so he gently removed my hands from my chest to rub the ointment on the faint line over my cleavage."Thank you," I whispered as Seokjin lowered his face to get a better look at the friction burns on my skin. Seokjin didn't respond and made sure he treated all of the wounds. He pulled the bathrobe back onto my body and suddenly back-hugged me with his chin rested on my shoulder. I stared at our reflection with a slight smile as he cutely pouted at me."I'm so upset~!" Seokjin grumbled, lowering his face to snuggle against my shoulder."Don't be~! It's nothing... really," I assured."I know it's normal for women to display their beauty with this method, but I don't want you to suffer like this. Sora... even I was fooled by your plump cleavage earlier in the limousine. Oh? How can I foolishly lose myself to your cleavage when you were suffocating? You must have felt really uncomfortable. And all for what? Just to grant me a brief moment of pleasure-?" Seokjin softly whined like a baby as he tightened his strong arms around my silky bathrobe. I stared at his guilty face in the mirror with the back of my head tilted against his firm chest.

"Hey. It's fine. You didn't do anything wrong... stop beating yourself over it. I promise I won't restrict my body again," I chuckled, turning to cup Seokjin's cheeks. He chewed his lips restlessly as he stared at my face."I love you," Seokjin whispered. My head turned blank at his words. Dumbfounded by his statement when he unexpectedly confessed his love for me.My chest suddenly grew warm upon hearing his words. I stood frozen before him without blinking as he held onto my waist. The alpha sadly lowered his face and tilted his head to the side, gently planting his lips on mine, so I gripped his shoulders as he held me against his body in the dim dressing room. His warm breath... brushing my face steamily as he caressed my tongue with his until I was breathless. Seokjin fastened his arms around my waist and tugged me closer to him with his free hand clasped over my nape to support my head.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The Presence
Sora's POVThe dim-changing cubicle grew hushed after Seokjin withdrew his lips from mine, exhaling softly against my face with his arms around my bare body. We locked our intense gaze without uttering a word within the humid atmosphere. Weakly smiling, I lifted my hand to run my thumb over Seokjin's moist lips to rub off my saliva. He didn't drop his dreamy gaze, so I placed my palm under his jawline and gently tugged him down until my lips were at his ear. Seokjin tensed his grip around my waist when he felt my fuming hot breath... tingling his sensitive earlobe."Promise me you won't take back your words," I whispered, tilting my head to brush my nose tip against his ear. Seokjin softly skimmed his fingers over my arched spine in the dark space as I slithered my arms around his back muscles to hold his solid form against me."You have my words," Seokjin replied, shifting his promising gaze to mine."I love you too," I stared into his eyes with a faint smile. Seokjin's lips curved upward at my words. We're descending deeper into our relationship and there's no turning back."The dress is ready," Designer Cho announced just as Seokjin attempted to kiss me again, so the alpha halted at the disruption while fuming his warm breath over my face. He didn't release my body from his arm and extended his free hand out between the curtain to retrieve the gown from the man. I glanced down at the lightweight satin over Seokjin's hand as the delicate fabric strangely glided... over his... slender fingers."It's gorgeous," I whispered while brushing my fingers over the reflective gloss. I've never seen... a fabric this... shiny without the presence of a single sequin to reflect light. The dress was plain... but it was so lustrous... and smooth to the touch."The ultra-light material will naturally hug her curves without the need to adjust it. I only added a racy slit to the dress. Strap on the lacy garter belt stockings beneath the dress. I already attached the padding to uplift your chest without the corset's assistance," The man explained from outside the changing room. Seokjin lifted the black stockings before his handsome face to examine the piece, so I took it from him and slipped the transparent strap over my legs. The alpha carefully unzipped the side of the dress as I raised my arms upward to let him pull it over my head.I cautiously tugged the silky fabric down, allowing to the breathable fabric to drape... beautifully over my mature body. Seokjin turned me towards the mirror as he gently adjusted the straps over my shoulders. The alpha then lowered his hands to zip up the dress over my waistline as I watched our reflection in the mirror. I felt the material shrinking around my body until it perfectly embraced every part of my curves... without suffocating me with its tightness. The lightweight satin slipped on flawlessly as I rotated my body before the mirror to observe its beauty. Silence. Seokjin stood... towering over me in his dark suit with his hands placed firmly on my hips.

"The chest is a bit... revealing," I muttered as I stared at the deep neckline ending just below my breast... exposing the narrow rift between my young and perky breasts."Do you want to cover it?" Seokjin lowered his lips to my ear. I stared unblinkingly at our reflection as Seokjin massaged my curves, sensually running his fingers over the slippery texture."No. This is perfect," I shook my head. Seokjin exhaled against my ear and gently slithered his strong arms around my waist from behind. The alpha lifted his dark eyes to meet mine in the reflection."Remember... you're the queen of the society... so never... lower your chin for the fools," Seokjin reminded. I patted Seokjin's arm over my waist as I slanted my body against his solid trunk, weakly smiling at his reminder. Unlike the previous puffy princess-like dress... the satin didn't hide my body figure. With every movement I made... the fabric would mold itself over my curvy physique... like a shapeless fluid. If I lift my thighs to walk... it'll melt over my skin to expose my toned legs.Kim Seokjin tilted his face to peck my lips while holding my body from behind and finally yanked the curtain aside. I squinted at the bright studio light as I turned to face Designer Cho in the racy gown. He was impatiently waiting for the final reveal. The man's eyes sparkled in absolute astonishment as he froze before me with his mouth half open. The man gasped, suddenly stepping forward to circle my body with his thick glasses on."You're a goddess!" He shrieked, excitedly looking up at me with a wide grin. I briefly glanced at the mirror again... only to realize... even the back of the dress was a low cut... exposing the deep trough over my arching spine. The satin did not cover my bare back. Seokjin tilted his head to stare at my body with a smug expression.
Designer Cho insisted on fixing my hair and makeup... so I let him do whatever he wanted, assuming he had an ideal vision to match the magnificence of my dress. He dabbed heavier makeup on my face to give me a bolder appearance as Seokjin knelt before the couch to clasp on my golden heels. Instead of sticking with the neat bun... the man ruffled my hair to loosen the wild strands until my hair dangled messily on the sides.
"We're late," Seokjin anxiously lifted his wrist to check his watch."Done! You will definitely paralyze everyone with your heavenly presence!" The man excitedly stepped backward to clap with a bright beam. I turned to stare at my appearance curiously in the body mirror... and for a moment... I couldn't recognize myself.
Designer Cho covered my once matte pink lipstick with a darker shade of a fiery red lip tint. He added a golden shimmer to my eyelids and even highlighted my cheekbones to contour my facial structure. I appeared a few years older than my actual age but... I looked... so much more... powerful than the soft and delicate look I wore earlier to match the princess-esque dress.

A moment later.
Third Person POVThe grand hall resonated with loud chatters as the baffled guests glanced back and forth to search for the missing supreme alpha. The Kim and the Gae stood on the stage with their leading heirs... Kim Taehyung and Gae Haerim... after the host invited the households to the stage."Where are Kim Seokjin and Jang Sora?!" Jimin snapped, rushing forward to ask Minah and Jungkook since they were initially seated next to the couple."Jang Sora probably ran off because she had on a fake dress," Mira scoffed rudely, earning a sharp glare from Jungkook."I don't know! Seokjin took her with him!" Jungkook shrugged, turning his head in every direction to search for the supreme alpha."May I invite the Supreme Alpha... Jang Sora and the second-rank alpha... Kim Seokjin to the stage!" The host called for the third time as Mrs. and Mr. Jang stood on the stage with irritated frowns. Seokjin's mother grimaced at the crowd when she couldn't spot her son anywhere... so she turned to speak with her expressionless husband as the audience gossiped about the alpha's absence. Gae Haerim smirked at the crowd evilly... assuming the supreme alpha had ghosted the event out of humiliation."I wish I could smash her fucking face with a brick!" Minah cursed at Haerim's prideful smile."THE SUPREME ALPHA- PLEASE-""SHE'S HERE! THE SUPREME ALPHA IS HERE! SHE WAS A BIT OCCUPIED EARLIER BECAUSE I HAD TO TAYLOR A NEW DRESS FOR HER!" The chubby designer suddenly burst into the hall while waving his arms in the air to capture everyone's attention."Designer Cho!?" Minah gasped, launching to her feet in disbelief."Why is he here-" Haerim huffed at his unexpected presence. Her face... draining in fear once she found the man in the hall. Taehyung frowned at the commotion as the elders shifted their attention to the unexpected interruption."MAY I PRESENT JANG SORA AND HER PARTNER... KIM SEOK JIN!" Designer Cho roared at the top of his lungs. The venue abruptly grew hushed when they noticed a woman and a man... stepping inside the hall by the front door. The staff's eyes bulged open when they realized it was the supreme alpha. The guards immediately hauled the massive door open to welcome their presence as the couple entered the hushed hall... in her unbelievably breathtaking dress with Kim Seokjin by her side."Holy. Shit," Jungkook scoffed as he gawked at Jang Sora's jaw-dropping transformation. Every breathing soul shifted their startled gaze to her insanely seductive figure beneath the thin... pearly fabric as she boldly strode over the red carpet."Am I hallucinating... or am I... staring at a goddess?" Jimin whispered, clearly hypnotized by her shocking appearance.

Kim Taehyung froze on the stage once he spotted the supreme alpha in the aisle. The closer she got to him... the more he could feel her divine energy... dominating the grand venue. Her shockingly... powerful presence... paralyzing Kim Taehyung's mind... until he yielded to his blank thoughts. Haerim's smile faded at the sight of Jang Sora's unmatched beauty.Kim Seokjin pridefully led Sora towards the stage with her arm linked around his.

The Jang stared at their daughter's revealing dress in disbelief since most of her cleavage was exposed, and even her entire body figure under the satin was... visible to the eyes of the audience. The mass held their breath as Jang Sora lifted her slender legs onto the stairs... causing the wide slit of her dress to slip to the side... revealing her sexy stockings to the gawking eyeballs.The men in the room couldn't help but thirst for her sacred body curves and exposed cleavage as the women envied her untouchable godlike presence on the stage. Jang Sora finally set her golden heels into the spotlight as she turned to face Kim Taehyung and Gae Haerim. Haerim couldn't avert her eyes away from Sora's enchanting beauty as Taehyung stood stiff in his place.The supreme alpha sternly turned to stare at the crowd after Seokjin invited her to stand in between their parents. Seokjin's mother... gawked at her revealing outfit in disbelief... until her judgemental eyeballs bulged out of her sockets. Haerim enviously scoffed and snapped at the crowd... but no one was looking at her anymore... because... they all had their dilated pupils glued on... Jang Sora.
Love... is power... Kim Taehyung.
Seokjin sideway... smirked at Kim Taehyung's darkened face before turning to face the crowd with pride. Taehyung averted his deadly gaze to Kim Seokjin until his hand shook in extreme anger. Sora cluelessly lifted her face to smile at Seokjin. It was as if he was the only person in her world. The alpha returned his smile to his lover while examining her sparkling eyes as he interlaced his fingers with hers to secure her heart. The audience and even... the host remained petrified after witnessing her sensational entrance to the stage.Kim Taehyung dully side-eyed the power couple again... to find Kim Seokjin grazing his fingers over Sora's bare back on the stage... causing a wave of jealousy to erupt all over his body. Sora sweetly smiled at Seokjin and placed her arm around his waist to secure her charming boyfriend, so Haerim fired Taehyung with a bitter frown when she noticed the alpha staring at Jang Sora.
Sora's POV
The darkness unexpectedly seized control of my mind once again as I dimly stared at the crowd without a hint of emotions. My entire body was numb as I stood before the gawking eyes. The elderly alpha did the talking for us to welcome the new alphas because I refused to speak. Seokjin gently stroked his thumb over the bruises on my back to soothe my discomfort as we stood side by side under the blinding spotlight. I eventually got bored of listening to my mother's boring speech, so I shifted my gaze to find Haerim sideway glaring at me in her replicated gown.I smirked at her sore grimace before shifting my feet to place my leg out between the slit of my dress, revealing the sexy stockings belt on my upper thighs. The audience's attentive gaze suddenly shifted from my mother to my body... once again as I intentionally posed for their thirsty eyes. I noticed Minah covering Jungkook's eyes, but he quickly swatted her hand away from his face. The couple fought funnily at their seats. My mother paused between her words when she noticed the absence of the crowd's attention on her... so she uneasily turned to frown at me with a disapproving grimace."Should I ask our people to deliver a scarf?" Mrs. Kim, Seokjin's mother whispered, uneasily smiling at me as she eyed my revealing dress. I glanced down at my thighs before averting my gaze to the deep exposure of my cleavage as she uncomfortably waited for my response."I'm not cold. Thank you for your concern," I smiled. Mrs. Kim stiffens at my refusal, quickly darting a sharp glare at Seokjin."An elegant woman should-""Her skin is a bit sensitive right now. It's best if we let her body breathe, eomma," Seokjin interrupted his mother.The snobbish woman scoffed at her son's defensive statement and was about to snap at him but halted abruptly once she noticed the keen-looking stares from the audience below the stage. She fired me a disapproving glare and forcefully swallowed her anger before lifting her chin with an attitude. Her son is nothing like her. I looked up to find Seokjin gazing at me with a faint smile... until my attention shifted past his handsome visual... to another pair of identical pupils. Seokjin's father... stared intensely at my exposed chest. The man suddenly redirected his neutral gaze to me so I awkwardly smiled at him."Aren't you upset?" I asked without looking at Seokjin as we stood side by side to observe the audience beyond the stage."About?" He muttered."Every eye... is on my body. Don't men get jealous when their woman shows too much of their skin?" I asked. Huff! Seokjin unexpectedly snorted... a bit too loud- causing my mother to halt at the rude interruption. She fired us an agitated look so Seokjin immediately cleared his throat and straightened his back with an apologetic look. Eomma rolled her eyes at us, eventually turning to speak with the crowd again as we waited for her to conclude her speech."Jealous? You can wear whatever you want. I can fight, Sora," Seokjin whispered, leaning to speak in my ear. I bit my lips to stop myself from grinning too wide when I felt his nose tickling the back of my ear."Your confidence is sexy," I smiled without looking at the alpha as he gently rubbed my lower back."After all... if it's anyone... it's the people staring at you... that should be jealous of me. They can only stare desperately, but they can never touch you. So why would I be jealous? I'm proud to have you by my side," Seokjin whispered in my ear. My cheeks flushed red at his words, so I swallowed and awkwardly shifted my eyes around the venue to contain my excitement. Seokjin chuckled at my defeated reaction and lifted his handsome face to stare at the audience again as he gently grazed my back."Did you perhaps... reveal my dress to... anyone before the ceremony?" I muttered. Seokjin briefly glanced at me so I smiled at him and glanced at Haerim... until I found her gripping Taehyung's arms possessively. Seokjin... suggested the dress to me after he spoke with Designer Cho, and he even proposed the design to my mother for her approval. Eomma took charge of the dress tailoring process... but it was Seokjin... who first suggested it to me."I don't recall speaking to anyone about it. I only spoke with Designer Cho and your parents about it. But the man told me a few alphas tried to reserve your dress. Designer Cho never disclosed who the dress was for... since I asked him to keep it confidential. Wae?" Seokjin shook his head with a questioning look. The audience suddenly clapped for us before I could respond so I exhaled and smiled at the crowd. We bowed to the audience.Kim Seokjin carefully led me off the stage as Designer Cho waited by the stage with his suspicious gaze on Haerim's dress. The alpha nervously glanced away once she noticed the man eyeing her replicated gown as Seokjin gently lifted my waist to settle my golden heels on the polished tiles."My lady~! Do you feel comfortable in the gown~?" Designer Cho immediately assisted me."The fabric is so lightweight I can't even feel it on my skin," I beamed at him as the crowd turned their heads after me. Haerim gulped and strode away without acknowledging the Designer."I'm impressed by whoever... replicated my dress..." Designer Cho traced his curious gaze after Haerim's dress."I have a question. Was Gae Haerim... perhaps... one of the alphas to request the dress?" I asked in curiosity as we stood by the stage. Designer Cho scratched his head unsurely while racking his brain for the memories."I believe so. Gae Haerim visited my studio with Kim Taehyung right after Seokjin selected the dress. But Seokjin requested to reserve the piece for his date, so I didn't hand it to anyone," Designer Cho shrugged. Seokjin unsurely turned his head back and forth between us as I conversed with the man."You reserved the dress before Taehyung took Haerim to the studio?" I asked, glancing at Seokjin in surprise. He didn't have a date then." I usually select the gown in advance... to reserve a dress even before I have an official date. I got it before we dated, but I already had Designer Cho working on the piece to ensure its perfection. Namjoon and Hoseok... would also do the same. We pick out the best dresses for our date before everyone else," Seokjin nodded. I frowned at Seokjin and slowly turned to monitor the crowd as they got up to enjoy the champagne and appetizers served by the staff. Something's not right."What about this gown? Who was it made for?" I asked, glancing down at the piece on my body."Ah. It's a piece I worked on for a while. An anonymous alpha requested to see the design portfolio. The alpha asked me to finish it before the ceremony but canceled it... just this evening. It was the only dress available, so I brought it to you. The dress is actually your size! That's why I only hemmed the slit for you. I guess it was meant to be yours," Designer Cho chuckled. I froze at his words."Thank you for this dress. I will process the transactions by this week," I snapped out of my thoughts and nodded at Designer Cho."Now worries! Your gentleman took care of it already!" Designer Cho funnily winked at Seokjin. The man eventually left the venue after chatting with me, so Seokjin took my hand and led me toward Minah and Jungkook as they spoke by a wine table."Are you trying to figure out how Haerim replicated your dress?" Seokjin asked, nudging me."Yeah. It's weird. Haerim could've intentionally worn it to provoke me but... she was just as startled. She didn't know it was my dress," I nodded."Maybe Taehyung told her?" Seokjin shrugged."Taehyung wasn't even aware of the design. He doesn't care," I shook my head. Taehyung was never even home when Designer Cho visited to discuss the dress with my parents."What's with the attitude? I got the dress you wanted but you changed last minute- and now you're blaming me?!" Taehyung's voice booms from our side.Seokjin and I turned to find the alpha glaring at his date. Minah shifted her gaze from Jungkook to stare at them as well. Haerim's face fumed in rage as she glared at Taehyung's dark frown. The agitated alpha suddenly averted her spiteful gaze to me as I cluelessly stood beside Seokjin. Ah. She's channeling her anger onto me again."It was you wasn't it!?" Haerim suddenly stormed towards me on her plain heels, so I raised my eyebrow at her confrontation."Excuse me?" I dawdled. Seokjin gently tugged me behind his back once he noticed Haerim's threatening presence. Taehyung rolled his eyes in annoyance at her fussy attitude."You sent me this dress! Knowing damn well I wanted it- just so you could show up with the exact one to embarrass me!" Haerim shrieked. I froze in my place. Did someone send her the dress? Huh...?"I don't know what you're talking about," I shook my head cluelessly."Are you saying you're wearing a dupe dress, Haerim-shi~?" Minah scoffed. Haerim fired Minah a furious glare before snapping her attention back to me."You're an evil bitch!" Haerim spat. I frown at her insulting statement. I'm not even mad... because... what the actual fuck is wrong with her? I'm a bit... puzzled by her random burst of spiteful confrontations."That's enough, Haerim. Sora already changed her dress so you can shine in yours," Taehyung dawdled.Gae Haerim fearlessly snapped her dark glower at Kim Taehyung- as if to tell him to shut the fuck up... before seething at me again as I remained composed beside my boyfriend. She gripped her balled fists and lowered her blazing glare to our interlaced fingers. Snap. My mind suddenly turned blank when the answer hit me like a truck. I blinked at the shocking realization and glanced back at Haerim's glowing red face. The way she looks at Taehyung... and the way she gazes at Seokjin. There's a distinct difference.
Jealousy.
"Wah~! That was a difficult riddle~!" I blankly blinked before shifting my eager gaze to her uptight frown. I saw the way... she looked at Seokjin on the red carpet. It was odd... but it's obvious now. It's all starting to make sense... all those times... she put on a show with Taehyung... was it to get Seokjin's attention?
It doesn't make sense. Does it? Why she's constantly after me... especially after I started dating Seokjin? I thought she wanted Taehyung. And so... I made it clear there was no association between us... and yet... she's still after me? It's not Taehyung she's possessive of... because she could've gotten him if she wanted to with her genius blackmail scheme.

If she's tirelessly chasing after me like this... it must mean... she wants something... I have... that she can't put her fingers on.

And that's... Kim Seokjin.

She's not furious about my dress... but the fact... I'm... with Seokjin.
"Haerim-shi... it was your choice to wear the dress for whatever purpose you tried to serve. Sora did nothing wrong, so please refrain from blaming her for the incident," Seokjin sighed, causing unconscious tears to flush in her pretty almond eyes. Taehyung fired Haerim a disappointed look before striding off to chat with Jimin. Seokjin took my hand again and led me away from Haerim when she couldn't speak up for herself.Seokjin escorted me to the restroom after I told him I needed to ease my strained bladder. I eventually stepped out of the toilet stall and approached the sink to wash my hands before looking up into the mirror with a slight frown. All those... obnoxious rumors about me... everyone knows it's her doing... but I never quite understood... what she was trying to achieve.
The way she threw dirt on my name by twisting the truth after... Seokjin confirmed his relationship with me to the public.

The number of times she gossiped about me being used by Seokjin... and that I was a whore. All these dirty lies... to smudge filth on my name. Hah... so that's her intent..? Wanting Seokjin so desperately... she tried to drown me in dirty sewer water so he wouldn't put his perfect fingers on me? That's why she wanted to appear pure and innocent to everyone... so Seokjin and his family would favor her purity over my tainted image?

KimTaehyung is a scapegoat to divert everyone's attention from her scheme to secure... Kim Seokjin.
I blinked out of my thoughts when another alpha strolled out of the bathroom in a colorful slim-fitted gown. It's the newly revealed third-rank alpha. She had straight blonde hair and sharp catlike eyes. The alpha didn't look at me and washed her hands with an attitude, so I exhaled and strolled out of the bathroom... but Seokjin was nowhere to be found. Where did he go? I walked through the empty corridor until I heard Seokjin speaking with his mother."-She's a disgrace! How can you possibly allow your partner to wear something so scandalous!? She might as well walk naked before everyone's eyes!" Mrs. Kim snapped at her son."Eomma! Why are you fussing over-""You're a pure man, Seokjin! I repeatedly urged you to take Gae Haerim as your date! And yet you refused and took the supreme alpha! The Jang is a corrupted household!- We should never be involved with them!" She argued with her son."Sora is my girlfriend! How can I possibly even consider taking another woman-" Seokjin tried to argue- but abruptly halted mid-sentence with a drained expression when he noticed me standing in the corridor with a straight face. Mrs. Kim rudely huffed at my presence and stormed away with her arms crossed."Haerim was supposed to be your date?" I asked, blankly staring at Seokjin. The alpha placed his hands on his waist before releasing a hefty sigh."Do you want to head out to the garden? I can't breathe in here," He tugged his tie uncomfortably. He seems upset. I glanced at his red ears and quietly followed him out of the venue as the alphas and lower ranks celebrated inside the hall. Seokjin took me into the beautiful garden, and we finally settled before a water fountain. Neither of us uttered a word with our listless gaze on the flowing water.

"Are you upset with me?" Seokjin asked, glancing at me anxiously as I remained motionless beside him."Why would I be?" I asked with my dim eyes on the fountain."I'm sorry for what my mother said earlier," He apologized. I blinked at the fountain with a numb heart. It's not like she's wrong. My family has a dark past and it's only natural for her to despise us."Haerim... she was supposed to be your date?" I asked again, glancing down at my hands. Seokjin swallowed and tilted his face toward the sky."I don't like her," He muttered."But she likes you," I whispered. How can I not see it from the beginning?"She likes Kim Taehyung-""She's only using Taehyung because she can't have you. The dress... she knew... it was your preference. That's why she ditched Taehyung's dress and chose to wear it without knowing it was for me. Everything she did... it was to impress you. She was never competing with me.... but rather... to capture your attention," I muttered. Is Taehyung aware of this?"I knew she liked me when we were in high school," Seokjin sighed after a while. I turned to look at him as he stared at his empty palms."Wasn't she with Taehyung?" I asked."She was an outcast... but she was my study partner. My parents... favored her since we were young. My mother asked Haerim to help me with my studies because she was academically brilliant. We studied together. She was a timid girl... and people would bully her. She liked me then... I knew. But I didn't feel the same way... so I... befriended Namjoon. He was also a top scorer. We stopped studying together after my mother favored Namjoon. Eomma didn't mind because Namjoon was also an exceptional alpha. Coincidentally... Taehyung saved Haerim and... she got together with him. I was happy for her because he gave her the spotlight she deserved. I didn't feel as bad for purposely abandoning her. I thought she moved on," Seokjin shrugged. I sat quietly by Seokjin's side."And your mother still favors her," I nodded."I didn't know she was dragging you like this because of me. I feel terribly guilty now. I know she's stressing you out," Seokjin sadly turned to me. I scanned his gloomy expression with a restless feeling."It's a relief... to finally understand the purpose of her actions. I'm not upset with you," I finally smiled.Seokjin pursed his lips at my forgiving response. He suddenly scooted over the bench to give me a warm hug, so I patted his back with my chin rested on his shoulder as he buried his face against my shoulder. Gae Haerim. Did you think I'd let you take my man that easily? I will never let you lay a fucking finger on him- or I'll snap every bone in your body. The darkness within me expanded dangerously as I patted Seokjin's head in the peaceful garden.We returned to the venue after the brief talk in the garden to greet the newly revealed alphas. No one gossiped about me anymore after they got a little tipsy. I chatted with Minah and Jungkook after Seokjin left to speak with Hoseok and Namjoon. Taehyung was chatting with Jimin in the corner of the room. Haerim was nowhere to be found.I chuckled softly as Kang Minah bickered with Jeon Jungkook over a rival matter...until I noticed a timid alpha standing by a wine stand next to us. The young man kept glancing at Jungkook with an eager gaze while fidgeting with his fingers. Is he stalking the Jeon's heir...? The alpha suddenly met my eye- His cheeks flushing bright red once he realized... I caught him staring at Jungkook. He is one of the new alphas. The boy stiffly bowed at me and hurried off in embarrassment."I'll search for Seokjin," I informed the couple and walked off in my uncomfortable heels.I slowed down over the reflective polished tiles as another alpha approached me from the opposite direction. The man was slightly older than me and taller than Seokjin. I glanced at his thin frame glass, hooked over his high nosebridge as he approached me with an eager gaze. Right. It's an obligatory courtesy for the new alphas to greet me. I smiled at the ma while searching the crowd for Seokjin until I spotted him on the other side of the room. He's too far. I'd have to greet ten more households to reach him."Anneonghaseyo," The alpha politely bowed."Anneonghaseyo," I blinked at his attractive smile and charming dimples. He's handsome. Not- as good-looking... as Seokjin... obviously... but he's... above average. He had soft facial features and a really... bright aura around him."I'm Chul Sungho. A second-rank alpha," He introduced himself, placing out his hand to shake my hand. I smiled and held onto his warm hand."So you're a powerful household," I smiled. Sungho chuckled and shook his head."I was really keen to meet the supreme alpha. The society... is indeed... very intimidating," Sungho scanned the crowd with a weak smile after releasing my hand."Are you perhaps interested in considering a coalition?" I asked."I ought to quickly find a reliable alliance if I wish to survive the society," He chuckled. I smiled at his honest words."There are many influential households-""I'll probably propose to your household. I'm actually a big fan of Kim Taehyung. I saw his previous thesis back at the state," Sungho nodded at Taehyung, who was busy chatting with Jimin."I hope the negotiation goes well between our households then," I smiled at Sungho just as I felt an arm slithering around my waist. I turned to the side to find Seokjin observing Sungho with a curious smile."Anneonghaseyo. I'm Chul Sungho," The alpha quickly greeted Seokjin. Sungho straightened his back and lowered his attentive gaze to Seokjin's arm on my waist before glancing back at us."Welcome to the society," Seokjin nodded. They exchanged a firm handshake."Are you guys... together? You seemed closer than just a date for the ceremony," Sungho smiled at us."I'm Sora's boyfriend," Seokjin nodded. Sungho nodded and glanced at me again."So, you're taken," He smiled. Seokjin proudly glanced down at me as I held his waist. We chatted with the alpha for a while before parting ways to greet the other households. It was a long night of endless greetings, handshakes, and forceful smiles.
A moment later...
I groaned in extreme exhaustion as I slumped onto the limousine's leather couch with a sore body while kicking off my painful heels to soothe my stinging ankles as Seokjin adjusted his position beside me. My mother permitted me to return home earlier than scheduled."Your ankle is bleeding," Seokjin sighed, lifting my legs to my feet on his lap as I laid face first with my arm dangling off the couch."I'm so tired," I muttered with my eyes closed as he gently massaged the base of my feet. I groaned in satisfaction as he kneaded the sore spots with his thumbs."Do you want to go home?" Seokjin asked."My parents will be furious if I stay at your place after the event," I muttered. I've been staying at Seokjin's place without my parents' awareness because Do-hwan was nice enough to keep my late-night rendezvous a secret from the household. Seokjin sighed as he massaged my strained shin. We arrived at the mansion just before midnight and I was jerked awake from my brief nap by my boyfriend to announce our arrival. Seokjin effortlessly lifted my body out of the limousine and carried me inside as I held onto my dangling heels."If you can't go to my place... then I'll stay with you," Seokjin spoke as he strolled down the corridor with me in his arms. He pushed my bedroom door open and stepped inside before settling me into the heated tiles. I groaned in pain and bent down to rub my aching feet with a slight grimace.

The alpha weakly slumped on my couch in his formal suit after taking off his polished shoes to place them on the rack by the door. I entered my closet to put away my heels, finally strolling back inside my room as Seokjin sat on the couch with his head tilted backward and eyes closed. Sighing, I crawled over the couch and rested with my abdomen hooked over his lap. The alpha man spread his thighs beneath my stomach and glanced down at my bare back as I snuggled my face against the cushion while laying face down over his legs."Aren't you taking the dress off?" Seokjin asked, lowering his hand to grope my perching butt... over his firm thighs."Take it off for me," I smiled while snuggling my face onto the couch.Seokjin chuckled at my words as he skimmed his fingers over the silky satin to feel the flawless texture. He caressed my buttcheeks before tracing his hand over my bare back until I exhaled deeply at his arousing touch. Seokjin gently reached between the slit of my dress, pushing the fine fabric aside to expose my racy stockings. I deeply exhaled again once I felt him... roaming his fingers... over the tight stockings on my thighs.The man lightly tugged the elastic strap over my upper thighs to stretch the stockings... entirely pushing the dress slit off my lower body until I remain on his lap with my vulnerable legs and thighs exposed to his tempted gaze. He remained hushed as he softly massaged the back of my inner thighs... gently tracing his fingers beneath the hemline of my panties... just below my buttcheeks.A wave of goosebumps suddenly swept across my lower body as he roamed his arousing touch all over my thighs and buttcheeks. The alpha finally slipped his fingers between my inner thighs again and shifted his hand upward... until he touched the base of my panty.I nervously gripped the cushion with buried my face into it when I felt Seokjin... rubbing his fingers over my sensitive private part. The alpha remained hushed, so I bit my lips to resist the searing pleasure... until my cheeks grew warm from the activities of his fingers. I moaned against the cushion as my butt twitched helplessly over his thighs. Hah~! Why is he touching me down there? It feels weird~! Seokjin firmly held my body face down over his lap as he pleased me until I whimpered in difficulty. I curled my toes at his pleasuring touch, intensely driving my face deeper into the pillow to filter my shaky whimper.
We didn't sleep that night... and it was probably one of the wildest moments we shared... because I was entirely sore after the intercourse. I was too weak to... even wash up. Seokjin had to help me out of bed.

We fell asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillows.

Third Person POV
The mansion was as dead as a graveyard after the drained heirs and the elders headed straight to bed upon their return from the social event. Kim Taehyung sleepily strode out of his bedroom with the intention of searching for a midnight snack due to his starving stomach. The alpha was too engaged with the other households- he had entirely forgotten to eat.Taehyung glanced at Sora's room from his doorway and paused for a second. Where is she? He thought. He was uncertain if she was home... because she suddenly disappeared during the event. The alpha exhaled, stepped back inside his room to pick up something and strode toward her room- Creak. He gently pushed the door open and strolled inside the dark space with a bottle of soothing cream. He noticed the bruises on her bare back during the event and thought he should treat her wounds.The alpha stopped dead at the center of the room once he found the familiar silky satin dress... scattered on the cold floor. The hushed chamber... illuminated by the dim moonlight with its subtle radiance. Kim Taehyung shifted his gaze to the tangled racy stockings near the fallen dress with a blank mind as he traced his eyes to a suit on the couch and then to a black shirt at the base of her bed. The man glanced at the undone trousers and loose belt on the carpet. Kim Taehyung finally lifted his downcast pupil to the bed until... he found two pairs of feet poking out from under the blanket. The alpha unconsciously gripped the cream bottle in his hands... as he shifted his torn gaze to the bedhead to find... a man embracing the supreme alpha on the bed. Kim Taehyung stood blankly while staring at the shirtless alpha as he held Jang Sora in his arms. Sora was sleeping so... peacefully against Kim Seokjin's chest. It made him upset.Jang Sora suddenly stirred under the comfort of her blanket and turned to face away from her lover. She groaned in her sleep as if she was having a nightmare, causing Kim Taehyung to unconsciously step forward with the intention... of consoling her restless soul when Seokjin sleepily coiled his strong arm around her body and snuggled his face against the back of her head. The envious alpha halted in his position as Kim Seokjin lifted his hand to caress her hair until the supreme alpha stopped whimpering in her sleep. Sora deeply exhaled at her lover's comforting touch until they both sank back into a peaceful sleep.

Kim Taehyung stood motionlessly... staring at Sora before glancing down at the cream in his hand. A drop of unconscious tears dripped onto the bottle. He blinked and looked up again as a warm tear stream coursed over his firm cheek.A wrenching wave of distressing pain suddenly terrorized his aching heart when he realized... there was nothing he could do to hold onto her. He lost Sora... He lost her since the day he drowned her. No matter how desperately... he tried to revive time to undo his fatal mistake... he couldn't. The invisible grip of his darkness was... engraved on her vulnerable neck. He wanted to make it right... but he couldn't because Gae Haerim was holding him back.
Kim Taehyung desperately wanted to vent his misery and throw a tantrum at her for choosing another man but how could he ruin her happiness? Who is he to hinder her from being loved? He's a monster in her story. A villain she despises. The evil she fears.

He is her... nightmare.
"Taehyung-ah..." A soft voice spoke up. Taehyung blinked out of his thoughts and turned around to find imo watching him with a sad gaze. Taehyung's lips helplessly quivered as the excruciating ache tore through his indestructible walls... to drown his wounded heart."I-Imo- " Taehyung tried to speak, but his voice broke into a soft whimper."It'll pass," Imo sighed, opening her arms to welcome Taehyung, so he lowered his head and walked into her soothing embrace. The alpha sobbed in despair while holding her frail body as the woman patted his back to comfort the soul with her empty gaze settled on Jang Sora and her lover on the bed. Clack.Imo carefully closed the door to Sora's room and led Taehyung back to his bedroom. The alpha bawled his eyes out until he passed out on the mattress with the healing cream in his clutch. Imo sighed and tucked him in before turning to leave his room after placing the tube aside. Kim Taehyung sniffled in his sleep as unconscious tears spilled from the corner of his eyes to nurse his bleeding heart... endlessly murmuring his apologies... throughout the cold night.
He is his own nightmare.
__________________________
Sora's POV
I sat naked on the edge of my bed after waking up with my blank gaze trained on the satin dress on the floor. Seokjin stirred under the blanket, so I averted my eyes to find him snoring softly with his head rested over his bicep. Should I wake him? Sighing, I averted my attention back to the dress with a slight frown.I didn't only figure out Haerim's obsession with Seokjin last night... there was something else I discovered... but I couldn't tell Seokjin about it. I crawled out of my bed to pull on a nightgown before bending down to lift the dress from the floor. The fine silk... slipping freely... between my fingers. I clenched the light dress and swung the door open to stroll out of my room. The corridor is empty. Everyone is probably still exhausted. I turned to my right and walked straight toward Taehyung's bedroom. Knock. Knock. I took a step back to wait for him, but there was no answer. Maybe he's still asleep?"I'm awake," Taehyung's voice suddenly spoke up. I pushed the door open to find Taehyung sitting at his desk... skimming through a few files in his loose night robe with his morning messy hair."I have a question," I strolled toward his desk."What?" Taehyung asked, unsurely lifting his eyebrows."You ordered this dress from Designer Cho," I stated sternly, lifting the dress before him. He stared at the dress without blinking, dismissively shifting his blank gaze to my eyes again."So what if I did?" Taehyung dawdled, leaning back against his desk without breaking our eye contact."Why did you cancel it last night? During the ceremony," I asked, narrowing my eyes at him. If he ordered it for Haerim... Why didn't he give it to her?"Because I knew Kim Seokjin would get a new dress for you," Taehyung calmly replied."It is you," I folded my arms with a slight frown."I ordered the dress when I said I'd take you to the ceremony, but Haerim messed up everything. She insisted on picking her own dress. Tsk. She didn't even wear the dress she picked and wore a replicate of yours to the event without informing me," Taehyung explained."Why didn't you offer her the dress last night?" I pressed."Because it's not made to fit Haerim. It's made to fit your body," Taehyung emptily smiled with his hands clasped together. How did he know my body measurement?"I don't know what kind of game-""I'm not playing games. Sora. I won't clash with you anymore. The dress was made for you... so I handed it over to Seokjin so he could be the best man and save you from the crisis. It's funny how he was all prideful... when it was he who ordered the ridiculous puffy dress for you. They had to force your body into a dress that was three times smaller than your size because of his unrealistic standard," Taehyung chuckled while shaking his head."Seokjin only suggested the design. It was eomma who insisted that I wear the corset," I shook my head."Well. You can keep the dress. You don't have to let Seokjin know it was... in fact... my gift to you," Taehyung smiled. I glanced at the dress in my hand in difficulty. Seokjin wouldn't like it if he found out."Haerim likes Seokjin," I said shortly. Taehyung's smile faded."What-""She knew Seokjin ordered that dress for me, so she wore it to impress him," I informed and left Taehyung's room after the brief conversation to find Seokjin buttoning up his shirt while sitting on my bed. I tossed the dress into the laundry basket as Seokjin zipped up his trousers."I'll check to see if the mansion is empty before you leave so the elders-""I want to have breakfast with you," Seokjin muttered while ruffling his messy hair. I turned to stare at him with an uneasy look."Breakfast?" I repeated as he bent down to pick up his suit from the couch. He didn't put it on and walked towards me."I don't like to sneak in and out like this. Our relationship is official, so I'll greet your parents properly," Seokjin rubbed his sleepy face."But-""I feel like I'm treating you like a sneaky link with this kind of sneaky behavior. It's not appropriate... so let openly be together," Seokjin shook his head. I stared at him with a conflicted look."Taehyung might get hurt-""So you want me to sneak in and out like this? Until when... Sora?" Seokjin frowned as he towered over me. I pursed my lips and finally exhaled in defeat. I agreed to his request and took Seokjin to the dining room until we found my parents and the Kims enjoying their morning dishes. My mother stared at Seokjin's disheveled condition in surprise as he greeted them with a polite bow."Did you stay over last night?" Mrs. Kim asked Seokjin with her mouth hanging open. We settled at the table to have our breakfast."I stayed with Sora the entire night," Seokjin replied as he calmly ate his food. I nervously glanced at Mr. Kim's disapproving grimace as my father fired me a dumbfounded look for allowing my boyfriend to stay at the mansion overnight. It's obviously... a criminal offense to shelter an outsider under my parent's corrupted roof."Didn't we agree to end the pretentious courtship after the ceremony?" My mother dully spoke up while stirring her teacup. Seokjin stopped chewing his food and lifted his face to stare at my mother with a neutral expression. I froze in my seat when the room grew hushed. Seokjin didn't utter a single word. Clack. Taehyung suddenly entered the dining hall to sit in his seat across from me. He glanced around the muted room unsurely before lifting his eyebrow to question the tense atmosphere so I shrugged and sipped my orange juice."I'm in love with Sora. She feels the same way... so we've decided to pursue our relationship," Seokjin smiled at the elders. Taehyung stopped eating his food and lifted his gaze to stare at the alpha. The elders coldly stared at me."Are your parents aware of your relationship?" My father asked."I made it clear to my family that I want Sora in my life regardless of the consequences," Seokjin nodded. Taehyung gulped the porridge in difficulty when he found Mr. Kim narrowing his eyes at him. Shit. Seokjin gently held my hand over the table... so I forcefully smiled at my parents... knowing damn well the Kims... aren't pleased with our relationship.
It's not Seokjin... who will face the consequences of our relationship.

It's  Kim Taehyung.
________________________Fast ForwardI remained composed in my seat at the university lounge to read through my textbook with my legs crossed as some of the alphas hung out within the reserved space. Jungkook was gaming on his device beside me as he waited for Minah to complete her class. Namjoon was discussing something with a new alpha as Hoseok chatted with Minho and Mira in the corner of the room. Jimin was chuckling with the new blonde girl as Taehyung lay on the couch with his eyes closed. I glanced at his bruised cheek. His father abused him again- but Taehyung didn't seem to care and went about his days without disturbing me. Thud!"Kamjagiya..." Jungkook jerked in panic as Haerim slammed a slack of documents before me. I lifted my gaze from the opened textbook to stare at her stone-cold gaze, unsurely glancing at the files before me."I'm signing up as the council secretary," She tapped her resume."The seats aren't available," I muttered, dismissively glancing back at my book."There are no secretaries-""The president does not wish to hire a secretary," I shrugged. Haerim frowned and turned to glare at Taehyung as he lay on the couch with his eyes closed and arms crossed over his buff chest."You're doing this on purpose, aren't you? Keeping the seats vacant because you're a greedy bitch!" She sneered. Jungkook looked up at Haerim from his seat as if she was crazy.

"If you want the position so badly... speak with the presidents yourself. Whichever president you favor. Don't target me, Haerim-shi," I exhaled, lightly shaking my head. She's been like this for a while now since the dress incident. Constantly trying to pick a fight with me over petty things."Seokjin's mother insisted I become his secretary! Didn't he tell you?!" Haerim snapped. I closed my eyes in annoyance before closing the textbook."Why don't you speak to Seokjin yourself? I won't stop you," I firmly looked up at her with my eyebrow raised. Haerim's face flushed in irritation at my unbothered reaction. What is she trying to get out of me? Taehyung will never accept her as his secretary because the alphas will gossip about him. People will only assume he's biased because she's close to him. So she's exploiting the opportunity to get on Seokjin's side."Send me your resume," Seokjin suddenly entered the room with his bag swung over his shoulder. Haerim averted her startled gaze to Seokjin and quickly straightened her back as he approached us. Taehyung suddenly opened his eyes, glancing dully at Seokjin from the couch without budging from his comfortable position. Huff! Haerim snatched the files from my desk and hurried off without replying to Seokjin. She picks on me... only when he's not around."What's with her attitude...?" Jungkook shook his head and glanced back at his phone screen again as Seokjin slumped beside me. I smiled at the alpha circled his arms around my waist and leaned forward to hug my body so I exhaled and patted his back. I've been holding back lately because I don't want to initiate unnecessary trouble with Haerim. She's doing everything she can to intentionally provoke me, and I can't fall for her trap. If I engage with her... Seokjin will face the consequences as well. But on the downside... The lower ranks wouldn't stop gossiping about how I'm a greedy power whore. Power? The school is just a shit show of artificial procedures. Did they think I'd thirst for this kind of position? How ridiculous. Seokjin asked me to head home first that day because he had a school project to work on... so I left with the box of snacks Seokjin got for me.
A moment later...
I sleepily yawned while laying face-first on the couch to read the printed study case with a slight frown. Why is this so complicated...? My brain is literally on fire trying to decipher the resolution for my task! Beep. I lifted my head off the cushion at the sound of the front door opening and turned to find Seokjin strolling into his villa. He halted in surprise once he found me... lying face down on his couch in my short nightgown.

"You're staying over?" Seokjin paused. He didn't expect me to be here?"Why? Are your parents visiting your place tonight?" I asked, tucking my hand under my chin to support my head as he stared at me from the doorway."No. Stay over. Haerim is here with me to interview for the secretary position," Seokjin shrugged. I paused to process his words until I heard someone entering through his door, and Haerim appeared with the file in her hand. The alpha stopped dead once her startled gaze landed on my thin nightgown."Good luck with the interview," I shot her a weak smile. Haerim's face flushed red at my presence... as if she didn't expect me inside his home."Follow me," Seokjin nodded at Haerim and strolled off. Haerim kept her wary gaze on me as I weirdly waved at her. She gulped and hurried after Seokjin to his workroom. I shook my head and glanced back at the paper to review the study case for the 100th time.Seokjin is really considering... to offer the secretary spot to Haerim...? I frowned at the quiet corridor and unsurely sat up with my lips pursed. A wave of jealousy suddenly tainted my mind. Haerim will get closer to him if she succeeds. And why are they so quiet?! What are they doing- Sora! Snap out of your thoughts! Seokjin isn't the type to do sneaky shit behind your back! I tossed my file away and tiptoed down the corridor without my slippers. I abruptly halted before the slightly opened door. Did Seokjin leave the door open...?"-Your resume is impressive, but there are a few lacking points," Seokjin spoke with Haerim as he sat at his desk. She was curiously eyeballing his workroom."I'm confident I can quickly overcome the tasks and learn from your guidance," Haerim responded as Seokjin scrolled through his desktop screen. My suspicious mind wasn't as frenzied anymore at the sight of their plain interaction... so I scratched my head and returned to the living room. Why was I doubting him? He left the door open for me. I grabbed an empty cup to place under the refiller and stood blankly to watch the water fill the cup when a pair of arms suddenly slithered around my waist. Whip! I jerked in panic, frantically spinning around to face Seokjin with a startled look."What are you doing here? What about the interview?" I gasped in surprise before spinning around again to keep an eye on my cup. How did he creep up on me so quietly?"I saw my adorable girlfriend peeking through the door earlier," Seokjin smirked with his chin rested on my shoulder while hugging me from behind. Beep. The refiller stopped dispensing water once the glass was full- so I reached out to gulp the refreshing water."I was just curious," I shrugged, placing the cup away with flustered cheeks as Seokjin tightened his arms around my waist."You smell really nice," Seokjin pressed his nose against my hair, making me giggle at the ticklish sensation over my scalp. I took a shower in his bathroom when I arrived at his villa earlier.  Thump! Thump! We heard frantic footsteps approaching the kitchen and Haerim suddenly appeared, so Seokjin turned to smile at her with his arms secured around my waist."I already filled the form," Haerim awkwardly lifted the file while staring at us from the door way. Seokjin released my body and strolled toward Haerim to retrieve the file. The alpha sucked in her inner cheeks and glanced at me again with a bitter look before glancing back at Seokjin as he inspected the document."I'll update you on the result tomorrow. Have a safe trip home," Seokjin smiled, glancing up from the file. Whatever. I walked past them and headed back to the living room to lie face-first on the couch again. I grabbed my case study to revise it again as Seokjin chatted with Haerim."Anneong~!" I waved at Haerim as she slipped on her shoes by the front door. She fired me a sharp glare before stomping out of the villa with an attitude. Jeez. Dating a handsome really isn't for the weak.
A moment later.
"I'll shower," Seokjin informed as he strolled back inside the villa after sending the alpha away... and left to wash up in his room. I scratched my head in frustration while struggling to figure out the issues in the study case until I heard Seokjin returning to the living room. He got onto the couch with one knee to crawl over my body in a plain white shirt and sweatpants. The alpha lowered his heavy trunk to align his torso over my back as I lay on my stomach with my eyes glued to my work."I already cooked dinner," I muttered while reading the file. Seokjin gently kissed the back of my shoulder as he hugged me from behind. He slid his hands around my chest to grab my boobs over the fabric of my gown, making me smile at his teasing touch. Seokjin gently fondled my breast as he breathily kissed my shoulders from behind."You smell crazy good," Seokjin whispered as he massaged my breasts."Why are you kneading me like a kitten?" I chuckled. Seokjin laughed at my words and sat up on my back. He didn't put his entire weight on me as he sat on the back of my thighs. I remained on my stomach with my eyes fixed on the paper."I think I'm turning into a pervert because of you," Seokjin muttered, gently pushing my short silky gown up to my waist and squeezed my exposed buttcheeks. I whined and turned to smack his abs when he wouldn't stop groping my ass, making the alpha chuckle at my disapproving reaction, so he crawled off my body and slumped beside me instead. Seokjin swung his heavy leg over my hips as he lay on his side with his arms tucked under his head to watch me read the texts."I don't mind as long as you're not touching other women," I smiled without looking at him. Seokjin gently pushed my hair behind my ear to get a proper look at my face."I'd be damn out of my mind if I ever cheated on you. My guilt will kill me before Do-hwan even chokes me to death with a spoon," Seokjin laughed. I turned to smile at Seokjin, so he leaned forward to kiss me. I inhaled his fresh minty breath with a weak smile."Minah said we're like a married couple," I muttered, averting my eyes back to the document. Seokjin took the paper from my hand and turned to lie on his back over the spacious couch. He lifted the paper above his face to scan the texts, so I turned to lay on my back with my head rested on his bicep."Tell me if you're uncomfortable with the way I'm touching you," Seokjin muttered, suddenly ruffling my hair. I groaned and pushed his hand away to stop him from messing up my hair."Why would I be uncomfortable?" I smiled, curiously lifting my head to stare at his handsome side profile as I hugged his firm chest."I'm usually very well-mannered. I'll never touch a woman inappropriately," Seokjin smiled as he read my case study."I'm an exception?" I asked while rubbing his firm chest."I would never touch you if we weren't together and I'm still trying to contain myself, but you're very addictive. I don't want you to think I'm doing dirty things to your body because I see you as a disposable object... like the rumors. It's not true. I enjoy holding you because I really... really love you," Seokjin sighed, turning his head to smile at me. I stared at him with my heart-shaped pupils. He gently pecked my lips."Men are liars," I scoffed, turning to lie on my back again."I'm not lying! I am a man of my word!" Seokjin whined, turning on his side to huff at me in disbelief. I giggled at his offended grimace."I feel the same way~! I love it when you touch me! And it's absolutely normal! I'd probably sulk if my boyfriend... refuses to touch me," I beamed. Seokjin playfully squeezed my cheeks with his free hand."You've been staring at this study case for some time," Seokjin lifted the paper over our faces to narrow his eyes at the texts again."It's too complicated," I pouted."It's not difficult, Sora. You're capable of solving it. Focus on this statement..." Seokjin lifted his hand to point at a phrase as I hugged him on my side. I blinked at the context as Seokjin broke down the study case for me in the simplest form. I nodded and asked him questions as he calmly... walked me through my concerns.

He didn't tell me the direct answers but asked questions to guide me toward the solutions. I gasped in disbelief once I figured out the solution to the issue. Seokjin proudly patted my back, so I snatched the paper from him and quickly sat up to slide off the couch. I grabbed my pen to scribble my notes on the study case. Seokjin sat up to kiss my cheek and walked off to warm up our meal.
I had dinner with Seokjin at his place and went to bed after watching a movie with him.
________________________Fast Forward
Murmur. Murmur.
I gripped my pens shakily as I stared at the screen on my desk without blinking. The unstable darkness... consuming my clouded mind the longer I listened to their poisonous gossip. Sora- you have to remain calm! Seokjin will get in trouble if you act recklessly! I closed my eyes to resist the uncomfortable surge within my body... but it was far so powerful- I began to feel my body vibrating with the intense jolt of an uncomfortable sensation. I repeatedly tapped my feet as I waited for Do-hwan's arrival... with my head hung low."-Congrats Haerim!""Seokjin must really favor you!""He invited you home for an interview?!""He never invites anyone to his place!""You're a special exception!""I'm so envious of you! Both Taehyung and Seokjin probably fancy you!""I told you Seokjin doesn't like Jang Sora! Why else would he invite you over?!""Don't get the wrong idea~! We didn't do anything at his place. We only spoke and he was very impressed with my resume," Haerim giggled with the lower ranks."Seokjin... invited Haerim to his place...? That's problematic... especially for a supreme alpha's boyfriend... to behave this way," Mira suddenly appeared before my desk with her arms crossed. I flung open my pitch-black eyes with a blank face. Sora! You can't lose yourself to their scheme!

DO. NOT. ENGAGE!

"Were you aware your boyfriend invited a pretty alpha to his place and even granted her the position as his secretary after their secret meet-up? Seokjin is very picky and this is the first time he... accepted a candidate to be his... personal secretary," Minho scoffed, dragging a chair to sit before me. I sternly stared at the alphas without a hint of emotion."I guess he found his new favorite," Mira smugly glanced at Haerim's rosy face as she twisted the story."Sora. Do-hwan asked me to deliver something for you!" Jungkook appeared with a black box. Minah followed him into the lounge as the alphas turned to stare at the gift box."Thank you," I spoke dully after Jungkook cluelessly settled the gift box before me."I bet he'll break up with her soon-""Yah! Watch your fucking mouth!-" Minah snapped at the lower ranks in irritation, earning a sharp glare from Haerim."It's a pity. How you're desperately defending the supreme alpha, Minah-shi. I'm not an ass-kisser like you are. You must be... envious of me now because I've got an intelligent brain and the competence to earn a spot in the council without... having to use my household's power to achieve it. After all, even Kim Seokjin was impressed by my skills," Haerim laughed from her seat, causing her minions to snigger at me."MOH? ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR DAMN MIND-?! YOU ROTTEN BITCH FACE-" Minah's eyes bulge open in anger at Haerim's insulting mockery. Minah tried to storm toward the smug alpha- but I swiftly caught her wrist to stop the alpha from confronting Gae Haerim. Minah glanced down at me in confusion as I calmly remained seated."First... it's Taehyung... now it's Seokjin...?" I chuckled with my eyes glued on the gift box before me."All I did was submit my application, Sora-shi. Didn't you tell me to speak with Seokjin myself? I did. Why are you upset now? Ah... is it because you're jealous of me? Don't worry... I don't intend on stealing your lover. I could take your man if I wanted to... but lucky for you... I'm only interested in the position and not his body," Haerim chuckled. Jungkook wildly turned to look at the alpha as if she had a death wish. Minho dramatically gasped at the drama as Mira glanced back and forth between us. Namjoon sat alone in the corner of the room with his eyes fixed on a book. He didn't seem to care about the situation."Sora! You can't seriously let her disrespect you-!" Minah furiously shrieked. Haha~! I started laughing like a maniac and threw my head back to release the humorous emotions from my chest, causing Minah to purse her lips at my deranged behavior. Where did she get the courage to spit her venomous poison at me this shamelessly?"She's out of her mind," One of Haerim's friends sneered. I laughed until tears filled my ears."Ah... This is hilarious..." I smiled while dabbing the tears from my eyes. I took a deep breath and slowly drew out my phone to type on the screen. The room grew hushed... as they watched me put the phone on speaker. Ringing..."Oh. Sora?" Seokjin spoke through the call. The room grew silent. Namjoon lifted his dull gaze from his book to watch me smile at the phone."Are you done with your studies?" I asked. Haerim intensely watched me speak on the phone.

"I was speaking with Taehyung just now. Let's prepare the new recipes together after school. Or do you want me to visit your parents? I should get on their good side until they approve our relationship," Seokjin replied. Mira grinned at Seokjin's voice and crossed her arms to anticipate the drama."I can just head home if you're tired," I replied."You can stay over if you want to," Seokjin suggested."The rumors-""Ah. I heard, but it's not worth your brain cells. Don't waste your precious energy on their nonsense. I haven't gotten your approval yet... so I'm still considering Haerim's application. Taehyung also needs to approve it," Seokjin chuckled softly through the phone. Haerim flushed red at her seat. Jungkook chuckled as he sat at the desk behind mine with a wide smile."I won't oppose if she's a competent candidate," I shrugged, smiling at my phone."I'm actually not quite sure about it. To be honest... I'm only granting her the position because my mother insisted... and besides... she wouldn't stop troubling you, so it's better to let her have the position. Hopefully... she won't bother us anymore. It's a pity favor," Seokjin answered. Minho funnily laughed at Seokjin's words until Haerim's face drained in embarrassment."The decision is up to you. I'm sure Taehyung won't mind either," I replied."-I'm packing my stuff right now. Wait for me- I'll be there in a second," Seokjin answered and hung up on me. Beep. I lowered my phone with a slight smile. Minah fired Haerim a mocking smile as the alpha teared up in her seat beside her awkward-looking friends.The high-ranking alphas exchanged funny looks as they judged Haerim's flustered face after they realized she was lying about her achievement. I slipped my phone back into my pocket and slowly rose from my feet to lift the box from my desk. Jungkook tensed his body in his seat when I turned towards Haerim with the gift as she sat on the couch with a beaten expression."Do you want Kim Seokjin that badly... Haerim-shi?" I asked, stopping before her with the box in my arms."What- ? What are you talking about?" Haerim stuttered, slowly rising to her feet with a tense glare. She glanced at the mysterious black box unsurely."I thought you wanted Taehyung but I guess I had mistaken your intention. It was Kim Seokjin you wanted all along. Ever since you were in high school... it was always Kim Seokjin you desired, but he never paid attention to you... so you got upset and dated Taehyung for the spotlight," I calmly spoke with a weak smile."You're saying nonsense! You're the evil bitch-""Notice the problem? You keep calling me an evil bitch... a whore... a slut... rubbing my name with filth... even if I did nothing against you. I've always called you by your name... so what... is the exact reason? For you to loathe me so much? Why are you so obsessed with ruining me when I don't... even see you as a competition? Hmm...? Tell me. Let's speak now. Say it, Haerim. What do you want from me? My power? My status? My boyfriend? Kim Seokjin, or do you want Kim Taehyung? Or do you want my soul? Do you want to be in my skin? What is it that you want from me, Gae Haerim?!" I snapped, taking a step forward to glower at her with a deadly stare. Blood drained from her pretty face after I confronted her. Haerim clenched her fists, nervously turning to stare at the alphas and lower ranks within the room in fright."Why would I want to live your miserable life?!" She shot back at me uneasily."Then why did you wear Seokjin's hand-picked gown to the ceremony?! Wae?!- If Kim Taehyung got you a dress! Then why did you tear it off your body to put on a replicated version? Only to accuse me of wearing the fake one!? Wae..? Who were you trying desperately to impress?! Kim Seokjin?!- What did you say earlier?- You don't want him??? You're only after the position!?- Then why did you fucking toss away your date's dress for another man's preference?! WAE!?!- Did you really think he'll give you his attention over... A MERE DRESS?!" I sneered as the darkness pulsated within my chest until it violently jolted up the back of my skull."Are you out of your mind?! How dare you speak falsely of me-""Isn't that what you've been doing behind my back?! You even grew the courage to bitch about me in my face now! Rumors! Gossips! Scandals! You initiated foul rumors about me ever since you returned! And the latest one?!- You talked about your private interview session with Kim Seokjin at his villa! Haha~! You must've felt special to be there... right?! You twisted the story to make it seem like he secretly invited you over when I was fucking there too! I was at his villa when you came in! You saw Seokjin interacting with me... but you told people it was only the two of you there! Are you that hopeless?! It must be fucking agonizing to watch the man you love... hold me with so much affection. Am I wrong?! How can you shamelessly claim to be Kim Seokjin's personal favorite when... you've been neglected by him your entire life?! What?!-" I seethed at her. Haerim's eyes flooded with tears as I poked at her bleeding wounds."You think you have it all just because he's fucking you and only you, huh?" Haerim shakily smiled in tears."And you're a pathetic jealous bitch. Love isn't about fucking Haerim-shi. If you need a man to validate your worth with his dick inside you... then you're the fucking petty slut," I shot back at her. Haerim grew hushed as she stared at me with a spitful glower. Whip! I aggressively removed the lid off the gift box and yanked the crystal dress out of it."What are you-""Do you want to shine as brightly as this dress? So you can capture Kim Seokjin's attention? Fine! Take it! Go on! This is the authentic dress you wanted so badly! Put it on your hot body and spread your fucking legs open for him! See for yourself if he'll come crawling for you!" I laughed, lifting the dress before Haerim's frightened face."You're a fucking psycho-""The audacity to mock my worth over a man. It's pathetic. You want to be the biggest star in his eyes- am I correct...? Araso. I'll let you shine as bright as the fucking crystal!-" I screamed until I lost control of my sanity. I hastily snatched a lighter out of my pocket to burn the dress before her terrified facial expression.

"Sora!" Jungkook gasped, launching to his feet in shock."Stay away from me!" I screamed, swiftly placing the burning lighter under my chin.Jungkook's eyes flashed in extreme fright as he stared at the scorching flame... right below my vulnerable skin. He froze in fear. Jimin cautiously rose from his seat as he watched flame spread over the material. The alphas grew tensed as I threatened Jungkook to keep his distance until the dress in my hand suddenly caught on fire as I clutched onto it. Haerim's pupils reflected the raging flames in horror as the fire spread up the delicate fabric, so I lowered the lighter from my chin with a mad smile to watch the dress burn in my hand until the suffocating smoke... contaminated the private lounge."Sora! Stop it!-" Jungkook shrieked but didn't dare approach me because he was afraid... I'd try to burn myself again. I couldn't hear or feel anything as I turned to glower at Haerim with the flaming dress gripped in my palm. The smoke detector inside the building suddenly went off as the flames extended up the dress to its fullest capacity. Everyone froze in their place to watch the blazing dress, utterly petrified by my evil laughter.
BANG!
The door to the lounge swung open... and Seokjin appeared with Taehyung. The top alphas halted in horror when they found me gripping the burning gown. Terror swept across Seokjin's face as he watched me hold the crystal dress... until the fire reached my palm."DO YOU WANT TO PLAY WITH FIRE?!-"

"SORA!" Taehyung bellowed at the top of his lungs as I angrily hurled the flaming dress at Haerim. Seokjin dashed forward in horror in an attempt to seize my hands, but I resisted his force and flung the fire mass with all my might as Seokjin stood between Haerim and me.
Slam!
Kim Taehyung swiftly leaped forward, roughly tackling me onto the floor as the flaming dress flew across the room... colliding right into Seokjin's body, causing a burst of fire sparks to explode all over him. The shaken witnesses suddenly snapped back to their senses and started screaming in fear. Thud! I slammed hard onto the floor but didn't feel any pain as Taehyung cushioned my fall.Kim Seokjin took the accidental blow with his body and tumbled onto the floor, groaning in discomfort as the automatic fire sensor above our heads violently exploded to shower the room with a harsh downpour as the blaring siren went off inside the building to alarm every one of the dire situation. The entire room erupted in chaos as the alphas screamed and dashed across the space to escape the smoke-infested room.

I blinked at the impact, wildling whipping my evil-infested pupils to glare at the flaming dress on the floor as Seokjin frantically shoved the flame off his body. SNAP! The numbness within my chest suddenly subsided as the cold droplets sprinkled over my head. I gasped in shock while gawking at Seokjin- who was stomping on the burning dress. Badum!My heart started pounding with fear after all my senses returned to my shaken body. My head started ringing with a sharp static noise as I stared at the confusing disorder in extreme bewilderment. Someone shouted to my side... so I turned to find Jungkook rushing inside the lounge with a fire extinguisher. Taehyung clasped his hands over my face and tugged me back to block my eyes when Jungkook wildly fired the extinguisher at the burning dress. SHAAA~! The chemical blasted all over us as we remained on the damp floor.The deafening fire alarm went off all over the campus as the icy cold water sprayed over the alphas. My heart repeatedly thumped against my chest so hard... I felt like puking. Slowly... Taehyung uncovered my eyes after shielding me from the chemical blast. I shakily sat up in fear... to stare at the steaming dress... before me after it burnt out.The entire room was a flooded mess as the water violently poured over us from the ceiling. Seokjin was sitting beside the dress... covered in white chemicals... with water dripping from his wild hair. Haerim remain cemented... in place... soaking wet from head to toe... as I knelt on the floor with Taehyung... covered in the chemical. I shakily glanced down at my right hand when I felt a painful sting to find blisters forming over my palm. What did I do?!

I swallowed the hot lump in my throat as I averted my tearful eyes to the burned dress...and then to Seokjin's terrified expression in extreme fright as he remained petrified in his place. Jungkook shakily gasped as he stood before us with the fire extinguisher after he successfully put out the fire. Badum! A flood of agonizing emotions suddenly ripped through my chest, causing me to whimper in distress. I shrieked in panic as I shakily rubbed the chemicals from my arms- but my hand was hurting so much that it made me screech in pain."Stay calm!" Taehyung snapped, firmly grabbing my arms to stop me from thrashing around when I suddenly lost control of myself to a dangerous panic attack. I shoved him away with all my might and frantically scrambled over the tiles-  but slipped over the slippery floor and fell hard. Thump! I groaned in pain as Taehyung tried to help me sit up again- but I aggressively shoved him away and scrambled to my feet in tears. I need to get out of here!"Sora!" Seokjin called in horror as I frantically rubbed the wet chemicals from my face in distress before rushing out of the lounge. My heart was racing out of control as dread loomed over me. There was a packed crowd in the corridor as the confused students and professors poured out of their respective classes to check on the dire situation.Every prying eye... shifted after my filthy appearance as I fearfully sprinted through the crowd... drenched with the chemicals and cold water. I felt my head swaying violently as I limped down the stairs in my soaked clothes- until I felt my head spinning dizzily. Swirl~! The world suddenly flipped upside down- causing the floor to distort dangerously below my feet.The staircase suddenly rotated like a whirlpool as I struggled to regain my consciousness. Wobble! I missed a step... and to my horror... I lost my balance on the high ground... and tilted helplessly over the narrow stairs with a distorted vision.My body abruptly shut down just... before I tumbled off the stair landing... and I was suddenly... drifting into a pitch-black abyss.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Third Person POV
A young boy softly hummed under his breath as he strolled through the oddly empty corridors with his headphones secured over his ears. The newly revealed anonymous alpha kept his eyes glued on his phone screen as the latest pop music drummed in his head while jogging down the university's marble staircase, leading to the lower floor. The alpha did not hear the blaring siren over his head with the technology of his noise-canceling headphones.

The alpha landed on the floor packed with the frantic crowd without looking up and strolled down another flight of stairs as he cluelessly gamed on his phone with his thumbs. Thud. Thud. He felt heavy footsteps stomping over the stairs behind his back halfway down from the floor leading to the premium alpha's lounge.The young boy lowered his phone unsurely, then turned around in curiosity to find a person hurrying down the stairs. He immediately recognized the supreme alpha... even if she was covered in bizarre white substances. The alpha froze on the stairs in horror when the supreme alpha suddenly lost her balance a few steps above his and stumbled off the higher ground. Jerk! His swift reflex responded unconsciously to her alarming fall... by hurling his body forward to assist her with his arms extended upward. Thump! Thump! He sped up the stairs to cushion Jang Sora's fall in extreme bewilderment."ARGH-!" The alpha boy gasped in shock as the supreme alpha slammed hard onto his solid body. He seized her lifeless body in his strong embrace, but her dead weight was too much for him to sustain on the steep stairs.

"Noona- Noona?! Urgh- HELP? SOMEONE HELP US!?-ARK I'M GONNA FUCKING FALL AND BREAK MY NECK- AHEHWGWJH! NOONAAAA~?" The young boy tapped her back in a panic to wake her up as she tilted over the kid's lanky body without budging. The alpha started panicking when she didn't respond to his desperate whimper, so he held her up on the stairs with all his strength- until his puffed-up cute mochi cheeks turned bright red from the overwhelming pressure."ARH!" The young boy's legs suddenly wobbled under her weight. He took a step backward but missed the solid landing... causing his mind to signal a jolt of alarming sensation all over his body to warn the alpha of the threatening danger. Badum! His innocent eyes flung open in fright with his arms wrapped around Jang Sora's unresponsive body. He didn't dare release the supreme alpha because he was afraid she might end up tumbling off the remaining stairs, so the boy screeched in panic as he staggered backward with Jang Sora's motionless body- SNATCH!The unexpected tug was so firm... the alpha's chest strap suddenly slid up to his neck- forcefully constricting his windpipe to stop the kid from plunging to his death as his stiff body remained slanted... almost forty-five degrees over the steep stairs. Thump! Thump! Thump!His poor heart pounded out of control as he stood face down on the stairs... with his bulging eyeballs on the solid landing below him. The young alpha gulped in fear and slowly rotated his head around to find... Chul Sungho clutching onto the hook of his backpack. The boy quickly shifted his startled gaze to find... the higher rank securing his strong arm around the supreme alpha's waist with his free arm while gripping onto the boy to stop him from tumbling off the stairs from the deadly height"Straighten your body!" Sungho snapped as the young alpha remained petrified on the stairs without budging."Oh!- I'm sorry!" The alpha boy gasped, grabbing the railing to haul himself back onto the stairs. Sungho immediately released the young alpha and turned to fasten both his arms around Jang Sora's body."She's unconscious," Sungho frowned, gently slapping Sora's soaked face. Her head flopped weakly to the side."Is- is noona alright!?" The boy gasped, rushing up the steps to gawk at her dirty face as the fire alarm went off inside the building. Sungho frowned at the supreme alpha's sweat-drenched forehead as he supported her weight on the stairs."Sora!" Kim Taehyung appeared on the floor above until he spotted the two alphas sustaining her body."She fainted!" Sungho informed as Taehyung frantically rushed down the stairs. He seized Sora's lifeless body, carefully towing her from Sungho and quickly lifted her off the ground. Kim Taehyung didn't hesitate and stormed down the remaining stairs without thanking the alphas. Chul Sungho tugged the young alpha aside to make way for the second rank.The two alphas stood on the staircase with dreadful looks as the frightened students rushed down the stairs. Kim Seokjin shoved Sungho aside as he raced down the stairs before the others... frantically chasing after Kim Taehyung in his messy clothes. The young alpha boy turned to stare at the soaked victims in confusion as he stood by the railing to let everyone pass him. Sungho lifted his eyes to Haerim when he found her sobbing in distress as she limped down the stairs. Jungkook... was helping Minah dust her stained skirt as Jimin rushed after his friend.The alphas remained cemented on the stairs until everyone disappeared to evacuate the building, leaving the dull alarm... ringing ominously over their heads. Thud. Thud. Thud. They averted their eyes to the floor above upon hearing the steady footsteps. Kim Namjoon appeared with a grim expression as he made his way down without a scratch on his body. His clothes were perfectly dry... and even his hair was neatly groomed. Not a single droplet of water got on him. The young alpha nervously swallowed as he watched the high-rank alpha stroll past him with a stern expression."You should head home," Sungho finally sighed, patting the young boy's back.Chul Sungho eventually strolled down after Kim Namjoon, leaving the boy alone. The newly announced anonymous alpha glanced back to the vacant floor above before glancing at his crushed headphones on the stair landing below. He quickly skipped the remaining stairs and knelt down to pick up his broken device with a gloomy frown. The boy sighed, got to his feet, and left to vacate the building with the others.
Meanwhile...
Kim Taehyung sprinted out of the campus with Sora's motionless body in his arms to meet Do-hwan in the parking lot. The man's face drained in fear once he saw the heiress's body... covered in chemical substances. Taehyung quickly shoved her lifeless body into the chief guard's hand because he couldn't escort her home on his luxurious sports bike.Choi Do-hwan didn't question the alpha and hurriedly placed Sora into the backseat of his car as Taehyung sprinted towards his bike to mount it, quickly clasping his safety helmet under his chin and slammed the protective shield shut. The alpha twisted the accelerator with all his might until his bike roared to life- ZOOM! The black bike blasted out of the parking lot to chase after the chief guard's car and disappeared from sight.Kim Seokjin halted by the university's entrance in extreme bewilderment after failing to catch up with his girlfriend. The alpha immediately ran toward his car as the remaining alphas and lower ranks scurried out of the entrance like ants.
A moment later.
Kim Taehyung sat stiffly on the hospital bench with the tense chief guard as Kim Seokjin paced around the corridor before the emergency room with his hand clasped over his mouth. Do-hwan glanced back and forth between the top alphas to examine their dirty clothes... but didn't bother to question them because he was more worried about his young lady's wellbeing.

"Seokjin! My precious boy! What happened to you~!?" A feminine voice shrieked in the corridor. Kim Taehyung lifted his head to find Seokjin's mother rushing towards them with her bodyguard. "I'm fine, eomeoni-""Who did this to you?! How dare they harm my son! Did you do this to my precious boy?!" The woman grabbed Seokjin's smudged face to examine her son in tears before snapping her glowering glare at Taehyung."Eomma- I said I'm fine! Sora is hurt!" Seokjin whined, pushing his mother's hand off his face in annoyance, but she wouldn't drop her act and gasped dramatically."I told you not to associate with her!-" The woman scolded her son when the door to the emergency room slid open and a doctor strolled out in his disposable medical gown. Seokjin instantly turned away from his mother's dramatic whimper as Kim Taehyung immediately stood up with Do-hwan to anticipate Sora's condition."She's in stable condition. The shock must've knocked her out. The nurses will transfer her to the resting room," The doctor informed Do-hwan. Seokjin exhaled in relief and tried to walk forward when Taehyung placed his firm hand on Seokjin's shoulder to hold back the alpha."You should head home," Taehyung darkly stared at Seokjin's dusty face."No. I have to see Sora-""Seokjin, darling~! Let's go home! People can't see you in this condition! It's humiliating~!" Mrs. Kim whined as she dusted Seokjin's clothes worriedly."She's going through enough trouble because of you. Let her rest," Do-hwan sighed. Kim Seokjin and Kim Taehyung fiercely challenged one another to deadly eye contact without budging their muscles until Mr. Kim whined again and tugged her son repeatedly. Seokjin gritted his jaw in irritation as his mother stubbornly gripped his arm. He clenched his fist, suddenly spinning around on his heels to leave with his mother in defeat as Taehyung darkly traced his gaze after his rival."We have to cover the incident-""Your parents probably found out by now. What happened?" Do-hwan shook his head when Taehyung tried to speak."Sora fought with Haerim over Kim Seokjin. Her parents will be furious," Taehyung screwed his face in frustration before slumping back onto the bench. Do-hwan blanked out for a few seconds after he heard Taehyung's words."She set the school on fire... for Kim Seokjin?" Do-hwan turned to frown at Taehyung. The alpha lifted his frightened eyes to meet the guard's eyes."It wasn't her. I saw her eyes... she had no control over her actions," Taehyung defended Sora. Kim Taehyung recognized the dark haze in her pupils... the moment he saw her standing in the lounge with the burning dress. It's her darkness."We're finally clashing with the society," Do-hwan scoffed, slumping beside Taehyung and rubbed his face in distress.
Kim Seokjin's parents will be furious about the disaster since their son was directly involved in the fire incident. The university will punish Jang Sora and those involved. Gae Haerim's household will probably sue the Jang for attempting to harm their daughter. Thereby... The Jang and their alliances... will face the grave consequences of Sora's deadly outburst.

Both Taehyung and Do-hwan knew it was a dire situation for everyone... but what worried them the most... was the fact... Jang Sora was capable of committing such crimes with little to no control over herself.
______________________
Fast Forward
Sora's POVThud. Thud. I gripped my hair in distress, shakily hyperventilating in the dark closet with my arms wrapped around my knees. The hot tears... trickling down my sweat-drenched face as I clenched the knife in fear. They won't find me here if I stay quiet!My heart leaped in fear when I heard the intruder breaking inside my room with a loud crash. They banged violently on my closet door, so I quickly covered my mouth to stifle my fear. Sora! Stay quiet! I screwed my eyes shut in fright when I couldn't contain my unsteady breathing until I felt a suffocating contraction in my strained chest. I smacked the side of my head in distress to stop the darkness from infecting me as the evil men pounded on the closet door with their vicious intentions. BANG. BANG. BANG.Jolt! The icy cold sensation dangerously seized control of my withered nerves, causing my tingling body hair to stand all over my skin and my visions to grow blurry. My ragged breathing suddenly grew hushed once... the dangerous darkness numbed my racing heart. My body stopped shuddering as I felt an icy cold jolt slithering up my neck... so I sat... on the floor with my soaked face buried against my knees.
CRASH.
A man suddenly barged into the room after he successfully busted through the door to find me sitting in the dark. He chuckled lowly when he finally cornered me at the dead end. I sat quietly as he approached me with a smug expression. The hollow void... expanding all over my body until the fears left my body. I remained stiff in the dark as he loomed over me with a gun. The man let out an evil chuckle, slowly crouching before me and roughly grabbed my chin with a wicked smile. I stared at him with my blank gaze as the hot tears... flowed freely over my damp cheeks. THUMP!"ARGH!" The man groaned in shock when I swiftly swung the knife into the side of his neck.The man's eyes bulged open in fright as I sat before him with my hand clenched tightly around the bloody knife handle. He tried to speak when he suddenly spat- blood... onto my face. I sat calmly... staring at his drained face as his warm blood splattered all over my chest in the dark. He raised his shaky hand to grab my hand- so I swiftly yanked the sharp blade out of his punctured flesh, causing him to grunt in pain. Wobble. He slowly sank to his knees before me as I emotionlessly watched him struggle to breathe.The man stared at me in extreme distress as his eyes swelled with blood and tears. Heavy blood gushed from the side of his open wound until the carpet absorbed his blood. The man suddenly fell to the side and turned to spread on his back with his hands clasped over the deep slash in his throat. I clenched the knife tightly as his sticky blood... saturated my slippery fingers...Dangerously... I rose to my feet... dimly watching his pathetic body twitch on the floor in extreme anguish without a hint of pity. I walked up to his contorted face and calmly crouched beside him to place my warm palm against his bloodstained cheek. The man averted his hopeless eyes to watch me in fear... until the corner of my lips curved up into an evil smile. The man didn't blink as he struggled to pump air into his desperate lungs. The red and thick fluid... seeping from his lips and between his shaky fingers as he gripped the deep wound on his neck."Shh... it won't hurt as bad once you die," I whispered, gently wiping the dark blood from his lips. He muffled in pain below me... until bulging veins formed over his forehead. I hummed... softly as I caressed his face to comfort his dying soul with a blank smile."S-Sora- I- Love- You..." The man whispered between his shaky breaths.The dull smile on my face gradually faded once I recognized his awfully familiar voice. Snap. The darkness abruptly left my side without any warning. I blinked in confusion at... his familiar face...? What is he doing here-? I glanced at the knife in my bloody hand as the man grunted under me in distress. A wave of terror struck my shaken soul once I glanced from the pool of dark and murky blood... to find... Kim Seokjin... sprawling beneath me with his bloodshot eyes. My lips started quivering as I stared at his shocking condition in devastation."S-Seokjin...?" I stuttered, suddenly dropping the knife from my hand in fright. Seokjin shuddered in distress as he held the gash on his neck, causing my heart to throb in extreme remorse at the sight of his pained expression."B-Babe!? What- are you doing here?! Seok- Seokjin!" I shrieked, grabbing his bloody head in horror. Seokjin couldn't speak but stared up at me in tears."I-I'm sorry! I didn't- I didn't mean to hurt you! Seokjin! Wake up- I'm sorry! Someone help us! Seokjin is injured! Please help us!" I screamed in terror as I frantically lifted his weak body off the damp carpet. Seokjin shakily grabbed my arm as I hugged his head against my chest. He tried to speak but ended up coughing out more blood, causing me to wail in distress."NO! SEOKJIN- I'M SORRY- THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING! I'M SORRY! BABY, I'M SORRY- I LOVE YOU TOO!" I screamed in extreme grief- Flop.The alpha weakly slumped against my blood-soaked gown. I grabbed onto his bloody hand, but it slipped between my fingers, so I lowered his head to scream for his return after he flopped lifelessly to the side. My head started swaying at the shockingly horrifying reality of losing my lover until I felt every part of my body shattering to bits as I bawled at the top of my lungs for his return.
SNAP.
My eyes suddenly flung open to find a plain high ceiling above me. I didn't move or blink as I panted on the bed... out of breath... sweats were beading on my forehead, and warm tears were slipping down the side of my face. I refused to move and sobbed in silence with my eyes fixed on the ceiling above me. Shakily... I lifted both my arms to hover my hands over my face... only to find a bandaged right palm. I sucked in my breath. No blood...?Weakly gulping, I slowly pushed my stiff body off the mattress to sit up on the warm bed. I blinked in confusion when I found myself inside the mansion's room, but I was never here before? It's definitely my parents' chamber. I frowned at the medical equipment. What's with the medical equipment?I blinked out of my fuzzy mind and glanced down to find... my usual long-sleeve nightgown over my body. I lifted my pale face to scan the bright room again and turned to look at the health monitor with a baffled look. What happened..? How did I get here? What about the man- and Seokjin-? I took a deep inhale once I realized it was only a terrifying nightmare. It felt... so real. I sat in absolute silence while recalling the disturbing memories. I almost set the school on fire. Fuck...Creak. I quickly jerked backward and slammed my body onto the bed when I noticed the door opening. I screwed my eyes shut and pretended to be asleep as the person entered the room. My parents will kill me if they see me! My heart started thumping in fear as the person approached my bed to sit beside me."I know you're awake. The health monitor is showing your irregular heartbeat," Taehyung dawdled. I didn't dare move and remained stiff on the bed with a pretentious frown."Fuck... I'm out of breath!" I finally gasped in defeat after failing to hold my breath. I quickly turned away from Taehyung. He didn't speak but watched me avoid him... so I opened my eyes and awkwardly turned to find him staring at me with an unimpressed gaze. I swallowed in embarrassment and slowly turned to lay on my back as he waited for me to acknowledge his presence."I guess I can't go to school with a crippled hand," I joked, lifting my bandaged hand to show him. Taehyung narrowed his eyes at my unbothered reaction, so I immediately dropped my smile. He's not in the mood to appreciate my joke."You're not going to school anymore," Taehyung finally replied. I turned my head on the pillow in surprise."What? Why-""Why?! You tried to set an alpha on fire! The entire building was a mess! They had to cancel school for three days to repair the floor!" Taehyung scolded. I pouted at his harsh outburst before glancing at my bandaged hand again."Did I pass out for that long?" I mumbled, finally sitting up on the mattress with my back pressed against the bedhead."Five days. You literally shut down your body to avoid the consequences of your actions," Taehyung sighed. I scratched my head in guilt."I don't remember doing it," I muttered. He probably won't believe me... but it was a blank spot. I can only remember glimpses of my action. I was aware when it happened... but I had no control of my body or... mind."I know. I believe you," Taehyung nodded."You do?" I blinked, glancing at the alpha as he dimly sat by the bed."It happened to me too... when I... visited uncle on his last day. I couldn't remember everything until I finally woke up... and it was too late. I was drenched in blood and my uncle was withering in my arms. It's like... this... numbing darkness... a parasite... that seizes control of your mind," Taehyung muttered. I grew hushed as I listened to his confession. That's what I felt too."Is there... something wrong with us...?" I asked, fearfully lifting my gaze to meet his. Why am I like this?"I don't know what it is... but it's dangerous, Sora. You could've killed Haerim," Taehyung shook his head with his arms crossed over his chest. I gulped and glanced back down at my hands. Just like the nightmare... the darkness might drive me insane until I kill everyone within my reach. How do I control it...? I don't want to kill anymore!"I'm scared," I whispered."The darkness might turn us into killers if we fail to contain it," Taehyung nodded. I let out a deep exhale and slowly leaned back against the bedhead. Taehyung chatted with me about the incident, and I found out the principal had expelled me from the university. I'm forbidden to step inside the school premises. And I've been stripped of my status from the school council as well.
Taehyung claims Haerim's household is preparing for an elite meeting to discuss the matter with my household, so my parents are extremely upset with me. On the bright side... Taehyung assured me that he understood my darkness... but will Seokjin believe me? No, of course not. I'm afraid to face him. Not after I almost set him on fire.

Jungkook was also worried about my condition... but he wouldn't stop joking around about the incident. He claimed he really enjoyed blasting my face with the fire extinguisher because I looked like a snowman. Of course... Jungkook is uplifting my mood on purpose during a dire situation like this.

It's his best quality... to me makes me smile with his annoying jokes.
"Seokjin... didn't visit me?" I asked Do-hwan as he fixed my bandage in the medical room. Oh. My parents apparently established a private infirmary in the mansion because they didn't feel too comfortable sending me to the hospital. People gossip too much, and my safety can't be guaranteed out there."I doubt his parents will let him see you after what happened," Do-hwan muttered. He gently wrapped the bandage around my palm after treating the blisters."I really fucked up," I whispered."I think you should break up with Seokjin," Do-hwan sighed, finally lifting his dim eyes to me as I sat on the bed."You too...? Even you will oppose my relationship-""Believe me when I say I want you to be happy, but Sora... Seokjin's household... will never let their son associate with you. They were extremely furious after the media... wrote a twisted article about their households related to the incident. The Kim probably banned Seokjin from visiting you. Why else would he keep his distance?" Do-hwan sadly spoke. I rubbed the dull pain in my chest with a discouraged expression. He's right. Seokjin's mother never favored me. I tried to set Seokjin on fire and even dragged him into this mess with me. She'll never let it slide since the Kims are very sensitive to their household reputation."Seokjin is probably still in shock after... he saw that side of me," I nodded in agreement."The new households withdrew their alliance proposals from your parents after the news broke out. Sora... you have to stop here. Please... I'm afraid you'll get hurt if you resist your parents. Or worse... they might send you away again," Do-hwan gently squeezed my bandaged hand. I stared at the worried man as I struggled to make up my mind. This is my own doing... I dug my own grave with the stupid blunder. I wished I had someone to blame it on, but... who can I blame when it was me who caused all these troubles...?"I should... leave Korea," I whispered. I wanted to return home to Korea... but I've been restless ever since I came back. Maybe... if I disappear again... the society will live on in peace."Do you really wish to live your entire life alone? Away from your family?" Do-hwan asked. I blinked at him in tears."I don't have a family here... Do-hwan. No one will accept me because I'm a cursed child. That's what people called me when I was younger," I pouted, lowering my head to whimper in pain."We're a family... aren't we? You and me... we're not just a master and a servant. Right... Sora?" Do-hwan patted my hand. I lifted my tearful eyes to meet his fond gaze, so I pouted again and leaned forward to hug the man. He tightly pulled me against his sturdy body and gently patted my back as I cried against his shoulder. I have Do-hwan. A father figure I never had. He's more than just a bodyguard to me.
He is my dearest family.
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Third Person POV
The meeting room hummed with noisy discussions as Seokjin argued with his mother before Kim Taehyung and the school principal. Seokjin's mother insisted on interfering with the school's matter even after her son told her to stay out of it."She should be expelled! How can we allow a mentally unstable person to study on campus?! It'll only put the other students at risk!" Mrs. Kim snapped at Seokjin."Isn't it a bit too harsh to expel her?! Sora is a supreme alpha-""So what if she's a supreme alpha!? She tried to blow up this place!" Mrs. Kim exaggerated. Taehyung and the principal glanced back and forth between the son and mother from their seats."The school has tolerated her troubles too many times. The students and staff could've gotten injured because of her reckless acts," The principal finally exhaled to interrupt them. Seokjin clenched his jaw and turned away from his mother, angrily crossing his arms over his chest."She should be disciplined! It's unacceptable to defend her!" Mrs. Kim huffed. Taehyung sat quietly to observe Kim Seokjin's upset frown from across the table."We should give her a chance to issue an appeal before expelling her," Seokjin stubbornly muttered."An appeal? To justify the reason she tried to set the school on fire?!-""She was being bullied by the alphas, eomma! Because of me! Because she was seeing your son! Because I loved her! I'm the reason she got into so much trouble! Everyone thinks it's a crime for me to love her! Did you expect her to bow at their hurtful words? Everything escalated because I stayed quiet and asked her to be patient instead of addressing the problems! She's not the only culprit responsible for all this mess! I'm the root of the problem!" Seokjin angrily bellowed at his mother's face in anger after he lost his temper. Taehyung blankly stared at the glimpse of tears in the alpha's eyes."Did- Did you just- raise your voice at me-!? Kim Seokjin! I'm your mother-!" Mrs. Kim stuttered in shock. She dramatically fainted on the chair to disable her son, but he didn't fall for her pretentious act. Jolt! Seokjin suddenly shot out of his seat to storm out of the room without assisting his mother. Mrs. Kim opened her eyes again to check for Seokjin... only to realize he left without her. The woman funnily sat up and cleared her throat in embarrassment as Taehyung sorely eyed her."Unbelievable," The principal sighed heavily when Mrs. Kim shrieked and got up to chase after her son. Kim Taehyung quietly spun a pen between his slender fingers after the office door slammed shut. The room suddenly grew hushed again after they failed to settle the issue._______________________
Sora's POV
I listlessly walked through the mansion's corridor in my nightgown with nothing on my mind. I've been overthinking days and nights... it's starting to hurt my brain. Jungkook briefly glanced at me with a worried look as we entered the living room to greet the elders and Seokjin's mother. I was afraid to face Seokjin, so I kept my blank eyes on the pearly white tiles. It's not like I can avoid him forever but- Seokjin immediately got up from his seat once he spotted me approaching him. My heart ached intensely upon his anxious frown. Can I do this? It's easy to make up my mind when I'm alone but... when he's in front of me like this... I suddenly couldn't speak anymore."Sora," Seokjin quickly walked forward and pulled me into a crushing hug.
It has been two weeks... since we last saw each other. The elders didn't let me out of the mansion, and Seokjin was forbidden to visit me. Did I miss him...? Of course, I did, but I'm too weary to even... oppose my parent's order. I believed I could win the battle against them, but I lost. My victory... will only shatter everyone. What will I achieve from resisting my mother when it'll only... come at the cost... of losing everything I cherish?

This is a battle I can't win. Unless I wish to kill everyone around me.
"Hey," I replied with a forceful smile after he released me from his arms. Seokjin observed my dark circles anxiously before lowering his hand to hold my bandaged hand with a slight grimace. He glanced back to catch my eyes as I quietly stood before him. Why is he looking at me with so much concern... after what I did to him? He should be furious with me. Like everyone else. It's not right for him to be sympathetic. He's blinded by love... and it's dangerous."The Gae has finally called for an elite meeting to discuss the incident. They will charge the supreme alpha with attempted murder and arson," Mr. Jeon spoke up. Seokjin and I turned to stare at the elders. We settled on the couch with Taehyung and Jungkook. Seokjin held tightly onto my wrist as I stared blankly at my uninjured hand."The Jang should handle the issue. My household will remain muted as long as you bear the accountabilities related to the issues," Mrs. Kim spoke up sternly. Taehyung averted his dark gaze to Mrs. Kim's arrogant statement."It was Sora who provoked the conflict-""Sora? She caused the trouble? That's not true," Jungkook shook his head when eomma tried to speak."There is evidence of Sora burning the dress," Mrs. Jeon pursed her lips at Jungkook. The room grew hushed. That evidence alone is enough... to be found guilty of my crimes."The problem isn't the fire incident alone. A series of events took place way ahead of the occurrence... until it triggered Sora to commit the crime. You're aware of it," Taehyung sighed, averting his dull eyes to Kim Seokjin as he nervously sat beside me."My son would never be involved in such-""That's the problem. Everyone sees your son as a divine entity and Sora as some... sort of monster. Isn't it a bit selfish of your household to solely blame Sora for the incident? When was it ever her fault to love your son? He's the problem," Taehyung interrupted Seokjin's mother. The woman glared at Taehyung in displeasure before averting her eyes to me."Fine. I'll bear the burden with your household. Just this once, I will take responsibility for their acts... but I want the heirs to end their relationship from this moment onward," Seokjin's mother folded her arms as she spoke in a demanding tone."Eomeoni-""Enough, Seokjin! I've given you everything you wanted, but not this! I will not allow you to lose your goodness in this cursed relationship! You two will only end up ruining each other! It's best if you stay separated! If you insist on the relationship- I will not bear the forthcoming catastrophe! Because it's the supreme alpha's choice to stick with my son!" Seokjin's mother snapped. My mother suddenly scoffed while shaking her head."You're talking as if... my daughter is the one... begging to have your son in her life? The supreme alpha? That's ridiculous. Wasn't it... your son who proposed to her? Wasn't it... Kim Seokjin... who came to my daughter's doorstep to plead for her love?" Eomma chuckled while smirking at Seokjin's guilty expression."My son is a pure-""Are you really that pure Seokjin-shi? After all the things you did to Sora behind your closed doors? Mrs. Kim... I don't think your son is as perfect as you think. Tell her... about the profane things you did without your mother's awareness," Taehyung chuckled. Seokjin's face drained in fear when his mother fired him a sharp glare."The elders do not wish to intervene with your relationship, but... this matter... is beyond... your control. We have no choice but to meddle with your love affairs since it's damaging both sides of the household. Why don't you two talk in private? I think it's best... if we let the couple speak first," Mr. Jeon suggested. Seokjin and I turned to stare at one another in silence. The elders eventually agreed to let us speak, so I took Seokjin to my bedroom."Does your hand hurt?" Seokjin gulped as he settled beside me on the couch. I stared blankly at the fresh bandage without blinking until the terrifying nightmare contaminated my mind again. Is that all he's worried about? There's a bigger problem to resolve... we can't distract ourselves over a mere injury like this."I'm sorry for... causing you all this madness," I whispered without looking at him. The nightmare keeps appearing whenever I look at his face. I'm afraid it'll become a reality."Sora, it's mainly my fault. And if you're upset about my mother's words-""I hate the fact... that your mother is not wrong about me... and my family," I whispered, turning to face him in tears. Seokjin sat stiffly in his seat as he uneasily scanned my torn expression. She was never wrong. I'd be in denial... if I refused to admit the truth."Sora, you can't possibly believe my mother-""I don't believe her, but I know who I really... am. The crimes... I'm capable of committing. And you know nothing about my life. Nothing at all," I whispered, slightly shaking my head. I thought... I could neglect my past by focusing on the present... thinking it was healthy for me, but look at the outcome of my neglect. I became a monster. Seokjin furrowed his eyebrows at my words... slowly reaching out to hold my injured hand."Then... show it to me. The real you... if it's the mask I'm in love with, then at least grant me a chance to see below your filters. Don't just push me away... and tell me I'm clueless about the real you," Seokjin shook his head. A droplet of tears slipped from my eyes, so I quickly wiped it away. How can I tell him everything when it comes at a cost? My existence is a crime."You saw it... the day... I tried to burn down everything. That day... I could've hurt you-""I'm totally fine! The flames didn't even scratch me! It burnt you!" Seokjin argued, tightening his grip around my bandage. I smiled in tears. See? He's also in denial. Seokjin-ah... you can't overlook my actions like this because you believe the good in me. It'll only ruin your pure heart."I'm a self-destructing soul, Seokjin. And I will... definitely... destroy you too. I can't control myself and I'm afraid... we'll only end up breaking each other. Like I said... I am not the protagonist in this story. My family... they're no saints. They're monsters... and it's natural for your parents to fear us. Why don't you let me go now and be the prince charming you are? I'm sure you'll find a woman to match your high standards," I muttered, turning to stare at him with my burning gaze. Seokjin quietly watched the swelling tears in my eyes."How can you say all these words... when it's tearing you apart? How can you hurt your feelings like this when... I am trying to love you...? Tell me, Sora. Why is it that you keep hurting your own feelings like this?" Seokjin asked, reaching out to brush my tears. I whimpered and lowered my head to sob with my hands pressed against my face. How can he touch me with so much affection? He can't do this to himself. How can he touch the thorn again... and again... after it pricked his fingers. He'll end up with an infected wound."It's in my nature... to... deal with problems this way, and I will not change. Seokjin listen to me-""Don't call my name as if you're trying to bid your farewell!" Seokjin seethed, causing me to grow hushed when he shoved my hand off his. I bit my trembling lips at his torn expression. That's right. Pour your anger onto me. Punish me with your disappointment."I am only trying to protect you-""That's a dumb excuse! The only thing you should be protecting is our love and yourself! I can care for myself- and I don't need you to drown yourself to protect me!" Seokjin suddenly snapped in my face. I purse my lips with my eyes fixed on his red ears. He's upset. I need to... push him to his limits... until he walks away."Let's... break up," I whispered without blinking. Seokjin's face drained in horror at my words."Are you really going to do this again..? Hmm? You're going to cowardly back off and run like this after... after claiming to love me?" He asked in disbelief, making my chest ache in extreme pain."You can't chase after me forever," I forcefully smiled. Seokjin scoffed, weakly leaning back against the couch once he failed to convince me. He sat in absolute silence with his dim gaze on the plain wall before us, so I rubbed away my tears and glanced out the gloomy window. He has to give up on me. He has to. It's best if we part ways now."Do as you wish," Seokjin coldly spoke up after a long pause between us. I turned to look up at him when he suddenly got up from the couch to collect his phone and strode out of my room. Clack. I sat in silence after he shut my door behind his back. Even with the way I mistreated him... Seokjin did not slam my door... and left in peace.An excruciating pain suddenly tore my chest apart as I listened to his fading footsteps. I gripped my nightgown in difficulty when I felt the urge to get up and chase after him, but I whimpered and lowered my head to sob instead.
I can't... I can't run after him. This has to be the end. It has to be.

______________________

I got extremely sick after the breakup and was completely disabled by a high fever. My throat was sore... and my body ached so much I couldn't lift my muscles. Do-hwan and imo had to care for me in the medical room with our personal medical team. I didn't get out of bed for days and would cry out my grief in the empty room whenever I was alone.
It felt like... I could never... escape the cold darkness as I remained hidden behind the dull mansion walls. Jungkook tried to uplift my mood and I'd smile at his jokes, but it was all temporary. Once he leaves... I am left with nothing but an aching heart. I glanced at my phone on the table beside my desk with an empty stare. Nothing. Seokjin didn't contact me, and I was hopelessly rooting for his call. It felt like I was dying in a cold storm.
Why can't I console my aching heart...? My mind told me it was an easy task to accomplish... but my body is physically suffering from my bleeding heart.

______________________
I stared emptily at the windy rainstorm outside the car's window as the driver pulled into the elite land. Taehyung glanced at me worriedly as I stared at the gloomy sky without blinking. We finally arrived... so the driver got out of his seat to hover an umbrella over Taehyung. Taehyung circled the car with the umbrella and finally pulled the door open for me. I sniffled after blinking out of my thoughts before stepping out into the cold shower with him."You don't have to say anything. Just stay quiet. I'll handle the matter," Taehyung quietly reminded me as we entered the venue to find the other households gathered at their respective seats. I nodded, so Taehyung gently steered my shoulder toward our seats. My eyes finally landed on Seokjin from across the room to find him staring at the files on his desk with a slight frown.A rush of dreadful emotions suddenly ripped through my wounded chest all over again as my heart begged me to hold him... but I ignored my desperate plea and glanced away to observe the hall's interior. Taehyung strode back to the third row... so I sat alone with a cool patch plastered over my heated forehead. I lifted the tissue to rub my nose when the slimy snot wouldn't stop running as my mother adjusted my scarf to keep me warm. I didn't budge and sat motionless in my seat with my puffy eyes trained on the paper before me. Even the letters and words didn't make sense to me. I was an empty shell.The moderator welcomed the alphas, but I didn't pay attention and blanked out in my seat until I noticed people arguing inside the room. I finally blinked and lifted my gaze to find Seokjin staring at me... from across the room. He immediately glanced away, so I gulped and blinked at the lower row to find... Haerim's household speaking in a demanding tone."-How can you accuse my daughter of bullying the supreme alpha!? She has no power to do so! Everyone at the lounge saw the supreme alpha setting a dress on fire! It's the supreme alpha, who was abusing her power!" Mr. Gae argued with my parents. I squeezed my hand and sat in silence. How can they twist the story like this? I'm so tired. I'm really tired... I just... want to disappear from this world."And why isn't she speaking a word?! Speak up! Tell them what you did to our daughter! My poor Haerim is traumatized because of you!" Mrs. Gae snapped at me. I lifted my gaze to find Haerim huddling in her seat... like a scared puppy.Taehyung turned his head from his seat to fire me a warning stare, signaling me to stay calm, so I sighed heavily and lowered my face again. Haerim has the upper hand in this conflict. Even Taehyung can't do anything against her. That's right. I'm a puppet. I must sit still and do nothing until they order me to lift my finger or open my mouth."Eomma... I'm dizzy..." I whispered, turning to stare at her stern face. She glanced at me, carefully placing her palm on my cheek to feel my body temperature."I'll ask Do-hwan to escort you home," Eomma sighed once she realized my fever had gone up again. I swallowed my sore throat in difficulty when I turned to find Do-hwan waiting for me by the entrance."I'll get up myself," I muttered. My mother watched me with a grim look as I weakly stood up from my seat. The room grew hushed when they noticed me walking down the stairs. Thump... Thump... Thump... Jungkook and Taehyung turned to watch me anxiously as I kept my eyes on the stairs below my feet until Do-hwan rushed into the room and climbed the stairs to escort me."The supreme alpha is feeling unwell, so she will-""Oh?! She's pretending to be sick now to avoid the issues?!" Someone mocked out loud. Do-hwan tightened his grip around my frail body as I fought to keep my heavy eyelids... open. I'm so cold."Her household is present to resolve the conflict. You can negotiate with us," Taehyung dawdled. the chief guard led me to the door... so I slowly turned to search for Seokjin... but he wasn't looking at me. The alpha kept his stern gaze on his paper. My eyes suddenly swelled in tears at his neglect, so I sniffled and turned away to leave the hall. What did I expect after pushing him away? He finally listened to me after... I begged him to.
A moment later.
I ended up sitting on the medical bed again after the nurse and doctor did a brief health checkup on my feeble health. They managed to lower my fever with a couple of pills. I sat quietly with a laptop on my lap to surf the internet. It was the only way to distract my broken heart.Do-hwan suddenly entered with a warm bowl of soup for me, so I placed the device away and slurped the warm herbal stew as he sadly watched me from the couch. The man got up to adjust the heater when the room grew slightly too cold, so I lifted my face to stare at the terrifying storm outside the mansion as the sky shattered into pieces with every lightning strike. The dull thunder rumbled over the city as the violent shower splashed against the massive arch window with its cold droplets.My chief guard eventually fell asleep on the couch beside my bed with his arms crossed as I stared out the window with a downcast look. The storm finally calmed down after unleashing its grief on the world. It's drizzling lightly over the mansion. The air must be refreshing. Sighing... I got off the medical bed to search for a pen in the drawer to scribble on a small note before leaving it on the bed for Do-hwan so he wouldn't panic once he woke up. I nudged the door to my bedroom open and headed straight inside my closet to take off my gown. I pulled on warm clothes before walking out of my room with a cap over my head.The sky cleared up, but the strong scent of wet soil was still in the air as I strolled through the garden. I can't leave through the gate... or they'll find out. Sighing, I wandered around the property to search for a loophole until I found an unsecured area behind the ball house. I climbed over the massive dustbin and reached for the high wall.I gripped the slippery cement, swung my leg over it... and finally toppled onto the sidewalk by the mansion. I groaned in discomfort when I felt my hand stinging under the bandage, but I immediately straightened my back and walked off before the guards noticed me. Where should I go? I didn't know. Somewhere... far from this society, perhaps. I stood quietly on the sidewalk a few blocks from the mansion until I found a familiar scooter approaching me with its dim headlight on the empty street."You came," I smiled when Yoongi appeared."You called," Yoongi nodded, getting off his scooter to grab a spare helmet from the small trunk. I quickly placed it on my head and got on behind his back to hug his waist. Yoongi carefully drove away on the damp street until the mansion disappeared from sight. I smiled weakly with my chin rested on his shoulder as he took me on a refreshing nighttime ride out of the city.
This is the break I needed to soothe my mind!
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Third Person POV
The alphas sat quietly in their respective seats as the professor demonstrated a theory for the class. Kim Taehyung dully stared at the screen with his arms crossed as Jeon Jungkook doodled over his book with a pen. Park Jimin was dozing off in the back seat as Hoseok tried to note down the professor's words. Kim Namjoon sat quietly by the window to read his book.Minah was updating her blog post on her laptop computer as Mira and Minho texted each other across the class. Haerim was zoning out in her seat as she stared at Kim Seokjin from the back seat. The alpha lightly tapped on his phone that was hidden behind his book. Seokjin sighed and lifted his gaze to look at the professor, only to find Sora's empty seat at the front of the class.A flash of memories filled his mind when he found her smiling so... brightly from her seat. The way... her cheeks flushed red when he caught her eyes. And the way he felt this... strange soothing warmness expanding over his chest at her adorable smile...Seokjin blinked out of his thoughts and lowered his gaze to look at his empty chat box. He clicked on Sora's account to check their previous chats. The alpha scrolled through their conversation to find random photos of Sora's food after she cooked it. She would always... show him her new recipes. Seokjin exhaled and tapped on... her contact to stare at her number. The alpha suddenly switched off his phone and lowered his head to stare at his book, resisting the urge to contact her."Excuse me-" A man suddenly knocked on the lecture room's door and Do-hwan poked his head inside the class with a pale expression. The alphas lifted their head to stare at the bodyguard as the professor paused mid-sentence. The chief guard signaled... Jungkook and Taehyung to leave the class as they stared at him from their seats with slight frowns.
Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.
An unexpected notification chimed on everyone's phone. The alphas lifted their phone to stare at the announcement in confusion. Minah was the first to gasp in her seat after she read the texts. Kim Namjoon lowered his book to observe the class when everyone started chattering over the news. Kim Seokjin blinked in confusion as he uneasily straightened his back. Jungkook and Taehyung got up to speak with Do-hwan."Sora left?!" Minah shrieked, quickly covering her lips in shock. The room suddenly lost focus, and everyone was suddenly gossiping out loud, leaving the professor baffled in his position. Kim Seokjin turned back and forth uneasily as Haerim read the news on her phone."-Moh!? What do you mean she disappeared!? Wasn't she with you last night?!" Kim Taehyung's voice thundered from outside the room."You freaking bitch!" Minah turned to scream at Haerim in anger. Ding. Seokjin lowered his eyes to the notification on his phone with a blank face. He tapped on the article...
Jang Sora... spotted... at Incheon Airport.
Seokjin blanked out as he stared at the title. He clicked on the article to find a few blurry pics of the supreme alpha entering the airport... by herself. Seokjin unsurely skimmed the article... as they stated her whereabouts. 8:00 AM. She disappeared inside the airport at 8:00 AM. Seokjin glanced at the time on his phone. 9:23 AM."Shit! She can't leave!" Taehyung suddenly roared, startling everyone with his outburst.The alphas turned to find Kim Taehyung sprinting away with Jungkook and their bodyguard. Everyone rose from their seat to peak at the alphas unsurely. Seokjin blinked at the news as he sat composed in his seat. Gulping, he slowly switched the screen to Sora's contact. He clicked on her phone number. Ringing...Kim Seokjin stared intensely at his screen as he waited for her to pick up his call.
Ringing...
Declined. The user you're contacting is unavailable.Seokjin sucked in his breath and clicked on her number again... but this time... his call was automatically denied. She blocked him. The alpha's sat back against his seat with a restless frown as an uncomfortable pain hammered his chest. Seokjin slowly turned to look at the gloomy sky in dread before glancing back at his phone. CRASH.Kim Seokjin suddenly shot up from his table and dashed out of the class with his phone gripped tightly between his fingers. The alpha ran across the campus to the parking lot and shot out of the university in his car. He pressed his shoe against the accelerator and steered sharply on the street until he reached the Jang's mansion to find a bunch of vehicles and guards inside the property. Kim Seokjin immediately got out of his car to rush inside the bustling doorway in bewilderment."-I don't know! Our lady wasn't there when I entered!" The nurse explained to the elders."I was with her! But- I fell asleep for a moment- She said she'll be back!" Do-hwan handed Taehyung the small note."And she didn't return!?" Jungkook gasped."Send out everyone to comb the streer for her!" Mr. Jang roared."The news said she left Korea! Someone spotted her at the airport earlier! Sora must've bought a flight ticket using the household's bank account! Check for the flight information!" Taehyung snapped, frantically drawing out his phone to tap on the screen as Mr. Jeon contacted their personal secretaries to run a check-up."What are you doing here?!" Jungkook turned to glower at Kim Seokjin. The alpha blinked out of his thoughts when he found himself... standing inside Sora's mansion without realizing his intention. The elders turned to frown at Kim Seokjin with a questioning look."S-Sora... is she..." Seokjin whispered, unable to finish his sentence when a hot lump formed in his throat."How dare you show up here after accepting Gae Haerim as your official alliance last night?!" Taehyung bellowed at Seokjin in anger.
The Kims household announced their alliance with the Gae right after Jang Sora left the venue. And unlike what Seokjin's mother promised the Jang... the Kim backed off to support Gae Haerim in the dispute instead of siding with Jang Sora. Everyone voted against Sora... and Seokjin remained silent the entire night.
"Are you sure?!" Mr. Jeon frowned as he spoke on the phone. The man slowly turned to stare at the elders in horror. Taehyung clenched Sora's note in his palm as he stared at Jungkook's father's fearful expression."What is it?!" Jungkook asked impatiently."Sora... didn't use the household bank account to purchase the flight ticket. We have no information regarding her flight," Mr. Jeon lowered his phone in horror. Dread swept across the entire mansion when they realized Jang Sora... left without a trace. Seokjin's heart sunk in horror at the devastating news.
Meanwhile...
Jang Sora sat quietly in her economy seat with a little child and a mother. The child cutely smiled at the supreme alpha, so she smiled back at the little boy. Sora exhaled as she adjusted her safety belt, then turned to look out the foggy window as the plane slowly rolled over the runway to prepare for takeoff.

The supreme alpha glanced down at her phone to find the exploding missed calls and texts on the screen. She deleted all the notifications, switched on the airplane mood, and then leaned back to close her eyes until she felt the plane stopping for a split second before it blasted forward on the runway... the aircraft tilted upward until the wheel lifted off the ground... and Sora was finally leaving the airport... as the plane soared into the dark clouds.Min Yoongi stared calmly at the sky as he stood by a taxi to watch a plane take off from the airport. The man didn't blink as he watched the white aircraft disappear into the foggy clouds. He blinked gloomily and finally lowered his head to stride towards a taxi... just as a rush of black vehicles poured into the airport. Yoongi turned to stare at the commotion when a flock of SWAT teams hopped off the vehicle to rush inside the building in their black military outfit.Do-hwan suddenly got out of one of the cars. Yoongi frowned at the flood of men before averting his eyes back to the sky again. It was too late. She had already left the country with his help. Yoongi sighed, got into the taxi, and left the airport as the alphas frantically searched for the supreme alpha.
One Year Later
Sora's POVI carefully locked the store's door and turned to walk on the usual path to my house. The street was empty... but a few people would jog past me... now and then.
I ran away from home. My family panicked after I left Korea without notifying them, so I eventually contacted my mother to let her know I returned to reside in our house here in the States. I didn't have to worry about bumping into my friends after returning because I heard they had all left to study in different parts of the world. Why did I return? To avoid the problems obviously. I felt... as if I was losing my mind there because of the ongoing troubles.
I prefer to live a lonesome life like this... it's less of a burden for me. Oh. I don't live alone. I actually lease a room in my house to a roommate. It was weird... how we met, but we live together. We don't talk that often since she works at night and I work during the day at a local donut shop. I turned to stroll down the pavement. The windows were oddly dark. Why didn't she leave the lights on?"Did Yuri leave already?" I muttered, pulling out my key to unlock the door, but it was already unlocked. Huh? I frowned and pushed the door open- CRASH! I halted in horror when I spotted someone hurling a vase across the room in the dark. Another person dodged the impact as I stood frozen by the door. He suddenly scrambled towards me. I stiffened in shock."ARGH!" The man grunted in pain when Yuri grabbed a handful of his hair just before he reached me. I flinched at the rough impact as Yuri tackled the man onto the floor to disable him."Call the police! There's an intruder! Argh!-" Yuri gritted. I shakily grabbed my phone from my bag to call the police when the man suddenly swung Yuri off his back. CRASH! She fell backward and toppled hard over the coffee table with a low grunt."Sora! It's me!" The man suddenly snapped, grabbing the phone from my hand to stop me from calling the police. I froze in my place when I immediately recognized his voice. Slowly... the man lifted his face to glower at me from under his hood. The side of his head was bleeding as he panted heavily over me. I stood... cemented in place as I scanned his dark eyes with my mouth half open."Tae-Taehyung...?" I whispered in horror when I found Kim Taehyung standing before me in his black hoodie, skinny tight jeans, and heavy black boots. THUD. Taehyung opened his mouth to speak when Yuri violently swung a ukulele against his head. The alpha suddenly collapsed onto the floor as I froze by the doorway. Yuri panted heavily with the broken instrument gripped in her hands after he passed out. We stared at each other in complete silence.Slowly... I averted my terrified eyes from Yuri to Taehyung... as he lay unconscious at my feet.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
Taehyung remained unconscious on the couch that was apparently too short for his long legs in the dim living room of my house without budging after taking the harsh blow to his head. Is he dead? I gently compressed the cold towel over his wound to soothe the swollen bump while sitting on the floor. It was a small cut in his hairline, but the blood was really heavy... I had to wash the towel four times to stop it from bleeding. He didn't stir and remained lifeless as I gently treated his injury with disinfectants and ointments. I heard Yuri strolling down the stairs, so I turned to find her standing by the staircase with her suspicious gaze on Taehyung's uninvited presence."Are you sure he's harmless?" Yuri asked, walking up to me with her arms crossed."He's my relative," I muttered, turning to tape a bandage on his wound. Yuri narrowed her eyes at Taehyung, unconvinced by my assurance."Why did he have to break inside your house-""He probably wanted to surprise me," I shook my head. Yuri kept her suspicious gaze on him and stood without speaking to watch me treat his wounds."There's seaweed soup in the pot. I'm late for work. Call me if you need anything," Yuri exhaled, finally giving up on suspecting the stranger she knocked out with her favorite instrument."Thanks for the soup," I nodded without looking at her. I heard Yuri leaving through the front door with her jiggling keys. Thud. I sighed and stared at Taehyung's alarming condition with a slight frown. Should I take him to the hospital? What if he's suffering from a concussion? I bit my lower lips and glanced at the broken ukulele worriedly.Sighing, I got onto my feet to collect the first aid kit, placed it back in the drawers, and strolled inside the dark kitchen to heat the pot. I opened the fridge to search for additional ingredients, but it was empty. Right. It's Yuri's turn to grab groceries today. I sighed and turned to stare at the dim flame under the pot as I waited for it to boil until I was lost in my deep thoughts. Why is Taehyung here...? I grabbed a water bottle from the fridge and turned to stroll inside the living room, abruptly halting when I noticed the... empty couch. Oh? Where did he go?I stared at the couch with my eyes wide open and was about to walk forward when I felt a looming presence behind me. Swift! A strong arm swiftly slithered around my neck from behind, causing me to gasp in shock until the water bottle dropped from my hand as Taehyung head-locked me with all his might to restrain my body. He roughly held me captive as I gripped his muscular arm in distress until I started coughing in distress from the pressure around my throat."Where is Sora?!- Argh!-" He gritted in a low voice. Slam! I elbowed him hard in his stomach. Taehyung immediately loosened his grip at the painful impact, so I firmly grabbed his arm, hastily wrestling it to disable him before he could counter me, and slammed his body hard against the wall with his arm twisted behind his back. THUD."Are you crazy-?!" I snapped in horror as Taehyung grunted against the wall."Yah!- Let me go! I thought it was the stupid girl!" Taehyung grunted. I quickly released him with my hair dangling messily over my face as Taehyung rubbed his shoulder in discomfort. He turned to glare at me in annoyance."I wouldn't know if you were intentionally strangling me!" I snapped while rubbing my sore neck in irritation. How can he attack me like this!?"I'm sorry! The girl you live with is a fierce fighter! How can you live with a dangerous person like her?!" Taehyung snapped, lowering his body to snatch the bottle from the floor, and stormed off to sit on the couch. I glared at him in annoyance."Why did you break inside my house?! Was it that hard to ring my doorbell!?" I fired, crossing my arms while watching him gulp thirstily from the bottle. The alpha wiped his lips with his forearm and shifted his dark gaze to me. He caused the misunderstanding with Yuri himself! Of course, she'd react the way she did with the presence of a stranger inside our house!"I saw the woman in your house, so I thought you were in trouble," He muttered, lightly touching his injured head. I bitterly stared at him in silence. He fired me an annoyed glare... but I couldn't stand watching him in the condition... so I stormed back into the kitchen.
A moment later...
Taehyung slurped the seaweed soup quietly with a bowl of rice as I sat across from him. He was weirdly quiet and ate hungrily, so I glanced at the bandage on his head in guilt."Should we visit the hospital?" I asked. Taehyung wiped his greasy lips with his hand and looked up at me."I'm fine. It probably knocked me out because I was already exhausted from the long flight," He shrugged, turning to look at the broken ukulele. I lifted the bowls and did the dishes as Taehyung showered in my bathroom on the first floor. I gathered his light backpack and walked upstairs to find him poking around my bedroom drawers with a towel wrapped loosely around his waistline."It's pretty cozy in here," He muttered as I dropped the bag on a chair by my desk."There are only two rooms in this house and Yuri owns one of the rooms, so-""I don't want to sleep on the couch. Your roommate might smash my skull with a crowbar," Taehyung exhaled, turning around to face me with his eyebrow raised and hands on his strong hips. I briefly glanced at his damp torso before averting my eyes away from his distracting muscles."I was gonna share the bed with you," I shrugged, shut the door, and entered the bathroom to shower.I heard Taehyung moving around my room but didn't care and brushed my teeth, finally stepping out to find him... lying on my bed with his eyes closed. He's asleep? I quietly placed my wet towel away and crawled onto the mattress when I noticed a box of... sweet rice cake beside him. I pursed my lips and glanced up at his closed eyes unsurely. Did he get it for me? I blinked and reached out for the paper box. Snatch! Taehyung suddenly grabbed my wrist, causing me to flinch in panic."You never changed," He chuckled, slowly opening his dark eyes to stare at me as I sat on the bed in my pajamas."Why did you bring it if it weren't for me?" I frowned in annoyance. It's been so long since I had sweet rice cakes."Of course, it's a gift for you," Taehyung smiled, pushing his heavy body off the mattress to sit cross-leg before me. He released my hand, grabbed a package from the pack, and gently unwrapped it for me before lifting the soft cake to my lips, so I opened my mouth to let him feed me. The alpha smiled and rubbed the sweet powder from the corner of my lips."Is this homemade?!" I gasped, glancing at the package in shock as soon as I tasted the familiar melting honey on my tongue."Yup. Imo made it with me," Taehyung nodded, unwrapping another rice cake to push it in his mouth. I frantically tried to seize the entire box, but Taehyung grabbed both my wrists to stop me from snatching the sweet rice cake."You said it's for me! Why are you eating it?!" I whined, possessively trying to tug my hand away, but he only chuckled as he chewed the cake in his mouth."I'll make it for you every day if you return to Korea," Taehyung smiled. My face immediately neutralized at his words. So that's why he's here? I expected it, but I'm still surprised."That's why you came," I muttered, easing my body and tried to withdraw my hands from his grip. Taehyung didn't release my wrist but he loosened his grip to hold my hands instead. The man gave me a light squeeze with his tender gaze on my wary expression. What's the matter with him?"Sora. You're safer at home," He sighed. I stared at him in utter silence. Sure. I was safe at home... physically... but mentally...? They were breaking me."I'm not returning," I muttered as he interlaced his fingers in mine to hold me with his warm grip. Taehyung sat with his legs crossed as he searched my pale face, eventually letting out a heavy sigh after he failed to uncover whatever he was after.

"Urgh- I need water. The rice cake is a bit too sweet," He cleared his throat and turned to grab a water bottle from my nightstand, eventually releasing my hands from his. I glanced back at the box, quickly grabbed it, and scrambled off my bed to put it away, so he wouldn't eat the remaining rice cake. Taehyung laughed at my possessiveness while gulping the water with his eyes trained on me."Head back home. There's no point in convincing me," I muttered, getting back into the bed after Taehyung placed the bottle away. He slid under the blanket with me, carefully resting his body beside mine with arms tucked under his head."I'm on a school break. That's why I came to visit you because it's boring at home," Taehyung mumbled with his eyes on the glowing star stickers on my ceiling."Don't lie to me. I know my mother sent you on a mission to bring me back," I replied as I stared at the glowy stars above us."If she wanted you back... she could've sent Do-hwan. Not me," Taehyung replied. Do-hwan... I miss him. I turned on my side to face away from Taehyung as I thought about the people I left behind without a goodbye. It was thoughtless of me to abandon them without a proper farewell... but I had to escape the society."I'm not returning," I mumbled."You left without a goodbye, so it's not a goodbye," Taehyung replied. I tugged the soft blanket to my nose and closed my eyes to shut out the dreadful thoughts. My heart thumped painfully with every pump when the memories... of Seokjin... appeared in my head.
I wanted to ask Taehyung about his well-being, but that would be inappropriate. Only Jungkook contacted me after he stalked social media to search for my private account. I didn't contact anyone else besides him. Jungkook would text and call me when he was free... so I didn't feel as lonely here.

Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung lifted his head off the pillow and glanced at Sora as she remained with her back turned on him. The alpha scratched his scalp and lowered his head back onto the pillow once he realized she was fast asleep. Murmur. Sora grumbled under her breath as she stirred under the blanket, so Taehyung turned his head on the pillow again to listen to her soft whimper.The alpha carefully extended his arm over her pillow to position his hand over her head. He gently caressed her scalp in the dark room with his eyes fixed on her wavy black hair until she stopped groaning in her sleep. And yet... Taehyung didn't dare withdraw his hand because he was afraid she'd whimper again.The alpha sighed and turned to stare at the glowy artificial stars on the ceiling when Sora suddenly rolled over to swing her arm over his chest. She rested her head on his upper bicep, sleepily tugging his warm body against hers. Taehyung didn't budge and glanced down at her cute puffy cheeks until he was reminded of their old days. She didn't change. At all. The cute chubby little girl... was still holding him in her sleep. Taehyung gently lifted his hand to caress her head as she remained on his bicep. Sora panted softly and snuggled her face against his cheek, making him smile at the ticklish sensation, but he didn't move and remained in his position to hold her."I will kill you," Sora muttered under her breath. Taehyung frowned when she suddenly sleep-talked against his face."You already did, pabo. You killed my soul since the day you left my side," Taehyung smiled, lowering his hand from her head to massage her shoulder. Sora muttered nonsense under her breath throughout the night, eventually swinging her heavy leg over his body and scooted closer."Yup. She didn't change at all- Urgh!" Taehyung muttered, trying to push her shoulder away to make her lay on her back when Sora suddenly climbed over his body to sleep on him.Kim Taehyung huffed in disbelief when he felt her dead weight weighing down on his body, suffocating him against the mattress. Sora unconsciously hugged his head... as she laid face down over Taehyung's body like a baby sleeping on top of their father. Taehyung panted heavily and tried to lift her off his body... but she only tightened her grip around him until the alpha gave up and slumped both his arms to the sides in exhaustion."You and your bad habits..." Taehyung groaned as she dozed off on his body. He slowly raised his arm to engulf her body, gently patting her back to put her into a peaceful sleep before rolling his body to his side to rest her back on the mattress. Sora unconsciously tasted her lips and turned to sprawl on the bed after she released Taehyung's trunk.It always works... Taehyung would always have to hold her on his body for a good half an hour before shifting to the side to lower her back on her mattress, and she'll stop stirring in her sleep. He's been doing it since she was a young child. Taehyung sighed when she was finally at peace and turned to lay his back again... and usually... after the exhausting night of trying to calm the child... the oldest alpha would... also... drift off into a deep sleep from the exhaustion of nurturing Sora's needy nature. Kim Taehyung's eyelids slowly dropped until he descended into a deep sleep. His loud snores... beginning to fill the quiet room."Urgh- He's loud-" Sora suddenly pushed her body weight off the mattress with her eyes closed. She sat up to scratch her head, then turned to find Taehyung sleeping... face first on her pillow. He was drooling all over the sheet. She turned to stare at her digital clock... 6:08 AM. She woke up before her alarm. The supreme alpha leaned over the mattress to dab off Taehyung's drool and gently towed body to make him sleep on his back. She carefully closed his parted lips and tugged the blanket up to his chin. Kim Taehyung stopped snoring after she adjusted the pillow under his neck. Just like in their old days... The youngest alpha would always wake first at the disturbance of Kim Taehyung's snores. She would dab his drool, turn him over, close his open lips, and tuck him into bed. And just like magic... the loud snore will cease... and the oldest alpha will drift into a peaceful sleep. 
Sora's POV
I crawled off the bed after helping Taehyung sleep in a comfortable position, then entered the bathroom to wash up before strolling out to pull on my clothes. Yuri softly knocked to announce her presence as I brushed my hair... so I hurried over to open the door- because I didn't want her to wake Taehyung from his sleep. Yuri is still dressed in the same clothes she wore out last night. She stared past me to watch Taehyung sleep on my bed."Is he your boyfriend?" Yuri asked as she stood at my door with a sore face."No. We're like a family," I muttered. She skeptically watched him and glanced back at me."Got this for you on the way home," Yuri pushed a pack of sweets into my hand."Can you watch over him while I'm away? Try not to crack his skull again. Oh. Leave a plate of meal for him if you're going to cook," I smiled, closing the door behind my back as I stepped into the corridor to speak with her."What is he? A baby?" Yuri rolled her eyes. I apologetically smiled at her, so she shook her head and strode away to enter her room after her tiresome night shift. I quickly hurried down the stairs and headed to work without informing Taehyung to find my manager mopping the floor. He was startled because I was earlier than usual.
The store was oddly busy today, so I had to rush back and forth to help my coworkers meet our customer's demands. We had to bake fresh donuts and knead more dough to meet the overflowing requests. Lucas eventually took over my role as a cashier so I could have a lunch break at roughly 2:00 PM in the afternoon. I didn't dare take too long with my meal and stuffed the food into my mouth until my cheeks inflated like a hamster. Emma was frying the donuts as James kneaded the dough.
"My shoulders are hurting again," Lucas groaned after the store finally cleared up. I entered the counter to find him rubbing his back in exhaustion while leaning his skinny body against the counter.

"I'll cover for the next hour," I informed while arranging the tissues in the empty dispenser."He's hot," Lucas whispered with his hand tucked under his chin. I raised my eyebrow and glanced in the direction Lucas was staring at to find a familiar person... sitting at a table in the corner of the store. What is he doing here? Taehyung was quietly reading a book with a black cap over his head and a half-eaten glazed donut on the plate. I quickly circled the counter to approach Taehyung.

"Are you out of your mind? What are you doing here?" I asked. Taehyung shifted his dull gaze from the book to stare at me from under his cap."So this is how you survive without burdening our household's assets?" He asked. I grimaced at his faint smile before turning to find Lucas grinning at me from the counter."You should really return to Korea-""I'm not leaving without you. Should I sign up for a part-time job here too?" Taehyung nodded at the hiring paper on the glass window with a smug smile."You'll burn down the store," I shook my head and turned away. Taehyung fired me an annoyed glare. Lucas keenly straightened his body as I approached him."Did you ask him for his number?" Lucas excitedly beamed at me."He's my relative," I shook my head."Are you serious?! You don't look alike!" He gasped, glancing back and forth between Taehyung and me."Does he have a girlfriend?" Emma muttered. Lucas and I quickly turned to find her staring at Taehyung with her dreamy eyes."I'm not sure. But I think... He's single," I smiled."Give me his number," Emma grinned. Lucus wouldn't stop joking about Taehyung as we loaded the fresh batch of donuts onto the display.
Taehyung stayed at the donut shop the entire day without disrupting me, even after I told him to head home first. He refused and waited for me until my shift ended, so I got changed and took him to a nearby bar for our late-night dinner. Taehyung kept his eyes on his phone the entire time we were eating.
"Your roommate. Who is she?" Taehyung asked, finally placing his phone away as I drank the cold beer from the thick glass cup."Yuri?" I asked unsurely."What does she do?" Taehyung asked as he dipped the french fries in the bowl of ketchup."I'm not sure. But Yuri said she works at a bar," I shrugged. Taehyung fired me a disapproving look."How can you blindly live a stranger? I don't think she's an ordinary person. The woman can fight," Taehyung shook his head."She's pretty laid back. We go about our days without interfering with each other's life," I shrugged dismissively. It's only natural for Yuri to fight with Taehyung. She thought he broke into our house."We have to return to Korea-""I told you I'm not leaving-""The society is murdering each other, Sora. A lower rank died earlier this week. And two got severely injured last month. The households are acting up, and I'm afraid they'll come after you," Taehyung frowned at me. I blanked out at his words. Attacks? The alphas are attacking each other?"Why are they attacking each other?" I asked while frowning at Taehyung's grim face."The new anonymous households are too powerful. It's causing the society to grow unstable. The greedy alphas are after one another to strengthen their assets," Taehyung sighed, leaning back against the leather seat with a worried frown."There's nothing I can do even if I return with you-""We already took care of your problems. I can convince the principal to let you back in school. Are you really enjoying this life? Selling donuts? Sora. You're the supreme alpha," Taehyung frowned. I bit my lower lips. Right. I hate my job, but I like the peace. I will never get anywhere performing repetitive tasks every day... and I'll eventually grow sick of it."People will try to drag me again-""I promise I'll fucking drag their asses on a jagged path if they dare harm you again. I was stupid when you first returned last year because of our unresolved problems.... but I swear I'll never sit still again," Taehyung keenly leaned over the table to examine my conflicted face."I'm not safe out here anymore?" I asked, sadly looking into his eyes. I knew I could never escape society... but I ran anyways. This is a mere break and never an escape from my responsibilities. I knew that. I knew they'd come to escort me again... and I knew I wouldn't be able to run anymore."If you choose to stay... you'll only put everyone around you at risk. Your roommate and your work colleague. They'll become innocent victims once the alphas pin your location, so it's best for you to leave before it's too late," Taehyung warned me. He's right. The alphas might attack me here... and it'll endanger the innocent people around me."I want to know everything before I return. The reason you're here," I sighed, leaning back against the seat with my arms crossed. Taehyung searched my suspicious stare unsurely before lowering his head to rub his face."If you return... the elders will announce our engagement," Taehyung confessed. I stared at him in silence. Of course. They're still after Taehyung and me."That's why you're here? Because of the engagement?" I asked with my arms crossed."Your parents didn't send me. I came at my own will because I want to speak with you in person. Your parents only allowed you to leave the country for this long.... because they wanted to detach you from Kim Seokjin. Now that he's out of the way... they will bring you back and I don't want to see them dragging you back into the mansion against your will. That's why I'm here. To assure you," Taehyung clasped his hands together."I rarely think about Kim Seokjin... and I feel nothing when I think of him now. But that's because I haven't seen him in so long. I can't guarantee I'll be able to contain my feelings when I meet him again. What if I didn't heal and was simply numb to the pain?" I asked. I feel alright when I don't see Seokjin... but I fear I'll break all over again when I meet him."I think Seokjin's household is marrying him off to Haerim. They're official allies through Kim Namjoon's household," Taehyung frowned at me. I blanked out. Right. Haerim is favored by Seokjin's mother."What about Haerim? Didn't you say she was blackmailing you?" I asked. Taehyung pursed his lips and leaned back against his seat."She stopped threatening me after she got on Seokjin's side. But I'm afraid she will act up again once you return," Taehyung darkly muttered."What about you? Are you really all right with the engagement? I want to hear your genuine thoughts on the matter," I stared straight at Taehyung. He quietly inspected me from across the table."Why did you think I came all this way to see you? The truth? I'm guilt-ridden. I know I can't undo my actions and I can't erase your traumas-""So you're guilty about our childhood's conflict-""I want to fix our problem. It's not just... guilt, Sora. There's more to it. I might think of you as my family when we were young... but I realized... that you mean a lot more to me than just a family. I'm attracted to you and even... if I can't call it love yet... I'm sure I'm on the right path toward you. So I don't mind the engagement. I don't mind being with you. But I know you're hesitant about it, so-""Okay," I interrupted. Taehyung paused mid-sentence to stare at me with a questioning look."Okay?" He blinked in confusion.

"I was naive and stupid when I first returned to Korea. I was desperate for love, so I fooled around with every man I met. That was childish of me. I'm done with the aimless love game to avenge my parents. Let's get married, but I have a condition," I nodded sternly."A condition?" Taehyung repeated, suddenly tensing up in his seat."Free me from my parents and I'll marry you," I replied. Taehyung stared at me unblinkingly while contemplating his thoughts."I don't want you to thoughtlessly agree to the marriage-""I've always... admired you more than just my older brother since we were young. I might have loved Jungkook then... but I've always respected you and you've always given me the comfort I needed. If... our relationship works out... I'm sure I'll fall in love with you. You know I'm deprived of love. Making me fall in love is an easy task. After all... I'm a beggar for affection. It's my greatest weakness," I nodded. Taehyung frowned at me."Making you fall in love is easy... but you fall out of love just as easily. It's your nature to fall at the slightest glimpse of affection... but you surrender just as effortlessly. Sora. You might fall in love easily... but you struggle to stay in love because you believe everything is temporary," Taehyung sighed."Then make it permanent for me," I stated sternly."I'm also stuck within my parent's grip and the only way for us to escape the elders... is to establish our own power in the council... only then will we overpower them," Taehyung nodded."Then marriage is the answer," I replied."I don't want it to be a marriage of convenience. Not with you. There should be mutual feelings between us," Taehyung shook his head."I guess the engagement is a free trial... then?" I smiled. Taehyung suddenly chuckled. We chatted at the bar over our glass of beer and french fries. I am honestly terrified of returning to Korea, but it's unavoidable. My parents will drag me back home if I defy their orders, and they'll likely force me against my will if I keep provoking them.Taehyung and I giggled side-by-side as we walked toward my front porch. I unlocked the door and strolled inside to find my house... a bloody mess. We both halted by the doorway when I realized... all of my cabinets... had fallen to the side. The coffee table was smashed into pieces. Glasses... plates... utensils... chairs... were all broken. My house is completely trashed. I stared at the shocking scene before me in bewilderment, unable to process the situation. Taehyung immediately tugged me behind his back when we heard footsteps strolling down the stairs. I gripped my fist intensely as the person appeared at the stair landing."Yuri?!" I asked, staring at her in shock once she appeared with a slight grimace."I went out to get groceries..." Yuri muttered, lifting the bag in her hand as she glanced around the wrecked house with a dark grimace."Did you get hurt?" I asked, quickly rushing up to her. Yuri shook her head and bent down to lift a broken vase in confusion."I came home- and everything was- broken. I'm sorry-" Yuri stuttered, firing me an apologetic look. I frowned at her in confusion."Why are you sorry-""It must be my boss's people. I didn't mean to drag them here," Yuri worriedly stepped over the broken glass with the groceries."Your boss's people? You mean the drug lord...?" Taehyung dawdled. Yuri suddenly lifted her hardened face to Taehyung in surprise."What did you-""You work with the drug lord in this city. The drug lord recently mobbed a gang. That's why they're after you. How can you live with an innocent person? Sora could've gotten hurt because of your shady affairs," Taehyung confronted Yuri. She clenched her jaw at Taehyung before glancing at me with a nervous look. How did Taehyung know this? Yuri only told me she works at a bar."I have to inform my people," Yuri gritted, pushing the groceries into my hand, and dashed out of the house in a hurry. I blinked and glanced at the mess with my mouth half open."We have to leave," Taehyung muttered, hurrying up the stairs to grab his bag. I stood frozen in place."Right now-?-""Yes! Sora, we're in danger!" Taehyung swung his bag over his shoulder and grabbed my wrist. He tried to tug me forward, but I pulled back to stop him."But Yuri said it's her people-""We don't know for sure- if this is an alpha's act or it's her druggies! But if this is... an alpha's doing... not only you'll be at risk... but Yuri as well," Taehyung frowned at me. I blinked at his stern gaze... slowly... turning to stare at the mess in dread."But do we have to leave this soon-""Sora. The longer we stay... The closer they'll get to us. I can't protect you alone," Taehyung tightened his grip around my wrist. I stared at him with a conflicted look and finally agreed to leave.Taehyung gave me time to pack my belongings... so I hurried into my room to find everything... shattered on the floor. The mattress was torn to pieces. My desk was upside down, and my clothes were scattered on the floor. I packed whatever I could bring and left my house with Taehyung an hour after we arrived. I glanced back at the dark property as Taehyung booked us an Uber to the airport. I sent a text to Yuri before I departed... so she didn't have to search for me when she returned.Snap. And just like that... in a blink of an eye... I was on my way back to Korea. I started feeling super uneasy once I landed in Incheon. It was only last year when the Pizza Man brought me here for my flight. How is he? I lost contact with him. Taehyung suddenly chuckled under his breath as we walked towards the airport's exit."Why are you laughing?" I blinked, puzzled by his odd reaction."It was easier to bring you home than I thought. Two days... It only took two days... I thought... I'll end up returning without you," Taehyung smiled, nudging my arm."I'd rather come home in peace than have my mother's guard drag my ass back," I shrugged. I didn't plan on running away forever. It was just a small break for me."You can't run away again this time," Taehyung shook his head. I opened my mouth to speak as we exited the building into the parking area... to find a familiar man waiting for us. I halted in shock once I found Do-hwan staring at me... from across the route."Do-hwan!" I gasped in excitement."Sora!" Taehyung snapped in shock as I thoughtlessly dashed across the airport lane without looking. Vroom! A bus merely missed me as I sprinted towards the man. Do-hwan's face turned pale at my reckless action as he opened his arms to welcome me."Aigo~! I'll need to ask your mother for a pay raise again now that you're back~!" Do-hwan groaned as he held my small body against his solid torso. The man patted my back to comfort me.

"Don't be mean!" I whined, pulling to grin at his handsome face. He shaved his beard!"You look happier, but you're a bit skinny," He patted my head as Taehyung approached us with a bitter expression."You weren't excited to see me. You were as pale as a ghost when we met," Taehyung grumbled under his breath as he pulled the back seat door open to place our bags away and got inside. Do-hwan chuckled at Taehyung's bitter words and glanced down at me again, so I tiptoed to give him a soft peck on his cheek."Let's take our mischievous young lady home for proper meals and... a bath!" Do-hwan thumped his massive hand on my back until I felt like puking at the impact. I fired him a sharp glare as I got into the back seat with Taehyung. Do-hwan rounded the car and drove us out of the airport. I eventually fell asleep with Taehyung in the backseat on our way back to Seoul until I felt a soft bump as the car slowed down... so I opened my sleepy eyes to find the mansion looming before us.Taehyung rubbed his eyes as Do-hwan slowly pulled up to the front door. The elders had replaced the water fountain with a circular tiled pavement instead. I gulped with an uneasy feeling as Do-hwan drew the door open for me, so I got out of the car to examine the yolky mansion lights, glowing luminously within the dark property. Everything... remained exactly... just as I had remembered it. Taehyung took my bag without speaking and strolled inside. Thud. Thud. Thud. My heart suddenly felt heavier with every step... I took toward the mansion's door."The elders aren't home. You should rest," Do-hwan informed me when he noticed my somber expression. I entered the living room to find a maid polishing the coffee table. She quickly got up to bow to me with a startled expression as if she didn't expect to see me."You're back!? AHHH~! Why did you ignore my calls for the last few days!?" Jungkook shrieked, suddenly bursting into the mansion from the garage. I stared at the alpha in shock as he sprinted toward me with his dirty hands."Y-Yah! Stay away!- Y-You're dirty!" I gasped, backing away in horror, but Jungkook ignored my warning and raced forward to embrace me. Thump! He yanked me into a crushing hug with his dirty hands, making me groan in irritation."I won't be bored anymore now that you're back!" Jungkook beamed, unexpectedly cupping my cheeks. He gave me playful kisses on my forehead and suddenly grabbed hold of my body."-YAH! ARE YOU NUTS?!" I screamed as he effortlessly lifted me off the floor and threw me over his shoulder. I gasped in panic and smacked his back, but he only chuckled and tossed me onto the couch. I screeched in fright at his playful behavior as I landed on the soft cushions. Jungkook stood over me with a bright smile, so I quickly sat up to rub the oil stain from my cheeks in annoyance."I'll ask imo to prepare a bath for you," Taehyung yawned before walking away from us. Do-hwan left through the garage after he asked the maid to prepare dinner for me."I wanted to visit you with Taehyung, but he told me one of the heirs needs to stand by in the household since it can't be empty. I was the only alpha to sustain our household for the past three days!" Jungkook beamed. He looked oddly tired. There were dark circles under his eyes."Are you sick?" I worriedly asked when he wouldn't stop yapping at me. It's unlike him... to be this... talkative."No. It's just the side effects of post-breakup. I'll be fine," Jungkook grabbed a fresh hand towel to wipe his dirty oil-stained fingers as he sat beside me."Break up...?" I turned to stare at him in disbelief."Minah broke up with me after I spent less time with her. What am I supposed to do? Appa wouldn't let me out of the mansion because of the ongoing attacks," Jungkook shrugged. I eyed his boney face unsurely and leaned back against the headrest."You'll get back together," I shrugged."She left for an exchange program for half a year and has been... ignoring my existence since she returned. I suspect she cheated on me while she was abroad," Jungkook exhaled, dimming his gaze on his hand. He suddenly teared up, so I cleared my throat and stood up from the couch to leave the living room because I didn't want to console him. I cautiously walked down the familiar maze-like corridor until I reached my room and entered to find Taehyung settling my bag on the couch. Everything was still the same. It's as if I never left the mansion... at all."They threw out your expired body wash, so shower in my room. I'll lend you my soap and shampoos. We both have sensitive skin, so use mine for now," Taehyung informed me as I checked the closet room. He strolled out of my bedroom without another word as I dug into my wardrobe to retrieve my dress and headed to Taehyung's room to find... imo speaking with him about dinner."Aigo! You lost a lot of weight!" Imo gasped when she found me strolling inside the room. I gave her a warm hug and chatted with her for a brief moment. Imo left Taehyung's room after I entered his bathroom... to bathe in the milky tub imo prepared for me. I remained in the tub with my head tilted back against the slanted headrest. Creak. I kept my eyes closed until Taehyung knocked on the door to disrupt my peaceful time alone."Is it okay if I shower with you?" Taehyung asked from outside the door. I sat up in the tub unsurely. Well... he's been waiting for a while. The shower stall is separated from the tub."Oh. Sure. I still want to relax," I replied. Taehyung carefully opened the door as I hugged my knees under the tub. The water is milky so he can't see my body under the water anyways.Taehyung appeared with a towel around his hips, so I quickly glanced away to avoid looking at his distracting manly figure. He didn't look at me and stride into the blurry glass stall to shower. I could... only see his movements in the shower since the glasses weren't transparent. Taehyung turned on the shower to drown the awkward silence between us, so I exhaled deeply and leaned back against the tub to rest my sore body under the foam as I listened to the soft pitter-patter from the stall."We'll live together once we marry anyways... we should get used to this," Taehyung suddenly spoke up from the stall. I smiled."Let's just... respect each other's privacy for now," I replied. Taehyung chuckled from the stall, so I turned to watch his blurry silhouette on the glass wall. I can't make out his body figure... but I can see his movement in the shower."You better wash up soon... or you'll faint in the tub. I'll check to see if dinner is ready," Taehyung spoke up after a while. He finished showering and stepped out of the stall with the towel around his waistline. I smiled at him from the tub, so he walked out of the bathroom to give me some privacy.I finally sat up to click the drainage button and stepped out of the tub to stroll inside his stall. I like his bathroom. Should I ask eomma to renovate my bathroom too? Mine looks... boring compared to his! I quickly pulled on my knee-length long-sleeve nightgown, dried my hair before the mirror and walked back into Taehyung's bedroom, but he had already left. I shrugged and headed to the living room to find Taehyung and Jungkook... huddling on the couch with a few stacks of files."Bring dinner to the living room," Jungkook nodded at a maid as I settled beside Jungkook with a curious gaze on the documents. Taehyung was sitting across from us in his sweatpants and a loose shirt."School work?" I asked, eagerly peeping at the files- suddenly halting at an explicit printed picture of... a corpse."Nope. We're investigating the attacks," Jungkook handed me the paper. I stared at the deep gash on an alpha's neck... dreadfully shifting my gaze to... the brutal purple bruises all over his injured body in horror."Yah! Let her eat first!" Taehyung snapped, reaching across the table to snatch the autopsy report from my hands. I blinked at them in horror. So... They weren't kidding? The alphas... are attacking each other? For what purpose?! Jungkook tried to take the document out of my hand when I reached for another file, but I pushed his hand away with my mouth half open."What happened to him?" I gasped. My eyes... growing wider... every passing second as I stared at the gruesome gash around the alpha's neck."Killed. In his own home. We have to attend his funeral tomorrow," Jungkook replied. I stared at the disturbing pictures in disbelief."W-Who-""No idea. That's why it's safer for you here than to thrive out there alone," Taehyung shrugged as the maid settled the meal for us on the coffee table. What if the suspect turns out to be someone they trust? Who can I trust besides my household? I aimlessly grabbed my plate from the table and leaned back on the couch to flip through the remaining photographs as I chewed the food with a slight frown."How... is she able to eat... while staring at a smashed skull?" Jungkook muttered. I intensely swallowed my food with ease as I stared at the gruesome pictures."What did they do to him???" I asked without shifting my eyes away from the photograph. Both Jungkook and Taehyung stared at me as if I was out of my mind, so I looked up at them for answers when they remained hushed."His people found him floating in his private pool. But he was obviously killed with his brain outside his skull. The gash on his neck was sliced open by a blade," Taehyung muttered. Jungkook snatched the document out of my hand and tossed it away. I frowned at the alpha's profile while stirring the warm rice with the spoon. The fifth-rank alpha was strangled to death by a rod... and... he was later dumped into his pool to die. Where were his guards? Or maids? Was he home alone???"Do you have a suspect in mind?" I asked curiously. Jungkook suddenly gagged on his food when he glanced at the pictures of spilling brain parts. He quickly slapped the photo face down to avoid looking at the disturbing crime scene."None. I suspect Mira's household... since she's involved with the mafia, but... there's no evidence," Taehyung shook his head. I glanced at the blank sheet with an uneasy feeling. I couldn't sleep that night and stayed up to recall the disturbing pictures as I thought hard about the situation. Why are the alphas suddenly attacking each other?______________________
Third Person POV
"Are you attending the lower-rank funeral today?" Hoseok nudged Seokjin as they strolled through the academy's corridor."Of course," Seokjin nodded."Who do you think is the suspect? The Jang? Didn't his household owe the Jang a partial of their assets?" Hoseok eagerly smiled at Seokjin."We don't know for sure. You should be careful and stop clubbing at night," Seokjin shook his head with a disapproving look."Seokjin!" Haerim called as she jogged towards the president with a file in her hand."Anneong, Haerim-shi," Hoseok beamed at her as Namjoon followed Haerim from behind."I was just working on the task you assigned me earlier. I completed it, so please go through it for me~!" Haerim pridefully lifted the file before Seokjin's face."You didn't have to finish it this early," Seokjin smiled, carefully flipping through the file as she eagerly giggled at his approval."Namjoon helped me with the research process," Haerin smiled, turning to nudge Namjoon. Seokjin smiled at his friend and shook his head with his eyes fixed on the document when a few lower ranks rushed past them to gather around the entrance."I'm telling you I saw her earlier!-""You must be hallucinating!""No! I swear it was her!-""Why is everyone crowded over there???" Hoseok questioned as a small crowd eagerly waited by the campus entrance. Seokjin glanced up from his file to fix his eyes on the packed gate with a dull expression."I overheard the principal talking about a new alpha joining our school," Seokjin shrugged, walking off with the file. Haerim waved at Namjoon and hurried after Kim Seokjin to follow him around. It became her hobby to follow the president around the campus with the excuse of being his personal secretary."A new alpha...?" Namjoon muttered, narrowing his eyes suspiciously at the crowd. He sighed and turned the other way to stroll after Seokjin when Hoseok unexpectedly placed his hand on Namjoon's shoulder to stop him from walking away. Namjoon raised his eyebrow and glanced at Hoseok, but he wasn't looking at the alpha. Jung Hoseok was staring at the crowd with a pale face."What the fuck," Hoseok muttered without blinking when the lower ranks dramatically gasped by the entrance.Kim Namjoon folded his arms and turned to stare at the crowd... only to find Kim Taehyung strolling through the crowd with his usual dark energy... but the pack... wasn't looking at him. Namjoon suddenly froze in his place once he found a familiar face walking beside Kim Taehyung and Jeon Jungkook. Hoseok scoffed in shock as the supreme alpha... strode into the campus with a stern expression. The alphas froze in their place as Taehyung led her past the dense crowd. Hoseok and Namjoon stood in their position as... Jang Sora passed them."Tell me you can see her too???" Hoseok asked Namjoon as they turned their heads after her. Jang Sora did not glance at them and walked off with a cold expression. Namjoon finally blinked at Jungkook, who was waving at the alphas' dumbfounded faces with a sly smile."When did she return-?" Namjoon muttered in disbelief after the supreme alpha disappeared into the building. He did not recall any insider mentioning her return to the society. The crowd frantically scurried after the top alphas to stalk them as Hoseok covered his mouth in disbelief.
Meanwhile...
Seokjin calmly pointed out the errors on the files as Haerim sat beside him at the study desk in the lecture room. Haerim pursed her lips at his gentle reminder as she daydreamed by his side, lost in her delusion... with her gleaming gaze on Kim Seokjin's perfect facial structure. She wasn't paying attention to the errors."Are you listening?" Seokjin paused to stare at Haerim unsurely when he noticed she was spacing out."Huh?! Oh- Yeah!" Haerim giggled, glancing away with a flustered cheek. Seokjin smiled at her rosy face."So this part-" Seokjin tried to explain again- until he heard the alphas chatting loudly inside the room. He quickly shifted his gaze from Haerim to find the alphas hurrying towards the lecture's door to poke their heads outside the classroom. The corridor suddenly burst with loud chatters as heavy footsteps stormed the floor. Thump. Thump. Thump. Seokjin could almost feel the entire floor vibrating with the footsteps of the flooding lower ranks."What!?- She's back!?" Mira shrieked, rushing towards the door in disbelief to see for herself. She roughly shoved the others out of her way as Minho calmly followed her to inspect the situation. Haerim and Seokjin unsurely stared at the eager crowd in confusion when suddenly... Kim Taehyung... passed by the lecture door.Seokjin raised his eyebrow unsurely at the crowd's strange anticipation... when... a woman passed by the opened door. The door was packed with many people, but the president recognized her immediately... even... with just a brief glimpse of her features. Seokjin stopped breathing once he noticed her waist-length black... wavy hair and familiar enchanting side profile. He remained frozen in his place as Haerim's face turned super pale. They were in utter shock. Kim Taehyung and Jang Sora did not enter the room and strolled through the mass... heading straight toward the principal's office. Seokjin didn't blink, so Haerim quickly snapped her head at his drained face in shock. She was once again... threatened by Jang Sora's presence."Jang Sora is back!?" Minho asked Jeon Jungkook as soon as he entered the class with a smug smile. Jungkook didn't follow his cousin and chose to stay back to enjoy the gawking attention on him."Are you blind? Stop asking me when you've already seen her with your own eyes," Jungkook whined in annoyance as Mira and Minho followed him to his desk."But she was expelled from school!" Mira insisted."She's a supreme alpha," Jungkook chuckled. Seokjin stared at Jeon Jungkook's smug smile in disbelief before glancing at the crowd again."Why wasn't I aware of this!?" Jimin rushed toward Jungkook. Even Park Jimin was unaware of her return. Kim Taehyung hid everything from his friend to ensure her safe return to the society."Her return was confidential," Jungkook shrugged, dismissively tapping his phone screen."Seokjin!" Haerim gasped when the president abruptly rose from his desk with an uptight look. Thump! Jungkook and Jimin turned to stare at Seokjin as he furiously stormed across the class."Oh. The ex-boyfriend seems furious with her return," Jungkook chuckled as Seokjin roughly shoved the lower ranks out of his way and stormed out of the room with a sore grimace. He did not approve of her return to the university, especially not after she broke his pure heart.Gae Haerim quickly got up from her seat to chase after Seokjin... just as Namjoon and Hoseok reached the lecture room to catch up with the lower ranks. Everyone fearfully stepped out of Seokjin's way as he marched after the supreme alpha until he was outside the principal's office."Seokjin-" Haerim panted as she jogged after him. The president ignored her call and pushed the door open without knocking. Thud.Kim Seokjin immediately halted by the door frame in dread once he found the supreme alpha... seated inside the room. She was sitting before the principal's desk with Kim Taehyung. He couldn't believe his eyes.Jang Sora turned to the sudden disruption with her curious eyes... and her heart suddenly sank when she found Kim Seokjin... staring at her from the door. Kim Taehyung turned his head just as Haerim appeared behind Seokjin's broad shoulders to stare at the supreme alpha with an ashen face. The entire room grew hushed as Kim Seokjin stared at Jang Sora with a dark frown.
Jang Sora's POV
My heart stopped beating for a split second... the instant I found Seokjin standing in the doorway. He looked exactly the same... except... for the way... he was gazing at me. He seemed irritated. I didn't know how to react, so I glanced at Haerim to find her staring at me with her pretty hazel eyes. Fear. It was reflected in her pupils."What is she doing here?" Seokjin coldly asked the principal. The man glanced at me as he sat in his seat with his hands clasped together."Right. You are the president. Step inside and close the door," The principal sighed at the interruption. Seokjin turned to signal Haerim, so she gulped and left the room. The alpha sternly shut the door behind his back and strolled forward, so I quickly averted my eyes away as he passed me to stand by the wooden desk with his arms crossed. I briefly glanced at Taehyung as he intensely frowned at Seokjin's interference."Sora is returning to school-""But she was expelled," Seokjin cut Taehyung off."It doesn't make sense to suspend a supreme alpha-""She tried to burn the school," Seokjin firmly refuted Taehyung. I felt Taehyung tensing his body beside me, so I gulped uneasily. Sora! Don't lower your head!"I'm still considering her application-""Are you seriously letting a criminal on campus just because she is a supreme alpha!?" Seokjin confronted the principal. I gripped my hand at his harsh words. How can he say that when he knew it wasn't my fault!?"Yah! She was innocent-""She was the one lighting the dress on fire-""I was naive, Seokjin," I sighed, finally gaining the courage to look him in the eyes. Seokjin suddenly grew hushed at my words and slowly... shifted his spiteful gaze to me as the principal glanced back and forth between us. It's only been a year... and we're already detesting each other so much?"That's not an excuse to justify-""I'm not denying my crime. I was a fool for love, so I let jealousy blind me because I... was afraid... of losing a perfect man like you to another woman. Being in love makes you do crazy things, and I regretted going as far as ruining my reputation to protect your perfect image. The school has expelled me from my course, and I have been reflecting on my wrongdoing, but I believe I'm entitled to a second chance. I was... a childish person the first time I entered the academy... but I promise I have matured and will no longer let a foolish love affair affect my studies here," I smiled at Seokjin. He frowned at my words. He looked a bit hurt when I called our past relationship a childish love but held back and averted his frustrated gaze away."The school has already expelled you from our system and even if you wish to return... your study record will still be suspended," The principal sighed."She doesn't need a study record to prove her credibility. Our house has already negotiated with the school directors beforehand," Taehyung calmly discussed with the principal. The man stared at me with a disapproving look."Yes. It is your privilege to resume your studies at the academy as the supreme alpha but the school will not process your study records. You are not entitled to the council's status, and you're not allowed to vote either. All of your efforts at the university will be dismissed. She may study with her peers but only as a shadow student. You will not receive the credited diploma after you graduate," The principal stared at me with a stern face."That's fine with me. I'd rather study than do nothing at home. After all, I'm the future leader of the council. I need to finish the program," I smiled at the man. Seokjin intensely stared at us, but I didn't look at him. He's probably still bitter about my rash decision to end our relationship and it's understandable... but I will not let him use it against me."Excellent, if you agree with the unforgiving terms then. You may return to school whenever you're ready. Please refrain from causing unnecessary trouble, or I'll forbid you from stepping inside the school premises for good," The man finally nodded."Thank you for your generosity," I smiled at the man. He nodded at me. I turned to smile at Taehyung."We'll excuse our presence," Taehyung got up to bow to the principal. I smiled at the man and turned to leave the room after darting Seokjin another blank look. I can't be bothered by him anymore. He's already shown he didn't want me back in his life, so I'll stay out of his way. Taehyung pushed the door open to find Haerim sitting by the door with a nervous face as she gripped her hands. She glared at me, but I didn't look at her and smiled at Taehyung. And... I won't let an inferior bitch... fuck me over again."Do you want to head home? Or do you want to start right away? We're ten minutes late to the first class," Taehyung asked, checking his watch unsurely as Seokjin exited the office after us."Better late than absent," I grinned. The alpha smiled at my devotion to start afresh and turned to lead the way, so I followed him toward the classroom.Taehyung politely knocked on the classroom door, so I gripped my hand nervously when I felt my heart pounding out of control. I might seem calm, but I'm actually really anxious! I don't know how long I'll survive... but I know for a fact... that I won't be running from my problems anymore. Taehyung held the door open for me, so I took a deep breath and entered the room to find the professor pausing at the front of the classroom. All the alphas within the room turned to stare at me in disbelief."We're sorry for the interruption. I had to accompany the supreme alpha to the principal's office earlier," Taehyung smiled at the professor."Welcome back, Sora," The man nodded at me uneasily. I turned toward the front seat where I usually sit- Huff! Haerim suddenly stormed past me to sit in my place with her arms crossed. Taehyung glanced at me as Seokjin strolled inside to sit at his place with an unbothered look."I'll sit at the back," I smiled at Taehyung and strolled up the platform to sit at Haerim's previous seat. Taehyung sighed and headed to his desk beside Haerim."I can't believe you're back!" Jimin whispered from his desk when I passed him."Should we party?" I winked at him.Jimin cutely chuckled as I settled down beside his desk at the last row when I noticed the blond alpha eyeing me with a loathing glare. She watched Jimin enviously as he smiled at me. I need to avoid getting in trouble. I sighed and straightened my back before shifting my gaze to the screen ahead of me.I glanced to my side to find Sungho staring at me with a faint smile. He slightly lifted his fingers over his desk to wave at me from his desk, so I returned a bright smile to him. Sungho chuckled softly and averted his eyes back to the screen. This is a new beginning, and I can't fuck up again. This isn't child's play, Sora. The real game begins here... and I will not allow anyone... cast me out of the society again. I'd rather die fighting them than flee like a coward.
Of course, people gossiped about me the first few days back, but it didn't bother me as much as it did before. I can't live to please everyone. The past me was a desperate soul... begging to be seen in a good light, but that isn't necessary for this society. I've learned my lesson the hard way. People will turn you into a monster in their delusional minds.

In fact, the monster... they turned me into... is actually... the evil they... fear. I learned that after Taehyung pointed it out to me. People will try to drown me because they see me as a threat. The young me... did not understand this and was devastated by their brutal treatment, but I couldn't care less now. It's a waste of my time and energy to try and present myself as a saint in the society filled with greedy and evil fuckers.

Seokjin? He never really spoke to me ever since I returned to the university. I expected the cold shoulder because of our depressing history, so I'm not surprised by his unfavorable treatment either. Seokjin minded his own business, so I occupied myself with the workload. He's not the type to cause drama over a minor lover affair. I'm glad I don't have to deal with a crazy ex-boyfriend. But there was still a problem.

Gae Haerim. She has been giving me spiteful looks as always... but she didn't dare bother me so far... because Taehyung was always by my side. Jungkook, on the other hand, seemed detached from everyone else after he broke up with Minah. I haven't met her since I returned, so I assumed she was on a break or something.

Hoseok was oddly bright and welcoming despite our confusing past relationship. I guess... He's never the type to hold grudges. Namjoon... he's still... distant, but he greets me when we meet. Oh! Minho and Mira are dating, and they're still mischievous like in their old days. Jimin... I think he's seeing the blond third-rank alpha. They spend time together a lot but... he never made it official, so I'm unsure of their relationship status.

Sungho was still very helpful and approachable. He'd sometimes.... sit with me at the canteen to eat, so we grew quite close. Sungho's parents are trying to earn my parents' approval in the council. I like that he has very bright energy, unlike the other alphas.

And Pizza Man? I lost contact with him. I wanted to ask Do-hwan to check on Yoongi... but why do I need to see him? He's an average, and getting close to him... would mean... putting him in danger. I still want to thank him for helping me through my darkest phase though. I should thank him.
I shook the thoughts out of my head as I strolled into the campus alone with two boxes in my hands. I don't have any classes today, but I need to drop off some files, so I decided to visit the campus. I held onto the gift bags and steered toward the freshman's floor where most of the lower ranks hung out. People turned their heads after me as I strolled past them with an expressionless face until I found a few boys... shoving a young alpha around in the corridor. Despite being more powerful than the bullies... the young boy kept apologizing to the lower ranks. The scumbags suddenly halted once I halted before them. The helpless alpha glanced up at me in fear as I inspected his bleeding nose with a dead stare."What brought the supreme alpha here? Perhaps you're trying to get yourself expelled again," A lower rank rudely scoffed at me. I smiled and looked dead at the lower ranks' eyes until he glanced away in a panic."You're not even in the top ranks, are you? Jae Yangcha is a fifth-rank alpha. Aigo~! Did you not study the rules and regulations in the council's disciplinary document? A top rank alpha is entitled to sue a lower rank for all of their assets if any harm is inflicted upon the leading heir of the household. Do you have enough assets to compensate for Yangcha's bleeding nose? Hmm? I bet not... so why don't you scurry off instead of causing your parents legal troubles at the council?" I smiled at the lower rank until his face drained in fear."You-""Oh. Yeah, I am the supreme alpha, and I have a voice in the actual council. And I definitely saw you harassing a fifth-rank alpha-" I proceeded to speak when the lower ranks nudged each other and ran away in a hurry to avoid me. I glanced at the prying eyes in the corridor until they got uncomfortable and dropped their judgemental gaze. I always hated it... The way they mocked me, but they're... all a coward whenever I challenged them. Weaklings. Sighing, I turn to find Yangcha rubbing his bleeding nose nervously. He cutely glanced at me with his innocent eyes. Did he grow taller? I stared up at the alpha with a faint smile.

I took the young alpha out of the building and settled with him under a tree on the bench. The alpha didn't dare speak and sat in utter silence with his hands clasped together. I searched my bag, finally drawing out a small purple gift box for him. He looked up at me in confusion when I handed it to him. The boy lowered his head after he took it from me."Thank you," He muttered, nervously gripping the gift box. He's timid. He won't look at me."Aren't you opening it?" I asked, crossing my legs with an eager smile. The boy unsurely glanced at me and unwrapped the gift box as I sat beside him with a slight smile."Oh? Wae....?" Yangcha cutely turned to me when he found a brand new headphones in the box."Ohoh? Are you not satisfied with my gift? You're one of my haters, aren't you-?" I huffed, causing his face to drain in horror as I attempted to rise from the bench."No! Noona!- I don't hate you! Don't get the w-wrong idea!" Yangcha gasped, unconsciously grabbing my wrist to stop me from walking away. I turned to fire him an intimidating stare, so he gulped adorably and released my wrist in a panic. He pouted until I noticed tears filling his eyes. He's about to cry."Aigo! I was just joking! Don't you dare cry~!" I chuckled, ruffling his hair, and sat back down. Yangcha quickly rubbed away his tears and turned to look at me with a weak smile. How is he so soft!? He won't last in the society if he remains gullible!"How did you know?" Yangcha asked, finally easing his tense body."I thought I was going to fall off the stairs and break my neck that day, but you saved me. I reviewed the entire footage. I broke your headphones- and you almost fell off the stairs because of me," I smiled at him. Yangcha's face flushed bright red as he quietly gripped the gift box."It's nothing! You don't have to thank me! I really adore your household! It was my honor to assist you!" He suddenly grinned with his bleeding nose. I turned to search my bag again and handed him a packed container."It's strawberry cake. I baked it myself," I handed the young boy the container."Thank you, noona!" The boy excitedly bowed at me after he got comfortable. It was hilarious because despite... his uplifting smile... his nose was smudged with blood. Poor child."Let's visit the infirmary! You're a mess!" I laughed, grabbing his wrist and tugged him with me. Yangcha's adorability chuckled as he strode beside me."I'm a fan of Jungkook hyung! And I think you're really cool, noona~!" He grinned while strolling down the corridor."I'll introduce you to Jungkook someday," I nodded at him. It was the kid who kept on staring at Jungkook at the ceremony."Noona! Can I have your number?" Yangcha curiously asked me as he gripped his phone. I paused before glancing at his bright smile. He's definitely grown a lot... because why is he towering over me? I'm straining my neck to look at him."Sure. Make sure to scare off the bullies with my contact, okay? Tell them the supreme alpha will come after them if they dare hurt you again," I nodded, taking Yangcha's phone to type my number. I swung my arm over his shoulder, pulled him down to make him lower his face and raised his phone upward to snap a picture of us. Yangcha giggled at his phone in excitement after I saved my contact on his phone. He was pretty chatty once I broke the ice with him... so I took him to the infirmary to clean his blood, left with my gift bag and headed toward the alpha building.The corridor was empty as expected since most of the alphas had already headed home after their schedule. But Taehyung is staying overtime to deal with the school council's affairs. I visited the principal's office to drop off the requested documents before strolling toward the elite lounge. It was a spacious office-like lounge reserved for the school presidents to complete their daily work routine. Only Taehyung and Seokjin had access to the lounge. The academy gave them special pass cards to scan on the screen.
The principal confiscated the card from me after I was expelled.
"Oh? It's not locked?" I muttered, pushing the door open when I noticed the green beam from the lock sensor. It's red when it's locked. The door clicked open with a slight nudge. That's unusual? Did Taehyung leave it open for me??? I strolled inside the lounge with the gift bag... but halted almost immediately when I noticed another person in the room. Did I say, person? No. There are two people in the room.Kim Seokjin was standing against his desk as Haerim stood before him. I froze in my position when I realized Haerim was standing on her toes with her palm placed against Seokjin's cheek. They were kissing. Haerim immediately spun on her high heels upon the sudden disturbance with a flustered face as Seokjin remained rooted in his position with his arms crossed over his chest."What are you doing here? How did you get the access?" Haerim asked in surprise."The door wasn't locked," I shrugged. Seokjin watched me quietly."You're not allowed in here-""I told her to wait for me here," Taehyung dawdled, suddenly walking into the room after me when Haerim tried to scold me. She pursed her lips at Taehyung's presence and hurried to sit at the secretary's desk. Seokjin didn't utter a word and rounded his desk to sit in his leather armchair to type on his laptop with an unbothered look."I came to drop the documents for the principal, so I thought I should bring you this... since you're staying overtime," I muttered, following Taehyung to his cubicle. I placed the paper bag on his desk as Taehyung slipped off his jacket to hang it on the coat hanger. He pushed a chair towards me... so I smiled and sat down."What is it? I can just eat when I get home," Taehyung asked, sitting at his desk while rummaging through the box to check the treats I packed for him."It's strawberry cake! I baked it with imo at noon! Eomma ordered a batch of fresh strawberries this morning!" I excitedly helped Taehyung unbox the container on his desk."Eat it with me," Taehyung muttered, gently poking the slice of cake with the spoon I prepared for him."No! It's fine! I'll head home-""I don't have much work anyways... so wait for me. I'll take you home," Taehyung shrugged, carefully eating a spoonful of the cake with his eyes on his desktop screen. I sat beside him nervously as I watched him chew the cake."Is it good?" I smiled, keenly leaning forward to anticipate his feedback as he tasted his lips."Why is the strawberry so chewy? I like it," Taehyung unsurely turned to frown at me."I tried a new recipe! I was unsure if it's edible," I chuckled."What if I get poisoned?" Taehyung smiled, handing the spoon to me. I gladly accepted it and tried a spoonful to taste it myself. Hmm! The strawberries are so sweet and juicy!"I'll try it too then! So we'll both get poisoned," I joked.Taehyung chuckled, suddenly reaching out to dab the cream stain from my lips, causing me to halt in my seat. I averted my eyes to find Seokjin staring at us from his desk, but he quickly glanced back at the screen with a poker face to avoid me. A flood of aching memories suddenly filled my head until I felt my chest stirring uncomfortably. Haerim was firing me an annoyed look, so I glanced back at Taehyung as he calmly flipped through some files."Didn't you bring your work?" Taehyung asked when he noticed I was poking the cake without blinking."I didn't plan on staying after delivering the cake," I explained."Bring your work to my room tonight. I'll help you," Taehyung sighed, shifting his gaze back to his computer screen. I nodded, leaning back against the comfortable chair, and tried my best not to look at Seokjin or Haerim. I don't want to recall my past memories with them.Taehyung eventually handed me a document to keep me busy as he completed his work... and unlike his claim... he didn't finish his workload as quickly as he promised. I read the dull words on the paper in the hushed room by his desk until the letters split into burry figures. My eyes shifted out of focus... the longer I stared at the file. I tried not to yawn and tried to keep my heavy eyelids open at all costs because I was afraid of being scolded. Taehyung briefly glanced at me, so I sucked in my breath and pretended to read the document with a concentrated expression.
Third Person POV
Kim Seokjin kept his unblinking gaze on the digital document on his screen as he quietly typed on the keyboard with his swift fingers... until his eyes gradually shifted from the text on his laptop to Jang Sora on the opposite side of the room... until he found her sitting crossed legs beside Kim Taehyung's desk with her half-open eyes on the document. She was adorably fighting to keep her eyelids open. The second-rank alpha suddenly lost focus on his work as his fingers ceased to tap on the keyboard. He watched Sora's head swaying sleepily from side to side. Taehyung didn't seem... to notice her tiresome condition as he quietly scanned the document on his desktop without batting an eye.

Kim Seokjin slightly jerked in his seat when Jang Sora's eyes finally closed and her head tilted towards the solid desk.
Seokjin unconsciously shot up from his seat, assuming she might slam her head against the desk... when Kim Taehyung reached out to place his palm on the table just before Sora's head collided with the desk without shifting his gaze from the document. Seokjin halted awkwardly when Sora's forehead landed safely on Kim Taehyung's palm. Taehyung kept his hand under Sora's head as he read the texts when he noticed Seokjin standing awkwardly... by his desk. So the second-rank alpha immediately cleared his throat and pretended to organize his files. Taehyung frowned at Seokjin's flustered face before glancing at Sora... who was peacefully sleeping with her forehead resting over his palm on the desk.Seokjin sat back down at his desk to avoid being suspected until he noticed Haerim narrowing her eyes at him. The president shrugged dismissively, glanced back at his unfinished report, and quickly resumed typing as if nothing had happened. "Ohoh? She's drooling?!" Taehyung gasped, suddenly yanking his palm from Sora's forehead once he noticed her slimy saliva dripping from the corner of her lips. Thud.Kim Seokjin halted at the painful impact and shifted his gaze to find Sora groaning in her sleep with her face flat on the desk. Taehyung carefully lifted Sora's head to help her lean back against the chair before grabbing a few tissues to wipe her drool from her lips. Sora remained fast asleep in her seat as Taehyung shut down his desktop and quickly got up to pull on his jacket."Haerim, send me the report for the previous meeting," Taehyung instructed, turning to slip his strong arms under Sora's legs, easily lifting her frail body from the chair."But you said you'll cover it-""Yeah, but I have to take Sora home, so I'm leaving early," Taehyung sighed, straightening his body with the supreme alpha's unconscious body in his arms as Seokjin quietly watched Sora's floppy head against Kim Taehyung's chest."Hmm...? What did you say-""You're awake? Can you walk?" Taehyung glanced down at Jang Sora when she suddenly stirred his arms."Oppa~ I'm sleepy..." She softly mumbled, half out of her mind as she snuggled against his chest."Araso. I'll carry you," Taehyung chuckled at her cute voice.Jang Sora grumbled under her breath with her eyes closed and slowly encircled her arms around Taehyung's thick neck to hold him against her. Taehyung slightly lifted her body upward to adjust her between his grips and turned to stroll away after asking Haerim to throw away the empty gift bag. Seokjin dully eyed Sora's puffy face as Kim Taehyung carried her out of the lounge and lowered his gaze back to the screen with an intense ache in his chest.
He missed her.

He missed her so much... his body was physically aching to hold her... but all he could do was stare hopelessly at the meaningless words on his screen with a discouraged expression.
"Why are you yearning for her when she betrayed you?" Haerim coldly asked from her desk. Seokjin blinked out of his thoughts and shifted his gaze to Haerim's bitter expression."Don't make assumptions," Seokjin replied shortly, averting his gaze back to his report. Only to find gibberish sentences in his last paragraph after he was distracted by his ex-lover's presence. Seokjin clenched his jaw and quickly deleted the entire report in frustration.
Sora's POV
I jerked awake from my brief nap to find Taehyung resting me in the passenger seat of his car... but I was weirdly too drowsy to bother and snuggled against the leather headrest as he carefully buckled my seatbelt and then adjusted the seat position so I could lean back. Taehyung took me back to the mansion. I insisted I could carry myself to my room after we arrived, so I sleepily walked with my eyes half open to push the door open... weakly slumping on the couch when I suddenly felt an intense ache in my lower stomach, triggering the urge to poop.Sighing, I unzipped my knee-length skirt to slip it off and strolled inside the bathroom to sit on the heated automatic toilet bowl with my eyes half open. My head began to sway again, so I lowered my head to concentrate on my bowel movement. BREEP. Shit. Why am I having diarrhea?! I clenched my aching stomach in discomfort. BREEP. Another rush of liquid discharge flowed out of my sore booty hole."Urh~ That was a good poop," I muttered in relief until tears filled my eyes after I felt the uncomfortable gas in my stomach subsiding. I took a deep breath to anticipate the new batch of poop when- CREAK. I unconsciously lifted my face in confusion when I noticed movement from the glass stall to my right and froze in shock when I found... Jeon Jungkook... stepping out of the shower. He immediately halted to look at me and lowered his startled gaze to stare at the loose panties at my ankle in horror.The bathroom suddenly grew hushed as I stared at his dripping we figure in extreme shock. I opened my mouth to speak but no words came out when I felt my poop pushing against my butthole. The cold water droplets... were sexily... slipping down the toned ridges of his body muscles- BREEP. Plop. Plop. Plop.The awkward sound of the next rush of my diarrhea splattered into the toilet bowl as I perched awkwardly with my eyes fixed on his naked body. Jungkook didn't budge and stood stiffly like a statue at my unexpected presence, so I blinked out of my dazed thoughts and looked down between his legs until my eyes bulged out of my sockets from the blinding sight of his... entirely nude body. My face suddenly boiled from the explicit view of a naked man... until I was fuming with a bright red face."W-What are you doing?!-" Jungkook swiftly covered his crotch in shock and spun his body away when I wouldn't drop my gaze. My eyes bulged even wider at the sight of his firm buttcheeks."Y-Yah! This is my bathroom!- What are you doing here!?" I gasped, snapping my face away to avoid his bare ass as I gripped my shirt to cover my exposed thighs in shock. BREEEEP. I CAN'T GET UP- THE POOP IS STILL FLOWING OUT OF ME!"This is my bathroom! Are you nuts!? Urgh- The nasty smell! Are you seriously shitting in my room!?" Jungkook funnily whined as he raced across the bathroom to snatch a fresh towel in disgust when he smelt the foul odor of my discharge. He quickly wrapped it around his naked body as I remained exposed on the toilet until my face grew numb. This is humiliating!"YAH!- YOU PERVERT! AAAAHHHHHHH!!!!! AH! AH! AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, causing Jungkook to flinch in horror at my random outburst. BREEEEEEP. More poop splattered into the bowl the louder I screamed when I wouldn't stop clenching my buttcheeks."YAH- THIS IS MY BATHROOM- WHY ARE YOU SCREAMING-""YOU PERVERT! YOU PERVERT! YOU FREAKING PERVERT! WHY ARE YOU STARING AT ME?!" I screeched in distress as I remained glued to the warm toilet bowl. Jungkook gawked at my deranged behavior with an offended frown.BREEP. His eyes widened in disbelief when I wouldn't stop releasing my discharge."SHUT UP- YOU'RE THE SNEAKY PERVERT STARING AT MY BALL SACKS!- GAH! I'M GOING TO SUFFOCATE AND DIE!" Jungkook snapped, covering his nostrils in a panic when the foul smell polluted the enclosed room. Thud. Thud. We heard footsteps strolling inside his bedroom. OH NO!"What's the matter?!" Taehyung's voice boomed from outside the bathroom door- Just as Jungkook tried to flee the bathroom. I pursed my lips in fear and quickly washed my butt in a hurry after Jungkook slammed the door shut to keep Taehyung out of the bathroom. He wildly turned to gawk at me, so I screamed for him to turn away, flushed the toilet, and quickly stood up to tug on my panties in a hurry."What are we supposed to do!?" Jungkook mouthed me as he leaned against the door with a terrified face, pinching his nose in difficulty to filter the horrendous smell of my fresh shit. He tried to speak, but he ended up gagging at the smell of my explosive diarrhea as I hastily washed my hands in the sink with a red face."I don't know-""Where's your skirt?! Put it on!" Jungkook fired me an irrigated glare as I stood in my shirt and panties."I left it outside the bathroom," I pursed my lips with a pale face as Taehyung repeatedly knocked on the door. Jungkook's face drained in fear as he leaned against the door, trapping us in the shit-infested atmosphere. He looked as if he was about to faint."You might as well just walk naked into my bathroom!" Jungkook fired me a sharp glare, so I guiltily stared at him from the sink while twisting my exposed legs.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

I hurriedly snatched a towel by the sink to wrap around my waist until I felt my face growing numb from extreme embarrassment. Taehyung cluelessly knocked on the bathroom room as Jungkook rubbed his blood-red face in bewilderment."What's the matter?- Why aren't you in your skirt?!" Taehyung asked in confusion when Jungkook finally opened the door to stroll out of the reeking bathroom and scrunched his nose to filter the disgusting stench of my poop. I kept my head low and followed him out of the bathroom as I clutched the towel securely around my waist until I found my unzipped skirt scattered on the tile. Shit. I froze in shock when I realized... I was indeed... in Jungkook's bedroom and not mine. Taehyung frowned at our flustered faces."She came inside to shit in my room and accused me of being a pervert!" Jungkook turned to glare at me as he stood in his towel."You were staring-""I WAS IN SHOCK! YOU WERE THE ONLY ONE EYEBALLING MY BODY!" He snapped at me in irritation, causing my cheeks to flush even redder."YAH! DID YOU THINK I ENJOYED IT? IT WAS A CURSE-""MOH!? A CURSE!? MY BODY IS A CURSE- YOU- ARGH! ARGH! YAH- YOU STUPID WOMAN!" Jungkook suddenly stormed towards me, so I hastily snatched his hair when he wouldn't stop confronting me."Stop-" Taehyung quickly walked towards us- just as Jungkook angrily grabbed a handful of my hair and yanked my scalp with all his might to counter me. I screeched and tightened my grip around his scalp until he wailed like a dying animal, but he refused to let go. We stubbornly stood with our hands locked in each other's hair."YOU'RE THE PERVERTED FREAK-" I snarled."NO, IT'S YOU- ARGGHHH!""AHHHHHH! LET GO- YOU DIPSHIT-""DIPSHIT!? YOU STUPID PSYCHO!" Jungkook insulted. I furiously screamed in frustration and violently jerked his hair, causing Jungkook to yank my root with his heavy grip.We both shrieked in pain when Taehyung tried to seize Jungkook, but his hand slipped and tugged on his cousin's towel... instead. Jungkook and I both... froze when the towel... slipped from Jungkook's firm waist... dropping to the floor. Taehyung stood frozen in his place as Jungkook stood stiffly before us... naked. I quickly snapped my head away in shock and released his hair as Taehyung gawked at his cousin's body in disbelief."What's with the noise-" Do-hwan suddenly appeared by the door. Jungkook's face flashed in horror at the presence of our guard. Taehyung suddenly grabbed my shoulder to pull me against him just as Do-hwan entered the room in confusion. We stood as a barrier to block Jungkook's exposed body from Do-hwan's view.The man halted when he found us staring at him like guilty children as Jungkook hurriedly grabbed the towel behind us. Taehyung awkwardly gulped when Do-hwan glanced at my scattered skirt on the floor and back to the loose towel around my waist as I stood shoulder to shoulder with Taehyung. I quickly ran forward to grab my skirt and sprinted out of the room in embarrassment, leaving the alphas with Do-hwan."Ah~ I'm really out of my mind~!" I groaned, lightly smacking my head as I entered my room to shower. How can I walk into Jungkook's room without realizing it wasn't my room? I shook my head repeatedly when his naked body kept reappearing before my eyes. Gah! I'm not a pervert!______________________
Jungkook wouldn't stop taunting me about the incident afterward and kept calling me a pervert. What am I supposed to do when he's standing naked in front of me like that? I was in shock! I eventually got sick and tired of his constant nagging and ended up brawling with him a few more times. The fight wasn't serious, but he accidentally gave me a nosebleed once after elbowing my nose while tickling me. His father was super furious with my condition, so he grounded Jungkook for a day.

My life was pretty much the same after I returned, but eomma had her people's eyes on me wherever I went to prevent me from running off again. And one of her pineapple eyes is, of course, Taehyung. He has been spending more time with me... and he was always... oddly calm, unlike our first encounter when I first returned from the States. Is it because he's trying to get on my good side? Sora. Taehyung has always treated you well since you were young. You're desperately demonizing him because of the drowning incident.
"I'm sure you're aware of our plans, right?" Eomma dawdled as we gathered in the living room with the elders. Jungkook was gaming on his phone with an unbothered look as Taehyung sat beside me with his hands clasped together."Taehyung spoke with me," I nodded, unable to look at the elders directly in their eyes. Their disappointment... I could sense it without having to look at them."Right. I let you flee because I figured you needed time to heal from your heartbreak, but now that you've willingly returned while being aware of our terms... you should behave and take over your role in our household," Eomma nodded. I sat in silence because I didn't know what to say. I returned to marry Taehyung, and I agreed with their terms. It's not like I can take back my words."You two have spoken with each other already? Regarding the engagement?" Mrs. Kim curiously asked us from her seat."I have informed Sora, and she agreed, but I don't want to announce the engagement yet," Taehyung answered. Jungkook briefly glanced at me when he noticed I was sulking. Why am I feeling so stuffy? I thought I wanted this. To get married and live happily with him?"Why not? The society is unstable. The earlier we announce it-""I don't want it to be a marriage of convenience. Our relationship might mainly serve the purpose of solidifying our power in the council, but I cherish Sora. I want us to bloom our love... before proceeding with the announcement so she'd feel comfortable with our relationship exposure. After all, we're not quite used to the... notion of being lovers yet... since we've always considered each other as a family," Taehyung calmly spoke up for me. I gripped my fist and turned to look at him in guilt. He's trying so hard... to dilute the problems between me and my parents. It's not right for me to remain quiet on the matter."Honey, are you alright with this? We should let her speak," Mr. Jeon softly asked me. I gulped and finally acquired the courage to look up at the elders. I just want to be happy. To be loved. To lead an ordinary life because I'm so tired... of living with the terminal aches."Do you perhaps... still favor Kim Seokjin?" Mrs. Kim asked me worriedly when I struggled to speak beside Taehyung."N-Noo! Not anymore! It's just that- I'm nervous!" I immediately denied their suspicions. Taehyung raised his eyebrow at my statement."Nervous?" He asked while searching my face in confusion. My cheeks suddenly flushed red, so I turned away from Taehyung to look at my mother."I've only seen men to savor the fleeting moment of pleasure. I dated because I wanted to be in love, but- the young and naive me... have never once... thought of a committed relationship that comes with marriage. I'm afraid... I'm not ready for marriage... by that... I mean... raising a family," I gulped. I've lived most of my life in isolation ever since I was cast outside of Korea by my own family. Never... have I ever... thought of a happy ending in my life because I was always in a deep depression of my own life crisis.
A picture of a happy life and family... is surreal to me. And I was never given the chance to mature my mental state. My family is right about me being stubborn and childish because... after all... I am still a traumatized child. It's scary to take an uncertain leap from being a lost child to being a wife and a leader with so... many responsibilities. How can I endure such crucial roles when I can't... even handle my own feelings? I might lose myself to the dark emotions again. And I'm afraid... I'll become a monster.
"Do you not favor Taehyung? I know there was an unresolved childhood conflict between you two, but we can reconcile it. Right? If only both sides agree to compromise and project the effort... I'm sure you can mend the broken rifts," Mr. Kim advised us.I can still recall it so vividly. The way I was struggling for air under the cold surface. The dried blood... on Taehyung's hands after he murdered his uncle to save his family. The painful bandage on Jungkook's wounded head after his birth mother tried to end his life... because of my mother. My chest suddenly stirred in discomfort as I thought of the dark past. Is it possible to conceal our sinful crimes and live on? Despite so many conflicts...? The households are thriving and if I choose... to rip open our bleeding wounds... everyone within this room will suffer. I glanced at Jungkook as he sadly stared at me. Do I really want to live every day of my life... occupied with revenge when everyone is willing to offer peace?"It's too early to confirm Sora's feelings for me-""I've always liked Taehyung," I shakily exhaled with my eyes closed. I can't live in denial forever. Taehyung halted mid-sentence after I confessed my feelings."You do?" Taehyung asked, turning to look at me in surprise. He didn't look too convinced."It might not have been romantic feelings when I was young, but I've always been attached to you. You have always... took great care of me and Jungkook as we grew up. My heart might have loved Jungkook first... when we were young... I loved Jungkook and he was the first person to open the door of love for me, and I'm forever grateful... but sadly... our love was only a breeze of wind. It subsided after our separation, and now that I've returned for the second time... I've realized... I could always rely on Taehyung. If I were to be on the brink of death... when I've lost all hope in the darkness... Taehyung will be the first to sprint for me," I spoke quietly. The room suddenly grew hushed as Taehyung stared at me with a slight frown. He appeared almost touched... by my heartwarming words.
I have to let the past go. I have to. I don't want to live with the uncomfortable misery anymore. I tried to tear all of us apart only to realize... I was never ready to hurt the people who have done me wrong because I'm a weak soul that forgives people too... easily. I believed... I could ruin my parents... but how can I? When it comes at the cost of hurting everyone else too? Despite all the pain they put me through... my shattered soul is still begging to forgive their wrongdoings.
"So what do you want to do now? Express your thoughts on this matter," Eomma finally spoke up to break the muted silence. I sighed deeply and lifted my hand to place it on Taehyung's hand. Jungkook quietly watched me weave my fingers into Taehyung's. Taehyung didn't react and glanced down at our hands, unconsciously gripping my hand to accept my warm gesture."I'll... work on loving him until we establish a concrete relationship between us. So give us time... please let us love each other before the announcement. Once I'm ready... once he's ready... and once we're ready... we'll tie the knot... but for now... please grant us the freedom to sculpt our love," I turned to stare at my parents.The elders stared at me without speaking until I felt Taehyung tighten his grip around my hand. They want me to submit... so I'll do that. Maybe this will lead me to a happy ending. If only... I accept Taehyung's feelings and let him guide me. Maybe, I can avoid all the tragedies? I hope I'll be happier on this path.The elders agreed to grant our wishes to take things at a steady pace and chose to conceal the engagement for the time being. Jungkook weakly smiled at me. He looked a bit sad before he got up to the live room. I sat quietly with Taehyung in the empty living room. Together we sat hand in hand because neither wanted to withdraw our fingers. My mind was entirely blank... and I didn't feel the disturbing emotions in my chest anymore.Taehyung suddenly got up from the couch but didn't let go of my hand... so I got up after him in confusion. He slowly walked down the corridor without speaking and exited the mansion through the back door to lead me up the staircase. And still. We remain muted. He took me up to the pool. I finally released his hand and walked over to lean over the railing. Taehyung quietly stood beside me."Are you sure about this?" He turned to stare at me."The reason... you drowned me... I need to know the entire truth. So tell me," I sighed without looking at him. I never gave him a chance to speak and blamed him for hurting me because I desperately needed someone to blame my misery on, and it was him. I made Taehyung the monster in my pitiful world... just so I could be a victim to avoid my guilt. Taehyung gulped and turned to stare at the sunset before the mansion as the cold wind softly grazed our skin on the peaceful rooftop."I killed my uncle to live and blamed it on your family. Especially... you. I blamed you for ruining my life. For turning me into a murderer... when in fact... I was just a coward... refusing to accept my crime. That day... I saw you calling for me from the raised platform. I knew... I knew it wasn't your fault. Your cries... begging me to come down. How could I go down? I knew I was unstable, and if I did listen to you... I was afraid I'd only hurt you like I hurt my uncle. So I took the leap... and plunged into the dark sea beneath me. It was a punishment. To end my life... so I wouldn't hurt more people... especially you and Jungkook. There is something wrong with me... Sora. It's like this... hollow darkness... that numbs my soul... it's like a painkiller that takes away my misery for a split moment... but it came at a pricey cost. Because by the time... I woke up from the numbing emotion... I'm already drenched in thick blood and the innocent souls are already dead before me," Taehyung quietly explained. I stood in silence to contemplate his justification. He's not lying. I feel it too. My darkness might not be as intense as his... but if I keep exposing myself to the menacing stimulus... I'm afraid I'll end up with dirty blood on my hands as well."So you drowned me? The darkness made you do it?" I asked without blinking."I drowned you. The darkness is a part of me, and I can't blame it entirely because it was me... who tried to kill you. I failed to contain the evil and attempted to... drown you until you fell unconscious. My soul... it left my body when I found your lifeless body under me in the freezing cold water. I knew I fucked up right then and there... and nothing I do will ever fix my mistake. I knew you'd see me as a monster," Taehyung exhaled. He leaned against the railing as I stared at the setting sun. If only... I had listened to him from the beginning... maybe I wouldn't have caused so much trouble? Why did I blame him for being a heartless monster when I knew my mother was the mastermind? We were only kids. Young souls... trying to survive her manipulative spells."I have a study case I can't solve. Can you help me with it?" I blinked, turning to smile at Taehyung. He turned to stare at me in confusion when I suddenly brought up a random topic."Moh?" He frowned."I'll bring it to you after dinner," I smiled, patting his shoulder, and turned to leave the rooftop. Taehyung didn't follow me and stood in confusion, so I left the pool without him.
A moment later.
"Are you listening or not!?" Taehyung snapped, flicking my forehead when he noticed I was blanking out again. I whined and gripped my forehead in annoyance as Taehyung tapped the study case on his coffee table repeatedly. Taehyung is clarifying the study case for me as we sit on the carpet in his bedroom."Did you have to flick me?!" I complained."I explained three times already but you kept zoning out-""Do you like Haerim?" I asked, staring at him curiously."W-What?" Taehyung blinked at the unexpected question. I completely dismissed the topic related to our past on the rooftop and Taehyung seemed baffled but didn't confront me."Gae Haerim. Your ex-lover. Do you still like her?" I frowned at him."After she left me?!- I'd be out of my damn mind to love her! Why are you asking?" Taehyung scoffed. I scratched my head and averted my eyes back to the study case."I already know the answer to this," I nodded, reaching out to scribble the answer on the paper."Then why did you make me explain?" Taehyung huffed in annoyance."Because I want to irritate you," I muttered. Taehyung grew hushed as he examined my odd behavior."You didn't change at all. Little dumpling... coming... to me to ask for help when she never really needs it because she wants something from me. Did you think I didn't notice? I grew up with you!" Taehyung bickered. I stopped scribbling and turned to grimace at him."You're saying nonsense!-""Oppa~! Can you help me with my homework~? The little dumpling would walk into my room with her books and ask me to help her with work when it was just a coloring book! The book isn't even schoolwork! And the next moment... she'd leave my room with a stuffed animal or some snacks because it was never her intention to ask for help but because she wanted something from me but was afraid to ask, so she pretended to linger around until I give her what she needs," Taehyung mocked me with a smug smile until my face flushed red. Did he notice my intention?!"I'm not asking for anything-""Liar. What is it that you want this time? Hmm~? My assignment answers? Or perhaps... my soap? What is it that you want? Just ask me and stop it with the annoying habits! Just ask! When did I ever reject your request?!" He complained. I gripped the pencil and glared at him in annoyance."I want a boyfriend," I said shortly. Taehyung immediately opened his mouth to speak- but halted, utterly taken aback by my absurd request."A what?" He funnily stared at me with a baffled frown."A boyfriend!" I repeated, raising my voice to ensure he heard me. He stared at me as if I was out of my mind."A boyfriend?! After you said- you'd marry me!? So you wasted my time just so you could ask if you could date other men?! And I'm not deaf- so you don't have to scream at me! I can hear you just fine!" Taehyung frowned at me in irritation. I pursed my lips and stared at him in silence."You. I want you to be my boyfriend. Why would I date other men when I said I'll marry you?" I asked, tilting my head to the side. Taehyung's eyes suddenly widened at my blunt statement. He rudely scoffed and turned to rub his face."You-""What?! Do you expect us to get married without being boyfriends and girlfriends first!? That's weird! I don't want to be called your wife before- I'm even your girlfriend! We should have a label for our relationship!" I whined, dropping the pencil in annoyance. He suddenly laughed by himself as I fumed at him. How can we go from being a family to husband and wife!? It's strange. I want to live and love like the commoners! I want to date first! I want to have a boyfriend! I want to make memories with him! And slowly fall in love! And then get married! We can't just skip the entire romantic concept and jump straight to- making babies for our household!"Were you always this bold?" Taehyung weakly turned to stare at my rosy cheeks."Why are you avoiding me?!" I snapped."I'm not avoiding you-" Taehyung tried to deny when I quickly leaped forward to press my lips against his. He sat frozen in shock after I pulled away to stare at his startled expression."I need an answer," I pouted, backing away to clasp my hands together. Taehyung's face suddenly flushed red as he chewed his lower moist lips and turned his face away to clear his throat with an awkward poker face. Is he blushing...?"Is this how you capture Kim Seokjin's heart?" Taehyung turned to frown at me again. I fired him with a dumbfounded look."You know what? Forget it," I dawdled, turning to pout at the paper. Taehyung got onto his feet to sit on the couch as I remained on the carpet."Come here," He muttered, softly patting the space on the couch beside him. I turned to stare at this neutral face unsurely but got up to sit beside him."Just say it if you don't want-""Close your eyes," He ordered. I pursed my lips in annoyance and closed my eyes on demand. Is he going to kiss me?"What now?" I asked as I stared into the darkness of my eyelids. I felt Taehyung shifting closer to me, so I nervously gripped my hands until I felt my heart... beating crazily against my chest. I sucked in my breath and stiffened in place once I felt his hot breath... over my lips."Are you sure about this?" Taehyung muttered over my face. I screwed my face in discomfort with my eyes screwed shut. He's too close!"About?" I asked without opening my eyes.Taehyung suddenly placed his warm palm on my cheek to brush his fingers over my lips. He gently pushed his thumb into my mouth, causing my body to tense up at his shockingly daring action. He didn't answer me right away... and played with my tongue in silence until I felt my body heating up. I finally opened my eyes as he withdrew his thumb from my lips. Taehyung was so close to me... I could almost count his pores."Once I'm addicted to something... I'll never... let go," Taehyung whispered, sexily sucking his saliva-coated thumb to suck my taste.My cheeks flushed red up witnessing his untamed behavior as the man intensely licked my spit until he abruptly leaned forward to kiss me. Smooch. I immediately screwed my eyes shut and leaned backward at his assertiveness while clenching his shirt in a panic. Taehyung went straight for my tongue and sucked onto my tastebuds like a hungry beast- until I started suffocating between his moving lips. I panted with a flustered face after he drew away from me with a devilish smirk."What? Did you think an innocent peck would make you a bold woman? I know you too well. You're all... tough... until I confront you... and you're suddenly tense and frozen like this. Open your mouth again if you're so bold. I'll shove my tongue between your pretty lips until you're out of breath," He chuckles while caressing my cheek. My body was as stiff as a board... and my face was so hot... I couldn't feel my skin anymore."Ah! I'm sleepy!" I blurted, quickly pushing him away, and scrambled off the couch in a hurry when my heart wouldn't stop pounding in my chest. Taehyung chuckled as he watched me race out of his room without closing the door. THUD. I slammed my door shut in fright when I felt my nerves pulsating in my temples. Fuck! I forgot Taehyung knows I only pretend to be bold for show! He knows my weakness! My tricks won't work on him like the other men!______________________
Taehyung wouldn't stop teasing me after the night... I kissed him out of impulse. He'd mock me about it until I flushed red from embarrassment. He never delivered the answer to my request either... so I assumed he didn't want to label our relationship yet. It's understandable because he doesn't want us to feel too pressured. It has to come naturally.
"Wah~! This is unbelievable!" Jungkook groaned after reading the form handed out by the professor. The entire class erupted with dissatisfaction as I stared at the mandatory project. Taehyung crumbled up the paper and tossed it aside, so I turned to find Minah sitting quietly in the corner of the class. She hasn't spoken to me ever since I returned."We're returning to Busan after so long," I smiled at the agenda. The alphas are required to help out at designated locations throughout Busan. I like it. The city is too dull. I need a refreshing trip! Taehyung suddenly got up from his seat, approached me, and leaned down to collect my materials to shove them in my bag without explaining himself."I'm hungry," He muttered, swinging my bag over his shoulder and grabbed my hand to lead me out of class. Haerim narrowed her eyes at our interaction as Seokjin kept his gaze on the document with a slight frown. Despite claiming to be hungry, Taehyung didn't take me to the canteen and brought me to the lounge reserved for the presidents."You ordered food?" I blinked, following him inside to find a bag on his desk."I wanted to eat fried chicken," Taehyung sighed, sitting on his work chair as I glanced around the room to search for a chair."Where did the spare chair go-""Ah. Haerim probably removed the chair because she didn't want you to visit. Come here," Taehyung suddenly tugged me by my waist to make me sit on his lap. Plop. I froze in shock as he coiled his arms around my body to hold me over his manly thighs."This is awkward!" I whined, shyly smiling at him."It's just us. Let's eat before they show up," Taehyung smiled while unpacking the fried chicken. I hungrily ate with him in the room until the door slid open and Seokjin came strolling in. He briefly glanced at us and went straight to his desk without acknowledging my presence.I got up from Taehyung's lap to throw away the empty fried chicken package and then entered... the bathroom to find someone cursing in anger. I halted once I noticed the blonde alpha... glaring at her reflection in the mirror. Oh shit. Should I leave? She averted her piercing eyes to me, so I cleared my throat and walked forward to wash my hands without maintaining eye contact with her. She kept on glaring at me. And what's her problem?"Keep up with that look... and I'll give you a black eye," I warned, turning to leave the bathroom. What's her business? Did she fight with Jimin?"Noona!""Ah?!- &^!$#%?!- You scared me!" I shrieked when someone tapped my shoulder. I wildly turned to find Yangcha beaming at me with an adorable smile."I'm sorry!" Yangcha cutely grinned."Don't you have class?" I smiled at him. He doesn't have bruises on his face anymore. That's a relief."Nope! It's my birthday today! I'm going to invite a few friends to my birthday party! Please come by!" He beamed at me."Oh?! Happy birthday~! You're all grown up now! Aigo~! Unfortunately... I have an overtime class today... so I might not make it, but you have fun, okay?" I ruffled his fluffy hair.Yangcha excitedly told me about his plans and we eventually parted ways after a brief chat. I sighed when I found the emergency exit leading up to the rooftop. Seokjin is in the lounge, which means the space is unoccupied. I slowly walked up the stairs and stepped out into the familiar opening until I was greeted by the gentle breeze. I miss this place. I smiled and slid down to sit against the wall with a slight smile to savor the pacifying atmosphere.
And I dozed off on the rooftop.
Thud. I blinked and turned my head when I heard the rooftop door closing, but the person had already disappeared. Yawning, I rubbed my eyes and glanced down to find a jacket covering my legs. Oh? Did someone leave it for me? Who- I halted in shock when I recognized the familiar fresh minty scent. Seokjin? It smells like him. I sniffed the shirt unsurely and got up to dust my skirt before strolling back down and headed back to the lounge but stopped in my place when I noticed Yangcha sitting alone on a bench. A few kids... were laughing at him as he sat with his head hung low."Sora?" Taehyung called as he strolled through the corridor."Jae Yangcha. Is his household allied with any of the top alphas?" I asked. Taehyung turned to look at the young boy as he sulked under the tree before the lower ranks."I think... I saw his household alliance proposal when appa asked me to review the files. But as far as I know... His family probably is still in search of an alliance. No one wishes to shelter them," Taehyung shrugged."Why not?" I dimmed my eyes when one of the lower ranks smacked Yangcha's head."He's young. The top ranks are only willing to accept a competent household," Taehyung exhaled. That sucks. He deserves a chance to prove himself. Taehyung told me he had to meet with Seokjin to discuss the next council meeting, so he'll be home late. I didn't dare ask Taehyung to bring Seokjin's jacket back to him... so I took it with me and made my way down the building until I found myself approaching the boy as he sat with his head hung low."You're hurt again," I sighed, crouching before the bench to hold Yangcha's hands as a warm droplet of tears slipped from his downcast gaze."They're not hurting me anymore," Yangcha sobbed, quickly drying his puffy eyelids."Not physically... but they're hurting you emotionally," I shook my head and gently dabbed the tears from his cheeks. He looked up at me with pained eyes."I just wanted to make friends- I- I invited them to my birthday party because I wanted to forgive them- but they only insulted and mocked me. My friends back in high school used to be so kind and caring. Noona... I hate this society," He sobbed in difficulty until his face flushed red. I stared at him sadly.

"Don't cry! How can you cry on your birthday? Let's go!" I snapped, suddenly leaping to my feet."Huh?" Yangcha lifted his tearful eyes to stare at me. I smiled and placed out my hand."I'll celebrate with you. Fuck those suckers~! Let's have fun together," I beamed. Yangcha glanced at my wiggly fingers and slowly placed his hand on mine, so I gripped his fingers and tugged him onto his feet."You said you're busy-""Not anymore!" I sideways smiled at him.Yangcha weakly smiled and rubbed his tears as we walked hand in hand out of the campus. I asked the driver not to pick me up and took Yangcha to the amusement park. We took a taxi to Lotte World. The alpha was overly excited after we rented the student uniforms to dress up and bought the VIP tickets... so we didn't have to wait in line."Noona! Are you an adrenaline junkie too!?" Yangcha nudged my shoulder as we entered the crowded space to find all sorts of fun rides around the area."Nope. But I'll do whatever you want today," I smiled. I immediately regretted saying that when he took me to a massive swinging pirate ship. I told myself I'd be okay... but I almost puked out my organ on the ride. I tried not to scream and gripped the railing as the boat violently swung back and forth until I found myself staring vertically at the tiny people below me. "That was fun~!" Yangcha giggled as I stumbled after him. I forcefully smiled at the alpha when he turned to look at me because I didn't want to disappoint him. He took me outdoors and my heart thumped in fear when I found all sorts of crazy wild rides. Yangcha dragged me to a spinning twist and a deadly drop afterward until I couldn't feel my heartbeat anymore.

"-Noona, let's try the rollercoaster-""Yangcha! Let's eat- N-Noona is starving!" I gasped when he tried to drag me to another ride. He pouted but eventually agreed to my suggestion. We got ice cream at a stall and sat down. Yangcha innocently beamed at me as he licked from his cone, so I glanced down at my chocolate ice cream with a bitter frown because I knew I'd vomit if I ate anything. Yangcha... is a complete... beast. He'd chuckle and laugh so happily as he drops hundreds of feet from the air. He loved it. The thrills."Noona, are you okay? You look sick," Yangcha pouted."Huh!? NO! I'm totally having fun~!" I giggled when he suddenly reached over to pat my striking messy hair."Thank you for spending time with me. I thought I'd spend another year alone again," Yangcha smiled from across the table. "Alone? What about your parents?" I blinked at him."My parents are always busy. They're not even in Korea right now, so I'm living with our maids. Appa sent me a racing car gaming engine yesterday, and I've been playing around with it," Yangcha shrugged.
He doesn't even celebrate his birthday with his family? Yangcha tried to take me on more rides, but I managed to convince him otherwise after I almost fainted on a deadly twister. The young alpha eventually agreed to leave the amusement park with me after I promised to treat him to dinner. I'll seriously empty my stomach if I tried another one of those scary rides. How can anyone seriously enjoy being flung into the air?

Yangcha was extremely excited when we took the subway instead of the taxi because I knew it was getting dark and the traffic is probably congested. He'd funnily smile or wave at the elders on the subway until we arrived in Hongdae... one of the most popular zones in Seoul. We wandered around the area together until I found a familiar face sitting at a BBQ place.

"Oh! Pizza man!" I gasped. Yoongi snapped his face to me in surprise."Sora!? What are you doing here!?" Yoongi gasped, quickly getting up from his table with his lips ajar."Pizza man...?" Yangcha asked as he stood behind me. The kid glanced back and forth between us with a weak smile."Oh! This is my friend! Yoongi! This is Yangcha! A freshman from my university!" I introduced them to each other."Nice to meet you, hyung~!" Yangcha greeted, respectfully bowing Yoongi while gripping his backpack's strap."It's his birthday today, so I took him out-""Join me then! I'm alone today! Also- I wanna hear everything about your life abroad~!" Yoongi chuckled, grabbing my arm to tug me down. I stared at his flustered rosy cheeks unsurely. Is he drunk?"Ani- It's okay- I don't want to burden-""Can we order more servings, noona?! The pork belly smells crazy delicious! I've never eaten this before!" Yangcha suddenly sat down to sniff the sizzling meat with his watery mouth."Of course- IMO! TWO MORE SERVINGS, PLEASE! Let me make you the best ssam (meat wrapped with lettuce or other vegetables) in Korea!" Yoongi suddenly screamed at the staff to place an order for us. He quickly grabbed a cabbage to place the meat on it and dipped it in a sauce."Oh, dear..." I mutter, sitting down with them as Yoongi extends his arm across the table."SAY AH~!" Yoongi grinned at Yangcha. The alpha opened his mouth to accept the cabbage."Ah! It's hot!" Yangcha gasped after he closed his mouth."It's best served warm! Eat up! It's a premium combo!" Yoongi scolded Yangcha, who was fanning his fuming mouth in difficulty.

"Hmmp! It's delicious~!" Yangcha's eyes suddenly widened the longer he chewed the food. He cutely lifted up his hands to give Yoongi a thumbs up. Yoongi chuckled pridefully at the child's positive reaction as he wrapped another cabbage and suddenly turned to feed me."Open wide~!" He chuckled."It's fine. I can- Oh?!" I gasped when he shoved the cabbage into my mouth. I coughed in distress as I chewed the spicy ssam, making Yoongi laugh at my puff cheeks. He poured a cup of soju for me and ordered a soft drink for Yangcha.
I wanted to leave at first because I didn't want to put Yoongi in unnecessary trouble... but Yangcha seemed to enjoy Yoongi's company... so I stayed and finally enjoyed the meal with them. We ended up ordering an extra five servings, and I was half-drunk by the time we finished the last serving on the steaming grill. Yoongi convinced Yangcha to have mixed soju and coke because he was of legal age, but the boy wasn't so tolerant of the strong liquor.
"Hyung~! You're- so cool~!" Yangcha drunkenly smiled at Yoongi with his red cheeks as I supported the alpha because I was afraid he'd topple off the chair."Stop drinking~! Your parents will scold you~!" I gasped, trying to stop the boy from drinking, but he giggled and gulped another shot of soju. The kid screwed his face in distress after lowering the bitter liquid and shook his dazed head to regain his consciousness."Aigo! It's his 19th birthday! Let him drink! IMO! ONE MORE BOTTLE OF SOJU, PLEASE!" Yoongi chuckled at the young boy as I anxiously observed Yangcha's unstable condition. They didn't listen to me and kept cheering until ajumma played traditional music in the restaurant, and Yangcha started singing out loud.I gasped when the kid started dancing all over the place with Yoongi. I laughed at their cute interaction. They were so entertaining that the other tables turned to laugh and clapped at the duo. Ajumma even brought Yangcha a karaoke mic from him to sing. I left the restaurant to grab Yangcha a birthday cake, leaving him with Yoongi. The restaurant was almost empty by the time Imo lit the cake, and we sang the endearing happy birthday song for the boy.

"WAHAHAH~! THIS IS SO TOUCHING~!" Yangcha drunkenly cried until heavy tears streamed from his eyes."Aigo! Don't cry~! You should be happy!" Ajumma smacked Yangcha's back. He whimpered and lowered his tear-soaked face to blow the candle as I happily hugged the alpha on his side."HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Yoongi happily smacked Yangcha's back as I giggled- FLOP. I gasped in shock when Yangcha suddenly fell unconscious and slammed his face... right into the cake."OMO! Wake up?! Young man! Aigo~! You guys should head home!" Ajumma gasped, quickly lifting Yangcha's face off the cake."Here's my card," I quickly handed ajumma my card as she stabilized Yangcha. I quickly got up to hold his shoulder to stop him from tilting back towards the table as ajumma raced away to process my payment."It's sweet... Noona~ Want a bite~?" Yangcha licked the cream on his lips as he drunkenly wiped the cream from his face. He offered me the cream on his fingers as I stared at his droopy eyes. He looks like a fluffy cloud because his entire face is smudged with whipped creams."Let's go home~!" I smiled, grabbing a few tissues to wipe the alpha's face clean as he drunkenly poked the smashed cake and licked the cream off his sticky fingers.Yoongi quickly got up to help me lift the drunk boy from his seat and took him out of the restaurant after Yangcha's driver arrived to escort him. I contacted his household earlier to pick him up. His main guard worriedly greeted me as Yoongi settled the kid into the backseat of his luxurious car. The driver bowed at us and left the street as I stood with Yoongi in front of Imo's restaurant. She returned my card, so I walked off with Yoongi until we found a mart and sat down to calm our drunken minds."Oh? You still have it?!" I gasped when Yoongi suddenly placed my diamond bracelet on the table."It looked precious... I thought you might want it back," He smiled as I lifted the bracelet to examine it. I traded my bracelet for a plane ticket the day I chose to run away. Yoongi got me the plane ticket, so I gave him my bracelet."I already broke up with my boyfriend. You can sell it," I shook my head and slid the bracelet back to Yoongi. Seokjin got it for me as a gift when we were dating. He didn't want it back after we broke up and I didn't want to be reminded of him, so I handed it to Yoongi. We eventually got up and walked down the empty street after we sobered up a little"Your love life failed again?" Yoongi chuckled."It did. But I'm seeing another man right now and we might even get married this time," I smiled as we strolled down the dim alley."It's getting late- Should I call a taxi? I want to take you home, but I'm too drunk to drive~!" Yoongi rubbed his flustered face."It's fine~! I asked my driver to pick me up on the main street. I'll drop you off at home-" I nudged Yoongi's shoulder- until we noticed a few sketchy men approaching us."Is it just me... or are there some evil-looking men approaching us? Are we getting robbed?" Yoongi froze in his place as the gangsters snarled at us."How fast can you run?" I whispered in fear."AHHHHHH!" Yoongi and I screeched, wildly spinning around to dash in the opposite direction- but halted in shock when we found another group of gangsters approaching us."WELL SHIT- I THINK WE NEED WINGS TO FLY-" Yoongi cursed in horror after we realized we were cornered."That's a pretty bitch~!" One of the buff gangsters chuckled as they surrounded us. There are eight men to disable and I'm too tipsy!"ARGH!-" I screeched, wildly swinging my leg to kick a guy when he tried to grab me."Ugh!" The man tumbled onto his back in pain, causing the other gangsters to snap their heads in shock."Damn, you know kungfu?" Yoongi drunkenly muttered while staring at the fallen man in shock."It's taekwondo-""Restrain them!" One of the thugs screeched. I gasped in shock when two men launched at me with all their might. THUD. I groaned in pain as soon as I collided onto the rough ground. Yoongi thrust a guy away and tried to rush toward me when one of the thugs swung a crowbar at his chest, sending Yoongi tumbling backward."Search him!" The leader ordered. The men immediately searched Yoongi until they found the diamond bracelet."No! Give it back- URGH!" Yoongi gasped, trying to get up. The leader kicked him hard across his face, sending Yoongi rolling over the sidewalk. Dread filled me when Yoongi slumped weakly to the side. Bloody drool... was flowing from his lips."Don't hurt him! You fuck face!" I cursed, roughly resisting the men's grip as they held me down."Fuck face?! You bitch?!- Call me that again, and I'll fuck out your womb!" The man fired me a furious glare with his glowering eyes. A few men suddenly pinned me down by my shoulders, so I screamed and thrashed in horror when they started searching my body.

"Don't touch her-""No- Yoongi! Don't worry about me- YAH! STOP IT! ARGH!" I yelled in horror as Yoongi struggled to get up. He grunted and rolled over to reach for me- Thump! Thump! The remaining thugs started beating him until he was too weak to resist the painful blows."A black card? This bitch is filthy rich!" A thug gasped after they withdrew my card from my pocket. The leader snatched the card from his men to examine it with a smug grin."The card is useless. The bank will track us if we use it... but if we kidnap her... we'll get a load of cash to free her pussy~" The man chuckled. I averted my fearful eyes to Yoongi, who was lying unconscious on the ground."Free him! I'll give you double the amount you need!" I seethed in pain when I felt my elbows stinging in pain. The thug chuckled lowly and crouched down to snatch my cheeks."Unfortunately... This is a kill order. Aigo~! Who are you? Should I fuck you first before I put you out of your misery~?" The man roughly grabbed my cheeks, squeezing me in his painful grip. I blinked in tears but refused to cry as the men stapled me on the ground."Hyung! Let us fuck her too!" A skinny ugly man sneered as they stood over my vulnerable body."Sure... I'll let you load her with our cum~ Bring her!" The man ordered, getting onto his feet."YOU FUCKER! LET GO OF ME!- I WILL KILL YOU!" I screamed in distress as they roughly hauled me onto my feet and dragged me across the road. I wildly tried to scratch the jagged ground when someone slapped me hard across my face. I gasped in shock at the painful blow as they mercilessly yanked me by my legs to tow my lightweight body over the road."Who's killer order?" Someone suddenly appeared, blocking the thug's path. They halted at the unexpected presence- so I quickly looked up to find... Kim Taehyung... standing calmly before the thug with his hand in his pocket."Oh? Who's this handsome face?" The thugs sneered at Taehyung. He glanced at my dirty face and back at the thugs."Let go of my girlfriend," He sighed, causing the fearless thugs to snort at his face."She's your girlfriend?! Are you the owner of her black card?! Damn! She was seeing that petty mother fucker over there!- The dickhead whimpered and begged me not to hurt her. She's an unfaithful bitch! Why? Maybe your dick is too small?!-" The leader sneered at Taehyung's blank face, hysterically laughing with his gangs."Only a frightened dog will bark," Taehyung smirked at the man. His face flushed at Taehyung's insulting statement, and he suddenly charged toward Taehyung. The alpha effortlessly dodged the man and turned to kick his back, sending him stumbling across the road."Kill the fucker!" The leader ordered after he tumbled into the wall at the painful impact on his back.The thugs suddenly released me and charged toward Taehyung. I gasped in shock and sat up when Taehyung grabbed a man by his collar and aggressively shoved him hard into two other men. He swiftly dodged the crowbar before spinning on his feet to high-kick the man, sending the crowbar clattering across the dark alley, so I quickly scrambled forward just as the leader tried to grab it. Thump! I kicked him with all my might and slammed my sneaker into his fat face."Ugh!" The boss gasped, tumbling back as I fiercely fought to tug the crowbar from his grip.A man tried to leap at me, so I swiftly swung the heavy steel against his jaw- sending him flying backward. Two men immediately got up and tried to attack Taehyung at once as he was punching a guy- so I screeched and hurled the crowbar at one man, disabling him with a harsh blow in his face before reaching out to grab the back of the other man's shirt. He wildly turned to glare at me and tried to resist- so I punched him hard in his face- THUD. I howled in pain as the boss violently swung his fist at my head. I stumbled to the side when another man head locked me from behind.Taehyung snapped his attention to me in shock after I fell onto the rough path in pain. He quickly sprinted towards me to grab my hands after kicking the boss repeatedly when another man with a crowbar raced up to Taehyung from behind. My eyes grew wide open in horror as he swung the steel toward Taehyung's skull. I swiftly launched upward to tackle Taehyung to the side. His eyes flung open in terror at the force after I shielded him from the deadly strike."Urgh!-""SORA!" Taehyung gasped, widening his eyes in shock as the steel slammed hard against my back. I gripped his arm in distress as a surge of pain shot down my injured spine. BANG! The thugs suddenly stopped attacking us and grew stiff at the earsplitting gunfire. We snapped our heads to find... Do-hwan storming towards us with a gun, followed by a cop's car."Shit! Retreat!-" The boss screeched, so I turned to stare at a thug... whimpering on the ground with a bleeding thigh after Do-hwan shot him."We're cornered!" The thug gasped once a flood of police cars filled the alley on both sides. Taehyung quickly slipped his strong arms under my body and lifted me off the dirty ground as I groaned in discomfort. Did he snap my spine?!"Take her home! I'll deal with them!" Do-hwan ordered, handing Taehyung his car key as I sobbed in pain."Yoongi! Help him! We can't leave him!" I cried when the pain wouldn't stop throbbing in my back. Taehyung and Do-hwan turned to stare at Yoongi as the man sprawled on the ground with a bleeding forehead. The chief guard assured me he'd call an ambulance to rescue Yoongi and... I eventually blacked out on my way home with Taehyung.______________________
Fast Forward
I groaned in pain while stirring on the medical bed after waking up from the deep coma just as Taehyung entered the room with a food tray. I woke up the morning after the accident, which was yesterday... but I couldn't really move around because my body hurt like hell. The doctor instructed me to stay in the medical room. They didn't break my spine but fractured it a little. The medical team gave me medication to soothe my pain... and I was strictly advised to stay in the medical room until I healed to prevent further injuries."Noona~?" A familiar voice spoke up. I looked up in surprise to find Yangcha... following Taehyung with a small gift box."Oh? Yangcha! How are you?!" I gasped, brightly smiling at him."He wouldn't leave and insist on seeing you," Taehyung informed as he placed the tray on the nightstand."I'm sorry! You got into so much trouble because of me!" He apologized as he sat on the edge of my bed with an apologetic smile."It wasn't your fault! I had a lot of fun with you!" I chuckled, reaching out to pat his hand.

"This is a gift for you," He smiled, handing me the gift as Taehyung dragged a chair to sit by my bedside. Taehyung gently blew on the soft porridge and carefully fed me, so I gulped it and turned to smile at Yangcha again."Thank you for visiting me~!" I beamed. He's so thoughtful!"How can you ask the supreme alpha to do risky activities with you? Do you have a death wish?!" Taehyung glowered at Yangcha until the boy's face turned pale."I-I I didn't mean to put her-""Don't scare him! He's only joking! Don't worry about it!" I gasped when Yangcha pouted at Taehyung. I fired Taehyung an annoyed glare as he fed me another spoonful of soft porridge."I'm sorry-""Is my girlfriend's life a joke to you?!" Taehyung snapped in annoyance, causing Yangcha to purse his trembling lips."Stop it! I will kill you if he cries!" I turned to smack Taehyung's chest."Ohoh? You're really going to kill your own boyfriend over a child!? How ungrateful!" Taehyung bickered with me until Yangcha weakly smiled at our cute argument but quickly stiffened when Taehyung fired him a playful glare again."By the way... don't forget to invite your parents over, okay? I've already spoken with my parents," I reached out to pat Yangcha's hand.I asked my parents to consider Yangcha's proposal as soon as I woke up because I was afraid his household would collapse without a powerful alliance. The alphas are dying mysteriously... so it must be terrifying for a young soul like him to thrive alone. Yangcha eventually left the mansion after I unwrapped his gift. He got me a bottle of perfume."What's wrong?" I asked when Taehyung grew hushed."How can you thoughtlessly wander the city without proper security? You could've died," He frowned at me. Taehyung wasn't home after I woke up yesterday because he had school, and I fell asleep by the time he returned. It's the weekend today. That's why he's free to spend time with me."I already alarmed Do-hwan when I sensed the trouble and tried to buy as much time as I could," I shrugged. Do-hwan installed an emergency system on my phone so I could alarm him whenever I was in trouble. I could've died last night if I didn't have my phone with me. Taehyung sighed and sat on the edge of my bed before lifting his fingers to brush back my hair."Take me with you the next time you want to go out," He gently stroked my cheek."You called me your girlfriend in front of Yangcha. Did you change your mind?" I diverted the topic to uplift the mood. Taehyung stared at me in silence as he caressed my face."I was so worried about you after you took the blow for me," He sighed. Is he avoiding me again?"You're playing hard to get-" I pursed my lips. Taehyung suddenly leaned forward to kiss me without a warning, causing me to freeze on the bed. He pulled away to study my rosy red cheeks and slowly leaned forward to kiss me again. The alpha carefully grabbed my hand to place it on his left chest. Thud! Thud! Thud! I could feel his heart racing at the base of my palm."I didn't want you to ask me out first. You're hurting my pride," Taehyung smiled, slightly drawing his face away to examine my warm cheeks."So what do you want to do?" I smiled."It's too late now... so I have no choice but to agree with your proposal. Don't you dare ask me to marry you, or I'll go crazy! Give me a chance to be a man!" He joked, causing me to chuckle softly."Will you marry me?" I teased."Yah! Stop it! I'll be your boyfriend, but it's my duty to ask you for your hand in marriage- so don't try to reverse the gender role just because you can!" He snapped with an offended look. I giggled and leaned forward to hug him. Taehyung chuckled while shaking his head as he held my hands. It's not so bad at all! I hope we can remain happy like this forever!_______________________The spacious hall bustled with faint chatters as Taehyung helped me up the stairs to sit in my seat in the council's venue. My back is still sore, so I need support everywhere I go. My parents had to attend an elite meeting when the council summoned all the households for an emergency meeting. No one knew the reasons behind the announcement. I heard a lower rank was killed this morning. Maybe that's why they're meeting the alphas?Taehyung settled me onto the first row and gave me a peck on my forehead before strolling down the stairs to sit at his place. The elders looked a little confused with the situation. The moderator started speaking and asked everyone to settle down as I glanced back and forth to examine the crowd. He first mentioned the tragic passing of a lower rank, causing everyone to grow hushed. Who is behind this? And what are their motives? The victims are random... and there are no distinct connections related to the crimes."-And as for the second objective, I'd like to raise an unfortunate case regarding the attack of a higher-rank alpha," The man announced. I snapped out of my thoughts to frown at the man in confusion."Higher rank alpha? But I didn't call the meeting-" Eomma muttered while frowning at the moderator.Taehyung turned to look at me from his seat and glanced back at the hall. Do-hwan investigated the attack and it was just the ordinary thugs. I heard they're all in jail now. Eomma didn't fuss over the issue because it wasn't an alpha's doing... so why are they highlighting the incident without my household's approval?"Two top-ranked alphas have been attacked earlier this week," The man spoke calmly. Two? Two alphas?! I was the only one though?"After a thorough investigation, an anonymous household has submitted evidence of the attack as being staged by another high-rank household. And therefore... would like to address the matter at the council," The man exhaled. The venue suddenly erupted loudly at the man's words."A new anonymous alpha?! What?! Isn't this about the incident-" Appa frowned at me as eomma remained composed in her seat with a pale expression."Min Yoongi," She whispered in horror. I glanced back and forth between my parents and the other households unsurely."The anonymous alpha has requested to reveal their household tonight. Please welcome the anonymous alpha," The man bowed and the door to the entrance suddenly slid open. Two elderly alphas appeared... sternly striding into the hall... followed by the... heir.My heart stopped beating for a split second- and my head went blank when I found... The pizza man... strolling inside the room in a neat formal suit. Jungkook's eyes bulged open in shock as he funnily pointed at Yoongi and wildly turned to stare at me as if to ask if I was seeing the same person. The entire venue suddenly grew tense as the stern-looking players made their way up the stairs. My jaw dropped in astonishment when they passed the third row... finally... stopping at the second row beside Seokjin."What the actual fuck," Jungkook muttered as the Mins settled beside Seokjin and Sungho. The man... I assumed was Yoongi's father... cleared his throat and respectfully bowed at the council."Greetings, this is the Min Household. We've been anonymous for a while due to personal reasons. We did our best to keep our son free from harm. However, he was hurt for no valid reason this following week. Min Yoongi lived his entire life as an ordinary man. He never intends to harm anyone. I do not understand why the Lee family would commit such wicked action against Yoongi. I would like to thank the Jang household for rescuing our precious boy. I fear that Yoongi will be in greater danger in the future if I do not speak up. Yes, we've been the anonymous alpha for the past decade. We did our best to provide Yoongi with the ordinary life he deserved, but his safety was threatened by his fellow alphas. Therefore, we have no other choice... but to make his position clear to the rest of the households. We do not tolerate any harm that comes to him," Mr. Min spoke in a low and deep voice, sending chills down my spine."Lee? Lee Mira?!" Jimin gasped, turning to stare at the Lee family after they were accused of committing the crime. Mira turned pale as she sat beside her parents."That's nonsense! Our household was never involved in the attack!" Mr. Lee snapped at Mr. Min in irritation."The thugs... are your people," Mr. Min dully stared at the Lee."Why would we attack your household?! We didn't even know you're a top-rank alpha!" Mr. Min defended her household."Ms. Lee. It seems like you're well aware of the situation. Care to elaborate?" The moderator asked. The entire hall shifted its gaze to Mira, who was on the verge of tears as she remained in her seat."I didn't know he was an alpha! Haerim told me to send a few thugs after Sora to scare her, but I didn't know he'd be involved!" Mira screeched, causing an uproar within the room. The Gae turned to Haerim with their eyes bulging open in shock."Haerim?!" I gasped. Haerim sent Mira's thugs after me!? And Min Yoongi happened to be at the wrong place?! Seokjin glanced at Haerim's pale expression with a dark frown."The purpose of this meeting is to announce the anonymous alpha to the society and to ensure no household will commit reckless actions in the near future," The chubby man warned the Lee and Gae Family. Haerim couldn't speak... so she glared at Mira in frustration after she was exposed for her crime. The room wasn't paying attention to the moderator anymore as it hummed noisily to conspire the link between the alpha murders and their involvement."We're well aware that society is being terrorized by an anonymous source. Perhaps, we can start investigating the Lee and Gae family to trace the relation with the other murders," Eomma suddenly spoke up, causing the room to grow hushed."THAT'S OUTRAGEOUS! WE WERE NEVER INVOLVED IN ANY OF THE CRIMES!" Mr. Lee suddenly exploded when my mother accused them of being accountable for the murders."There is evidence of the attack... associated with the top ranks. The document is enough to launch a warranted investigation on both households," Mr. Chul, Sungho's father, spoke up from his seat."Haerim would never kill anyone!" Mrs. Gae defended her daughter. Haerim broke down crying in her seat. She's pretty good at pretending to be the victim, huh? I shook my head and glanced at Yoongi, who was sitting blankly in his seat. He didn't even seem to notice me in the room."The meeting is dismissed for all the households, except for the Min and Lee's household. Please stay behind to negotiate," The chubby man bowed in all directions. My parents apparently didn't want to hastily deal with the Gae, so they agreed to leave the problems for later. Only the Min and Lee stayed behind to resolve their issues. Taehyung took me to my car... and I sat in silence to process my thoughts."Were you aware-""No. He never told me," I shook my head when Taehyung tried to speak. The pizza man always seemed like an ordinary man. How is this possible? Was he aware? Of his family status? Or was he hiding it from me?"Why is Haerim involved with this all of a sudden? She will definitely threaten me again if I confront her," Taehyung muttered."You know... I've been... studying the autopsy... documents during my free time related to Song Jae-il. The one that passed away last week...?" I muttered while staring at my hands."What about it?" Taehyung turned to me as we drove into the funeral house. I didn't answer him and got out of the car with Taehyung after half an hour's drive. Jungkook approached us with a wary look but didn't speak as we entered the funeral house to pay our respects to the deceased alpha. Our parents chatted with Jae-il's parents as Taehyung and Jungkook stood beside me."When an alpha... detests another alpha... They usually don't attend the funeral, right?" I asked, keeping my gaze on Jae-il's bright smile on the flower wreath."Yeah. But it's mandatory sometimes... especially for a top rank," Jungkook nodded. We glanced at Seokjin, Namjoon, Hoseok, Jimin, Minho, and Minah as they bowed at the portraits."I think... Haerim's household... is involved with Jae-il's passing," I muttered. Taehyung turned to frown at me as he held my sore back."Suddenly?" Jungkook muttered. She's not at the funeral. Mira isn't present because she has to deal with the Mins... but Haerim...? She's not present."Song Jae-il. Seokjin told me his parents were considering a direct alliance with his household because they own an extensive mining corporation across the globe. The Kim wanted to list Jae-il as their official alliance alongside... Jung Hoseok and Kim Namjoon before I fled Korea," I muttered. Seokjin would sometimes speak to me about the other households to educate me about their qualities and I remember... Seokjin claimed... he was very impressed by Jae-il's household."He has a bad reputation though. Song Jae-il. He fools around at the nightclubs," Jungkook shrugged."The Kims favored his parents and were considering an alliance," I shook my head. And suddenly... the heir is dead?"Are you saying Haerim's parents got rid of Jae-il because they're afraid the Kim will favor the Song Household over theirs?" Taehyung quietly asked, turning to frown at me."I'm not sure about the other deaths... but this one particularly stood out to me. Maybe the death isn't so random after all. Maybe... It's a well-organized scheme to achieve power. If we can... uncover the truth... Haerim would be charged with murder and she won't be able to threaten us anymore," I narrowed my eyes at Jae-il's picture. Taehyung sighed and glanced at the crowd of alphas and lower ranks with a dreadful stare.
Who killed you... Song Jae-il?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
I ruffled my hair to loosen my sore scalp while crawling onto my mattress, groaning softly as I massaged my injured back and slowly laid face first on the bed to avoid the discomforting ache over my spine. I snuggled against my pillow in exhaustion and tried to sleep, only to realize the room wasn't fully dark yet. Shit. I need to switch off the lights- But I'm too comfortable in this position. I grunted and turned my head over the pillow to stare at my yolky lamp with a slight grimace. I can reach it.I extended my arm from the bed in an attempt to switch off the lamp without moving, but the switch was still an arm's length away. Pouting, I dropped my hand in defeat and stared at the dim light in annoyance. Did they have to fracture my spine over a fortune of cash?! Knock. Knock. I lifted my head to stare at the door until it slid open and Taehyung appeared in his loose pajamas."Oh-? What are you doing here- Ah~!" I groaned, trying to force my body upward but feebly collapsed back onto the mattress once I felt the uncomfortable throb on my lower back."Stay in your position. I visited the medical room earlier, but the nurse told me you insisted on resting in your own room," Taehyung sighed, approaching me with a cream bottle. "The mattress in the medical room is too stiff," I muttered, slumping back down to lie on my stomach with my gaze on the stupid switch I failed to reach. My room was already dim. I only needed to turn off the warm radiant by my bedside."You can't skip the massaging treatment," He sighed, carefully sitting by my side and ruffled my hair, making me groan again."Leave the cream here and please switch off the light for me," I muttered, sleepily snuggling against the pillow."I'll do it for you," Taehyung offered, crawling onto the bed to sit over my lower thighs."You can summon the nurses," I turned my head to look at him as he settled over my blanket.

"Let me see your bruise," Taehyung muttered, tugging the blanket down to my hips to cover my lower body and gently pushed my thin nightgown upward to expose my bare back. I gripped the pillow when he lightly caressed my sore skin with his fingers."Is it bad?" I mumbled. Taehyung remained over me as I lay on my stomach."The bruise faded," He exhaled. I heard him opening the cream bottle, so I closed my eyes to let him rub the substance over my injury. It was soothing at first... until my skin crawled at his touch. Taehyung tenderly massaged my hips and lower back to relieve my discomfort as I remained stiff over the mattress with a racing heart. My face suddenly flushed red, so I buried it into the pillow as he handled the sensitive nerves on my back, cluelessly applying the cooling cream to places that made me feel the arousing tingles."That's enough-""Why? Does it hurt?" Taehyung paused when I suddenly turned to grab his hand. He froze over my back at my withdrawal, so I shook my head at him and huffed in annoyance. I wanted to turn on my back, but he was holding me captive with his body weight."No. I'm just uncomfortable," I muttered, releasing his hand and turned away to face the lamp again."Uncomfortable? With my touch...?" Taehyung asked, gently pulling my nightgown down to cover my back and pushed the blanket up my body again. He crawled off my back thighs, so I quickly rolled onto my back as he sat on the bed with a curious smile."Yeah. It makes me feel weird..." I tugged the blanket up to my cheeks to cover my flushed face. The alpha stared at me from under the dim radiant with a slight smile as he rubbed the remaining cream between his slender fingers. I gulped at his smug expression while hiding under the sheet. Isn't he leaving?"But I'm your boyfriend. Remember?" He smiled at my flustered face."I forgot I had a boyfriend," I replied."You forgot?! Me?! Kim Taehyung?! That's a bit offensive," He scoffed at my neglect in disbelief."Our relationship was a bit hasty-""You were the one requesting to label our relationship!" He snapped when I tried to make up an excuse. I gripped the blanket guilty as he cutely frowned at me. Right. I wanted to be his lover... but I'm not quite used to his presence yet because we accepted our relationship status before we actually developed heartfelt feelings for one another."Then... do you want to sleep with me?" I asked, reaching out from under the blanket to pat the space beside me. Taehyung blanked out at my words as he sat frozen on the mattress. Why is he stunned?-"S-Sleep? As in having sex-""No! What are you thinking? Just sleep! We can share the bed!" I gasped, flinging the blanket off my face to glare at his absurd assumption. What is he thinking?! Taehyung glanced down at my pushed-up gown with flushed cheeks, so I quickly tugged the fabric down to cover my stomach and exposed panties in embarrassment."Why are you so reactive?! What's wrong with having sex with me-""I didn't mean it like that! You're the one misinterpreting my words- AH?!- WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" I whined in annoyance when he suddenly leaped over my body, hastily pinning me down with his firm grip on either side of my shoulders.My eyes flung open in shock as Taehyung trapped my vulnerable body beneath his. I tried to force his solid chest away but he effortlessly grabbed both my wrists and pressed them beside my head to prevent me from wiggling free. Badum! I stared at him with a racing heart as the man hovered his fuming face above mine."I wouldn't know if you're teasing me on purpose..." Taehyung narrowed his suspicious gaze and glanced down at my lips. Why am I panicking?! I don't remember being this nervous around Seokjin! I sucked in my breath, quickly screwing my eyes shut in anticipation as he lowered his face to nudge his lips against mine, so I curled my toes at his assertiveness... until I felt my heart choking on the swelling tension within my chest."I-I'm not teasing you-" I stuttered, refusing to open my eyes. Taehyung suddenly released my clenched fists and sat up on my body without putting his entire weight on me, so I immediately opened my eyes to find him sitting over my stomach with a slight smile. I slightly flinched when the man suddenly reached out to cup my face between his massive palms. Pause. I swallowed the discomfort while staring at up him as he funnily squished my cheeks without speaking."Aigo~! This is problematic~!" He muttered as he intensely examined my face."P-Problematic?" I blinked. Taehyung tilted his head to the side while pinching my cheeks."You're not the annoying dumpling anymore~!" He mumbled as he squeezed my cheeks until my lips puckered up at the pressure of his warm palms. He looked almost disappointed as he scanned my dumbfounded face."Dumpling? What-""I used to do this to you often when we were young because I liked your chubby cheeks... but it's all gone now. Your soft face chubs," Taehyung frowned as he observed my rosy cheeks. I gulped in confusion, unable to speak until he gently ran his thumb over my lips."What are you saying? Are you having fun taunting me?" I asked. I'm sure he's doing it on purpose to tease me! Taehyung suddenly huffed at my face and leaned forward to peck my lips again, causing my heartbeat to leap out of my goddamn ribcage at his constant affection. Why's my heart so crazy for him?! This is unacceptable! I need to remain calm!"You're no longer the little dumpling I loved to annoy... because right now... when I'm staring at you like this... I realized... you're a grown woman and my feelings aren't the same anymore," Taehyung sighed, shifting his ardent gaze to my restless pupils."Is that a bad thing...?" I asked innocently."Hmm... it's worrisome," He answered while grazing my cheek with his index finger."Why?" I asked as I uneasily gripped his pajama pants. The alpha wouldn't stop studying my facial expression... until I felt my body muscles stiffening at his attentive gaze."Because... you're... provoking my manly side. Our interaction isn't as innocent as it used to be because... I can feel my body... physically... shifting towards yours," He muttered, slowly lowering his body as he spoke. I didn't close my eyes this time... and watched him part his lips over my face. Taehyung gently rested his lips on mine again... but he didn't pull away. Slowly... very... softly... he nibbled my lips until I closed my eyes and kissed him back to accept his invitation. Taehyung's breathily made out with me on my bed as I encircled my arms around his neck to draw him closer."Can we save it for later?" I whispered, gently pushing his face away to break the steamy kiss. Taehyung searched my gaze with a questioning look."Save what?" He asked, lowering his moist lips to kiss my lower lips again. I gulped and let him stroke his lips over mine."I'm too sore to make love right now," I anxiously whispered between our kisses. Taehyung suddenly chuckled against my lips, making me smile at the ticklish vibration of his body over mine."I didn't plan on making love with you this early," Taehyung smiled, drawing his face away to beam at me. I flushed red beneath him."My back is still stiff," I giggled. Taehyung leaned down to peck my forehead before rolling onto his back. Hah~! I can breathe again! He's heavy! Taehyung slipped his arm under my head to let me rest on his bicep and turned on his side to smile at me as I remained on my back."Did you honestly think I'd pressure you to sleep with me with a fractured spine?" Taehyung asked, gently caressing my hair to tuck it behind my ear. I chuckled and shook my head. Of course not. I was just afraid the make-out session would escalate into a full-on body workout.Taehyung smiled and scooted over the mattress to shorten the gap between us, making me cower away from him but he firmly held my back and drew me against his heated chest. The alpha didn't leave my room and stayed to hold me in his arms throughout the night.
I didn't feel as uncomfortable in his presence anymore, so I gradually lowered my guard... to let him embrace me without... the fear of being harmed. And surprisingly... he was a warm soul. The Taehyung I was always so afraid of... wasn't as scary as I had imagined.

His familiar comfort... my body is beginning to recognize it again.

Sora... maybe this isn't so bad at all?
_______________________One by one... the alphas would turn their head to inspect the newcomer in the lecture room. Mira disappeared from class after the council, and her presence was substituted by a powerful second-rank heir, Min Yoongi. I heard the Mins settled for 10% of the Lee's overall assets as a compensation fee. The drastic reduction in their household is enough to plunge Mira to the weakest fifth-rank alpha among the others. Yoongi didn't seem like himself... ever since he entered the class this morning. He didn't talk to anyone. He didn't even greet me and would sit blankly like an empty shell.A moment later.Sighing, I drew the empty chair from the study lounge desk to sit opposite Min Yoongi in the quiet room. We both have no schedule for the second class. Yoongi didn't look up at me and kept his eyes on the opened textbook with his arms crossed."Are you seriously ignoring me?" I asked, leaning over the table to observe his pale face. He sighed and shifted his gaze to me."My mother told me to avoid the alphas," He cautiously muttered. I frowned at his timid response and turned to scan the empty room."It's just us here," I pointed out. Yoongi straightened his back and finally softened his expression."Wah~! What the hell is this~? Is it a cult~?! I'm so fucking nervous it makes me sick!" Yoongi furiously whispered, leaning forward to question me with a bewildered look. Oh. So it was all an act to bypass undesirable interactions with the other alphas."Sort of. A cult of wealthy and deadly households. Yes," I answered. Yoongi's face drained in fear."This is unbelievable! The society is crazy-""Don't trust anyone. Trust no one... at all," I warned Yoongi with a worried frown. He's still in shock and given his... obliviousness... it indicates... he was clueless about his status."Not even you?" He blinked at me in confusion."I do not intend to hurt you, but you shouldn't trust my household either. Are you really clueless?" I asked him unsurely. How can he be so clueless when he's the second most powerful alpha?!"My parents never told me anything. They barged into the hospital after I was threatened by the thugs and brought me to this gigantic luxurious hotel! They keep talking about the council and the attacks or something! My father was especially irritated," Yoongi grimaced as he rubbed the bandage on his knuckles."They hid your status from you and the society to protect you. Yoongi, you're a second-rank alpha," I explained. He won't last if he's this dense."Second-rank? What-""You're the second most powerful household! After me! There are five ranks, and you're the second most powerful!" I explained. Yoongi fired me a 'What the fuck is this madness?' look."If I'm so powerful... then why should I be wary-""Because the alphas destroy each other for power! You're your parents' only pillar! Yoongi you have to stay alive no matter what! I'm sure your parents will handle the political side of the society... but you have to be cautious around everyone. You can be friends with the alphas but never... ever... entrust your life in their palms. They might backstab you, so I believe your parents are right. Avoid everyone for now... until you establish a trustworthy alliance," I sighed, bitterly staring at Yoongi. He's too new to the game... The other household will target him because he's gullible."What about Lee Mira? Who is she-""Her parents are the only alphas involved in the dark side. Drugs. Thugs. Illegal operations... you name it... it's all operated by her family," I answered. Yoongi rubbed his lower lips with an uneasy feeling and looked back up at me.I spoke with Yoongi the entire hour and we eventually headed to the canteen together so I could show him around. People kept eyeing us weirdly, so I assured him the unwanted spotlight was a normal experience in the society. They love to orchestrate dramas with their delusional minds. We were eating in peace when Yoongi suddenly looked past me with a startled expression, so I turned around- just in time to find Haerim storming towards me with a cup. SPLASH."Sora!-" Yoongi gasped when Haerim angrily threw the milk at my face. I sat frozen in my seat as the sticky substance dripped from my hair... soaking my clothes. Ah... My blood is boiling again. Sora- Right. I can't do shit because I'm a shadow student... and if I respond to her violence... I'll only be in deeper trouble. The entire canteen grew hushed upon witnessing her aggression."Are you out of your mind?!" Jungkook snapped, suddenly storming toward my table to confront Gae Haerim as Yoongi grabbed a handful of tissues to dab my face."Stay out-""What's the matter with you?! Why do you keep on provoking Sora like this!?" Jungkook snapped at Haerim. Minah smirked from her table as she enjoyed the drama between us."She's a fucking monster! Did you think you could cast me out of the top rank with your stupid threat?!" Haerim seethed as she gripped the empty cup. My head is swaying from the extreme anger I was trying so damn hard to contain- No. Taehyung will get in trouble with her if I snap back."What are you talking about?" I calmly asked, rising to my feet in my drenched clothes. Jungkook wildly turned to stare at my stained clothes in irritation."Don't pretend to be clueless! You stole-""Why do I ought to forcefully take anything from you when I already have everything, Haerim-shi? Are you really upset with me because your parents lost 10% of their assets to my household to compensate for my injuries? Then you should've known better than to send those sick thugs after me! What is it that you want from me this time? You wanted Kim Seokjin... so I let you have him! What else do you want from me?!- I will not fight with you over a stupid love affair! Grow up, will you?! You're fucking pathetic!" I snapped at her in irritation. She's upset because my household disabled hers with the evidence they had during the thug incident. And she's unleashing her anger on me when it was her who sent the motherfuckers after me and Yoongi?!"You couldn't have Seokjin, so you got with Kim Taehyung to make Seokjin jealous and to annoy me! Did you think I was dumb?! And now you're trying to shatter my alliance with Seokjin by blaming me for a crime-""Mira claimed it was you who wanted to hurt me! How can you shamelessly twist the truth to make me a monster?! And I have nothing to do with Kim Seokjin! I'm sorry if you're not enough for him! I'm sorry if he doesn't give you enough attention because he's not into you! I'm sorry you're a pathetic bitch that nobody wants! Fuck- stop dragging me into this ridiculous boy's problems like a middle schooler. You should worry about other things rather than shamelessly fighting for the hard cocks you want to fuck!" I screeched at her face in annoyance while rubbing the milk from my face. She's behaving like those annoying drama characters on TV! Fighting over a man!? That's ridiculous!- I was a fool to fall for her stupid drama once, but I won't be involved again!"You know I can easily destroy you and Kim Taehyung, right?" Haerim tearfully clenched her jaws. I laughed at her stupid face and shook my head in disbelief."If you want to fight... a real fight... then do it outside campus. You know I can't resist you in here, so if you're so brave... then come to me so we can fucking fight without the academy's authority. I'll let you challenge me," I smirked, walking up to her until we were eye to eye in the tense atmosphere. Haerim gulped at my invitation, fearfully turning to glance at the other alphas."Sora, let's head home," Jungkook nudged me as he fired Haerim a bitter glare. Huff. I followed him... but halted when I almost forgot something. Oh right! One more thing! I turned to face Haerim again as she glowered at me with a resentful glare."Ah. I'll send my dirty clothes over to your household. It's a piece Taehyung recently got for me, so please restore the fabric to its original quality. Ah~! I won't fuss over a piece of cloth~ because I do not wish to get expelled for setting the school on fire again~!" I smugly smiled at her as I dabbed the soaked cashmere sweater with a slight pout. Haerim gripped her fist at my calm response, so I smiled at her and turned to stroll away with Jungkook.
It doesn't make sense how Haerim is endlessly... triggered by everything I do. It's very suspicious now. There's something she's afraid of... and I don't know what it is. She can't be seriously irritating me like this for Seokjin? For a man? That's absurd.

Oh well. I was forced to leave the university early after the fight with Haerim to wash up at home and didn't return because I was sick of seeing her face. Taehyung was dead worried and contacted me to check if I was alright after Jimin told him about the incident. I assured him of my condition. Haerim is trying to expel me again. That's for sure. I'm staying low... not because I'm weak but because I need to be wise about her obvious scheme to get rid of me.

Taehyung's right. Only a threatened dog will bark.
I blinked out of my thoughts when I found myself... standing in front of the president's lounge. Taehyung asked me to grab a file for him. The corridor was vacant, so I glanced at the exclusive card on my palm and slowly scanned the door for access. Beep.I carefully turned the handle and stepped inside the empty room. Seokjin and Haerim aren't here. That's a huge relief. Sighing, I approached Taehyung's desk to search for the blue envelope he specifically instructed me to withdraw. I grabbed it and was about to walk away when I noticed a paper bag on Haerim's desk. It was a coffee brand, but I didn't know what it was since it was securely sealed. Was she here earlier?I warily approached her desk out of curiosity and glanced at her unattended laptop. Click. I pressed the key until it powered up but of course... there was a passcode lock. She wouldn't leave confidential information on her school device. I aimlessly tugged on her locked drawers until I heard something dropping... under the desk. Thud. I frowned and knelt down to find... an outdated phone. Huh? Why is she using an old model? I slowly got back onto my feet and tapped on the phone- It suddenly unlocked. Curiously... I scrolled through the old software on the phone... but it was very... strange.
There was no contact. No games. No applications. Just a bunch of files.

November 01 2020. SJI.
I stared at the most recent folder and clicked on it until a few more files popped up. The room suddenly grew tense when I found a few folders about Song Jae-Il's information profile. His personal schedule... and everything about... his household. BEEP. A jolt of panic bolted through my body when someone suddenly unlocked the door, so I quickly dropped the phone beside the coffee bag and scurried towards the exit... just as Kim Seokjin opened the door. I halted with a flustered face once his handsome face appeared before me."How did you get in?" Seokjin asked dully as he stood in my way to stop me from leaving."Taehyung handed me his card so I could grab his files before his class ended," I shrugged, raising the card between my fingers to show Seokjin. I tried to walk past him but stopped dead when Seokjin placed his hand on my shoulder to push me back. Why is he blocking my way?"It's unlike Kim Taehyung to let anyone in our private lounge. I'll give him a call to confirm your errand," Seokjin dawdled, withdrawing his phone from his pocket and quietly typed on the screen with his thumb. I glared at his smug expression in annoyance."So annoying..." I grumbled, lowering my face to stare at the floor as Seokjin waited for Taehyung to answer his call."Oh. Did you send the supreme alpha into our lounge?... Yeah. The blue file?" Seokjin questioned Taehyung through the phone. He sideways-eyed the file in my arms as I tightly hugged it against my chest and shifted his pretty brown eyes back to mine before lowering his phone to end the call."You may leave," Seokjin stepped aside to let me pass him."Seriously~? Do I look like a thief to him?! How rude!" I purposely sneered out loud as I strolled out to ensure he heard my words. Thud. Seokjin closed the door before I could mock him any further, so I turned to glare at the door in annoyance and pretended to bang my fist on the door in anger."I can see your activities through the camera footage. You better calm your temper, or I'll report your inappropriate behavior to the principal," Seokjin's voice suddenly beeped through the monitor, causing me to jerk in a panic. I covered my mouth in shock and glanced at the red camera beam on the top right corner of the door with my clenched fist hovering before the door."So annoying!" I snapped at the camera, knowing he was watching me, and hurried off in embarrassment. Did he forgive me? I scratched my head as I made my way down the building. He used to ignore me all the time... but he's speaking to me again. That's right. Seokjin isn't the type to hold grudges. I shook my head and jogged toward Taehyung as he waited for me by the exit. We left the campus together after I handed him the file and got into his car.
A moment later.
"Haerim? Her phone?" Taehyung asked, gently brushing my hair as we sat on my bed. We had dinner together earlier and we were getting ready for bed... but Taehyung insisted I should detangle my loose hair... so I'm facing away from him while flipping through a book."Yeah. It was an old model phone... with many... files. The most recent one is related to Song Jae-il," I nodded. Taehyung sighed. He suddenly stopped combing my hair. Taehyung got off the mattress to put the brush away and carefully crawled back onto the bed to sit facing me."I'll deal with Haerim. Sora... stay out of her way... or she'll lash out at you again. We both know you have no choice but to stay hush because your student privilege is restricted by the principal," Taehyung sadly stared at me."What can you do against her when she's constantly using your past against you like this?" I pouted. I'm alright with her abusive acts, but it's tiring to run in the same cycle. She'll never stop threatening Taehyung with his past and I'll have to endure her random strikes every time."That's the difference between you and her. Sora, you're a forgiving soul with so much love to offer despite witnessing my dark side. And Haerim? She's using it against me," Taehyung smiled, gently squeezing my hand. I warmly smiled at his tender gaze until my cheeks flushed red again. That's because I know it wasn't his intention to hurt anyone. Kim Taehyung is a good man."I'm serious when I said I saw the files-""It's probably for investigation purposes. I'm sure every alpha retains the files related to Jae-il because we're curious about the attack. Even our household obtained his death record to study his passing," Taehyung chuckled, turning to rest on my bed and tucked his arms under his head. I sat beside him with an unconvinced frown. I'm sure Seokjin... chatted with me about considering... an alliance with Jae-il before we broke up."Whatever," I muttered, turning to stare at my files."Are you mad?" Taehyung asked, suddenly sitting up to catch my eyes."No," I said shortly."Why are you sulking-""Ah!" I gasped when Taehyung suddenly tickled my waist, causing me to jerk in distress. I smacked his chest and shoved him away as he circled his arms around my waist and gently tugged me onto his lap to make me sit on him. I glared at him in annoyance as he firmly held my body over his thighs."Give me a kiss," Taehyung puckered his lips as I sat facing him on his lap."No," I refused and turned my face away."Give me a kiss- or I won't let you breathe in the count of three. One... two-" Taehyung threatened. I fired him an irritated glare but panicked when he started counting, so I leaned down to peck his lips."Stop it!" I whined. Taehyung chuckled at my irritated look."I'm investigating Haerim... so trust me, okay...? You can't give her more reasons to give you a difficult time," Taehyung smiled, gently stroking my hair as I quietly stared at his sincere expression. I finally nodded and leaned forward to hug him, so he secured his arms around my back and gently rubbed my lower bank- Creak."Uh- Oh! I'm sorry!" Mrs. Kim gasped once she entered my room without knocking to find me sitting on Taehyung's lap. Our parents appeared by the doorway with stunned expressions after they caught us together."What brought you to my room?" I asked, frantically scrambling off Taehyung's lap to sit on my bed as Taehyung cleared his throat with a red face."Don't be shy! It was rude of us to barge inside without a notice~!" Mrs. Kim giggled at our flustered reaction."Eomma~!" Taehyung groaned when she wouldn't stop winking at us. I shyly exchanged eye contact with Taehyung and glanced back at the elders as they settled on my couch."We need you two to sign a transfer document," Eomma smiled as appa yawned beside her."A transfer document?" I asked, getting off the bed with Taehyung to sit on the carpet as the elders remained on the couch before us."The Kim is transferring the Lotte Tower to us," Eomma smiled."The Lotte Tower?! But that's-" Taehyung gasped, lifting the documents to stare at the terms in disbelief. My jaws dropped in shock. That's worth it... 10% of the Kim's accumulated assets."Aigo~! It's our gift to the Jang to secure your lovely bride! Her parents can't just marry her off to us without some... sort of offering in return! The tower alone isn't worth Sora's priceless value- but it's a small token of appreciation to express our earnest commitment to her household," Mrs. Kim smiled at Taehyung's pale expression. He turned to stare at me before shifting his gaze back to the document. Why is he hesitating? Taehyung unsurely glanced at my mother until she raised her eyebrow to question his behavior. He gulped and lifted the golden fountain pen from the velvet box."Of course. Anything for my bride," Taehyung nodded, lowering the pen to sign the document.  I took the pen from him to sign the contract as the elders intensely watched us."Well. Good night to you two," Eomma smiled, snatching the document from us, and got up to leave my room with appa. Mrs. Kim wouldn't stop giving us a funny look as we walked them to the doorway."Oh. Don't get Sora pregnant yet- not until you graduate from the academy- and NOT- Until you secure your position at the tower. Be an honorable man, son, and use protection at all costs if you love her! Oh- And I am definitely not ready to be called a grandfather yet! I'm not done enjoying my youth- so be careful with my daughter-in-law," Mr. Kim suddenly turned to speak with his son."Abeoji!" Taehyung gasped in embarrassment."Yeobo~! Stop embarrassing the couple! Let's leave them alone!" Mrs. Kim giggled, grabbing her husband's arm to drag him out of my room. Taehyung's parents left us with a smug smile after teasing us until we were too stunned to speak."That's a bit too much," I whispered, closing the door in defeat, and strode back to my bed with a discouraged expression."Too much?" Taehyung asked."Eomma must've forced your parents to transfer your assets so you wouldn't turn your back on me. I'm sorry," I nervously eyed him. Taehyung got onto the bed with me and shook his head. I saw the look on eomma's face. She doesn't care about her household. Or me. Or the Kims. It's power... that she wants and she will do anything to have it."All of our assets will merge once we're married. Whatever... I own... will become yours by law, so it doesn't matter," Taehyung smiled, gently kissing my forehead to assure me.____________________
Third Person POV
Flash Back: After Sora left the private lounge.Kim Seokjin quietly typed on his keyboard as Haerim attempted to stifle her chronic coughs. She cleared her throat in discomfort while rubbing her neck and lifted the latte to take another sip. Seokjin glanced back at his screen... but she wouldn't stop clearing her throat."I think I should head home early. I'm feeling unwell," Haerim clenched her aching stomach as she stared at Seokjin from her desk."Get yourself treated," Seokjin nodded without a glance as she got up from her seat to collect her things to place in her designer bag until Haerim started coughing louder and harder. Cough! The alpha gasped in shock when a blood clot suddenly splattered onto her palm."W-What the hell-?" Haerim gagged as her intestine twisted and turned in pain. She suddenly lost her balance and collapsed against her desk, causing Seokjin to straighten his back in confusion."Haerim!" Kim Seokjin frowned. Thump! The alpha slumped weakly by her desk. The second-rank alpha immediately shot from his seat to assist Gae Haerim, who was whimpering on the floor in pain. GAG! She suddenly burped again- causing a warm splatter of blood to spill from her lips.Kim Seokjin's face drained in extreme fright as the terrifying white foam... bubbled from her opened mouth. Haerim tried to speak but lost her voice and twitched over the floor as she battled the killer pain within her aching organs, so the school president firmly secured her body in a sitting position with a racing heart."Shit-" Seokjin immediately lowered Haerim onto the floor and sprinted out of the lounge in a hurry to alert the medics of her alarming seizure.The infirmary staff immediately rushed after Seokjin until they found the alpha... sprawling on the tiles with a foaming mouth and unconscious body. They hastily lifted her motionless body and hurried out of the room as Seokjin chased after the medics until he arrived at the lobby entrance. A crowd of lower ranks swarmed around the exit as they watched the medics rush Gae Haerim's lifeless body away... on the medical cart.Kim Seokjin rubbed his lower lips with his eyebrows furrowed... and hurried back to the lounge to contact Haerim's parents and finally slumped in his seat with a slight grimace. He was panting heavily from the shock he was in and his heart was pounding hard against his chest.Kim Seokjin had no idea what had happened to Haerim. Pause. He lifted his sweat-drenched face to stare at the door with a dark frown. The alpha was suddenly reminded of Sora's shaken behavior when he found her in the room. Seokjin nervously chewed his thumb as he stared at the almost empty latte cup and glanced back at the door to recall... Jang Sora's questionable behavior inside the room with an... intense scowl._____________________
Present
Sora's POV
As anticipated... The peace I savored didn't last when we received tragic news the... very next morning. Gae Haerim was severely poisoned by an unknown source the afternoon before. It should be good news for me, but the Gae somehow claimed I was the culprit... answerable to the incident because I was last seen leaving the president's lounge before she drank the latte. Troubles will always follow me wherever I go!
"-Sora! You have to speak the truth!" Eomma pressed, causing me to snap out of my thoughts. I lifted my eyes to find the elders staring at me with worried frowns."I didn't do it," I muttered, giving them the exact... same answer. My parents are interrogating me because The Gae is demanding justice."You were last seen in the room!-""But I didn't do it!" I whined, finally exploding in annoyance. Why won't they believe me?"The Gae will never settle-""But they don't have any evidence against me! I'm innocent!" I shrieked in distress. Eomma pursed her lips at my tearful eyes and turned to rub her fuming face."What were you doing in there-""Taehyung sent me to fetch his files!" I snapped, turning to glare at Taehyung, who was weirdly muted... ever since he received the news about Haerim's unfortunate condition."It's only natural for the Gae to accuse Sora because she was never on good terms with Haerim. She was last seen at the lounge... and Kim Seokjin has confirmed your presence. It's difficult to refute Sora's involvement when The Gae has proof to counter us," Mr. Jeon sighed in defeat."But she said she didn't do it. The drink could've been poisoned even before it was brought to the lounge," Jungkook sighed as he calmly defended me. I stared at Taehyung's muteness with a an annoyed frown. Why isn't he speaking? He immediately ran to Haerim the instant... he heard the news when he promised to take me on a date! I got ready for him- only to be ghosted!I'm not trying to be childish here, but he should at least try to defend me for putting me in the wrong place at the wrong time! I got frustrated, stormed out of the living room, and banged my bedroom door shut when everyone refused to believe me. That's right! No one will believe me! For all I know- She might be the one poisoning herself to dump the crime on me!Taehyung didn't speak to me for a few days after Haerim collapsed. He didn't actually think I poisoned her, did he? Whatever. I didn't go to school after the incident because I didn't feel like dealing with their gossip and hawk-like stares. Knock. Knock. I sighed and got off my bed.... after rotting in bed all day to open the door for whoever was disturbing me.Taehyung stood in the doorway with a neutral expression."The medication-""I'll take it. Thank you," I nodded, coldly taking the medication pack from Taehyung's hand and tried to close the door when he suddenly grabbed the door to hold it open."I need to speak-""Okay. Speak from the doorway then," I nodded, taking a step backward to maintain an appropriate distance between us. Taehyung sorely observed my withdrawn attitude."What happened to Haerim-" Taehyung sighed but was cut short when I snorted."Whatever. You can assume whatever because I've already given my statement too many times, and no matter how many times you ask me... the answer will remain the same. Can you leave now?" I sighed, staring straight at Taehyung in irritation.
He's clearly not over Haerim yet for him to suspect me like this after she got hurt. I won't make assumptions either, and he can do whatever he thinks is appropriate because I couldn't care less. Did I really believe love would bloom naturally between us after all the shit we went through? Well. That delusion died just as quickly as it came.
"I'm not trying to blame you-""I don't want to speak. Close the door before you leave," I shook my head, walked away to crawl onto the bed, and tucked the blanket up to my chin.Taehyung finally released a deep sigh at my stubbornness before closing the door as I demanded. I kept my eyes closed but couldn't sleep that night, so I tossed and turned on the bed until I felt really stuffy from all the wild thoughts. Should I visit Do-hwan? Maybe he's still awake at his office?I kicked the blanket off my body and hurriedly got off my bed, carefully opening the door to greet the dim hallway. Everyone is asleep. I exhaled and walked towards the front door when I heard weird thudding sounds from the corridor leading to the kitchen. I froze and glanced in that direction when I found a shadow of a person approaching me. Thud."What are you doing?" I asked. Jungkook suddenly emerged from the dark hall with rosy red cheeks. His hands were occupied with a wine bottle and a glass. He paused to stare at me with his dazed face, sleepily raising his arm to rub his wrist over his eyelids."Wanna drink?" He chuckled, raising the glass in the air. I stared at his damp cheeks unsurely and back at the wine bottle."Are you drunk?" I asked."Yeah. Come on, drink with me~!" Jungkook beckoned and wandered off.Jungkook surprisingly didn't walk to his room, so I followed him around unsurely until we arrived on the dark rooftop. He carefully circled the pool to sit on the clear terrace, drunkenly placing the wine bottle down and dusted the ground with his bare hands before slumping on the opening in his casual clothes. I sat on the floor beside him and glanced up at the full moon above us."Is it because of Minah?" I muttered. Jungkook pouted and lowered his face. My eyes widened in horror when he started whimpering... and before I knew it... The alpha was weeping in distress."Why are women so complicated!" Jungkook snapped, lifting his pained eyes to me."What happened? She wouldn't have broken up with you over a minor problem," I sighed. Jungkook has been keeping his personal problems to himself, and I noticed that. He used to overshare everything with me when we were young, but not anymore... and it's natural because we've both grown apart. We don't feel as comfortable expressing our raw feelings to each other."She- She was seeing another guy-" Jungkook sniffled."What?!" I gasped, lowering my face to catch his eyes. He refused to look at me and shook his head."But I don't have the evidence. I know- she cheated- she asked to get back together yesterday, but I refused because I was upset. She wouldn't admit it... even if I knew she was seeing another person... so I refused her proposal," Jungkook choked as he shook his head. He hastily chugged the wine from the bottle instead of drinking from the glass."So you... regret rejecting her?" I asked. Jungkook suddenly lifted his puffy face to glare at me in irritation."You're acting like you've never been a victim of a heartbreak!" Jungkook snapped."I'm trying to console you-""I don't know! I want to be with her- but I don't want to deal with her anymore! I'm internally conflicted! I've done everything she wanted! I got her everything she asked for! I did everything I could to impress her! Oh?! I even work out days and nights to maintain a hot body for her! And this face! I groomed it so she'd have a handsome boyfriend- but I wasn't enough for her! It's upsetting!" Jungkook whined, cutely pointing at his face. I helplessly smiled at his puffy eyes and tilted my head to stare at the luminous moon above us."Maybe... it's not about the materialistic things or physical looks... maybe it's about what's inside of you," I sighed, shifting my gaze to him."Are you saying Minah's innocent for betraying me-""No. Of course not. If Minah... really cheated... then that's awful, and you deserve to be upset. You seemed conflicted. You want her... but you're torn by the fact she preferred another man... over you. Her unfortunate betrayal will scar you forever, even after you reconcile... I think you should make up your mind first. You're right... Jeon Jungkook is hot and handsome. There are many women... that would die to be with you. I doubt you'll have a difficult time meeting new people, but are you ready to let go of your memories with Minah? You love her... I saw your effort," I weakly patted his shoulder. Jungkook rubbed away his tears to think about my words and slowly looked up at me."Don't you hate me... for betraying you?" He whispered."I was hurt, but given our circumstances... It's not like we had the opportunity to be with each other. People change... and it sucks. We both changed, Jungkook-ah. And that's natural... I can't hate you for growing to be a better person. Of course, I wished you had told me in advance," I shrugged. I was hurt by Jungkook's choice to be with another woman after I endlessly yearned for him, but after my return... the young Jungkook I used to love was no longer the same. He has grown into a decent man... and even if... he was still the same person... I realized... I was only in love with our memories and not him."What if I told you... I still love you. And that the reason... I chose to see Minah was... because I needed a distraction from the misery of missing you. I'm a selfish person," Jungkook gulped, painfully staring at me. I felt an intense stir in my chest as I watched the warm tears leak from his eyes."I terribly missed you too when I was away, and I understand why you chose... to embrace another woman. You're not in love with me anymore... not when you're this torn over Minah. It's probably just your guilt of choosing to let me go," I shook my head and gently reached out to hold his hand. Jungkook blinked the tears from his eyes and glanced down at our hands."I've been feeling restless... ever since you returned to my life..." He muttered, averting his torn gaze to me."I'm fine now. You don't have to feel too guilty. Our... friendship is worth saving... so let's not allow a little misunderstanding to ruin us," I smiled. Jungkook nodded and rubbed his tears."Taehyung is a prick..." Jungkook grumbled, lifting the wine bottle to drain it."Suddenly?" I asked, smiling at his bitter frown."You've been sulking for days because of him! Did you think I didn't notice?" Jungkook grunted bitterly after lowering the wine bottle."He thinks I poisoned Haerim," I shrugged. It makes me sad thinking about how much he still cares about her. He loved her... and he probably still does..."To be honest... I was lowkey... rooting for you and Seokjin. Not Taehyung. I knew he'd only hurt your feelings with his unresolved relationship with Haerim," Jungkook muttered, looking up at me with an anxious frown."Taehyung has been treating me well since we returned-""Does the wounds ever stop aching after he seals the rift with a few bandages to stop it from bleeding? I know he's trying to make up for his wrong acts towards you, but he'll never change. He loves to give you the cold treatment... and it's hurting you even more," Jungkook sighed."He'll come back when he's ready-""I know it isn't my position to meddle with your love affairs... but... I believe Kim Seokjin... is the best love candidate for you. The man has a clean past... and even if people were against your relationship... He went out of his way to hold you close. Soekjin was really... heartbroken when you left his side. Everyone knows that. Sora... I know your parents want you to marry for power... but are you sure you'll be happy with Taehyung? Seokjin is just as powerful-""I've already agreed to marry Taehyung," I shrugged."The reason your love failed... is because you chose to push Seokjin away.... because you were afraid of hurting him," Jungkook sighed. I grew hushed to contemplate his words."Seokjin did take great care of me, but I felt guilty because it wasn't his duty to deal with my childish nature," I shrugged."Yeah, no doubt. My condoms kept disappearing from my drawer whenever Kim Seokjin visited the mansion," Jungkook suddenly sniggered. My face flushed red at his unexpected confrontation."Yah!-""At least you were smart enough to use protection! Was he good? Kim Seokjin! You never really told me!" Jungkook funnily nudged my shoulder."Stop it! You're drunk-""We must be the same size, huh? Since he fits into my condoms? You saw mine as well- Are we the same size~?" Jungkook chuckled, leaning forward with an eager smile... until my face burned red."Stop reminding me!-""Ohoh!? Do you react the same way when Seokjin strips naked in front of you? I doubt it! I bet you drooled at his hard muscles so why did you give me a disgusted look when you saw my body? What does he have that I don't have~?!- Tell me~! I'm curious~!" Jungkook grabbed my wrist, so I quickly shoved his annoying face away."You're being weird!" I whined in annoyance when he wouldn't stop pressuring me to compare the size of their private parts.We eventually grew hushed after the heartfelt talk on the rooftop and sat under the dim radiant to gaze at the clear sky. Side by side... we stared at the moon above us with weak smiles. He's still the same Jungkook I can forever rely on when I'm down like this. There's just something about him that soothes my soul, and no one can ever give me the same comfort._______________________"Oh! You're up early today, my lady!" A maid greeted me as I strolled into the living room in my nightgown to find her admiring a pretty tulip bouquet on the couch."What's this?" I smiled, nodding at the flower."I think Master Taehyung got it for you!- Oh no! Maybe this is a surprise gift?!" She gasped with a startled expression. Did he get it for me...?"I'll pretend not to see it!" I giggled and walked off to have breakfast alone in the dining room.Jungkook joined me with his eyes half open and sat grumpily to slurp the warm soup. He had a bad hangover yesterday, so he stayed home to recover... but he looks better today. I excitedly headed back to my room to get dressed at the thought of Taehyung's considerate gift for me and quickly pulled on my clothes. Maybe he's going to apologize? Sora! You shouldn't fuss over it too much! Just accept his apologies! The maid beamed at me once I returned to the living room. The bouquet disappeared. She told me Taehyung left earlier with it."Do-hwan!" I waved, skipping towards him in my feminine floral dress as he waited by the car to escort me."You look happy today," He uneasily eyed my cheery mood while holding the door open for me. I shrugged and got into the back seat."Taehyung got a flower bouquet for me as an apology! He'll probably surprise me at school!" I smiled, turning to look at the city as Do-hwan calmly drove down the road. He briefly glanced at me through the mirror but didn't say anything."You should focus on causing less trouble at school," Do-hwan spoke shortly... just as I stepped out of the car. I nodded at the man and scurried inside the campus- but immediately neutralized my smile when I realized... I was back at the shitty place. The bright beam on my face... instantly overshadowed by an emotionless expression... as I strode toward the alpha building.I eagerly sat at the back of the class as the alphas filled the room... but Taehyung and Haerim's seats remained empty. I frowned at his absence and glanced out the window. Maybe... he'll surprise me after class??? I shrugged and diverted my attention to the professor once he started speaking.The first class ended and Taehyung still didn't show up for the second class until it was over. I gloomily dragged my feet across the tiles and entered the canteen to sit alone. The flower will be withered by now. I blinked out of my thoughts when Jungkook suddenly slumped at my table with his sleepy face. I thought he was staying home today? He looks sick again!"Appa ordered me to attend school~! Ah~! My head aches~!" Jungkook complained while pulling his hair in annoyance."You should rest at the lounge then," I shrugged."Yah! Where have you been!? I needed to discuss the assignment with you during our second period!" Namjoon scolded Hoseok, who had only shown up to school during lunch break."Mian~! I visited Haerim earlier because eomma insisted on bringing her gifts! Kim Taehyung was there- He went to visit her with a bouquet," Hoseok chuckled at Namjoon. My heart dropped at Hoseok's words... so I gulped and glanced at my cold stew. The two alphas cluelessly chatted as they passed by my table to sit at the usual place at the far end of the canteen as Jungkook snored softly with his head rested on his arms."Uh-? Aren't you eating?" Jungkook suddenly jerked from his brief nap and straightened his back to stare at me with his droopy eyes."I'm not hungry," I muttered, fighting the urge to burst out crying. Why am I suddenly so sensitive? I was alright the entire day! He must've noticed my sullen expression because Jungkook suddenly dimmed his concerned frown on my gloominess."Is it because of Taehyung? He asked me to order a bouquet yesterday.  I thought it was for you... but I guess... not..." Jungkook turned to look at Hoseok and Namjoon, who were laughing over their meals as Seokjin ate in silence beside them. Seokjin suddenly got up to leave the canteen."It doesn't matter!" I snapped, hastily getting up from to seat. My emotions are all over the place. One moment I'm happy, and then I'm upset-! And then I'm suddenly angry for no apparent reason! It's frustrating to deal with the confusion!"Oh?" Jungkook cluelessly stared at my sudden outburst with his mouth half open. This isn't right! I'm innocent- so why am I treated as the predator? I did not poison Haerim! Thud. Thud. I angrily stormed after Seokjin until he disappeared into the president's lounge. He knows I'm innocent that day! Why did he tell everyone I was the culprit responsible for the incident when he knew I never touched Haerim's bag!"Kim Seokjin! Open the door!" I snapped, angrily banging on the door in irritation. I panted heavily and took a step back to glare at the closed door, but there was no response."Kim Seokjin! I said open the fucking door!" I screeched, kicking the door in distress when he ignored my demand. I snapped my face to glare at the stupid beaming camera over my head, knowing he was watching me."Don't be a coward and open the door! You stupid jerk!-" I yelled at the camera when a hand suddenly extended over my shoulder from behind. BEEP. I froze in shock once I noticed the person holding the access card over the screen."You'll get in a lot of trouble if you break the door," Seokjin calmly spoke beside my ear as he stood behind me. My heart skipped a beat at his startling appearance, so I wildly spun around to find Kim Seokjin... staring at me with a poker face."You-""Kicking the door isn't a courteous manner to announce your presence," Seokjin sighed, grabbing the handle to push the door open for me. I gulped in embarrassment and stomped inside with my arms crossed. I thought he was inside! Kim Seokjin calmly followed me and closed the door behind his back."Why did you twist the truth?!" I impatiently snapped."What truth-""The coffee bag was sealed that day! You knew that! I couldn't have poisoned her without damaging the seal!" I snapped, pointing at Haerim's organized desk in irritation."Okay?" Seokjin responded with an unfazed expression as he loomed over me, causing me to tense my body muscles at his dismissive reaction."O-Okay?!- Okay?!- You told people I was involved-""Who am I supposed to tell on... when you were the only person in the room? I'll become an accomplice in the crime if I hid the truth from everyone," He shrugged, rudely cutting me off. My blood started boiling at his thoughtless words until tears filled my eyes."Are you doing this on purpose? Because I broke up with you?! How can you be so childish!?" I snapped, stepping forward to glare at his blank face. He's angry. His ears are turning red... yet he didn't dare lash out at me."Leave. I have work to complete," Seokjin spoke lowly while maintaining a deadly eye contact with me. I gripped my fist as I glared at his burning red eyes."Move out of my way!" I demanded, shoving him aside, sending Seokjin stumbling to the side. I angrily grabbed the door handle and yanked it open with all my might, but it wouldn't budge. The fuck...? I frowned and tugged on the cold handle with both my hands. I couldn't open it. I awkwardly glanced sideways at Seokjin and tried to pull it again. Thud. No movement. I'm stuck."Are you seriously messing with me right now-" Seokjin snapped, storming forward to grab the handle when he couldn't stand watching my dumb behavior. He tugged it with all his might, but the door remained locked. The second-rank alpha frowned in confusion and tried to tow the door open... but no matter what he did... it wouldn't open."I think... I broke it..." I muttered, nervously staring up at Seokjin's bright red ears."Argh!" Seokjin suddenly roared in frustration and kicked the door with all his might, causing me to stiffen in shock at his violent outburst. The lights in the room suddenly died... and we were suddenly standing in a dim room."Is there a blackout?" I whispered, turning to stare at the tinted window unsurely as Seokjin panted heavily by the door. Thud. He softly banged his clenched fist against the door with his head hung low."Be quiet-""Should I call someone-""I SAID SHUT UP!" Seokjin screamed at me with his strained neck. I sucked in my breath upon noticing his raging pupils as we stood in the dim lounge. The room wasn't too dark because they had a window. His face is red. Even his neck is red. He's literally boiling and I'm dumbfounded by this side of him..."Did you think I want to be here with you?" I asked coldly. Seokjin hardened his face at me as he shakily clenched his fist."We're stuck in here because of your foolish actions! You never change!" Seokjin snapped in my face. I was frightened of his harsh behavior but stood my ground."Is this seriously about our past?-""Oh! The nerves to show up before me after dumping my ass over a ridiculous problem! Did you realize how much pain I was in when you fucking ran off without telling me?! I tried- so desperately to love you- but you tossed me away like a trash bag! I thought- I could love you, but you stabbed me instead! It's in your nature, isn't it?! To ruin those who are genuine towards you! Maybe- That's why everyone hates you so much! Because you never really appreciate their efforts because- of your stupid past-" Seokjin angrily snapped at me."Don't you dare! You know nothing about my past-""Yeah! That's what you keep claiming! Did you think it's appropriate to bleed on me with your past?! Is that a valid justification!? Does it make sense!? To hurt me just because you're hurt when it was my sole intention to embrace your wounded soul?!" Seokjin angrily towered over me. I swallowed at his hurtful words with a pained expression."Araso! You're the perfect man, and I'm a nuisance! I'm a nightmare, and I'm sorry I can't be the perfect lover you desire! I warned you I was not a good person- and yet you begged-""WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO? I KNEW YOU'D BE TROUBLE, BUT MY HEART WAS FUCKING YEARNING FOR YOU! TELL ME! WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO? IS THERE A WAY TO AVOID FALLING IN LOVE? IF THERE'S AN ANTIDOTE TO FUCKING FALL OUT OF LOVE THEN GIVE IT TO ME! I'LL TAKE IT EVEN IF IT KILLS ME! I'M A FOOL FOR FALLING FOR A THORN LIKE YOU! SURE! IT'S MY FAULT FOR PURSUING YOU! BUT DID YOU HAVE TO PRICK ME SO BADLY WHEN ALL I WANTED WAS FOR US TO BE HAPPY?!" Seokjin screamed in my face. A bolt of pain suddenly wrenched my chest. I stared at him in tears."O-Open the door- OPEN THE GODDAMN DOOR!" I screeched, violently yanking on the broken handle in tears. I grew frustrated and angrily thumped on the solid wood with my fist. THUD. THUD. THUD. I don't want to see him! I don't want to speak with him! His presence is fucking suffocating me! I banged the stupid stubborn door harder until my fist grew numb from the violent impact."Yah! Stop it-""Don't touch me! Don't fucking touch me!" I snapped, thrusting Seokjin away when he tried to grab my bruised fist. He didn't listen and tried to draw me away from the door, but I refused and shoved him in anger."WHY ARE YOU SO FUCKING STUBBORN?!" Seokjin roared in my face when I wouldn't stop trashing the door. I pursed my lips in shock when I felt the heat of his anger blasting against my body. Seokjin panted furiously with his razor-sharp eyes fixed on mine. I opened my mouth to speak... but the hot lump had entirely blocked my sore throat, so I gulped and blinked at him until silent tears filled my eyes. I tried to hold in my misery... but my emotions got the best of me."Hik-" I suddenly hiccuped so I quickly covered my mouth as a tear stream flooded from my eyes. Seokjin blinked at me in confusion."Hik-" I hiccuped again."Hik-" I pouted in frustration when I couldn't silence myself and began to bawl in distress once I failed to contain my frustration. The discomfiting emotions suddenly flooded my entire body... and I ended up weeping like a child as Seokjin bitterly watched me break down before him with a sore frown."Don't cry-" He stuttered, reaching out to dab my cheek."Don't touch me- you heartless jerk!" I sobbed, pushing him away."I said don't cry-""Go away!" I whined when he repeatedly told me to shut up."I SAID DON'T CRY! ARE YOU DEAF?!" Seokjin bellowed at my face. I immediately sucked in my breath with my tears-filled eyes fixed on the strained veins over his muscular neck. Sora- Breathe! You can't behave like a child!- The room suddenly grew silent again as I intensely resisted the urge in my chest to suppress my stupid whimper... until my cheeks inflated up like a hamster from the swelling pressure. An angry and aggressive hamster ready to screech and bite whoever tries to poke me!"Hik-" I hiccuped again. Seokjin glared at me in irritation when I wouldn't stop making the weird noises, so I immediately covered my mouth because I didn't want Seokjin to scream at me again. But I failed. Seokjin's eyes grew even wider when I unexpectedly exploded and howled even louder. I bawled at the top of my lungs until the room echoed with my ear-bleeding screams. I cried in distress as he glared at my childlike behavior."Ah! You're unbelievable!" Seokjin turned to kick the broken door in annoyance after failing to calm me. Thump! Thump! Thump! He angrily stormed to his desk and slumped down to grab his hair in distress. I sobbed and whined endlessly, but Seokjin didn't threaten me anymore... so I kept weeping until I lost my voice and collapsed weakly in the corner of the room. Sniffling, I hugged my knees beside Taehyung's desk."Hik..." I sulked in silence. Seokjin grew hushed after a while as he sat in his seat with his head tilted back on the headrest. He had his eyes closed... and arms crossed over his chest, trying his best not to lash out at me as he listened to my bothersome whimpers."Hik-" I whimpered, blinking away my tears, and buried my head against my knees until I felt my eyes growing heavy. I tried my best to stay awake but... I was extremely depleted after squeezing out the tormenting emotions and slowly... I plunged into a deep sleep.A moment later.
Third Person's POV
Kim Taehyung hurried down the empty corridor until he found Do-hwan inspecting a few technicians as they knelt by the broken door to repair the automatic system. The principal was worriedly waiting outside to free Kim Seokjin and Jang Sora from the room."What are you doing here?" Taehyung asked Do-hwan, who was worriedly waiting with the principal."Seokjin told me Sora passed out in the room after throwing a tantrum," Do-hwan shrugged."Why was she throwing a tantrum?" Taehyung turned to stare at the door unsurely."Maybe because a specific somebody decided to bring flowers to his ex-girlfriend. It's natural for her to complain to her ex-boyfriend about it, right? There's nothing wrong with it," Jungkook dawdled as he approached the guard and his cousin. Taehyung fired Jungkook a sharp glare."Sora isn't the type to get jealous over-""She was in a great mood today... until she realized the flower wasn't for her. She was willing to forgive you... but aigo~! You really screwed up this time," Jungkook shrugged. Taehyung frowned at his smug cousin and glanced back at the door worriedly."She must be in a serious condition... for her ex-boyfriend to call Do-hwan," Jungkook continued."Eomma sent me to bring the flowers-""Don't complain to me. Sora is the one dealing with the emotional abuse," Jungkook shrugged rudely, causing Taehyung to snap his head toward his cousin in anger."Yah-" Taehyung tried to speak. Beep.The technicians successfully unlocked the door and pushed it open. Everyone tensed up in anticipation as Kim Seokjin stepped out of the room with Jang Sora's lifeless body in his arms. Do-hwan immediately hurried over to recover Sora's body as Seokjin worriedly transferred the supreme alpha to her trusted guard.

"If you really knew Sora... you'd know... that she doesn't always sulk in silence. Because when she's extremely frustrated... she loses control of herself and gets really sick afterward... and once it happens... she will withdraw from the source of discomfort... and you'll have a difficult time... earning her trust afterward. But you never knew, did you? Because I was always the one she vented her anger on whenever she was upset with Taehyungie oppa~!" Jungkook sighed.Taehyung averted his startled gaze to Sora's burning red cheeks... damped eyelashes and striking messy hair. The supreme alpha was unconscious, but she was whimpering under her breath. Kim Taehyung glanced at Kim Seokjin's anxious grimace. The second-rank alpha kept eyeing her with so much... trouble in his eyes.
He knew... right then and there...

Kim Seokjin... was still in love with Sora.

And that was an uncomfortable realization for... Kim Taehyung.

Kim Taehyung thought Sora would forever favor him because he was there with her the longest, so he took her feelings for granted... not until he realized... another alpha... a powerful man... from a prestigious family... could treat her better than him.

And there's a high possibility... of her favoring... Kim Seokjin... over him.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Present: Sora in the lounge with Seokjin."Ugh~!" I grumbled under my breath, slightly jerking awake as I slouched against the wall in an uncomfortable position. My head is throbbing with a dull ache and my eyes are burning so much it's stinging my eyeballs- I froze in the corner of the room when I noticed... Seokjin sitting at his desk with his eyes closed and arms crossed over his chest. Did I fall asleep while crying?"Ah- My back is still sore~!" I whispered, crawling towards Taehyung's comfy leather seat. I gripped the handle and hauled my weak body onto the chair. I fumbled my fingers over the adjustment buttons until I felt the backrest slanting backward. Oh~ That feels so good.My stuffy nose kept releasing snots after the intense crybaby session, so I rubbed my nose with my wrist to find the slimy and clear substance stretching from my nose. Ew... I'm so disgusting. Thud! I flinched in the seat at the unexpected disruption when Seokjin hurled his tissue box across the room. It slammed right on Taehyung's table, causing my jaw to drop in disbelief.Right! He's really disturbed by nasty things! And that is me at this very moment! The top alpha kept his eyes closed and crossed his arms again as I bitterly snatched the tissues from the box to dab my nose."The door is still broken, thanks to you, so preserve your energy and don't fuss too much, or I'll seriously jump out of the window to avoid you," Seokjin muttered calmly. I glared at his frank statement."Achew~! Achew!" I sneezed into the tissue. I didn't respond to Seokjin and rubbed my swollen eyes with a slight grimace. I can sense the burning heat... seeping out of my dry eyeballs. Shit... I lost my voice. And it feels like someone is scrubbing my throat with sandpaper! I hugged my knees on Taehyung's leather chair and helplessly leaned back with an aching body."I'm sorry," Seokjin suddenly spoke up. I frowned at his unexpected apology and opened my eyes again to find Seokjin staring at me from his desk with his head tilted against the headrest. He looked... almost... depleted."What for?" I asked hoarsely. My throat is so sore."For screaming at you earlier. I didn't mean to lash out at you. It's unlike me to behave like a barbarian," Seokjin muttered, keeping his weary gaze on me. I rubbed my eyes and yawned sleepily at his apologies"I don't mind the tone, but brute statements can't be swallowed once spat out," I said quietly, shifting my downcast gaze to stare out the window. The sun is setting. Why are they taking forever to open the door?"Those words... I never intended to let you hear them. I wanted to keep it to myself, but the door broke when I desperately needed to be alone... and we were stuck during the most unfortunate time... so I lost my temper," Seokjin explained his explosive reaction earlier. Why is he so apologetic? It's not like his apology is an antidote that will make us feel any better."You must've been restless... for you to be this furious with me. At least you plucked out the thorn from your heart. You can start healing now," I shrugged. Seokjin's hurtful words somehow made me feel better. I was always consciously uneasy about his attachment to me. It's a relief to know he loathes me. Seokjin grew hushed, so I averted my eyes back... to find him staring at me with a beaten look."Return my jacket," Seokjin muttered, finally glancing away from me."Jacket?" I frowned."The one I lent to you on the rooftop. It's inappropriate to keep another man's clothes with you, especially not when you're with another person. Kim Taehyung might give me a black eye," Seokjin mumbled. Right. I left his jacket in my room."I really didn't poison Haerim" I sighed. I know whatever I saw will make no difference, but I still wanted to speak with Seokjin on the matter."I know," Seokjin replied. I blinked and turned to fix my gaze on his dim expression."You knew? Why did you tell-""I never said you poisoned Haerim. The Gae and the principal... asked me if you were present, so I told them the truth. They would still find out after reviewing the camera footage," Seokjin sighed. Right. Did I expect him to cover my presence in the room? Seokjin isn't the type to get himself dirty over another person's problem unless he's directly involved."Did you visit her? Haerim. Maybe you should tell her I'm not involved," I whispered. Surely... Haerim will listen to Seokjin."No. I didn't visit her... and I won't intervene in the matter. If you're innocent... Then there's nothing to worry about," Seokjin sighed. I pouted again when I felt my chest swelling uncomfortably with an unexplainable emotion."You should just marry Haerim. She won't stop provoking me because she's threatened! Maybe... she'll finally be at peace once you show her some sort of affection!" I whined softly. I'm so fucking exhausted! I'm so tired of not being able to resist her at the cost of being targeted by the society!"I told you... I will never express false affection to mislead people," Seokjin shook his head to oppose my suggestion."You'll marry her anyways," I muttered."Not today and not anytime soon," Seokjin sighed."But it'll happen. Can't you save me the trouble a bit earlier?" I asked. Seokjin dimly stared at me from across the room."How can... I marry her... after what happened to Jae-il?" Seokjin asked. I blanked out at his words for a solid minute before opening my mouth to speak... but I was too dumbfounded to even say anything."Jae-il?-""He died because of Haerim's household. I have no evidence, but I'm sure it's their doing," Seokjin sighed. I straightened my back with a dark frown."You think Haerim-""Not her. Of course. She didn't kill Jae-il. But I suspect it was a scheme organized by her parents to get rid of the Song. Remember... When I told you I was considering a direct alliance with Jae-il's family?" Seokjin softly questioned."I actually... thought of the same... theory," I confessed."We don't know who's the real culprit yet, but I suspect it's my alliance... who killed Jae-il. Namjoon and Hoseok would never commit such treason against the society... but the Gae... is my recent ally through Kim Namjoon. Only a new household would be this sloppy," He nodded. Seokjin had the exact same theory as me! I knew it!"Why are you telling me? Aren't you afraid I'll use it against you?" I asked."I knew you knew. Because I conversed about Jae-il with you before, and I'm not involved in the attacks. I'm still uncertain about the Gae's involvement, so I'm staying silent for now," Seokjin muttered after releasing a dejected exhale to ease his stuffy chest."Then who do you think... attacked Haerim? Perhaps... it's to avenge Jae-il's death?" I asked. Why did someone frame me for Haerim's poisoning?"It's possible. But the person is clever... They could've killed Haerim, but the poison was diluted. The culprit is terrorizing Haerim... and you at the same time. Someone is stirring trouble among us... and it's one of the alphas," Seokjin clasped his hands together."The alphas? How are you so sure-""The murders were from unknown sources, so I wasn't sure if it was an outsider or the alpha... but given Haerim's incident... it's one of us. Her attack isn't spontaneous like the others. The person is injuring two birds with one stone. You and Haerim and maybe me too... if everything unfolds... then the scheme might be a bigger plot to get us opposing each other," Seokjin sternly stared at me from across the table."I still don't understand why you're willing to tell me all this after what I've done to you-""Sora. Is it necessary to involve love in politics? Sure. I was heartbroken, but this isn't about love. The society... is unstable and we need to survive. Honestly... I'd wish to watch your household fall... but we both know... we don't intend to hurt each other. At least not physically. Besides, I want you to be wary of your surroundings because even your own ally can betray you, so be attentive to those around you. I hope we don't end up clashing with each other's blood on our hands. The heartbreak is enough. Let's not bleed for each other again," Seokjin sadly shook his head. I felt a hot lump in my throat. Guilt? No. I'm not guilty of the past. I had to break up with him. Seokjin is still bitter about my decision to abandon him, but he made it clear... He does not plan to cause more conflicts between us.
That's why he's been avoiding me.

To avoid problems.

Because I am the issue.

We eventually grew quiet after Seokjin received a phone call from the principal... to inform us the technicians were on their way to repair the door. I got restless at one point and paced back and forth until I felt my head spinning dizzily. Seokjin advised me to sit still... so I did as he insisted, but the headache got worse until I was sweating and... fell unconscious again.
________________________"I refuse to bear the blame for the incident. The latte bag was still sealed after I left the room," I sternly spoke as the principal remained composed in his seat. Haerim's parents have requested to discuss the case, so I gladly met with them to settle the issue."You were the only person inside the-""So was Kim Seokjin. Why am I the only suspect when he was also there with me?" I coldly asked, turning to raise my eyebrow at Mrs. Gae. She clenched her jaw at my interruption."I wish to speak with your parents-""No. I cannot waste my parent's time over a trivial problem like this,'' I smiled at Haerim's mother, whose face flushed red at my refusal."It's only appropriate-""It's unnecessary to drag my parents into this matter. I'm innocent, after all, and they're busy people... so please speak to me," I smiled. Mrs. Gae furiously glared at me. She refused to speak further until the principal called for Seokjin, who seemed a bit lost with the unexpected invitation to intervene. He politely bowed at Mrs. Gae."Why have you called for me?" Seokjin questioned the principal."You told us Jang Sora was present at the lounge before Haerim collapsed," The principal nodded."Seokjin, you must speak the truth," Mrs. Gae pleaded. Seokjin shifted his face to me with a sore expression."Go ahead. Why don't you tell the truth?" I asked, sternly staring at him.Will he lie to shove me into trouble? Because if he dares... frame me for attempted murder... I will not sit still. He might be unproblematic, but I will show him how crazy I can become as his ex-girlfriend. Hence, if he wishes to sustain peace between us... he must... reveal the truth. I narrowed my eyes at Seokjin's firm expression with my arms crossed over my chest."Jang Sora was in the room before me, and we chatted briefly. I never said she was the culprit, only that she was present. The latte bag was still sealed after she left. I suspect the drink was poisoned before it was brought inside the room," Seokjin exhaled as he spoke with Mrs. Gae."That- can't be-""Should we ask Haerim ourselves? Let's ask her if the bag was sealed before she drank the latte," I smiled at Mrs. Gae's pale expression. The woman directed her anger at me with a spiteful glare, but I only smiled back at her. The principal eventually dismissed me from the room because they had no evidence to verify my guilt.I smiled and headed home after my driver arrived to pick me up from the academy. I steered straight to my room to shower and finally got ready for bed... until I found Taehyung sitting on my couch with a firm expression. How did he get inside? Didn't I lock the door? I glanced at my door knob unsurely."Sora-""I don't feel like speaking," I shook my head and turned away from his troubled expression. Taehyung tried to speak with me after I woke up from falling unconscious in the lounge with Seokjin, but I didn't want to deal with the problem... so I've been avoiding him."I'm sorry, alright?! I didn't know you'd be this sensitive to the bouquet!" Taehyung snapped when I tried to dismiss him. I glared at him through the mirror as I brushed my hair when he suddenly got up from the couch to approach me."Stop," I immediately turned to glare at him. Taehyung halted an arm's length away from me with a dark grimace. Why is he looking at me with so much resentment when it was he who betrayed me?"Sora- It was nothing-""I was too hasty with my decision to label our relationship. You clearly aren't over Haerim. So I'll have to revoke my proposal. Let's remain distant until you're finally over... Gae Haerim. I will not be your second option... so stay away from me!" I snapped in irritation. Call me childish, or whatever! But bringing a flower bouquet to his ex-lover is fucking messed up! I will not let anyone convince me otherwise!"Why did you go to Seokjin?" Taehyung suddenly spoke in a low tone."W-what?" I swallowed when he took a step forward with a deadly stare."You're not over him, are you?" Taehyung pressed, taking another step forward. I gripped my hairbrush as we stood face to face with a furious scowl. Is he seriously asking me that question to redirect the blame on me?"Do- Not- Gaslight- Me- With- Your- Stupid- Mind- Game!" I seethed, angrily stepping forward to poke the hairbrush against Taehyung's firm chest. He blinked at my harsh words and unconsciously took a step back with a startled look."Sora-""I'm not stupid. Alright? I went to Seokjin because I was furious with him for telling twisted lies. But you? You went to her because you care about her! You doubted me! You thought I killed her! We're not the same- so don't you fucking dare guilt trip me!" I roared in frustration as I furiously nudged Kim Taehyung backward with my brush. He stared at me with an offended frown, but I was so mad... I could hardly feel my face."It was me," Taehyung gritted, suddenly stepping forward again."What?" I asked as he pressed his pulsating chest against my body while towering over me."I poisoned Gae Haerim," Taehyung clenched his jaw. My mind suddenly grew blank. Am I imagining his words? I am speechless."What?" I stared at him in horror as he darkly narrowed his eyes."You wanted her to shut up, right? So I put her out for you," Taehyung pressed his tongue against his inner cheek and suddenly took another step forward. Taehyung poisoned Haerim...? I stared at him in bewilderment. Somehow... I am very troubled... by his fearless act of committing such crimes, knowing it'll backfire on me."Why didn't you tell me earlier-""I tried- but you never listened because you desperately wanted to make me the bad guy!" Taehyung snapped, causing me to step back in a panic until my body collided against the vanity table as Taehyung dangerously loomed over me. I remained frozen when he darkly lifted his fingers to caress my cheek. I gulped and gripped the cabinet as he lowered his face to hover his nose tip over mine... panting his dangerous dragon fire over my face... until I felt my skin crawling at his intimidating heat."Whatever tricks you're using against me-""Anything, Sora. Believe me when I say I'll do anything for you. Even if it means... killing for you. I will not make empty promises... so I'm begging... you to trust me. Can't you trust me...? Hmm? Tell me... What else do I have to do... for you to trust me?" Taehyung asked, tilting his head to frown at my pale expression. I stared at him anxiously as his unstable darkness dominated his mind. He might kill me if I provoke him."I'll trust you once... I can sense your love," I answered. Taehyung tried to kiss me but halted after he heard my words. Darkly... he shifted his dilated pupils to stare... straight into my eyes. We both grew hushed as he towered over me with his hand in my hair."Then I shall only... kill for you... when you learn to appreciate my efforts," Taehyung replied, gently tucking my hair strands behind my ear. I gulped in fear when he suddenly withdrew his cold touch from my face and stepped back without harassing me. The alpha spun around with a stern look and left the room with his cold shoulders as I shakily gripped the vanity table to maintain my balance._____________________Fast Forward"Kookie~! Did you pack everything?!" Mrs. Jeon anxiously asked as she double-checked Jungkook's luggage."I did! Can you please stop going through my things? I'll have to pack it again!" Jungkook whined when his stepmother wouldn't stop inspecting his luggage."Did you fight with Taehyung?" Eomma asked, bitterly appearing beside me with her arms crossed."Did appa ever bring flowers to another woman when he's with you?" I asked without looking at her."Of course. Your father brings flowers to dead people's funerals," Eomma shrugged. I turned to find her waving at Do-hwan, who was loading my luggage into the car trunk. Taehyung suddenly appeared with his black luggage. And unlike his usual... dark outfit... He was dressed in a gray hoodie and loose sweatpants."Haerim didn't die," I muttered, shifting my gaze away when Taehyung turned to look at me."I sent him with the flowers. I didn't know my daughter would be this upset over something so trivial. After all... love can't bloom without a bit of jealousy. I'm proud of you," Eomma teased as she gently patted my shoulder. I fired her a disapproving look when she wouldn't stop nudging me. She thinks it's cute that I'm jealous of Haerim. Why does everyone think it's a minor problem?! Are they gaslighting me!? It's never normal to express your fondness to another person when you're in a relationship!"Actually. Your mother ignored me for a month after I granted a young maid a vacation break. I had to beg on my knees for forgiveness. Your mother is awfully possessive of me. Well. That's because appa was the hottest alpha with the sexiest brain. Of course... she's protective of a fine man like me," Appa suddenly chuckled, earning a sharp glare from eomma."Eomma! I packed everything~!" Jungkook whined when Mrs. Jeon wouldn't stop bothering him."Taehyung! You almost left behind your essential packs!" Mrs. Kim scolded her son as she rushed after him. He was loading the luggage in the trunk with Do-hwan. Taehyung took the pouch from his mother."Are you coming or not?" Jungkook called, causing me to snap out of my thoughts."Taehyung will head out with Jimin. The Park will arrive shortly," My mother nudged me. I bid my parents goodbye and eventually got into the car with Jungkook as he munched on a protein bar. He never eats proper food and would digest those commercial health bars."What's the sleep arrangement plan for the trip?" I asked. This is my first time going on a trip with the alphas."I'm not sure. I heard we'd have to share the room with a partner since being alone is dangerous," Jungkook shrugged."I want to share my room with you," I muttered, bitterly glancing out the window as the driver slowly drove through the gate... just as Jimin's car entered the mansion."You're still upset with Taehyung? He really didn't speak with you about the issue? Wah~! How old is he?" Jungkook briefly frowned at my sour grimace."He tried... but we ended up arguing," I shrugged."You're stubborn as always. I'd gladly share the room with you without hesitation, but I don't think Taehyung will allow it. He's quite possessive of you lately since you're soon to be his wife," Jungkook chuckled. I turned to glare at his carefree mood in annoyance. Why am I the only one with so many problems?! Am I the problem!? Even Jungkook seems unbothered by the issue."He can't defy me," I insisted."I'm alright with whatever, so speak to him first. I don't want to get into unnecessary trouble- by the way. What happened in the lounge with Seokjin? Don't you think it's the reason Taehyung was so pissed? The supreme alpha... locked up with her ex-boyfriend for hours? Your relationship wasn't platonic with Seokjin- so tell me! Did something happen between you two?" Jungkook eagerly leaned from his seat with his annoying sparkly eyes."You stupid-""Ah! Why did you hit me?!" Jungkook shrieked after I smacked his head. The alpha immediately straightened his back with a resentful scowl."Nothing happened! I was angry with Seokjin's witness claim, so I confronted him! And I broke the door after banging on it too hard," I snapped, turning to glare out the window with my arms crossed."Is that all? Why were you crying then? I know you're hiding something! Even Taehyung was suspicious!" Jungkook confronted him. I turned to glare at him with a flushed face. Why is he so nosy?! Sora! You should speak with Jungkook! He's the only person you can share your feelings with!"Seokjin said he didn't want to be involved with me anymore," I muttered, softening my expression."He said that? Wasn't he mad at you for-""Yeah. He was upset. Seokjin brought up our breakup, but it wasn't to hurt me or anything. He only clarified that he didn't want to clash with me again and insisted that we avoid each other," I shrugged. Jungkook bitterly stared at me without speaking before turning away to lean against his seat."He's the most unproblematic boyfriend I've ever seen," Jungkook scoffed. As if he's disappointed with my love affairs."What do you mean?" I asked."The ex-boyfriend should be crazy! Like the dramas! They're often obsessed with their girlfriend! And would never stop pursuing the female lead! They turn into scary evil psychos for love! But Kim Seokjin- He's- He's unbelievably peaceful! We're all living for the dramas, but he's dodging it! People don't even gossip about him! I thought you'd give him some spotlight with all the scandals, but- no! Nothing! Still the perfect man!" Jungkook funnily waved his hands to express his frustration. Is he envious of Seokjin's reputation?"I don't want to have a crazy ex-boyfriend though... I might die," I muttered."But you're dating a crazy one right now," Jungkook smiled."What?" I scoffed."Kim Taehyung. He's definitely not Kim Seokjin... and he will never be as unproblematic! I can assure you that," Jungkook muttered, happily turning to the game on his phone. Aish... Stupid jerk! He's not making me feel any better!"I don't plan on fighting with him forever. I'm just upset. That's all. And I want to avoid speaking with him until we're both stable," I shrugged."Taehyung is insecure. I saw the way he eyed Kim Seokjin. Sora... be smart and tug his collar," Jungkook winked at me. I frowned at his cheeky behavior and shook my head. Eomma's right... I'm possessive. Ah... but Taehyung isn't an easy man to exploit.The driver finally halted at the university's parking lot and got off to open the door for me. I stepped onto the pavement in my casual clothes to find the other alphas whining about their luggage. Jungkook circled our car to help the driver hurl our luggage when I noticed a familiar ill face standing by her car.Haerim. She recovered? Already? I stared at her dark circles and feeble movements as her driver settled the luggage on the pavement. The trip is mandatory, so the alphas aren't allowed to skip the expedition. Another one of our household's cars pulled up next to us... and Jimin got out with Taehyung."Sora! You're here before us!" Jimin greeted me cutely as Taehyung drew the hood of his hoodie over his head. He tried to walk away... until he noticed Haerim struggling to drag her heavy suitcase."Let's go!" I beamed at Jimin and walked forward with him as Jungkook followed us with his luggage.Taehyung didn't say anything as he approached Haerim, who was having a difficult time... dragging her luggage. He grabbed the handle from her grip and hauled it forward, sternly walking ahead of her. Haerim instantly stopped to stare at Taehyung's considerate gesture. She rubbed her sore throat and followed Taehyung until he heaved his and her luggage inside the luxury bus."Why did you pack so much!?" Jimin gasped as he helped Jungkook shove his luggage into the lower compartment."Eomma insisted I need to pack everything! She even made a checklist for me the night before!" Jungkook grunted as the driver helped the alphas adjust their expensive leather luggage inside the cabin. Haerim got on the bus before the others as Taehyung dusted his hands."Sora! Where's your luggage? Didn't you back anything?" Jimin turned to frown at me after he placed his luggage away."What?- I heaved your luggage earlier. Didn't you bring it?!" Jungkook scoffed at me in bewilderment as I stood empty-handed beside them."I left it behind because I assumed someone would help me heave it," I smiled at Jungkook. He fired me an 'Are you nuts?' stare as Jimin stared at me with an uneasy look, so I shifted my eyes to the side to find Taehyung narrowing his cold gaze on me. We awkwardly turned around to... find my luggage left unattended... in the middle of the parking lot."I'll get it- Oh?" Jimin nervously laughed and took a step forward when Taehyung suddenly stormed off. Jungkook sniggered at his cousin as I stood with my arms crossed."That was a good strike," Jungkook nudged my shoulder as we watched Taehyung jog towards my luggage."Are you getting revenge on Taehyung? This is entertaining!" Jimin chuckled while shaking his head. Taehyung grabbed the handle and tried to tow the luggage forward, but it didn't budge. He cluelessly frowned at the luggage and crouched down to inspect the stiff wheels."Wahhhh~! You're so evil, Sora~! So that's what she was doing yesterday!" Jungkook gasped, turning to me in disbelief once it struck him. Taehyung snapped his frustrated glare at me from across the parking lot when he realized one of the wheels... wasn't functioning."Wae?- Wae? What happened?! Share the tea~!" Jimin cutely laughed at Jungkook's stunned expression when he wouldn't stop gawking at me with his astonished doe eyes."I came down from our home gym last night to find her banging the luggage with a hairbrush! I thought she was trying to fix it- but it was a brand new luggage Taehyung got for her! Do-hwan delivered the luggage himself! Jang Sora wasn't fixing it! She was breaking the wheels!" Jungkook funnily informed Jimin, who suddenly burst out laughing until his eyes turned into a crescent shape."Taehyung really met his match~!" Jimin laughed while shaking his head and walked off with a bright smile. Taehyung stood up in frustration after he figured out the problem and lowered his body to heave the suitcase with ease as I watched him with Jungkook. I broke the wheels so he'd have to carry the luggage for me."I hope he doesn't kill you. Let's go~!" Jungkook laughed, nudging me forward, so I smiled at Taehyung and walked away as he approached us with an irritated grimace. I climbed onto the bus to find Jimin settling in the middle section of the spacious VIP bus. It had six sections... consisting of four seats with a table in between."Can I sit by the window?" Jimin asked Jungkook as I slid toward the window to sit across from them."Yeah. I'm not into the scenery," Jungkook shrugged. Jimin thanked Jungkook as he scooted to sit by the window, facing me as Jungkook sat on the aisle seat."This is exciting! It reminds me of our high school trip!" Hoseok suddenly chuckled, appearing on the bus aisle, followed by Seokjin and Namjoon. I turned to the section to my left to find... Yoongi sitting alone."Do you want to sit with me?" I invited him. Yoongi blinked and tried to get up from his seat to switch- Whip! Someone flung a hoodie across the bus. My eyes widened in shock once a familiar hoodie landed on the empty seat beside mine... so I snapped my head toward Taehyung. He fired me a warning stare as he lined up behind Namjoon."It's fine. I'll sit here since there's traffic inside the bus," Yoongi nodded at me and sat back down in fear once he noticed Taehyung's deadly stare. Hoseok requested to settle with Yoongi, so the section beside ours was filled by Hoseok, Namjoon, Seokjin, and Yoongi.Taehyung finally approached us and slumped down with heavy sweat on his forehead after dealing with my broken luggage. He didn't say anything and hastily tossed his hoodie at me, so I shoved it on the table with an annoyed expression. Jungkook and Jimin eyed us uneasily as Taehyung sat beside me with a poker face. He rudely leaned over to adjust the aircon swings over my head to blast the cool current at his face. I sideways glared at him as he fanned his face and sat back with his arms folded over his sweaty chest. Did he really have to steal my aircon?!
Minah, Minho, Haerim and Mira took the front section. Sungho settled down with the blonde alpha and two others in the other section. Four professors took a section on our bus. A section was still unoccupied... so four lower ranks were invited to fill the spot.
I blinked out of my thoughts when I felt something crowding my space so I glanced down to find Taehyung manspreading his thighs, intentionally squeezing me against the window. I grimaced at his annoying behavior as leaned against the seat with his eyes closed. I grumbled under my breath and shifted in my seat to lean against the window because I didn't want to touch him."Do you want to switch seats with me?" Jimin asked from across the table when he noticed how irritated I was."I'm not moving," Taehyung muttered as he remained seated. He refused to get up to let me switch with Jimin."I'll crawl across the table-""Sit down. You're making me dizzy," Taehyung suddenly grabbed my arm when I tried to crawl over the table. I turned to glare at him in annoyance until the professor told me to get back in my place as the driver drove the bus forward. I cursed under my breath and slumped back down to buckle my seatbelt in defeat. I wish I could smack his dumb face!

Taehyung smugly smiled with his eyes closed, so I shifted my gaze away to find Seokjin leaning back against his seat beside Namjoon with a headphone over his ears. Whatever! I'll just sleep so I don't have to deal with him! I grumpily crossed my arms and leaned back on my seat, but the trip... took longer than I expected. I woke up twice, and we were still halfway to our destination. Thud. I froze when Taehyung suddenly slumped his heavy body against my shoulder. Jungkook briefly looked up from his phone while gaming and glanced at me. I grunted and shoved Taehyung's heavy head away."Oh!-" Jimin shrieked from across the table when I shoved Taehyung a little too hard until he tilted off his seat. I gasped and tried to grab his arm when he tumbled unconsciously off the seat... collapsing hard onto the aisle. Thump!"Kamjagiya!" Hoseok screamed at the rough impact after Taehyung slammed hard against the aisle, so I quickly covered my mouth in shock."Urgh-? What the fuck-" Taehyung grunted, sitting up with a dazed face as he rubbed his back in pain.The professor scolded Taehyung as Seokjin blankly stared at Taehyung... who was groggily grumbling on the floor. Taehyung cursed under his breath as he grabbed the table to haul his heavy body back to his seat. He turned to glare at me with his bloodshot eyes. I gulped in guilt and glanced out the window to avoid his raging glower. I thought he was pretending to be asleep! I didn't know he was really asleep!Thankfully. Taehyung didn't confront me and lowered his head to sleep on his arm on the table. I exhaled and turned to admire the gloomy countryside with a faint smile. That was lowkey satisfying. To push him like that. Should I do it again?
Fast Forward
Stupid! Stupid! Stupid man! I fiercely glared at Taehyung's head as I followed him down the hotel's corridor with his luggage. He made me drag his heavy luggage because he had to carry my broken one. I insisted on sharing the room with Jungkook earlier in the lobby... but Taehyung refused and even called eomma to tell on me. She screamed at me through the phone and demanded that I share the room with Kim Taehyung, so I'm stuck with him for the next few days!BANG ."Yah!" Taehyung turned to snap at me when I accidentally closed the hotel room's door a bit too hard. I froze in shock as he fumed at me. He angrily dumped my suitcase as I gulped at him. I didn't mean to bang the door shut this hard- I'm just frustrated! Taehyung rubbed his sweating forehead and walked toward the glass view to tap on the screen until the curtains slid to the sides, revealing the dark navy sea before us. The sun had already set... so all we could see were the twinkling port lights and small fireworks from the beach below."Why is there only one bed? Shouldn't it be two beds?" I whined under my breath as I glared at the single bed. The professor claimed it's a two-bed chamber- so why is there one bed here?!"You sleep on the couch. I'll sleep on the bed," Taehyung muttered, suddenly tugging his sweaty T-shirt off his body. My face flushed red at the sight of his hard pecs, so I quickly snapped my gaze to the view."That's unfair-""You made me heave your broken luggage everywhere! And even pushed me off the seat when I was sleeping! My back is sore!" Taehyung argued, placing his hands on his firm hips. I didn't dare look at his shirtless body and stood in guilt."I thought you were annoying me!" I whined, slumping on the bed with a slight frown."Sure, you thought I was pretending to be asleep!- But was the luggage an accident too?! I gifted it to you! But you broke it the next day!" Taehyung snapped furiously. I sideways glared at his disappointed scowl and tried to speak... but I was running out of excuses. Did I go too far? Maybe I shouldn't have broken the wheels..."You weren't whining when you helped Haerim-""She barely recovered from the poisoning incident! You're healthy and fine, so why-""Should I throw myself off the stairs then?! Maybe- You'll care for me if I'm sick like her!" I thoughtlessly screamed at Taehyung. He scoffed at my foolish remarks and turned away to rub his forehead in distress."I'll shower to cool down," Taehyung muttered in defeat after surrendering from the argument and marched away to unpack his clothes. I huffed in annoyance until I heard him entering the bathroom to shower. Sighing deeply, I walked toward my luggage, unpacked my clothes and arranged them in the wardrobe."Can you bring me my shaving cream?" Taehyung suddenly called from the bathroom. I didn't answer him and pretended not to hear his order."I know you can hear me. It's in a black pouch," Taehyung spoke loudly. I clenched my fist and shifted my irritated glare to the bathroom door before glancing at his opened luggage on the floor. Creak.I closed the wardrobe in frustration but made sure not to bang the door and strode forward to kneel before his luggage. I rummaged through his clothes until I found the black leather pouch, hastily unzipped it, and searched for the shaving cream- Pause. I froze with my unblinking gaze on the plastic wrappers. What the hell...?I widened my eyes at the pile of condoms inside the pouch in disbelief. Why did he bring it?! I snapped my head to glare at the bathroom door and back at the condoms with my lips ajar. Is he out of his mind!? I grabbed the shaving cream from the pouch and angrily stomped up to the bathroom, so Taehyung opened the door to snatch the bottle from me and closed it before I could speak. I intensely glared at the door until tears filled my eyes.Did he think he could resolve our problem by sleeping with me!? What am I to him!? So this is why he insisted on sharing the room with me. I feel sick! My inside suddenly erupted in anger, but I held back because I didn't feel like arguing with him. I rubbed away my tears and stormed out of the room. I'll ask Jungkook to persuade Taehyung! I'll book a room to sleep alone if he opposes it! Thud-"Ah!-""Oh- I'm sorry!- Jimin?!" I gasped in shock when I bumped right into a guy at the intersection. Jimin looked up at me with a startled expression as he stabilized himself from the blow."What's the matter?" Jimin asked as he worriedly eyed my soaked lashes."N-Nothing!" I shrugged as he restlessly watched me wipe my tears."It must be the fight again, huh? Well... I'm heading out alone... so if you need a breather... you should join me," Jimin sadly patted my shoulder."Alone? What do you mean-""I'm from Busan. This is my hometown so I'll visit the local places. I can show you around," Jimin chuckled."But the professor said-""No one will find out if you promise to keep it a secret between us," Jimin chuckled. I unsurely stared at his rosy cheeks and glanced back at my room."Can I shower in your room? I'll grab my clothes," I asked."Sure. I think Jungkook is done showering," Jimin nodded. I smiled and ran back to my room to fetch my clothes. Taehyung was still in the shower because the faucet was still running, so I grabbed everything I needed and left the room with Jimin."Oh? Where did he go? He said he'll nap-" Jimin muttered after unlocking the room for me, but Jungkook was gone. I entered their bathroom to shower and eventually pulled on my fresh clothes. I felt so much better after the refreshing shower and we finally snuck out of the hotel... without informing the professors.
A moment later.
"Can we try that?!" I gasped, skipping towards a skewer stall as I carried a few bags of street food. Jimin chuckled as he walked up to me with a bright beam."Four skewers, please!" Jimin smiled at the stall owner. I intensely stared at the sizzling skewers while munching a local Gimbap roll."The street food is a paradise! They have so much seafood here! Should we try raw fish!? I saw it on youtube!" I nudged Jimin as he quietly smiled at my delighted excitement.

"Sure! I know a place! We should drink together! There's no schedule tomorrow anyway since there will be a storm!" Jimin chuckled. He bought me the skewers, and we happily walked down the street to enjoy the night at the Market. Jimin really knows his way around here! I felt terribly guilty for making him pay for everything because I didn't have any cash with me... but he insisted it was his treat since Busan is his birthplace."Also! What's wrong with the alpha woman you're seeing?" I asked, briefly glancing at Jimin."The alpha? Do you mean So-young? What happened?" He asked, gently rubbing a sauce stain from the corner of my lips as I nibbled the steaming skewer."Yeah. The blonde one. She kept giving me dirty looks," I shrugged while smiling at an ajumma as she called for us to buy from her stall. Jimin lightly grabbed my waist to help me avoid a passing scooter on the path as we aimlessly strolled through the crowded streets."Ah. She's probably upset with you because I'm your ally," Jimin chuckled."Huh?" I funnily lifted my eyebrow."She asked me to be her ally, but I can't do that. The household alliance is not something I can take lightly, and my parents will definitely refuse to switch alliances. So-young got upset because I refused to be her ally," Jimin shrugged. Oh! So that's why!"I thought you two were dating!" I giggled."I like her... but she's a bit... assertive? I feel pressured when I'm around her. She got extremely... upset after I denied her alliance suggestion, so we haven't spoken to each other in a while," Jimin sighed. I noticed the gloom on his face, so I swallowed the greasy meat and turned to stare at the street again."Oh! That's a massive crab!" I gasped when I found a king-size crab in a water tank. I shrieked and rushed up to it with my eyes wide open."They always served it at the mansion though?" Jimin funnily smiled as he stood beside me with the snack bags."They served them in pieces, but I've never seen a living one this massive!" I chuckled while admiring the creature. Jimin laughed at my innocence, and we walked forward again. He took me to a seaside raw fish restaurant as promised. We laughed and chatted over our dinner as we watched the gentle waves on the beach. Kids and couples were firing small fireworks, so I happily clapped my hands in excitement after Jimin disappeared to use the bathroom."Wanna try?" Jimin suddenly appeared with something in his grip."Oh?! You got it!?" I gasped when I realized it was a firework stick. I excitedly got up as Jimin requested the store owner for a spare lighter."Aigo~! You'll soak your shoes! Take it off and leave it here!" Ahjusshi gasped at us. We chuckled at the store owner and took off our shoes. Jimin rolled up his trousers and we hopped onto the beach together. Jimin cutely lit the fireworks for me."I'm scared!" I screamed in fear as I watched the smoke steam out of the stick."Just hold it and aim high!" Jimin laughed, dragging me toward the shallow water until we splashed into the cold sea. POOF! I shrieked in shock when the fireworks suddenly shot out of the stick."Ah!" I screamed in fright but didn't let go when the fire repeatedly blasted out from the stick. POOF! POOF! POOF!"Let me help..." Jimin smiled, reaching over to help stabilize the stick as the colorful sparks popped all over the sky above our heads... until my pupils reflected its beautiful flickers.

"This is fun!" I happily giggled as we held onto the stick. Jimin chuckled softly before glancing at me as we stood on the beach to play with the fireworks. He shook his head and turned to look up at the sky again... until the stick ran out of powder."Oh? It's dead," I pouted, lowering the stick. Jimin took the empty stick from me."Should we get another one-""It's fine! Let's head back to finish our drinks- Ah!" I laughed, happily nudging his shoulder when Jimin playfully splashed the sea water on me. I gasped in shock at his teasing behavior."I'm sorry~! Ah- Ah! No!- Stop! I'm just kidding!" Jimin poked out his tongue, so I bent down to splash the water at him. He shrieked while walking backward... covering his body with a cute smile."You're naughty-""Kamjakigya!" Jimin shrieked in fright once his eyes landed on someone behind me, so I wildly spun around on the damp sand to find... Kim Taehyung... glaring at us with his eyes narrowed and arms crossed over his chest."How did he find us?" I muttered, straightening my back uneasily. We quickly rushed towards him and headed back to our table as Taehyung sat between us at the round table with a sour grimace."Yah. I missed my hometown, so I thought I should-""-Sneak of a secured hotel with the supreme alpha? When your household is unstable?! You should be alert at all times!" Taehyung scolded Jimin. I lifted the soju shot to take a gulp, earning a sharp glare from Taehyung. He's even more upset now."Araso! Let's head back! Aigo~!" Jimin glared at his best friend and got up to pay for our meals. I glanced away from Taehyung when he shifted his dull gaze back to me. What's his business?Kim Taehyung eventually dragged us back to the hotel and told Jimin to head off but to my surprise... he dragged me out of the lobby the instant Jimin disappeared. I stumbled after him in confusion as Taehyung hailed a taxi and forced me inside- so I scooted in the backseat as he instructed the driver to take us to a familiar address."Why are we going there?!" I gasped, turning to stare at Taehyung in disbelief. Is he crazy?!"I want to check out the place-""Eomma probably demolished it," I grumbled, bitterly glancing out the window. We finally arrived at the main street after a thirty-minute drive."What are you young people doing here? There won't be any drivers after 10:00 PM! And there are no motels around here either!" The taxi driver asked us as we stood on the side of the freeway surrounded by the wilderness."We'll be fine! Thank you for the ride!" Taehyung smiled at the man. Ahjusshi worriedly shifted his gaze to me, so I nodded at him until he drove off. I fearfully turned to stare at the high grass on the dark hills."Maybe... we should call ahjussi before it's too late," I gulped as I watched the car light turn on the intersection as Taehyung walked forward without speaking. He kept poking around the dense wood until I whined in annoyance because the insects were bothering me too much."Be quiet, will you-""Are you trying to get us killed?! You told Jimin he was stupid, but you're dragging us into the wilderness at midnight?!" I complained while swatting away the branches from my face in annoyance."Then return to the hotel by yourself!" Taehyung turned to snap at me. I glared at his stupid face in shock."Fine! Go wherever! I hope you get eaten by a tiger~!" I snapped, turning around to stomp the opposite way. He dragged me here without my consent and he's telling me to go away now?!"Tigers don't live here- Yah!? Are you seriously leaving!? Yah!" Taehyung called, but I didn't listen and hurried away. I'm so upset! How dare he bring me back to that traumatizing mansion!I angrily stomped through the dark woods with my phone flashlight until I suddenly stopped in dread. I quickly spun around to search for Taehyung... but he was nowhere to be found. Gulping uneasily... I rotated my flashlight at the dark woods before me. Where am I? I thought it was the right path... but why am I still in the woods?"Shit!" I whined, lowering my phone to stare at the no-signal notice. No! I can't be scared! I swallowed my fear and stomped forward until I found... a small... trail."Oh?! Maybe this will lead me back to the freeway!?" I gasped as I stared at the trail in disbelief. People must use this trail often because there is a distinct bald path with no grass on the route! Wah~! Sora, you're smart~! Smiling... I followed the trail under the dim moonlight, trying my best not to stare into the deep dark woods on my side because I was afraid of seeing things I didn't want to see. Shit- Sora-! Why is the place getting steeper? I halted midway and glanced behind my back in horror when I realized... I was on a higher ground.
I'm not going down... I'm heading up a slope.
My heart sank at the sudden realization, so I glanced back at the trail ahead of me and turned to gawk at the swaying branches in fear. The wind suddenly blew harder, causing the trees to make weird noises. Shuffle. Shuffle. I wildly snapped my flashlight towards a tree down the trail at the slight movement. Freezing in place... I stared intensely at the tree, but my phone light was too dim to reveal the figure. Sora! You're imagining- My heart thumped hard against my ribs when I noticed a massive black figure crouching on the grass. Oh no~! Maybe I'm not so crazy after all~!"T-Taehyung?" I whispered, lips trembling in fear as the dark figure crawled out from under the tree."Taehyung- Taehyung?!- EOMMAAAAA~!" I squealed at the top of my lungs when the creature suddenly pounced up the slope, so I shrieked and spun around to scramble up the hill with a racing heart."AH! AH!- KIM TAHYUNG! I WILL FUCKING KILL YOU IF I DIE HERE IN THE FUCKING FOREST!" I screamed in extreme fright. I screeched even louder when I turned around the find the creature chasing after me. Shit! Am I seeing things!? I cried and cursed out loud while begging whatever it was to fuck off as I frantically crawled up the rocky hill."Urgh!-" I gasped when I suddenly slipped over the gravel. Thump! Slamming hard onto the jagged rocks. I whimpered, frantically turning around in fright to find the figure... springing toward me."-Argh!?!- &*%^!$#?! Stay away! Argh-!" I screamed, trying to scramble over the gravel. Snatch! The creature suddenly grabbed my legs. I shrieked in horror when it dragged me down the hill with all its might as I fought to claw the dirt for balance. I'm going to die! No! I can't disappear like this!I wildly kicked the creature and sat up on the ground in tears when it suddenly released me, so I shakily spun around to search for my phone but it was... nowhere to be found. I dropped my phone! Trembling in fear... I snapped back around to stare at the dark shadow as it loomed over me while wheezing on the ground with sweat beads all over my forehead. I sucked in my breath when I felt my heart pounding in my ears- until my head swayed intensely from the fear."Boo!" Taehyung laughed, suddenly grabbing my shoulders."Argh!" I unconsciously reacted to his unexpected appearance before me. THUMP."ARGH?!-" Taehyung gasped when I accidentally slammed a palm-sized rock against his head. He stumbled backward and tumbled to the side with his hands gripped tightly over his head. My eyes widened in horror when I realized it was Taehyung... and not a flesh-eating monster."What- Where have you been?!- Are you okay!?" I gasped, frantically scrambling towards Taehyung as he seethed on the ground."Why did you hit me?! I was just playing with you!" Taehyung whined, snapping his irritated glare at me. It suddenly struck me as I kneeled with him on the trail."Playing with me!? By chasing me up the hill!? Did you think this is funny!?" I screamed in distress. Taehyung shrieked in pain when I suddenly attacked him with my defenseless fists."Yah! Stop- Ow! I'm sorry-""You bad person! I hate you! I hate you! I could've died alone~!" I screamed while smacking his chest until he collapsed onto his back. Taehyung shielded his face when I tried to strike him again, but I halted in horror as I sat over him when I noticed blood... seeping from the side of his head."I was following you the entire time until you started running away from me! So I pretended to chase you!" Taehyung whined. I whimpered in defeat, slumped on the dirt path with a shaky pout and watery eyes until a surge of distressing emotions consumed me."You're so mean~!" I burst out crying while thrashing on the ground in my dirty clothes and striking messy hair. Taehyung abruptly sat up to grab my shoulders and pulled me into a comforting hug, so I grabbed his back and sobbed at the top of my lungs as he patted my head to console me. I thought I was lost!"Stop crying! We need to find our way back- Shit. I'm bleeding so much," Taehyung eventually pulled away. I whimpered in frustration as he tugged me onto my feet while wiping the blood from his head."My phone..." I whispered, pointing at the flash on the hill above us. Taehyung sighed and took my hand to lead me up the slope... so I bent down to grab my burning phone and switched off the flashlight. I sniffled in tears before glancing at Taehyung's wound in guilt when I found him staring ahead of us with a dreadful look."The gates..." Taehyung whispered, keeping his startled eyes on something."Stop scaring me! This isn't funny- AH!" I whined in distress when Taehyung suddenly tugged me forward. I stumbled after him and tried to yank him back, but he didn't listen and towed me up the hill."Holy shit!-" Taehyung gasped, hastily pushing a rusty gate open. CREAK. I immediately stopped thrashing within his grip when my tearful eyes landed on the haunted mansion before us.

My heart stopped beating as soon as I recognized the.... familiar arch windows. The fountain was cracked and starved of moisture. The soil around the property... infested with weeds... and the roof and walls were covered in molds and vines. Taehyung and I... stood with our mouths ajar as we gawked at our old home with bulging eyeballs.
Why is this cursed place still standing...?

It shouldn't exist... not with the evil within the walls.
"We should head back! I don't want to be here!" I whined as Taehyung dragged me forward. He reached for the dusty front door and pushed the door open... and- Creak. I sucked in my breath when the door slid open...  allowing the dim moonlight radiant to penetrate... the ominous dark mansion. We both stood frozen before the doorway as we stared... at the oddly... intact interior.

"How is this possible???" Taehyung whispered, lifting his hand to switch on the lights. FLICK.I squinted at the lights in shock as the mansion brilliantly ejected its blinding beam. I felt Taehyung tightening his grip on my hand. Slowly... I lowered my hand to stare at the... strangely polished... picture frame.
On the wall... was a portrait of our households... eomma... appa... me... Taehyung... the elders... Jungkook... even His birth mother.
My jaw dropped open when I rotated my stiff body to scan the... glimmering crystal chandelier above us... the wooden staircase... the neat cushions on the couch... and the spotless carpets on the floor. Taehyung slowly closed the door as we walked hand in hand inside the abandoned space. I slowly raised my hand to brush the shelves... not a single spec of dust... smudged my fingertip."Did eomma maintain this place...?" I whispered, staring up at Taehyung with a startled look. He abruptly released my hand and hurried into the kitchen to check the empty cupboards. Taehyung rushed up the staircase and disappeared as I stood alone in the living room. I stood in silence, fearfully staring at the family portrait as dreadful memories filled my head. Taehyung suddenly appeared on the staircase with a drained expression."No one lives here, but why is everything still the same?" He muttered in disbelief as he strolled down the stairs. It's as if the mansion didn't age at all. I can still smell the familiar ancient oak in the living room."I'm sure eomma sent people to maintain this place," I shrugged, sitting down on the couch to pat the cushion with a weak smile. Our childhood memories... I can recall all of it. Taehyung and I eventually calmed down after the shocking discovery of our old home. He was restless and strolled back and forth to sweep the entire mansion... to check for signs of break-ins."Even... the shower is working fine..." I muttered, stepping out of the bathroom with a towel over my damp hair. Taehyung stared at the room uneasily as I glanced around the master bedroom."I'll contact the elders once we return to the mansion tomorrow," Taehyung sighed, entering the bathroom to shower. I slowly walked towards the old wooden wardrobe and stared at it without budging as I stood in my towel."Heeheehee~!" The wardrobe suddenly burst open and I found me and Jungkook... hurrying out from under my mother's clothes. Smiling, I turned around to find... our young selves rushing out of the room. I turned back to pick out my mother's nightgown and pulled it on my body. It fits so perfectly! Smiling, I walked toward the vanity table and to my disbelief... even her brush... makeup... and jewels were still placed neatly inside the drawers."You should wear appa's pajamas. It's still fresh. They do the laundry too," I smiled when Taehyung stepped out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist as I poked around my parent's drawers. Taehyung walked over to the wardrobe to search for my father's spare clothes and slipped into it."And the air conditioner works... even the heater..." Taehyung scoffed as he adjusted the temperature with a remote control."I'll sleep here tonight! You sleep in your room~!" I smiled, turning to face him with an excited beam. Taehyung bitterly glared at me."Whatever... Just don't come screaming in the middle of the night!" He snapped and stormed off. I waved as he closed the door and left the room."Wah!" I giggled, hopping onto my mother's bouncy mattress and slipped under the soft satin blanket. I used to jump around on her bed with Jungkook until eomma scolded us!
This place brings back so many good memories!

Until... I switched off the lights.
The room suddenly grew hushed. Creak. I turned to lie on my back as the old mattress made squeaky sounds with my wary gaze on the dark trees outside the window. Gulping, I glanced at the ancient wardrobe on the side of the room before shifting my alarmed gaze to the creepy chair by the vanity table. My heart... started racing in fear the longer I remained in the muted bed chamber. Shit.This place is haunted. Jungkook's birth mother died here- Creak. I snapped my head over the pillow to gawk at the bathroom door when it suddenly slid open... by itself. I fearfully gripped the blanket and tugged it up to my nose as I stared at the dark gap leading into the pitch-black bathroom.Thud. I wildly snapped my head at the wardrobe when I heard the odd thumping sound. I whimpered and towed the blanket over my head. Tap. Tap."Ah!" I gasped, jerking up on the bed in fear as the soft taps on the window persisted. I frantically switched on the light to find a tree branch knocking against the window. Shakily... I turned to stare at the ancient interior in fear. I'm scared!Creak... I carefully opened the bedroom door and poked my head out to monitor the dim corridor in dread. The moonlight beam... was gleaming through the windows... just enough for me to see the path... so I gulped and closed the door behind my back. Taehyung's room is down the left corridor! I just- have to get there! Sora! Don't be scared! I gripped my fists and scurried down the empty hallway in a hurry as the creepy portraits stared at me from the walls. Almost there-!I halted abruptly over the polished wooden floor when I turned down the corridor to find a... looming portrait... of... Jungkook's birth mother... staring down at me with her ghostly eyes. Blood drained from my face when I realized I was in the wrong corridor. This... one leads... straight... into Jungkook's parent's master bedroom. The room... she died in. Cemented. I stared at the looming door in fear as the scary memories rushed into my head.Creak... My heart stopped pounding at the terrifying sound of a squeaky door hinge until my mind turned blank as I watched the ancient door slide open... on the opposite side of the narrow corridor. I gulped in extreme fear while staring at the ominous bedroom as the door slowly creaked to the side... exposing a transparent arch window... and before it was... a rocking chair. I stiffened in the chilly passage as the white curtains... softly fluttered in the room to form a spooky silhouette. The chair... started rocking on its own. Creak... Creak... Creak. I shakily gripped my fists with my unblinking pupils on the rocking motion. Badum."Oh no..." I whimpered, slowly backing away with my eyes glued on the chair- CREAK. CREAK. CREAK. It started rocking harder."Ah!" I finally screamed after losing my shit and sprinted back down the corridor. I passed my bedroom and bolted straight toward Taehyung's door. Thud. I flung my body into the wooden door, frantically barging inside to cry for his help."Taehyung- I-!" I froze in shock when I entered the dark room, but it was empty, so I snapped my terrified face at the unfamiliar interior and glanced at the porcelain teapot and teacups on the table. What the fuck-?! Why am I in my mother's tea room!? Creak. I heard the door creaking again... and that was it. I went berserk."Taehyung!? Where are you!? TAEHYUNG?!- OPPA!" I screamed, fearfully rushing out of the room while glancing back and forth in the confusing corridors. I started hearing faint whispers echoing all over the dark hallways... so I screamed in fright with my hands clasped over my ears and dashed forward- THUD. I halted midway when a door to a room opened... and Taehyung appeared... poking his head out from the room with a baffled look."What? Why are you screaming?" He cluelessly asked as I stared at him in tears. I bolted forward until my body slammed hard into his. Thump! Taehyung gasped at the rough impact and stumbled a few steps backward as I shakily hugged him."This place is haunted! I don't want to be here!" I shrieked and sobbed aggressively against his chest with my eyes screwed shut. Taehyung held tightly onto my body as I helplessly broke down against him.
He eventually convinced me to calm down and promised we'd leave the next day, so I agreed and slept in his childhood room with him. I hugged him throughout the night because I hated the weird creaking sounds from the doors and creepy taps on the windows. It took me a while to actually drift to sleep so I kept on snuggling against his body until I was literally hiding under his armpit with my legs hooked over his body.

Next Day
I woke up to the sound of the rumbling thunder over the mansion and was drenched in sweat after recalling the nightmare I had of the past. I keep seeing Jungkook's birth mother. Is she haunting me? She resents me... so much. Taehyung woke up earlier than I did and left the room, so I panicked and sprinted downstairs until I found him standing by the glass window in the living room. He was listlessly staring at the downpour outside the property."We must return before the professor notices our absence," I muttered."How? The professors canceled our first schedule because of the forecasted typhoon today. Do you wish to leave a perfectly comfortable shelter to battle the strong wind current and piercing bullet rain? You'll be swept into the ocean as soon as you step out there," Taehyung bitterly nodded at the thunderstorm. I glanced at the heavy splash on the transparent window and turned to the empty fireplace. It's getting chilly inside the mansion. I'm frightened of the place...Taehyung was right about heading back in this weather. It's too dangerous, so we'll have to wait it out first. I returned to the shower in my mother's warm tub and finally strolled into the living room. I don't like the creepy rooms. I'm closer to the exit here... so I'll wait until the storm subsides to escape! I'll never come back!Oh- And Taehyung disappeared again. He keeps poking around the place! Isn't he scared?! I sighed and dropped the blanket I brought from the bedroom onto the couch to sit on it when Taehyung suddenly strolled from the corridor leading to the back exit with a wine bottle clutched in his hand."Look what I found! Abeoji's favorite liquor," Taehyung chuckled as he headed into the kitchen. I frowned and got up after him."I don't think you should drink it! What if you get poisoned?!" I snapped as Taehyung searched the drawers for the wine opener."Are you dumb? The older the wine... The better!" Taehyung chuckled, dismissively turning to uncork the bottle as I bitterly stared at him."That's how characters die in movies... eating and drinking bizarre things!" I scoffed. Taehyung ignored my warning and chugged a mouthful from the bottle with an unbothered smile. I nervously watched him swallow the liquor."Want some?" He asked as he lifted the bottle before my face."No. Thank you," I grimaced. I can't die in this haunted place! Taehyung smiled and lowered the bottle when he suddenly gagged, so I stiffened my body in fright as he thumped his chest with a slight frown."Damn. This one is strong-" Taehyung burped, suddenly contorting his face in discomfort."Are you okay- Taehyung!" I gasped, jerking forward as the alpha hysterically coughed and lowered his head to grip the counter until bulging veins formed on his throat."Urgh!" Taehyung violently jerked while clenching his contracting chest, so I quickly rushed around the counter and grabbed hold of his body in dread."I told you not to drink it! If you die- I'll-" I whimpered in fear as he repeatedly thumped his chest- Smooch! Taehyung suddenly seized my cheeks and leaned forward to peck me, so I abruptly froze at his swift movement with my eyes bulging open... as he firmly secured my face. Softly breathing... the alpha eventually withdrew his lips from mine with a teasing smirk on my tearful gaze."You're so gullible," He smiled, effortlessly lifting me by my waist to make me sit on the counter before him.

"Did you think this is funny!?" I snapped, smacking his chest in frustration. How can he pretend to be poisoned?! It's not funny! He keeps poking at my limits!!! Taehyung cutely whimpered while rubbing his chest."Relax. It's really... sweet. Are you sure you don't want to drink it? You might starve," He smiled, offering me the wine again, but I shoved it away with a slight grimace."You're so annoying," I muttered, darkening my grim expression on the stupid man with my legs dangling from the counter. Taehyung smiled and placed the bottle aside before pressing his hands on the polished counter to trap my body between his strong arms."So... when are we going to reconcile?" He asked, lifting his fond gaze to meet mine."Reconcile? Never-""Seriously? Aren't you tired of the endless fights? I found it enjoyable at first... but I'm really frustrated now... so let's communicate properly," Taehyung sighed. I gripped my mother's nightgown unsurely as Taehyung confronted me."I refuse to speak with a drunk fool-""I'm not drunk. I barely drank... so speak to me. I'll listen," Taehyung nodded at the wine bottle. I turned to stare at it. He didn't drink much. Sighing, I glanced at his eager gaze again while fidgeting with my fingers."Why am I the one explaining myself when you're the problem?" I asked, coldly staring at him. Taehyung stared at me without responding as he searched my face in utter silence. He smiled and leaned forward again, but I tilted my head back to avoid his kiss. Pause. Taehyung halted to process my withdrawals."You're aware... there are more than two parties involved in our relationship. Right? Your parents. My parents. Our allies. Our... ex-lovers...?" Taehyung asked."Get straight to the point, will you?" I grumbled."The elders are meddling with our relationship because they see our love as a game," Taehyung sighed, straightening his body as he stood before me."What?" I frowned at the red flush on his cheeks."The elders asked me to bring Haerim flowers-""Don't lie. Jungkook told me you asked him to order-""Correct. Listen to me, Sora. Would I have mindlessly asked another man to order the flowers if I wanted to gift them to you? I'll never do that. I will place the order myself when it comes to you," Taehyung shook his head."It doesn't change the fact that you brought her flowers-""Haerim doesn't like flowers. Our parents asked me to deliver it to serve one purpose... and that was to provoke you," Taehyung sternly stared into my eyes."Why would they do that?" I asked."Because they want to confirm your feelings for me. The elders are still skeptical of your relationship with Seokjin. That's why they asked me to deliver the flowers, and I'm glad you reacted the way you did," Taehyung sighed, gently taking my hands in his. I blinked at him and turned to look at the deadly lightning flashes before turning back to stare at him. So that's why eomma said love can't bloom without jealousy? She wanted me to be jealous... to prove my feelings for Taehyung."You don't believe me?-""Of course, I believed you. But our parents are restless. So tell me, Sora. Be honest and tell me the truth. Your feelings. I hate it when they meddle with our relationship. Look what they've done to us. Hmm? Our parents wanted to prove our genuine feelings. And as a consequence, they formed mistrust between us. So tell me everything. I'll believe whatever you say, and I'll only believe your words," Taehyung firmly squeezed my hand as he searched my conflicted gaze."I was jealous. I thought you brought me flowers, but it wasn't for me... and I didn't feel comfortable with the idea of you associating yourself with Haerim. It made me feel inferior," I confessed. Taehyung quietly studied my dejected expression."And Seokjin?" He asked."There's nothing between us. We spoke about our issue when I was stuck with him. We agreed not to be involved with each other anymore. I have no feelings for him," I sighed. Taehyung smiled, raising his hand to stroke my cheek, and gently lifted my chin to make me look at him."And I don't care about Haerim. I never did. I'm sorry for irritating you by carrying her luggage. I did it on purpose to provoke you. I promise it'll never happen again. Okay?" Taehyung tenderly whispered as he caressed my cheeks."What about the poisoning incident-""I lied. It wasn't me," Taehyung shook his head in defeat. I frowned at him unsurely."Why did you-""I didn't want you to think I was blaming you. You wouldn't listen to me, so I took the blame. I really didn't mean anything I said that day. I'll be careful with my words and the way I treat you from now on. Will you forgive me?" Taehyung asked, lowering his hand to hold my hands over my lap. I sat on the counter in absolute silence as we listened to the loud rumble over the haunted mansion. Taehyung kept stern eye contact with me, so I sighed and gave in to his apology."Okay. I understand," I nodded."I love you," Taehyung sighed, suddenly pulling me into a crushing hug as he stood between my legs."You do...?" I asked, pulling away to smile at his confession."You might not believe me yet, but I love you," Taehyung chuckled, lightly shaking his head. I smiled while examining his bright beam and leaned forward to kiss him. Taehyung suddenly stiffened in place, taken aback by my affectionate gesture. He eventually softened against my sweet strokes and drew me into his warm embrace."I love you too," I whispered, pulling away with a faint smile. Taehyung bit his lips and leaned forward to kiss me again, so I clutched his head and tugged him closer to me as he inserted his moist tongue into my mouth. Panting heavily, I greedily gripped his wild hair as I tasted the addictive sweetness from the tip of his tongue."Remember... the dark party you were at?" Taehyung asked, pulling away to lick his lower lips."Yeah?" I asked unsurely."The closet room... my lips were purple that night," Taehyung muttered, glancing down at my lips, suddenly tugging me by my waist to kiss me deeply. I whimpered at his assertiveness and hugged his head tightly as he intensely sucked my moist tongue."You were the mysterious man?" I gasped, pushing him away to stop him from kissing me. Taehyung's face suddenly flushed red as he clutched my hips over the counter."Yeah. You were whimpering in the dark as I hid there. It was me, but I lied because I wasn't ready to face you," Taehyung nodded. I pursed my lips. That's why he was so upset when Hoseok lied about the incident. He knew Hoseok was taking advantage of me...?"You taste so sweet," I muttered while tasting my lips. Taehyung chuckled and turned to grab the wine bottle again."I told you it's sweet," Taehyung shrugged before lifting the bottle to gulp it. The alpha placed the bottle aside and turned to kiss me again. I huffed in shock as the man transferred the liquor inside my mouth through his parted lips, making me gulp his spit and the addictive wine in difficulty... as we steamily made out in the kitchen.I wanted to stop, but my body was weirdly warm, so I kept pulling him closer to me... until Taehyung encircled his arms around my waist and lifted me off the counter. I secured my arms around his neck as he carried me across the living room to settle me on the couch. He lowered my body onto the soft cushions while grazing his lips over mine and slowly crawled onto my body. I gripped his arms and tilted my head backward when he planted his moist lips on my jawline... making his way to my neck and down to my collarbone."Are you drunk?" I whispered, gently pushing his chest to stop him from running his lips and tongue all over me."Nope. But I've been dying to touch you again since we argued," Taehyung shook his head as she sexily bit his lower lips. I stared at his tempted frown and glanced down at our heated bodies."Is that why you brought the condoms?" I asked."It was eomma. I called to confront her. She claimed she didn't want to have grandchildren yet," Taehyung chuckled softly over me. I smiled while rubbing his firm cheeks.Flash Back: Sora leaves with Jimin after discovering the condoms at the hotel.Third Person POVKim Taehyung finally stepped out of the bathroom with a white towel wrapped loosely around his hips as he rubbed his smooth chin. Thud. The alpha halted in his place when the door to their bedroom suddenly slammed shut, so he glanced at the doorway unsurely while scanning the vacant hotel room. Jang Sora was nowhere to be seen."Mohyah...? Did she leave?" Taehyung muttered while ruffling his damp hair but stopped dead when he noticed shiny packages scattered on the floor beside his luggage."Oh-?" Kim Taehyung walked up to the mess and crouched down to lift the package, suddenly stiffening in place when he identified the condoms. The alpha frowned at the wrapper he never packed and shifted his startled gaze to the shocking amount of condoms in his pouch."Fuck! Eomma~!" Taehyung cursed, quickly scrambling for his phone on the bed to contact his mother in frustration."-Oh! Taehyungie~! Did you arrive safely-""Eomma! Why would you stuff my bag with condoms?!" Taehyung snapped at his phone."Aigo~! Did you have to scream at your mother? I thought-""Sora is upset with me!" Taehyung whined, slumping down on the bed in his damp towel."Your father insisted on sneaking it- for precautions! You never know-""Eomma, you know we aren't on good terms right now! She will misunderstand my intention-" Taehyung complained in annoyance."Talk to her! Aigo~! You're a grown man! Why are you burdening us with your love affairs!?" Mrs. Kim scolded her son."She's still angry with me-""She's not angry! Isn't it obvious why her mother asked you to deliver Gae Haerim the flowers?!" Mrs. Kim snapped."What are you talking about?! She's still upset about it even after weeks!" Taehyung groaned while twirling the condom pack between his slender fingers."Taehyung! Sora's mother wanted to confirm her feelings for you!" Mrs. Kim snapped."What?" Taehyung frowned, unsurely glancing down at the plastic wrapper with his eyebrows furrowed."Her mother suspected she might still like Kim Seokjin- despite Sora's claim to love you. So she sent you with the flowers to achieve Sora's reaction. If she didn't like you, did you think she'd be this upset?! She's jealous of Haerim! We've verified her feelings!" Mrs. Kim explained. Kim Taehyung grew hushed as he kept his eyes on the condom."You know Sora is a sensitive soul, right? I don't enjoy irritating her," Taehyung sighed in defeat."Console her... she'll give in. I promise I won't test her again. I only intended to guarantee my son's future with his wife. Just this once, oh?" Mrs. Kim sighed through the line. Taehyung gripped the condom in his palm and finally hung up on his mother. He got dressed and left their bedroom to search for Sora. Jungkook claimed he wasn't aware of her whereabouts... so Taehyung wandered around the hotel to ask the alphas and the staff."Aish. Where did she run off to?" Taehyung muttered as he typed on his phone in the elevator. Ding. He lifted his gaze from his phone to find a familiar pale face staring at him. Haerim gulped and stepped inside the elevator with Taehyung."They have a garden on the rooftop here," Haerim muttered, clicking on the rooftop button."Stop bothering me," Taehyung sighed."We both know you're only submitting to her for her power-""That's enough, Haerim. I love her more than anything, and I'm tired of you... jeopardizing my relationship with Sora," Taehyung sighed, darkly staring at the back of Haerim's head. Haerim chuckled and turned to raise her eyebrow at Kim Taehyung."She poisoned me-""No. We both know it wasn't Jang Sora. You brought the coffee bag yourself, and Sora did not break the seal. Kim Seokjin had already declared her innocence," Taehyung dully eyed Haerim pretty eyes."How are you so sure she's over Seokjin-""I know you're afraid of Seokjin favoring Jang Sora, but she doesn't like him anymore-""And how are you so certain about her feelings?" Haerim lifted her eyebrows to smirk at Taehyung."Why else did I bring you flowers, Haerim? Hmm? Tulips? You hate flowers. Ah. You wouldn't know because... you were unconscious, but the reason I brought you flowers wasn't for you. It was to confirm Sora's feelings for me," Taehyung's lips curved into a devious smile.Gae Haerim gripped her fist at Taehyung's words. Ding. The elevator slid open to reveal the beautiful rooftop scenery. Haerim quickly stormed out of the compartment without uttering another word. Taehyung smiled and clicked on the close button... and descended to the lobby to search for Jang Sora.End of Flashback.
____________________

Present
Disclaimer: This scene is R-Rated.
"Are you drunk?" I whispered, gently pushing his chest to stop him from running his lips and tongue all over me.

"Nope. But I've been dying to touch you again since we argued," Taehyung shook his head as she sexily bit his lower lips. I stared at his tempted frown and glanced down at our heated bodies.

"Is that why you brought the condoms?" I asked.

"It was eomma. I called to confront her. She claimed she didn't want to have grandchildren yet," Taehyung chuckled softly over me. I smiled while rubbing his firm cheeks.
"Did you bring it with you...?" I whispered while lying beneath his sturdy body. Taehyung frowned and slipped his hand into his pocket to search for the condom until he pulled out a crumbled package."I was upset with eomma, so I-""Let's do it," I smiled. Taehyung froze, hovering his body over with an uneasy frown."Are you sure-""Yeah. I'm ready," I nodded, nodding at the man while biting my fingers. Taehyung lowered the condom to clench it in his palm as he remained over me with a conflicted look. Sighing, he suddenly pushed his sturdy body upward to sit over my upper thighs as I lay beneath him in my mother's silk gown."Did you wear anything underneath?" Taehyung asked, dismissively tossing the condom onto the carpet."Only my panties," I shrugged. Taehyung smiled and gently massaged the silk over my thighs. He shifted his position upward and lowered his hand over the buttons over my chest. Taehyung pursed his lips and slowly undid the gown. One... by one... he popped the buttons to expose my chest as I intensely watched his calm expression.I swallowed nervously when he gently pushed the fabric aside to reveal my perky breasts. The man paused to stare at my bare chest for a few seconds... as if to admire my stripped body. Taehyung softly skimmed his fingers over my exposed cleavage while monitoring my rosy cheeks as he pressed his palm over my bosoms and kneaded the sensitive nerves. I didn't react and held back the urge to moan when he suddenly lowered his head to kiss my breast. I gripped his hair and tilted my head back on the cushion as he softly nibbled my hard tip between his grinding teeth."Lift your hips," Taehyung demanded, sitting up on me again while licking his lips. I unsurely lifted my hips as he had instructed. The alpha scooted down my body, reached under my gown to grab my panties and slipped the straps off my hip bones. Shudder. A sweep of chills surged all over my vulnerable body as a gust of cold air entered between my legs. Taehyung tossed my panties to the carpet and gently bent my knees over the couch to make me spread for him."W-What are you doing-" I gasped, lifting my head to stare at him in fright when he suddenly lowered his head between my legs. I jerked in shock upon feeling his wet kisses over my inner thighs, making me freeze over the couch with my terrified gaze on his wild hair."You've never done this before?" Taehyung muttered from between my legs. I lifted my head to look down again but couldn't see anything because his head was under the thin silk. My heart started pounding out of control at his untamed acts as I anxiously watched... the movement of his head... gliding beneath the lustrous material, moving deeper between my thighs."N-no- Not there- Tae-Taehyung! Ah~!" I shrieked once I felt his lips inching closer to my throbbing crotch. I tried to push his head out of the gown, but he easily grabbed my wrists to hold me down and unexpectedly... shoved his... face against my sensitive groin. I jerked in shock at the thrills of his foreign touch and arched my back over the couch with my lips ajar.Taehyung gently kissed me between my legs as I shakily breathed on the couch. Why is he kissing there?! Is this normal!?- Ark! It feels so weird! I quivered in distress from the burning sensation between my legs- and helplessly slumped back against the cushion to moan in satisfaction as Taehyung held my hands captive. He's licking me?!- I whimpered, jerking my wrist free from his grip and reached down to hold his head as he performed naughty activities with his slippery tongue and lips until I felt my body trembling from the extreme pleasure."We'll... be doing this... frequently once we're married... so get used to it," Taehyung spoke lowly after an intense ten minutes of licking my sensitive lady bits. Hah~! I panted in exhaustion as he withdrew his head from under my gown to gaze at my rosy red cheeks and pulsating chest with a smug expression."I- I'm burning- Why am I burning so much?-" I gasped while fanning my numbed face. Taehyung smiled and sat up to yank off his shirt before slipping his pants from his strong hips. I pursed my lips when he pulled down his underwear and leaned over my body to lift the gown off my head.I shyly covered my breasts and twisted my legs under him once I was fully naked until he laughed at my unsteady breaths. The man nudged my legs apart with his hand to crawl over my body on the couch and leaned down to kiss me again, so I nervously gripped his neck as he fondled my feverish body until he grabbed my hand and gently guided me downward to make me touch him. I gulped in bewilderment when I felt his hardened private part between my fingers. He's so warm!"Help me... warm up so I can put on the condom," Taehyung sensually whispered over me as he gently made me jerk him between our naked bodies. I pursed my lips anxiously when I felt my body squirming with an uncomfortable jolt as I rubbed him until he was rock hard.Taehyung moaned softly with eyebrows furrowed and lips ajar as he insert his finger into my mouth, making me whimper as I sucked his slender fingers. He suddenly sat up after a while and ripped the condom pack. I watched him intensely as he slipped on the lubricated rubber and lowered his body over mine again."Let's have fun," Taehyung smiled as he gently stroked my hair to calm me down. I nodded stiffly as he nudged his tip against my soaked flesh and... slowly... he penetrated my crotch, so I gripped his firm waist as he pushed inside me and gradually retreated, causing a spasm of burning sensation to surge all over my stimulated nerves."I want to kiss you," I anxiously whispered as I struggled to control my racing heart. Taehyung smiled and lowered his face to make out with me as he steadily thrust between my legs to ignite our bodies with the feverish pleasure. I gripped his back and dug my fingernails into his thick skin once he quickened the pace of his manly thrusts- until I felt my chest stirring and burning from the intensity of the intercourse.I moaned in distress and hugged his warm body tightly as the alpha pinned me under him while pleasing our bodies with his strong hip movements. My body began to jerk, twitch, and squirm with every thrust I felt- It was as if my inside was melting from the friction of his unyielding presence.Taehyung eventually lowered his face to kiss my breast again, so I gripped the cushion above my head, exhaling shakily as he kissed and slurped my tips... until he sat up between my legs to work his way into me with his masculine physique. I glanced down at the motion of our crotch burning and looked back up at his hot frown as he bit his lower lips intensely. Something doesn't feel right inside me..."T-Taehyung-" I stuttered, lowering my hand to tap his hard abs as he pounded into me."Hmm? What's wrong...?" Taehyung lifted his sweaty face to my anxious gaze while holding my legs apart, thumping steadily inside me over the rocking couch."I need to pee- I think I need to pee- Can we halt for a moment?" I asked, reaching down to cover our throbbing crotches as he slowed down the pace of his hips. There's this sharp tingle deep inside me as he repeatedly struck it... it's making my inner pleasure muscles convulse."You need to pee?" Taehyung asked, lifting his eyebrows to examine my flustered face unsurely."I really need to pee- Ah! Ah~! S-Stop! Please~!- Taehyung! I really need to pee~! Hngh~!" I nodded in exhaustion and tried to sit up with him still inside me but Taehyung refused to cease his movement and shoved my shoulder down to pin me under him and started thrusting with all his might- until I screamed in shock at how fast he was pounding into me."Ease your body, Sora-""Tae- Tae! I need to pee~ Please!- Hah! Ah~! AH!" I begged as I frantically fought to push him off me. I can feel the swelling pressure inside my cervix! This isn't right!-No matter how desperately I pleaded for a break- The alpha refused to let me sit up and held me down with his muscular arms until I felt an uncomfortable jolt inside my convulsing lady bits as he mercilessly thrust inside me... again and again. Jolt! I gasped in a panic while fighting to hold in the fluid, shakily shrieking in shock as the hot liquid blasted through my tight canal. Taehyung moaned in extreme difficulty while thrusting deeper inside me- He suddenly pulled out as my body trembled in distress. Squirt!My eyes flung open in fear when I accidentally released my pee... so I curled my toes to resist the shocking discharge. Taehyung halted to stare between my legs when the liquid splattered all over his hard abs. I twitched in distress with my hips lifted upward when the liquid wouldn't stop exiting me. Squirt! Squirt! Squirt! Taehyung quickly held onto my hands and leaned over my body to kiss my lips, hushing my weak whimpers with his poisonous tongue while jerking his hard bulge to unload his semen. He gently massaged my hips to help me ease my muscles after the bizarre liquid spewed out of me."Why are you crying?!" Taehyung scoffed, jerking away to break the wet kiss. I burst into tears with my hands clasped over my burning face."I told you to stop! How embarrassing!- I really had to pee~!" I whimpered at the mess on the couch when Taehyung suddenly chuckled at my flustered face. He snatched my wrists and pinned my arms firmly above my head with a devious smile, making me whine at his unbothered reaction. I'm so ashamed! The stupid man smirked, lowering his face to kiss my breasts as I softly sniffled in extreme discomfort."That's... not... pee..." He shook his head and sat back up as I lay on the couch with my shaky legs spread open. Why am I so startled by the shocking climax? I can almost see blinking stars above my head!"What do you mean it's not-""That's how women... orgasm. It's rare," Taehyung chuckled, leaning over the coffee table to grab the tissues. He gently dabbed over my thighs to dry me as I panted heavily with tears in my eyes."W-What are you-""You know men ejaculate semen. Right? Like this? Yeah. This is the women's version of ejaculation. It's not pee," Taehyung chuckled, carefully slipping off his filled condom to show me the thick paste inside the rubber. I grew hushed and stared at his eager face unsurely."You're making it up!" I snapped, sitting up to smack his chest. He laughed at my reaction and pulled me into a crushing hug, making me whine in annoyance as he rubbed my sweaty back. Taehyung eventually took me to eomma's bathroom so we could shower in her tub."Are you mad at me again?" Taehyung asked as I hugged my knees inside the tub with a dark frown. He was gently scrubbing my back in the clear bath. There were no soaps or shampoos, but the water heater is still functioning. I lowered my rosy cheeks to bury them against my knees as Taehyung sat behind me."No. I'm just ashamed," I shook my head. I peed myself during sex!"I told you it's not pee! You can research about it when we get back to the hotel!" He argued. I pouted and turned to glare at his bitter look. I can't tell if he's fooling around with me or not!"It never happened when I had sex before! I was satisfied-""That's because Kim Seokjin isn't skilled! I made you orgasm for the first time! You should be happy!" Taehyung snapped. I pursed my lips and glared at him as the water dripped from my wet hair to create soft ripples over the calm surface. How's that possible? I enjoyed my time with Seokjin and would never have imagined- Sora! This one definitely feels different from what you've felt before!"Are you saying you're an expert?!" I snapped, spinning around to sit facing Taehyung under the water's surface as he sat with his legs spread under me. Taehyung smiled at my suspicious glare and lifted his hand to brush my damp cheek."Your husband was a virgin until a moment ago... until my future wife squirted all over me," Taehyung teased, causing my face to flush red."Don't lie-""I did my research, alright?! I didn't know I could make you orgasm on the first try either! Some men are just born to make their woman scream! Is that wrong!?" He argued, grabbing my shoulders to frown at my unconvinced expression."Didn't you bring Haerim home-""We never made it to my room because appa found me and beat me up right then and there! I'm a clean man! Why are you doubting me?!" Taehyung cutely argued in frustration."How can I not doubt you when you started between my legs with your lips and tongues! No amateur will possess that skill!" I refuted, furiously leaning my face forward to challenge his glower. First- Kim Seokjin claims he's a virgin. It was already hard to believe. Now... Kim Taehyung too?! I must be stupid to believe he's a virgin."You liked it, didn't you? Should we try again? I'll show you-""Ah! No! Stop it~!" I whined, pushing his face away when he tried to force my knees apart in the water. Splash! The alpha tugged me onto his lap and breathily kissed my lips as he lowered his hand to rub my lower spine. I smiled at his sweet kisses and lowered my head to brush my nose over his.We eventually exited the bathroom together after the long bath and headed downstairs to search for our clothes. Taehyung insisted that we sleep naked on the couch and even lit up the fireplace to keep us warm from the cold rainstorm. I sighed and slumped down with him as he drew the blanket over our naked bodies. No one will see us here anyways. I turned to face the fireplace with my back pressed against his warm chest. The alpha hugged me from behind as I rested my head on his firm bicep until we both dozed off to await the passing storm.
Third Person POV
The couple peacefully snuggled into each other on the couch as the sky drizzled lightly over the abandoned mansion. Creak. The front door suddenly opened, and a person stepped inside the property. The person halted at the sight of the warm fireplace. Slowly... turning to observe the unexpected presence of the couple in the living room.

The supreme alpha was fast asleep while resting on her side as her lover hugged her naked body from behind. Kim Taehyung had his strong arm secured possessively around her waist and his face snuggled her scented hair.The satin silk... loosely covering their bodies with half of the blanket dangling over the couch. Jang Sora's slender thighs... were exposed... and so were Kim Taehyung's muscular legs. The couple softly stirred in their position until the slippery blanket slipped off Sora's shoulder. The stranger glanced at Sora's exposed breast as Kim Taehyung shifted his arm to hug her chest... covering her youthful tips with his possessive clutch.
The black swan... coiling within the lone wolf's... possessive claws.
The stranger sighed at the lover's emitting dark energy and glanced at the warm fireplace again before turning to shut the door and strolled into the mansion without the couple's awareness.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
The blurry vision of the living room gradually cleared up as I resisted the urge to descend back into a deep sleep. There was a slight movement in the room, but I couldn't identify the figure with my sluggish mind. I closed my eyes, sleepily opening it again after a minute of drowsiness. Did Taehyung wake up? I groggily rubbed my eyes. Huh? My other hand is firmly interlaced with Taehyung's though...?I blinked repeatedly and tried to turn on my back, but the couch was too cramped. Taehyung softly stirred in his sleep, unconsciously drawing my body closer to his chest as we rested on the couch. He's still asleep. I closed my eyes again because I couldn't think straight. What's that smell? My senses suddenly returned to my body when my nostrils picked up a mouthwatering savory scent in the room. Am I that hungry to imagine it? I faintly sniffed the air with a slight frown and opened my droopy eyes again. The living room was vacant. I paused to stare at the steaming plates on the coffee table."Food?" I mumbled, slowly pushing my naked body from the couch. Taehyung released my hand and turned to lay on his back as I tugged the satin blanket up to my chest with a slight frown on the warm meals on the coffee table."I must be dreaming," I whispered, turning to gaze at Taehyung's swollen face as he snored beside me. I lowered my face to kiss his lips with my hand placed on his firm chest. Thump.I quickly redirected my attention toward the source of the sound until my blurry gaze landed on... an elderly lady. She's dusting a vase with a feather brush. The woman didn't seem to notice me as she examined the flower vase by the doorway. I glanced at the warm fireplace and back to the soft drizzle over the haunted mansion. The windows are frosty. I can barely see the swaying trees."Taehyung...?" I whispered, lowering my hand to tap his arm. He didn't respond."Oppa," I muttered, softly nudging him with my gaze glued on the stranger. I'm not panicking. And I'm definitely not scared, but it was still a very bizarre encounter.I froze over the couch when the lady turned to face me. Can she see me? The woman greeted me with a warm smile, suddenly strolling into the kitchen without speaking as I remained paralyzed on the couch. Am I seeing a ghost? I blinked in confusion once she returned with two glasses of water. I nervously clenched the blanket as she placed the mugs beside the meal."You're both awake," The woman smiled and turned to leave the room again, so I quickly turned to find Taehyung... lying on the couch with a slight frown as he stared at the woman."Can you see her?" Taehyung hoarsely whispered, averting his started gaze to me as he slowly pushed his sturdy body off the couch."Maybe we should leave the mansion before we lose our minds," I anxiously whispered. I keep seeing and hearing scary things in the mansion. Taehyung scratched his head as he groggily sat behind me."Should we leave? I think I'm starting to imagine things," He nodded, gently back hugging me on the couch. I nervously turned to look at the steaming meals again- until the woman returned to sit on the carpet before us. She quietly organized the utensils beside the rice bowls."You two will catch a cold without your clothes on. Get ready and eat the meals before it goes cold," Halmeoni urged us."You're real?" Taehyung blurts. I felt him tightening his arms around my waist as we sat on the couch with nothing but the blanket over our naked bodies."Taste the food I prepared and tell me if it's real, young master, young lady," Halmeoni chuckled. I quickly turned to stare at Taehyung in shock once I realized I wasn't dreaming. We hurriedly got up with the blanket around our bodies and rushed back upstairs to pull on our clothes. Who is she?!
A moment later.
Taehyung hungrily shoved the warm rice and food into his mouth as I gulped the refreshing water with my puffy cheeks. The woman watched us devour her meals with a slight smile."The sky will not stop drizzling until tomorrow," She chuckled, turning to admire the gloomy sky."Did eomma hire you to maintain the mansion?" I asked, lowering my spoon to the plate. Halmeoni faintly smiled at me and glanced at Taehyung's stuffed cheeks.

"You two... have grown so much," Halmeoni cheerfully chuckled as she admired us. Does she know us?"Oh! You're the assistant maid! I remember you now!" Taehyung gasped, suddenly looking up at Halmeoni with a dumbfounded look. I glanced at her again. I can't recall anything."Neh. I used to pack snacks... for your school lunch," Halmeoni chuckled at Taehyung."Ah! You always gave me an extra pack of sweets!" He gasped in excitement. Halmeoni's eyes lit up at his acknowledgment. She nodded at him and glanced at me."You were really young, young lady. I doubt you remember me. How's the Jeon's heir doing? Jeon Jungkook. You two were a mischievous duo," She smiled."Jungkook is here too, but he didn't come with us," I answered. She weirdly studied my face with a curious smile."It was not obvious when you were young... but you look a lot like your father now that you've grown," She smiled. I frowned at her strange praise. Appa? I looked more like eomma though. Taehyung glanced at me unsurely and back to halmeoni.

"So you've been maintaining this place all by yourself?" Taehyung asked."Neh. I do a little bit of this and that every day, so it's not much work. Your mother still transfers a generous amount to my bank account every month," Halmeoni nodded. Her gesture is so... delicate. It's as if she's a maid still on duty to serve her masters."How did you know we were here?" Taehyung asked curiously."Smoke. I saw smoke in the sky from my village, so I came as soon as the storm settled," Halmeoni nodded at the fireplace. Oh. Maybe we shouldn't have lit up the place?"Thank you for the delicious meal," I thanked her. Halmeoni giggled and shook her head."I never thought I'd get to feed you kids again! But I'm grateful for your return! Oh- Are you guys married? I always thought you'd make a perfect match," Halmeoni eagerly asked us. I shyly smiled at her and glanced at Taehyung.

"Halmeoni. She was always stubborn, wasn't she? Since she was young?" Taehyung suddenly asked her."Oh? Oh. Of course. Our young lady does whatever she wants," Halmeoni agreed with Taehyung."She's still stubborn. She sulks all the time! She whines all the time! And I'm the one to blame for everything! I thought I only had to deal with her- only when I'm young! But I'm stuck with her forever!" Taehyung cutely complained, making halmeoni laugh at my embarrassed face. Why is he telling on me?!"You must love her a lot to still be by her side after all the troubles she put you through," Halmeoni chuckled. I turned to glare at Taehyung, so he placed his arm over my shoulder and pulled me against him with a proud smile.

Halmeoni stayed with us until it stopped raining to guide us back to the freeway. The elderly lady took us on a shortcut to her village. We stopped by her place to ensure she was safe at her little home, so she packed us a bag of homemade snacks before we left the peaceful neighborhood. Taehyung got us a taxi on the main road after a fifteen-minute walk on the muddy road.
"How did you locate me and Jimin?" I asked as I followed Taehyung inside the hotel room to find the scattered condoms on the floor. He must've left the hotel right after he realized I was missing."Do-hwan. I asked him to send me your live location," Taehyung answered, crouching down to put the condoms away. I took off my jacket and turned to slump on the couch with the gift bag."YAH! ARE YOU BACK!? OPEN THE DAMN DOOR!" Jungkook suddenly banged on the door. I frowned at his sudden disturbance and got up to open the door when he wouldn't stop bugging us."What?" I asked in annoyance as I opened the door to find Jungkook glaring at me. Jimin was behind him."How can you disappear for an entire night and day?! I had to lie to the professors! I told them you guys were in your room!" Jungkook complained as he stormed inside without an invitation."Where did you guys go?" Jimin chuckled, slumping on the couch with a keen smile."Mohyah?! Why did you bring so many condoms? Is this a school trip, or is it your honeymoon phase?!" Jungkook snapped at his cousin. Taehyung glared at Jungkook's lousy mouth in annoyance and shoved the condoms out of sight before slamming his suitcase shut."How did you know we disappeared?" I asked Jungkook as he poked the bag Halmeoni gave us earlier."Do-hwan called me the night you ran out with Jimin. He said Taehyung requested your live location, but the man couldn't contact you or Taehyung afterward. He said your phone location was moving into a forest... so he asked me to check on you- and hah! Your room was empty! And why would you visit that crazy mansion? It's cursed!" Jungkook ranted like a child as he chewed a fruit snack he picked out from the bag."Mansion? What mansion?" Jimin asked curiously."How did you know-""Do-hwan initially wanted to alarm our parents because you were in the middle of nowhere, so I asked him to send me the location because I thought I could find you. Only to realize it's that terrifying hill! The Busan's Mansion!" Jungkook glared at Taehyung."It's our old home when we were the anonymous alphas," I smiled at Jimin, who looked a bit lost as he sat on the couch."You two must've gotten stuck there due to the storm?" Jimin chuckled."Yeah. The Jang is still maintaining the mansion, so we had a warm place to refuge from the storm. A former maid even brought us meals," Taehyung shrugged, suddenly back-hugging me as I watched Jungkook munch the snacks from the bag."Mohyah~? Did you guys really make up after spending the night there?" Jungkook darted us a judgemental look as Taehyung rested his chin on my shoulder."Ani. She was terrified of the haunted place. The supreme alpha screamed and ran around the mansion the entire night. I offered to save her and she agreed to my settlement terms. Otherwise... she wouldn't have spoken to me if I hadn't made her promise to forgive me after I fought off the ghosts for her. Right? She was scared to death. She said she'd do whatever to get out of the place alive," Taehyung told them the made-up stories. I sideways glared at his smug expression as Jungkook chewed the snack in disgust."Can I have one honey biscuit?" Jimin asked. Jungkook passed the bag to Jimin as I patted Taehyung's hand over my stomach."That's all? Jang Sora was scared and submitted to you? That's unlike the Jang Sora I know. She'd rather die than admit her fault," Jungkook fired me with a suspicious look. I gulped at his nosy behavior and pushed Taehyung away."Taehyung got a hickey... I think she bit him as a punishment," Jimin muttered while digging through the bag. I wildly turned to gawk at Taehyung's neck in horror. Oh shit. Taehyung quickly tugged his hoodie to hide his neck with a flustered face."So you punished him. Huh...? How many condoms did you use?" Jungkook funnily pursed his lips to stop himself from laughing. I widened my eyes at his dirty jokes."Ah! So annoying! Leave now! I'm tired!" I snapped, grabbing Jungkook and Jimin to haul them up from the couch."Oh? Are you going to punish Taehyung again?! Aigo~! Take it easy on him~!" Jungkook nudged my shoulder. I pinched his arm and shoved the duo out of my room before Jungkook could scream at me. Thud! I slammed the door shut."Is he nuts?" I grumbled while glaring at the door."Why are you so timid?" Taehyung chuckled as he took off his hoodie."I'm not shy! They're annoying!" I snapped."Jeon Jungkook was just distracting you," Taehyung smiled as he typed on his phone."What? Distracting me?" I looked up at Taehyung in confusion."He took your snack bag," Taehyung responded without looking at me. My eyes widened in disbelief. I turned around to search for Halmeoni's homemade snacks on the couch. It's gone! That dumbass!"Whatever. I'll get it back later," I mumbled, slumping weakly on the couch. Taehyung turned to stare at the stormy sea with his arms crossed. Right. He's been spacing out... ever since the night we spent at the mansion. What is he thinking?"Wanna swim in the hotel's pool?" Taehyung asked. I got up from the couch and walked up to the glass wall. The alphas and lower ranks were splashing around in the outdoor pool below before the sea view."Do you want to swim...? Or are you interested in their bodies?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at the almost naked women as they swam in their revealing swimwear. Taehyung scoffed with his blank gaze on the pool."The men are... bare as well. Most of the alphas have hard abs. Don't you like it?" He muttered. I sideway glared at him."You go then. I'll stay in the room," I muttered, slumping on the bed. Taehyung smiled and rotated his body to face me as he leaned against the glass wall with his arms crossed over his chest."Why do I need to gawk at their bodies when I can just stay here and touch you...?" He asked. My cheeks flushed red at his teasing smile."Who says you can touch me whenever you want?" I glared."I can't touch you now? Why? Are you jealous again?" Taehyung straightened his body and walked towards me."Stay away! I'm serious- Ah!" I snapped, throwing the pillow at him, but Taehyung caught it with ease. He suddenly leaped forward, making me scream in surprise as he pinned my body down on the mattress with his muscular arms."If you keep getting jealous... I have no choice but to prove my devotion to you," He smiled over me. Taehyung gently leaned down to kiss my lips, making me giggle at his ticklish strokes."Let's swim before dinner," I agreed. Taehyung chuckled and pulled me into a sitting position.I rummaged through my luggage to search for my swimsuit as Taehyung dug for his. I quickly pulled on the long-sleeved swimsuit and stepped out to find Taehyung waiting for me on the couch with his arms crossed over his buff chest."Ahah!" Taehyung snorted when he found me standing in my swimsuit. I stared at his mean reaction unsurely when he wouldn't stop laughing at me."What?" I asked, glancing down at the navy blue swimsuit."Are you swimming or are you scuba diving?" Taehyung laughed, getting up from the couch with a weak smile. I glanced at the long-sleeved jumpsuit over my limbs with a slight pout."Should I wear something revealing then?" I asked, looking up at him. Taehyung gently tugged on the elastic neckband, wrapped securely around my throat."Only when it's us. Come on. I was worried I'd have to cover you up, but this is just my taste!" He smiled. Taehyung led me out of our bedroom and we entered the elevator together. He's dressed in simple short pants and a loose white shirt.Kim Taehyung requested clean towels and essentials before leading me out into the outdoor pool. I gripped his hand uncomfortably once I found the alphas splashing around in the chest-height pool. A few were dancing and drinking by the poolside. The afternoon sky was pretty gloomy and windy, so I turned to gaze at the foggy ocean view ahead of us. The pool is not on the ground floor. It's on the 15th floor's spacious terrace... so we're pretty high above the ground."Swimsuit of the year!" Mira mocked. The alphas turned to eye the long sleeves over my body as Taehyung led me toward the gigantic pool.
Mira was hugging Minho in her sexy black two-piece as Minah floated around in her white one-piece. So-young had on a purple two-piece, and Haerim was lying on the bench in a one-piece. The guys were all shirtless. Hoseok is splashing around with the lower ranks as Namjoon sits on the pool edge with his legs in the water. Seokjin, on the other hand, is stroking back and forth with black goggles. Yoongi is peacefully admiring the view on a bench in his wet pants with a glass of champagne.
"Ahah! Did Taehyung make you wear that?" Jungkook laughed, suddenly appearing with Jimin. They were both shirtless as they strolled toward us with an amused smile. I gulped uncomfortably at their adverse reactions and glanced at Taehyung."Should I change-""We're here to swim. Not to impress anyone," Taehyung tugged my hand and led me to the pool. He slipped into the water without testing it as I nervously crouched by the pool edge to tap the cool water."POW!" Jungkook hollered, suddenly leaping into the pool beside me. SPLASH."YAH!?" Minah shrieked at the disruptive waves, causing her pink floating flamingo to wobble over the rocky surface. Mira cursed out loud as the water splashed at her face. Haerim turned her head away with a grimace when the impact of Jungkook's dive sent the cold water splattering all over the alphas. Jungkook finally emerged from the water and brushed back his wet hair with a mischievous smile. He's trying to annoy everyone."WOOOOH!" Jimin suddenly followed Jungkook's lead and dove into the pool, causing the alphas to grunt in annoyance as another massive wave swept across the pool."I will kill you two!" Mira screamed in annoyance as she rubbed her soaked face. I chuckled on the side of the pool as Taehyung opened his arms for me. I grabbed his firm shoulders, so he carefully lifted my body to settle me in the water."It's cold!" I gasped in shock when the water rose to my chest. I tiptoed on the pool floor as Taehyung secured his strong arms around my waist. Grrr~! I shuddered intensely within his embrace."Seriously?" Taehyung laughed at my chattering teeth. My jaws are numb! I chuckled and tugged his neck as he gently waddled across the pool with my trembling body in his arms. Haerim bitterly glared at us as she sat on the bench to dab the pool water from her slender legs."Hey, conservative lady~!" Jungkook called, wildly splashing at me."Yah!" I screeched until Jimin joined Jungkook to splash the icy cold pool water at my face."I will kill you both! Stop it!" Taehyung grimaced as he raised his massive palm to shield the water from my face. I giggled and tugged him tighter."Put down the baby! She won't drown!" Jungkook joked, causing Jimin to chuckle softly."I'll drown you!" Taehyung threatened, suddenly releasing me from his grip. I smiled when Taehyung leaped across the water to chase Jungkook, who suddenly screeched and paddled away in fear."What are you doing?! Yah!- I'll fall off- Jeon Jungkook!" Minah gasped when Jungkook thoughtlessly grabbed her floating flamingo and steered it over the surface to block Taehyung from reaching him."Come out! Stop hiding, you coward!" Taehyung snapped, funnily shoving the flamingo to search for his cousin."Yah! Kim Taehyung! Stop!-" Minah screamed in distress as she gripped the inflated rubber to stop herself from falling off. Jungkook yelped in a panic when Taehyung suddenly dived under the water to dodge the flamingo, so he shoved the flamingo away with all his might."AGH!-" Minah screamed but was cut short when the flamingo tipped to the side, sending her splashing into the water. SPLASH! The alpha gasped in shock after emerging from the water with a drenched face. Her makeup... smudging messily over her pretty face."Oops-" Taehyung paused once he noticed Minah glaring at him. Jungkook pursed his lips at her fuming red face and slowly backed away with an awkward look."Jeon Jungkook. Stay right where you are!" Minah snapped her head towards her ex-boyfriend."Why did you wear makeup to the pool? You look hideous!" Jungkook nagged as he waddled away from her in a hurry."Jeon Jungkook! You jerk!" Minah screeched, suddenly chasing him across the pool. Jungkook screamed at Minah's fiery outburst and paddled faster to avoid her."Oh no. Minah is one of the fastest swimmers back in high school," Jimin muttered as Minah furiously stroked across the water to outrace her former lover. Jungkook yelped in fear as she sped after him, so the alpha made a desperate leap for the pool edge with a terrified look. I laughed at Jungkook as he hysterically grabbed the concrete rim for support and tried to tow his heavy body out of the pool... but Minah was quicker. She grabbed a handful of his wet hair, angrily jerking him backward as Jungkook clung to the pool edge with one leg hooked over the rim."Argh! That hurts!" Jungkook screamed as Minah jerked his hair."Do you have a death wish!?" She screamed in anger. I softly chuckled beside Jimin upon witnessing their hilarious interactions."Do you want to race? To Taehyung?" Jimin suggested, so I rotated in the clear water to find Taehyung on the far end. He excitedly waved and beckoned us towards him."Sure," I smiled at Jimin."Hana! Tul! Set!" Jimin shrieked. We both dove into the water and stroked as fast we could to outrace each other. I briefly gasped for air and tilted my head to glance at Jimin. He's slightly ahead of me. I dove back into the water and kicked- Thump!"Ow!" I gasped in shock when I suddenly collided with a strong force. A surge of pain pierced up my nose as I frantically tried to balance myself in the deep end, but my legs weren't touching the bottom anymore. I shook the sparkles out of my head when I suddenly felt a throbbing ache over my nose bridge."Are you alright?!" Someone caught my arm to support me as I struggled to calm myself."My nose..." I whimpered, lowering my hand to touch my throbbing nose as the person secured his arm around my waist to keep me afloat, so I shook my dazed head and glanced up to find... Kim Seokjin... staring at me with a concerned expression. He blinked at my chattering teeth and gently clutched my waist under the water."Your nose-" He suddenly gasped, swiftly grabbing my face with his free hand to tilt my head back."Wae-Wae-?" I gasped in panic."Stay still! You're bleeding!" Seokjin snapped. I lowered my hand in horror to find my blood all over my fingers. Splash! Splash! Seokjin quickly stroked towards the pool edge with my body secured in his arms."Are you alright!?" Taehyung asked, worriedly splashing toward me. He roughly seized my body from Seokjin's arm as I pinched my nose with a slight grimace."Get her out of the water!" Seokjin snapped. Taehyung lifted my lightweight body upward to place me on the pool edge and quickly hauled himself out of the pool with a startled expression at how heavily I was bleeding."Here's a towel!" Sungho appeared. Taehyung quickly snatched it to press over my bleeding nose as I sat by the pool with my legs dangling in the water. Seokjin worriedly eyed me as he stood in the pool."Why did you have to kick her so hard?!" Taehyung turned to glare at Seokjin."She swam into me-""You could've avoided her-""It was me! I was distracted during the race and swam into him-" I grabbed Taehyung's hand when he tried to scold Seokjin.Taehyung intensely seethed at Kim Seokjin, causing me to tense my body uneasily at his glowering glare until he hastily leaped onto his feet and pulled me with him as I held the towel firmly over my bleeding nose. Swift! Taehyung scooped me off the ground and carried me away, leaving Seokjin staring at us darkly. I apologetically waved at Seokjin before he disappeared from my sight. Taehyung took me into the elevator and headed straight back to our room."I can do it myself-" I muttered as Taheyung tried to help me undress in the bathroom."But-""I'll be fine," I assured. Taehyung worriedly stared at my hesitation to strip in front of him. He finally gave in and left the room, so I sighed and slipped off the swimwear before turning to rinse my bloody nose in the sink.
A moment later.
I sat with crossed legs on the couch as my boyfriend compressed an ice pack on my forehead. He asked the hotel staff to deliver it. He has been muted since the incident."Aren't you hungry?" I asked."The staff will deliver the food to our room," Taehyung shrugged. He refused to take me to the dining hall with the other alphas because he insisted I should rest."What are you thinking about?" I muttered while staring at his vacant gaze. Taehyung blinked, slowly averting his attention to me."Why?" He asked."It seems like there's a lot on your mind right now," I muttered. Taehyung gulped and glanced down at my hands."I keep thinking about our past after visiting the mansion. It's a strange feeling," Taehyung admitted."Does your head hurt? I hit you with a rock," I asked, pushing the ice pack off my forehead to cup his firm cheeks, gently turning his face to the side with an anxious frown. He didn't get the injury treated."It's just a small cut. I took care of it," Taehyung replied, slightly touching his bruise. I pursed my lips and leaned forward to kiss his wound."I'm sorry," I mumbled, gently stroking my thumb over his firm cheek. Taehyung quietly stared at my nauseous face in silence."Do you want to visit the rooftop? They have a beautiful garden up there," Taehyung suggested."How did you know?" I asked."Haerim told me," Taehyung replied. I grimaced at him."I was searching for you after you disappeared. Nothing happened. Come on. Let's get some fresh air," Taehyung grabbed my hands in response to my disapproving expression.
A moment later.
"Oh! It's so gorgeous~!" I shrieked, releasing Taehyung's hand and rushed out of the elevator as soon as I saw the brilliantly manicured garden. I jogged happily towards the railing with a bright smile as the soothing wind blew against my warm skin. Wah~! The air is so refreshing~! I curiously gripped the cold metal while glancing down to examine the traffic below us with a soft smile until Taehyung appeared beside me.

"The moon is beautiful, isn't it?" Taehyung spoke softly. I lifted my gaze to stare at the moon. It's partly hidden by the drifting clouds."It is!" I nodded excitedly. Taehyung chuckled and softly shook his head at my mindless exclaim."How are you so oblivious?" He asked, turning to smile at me."What are you talking about?" I asked when he wouldn't stop grinning at me."The moon is beautiful, isn't it?" He repeated while eyeing me with a fond smile. I frowned and glanced up at the moon, unsurely narrowing my eyes at it. Is that a code word? What...? I scratched my head and cluelessly glanced at him for answers."I love you. That's what.. he's trying to convey, Sora," Another voice abruptly spoke up. We turned to find... Kim Seokjin approaching me from my left side as Taehyung stood on my right. Seokjin was dressed in comfy sweatpants and a jacket. Taehyung's face dimmed as Seokjin weakly smiled at me.

"You're here too," I nodded. Seokjin let out a deep sigh as he stood five feet away from me. He glanced at the moon above our heads and chuckled."The moon is beautiful, isn't it? It's a poetic way of expressing love," Seokjin nodded, glancing down at the streetlights below us. Taehyung stood stiffly by my side... keeping his stern gaze nailed on Kim Seokjin's unwelcoming presence."I guess I'm too dumb to understand," I smiled, briefly glancing at Taehyung, who was sorely eyeing his fellow alpha."I was taking a stroll, so I'll leave now. Enjoy your time," Seokjin smiled and turned to leave. Taehyung kept his dark gaze on Seokjin until he entered the elevator. I awkwardly glanced at Taehyung's dejected expression and looked up at the moon again."Does my past relationship make you feel uncomfortable?" I asked. Taehyung shifted his gaze to me and stood in silence. I lifted my face to stare at him. Why isn't he answering me?"I'm greedy," Taehyung muttered, keeping his stern gaze on the view."Well. It's Kim Taehyung that I'm admiring the beautiful moon with at this... very moment," I shrugged. Taehyung glanced at me as I leaned against the railing with a slight smile."He ruined everything," Taehyung grumbled in an upset tone. I chuckled and stepped forward to hold his firm waist. He's a cutie. Taehyung fondly held eye contact with me as I dreamily looked up at him."Look at your wrist," I smiled. Taehyung raised his eyebrow at my unexpected statement. Slowly, he lifted his wrist to stare at the thin bracelet around his wrist with... a slightly confused look."What is this-""I don't think it's a coincidence," I smiled, lifting my wrist to show him my bracelet. The pendant is a matching crescent moon. Taehyung had most of the moon. I had a thin slice of silver. He stared at our matching bracelets in surprise and glanced back at me."When did you-""I got it before we fought but didn't get the chance to give it to you. I brought it with me... everywhere I went because I thought I'd have to give it to you anyways. You didn't notice it? I slipped it on in the pool," I chuckled. Taehyung scoffed at the loop around his wrist and averted his tender gaze to me in disbelief."You're sneaky," He smiled."The moon is beautiful, isn't it?" I asked. Taehyung stiffened in place as he stared at my cheeky smile and suddenly lowered his face to kiss me. I smiled between our kisses and held tightly only his hands. The alpha eventually pulled me away and drew me into a crushing hug, so I chuckled and patted his back to comfort him. I knew he was doubting my feelings because of Seokjin."The moon is beautiful, isn't it... Jiminshi~? Ah~ How romantic~!" A voice chirped from behind our back. I gasped in surprise, wildly turning to find Jungkook sitting on the bench with a chip bag in his hand as he chewed the crunchy potatoes... and beside him... was Jimin. They were both sitting on the bench with a smug smile."Yah!" Taehyung roared in annoyance when they wouldn't stop making smoochy faces to tease us."How beautiful~! The moon is so beautiful~!" Jimin funnily chortled. Taehyung scoffed at his friend's rude mockery and suddenly stomped forward to confront their rude interruption. Jungkook and Jimin shrieked in a panic. They immediately got up from the bench and ran in the opposite direction to avoid Taehyung as I shyly smiled at them."I told you they're annoying," I chuckled as Taehyung cursed at the devious alphas. He shook his head while placing out his palm for me, so I held his hand with a weak smile.Taehyung gently tugged me forward and took us back to our room because we didn't want the two crackheads to disturb us again. We had dinner together in our room and went straight to bed to recharge our energy for the upcoming trip._______________________"Why am I not on the same team as her?!" Taehyung complained to the professor as we crowded the local fishing village. The alphas were shielding their eyes from the scorching heat above their heads. The storm had passed the night before and we're being roasted alive today. The professors were sorting out the teams and giving us instructions.

"Sora is assigned-""I'll do double work if you let her on my team!" Taehyung attempted to negotiate with the professor, who fired him a disapproving look."Araso! Sora, you can join his team," The professor sighed in defeat. Taehyung immediately thanked the professor after the successful attempt to switch me with the other team. He hurried towards me as I hid under Jungkook's shadow to shield myself from the sun's glare."Let's go~!" Taehyung tugged my arm. Apparently... I'm on the same team as Taehyung, Sungho, and a lower rank. I followed him and others down the seaside village as the ajusshis and ajummas welcomed us in their ordinary outfits. I was told to put on a rubber boot and apron to protect my clothes from the wet tasks."Where is she going? Aigo~! Let her work in the shade!" Ajumma gasped when I tried to follow the guys toward the boats by the dock. An ajusshi turned to eye my frail body with a disapproving look."Trade that man with me," Ajusshi nodded at ajumma as he pointed at Jeon Jungkook."Moh?! T-Trade?- Am I an object?!" Jungkook snapped in irritation."Come on, you punk! Let the women do the scrubbing! I need your muscles to lift the heavy equipment!" Ajusshi beckoned. Jungkook scoffed at the elderly man with an offended look."But she's supposed to be with us-""Yah~! She won't be much help on the boat and it's scorching hot out there! Leave her here! The sun will burn her skin!" Ajumma smacked Taehyung's arm as he worriedly frowned at me."Let's go! The sun is already high in the sky and we haven't even done anything! Get moving~!" Ajusshi shrieked in annoyance before storming away."I'll be fine," I smiled at Taehyung. He fired me a disapproving look and refused to budge until Jungkook screamed for him. Taehyung let out an irritated exhale before turning to leave with the fishermen. He's so clingy..."Is that your boyfriend?" Ajumma nudged my shoulder with a smug smile."Neh," I nodded."Aigo! Why are you kids so beautiful~? Come on! I'll let you handle the basic tasks," She grabbed my hand to lead me away."Young man, help me scrub the tools!" Another ajumma beckoned Jimin and Minho. They approached the group of ajummas with a bitter look and sat down on the plastic stool. The ajummas tossed them a pair of gloves."You two have such pretty fingers~! You must live a comfortable life! How lucky! Oh~! Here's the broom! Scrub the concrete pavement~!" Ajumma shoved a plastic broom into me before tossing another one at Seokjin, who quickly snatched the handle with a startled look."That's unfair! I've got nice hands too!" Minho grimaced as he scrubbed the tools."Aigo~! Stop complaining so much! Did you come here to volunteer or to achieve special treatment!" An Ajumma suddenly scolded Minho, who fired her an irritated glare."We need two more hands on the dock! You and You! Come with me!" A skinny ajusshi appeared after rushing back to the village. He beckoned Namjoon and Hoseok as they prepared to help an ajumma lift the seafood containers."Why do you need so many men!?" A chubby ajumma scolded ajusshi in a cute Busan dialect. I chuckled at their cute bickers as Seokjin quietly squeezed the liquid soap onto the concrete ground."Oh! I'd love to take the young ladies, but I'm afraid their delicate skin will burn under the sun!" Ahjusshi smiled at Haerim and Minah as they were helping another group of ajummas.Mira funnily complained about the nasty smells as she rubbed a dead fish between her gloves. Haerim was quietly doing her work as Minah fired the slimy seafood a disgusted grimace, but she didn't complain and did as she was instructed. Shaking my head, I turned to scrub the ground after Namjoon and Hoseok left to fulfill their task."Oh! You've got such a firm bicep!" Ajumma funnily patted Jimin's arm."I'm actually from Busan! My father owns a fishing boat, so I often did the heavy work!" Jimin cutely used his native accent to entertain the ajummas. The elderly women cheered at his cuteness as they asked him about his life on the coast. I smiled and lowered my face to scrub the pavement with the plastic brush with all my strength to mop off the dirt.

My energy was overflowing during the first half an hour of scrubbing so I worked really... really hard to polish the concrete pavement... until the heat got the best of me. Why is it so hot?! Sighing, I straightened my stiff back to rub off the sweat beads and glanced to the side... as Seokjin swept dirty water into the drainage. Everyone's working hard. I turned to squint at the far dock, and sure enough... The alphas were heaving goods on and off the fishing boats.

"Aigo~! You burning red!" Ajumma gasped, suddenly approaching me as I rubbed off the sweat from my neck."I'm fine," I assured, but she complained and dragged me to the side to make me sit on a small wooden stool."Have some water," She pushed a cool bottle into my hand.I thanked her and thirstily gulped the water as my annoying hair strands fluttered all over my sticky face, so I lowered my head, panting softly with my eyes closed to cool my overheated system... until I felt my temple pulsating from the scorching heat. Suddenly, I felt a movement behind my head. I blinked and straightened my back as the person gently tugged on my hair to fix it into a neat bun."Put this on," Seokjin sighed, slipping off his gray jacket to place it on my lap after tying my hair. I turned to stare at Seokjin in surprise. Startled by his thoughtful gesture. The alpha quickly walked off before I could express my gratitude to grab his broomstick, so I dabbed my face unsurely as I watched him brush the concrete pavement with his back turned on me."Put on the jacket! At least it'll cover up your exposed skin!" Ajumma smiled as she dried the tools. I pulled on Seokjin's jacket and tugged the hood over my head as she suggested. I got back onto my feet, grabbed my broom, and calmly mopped the slippery path with my red broom."Ah! I'm burning~!" Jungkook groaned as he strode towards me with a burning red face. The alphas were making their way back toward us as the professor called for a lunch break."Sora! Let's grab lunch!" Jimin beckoned, so I dropped my broom and walked toward him."The soup will calm your heated bodies!" The ajummas handed us a bowl of cold soup. We thanked them and slurped it hungrily under the cool shade."So hot! So hot!!!" Jungkook whined while pouring the icy cold water on his clothes."You'll damage your skin, young man!" An ajumma gasped, but he didn't care and kept drenching himself with the cold water. Jungkook brushed back his soaked bangs to reveal his dashing visual, finally slumping down on the stool to calm his heated body as the water dripped from his nose tip."Here," I smiled, handing him a small towel. Jungkook snatched it from me to dab his soaked face before puffing his chest in discomfort.The professors handed out our packed meal afterward, so we each took the meal and left to eat with the ajummas. Taehyung dragged me off to sit on a small stool under the shade by one of the ajusshi's houses. He hungrily shoved the food into his mouth as I observed his burning red cheeks."Did you not apply sunscreen?" I asked. He lifted his puffy cheeks and shook his head before lowering his face to dig into the meal again.

"I'm getting burnt again," He mumbled as he wiped his stained lips. He must be really hungry for him to... scrape the packed meal clean. I handed him a water bottle and got up to wash my hands. Minah grumpily dabbed sunscreen over her face before a small mirror."Can I have some?" I asked, approaching her. Minah lifted her annoyed gaze to me. She handed me the small bottle... rudely getting up to leave before I could thank her."Where did you get the jacket?" Taehyung asked as he fanned his sweaty face while sitting on the stool."Seokjin lent it to me," I shrugged, cupping his burning face between my palms."Take it off," Taehyung demanded. I didn't respond and gently squeezed Minah's sunscreen onto his skin. Taehyung kept his stern gaze on me as I gently rubbed the soothing cream over his face. He grimaced."You'd rather let me burn than let me wear Seokjin's jacket?" I chuckled as I rubbed off the excess suncream from his nose tip."I'll give you mine-" Taehyung muttered, immediately trying to take off his hoodie."What are you doing?! You didn't wear anything underneath!" I gasped, grabbing his hand to stop him from exposing his naked torso."Take off his shirt-""You can't be shirtless!" I whined, firmly holding his hands to stop him from yanking off his jacket. Taehyung fired me an irritated frown."I'd rather let the sun peel my skin than let you-""I don't want people to see your body! Especially not the women!" I furiously whispered, leaning forward to glare at him. He froze."What? What's wrong with my body???" Taehyung blinked, glancing down at his hoodie. I smiled and leaned forward to press my lips against his ear."I don't want other women to see your hot body," I smiled, finally pulling away to meet his eyes again. Taehyung scoffed and straightened his back with a slight smile as I held onto his hands."Is that an excuse to-""Araso! I'll take it off but don't take off your hoodie for me! The sun will damage your skin!" I snapped, quickly slipping Seokjin's jacket off my body. Taehyung frowned at my red face and glanced at my burning skin with a bitter stare."Pretend to faint," Taehyung nudged me. He anxiously glanced at the professors as they chatted with the elders."What?" I laughed."Pretend to faint! I'll make up an excuse to bring you back to the hotel!" Taehyung urged me. I laughed at his cuteness and shook my head."We can't abandon the alphas. There is so much work left," I giggled. Taehyung pouted at me as I patted his sweaty face."Fine! Put the jacket back on!" Taehyung grumbled, hastily pulling Seokjin's shirt back onto my body. I smiled and lowered our interlaced fingers to stare at it."Can I borrow your man for a moment? I really need another muscle to heave the equipment," Ajusshi appeared with a faint smile. Taehyung flushed red, so I nodded at ajusshi with an approving smile. I waved at Taehyung after he got up to follow ajusshi back to the dock. Ajumma asked the remaining alphas to do the house chores at their respective homes... so it wasn't as hot as working outside. They even prepared us cool drinks and sweet snacks!

"Aigo~! It's barely past noon and they're all exhausted already?" The ajummas laughed. I turned around to find Minho and Jimin napping on the wooden floor with their mouths wide open. Haerim and Mira were dozing off as they sat against the wall.I didn't sleep and chatted with the locals. They kept telling me stories about their old days and how they grew up by the beach. The alphas working on the dock eventually collapsed after Ajusshi granted them a break. I was eating a biscuit while sitting crossed legs on the floor in Ajumma's home when Taehyung appeared with a sour grimace."Ah... My back..." He grunted while slipping off his boots and crawled towards me."You're burning again," I smiled. Taehyung collapsed onto the floor in exhaustion to rest his head on my lap while sprawling over the wooden floor as Jimin softly snored beside Minho."I'm aching all over," Taehyung closed his eyes. I patted his warm cheek to comfort him. He dozed off my lap after five minutes... so I grabbed a small magazine to fan his sweaty face with a weak smile while stroking his face.

"Me too~ Me too~!" Jungkook whimpered, crawling towards me with his sweat-drenched body, suddenly lying down to rest his head on Taehyung's stomach. Taehyung didn't react and remained motionless with his eyes closed. I chuckled and fanned Jungkook's fuming face as he groaned in discomfort. The alphas eventually fell into a deep sleep after the tiring day of scrubbing, heaving, and washing the tools in the small village. I accidentally fell asleep as I sat against the wall with Taehyung's head over my lap.
A moment later.
"OOOOOOOOH!" A loud uproar suddenly woke me up from my brief nap. I grumbled and pushed my body off a thin mattress while rubbing my blurry eyes. The alphas were gone. I blinked at the tidy room and slowly walked out of the house to find the ajummas gathered in the yard."You're awake! Join us~!" An ajumma grabbed my hand to make me sit on a traditional platform. I yawned and turned to stare at the vast field before the dock. The alphas were rushing back and forth with a few ajusshis."They're playing soccer?" I smiled as Jungkook skillfully steered a ball between his legs. Minho tried to block Jungkook- but he swiftly passed the ball to Sungho, who immediately kicked the ball toward the goal. Jimin frantically tried to catch the ball but missed and fell to the side.

"ANOTHER SCORE FOR TEAM HANDSOME MEN!" The ajummas roared happily. I softly smiled at the alphas as they raced back and forth without their shirts on. They're all shirtless. The sun is setting... so... the breezy sea current is subtly approaching the coastline."Which one is your boyfriend?" An ajumma nudged my arm. I smiled and glanced at the crowd of men to find Taehyung brushing back his slick black hair as he stood on the side with his golden torso... glazed with heavy sweat beads."The tan one," I smiled. Ajumma turned to search for him. His skin turned a few shades darker after being burned by heat."Oh! He's the hottest one!" Another ajumma gasped."No! I think the bunny teeth is cuter!" Another ajumma nodded at Jungkook, who was still pale despite the scorching heat."There's a difference between being cute and hot!" Another ajumma argued."One is missing! He's the most handsome! Where did he go?" The ajumma mumbled as she searched the crowd."How long have you been with your boyfriend?" A chubby ajumma asked me. I turned to stare at Taehyung as he shouted at Hoseok to pass him the ball."Not long, but we'll get married soon," I smiled."Oh!? You're engaged!?" The elders gasped in shock."Not yet, but we're considering marriage," I nodded."I'm envious of you! You're so young and beautiful and he's such a fine and decent man! I hope you live a happy life together!" The chubby ajumma patted my hand. I smiled and turned to admire Taehyung from afar when he caught the ball and drove it swiftly between his bare feet."Oh! My husband asked me to bring him his herbal tea! Young lady! Can you help bring it to the dock?" A skinny ajumma gasped, suddenly getting onto her feet to grab a small metallic bottle."Of course," I nodded as I accepted the bottle from her."He's bald with a gray beard!" She cutely identified her husband's features. I nodded and walked off with my eyes on the alphas as they competed with the ajusshis. Mira was sitting under a shade with sunglasses on to type on her phone. Haerim was walking along the far beach, and Minah... was sitting alone at the end of the dock. I got to her first as she quietly admired the calm sea.[Kang Minah Picture Reference | Red Hair]

"Thank you," I handed her sunscreen. She glanced up at me as she sat with her legs dangling over the edge."Keep it," She muttered, glancing away bitterly. I sighed at her dejected response and sat down beside her."Why are you treating me so coldly? Just because you're not on good terms with Jungkook. It doesn't mean we can't be friends," I smiled."Friends don't abandon each other," She grumbled, side-eyeing me."So you're upset I left Korea?" I asked."You could've at least left a text," She shrugged. I chuckled and turned to smile at her."I never intended to stay there forever. I knew I'd return," I explained. Minah turned to face me with a sore grimace."That bitch acted like she owned the society after you left. It was irritating as fuck to watch her boost," Minah nodded at Haerim as she walked along the beach with a shawl over her shoulders."Sadly, the worst bitch is back. No one will own the title with me around," I joked. My reputation is totally thrashed. Minah chuckled and shook her head."You're really with Kim Taehyung now?" Minah asked, softly smiling at me."Yeah. He visited the States to convince me," I nodded. We had a heartfelt chat by the dock, and I eventually got up to bring ajusshi his herbal tea. He was arranging his fish nets inside his boat... so I had to leap over the dock to hand it to him."Your boat is so pretty!" I gasped while glancing around at the adorable decorations."My wife loves to decorate my boat! She says it's for good luck! You can rest on the bench!" He nodded at the interior. I smiled and entered the boat to sit down on the soft cushion. It's pretty peaceful here. Smiling, I laid down as ahjussi suggested and... for some stupid reason... I fell asleep again.A moment later."Huh?" I muttered, quickly sitting up with my eyes half open. The sky had turned dark blue and the dock had disappeared from my view. I turned around to stare at the vast sea around me with my mouth half open. Where am I...?"A-hjusshi!" I gasped, quickly dashing out onto the boat's opening in disbelief. Why am I in the middle of the ocean?!"Oh! You're awake! I wanted to wake you up before we left, but the young man said to leave you be!" Ajusshi chuckled, nodding at someone as the boat gently rocked over the waves. The vessel wasn't moving. We're definitely far from the coast because I can't even see the village's lights. I turned to find a man standing by the railing with a fishing rod."Seokjin?" I muttered, slowly approaching him."Awake?" He asked without looking at me as he rolled his fishing rod. I blinked at his composed behavior and glanced at the distant islands before us."You asked the fisherman to take you fishing?" I asked, leaning over the railing to stare at the dark water below us.

"We'll return in a bit. I only wanted to relieve my mind and you happened to be asleep... so I asked him not to wake you," Seokjin smiled."Thank you for the jacket, by the way," I muttered, eagerly crouching down to inspect the fresh fish he caught in the bucket. Ajusshi came out of his cabin with a set of cooking knives to cut up the fresh fish. He insisted it's best to eat the fish raw and fresh. Seokjin eventually stopped fishing to join me and ahjussi in the cabin.I gasped in shock at the chewy and sweet texture of the fish in my mouth. Ajushhi brought out a bottle of soju to help us wash the fishy aftertaste from our tongues. I enjoyed a couple of shots with the man and Seokjin until I started to feel super light-headed. Gag! I quickly covered my mouth and hurried towards the railing after failing to suppress the urge."Are you alright!?!" Seokjin quickly got up after me to pat my back as I leaned over the railing. Barf! I vomited a mouthful of discharge and coughed in distress... until my stomach was empty. Shakily breathing... I gripped the railing and lowered my face to exhale in relief. Seokjin carefully held onto my waist as we stepped back into the cabin. He quickly grabbed a few tissues to dab my pale lips."She's seasick. We should head back," Ajusshi worriedly eyed me, quickly getting up to start the engine."Can you hold back for a little longer?" Seokjin worriedly asked me. I nodded and weakly slumped back against the seat. My head wouldn't stop spinning. Maybe it's the alcohol? I was fine earlier. Seokjin scooted over the bench, slightly tugging my shoulder to make me lean on him.I clenched my fist and screwed my eyes shut as the motion sickness spun my senses like a whirlpool. Ajusshi steered the boat back towards the dock, but the violent waves weren't as merciful. The swaying, tilting, and rough bumps only made me more nauseous. I ended up puking on Seokjin, but he didn't seem to mind and wiped his shirt clean with the tissues."We're here~!" Ahjusshi announced. Seokjin effortlessly slipped his strong under my legs and strode out of the boat. He climbed the bridge and hopped onto the wooden dock as I clung to his neck."Thank you-" I muttered. The alpha immediately halted once he noticed a person standing on the dark platform. Taehyung was waiting on the dock with his arms crossed. And... he didn't look happy."How dare you take her out into the dark sea?!" Taehyung snapped, stomping towards us with his raging glower. Seokjin carefully lowered me, but I was still dizzy- so I weakly gripped his arm for support."She was asleep on the boat- Sora!" Seokjin tried to explain. I violently gagged and vomited on the dock again. Seokjin immediately grabbed my arm as my legs wobbled weakly, so I whimpered and clung to his shirt."Don't touch her!" Taehyung roared, angrily shoving Seokjin away from me as I pounded my chest to release the vomit."I'm fine-" I gasped, weakly grabbing Taehyung's hand in tears. He glanced at my unfavorable condition in frustration before snapping his fiery glare at Seokjin again."You fucker! I told you to stay away from her!" Taehyung roared, furiously storming towards Seokjin with his fist clenched."Yah! Young man, calm- down- Omo!-" Ahjusshi gasped from his boat when Taehyung angrily struck Seokjin's face. Thump! Seokjin stumbled backward at the rough impact, but Taehyung didn't stop and launched at the alpha with his baring fangs."I brought her back as soon as she said she was feeling unwell!" Seokjin screamed. Taehyung didn't listen and struck Seokjin again. Ajusshi's eyes widened in horror as he fearfully scrambled out of his boat."Taehyung-! Nothing happened between us!" I begged, shakily walking up to him- but he angrily shoved me away, wildly turning to shove Seokjin again until the second rank alpha lost his balance and staggered over the dock."Young man!" Ajusshi shrieked, rushing toward the alphas to stop them. Taehyung effortlessly forced ajusshi to the side and turned to beat Seokjin's face repeatedly with his steel fist."Urgh!" Taehyung groaned after receiving a left hook to his jaw. However, even after the painful impact... Taehyung refused to surrender and clenched Seokjin's collar with all his might. I quickly rushed towards ajusshi to help him sit on the dock as he rubbed his sore back. Why did Taehyung push the old man?!"Taehyung! Stop it!" I screamed, tearfully releasing ajusshi, and rushed forward to grab Taehyung's forearm. He tried to shove me away again- but I caught his wrist... just before he struck Seokjin."Argh!" The alpha bellowed in frustration, angrily thrusting me to the side."Ah!" I gasped when my shoes caught on a gap, and I stumbled backward."YOUNG LADY!" Ajusshi gasped as I tilted off the edge with eyes wide open. Gasp! I turned to find the dark sea beneath me. I wildly extended my arms to search for support, but there was nothing for me to hold onto. SPLASH! I plunged deep into the dark sea... and was suddenly engulfed by the deep water.
The entire world became muted.

The echoes of the waves on the beach had faded.

The distant engine and honks of the water vessels had stopped humming in my eardrums.

The arguments on the dock above... were silenced by the cold embrace of the... cold sea.

"Ah!" I panted, suddenly emerging from the bottomless pit, but everything was too dark around me. I can't see! Splash. Splash. I aimlessly paddled with my hands to search for support, but nothing was within my reach. Teeth chattering- I glanced in every direction with my stinging eyeballs in fear. Thump! I shrieked in shock when a sharp ache painfully drilled into my head. Flash! I blinked in horror when rapid flashes of distorted memories filled my head.
"They don't deserve to live-"

"Eomma!-"

"She must die!-"
I coughed in difficulty after accidentally swallowing a mouthful of the salty seawater. The pain in my temples suddenly surged to the back of my head and for a moment... I couldn't see or hear anything but the distorted sounds in my ears. My heart began to thump in fear, so I fearfully snapped my head in every direction to search for a light source. I'm scared!"Help- H-Help me!" I gasped, splashing wildly but was suddenly drowned by a surge of high tides. My head submerged under the surface once again, so I flung open my eyes in terror to find a pitch-black mass of darkness encircling me. I fearfully held my breath in the presence of the menacing evil."Ark!-" I accidentally gasped, sending a burst of the bubble up to the surface when I felt a firm grip around my throat. My head was aching with the thudding thumps... and my vision was blurry as I clawed the invisible pressure around my throat. I tried to scream under the water, but no sound came out as I desperately reached up... towards the surface with my extended arms. I shifted my gaze back to the black mass as it strangled my windpipe with all its might until I felt my chest swelling from the alarming strain. I can't... breathe.My eyes flung open again once I felt a swift movement beside me, and I was suddenly dragged by a strong force. The person grabbed onto my waist to secure me and swam to the surface as I gripped tightly only his arms."Sora!" Seokjin gasped as soon as we broke through the surface. I sobbed, wildly turning to find him staring at me in horror. I wanted to speak, but only the painful coughs made it out of my mouth as my chest and nose throbbed in extreme pain."I'll get you out- Urgh!" Seokjin gasped while struggling to hold me above the cold water. SPLASH. A massive weight suddenly drowned the both of us. My heart started pounding in fear as another firm grip found my upper arm."Don't fucking touch her!" Taehyung sneered, angrily shoving Seokjin off me as I helplessly splashed around for support."What the fuck is wrong with you!? She needs help-" Seokjin seethed with a bleeding nose when Taehyung suddenly released my body and launched towards Seokjin. I gasped in shock as I helplessly submerged under the water again. No! I can't let the trauma consume me!"Sora!" Jungkook's voice echoed from above. Coughing hysterically, I splashed around in fear, finally glancing up to find a few figures standing on the dock above me. And to my horror... Taehyung was shoving Seokjin under the surface. What is he doing?! He can't kill an alpha!"N-No!- Taehyung! Please!" I cried, desperately reaching out to him. I grabbed his arm when he suddenly snapped his glowering eyes at me... and my heart stopped beating at the sight of his murderous... pitch-black eyes. My lips began trembling... as he intensely glared at me with little to no... concern for my dire condition."My eyes!- Fuck!" Seokjin gasped, frantically rubbing sore eyes as Taehyung launched at me to secure his grasp around my vulnerable throat. I choked in horror as I grasped Taehyung's fatal grip around my neck. He's... squeezing out my soul."D-Don't do- this- Taehyung- You can't let the evil consume you- Tae-" I whispered while struggling to stay afloat. Taehyung didn't seem to hear me. My face contorted in pain as the alpha fastened his grip... around my throat. I didn't dare blink but stared at him with my bloodshot eyes."Urgh!" Taehyung grunted when Seokjin roughly encircled his arm around Taehyung's throat to yank him away from me. SPLASH. Someone leaped into the water."I got you!" Jungkook appeared beside me. He grabbed my arms and dragged me towards the slippery pillars of the dock as the alphas extended their arms from above to help me. Jimin caught my hand after Jungkook shoved my body upward, so I gripped tightly onto his arms as Jimin effortlessly hauled my frozen body out of the water."Fucking shit!" Seokjin cursed after breaking from free Taehyung. Namjoon and Hoseok immediately knelt over the wooden platform to grab Seokjin's arm. They hauled him onto the dock as Taehyung paddled towards the pillars."Can you breathe?!" Minah knelt beside me after I collapsed onto the wooden dock. Shuddering like a lost puppy. I gulped in difficulty and proceeded to cough out the slimy saliva. Thud. I lifted my tearful eyes to find Seokjin wheezing on the dock with bloody lips and a broken nose. Hoseok was patting Seokjin's back to comfort him as Namjoon slipped off his jacket to cover Seokjin."Give her your cardigan," Jimin nudged Minah as she worriedly eyed me. She quickly slipped off the wool cardigan from her dress and swung it over my body. Thud."Urgh..." Taehyung groaned after hauling himself back onto the platform without anyone's help."You stupid asshole! You could've killed her!" Jungkook snapped at his cousin as Taehyung shook his head to recollect his scattered thoughts. I nervously stared at Taehyung. I can't see his face. His darkness. I can't tell if it's still there or not."You fucker..." Taehyung grunted, slowly rotating his head to glare at Seokjin. My heart dropped in horror. No. Why is he still engulfed in the darkness?"Woah! Woah! Cut it, will you?! The professors will kill us!" Hoseok immediately leaped between Taehyung and Seokjin just as Taehyung tried to scramble onto his feet. I gripped my fists to resist the discomfort I was feeling and hastily crawled toward Taehyung... but my body was too sore. Thud. I weakly wobbled to the side... and slammed onto the platform."Sora!-""T-Taehyung..." I whimpered as a flood of warm tears spilled from my eyes. Taehyung halted at the sound of my pleading voice... slowly... he turned to stare at me with his dark gaze as I pursed my quivering lips at him. He has to stop. He can't expose his darkness to the alphas."We need to leave," Jungkook sighed, bending down to draw me onto my feet as Taehyung stood before me in his drenched clothes."Come with me," I whispered, fearfully raising my hand for Taehyung. Jungkook tried to pull me with him, but I gently nudged him away and turned to Taehyung again. He gulped and glanced down at my shaky fingers before looking up at my pale expression again... until the dark energy around him subsided. Thud... Thud... Thud.Kim Taehyung slowly limped toward me. I pursed my lips when he lifted his hand to place it on mine, so I gripped tightly only his cold fingers. Taehyung apologetically studied my pale face until tears filled his eyes. He didn't have to say anything because I knew he was in as much shock as I am. Sighing, I tugged him forward and walked off with Taehyung, passing quietly through the other alphas.My lover suddenly bent down to slip his arms under my legs when I struggled to keep up with him and carried me back towards the village... just as a flock of ajusshis and ajummas appeared with bewildered looks. Ajushhi ran to get the professors. The elders halted to stare at us when they found Taehyung carrying me in his strong arms, so I encircled my arms around his neck to hug him tightly as Seokjin and Jungkook strolled behind us with grim looks."Aigo~! You poor thing!" An ajumma cried at pitiful condition.The professor immediately called the medical team to assist me, but the villagers insisted I needed a warm bath. They dragged me into their tiny home, instantly brewing me a steaming bath even after I attempted to deny their thoughtful gesture. Taehyung was eventually dragged away by the professor as an ajumma dabbed warm clothes over my feverish skin. I sat in silence in her bathroom as she soaked my wet clothes. The woman eventually left me to shower. I undressed in silence and took care of my numb body before stepping out into the warm house in a towel."Here. You can have this. It's my daughter's old clothes before she left to work in Seoul," An ajumma placed a stack of clothes in my arms. I thanked her and pulled on a loose floral nightgown."This is cute," I laughed while staring at my reflection in the mirror. It's one of those vintage gowns for grandmas. It's loose around my body... and it made me look like one of the ajummas."Aigo~! How can you smile in this situation? Put this on!" Ahjumma pulled Minah's wool cardigan over the gown. I thanked her again and slowly stepped out of the tiny home to find the alphas and the professors waiting for me with worried frowns. Jungkook was dressed in his spare clothes as he leaned against the gateway with his arms crossed."Don't I look like ahjumma~?" I chuckled, weakly lifting the bright red floral patterned gown to show Jungkook. He seemed worried at first... but broke into a soft smile as I did a little twirl for him.

"You're unbelievable," Jungkook rolled his eyes. I giggled and walked up to him. Jimin gave me a thumbs up as he eyed my old-fashioned dress. Seokjin was sitting on a stool as the medics treated the wounds on his face. He glanced at my loose gown in silence until I turned to find Taehyung strolling out of an ajusshi's house in a set of new clothes. He was ruffling his damp hair as the professor sorely eyed him."Oppa~! Look at the cute dress ajumma got for me~!" I giggled. Taehyung immediately stopped to stare at the loose dress as I lifted it to show him the massive flower patterns. He didn't smile... and dully observed my bright mood."Let's leave~! Say your farewell and head to the bus on the main street!" The professor announced.The alphas and lower ranks averted their gaze from me and walked off to speak with their respective elderly to bid their goodbyes. Seokjin ultimately got up from the stool after the treatment and walked off with his friends. Jungkook shook his head at my dismissive behavior, turning to walk away with Jimin, leaving me alone with Taehyung as he dejectedly stared at me without budging."Wae? Does it look terrible on me~?" I scratched my head, sadly glancing down at the pretty gown with a slight pout. Taehyung still didn't respond to me. Why is he hushed? It's making me uncomfortable. I smiled and skipped forward to grab his warm hand. He glanced down at my bright beam with an uncertain frown, so I smiled and gave him a soft peck."Why are you smiling so brightly?" He asked sorely. I pursed my lips to think about his question."Because I think I look cute in this dress! But I might be wrong because my boyfriend is glaring at me. Should I take it off?" I asked, eagerly leaning upward to stare at his dark gaze for approval. Taehyung stared into my pretty eyes in silence and suddenly lowering his face to peck my lips."I'm sorry," He whispered, drawing his face away to stare at me in guilt."Let's not let a small negativity ruin our day!" I giggled. Taehyung scoffed at my easygoing behavior, suddenly pulling me into a tight hug, so I gripped tightly on his back with my chin rested on his shoulder when I noticed... a huddle... of ajussis and ajumma smiling at us. Awkwardly coughing, I patted Taehyung's back to make him release me."Thank you for your warm welcome," I smiled, bowing at the elders after Taehyung released me from his clutch. His face immediately flushed red, so he quickly lowered his head as well."Aigo~! Young couples fight all the time! It's normal to squabble with another man over your precious woman! But make sure not to hurt her, alright?!" The fisherman ajusshi assured Taehyung, funnily patting Taehyung's shoulder with a proud smile."I'm sorry for causing you the trouble-""Yah! You rascal! I almost had a panic attack when you flung your girlfriend into the sea! I'm the best diver in this village, but I'm too old to swim! Did you know how terrifying it was for a weak man like me to watch her scream for help?! You should control your temper! You don't have to apologize to me! Apologize to her! Oh- I heard there's this special ginseng ointment that really helps with muscle and bone problems! You should send some over if you're truly sorry!" The fisherman suddenly scolded Taehyung. I smiled at Taehyung's uptight face after being scolded by an average."Yah! How can you shamelessly ask the kids for gifts? You two should get going! It's dark! Feel free to visit us whenever you're free!" His wife smacked her husband's shoulder. He tried to complain again, so she cutely fired the man a warning glaring, making him purse his lips. Taehyung and I bid our goodbyes after a brief chat with the locals. I gave the elders warm hugs and left with Taehyung to find the professor waiting by the bus for us. The alphas had already entered, and we were the only ones left."I'll grant you a chance to apologize to Seokjin. It's best if we end the problem here to avoid your parents' intervention," The professor fired Taehyung a disapproving look."I'm not apologizing," Taehyung muttered, lifting me onto the bus. He tightly held onto my hand as we passed the hushed alphas to sit in our seats. Taehyung sat down beside me, so I turned to stare at Seokjin anxiously as he pinched his nose bridge to stop his nose from bleeding."You look oddly attractive in that gown," Jimin whispered. I turned to find the alpha smiling keenly at me."Right?! I think so too, but Taehyung hates it! It doesn't suit his taste~!" I giggled. Jimin chuckled brightly. He suddenly pursed his lips in fear with his eyes fixed on Taehyung, so I turned to find him glaring at Jimin with a dead stare. Jimin cleared his throat and glanced out the window."Hey! Smile~! Imma capture this legendary dress to blackmail you!" Jungkook laughed as the bus slowly drove out of the village."Yah-""Smile for him!" I snapped when Taehyung tried to snatch Jungkook's phone. I hugged his strong arm tightly with my head tilted against his shoulder. Taehyung glanced down at me before firing his cousin an irritated glare as Jungkook lifted his phone before us for a picture."Yah! Smile! Look at her! Her gums will dry out while waiting for you!" Jungkook snapped as I grinned at the camera. Taehyung frowned even harder, so I lifted my face to peck his cheek. Jimin chuckled at our interaction as he watched Jungkook take a picture of us. Taehyung refused to smile and frown at the camera, so I sighed and hugged his arm in our seat to pose for Jungkook.We finally arrived at the hotel, but Jungkook frantically stopped me from leaving with Taehyung. He wanted a picture with me."Me too! Let me join!" Jimin shrieked, rushing forward to stand by my side as Jungkook stood beside me with his arms hooked around mine. The hotel staff tried to lift the phone again when Sungho suddenly appeared beside Jimin to pose as well. I blinked at their funny expressions as Taehyung stood on the side with his arms crossed."Come on! Let's take a picture with our supreme alpha! She's gorgeous, isn't she!?" Jungkook invited the tired alphas. Chuckling softly, Seokjin shook his head and strode forward to stand beside Jungkook, despite being severely bruised by his rival. Namjoon and Hoseok excitedly joined us until my cheeks flushed red from embarrassment."I'll never pose for the camera when I'm this unpresentable, but I love your dress!" Minah smiled, hurrying towards me to squeeze in between me and Jungkook. I smiled and made space for her."Yoongi! Join us~!" Hoseok beckoned as the alpha attempted to sprint away. Yoongi awkwardly glanced at me. He gave in and walked towards us to stand beside Sungho. Minho, So-young, and Mira eventually joined the crowd as well."Yah! What are you standing there for!?" Jungkook grimaced at Taehyung, who was bitterly eyeing us. I smiled and lifted my hand to beckon my sulky boyfriend.Taehyung stubbornly shook his head, so I glared at him. He gulped uncomfortably at my scowl. I saw the way ajumma threatened her husband with a simple glare. Taehyung sighed and walked forward. Oh! It worked! Jimin stepped away from me to let Taehyung in, so I happily hugged his waist and turned to stare at the staff as he uncomfortably held Jungkook's phone before the crowd of powerful heirs."Wait! Wait! Let us join too~!" The professors called. They rushed forward to stand beside the alphas. We chuckled at their cute poses. The hotel staff counted for us, so I straightened my back as Taehyung placed his arm on my waist. I hugged his hips with a bright smile as the hotel staff snapped pictures of the society's future leaders. Taehyung finally smiled and glanced down at me as I stared up at him with a wide grin."Ah~! I smell so bad!" Minah complained, hurrying off before the others once the staff lowered Jungkook's phone. The alphas grumbled and broke apart as if nothing had happened to separate their ways. Taehyung rubbed my waist after I released him as Jungkook excitedly thanked the staff while checking his phone with Jimin."I can't believe you brought them together for a photo session," A professor chuckled. I smiled at him and left with Taehyung. He suddenly back-hugged me after closing the door to our room, so I smiled as we walked into the room. Taehyung kept sniffing the side of my neck."What's with you?" I chuckled. Taehyung tightened his grip around my waist and gently pecked my cheek from behind."You smell different," He muttered."It's ajumma's soap," I laughed."It's not bad, but it smells cheap," Taehyung muttered."Don't be mean!" I laughed, turning to smack his chest. Taehyung laughed and turned to draw out his phone."I should send the village some gifts~?" He sang, happily walking away to put his things away. We took another bath and finally got ready for bed as Taehyung washed his face before the sink with the bathroom door open."Should I throw away the dress?" Taehyung asks, nodding at the laundry basket."No. I want to keep it as a souvenir. I'll bring it home," I shook my head while dabbing the moisturizer into my face. Taehyung laughed as he walked out of the bathroom. He slowly crawled onto the bed with a smug smile."You looked like a mother of five children in that dress. It was weirdly seductive because you gave off so much wifey material energy," Taehyung smiled mischievously. I sideways stared at his weird smile with an uneasy feeling."Why five children specifically?" I scoffed, glancing away to dab my face again."Because that's the number of children I want to have," Taehyung replied. I frowned and turned to look at him as if he were crazy."Five?! Are you nuts!?" I glared."What's the matter? I can take care of them-""That's too much! Besides, it's impossible to have more than two children in this society. Only one will become the heir," I shook my head. Taehyung smiled and crawled forward to hug me."You don't want to make babies for me?" He pouted. I scoffed."I didn't say that-""I grew up a lonely child because I was the only child. You and Jungkook never really included me in your play time because I was older. We should have many children so they won't get bored," Taehyung explained. I shook my head in disbelief."Sit still. Your cheeks are burned," I smiled, slightly pushing him away as he hugged me. Taehyung pouted but did as I instructed, so I got off the mattress to grab my skincare essentials and massaged the treatment onto his face."I got tanned," Taehyung muttered with his eyes closed. I carefully rubbed the calming essence over his forehead."The ajummas declared you're the hottest when you were playing shirtless with the alphas," I smiled. Taehyung huffed under his breath."See? Even the older generation loves me," Taehyung smiled, so I lowered my hands to stare at his tender gaze."Sure. You're very charming... but you really need to control your temper," I shook my head. Taehyung suddenly dropped his smile at my words."He-""We know it wasn't his fault. I know... you were upset because I spent my time with him, but nothing happened between us. He was on the boat to fish... and I was chatting with ajusshi," I calmly explained. I know I should be upset with his violent behavior, but I didn't want to cause more conflict between him and Seokjin. I should be sensible about this matter and address it instead of getting upset.Taehyung grew hushed as he stared at me with a defeated look. I smiled and pecked his lips. I tried to pull away when he clasped his hand behind my head to stop me from breaking the kiss. I giggled when I felt him fondling my breasts over the nightgown. Taehyung gently shifted his lips to my neck and sucked on me as I intensely gripped his shoulder. Gulping, I lowered my hand to hold his waist as he laid me back on the bed.The alpha interlaced his fingers with mine with one hand and skated his other hand down my body to reach in between my thighs. I quickly closed my legs, but he was quicker. Hah~! My body suddenly grew tense once I felt the intense pressure over my thin panties as he rubbed between my legs until I curled my toes at the pleasuring activities of his fingers. I pursed my lips to contain my moan when he slipped his finger beneath my panty line to touch my sensitive flesh, making me pant heavily while clinging to his thick muscular arms."Sora, breathe. Make as much noise as you want," Taehyung lifted his face once he noticed I was screwing my face in discomfort to resist the pleasure."But- Ah~ Ah?!-" I tried to speak but ended up jerking in distress as Taehyung shoved his fingers inside me. I gripped his shirt in shock as he slid his finger in and out of me with his alluring gaze on my burning red face."It turns me on to hear you make those sounds," He smiled, gently inserting his finger inside me again.My chest shakily raised and shrunk as he played between my legs. I moaned in distress as he steadily rubbed my inside, gently stroking in an upward motion... until a spasm of heat expanded across my body. I bit my lower lips and tugged him down to press my lips against his as he pleased me with his fingers."I want to try something," I panted, forcing Taehyung's chest away. He suddenly stopped rubbing my inside, so I pushed his hand out of my gown and sat up with a flushed face. Taehyung lifted his wet fingers to stare at my discharge. I gulped intensely and pulled him forward to make him sit against the bedhead. We were still fully dressed as he extended his legs on the mattress, so I crawled between his thighs to sit with my legs tucked under me."What?" Taehyung raised his eyebrows."S-So... I read this... novel and... a couple had a lot of foreplay... and specifically... I want to do you a favor," I awkwardly explained. Taehyung frowned at me."A favor?" Taehyung asked unsurely. I gulped intensely at his confused frown and glanced down at the bulge under his pants. Slowly, I lifted my hand to place it over his hump. Taehyung suddenly tensed his body at my touch and glanced at my hand placement.I pursed my lips and rubbed my hand over the fabric, so he quickly looked back up at me with a startled expression. He didn't say anything... so I carefully... tugged his waistband down. Taehyung maintains a calm expression as he watches me slip my hand under his pants. He gripped the pillows with a slight jerk the instant I touched him."Are you okay? You look pale," I smiled. Taehyung blinked and looked up at me. I gently pulled his pants down to his thighs and glanced down at his hardened bulge with my pursed lips. Gently, very gently, I started stroking him. Taehyung shakily breathed at my teasing touch, so I looked up at him to maintain an intense eye contact as he nervously leaned against the bedhead. Why is he so stiff?"W-Wait!" Taehyung gasped- just as I lowered my face toward his crotch. He quickly grabbed my cheeks to stop me from giving him an oral favor."I-Is this your first time?" He swallowed. I blinked at his red cheeks and glanced down at his aroused bulge between my hands."Yeah. I've never done it before. I'll try not to hurt you," I muttered. Taehyung held onto my face with an unsettled frown and slowly... he released my face.I gulped at his approval and lowered my lips to kiss the soft tip. Taehyung jerked at the teasing stroke but didn't say anything, so I stuck out my tongue to lick the bulge, making him exhale shakily. I swallowed nervously, opened my mouth to take him inside and slowly bopped my head over his crotch."Urgh- Oh god- Fuck Sora-" He grunted while holding my head to guide me over him."Tell me if I'm hurting you..." I raised my head to stare at his troubled frown and leaned back down to please him."Hah~ Shit- Sora- if you keep this up- I will lose control of myself!" Taehyung snapped in difficulty as I sped up the pace until he twitched under me. He's feeling good? I'm doing great right? Smiling, I held his firm thighs down and proceeded to entertain him. Taehyung grunted lowly, softly smacking his head against the bedboard until he was out of breath.
He lost control. And we did not sleep until early morning. One... after one... the empty condom packages scattered on the floor. The cool room reeked of our heavy pheromones.

The bed sheet was loose. The pillows were scattered and the water bottles were empty. I was sore. He was sore. Every part of my body ached from the wild night with my lover.

Next Morning
Third Person POVKim Taehyung grumbled under his breath, sleepily turning on his side to extend his arm over the mattress. He snuggled into the soft pillow, aimlessly patting the cold bed to search for Sora's warmth, but there was nothing but the empty sheets. He dropped his hand and remained quiet for a brief moment... before jerking into a sitting position with his striking messy hair and puffy eyes.The alpha rubbed his eyelids and turned his head from side to side with one eye open to search for his girlfriend until he found her standing on the terrace in her thin nightgown. Taehyung grumbled and plopped back onto the bed to lie on his back with his eyes closed again. After exactly... ten seconds... He lifted his head to stare at Sora again as she hung the laundry on the railings. He frowned at her. She opened the door and stepped back into the room with her sleeves rolled up."What are you doing?" Taehyung hoarsely asked from the bed."I was doing laundry. Our clothes were soaked with salt water," Sora shrugged, walking forward to sit by his bedside. She smiled weakly at his puffy face as he struggled to stay awake."We can just throw it away," Taehyung muttered, fighting the urge to keep his heavy eyelids open."Those are new clothes. Stop being the snobbish rich heir and learn to conserve your resources," Sora smiled at Taehyung. He gently weaved his fingers with hers."You shouldn't ruin your pretty fingers," He sighed while massaging her hand. Sora smiled and leaned forward to kiss his forehead."I'll return Minah's cardigan, so I'll be back. Let's join breakfast with the alphas. Wash up," Sora patted his bare chest and got up to leave the room with the cardigan. Kim Taehyung remained on the bed sleepily with his gaze fixed on the soaked clothes on the railing.The couple eventually got changed and headed down to the hotel's dining hall to have breakfast with their fellow alphas. It was a free day, so the alpha was allowed to enjoy their time at the luxury hotel. A few lower ranks went swimming in the outdoor pool. Others used the exclusive sauna. Some spent their time on the rooftop... while others remained in their room to rest from the exhausting tasks they had to endure the previous day.
Jeon Jungkook and Park Jimin... chose to disturb the couple.
"They're so annoying," Taehyung sighed while sitting on the couch to watch Jimin and Jungkook press the controller as they made their characters fight on the large television screen. Sora was dealing with her business in the bathroom when the doorbell rang. Taehyung lifted his eyebrows unsurely and got up to open the door. He paused."Sora asked me to come over," Seokjin dully spoke as Taehyung blankly stared at Seokjin's bandaged nose."Why would she invite you over?" Taehyung pressed his tongue against the inner side of his mouth."Who's there?!" Jungkook shouted from the living room as Jimin cursed at the television screen."Oh! You're here! Let me find your jacket!" Sora poked her head to find Taehyung standing before Seokjin in the doorway. Taehyung dully watched his girlfriend lift the heap of dried laundry to search for his rival's jacket. Seokjin stood sternly by the door frame... with his blank gaze on Kim Taehyung's spiteful glare."Do you have a death wish?" Taehyung asked, clenching his jaw at Seokjin's persistent appearance."I'm simply here to-""Taehyung, have you seen the black jacket? I'm sure I left it here!" Sora frantically lifted the pillows to search for Seokjin's jacket."Oh. It's here," Taehyung replied with dead eyes trained on Kim Seokjin."Oh? Did you take it? Where is it?" Sora cluelessly walked toward the doorway as Taehyung held onto the door handle. She uneasily glanced at the towering men as they darkly stared at each other."Right here," Taehyung smirked, suddenly kicking the trash bin, sending it crashing to the floor. Crash. Sora froze in her place when Seokjin's jacket came rolling out with the other trash. Seokjin calmly glanced down at the mess before him until he noticed the used condoms spilling from the bin. Sora's eyes widened in horror. She glanced up at Taehyung's smug expression and back at Seokjin's dirty jacket... to the scattered condoms."I- I'll wash it for you again!" Sora uneasily chuckled to dismiss the tension, quickly bending down to shove Taehyung's filled condom inside the trash before picking up Seokjin's dirty jacket."Put it down, Sora. It's dirty," Taehyung ordered. She halted and looked up at him while crouching on the floor. Sora furrowed her eyebrow at Taehyung's grim expression as she clenched tightly onto the jacket."Don't bother. I'm not here to pick a fight. I'll ask the hotel staff to wash it," Seokjin sighed, crouching before Jang Sora to grab his jacket. Taehyung clenched the door handle as Seokjin dusted his jacket by the doorway."Are you sure?" Sora worriedly stared at Seokjin's blank expression."I wash my own clothes every day," Seokjin shrugged and turned to leave with his dirty jacket. Taehyung stood blankly without closing the door.Sora bitterly glanced at her boyfriend and quietly crouched down to clean up the mess. She collected the trash to place it back in the bin. BANG. Sora flinched in shock when Taehyung suddenly slammed the door shut. The door... barely missing her fingers as she reached for a bottle cap. She looked up at her lover in shock. Taehyung didn't look at her and stomped back into the room. The supreme alpha swallowed her anger... and quietly positioned the bin in its proper place after setting the lid back on it.
Meanwhile.
Jungkook and Jimin were cluelessly gaming inside the room. They kept shouting at each other without being aware of the tension inside the room."Get out of my room," Taehyung demanded. Sora sighed and walked into the bathroom to wash her hands."Wae-""I SAID GET OUT OF MY FUCKING ROOM!" Taehyung bellowed angrily, causing the other two to jerk in a panic. They wildly stared at Taehyung's fiery glare. Dumbfounded by his startling demand."Yah- What's the matter-""Do I have to repeat myself?" Taehyung gritted angrily, firing his cousin and his friend a furious scowl. Jimin and Jungkook exchanged startled looks and quickly got onto their feet. The alphas quickly nudged each other and rushed towards the door- Thud.The alphas closed the door as Taehyung rested his hands on his hips until Sora stepped out of the bathroom. She didn't look at Taehyung, but she could already sense his anger seeping toward her. The hot steam of his rage... scorching her skin. She quietly dried her hand with a towel and turned to walk towards the door."Where are you going?" Taehyung asked in a low tone. Sora swallowed and reached for the door."You said to leave your room, so I'll stay with Jungkook and Jimin- BANG," Sora spoke calmly. Taehyung furiously stormed up to her and slammed his hand above her head to bang the door shut just as she tried to open it. Sora froze at his eruption and slowly lifted her tearful eyes to stare at Taehyung with a disapproving frown."I didn't say you could leave," Taehyung fumed over her. Sora sucked in her cheeks as she fought to remain calm.... but the anger within her was... raging uncontrollably."Did you think you could stop me if I wanted to leave?" She coldly asked. Taehyung narrowed his discontented gaze at her."You know I can't stop you. That's why you keep luring... Kim Seokjin back to you," Taehyung sneered. Sora felt a jolt of offense banging against her chest as she stared at him with a frustrated frown."What's the matter with you?" She asked."What's the matter with me?! Why do you keep associating yourself with Kim Seokjin? You wouldn't like it if I did it with Haerim, so why are you constantly doing this to me? Perhaps... it's your secret revenge game to get back at me over the stupid flowers?! Do you want it that badly!? I can buy you an entire field of flowers if that's what you really want!" Taehyung roared at her face. Sora quietly observed his fuming red face."It was never my intention to hurt your feelings-""You're not hurting me, but I feel like I'm going to explode because of your fucking stubborn nature!" Taehyung rudely snapped."Seokjin isn't the problem-""Oh, so I'm the problem now? Never Seokjin?! Because he's the perfect man!?" Taehyung glowered at his girlfriend. The supreme alpha stood before him in silence."Oh. You are the problem, Kim Taehyung. Seokjin is an unproblematic person, but you? You keep bugging me with your delusional mind!" Sora snapped in anger."M-Moh?! Delusional mind!? When was I ever delusional!?" Taehyung snarled. Sora screwed her face in frustration and shook her head."You know what? I won't argue with you because it's pointless!" Sora scoffed and tried to yank the door open, but Taehyung held it close and suddenly grabbed her shoulders. She roughly pushed him away in irritation as he tightened his grip on her shoulders."Don't you fucking dare turn your back on me when I'm trying to confront your problematic behavior!" Taehyung roared, accidentally shoving her a little too hard into the wall.Sora whimpered in shock at his harsh reaction and looked up at him in tears. Kim Taehyung clenched his jaw, fiercely leaning forward to narrow his resentful pupils on her... but this time... Sora didn't yield and glared right back at him.
The atmosphere within the room suddenly grew tense as they furiously maintained their deadly eye contact.

The darkness... seeping dangerously from their... agitated souls.

Neither of them was willing to surrender and was... ready... to pounce at the other as the evil consumed their clouded minds... filling them with the vicious intention to kill for the gratifying triumph.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Third Person POV
Mrs. Kim chortled merrily while covering her lips with her hand to hide the gleaming delight on her face as she strolled through the hotel's corridor with Mrs. Jang. Jungkook was chatting with his father as his stepmother walked behind them with her arms crossed. Meanwhile, Mr. Jang and Mr. Kim quietly discussed the matters related to their port's upcoming grand opening as Mrs. Park lectured Jimin for not taking care of his delicate mochi skin. His face is peeling from being burnt by the scorching sun."I'm so glad they made up!" Mrs. Kim chuckled."Young love is a match on fire," Mrs. Jang agreed, grinning at Taehyung's mother."I think they did more than just resolve the issue~!" Jungkook turned to wink at the mothers."What do you mean by that?" Mr. Jeon stared at Jungkook unsurely.Jimin snorted at Jungkook's devilish smile as they entered the royal suite reserved for the top powerful households. Jimin was the last to enter the suite after the elders. The joyous laughter suddenly died down as Jimin halted with a smile on his confused face when he found the elders and Jungkook gawking at something with a startled expression. No one uttered a word."What's the matter?" Jimin asked, walking forward with an unsettled feeling when everyone remained frozen in their place. The spacious living room finally came into view. Jimin abruptly froze when he found... Jang Sora and Kim Taehyung... perching stiffly on the couch with a dead glare. They were both... glowering at the pearly white tiles beneath their slippers as they sat side... by side with their arms crossed over their pulsing chest. It's as if they were in a heated argument.

Do-hwan and imo... who arrived at the suite before everyone else, stood on the side with uptight expressions as the elders observed the fuming heirs. Jungkook pursed his lips at the red handprint on Taehyung's cheek before glancing at Sora's striking messing hair. Her knuckles were bruised."You told us... they made up..." Mr. Jeon awkwardly nudged Jungkook's arm with his eyes on the couple as they sat without budging on the couch. The heirs didn't even bother greeting the elders and remained muted."They did! Ask Jimin! They disappeared together to visit the abandoned mansion- and came back acting like newlyweds~! Sora even gifted Taehyung a cliche couple bracelet- and he even said he loved her under the moon~! I witnessed their mortifying romance with my own two eyes~!" Jungkook funnily turned to defend himself while pointing at his bulging eyeballs. The elders skeptically stared at Jungkook's offended claim before diverting their attention to the couple as they sideways... glared at each other from the corner of their eyes."Did you guys fight again???" Jimin scoffed, walking forward. Sora and Taehyung immediately snapped their heads upward to fire Jimin a threatening glare when he tried to approach them. He immediately froze at their harsh reaction."Aigo~! You should resolve the problem quickly! What is it this time?" Imo sighed in frustration. Jungkook shook his head in disappointment and strolled away with Jimin. The elders sighed in displease at the couple's fruitless relationship, ultimately separating their ways to prepare for the upcoming event."Do-hwan. Stay here. Just in case they try to strangle each other," Mrs. Jang dismissively waved, striding away with her husband to prepare for the ceremony. Do-hwan sighed and sat down on a single couch beside the couple, dismissively tapping on his phone as Imo hurried away to prepare the supreme alpha's bath. Taehyung and Sora remain stiff in their place without speaking after getting into a trivial fight in their hotel room earlier.The chief guard got up to open the door for the other guards as they escorted the stylists and makeup artists inside the room.
Sora's POV
Imo eventually dragged me away from the living room to make me bathe in the hydrating milk foam she prepared. I didn't speak to her and slipped naked into the tub, carefully sitting in the warm water with a slight grimace. The woman only released a heavy exhale... every now and then as she gently exfoliated my back, arms, and legs with a soft scrub. I know she wants to speak to me about the fight."What happened? Did Taehyung upset you?" Imo finally asked as she rubbed a soothing oil over my back and shoulder to soften my dull skin. I stayed quiet at first as she calmly massaged my stiff muscles."Was he always so problematic?" I asked, blankly staring out the glass barrier to observe the distant islands. What happened earlier? Taehyung wouldn't release me even after I told him he was hurting me, so I shoved him backward.
He got super furious with my harsh reaction and tried to stop me from leaving the room- so we had a small fight until I lost my temper and slapped him hard. Taehyung instantly stopped attacking me after I knocked him back to his senses. Fortunately, Do-hwan found us before Taehyung could throw me off the terrace for smacking him. The man brought us to our parent's suite and told us to behave since the elders were on their way to join us.
"Taehyungie? He was never an easy soul to comfort," Imo quietly spoke from behind my back as she rubbed the scented shampoo between her palms."How did you handle him?" I asked. Imo faintly chuckled as she rubbed her fingertips over my scalp to relax my racing mind. I sighed and leaned backward to let her massage my head."I almost quit my job as his babysitter the first month at the mansion. But I couldn't leave because of the strict work contract. I promised your mother to take care of him. He was about... fourteen years old then? I saw you for a week before your parents sent you to the States. So I was left to deal with... an ill-tempered heir, Kim Taehyung," Imo sighed."He's still ill-tempered," I grunted, glancing down at the floating flower petals in my tub in displease."He was undeniably a tough challenge. I worked in a different unit at the Busan Mansion... as a trainee. I only saw you guys from afar. He was a bright kid at the place, but he was never the same after Jungkook's birth mother passed. The household was unstable. You and Jungkook were later exposed to the society after your mother resided in Seoul. The once... brilliant boxy smile on Taehyung's face... withered into... grim thin lips. Of course, I noticed the abrupt changes. He didn't speak with anyone. Not even his parents. And would... often throw a fit when things didn't go his way. He once... shoved a steaming soup into me and... would sometimes... throw his toys at me when he was upset with my presence. It was difficult for me to cater to his needs. I cried sometimes... because I couldn't bear to deal with a headstrong child like him," Imo softly spoke behind my back."He's bipolar," I muttered. That's what he does. One moment he's sweet and caring, and the next moment, he's unleashing his darkness at me. One moment he's treating me with so much tenderness... and the next moment... he's ready to murder me. One moment he's expressing all the endearing phrases... and the next moment... he's cursing at me."At first, I thought he was doing it because he was insensitive but... it didn't make sense. After burning my hands... he'd quietly steal glances to check my injury with a guilty expression. He'd quietly lift his toys after throwing them at me... and he'd give me supplements, claiming he hated it and ordered me to have them instead. He cared about my well-being. Kim Taehyung would ask me to bring big portions of food, knowing he couldn't finish it, and would order me to have the remaining meal, " Imo muttered as he gently washed my hair."The more I try to understand his nature... the less I understand him," I sighed. I'm desperately trying to please him. Again and again, I'd have to reassure him of my feelings, but even after the multiple honest conversations and confessions from me... there was still mistrust in his mind. What am I supposed to do? How far do I have to sprint for him to believe me?"That's why I stopped trying to understand him. I accepted him for who he was. A pitiful soul... struggling to communicate his feelings, especially sentimental emotions," Imo replied."Even if he's hurting you? Am I supposed to do that too? Let him abuse me and do nothing about it?" I grimaced. Imo had no choice because it was her work duty to please him. She had to tolerate his crazy tempers and hurtful actions because of her work contract.
What about me? Now thinking about it... I'm not so different from Imo's situation... I don't have a choice either because it is my duty to be his life partner. There is no written contract between us, but I'm bound to him, and therefore, I am obliged to endure his darkness.

Usually, in a situation like this, I'd pull away to isolate myself... but I can't do the same with Taehyung. I can't break up with him like I did with Seokjin. I've already signed away my soul to a forever with him... and there is little I can do to escape our written destiny.

Still. Do I truly deserve to live a submissive life with him?
"He might be harsh with his actions and words... but he'll always feel remorseful afterward. Kim Taehyung will always confront his blunders and somehow... find a way to apologize, even if it's an indirect gesture. Why else did he give me supplements? Or snacks? And sometimes even gifts after he returns from school, claiming he randomly found it on his way from the academy when there's a literal price tag on the gifts?" Imo smiled. I grew hushed. Imo gently rinsed my hair with lukewarm water to wash off the excess shampoo. She was finally done bathing me, so she exited the bathroom...  and I was left alone to shower. I quietly scrubbed my body to rub off the milk grease from my skin and finally pulled on the warm bathrobe after losing my mind to the bottomless thoughts."The staff will handle Jungkook and Jimin first. So in the meantime... Why don't you two sit down and tell us... What exactly are you fighting over?" Eomma nodded, signaling me to sit beside Taehyung on the couch as I stood in my robe. He was also in his bathrobe after the shower. Both our hair is... soaking wet. I sighed and sat down beside him with my arms crossed. We didn't look at one another as Taehyung pressed an ice pack on his bruised cheek."Honey. Speak to us," Mrs. Kim urged her son. Taehyung remained muted, so my mother and Mrs. Kim glanced at me for an explanation."I don't know. Don't look at me. Ask him. He's the problematic person," I rudely shrugged. They glanced back at Taehyung. The alpha gripped his icepack, sourly glancing at me with an annoyed grimace."I don't understand why you guys are fighting when you've already made up?" My mother sighed at his persistent refusal to speak. Why is he muted? He's caused the problem himself!"Well, your condoms are missing, so I assume-""Eomma!" Taehyung snapped in annoyance, interrupting his mother, who flinched at his booming voice. I awkwardly glanced at my mother's narrowed gaze."Kim Taehyung! You better explain your foolish behavior! I will not allow you to treat Sora as if she's your punching bag! She's your future wife- so be a respectful man and stop throwing a tantrum like a dense child!" Mr. Kim suddenly appeared in his formal suit. Taehyung stiffened at his father's presence."Kim Seokjin kept returning to her!" Taehyung blurts in irritation. The room grew hushed."What?" Eomma asked, shifting her suspicious gaze to me."She wore his jacket and refused mine-""IT WAS SCORCHING HOT AND YOU ONLY HAD YOUR HOODIE ON! I DIDN'T WANT YOU TO BURN-" I wildly turned to glare at Taehyung."YOU WENT ON A DATE WITH HIM ON THE BOAT-""I WAS ASLEEP! AJUSSHI DIDN'T WANT TO WAKE ME! AND NOTHING HAPPENED BETWEEN US BECAUSE SEOKJIN WAS TOO BUSY FISHING!" I angrily screamed at his stupid face. Taehyung tensed his body muscles at my constant interruptions."Are you jealous?" Mrs. Kim's jaw dropped at Taehyung's fuming red face."I'm not! It's just irritating-""So irritating you shoved me into the sea! So irritating you had to punch Kim Seokjin when he never did anything to me! So irritating- you purposely dumped our trash can to show Kim Seokjin your cum filled condoms because you wanted him to know that you're fucking me well! Tell your parents the truth!" I shrieked. The elder's jaw dropped in disbelief after I recklessly disclosed everything to them. I don't care if it's too detailed! Taehyung clenched his fist, turning to fire me a warning glare. Wae? Does he want to punch me?! Do it then! Show our parents what you're capable of doing!"You punched Kim Seokjin?" Mr. Kim widened his eyes in disbelief."No! He literally beat the shit out of a second rank! An alpha in a rank higher than him! And even attempted to drown Seokjin in the sea!" I snapped. Taehyung stiffened in his seat when his father let out an infuriated scoff."Why on earth would you physically assault Kim Seokjin!? In front of so many witnesses!? You know his parents are insanely sensitive to his well-being!" Mrs. Kim scolded her son."BECAUSE HE'S NOT OVER HER! I CAN SEE IT! I CAN SENSE HIS GREED FOR HER- AND I CAN DEFINITELY SENSE HIS INTENTION! HE WANTS HER BACK!" Taehyung bellowed, furiously exploding at the elders in rage."BUT I WILL BE YOUR FUCKING WIFE! AND YOU'LL BE MY HUSBAND! ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR GODDAMN MIND?! HOW FAR DO I HAVE TO GO TO PROVE MY SINCERITY?!- FINE! DO YOU WANT A BABY?! LET'S MAKE LOVE WITHOUT A CONDOM! I'LL LET YOU IMPREGNATE ME!" I angrily sneered at Taehyung. He wildly turned to scoff at my ridiculous statements with a stunned expression."Sora-""Let's make babies! Come on! Strip!- If that's what it takes to make you believe me- then splurge your goddam sperm in my womb!" I demanded, angrily scrambling across the couch to grab his robe. Taehyung quickly grabbed my wrist in a panic, but I pushed him back and tried to unfasten his robe, causing the elders to shriek in shock. Taehyung hastily shoved me away, but I resisted and yanked his robe off his shoulder until I felt a firm grip around my waist... and I was towed backward."JANG SORA!" Eomma snapped in shock. I wildly spun around to find Do-hwan grimacing at my hysterical outburst. Taehyung glared at me from the couch, causing me to jerk in anger, but Do-hwan only tightened his clasp around my body to hold me in place."I did everything for you! I never blamed you- even after you accidentally pushed me into the sea! I got you a bracelet to prove my devotion to you! I forgave you after you softened my heart with your greasy words! I let you in between my legs! I let you roam your hands all over my body! I let you do everything you wanted with me! And it wasn't enough! You went as far as- shamelessly using your semen to boost your ego against another man! And still- I didn't react, but you had to repeatedly- test my limits! What else do you need from me?!" I screamed at Taehyung as he sat on the couch with a stern frown. Do-hwan gripped tightly onto my waist as we stood in the living room, so I turned to glare at the elders until my eyes swelled with warm tears. The room suddenly grew hushed after my heated explosion."The... stylist is ready to attend Sora..." Jimin awkwardly spoke up to break the unsettling atmosphere."You shouldn't cry. Your eyes will swell," Imo sighed, gently taking my hands as I fumed in extreme agitation.Do-hwan cautiously released my waist, placed his hands firmly on my shoulders, and steered me away from the elders. I sniffled in distress while wiping my tears. Fuck! I'm so frustrated! Imo nervously led me inside the dressing room as I struggled to contain the flooding emotions. The staff quickly bowed at my presence... and I was forced to stare at my tearful eyes before the mirror as I sat on the chair."I'll brew you warm tea," Do-hwan sighed, strolling out of the room to leave me with imo. The woman sadly stared at my hopeless condition and turned to instruct the staff. No one said a word as they set off to work. I felt weirdly empty after confronting Taehyung... so I sat in absolute silence to suppress my tears because I didn't want to interrupt the makeup artist's work. I shouldn't put innocent people in trouble with my parents. The least I can do is make their work easy for them.The stylist finally pulled an elegant white dress over my body. The sleeves ended just above my elbow... and it was as long as my shin. It's not a ball, so they aren't as pressed to put on anything extravagant. I glanced at the rows of sparking dresses with a bitter look. Thank god they didn't doll me up like a princess again. My makeup was light and my hair was placed into a loose ponytail with soft frames."Do you want to keep this on?" Imo asked. I glanced at the moon bracelet on my wrist. She uneasily looked up at me for an answer. I nodded. I might lose it if I take it off. Do-hwan escorted me out of the suite before the others because I told him I didn't want to be in the same room as Taehyung or the elders."At least you're freely breathing in the dress," Do-hwan smiled as he leaned against the lobby pillar to watch me brood over the stupid dispute."Was your love life always this complicated?" I asked him. Do-hwan chuckled."I never really fought with my wife. We argue over petty things, but it was never serious," Do-hwan smiled. I blankly stared at the bracelet without speaking."Taehyung. He actually got something for you before you guys argued, but it seems like... He didn't give it to you yet," Do-hwan smiled. I lifted my dim eyes to stare at him."I don't need anything from him," I muttered, dropping my sullen gaze to stare at my wrist. Jungkook and Jimin finally strolled toward me in their fully tailored suits and polished shoes. I got up and left the lobby with Do-hwan. Taehyung eventually slipped inside the back seat with me, but he didn't say anything. I glanced out the window as Do-hwan instructed the driver to roll away from the hotel's entrance.
A moment later.
I sat quietly in the exclusive lounge at the venue by the massive port with the other alphas to watch the government officials, reporters, and journalists fill the area below. Appa wanted to make me speak at the event, but I refused his request. He didn't seem pleased with my grumpiness... and left to chat with Taehyung... who was seated across the room."Did the couple fight again?" Minho smirked, approaching me with a champagne glass. I glared at him in annoyance and glanced away. Seokjin lifted his head from his lounge to observe me as Hoseok chatted with Namjoon.Minah and Haerim were both wearing fancy dresses. Minho ultimately left me alone after failing to irritate me. However, his presence was replaced by another person. Taehyung suddenly sat down beside me with a bottle of water. He didn't speak and opened the cap, handing it to me, but I glanced away and crossed my arms.The last thing I need right now is to argue with him again. I rudely got up from the couch and strolled out of the room without informing anyone. Do-hwan was too busy speaking with our guards as I made my way down the marble stairs and left through the backdoor until I found the staff bustling through the corridor."Bring me a bottle of... that," I ordered, nodding at the rows of wine bottles on the table. A man looked up at me as he crouched over the crates, clearly startled by my demand. I strode out onto the port to stroll over the concrete dock. The sun had already set, so only the dim light poles... were lighting my path as I approached the end of the bridge. It's dark. Ding. I sighed and lifted my phone to find a text from Yangcha. The kid sent me a cute selfie of himself.Yangcha: I won a keychain, noona~!I quietly read his text, carefully sitting on the edge with a slight smile. I sent him a laughing sticker before lifting my face to stare at the calm ocean before me."My lady," A man spoke up. I turned to find the same monolid-eyed staff approaching me with a wine bottle."You found me," I smiled. He politely handed me the wine bottle with a wine opener."You will stain your dress," He smiled, nodding at my white dress as I sat on the bare concrete."Can you open it for me?" I asked, lifting the bottle with a slight smile. He chuckled and opened the wine bottle as requested, so I raised it to my lips and drank the liquor directly from the bottle. He stood quietly... examining me with a faint smile. He's handsome."Do you want some?" I asked, patting the space beside me."I'm on duty right now... and I wouldn't dare sit next to a high-class lady," He chuckled. I scoffed at his words and turned to face the calm sea while shaking my head."Does being high class make me any different from a human like you? I'm just a person," I smiled. He exhaled before shifting his gaze to the dark ocean."You've got everything in your life. A man like me... has nothing," He quietly spoke. I chuckled at his words. That's not true. The burden of being the supreme alpha is crushing my soul.A moment later."Sora," Jungkook called. I turned to find Jungkook standing midway on the dock. The staff glanced at Jungkook."Thank you for the wine," I smiled and stood up to dust my dress, leaving the wine bottle on the concrete. The man politely bowed at me as I passed him to approach Jungkook, who was bitterly staring at me."It's almost time for the event," Jungkook sighed, turning to lead me away. I didn't say anything and returned to the venue with him."I need to use the restroom," I informed Jungkook, dismissively turning to enter the restroom. So-young and Mira were fixing their makeup before the mirror. I stepped inside a stall to deal with my business before striding out to wash my hands in the empty bathroom. Sighing, I pushed the door open- Thump. I suddenly collided right with a person, causing me to gasp in shock."Oh! I'm sorry!" I apologized as he gripped my waist to stabilize me. My eyes widened in surprise when I recognized the familiar face. It was... Mr. Kim. Seokjin's father."Did I hurt you?" The man asked, unblinkingly staring at me. I gulped at his blank expression until I felt the man... tightening his grip around my waist."N-Neh. I'm fine-" I stuttered. Seokjin's father didn't budge as he gazed at me with... his weirdly attentive eyes."Abeoji? What are you doing here?" Seokjin suddenly appeared. His father immediately withdrew his arm from my waist. I awkwardly cleared my throat while patting my dress. What's with his father? I've never heard the man speak before."Oh. I got lost and thought it was the men's bathroom," His father replied once Seokjin stopped before us. Seokjin doubtfully glanced at the glowering women's sign over the bathroom with a slight frown. His father turned to leave the corridor without uttering another word."Are you alright?" Seokjin asked, frowning at my gloomy expression."Can we not... interact anymore?" I asked, dimly looking up at him."What? I simply didn't want to make things awkward between us-""It's not that. Taehyung is upset with me... because we keep interacting," I sighed."You guys fought? No- Did he get upset over the jacket? I only returned to retrieve it because it was gifted by my mother-""I don't want to upset Taehyung anymore so let's avoid each other," I exhaled. Seokjin frowned at me with a questioning look."He's making you submit to him," Seokjin nodded."No. It's just that I care about Taehyung... a lot. I don't want to make him feel uncomfortable over our past relationship," I shook my head. Seokjin dimmed his expression, suddenly shifting his gaze past my shoulder, so I turned around to find Taehyung standing right behind me with a blank expression. Did he overhear everything?"Let's go," Taehyung muttered. I nodded and walked off, so he turned and followed me, leaving Seokjin by himself... in the corridor. We didn't speak as we headed to the crowded venue, packed with high-ranking officials and honored guests. Eomma and appa stood excitedly by the podium as the lower-ranking households stood on the stage. I stared at Jimin and Jungkook as they stood with the other alphas."Smile for the camera," Eomma reminded me when the host welcomed us onto the stage. I slowly strolled onto the raised platform with Taehyung as Seokjin and his parents strode from the opposite side. Seokjin's father kept his emotionless gaze on me until I felt uncomfortable, so I shifted my gaze away.The crowd gave us a round of applause as I stood beside Taehyung and Seokjin. Our parents stood on either of us as the blinding camera flashes flickered before our faces. My father and Seokjin's father eventually stepped forward with a microphone to give their speech as the biggest contributors in the port's project. I zoned out before the dull faces... until I noticed Jimin arguing with So-young beside a door at the far back of the venue.So-young was furiously poking his chest as he bitterly stared at her. I froze when I felt something grazing against my hand, so I glanced at Taehyung as he gently brushed my pinky finger. Sighing, I clasped my hands together to stop him from touching me. Taehyung maintained a neutral expression for the audience. Slither. I stiffened at the presence of his arm around my waist. What's with him? Did he think he could do whatever he wanted before the public eye? Frowning, I turned to glare at his annoying side visual as he gently pulled me closer to him. Eomma fired a warning glare to stop me from shifting away so I gave in... and let him hold me.So-young hastily snatched a glass of champagne from a server's tray, roughly splashing the liquor on Jimin's face, causing my eyes to widen in shock as I watched them clash from the stage. They were furiously arguing at the far back of the venue, away from all of the audience's attention. No one seemed to notice them but me.The server appeared somewhat frightened as So-young glared at Jimin's dark expression. Why are they fighting? Jimin is soaked. My parents finally concluded their speech, followed by an eruption of deafening applause from the audience as we made our way off the stage. Should I check on Jimin? I shouldn't intervene. Jungkook was casually speaking with Minah as he stood with his arms crossed."Where are you going?" Taehyung asked, gently grabbing my wrist when I tried to stroll away."I need to use the bathroom," I replied, dismissively pushing his hand off mine and strolled through the crowd as the officials and investors rose from their seats to greet the alphas. I scanned the crowded hall, but Jimin was nowhere to be found. So-young had also disappeared. I blinked and pushed a door open, carefully slipping into the hushed corridor."Jimin?" I called while walking down the corridor. Where did he go? I'm not trying to meddle with his love affairs, but I should still check on him. Just in case he needs to get changed. I cluelessly rounded a corner, suddenly coming... face-to-face with So-young, who walked forward with her arms crossed and chin tilted upward with a bitter frown. I unconsciously backed away but stopped myself from... surrendering to her assertion and stood my ground."The rumors about you are true," She scoffed, eyeing me with pure spite."I don't know what you heard about me-""Playing innocent? You're a bloodsucker! How dare you try to terminate Jimin?!" She snapped, stepping forward to glare at me in anger. I wasn't upset. Instead, I was dumbfounded by her outrageous allegation."Terminate Jimin?-""Your household restrained most of his family's authority in the council! Your parents robbed ten fucking percent of Jimin's household! How can you be so fucking shameless? Discarding the Park after they served you for almost a decade, simply just because they're not benefitting you anymore?!" So-young snarled. I stared at her with my mouth half open. I wanted to counter her, but I was never aware... of the household politics. Was that why she was so pissed at me? Is that why she persuaded Jimin to join her alliance? To save him from my parents?"I wasn't aware-""But Kim Taehyung knew! And yet he kept silent because he'd rather let his friend die to side with a bloodsucker like you! After all, what will Kim Taehyung lose after marrying you!? Nothing! Everything you own will become his!" So-young shrieked in anger. I blinked at So-young's in horror as she flared her steaming nostrils at me.
All those times... Jimin was smiling so brightly... was he ever happy? His household is on the verge of collapsing... and yet... he chose to stick with my household? Why? Taehyung once mentioned Jimin's unstable position in the council back at the beach- but I never paid attention to his dire condition. 
THUD. THUD.
I snapped out of my thoughts at the sound of thundering footsteps from the left corridor until a man dressed in complete black appeared before us. His face is covered with a black mask. So-young redirected her sharp glare at him, making the man freeze at the intersection. Slowly... I lowered my gaze to the blood-soaked knife. Fresh blood... was dripping from the... blade.My mouth slightly parted as my brain alarmed me of his dangerous presence. The man unexpectedly rushed forward, causing me to stumble backward as he swiftly swung the dirty knife at us. So-young screamed in a panic as she toppled over the floor in her high heels.What the actual fuck!? Why is there an attacker inside a secured venue!? The man swiftly turned to raise the knife at So-young- and without thinking- I bolted forward to snatch his wrist with all my strength. The man furiously snapped his glowering glare at me with his piercing dark eyes, hastily yanking his arm out of my grip. Wobble! I staggered to the side as he rose to his feet with a malicious scowl.Shakily... I stumbled backward with my wary gaze on the saturated blade as So-young scrambled onto her feet with a terrified face. The man was standing between us... so I glanced at So-young's eyes... swelling with fearful tears- THUD! THUD!My heart thumped in a panic as So-young spun around on her heels to flee the scene, leaving me alone with the ill-intended attacker. I watched her dash away without looking back until she disappeared around the other intersection. Gulping, I snapped my face back at the man as he inched closer to corner me against the wall. Should I scream for help? No one will hear me since they're all at the venue!"Who are you!?" I snapped. He didn't answer me and bolted forward with his knife, causing me to shriek in shock.I swiftly dodged the fatal swing by an inch, grabbed his strong arm to resist his force, and tried to thrust the knife out of his fingers- but the man was much more powerful. He roughly shoved me against the wall as I secured my grip around his right wrist to stop him from stabbing me. I fiercely glared at his menacing glare as he drove the pointy blade toward my bare neck- CRASH!The man weakly stumbled to the side upon receiving an unexpected blow to the side of his head. The sharp shards shattered all over the floor as I froze in place. Snap! I lifted my terrified eyes to find a monolid-eyed staff gulping at me with his eyes wide open in fear. Did he- save me? He was... clutching a broken bottleneck in bewilderment as the attacker grunted on the floor with a bleeding scalp."Are you okay-""Leave! Alert the guards!" I gasped, harshly shoving him aside- just as the attacker leaped onto his feet and tried to stab the waiter. What is he doing here?! He'll only get himself killed being this defenseless!The waiter shrieked, weakly stumbling to the side, so I quickly turned to kick the blade out of the man's hand, sending it skidding across the floor. The attacker frantically scrambled across the slippery floor to reach the knife as the powerful dark energy surged through my veins."URGH!-" The attacker gasped in pain as I leaped onto him from behind to staple his body against the floor. The man violently resisted and tried to force me off his back- but I grabbed a handful of his hair to tug his head backward as he remained on the floor with his arm extended towards the knife on the stained tiles."Did you think I was a defenseless bitch?!" I sneered, furiously grabbing his arm to twist it behind his back while sitting over his body."Fuck-" The man grunted, successfully grabbing the knife with his sticky fingers. He swung it backward, so I furiously jerked back his hair, violently banging the side of his head against the wall. THUMP.I aggressively slammed his head against the concrete surface until the knife slipped from his grip at the severe blow to his head. I quickly snatched the blade from the floor and shakily stood up before slamming my pointy heel at his face, causing him to slump weakly against the wall. The dark hollow within my numbed chest had completely engulfed my senses as I dangerously loomed over the man's injured body. My white dress... drenched in another person's blood. The waiter man stared at me with his lips ajar... as he fearfully watched me sneer at the attacker."I said get help! Are you deaf?!" I roared at the waiter. He flinched at my rageful command, shakily backing away with his eyes fixed on me before sprinting off to get help. Breathing heavily, I shifted my dark gaze back... to the mother fucker beneath me."Who sent you?" I lowly questioned, tightly gripping the blade as he sat weakly against the wall. He didn't respond, so I kicked his head with the base of my heel again. The man slumped against the wall, dropping unconscious without resisting me.I quietly stared at his unmoving body as the evil within my head... repeatedly tempted me to plunge the blade into his beating heart. No. I am not a killer. I must keep the man alive to interrogate him. I took a step back from the man and ran in the opposite direction, dashing down the corridor in fear. Jimin is still missing! I followed the dried blood trail on the floor with an uneasy feeling... until I found myself... standing before the men's bathroom. Blood drained from my face."Is someone hurt- '' I panted, pushing the door open in a hurry but halted in fright as soon as I recognized the person. Before me... an alpha... sat weakly against the wall by the sink. The violent blood stain splattering... messily around him. What is this madness?! My heart stopped thumping for a horrifying second when I found the bloody handprints all over the sink and the wall... as if the alpha... struggled to escape his pool of blood."S-Sora?" Jimin whispered, shakily lifting his pale expression to me."Jimin! Shit-! You're losing too much blood-" I gasped, rushing forward and frantically knelt before him as the alpha gripped his bleeding stomach. My eyes swelled in tears after the darkness left my body. Jimin screwed his few in pain, softly thumping his head against the wall as he slightly twitched from the painful gash over his torn flesh."You- have to leave- the attacker-""Stay quiet! I already dealt with him!" I snapped, attempting to rip off my dress, but it wasn't as easy as the movie made it look. Jimin whimpered in pain. I need to stop him from bleeding first! I fearfully searched the bathroom until I spotted the fresh stack of hand towels on the sink. Hastily, I grabbed a few bundles and turned to press my warm palm against Jimin's sweaty cheek."You're not dying today. Bite this for me- It'll be a lot of pain," I sternly stared at his bloodshot eyes. Jimin tried to speak, but he was in so much pain- his lips... ended up... quivering from the unbearable discomfort as I examined his alarming condition in dread.I quickly stuffed the towel into his mouth. He might bite his own tongue. Jimin nodded at me, so I carefully unbuttoned his shirt to reveal the severe... deep cut... just below his hard abs. His fresh blood... seeping... heavily from the open wound. I lifted my worried gaze to study his ashen face in fear. It's too deep. What should I do?"Do it-" Jimin wheezed between the cloth, fearfully staring at me in tears. I grabbed a towel to unfold it before averting my gaze away from his troubled expression. I need to avoid looking at him! Or can't do this! Hastily, I shoved the cloth deep into the open wound, causing Jimin to jerk at my roughness. I pushed back his shoulder to pin him against the wall and stuffed the towel deeper into the tear to block the ripped gash.Jimin grunted in pain as he chewed the towel until his slimy drool dripped onto his sweaty chest. I didn't dare look at him as I jammed the wound opening until it was secure to clog the blood flow before pressing more towels over his wound. The room was entirely muted as I listened to Jimin's low grunts and labored breathing. Thump.I froze... slowly... looking up to find Jimin... slouching weakly against the wall. My heart started racing in fear as I observed his pale face... turning gray. His chest didn't pulsate anymore... and he was suddenly lifeless with little to no sign of struggle."J-Jimin? You need to stay awake!- Jimin!?" I gasped, slapping his bloody cheek in fear, but he didn't respond to my call. Did I kill him? I glanced down at his bloody torso in fear. The blood had stopped leaking from the wound... but he was turning paler by the second."JIMIN!?" The door swung open violently. BANG!I snapped my head around to find So-young standing by the doorway with her horrified eyes on the bloody mess in the restroom. Taehyung roughly pushed past her and rushed inside but stopped in shock when he noticed me kneeling on the floor before Jimin's lifeless body. The doorway was suddenly crowded with people. They all halted to stare at my blood-drenched dress. Shakily, I glanced at the knife on the tile beside me. All the eyes... shifted to the bloody blade... before averting back to me."How dare you harm him?!" So-young shrieked, suddenly storming forward to grab a handful of my hair. I screeched in shock at her painful grip. She roughly yanks me to the side, causing me to whimper in pain."Let me go-""I knew you were a bloodthirsty monster! Killing Park Jimin so your household could eliminate him?!" So-young screeched, angrily dragging me over Jimin's slippery blood. Thud!So-young cried in pain, suddenly releasing my hair after being shoved by an extreme force. I sobbed and lifted my face to find Taehyung standing before So-young with his fingers wrapped securely around her throat as he pinned her hard against the wall. So-young gagged at the pressure with her burning glare as Taehyung tightened his grip on her throat. She whimpered in pain until blood drained from her face."Who are you to abuse the supreme alpha?" Taehyung snarled, lowering his razor-sharp eyes to glare at So-young, who was clawing at his hand."Break it! Jimin is in a critical condition!" Jungkook suddenly launched forward to shove Taehyung away from So-young. She collapsed weakly onto the floor, hysterically coughing in pain until tears dripped from her cat shaped eyes.Jungkook immediately crouched down to heave Jimin's body, but the alpha was too heavy. Sungho and Minho quickly rushed inside to help Jungkook lift Jimin. I sat on the floor in tears as I watched them carry the alpha out of the room. Taehyung hastily bent down to lift me off the floor and stormed off, so I sniffled and hugged his neck for support as he pushed past the crowd."My baby~!" Mrs. Park wailed, rushing through the corridor with the elderly alphas in terror. Jungkook and Minho fought their way... through the commotion as Sungho shouted at the mass to pave a safe passage."Sora!" Appa appeared in bewilderment. I whimpered as my father clasped my bloody face with a terrified expression. Taehyung refused to let anyone handle me and stormed away from the crowd until Do-hwan appeared to assist me.
A moment later.
I sat in absolute silence with my dim eyes on the city view as the gentle breeze swelled in the air. My mind is utterly silenced by the incident at the event. All I could do was sit speechlessly while recalling So-young's words. Again... and again. Her angered voice... echoing relentlessly in my mind until the disturbing bloody scene of Jimin's lifeless condition flashed before my eyes. I snapped out of my thoughts at the sound of a faint footstep. The person quietly settled on the bench beside me. I didn't bother to look at him.Taehyung didn't speak and sat with his hands clasped together. I kept my attention on the blinking building lights beyond the railing with a blank face. It was cold since I'm merely dressed in my thin nightgown. I'm too weary to even bother about my well-being. I want the cold to numb me forever so I don't have to feel anything.Cautiously... the alpha scooted close to me. I ignored him... until I felt his finger grazing against my gown. Still. I didn't acknowledge his presence. Taehyung sighed heavily, suddenly gaining the courage to grab my hand. Nevertheless, I didn't budge as he slipped his fingers between mine to weave our embrace. Taehyung finally shifted his position for the last time to sit against me. He turned to stare at my unblinking eyes with a slight frown and lowered his face to peck my cheek.I finally blinked at his tender stroke and lowered my gaze to stare at our interlaced fingers as he gently rubbed my knuckle with his thumb. Taehyung lifted his other hand to place it under my chin, gently turning my face until our eyes met. I dully stared at his apologetic gaze until he leaned forward to peck my lips. Yet, I remained motionless. He pulled away to graze his finger over my cheek, suddenly releasing my hand to draw me into a comforting hug. I let him embrace him without responding to him.

"I'm really sorry," Taehyung finally apologized as he patted my head. I stared listlessly at the dimly lit garden path without budging as he circled his arms around my back, drawing me closer to his heated body as I rested my chin on his shoulder."I can't feel anything," I whispered. Taehyung slowly pulled away to stare at my feverish skin with a worried frown. He gently brushed my left cheek."You can be upset with my foolish jealousy... but please... rely on me if you're feeling unwell," Taehyung muttered. I quietly observed his concerned gaze. How did we lose our innocence? The world used to be such a bright place.
The grass used to be emerald green. The colorful flowers used to bloom with their captivating beauty. The bees... used to dance above our heads as we chased one another under the vast blue sky. The glowing sun... warming our bodies as we happily laughed at each other's bright beam with so... so much happiness. I swear the world was much brighter... when we were young.

But now? Why is everything so dim? It's as if there's a dark tint over our life. Even the vibrant colors of the flowers on the rooftop garden appeared dull to me. The sky is dark.  The wind is chilly... and my heart... only grows heavier with every breath I take. What went wrong? Is this the unavoidable curse of growth? I desperately wanted to be an adult when I was young. How foolish. If only I knew growing up came at the cost of losing my innocence... I wouldn't have prayed to grow up so quickly.
"Does love bloom from jealousy? Eomma said it's a supplement for a healthy relationship... but it seems like... it's a toxin that kills us," I sighed. Is jealousy really a good sign in a relationship? Clutching onto each other so tightly... until we suffocate. Is that what we call love? How is greed for love... a healthy indication?
I am desperately trying to grasp my parent's advice because they got to experience love before me. That's how they had me... right? I was born from the love between them. So this must be the right way to love. Yet. It didn't feel right to me, no matter how hard I tried to understand it.
"Jealousy is the only confirmation... of our feelings. I'm sorry if it's making you uncomfortable. I just... can't help it... and I'm terribly sorry for my harsh actions," Taehyung whispered. It's the only confirmation? Jealousy is the only confirmation. Right. That's what they keep telling me. I don't even know... if it's the proper justification anymore. My mind is too clouded to distinguish the difference."If you say so... then I should believe you. After all, you're much wiser than me. I've only caused troubles all my life," I nodded in defeat. If that's the rationale to prove the existence of love... then who am I to say otherwise?"I've been with you from the beginning... and I will stay until the end. You know that, right?" Taehyung asked. There was a long pause between us. That's right... Taehyung has always been the one to deal with my stupidity since I was young. He'd scream and scold me in the heat of his anger... but he'd later return to comfort me. Imo's right. He'll never leave my side."I am aware," I nodded. Taehyung sadly rubbed my soft cheek in silence.

"I love you," He weakly smiled. I stared at his curved lips with a tired expression. Why is it that I always soften for his smile? Perhaps... it's because he doesn't often smile? Maybe... his smile is the only validation to prove my worth? Every time he smiles... It feels like I achieved a badge. I couldn't help but feel like... I've accomplished the mission to make him proud of me.
I'd always feel terrible whenever he treated me coldly, and once he showed me a glimpse of... approval... I go weak for him... and I'd push myself to please him... just to put a smile on his face. Even now... as I'm staring at his enchanting smile like this... it makes me want to do more for him. What have I become to be this weak for him? And even if I'm aware of my submission... Why am I willing to give in?
"I've always... wanted to marry you before I fell in love with Jungkook," I muttered. Taehyung raised his eyebrow."What?" He blinked."When we were young... I'd sit and stare at eomma's wedding album. It's funny how I've always imagined you as my groom. I didn't know... what love and marriage were really about. I only wanted to dress up... in the pretty dress and stand by your side," I softly chuckled. Taehyung weakly smiled at me, lowering his hand to hold mine.

I've always liked Taehyung more than just a family. Jungkook... was my best friend, but the obsession with Taehyung eventually subsided the more time I time spent with Jungkook. It was Jungkook... who exposed me to a world of blooming love.
"Our young lady will always have everything her way. Everyone knows that. You want a toy from my favorite collection. You have it. You want to have my favorite snack? You got it. You want me to act silly for you? I'll be a clown for you. When did I ever refuse your adorable requests? Hmm? Because if I dared to refuse you... the little dumpling will sulk with her cute red nose and chubby pouty cheeks," Taehyung softly smiles, gently poking my nose tip with his finger. I pursed my lips to observe his sparkling eyes. I couldn't help but smile at our past, finally leaning forward to hug him tightly. Taehyung exhaled and pulled me closer to him as we sat on the bench in the rooftop garden.
We made up.

In other words, I once again yielded to Kim Taehyung.
_____________________
Jimin was initially admitted to Busan's hospital for an emergency surgery. He survived the fatal stab just below his liver. The Park immediately transferred the alpha out of the hospital by helicopter once his condition was stable enough to be treated at our mansion because they didn't trust the hands of outsiders. It's been a week and Jimin is still on life support. I'd visit him morning and night... to check on his condition, and a nurse was always stationed to watch over him. Eomma didn't let me out of the mansion after the attack because she was afraid... I'd be the next victim.

So-young was extremely upset with Jimin's condition. She started spreading false rumors about me, claiming I was the one to stab Park Jimin in the bathroom even after I saved her from the attacker. Taehyung confronted her at the university, and obviously, she backed off because she was frightened of him. The Parks had reviewed the footage of the incident... ultimately proving my innocence of the attack.
"What's with the third-rank alpha?" Eomma grimaced in the living room as she flipped through the contracts. Ding. I glanced down at my phone screen to find a text from Yangcha.Yangcha: Noona~! Should we go to the arcade together~?Me: I'm busy at the moment. Maybe next time~?Yangcha: *pouting sticker*Yangcha: I'll try to win a cute keychain for you~!"So-young?" I asked, lifting my eyes to stare at my mother."She keeps releasing false information-""Well. She's been persuading Jimin to switch his alliance," I spoke calmly."A new household? Trying to lure the Park-""She likes Jimin. It's only natural for her to care about Jimin's welfare," I interrupted. My mother shifted her questioning gaze to me."What are you talking about-""You're trying to discard the Parks. You hired new directors and chairmen to oversee most of the Park's operations in the council. They were also forced to transfer ten percent of their assets to our household as collateral to secure their alliance contract with us. It's a bit obvious, don't you think? Park Jimin, a high-rank household, suddenly suffering from an attack? No household would dare touch the Park... knowing well... we got their back. If it isn't the weak... perhaps... it's a higher rank's act?" I smirked at her.
So-young's claim was apparently... partly correct. My mother included a new term to the Park's contract, declaring to withhold ten percent of their assets as collateral in exchange for security. Jimin's parents didn't sign the new contract revision and were considering it... until Jimin was attacked.
"Are you implying I sent an assassin after Park Jimin?" Eomma scoffed. She did it to scare the Parks so they would transfer 10% of their assets to her. And they did. That's why she's so cheery today with the Parks modified contract within her grip."It's not a coincidence," I shrugged. If So-young is right about my mother's scheme... Jimin will collapse from being exploited by my household. Eomma fired me a bitter look."Did you think I'd hire extra hands to handle his injury if I really wanted him dead?" Eomma dully averted her eyes back to the documents."Why are you targeting Jimin?" I asked shortly. Eomma gripped the document, lifting her dark gaze to study my smug expression."I never intended to hurt the Parks. I'm only doing this to strengthen Taehyung's position in the council. The Parks might've been our long-term allies, but it doesn't guarantee they'll side with us forever. Many anonymous alphas had revealed themselves. Kim Taehyung's position is compromised by the new threats. If the Park betrays the Kims... Taehyung will have trouble securing his position, so I'm simply chaining the Park down until you two are married. The society isn't a game you should take lightly," Eomma sighed.
So eomma is afraid the Parks will betray The Kims? That's why she's seized 10% of their household assets to weaken them. She's aware So-young's household is tempted to lure the Parks. But she didn't harm Jimin. Then who did? For what purpose? Is it one of those random attacks again? So far... all the past attacks remained a mystery.

The culprit is yet to be found.

Fast Forward.
I stared intensely at the texts on the document with a pencil clutched tightly between my fingers as I sat at Taehyung's desk to work on the task he assigned. Taehyung has been giving me private lessons at home because eomma restricted me from attending school, so he'd bring home my work and... he'd deliver it to the professor the next day."You might set the paper on fire with your intense stare," Taehyung chuckled, stepping out of his bathroom with his damp hair. I shook my head, briefly looking at him as he pulled on his pajamas."I can't figure it out," I sighed, surrendering to the confusing issues. I lowered my face to rest on the desk in defeat... as Taehyung rounded the table to lift me off the chair. He made me sit sideways in his lap, so I turned to pout at him as he leaned forward to skim the texts. Smiling, I dropped my pencil, gently hugged his muscular neck, and buried my face against his shoulder as he patted my back with his tender gaze on my document.

"I won't let you sleep unless you finish it," He sighed. I lifted my face to pout at him. Taehyung smiled, handing the pencil back to me. Sighing, I rotated my body to face the desk while sitting on him. Taehyung gently hugged me from behind with his chin rested on my shoulder."Even if I stare at it until the sun rises... I'll never figure it out," I grumbled while frowning at the texts as I forced my brain cells to solve the theoretical trials. Taehyung softly chuckled and calmly walked me through the case without revealing the answer. I grew hushed as I thought of his explanation, quietly scribbling on the paper with my pencil."You smell so sweet," He muttered, sniffing my nape with his breathy pants. A surge of chills swept down my spine as he pressed his nose against my shoulder. He gently tightened his arms around my waist from behind and groped my boobs over the lustrous gown's fabric. I giggled, slightly nudging his chest with my elbow while writing on the paper."You're distracting me, sir!" I whined when he wouldn't stop massaging my breasts with his palms."I'm relieving your stiff body," He chuckled, lowering his hand to hug my waist again. I smiled and shook my head as he gently pecked my cheek. Taehyung would touch me here and there... randomly fondling my body as I did my work in his room."Ah~ That's ticklish~!" I slightly shuddered at the presence of his lips on my earlobe. I bit my lips, turning to glare at him. He smiled and pecked my lips until my cheeks flushed red."I get so bored at the university without you," Taehying sighed, finally leaning back to place his arms on the armrest in exhaustion. I smiled and turned to write on the paper again until he playfully tickled my waist, making me screech like a madman. I wildly turned to push him away until he grabbed my wrists to stop me from resisting him. Taehyung suddenly slipped his arm under my legs and lifted me off the armchair, quickly raced toward his bed and tossed me onto the mattress."What about my task-""I'll finish it for you before class tomorrow," He smirked while crawling over my body. I smiled at his naughty expression and tugged him down to kiss him. Taehyung gently gripped my hips as he hovered his body above mine.
Our relationship wasn't as rocky as it used to be after my parents made me stay at the mansion, so the only alphas I saw were Taehyung and Jungkook. We didn't fight anymore... and I'd spend most of my time with Taehyung. He'd follow me around wherever I went. Some nights... I'd sleep in his room and other nights... he'd sleep in my room.

And unlike my previous relationship with Seokjin... Taehyung is... rather clingy. He'd unconsciously touch me here and there for no apparent reason. He'd sometimes make me watch him repair his car engine and would force me to help him until I was smudged with oil and dirt. I rarely had time for myself because he was always by my side. It's not suffocating, but it can get overwhelming sometimes.

Sora. You'll have to live with him forever after your marriage. You should get used to it.
______________________"Young master is feeling unwell, so he's resting in his room," A maid informed me as I entered a contemporary mansion with a gift bag. The Jae's preference is rather... vibrant because... everything is so colorful and bright inside their home. They had artwork mounted on their walls, and even their maids were dressed in modern attire. It's as if they were office workers.

"I should greet his parents first," I smiled at the maid. The property is quite empty. The maid informed me the guards had restationed their position to prepare for The Jae's arrival at a board meeting as she took me up the glass stairs... leading to the first floor. Their home is so bright! There are natural lights everywhere!"They're preparing to leave for work again. Aigo~! Our young master barely saw his parents for the past week- Omo!- Dooshik!" The maid chuckled as she led me through the spacious hallway with a view of the garden. The woman suddenly shrieked, so I wildly turned to find a guard... sitting on the floor with his back pressed against the wall. His head was... hung low... it's as if he fell asleep. The maid immediately rushed towards the guard to tap his shoulder."ARH!- Dooshik!?" The maid suddenly screeched, collapsing onto the floor in extreme distress. I halted in shock once the guard's head flopped to the side. A stream of blood... trickled from the side of his head. I froze."Dooshik!?- Who did this!? Master?! Master- Dooshik- ARGHHHH!?!" The maid immediately scrambled onto her feet, hastily shoving the master's bedroom door open- but she screamed even louder. I dropped the gift back and hurried forward when she suddenly fainted to catch her body in bewilderment. What the hell?!"Miss- Wake up!-" I gasped, slightly shaking her unconscious body, but she didn't move and slumped weakly to the ground. Gasp!I fearfully snapped my pale face toward the massive master bedroom until I found... an elderly man sitting on an armchair with his terrified eyes wide open. My heart thumped hard against my chest as the fresh blood trickled from the bullet hole in the middle of his forehead. Blood was... seeping from his eyes and lips as he stared dead at me from his seat. The elder alpha was dressed in his neat suit for work.Utterly paralyzed by the doorway... I slowly shifted my frightened gaze to a woman on the bed... she too was... staring at me with her face turned on the side of the pillow. My shaken soul started trembling in a panic as I stared at her almost unclothed body on the bed. Her dress was tugged down to her waist... exposing her... naked upper body as a single tear stream... dripped from her blank gaze. I shifted my frightened eyes to the loose panties at her ankle... with my lips ajar. Drip... Drip... Drip. Her warm blood... dripping from the soaked blanket."What the fuck!- Mrs. Jae?!" I gasped, frantically lowering the maid to the floor, and dashed inside the room to grab Mrs. Jae's lifeless body. She weakly flopped as I gripped her face in terror to wake her, but no matter how much I called for her... she stared soullessly at me with her frightened eyes. I glanced down at the deep gashes all over her bare chest in shock as her dark blood drenched the white bedsheet. W-Who did this- SORA!- YANGCHA IS IN DANGER!"Do-hwan! Send people to Jae's property right now! There's an attack!" I shakily sent a voice message to Do-hwan as I hurriedly rushed out of Jae's main bed chamber. Where is Yangcha?!"Yangcha?! Yah!? Where are you!" I screamed, hastily pushing a random door open, but it wasn't his bedroom. My heart started thumping in my ears as I barged inside the infinite rooms to search for the young boy."ARGH!-" Yangcha's voice echoed from a door by the end of the corridor. My eyes widened in shock at his dreadful cry for help."N-NO! Not the kid too!" I cried, sprinting towards the room. BANG. I kicked the door open with all my might just in time to find a man dressed in black... raising a metallic bat over Yangcha. The kid was sobbing on the floor with a bleeding head and split lips. The man suddenly turned to look at me, startled by my presence. He froze as I stared at him with my mouth hanging open.

"Oh?- It seems like an angel came to save you," The man chuckled, glancing down as Yangcha struggled to breathe on the floor with his hands clasped over his rib in pain."YAH! YOU BASTARD!" I screeched, launching forward to tackle the man when he tried to beat Yangcha with the metallic bat. Thump!The man grunted as I slammed him hard onto the floor. He roughly shoved me off him, sending me crashing into a gaming chair. I shrieked and toppled over, colliding hard into a shelf, causing the metallic figurines to fall all over me. I screeched in pain and tried to get up as the man scrambled onto his feet. He frantically searched his pocket. Slowly... he looked up at me... with his wicked eyes and glanced at the gun beside Yangcha's body."Fuck-" He quickly rushed towards the gun as Yangcha bled on the floor. The kid was barely conscious as the man tried to handle his gun, so I screamed in a panic and scrambled across the room. The man wildly turned the barrel toward the alpha- My eyes grew wide open in horror when he pulled the trigger. Click. He froze. He's out of ammo."YOU MOTHER FUCKER!" I roared, angrily kicking him square in the chest. Whack! The extreme collision sent the both of us stumbling backward. The man tripped over the coffee table and fell backward. I tumbled to the side, immediately thrusting my body upward to seize the metallic bat from the tiles. The man quickly grabbed Yangcha's desk in pain as I stormed towards him with the bat."You fucking bitch! I will fucking kill you and rape your corpse- just like I did to his mother!" The man roared, launching at me. I swung the bat at him with all my might, but he effortlessly dodged it. My eyes widened in horror when he slapped me hard across my face. I gasped and stumbled onto the floor at the rough impact. The blow sent a jolt of pain up to my skull, but I didn't have time to whimper. The man snatched my hair, furiously yanking me onto my feet until I seethed in pain."Ah!" I shrieked, receiving another rough blow in my face with his rock-hard fist. The man evilly chuckled as he dragged me across the floor by my hair and hurled me onto Yangcha's bed."I kept his mother alive when I fucked her high-class pussy! She- was whimpering in pain as the warm blood seeped from the stab wounds on her chest. The woman- begged me to free her child even as I was railing her fucking pussy in front of her dead husband! Oh~! I loved the way she quivered and twitched under me as I thrust my hard cock between her bleeding legs. Isn't it a pleasurable way to die? To be fucked to death?!" The man sneered over me as he shoved my head against the pillow, so I gripped his strong arm with my angered glower on his ugly face.The man roughly rolled me over the mattress and shoved my head into the pillow as he sat over my body to hold me down while unbuckling his pants. I tried to scream, but he only forced my face harder against the pillow to stifle my helpless whimper. I clenched the bed sheet in terror when he slapped my buttcheeks and tried to shove my dress upward. WHACK! The man suddenly flung off me. I cried in fear, quickly pushing my sore body upward to find the man grunting on the bed with me. Yangcha clenched tightly onto his metallic baseball bat with a dazed expression as he stood by his bedside. "You fucking little shit-" The man roared, suddenly launching at the kid. Yangcha screamed in fear as the man slammed him onto the floor. Thump. Thump. My eyes widened in horror as the man mercilessly struck Yangcha's face with his fist until the boy flopped weakly to the side."Yangcha!" I screamed, scrambling off the bed in a panic. The asshole turned to fire me a vicious glare as I stared at Yangcha's helpless condition with an aching head. Warm tears dripped from my eyes as the man slowly rose to his feet. A stream of blood... dripping from the man's bearded chin after Yangcha struck his head with the bat. The man chuckled as he rubbed away the blood from his face before spitting at Yangcha's lifeless body."I'll finish off the little shit-""S-Stop! P-Please! I'll do anything! Just- please stop!" I cried in fear. The man lifted the metallic bat with a sly smirk. I can't rush forward- the fucker is too far... and Yangcha will receive the blow. The man intensely stared at me and glanced at the lifeless boy on the floor. My lips trembled in fear. I need to distract him.

"Oh really?-""I'll do anything!" I shrieked, rubbing my hands together in desperation as he placed the bat over his shoulder with a wicked smirk."Strip for me. Show me your sacred body," He chuckled while licking his bleeding lips. I whimpered at his request and glanced at Yangcha's dire condition in tears. The man lifted his skeptical eyebrow at my hesitation, quickly lifting the bat to hover it over Yangcha's body again, causing my heart to leap in a panic."I'll do it!- Stop! I'll do it! Please!" I begged, crying in distress with my hands raised. The man halted with the bat in mid-air and slowly shifted his sly smirk to me."What are you waiting for?! Show me your slutty body!" He demanded. I sniffled, quickly grabbing my ankle-length dress to slip it over my head. The man's eyes widened in surprise as I tossed my dress aside. He licked his lips lustfully, slowly lowering the bat to the ground. I whimpered and glanced at Yangcha's again. I need to get him out of here alive."Leave him alone- and I'll give you my body," I gulped in tears. The man chuckled while eyeing my body as I stood in my panties and bra."Take off... everything," He nodded. I gripped my fists in fright as a surge of uncomfortable chills expanded within my chest."Why don't you do it yourself? If you want me so badly... then do it yourself," I muttered, lifting my dark gaze to stare at him.The hollowness within my chest suddenly contracted, sending an icy cold jolt up the back of my skull until I felt every inch of my body twitching from the numbing sensation. The man scoffed, slowly taking a step forward as he dragged the heavy metallic bat with him. I stepped back with my hands behind my back and slowly sat down on the mattress. The man halted in front of me as I looked up at him in my vulnerable state. He crouched down to smirk at my puppy eyes. I gripped my hands nervously."You're so fucking... pretty. I'm sure your pussy is just as juicy and tender," He snarled at me with his yellow-stained teeth. The man is probably in his late 30s. Sharp jawlines... piercing dark eyes with a short buzz cut. He's not an ordinary assassin with this kind of skill and strength."Did you know... I'm a well-known high-class whore?" I asked, staring intensely at him."Oh~! I love a bad bitch like you~! You make my cock... hard," He smiled, slowly lifting his hand to wrap it around my throat. I sat stiffly, listening to the dull thumps in my head. The room grew dim as my vision blurred out... until this imaginary dark mist.. engulfed the man.Kill him. A thrilling voice whispered in my ears."Go on. Do whatever you want with me," I smiled. The man stopped smiling at my blank expression. He roughly tightened his fingers around my throat and shoved me backward, slamming back onto the bed."Did you think you could fool me with our pretentious act?! You fucking bitch!" The man crawled over me as I gripped his hand in pain. He quickly shoved down his loose pants over me as I clutched onto his arm."It turns me on to be strangled, you know...?" I suddenly laughed like a maniac, causing the man to strangle me harder with one hand. He stared at my deranged behavior in confusion."You- ARGH!" He tried to curse but was immediately cut short when I kneed him hard... in his balls. The man screeched in pain and tried to choke me with both his hands, so I lifted my knee to slam it harder into his hard crotch. He gasped at the harsh impact, suddenly grabbing his ball sacks in pain. I quickly shoved him off me, angrily punching him in the face. Whack!The fucking bastard tumbled off the bed and collided onto the floor. I panted heavily and scrambled off the bed as he knelt on the floor with his hands clasped over his sore balls. I bent down to grab the metallic bat just as he scrambled for it- but I effortlessly snatched it from his grip and swung it with all my might... aiming right at his fucking sick face. WHACK.The man grunted, toppling backward at the blinding blow in his face. A few of his teeth flew out from his bloody mouth... clattering onto the floor across the room. I lowered the bat in exhaustion while rubbing my throbbing neck as he grunted on the floor with a few missing teeth and bloody smashed lips."I was gonna keep you alive for interrogation... but I changed my mind," I laughed hysterically as he slowly crawled away from me. Smiling, I lowered my hand to pick up Yangcha's safety knife from the floor. The man tried to get onto his feet... so I shoved him backward with my feet while pushing the blade out from the plastic handle. I snapped off the worn-out blade to stare at the fresh- and shiny edge with a slight smirk."A bitch like you will die- ARGH!" The man tried to sit up. I swung the metallic bat at his shin, snapping his bone with a single strike. WHACK. The man grunted in pain at the painful blow. He jerked in distress, quickly sitting up to seize his leg in extreme anguish."What did you say? Scream... louder for me... okay? Let's have fun together," I chuckled, slowly crouching down to smirk at his bloody face. A chunk of his lips was missing as blood oozed from his smashed gums."ARGH!- Ugh-!" The man suddenly screamed, launching forward in anger- SLASH. I swiftly slashed the new blade across his exposed neck. The man gasped in shock, gripping his torn throat with a bewildered look. He slowly... looked up at me in terror as blood seeped between his fingers... dripping all over his clothes."Aigo~? What's with the face? The wound isn't even that deep...? Don't worry... I'll keep you alive... just enough to make you feel all the pain," I smiled darkly as the man sat stiffly on the floor with his loosened pants. Laughing hysterically... I slowly lowered my body onto the floor to crawl toward him in my lingerie. I roughly shoved him backward to make him lie on the floor. He fearfully looked at me but was in too much pain to resist."Argh!- Argh! Argh!" The man screeched in terror as I violently jabbed his crotch with the blade. He jerked in agony, but I held him down and stabbed his fucking cock with all my might until blood seeped all over his underwear."Louder! Screech louder!" I screamed, lifting my psychotic smile to grin at him. STAB. STAB. STAB. I repeatedly sank the blade over his ball sacks when SNAP- The handle suddenly broke, leaving the blade... lodged inside his wimpy dick. The man suddenly grew hushed, so I tossed away the broken handle and looked up to find him staring at the ceiling above him with his tearful bloodshot eyes. He was twitching intensely from the intensity of the pain. Softly humming... I lifted the metallic bat again and turned towards him."Look at me, you sick man... did it feel good to fuck a dead woman after killing her? Ah. You raped her when she was desperately... taking her last breath through her torn lungs. So... tell me... do you... feel good now? Hmm? Talk to me... you dirty... dirty... dirty... monster," I gritted while pressing the bat against his mutilated crotch to push the broken blade deeper into his ballsack. Squelch... Squelch...The man helplessly squirmed and jerked in distress as I tortured him without a hint of mercy. His chest violently pulsated as I grind his bloody dick with the base off the bat until a nasty smell filled the muted room. The man remained wounded on the floor, suddenly coughing blood as he vibrated under me."Don't die yet... Not until my men arrive. Play with me... a little longer," I chuckled. THUMP! I angrily crushed his crotch one last time. The man jerked at the impact and slumped back onto the floor... too weak... to budge his muscles. He painfully gurgled and convulsed in distress as I turned to stare at Yangcha's bloody face. CLANG.I tossed the bat away in exhaustion, weakly slumping beside the alpha's lifeless body and gently lifted his head to place him on my lap. I grabbed my dress from the floor, carefully using it to wipe the blood from Yangcha's skin as warm tears slipped from my eyes. I sobbed and lowered my head to press my forehead against his cold hand in anguish."N-Noona- is terribly sorry," I sobbed in pain. The darkness had left me to break... with excruciating grief. I gripped Yangcha's hand in despair while clutching his head against my chest.

"Sora!?!-" Taehyung shouted, frantically rushing inside the room with a bewildered look. He halted in shock as soon as he found me kneeling on the floor without my clothes on.Do-hwan stumbled inside after Taehyung with his armed men, so I gripped the kid's hand tightly and lifted my tearful eyes to find... Taehyung and Do-hwan staring... at the injured man as he sprawled helplessly over the stained tiles. Taehyung blinked in terror and glanced down at the man's bleeding crotch as Do-hwan scanned the wrecked room in disbelief."What are you standing there for? Save this child at all cost," I lowly snarled at my men as the darkness loomed over me. Taehyung snapped out of his thoughts, quickly slipping off his coat to cover my body as a few guards rushed forward to heave Yangcha's motionless body. Taehyung drew me onto my feet, so I gripped tightly onto his arm.Do-hwan slowly approached the man as he lay in his own thick pool of warm blood. He wasn't dead yet because... his chest was weakly... rising and sinking. Taehyung gripped my shoulders intensely as he stared at the dying man. He slowly... shifted his blood-filled eyeballs to stare up at the three of us as he struggled to wheeze for air. Do-hwan drew out his gun to handle it, swiftly directing the barrel at the man's head with his finger on the trigger.
BANG. BANG. BANG.
The static sound of the explosive gunshot rang dully in my ears as I leaned against Kim Taehyung. I didn't blink and watched Do-hwan finish off the assassin. My legs suddenly wobbled after the last fire. I lost control of my nerves and weakly dropped to the floor after losing my strength, so Taehyung firmly gripped my weak body and swept me off the floor in his strong arms.
Slowly... my heavy eyelids dropped closed... and I was suddenly drifting into... the dark abyss.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
The monotonous sound of the health monitor beeped endlessly in my eardrums, numbing my senses with its steady pulse. Beep... Beep... Beep... I've gotten used to hearing the sound as it is the only reminder of life. Without the steady pulse, I'd be presumed dead.There's no sound or lights on the other side. Those who fail to wake to the sound of life support will never return to the living realm. I should be relieved by its reminder, but the hollow void in my chest only grows heavier at the slightest gesture of life. Why do I wish to be dead but still want to live? My vision gradually focused on the pale boy on the medical bed once I emerged from the bottomless thoughts in my mind.
Jae Yangcha. An underage alpha remained lifeless on the medical bed with the oxygen tube shoved deep into his throat to ensure his fragile lungs' survival. There's a deep purple bruise on his cheekbone. His eyes were still swollen from being attacked by the evil man. His lips were dehydrated and peeling. There was a deep bruise over his collar bones. The healing cuts... and scratches... covering most areas of his skinny figure.

Those were exclusively the physical wounds I could see. There were more. Three broken ribs and a small blood clot in his skull. A mildly fractured spine... and a broken left arm. Bandages and plaster casts... surrounded his limbs and head as he peacefully rested before me, barely alive yet not weak enough to die. If only I was a few minutes late... the boy would be in the morgue right now... and I'd be heartbroken at his funeral.
"His condition is stable," Jimin whispered. I shifted my gaze to find Jimin leaning against the other medical bed. He woke up a few days ago. The medical team is still treating his stab wound."He lost his ability to walk," I muttered, glancing back at the young alpha. The doctor informed us he might be temporarily disabled... and if his condition is severe... he might be cursed with a permanent inability to move."The culprit?" Jimin asked."Dead," I muttered. Jimin sighed as he observed Jae Yangcha's pitiful state.

"What about my assailant?" Jimin asked."He escaped," I answered. I thought Jimin's attacker passed out when I raced off to save him... but Taehyung and my guards claimed... the man disappeared from the corridor upon their arrival. He fled."Who is initiating this madness...?" Jimin sighed, lowering his head to stare at his bandaged torso."You should side with So-young," I mumbled. My mother... might eliminate the Park to strengthen Taehyung's household. She claims it isn't her intention to cast the Parks out of the alliance, but I don't trust her."Was it your mother's doing?" Jimin asked. I sighed and shifted in the chair between the alpha and Yangcha's bed to face Jimin."No, but my mother is exploiting your household," I said shortly. Jimin grew hushed as he examined my face."My parents had already signed the new contract," Jimin shook his head. I gripped my hand uneasily at the thought of my mother's evil intention. Why is it that I have to be the antagonist's daughter? Why? Why was I born into a corrupted bloodline instead of a pure one? I'm disgusted by my mother's greed.I left the medical room after the brief chat with Jimin and headed up the staircase to approach my mother's office. Appa is away on a business trip. The old oak loomed darkly above me as I halted before the door. Quietly, I glanced at the golden handle with an unsettled feeling. I reached out, gently nudging the door open to find my mother resting on her velvet chaise lounge by the window. She was staring at the flickering cloud above the mansion. It's not raining, but the sky is on the verge of unleashing its aggressive downpour. I slowly settled on the armchair with my wary gaze on her emotionless expression."I'm transferring the kid to the hospital tomorrow," Eomma sighed, keeping her eyes on the gray clouds. I gripped my fist. She's as cold as ice. A heartless villain who desires nothing... but power. A woman who will go above and beyond... everyone else through all the bloody and dark paths... to rise above the others. Even if it meant striking a deal with the devil."I will not allow that," I said shortly. Eomma grew hushed. Slowly, she averted her stone-cold gaze to me and crossed her arms over her chest as she lay on the chaise lounge."I will not waste our household resource on an outsider-""I urged you to consider the child's household! But you dismissed all of their household proposals!" I snapped in anger. She might be a cold-hearted villain, but I am her hot-blooded daughter. Appa might be lenient with eomma because he loves her- but I've inherited the determination to achieve my desire from her!"Did you expect me to welcome a powerless household over some... idiotic emotional attachment? Don't be foolish," Eomma calmly smiled as I glared at her. If only she accepted the Jae's alliance proposal earlier- no one would have dared to hurt the kid!"They might be weak, but they had potential! His father has an extensive network in the foreign world! His mother is a distant royal blood! They would have benefited us!" I argued."But the heir is underage," Eomma sighed. I froze at her words."He will grow-""Why else did I hide you from the world when you were young? Because exposing an underage heir will only lure in vicious predators. I was forced to reveal you to the world at an early age and have been fighting all my life to protect my cub. You. Jang Sora," Eomma fired me an uptight look. I gripped my hands uncomfortably. I can't upset her. Eomma will only resist me if I provoke her."I'm begging you. Yangcha's parents are dead, and he has no one to rely on. We can't abandon him! I'm sure he'll benefit us once he grows! You can train him!" I pleaded, softening my gaze on eomma. She quietly stared at me from her position and turned to stare at the flickering cloud with her lips pursed."I'll take him in. Under one condition," Eomma cleared her throat, finally sitting up to stare sharply at me. I stared at her with an unsettled feeling. Of course, there's no free lunch.
A moment later.
I stood quietly before the sink in my bathroom as the warm water splattered onto the bloody keychain. Did I really expect my mother to save Yangcha without a cost? I turned off the faucet, pumped a handful of hand soap onto the teddy keychain and gently washed the stuffed animal to squeeze out Yangcha's blood.I'm against eomma's condition but... if I oppose her offer... she'll expose the Yangcha to the bloodthirsty society. The alphas will kill him. But if I chose to protect Yangcha... The child has to give up everything. What do I do? I stared unblinking at the murky blood... seeping from the keychain as I rubbed it between my fingers. The dirty substance... splattering all over the sink. My family will taint the child. Eomma will exploit him. Is there a safer way to save Yangcha?"Why don't you just throw it away?" Taehyung spoke up, startling me with his sudden presence. I blinked and glanced through the mirror to find him standing behind me in his casual nightwear as he watched me wash the keychain."It was clenched in his palm after he collapsed. The kid got it for me," I muttered, dropping my gaze to rub the small stuffed animal. Taehyung sighed, gently slithering his arm around my waist to hold me as I turned on the faucet to wash off the soap and dirty blood. He rested his chin on my shoulder with his eyes on Yangcha's keychain."Let's go somewhere after you're finished," Taehyung muttered. I briefly glanced at him as the lukewarm water soaked the keychain. I didn't reply and carefully washed it until the murky water turned transparent. I finally squeezed out the excess water and placed the keychain aside before washing my hands. Taehyung finally released me and walked out of my bathroom as I dried my hands with a towel."What is this?" I asked, following him into the garage to find a small picnic basket on the tool cart."It's a surprise," He smiled and lifted the basket to place it in his jeep's backseat"I should get dressed if it's a special occasion," I smiled, glancing down at my plain ankle-length nightgown. Taehyung turns to chuckle at me."It's a private place," He assured, carefully opening the passenger's door for me. I sighed and got onto the passenger's seat as he held onto my waist to help me slip inside his car."It will rain soon," I muttered, worriedly staring at the brewing storm above the property."We'll be sheltered," Taehyung assured as he drove out of the mansion and into the windy night. I grew hushed and leaned back in the seat to stare out the window until a cold droplet splattered on the window. Splatter.A few more droplets collided into the windshield... and before I knew it... we were driving through a heavy rainstorm. The windows began to fog up as Taehyung carefully steered up a hill, finally coming to a stop at a car rest with a view of the city. He switched off the windshield wiper and killed the engine. I stared at the heavy stream over the cold windshield unsurely."We can't see the view," I laughed as we stared at the foggy glass."What a bummer," Taehyung chuckled while shaking his head. He probably wanted to show me the romantic city lights... but we can barely see anything. Taehyung turned in his position to rummage through the picnic basket in the back seat and finally handed me a box of sweet rice cakes."You brought me here to eat rice cakes?" I smiled, opening the box to stare at the unevenly shaped dough with a faint smile."Eat first. You've hardly eaten since the attack," Taehyung sighed, suddenly starting the engine again. He reversed the car to face the trunk towards the view. Taehyung made me crawl off my seat to sit in the spacious back compartment with him. I laughed at the presence of a few cushions and a blanket."Did you plan a sleepover in your back compartment to watch the city lights?" I asked as Taehyung slipped off his shoes and tossed them in the back seat. I settled down with the rice cake box and crossed my legs as Taehyung sat facing me with his legs extended. He leaned against the opposite side of the car, turning to stare at the blurry window with a slight grimace.

"Yeah. But we can't see anything now," Taehyung sighed while slipping off his fresh socks.The alpha lifted my bare ankles, gently pulling the wool over my feet to cover my freezing toes as I gripped the box over my thin nightgown. He's so sweet. Taehyung rubbed the base of the socks to warm my feet and finally leaned back with his arms folded. I thoughtlessly lifted the soft rice cake and stuffed it into my mouth. Why is there so much powder? Taehyung intensely watched me eat the rice cake as I bit into the soft dough. I halted and lifted my gaze to watch his anxious expression unsurely."Did you make this?" I mumbled while chewing the squishy dough. An explosion of thick honey suddenly filled my mouth."How did you know?" Taehyung asked, keenly smiling at me. I lifted my startled gaze to examine his innocent smile. Shit. It's too sweet. What did he add?"It tastes... different from the one imo made," I awkwardly smiled, trying my best not to express my discomfort... and chewed the dough. The texture is oddly very chewy. Why is it not breaking down between my grinding teeth? Should I tell him the truth? I looked up at Taehyung again as he proudly beamed at me."Imo didn't supervise me. I memorized the ingredients and the procedure!" He cutely grinned. I stopped chewing at the rare sight of his gleaming pupils. How can I tell him it tastes like diabetes? That's mean of me."Ah. Yeah-" I nodded, uneasily straightening my body until I started coughing. It's too sweet! Taehyung's smile dropped when he noticed the discomfort on my face."It's bad, isn't it?" He asked, glancing down at the rice cake with an uptight frown. I apologetically observed his upset face."It's edible for a first attempt," I nodded, grabbing a water bottle and gulped the fluid thirstily. I'll just swallow it with some water. Taehyung picked up a rice cake and plopped it inside his mouth. He frowned at the odd taste, suddenly spitting it onto his palm with a disgusted look."I'll make it again! Don't eat it!" He snapped, hastily grabbed the lid from my lap- slammed the box shut and threw it into the front seat with an embarrassed look. I chuckled at his rosy cheeks and shook my head."It's the thought that counts," I smiled, gently taking his hand to assure him of my approval."I only wanted to feed you so you wouldn't starve yourself," He sighed, shifting his worried gaze to me."Don't worry about me," I shook my head. Taehyung raised his eyebrow with a doubtful look."After you almost died? You're telling me you're okay...?" Taehyung grimaced. I pursed my lips at his confrontation. Right. I keep having nightmares about The Jae's attack. I'm still disturbed by the death of Yangcha's parents."There's something wrong with me," I muttered, gloomily dropping my gaze to our hands. Taehyung suddenly gripped my fingers and lowered his face to catch my eyes."Sora. It's not your fault. I know it was the darkness. I've been there, okay?-""I don't feel remorseful, Taehyung," I shook my head with a blank face."What?" He asked me unsurely."The day... your uncle died... were you frightened?" I asked. I didn't want to remind Taehyung of our past but... something is seriously wrong with me."Yeah. I was in extreme shock after I returned to my senses," Taehyung nodded as he held my hands. I sighed and sat in silence to contemplate my thoughts. What should I do?"I'm scared of myself," I shifted my anxious gaze to the alpha."You didn't kill that man. Do-hwan did the killing-""No. He wouldn't have survived even if Do-hwan didn't finish him," I shook my head. I killed the man."Sora. The mother fucker deserves-""That's right. He deserved to die and I feel no remorse after slitting his neck open. I felt no guilt stabbing him to death. Taehyung. I enjoyed the kill. You felt guilt after the darkness subsided, but me? I- I feel nothing. Even after days... I feel nothing but satisfaction," I fearfully shook my head with my uneasy gaze on him. I did not hesitate to tear his throat open. I didn't even shudder at the sight of his torn testicles."What are you trying to say?" Taehyung asked."What if... I'm a monster? How can a person enjoy-" I whispered in fear but was cut short when Taehyung suddenly leaned forward to peck my lips. I blinked at his abrupt affection in confusion once he pulled away to examine my face."Sora. Nothing is wrong with you. It's the effect of your darkness. It numbs our souls and makes us hurt others. You shouldn't feel any remorse... especially when it was your instinct to defend your life from the fucker's hostile intention. He deserved the painful death and you're not a monster. Alright? I know you would never lift a finger to hurt an innocent soul, so don't drown yourself with the absurd thoughts," Taehyung firmly gripped my hand. I pursed my lips at his slight frown."Don't you feel uncomfortable? After witnessing my... dark side? A behavior that strays from the goodness of a person?" I whispered. Taehyung quietly examined my pale face and glanced down at my lips again as the thunder rumbled over the jeep."Your darkness will never waver my heart. I'll love you on your worst and darkest side. After all, we're the darkness that complements each other. We're... far beyond... being a purely good soul, Sora. And that's okay. That's totally... fine because... at the end of the day... when the sky is pouring with its frosty chills... and during a moment... when we doubt our goodness... our hearts will continue to beat for each other," Taehyung shook his head."But what if... we lose ourselves... deeper into the darkness? Shouldn't we try to save our soul before it's too late?" I asked in tears. I know the darkness... is a valid justification to disregard my crimes... but what if it's just an excuse to get away with my... evil nature?"No man is purely good. And no man is purely bad. The villain isn't always bad, and the hero isn't always good. We don't live in a fantasy, Sora. In the real world. Good and evil coexist in every soul and will outbalance each other... depending on the situation. Good and evil will never... ever balance out. It's okay to let the dark side win if... it's the only choice to ensure our survival. We can't be good people all the time. That's a lie on the screens. Goodness isn't always a strength... it serves to please others... and it will turn into a weakness once our goodness is taken for granted. So it's important... to let the darkness... set the boundaries... so we don't lose our souls to pure goodness. Being purely good is an illusion, Sora," Taehyung whispered. I sat in silence to think about his words. He's right. What will I earn from being a good person with the wrong people? Good and bad... must coexist within every person as an instinct to survive the world. Just because it's good for others... It doesn't mean it's good for me. And just because it's wrong to others... it doesn't indicate... It's bad for me. Living to satisfy under the pretentious mask of a purely good person will only kill the soul. And therefore, evil... must exist to save the soul from being manipulated by the greed of other souls."What if me being a bad person backfires on you?" I asked. Taehyung softly chuckled, gently drawing me onto his thighs until I was sitting on his lap with his legs extended under me."Are you really going to hurt me?" He asked, smugly raising his eyebrow.I smiled and shook my head as I slowly encircled my arms around his thick neck. Taehyung smiled, gently tugging my head down to seal our lips. I gripped his shoulder as he weaved his fingers through my hair, soothing my racing mind with the tender strokes of his fingers as he parted his lips to plant his taste on my tongue."Are we really sleeping here tonight?" I asked, finally breaking the kiss to stare at the soft drizzle. It stopped pouring."No. Your mother will kill me if I force her daughter to sleep in the middle of nowhere," Taehyung laughed, reaching out to click the screen. Beep. The back compartment slid open, exposing us to the refreshing breeze. I smiled at the view of the saturated city as the light rain drizzled all over the car. The wind was so refreshing it swept away the heaviness within my chest with its cool gust. I shivered and turned to smile at Taehyung as I perched on his lap."I won't snitch on you," I winked. Taehyung laughed and straightened his back with his hand gripped over my hips, gently tilting his face upward to press his lips against mine again, so I giggled and parted my lips to welcome his presence.

Kim Taehyung slowly withdrew his hand from my loose hair, skimmed his fingers down my arching spine and skated his touch lower... until he reached my buttcheeks. I pursed my lips when he pulled away to examine my flustered face, so I gripped his shoulders nervously as he gently massaged my fleshy hips. I shuddered at his stimulating touch once he slipped his cold fingers under my gown to touch my bare flesh. Taehyung caressed my thighs... gradually moving his hand beneath my gown until his hands found my bra. I glanced down to watch him fondle my breast and glanced back at him with a slight frown."What's the matter? Are you uncomfortable?" He asked as I pursed my lips at his arousing strokes. Taehyung reached behind my back to unclasp my bra from around my chest."You want to do it here? On a cliff?" I asked, nodding at the dark city view with a flustered face. Taehyung chuckled, turning to gaze at the city as he kneaded my breast between his fingers. I bit my lower lips at the tingling sensation as he tweaked my hard tip beneath the gown. Hngh~! I helplessly shuddered over his lap while biting my lower lips in difficulty.

"We can stay clothed," He suggested, turning to smile at me. I nervously gulped at his alluring expression and leaned forward to kiss him. Taehyung finally drew his hands from under my gown to tug down the waistband of his sweatpants as I sat over him. The alpha slightly lifted me off his lap, carefully tugging the hem of my panties aside, so I pursed my lips uneasily as he gently shoved his hard bulge between my thighs to penetrate me from underneath."What about... the condom...?" I asked while rubbing his firm cheeks. Taehyung slowly made me lower my hips, causing my leg muscles to tense up at his warm presence inside me."I think... we should do it raw from now on," He smiled, lifting my chin to make me stare at his parted lips."Raw? But what if I get pregnant?" I frowned. Taehyung lifted my buttcheeks and lowered my hips to intensify the friction inside my burning canal, making me moan with difficulty as he made me ride his crotch."I'll get you birth control pills from now on. And if I get you pregnant... then we'll get married and raise our baby together," He chuckled. I smiled at his words and shook my head. Hngh! I hugged his neck with a weak smile as I slowly rocked over him. Taehyung grunted under his breath as the burning pleasure infected our bodies, so I panted heavily and turned to watch the city light as I bounced steadily over him until the jeep rocked with our movements."It's hot down there~!" I gasped as he roughly thrust inside me. He didn't say anything and firmly gripped my hips, pounding harder to shove his budge deeper until I released a loud moan."Ease your body," Taehyung smiled, suddenly pushing my shoulders to make me lay on my back. He grabbed a cushion to adjust it under my head as he crawled over my body.The alpha lifted my gown to reposition his moist crotch against mine, so I grabbed onto his forearm in anticipation with my lips pursed and tilted my head back at the presence of his hard bulge as he shoved his way back inside my soaked opening. He leaned down to kiss my neck, making me shudder at his wet strokes, and wrapped my legs around his strong hips to secure him against me.The pleasure was so intense I couldn't help but curl my toes in his warm socks until he successfully... finished inside me. Gasping heavily... I slumped back on the cushion to ease my strained back as he firmly held my thighs apart. Taehyung eventually lowered weight onto my body in exhaustion and hugged me tightly as the warm semen leaked from my sore lady bits.He eventually sat up between my legs with a few tissues to wipe the thick discharge from his tip as I remained on my back with my legs open. The alpha eventually wiped me clean before pulling his pants back on and helped me crawl back into the front seat. We left the hill after making love before the beautiful scenery and for some unknown reason... I felt really restless.Taehyung grew hushed as he navigated the steering wheel over the empty road. Gulp. I fidgeted with my fingers upon feeling the uncomfortable stickiness between my legs. Why do I feel... so restless? Is it because... it feels like he's using my body to feed his needs? But I love him. Still. Why did he insist on having sex without a condom... out in public like this? I wasn't prepared at all. I gripped my fist and glanced at Taehyung nervously, but he didn't look at me and cluelessly drove us home. I got out of the car and followed Taehyung inside the empty mansion."I'll sleep in my room tonight," Taehyung smiled, briefly pecked my lips and strode away to enter his room while ruffling his hair without looking back.I gripped my dirty gown... and nervously lifted the silk upward to examine the moist trails... over my shin with a slight frown. Sighing heavily, I entered my room to take a bath because I didn't feel comfortable with the stickiness of his discharge. It's my first time... having actual semen inside me. Ah! Sora! You're overthinking! I sat up on my bed after struggling to fall asleep. I'm restless! Why did he leave to sleep in his own room tonight? Did I do something wrong?Blink. I stood in front of Taehyung's door in the middle of the night with a dark frown and slowly opened the door to find him sleeping shirtless on the mattress. I gulped, closed the door behind my back, and slowly tiptoed to his bed edge. Taehyung softly snored against his pillow as I crawled onto his bed in his socks and a fresh nightgown."Huh?- Sora...?" Taehyung jerked his head off the pillow, squinting sleepily at my unexpected presence. I crawled onto his torso and sat on him with my hands pressed over his pulsing chest. He unconsciously gripped my waist to stabilize my weight."Are you upset with me? Did I do something wrong???" I asked as he struggled to open his eyes. Taehyung sleepily frowned at me from his pillow as I slightly pouted at the dazed man."What are you talking about? Why would I be mad at you?" He asked, closing his eyes in exhaustion as he caressed the side of my thighs with his thumbs."Then why are you sleeping alone? Is it because you are too exhausted after the sex?" I sulked. Taehyung grumbled under his breath, suddenly forcing his sturdy body upward to sit facing me on the mattress. He gently secured his arms around my body before drawing me into a comforting hug."You're making no sense right now," He shook his head with his face pressed against my shoulder. I frowned and pushed his chest away with an annoyed grimace."No. You're the one making no sense. I'm asking why-""Why I'm giving you space? We've spent the past weeks together. I thought you'd want some space... but it seems like... I misread your intention. My adorable woman is sulking again~!" He sleepily cupped my cheeks. I glared at him in the dark. Taehyung chuckled and gently pecked my lips."Whatever. I'm leaving- Ah!" I muttered, attempting to crawl off his lap but shrieked in shock when Taehyung suddenly snatched my frail body and slammed me on the mattress. I gasped, quickly trying to sit up- but the man effortlessly swung his heavy leg and arm over my body to hold me captive in his embrace."How dare you leave after waking me in the middle of the night for attention?!" He softly grunted. I groaned and pushed his face away, but he only hugged me tighter."Ah! Let me go- It's stuffy-""Aigo~! I'm convinced it's your skill to pick a fight with me. Are you that bored~?" Taehyung grumbled, refusing to release me as I glared at him in the dark. He smiled at my cute pout and leaned forward to kiss me again."I'm only asking-""I'll never let you sleep alone from now on, so don't complain," He muttered hoarsely. I grimaced at his smug expression after failing to make him release me."So annoying~!" I grumbled, turning to sleep on my side, facing away from him.Taehyung chuckled and shifted his body forward to hug my waist from behind. He gently interlaced his fingers with mine to assure me of his affection. I weakly smiled with my eyes closed and turned to hug his warm body in defeat. Taehyung softly kissed my forehead and patted my head until I fell asleep in his arms.__________________________The warm afternoon sunbeam glowed brilliantly through the library windows as I tiptoed on my sneakers to reach a textbook on the top shelf until a hand unexpectedly appeared above my head. Oh? I glanced at the rolled-up sleeves with a startled look and turned my head to find Chul Sungho... standing beside me with a faint smile.

"Thank you," I smiled, placing out my hand for the book."It's not for you," He shook his head with an apologetic smile."Oh. Do you need it too?" I asked, briefly glancing at the hardcover with a slight frown. Taehyung asked me to get it for him though. Sungho quietly observed my anxious expression as we stood in the empty aisle before glancing at the stack of research documents on the cart."I'm just kidding. Why would I need it?" He chuckled, handing me the book. My eyes lit up at his playful nudge, so I quickly turned to place it on the cart- Clatter. I paused and turned around just in time to find my pill package falling onto the floor."Oh-""You're taking birth control pills?" Sungho asked, crouching down to grab it. My face flushed red as he held it between his fingers."Yeah. Taehyung got it for me recently," I smiled, quickly snatching it from him as Sungho straightened his back with his eyebrows raised. I thanked the alpha again and pushed the cart away until I reached the librarian. The man quietly typed on the keyboard with his unbothered gaze trained on the desktop screen as I awkwardly stood at the counter. Why isn't he greeting me?"Please check out the books for me," I informed, carefully lifting the stack of thick documents onto the librarian's desk. The elderly man briefly glanced at the books with his thick reading glasses."Five books maximum," He said shortly, glancing back at his screen. I pursed my lips to count the books with a worried frown. There are thirteen books."It's the school president's request to deliver the books," Sungho suddenly appeared beside me. I turned to look at him in surprise as he stood with his bag over his shoulder."Did the president send a notice?" The librarian dawdled. I gulped as he scrolled through his email. There was a tense moment of silence. The man suddenly turned to lift each of the books to scan the barcode without paying much attention to me."Can I... take them?" I asked, unsurely staring at the man's expressionless face."I've received the school president's request," The man nodded. I beamed at his approval and quickly collected the books, but there were too many to carry. Sungho reached out to lift the remaining half of the stack."Thank you," I apologetically smiled at Sungho's kindness."Why'd he send you to carry all this?" Sungho asked as we walked out of the library. I hugged the books with a weak smile."Taehyung has been busy lately, so I offered to help him," I shrugged. Taehyung didn't send me, but I insisted I could deliver the books to him. Sungho grew hushed as we strolled down the empty corridor."Birth control pills... have many side effects... were you aware?" He asked, turning to look at me."Huh?" I blinked at his random statement. Sungho awkwardly turns away at my baffled smile."I'm just saying... if possible... you should consider... alternative contraceptives... such as condoms. The pills aren't good for your health," Sungho shrugged. I chuckled at his thoughtful advice."I'll probably stop using it once I'm married to Taehyung," I nudged his arm. Sungho chuckled at my words until we arrived at the president's lounge. Taehyung opened the door for us after I announced our presence. He took the books from my hands and strolled toward his desk."It's very considerate of you to help the supreme alpha," Taehyung nodded at Sungho. The room was empty... and only Taehyung was in the lounge."I heard the secretary position is... always vacant. But since Haerim made it... maybe... you'll consider a candidate to help you ease your workload too?" Sungho smiled, nodding at Taehyung's empty secretary desk."Do you wish to apply?" I gasped at the alpha. Taehyung glanced at the vacant desk with a weak smile."I'm open to resumes. It's just that I never pass anyone, so if you're feeling confident... then send your file over," Taehyung nodded at Sungho, whose face lit up at Taehyung's encouragement."You'll receive it by today. I'll leave now and oh-" Sungho bid us goodbye and tried to walk out when he abruptly stopped and turned to stare dead at Taehyung."What is it?" Taehyung asked."Birth control pills have many side effects," Sungho reminded the high rank. My lips parted at Sungho's strange behavior. He nodded at us again and left the room before Taehyung could respond, so I awkwardly turned to find Taehyung staring at the closed door with a dumbfounded look."How did he know?" Taehyung glanced at me."I dropped the package earlier in the library," I shrugged. Taehyung sighed and rounded his desk to sit in his armchair, so I happily organized the books on his desk. The door to the lounge suddenly opened again... and Seokjin came strolling inside. He paused to look at me and went straight to his seat without a greeting. He's been ignoring me ever since I asked him not to interact with me."Sora. Can you get me water?" Taehyung asked."Oh. Sure," I smiled, quickly scurrying toward the fridge and hurried back toward my boyfriend as he reviewed the documents."Can you help me sort the files?" Taehyung asked, placing a stack of papers on the side of his desk."Of course," I smiled, quickly skimming through the random pages to put the files back in its chronological order. Taehyung kept giving me tasks to complete... until Seokjin let out a hefty sigh."If you have nothing to do... then leave the lounge," Seokjin ordered, looking up at me in irritation as I eagerly stood beside Taehyung's desk."She can stay if she wants-""The principal advised her to stay out of the lounge," Seokjin dimmed his eyes at me."Only when the lounge is empty. I'm here with her... so why should she leave?" Taehyung scoffed, turning to fire Seokjin an irritated glare."This isn't a place for anyone to fool around," Seokjin argued. I gulped and glanced at Taehyung's annoyed expression."My legs... are sore from standing anyways. I'll leave- I have to train with Jungkook after school. I'll see you at home," I assured Taehyung, quickly leaving the room before he could stop me. Seokjin doesn't like public affection. I must be distracting him with the chit-chat with Taehyung, so it's better if I leave. Taehyung has to get his work done anyways.
Eomma registered me for a defense class with Jungkook after our school hours. She's paranoid because of the constant attacks. It's not like I'm defenseless because I've still got my taekwondo skills... but eomma insisted that I train to strengthen my skills.
"I surrender!" I screamed in pain while gripping Jungkook's muscular forearm in distress. Jungkook immediately released me from his grip after head-locking me on the mat. I gasped for air and collapsed weakly as the coach watched us from the bench."That's enough training for today," He dismissed, getting up to leave the room as Jungkook wiped the sweat bead from his forehead."Did you have to be so rough?" I grimaced, sitting up to rub my sore throat in discontent."You were just as rough when we were younger! You wouldn't release me even after I surrendered! You'd laugh at my face until I cried in desperation!" Jungkook sneered in irritation."I was just being playful!" I snapped."I could've died!" Jungkook glared. I smiled at his irritated face as he got up in his sweaty training clothes. His damp chest was half exposed... so I could almost see his hard pecs and abs under the slit.
Jungkook and I have been taking defense classes since we were young, and I was better than him because Jungkook was a whiny kid. He didn't like to strain his muscles... and he wasn't a flexible child either. I'd always bully him during our training sessions until he burst out crying. He'd run home to whine at his father in tears. I liked his cute bunny teeth... so I kept teasing the young fool.
"Do you want to get some drinks?" Jungkook asked, strolling out of the men's locker room. I nodded and followed him out of the training center to stop by a local store. I ordered a slice of cake as Jungkook sat with his iced Americano."I have a question," I straightened my body as Jungkook scrolled through his phone."Hmm?" He asked, shifting his questioning gaze to me."Do you remember anything before we moved to Busan?" I asked. Jungkook pursed his lips to recall his memories."We were really young when our parents resided in Seoul with Park Jihyun. I only remember glimpses of the fire incident. Why?" Jungkook asked unsurely."I can't remember much either. But there was something... do you remember falling into the ocean?" I asked. Jungkook stared at me with a concerned expression."Sora... Why are you bringing it up?" Jungkook sighed."I don't know. I keep remembering bits and pieces of my memories... things I never remembered before. It makes me feel restless," I shrugged. I keep dreaming about those memories. Again and again... it keeps appearing in my mind. What bothers me... was the fact... I'm not familiar with the memories."Then don't think about it. If it makes you restless," Jungkook shook his head. I doubtfully stared at him. He probably doesn't want to remember his past after his birth mother tried to end his life. I don't know why I'm so anxious... but it's been bugging me... ever since I had the vision in Busan.I immediately rushed home with Jungkook after Do-hwan called to inform me of Yangcha's condition. Thud. I shove the door to the medical room open to find the young alpha... sitting against the bedhead as a doctor observes his ribs. Taehyung turned to look at me as he stood at the foot of the bed with his arms crossed."Yangcha!" I gasped, rushing forward to hug his frail body. The alpha gripped my back in shock as I tightly engulfed him in my arms. He's finally awake! I quickly pulled away to gaze at his swollen eyes in tears."Noona," Yangcha gulped hoarsely. I pursed my lips to suppress my tears but couldn't hold back my emotions and ended up crying beside him.The head doctor left the medical room after he performed a check-up on Yangcha. The child was still too weak to move.. so we didn't speak much. I thought he'd get better... until the nurse informed me... Yangcha is refusing food. No matter what the maid cooked for the alpha... the soul refused to swallow the food.
Fast Forward.
I carefully pushed open the door with a food tray as a nurse worriedly stood by the alpha's bedside. I dismissed her, so she bowed and left the room. I carefully settled the warm stew on the nightstand as the boy soullessly stared out at the bright window."Are you feeling unwell?" I asked, gently placing my palm over his feverish forehead. Yangcha shifted his lifeless gaze to me and shook his head.

"You'll collapse again if you don't eat," I sighed, lowering my hand to hold his skinny fingers.Yangcha let out a deep sigh and lowered his head to stare at our hands. Still. He didn't speak. I turned to lift a spoonful of warm soup and tried to feed him, but he kept his chapped lips sealed. I frowned and repeatedly convinced him to eat... but the alpha... remained headstrong and refused to be fed. I sighed and placed the spoon back into the bowl when Yangcha suddenly slid under the blanket and turned to face away from me. I stared at the bandage around his head in defeat and finally got up to leave with the tray."He refused it again?" Imo sighed after I placed the tray on the kitchen counter. Why won't he eat? He will not last if he keeps starving himself like this! I gripped the silver spoon and shoved Yangcha's food into my mouth in frustration. Imo left the kitchen after she cleared the sink... so I sat alone in the gloomy kitchen while glaring at the meal.I jabbed the cold rice with a dispirited expression until warm tears slipped down my cheeks, whimpering softly with my head lowered as the swelling emotions erupted within my chest. I want to help him... but he doesn't even want to live. What am I supposed to do? Do I let him go...? But who will protect him when his parents are gone? The boy will not last. Lips trembling, I lowered the spoon to cry over the tasteless meal in extreme difficulty.
I thought Yangcha would get better after some time passed. He didn't. The child grew skinnier each day. Night and Day... I'd try to comfort the poor soul, but he'd refuse to show me his will to live. I'd cry in frustration because he was so stubborn. The only thing we could do was inject him with liquid supplements... but even the medications weren't enough to support the child's system. His once-youthful skin has turned yellow from the lack of nutrition.
Flash. I opened my eyes to stare out the gloomy sky in silence as I lay on my bed. Did he leave? I lifted my head off the pillow to scan the room for Taehyung's presence. Should I visit Yangcha... again? I sighed and turned to lie on my back as the deafening thunder rumbled over the mansion. There's a storm.
My body is sore. I was napping earlier in my room after lunch when Taehyung came in to spend time with me. He ended up... stripping me naked to make love. His... sex drive... is quite... wild and crazy. He'd sometimes do it with me multiple times a day or multiple times at once. Was Seokjin this horny? I don't think so. Why am I overthinking his love language- Sora! Stop it with the stupid thoughts-
"Young lady!" Imo suddenly barged into my room, startling me with her intrusion. I quickly sat up in my white nightgown with a slight frown as she frantically rushed to my bed."Wae-""The child- he- you need to- to save him! Young master wouldn't listen to me! Please do something!-" Imo panted in fright as she gripped my hand. My heart sank at the terror on her face."What happened?!- Yangcha!" I gasped, fearfully scrambling off my bed and dashed out of my room. Imo suddenly caught my arm to stop me in the corridor, so I wildly turned to gawk at her in confusion."He's not in the medical room!" Imo snapped, suddenly dragging me towards the living room. What? Did Yangcha run away? My lips parted in horror once... I noticed the wide-open mansion's front door. Why are the elders crowding at the entrance to watch the heavy downpour?"What's happening...?" I whispered, unsurely pushing between my parents to find Taehyung standing ahead of everyone else with his arms crossed. A nurse stood by the side of the door in tears as I listened to the desperate wailings of a familiar voice. Slowly... I shifted my terrified gaze to the wheelchair... under the harsh storm."EOMMA! EOMMA!- I'M SCARED! HAH- SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME-" Yangcha screamed in distress as he covered his ears. The alpha was crying for help as the cold shower poured onto him. Flash. The sky suddenly lit up with a bright flicker. BOOM! The dreadful thunder erupted across the sky, accompanied by a deafening rumble."ARGH! I'M SCARED! I'M SCARED!" Yangcha flinched at the terrifying sound above his head. I stood... staring at the shivering soul in shock before glancing at my family. They were... emptily staring at the boy from under the roof. Taehyung stood emotionlessly, staring at the child's desperation. Why- Why are they standing still...?

"Y-Yangcha!" I gasped, rushing forward but was held back by a firm force. I halted and glanced down to find a tight grip around my wrist. Taehyung shifted his dark gaze to me with little to no pity for the soul"Leave him," Taehyung muttered."ARGH! -SOMEONE- PLEASE HELP ME!- N-NOONA?! NOONA- I'M SCARED! I PROMISE- I'LL BEHAVE- NOONA PLEASE~!" Yangcha bawled at the top of his lungs once he noticed me standing by the doorway.Yangcha's eyes... were burning with warm tears as he gripped the wheelchair under the rain. Unconsciously... I tore Taehyung's grip off my hand and sprinted into the piercing rain with an aching heart. Yangcha sobbed in distress as he extended his arms for me, so I reached out for him until a strong arm encircled my waist, roughly hauling me backward before I could offer my helping hand to the desperate soul. I gasped,... wildly spinning around to find... Taehyung holding onto me with a glowering glare."LET ME GO-""I SAID LEAVE HIM-""WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO HIM?!" I screamed as I hastily shoved his arm off my body. Taehyung gritted and tried to drag me away from the cold shower."N-Noona! I'm sorry! Please!- I'll listen to you from now on- ARGH! AAAAARGH!" Yangcha sobbed in desperation but screeched in fear when the terrifying thunder boomed above our heads again, scaring the poor soul with its wrath. I snapped my soaked face at the child in horror as he remained under the relentless storm. He had no one... no one to shield him from the... frosty downpour."A desperate soul will crawl if they're in despair!" Taehyung seethed. I scoffed at his words in disbelief and shoved him away with all my might as the icy cold droplet stung my skin. What the actual fuck is wrong with him!? I rubbed my blurry vision with my angered eyes on the heartless elders. Imo and the nurse were sobbing on their side... as I stood between Taehyung and Yangcha."YOU HAD NO RIGHT TO TORTURE HIM!" I bellowed, storming towards Taehyung with my fists clenched as we stood under the pouring rain."I'm doing this to help him-""HELP HIM!? LOOK AT HIM AND TELL ME IF HE'S ALRIGHT!? YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE!" I screamed, shoving him hard. Taehyung stumbled backward but caught my arm, so I jerked out of his grip in fury."N-noona... please... ARGH!" Yangcha sobbed, trying to crawl off his wheelchair when it suddenly toppled to the side. The alpha gasped in pain, slamming hard onto the soaked pavement. The child wailed in pain and tried to sit up... but he couldn't move his paralyzed legs, so he weakly flopped to the ground. Warm tears... dripped from my eyes as I watched the poor soul... desperately crawling over the slippery pavement with his trembling hands. I can't think straight! Tell me this is a nightmare! Why is my fucking lover so heartless!?"He will never behave himself if we let him- URGH-" Taehyung tried to grab my wrist again. SMACK! I threw a hard punch against his face, sending the alpha stumbling backward at my violent outburst. The elders gasped from the door, so I snapped my spiteful glower at their sudden reaction. Oh? They're only reacting now that I've punched Kim Taehyung?"Stop me one more time- and I will fucking twist your neck!" I screamed. Taehyung froze at my explosion in shock."S-Sora-" Taehyung stuttered with his hand clasped over his bleeding nose."You're not an exception! So don't fucking- put your hand on me again!" I screamed at his face in frustration. Do-hwan suddenly ran out into the rain when he noticed me snarling at Taehyung. The man halted in horror at the sight of the helpless alpha... wailing on the ground... under the pouring rain. Taehyung's eyes glowered in tears as I glared at him with nothing... but hatred. I was so angry... I couldn't hear anything but the pulsating thumps in my temples."N-Noona... I- I'm sorry- I didn't mean to cause trouble... I'm sorry-" Yangcha whimpered as he struggled to sit up. I finally averted my deadly glare from Taehyung and crouched down to grab the child. He shakily clutched my arms as I rubbed away his messy tears.

My heartstrings tightened and twisted in extreme pain as I watched the alpha whimper against my embrace, trembling out of control as he clung to my soaked body. How can he apologize to me when he's done nothing wrong...? Do-hwan immediately rushed forward, slipped off his jacket, and swung it over Yangcha to shield him from the freezing shower."If anyone dares... to harm another strand of his hair... I will... fucking kill you with my bare hands," I threatened Taehyung and the elders as the darkness engulf my soul.Do-hwan slipped his arms under Yangcha's body to lift the child's fragile body off the wet pavement before rushing inside the mansion to seek medical assistance. Imo and the nurse immediately hurried after Do-hwan to assist the traumatized alpha as Kim Taehyung resentfully glared at me from under his wet bangs with his bleeding nostrils.
A moment later.
"I want you to stand guard," I muttered with my dim gaze on the unconscious alpha. Yangcha wouldn't stop shivering on the bed. His lips are vibrating from the cold. His eye bags are dark and puffy. His healing wounds are bleeding again. His condition... has worsened."What happened?" Do-hwan asked the anxious nurse as she examined Yangcha's bruise."The doctor instructed me to take him out for a stroll in the wheelchair. It started raining- so I tried to push him back inside- but young master- he instructed me to leave the boy under the rain," The nurse fearfully confessed. I stood in silence with a grim look. Taehyung instructed the maid to leave Yangcha in the rainstorm...?"Treat him," I muttered, coldly turning to stride out of the room with my arms crossed. My gown was soaked, but I didn't care and walked on my bare dirty feet to approach Taehyung's room. Thud. I shove his door open to find Taehyung compressing an ice pack over his bruised nose."Did you have to punch me over a mere child-""I should've punched you harder," I sneered. Taehyung froze as he stood inside his room, slowly turning to face me with his tongue pressed against his inner cheek."You're trying to pick a fight with me again-""Pick a fight with you? Yeah, no shit. Was I supposed to stay still and obey your hard cock like a servant? After you shove the kid into the rain?!" I screamed at the heartless man. How can he be so heartless?!"MOH?! I WAS TRYING TO SNAP THE KID BACK TO HIS SENSES!" Taehyung roared at my face, angrily hurling the ice pack against the wall until it shattered into bits."BACK TO HIS SENSES? THE KID IS FUCKING LOSING HIS MIND! HE HAD NO FAMILY TO RELY ON! HE'S SCARED AND LOST- AND YET YOU FUCKING-""HE'S NOT OUR HOUSEHOLD'S CONCERN! IT'S NOT OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CARE FOR A CRIPPLED CHILD! HE'S AS GOOD AS DEAD ANYWAYS-" Taehyung stormed towards but was cut short by the rough blow on his cheek. SLAP. He grunted in shock at my harsh reaction. I struck him so hard... I could feel my palm burning from the impact."You can be the heartless asshole, but I won't be like you. Never. And do not expect me to fucking kneel for you. I am the supreme alpha. Not you, so don't you fucking raise your voice at me, Kim Taehyung. I took in that child under my wings, not yours. Who are you to complain when he's my responsibility?!" I furiously confronted him. Taehyung stared at me with his glowering eyes until a swollen handprint appeared on his cheek."I might not be a supreme alpha, but I'll be the fucking leader of the society, Jang Sora. Me. Kim Taehyung! I know you're a soft heart, but I won't let you exploit our household to save worthless assholes! You've done nothing but cause trouble! And I've always been the one to lick your dirt clean!" He snapped, suddenly stepping forward to tower over me. I backed away in fright as his pupils turned pitch black with the vicious darkness."I'm disappointed in you," I said shortly with a blank face.Taehyung halted at my words with a slightly hurt expression. Sighing, I turned to leave his room without another word. What's the matter with him? I'm trying to love him, but why is he giving me so many reasons to repel him? This isn't right! Imo said I should just accept him, and I did! Now look at the consequences of my neglect! How can I close my eyes and overlook his toxic behavior!? He went as far as hurting an innocent soul!"Sora open the damn door-" Taehyung knocked on my door, right after I locked it. I turned to stare at the rattling doorknob uneasily."Fuck off-""I SAID OPEN THE FUCKING DOOR! DON'T YOU DARE LEAVE WITH UNFINISHED BUSINESS! FINISH THE FIGHT YOU STARTED!" Taehyung bellowed, angrily drumming on my door. I gulped and backed away in horror when he violently kicked the door with all his might."He's fucking crazy!" I cursed, wildly spinning around to search for an exit."I WILL KILL THE FUCKING KID IF YOU DON'T OPEN THE DOOR!" Taehyung warned. I glared at the door in tears and turned to stare at the slippery balcony. THUD. THUD. My heart pounded like crazy as I stared at the loose door handle. He's going to break in. Is he crazy?!"Shit!" I cursed, quickly dashing towards the balcony in a hurry. I gripped the cold railing and glanced down at the garden below in fear. It's not that high but I might still break my neck if I fall off! It's too slippery!I flinched in fright when a flash of lightning struck the sky with its scorching flare. And without thinking, I swung my legs over the metallic railing to lower my body downward. The cold droplet mercilessly splattering... onto my face as I desperately clung to the icy... cold bars."Yah! What are you doing!?" Jungkook screamed from the side. I turned to find him racing out onto his balcony with a bewildered look. Did he see me from his room?!"Kim Taehyung is a fucking crazy bastard!" I shrieked as I struggled to position my feet on the window frame below the balcony."And you're the crazy woman! You'll break your neck if you fall!" Jungkook shouted, rushing toward his railing to gawk at me in shock as I dangled from the balcony."I'd rather die falling than let that evil bastard strangle me to death!" I screeched."YAH!?" Jungkook gasped when my fingers suddenly slipped from the cold steel. I screamed at the top of my lungs as I slid from the railing. Thump! I gasped in shock- roughly landing over the damp soil and weakly rolled onto the manicured bush. A surge of sharp pain suddenly hammered down my lower back as I struggled to sit up between the bushes."Ow..." I whimpered while crawling on my feet with my hand clasped over my stiff back."Are you okay?!" Jungkook called from the balcony above."Jump down and see if you'll be okay!" I sarcastically screamed as I yanked my tangled dress from the branches until the cloth tore apart before limping away from the mansion in frustration."YAH!? WHERE ARE YOU GOING- SORA- WAIT-" Jungkook called, but I didn't listen and dragged my feet over the wet pavement. THUMP!- I abruptly stopped dead over the damp path at the solid sound of something heavy landing flat on the soil. What was that...? I dreadfully turned on my aching ankles with my face tilted toward the balcony... but Jungkook was nowhere to be... found."ARGHJdSHBHWS!" Jungkook screeched in distress. I snapped my face down to find the alpha... lying on the shrubs at an awkward angle."YAH! Why did you jump?!" I snapped, limping towards him in a hurry as Jungkook grunted on the ground in discomfort."Because you won't stop running!" He snapped, trying to sit up. BANG! My eyes flung open in fear, so I stiffly glanced up at the balcony above our heads. Taehyung will catch me if I don't run now!"Sh-Shit! I have to go!- Cover me!-" I snapped, quickly shoving Jungkook aside and got up to dash through the pouring rain. He slumped weakly onto the muddy soil in disbelief at my decision to ditch him."JANG SORA!- DON'T YOU DARE LEAVE ME HERE- AHHHEWDHJDRHD-" Jungkook screeched, trying to get up from the soil, but his back was in too much pain. He winced and collapsed back into the bush- just as Kim Taehyung appeared on the balcony above. Jungkook froze when he found his cousin staring at him."What are you doing?" Taehyung asked, dumbfounded by his young cousin's awkward position in the bush."Heh- Hehe- Can you... call the medics? I think I broke my spine trying to catch your bride- Ah~!" Jungkook laughed funnily but groaned in pain as he rubbed his hips. Taehyung gripped the railing in frustration once he realized Sora had disappeared."Fuck-" Taehyung cursed, turning to race back inside Sora's room."Ya- Yah! Bring the medics! Ah~ Appa!? APPA! HELP ME! I CAN'T GET UP! SOMEONE HELP ME!" Jungkook screamed for help as he lay helplessly in the bush, but no one heard his desperate calls. The alpha kept screaming for assistance under the rain as Jang Sora fled the mansion through the mansion's loophole._______________________
Fast Forward
Jang Sora weakly smiled at Jae Yangcha as he sat in the wheelchair by the garden. The child had started eating and drinking after recovering from the severe flu. She slowly pushed the young boy back toward the mansion- only to find the elders and Taehyung frowning at someone. Both Yangcha and Sora halted at the unexpected presence before them.

Kim Seokjin shifted his dull gaze to the disabled young alpha... who nervously gripped the handrest and glanced up at the supreme alpha... as she stood behind his wheelchair with a startled look.

Sora's POV
"What are you doing here?" I blinked in surprise."Jae Yangcha needs a proper guardian to secure his assets. He has no alliance, so I'm here to take him in," Seokjin sighed, turning to face my mother's uptight expression. I stared at Seokjin in shock."What makes you think you can simply take him from us when we were the ones to sustain his life after he got hurt?" Taehyung crossed his arms with his eyebrows raised."The Jae is an independent household. The heir may select a new household as his guardian," Seokjin refuted. I nervously glanced down at the frightened boy as he held my hand.

"You're not taking him," Eomma stepped forward. Taehyung suddenly stormed off without another word as Seokjin stubbornly stood before the elders."It isn't your choice. The child has every right to select his path and if he chooses my household... I'll compensate the expenses incurred during his stay here," Seokjin sighed, smiling warmly at Yangcha. I didn't dare react, so I placed my hands on Yangcha's shoulders to assure him of the situation. The boy blinked unsurely at Seokjin before looking up at me with his clueless eyes."Sign it," Taehyung unexpectedly stormed towards the boy. Yangcha flinched in fright as the man flung a document onto the alpha's lap with a pen. My eyes widened in shock. Contract? Alliance contract???"You can't force him to sign it!" Seokjin snapped, turning to glare at Taehyung in disbelief. Yangcha's lips started trembling at Taehyung's intimidating scowl. The child shakily grabbed the pen in fear."I- I'll sign it- but-""Are you really going to choose a corrupted household? Yah. Jae Yangcha! Your future depends on the contracts- so don't be foolish and pick a household that will guarantee your lifelong security! Not a family that intends to exploit you!" Seokjin snapped, causing the child to wince in fright. He whimpered while gripping tightly onto the pen in fear."Corrupted? Are you presenting yourself as a pure entity then?!" Taehyung snapped."Let's give him some time to consider the alliance. Do not sign the contract until-""Taehyung!" I gasped in horror. CLICK.Kim Taehyung suddenly whipped a gun out of his pocket to aim it straight at Yangcha just as Kim Seokjin tried to remove the contract from Yangcha's grip. The elders froze in fright at the presence of Taehyung's deadly energy. The young alpha suddenly sobbed in distress as he fearfully stared at the loaded gun barrel before his face."What are you doing?!" Seokjin snapped, wildly gawking at Kim Taehyung in disbelief as he threatened the child with a gun."I might not be able to kill you, but I am allowed to seize an underage alpha's asset as compensation payment for the resources my household wasted on him," Taehyung darkly snarled at Seokjin."N-Noona-""SHUT UP AND SIGN THE DOCUMENT! YOU SHOULD BE GLAD I'M KEEPING YOUR SCRIPPLED ASS ALIVE!" Taehyung bellowed, roughly shoving the barrel against the child's forehead. Blood drained from Yangcha's face as he tearfully sobbed in the wheelchair."T-Tae-""Do not try to interfere, Sora. We've already spoken, right? It's either he dies betraying you today or lives to protect his own life," Taehyung shifted his dark gaze to my pale expression. Seokjin glanced at me with a bewildered look. I gulped at Taehyung's darkness."I'll sign it!" Yangcha sobbed, shakily grabbing the pen to scribble on the document with his head lowered.Kim Seokjin stiffened in his position as he watched the child sign away his soul to my household, so I pursed my lips with my torn gaze on the devil's contract. Taehyung suddenly snatched the contract from the young alpha's grip and stormed off with the document. I quickly crouched down to hug Yangcha. The child whimpered in distress as he clung to my shoulder for support.Kim Seokjin slowly turned to stare at my mother with a drained expression after witnessing... my family's thirsty greed to achieve power.
He's standing before the... bloodthirsty... monsters.
Flash Back: The night Sora fled the mansion.Kim Seokjin softly hummed as he strolled into his living room with a warm mug to sit on his couch with a file. The top-rank alpha glanced at the dark night sky through his glass door to admire the bright flickers in silence. Ding. Seokjin lifted his phone to find a text from Haerim. It was a question about a task he assigned her earlier. Seokjin placed the mug on the coffee table to answer Haerim's text in his cozy living room- Beep. Seokjin snapped out of his thoughts and shifted his gaze away from the text on the screen to stare at the front door."Did I imagine it?" Seokjin frowned, dismissively glancing back at his phone again to type on the digital keyboard. Beep. Beep. The alpha froze once he heard his door monitor denying entry access... repeatedly."What the hell?" Seokjin cautiously rose to his feet in his casual clothes. He tossed his phone onto the couch and strolled toward the entrance until he noticed a dark silhouette... standing outside his door. Thud... Thud... The person started banging on his door. Seokjin halted to stare at the unexpected presence. Slowly, he reached out for the alarm beside his door. He had to alarm his guard."S-Seokjin? Are you home? Seokjin???" A small voice spoke up from the other side of the door just before he pressed the alarm button on the wall. The alpha froze in his place once he recognized her soft whimper. Seokjin immediately dropped his hand to grab the door handle but halted to stare at the shadow with a conflicted frown.
"Let's avoid each other," Sora's dull voice echoed in Seokjin's head.
The alpha shifted his troubled gaze back to her silhouette as she repeatedly knocked on his door. Gulping... Seokjin withdrew his hand from the handle... and took a step back. He can't associate with her."You're right. We should avoid each other," Seokjin quietly spoke to himself. He sighed and turned to stroll away from the door. The alpha gripped his hands and slumped on his couch in defeat to gaze at the unsent text on his phone screen. Buzz. Buzz. Haerim suddenly called Seokjin after he read her text without a reply.Seokjin shifted his gaze to the heavy rainstorm outside his villa and back to the front door with an unsettled grimace. His heart is desperately begging him to open the door... but his mind is screaming at the alpha to keep his hands clean from her affairs. Seokjin eventually lowered his head to pinch his nose bridge as he resisted the urge until... the room suddenly grew hushed. His phone stopped buzzing... and so did the thudding on his door. The alpha lifted his face to stare at the silent monitor with a restless feeling."Did she leave? What is she doing out here in the rainstorm?-" Seokjin sighed, getting up to approach the door. He grabbed the door handle, thoughtlessly pushing it open with a curious frown. Nothing. She wasn't at his door anymore. Seokjin stared at the empty path leading to his villa... thinking she had left when he lowered his gaze to find... Jang Sora... sitting on the ground with her arms wrapped around her shredded nightgown. Seokjin froze in shock as she softly sobbed at his feet."S-Seokjin?- You're home!" Sora gasped as soon as she noticed Seokjin frowning at her by his opened door. The alpha glanced at the dirty smudge on her pale cheeks. Her murky nightgown. Her burning red eyes. Her muddy barefoot... to her striking... messing hair. Twigs. Leaves. And dirt... completely covering her body as she stood before him... with a weak smile. It was her empty smile... that made Seokjin uncomfortable. Why was she smiling in this condition? He didn't know.

"Did you fight with your new boyfriend?" Seokjin forcefully chuckled while studying her torn condition. Sora suddenly pouted at his joke until warm tears slipped from her eyes. She sniffled, fighting hard to hold back her tears as Seokjin stood before her."You're a heartless jerk," Sora glared at him with her puffy eyes. Seokjin's smile dropped at her painful tears. His heart began aching at the sight of her shuddering shoulders. She was freezing."Did you come... all the way here just to tell me I'm heartless?" Seokjin teased. The second-rank alpha was super restless as they maintained the short distance between them. Sora stared at his unbothered reaction in silence as the weeping sky thundered over their heads."I'll leave," Sora sighed, weakly turning around and limped back into the rainstorm with her head lowered.A surge of unbearable contraction... thumped against Seokjin's chest... causing the alpha to grip the door handle in guilt. He shifted his gaze to the heavy downpour with a slight frown before averting his conflicted gaze to the supreme alpha as she fought her way through the harsh storm. He had to let go of her.The supreme alpha weakly limped over the pebbled path with her sore feet to make her way through the cold storm. It was never her intention... to race to Seokjin for help- She halted in her place when someone grabbed her wrist from behind. Pause. The cold wind blew violently against her weak body as the warm hand tightened around her... heating her icy fingers with his comfort. Slowly... she turned to find Kim Seokjin... standing before her with a stern frown. The supreme alpha stared at his tense body and glanced down at her wrist as he held onto her."You can stay," Seokjin whispered as he stood under the downpour with her. Sora pursed her lips until her eyes sparkled in tears."No- I'm sorry for bothering you- I-I'll leave-" Sora shook her head and tried to yank her hand away but was interrupted by Seokjin's swift movement. He tugged her arm. The supreme alpha gasped in shock as she stumbled towards her former lover. Thump. She slammed into his solid body. The rain poured harder onto them as she unconsciously gripped his soaked shirt."I can't let you leave in this condition," Seokjin whispered, tightly hugging her quivering body against his chest with his hand clasped over her dirty hair.Jang Sora pursed her trembling lips and lowered her face to sob against his chest upon receiving his comforting embrace. It was the comfort... she desperately needed after running aimlessly in the cold storm to flee her cruel family. Seokjin shakily tightened his arms around her until he felt his heart shattering into bits. How can they treat her... so harshly? He thought to himself. The top alpha resentfully lifted his angered gaze to stare at the deadly storm above them with an uptight expression."Are you paying or not? I'm soaked!- Are you her boyfriend!?" A man snapped, suddenly appearing with a guard. Seokjin immediately snapped out of his dark thoughts and turned to find a stranger frowning at him after the guard escorted the man inside."Neh?" Seokjin blinked at the middle-aged man."This lady took the taxi all the way here and said she'll pay me!" The man glared at the supreme alpha in annoyance. Seokjin froze and glanced at Sora's apologetic pout. The alpha eventually asked his guard to deal with the transaction and escorted Sora inside his home to shelter her from the storm.
Sora's POV
Seokjin pushed the door to his villa open for me, but I didn't dare step inside, so I stood at the doorway with my lips pursed. He suddenly turned to question my hesitation."I might... stain your tiles," I muttered, awkwardly glancing at my dirty feet. Seokjin lowered his gaze to watch the dirty water... dripped from my gown with a slight grimace."Put on the slippers," He sighed, turning to grab a pair of white slippers. I uneasily gripped my soaked gown as the alpha crouched down to hold my feet, but I quickly took a step back. He looked up at me while kneeling on the floor with his eyebrows furrowed."I might get you dirty," I whispered. Seokjin sighed and glanced at his already-soaked clothes. There were dirty smudges on his white shirt and pants. I fired him an apologetic look."It's cold. Step inside," Seokjin sighed, reaching for my feet to slip on the slippers. I bit my lower lips as I watched him place the warm slippers under my aching feet. Seokjin sighed and stood up to hold the door open for me. I gulped and stepped inside."Thank you," I whispered, turning around to examine his familiar villa. It's still the same... everything is neat and tidy."You know your way to the bathroom, right? Wash up first," Seokjin sighed, walking past me and disappeared into his bedroom. I shivered at the cold chills and walked after him to use the guest bathroom. I took a quick bath because I didn't feel like drenching myself for too long, then stepped out into the corridor. Seokjin brought me a laundry basket for my dirty clothes and handed me a nightgown. I paused to stare at the silky fabric unsurely."You have my nightgown?" I asked, looking up at Seokjin in surprise."I never really had the time to throw out your clothes after we broke up," Seokjin shrugged, bending down to lift the laundry basket and left with it. I gripped the light gown and pulled it on before removing the towel from my cold body. It was a long-sleeved gown that ended above my shin. Sighing, I walked into the brightly lit living room and finally settled down in exhaustion."I did your laundry. The clothes should be ready in an hour," Seokjin informed. He walked into the kitchen to look through his cabinet."I have a favor to ask," I spoke quietly. Seokjin didn't answer me and kept on doing whatever he was doing in the kitchen. He appeared a few minutes later with a mug and handed it to me. I accepted it. It's hot chocolate...? I softly smiled at the soothing sweet scent."Did you eat?" He asked, standing before me with his arms crossed."I'm not here to-""I asked if you're well fed before you came running to my place in this condition?" Seokjin asked, stubbornly watching me with a blank face. I gulped and glanced down at the hot chocolate."No. I'm starving," I looked up apologetically. Seokjin fired me a bitter look and strolled off again to open his fridge."I haven't eaten either," He muttered. I watched him anxiously from the couch as he placed the fresh ingredients in the sink. Sighing, I lowered my face to sip the hot chocolate before turning to stare at the stormy view with a dim expression. Do-hwan won't be able to track me without my phone.Seokjin made seaweed soup and sweet bulgogi because it was the quickest dish to cook. He carefully settled the rice bowl and chopsticks for me... with a glass of water. I thanked him again and sat on the carpet to eat with him. We didn't speak and ate in silence. Should I speak now? I feel bad. Why did I bother him at this time? I peeked at Seokjin's composed expression unsurely as I chewed the rice."I said I have a favor to ask," I cleared my throat. Seokjin stopped chewing and looked up at me with a blank face."I can't promise you anything," He shook his head."Jae Yangcha," I gulped, gripping my chopstick at the child's name. Seokjin slurped the seaweed soup with an unbothered look."A mother raped and killed. The father with a bullet lodged in his forehead," Seokjin nodded after an intense silence."Thankfully, the heir is alive," I nervously examined Seokjin."The kid is underage. An underage alpha without their parents will not last-""Can't you take him in?" I interrupted. Seokjin halted with his chopstick over his rice. He glanced at me with his eyebrows furrowed."What?" Seokjin asked."Accept him in as your alliance," I intensely stared at Seokjin. He quietly observed my desperation."No one will approve him-""My parents might seize the child's power if I let him stay with me," I gulped, frantically reaching across the table to hold Seokjin's arm."Your mother-""Oh. My mother said she'd let the child reside with us only if he transferred his assets to my household. I'm afraid she will kill the boy once she possesses his power," I nervously held Seokjin's hand. He stared at me from across the table without blinking."What makes you think I'd be generous with him?" Seokjin asked. I pursed my lips to study his face."Your household never kills for power. It's your parent's righteous virtue to steer clear of any crimes. You can claim the child's power, but the child will still thrive in your household. I know your family won't kill him," I begged. I have to save Yangcha. The child is an innocent soul, and my parents are greedy monsters. I'll only endanger the boy if I keep him close."Sora. It's not my decision to thoughtlessly decide the alliance-""I promise I'll return the favor when you desperately need support. Oh? Seokjin, please," I pleaded, tightening my hands around his. Seokjin stared at me with a troubled grimace."You don't have to support me, not when you're barely well yourself," He shook his head, slowly withdrawing his hand from mine. I pursed my lips at his rejection."Taehyung- he- forced the child to sit under the rain today. Yangcha- He was wailing and screeching. My households will eliminate the child- so please-""Is that why you're in this condition? You defied your own household to protect the child?" Seokjin interrupted me with a disappointed look."They can't kill me, but they will kill the kid," I pursed my lips."They can't kill you... but do you want to live the rest of your life with this kind of treatment?" Seokjin asked. I grew hushed at his words.How long can I run away from my family? I said I wouldn't run, but here I am... fleeing their cursed mansion... once again. Seokjin sighed deeply and got up to collect the plates as I sat blankly to rethink my life decision. What should I do now? Did I drag Yangcha to his own demise? Was it the right decision to... place him in my mother's grip...? What have I done?"I'll figure out a way," I sighed once Seokjin returned to the living room after doing the dishes."Do you want me to call Do-hwan? Or are you not ready to return home?" Seokjin asked, bitterly frowning at me."Can you leave a text for Do-hwan? Tell him I'm fine... and that I'll return tomorrow," I muttered. Seokjin sourly stared at me and bent down to lift his phone from the couch. He tapped on his phone and walked off... leaving me alone in the living room."I'll let you sleep on the couch. Kim Taehyung will surely go berserk if he finds out... so leave quietly with him if he happens to barge inside my villa. I'll sleep with my door locked," Seokjin tossed me the warm blanket."You're a good man, you know?" I smiled at him."Technically, I'm not enough for you," Seokjin shrugged, walking off with his phone. I pursed my lips at his words until he switched off the lights and disappeared. Sighing, I turned to lie on the couch with the blanket extended over my body. I hugged the cushion and turned to look at the gloomy dark sky in silence. Why is it that... the love I feel for Seokjin... is so different from Taehyung? There's a distinct difference I can't quite... grasp.
Sora... There are many forms of love.

A moment later
Kim Seokjin carefully stepped out of his bedroom in the middle of the night and strolled into the living room to find the supreme alpha snoring softly against the cushion. He glanced at the soft drizzle outside the villa and turned to adjust the heater to keep her warm. Sighing, he entered the guest bathroom to grab a medical kit and walked towards the couch. He quietly settled on the floor, gently tugging the blanket upward to expose Sora's bruised feet. The alpha frowned at the scratches over her feet before turning to grab the medical supplies. Quietly... he dabbed the cream over the bruises.The second rank sat in absolute muteness while treating her injuries as the cold storm ravaged the city with its relentless downpour. Seokjin gently covered Sora's feet and scooted upward to examine the scratches on her arm. Sighing deeply, he dabbed the injury on her damaged skin with a concentrated frown. The alpha eventually straightened his back and glanced at the dark circle under Jang Sora's eyes.How can anyone treat a soul this... carelessly? He thought. He would have never raised his hands to bruise her skin, even if he was super furious with her. Seokjin's chest wrenched with an uncomfortable throb as he examined his former lover. Cuts... bruises... scratches... and tears... she keeps appearing with them and yet... she'd smile as if it's nothing.
Seokjin had noticed her condition ever since she first returned to society. He'd inspect... the way she limps through the corridor. The obvious... bandage around her head just a day after becoming the council president. Some days... he'd notice her bright pink nose and puffy eyes. But she'd mask all of her discomforts with a simple smile.

A smile. That's all she needed to appear okay.
"I know I can treat you better, Sora, but who am I to oppose your decision if... it's Kim Taehyung that you favor?" Seokjin whispered, staring at her sick face with a sad frown. It wasn't her choice. Seokjin knew that. The helpless soul is trapped with a man that can't love her right because it's her parent's wish to marry her off for power."You must be in great pain," Seokjin muttered, quietly watching her snuggle against the cushion. He couldn't hold her. He couldn't comfort her like he used to, but it doesn't mean he can't root for her happiness. Seokjin pursed his lips and lowered his face in defeat. He sat in the darkroom as the lightning flickered through the glass door. The room remained chilly and dim as the alpha sulked in silence by his lover's side with a yearning heart, knowing he'd only put her in a more difficult position if he reached for her again._____________________
A future event
Sora's POV"Taehyung! Wait-" I gasped, frantically forcing my body off the mattress, but he effortlessly held me down and slammed his lips against mine to hush me with his slick tongue. Thrust.  Thrust. Thrust. I moaned in distress as he repeatedly thrust between my legs to disable my body with the hot pleasure."Why did you betray me, Sora...?" He darkly gritted as I weakly remained beneath his sweaty chest. I looked up at him in tears as he hovered his heated body over mine. Groaning... I turned my head on the pillow to avoid his intimidating scowl as he worked his way inside me until I felt my crotch dripping wet from the burning sensation."I didn't betray you- Ah~! Hngh~!" I shook my head with my eyes screwed shut. Taehyung firmly gripped my thighs and shoved his hips forward with all his might until I lost my voice to his suffocating presence, lodged deep inside my burning groin. I grabbed his strong forearm in distress."Did you think I was a fool?! You went to Seokjin to beg him to save the child-""My mother will kill the child! Please- It was my only intention to save the kid-" I sobbed but couldn't help but moan in between his thrusts. My body is burning! Why is he so rough?!"I told you not to associate with him!" Taehyung snapped, roughly seizing my cheeks to make me look at his baring teeth. The man suddenly stopped moving his hips to freeze over me with his sharp gaze on my damp cheeks as I helplessly fumed over the mattress, completely disabled by his pleasuring strokes."There's nothing between us-! Ahhh~!" I denied. Thump! Taehyung suddenly moved his strong hips in a taunting place. I gasped and arched my back over the bed in pleasure as he rubbed his moist crotch against my mine to grind my tight canal with his hard presence. I tried to push his torso away, but the man simply grabbed my hand to pin my wrist beside my head."I don't believe you," Taehyung gritted as he pounded me with a fierce scowl. I panted heavily and reached down to hold his hips."I love you! I love you!" I pleaded, trying to tug down his body while squirming under his heavy mass. I'm burning all over! Taehyung refused to go easy on me and aggressively leaned down to bite my neck. I tilted my head upward in distress as he sped up the pace of his thrust- until I curled my toes to resist the surging pleasure as the bed rocked and creaked at his merciless movement."How am I supposed to believe you when you keep running away from me to him?" The alpha sensually whispered as he bit my earlobe until I shivered and whimpered in difficulty. I can't breathe properly! I clenched my jaw with my fingers entangled in his wild hair as he repeatedly thrust between my shaky legs."I promise- I won't do it again- I'm sorry-" I stuttered as he tortured me with the taunting movement of his crotch."You're sorry?" Taehyung lifted his face to stare darkly at me. He stopped moving his hips again... so I slumped weakly against the mattress to catch my breath. He's... fucking the life out of me... Sora... you need to stop- but... what can I do in this position? He'll only thrust harder if I defied him."I didn't mean to hurt you- I'm sorry-" I sniffled while holding back my tears. Taehyung quietly examined the streaming steaks on my damp cheeks as our chests pulsated heavily against one another. I'm scared of him! There's nothing I can do in this position when he's literally holding my naked body in a chokehold at a vacant place like this! He keeps disabling me with sex! Arousing my nerves- by toying with my sensitive body until I go weak and submit to him!
Third Person Pov
"Marry me," Taehyung whispered."W-what?" Sora blinked at him in tears."Let's get engaged," Taehyung whispered, suddenly sitting up on the mattress and pulled out of her soaked slit without finishing. The supreme alpha twisted her trembling legs in discomfort while sprawling on the bed as she watched Taehyung crawl off the mattress. She nervously watched the naked man walk away to search for something in his jacket. The supreme alpha fearfully bit her lower lips as Taehyung crawled back onto the bed with his sweat-drenched body."You got a ring?" She whispered, looking up at him with her messed-up hair. Taehyung grabbed her thighs, roughly yanking her body over the mattress and made her sit on his lap. Sora moaned in distress after he slipped his hard tip back inside her again."Will you marry me?" Taehyung asked as he held the diamond ring before her flustered face. She blinked in tears and glanced at his intimidating gaze."This is how you'll propose?" She whispered. Taehyung suddenly moved his hips under her. Sora gasped at the toe-curling jolt inside her groin and gripped his shoulder with her head lowered. Thrust. Taehyung darkly watched her frown in difficulty as he beat his meat upward to stifle her with the scalding pleasure. Thrust. Sora moaned in distress as she clutched onto his broad shoulders."You don't like it? The proposal? And the pleasure? I'm offering you both at once," Taehyung whispered as he made her bounce over his crotch. Sora shuddered in distress while hugging his shoulders with her face buried against his sweaty neck."Okay. I'll marry you," Sora nodded in defeat, holding tightly onto his hard muscles.Taehyung shakily slipped the ring onto her left ring finger while thrusting deep inside her. Sora moaned aloud, so he grabbed her face, forcefully pinning his lips over hers before shoving her vulnerable body backward onto the mattress. Thump!The alpha sat up between her legs, impatiently shoving himself deeper as he watched the supreme alpha's youthful body quiver with his lustful strokes. She gripped the bedsheet in distress as he pressed his palm over her lower stomach... intentionally applying... pressure to paralyze her sensitive nerves with his addictive friction. The alpha suddenly shoved his fingers inside her mouth and twirled them around her wet tongue to muffle her moans."You can't... betray me again. Okay?" Taehyung asked. Sora stared up at him from the pillow in difficulty as he played with her tongue. She nodded in silence as he thumped inside her."Say it, Sora," Taehyung pressed, withdrawing his fingers from her lips to knead her sensitive breast while thrusting his hips against her soaked groin."I'll submit it to you. I promise," She whispered in exhaustion."Say it again," Taehyung darkly stared at her. Sora jerked violently under him as the hot jolt erupted all over her body to signal her defeat."I- I'll do anything for you. I promise- hah~!" Sora screwed her face in difficulty until she felt the hot pressure exiting her with the final pump. Thrust! Kim Taehyung pulled out just in time to let her release her discharge.The supreme alpha wheezed in exhaustion as she struggled to calm her burning body and racing heart. Huff! Huff! She hyperventilated over the mattress... twitching helplessly with her eyes closed as the man held her thighs apart to watch her release her discharge. Squirt!"I love you," Taehyung whispered as he crawled over her sweaty body.
The supreme alpha's grip... suddenly loosened around her lover's hips... and she... flopped... weakly onto the mattress.
Jang Sora was entirely depleted by his aggressive assertion... so she remained motionless on the mattress with her sticky hair glued to her damp cheeks as he kissed and fondled her naked skin to his desire. Her mind was too clouded... for her to think straight... as her lover encircled his possessive arms around her feverish body. Jang Sora closed her eyes to ignore the discomfort in her chest... as she remained trapped within Kim Taehyung's grip. Her body twitched intensely after he emptied her soul on his bed.
She thought it was pure love between them... but does love come with so much lust? The sexual tension... so powerful... it became his weapon to weaken her body by repeatedly exhausting her soul until she was too vulnerable to feel or think.

Her energy... depleted by the exhaustive pleasure. Her body... intensely aching from the repeated invasion of his touch. Her feelings... entirely suffocated by his poisonous tongue. Her tears... had stopped flowing at his addictive love strokes.

And her soul... has finally surrendered to his dominance, signally her unfortunate defeat.

Whatever she does...

He'll be the master... tugging on her puppet strings.

And there was no escaping.

Not after he cuffed a diamond leash around her soul to label her as his possession.

Kim Taehyung smirked... against her reeking body fluid... in the dimly lit bed chamber... as he gently kissed the glistering ring... over her finger while holding his lover captive... within his... possessive clutch.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
I groggily pushed my sore body off the couch to sit up with my eyes closed while groaning under my breath. My mind is fuzzy, and I feel like slumping back down for more sleep. The lightweight blanket slid off my shoulder as I struggled to open my blurry eyes. Again and again, my eyelids would droop. I eventually overcame the persistent drowsiness after fighting to recollect my dazed senses for approximately five minutes until I found a figure sitting on the opposite couch with his leg hooked over his kneecap.I blinked once to fix my vision on Seokjin as he quietly read the newspaper with an unbothered look, so I sat in absolute silence to study his calmness with nothing in my head. The sun is glowing brightly over the city after the harsh storm swept the city clean with its relentless downpour."Wash up. I made you breakfast," Seokjin sighed, getting onto his feet and strolled into the kitchen without looking at me. I quietly watched him open a steaming pot to stir the soup. Why did I come to him? Sighing, I got up to wash my face. I halted by the sink when I noticed a pack of unwrapped toothbrushes. He's very considerate."Thank you for the meal... the shelter and... the toothbrush," I muttered, sitting opposite Seokjin as he quietly ate from his rice bowl. This reminds me of the first night we spent together."I can take you home, but Kim Taehyung won't be happy, so I'll call Do-hwan," Seokjin nodded, finally looking up at me with a neutral face."I'm sorry for troubling you," I muttered, lowering my face to lift my spoon."I don't mind your presence, but I don't wish to be involved in unnecessary trouble with your lover. You shouldn't have come running to my villa," Seokjin sighed as he stared at me from across the table with a bitter gaze. I weakly chewed the soft rice grain while eyeing his usual handsome face."You're right. Taehyung might hurt you-""I'm not afraid of Kim Taehyung. I can fight, but I'm afraid he'll hurt you. Kim Taehyung can't hurt me because I'm the upper rank, but he can abuse you... since your parents favor him," Seokjin cut me short. I stopped chewing to stare at him with a dejected expression. He's right. Taehyung can never hurt Seokjin... It is me... I'm the one to face his wrath."I didn't know where else to go... no one would welcome me but you. It was freezing cold and I only knew your address," I sighed, lowering my gaze to the soup in guilt. I know I shouldn't have returned to him... but I was at a dead end... and I desperately needed someone to help me. Seokjin watched me quietly from across the table without budging... before letting out a huge sigh."Sure. Your parents nor Taehyung can storm inside my mansion. It is the safest place for you," Seokjin shrugged."I won't cause you trouble anymore. I'll leave quietly," I sighed."About the child. I don't think my parents will let me take him in. You should ask another household," Seokjin apologetically stared at me."I'll ask Yoongi-""His parents won't even consider the proposal," Seokjin shook his head."Why-""The Min is also a new household. They don't have an alliance yet, so what makes you think they'll risk their lives to save the kid?" Seokjin asked. I pursed my lips at his question. I can't leave Yangcha in my mother's grip."I'll find a way to save him," I shrugged. There was a moment of silence between us as Seokjin quietly watched me eat his food."Did he hurt you?" Seokjin asked, lowering his gaze to the bruises on my arm."Taehyung? No. He didn't. I got hurt running away from him," I shook my head."Are you happy with him?" Seokjin asked."Do I have another choice? I have to marry him," I sighed heavily. Seokjin frowned at my discouraged face as he unconsciously stirred the soup with his spoon."But do you love him?" Seokjin asked. I paused and lifted my curious eyes to stare at Seokjin unsurely."I do-""What is it that you love about him?" Seokjin pressed. Why is he interrogating me?"I don't know. I've always admired Taehyung since we were young-""But the past isn't the present him. You're attached to the past and he's definitely not the same person you're searching for," Seokjin frowned. We stared at each other in silence."Why are you-""Because I somehow still care about your well-being... and I don't appreciate... the bare minimum treatment you're receiving from him," Seokjin sternly stared at me. I felt an uneasy feeling churning in my chest upon his blunt confession."He doesn't hurt me-""Not physically. Not yet, but mentally? Anyone can see you're unwell," Seokjin shook his head. I sadly stared at his concerned frown."Seokjin. Don't bother worrying about my condition-""I would never meddle with anyone's affairs if it doesn't affect me," Seokjin repeatedly interrupted me."How is this affecting you-""My heart is aching to see you like this. We might be over, but I'm still hurting, so... I have to meddle because I don't think I can heal when you keep bothering me with your current relationship," Seokjin firmly stated. I blinked at his bitter frown and lowered my head to press my hand against my face in exhaustion."You will heal one day. I'm really okay," I sighed, lifting my face to stare at him with a pleading look. He'll only make it difficult for the both of us if he interferes with my relationship. Seokjin eventually cleared the table after we ate, so I left to brush my teeth and got changed into my shabby dress. It wasn't dirty anymore since Seokjin did my laundry the night before."I'll see you at school," I smiled as he followed me out of his villa."Unless you try to break into my house again. If you desperately need a safe place to hide- Then I'll change the pin to our anniversary date," Seokjin smiled. I chuckled and shook my head but halted almost immediately when I found Haerim approaching us with a gift bag. Seokjin froze in his place at her unexpected presence inside his property."What are you doing here?" Haerim sourly asked, glancing at Seokjin for answers before eyeing my nightgown with a slight grimace."Why are you here?" Seokjin asked Haerim. I awkwardly looked up at the sky to avoid her narrowed eyes until I noticed Do-hwan pulling into Seokjin's villa in his car. I quickly jogged away from the alphas and entered the car before Do-hwan could step out to assist me."You seriously ran to Kim Seokjin's place after you fought with Kim Taehyung?" Do-hwan whined as he drove out of the villa's property. I slumped on the back seat and crossed my arms over my chest."Would you have preferred... that I let Taehyung strangle me at home?" I asked."You could've come to me. It's my duty to protect you," Do-hwan sorely muttered."But you can't kill Taehyung anyways. He'll only abuse his power to humble you," I muttered."You're already planning to murder your boyfriend?" The man asked."I think he'll murder me when I get home," I shrugged. I can never kill that stupid man. Do-hwan fired me a sharp glare through the mirror, but I pretended not to see him and closed my eyes to nap in the backseat.I quickly straightened my back and stepped out of the car as soon as we arrived at the mansion. I have to hurry back to my room so I don't have to face- I abruptly halted by the car door when I found Taehyung standing by the front door with his arms crossed. Do-hwan stepped out after me as I uneasily stared at Taehyung's dark expression."Why are you following me?!" Do-hwan snapped when he noticed me trailing after him."Escort me to my room!" I demanded, tugging his shirt with a frightened pout. Do-hwan frowned at my timid behavior before lifting his face to Kim Taehyung, who was patiently waiting for me by the door."He won't hurt you. Head inside," Do-hwan sighed, pushing my hand off his arm, and strode away without me. I whimpered in annoyance before turning to stare at Taehyung with a racing heart. What if he twists my neck for slapping him?I cleared my throat to gather my nonexistent courage and strode towards the door with a blank face. I'll snap his head first if he tries anything funny! Taehyung watched me approach him without blinking, so I glanced away and passed him without a glance. He didn't react... so I sped up my pace toward my room until he disappeared from my sight."I made it in one piece!" I chirped, happily pushing my bedroom door open but stopped dead in my track when I found my room... littered with... bouquets. From the couch... to the bed... to the floor... to the cabinets... There were flowers and petals everywhere. I froze in my place as the flowery scent filled my nostrils. What's... this?"I'm sorry," Taehyung's deep voice suddenly spoke up behind my back. My eyes widened in panic at his muted presence. Slowly... I turned to find him standing by my doorway with his arms crossed. He didn't seem upset anymore. There was this haze... of deep gloom... in his eyes."What's this-" I unsurely pointed at the flowers. He sighed and suddenly strolled forward to engulf me with the calming warmth of his body. I unconsciously gripped his shirt as he held onto me with nothing but tenderness. Puzzled by his caring act, I remained motionless with my chin tilted uncomfortably over his shoulder."I was dead worried about you last night. How can you thoughtlessly run off on your own?" He asked, pulling away to grip my shoulders. I stared at his affectionate gaze with a restless feeling. Did someone exorcize the evil out of him while I was away?"I don't want to speak with you right now," I spoke quietly, refusing to lower my guard at his apologies. No! I will not let him weaken me again! He can't bring me flowers to make up for his reckless acts after he barged inside my room! Taehyung drew his lips into a thin as he studied my stern expression."Sora-""No. I said-" I immediately interrupted and tried to step back but the man refused to respect my boundary and yanked me into a crushing hug again. I gripped his shoulder, quickly sucking in my breath as he snuggled his face against the side of my neck. Taehyung wouldn't release me... no matter how hard I tried to push him away."I'm sorry..." Taehyung stubbornly lowered his hand to hold my waist as I stood on the tip of my toes, trapped under his suffocating arms. I stopped resisting his persistence to embrace me after failing to push him away and slowly hugged his waist in defeat. Why is it that I soften this easily upon his touch? Taehyung patted my back to comfort me, so I sighed in defeat and gave his waist a gentle squeeze to assure him. He slowly pulled away after I stopped resisting him and leaned forward to press his soft lips against mine. I calmly stood before him as he kissed me."I need space," I whispered again, grabbing Taehyung's hand to stop him from roaming his possessive fingers over my waist. He paused at my statement and slowly pulled away with a slight frown. He looked almost... disappointed."You should shower," He nodded after holding intense eye contact with me in the muted room, finally withdrawing his clutch from my body to grant me the space I requested. I nervously examined his composed behavior and turned to enter my bathroom to dismiss his observant gaze. He's not aware, right? Did Do-hwan inform Taehyung of my whereabouts? If he knew... then why isn't he reacting? I stared unblinking at the damp wall as the warm shower poured over my numb body.
Taehyung didn't confront me about my whereabouts after I spent the night behind Seokjin's wall. It was a huge relief because I was worried he'd overreact and stir up another fight between us. And the flowers? He got it for me as a sincere apology after chasing me off my balcony during a rainstorm. The gesture of the blooming petals did appease my bitterness towards him for a brief moment... but eomma was right about flowers.

They wither and fall apart. The clear water in the vase turned murky after a few nights, spreading its foul odor all over my room. I did not feel at peace as I watched the pretty flower petals fall from its stem.

One by one... Its vibrant colors would turn brown... and eventually perish without its root.

How long can I live like this? Like those flowers? How long will the deceptive apologies and promises of my family and lover... keep me alive before I wither?

Just like the flowers. Its stem had been cut off and left to depend on the vase water to keep its blooming petals alive, but the plain fluid is merely a temporary source of energy... because without the nutrients from the soil and the warm sunlight... the flowers will wither and ultimately die in the vase.

Just like their lies... and false apologies... I'm once again accepting their empty promises, knowing I'll ultimately grow weaker and eventually collapse within their wicked grip.
"You can sleep in my room if the odor is too strong," A chilly voice whispered beside my ear, causing me to jerk at the unexpected presence of Taehyung's arms around my waist. I shifted my gaze from the maids as they carried the dead flowers out of my room to find Taehyung looming over me with a slight smirk."I should visit Yangcha," I smiled, slightly pushing his hand off my body, and quickly strode away.
Although... I accepted Taehyung's flowers as an apology... I did not associate with him. Of course, he tried to approach me to reconcile our issue, but I still needed time to sort out my thoughts... so I avoided him. I can't succumb to his sweet words because I am afraid it is only a well-planned deceit to weaken me. He said he wouldn't hurt Yangcha again, but how can I mindlessly acknowledge his promise when I know he's still hurting me after promising to love me?
"Oh- Noona!" Yangcha smiled, quickly turning to wave at me as I entered the medical room to find him eating from the food tray the nurse had prepared for him.

"You're eating well," I smiled, slowly approaching the kid with an uneasy feeling as I watched the young soul devour the food hungrily. Yangcha lifted his bright face with little to no sorrow in his eyes."I've caused you and your household enough trouble. Hyung is right. My parents wouldn't want to see me live a terrible life, so I'll eat and live to see tomorrow," Yangcha nodded as he stirred the messy rice bowl with his spoon."Hyung?" I raised my eyebrows unsurely."Taehyung hyung. He spoke to me after I recovered from the flu," Yangcha smiled. I frown at the child's unbothered behavior."Do you not resent him? For what he did to you?" I asked. Yangcha's curved lips suddenly flattened upon my question. He pursed his lips and sadly stared at me with an apologetic frown."I was terrified, of course. But I've returned to my senses. What hyung did... wasn't very nice... it was torture... but... I am more guilty of my... thoughtless acts toward you. I don't want to burden you anymore, noona," Yangcha whispered. I felt a dull churn in my chest as I stared at his hopeless condition."You should never turn to... pain for comfort. What Taehyung did to you... should never be a justified act," I shook my head. Taehyung is conditioning the child to rely on pain as a reminder of life."I know, but I'm trying my best to be better. You don't have to worry about me anymore. I might have lost my parents... but I still have you by my side," Yangcha smiled and reached over his tray to hold my hand. I warmly smiled at his cute beam and leaned forward to pull him into a crushing hug.

"Pff! How can you be so caring towards an outsider but not me after I almost broke my back trying to chase you..." Jungkook's grumpy voice muttered out of nowhere. I quickly released Yangcha, turning to find Jungkook sitting stiffly on the couch with a dull grimace."Did I ask you to jump after me?!" I playfully snapped."You did! You said try jumping, so I jumped!" Jungkook shot back. Yangcha laughed at Jungkook's offended scowl, so I giggled and shook my head. I didn't know he'd really leap off the balcony!"You're a dumbass for following me," I teased. Jungkook rolled his eyes with a weak smile.I eventually walked Jungkook back to his bedroom after putting Yangcha to bed. Jungkook was nice enough to offer me his couch after I told him my bedroom reeked of dead flowers. Taehyung disappeared again, and I didn't bother to search for him because I was afraid he'd invite me to his bedroom again.
I know he's growing impatient with me, but I can't give in. Not yet.
____________________I snuggled sideways on the couch at the alpha's lounge with my head tilted against the handrest as Jungkook rubbed his sore back with his eyes on his phone screen. Sighing heavily, he tossed his phone into his bag on the coffee table and slumped back against the couch to soothe his discomfort. The room was empty, so it was just the two of us."Are you on pills?" Jungkook suddenly questioned."Birth control? Yeah," I nodded as I read the articles on the file with my knees bent uncomfortably because Jungkook was sharing the couch with me. He sighed and gently slipped his hand under my shins to straighten my legs and placed them over his lap so I could lay in a comfortable position.

"Taehyung asked you to take the pills?" Jungkook questioned, slightly lifting his eyebrow."Yeah. Better safe than sorry... that's what he claimed," I shrugged while circling a phrase on the article with my pencil. Jungkook gently massaged my stiff shins over his lap as I lay with my unblinking gaze on the file."What an asshole," Jungkook muttered."Why is everyone so concerned about something so trivial? He's trying not to get me pregnant," I mumbled. Jungkook scoffed and suddenly lifted his face to fire me an uptight look."Birth control isn't popular in the alpha world. I'm pretty sure your father didn't put your mother on birth control- just because he was horny and wanted to fuck. The side effects aren't worth it, Sora. If he wants to get intimate with you... then he should compromise and use condoms instead," Jungkook shrugged. I dropped the file to glare at Jungkook."It's my body, and I'm not whining," I shrugged."I'm sure Seokjin didn't ask you to take birth control pills since my condoms kept disappearing from my drawer-""Yah! Stop mentioning him! Taehyung is sensitive to my past relationship, and I really can't afford another episode of his psychopathic darkness!" I whined, throwing the file at Jungkook in annoyance. He grimaced and turned away to glare at the window."Why are you still siding with him after he-""I'm not trying to protect him! I'm just tired of the endless fights! He can do whatever he wants!-""Your body is your choice, and so are your feelings! Who is he to dictate your life and body?!" Jungkook rudely interrupted me. I glared at his stubbornness when he refused to drop the topic."What am I supposed to do?! You know I can't do anything!" I argued. Jungkook bit his lower lips in frustration and turned to glare at the window again."Fucking hell, it must be a hell of a lot of fun to be Kim Taehyung. The asshole can do whatever he wants," Jungkook sneered in defeat. I sighed at his words.Why is it that I'm weaker than him even if I'm a higher rank? Because he's the man? And I'm a woman? Will life be easier if I was a man with a dick? My thoughts were immediately cut short when the door opened, and a flood of alphas came strolling in after their class ended.Jungkook and Minha weren't on good terms, but she didn't ignore me like she used to. We'd chat now and then but not as frequently anymore. Taehyung suddenly strolled in with Haerim, and for some reason... they both looked very uptight. Haerim strode away with a smug expression as Taehyung approached us. I didn't shift from my position and remained on the couch with my legs hooked over Jungkook's lap. Taehyung glanced at our position with a disapproving side eye but didn't say anything."Are you sick?" Taehyung asked as he stood over me with a dull expression. Jungkook bitterly stared at his cousin before getting up to stroll out of the room because he couldn't stand being in the same room."I'm fine," I shrugged, grabbing the file to scan it again because I didn't want to look at him. Taehyung sighed at my persistent withdrawal, suddenly sitting down on the edge of the couch to observe me with an intense stare."We don't have class tomorrow, so I want to take you somewhere," He spoke up. I kept my eyes trained on the confusing texts, trying my best not to look at him... but I kept blanking out at his distracting presence... and I couldn't understand the printed words before my eyes."Where?" I finally sighed, placing the file down to stare at Taehyung's eager face."I promised to deliver gifts to the elders in Busan," Taehyung shrugged. My eyes instantly widened as he turned away to type on his phone screen.

"You're delivering yourself?!" I gasped, sitting up with a bewildered look. Taehyung didn't answer me right away and calmly scrolled through his phone."Your skin is dull... so maybe a refreshing road trip will heal you," Taehyung suggested. I pursed my lips at his invitation, uneasily turning to glance around the room as the alphas minded their own business. Is this a trap?"No. I got an assignment to-""How long are you going to avoid me? Bring your work along, and I'll help you with it if that's the issue," Taehyung confronted me. I blinked at his stern gaze with a conflicted feeling... and you guessed it. I agreed to leave with him.

Taehyung insisted that we skip the remaining day of school- if we wanted to make it to Busan on time. It was already a little past noon when we left the campus. It was strange because Taehyung insisted we didn't need to pack anything. Where is he taking me? I don't know.

He assured me... we're visiting Busan.
But I wouldn't know if he plans to bury me in my grave. I restlessly fidgeted with my fingers as we drove on the highway before turning to check the back seat of his jeep to find piles of high-quality ginseng packages. He wasn't joking about the gifts. I blinked again and glanced at his side profile.

"You can sleep if you're feeling drowsy," Taehyung briefly glanced at me as he steered the wheel. I pursed my lips as I adjusted my position over the car seat before glancing at the road ahead of us. Sleep is the only way to avoid him at this rate. Why did I agree to come with him? I'm not ready to make up and I definitely can't return home since we're halfway there!
A moment later
"Aigo~! You two didn't have to bring the gifts!" Halmeoni gasped as we stood before her gate with a basket of wrapped gifts."It's a token of our gratitude. You took care of us during the storm," Taehyung chuckled, walking forward to hug her as he clutched the basket in one arm. Halmeoni turned to beam at me, so I happily embraced her tiny body with a faint smile."You lost a lot of weight! Are you sick?" Halmeoni worriedly patted my hand. She insisted on treating us to her homemade snacks... so we were forced to sit on the wooden floor at her little home."That's why I took her out here for a refreshing break. My bride has been very ill lately," Taehyung answered. I shyly nodded in agreement because Taehyung kept speaking for me whenever Halmeoni tried to strike a conversation.
We ended up staying at her place for dinner and to my surprise... Taehyung did not reserve a hotel for us. It was... his plan to stay at the haunted mansion. Again. I got really irritated once I found out we were staying at the fucking creepy hill but didn't dare complain because I was afraid he'll murder me in the forest.

Strut. Strut.

Strut.

I quietly followed him up the gravel path with an annoyed grimace as he climbed ahead of me with a basket of food and essentials. Halmeoni packed it for us earlier before we left. Should I call Do-hwan? I feel uneasy. What if he kills me in the mansion... No one will find my corpse."Oh? Where did it-" I gasped, suddenly stopping beside the rusty gate to search my pockets in confusion. Where's my phone?"What's the matter?" Taehyung asked, turning to look at me as I wildly turned to scan the dark path."My phone... I swear I had it with me in the car," I mumbled, worriedly turning to frown at him."You probably left it in my car then. Why? Do you need to contact someone? You can borrow my phone," Taehyung shrugged, pushing the creaky gate open and walked through the bush to approach the front door."Fuck... Do-hwan will kill me for leaving it behind," I mumbled as I followed him inside the dark mansion. Do-hwan made it clear that I must carry my phone everywhere, so he could track my whereabouts.Taehyung placed the basket on the coffee table in the living room and quickly walked toward the light switch- Click. Click. I halted by the open door as Taehyung repeatedly tapped on the switch... but the mansion remained dark. I gulped and glanced at the ominous stairs leading up the dark floor until a rush of bone-chilling goosebumps rose all over my skin. It feels like I'm being watched from the complete darkness."What's the matter with the light?" Taehyung muttered, shifting his gaze to the massive crystal chandelier above us."Maybe we should head back?" I suggested. This is definitely a bad sign! People die in horror movies when they stay at a haunted place like this! I'm not the main character, so I should fucking yeet my ass out of this place before I get possessed by a demonic ghost!"Yeah. We should head back. I'll reserve a hotel room for us," Taehyung agreed, grabbing the basket and walked toward me. We hurriedly made our way back to the gate when I felt a cold droplet splattering onto my shoulder. Oh? I tilted my face toward the drifting gray clouds in dread."Shit-""We have to hurry!" Taehyung gasped, suddenly grabbing my hand. He hurriedly raced over the path as it started pouring harder until we were both soaked halfway down the slope."What's the matter?!" I shrieked when he suddenly stopped to frown at the thick fog in the woods as the cold droplet streamed over us."I don't remember the way back! It's too foggy!" Taehyung worriedly turned to stare at me. I pursed my lips in terror before turning to look at the confusing wilderness. How will we get back to the village? Even the soil under my shoes has turned into sticky mud.
A moment later...
Taehyung took me back to the mansion after failing to escape the forest in the rainstorm. The downpour was merciless... and the strong wind wasn't helping at all. It's freezing my blood with its chilly frost! I shivered uncontrollably after stumbling back inside the cold mansion in my muddy shoes.The alpha immediately tossed the basket aside and quickly bent down to kick off his dirty boots, so I untied my sneakers and slowly limped inside the mansion. Thud! Taehyung slammed the door closed to keep out the strong wind. It wasn't completely dark because of the dim light source from the massive arch windows. The mansion would flicker creepily with every thunder and lightning strike... like those horror movie houses."We should shower," Taehyung beckoned me, so I nodded and followed him up the stairs on my wet feet with my arms wrapped around my body. I turned to stare at the swaying branches outside the windows in the corridor with a frightened gaze. Creak. Taehyung carefully pushed my parent's master bedroom open and held the door for me."I'm freezing," I muttered, briefly glancing at the ancient sculpted king-size bed. The room is freezing cold! We'll die without the heater!"I'll find the candles. You should shower first and put on warm clothes," Taehyung nodded, suddenly walking out of the room before I could respond. Thud. I flinched at the sound of the door closing against its frame. Well, shit. The room is creepy as fuck.I stood paralyzed in the middle of my parent's room as the violent downpour drummed on the massive windows. Creak... I fearfully scanned the dark room with my trembling lips. Drip... Drip... I glanced down at the puddle of water under me as the water seeped from my damp clothes. Creak- I snapped my head toward the mirror on the vanity table in fear at the slightest sound. My heart began racing in fear the longer I stared into the darkness until my vision played tricks on me... molding my fear into pitch-black figures- THUD."Ah!" I gasped, wildly spinning around in a panic when the door opened again. Taehyung halted by the doorway with a startled expression as I trembled before him. I glanced at the dusty candles in his hand and back at his confused expression."You really are paranoid. I'll light the bathroom for you," He softly chuckled as he walked towards the pitch-dark bathroom."Why didn't you book a hotel...?" I grumbled by the door frame as Taehyung lit the candle on the sink to illuminate the dim room with its tiny flame."I didn't want the alphas to track our whereabouts since we're on the trip without proper security," Taehyung muttered, gently blowing the match to put it out."So you figured... it was safer to stay at a haunted mansion???" I glared at him."The dead can't hurt us, Sora. Only the living can harm us," Taehyung shook his head as he placed the candle on the sink and finally turned to smile at me. I pursed my lips uneasily when the man started walking towards me with his keen gaze on my soaked face.

"You're right. There are only two breathing souls in this mansion... and only one can harm the other," I looked him dead in the eyes as the ominous shadow of the candle flicker lit up the side of Taehyung's face... revealing his dark pupils. He smiled at my words and gently placed his hand against my cheek to tilt my face upward. Calmly... searching my wary gaze in the dim bathroom."I might not know what you're thinking... but Sora... I promise you... one of the two souls does not intend to hurt the other. Why would I hurt you? Hmm...?" He whispered, lowering his face to shorten the gap between us, but didn't kiss me and halted just above my lips. I stared at his intimidating smile in silence."Leave the door open. I don't want to shower with the door closed," I gulped, gently shoving his body backward to avoid his lips, and strode inside the dim space to switch on the faucet."You do realize... the way you're treating me is a direct reflection of your inner conflict, right? If it's anyone... it's me... that's in danger. Not you," Taehyung spoke as I undressed with my back turned on him."The water is oddly warm," I muttered as I poked my toe in the tub before stepping inside. He'll leave if I ignore him. Taehyung didn't budge and stood by the doorway to watch me sit in the tub with a tempted gaze... so I turned to raise my eyebrow at him."Can I join you?" He asked, slowly approaching the tub. I nervously gripped the tub as I watched him undo each of his buttons until the shirt slid off his soaked torso.My cheeks suddenly flushed red upon the sight of his manly body, so I turned away awkwardly as he slipped off his pants beside me. Taehyung carefully stepped inside the tub to sit opposite me. He's so shameless! I quickly hugged my knees to form a barrier between us. The room is dark, but the warm candle flame is bright enough to cast deep shadows on his sweaty muscular pecs. His skin looked almost golden under the dim glow."Don't try anything funny," I warned him. I know what he's up to! He brought me here to isolate me from everyone else! That's what he does when he needs me to submit to him! Placing me in a vulnerable situation so he could weaken me."What's the matter with you?! Why are you being like this even after I repeatedly expressed my remorse? Am I the problem or are you guilty of something and are acting this way to avoid the problem?! Answer me!" Taehyung snapped, suddenly tensing his naked body in the tub. I sucked in my breath as he frowned at me in the dim room. What can I do? Run naked out of the bathroom into the wilderness?"I'm not guilty! It's just that you were harsh with Yangcha-""I said I'm sorry! I apologized repeatedly and even spoke to the kid! He's well now, so why are you still cold to me!?" Taehyung snapped. I clenched my jaw at his words with my angered glower fixed on his frustrated expression. There was a moment of intense silence between us as we remained in the calm bathtub. My eyes kept wandering to his lower torso, so I clenched my fist and glanced away from his face in defeat."I don't know," I admitted. Taehyung scoffed at my words while resting his hard biceps on the rim. I feel restless whenever I look at him."Fine. I'll take the blame for everything. If you're not satisfied- then inflict pain on me. If it'll make you feel better- Scream at me. Hit me. Curse at me. Do whatever you want to release the burden from your chest. I'll bear it all," Taehyung sighed, suddenly scooting across the tub to grab my wrist. I jerked in a panic at his unexpected touch, thinking he wanted to hurt me, but he didn't and pulled me onto his lap under the warm water. I gripped his shoulder with a startled expression. He's too close!"W-What-""If... hurting me... makes you feel better... then do it. I'll be your punching bag," Taehyung whispered as I sat facing him on his lap.The room grew hushed again as he sternly stared at me with his soaked lashes until I felt my chest stirring with an aching throb. Do I really want to hurt him? I blinked at his stony expression with conflicted thoughts as we sat against each other in the tub. His naked chest... softly pulsating against mine. Slowly... I tugged my wrist out of his grip and gently placed my fingers on his damp face while searching his stern eyes with a troubled look. I gently rubbed his firm cheek, finally leaning forward to wrap my arms around his shoulders."I love you but I'm... terrified of you," I whispered, burying my face into the crook of his wet neck. Taehyung slowly slithered his arms around my waist to hold me against him."I love you more. You wouldn't believe me, but I love you more," Taehyung patted my back. I bit my lips and tightened my arms around his neck to coil within his embrace. Taehyung started tracing his fingers over my bare spine, making me shudder against his body with the thrilling strokes. Why is it that I crave him so badly... even if I'm so fearful of his intentions? Why is it that I'm skeptical of him even after he apologized?
Maybe, he's right. Maybe... I am guilt-ridden.

I went to see Seokjin. My former lover.
"I'll wash your back. Turn around," I sighed, pulling away with a weak smile.Taehyung lifted his eyebrow to examine the unexpected shift in my mood. He did as I instructed him, so I grabbed a sponge and gently rinsed his muscular back to rub off the excess dirt. He sat in silence to let me wash him- Splash! The sturdy man hastily spun around and seized my body without a warning, making me flinch in fright. I was instantly caught off guard when he pulled me into a deep kiss."I can't- breathe-" I panted against his lips as he intensely sucked onto me while clutching onto my waist. Taehyung started fondling my breast with his damp hands, making my body burn in heat as I gripped onto the body sponge with a troubled expression. The water splashing... softly against our bare flesh in the tub as the bathroom echoed with our wet smooches and steamy pants."Let me return the favor," Taehyung whispered, sensually pulling away from my parted lips and lifted his finger to stroke my damp cheek. I stiffly nodded as I felt my body burning at his invasive touches and turned around to let him scrub my back. He was gentle with my skin, so I closed my eyes and relaxed against his chest as he rubbed the soft sponge all over my naked body."I'm sorry... for being... ignorant of your feelings," I muttered as he washed my back."It doesn't bother me. I grew up dealing with your stubbornness all my life," He chuckled. I smiled at his statement."You're my certified caretaker," I mumbled with my eyes closed. He chuckled softly, and we finally got out of the tub to dry our bodies after bathing together. We both pulled on whatever was available in my parent's closet before crawling into bed to rest under the warm blanket. The storm was still at its peak as the low rumbles of the frightening thunder drummed over the roof. Taehyung slipped his arm under my head to cushion me, so I turned on my side to hug his waist as he pecked my forehead."I have a question," Taehyung whispered as we snuggled on the ancient bed."Hmm?" I cluelessly shifted my head to stare at him in the dark."Where did you go... that... night? The night we fought over the kid?" Taehyung asked me as he combed his fingers through my hair. I stared at him in silence as he patiently waited for my response."I crashed at a motel," I shrugged. Taehyung smiled at my words and leaned down to kiss me, so I gripped his shoulder as he slowly climbed over my body to trap me under him."Don't run away from me when we're arguing. I won't hurt you. I promise. I'm afraid you'll get hurt running away, and I won't be there to reach you in time," Taehyung whispered, sensually pulling away to hover his face over mine. I stared at his messy hair in silence as he stroked my cheeks."Okay," I answered. He smiled again and lowered his body to rest on mine. My body started to heat up once again at the presence of his fingers over my feverish body. It's been a while since we got intimate, and I was strangely longing for his touch."Have you been taking your pills?" Taehyung asked, withdrawing his moist lips to stare at me."Of course," I nodded.Taehyung chuckled, tilting his face to the side, and gently nibbled my neck as he slipped his hand between my legs to reach under my gown. I softly moaned against his hair as he touched me under the blanket until I felt his fingers slipping deep inside me. I tilted my head back over the pillow to savor the addictive pleasure of his love strokes. Taehyung did not say anything afterward and proceeded to pleasure my aroused nerves with his skilled foreplay."Bend over," Taehyung gently kissed my ear as he slipped his arm under my back to make me roll over. I panted in exhaustion after he pulled his slimy fingers out of my gown... but I was too out of breath to lift my hips, so he gently guided me to make me perch my buttcheeks on the mattress as he pulled down his pants and pushed his crotch against my butt.I bit my lower lips, weakly pressing my warm face against the pillow as he slowly penetrated me from behind. Taehyung let out a satisfied moan and slowly thrust at a steady pace until I bit my lips to stifle my voice, quietly gripping the mattress in pleasure."My back is sore..." I groaned after a few minutes of his steady thrusts, desperately turning my head to look at the man as he knelt on the mattress... with his crotch... pressed firmly against my ass."Roll over," Taehyung smiled, suddenly pulling out of me.I nodded and turned to lay on my sweaty back as he crawled between my legs to lower his naked body over mine and softly kissed me. I gripped his burning face as he twirled his tongue inside my mouth before pulling away to kiss my breast and proceeded to move his way down my torso until his head ended up between my thighs. I jerked in shock at the presence of his moist tongue over my sensitive area, so I grabbed his hair in a panic, but he effortlessly pulled my hands away to interlace our fingers on the mattress."Can't we hurry...? I'm tired~ Hah~!" I whined when he wouldn't stop eating me out until my body twitched at the throbbing sensation.My crotch was drenched in my discharge and his saliva and I was in extreme heat- I could feel my nerves throbbing for his presence. Taehyung chuckled at my pleading tone as I softly whimpered and finally lifted his face to gaze at my troubled expression with a cunning smile."You're getting impatient. We have a long night to spend," Taehyung teased, finally sitting up between my legs again."Let's get it over with- I want to sleep!- Ah- Hah~!" I complained but was cut short by a rough thrust. Gasp! I gripped his forearm in difficulty as he repeatedly shoved his hips against my crotch. Taehyung panted sexily and leaned down to lick my earlobe, causing me to shiver from his feral strokes."Sora... Where were you... the night we fought?" Taehyung panted unsteadily against my ear as he repeatedly pounded me with his powerful hip thrust."W-What-""Where were you that night?" He asked again, suddenly sitting up to rub my burning cheek. I frowned at his flustered face, unable to process his repeated inquiry."I told you I was at a motel- AH~! Hah!" I tried to speak but gasped in shock when he aggressively leaned down to suck on my breast. My sensitive body twitched intensely at the electric jolt, but Taehyung only sucked harder to tease me."Tell me... where were you?" He asked, lifting his dark eyes to stare right at me as his warm saliva stretched from my breast. I pursed my lips at his alarming glower until I realized... he was... upset."Tae- I-""Did you know how worried I was when you left? Hmm?! I couldn't sleep while you were soundly asleep at your ex-lover's place!" Taehyung interrupted. I froze in fear when he suddenly stopped moving inside me. He darkly stared at me as I struggled to breathe under him. His chest is burning red... and I can definitely feel his private part pulsating inside me."D-Did Haerim tell you-""Ani. You came home with his scent. Did you think I wouldn't notice? His fucking scent... lingering on your skin!" Taehyung chuckled like a madman. I sucked in my breath at his deranged behavior and gripped my fist in fear. Taehyung started thrusting inside me again, causing me to moan in distress."It's not like that- He let me use his soap because I was dirty-""Why did you go to him!? Out of everyone- Why does it have to be Kim Seokjin!? Wae?!" Taehyung angrily snapped at me. My heated body suddenly grew numb as I stared at the sudden eruption of fury in his eyes. Taehyung fiercely glared at me as he tormented me with his aggressive penetration, but I could no longer react but remain paralyzed under him with a racing heart."Tae-""I fucking love you! I'd die for you! I'd kill for you! I was fucking jealous of your relationship with him- but I wanted you to be happy, so I never intervened! I never gave up on you after you fled and went to assure you of your safety- only to have you running back to him!" Taehyung seethed angrily.I gripped his forearm with an aching chest. Suddenly, I was crushed with extreme guilt as I stared at his furious yet torn glower. My lips started trembling... and tears began to flood my eyes as I reached out to rub his cheek with an apologetic stare. Taehyung weakly snuggled his face against my palm... but I knew he wasn't calming down... because I could feel his solid body tensing up against mine.
"Taehyung! Wait-" I gasped, frantically forcing my body off the mattress, but he effortlessly held me down and slammed his lips against mine to hush me with his slick tongue. Thrust. Thrust. Thrust. I moaned in distress as he repeatedly thrust between my legs to disable my body with the hot pleasure.

"Why did you betray me, Sora...?" He darkly gritted as I weakly remained beneath his sweaty chest. I looked up at him in tears as he hovered his heated body over mine. Groaning... I turned my head on the pillow to avoid his intimidating scowl as he worked his way inside me until I felt my crotch dripping wet from the burning sensation.

"I didn't betray you- Ah~! Hngh~!" I shook my head with my eyes screwed shut. Taehyung firmly gripped my thighs and shoved his hips forward with all his might until I lost my voice to his suffocating presence, lodged deep inside my burning groin. I grabbed his strong forearm in distress.

"Did you think I was a fool?! You went to Seokjin to beg him to save the child-"

"My mother will kill the child! Please- It was my only intention to save the kid-" I sobbed but couldn't help but moan in between his thrusts. My body is burning! Why is he so rough?!

"I told you not to associate with him!" Taehyung snapped, roughly seizing my cheeks to make me look at his baring teeth. The man suddenly stopped moving his hips to freeze over me with his sharp gaze on my damp cheeks as I helplessly fumed over the mattress, completely disabled by his pleasuring strokes.

"There's nothing between us-! Ahhh~!" I denied. Thump! Taehyung suddenly moved his strong hips in a taunting place. I gasped and arched my back over the bed in pleasure as he rubbed his moist crotch against my mine to grind my tight canal with his hard presence. I tried to push his torso away, but the man simply grabbed my hand to pin my wrist beside my head.

"I don't believe you," Taehyung gritted as he pounded me with a fierce scowl. I panted heavily and reached down to hold his hips.

"I love you! I love you!" I pleaded, trying to tug down his body while squirming under his heavy mass. I'm burning all over! Taehyung refused to go easy on me and aggressively leaned down to bite my neck. I tilted my head upward in distress as he sped up the pace of his thrust- until I curled my toes to resist the surging pleasure as the bed rocked and creaked at his merciless movement.

"How am I supposed to believe you when you keep running away from me to him?" The alpha sensually whispered as he bit my earlobe until I shivered and whimpered in difficulty. I can't breathe properly! I clenched my jaw with my fingers entangled in his wild hair as he repeatedly thrust between my shaky legs.

"I promise- I won't do it again- I'm sorry-" I stuttered as he tortured me with the taunting movement of his crotch.

"You're sorry?" Taehyung lifted his face to stare darkly at me. He stopped moving his hips again... so I slumped weakly against the mattress to catch my breath. He's... fucking the life out of me... Sora... you need to stop- but... what can I do in this position? He'll only thrust harder if I defy him.

"I didn't mean to hurt you- I'm sorry-" I sniffled while holding back my tears. Taehyung quietly examined the streaming steaks on my damp cheeks as our chests pulsated heavily against one another. I'm scared of him! There's nothing I can do in this position when he's literally holding my naked body in a chokehold at a vacant place like this! He keeps disabling me with sex! Arousing my nerves- by toying with my sensitive body until I go weak and submit to him!

Third Person Pov

"Marry me," Taehyung whispered.

"W-what?" Sora blinked at him in tears.

"Let's get engaged," Taehyung whispered, suddenly sitting up on the mattress and pulled out of her soaked slit without finishing. The supreme alpha twisted her trembling legs in discomfort while sprawling on the bed as she watched Taehyung crawl off the mattress. She nervously watched the naked man walk away to search for something in his jacket. The supreme alpha fearfully bit her lower lips as Taehyung crawled back onto the bed with his sweat-drenched body.

"You got a ring?" She whispered, looking up at him with her messed-up hair. Taehyung grabbed her thighs, roughly yanking her body over the mattress and made her sit on his lap. Sora moaned in distress after he slipped his hard tip back inside her again.

"Will you marry me?" Taehyung asked as he held the diamond ring before her flustered face. She blinked in tears and glanced at his intimidating gaze.

"This is how you'll propose?" She whispered. Taehyung suddenly moved his hips under her. Sora gasped at the toe-curling jolt inside her groin and gripped his shoulder with her head lowered. Thrust. Taehyung darkly watched her frown in difficulty as he beat his meat upward to stifle her with the scalding pleasure. Thrust. Sora moaned in distress as she clutched onto his broad shoulders.

"You don't like it? The proposal? And the pleasure? I'm offering you both at once," Taehyung whispered as he made her bounce over his crotch. Sora shuddered in distress while hugging his shoulders with her face buried against his sweaty neck.

"Okay. I'll marry you," Sora nodded in defeat, holding tightly onto his hard muscles.

Taehyung shakily slipped the ring onto her left ring finger while thrusting deep inside her. Sora moaned aloud, so he grabbed her face, forcefully pinning his lips over hers before shoving her vulnerable body backward onto the mattress.

Thump!

The alpha sat up between her legs, impatiently shoving himself deeper as he watched the supreme alpha's youthful body quiver with his lustful strokes. She gripped the bedsheet in distress as he pressed his palm over her lower stomach... intentionally applying... pressure to paralyze her sensitive nerves with his addictive friction. The alpha suddenly shoved his fingers inside her mouth and twirled them around her wet tongue to muffle her moans.

"You can't... betray me again. Okay?" Taehyung asked. Sora stared up at him from the pillow in difficulty as he played with her tongue. She nodded in silence as he thumped inside her.

"Say it, Sora," Taehyung pressed, withdrawing his fingers from her lips to knead her sensitive breast while thrusting his hips against her soaked groin.

"I'll submit it to you. I promise," She whispered in exhaustion.

"Say it again," Taehyung darkly stared at her. Sora jerked violently under him as the hot jolt erupted all over her body to signal her defeat.

"I- I'll do anything for you. I promise- hah~!" Sora screwed her face in difficulty until she felt the hot pressure exiting her with the final pump. Thrust! Kim Taehyung pulled out just in time to let her release her discharge.

The supreme alpha wheezed in exhaustion as she struggled to calm her burning body and racing heart.

Huff! Huff!

She hyperventilated over the mattress...  twitching helplessly with her eyes closed as the man held her thighs apart to watch her release the warm discharge.

Squirt!

"I love you," Taehyung whispered as he crawled over her sweaty body.

The supreme alpha's grip... suddenly loosened around her lover's hips... and she... flopped... weakly onto the mattress.

Jang Sora was entirely depleted by his aggressive assertion... so she remained motionless on the mattress with her sticky hair glued to her damp cheeks as he kissed and fondled her naked skin to his desire. Her mind was too clouded... for her to think straight... as her lover encircled his possessive arms around her feverish body. Jang Sora closed her eyes to ignore the discomfort in her chest... as she remained trapped within Kim Taehyung's grip. Her body twitched intensely after he emptied her soul on his bed.

She thought it was pure love between them... but does love come with so much lust? The sexual tension... so powerful... it became his weapon to weaken her body by repeatedly exhausting her soul until she was too vulnerable to feel or think.

Her energy... depleted by the exhaustive pleasure. Her body... intensely aching from the repeated invasion of his touch. Her feelings... entirely suffocated by his poisonous tongue. Her tears... had stopped flowing at his addictive love strokes.

And her soul... has finally surrendered to his dominance, signally her unfortunate defeat.

Whatever she does...

He'll be the master... tugging on her puppet strings.

And there was no escaping.

Not after he cuffed a diamond leash around her soul to label her as his possession.

Kim Taehyung smirked... against her reeking body fluid... in the dimly lit bed chamber... as he gently kissed the glistering ring... over her finger while holding his lover captive... within his... possessive clutch.

Next Morning
My droopy eyelids slowly opened to greet the subtle morning light, awakened by the hefty breath over my nape as Taehyung hugged me by my waist with his warm body pressed against my back. It was so humid under the blanket... I could feel our sweaty skin rubbing against each other. He's awake already? I was facing the opposite way, so all I could hear was his soft grumble as he snuggled against my hair."Are you awake?" Taehyung grunted, leaning over to look at me, but I was too sleepy to respond, so I tugged the blanket up to my face and snuggled against the pillow. He pecked my cheek and rolled away to leave me alone upon my withdrawn response. And I immediately dozed into a deep sleep again. But it wasn't long before I was awakened by the soft tapping on the windows.I stared blankly at the foggy window as the soft drizzle washed down the transparent glass. The sky is dull and gloomy. The tree branch is still swaying with the strong wind current. And there is no sign of birds or insects as they sought refuge from the storm. I blinked out of my thoughts when I heard soft snoring from behind me, so I turned on my back to find Taehyung sprawling on the mattress with his arms above his head and mouth half open."He fell asleep again," I muttered, scooting closer to his body, carefully extending my hand to seal his open mouth. He stopped snoring with my assistance, so I quietly stared at his side profile in silence. He knew I went to see Seokjin the night we fought but didn't confront me. What happened to him last night? Why was he so pressed on making me admit to him... even if he knew the truth?"I can sense your stare," Taehyung suddenly muttered, causing me to blink in a panic. He kept his eyes closed. His bulky chest... calmly rising and sinking under the blanket."I thought you woke up a while ago," I muttered while hugging his bare chest on my side."It stopped raining at dawn, so I woke you up thinking we could head back to the village, but my sleepy sweetheart was still half asleep. Now it's raining again," Taehyung chuckled under his breath, sleepily turning his head on the pillow to stare at me from under his messy hair. Whatever darkness he was emitting last night... was gone again. I'm confused as to how... he's able to switch between different behaviors with little to no effort. What's the matter with him?"Why didn't you confront me right away? You knew I went to see Seokjin," I asked curiously. Taehyung sleepily eyed me as he played with my hair."I filled your room with flowers as an apology. Did you think it was appropriate for me to upset you again? Especially after you ran out into the rainstorm and returned a mess?" He muttered."And why were you so upset if you already knew the truth?" I questioned."How can I not be upset? My woman smelt like another man. It's frustrating, Sora. I only wanted you to tell me the truth... but you kept avoiding and lying to me. I want us to trust each other, but why is it that you choose... to rely on Kim Seokjin and not me?" Taehyung sadly eyed me. My chest throbbed at his words as a flood of guilt consumed me. I tilted my head upward to peck his lips before pulling back to search his downcast gaze and kissed him again... until Taehyung drew my naked body over his. I sat up on his torso as he held onto my hips."I promise nothing happened between us. I was upset and lost, and he was the only person I could rely on, so-""What about me?" Taehyung interrupted. I halted at his sore expression. What about him? I leaned down to hug his chest in with an apologetic frown."I'm sorry. I won't let it happen again," I pouted, lifting my face to stare at him. Taehyung smiled at my pouty expression and tugged my head down to press his lips against mine, so I closed my eyes to let him taste me."I'm not upset anymore," He finally pulled away with a weak smile. I grinned at his handsome smile and leaned down to kiss him again as he massaged my body with his warm hands.We eventually got dressed at noon to leave the mansion. It was still drizzling, but the rain wasn't heavy, so we decided it was safe to leave the hill. Taehyung carefully lifted me over a puddle to settle me on the soaked soil in the woods. I smiled as I held his hand for balance and made our way through the wilderness.

"Oppa. It seems like the alphas are against birth control pills," I smiled as I carefully avoided the muddy areas."Who?" Taehyung asked."Most of them," I shrugged as Taehyung interlaced our fingers."Wae? You don't want to take it anymore?" Taehyung asked, slightly smiling at me."I'm fine with it- It's just that they keep saying the side effects are severe," I shrugged."We can get off the pills, but I'm afraid I'll get you pregnant early on," He replied. I nodded."I know. I don't mind, really," I turned to smile at him as the cold droplet splattered onto us from the branches above."We'll have many children once you get off the pills," Taehyung nudged my shoulder."What's your definition of many?" I chuckled."Hmm... Maybe five? I'm sure I can handle five spawns of Jang Sora," Taehyung winked at me. My jaw dropped at his words."Five?! That's too many! We're not supposed to have that many children-""Says who?! We can make as many babies as we want once we're married! I'll build us a massive mansion in front of the sea!" Taehyung exclaimed funnily."The ideal number of children in the society is one! Oppa! We can't have five children! Only one will become the heir! How are we going to protect the rest of our babies?" I whined at his absurd intention to raise five children. The alphas can't have too many children."We can make them all the heirs! We're really powerful together! I'll work harder to grow our assets!" Taehyung argued. I scoffed at his words as we exited the woods to stroll on the dirt path leading to the village."That's impossible!" I snapped."I'll make it possible! Wanna bet?!" Taehyung turned to glare at me. I frowned at his determination to produce babies with me."What am I to you?! A breeder!?" I sneered. Taehyung's eyes widened at my harsh words."Y-yah! Don't put words into my mouth- Jang Sora! Come back! Yah-" Taehyung tried to scold me, but I hurried away with a flustered face."I'm not bearing you five children- AH! Ahaha~!" I screamed when Taehyung suddenly back-hugged me. I giggled and tried to push him off me, but he only tightened his arms around my body and leaned forward to kiss my cheek."I'm just kidding. Why would I put my precious wife through so much trouble? I can barely handle one Jang Sora... five? I'll die early with your spawns," Taehyung chuckled. I sideways glared at his smug smile as we walked through the village."You're speaking as if I'm the only devil," I grumbled as Taehyung held onto me from behind. He laughed and swung his arm over my shoulder to tug me against his body, so I hugged his waist... but we both halted instantly when we spotted a familiar person standing in front of Halmeoni's house."Aigo! There you are! This handsome man was just looking for you!" Halmeoni happily waved at us.[Halmeoni Official Picture Reference]

"Do-hwan?! What are you doing here?!" I gasped, releasing Taehyung with a dumbfounded look as the man stood before halmeoni's gate in his black coat. He didn't respond and fired Taehyung a furious glare."How can you disappear without notifying everyone!? You asshole!" Jungkook's angered voice hollered from inside halmeoni's house. We wildly turned to find Jungkook storming toward us with an angry scowl."Calm down! Taehyung only wanted to bring gifts-""Sora. Why did you leave your phone in his car? I told you to carry it with you," Do-hwan darkly glared at me. I pursed my lips at his uptight face."I- I forgot- There was a rainstorm last night so I couldn't return to fetch it-""You forgot, or did he confiscate your phone? It was locked in his car's compartment!" Jungkook snapped. I froze at Jungkook's furious glare and slowly looked up at Taehyung, who was dully staring at his cousin."What do you mean locked-""You broke into my car?" Taehyung scoffed in irritation."Well yeah! The supreme alpha disappeared- and her last known location was some parking in Busan! I called all night to ask if you were with her, but you ignored my calls!" Jungkook fired Taehyung with a furious glare."Why did you... lock up her phone? You are aware her safety is our priority, right?" Do-hwan finally confronted Taehyung with a straight face. Halmeoni unsurely glanced back and forth as Do-hwan stared Taehyung dead in the eyes. Did he keep my phone in his car compartment? But he said- He claimed I might've forgotten it...?"It was dead anyways. Sora's safe with me, so I figured she didn't need it," Taehyung shrugged. Do-hwan shifted his dark gaze to me with his thin lips. I awkwardly glanced between the man and Jungkook's not-so-happy frowns."Stop it! I'm perfectly- fine! How dare you fight in front of Halmeoni's peaceful home! Taehyung took care of me!" I snapped, grabbing Taehyung's hand with a slight grimace. Jungkook fired me a dumbfounded look, unsurely glancing down at our interlaced fingers."Aigo~! It's natural for your family to worry about you! And why did you two stay at the mansion last night? I packed an umbrella for you in the basket!" Halmeoni whined, grabbing the basket from Taehyung's hand to rummage through it. My lips slightly parted when she pulled out an adjustable umbrella to show us. What? We had an umbrella all along?"The wind was too strong," Taehyung muttered. I blinked unsurely and looked up at his straight face."Thank god you were able to take refuge at the mansion. I recently repaired the heater there- just in case you guys wanted to stay over again," Halmeoni patted my arm with a weak smile."The mansion's electrical system didn't function. We stayed there in the dark," I shrugged."What? You stayed at the chilly place?! Aigo~! I thought I told Taehyungie to turn on the generator before you guys left~! How foolish of me!" She gasped cutely. Taehyung clenched his teeth when I looked up at him in confusion. Halmeoni told him to turn on the generator? But why didn't he turn on the lights? Was it intentional- Ah! Whatever! He probably forgot!
Halmeoni invited us inside her house for some snacks and tea, so we briefly chatted with her. She wouldn't stop complimenting Jungkook's visual and would giggle at us. We eventually left her place a little after noon with the massive bag of homemade side dishes and snacks. Do-hwan grew hushed as he carried the things towards the parking lot. Jungkook has been side-eyeing me as I clung to Taehyung's arm but didn't say anything.

Turns out. Do-hwan and Jungkook booked an immediate flight and flew to Busan to search for me. They didn't bring their vehicles, so they had to leave with us in Taehyung's jeep. I should've sent Do-hwan a text before I left with Taehyung. The man has been stone-cold ever since he found us in the village. Jungkook, on the other hand, was just as irritated. Why are they fussing over this? Sora! They flew over the country to find you! Of course, they're upset!
________________________People kept darting me with weird looks once we returned to the university the day after I returned from Busan. Jungkook fired me an annoyed look as I was eating breakfast... but I didn't know what was up with him... until I entered the campus to find people turning their heads after me with dirty looks. I went about my days as usual and tried to dismiss the low chatter until I bumped into Seokjin in the library. He briefly glanced at me as he reached for a book on the top shelf."Congratulations," Seokjin quietly nodded as he flipped through the thick book."Congratulations?" I blinked, turning to stare at him in confusion. Seokjin halted with the book half open in his hand and raised his eyebrow at my clueless response."On your engagement, of course," Seokjin shrugged. I blanked out at his words and was about to speak when he dismissively walked away with the book, leaving me dumbfounded in the library. How did he know? I glanced down at my ring finger, but it was empty.I didn't wear the ring to school, and we haven't announced our engagement to anyone. Not even our parents. I scratched my head as I walked out of the library to slump in the quiet lounge with a slight frown. So that's why everyone is whispering about me?"You look troubled," Yoongi knocked on my desk, causing me to snap out of my thoughts. I lifted my face to find him sitting across from me with his backpack, so I straightened my back and nodded at him."How's your adjustment to the society?" I smiled. He must be struggling to race with the alphas since he's been clueless his entire life."I'm getting the gist of it. The academic system is... obviously strange compared to what they teach us in the average school. Well. After all, why would ordinary people need to study politics and cash flows? Money and power are only for the wealthy to master. It's a secret the society reserved only for their bloodline," Yoongi chuckled. I smiled at his easygoing mood. I'm glad he's coping well with society. I really thought he wouldn't last, but his parents are quite good with the game."They don't teach the ordinary about money and power because the rich are the ones... tugging the government's puppet strings. It's a century-old scheme to condition the average with the ideal mindset. Study. Get a degree. Work hard. Pay tax and go home. It's a cycle the rich set up to trap the innocent within the same endless cycle of working for money. It's a system that produces employees to be exploited by the secret society," I agreed. The poor will grow poorer, and the rich will get richer. The middle class is barely living... but it doesn't matter because it's the rich that's... funding the government."Congratulations, by the way," Yoongi nodded from across the table. The smile on my face faded again at his statement."You heard the rumor?" I asked, crossing my arms unsurely."No. Didn't you announce it yourself?" Yoongi blinked at me."M-Me? What? What announcement???" I stared at him in confusion. Yoongi pulled out his phone to tap on it before sliding it across the table to show me something on the screen."Taehyung posted last night. Didn't you see? He said you guys are engaged," Yoongi asked, keenly leaning over the table as I stared at Taehyung's social media post with a slight frown.
It was a picture of me. No.

Not just me... but him as well. In the dark.
I slowly drew Yoongi's phone over the table to stare at the post without blinking. It was a picture of us... on the bed. I was sleeping sideways on the mattress... asleep with sweat beads on my forehead... and my messy hair dangling all over my face. And Taehyung was hugging me from behind... his strong arms... wrapping firmly around my bare chest to cover my breasts. The photo was taken after we had sex at the Busan mansion, and I was too exhausted to stay awake. My lips slightly parted as I stared at Taehyung's smug expression in the picture as he held my vulnerable body against his naked body. Even the love marks on my skin were disclosed. My body wasn't exposed because Taehyung made sure to cover enough for the picture... but anyone could tell we were both naked... and I was fucked out of my soul by the man embracing me in the picture.I shifted my gaze to the caption over the post with a hollow feeling.
Kim Taehyung    
Posted 8 hours ago.
She said yes... after I fed her.
The noisy thoughts suddenly shut out of my mind as I stared at the inappropriate picture of myself and my lover. Sure. We were covered, but I felt like I was taken advantage of for him to expose our intimate moments like this. I was exhausted at that moment... and all I had left was my trust in him... and yet... he took the opportunity to expose our private moment to the world?
Hundreds... if not... thousands... of people have seen his post.

'She said yes... after I fed her.'
The direct translation for the phrase is...
'She said yes... after I fucked her.'
"Sora?" Yoongi waved his hand before my face, causing me to blink out of my thoughts. I grip my fist and slid the phone back towards him."I gotta- go somewhere! See you later!" I tried to smile and quickly got up to leave the room. Suddenly, the stares made me feel extremely uncomfortable. I tugged on my collar nervously and hurried through the hallway to avoid the crowd until I felt my temples pulsating intensely. I feel so fucking ashamed! Why didn't he ask for my consent first?!"Are you alright?!" Taehyung called when I suddenly walked past him without realizing it. He quickly grabbed my wrist to stop me, so I flinched in a panic at his touch."You-""Why are you tearing up?" Taehyung asked as he worriedly examined my flustered face. I bit my trembling lips as I fought the urge to lash out at him but was too scared to do so. How can he react so calmly to the situation? Even with the dirty talks from the society's foul mouth!?"It's nothing. I'm just feeling unwell," I shrugged, sighing in defeat when I couldn't find the courage to confront Taehyung. I'm afraid he'll grow more aggressive if I upset him. Taehyung eventually left me alone and returned to his lecture room, so I hurried up the stairs and burst onto the rooftop. My swelling chest suddenly overflowed... and I ended up... bawling helplessly in the opening until I was too numb to shed any more tears.
I sat lifelessly... on the cold ground with my blank gaze on the distant cloud.
_____________________
Jang Sora weakly smiled at Jae Yangcha as he sat in the wheelchair by the garden. The child had started eating and drinking after recovering from the severe flu. She slowly pushed the young boy back toward the mansion- only to find the elders and Taehyung frowning at someone. Both Yangcha and Sora halted at the unexpected presence before them.

Kim Seokjin shifted his dull gaze to the disabled young alpha... who nervously gripped the handrest and glanced up at the supreme alpha... as she stood behind his wheelchair with a startled look.

Sora's POV

"What are you doing here?" I blinked in surprise.

"Jae Yangcha needs a proper guardian to secure his assets. He has no alliance, so I'm here to take him in," Seokjin sighed, turning to face my mother's uptight expression. I blinked at Seokjin in shock.

"What makes you think you can simply take him from us when we were the ones to sustain his life after he got hurt?" Taehyung crossed his arms with his eyebrows raised.

"The Jae is an independent household. The heir may select a new household as his guardian," Seokjin refuted. I nervously glanced down at the frightened boy as he held my hand.

"You're not taking him," Eomma stepped forward. Taehyung suddenly stormed off without another word as Seokjin stubbornly stood before the elders.

"It isn't your choice. The child has every right to select his path and if he chooses my household... I'll compensate the expenses incurred during his stay here," Seokjin sighed, smiling warmly at Yangcha. I didn't dare react, so I placed my hands on Yangcha's shoulders to assure him of the situation. The boy blinked unsurely at Seokjin before looking up at me with his clueless eyes.

"Sign it," Taehyung unexpectedly stormed towards the boy. Yangcha flinched in fright as the man flung a document onto the alpha's lap with a pen. My eyes widened in shock. Contract? Alliance contract???

"You can't force him to sign it!" Seokjin snapped, turning to glare at Taehyung in disbelief. Yangcha's lips started trembling at Taehyung's intimidating scowl. The child shakily grabbed the pen in fear.

"I- I'll sign it- but-"

"Are you really going to choose a corrupted household? Yah. Jae Yangcha! Your future depends on the contracts- so don't be foolish and pick a household that will guarantee your lifelong security! Not a family that intends to exploit you!" Seokjin snapped, causing the child to wince in fright. He whimpered while gripping tightly onto the pen in fear.

"Corrupted? Are you presenting yourself as a pure entity then?!" Taehyung snapped.

"Let's give him some time to consider the alliance. Do not sign the contract until-"

"Taehyung!" I gasped in horror.

CLICK

.

Kim Taehyung suddenly whipped a gun out of his pocket to aim it straight at Yangcha just as Kim Seokjin tried to remove the contract from Yangcha's grip. The elders froze in fright at the presence of Taehyung's deadly energy. The young alpha suddenly sobbed in distress as he fearfully stared at the loaded gun barrel before his face.

"What are you doing?!" Seokjin snapped, wildly gawking at Kim Taehyung in disbelief as he threatened the child with a gun.

"I might not be able to kill you, but I am allowed to seize an underage alpha's asset as compensation payment for the resources my household wasted on him," Taehyung darkly snarled at Seokjin.

"N-Noona-"

"SHUT UP AND SIGN THE DOCUMENT! YOU SHOULD BE GLAD I'M KEEPING YOUR SCRIPPLED ASS ALIVE!" Taehyung bellowed, roughly shoving the barrel against the child's forehead. Blood drained from Yangcha's face as he tearfully sobbed in the wheelchair.

"T-Tae-"

"Do not try to interfere, Sora. We've already spoken, right? It's either he dies betraying you today or lives to protect his own life," Taehyung shifted his dark gaze to my pale expression. Seokjin glanced at me with a bewildered look. I gulped at Taehyung's darkness.

"I'll sign it!" Yangcha sobbed, shakily grabbing the pen to scribble on the document with his head lowered.

Kim Seokjin stiffened in his position as he watched the child sign away his soul to my household, so I pursed my lips with my torn gaze on the devil's contract. Taehyung suddenly snatched the contract from the young alpha's grip and stormed off with the document. I quickly crouched down to hug Yangcha. The child whimpered in distress as he clung to my shoulder for support.

Kim Seokjin slowly turned to stare at my mother with a drained expression after witnessing... my family's thirsty greed to achieve power.

He's standing before the... bloodthirsty... monsters.

Flash Back:

Fast Forward
Third Person POVThe high-ranking alphas stormed inside the elite council room with their robust presence to settle at their respective places. Jang Sora quietly followed her fiancé up the stairs with the orphan alpha as the boy limped in difficulty with Do-hwan's help. Jae Yangcha was invited to sit beside the supreme alpha as the other households filled the venue.Taehyung sat down at his third-rank seat in a neat suit and pushed back his hair as Jungkook flipped through the document until the room suddenly grew hushed at the presence of another high-rank alpha. All eyes shifted to his radiating energy until their jaws dropped open as Kim Seokjin led his households with a stern expression.The supreme alpha worriedly eyed the second-rank alpha as he strolled up the opposite stairs to sit at his second-rank armchair with his parents. Namjoon and Hoseok immediately separated their ways to their seats, and the room eventually grew hushed to anticipate the final dispute between the top households as they fought to secure the young alpha.
A moment later.
"Jae Yangcha registered the alliance proposal with the Kim Household. He is not a minor anymore, and therefore he is qualified to deal with the formal contracts," Taehyung dawdled, raising the document in the air to wave at the crowd. Yangcha nervously gripped Sora's hand as Taehyung defended the child with his power.

"Jae Yangcha signed the contract a month before he turned legal. A contract signed by an underage alpha is deemed ineffective," Seokjin shot Taehyung down. Sora patted Yangcha's back to comfort him. Taehyung scoffed and rudely tossed the contract away."Sure. The child was underage when he signed the contract, but he did not appeal his decision before he turned legal," Taehyung smiled at Seokjin's intense frown."You forced the child at gunpoint to sign the contract. Coercion is an unacceptable act to obtain an alliance agreement. I was the witness, Kim Taehyung. You forced a child to scribble his name on the document," Seokjin fired furiously. The room gasped at Seokjin's words and started chattering to discuss Taehyung's wrongful acts. Taehyung clenched his jaw intensely before shifting his dark gaze to Yangcha, who immediately shrunk against Jang Sora after receiving the intimidating glare from the top-rank alpha."My household took care of-""I believe the amount you spent on reviving the child is merely a financial matter that could be dealt with after the trial. It is... the child's rights that are being violated and should be addressed. The Jae's alliance contract with the Kim is invalid as the child was forced against his will," Seokjin argued."Why don't we let the child decide? An underage heir may not make their own decision without their parents, but since he's of legal age now. He should be given the right to determine his fate. If you're so confident he'll pick your household... then let Jae Yangcha decide before the council," Namjoon countered Taehyung, who was now tense. My parents nervously watched Taehyung's adverse situation in the argument with pale expressions."I'll let the child speak for himself," Taehyung lifted his thick eyebrow, darkly shifting his gaze to Jang Sora. She pursed her lips at his warning gaze as she hugged Yangcha at her side. The supreme alpha glanced down at the child and quietly whispered in his ear to encourage the kid."Yangcha. You don't have to be scared. Two top households are competing to place you in their custody. Kim Seokjin, the Second Rank Household, and Kim Taehyung, the Third Rank household- soon to be the council leader... after his marriage," The moderator spoke up from his desk.Sora pushed the microphone toward Yangcha, who was as pale as a ghost. The child shakily grabbed the mic as he scanned the room with his frightened gaze... paralyzed by the powerful alphas. One of them could be the culprit behind his parent's tragic passing. There was an imposter amongst them and he knew... if he wasn't cautious... he'd fall right into the killer's palm."A-Anneong-haseyo. I'm J-Jae- Yangcha. The fifth rank alpha," The child greeted the council of powerful households."No one will hurt you. Okay? Don't be scared and make your decision now. We're all your witnesses," Jimin encouraged the child with a soft smile. Yangcha gulped and turned to look at Sora, so she smiled and patted his back to assure him of her support."B-Before I make my decision... I'd like to express my gratitude toward Sora noona. The supreme alpha.... has always been by my side since I entered the council and was the only person to save me from my despair when I thought it was my end. Noona, thank you," Yangcha weakly smiled at Sora's tearful eyes."Don't be scared," Sora sadly smiled at the frightened child."I believe I'm incapable of making my own decision because my knowledge of the society is limited and... noona... is the only person I'd trust my life with..." Yangcha smiled at her. Taehyung smugly smiled at Kim Seokjin's hardened face as the child expressed his favor towards the supreme alpha."Is that enough? You should refrain from wasting the council's time-""Let him finish his talk," Hoseok rolled his eyes at Taehyung. The room grew hushed again, and all attention was on the child again."Because I'm incapable of making my own decision... I would like to request noona's guidance on the matter. My parents might be dead, but noona is a family to me. And therefore... I'd like to ask the supreme alpha... to make the final judgment and place me in the household she favors," Yangcha smiled at Sora, whose face suddenly turned pale. She slightly widened her eyes at the child, caught off guard by his abrupt request. Sora gulped Yangcha before turning to stare at the council with a dreadful look."Araso. You gave the supreme alpha permission to determine your fate. She can do that. Pick a household for him, Sora," Taehyung chuckled, nodding at his lover. Sora gripped her fists at the burden of her decision as her parents and lover attentively eyed her stunned expression with a smug smile. She didn't speak and remained hushed beside the child until the council started questioning her subjective intent to claim the young alpha."That's not fair! She'll pick her own household for sure-""Kim Seokjin," Sora suddenly called, cutting Hoseok off mid-sentence. The room grew hushed at her sudden call for the second-rank alpha. Taehyung's eyes widened at her statement, so he wildly turned to look at Sora's tearful eyes. She wasn't looking at her boyfriend... but at the man sitting across the room from her. Her former lover."Neh?" Seokjin answered unsurely."Sora! What are you-""Promise me you'll protect Jae Yangcha's life with your own. I will let you take the child if you promise me to grant his immune security because- if- anything happens to Yangcha... I will... end you," Sora shakily stared at Kim Seokjin until her eyes swelled with tears. She was too frightened to look at her parents or... her lover... so she refused to break eye contact with Kim Seokjin... knowing he was the only man in the room who didn't intend to exploit her."That's absurd! Taking the child into our custody is a fair trade for his well-being! Why would my son have to risk his life for the child?!" Seokjin's mother gasped in disbelief. She quickly turned to speak with Seokjin, who was intensely staring at the supreme alpha with an uncertain expression."Answer me!" Sora snapped, impatiently gripping Yangcha's cold hand as she sensed Taehyung's darkness dominating the room."JANG SORA!" Taehyung roared, jolting from his seat to glare at her in disbelief. Yangcha suddenly whimpered when the hall burst into chaos at the supreme alpha's decision to dismiss her household's favor."I SAID ANSWER ME-""I. KIM SEOKJIN. SWEARS IN THE NAME- OF MY HOUSEHOLD TO PROTECT JAE YANGCHA AT ALL COSTS. I WILL PROTECT HIM WITH MY LIFE. YOU HAVE MY WORD!" Seokjin suddenly roared, ignoring his mother's desperate pleas to stop her son from speaking. Mrs. Kim's eyes bulged open in terror at Seokjin's impulsive decision to promise the supreme alpha his life."Seokjin!" His mother gasped in shock. Sora shakily blanked out at his words and slowly turned to look at the child, who was sobbing beside her in fear. She shakily pulled Yangcha into a tight hug until her tearful eyes landed on Kim Taehyung. He was resentfully glowering at her from his seat.
It wasn't anger that was... burning in his wild eyes... it was... his evil... dangerously seeping from within his soul at his lover's betrayal to transfer the crippled boy to his enemy.

Jang Sora knew... she couldn't rescue herself from her household's wicked grip... so she sent the innocent soul away. At least... She could save Yangcha.

But it came at a deadlier... cost... and that was Kim Taehyung's lethal... darkness.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
The vehicle slowly came to a stop on the pavement, ultimately announcing our arrival at the usual looming twin mansions. The radiant headlights... illuminating the other cars as the elders and Jungkook gathered at the door to discuss the council eruption over my shocking decision. I'm in trouble... again. I fearfully turned to stare at Taehyung's dark expression as he sat with his grim gaze fixed forward. He didn't speak to me on our way home, but I could sense his rage... seeping from under his skin."Leave her be," Taehyung ordered, stopping the driver from getting out of the car to assist me. The driver turned to look at me anxiously as Taehyung stepped off on his own. I gulped at his order and pushed the door open but gasped in shock when Taehyung swung the door open, seized my wrist and hastily yanked me out, causing me to stumble out of the backseat."Tae-" I whimpered, trying to tug my wrist out of his painful grip, but he refused to loosen his fingers and yanked me towards the mansion with all his might. The elders paused between their conversations to watch Taehyung drag me with him. They didn't react. Do-hwan abruptly appeared before the door with his arms crossed, blocking Taehyung from the entrance with a stern face."Get the fuck out of my way," Taehyung lowly warned the man, who stood his ground without a hint of fear. Do-hwan glanced at Taehyung's tight grip on my wrist, then lifted his gaze to study my tearful eyes."Release the supreme alpha. You have no right to drag her around at your will," Do-hwan redirected his sharp stare to Taehyung, who was fuming darkly. Taehyung possessively tightened his grip around my wrist at Do-hwan's claim, causing me to whimper uncomfortably."Her parents don't seem to care though. Who are you to say otherwise?" Taehyung nodded at my mother, who was coldly staring at me. The elders are bitter about my decision to free Yangcha from their evil grips."Respectfully let go of the supreme alpha before I'm compelled to stop you with force," Do-hwan clenched his jaw at Taehyung."Stop me, and I'll break her wrist," Taehyung sneered, dismissively shoving Do-hwan aside but halted when he felt a strong force holding him back. The alpha wildly snapped his head towards Do-hwan, but it wasn't the man... who was restraining him. I blinked in confusion. Slowly, I glanced down to find another hand gripping tightly onto Taehyung's upper arm. My eyes widened in shock once I found Jeon Jungkook glowering at Kim Taehyung."Release her," Jungkook gritted at his cousin. Taehyung scoffed at the alpha's demand as he shifted his deadly stare... to Jungkook's tense frown."How dare you touch me-""Jang Sora is the supreme alpha. She might be your lover, but you are not legally wedded yet- so learn to respect her status. You are nothing without her," Jungkook snarled.Taehyung sucked in his inner cheeks in discontent as he unblinkingly stared at his cousin before shifting his murderous gaze to Jungkook's firm grip. I stared at the alphas in fear, assuming Taehyung would attack Jungkook... so I turned to Do-hwan for help. The chief guard was ready to pounce on Taehyung. The tension became more deadly as the half-blood and the bodyguard cornered Kim Taehyung on either side... and to my surprise... Taehyung softened his grip around my wrist."Taehyung, my love! You shouldn't hurt your soon-to-be bride!" Mrs. Kim nervously interfered as Taehyung held an intense eye contact with Jeon Jungkook.Taehyung fully released my hand, so I quickly pulled away to rub my wrist with a slight grimace. Did he have to clench so hard? Jungkook side-way glanced at my bruised wrist as he cautiously released his older cousin's arm. Taehyung shifted his killer stare to my pained reaction, so Jungkook gently tugged me behind his back to prevent his cousin from reaching for me."I won't drag you. Come with me," Taehyung calmly shifted his gaze to me as I hid behind Jungkook. The darkness... it was seeping out of his body. He might appear calm... but it's not with peace... it is the calm... before the storm."Leave her alone-""She committed treason against her own household and her alliances. You're right. We're not wedded yet, so as the leading heir of the Kim Household... I... Kim Taehyung will not rest unless the supreme alpha justifies her acts. She is placing her alliance at stake with her reckless decision. And therefore, the concern should be addressed. She might be the supreme alpha, but I will not let her jeopardize our authority in the council. If you fear her... then back off. I will speak to her myself," Taehyung raised his chin to glare at Jungkook's startled expression with his hostile darkness."She already sent the alpha away. What do you plan to do with Sora? Punish her?-""Sora. You know your duties as the supreme alpha. The household security should be your priority," My mother spoke up. I anxiously glanced at her stony stare and back at Taehyung's razor-sharp eyes."Just leave her alone for now-""Take my hand, Sora. We've spoken, right?" Taehyung sighed, dismissing Jungkook's argument and placed his hand out for me. Jungkook furrowed his eyebrows and glanced at me with a worried look. I gulped and glanced at Taehyung's open palm until I heard my heartbeat pounding in my ears. I'm scared. But if I don't speak with Taehyung now... Do-hwan and Jungkook might attack Taehyung."Sora-""I'll be okay," I whispered, shakily reaching for Taehyung's hand. Jungkook's jaw dropped in disbelief as Taehyung closed his palm to secure my fingers and gently tugged me forward. I bit my lower lips, cautiously stepping out of Jungkook's shadow."I am not dragging her against her will. Please excuse us," Taehyung raised his thick eyebrow at Jungkook and turned to lead me inside the mansion.Jungkook and Do-hwan fired me a discontented look as I apologetically glanced at them. They must be disappointed but I don't want them to get in unnecessary trouble because of me. I caused the commotion... so I'll deal with it. I sucked in my breath to calm my racing heart and slowly followed Taehyung to his room as he gently held my hand.The elders didn't react but watched me walk away with the evil-infested alpha. Taehyung calmly pushed his door open, so I nervously glanced at his dark gaze before stepping inside his room. He walked in after me and closed the door as I nervously sat on the couch with my hands clasped together. What's the worst that could happen?"Taehyung-""I want you to recall our script again, Sora," Taehyung clenched his jaw as he tugged the suffocating tie from his collar to loosen it. I gulped in fear as the man hastily unfastened his upper buttons before turning to pour himself a glass of whisky. I watched him swallow the strong liquor like water. His bulging Adam's apple... shifting beneath his neck to drain the alcohol."Yangcha-""I said recall the script! We had it all planned until the last minute, did we not?!" Taehyung snapped at my face in anger. I bit my trembling lips as I watched him fume over me with his deadly energy."Y-Yes-""What did I tell you? Repeatedly? Say it out loud!" He demanded, furiously glaring at me as he clenched the empty glass within his shaky grip. I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. A hot lump... formed in my throat, clogging my vocal cords with its scalding burn. A flood of tears dripped from my eyes instead, causing Taehyung to scoff in dissatisfaction. He wildly turned to pour himself another glass and chugged in one gulp, causing the excess liquor to drip from his chin and onto his expensive loose shirt.

"I- I- Jang- S- Sora will take- J-Jae Yangcha into c-custody-" I stuttered as I withstood the urge to burst out crying."I didn't harm an inch of your body, so why are you whimpering?! Aren't you overreacting?!- Speak properly!" He angrily glared at me. I winced at his aggression and gripped my hands in fear. Sniffling hopelessly, I blinked at him with my tearful eyes."I- Jang Sora. The Supreme Alpha will take Jae Yangcha into custody!" I cried in frustration.A surge of lukewarm tears spilled from my eyes as I helplessly cried before him. Taehyung huffed at my distressful reaction as he watched me break down on the couch. The alpha chewed his inner lips, slowly placing the whisky glass on the table and lowered his body to crouched before me.

My body abruptly stiffened upon his deadly killer eyes... staring sharply at me from under his wild hair. It was as if his darkness had held me in a chokehold as he quietly studied my flustered face. I immediately pursed my lips to stop myself from whimpering... because I was afraid he'd lash out at me again. Unexpectedly, he lifted his palm to place it on my damp cheek, causing me to shrink back against the cushions. He isn't hurting me, but my body is unconvinced of his intent, forcing me to flinch at his slightest gesture."Why... didn't you say those words? Hmm...? Did you forget, Sora? Was it that hard? Sora- Look at me," Taehyung softened his voice, gently tapping my chin to lift my face upward. I fearfully sobbed as I stared at his blank expression, knowing damn well he was on the verge of tearing me apart."I- I-""Why didn't you say those words? You could've saved us... so... so... much trouble. Why...? Why can't you trust me? Answer me," Taehyung shakily whispered as he impatiently waited for my response. I gulped in fear as he squeezed my cheeks between his fingers to make me look at the darkness in his dilated pupils."My mother will exploit the boy if I let him stay! It had nothing to do with me betraying you! I had to-""Oh, baby... What makes you think the crippled boy is safer with Seokjin?" Taehyung chuckled, lowering his face to shake his head in disbelief."Seokjin promised-""He promised you? Huh. Jae Yangcha lost his parents because of Kim Seokjin. The killer was sent by Seokjin's followers. Sora. Tell me. Did you really save the child... or did you send him to the slaughterhouse?" Taehyung asked, leaning his irritated face forward until I felt his hot breath panting against my skin. I blinked at him in confusion."W-What?" I asked in a baffled yet frightened tone."Seokjin's devoted followers... sent the man to mass murder the Jae to please his family. The Kim was aware... That's why they permitted Seokjin to bid for the boy. To silence the child," Taehyung laughed, gently rubbing my cheek. My heart dropped at his words, and the uncomfortable emotions in my chest were suddenly... replaced by... a hollow void."B-But-""I guess you'll have to end Seokjin once his parents kill Jae Yangcha. I'm not mad, Sora. I'm glad you sacrificed the crippled sheep to the slaughterhouse, knowing you've got the power to destroy Kim Seokjin. It was an impressive strike. Now... we only have to wait... for the sheep to die... to wipe out Kim Seokjin and his family. God... I love your mind game," Taehyung smirked devilishly, leaning forward to press his whisky-stained lips on mine. I unconsciously gripped his shirt as the reeking liquor clogged my nostrils. He slowly withdrew his addictive lips away as I remained stiff on the couch.Taehyung weakly smiled at me. There was no more anger in his eyes. The darkness... was gone. I couldn't process my thoughts but stare at his dilated pupils with slightly parted lips. I was too shaken to react. What happened? Did Taehyung- just- Did he foresee everything? My betrayal? Did he predict my intention? My heart started pounding in extreme discomfort once I realized... I did not... stray out of our scripted scheme. Rather... I fell right... into the trap Kim Taehyung had set up... and it was to sell the alpha to his demise."You knew you wouldn't win the trial?" I whispered, tearfully staring at his dull gaze. Taehyung smiled and kissed me again, leaving his spit stain on my lips before pulling away with a wide psychotic smile."Did you think I was a fool to whip out a gun at an underage child before Kim Seokjin? No household can acquire an orphan's asset without the society's consensus agreement. The contract was invalid from the very beginning. But I needed to put on a plausible performance to tease Kim Seokjin. Oh, he loves to challenge me in the council. He seized the opportunity to win the case, knowing I stood no chance against him. He wanted to prove himself so badly in the council... He fought for a useless sheep... just to celebrate his triumph. He won. That's all he cares about. He won and I lost. Kim Taehyung lost... but little did he know... He won with the assistance of the rules and regulations of the society... but I won... the mind game. I won, Sora. After all... the most dangerous manipulators are... the ones... tugging the puppet strings without the opponent realizing... that the path they're walking on... is in fact... leading to a dark... dark... abyss. And thanks to you... I don't have to lift a finger to pluck Kim Seokjin out of the game," Taehyung darkly explained. I could no longer process his words, so I sat without blinking as he ruffled my hair with a bright smile."Is Yangcha a pawn on a chess board-""The child will not survive, Sora. I could've bought him some time with our protection, but it's a relief that you sent him away. We shouldn't get attached to the weakling," Taehyung patted my shoulder as he stood up to tug off his tie. I lifted my ashen face to watch Taehyung smirk at his glass of whisky as he picked it up from the coffee table."What have I done...?" I whispered, lowering my frightened eyes to my empty hands. Blood... My hands will be covered in blood once they slaughter the sheep. I did not partake... in the killing... but I was the one... to sell the sheep to the slaughterhouse."Do you wish to spend the night with me? We should celebrate, but you look unwell, so you may leave if you need to rest," Taehyung smirked while sipping from the glass with his sly gaze on me. I blinked out of my thoughts and slowly rose to my feet. Taehyung casually walked towards his closed door."I'll leave," I muttered as he held the door open for me. Taehyung leaned against the door frame, arms crossed and still holding onto his whisky glass."Give me a good night kiss," He smiled, lowering himself towards my pale face. I stared at his smug smile without budging, so he chuckled at my hesitation and gently pecked my lips before straightening his body again. Taehyung gently patted my cheek to comfort me, making me shiver at the thought of his wicked scheme... and turned to walk out of his room but stopped dead when I found Jungkook nervously waiting outside his bedroom... as if to wait for me."Are you alright?" Jungkook asked, quickly jogging forward to examine my body, but there were no signs of injuries."She's just tired. That's all. She lost her favorite pet," Taehyung nodded at me.Jungkook frowned at my dreadful face before glancing at his cousin's arrogant smile unsurely. I took a deep breath and strolled away to enter my room without responding to Jungkook, leaving him with Taehyung in the corridor. Thud. I leaned against the closed door with my listless eyes trained on my dark windows. I couldn't feel anything but the uncomfortable void in my chest. Weakly... I slid down to the floor with my back pressed against the door. I gripped my aching head and tilted my face upward with nothing but the helpless plea to wake up from the... frightening nightmare._______________________Kim Taehyung turned his face to watch my timid behavior as he led me inside the school campus. I nervously gripped his hand as we strolled through the crowded building together. Everyone is probably gossiping about the incident at the council after Taehyung screamed at me before the alpha, but to my surprise... no one seemed to notice our presence. Huddles of the low rank were excitedly chatting about the latest rumors... that I'm obviously clueless about. I eased my tense body once I realized... no one was staring at me like they used to.The pressure within my chest suddenly subsided. No one was giving me dirty looks... and the spotlight wasn't on us anymore as I walked hand-in-hand with Taehyung toward our classroom. I skipped school for a week after the council because I was too overwhelmed... and honestly, I figured people would talk shit about me again, but they didn't. It was strange. My day was a little too peaceful. Seokjin kept darting me glances but didn't seem to be bothered either."Well- I expected you two to be on bad terms. This is surprising," Minah chuckled, appearing before my desk as I hugged Taehyung's arm by his side.

"Why would we be on bad terms?" Taehyung chuckled, turning to kiss my forehead. I smiled at him uneasily as Minah dragged a chair to sit before us with an unconvinced expression.

"Well. You screamed at the supreme alpha during the council. But it's more shocking... to see you two clinging to each other with so much... sweetness after you lost the sheep in the auction," Minah smiled at Taehyung. He let out a small scoff."Did you expect me to hurt my woman over a mere alpha?" Taheyung asked, lifting his face from his files to smirk at Minah. She unsurely glanced at me as I clung to Taehyung's arm with my head rested against his shoulder."He really didn't try to tear you apart? Jungkook used to tell me he's a problematic alpha with anger issues," Minah pretended to whisper behind her hand to mock Taehyung. I chuckled at her smug smile as she turned towards Taehyung with her eyebrow raised. Taehyung appeared slightly insulted by her disrespectful claim."A problematic alpha with anger issues? Yeah. I developed the condition because I had to deal with your stupid ex-boyfriend's attitude every day," Taehyung shrugged at Minah, causing her to roll her eyes."Why aren't you speaking? Did he threaten you to stay quiet?" Minah averted her attention to me again as I weakly smiled at her."Yah. Stop assuming nonsense! You'll stir up another rumor!" Taehyung snapped at Minah in annoyance."Then let her speak! She's been acting strange lately! The Jang Sora I know doesn't cling to a man like this! And she's usually never muted either, but all she's doing now is cling to your bicep and smile at people! What's the matter with you?!- Did he hurt you? You can rely on me, Sora!" Minah eagerly leaned over the table with a concerned expression, earning a sharp glare from Taehyung, but she ignored his disapproval and brightly smiled at me."Nothing happened. He didn't hurt me, " I smiled, reassuring Minah with a slight nod. Minah grimaced at my response, side-way glaring at Taehyung with a doubtful look."Are you sure? You look tired," Minah nodded with her hand tucked under her chin."I'm just happy to be around him," I shrugged, tilting my head upward to beam at Taehyung. He smiled and pecked my lips, so I tightened my arm around his bicep until Minah fired us a disgusted look."Whatever. Did you hear the new rumor?" Minah asked, keenly turning to nod at the gossiping alphas. Taehyung carefully interlaced our fingers over his lap."It's obviously not about me," I smiled. It's a relief, really. I feel very at peace today because I honestly anticipated the irritating spotlight on me again... but no one seems to care about my existence anymore."Someone leaked a video of Shin Minho doing drugs at a high-class bar. The place is popular for beautiful escorts. People say he went there to be entertained by the pretty women. Mira was very furious with him. They fought earlier this morning! Look- I even got the pictures! It's shocking- considering Minho's parents are the leaders in the medical field. They must be devastated by their son's involvement with the toxic substance!" Minah dramatically gasped as she tapped on her phone. She showed us the dark pictures on the screen, and sure enough... It was a clear picture of Minho injecting drugs into his veins. He was surrounded by women and liquor in the club."The Shin's reputation will degrade in the medical field after the scandal," Jimin agreed, leaning against an empty desk with his arms crossed."Oh! But Mira isn't so innocent either! Someone leaked a video of her with another man at a club or something! It's everywhere!" Minah giggled."Don't you have anything better to do?" Taehyung bitterly shook his head at Minah's excitement over the scandals and lowered his face to stare at his file again."Tsk. You're not so innocent either! You're the devil yourself!" Minah sneered at Taehyung, who lifted his face to fire her an offended look."What-""It wasn't so nice of you to post the bedtime picture with Sora! Everyone was saying nasty things about her!" Minah glared at Taehyung. He briefly glanced at me as I hugged his arm with a clueless face."I'm proud of my relationship, so I-""So you posted a picture of her on your bed? That's not something a decent man would do! I feel bad for Sora! I might not know the spell you cast on her- but if I was Sora- I'd punch you hard in the face!" Minah funnily argued with Taehyung, who suddenly tensed his body at her offensive words. Jimin chuckled at the two of them as I patted Taehyung's hand to calm him."Keep your mouth running, and I'll make sure to smear your lips with your blood!" Taehyung snapped in annoyance. Minah poked her tongue out at Taehyung's scowl and hurriedly got up from the seat to rush away. Taehyung turned his head after her with a deadly glare."I mean. Minah's not wrong. People were talking about Sora. You might've thought of it... as an official engagement announcement with your woman, but people will talk. Taehyung-ah, you should've chosen a more decent picture!" Jimin laughed, taking Minah's seat to tease his best friend. Taehyung locked his dead stare on Jimin without speaking until his friend cleared his throat uncomfortably."I need to use the bathroom," I smiled at Taehyung's fuming red face and got up to leave the room. Jungkook appeared with his bag swung over his shoulder but didn't speak to me and walked off in the opposite direction. I sighed at his attitude, entered the restroom to deal with my business, and finally stepped out to find a fight... escalating in the hallway."-AH! I promise- Hyung! It wasn't me-!" A lower rank chubby boy winced in fear as he was being pinned against the wall by another person. I paused in shock when I found Minho fuming angrily over the boy with his hands clutched tightly around the victim's neck. People were crowding around them as the alpha taunted the lower rank."You were the only one there! You leaked the video-""It's not me! Hyung- Ah!" The chubby shrieked in pain after being shoved to the side. The poor thing collapsed onto the floor with a bleeding nose as his blue baseball cap fell off his head... but he didn't dare whimper and quickly sat up to beg Minho with striking messy hair. The alpha darkly glared at the lower rank's pitiful condition."You piece of shit!" Minho angrily spat his spit on the boy's face before storming off with his fists clenched."Jangwook!" Yangcha gasped, suddenly collapsing next to the chubby boy to rub away the blood stain from the kid's face. My eyes widened in a panic when I found Yangcha before me, and my body was suddenly paralyzed with extreme guilt.My blood turned cold... as soon as Yangcha found me standing in the crowd. I gulped at his startled face and hurriedly pushed through the crowd to flee the scene. I can't face him! I'm ashamed of my foolish decision to send him away! His parents died because of Seokjin's people! How can I face the child when I'm responsible for his eventual demise?! I quickly left the corridor and returned to be with Taehyung, who was still sitting at his desk with his work file.
A few weeks passed by and my life entirely flipped upside down. By that I mean... I was oddly granted a peaceful life. Taehyung was calm and we never fought after the night.... he told me the truth behind his master plan to expel Yangcha. I couldn't blame Taehyung for my decision to transfer Yangcha to Seokjin, so I bore the guilt alone.

Jae Yangcha seemed well under Seokjin's care, but a part of me couldn't handle facing the child. Not after realizing I might've placed him in the wrong hands. I avoided Yangcha and Seokjin on campus and would remain beside Taehyung the entire day. The only person who seemed to have a problem with me... was Jungkook. He's still ignoring me.
"Oh! Noona!" Yangcha gasped. I groaned in shock after I accidentally bumped into the boy. He unconsciously reached out to hold my arm to stop me from toppling to the side from the impact."Y-Yangcha..." I awkwardly gulped as he brightly beamed at me."It's been a while since we spoke!" Yangcha gripped my arm excitedly. My eyes drifted to the obvious pink stain on his lips."You've got lipstick... on your face," I pointed out, causing his cheeks to flush red in embarrassment. Yangcha quickly turned away to wipe his lips."Oops..." He cutely chuckled with an embarrassed look."Are you seeing someone?" I broke into a soft smile as Yangcha rubbed his lips until his cheeks turned rosy pink.[ Yangcha Picture Reference: Not Official but maybe he looks like this? ]

"Yeah. It's someone I have good feelings for... but I'll keep it a secret for now! I'll introduce you to her when I'm ready!" Yangcha shyly nodded. The tension in my chest suddenly vanished as I studied his glowing skin. He's well. I'm relieved."Aigo~! You're all grown up now!" I chuckled, ruffling the boy's hair. He whined cutely and shook his head in embarrassment."Yangcha! Are you coming?!" A girl called, skipping towards him with a few other boys."Is it her?" I teased, nudging Yangcha, whose face flushed even redder at the sight of the short-haired girl."Noona! Let's chat during your free time! I have to go~!" Yangcha immediately excused himself. The group of low ranks around Yangcha's age bowed at me, so I smiled at the pale girl and glanced at her ruby rose-shaped earrings."Look! I got a new watch!" A boy lifted his wrist to show Yangcha."That's an ugly wristband!" The girl teased the slender boy's bright green wristband."Yah! That's mean!" The boy countered. Yangcha waved at me and happily walked off with the chubby child. There was still a bandage on his nose after Minho struck the boy. I smiled and waved at Yangcha. He's well. I shouldn't be worried. He seems happier now... and he even made friends. Yangcha is no longer a child... so I shouldn't regard him as a weak soul anymore. He's a strong young man."Boo!" Taehyung grabbed my shoulder from behind, causing me to shriek in a panic."You scared me!" I whined, turning to smack his chest. Taehyung chuckled at my startled reaction as he held onto my waist. He lowered his head to kiss me, so I wrapped my arms around his neck to pull him closer. I was happy. For some reason... I was really content with my life. I still felt uneasy around Taehyung, but he's been treating me well. So I began to lower my guard around him. What's the point of resisting him when he'll always be a step ahead of me? Taehyung pulled away, took my hand in his, and led me down the empty corridor.
Fast Forward
"Yah! What's the matter with you!?" I snapped, sitting before Jungkook as he sat back against the chair with his arms crossed and an opened book placed over his face. Jungkook didn't react and remained motionless in his seat."You're spoiling my good energy..." The alpha dawdled while drawing the book off his face. I glared at his groggy expression."What's your issue? Everyone has given up on bothering me so why are you still-""Am I bothering you? I think it's the other way around," Jungkook rudely interrupted me as he pretended to flip through the book with a bored look."You're bothering me with that loud silence of yours... and the- judgmental eyeballs!" I snapped. Jungkook leaned over the table with his chin rested on his palm before averting his attention to the other students in the library."I came to the library for peace and silence... so please lower your voice before I get kicked out because of you," Jungkook grimaced. I rolled my eyes at his bitter grimace and leaned back against my chair."What's the matter?" I sighed. Jungkook blankly stared at me without uttering a word, so we sat in complete muteness with our eyes fixed on one another."I shouldn't be concerned with your love affair, but Taehyung has been bugging me lately with his behavior," Jungkook shrugged."Taehyung is treating me well-""You can't keep surrendering to him. How can you let everything slide so easily after the mistreatments? Sora, he posted an almost nude picture of you two together," Jungkook frowned."It doesn't matter. People gossiped for a few days... but they don't even care anymore and I've already spoken to him," I assured Jungkook. He fired a bitter look and glanced out the window to stare at the city view."It's... problematic. The way you're letting him in over and over again after he drags you to an isolated place. I'm not trying to interfere with your relationship but seriously? You're letting him in between your legs so he could fuck the attitude out of you? It's unhealthy, and I'm telling you this because I'm worried about you," Jungkook shook his head. I pursed my lips to think about his words."I'm aware of his intention," I sighed. I'm not dumb. I know I'm being enticed by Taehyung's unhealthy love language."And you're willing to let him use sex against you?" Jungkook asked, frowning at me in discontent. I sighed deeply and lowered my head to process my thoughts."I know it's unhealthy, but there's this... weird feeling inside me. It's addictive. I keep wanting him... more and more..." I whispered."He's conditioning you to rely on him," Jungkook coldly stared at me. I sadly looked up at Jungkook's disappointed stare."I love him-""I suspected since we were young. You're usually feisty and stubborn with everyone, but Taehyung... was always an exception. You'd immediately cower at his presence and would hold onto him as if you were afraid to lose him. I figured," Jungkook shrugged."Don't misunderstand. I did love you-""I know you did love me. I loved you too. We grew up together, and I still care about you. But I always knew... you loved Taehyung more. You'd scream... and yell the most awful words and hit me without hesitation, but you'd cling to him with so much affection. It was pretty obvious. And Sora... you are still behaving the same way around him. That's why it's bothering me because, unlike the innocent person he used to be... Taehyung is using your attachment to him as a chain to bind you. Isn't it suffocating?" Jungkook asked. No. It wasn't suffocating. I liked it, but I can't tell Jungkook that, can I? Jungkook is right about my unhealthy obsession with Taehyung. I'm aware."Noona!" Yangcha chirped, appearing out of nowhere with a small gift bag. Jungkook turned to look at the boy's random intrusion with a startled expression. Yangcha's face suddenly flushed red when he noticed Jungkook staring at him. The boy quickly patted his hair to groom himself and quickly straightened his posture."He... admires you... I never really got the opportunity to introduce you to him," I explained Yangcha's awkward behavior toward Jungkook. Yangcha had only seen Jungkook briefly at the mansion when he was recovering, so he must be thrilled to speak with Jungkook."Annyeonghaseyo~!" Yangcha cutely placed out his hand. Jungkook frowned at the boy funnily as he shook Yangcha's hand."Nice to meet you," Jungkook nodded at his fanboy. I smiled at their awkward interaction. Yangcha kept his bulging eyes on his role model until Jungkook got uncomfortable and cleared his throat."I- I'm a bit nervous! Haha~! I really admire you!" Yangcha bowed at Jungkook before sitting down beside me."Seokjin must be taking great care of you for you to be this... vibrant... and bouncy with an injured spine and broken ribs," Jungkook smiled at Yangcha unsurely."Yup! I am currently residing with Seokjin's parents. They treat me well and have cured my injury so I can walk again, and oh~! Seokjin was nice enough to arrange a therapy session for me- so I'm working on coping with the tragic incident," Yangcha beamed at Jungkook."He made a lot of friends too..." I proudly patted his back. Maybe I shouldn't stress over Yangcha's well-being. Why did I let Taehyung make me doubt Seokjin? Yangcha is so much better now, and that's all that matters."Noona. I got a small gift for you," Yangcha slid the bag toward me."A gift? Why would you-""I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for you! Please accept my token of appreciation!" He cutely pouted while rubbing his hands together to plead me. I chuckled at his cuteness and turned to unbox the gift. My jaw dropped after I opened the black jewel box to find a pearl bracelet with the pendant of a cute puppy... just like the keychain he gifted me.

"It's gorgeous!" I gasped, turning to chuckle at Yangcha in disbelief. He suddenly pulled me into a crushing hug, so I patted his back fondly before turning to admire the pearls with a weak smile. He's so thoughtful."Oh? Are you not going to wear it? Is it not pretty???" Yangcha pouted when I closed the box. I paused at his adorable puppy eyes."Oh- Oh? Of course, I'll wear it!" I chuckled, opening the box again."I'll put it on for you!" Yangcha smiled, reaching for the bracelet. I weakly raised my hand to let the alpha clip the bracelet around my wrist as Jungkook watched us with a bored face."Her boyfriend won't be happy if you make her wear that," Jungkook teased."Oh? You can take it off if Taehyung hyung is against-""Ani! It's fine! He won't mind!" I assured Yangcha as a flash of fear reflected in his pupils at the mention of Taehyung's name."Yeah, sure. They were fighting over you..." Jungkook chuckled."Hajima! We're not fighting anymore!" I glared at Jungkook when he wouldn't stop making Yangcha feel uneasy. Jungkook smiled at the kid's pale expression."I'm sorry about the trouble I caused between you and Taehyung hyung," Yangcha nodded my engagement ring apologetically."Don't worry about us, okay? We're on good terms now, and I'm happy for you," I shook my head, gently grabbing Yangcha's hand to give him an assuring squeeze. The boy's eyes lit up at my words... so he nodded happily."Jungkook hyung is probably just in a bad mood because of the rumor," Yangcha weakly smiled at Jungkook, who turned to stare at the boy with a questioning look."Rumor? What rumor?" Jungkook asked unsurely."Oh. You didn't hear? People are gossiping about you, hyung. No- They're gossiping about your ex-girlfriend!" Yangcha scratched his head unsurely. Jungkook frowned at the boy before exchanging awkward glances with me."Kang Minah?" I questioned Yangcha. I noticed the crowd gossiping again but had no idea what it was about. Minah wasn't present at school today, so no one was there to indulge me in the latest scandal."Oh. Kang Minah. Hyung, you must be upset about the news," Yangcha cluelessly pursed his lips at Jungkook."What news?" I asked, baffled by Yangcha's words."Didn't she cheat on you, hyung? My friends were talking about it this morning," Yangcha blinked at Jungkook, whose face turned pale."What? How did you-""It's all over the secret platform!- See! Kang Minah!- She was spotted on a secret date with a man before you guys broke up! I thought you knew??? Isn't that why you broke up with her~?" Yangcha exclaimed, pulling out his phone to show us a thread of pictures... of Minah hugging and kissing a man in a garden. Jungkook frowned at the photograph of his ex-girlfriend in horror. It was taken months ago... and Yangcha was right... It was before he broke up with her."What's this platform?" I asked curiously."Oh. It's a secret platform that the lower rank uses to circulate news. That's how Shin Minho and Lee Mira got exposed," Yangcha shrugged as he scrolled through the posts to show us pictures of Minho doing drugs and Mira dancing with a man at a dark club."How do I access this-""Oh. The top alphas aren't allowed on the platform. You have to be invited by the owner of the platform. I'm not supposed to tell you all this- but it's interesting. Isn't it? I'll share everything with you if you want the detailed information. I'll be the snitch for you!" Yangcha giggled at Jungkook."Don't get yourself in trouble!" I playfully smacked Yangcha."Send me the pictures of Minah and... the man," Jungkook darkly shifted his gaze to Yangcha."Roger!" Yangcha excitedly smiled and quickly transferred the pictures to Jungkook. I sighed and leaned back against the chair with an uneasy feeling at the knowledge of the private platform.So that's how they... spread the news. Yangcha told us the leaks are posted by anonymous members, and he was invited to the channel by his friends. Jungkook kept blanking out as he kept his eyes glued to the picture of Minah cheating on him with another man. He did tell me... He was suspicious of her but had no... evidence... but he does now. What is he going to do with the information? I wasn't sure. Will he confront her?
A moment later.
"What are you doing?" Taehyung asked, playfully squeezing my buttcheeks as I sprawled on my stomach over the bed in his room. He has been working at his desk and I have been zooming in on the picture of Minah's affair on my phone."Have you seen the pictures? Of Minah... with the unknown man?" I asked as Taehyung rolled onto the bed with me, tucking his hand under his chin."Why are you wasting your time on the scandals? Jungkook will deal with the issue," Taehyung smiled, gently running his fingers through my hair."It's a secret platform, and the top alphas aren't allowed to access it!" I smiled as I intensely stared at the blurry picture of the man. He looks familiar... but I can't figure out... who it is. Have I seen him before?"Why are you more focused on your phone than your hot fiancé? You got a whole meal in front of you!" Taehyung laughed, hastily snatching the phone out of my grip and tossed it on the nightstand. I whined and tried to scramble for it, but he caught my waist and effortlessly pinned me down on the mattress."I want to figure out the man she cheated with!" I groaned. Taehyung chuckled and lowered his face to kiss my big pout, so I tugged his neck and pulled him down. He eventually flipped me over to make me sit on his thick muscular thighs as he leaned against the bedhead."Where did you get this?" Taehyung asked, gently lifting my wrist with a curious smile."Oh. Yangcha gifted me the bracelet," I smiled. Taehyung carefully rubbed the rare pearls around my wrist. I later found out it was a limited edition accessory... after Do-hwan pointed it out to me."You should avoid associating with the kid. He's Seokjin's people now. He might bring harm to you," Taehyung sighed, shifting his dark gaze to mine as I rubbed his firm cheek."I tried my best to avoid him, but we go to the same school... so it's impossible to dodge the kid," I shrugged. Taehyung fell quiet as he stared at the bracelet and finally looked up at me. He dropped the topic, gently kissed me again and we went to bed afterward.___________________Jimin and I stopped laughing upon the startling loud crashing sound from the desk at the far back of the room, so we turned to find Haerim hurrying out of the classroom in tears. The alphas turned their head after her timid behavior with questioning looks."I'll go after her," Namjoon nodded at Seokjin and got up to chase her.It turns out... another scandal had taken over the school. Gae Haerim was accused... of murder. The alphas were obviously... clueless about the matter because the secret platform was only made available to the lower ranks. Kim Seokjin suddenly tensed up once he heard people chatting loudly about Haerim and her potential association to... Song Jae-il's murder."What the hell? This platform is fucking scary," Jimin gasped as Jungkook and I intensely stared at the screenshots I received from Yangcha.
It was a detailed post... written by an anonymous source... claiming that Gae was responsible for Song Jae-il's murder. There were a few pictures of Haerim meeting up with Jae-il... at his private villa... and Jae-il was last seen exiting a bar with Haerim before he disappeared a few days later and was pronounced dead. Murdered by an unknown person. The platform user claimed that the Gae had eliminated Jae-il due to Kim Seokjin's household alliance contract consideration with the Song. Only one candidate was to be elected.
So, in order to outrace the Song... The Gae killed Jae-il to land Haerim the alliance contract with Kim Namjoon, earning her the official alliance badge with Kim Seokjin, the Second Rank Alpha. Jimin... Jungkook and I slowly lifted our heads from the phone to stare at one another with our lips wide open. It was only a conspiracy, but Seokjin had already foreseen everything. He didn't possess enough evidence to accuse his ally. And therefore, he remained silent on the matter."Holy shit. This is scary-" Jimin whispered as he turned to frown at Seokjin's darkened face."ARGH- CALL THE MEDICS! WE NEED HELP!-" The three of us jumped in our seats at the alarming cries in the hallway. Every head snapped towards the opened door... to find a rush crowd sprinting through the hallway in chaos.Jungkook grabbed my collar, roughly pulling me onto my feet... so we dashed out of the room in a hurry and raced after everyone else... until we found ourselves in the overcrowded canteen. Jimin and Jungkook hastily shoved their way through the packed mass until we reached the center."Jangwook! Yah- Jangwook?!- What the hell happened?! Wook-ah!?!-" A familiar voice screamed in distress. My eyes widened in horror when I found Yangcha hugging his chubby friend on the floor. They were sitting in a pool of vomit and blood as his friend lifelessly leaned against Yangcha's chest with purple lips.

A pulse of dreadful emotions thumped hard against my ribs when I realized... blood was seeping from the lower rank's lips... and eyes. And even his ears. Jungkook unconsciously gripped my wrist in horror as the foul odor of vomit filled the room. Yangcha screamed in despair until veins formed along his neck and forehead... desperately begging his friend to return to his arms, but the boy... was turning stiff... and gray. I raised my startled eyes to... Shin Minho... as he stood... on the opposite side of the crowd with a petrified look. Hoseok covered his mouth in shock before turning away to avoid the disturbing scene."Get out of the way!" Taehyung shoved the crowd apart to make way for the medics. Seokjin immediately flung his jacket over the dead boy and heaved him onto the medical cart. The presidents immediately assisted the staff, hurriedly rushing the low rank out of the canteen as the crowd remained at the scene. Yangcha hollered at the top of his lungs as he frantically scrambled onto his feet to chase after his friend but was held back by Jungkook and Jimin."Jangwook! No!- Let me go! Arh!" Yangcha bawled in distress as he thrashed within Jungkook's grip. Tears filled my eyes as I watched the alpha's desperate calls for his friend. I felt it. His pain. The pain of losing his loved ones. Jimin tugged the alpha backward and pulled him into a tight hug as Yangcha weakly surrendered to the crushing reality of his friend's tragic passing.
Fast forward
Jae Yangcha bit his trembling lips in tears as he cupped a warm mug between his palms. Seokjin, Taehyung, Namjoon, Hoseok, Yoongi, the principal, and I were seated in the room with the young alpha."I- I told him I didn't want to drink the milk- so - s-so Jangwook- he took my milk and drank it- and he suddenly- collapsed- I'm sorry!- It's my fault! It's my fault! I let him drink it- I should be dead!- I'm the one at fault!" Yangcha cried in distress as I patted his back to comfort him. The principal chewed his finger nervously as the boy broke down before all of us. Seokjin averted his gaze to me with a dreadful look. Someone tried to kill Yangcha.
I thought he was safe... but no. The killer is still after the sheep.

A moment later...
I gently combed Yangcha's hair backward as he rested on Seokjin's couch at his private villa. Seokjin handed me a cooling patch, so I tore it open to compress it on the child's feverish forehead as Taehyung sat on the opposite couch with his arms crossed. The school presidents were tasked... to care for the child by the principal. Yangcha had lost his voice from screaming all afternoon and is now... grieving internally. Unconscious tears kept slipping from his puffy eyes as I dabbed the tissue against his face."Get some sleep, okay? You're safe here," I rubbed Yangcha's cheek as he lay on the cushion with a weary expression."You took off my bracelet? I should've gotten a prettier one for you," The alpha whispered hoarsely. I glanced down at my empty wrist in silence before glancing back at him."Ani. I took it off at home because I was afraid of losing it. I'll... put it back on. Okay?" I smiled weakly. Yangcha nodded at me and closed his tearful eyes. I gently rubbed the tears from the corner of his eyes. Seokjin eventually assured me of Yangcha's safety, so I left his property with Taehyung after dusk."Have you seen my bracelet? The one Yangcha got for me?" I asked in exhaustion as I sat against the car seat."I don't know. Maybe it slipped off while you were sleeping?" Taehyung shrugged as he steered the wheel. I closed my droopy eyes and slowly dozed off his car. Yangcha... is not safe. The culprit is still after him... but why? What's their motive? Why are they so determined to kill the sheep?
Taehyung didn't wake me in the car when we arrived at the mansion and carried me to bed. He changed my clothes and tucked me in. I was entirely drained the next day.

The principal suspended the remaining school days of the week to investigate the unfortunate passing of the lower rank. Taehyung would rush back and forth from his desk to greet the officers in the living room. He'd intensely discussed the incident with Seokjin and the principal, but they couldn't uncover the criminal behind the murder. The chubby boy, unfortunately, passed away on the spot due to a severe blood clot in his system. He was poisoned. The milk was originally for Yangcha... but the innocent chose his fate and... died for his friend.
"Where did it go?" I frowned while lifting Taehyung's bedsheet to search for the bracelet. I grunted and crouched down to peek under his bed before digging into his laundry basket, but there was no sign of it. I can't lose it."What are you searching for?" Taehyung asked, strolling out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped loosely around his toned hips. I chewed my lips in frustration as I crouched before his desk in my nightgown to scan the carpet."I can't find the bracelet," I whispered."I'll give it to you if I find it," Taehyung assured. I sighed and slumped down on the bed with a gloomy look as I watched Taehyung pull on his pajamas."I'm worried about the child," I muttered. Taehyung let out a heavy sigh and slowly approached me to crouch before the bed and gently took my hand over my lap."Sora. He's not your responsibility anymore. This is all we can do to protect him. I told you he will not last, and I know you're worried about the alpha... but... he's only a sheep in the game. If you push yourself to shield him... you'll become the next target," Taehyung sadly stared at me. I sulkily nodded in defeat, so he stood up to give me a warm hug, gently patting my hair to console my restless heart. How can I protect the child when I don't... even know the culprit?
The society grew restless after the shocking attack at the school premises. The university was supposedly the safest ground for the alphas to coexist without the fear of being harmed until a lower rank... was brutally poisoned to death. Many of the students didn't attend their lectures after the incident because we all knew... There was a killer on the loose.

The killer successfully breached... the system and took away yet another innocent soul.
"-Seokjin! Listen to me!- I really-""You killed Jae-il!-""I didn't- I promise-""Don't lie to me! I already knew- but did you have to lure him yourself-""Seokjin! Please, I'm begging you-""Let go of me! I can't protect you-""You will need me! Seokjin! There's something you need to know! You're in danger!- Seokjin!"Thud. Thud. I paused in a panic when Seokjin suddenly stormed through the corridor, so I quickly stepped inside the bathroom to hide from him. Haerim quickly rushed after Seokjin in a hurry, but I didn't dare leave the bathroom until I was sure she was gone. Haerim killed Jae-il? It's true. Song Jae-il's death was a scheme set up by the Gae to win the alliance contract with Seokjin. What on earth is happening? I rubbed my pulsating temples and slowly leaned against the sink to process my thoughts. Who the fuck is stirring up this chaos? The problems aren't about my household anymore. It's much worse than the stupid rumors about me.Sighing heavily, I exited the bathroom to stroll down the empty corridor until I spotted Hoseok standing by the massive glass window in the corridor. I slowed down once I got to him and turned to look from the upper floor... to find Haerim sobbing on a bench under the tree.We didn't speak as I watched Seokjin storm out of the campus before shifting my gaze back to Haerim until a person approached her. Yangcha. I quietly watch the kid walk up to her with a concerned expression. Haerim lifted her tearful eyes to stare at the kid with an annoyed look. He carefully sat beside the brooding alpha and offered her a soft pat on her shoulder. He's too naive. Why is he helping strangers? Perhaps, because it reminds him of his pitiful self?"Why is the killer... brewing a turmoil just to slaughter a sheep?" Hoseok asked. I darkly gazed at the Jae's surviving heir with a discouraged expression."Maybe he is a sacrifice to a greater tragedy," I whispered. Hoseok blankly watched the boy comfort Haerim with a heavy heart."I warned Seokjin, but he insisted on saving the sheep," Hoseok muttered. We stared at the bench below in silence.
We assumed the storm would settle after the incident, but it only worsened. The society feared the silent killer as the unknown culprit lurked within the crowd with their hostile intention. We couldn't differentiate evil apart from good so... everyone was wary of one another.

Shin Minho was the prime suspect, of course. He bullied the chubby lower rank and even threatened the kid, but there was no evidence to accuse the alpha of the crime. Haerim, on the other hand, wasn't on good terms with the Kims anymore after they disclosed the tragic passing of Jae-il's death. Her family cheated the game to earn Kim Seokjin's contract
"What a beautiful day," Eomma chuckled at the dining table. I stopped chewing my food and lifted my eyes to study her smug expression as she sipped her wine. Taehyung glanced at the heavy rainstorm unsurely as my mother smiled at us. She's happy with the disorder. A mad woman... that feeds off other people's despair to achieve the highest form of power.
The hunger to survive and the thirst to kill... is the ancient tradition of the Game of Survival.

___________________________
"You can't terminate Haerim's contract! How can you be so foolish over Jang Sora!? You're ignoring your long-term allies to trust her?! Did you think Kim Taehyung was a fool to let you win him easily? It's a trap! You will collapse if you continue to play his game! He's using Jang Sora against you! How can you choose the supreme alpha over Haerim when it was Haerim who has been fighting for your favor? Jang Sora left you for Kim Taehyung! For all we know- Kim Taehyung is behind all this! You promised Jang Sora to keep the sheep alive- secured on your own life! And suddenly- Jae Yangcha is being attacked?! If the young alpha dies- Kim Taehyuing will come after you and all of us!" Namjoon snapped at Seokjin, who was glaring fiercely at his friend. Seokjin turned to look at me with a slight frown as I hugged my books beside Sungho. We were walking in the corridor until we found Namjoon arguing with Seokjin. Sungho nudged me forward, so we hurried past the duo as Namjoon intensely glared at me."I'll return the books for you. Head home," Sungho smiled, carefully taking the textbooks from my arm. I thanked his kindness before turning to leave, but I halted when I found Yangcha speaking... with Haerim. She giggled and ruffled his hair as they stood by the elevator. He still seemed unwell because there were dark circles under his eyes. Yangcha lost a lot of weight too."Noona! Are you heading home?" Yangcha turned to greet me with his usual smile. Haerim's smile dropped at my presence and her expression darkened."Oh. Yeah. You should return home too. Don't stay out too late... especially with a killer lurking around..." I smiled, smugly eyeing Haerim's pale expression. She gripped her fist and glanced away, so I stepped into the elevator and left on my own to meet Taehyung at the gate and headed straight home. I thought I could get a good night's sleep that day... until a shocking news broke out over the society."What?!" I dropped the mug from my hand in shock. CRASH. The world stopped spinning around me as I stared at the elder's evil smile. My soul had left my body upon the startling news."Kim Namjoon is threatening to withdraw... all of Kim Seokjin's contract possession," Eomma scoffed in disbelief as Do-hwan informed the elders of the news."What do you mean-""I heard Seokjin wanted to eliminate the Gae's contract after they were caught up in Song Jae-il's murder, but Kim Namjoon refused and attempted to seize Seokjin's indirect alliance," Mr. Jeon explained. I blinked in horror before lowering my face to stare at the splattered hot chocolate at the base of my feet."Seokjin's allies weren't happy with his decision to foster Jae Yangcha. Kim Namjoon might terminate his contract with the Kim. And Jung Hoseok... seized the opportunity to leap out of the sinking ship. The Min announced their official alliance with the Jung. Kim Seokjin... is drifting alone in the storm," Appa smiles at me. Blood drained from my face. Kim Namjoon will break the link with Seokjin because he's afraid... of Kim Taehyung's scheme to smear the dead sheep's blood on Kim Seokjin. What have I done?! Sora! What have I done!?
Snap.
I jolt into a sitting position to find myself sitting in the quiet library as the other students review their study materials. Shit. I dozed off on the desk. I grumbled and lowered my face to stare at the news article on the screen. It wasn't a dream. Kim Seokjin had lost all of his alliance overnight. He didn't show up to school... and nor did his allies. Namjoon really terminated all of the contracts as foreseen by my parents. Only Hoseok showed up to school... with Yoongi as his new alliance.
Namjoon and Haerim... were nowhere to be found and Minah has been hiding behind her walls... ever since her cheating affair leaked. I prayed it was only a nightmare, but it was the reality I couldn't escape. Taehyung had envisioned the storm. He told me his plans, but I underestimated him... I thought he was simply delusional about the sheep and the killer.

But he had a darker motive... and that was to overthrow Kim Seokjin in the game.

I was too busy searching for the killer outside my wall to seek justice for Yangcha and his family. But my intuition is pointing my suspicion... toward Taehyung. I never doubted him because he was always by my side. Kim Taehyung. What if he is the silent killer? But why would he murder the chubby lower rank if Yangcha is his target? Taehyung pridefully told me he was challenging Seokjin without having to lift his finger... which means... he's not the one responsible... for the crimes. Is he tugging the puppet strings of another player? But who is it... and why is the killer... playing for Kim Taehyung?

AH! I can't make up assumptions! What if I wrongly accuse Taehyung? We might fight again, and he will definitely lose his shit! I need solid evidence... if I wish to catch him red-handed. But how will I do that? Who is the killer? It's definitely not Namjoon or Hoseok... they both made a tough decision to ditch Seokjin amidst the chaos. It's certainly not Jimin and Jungkook because they're not involved with Yangcha or Seokjin. Yoongi? Ani. His involvement wouldn't make sense. Minho? Mira? What are their motives? Minah...? But why?
And Haerim...? Why would she kill Yangcha? Perhaps... she's planning to eliminate Yangcha... because she's scared... he'd replace her? Just like how her household destroyed Jae-il. That would make sense... maybe that's why... she's so pressed...? I shook my head to snap out of my thoughts and got up to leave the library.
I'm still suspicious of Taehyung, but I won't confront him yet. For all I know... he might be working with Haerim to overthrow Seokjin in the game.
"Are you heading to the lecture room?" Jungkook asked as he approached me from the opposite way."Yeah. I'm heading home," I nodded."Grab my jacket on the way back," Jungkook tossed his locker card. I caught it with a grimace as he walked away before I could oppose his order. Sighing, I turned to stroll down the corridor as the sun began to set over the city."Oh?" I immediately halted in the empty corridor when the lights in the building started flickering. I shrugged and strolled down the stairs until I landed on the lower floor but paused again at the presence of the dark corridor leading to the lecture room. I gripped Jungkook's card and slowly walked through the dim hallway with an uneasy feeling. Should I head back? This is creepy. I gulped... cautiously turning from side to side to look through the transparent glass door of the empty rooms."Is there a blackout?" I muttered, approaching the last lecture room- THUD."AH!" I screeched in a panic when someone came stumbling out of the room. The man collapsed weakly onto the floor, causing my heart to thump in a panic."Sora-""Jimin!? Are you okay!?" I gasped, hurrying toward him, but Jimin seemed dazed out of his mind. The alpha tried to speak but screwed his face in pain. Fear engulfed my senses when he weakly slumped onto the ground. What's the matter?! Jimin has not been well ever since the stab wound!

"Jimin?!" I slapped his cheek in fear, but he was cold and motionless. There's no sign of injuries on his body! Why is he unconscious?! A breeze of chills tingled my skin... causing my neck hair to stand up... when I sensed someone behind me... so I quickly turned around to frown at the dark hallway... but it was empty. Sweating heavily... I shakily dialed Jungkook."Oh?-""Jungkook! Come to the lecture room now-""Yah- What's the matter-""Jimin collapsed! Hurry!" I snapped and hung up on him. I quickly crouched down to examine Jimin in a panic as he remained lifeless. Is he alive?! I pressed my palm over his upper chest to feel his firm muscles and sucked in my breath to anticipate his faint heartbeat. He's still alive! Thud. Thud. Thud."SORA?! ARE YOU OKAY?!" Jungkook's voice echoed as he scrambled down the stairs."I'M HERE! I'M HERE!" I screamed as my voice loudly echoed through the dark hallway. Jungkook suddenly appeared with sweat beads all over his forehead. He quickly sprinted towards me."What's the matter-""I don't know! I was walking down the corridor- and Jimin suddenly stumbled out of the lecture room!- Did he have a stroke?! Maybe it's a seizure?! Because of his old stab wound?!" I nervously watched Jungkook inspect Jimin's condition."Collect your things! I'll contact Taehyung!" Jungkook shoved me away before snatching out his phone to dial his cousin as he knelt beside Jimin. I quickly rushed inside the dim lecture room, snatched my backpack and swung the strap over my shoulder- Clack. My notebook dropped to the floor."Fuck!" I cursed, quickly crouching over the tiles to grab the book from under my chair but halted almost immediately when... something strange... caught the corner of my eye.I uneasily fumbled with my book... and slowly turned my head toward the far end of the room, but my view was blocked by the scattered desks and chairs. A pair of sneakers. I remained crouching on the floor as I examined the sneakers without budging. A hollow void suddenly spread within my chest when I realized... it wasn't just sneakers... but a pair of legs. I gulped in fear as I fixed my terrified gaze on the unexpected presence.The person is... lying on the floor... motionless, but I couldn't see their remaining body because it was blocked by a fallen desk. Slowly, I got onto my feet with my eyes glued to the far back of the room. My palms began sweating as I gripped the notebook. Thud... Thud...I slowly walked forward... closer and closer... I inched toward the pair of legs... behind the desk. My breath hitched in fear when the person's body began to appear and my nostrils suddenly picked up a heavy smell... it was metallic... like iron... or rust. I bit my trembling lips once I reached the last desk and circled it... until the body emerged beside the fallen chairs.My entire mind went blank as I motionlessly stood over the body. Blood. I'm smelling blood. Fresh blood. My eyeballs gradually shifted to the thick puddle of dark fluid around the corpse. Female. She's dressed in a knee-length skirt, ankle-length white socks, and designer sneakers.My body started trembling once I processed her blood-stained shirt, and slowly... I averted my horrified eyes to her face. The information was too much for my brain to process, so I stood... cemented in place... with my eyes bulging on her wounded face. My hands started shaking as I gawked at the heavy blood... gushing from... her... eyes."Sora!? What's taking you-" Jungkook called, rushing into the room after me. He halted when he found me standing at the back of the class with the notebook gripped in my arm."J-Jungkook-" I sobbed, unable to shift my gaze away from the corpse. I'm paralyzed. A stream of tears slid down my cheeks as I violently shook in fear. My heart... hammering hard against my ribs... yet I couldn't scream out my fear... so I swallowed it until I felt super light-headed from the extreme shock I was in."What's the matter?- FUCK!" Jungkook hurried towards me but cursed in disbelief once he noticed the corpse. Jungkook immediately clasped his hand over his lips, wildly spinning away to yank on his hair in bewilderment. Badum. Badum. Badum. I fearfully turned to look at Jungkook's pale expression in the dim room as he averted his frightened gaze to the person again with a disturbed frown."I- I'm scared..." I whispered, turning my stiff neck toward the corpse of the female student in fear. A total of three... pencils... three wooden pencils were... stabbed into her right eyeball. The slimy dark blood was... oozing from her mutilated eyes, and her left eyeball... was... missing. I could see the hollow and swollen torn flesh off her left socket.Her left eyeball is missing. But that wasn't the worst part... her mouth was wide open... loaded with a handful of wooden pencils. The bloody scene was terrific. I couldn't feel my body anymore as I stared at the sharp end of the pencils... lodged deep inside her throat through her opened mouth.
The disturbing pointy ends of the pencils... were piercing her inside flesh... and poking out her throat...

Blood... her blood is everywhere.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
The initially dark lecture room finally lit up as the officers and principal rushed to the scene of absolute madness. The dark blood... glowing bright red as it reflected the blinding lights and the swollen bruises became more defined as I stared at the inner torn tissues of her sockets. Taehyung was the next person... to discover us after Jungkook called his cousin to assist Park Jimin. I was in utter shock. I couldn't move my muscles. I couldn't mutter a word until Jungkook dragged me aside to make me sit at an empty desk at the front of the classroom. Still, I couldn't grasp the situation and remained stifled with a bloodless face."We must evacuate everyone!" Seokjin frowned as Taehyung stood over the corpse with a slight grimace. The principal evacuated the entire floor to prevent the alphas and lower ranks from tampering with the crime scene."The killer is within-""Exactly. What if the killer goes after another person? The university will bear the consequences of the murders," Seokjin clenched his jaw. Taehyung had ordered an urgent university lockdown to trap the serial killer."And then what? The killer will return to slaughter another person if we spare them. Bring me the alpha's logs in and out of the university," Taehyung shook his head as he stubbornly opposed Seokjin's request to release the students.The security staff bowed at Taehyung's order and hurried away to retrieve the files. Jungkook worriedly patted my back as he leaned against my desk while I sat on the chair with my unblinking eyes on the blood stain on my shoes. Who is it? What's their intention? Seokjin fired Taehyung's disgruntled look before turning to speak with a professor, who was discussing with the security team. 
The principal eventually evacuated the top alphas from the room after the investigation unit arrived to perform a forensic analysis. We were transferred to the private meeting room as the remaining students resided in the school's council auditorium, guarded by a horde of guards.
Only the top alphas were gathered within the spacious room. Minho was scrolling through his phone with an unbothered look. Mira and Minah didn't show up to school, nor did Namjoon. Haerim had left the campus earlier this afternoon... and So-young insisted on staying with Jimin in the infirmary with the nurse and guards because she didn't want to leave Jimin's side. Jungkook stepped back inside the dull room after leaving earlier to answer a call as I quietly sat beside Taehyung, who was busy scrolling through the logs on his laptop screen with his eyebrows furrowed. He's been staring at the list of names for the past hour."The elders called. They sent Do-hwan, so he'll be here to look after Sora," Jungkook informed Taehyung. I nodded in exhaustion when Taehyung turned to me with a restless gaze."Do you want to sleep? I'll take you to the president's lounge," Taehyung asked, gently pushing the loose hair strand behind my ear and shifted his fingers to caress my cheek."I'm fine," I shook my head. How can I possibly fall asleep in this situation? The principal finally entered the room with the professors and the head of the school's security unit, followed by a few external investigators."Jang Sora and Jeon Jungkook were the first to discover the body," The principal informed as he settled at the board table with the alphas. I locked my arm around Taehyung's arm and leaned against his shoulder for support."No. Jimin found the body first," Jungkook shrugged. The investigators asked Jungkook and me a few questions regarding the incident... but there weren't any clear explanations for the slaughter. Because... There was a blackout on the floor and neither of us... encountered anyone else besides Jimin and the victim. It was just the two of us and Jimin on the level."Where were you at 5:00 PM?" Jungkook suspiciously narrowed his eyes at Minho. The alpha scoffed in disbelief as he lifted his eyes from his phone."I was snoring loudly in the alpha's lounge! Ask the alphas that were there! You didn't actually think I'd kill a lower rank? How ridiculous!" Minho sneered at Jungkook."The chubby kid-""How many times do I have to say it wasn't me!? Why would I poison that fat pig?-""Well, he leaked your video," Hoseok interrupted, causing Minho to fire him an irritated look. Hoseok shrugged beside Yoongi, who's been muted since he entered the room."I did break the kid's nose out of spite- but I certainly did not clog his veins with poison!" Minho defended himself. The room grew hushed. Taehyung was still staring at the list of names sent to him for inspection."The killer... is probably... sitting amongst the other students. It's best for everyone to head home," Seokjin sighed worriedly. He's right. Everyone is safer at their respective homes."Can we identify the victim?" I asked quietly."Not yet. We'll have to filter out the students to disclose her identity," The investigator shook his head. The principal ultimately ordered the security team to safely escort all the students to the gate.
The school couldn't push the investigation as insisted by Taehyung because they didn't have the authority to restrain everyone, and there definitely wasn't enough manpower to interrogate the students. Taehyung... was somehow really pressed about the student logs. He ordered the guards to match each of the students' names before they left the site.
"Ryu So-young," So-young rolled her eyes at the guard as they checked the list by the gate. I restlessly watched So-young leave after Hoseok and Yoongi as I stood beside Taehyung. Jungkook left with Jimin to escort the Park's heir."You should head home first. I'll stay back with the investigation team," Taehyung rubbed my waist as I leaned against his shoulder in exhaustion.

"No. I don't want to be apart from you," I muttered, stubbornly shaking my head as Do-hwan assisted the security team. He arrived earlier to escort me home, but Taehyung refused to leave, so he's staying with us."Why? Are you afraid I'll become the next victim? Me? Kim Taehyung?" Taehyung teased. I weakly smiled at his joke with a solemn heart. No one can hurt him... I know that, but in a situation like this... I want to stay close to him."We're safer as a pack," I shrugged. Taehyung lifted his hand from my waist to ruffle my hair to lighten my mood. I sighed and hugged his bicep as we stood inside the security department to watch the students leave through the gate after confirming their presence. Huh? It's raining? I blinked at the foggy glass in surprise.I didn't even realize it was pouring heavily over the school's premises due to the dire situation. The dark sky kept flickering to illuminate the looming elite building. I fearfully stared at the creepy facility from the security department on the ground floor as the harsh rainstorm showered over the building. The once sacred ground has... turned into a slaughterhouse.

"Shin Minho," Minho informed the security team, turning to leave through the opened gate."Noona," Yangcha appeared next in line with Seokjin. His bangs were soaked from passing through the wide opening."Are you alright???" I worriedly examined Yangcha's pale face."I'm scared. Noona- is this happening because of me?-""No! Of course not! Don't have absurd thoughts!" I immediately denied his claim as Yangcha's lips trembled in fear. Seokjin sighed deeply as he squeezed the alpha's shoulder to comfort him."People keep calling me- A sheep- They say the silent killer is stirring up the chaos to-""Don't listen to their words. Let's go home and rest," Seokjin firmly patted Yangcha's back to stop him from breaking down. Yangcha pursed his lips and nodded in defeat."You're safe with Seokjin," I assured Yangcha with a weak smile as Taehyung discussed with the security team on the other side of the room."Jae Yangcha and Kim Seokjin," Seokjin turned to inform the guard. Yangcha weakly waved at me before turning to leave with the second-rank alpha as I darkly watched the young boy stride away with a heavy heart.

"Why don't they just kill the sheep? Why the random victims?" A guard mumbled, causing me to shift my weary eyes to the tired-looking staff in the room."Perhaps... The child is untouchable. He has Kim Seokjin and the supreme alpha's support. We'd have to lure out the killer if we wish to catch them red-handed," Do-hwan shrugged beside me."When did Gae Haerim leave the premises?" Taehyung questioned a guard. I sighed and slumped down on the couch to ease my stiff back.Taehyung was the only alpha to remain with the investigation team, and we finally returned home just before midnight. Taehyung and I quietly ate dinner and headed to bed without chatting. Both of us, lost in our thoughts. I had trouble sleeping that night, so I tossed and turned on the stuffy mattress beside Taehyung until he offered to comfort me. He gently patted my head on his side as I snuggled against his soothing warm chest and eventually fell asleep in his arms."AH!" I screamed, fearfully jerking awake with my hand around my neck. Eyes wide open... I panted in fear with my terrified eyes on the closed door. Why am I seeing the ghost of the dead? She's haunting my dream."Are you alright?" Taehyung asked. Gulping, I turned on the mattress to find him sitting at his desk with his laptop."You're not sleeping?" I asked, slowly getting off the bed and walked towards him."I need to catch the scumbag," He shrugged, gently grabbing my wrist to make me sit on his lap. Taehyung was still inspecting the students' logs, so I sighed and turned to hug his neck with an unsettled feeling. Taehyung lowered his hand to rub my waistline, making me ease my body against his.I stayed up with Taehyung to watch him scroll through the log. What's the point of the records? It's not like he'll uncover anything from it. The culprit probably signed in and out... just like the other students. Taehyung didn't explain the reason behind his behavior, so I didn't press him.______________________"Chung Yoona," Jungkook grimaced, placing the autopsy file before me as we gathered in the living room."They discovered her identity?" Jimin muttered as I grabbed the files to flip through the thick pages."She visited the alpha's lecture room after the third session. There was a blackout before she arrived, and no one had entered to exit the floor until Jimin went to grab his things. Sora and Jungkook arrived shortly afterward," Taehyung calmly sat beside me with his arm over my shoulder. I stared at the victim's profile, startled by her unanticipated identity."You knew? Her identity?" Jimin asked Taehyung in surprise."I reviewed all the logs and the footage. I knew it was her," Taehyung shrugged. My heart skipped a beat as I stared at her earrings."She's- Yangcha's- friend," I muttered with a slight frown."So the attack wasn't random? They're killing off the sheep's acquaintances," Jungkook scoffed. The autopsy statement only reported the abuse that was inflicted on her face. The other parts of her body were... perfectly fine. Unharmed."But why would they go after Jae Yangcha's friends?" Jimin unsurely grumbled as he read the report."You need to avoid the alpha," Taehyung suddenly spoke up. I shifted my eyes from Yoona's gruesome wounds to frown at Taehyung."Why?" I asked."Whoever it is... is after those who are close to the sheep," Jungkook explained. I pursed my lips at Taehyung's dark expression before glancing back at the files in my hand. He's right. The killer is mass murdering... those around Yangcha."Avoid him. The killer is after you," Taehyung patted my shoulder and gently kissed my head. I sighed in defeat as I read through the files with a discouraged face. Me? Are they killing Yangcha's friends... to get to me?"By the way. What happened the day you collapsed?" Jungkook turned to question Jimin as he rested on our living room couch. Jimin was immediately rushed to our medical infirmary for treatment. The doctor claimed there were no physical injuries on his body, so he presumed... Jimin had fainted out of shock."The mother fucker struck me from the back-""What?" Taehyung straightened his body at Jimin's claim."You were there when the killer was inside-""I strolled inside the room to grab my things- only to find her corpse. I was startled, so I froze until- I heard footsteps behind me and before I knew it... I felt this... rough impact on the back of my neck, and I blacked out for a minute or so... before gaining consciousness. I didn't see the culprit. The person fled before I regained my senses, so I panicked and tried to leave the room- and Sora appeared- and I blacked out again," Jimin explained. Jungkook's lips parted as he listened to Jimin's story."So... the killer was on the floor... and I missed the person when I was walking down the stairs?" I whispered. Jimin only collapsed for a minute or so... before dragging himself out of the room... It was a slim duration between me appearing on the floor to meet Jimin. The culprit couldn't have fled- I sucked in my breath in realization. I felt it. The killer's presence while crouching over Jimin. I felt his presence."The killer... was still on the floor," Jungkook's eyes widened in surprise."We were too worried about Jimin's condition... we failed... to... see him in the dark hall," I whispered, looking up at Jungkook in horror. The killer was behind me! How did I not see him!? And how did Jungkook miss him?! Perhaps... Did we both overlook his presence as we sprinted through the dark hallway!?"The question we should be asking is... Why... was Chung Yoona... inside the alpha's lecture room? She's a mere lower rank," Taehyung shook his head as he sat on the couch with his legs crossed."The blackout wasn't an accident. It's intentional. The security team claimed the main generator was switched off," Jungkook whispered. I nervously tapped my legs with an uneasy feeling."Does that mean... Yoona was there to meet someone? Was it a setup?" Jimin asked, slowly sitting up in dread. Taehyung furrowed his eyebrows to process the mismatching bits and pieces of information. But no matter how hard we tried to solve the murder... There were too many missing clues.
__________________________

It was a mystery. The murder was so swift... and uncluttered... the investigation team could not... locate a single... trace of evidence. Yoona bled to death after being stabbed in her eyes and mouth. She suffocated after her injured throat and tongue swelled... essentially blocking her airpath. She choked and died from her injury. It was strange... because... the victim should've resisted and fought back... but there were no bruises on her body.
"Is Yangcha alright?" I asked as Seokjin sat on the rooftop with his usual lunch box. He turned to look at me with a sore expression after I invaded his personal space. Taehyung told me not to associate with Yangcha... but I was growing restless."He's resting at home. The young soul cried after he found out another one of his friends had passed. I figured it was safer for him to avoid the school premises. Not just for his safety but for everyone else as well," Seokjin shrugged. I sighed, gloomily walking over to the railing to rest my arms on the cold steel and glanced down at the students below. Everyone is walking in a pack and not alone. We're all scared of being the next sheep."Do you have a theory?" I asked. Seokjin is an observant man... I want to hear his side of the story."I'm suspecting Haerim," Seokjin muttered. I paused at his words, slowly turning to stare at him as he chewed his sandwich."Haerim?" I raised my eyebrows."It would make sense considering her family killed Jae-il to win my contract. But I was wrong. Maybe it isn't her. Haerim left campus before the murder occurred," Seokjin sighed, bitterly shaking his head."I think the next victim will either be me... or you..." I spoke quietly. Seokjin listlessly chewed his food on his left cheek without blinking. What if I'm not the victim? But Kim Seokjin?"Me? The only person who wants me dead and is probably capable of plucking me out of the game is your boyfriend," Seokjin responded sourly. I sighed and sat crossed legs with my back pressed against the railing as the wind current subtly blew over the rooftop."He's not involved. Taehyung has been investigating the murder days and nights," I shook my head. I suspected Taehyung... but there were no obvious connections. He's not the type to kill... the lower ranks... just to scare the sheep? Why would he do that?"When did a killer ever confess to their crime?" Seokjin sighed bitterly.We grew hushed as the strong wind blew over us, causing my hair to tangle all over my face. I slightly pushed my hair away from my eyes when something fluttered over the rooftop and landed between us. Seokjin and I averted our eyes... to the black plastic as it tumbled between us and... for a moment... I felt a hollow void... jolting across my chest. Seokjin stopped chewing his food to stare at the stained plastic with a dumbfounded look."What the-""Sora! Don't touch it!" Seokjin gasped, flinging his sandwich aside, and quickly crawled over the pavement to thump the black plastic with his shoes to stop it from flapping away. "Seokjin-""Call Taehyung!" Seokjin ordered, keeping his horrified eyes on the item. I quickly contacted Taehyung... and before we knew it... the rooftop was crowded with professionals again."The culprit dumped their belongings on the rooftop!" An investigator scoffed in disbelief.
The black plastic... was... a used raincoat... stained in dried blood. The investigation team swept the entire rooftop for more clues... but couldn't locate anything strange but the raincoat. They secured the evidence and left with it to inspect the blood. We all had our hopes up until... the result came out... confirming the blood as Yoona's.

No other clues were detected. Not even the fingerprints. Nothing.

Fast Forward
"Why were you with Seokjin on the rooftop?" Taehyung confronted me as soon as I exited my bathroom in my nightgown."I only wanted a refreshing-""So you went up there alone? Alone? After I advised you to stay with the crowd?" Taehyung pressed in annoyance. I stared at his irritated face unsurely. He was away to work with the investigators the entire afternoon... and he's lashing out at me after he returned home? Sora. He's probably just tired."I'm not going to argue with you-""You know I'm worried about your safety!" Taehyung scolded me. Anger suddenly spread across my body. Why won't he drop it?!"I was worried about Yangcha! So I went to ask Seokjin! There's nothing between us! Why won't you believe me?!" I snapped in irritation. Just because he is frustrated with his work- doesn't mean he can dump it on me!"I warned you to stay away from him!-""Was it you? Are you responsible for all this mess?! You didn't kill me because you loved me! Is that why?!" I screamed in frustration. A wink of confusion flashed over Taehyung's face."Wh-What-""Where were you the day Yoona died?! You were on the floor, weren't you-""What are you talking about!? I was-""You didn't hurt me! I felt your presence on the dark floor! You didn't kill Jimin because he's your friend!" I snapped, causing Taehyung to scoff in disbelief."Why are you suddenly accusing me of murder after I brought up your ex-boyfriend?!" Taehyung seethed, storming towards me with his fists clenched, but I immediately shoved him aside."You wanted to eliminate Seokjin, so you used Yangcha and me! You hate the boy because he chose Seokjin over you-""I can't believe you're-""Isn't that why you confiscated the bracelet from me?! You threw away Yangcha's gift to me and pretended as if you knew nothing about it! I was going to let it slide, but you had to push me to my limits! Look at this! You threw this away, didn't you!?" I angrily stormed towards my drawer to withdraw the pearl bracelet from it. Taehyung's face drained in horror."Sora, I-""You threw it away, but the maids found it! They thought you threw out my accessory by accident! So they brought it back to me!" I snapped, angrily raising the bracelet before his eyes. Taehyung furiously fumed over me as I confronted him."Give it to me!-""No- What are you doing?!!" I gasped when he suddenly snatched the bracelet out of hand. Taehyung angrily hurled it to the floor- STOMP. STOMP. My eyes widened in horror as he angrily crushed the pearls under his boots. Is he out of his mind?!

"Why is it that you care about the alpha more than me!? You keep disobeying me to save that useless piece of shit! We're constantly fighting because of him!" Taehyung roared. I screamed in his face and tried to stop him from destroying the bracelet, but he wouldn't stop and hastily shoved me away."You're an asshole!" I sobbed, weakly stumbling into my vanity table.Taehyung fumed in extreme anger as he placed his arms on his hips, panting heavily with his dark stare narrowed on me. I whimpered at the shattered pearls in tears. What's the matter with him!? How can he burst inside my room to unleash his anger on me like this!? I yelled at Taehyung in frustration until he stormed out of my room without looking back. BANG! He furiously slammed my door shut.
A moment later.
I gradually stepped out of the cab in my casual clothes and turned to stare at the crowded street as people hurried home after their work hours. A flock of university students was pouring out of the gate as I turned to look at the looming construction building. Quietly standing amongst the crowd, I pulled out my phone to find a text from Haerim.Haerim: Meet me here. [XXX Location] or I'll kill Jae Yangcha.Why did she suddenly contact me after disappearing? I don't know. I had a fight with Taehyung earlier and wanted to sort out my mind, so I left the mansion... and was coincidentally invited by Haerim to meet her at a sketchy under-construction building. Yangcha is with Seokjin... so why is Haerim blackmailing me? I gulped, pushed the slightly opened gate, and entered the dark property. I avoided the stacks of steel and slowly walked into the building. The place smelt like fresh paint.

"Reveal yourself. Why did you invite me here? Are you the silent killer?" I dawdled, slowly pushing between the plastic barriers."You came," Haerim spoke up, so I snapped my head to the side to find her sitting on a chair in the middle of a storage room stacked with equipment."Why did you murder the innocent?" I asked. Haerim quietly watched me with her legs crossed as I stood before her with a blank face."What made you think I killed them?" Haerim questioned as she calmly sat on the chair. I glanced around the empty under-construction property. Well. She lured me here. I knew I was walking into a trap, but I needed to catch her red-handed.  "There's no evidence-""You rushed all the way here thinking I'm the culprit?" She chuckled, slightly shaking her head."You said you'd kill Yangcha," I rolled my eyes."You're accusing me of murder when you're the greedy bitch... who intends to kill Seokjin?" Haerim asked, slowly rising to her feet with a smug expression."I'm not in the mood to- AH! YAH!" I snapped in annoyance when Haerim suddenly sprayed something into my eyes. I screamed in shock as I clasped my soaked eyelids. My eyeballs burning within the sockets!"Don't play dumb with me! Seokjin might've overlooked your intention- but I won't- ""Yah! Let me go!" I screamed when she suddenly yanked my hair. I tried to push her hand off me, but she wouldn't let go and shoved me hard onto the ground.I gasped at the impact as I tripped and tumbled over equipment, collapsing hard... onto the rough pavement. My eyeballs were still burning as I tried to glance around, but my vision was completely blurred, and I could hardly see anything. Did she fucking pepper spray me!? I was prepared for a punch! A knife-! Or a gun but not a fucking spray in the face!"You planted Jae Yangcha in Seokjin's household so he could feed off Seokjin's affairs! The fucking sheep is a fucking spy! Did you think I wouldn't notice!?" Haerim snapped, slapping me hard across my face. Whack!I whimpered in frustration at the harsh blow on my cheek as I aimlessly patted the ground to search for support. I can't resist her if I can't see anything! My irritated sight began to clear up after the tears in my eyes flushed out the burning substances... but my eyeballs were stinging like mad, so I jammed my eyelids close again to soothe the pain."He's not a spy! What are you talking about!?" I snapped, shakily looking up at Haerim's angry face with my stinging eyeballs."Liar! You sent the kid to fool me!-""You betrayed Seokjin! So why are you channeling your anger on me!? You killed Jae-il for Seokjin's contract! And you sided with Namjoon after he withdrew the contracts from the Kims- AH!" I screamed at her in frustration as I fought to keep my eyes open but gasped in a panic when she started attacking me.Haerim roughly pinned me down by my shoulders as I resisted her and tried to shove her off my body, but she wouldn't budge and tried to punch me, so I elbowed her hard in the face. Haerim huffed in shock as she collapsed to the side, so I quickly sat up with my tearful eyes and shakily scrambled onto my feet."Come back, you bitch!" Haerim howled, fiercely scrambling after me as I sprinted out of the room, running as fast as my legs could carry me. Sora, be careful! You can't see properly-"Urgh!" I gasped, blindly running into a steel ladder, causing it to wobble and crash to the side, but I leaped away just in time to dodge the deadly impact. CRASH-! Thud. Thud.My heart jolted in fear as Haerim chased me from the left doorway, so I quickly scrambled onto my feet and ran through the construction safety fabric until I was lost inside the shady building. I bolted inside a small storage room filled with cement sacks and crouched down to dial my phone. Fuck! My eyes are burning! I rubbed my tearful eyes as I pressed the screen to call Taehyung. Ringing. I fearfully waited for him to pick up my call while chewing my fingernails... until he answered.

"Taehyung!? I need- help- Haerim- Haerim- She's after me! Taeh-" I cried but was cut short when he suddenly hung up on me. I whimpered in fear and tried to call him again, but none of my calls went through. Did he- just block me!? I sobbed in distress-"COME OUT, YOU BITCH!" Haerim hollered. I quickly clasped my trembling lips to stifle my whimper and leaned against the pile of bricks to hide behind the shadows of the sacks as warm tears soaked my cheeks. She's the killer!- I'm never this shaken, but I've witnessed her kills! She's a fucking psychopath! I quickly typed on my phone in a panic to beg Taehyung.Seen. He didn't reply. Is he still mad at me?! Out of breath, I typed on my screen repeatedly-"AH! ARGHHHH!" I shrieked as an arm slithered around my neck to headlock me. I jerked in distress and grabbed Haerim's arm as she dragged me from behind the sacks. I tried to resist her, but my eyes were stinging so much I could barely defend myself."Give it to me!" She demanded."I don't know what you're talking about!- URGH-" I screamed, thrashing between her grips until I felt a blunt force on my head. Haerim struck me with an empty liquor bottle, causing my body to succumb weakly- and before I knew it... I was... cold on the floor with a bleeding head.
A moment later.
I grumbled under my raggy breath with a throbbing head while struggling to open my heavy eyelids. My neck was weirdly sticky as I slowly opened my dazed gaze to make sense of my surroundings. I tried to wipe the prickly hair from my face but couldn't move my limbs. Thirstily gulping... I fully opened my eyes to find Haerim standing before me with her arms crossed.

I'm alive? She didn't kill me? My head is pulsing in pain from the injury. My sight was still a bit blurry from being sprayed in the eyes. But the tears had stopped spilling and my eyeballs... had stopped burning. I'm sore. Maybe, I shouldn't have come here alone...?
"What do you want?" I asked, shakily looking up at her as blood trickled from the side of my head."The files! Give it to me!" Haerim demanded in irritation. I stared at her with a dumbfounded look."Wh-What files?" I mumbled, turning to scan the dusty construction space as I sat with my body tied to the chair. Now... this is... a dumb way to die."Stop acting dense! You sent the spy to steal it from me!" Haerim snapped as she angrily stomped forward and roughly squeezed my cheeks between her fingers. I whimpered in tears as she intensely glared at me."I don't know. What you're talking about?-""You didn't send him? You don't have it with you?" Haerim scoffed, furrowing her eyes at my dazed face in confusion. I gulped and shook my head. What is she talking about?"I didn't send anyone!" I whined in frustration. Haerim scoffed in disbelief... suddenly... releasing my face from her painful grip."That fucking asshole!" She cursed, quickly withdrawing her phone to dial someone. My head swayed dizzily from the collision as Haerim pressed her phone against her ear."Is she out of her mind?" I whispered, shaking my head in confusion."Yah! Where are you?!" Haerim screamed at someone on her phone."-You lied to me-""-Shut your fucking mouth! I got the supreme alpha under my grip!-""-Return it to me now, or I'll fucking kill her- That dumbass! Argh!" Haerim screeched into her phone before firing me a sharp glare. She screamed in frustration and hung up on the person. I blinked at her cluelessly. What the fuck is wrong with her?"Why is the silent... killer this dramatic?" I chuckled as I watched her throw a tantrum. I'm in a dire situation, but her deranged behavior is quite... amusing."I'm not the killer, goddammit!" Haerim exclaimed, turning to huff at me."Then why did you restrain me?!" I groaned, trying to tug the rope, but it was securely tied around my body."I thought you wanted to kill me!" She snapped. I froze at her in confusion."The fuck? Why would I-""Shut up! I need to process my thoughts!- That little piece of shit!" She snapped, turning to grip her hair in distress. I quietly watched her nervous reaction to the situation. She's... scared. What the hell is happening? Did she kidnap the wrong person?"So... you're not the killer?" I asked. I thought she was responsible for the murders but given her bizarre behavior... I doubt it's her."My parents eliminated Jae-il without my knowledge! I'm not a murderer!" She claimed, turning to glare at me."But you were spotted-""Jae-il is my friend! We hung out together- and my parents used the opportunity to eliminate him! I'm innocent!" Haerim snapped in annoyance. It was hard to believe her... but given the frustration on her face... it was somewhat... convincing. She's sweating more than me, the victim. What is she so anxious about?"Why did you kidnap me then? My household won't be happy..." I asked. What the fuck is going on? Haerim scoffed in annoyance before breaking into mad laughter before me. I watched her laugh uneasily."I guess we were both fooled. Huh? If you're not the culprit. Then... it must be Kim Taehyung," Haerim laughed, slowly slumping onto the floor to sit with her legs crossed."Kim Taehyung...?" I asked."The spy. He planted the spy. Jae Yangcha," Haerim dimly stared at me. I felt an uncomfortable churn in my chest."Yangcha would never-""I begged Namjoon not to terminate Seokjin's contract. Namjoon knew this was all a scheme set up by Kim Taehyung to break Seokjin's household. Jae Yangcha is the fucking spy Kim Taehyung used to dig deep into the Kim's confidential affair," Haerim smirked. I tried to make sense of her words, but my mind was all over the place, so I stared at her frightened expression... stunned by her claims."Is Taehyung the killer-""I don't know! But I'm not the killer, and the reason I called you here isn't about the fucking stupid killer! Jae Yangcha took Seokjin's contract from me!" Haerim snapped in irritation."Seokjin's contract?" I blinked, unsurely staring at her pale face. She's panicking."I stole it from Namjoon- so I could help Seokjin regain his power, but the fucking shit took everything! Can't you see it?! Kim Taehyung had it all planned! He used the fucking sheep to break the Kim and his alliance!" Haerim shrieked. My heart stopped beating at her words. T-Taehyung? Did he manipulate Yangcha into working for him? To strip Seokjin from his power? Haerim thought it was me... so she lured me here... but it was Taehyung...?"That's why he didn't want me anywhere near Yangcha," I whispered, slightly widening my eyes in shock."Kim Taehyung is afraid you'd accidentally blow the sheep's cover. He's probably the killer- for all I know. Stirring up this mess to distract us from his real intention to terminate Seokjin from the council," Haerim huffed. I sat quietly to recall everything. I was initially guilty of lashing out at Taehyung... blaming him for the crimes... but with Haerim's words... it all made sense. What if the kill is just a play to distract everyone from his greed for Seokjin's power? What if Taehyung is killing off... Yangcha's friends to threaten the poor soul?"Is Yangcha aware of this?" I asked, lifting my startled gaze to Haerim."The kill? Probably not. Kim Taehyung is probably killing his friends to nudge the sheep toward the edge of a cliff. Yangcha stole Seokjin's contract from me to assist Taehyung... but how can he live with the guilt of his friend's tragic death? He's suicidal. Jae Yangcha. I bet he'll kill himself after he succeeds in helping Taehyung. Wah~ Kim Taehyung... that jerk... he's causing all this madness so Yangcha would lose his sanity and get rid of himself," Haerim shook her head."But why would Yangcha-""Because of you. The boy... adores you. What a naive child-""Noona?!- Sora, noona?!" Yangcha's voice suddenly echoed within the building, cutting Haerim off mid-sentence. Haerim quickly scrambled onto her feet in a hurry in his presence. I stiffened in my place when Yangcha suddenly appeared in a white hoodie and sweatpants. The boy was as pale as a ghost as he rushed into the room."She's here. Alive," Haerim sighed, circling me to stand behind my back. Yangcha's face flashed in terror once he found me sitting on the chair with bruises all over my body."N-Noona-?! Are you okay-""Back off- or I'll kill her," Haerim calmly shoved something against my head. I froze in horror when I realized it was a gun. Yangcha's eyes widened in fear as Haerim held the barrel against my head."Don't hurt her!-""Give me the files! You dipshit!" Haerim screamed, causing Yangcha to flinch in a panic."O-Okay! I'll give it back! H-Here! Just don't hurt noona! She's innocent!" Yangcha raised his hand to surrender as he shakily reached into his pocket to retrieve a burner phone. It was the phone I found... in Haerim's drawer before she was poisoned!"Stay still! I'll pick it up!" Haerim snapped as soon as Yangcha tossed the phone to the ground. I sucked in my breath after Haerim withdrew the gun from my head and cautiously stepped toward the phone."Yangcha- Why- Why did you do it?!" I cried in frustration. He shouldn't be involved with my household! Taehyung is exploiting him."N-noona- I'm sorry! I only wanted to help you!" Yangcha sobbed, apologetically staring at me from across the room as Haerim walked towards the phone and crouched down to pick it up with the gun pointed at me."She'll be the death of you- ARH! *BANG*" Haerim chuckled, quickly snatching the phone. My eyes widened in horror when Yangcha suddenly attacked Haerim, tackling her hard onto the ground. Haerim accidentally fired a shot, missing my head by an inch. My heart thumped in a panic as I watched Yangcha headlock Haerim."Yangcha! Stop it! Give it back to her!- Yangcha!" I screamed as I watched Haerim avert her gun toward the boy- but he immediately disabled her, sending the gun... skidding across the ground. Thump! Haerim screamed and kicked Yangcha hard in his chest, sending the boy tumbling backward. Haerim quickly crawled for the phone-"ARGH!" Haerim cried in pain as Yangcha hurled a crowbar at her body. It slammed hard against her ribs. The collision was so harsh- it sent her rolling to the side. Yangcha quickly snatched the phone from the ground and hurried towards me."Y-Yangcha! You have to stop! Please!- Please- give it back to her!-" I cried in distress as he untied the rope from around my body. Haerim was sobbing weakly on the floor as she clenched her injured ribs. Haerim never intended to kill me!"No-! Noona, we have to leave! She's lying to you!-" Yangcha shoved the ropes away, grabbed my hand, and yanked me from the chair, but my legs were still numb from being restrained."Ah!" I cried, falling hard onto the ground."Noona! We have to leave- Please! I'll explain everything-""YANGCHA!" I screamed, hastily pushing him aside as Haerim swung the crowbar at his head. Yangcha groaned in pain as he toppled to the side. Haerim missed her strike and collapsed onto the floor in difficulty. She could've smashed out his brain! Yangcha immediately scrambled towards me, grabbed my arm, and hauled me back onto my feet. I gripped his shoulder as he dragged me out of the room."Come back!- Yah! You fucking shit!" Haerim screamed, but her voice faded behind us as Yangcha frantically dragged me out of the building."St-Stop! Yangcha-""Noona! You're hurt! She will-""Give the phone back to her! Why are you interfering?!" I screamed, hastily grabbing his hand to stop the alpha from dragging me forward. The boy panted heavily at me as I held him back... just outside the building where all the construction vehicles were parked.

"Noona- She-""Give me the phone! Now!- I wanted you to live a good life! Why are you getting yourself in trouble?!" I cried in distress while fighting to search his pockets. Yangcha pouted at me."She's lying to you! Haerim will seize the contracts for herself! She's using it to threaten Namjoon and Seokjin hyung! I would never betray Seokjin hyung after he took me in as his family! I'm trying to help Seokjin-" Yangcha screamed in frustration. I blanked out at his words in horror."Wh-What? What about Taehyung-""I'm doing this to help Seokjin hyung!" Yangcha cried. I stood staring at Yangcha's flushed face as he sobbed before me. What? Who's telling the truth? And who's lying to me? Which one of them is telling the truth-"ARGHHHH!" Haerim suddenly appeared, sprinting towards us with the crowbar."Noona! Argh- argh!" Yangcha shoved me aside to take the blow. Haerim swung the metallic tool at Yangcha, but he swiftly dodged it. The alpha stumbled over the steel and rolled to the side, causing the steel to roll from its stack and slam onto his body."Yangcha!" I screamed, scrambling across the sandy ground as he whimpered in pain. I grabbed the metal steel, heaving it off his body in a panic as he struggled to sit up."Get out! Give it to me!" Haerim screamed, frantically grabbing my shoulder to hurl me aside. I lost my balance and tumbled over the stacked bricks. I groaned in pain after landing on my back over the rock-hard bars."Ah! Ah! AHHHHH~!" Yangcha screamed in distress as Haerim yanked his hair, pulling him only to his feet. Haerim tried to reach for Yangcha's pocket, but he stubbornly thrust her away. She refused to release him as I struggled to sit up over the bricks."You deserve to die!" Haerim shrieked. The two of them wildly swung each other back and forth until Yangcha tripped into the metallic construction hoist elevator on the side of the building. Haerim gasped and stumbled inside with him- BEEP. They accidentally pressed the button, and the door to the elevator slammed shut. THUMP!"H-Hey! Yangcha! Haerim!- St- Stop fighting!- Let's settle the matter-!" I screamed, quickly scrambling to my feet. My eyes widened in horror as the elevator lifted off the ground with a weird creaking sound."ARGH!- ARGH! Get off me!" Yangcha screamed as the two alphas ascended upward. I yelled for them to stop fighting but they wouldn't listen as the elevator hoisted itself... upward until I could barely see them. They were probably on the fifth floor when- BANG. I jerked in horror when Haerim's crowbar fell from the elevator, colliding right into the generator's compartment- causing the lift to brake on the 6th floor of the construction building."Come down!- Stop fighting! Please-" I cried, frantically pressing the random control buttons, but the lift wouldn't lower itself. I fearfully turned to look at the jammed crowbar in a panic."Sora?! Are you alright!?" Seokjin's voice spoke up from behind me, so I turned to find him hurrying through the opened gate with a bewildered look."They're fighting!" I cried, pointing at the lift above us."Yangcha?! Why is he-""He's up there with Haerim! They won't listen to me!" I sobbed in distress. Seokjin quickly rushed over to press the buttons on the control booth. The elevator made a weird creaking noise, but the lift remained stuck... high above us. Seokjin slammed and pressed the button repeatedly."ARGH!- Noona!- Haerim Noona! Stop it!" Yangcha fearfully screamed from above. Seokjin and I wildly snapped upward to find the lift's door flinging... wide open.... and Yangcha was... lying on the base of the elevator as Haerim sat on top of him. My heart pounded in extreme fright as I watched Haerim choke Yangcha on the lift until his head slipped over the edge."GAE HAERIM! STOP IT!- HAERIM!" Seokjin screamed at the alpha but she didn't seem to hear him."NOONA! HELP ME- HAERIM NOONA! I'M SORRY!- PLEASE!" Yangcha cried in fear as his body slowly slid from the lift's edge. My breath hitched at the alarming sight as I watched Haerim abuse the alpha until his shoulder slid off the opening. Half of the alpha's body... was hovering in the air as his remaining lower body sprawled helplessly on the elevator. Yangcha extended his arms on both sides to grab the lift's door in fear as Haerim strangled him."The crowbar! It's jamming the chains!" I cried, turning towards the dented metal compartment to grab the crowbar. Seokjin quickly grabbed my hand to help me tow the metal from the chain, but it was stuck."Move!" Seokjin shoved me aside. He ripped off his jacket to wrap the cloth around the handle, thrust his leg against the metal box, and towed the crowbar with all his might. I clutched Seokjin's waist to help him withdraw the tool as Yangcha and Haerim squabbled on the lift."ARGH!- NOONA!" Yangcha's terrific scream echoed in the sky, causing my heart to leap in horror. I quickly turned around and tilted my head upward- THUMP. Something passed my sight before I could detect the situation and slammed hard onto the scattered steel before me. SPLAT.I froze in shock as the wet splatter of warm liquids slapped my face. THUD. Seokjin suddenly staggered backward after the crowbar snapped... sending the second rank rolling on the floor with the tool. CRINK. The lifts started... rolling again... and... the elevator... slowly descended back toward the ground. The entire construction building grew hushed. Yangcha had stopped screaming and Haerim was muted as I remained paralyzed... with my bulging eyes glued on the mass before me.

Seokjin cluelessly grunted with bleeding palms as he sat up in his dirty clothes but froze in place when he noticed the dark blood... seeping from under the rolls of steel... saturating the sandy ground. We both remained shaken with our fearful gaze on the body... completely... twisted at... an odd angle.The left leg was bent all the way up to the head. Twisted hips. An arm was torn apart... to the extent I could see the raw bone sticking out and ripped flesh... barely holding the joint to the shoulder. The person's head... smashed against the ground... spilling out the pinkish-red jelly-like substance. The brain. I slowly shifted my eyes to bits of the skull... shattered all over the steel. Seokjin hyperventilated in horror as I shakily turned to look at him with my tearful eyes. Slowly... I turned to stare at the person's wide-open eyes. Blood... blood was flowing from the eyes... ears... mouth... nose...BING. I blinked out of the disturbing scene before me at the sound of the lift landing on the ground. Seokjin gulped, slowly turning to stare at the broken metallic door to find another person sitting on their butt inside the far end of the lift with a terrified face. The person was in extreme shock with their back pressed against the compartment's wall. The elevator had landed right in front of the corpse... as the surviving person gawked at the bloody mess in dread."Shit!" Seokjin cursed, wildly spinning to gawk at the corpse again, and quickly got onto his feet. My legs wobbled weakly, causing me to collapse onto the dirty ground with nothing but an awful feeling. I couldn't cry or whimper but stare at the dead body... lying lifelessly on the pile of steel."N-Noona... Noo-Noona..." Yangcha winced with his terrified eyes fixed on Haerim's body as he sat inside the lift with trembling lips. I sobbed in distress and lowered my head as Yangcha crawled out from the elevator and onto the ground to approach me. I can't do this anymore!"Noo- noona- I didn't mean to-" Yangcha cried in distress as he shakily knelt beside me. I sucked in my breath and lifted my puffy eyes to stare at his guilty face and slimy snot in despair."I told you- to give her-""I'm sorry!- Noona! I'm sorry! I really didn't mean to hurt her!-" Yangcha whimpered, fearfully pressing his dirty hands together to rub them, begging me to forgive him. I choked on my tears and shook my head in grief as Seokjin rubbed his nose bridge with his eyes on Haerim's wrecked body parts. I let out a painful wail, frantically turning to draw Yangcha into a crushing hug.The young alpha gripped tightly onto my shoulder... as he repeatedly apologized for the accidental kill. I stroked his back as he cried against me in remorse. Seokjin shakily lifted his phone to his ear to speak with someone as Yangcha held onto me, hanging on to me for dear life after he killed a top-ranked alpha. I clenched Yangcha's dirty hoodie tightly with my chin rested on his shoulder and a tearful gaze on Haerim's remains.
A moment later.
I sat listlessly in the ambulance with my legs dangling over the edge as the blinding red lights spun above the vehicles. A flood of police cars flocked the construction site as the police and medics entered the property to inspect the bloody aftermath. Seokjin was speaking with the officers as Yangcha rested on the medical cart. The kid cried so hard... he fell unconscious on the bed. The nurse treated our minor wounds... and I was left with a bandage wrapped around my head.

"Sora," Seokjin waved his hand before my blank eyes to wake me up from my thoughts. I blinked repeatedly to focus my gaze on his worried face."You should head home. I'll take care of Yangcha," Seokjin suggested as he scanned my chapped lips."What about H-Haerim," I whispered. A hot lump formed in my throat."I'll deal with the problem. It wasn't anyone's fault," Seokjin sighed, looking past me to stare at Yangcha, who was unconscious on the cart with an oxygen mask over his nose."But-""Sora?!" Jungkook called from the left side. I turned to find Jungkook jogging toward me with a confused yet anxious look. Do-hwan calmly followed the half-blood. I pouted in distress as Jungkook approached us. He warmly opened his arms to embrace me, so I hugged him and sobbed against his shoulder."What happened?" Do-hwan bitterly turned to ask Seokjin. Jungkook pulled away to rub my tears, so I sniffled and lowered my head."I think you should take her home," Seokjin sighed heavily, turning to examine my critical condition.Jungkook suddenly slipped his arms under my body to lift me off the ambulance, so I gripped his neck for balance as he carried me away. He placed me in the backseat of our car before leaving to check on the corpse with Do-hwan. I sat alone in the back seat when the door opened, and Do-hwan entered the driver's seat. Jungkook got into the back seat with me. He looked as if he'd seen a ghost."This is bad," Jungkook muttered in fright. He saw the corpse."Why didn't you call me? or Taehyung?" Do-hwan asked, staring darkly at me through the rearview mirror."I called Taehyung, but he hung up on me..." I shrugged. Jungkook turned to frown at me.Do-hwan sucked in his cheeks and averted his dangerous eyes to the road. The man hastily started the car engine- Vroom! I gripped the door handle when the car blasted forward at a deadly speed. Jungkook tensed his boy at how fast we were traveling. He turned to buckle the seatbelt for me as I leaned back against the seat with a drained expression.Do-hwan seemed upset because... he was driving faster than he usually does. THUMP. I gripped my seatbelt at the rough stop before the mansion. Jungkook unfastened his seat belt and stepped out with his arm around my waist to support me. Do-hwan hastily slammed the car door shut, turned toward the mansion's door when it suddenly swung open... and Taehyung appeared rushing out with a pale expression. He was hopping on one foot to put on his shoes as I limped forward with Jungkook."She's in danger- ARGH!" Taehyung quickly rushed towards Do-hwan without realizing my presence- but was abruptly greeted with a rough blow in his face. SMACK! I gasped in shock as Jungkook froze beside me. The bodyguard... struck Kim Taehyung in the face with his... steel fist.The collision was so rough... it sent Taehyung tumbling back onto the ground. My eyes widened in horror as blood dripped all over the pavement. Taehyung groaned in shock... just as the elders hurried out of the mansion, turning pale after receiving the horrific news."Omo! Taehyung?! What happened- Taehyung!- Omo!" Mrs. Kim shrieked at her son as he sat on the pavement with a bloody nose. The woman gasped in shock when Do-hwan angrily kicked Taehyung's chest, sending the alpha rolling on his back. Eomma halted to inspect my unfavorable condition as Do-hwan angrily beat Kim Taehyung."Do-hwan! Stop-""Fucking bastard! Get up!- Who are you rushing out for?! Is it Jang Sora that you're scrambling for- or is it your fucking dead ex-girlfriend?!" Do-hwan seethed, roughly seizing Taehyung's collar to yank him onto his feet."How dare you harm me-" Taehyung roared, thrusting Do-hwan away with a bloody face, but Do-hwan didn't back off and stormed towards Taehyung."SHE CALLED FOR HELP! HOW ARE YOU DISMISSED THE SUPREME ALPHA'S CALL?!" Do-hwan bellowed, fiercely fuming at Taehyung. My heart pounded in fear as the man tried to grab Taehyung, so I jerked out of Jungkook's grip and ran forward to grab Do-hwan's muscular arm."Do-hwan! That's enough!" I snapped, hugging the man's arm tightly to stop him from striking Taehyung again. Do-hwan furiously snapped his head to glare in my direction, so I pouted at him with my tearful puppy eyes."You could've died!" The man roared."Please-""Do-hwan. You're dismissed," Eomma interrupted me, walking forward with her arms crossed. Do-hwan shifted his raging eyes toward my mother's cold stare. The man took a deep breath and turned to walk away on demand, leaving me beside Taehyung, who was rubbing his bleeding nose in discomfort."Let's get you treated," Jungkook sighed, grabbing my arm to tug me away.Taehyung kept his eyes fixed on the blood on his hand in guilt as I walked away with Jungkook. I was sent to the medical room for a checkup until imo showed up to deliver a warm meal. I had completely lost my appetite... but I didn't like the hollow void within my chest, so I stuffed the rice inside my mouth... until I vomited everything.My parents visited me after the nurse told me to rest in the medical room, but I refused to see them. Taehyung was nowhere to be found. And Jungkook appeared in the medical room after he changed his clothes, hugging a pillow. He crashed on the medical bed beside mine and turned to sleep on the other side. He's so... sweet. I sighed and slid under the blanket with my empty gaze on the ceiling above me.I'm guilty. I did not kill Haerim, but I'm guilty. Why? Because I felt relieved. I was relieved to see her land instead of Yangcha. How can I feel relieved? Did I hope for Yangcha to survive and not her? I gripped the blanket with an uncomfortable feeling. I'm lost and scared. People keep dying before my eyes. Thump.The dull sound of her body mass... landing on the ground... her last breath... her last heartbeat... kept replaying in my head. I was relieved because a part of me feared it was Yangcha's body lying in her place. How can I pray for Yangcha's survival and not hers? I sighed restlessly and closed my eyes to shut out my thoughts.Maybe... it should've been me... lying in her place. My misery could've ended if I was the one to fall to my death. I dozed off for a brief moment... until I heard someone sobbing at my side. The person was sitting beside my bed. I opened my sleepy eyes to find a figure sitting beside me with his head hung low."Taehyung?" I whispered in confusion. He suddenly sucked in his breath and averted his tearful gaze to me."I- I'm sorry," He whispered, sadly staring at me in the darkroom. A hot lump formed in my throat... so I reached out for him."It's okay," I muttered."I'm so sorry... I should've answered you-" Taehyung whimpered, leaning over to hug me. I sighed and pulled him into a crushing hug. He gripped my nightgown as I held him against me while patting his back to console him."It doesn't matter," I muttered. Taehyung slowly pulled away from my embrace to press his lips against mine, so I closed my eyes to savor his love and slowly tugged him onto the medical bed. He eventually calmed down afterward and slid down to lay beside me. I turned on my side to hug his feverish body until I dozed off. We fell asleep on the medical bed that night.
I prayed and prayed for it to be a nightmare, but... I was once again awoken by the brutal reality. The news of Haerim's tragic passing had swept the society like a storm. And there was nothing I could do to turn back time. The council immediately called for a council meeting to discuss Haerim's death... but my parents refused to let me out of the mansion's wall after the incident and sent Taehyung as a representative to deal with the case. Kim Namjoon was furious and tried to accuse me of murder until Seokjin submitted all of the camera footage at the construction site to prove our innocence. Fortunately, there was camera footage in the lift as well.

Yangcha... Seokjin and I... walked out of the incident... unscratched. Again, it was a relief for us... but for Haerim? It must've been unfair to her... to plunge to her death and die without valid grounds.

There was no one to blame for her death.

No culprit to punish or imprison.

She died for nothing.
"Tell me everything, Sora," Taehyung sat on my bed anxiously.I've been distancing myself from everyone after Haerim's death... because I was guilty of failing to save her. If only I yanked the crowbar out in time... she wouldn't have fallen to her demise. Taehyung seemed miserable... after the incident. If only he had believed my words and rushed to stop the commotion... maybe Haerim would still be alive? I sighed and told him everything. He grew hushed as he patiently listened to me."I thought you were... bluffing nonsense about Haerim so I'd speak to you," He sighed while sitting on my bedside as I leaned against the bedhead."Can you be honest with me?" I asked, gloomily turning to stare at him. I need to know the truth."I promise I won't get mad," He gently took my hand in his."Yangcha. Did you set him up to spy on Seokjin? That's what Haerim claimed," I asked. Taehyung scanned my face with a blank expression."Are you doubting me-""Answer me. I won't listen to anyone but you. So tell me," I shook my head, slightly gripping his warm hand."Why don't you ask the kid yourself? I might've desired to eliminate Seokjin... but if you're suspicious of my involvement with the murders... then all I can say is... I'm also after the killer. Why? Because you're in danger," Taehyung sighed in defeat. I quietly stared at his dim frown."Haerim claimed she stole the contracts from Namjoon to hand them back to Seokjin so she could earn his trust but Yangcha claimed... she was using the contracts to threaten Namjoon and planned on seizing the alliance for herself," I shrugged."Does it matter? That's their problem. What matters is... your well-being," Taehyung shook his head. I sighed in defeat. He won't answer me. Why is he avoiding my question? I asked if he was involved... but he's urging me to confront Yangcha? Although, I assured Taehyung I was alright... I didn't feel at peace. The killer is after Yangcha. Me and Seokjin. One of the three will be the next victim.
Of course, I was partly hurt by Taehyung's dismissal when I called for his help. Do-hwan is even more upset because he's been avoiding me and Taehyung.
"Oh?" I crouched under my bed to retrieve one of the broken pearls. Why did he destroy something so precious to me? I sulkily stared at the remaining pieces of the bracelet. The maid didn't dare throw away the shattered pearls and had collected the chipped jewels to place them in a small box for me. I sadly stared at the puppy pendant and crushed pearls. Sighing, I dropped the pearl I found in the box but halted when I noticed something odd... about it. I picked out the chipped pearl again with a slight frown to examine the plastic inside it. It's as if... something was lodged inside the pearl. It's strange because... The pearl... was weirdly lighter than the others.
Fast Forward
I patiently waited by the glass door with a gift bag after traveling to the outskirts of Seoul. Beep. The door opened and Yangcha appeared with a dim expression, so I entered the villa with him. He looks... sick.
Yangcha had requested to reside alone at his parents' former villa after Haerim's death. The young alpha wanted to be left alone, so Seokjin agreed to let him live at his old home. Securities were stationed around the property to ensure Yangcha's safety.
"I didn't expect you to visit me," Yangcha smiled as I sat in his dark living room. It was a little past dusk, so it was getting dark. He left on a few dim lamps... just enough to illuminate the cold room. Why is his home so depressing? It used to be a vibrant place. His parents died here and he's been through so much.

"Are you coping well?" I asked, nervously watching Yangcha put away the gift bag I got for him. His last friend... had passed away. It was a suicide. The skinny boy with the ugly wristband... hung himself at home after his friends were murdered. I'm afraid Yangcha... would choose the quick way out too... so I decided to visit him."Seokjin hyung... sends me to a therapist weekly," Yangcha shrugged. The alpha tried to smile at me, but I could sense the somber atmosphere. He's burning out. I turned to stare at his shelves of toys collection with an uneasy feeling. Maybe this isn't the right time to ask him questions. Yangcha convinced me to have dinner with him, so I stayed because I didn't want him to feel lonely."You're still using that platform?" I asked as I watched Yangcha scroll through his laptop screen."There are a lot of conspiracies," He shrugged as we sat in the living room after dinner. I fidgeted with my fingers as I nervously watched him scroll through his device while sitting on the floor."Yangcha... I have a question," I quietly spoke up. He didn't answer me for a few seconds and finally turned to look at me as I sat behind him on the couch."Yeah? What is it?" Yangcha unsurely smiled as he got up to sit on the couch with me. I took a deep breath and reached inside my pocket to withdraw a small box. Yangcha blinked at me cutely, so I opened the box to show him the... shattered pearls. His smile dropped at the sight of his broken bracelet."I'm sorry," I whispered. He unblinkingly stared at the pearls with a blank expression."It's okay! I'll get you a new one!" He beamed, lifting his bright eyes to me."Taehyung hyung... wasn't fond of another man's gift to me," I weakly smiled. Yangcha chuckled and shook his head."How can he be jealous of me? I'm merely 18 years old! Still a child by heart- Ah! Of course, he's jealous because you're the most beautiful woman to exist in a lifetime!" Yangcha shrugged, turning to pour me a glass of water. I accepted the cup and drank from it as I nervously watched his easygoing mood."Why... did you place... a... tracker inside my bracelet?" I asked, lifting the chipped pearl to show him the tiny tracker. Yangcha's face turned pale as he stared at the... obvious device installed inside it and glanced at me with a startled expression."N-Noona- I-""Don't panic. I'm not mad. I'm just curious," I reassured Yangcha as he tensed his body. The young alpha gripped his hands in guilt and lowered his face to avoid my eyes."I- I was just- curious about your whereabouts. Noona- I swear I didn't have bad intentions!" Yangcha fearfully looked up at me with a flustered face. I gripped the pearl in my hand and let out a deep sigh. He's been tracking me."And why did you lie to me about your birthday? The day I took you... to the amusement park. We ate out with Yoongi hyung. Why did you... lie about your birthday?" I asked, frowning at the child. I didn't pay attention to the little mismatched details until now. Yangcha had only celebrated his birthday after Taehyung forced him to sign the contract... but... he told me it was his birthday a few months before his parent's death."N-Noona- Are you mad-""No. I only need you to... tell me the truth," I shook my head at his worried expression. The alpha bit his lips as he nervously gripped his fingers. I pitied him... so cared for him, but why did he lie to me?"I like you," Yangcha whispered with his dim gaze on the floor. My mind completely went blank at his unexpected confession."Yangcha-""I know. I'm sorry for being dishonest with you... but I really like you. It's a weird feeling because I want to grow closer to you- but I knew it'd only make you feel uncomfortable if I disclosed my feelings," Yangcha shook his head, stubbornly keeping his eyes nailed on his clasped hands. I stared at him unsurely."So you-""Yes. I really like you, noona. I lied to you for attention because I feel like you'll care for me if I'm in a pitiful position," He turned to look at me with a nervous frown. And suddenly, I was speechless. I sat in utter silence to stare at his rosy cheeks, utterly startled by his words. What on earth-I blinked once when I felt my vision growing fuzzy, so I shook my head to recollect myself... but the drowsiness wouldn't leave me, so I rubbed my face... and slowly... the world became distorted. Yangcha didn't speak but watched me struggle to stay awake. Thump. My body suddenly became weak and I slumped onto the couch. The pearl slipped... from between my fingers and rolled over the polished tiles. Clatter......Grunting softly, I opened my eyes after what felt like... ten minutes of napping. For some reason, I felt sore all over my body as I pushed my body from the mattress but couldn't and collapsed back down. I murmured for help as my vision distorted like crazy until I noticed a dark figure approaching my bedside. Bed? Why am I on a bed?"Relax, noona... this should help you calm down," Yangcha's voice spoke up beside my ear as he placed a cooling patch over my forehead. I grunted and slowly opened my eyes to stare at him."Yangcha... What's happening?" I whispered. It was weird. I was fully awake... but I couldn't move my body."You'll be fine in an hour. Don't worry," Yangcha assured, gently shifting my head on the pillow to help me sleep in a comfortable position. My vision finally cleared up, so I fully opened my eyes to find Yangcha sitting on the floor beside the bed edge with his folded arms tucked under his chin. He was smiling at me... with his usual innocence."What's happening?" I asked, blinking at him unsurely. I quickly sat up in horror when I realized I was inside his room. HUH?"Calm down. Do you want to hear the entire story? I'm ready to tell you everything," Yangcha smiled as he rested his chin on the bed edge to admire me with sparkly eyes. I stared at his deranged behavior unsurely. Should I run? What if he gets mad? I should just play along. Do-hwan has my phone location, so he'll come to me once it's 10:00 PM. I glanced at the digital clock. 8:20 PM.

"Go ahead and tell me," I sighed, leaning against the bedhead. My legs feel numb. I think... I might've been drugged, so it's best if I stay calm until I figure out a plan to escape. Yangcha smiled brightly and got up to sit on the bed with his legs crossed. He seemed eager. I'm scared."I don't know where to start, so why don't you ask me questions? I'll tell you everything," Yangcha shrugged, tucking his hands under his chin as he sat before me."Are you working for Taehyung?" I asked."Nope. I'm working for no one," He shrugged. Huh?"Then why did you steal Seokjin's contract from Haerim?" I asked."I'm afraid she'll use Seokjin hyung's contract against you in the future," He answered."How'd you find out she was planning to-""Because I was with her," Yangcha replied."What? What do you mean-""Ah! Yeah. Haerim noona invited me to her place a couple of times and she'd sometimes get tipsy and whine about her problems," Yangcha chuckled. I froze. Haerim invited Yangcha to her place?"She invited you?" I asked, unsurely staring at Yangcha."Yeah. I've been hanging out with her... since Seokjin took me in. She said she could help me with my schoolwork," Yangcha nodded."And she told you? That she was planning to seize Seokjin's power? That simply?" I asked. Yangch chuckled again and shook his head."No. I got bored and went through her stuff in her room until I found her old model phone," Yangcha shrugged. Something was off... Why is he so unbothered?"You went through her stuff while she was asleep-""Ah. Yeah. Haerim noona has a bad habit of falling into a deep sleep after sex," Yangcha smiled. My heart dropped before my mind could process his words."W-What- S-Sex?" I frowned at him. Yangcha nodded, so I stared at him with parted lips. What is he implying-"Yeah. We fuck," He replied. I am speechless."Wh-What-""Don't worry! I'll always love you the most! I was just curious about her and wanted to gather useful information for you, and bam! Jackpot! I found Seokjin hyung's contract!" Yangcha chuckled, funnily waving his hands at me. I pursed my lips. Is he nuts?"You've been sleeping with Haerim???" I blurted, frowning at the young alpha. Yangcha dropped his smile and straightened his body, causing me to stiffen in place. "Noona. I'm a man. Haerim noona really liked my body-""Yangcha-""Oh right. It first started when she was tipsy... and she kissed me thinking I was Seokjin, so I played along with her fantasy, and we got intimate. She's pretty sensitive- and oh! The lipstick stain you saw on my face was actually hers," Yangcha interrupted me. I stared at the alpha with a bewildered look. Is he crazy? Why is he so excited?"So you two were seeing each other in secret-""Yeah. Haerim is obsessed with Seokjin hyung. I could tell. A lonely woman. I was bored because I don't always get to spend time with you, so I hang out with her after school, and she'd spread her legs for me so I'd fuck her whenever she was horny. You can say we're sexual partners," He shrugged. He's speaking so casually... about it. My perception of the alpha's true form... has completely backfired."Yangcha. Don't misunderstand-""I know. You're engaged to Taehyung hyung. That pathetic sadist. He doesn't deserve you, but you seem to love him, so I don't mind your preference. You're a goddess to me, noona. I worship the ground you walk on," He chuckled brightly... but his usual smile... was very disturbing.

"That's nice to know..." I gulped, unsurely staring at him."Wae? Do you want to go home? I'll escort you," He shrugged when he noticed I wouldn't stop glancing at the time on the wall."Yeah. I think... I should get going," I nodded. Yangcha smiled and quickly got off the bed to help me crawl off his mattress. I uneasily stared at his tender smile as we walked to his bedroom door. Should I be afraid of him? But I can't sense the darkness. How is it possible? He held the door open for me. Is he going to attack me? I feel tense."You can wait in the living room," Yangcha smiled and left to rummage through his kitchen once we landed on the ground floor, so I called Do-hwan to inform him and lowered my phone to stare at the toys on his shelves. I stared at the familiar... blue baseball cap... and then... glanced at a... ruby rose earring... before shifting my gaze... to the... bright green wristband... placed amongst the other toys.

"This looks familiar..." I whispered, tilting my head to stare at the ruby-red rose with a slight frown."Oh. Those are my friends' items. I figured I should keep them as a memorial after they passed," Yangcha spoke up as he approached me with a prideful beam. My body suddenly stiffened as a wave of thrilling terror... consumed my body, paralyzing my nerves. My face drained in fear as I stared at the items on the shelves. Slowly... I turned on my side to find Yangcha standing beside me with a weak smile. He reached into the upper section to rearrange his toys as my heart pounded in my ears. I felt a chilly breeze brushing my back, causing my neck hair to stand up as he hummed softly beside me.

A sociopathic devil... in disguise as a harmless sheep.
The Silent Killer.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
The overcast of lurking evil had entirely consumed the once-sacred ground of the elite institution, traumatizing every living soul with its menacing energy once they set foot inside the dead quiet premises. The crime scenes had been scrubbed and covered to polish the blood-soaked tiles and walls. But the chemical substance and intensive cleaning did not erase the lingering proof of death from the sites.I sat unblinkingly at the back of the new lecture room after the principal shut down the previous room. He didn't want us to feel uncomfortable, and it definitely wasn't helping because the alphas knew... there was an imposter amongst them; any location could be the next crime scene.
My world remained dim after the encounter with the Silent Killer.

It was as if someone had installed a dark tint over my life. I felt hollow. Devoid of emotions. Yet... I was terrified. It's as if I'm walking blindfolded on the edge of a cliff. Ripples.. after ripples... of chills would sweep my skin as I sat in my seat with my empty gaze glued on the gloomy sky. I feel cold but not from the external atmosphere. The chill is seeping from within me.
My neck hair suddenly rose again at the subtlest sound of the soft whistling from the hushed corridor. Blinking out of my thoughts, I glanced at the alpha-packed class as they focused their gaze on the professor at the front of the room. I keep hearing the dreadful whistles. The death call. Gripping my desk nervously... I turned toward the transparent door to find... Jae Yangcha... passing by with a bag swung over his shoulder.My heart skipped a beat at his ominous presence- I could... literally feel my temples pulsating as he sideways turns to smile at me... quietly... passing by the lecture room without being detected. I fearfully glanced at Taehyung as he sat at the front of the class with Seokjin. But... no one seemed to notice... the sheep. How is it that he could move... in silence?"Shit-" I gagged, quickly clasping my hand over my lips when I felt the urge to puke."Are you okay?" Jimin asked from the desk beside mine. I nodded at him and tried to stay quiet until a rush of discharge shot up my windpipe. Thud. I quickly got up from my seat, rushed out of the classroom without permission, and bolted as fast as I could... toward the bathroom.Blurp. I frantically vomited into the toilet bowl in distress as my stomach rejected the heavy lunch I digested earlier in the canteen. My chest throbbed in discomfort as my head swayed from side to side until I emptied my system. Everything around me is out of focus again. Softly panting with my tearful eyes closed, I shakily straightened my back and flushed the toilet. Sora, you have to notify someone! I quietly washed my lips over the sink and lowered my face to recollect my cluttered mind in absolute silence. Should I tell Taehyung? Or Jungkook? I don't think I'm capable of handling this matter on my own. Slowly, I lifted my face to stare at my dreadful reflection with a troubled look. I am liable for the kills."Are you feeling unwell? I got you this," A voice spoke up. I immediately froze by the bathroom doorway after I stepped through the door frame to find someone waiting for me. My soul briefly expelled out of my body as I slowly... turned to find Yangcha leaning against the wall with a small bag in his hand. He weakly smiled at me as I tried my hardest to contain my shaken state."Thank you," I nodded, avoiding his attentive gaze as I reached out to accept his gift with shaky fingers. He suddenly grabbed my hand and firmly placed the bag in my palm, causing me to stiffen in place."You don't look too well. I'll take you for a refreshing breath," Yangcha suggested, brightly smiling at me in the vacant corridor. I gulped at his innocent energy but didn't get the opportunity to speak when he tugged my arm and led me away from the lecture room. I pursed my lips and fearfully turned to look at the empty corridor as the silent killer took me toward the emergency back exit and... I found myself standing on the windy rooftop with him. Yangcha carefully closed the door behind my back, so I turned to stare at a small wooden bench by the wall."I set up the bench myself because I know Seokjin hyung likes to spend his time here," Yangcha informed, proudly patting the bench. I nodded and sat down without looking at him. The alpha deeply exhaled and sat beside me with a broad smile. He didn't speak much, but I could sense his... obvious excitement.

"Is Seokjin your next target?" I asked, quietly staring up at the gloomy sky."Of course not. I made a promise to you, so I won't break it," Yangcha shrugged. I felt my head pounding intensely as I struggled to stay composed beside him."Okay," I nodded in defeat and leaned back with my eyes closed. I wish I was dead. I don't think I can bear to live like this."Are you still upset with me?" Yangcha asked. I didn't reply and calmly inhaled the soothing breeze beside him. Will he throw me off the rooftop if I express my dissatisfaction? I opened my eyes after a while to find Yangcha admiring my face with a fond gaze. His cheeks are rosy red."Why did you do it? The kills?" I asked, side-eyeing him with my head tilted against the wall."Seo Jangwook. A creep who stalks people. Especially the top alphas. He leaked all the videos and information related to the top heirs. He was my bully before Seokjin took me in. He'd shove me around and call me hurtful nicknames. Chung Yoona. The foul lips. She gossips. The nasty rumors about you were initiated by her. She's the mastermind. Don't be fooled by her timid behavior... she's nothing but a jealous bitch. She loves to defame you. And finally... Choi Seungho. The skinny alpha with the ugly wristband. His family runs the tech industry. Remember the platform I showed you? He invented the media to torment the alphas because he resents the higher ranks. Unfair treatment... that's what he claimed. He's the owner of the software," Yangcha calmly explained. I quietly listened to him talk in a dull tone, as if he was not interested in speaking about their existence."You dealt with Seungho too?" I asked. Yangcha scoffed and shook his head."No. Didn't you hear? He hung himself, noona. He killed himself because he was terrified of his dirty hands," Yangcha chuckled. I quietly examined his weak smile as he intensely stared at me."Dirty hands?" I whispered."He stores... a wide range of... nonconsensual sex tapes. He secretly films intimate moments and uses them to blackmail people. He wanted me to help him film you and Taehyung hyung together," Yangcha shrugged."What?" I turned to stare at Yangcha in disbelief."Yup. The filthy lower ranks aren't as gullible as you think they are. The trinity... is the most powerful lower rank. Everyone feared them, and I was the alpha they targeted from the very beginning because they thought I was weak. I did my research and figured I should... infiltrate their walls... so I promised them to share the top alphas' confidential information. They foolishly took me in because I had the top alpha's favor," Yangcha nodded. All those times... Yangcha whimpered... showed up with bruises... and appeared ill... it was all an act to appear vulnerable and defenseless. He had his motives. The alpha was never helpless. Even I had completely fallen for his pitiful performance."Why the kill?" I asked. Why did he choose to kill them now?"They made your life a living hell. And mine too, but mostly you, noona. I wanted to stop them from slandering your prestige with their filthy intentions. That's why... there were no rumors about you once I successfully joined their team. I diverted all the society's attention to the other alphas. Minah. Haerim. Minho... and Mira... I leaked their information to seek revenge for you and Jungkook hyung. My mother's side runs... an infamous media outlet, so we employ... spies within the society to collect and distribute the information. Our family never intended to defame your household though. My parents intended to... leak the confidential information to your household as an offer to gain your parents' approval," Yangcha shrugged."So... are you aware of anything related to my family's affairs?" I asked keenly. Yangcha didn't respond right away and smiled at me."Of course. Your household... is the most corrupted... stained with the dirtiest blood. But you're the innocent soul. Jeon Jungkook... is a half blood. No one knows that, right? I really like Jungkook hyung because he's good at everything he does. And your parents and alliances... They betrayed Park Jihyun. The infamous explosive incident was a stunt to murder the supreme alpha. Your mother... seized all of his power after he passed. And Taehyung hyung? He killed his uncle back in Busan to save his household. Haerim noona said so when she was drunk. And you? You're the purest of them all. It must be suffocating to live... with your sinful family. I've witnessed... the mistreatment you endured," Yangcha shrugged. I was speechless. He knows everything."What's stopping you from ruining my family?" I narrowed my eyes."You. I told you. I worship you," Yangcha smiled, tilting his head backward to gaze at the gloomy sky."You didn't tell your... former friends-""I promised to help them, but it was obviously a lie. They were eager for me to spill... your household secrets but I gatekeep everything. Jang Wook... he got frustrated after I refused to speak about your affairs... so he tried to convince the others to kick me out of their so-called secret group. I couldn't let him ruin my plan, so I killed him with rat poison," Yangcha smiled. I gripped my hand at his confession."R-rat poison?" I blinked."Yup. I couldn't bother... wasting my time killing a pig like him... so I grabbed the cheapest rat poison from the shelf. Honestly, I didn't think it would kill him right away, but he somehow choked and died on the spot," Yangcha giggled. I frowned at how pleased he was speaking about murdering his friend. I opened my mouth to speak but was abruptly cut short when the rooftop door suddenly swung open and Taehyung appeared with a dark expression. I froze in my seat as Yangcha wildly turned to Taehyung with a startled look."The nerve to defy my order!" Taehyung stormed towards Yangcha, who was cluelessly sitting beside me. Did he hear everything?-"Hyung-" Yangcha tried to explain but was greeted with a rough blow in the face. Taehyung roughly grabbed the alpha's collar and hurled him onto the ground."I told you to stay away from her!" Taehyung snapped in anger as Yangcha whimpered on the roof with a bruised cheek. The alpha slowly crawled onto his feet with a pale expression... as if he was terrified of Kim Taehyung. I wasn't sure if it was an act or if it was his authentic reaction to Taehyung's... intimidating presence."Noona wasn't feeling well! So I escorted her- URGH!" Yangcha tried to explain himself but was cut short when Taehyung threw a hasty punch, striking the alpha right in his jaw. I stiffened in my seat as Yangcha tumbled against the railing for support."Taehyung! That's enough!" I snapped. He shouldn't irritate Yangcha! The alpha might hurt him- My eyes widened as Taehyung wildly turned to attack Yangcha again... but the boy only defended himself and tried to shove Taehyung away."I will fucking kill you if Sora gets in trouble- ARK!" Taehyung gritted fiercely, suddenly tumbling backward in shock. Yangcha accidentally headbutted him in the nose. Taehyung gripped his nose in irritation and stumbled to the side, so I quickly rushed forward to support him."Oh!? Hyung!- Are you alright!- I didn't mean to hurt you!" Yangcha's eyes widened in shock. The three of us grew hushed as Taehyung lowered his hand to find bright red blood on his fingers. My lips parted in disbelief as the blood dripped from Taehyung's nostrils."Fuck off!" Taehyung snapped his head toward Yangcha's frightened face with an annoyed look. He angrily yanked his arm out of my grip and stormed toward the railing as I stood between the alphas and looked up at Yangcha, who was still staring at Taehyung with an apologetic look. Slowly, he shifted his puppy eyes to me... and my heart dropped when the guilt in his eyes vanished... replaced by a glimpse of dullness. I pursed my lips in fear as I watched Yangcha neutralize his expression until a faint smirk formed on his lips."Take care, noona," He blankly smiled at me as Taehyung cluelessly leaned his head over the railing, attempting to stop his nose from bleeding. He was unaware of the alpha's two-faced nature as I remained cemented in my place. Yangcha weakly scoffed under his breath with a slight smile and turned to jog down the rooftop stairs. Why is he exposing his true nature to me and only me? And how can I be so foolish? The alpha was never... defenseless. Jae Yancha purposely countered Taehyung. The head-butt was intentional."Why are you crying? Are you seriously still upset over the bracelet?" Taehyung turned to frown at me with a sour expression. I blinked out of my thoughts once realized I was unconsciously sobbing on the rooftop."Tae-""I told you to avoid the alpha! There's something wrong about him, and I need you to stay safe until I figure it out-" Taehyung fully turned his body in my direction and tried to snap at me but was immediately cut short when I rushed forward to hug him. I sobbed in distress, tightly clenching his hip as Taehyung unsurely stared at my random outburst."I need to tell you something," I bit my trembling lips and lifted my tearful eyes to stare at his confused expression. Taehyung didn't speak but stared at me without blinking as the mild wind grazed against our skin. The anger in his eyes... eventually subsided upon my soft whimper. He finally emitted a deep sigh and pulled me into a crushing hug, so I gripped his shirt with my face pressed against his pulsating chest.
A moment later.
"Does it hurt?" I asked while dabbing a napkin against Taehyung's nose. Taehyung drove me home after I insisted on leaving the school because I felt super light-headed. We both separated our ways to shower, and I hurried towards Taehyung's bedroom to assist his wound. I should tell Taehyung the truth! Yangcha might butcher another person, and I can't stop him alone!"Why did it bleed so much? The kid is pretty rough," Taehyung muttered, slightly touching his swollen nose in discomfort."He's not a kid," I muttered, quietly placing the first aid kit aside. My biggest mistake was to perceive Jae Yangcha as a harmless soul."You said you wanted to tell me something. Is there something you're guilty about?" Taehyung asked, shifting his dark gaze to me. Should I tell him? I'm restless. What if he storms off to murder the alpha? It will induce a dangerous misunderstanding between our households and Seokjin's. I've got no evidence to back my claim. Only Yangcha's spoken words."You're right. There's something about Jae Yangcha-""He likes you, doesn't he?" Taehyung interrupted me as I sat crossed legs on his mattress."H-How did you-" I stuttered, unsurely staring at Taehyung's dim stare."It took me a while to notice it, but he follows you around often. He'd sometimes creep around the mansion on his own and would... watch you from afar," Taehyung shrugged. I pursed my lips. What? Taehyung knew?"You knew? Why didn't you tell me?" I frowned at Taehyung. He quietly scanned my pale expression."It didn't seem like he wanted to seduce you. I'm sure it's a hopeless unrequited love, so I figured he'd get over you someday. But he only got closer to you. That's why I was so pressed on keeping you away from him," Taehyung muttered. I tried to process his words, but nothing came to mind."He confessed his feelings," I admitted, nervously studying Taehyung's composed expression."That's why he used Haerim," Taehyung whispered."What?" I stared at him with a slight frown."He took something from Haerim. I figured it was the contract Namjoon confiscated from Seokjin. That's why she was so pressed on getting it back and kidnapped you. Although I was uneasy about his attachment to you... I figured he'd turn in Seokjin's power to you. He would have benefited us... if we got our hands on the contract," Taehyung shrugged. I blanked out for a solid second."You stayed quiet regarding the matter... because you thought he'd snitched on Seokjin to assist me?" I repeated his statement. Taehyung quietly watched my baffled expression."Sora. The child... probably still has Seokjin's contracts. We'll be untouchable... if we secure the contracts. Remember my words? A desperate soul will crawl," Taehyung suddenly grabbed my hands with an eager look."What are you trying to-""The kid will grow restless if we deprive him of your attention. He will do anything... for you. We can get our hands on-""You want to seize Seokjin's power?" My jaw dropped at Taehyung's devious smile."I can't seize it instantly... but we can use it to force the Kims and his alliances into submission," Taehyung nodded. I slightly widened my eyes at his absurd declaration to seize Seokjin's power with little to no shame."Taehyung-""We can use the alpha. Sora- He'll help us-""No. Are you crazy?! You can't use Yangcha to snitch on Seokjin! Haerim died trying to obtain the contracts!" I gasped. Taehyung suddenly stopped smiling and stared at my refusal with a disappointed look."Is it because you still care about Seokjin-""I don't! But it isn't right to play dirty! How can you be this greedy!?" I stared at Taehyung in disbelief. Taehyung pursed his lips at my stubborn opposition to rob another alpha's power and slowly released my hand. I blinked in a panic as he quietly studied my unfavorable reaction to his request. Sora. You've earned nothing from opposing Taehyung, but it doesn't mean I should submit to him and his ridiculous schemes?!"Do as you wish," Taehyung sighed, unexpectedly dropping the topic. I stared at him with unsettled feelings as he softened his gaze on me."I'm tired of fighting with you-""I'm not trying to pick a fight-""I'll do anything for you! I promise! Please- we've always stood on different sides in every fight we were involved in. Why does it have to be me versus you? Oh? Why can't we stand on the same side and face the problem together?" I gripped his hand desperately. Taehyung sucked his inner cheek and shook his head."Believe me when I say I've always wanted to stand on the same page. Sora, I've tried so hard to please you, but you keep-""I won't do it again! Please? I'll stand by your side. On one condition! That is... you let me deal with Seokjin when the time comes," I begged Taehyung. I thought Taehyung was after the silent killer, but it was his primary motive to pursue Seokjin's power."What do you mean-""I know you want to conquer the council. I'm aware. But right now... Seokjin isn't a threat to us. Not to you and me. We'll be the leaders in the council once we're married, so why do you have to shatter the Kims? You'll only assemble more enemies against us... and it will jeopardize your position in the game in the long term," I gently squeezed Taehyung's hand with my pleading gaze on his discouraged face."We're never safe. The seat as the supreme alpha... is dangerous... Sora-""You can use me against Seokjin but not Yangcha. Leave him alone. I'll do whatever it takes to sway Seokjin for you," I stared at Taehyung's dark expression."You might have to slay him... if he betrays you. Can you really do that? Because if you can't wield the sword... then... it's best if we use another player to get rid of him," Taehyung sighed."I'll do it. The entire council heard my words when I said I'll end Seokjin if he backstabs me," I nodded sternly. Taehyung released a deep sigh and nodded, so I leaned forward to embrace him."I'll do it for you if you can't do it," Taehyung whispered, tightly coiling his arms around my waist. I felt super uneasy but didn't dare express it.
It's best if I earn Taehyung's trust and follow him around... because no matter what cards I play... He'll always fire a better strike. I'll obey him for now.... so I can quietly crack his motives in the game. And Yangcha? I wanted to tell Taehyung about his crimes... but it was too risky. Taehyung claimed he intended to use the alpha against Seokjin... so if he uncovers... Yangcha's deadly identity... Taehyung will definitely send the silent killer after Seokjin. I'm afraid the boy will shed blood for my household.
________________________
Third Person POV
Flash BackJae Yangcha anxiously perched in his wheelchair at the far end of the corridor to watch Kim Taehyung argue with Jang Sora within their soundproof mansion's walls. He has witnessed more fights than affection between the couple. Kim Taehyung... usually storms off first... leaving Sora sulking by herself.

The alpha sadly watched Sora rub the glistering tears from her damp face until she entered her room to console her misery. Restlessly sighing, the alpha turned his wheelchair and rolled away with a stuffy chest. Despite... her continuous discomfort and heartbreaks... Jang Sora would appear before him with a radiant smile. She'd always embrace him so warmly as if she's got more than enough comfort to provide to others. Maybe that's why she's so miserable. Only giving her love to others but never herself...?
The alpha would blush every... time the supreme alpha held his hand with so much tenderness. He couldn't help but admire Jang Sora's amiable nature. Her smile... would immediately add color to his dim world. Her warmth... numbing his aching body. Her voice... hushing his crazy thoughts. Every time he studied her delicate gestures... he couldn't help but long for her divine presence.

She was a goddess in his eyes. A pure entity... with a tainted soul. Jae Yangcha was the first to see Jang as a scarce soul. A glory surrounded by darkness. It wasn't her darkness that was taunting her. Yangcha knew the soul was enclosed by her family's greed and bloodlust. And yet, Sora refused their corruption. Even if meant... she'd suffer the consequences.

Every step she took... and every gesture she made... It was surrounded by a sacred glow. Almost... like a halo.

He wanted to cheer her up with every drop of tears she shed... and with every weak whimper that escaped her lips.

He desperately wanted to end her suffering.
"Noona?" Yangcha carefully pushed Sora's bedroom door open to greet her, but she was nowhere to be found. The alpha curiously rolled inside her room with a weak smile."She was a chubby child," Yangcha grinned as he reached out to grab a small picture frame from her shelves. The alpha quietly admired Sora's youthful chubby cheeks with a warm smile. Sighing, he placed the frame back in its position and turned his wheelchair around to scan her room. He rolled over until he entered her closet."Her scent... it's everywhere," Yangcha muttered as he glanced around her wardrobe and slowly rolled back toward the closet door when he heard footsteps approaching the room."Sora- Listen to me-" Yangcha's heart leaped in a panic... so he quickly shut the closet door and switched off the lights. The alpha sat in the darkness with a racing heart as Kim Taehyung chased the supreme alpha to her room."Can you leave?!!" Sora snapped from behind the door. Yangcha worriedly bit his lips as he listened to the couple's argument."I'm sorry! Alright? I'm really sorry-""You always say that!-" Sora whimpered, causing Yangcha's heart to ache at her broken tone. Cautiously... the alpha opened the door, curiously peeking between the gap to find Taehyung hugging Sora as she quietly sobbed against his chest.

"I'm sorry," Taehyung gently patted her head. Yangcha watched Sora lift her tearful eyes toward Kim Taehyung with a troubled look. She held back her tears and finally nodded in defeat, so Taehyung gently kissed her lips.Sora's tense body eventually... eased at his love strokes, permitting her lover to roam his fingers over her curves as he pleased. Their kiss deepened... and slowly... Taehyung guided her toward the mattress. Yangcha pursed his lips as he watched the man lay her down while unbuckling his belt. An eruption of unexplainable anger surged through his body as he watched Kim Taehyung exploit the supreme alpha's vulnerable condition."I love you," Sora quietly spoke between their kisses, causing Yangcha to stiffen in his wheelchair."I love you too," Taehyung replied as he undid his clothes over her. Yangcha didn't feel comfortable watching the couple, but his curiosity got the best of him. There were still tears in Sora's eyes... but her cheeks were flushed... and her body was extremely sensitive to her lover's touch.Kim Taehyung gently slipped his hand under her dress to pull down her panties and slipped his manly hips between her legs while kissing her lips to relieve her body. Sora moaned softly as her lover pleasured her on the mattress. He took off her dress and tossed it aside as she lay on her pillow, entirely exposing her naked body to her man. Yangcha tilted his head with his curious pupils on her feverish body and her troubled expression as the man steadily thrust between her legs. It was strange.The alpha assumed the supreme alpha only got together with Kim Taehyung for power. But there was this... fondness in her eyes. She was angry at him not too long ago... but at this very moment... she was craving for his touch. The supreme alpha would tug her lover down to kiss him with so much thirst and hold onto him so possessively... bright red scratches began to appear on Kim Taehyung's muscular back.The anger inside Yangcha's chest subsided as he watched the couple from the darkness of the closet room. Unlike Kim Taehyung's intimidating and forceful nature... he was holding onto his lover's naked body with so... so much... tenderness. It was as if he was afraid he'd break her bones. He'd submit to her every tug while dominating their bodies. It was as if he knew all her needs and desires because with every touch... kiss or thrust... Sora would express her satisfaction with a sensual moan or intense eye contact... as if to beg him for more. They didn't speak much during their intimate moments... but Yangcha could feel the scorching heat inside the room."Can we switch positions?" Sora panted, pushing her sweaty body off the mattress with her elbows. Taehyung didn't complain and rolled onto his back on demand. The supreme swung her leg over her lover to sit on his crotch and reached down to readjust their position until her moist spine arched with the surge of pleasure between her soaked thighs. Yangcha's lips gradually parted as he observed her divine figure on the bed.
He wasn't aroused by her naked body... instead... he was hypnotized by her ethereal beauty. The way she perched on her lover's body... rubbing and moving her firm hips at a... sensual pace as her wild and wavy black hair dangled messily all over her body. She would tilt her face upward with her eyes closed and lips ajar to moan in satisfaction as she humped her man's crotch with her hand pressed over his hard abs for support.
Yangcha drifted his eyes down to her peachy buttcheeks, unblinkingly staring at her youthful breasts with his mouth wide open. A halo glow kept... radiating around her divine body. Her moist skin... glowing pearly under the dim light. He couldn't help but feel intense stuffiness in his chest as she lost herself to the smothering pleasure. With every pant... moan... and breath... Yangcha would feel his body hair standing. His eyes glimmered with admiration as he watched the supreme alpha remain on Taehyung until he sat up to embrace her body. They started kissing again as she hugged his neck while riding him on his thighs until Taehyung pulled away to fondle her perky breasts between his palms.
A moment later.
Yangcha stopped watching the couple and remained in the dark room until the couple fell asleep. Carefully, he pushed the door open to find Jang Sora sleeping peacefully in Taehyung's arms. They were both covered in sweat, and her pale skin was glowing red from being manhandled by her lover. The alpha rolled his wheelchair to the foot of their bed to stare at the couple. And even in her sleep. She was possessively holding onto Taehyung's sturdy body. Yangcha glanced at her exposed feet under the blanket and slowly reached out to cover her. Sighing, he spun his wheelchair around and left to reside in the medical room.
Fast Forward

He did not detest her lustful nature after watching her make love with her boyfriend. Instead. Yangcha would catch himself recalling the heated moment until his face flushed red. He couldn't focus on his studies and would think about the supreme alpha every second of the day.
"Yah. Jae Yangcha!" Someone rudely smacked Yangcha's head, causing him to snap out of his thoughts. He turned to find Jangwook, the chubby lower rank smirking at him as his two other friends sat beside him."Oh?" Yangcha blinked, straightening his body cluelessly as his friends narrowed their eyes on him."You promised to share the supreme alpha secret with us!" Yoona snapped in annoyance."He's probably lying to us! Are you a spy? After all, you're also an alpha and not a lower rank! Why did we even accept the fucker inside our circle!" Jangwook sneered, grabbing a handful of Yangcha's hair, causing the alpha to wince in pain but didn't dare react."Yah! Don't be mean to him! Seokjin is his guardian!" Choi Seungho snapped at the chubby kid."Did the supreme alpha threaten you to stay quiet?" Yoona curiously leaned forward. Yangcha gulped unsurely after his friend released his hair and rubbed his throbbing scalp."No. but-""Yah. If you refuse to provide us useful information by today- I'll kick you out and beat the shit out of you! The rumors about the other alphas aren't as mainstream as the supreme alpha!" Jangwook threatened, lifting his hand to smack Yangcha, who immediately shielded his head with an anxious look."I do have something! But it's not about the supreme alpha! It's about Gae Haerim! Her parents eliminated Song Jae-il to pursue Seokjin's contract!" Yangcha blurted, causing his friends to gasp in shock."The Gae murdered Jae il?! Huel! That's hot news!" Yoona shrieked, quickly grabbing her phone to type on the platform."You're not so useless after all!" Jangwook shrieked, roughly patting Yangcha's back. The alpha weakly smiled at his enthusiastic friends as they excitedly created a post about Gae Haerim's household affairs. The alpha... has been feeding his friends the other alpha's dirt to keep Sora away from the spotlight. But the distraction he created didn't last long because people seemed to care more about the supreme alpha's welfare than all the others.
Fast Forward
"Yah. We were too busy leaking the other alpha's deeds... we failed to notice you," Jangwook smiled as he stuffed a fat sandwich inside his mouth. Yangcha lifted his face to stare at the lower rank's puffy cheeks unsurely."Notice me?" Yangcha asked, blinking cluelessly at his friend."We thought you weren't popular amongst the alpha, but who would've guessed you're seducing a top rank?" Jangwook smirked at Yangcha."What are you talking about-""Don't play dumb with me! You've been sneaking into Gae Haerim's place! Wah~! Why didn't you tell us?! Did she invite you over to fuck?" Jangwook glared at Yangcha's persistent oblivious reaction in annoyance, rudely throwing a wet cabbage at the alpha's face. Yangcha didn't react and calmly dabbed the sauce off his face with sanitary wipes as he chewed the remaining food in his mouth.

"She only wanted to help me study. Haerim noona is the top academic achiever in the university," Yangcha shook his head. The chubby face rolled his eyes at Yangcha."Don't fuck with me. I saw you sneaking off with her at the university too! We found you afterward with lipstick smudges on your face!" Jangwook sneered at his friend. Yangcha causally turned his head from side to side to observe the other students as they chatted over their lunch meal and glanced back at Jangwook."You've been stalking me too? I thought we were friends," Yangcha sighed."Yah. I wanted to welcome you sincerely, but you've contributed nothing to us! I'll keep everything a secret. If you tell me about your profane relationship with Gae Haerim. How big are her tits? Hmm? Tell me!" Jangwook aggressively slapped the spoon out of Yangcha's grip to grab the alpha's attention. Yangcha glanced at the mess on the table and calmly cleaned the splattered rice grains. He turned to grab a milk carton from his bag and placed it on the table."You promise you won't tell anyone?" Yangcha asked, nervously staring at the chubby face as the lower rank stuffed more food into his puffy cheeks."Did you fuck her raw? Was he pussy tight? Did you face fuck her? And where did you get this milk? It looks nice. Thank you for the gift~!" Jangwook chuckled, spitting the unchewed food from his mouth. The lower rank suddenly reached across the table, grabbed the milk carton without Yangcha's permission, and drank it with a smug expression. Yangcha quietly watched the chubby face drain the milk with a neutral expression."You can have it. I got it for you anyways," Yangcha smiled, gently wiping the mess on the table with the tissue again."Wah! What is this?! Why is it so sweet?" The boy chuckled, lowering the milk to inspect the label."Seokjin has a personal farm for milk production. The Kims produce organic diaries for themselves," Yangcha nodded, smiling at the chubby face."That's why it tastes so rich! Anyways- was Gae Haerim as rich in flavor? Did you suck her titties? Or finger her wet pussy??? Hmm?" The boy chuckled, smugly lowering the empty carton with stained lips."You shouldn't speak harshly of her. Haerim noona... is a very graceful woman-""A graceful woman who invites a young dick over to fuck? No shit," Jangwook laughed, lowering his face to stuff his mouth with food again."She likes Seokjin hyung," Yangcha shook his head. The chubby face snorted but immediately halted as if he had choked on his food. The lower rank started coughing in distress and pounded his chest as Yangcha calmly watched the boy from across the table."Fuck! Give me the water!" The chubby face snapped, placing out his hand for Yangcha's unopened water bottle."Oh, sure. Are you alright?- OH!" Yangcha quickly grabbed the water bottle to open the cap for his friend when it suddenly slipped out of his hand and tumbled to the floor, splattering the mineral water all over the table and chairs."Yah! Get me another- Fuck- Why is my stomach hurting!?" The chubby face glared at Yangcha's clumsiness."Jangwook! Are you alright?!- YAH! YAH?!" Yangcha gasped as soon as the boy grasped his neck in discomfort, suddenly collapsing onto the ground with a pale expression. The other students immediately turned to look at the commotion."I can't breathe- f-fuck-" The lower rank gasped as he sat on the floor with sweat beads all over his forehead. Yangcha hurriedly circled the table to knelt beside his friend with a pale expression."Yah!? Are you okay-" The alpha was cut short when his friend suddenly puked the fresh lunch from his poisoned stomach, splattering the gooey substance all over Yangcha's clothes.The other students immediately got onto their feet to surround the duo as the lower rank twitches uncontrollably. His face... turning blue and purple... as he jerked intensely in Yangcha's arms until his eyes turned bloodshot. The alpha dramatically screeched his friend's name until pretentious tears rolled from his eyes... deceiving those around him with his desperate calls to dodge the crime he committed.
He... slaughtered a pig with rat poison.

Fast Forward
Yangcha softly hummed as he strolled down the dark corridor with his bag swung over his shoulder and pushed the top alpha's lecture room open to find... someone searching through the unattended bags on the chairs."Kamjagiya! What are you doing here?! You scared me!" Yoona screamed in a panic when she found Yangcha watching her in the dark room."What are you doing here? You'll get in trouble if the alphas catch you here," Yangcha sighed, calmly dropping his bag on an empty chair."I killed the generator! They won't detect me here- I'm going crazy! Why is the supreme alpha's bag empty?! She only brought stupid files with her!?" Yoona frantically rummaged through Jang Sora's bag with her eyebrows furrowed."You should head home. It will rain soon," Yangcha dawdled, glancing at the gloomy sky as he sat at an empty desk, calmly watching his friend tear Jang Sora's bag apart."Where have you been?! I couldn't contact you after Jangwook passed!" Yoona darted Yangcha a sharp glare, who was now searching through his bag for something."I've been mourning his death. You don't even seem to care about him," Yangcha shrugged, drawing out a fresh raincoat from his bag."That fat pig? I knew he'd die one day stalking the alphas! The killer is one of the top ranks! Why else is everyone muted about the matter?!- She really didn't pack anything?!" Yoona whined, finally slumping on the chair beside Yangcha in irritation."You can ask me... about Sora... noona... if you're so curious," Yangcha smiled in the dark. Yoona turned to glare at Yangcha's weak smile in irritation.

"So that's what you're after?" Yoona rolled her eyes, turning to face Yangcha with her arms crossed."After?" Yangcha lifted his eyebrows unsurely. Yoona scoffed at Yangcha's smug expression and slowly lowered her hand to unbutton her shirt."There's no such thing as a free lunch, huh? Fine. If you leak... Jang Sora's secrets... I'll consider letting you have sex with me," Yoona smiled, smugly settling her tempted gaze on Yangcha's zipper. Yangcha quietly watched her exposed cleavage and slowly stood up."You should head home. Take the raincoat... and leave," Yangcha smiled, handing Yoona the folded raincoat with an unbothered look."Yah! Are you playing hard to get!? If you want me... then say it-""I don't want you. Why would I want you?" Yangcha sighed. Yoona frowned at Yangcha, rudely slapping the raincoat in his hand aside."Yah! How dare you-""The only woman I desire is the supreme alpha. Every man... wants her for themselves. Not a pathetic loser like you," Yangcha chuckled."Yah?! Are you nuts!" Yoona screamed in distress, suddenly launching onto her feet and shoved Yangcha backward. Still. The alpha didn't react. He slowly regained his balance and turned to look at Yoona's fuming red face with a weak smile. He stood... towering over her petite body."I'm just joking. Why are you getting so worked up? You are the prettiest," Yangcha smiled, gently placing his palm on her red cheek. Yoona's face suddenly flushed at his tender touch."You asshole," She huffed, turning to slump in the chair, uncomfortably clenching her stuffy chest. The lower rank tried to calm her fuming anger in difficulty as Yangcha bent down to grab the raincoat from the floor."Wae? Is it your asthma attack?" Yangcha asked as he listened to Yoona's uneven breath."Shit. This is because of you!" Yoona glared at Yangcha in annoyance."Your bag is in the other building, so you might collapse on the way back. I'll get the inhaler for you, on one condition. Let me become the admin on your secret platform," Yangcha sighed, slowly pulling on the raincoat from the bag."Why would I give you the admin access?!-""So I can erase everything related to Sora noona. All the dirty... tales you published about her. I want to wipe it clean," Yangcha calmly replied. Yoona tried to speak but wheezed in difficulty with a contorted face. She was hyperventilating."I'll get the medication myself- Argh!" Yoona gritted, shakily rising to her feet but lost her balance and tumbled to the floor. Yangcha turned to look at Yoona in surprise as she struggled to stay focused."You once told me your asthma attacks are deadly," Yangcha dawdled, slowly pulling the raincoat over his head. Unbothered by his friend's condition."Stop fooling around! Get me my inhaler!" Yoona demanded as she struggled to sit up but ended up collapsing again."Hand me the video," Yangcha darkly stared down at Yoona in his black raincoat."W-What are you talking about-""The video. I know Seungho gave it to you!" Yangcha snapped in irritation. Yoona suddenly burst out laughing amidst her struggle to contain her ragged breathing rhythm."So it is you in that video! I wasn't- sure- because only a section of your body was shown! But Seungho was right about you! Your fucking crazy obsession with the supreme alpha!" Yoona laughed in tears as she sat on the floor."Where is it!?" Yangcha pressed. Yoona coughed in distress while crawling onto her feet but failed and rolled onto the floor with her pained chest."Jerking off in the fucking toilet to the picture of Jang Sora- Fucking pervert!" Yoona sneered at Yangcha, whose face turned pale at her mocking smile."I will never do anything inappropriate to her-""What a pity. I wonder how the supreme alpha will react? If she knew... the alpha... she favors... intends to rail her womb with his horny cock? If you like her so much... then why don't you show her your dick? It's a massive cock for a young man like you- I'm sure she'll let you fuck her since she's a whore!" Yoona laughed, causing Yangcha to tense up at her offensive statements. Yoona started hyperventilating again until her face turned pale."How can you call her a whore when you're... the one selling your body for information? Did you think I'd get myself infected with your STDs?" Yangcha chuckled, causing Yoona's face to ashen in dread. She did not expect him to know about her sexually transmitted disease."Y-Yah! This isn't funny- Help me!" Yoona snapped, reaching for Yangcha's assistance, but he refused to help her until she collapsed onto the floor with her hand clenched over her tight chest. The lower rank wheezed in distress until sweat beads formed on her face as Yangcha pulled on a pair of black gloves. He calmly strolled toward the professor's desk to grab a few sharpened pencils as his friend wheezed on the floor in a helpless condition."I didn't want to kill you because I pity you... but I guess... not everyone is worth saving," Yangcha chuckled, slowly approaching Yoona, who was sprawling helplessly on the floor. She tried to focus her gaze on her friend but couldn't see anything but his black raincoat. Yangcha sighed, slowly crouching over her head to brush her soaked hair strands from her face."Y-Yangcha- Stop- playing- please- get my inhaler-" Yoona weakly begged."Sure. I'll put you out of your misery," Yangcha smiled."P-Please- Yangcha- ARGH!" She whimpered in pain but screamed in shock when she felt a sharp object stabbing her left eyeball. The lower rank wailed in distress as she grabbed her injured eyes. A jet of blood splatting... viciously onto Yangcha's face as he watched her scream for help."Shut up," Yangcha laughed, roughly jamming the pointy end of the pencil through her open mouth, stabbing it deep inside her throat to hush her. The lower rank immediately grew hushed as she gagged on the wooden pencil. She could no longer scream. The room suddenly grew quiet, replaced by silent muffles and shaky breaths as the lower rank gripped her wounded throat. Squelch. Squelch. Squelch. Yangcha smiled, aggressively stabbing her eyes... and throat with the remaining pencils until she stopped thrashing over the floor. Thud. Her hands suddenly fell to her sides. Yangcha giggled at her mutilated face and reached out to grab the pencil... punctured deep into her left eyeball. Snatch! "You make me sick," Yangcha gritted, hastily yanking the wooden pencils with all his might, causing her eyeball to tear from its tissues. The alpha slowly stood up with the bloody eyeball stuck at the end of the pointy lead and tossed the slimy organ aside.He hummed softly and stepped over her lifeless body as blood spilled from her open wounds. The alpha made sure to cover up his footprints and left in a hurry with his bag. Thud! The door suddenly opened, and an alpha came strolling into the dark space. Park Jimin.Yangcha halted in the darkroom as Jimin cluelessly walked past him with his eyes on his bright phone screen. Jimin didn't pay attention to his surroundings until he found the bloody corpse before him. The top alpha halted in shock as Yangcha stood behind his back with an annoyed frown. He didn't expect anyone to show up. Especially not Jang Sora's ally."What the fuck- URGH!" Jimin gasped but was immediately cut short when Yangcha slammed his elbow into the back of Jimin's neck, sending the alpha toppling to the floor. Yangcha turned and made the run for his life into the dark hallway but stopped dead as footsteps thundered down the far end of the corridor. He quickly stepped back to hide in the dark shadow as Sora passed him without a clue."AH!" She screeched in a panic when someone came stumbling out of the room."Sora-""Jimin!? Are you okay!?" Sora gasped, hurrying toward Jimin, but Jimin seemed dazed out of his mind. The alpha tried to speak but screwed his face in pain as he clenched the back of his wounded neck."Jimin!?" Sora slapped his cheek in fear, but he was cold and motionless. Yangcha quietly stepped out from the shadow as he watched her kneel before Jimin when she suddenly turned around with a horrified face, so he quickly hid behind the shadow again as she dialed someone on the phone."Jungkook! Come to the lecture room now-""Jimin collapsed! Hurry!" Sora snapped. The supreme alpha quickly turned to assist her friend again when- Thud. Thud. Thud."SORA?! ARE YOU OKAY?!" Jungkook's voice echoed as he scrambled down the stairs."I'M HERE! I'M HERE!" Sora screamed. Jungkook suddenly appeared with sweat beads all over his forehead. Yangcha pressed his back against the locker as the alpha passed him with an anxious look."What's the matter-""I don't know! I was walking down the corridor- and Jimin suddenly stumbled out of the lecture room!- Did he have a stroke?! Maybe it's a seizure?! Because of his old stab wound?!" Sora nervously watched Jungkook inspect Jimin's condition."Collect your belongings! I'll contact Taehyung!" Jungkook shoved her away before drawing out his phone to dial his cousin as he knelt beside Jimin. Sora disappeared into the lecture room as Jungkook frantically examined Jimin's body. Slowly... Yangcha... stepped out from the shadow. He quickly walked away in the opposite direction and rushed to the emergency exit."Fuck! I'm screwed!" Yangcha cursed, hurrying up the staircase until he found himself on the vast rooftop. He pulled the raincoat off his clothes as the chilly wind blew angrily against him. The alpha shoved his dirty gloves inside his bag and turned to toss the raincoat on the rooftop before heading back down the dark staircase until he landed on the student lounge. He cleared his throat and quickly entered the room filled with the alphas as they noisily chatted.The alarm in the building suddenly went off, causing everyone to tense in their seats. Yangcha calmly glanced around the packed space as the alphas poured out of the room to check on the commotion. He followed the others but was told to head toward the auditorium by the guards. And so... he settled down cluelessly amongst the others."Have you seen Yoona?" Seungho asked, sitting beside Yangcha."She said she felt sick and left earlier," Yangcha shrugged as the lower ranks and remaining alphas gossiped about the new attack.
And yet again... the silent killer dodged the radar.
______________________
Sora's POV
Present"What's the matter?" Taehyung asked, sitting up on the bed in his night robe with a concerned expression after I vomited hysterically. I sniffled and shook my head as I crawled back onto the bed with him."I'm just nauseous," I shook my head while rubbing my damp lips. Taehyung gently drew me onto his lap to make me sit facing him and pushed my hair strands behind my ear with an anxious grimace."Are you sure you're not pregnant?" Taehyung asked while frowning at my gaunt cheekbones."I checked three times already," I shook my head. Taehyung insisted I take the pregnancy test, but it was all negative."What's the matter then? The doctor did a checkup on you... but he said there was nothing wrong with your health," Taehyung rubbed my shoulder as I gloomily stared at his anxious face. What's wrong with me? I'm protecting a serial killer, and I can't tell anyone. Why? Because Yangcha threatened me to stay quiet. He said he'll keep Seokjin's contract safe as long as I let him off. And on top of that... he promised he'd never hurt anyone again. I know I'm being stupid, but I'm afraid of the chaos he'll trigger. The guilt is feasting on me."I'm fine," I shook my head, sleepily hugging Taehyung's neck. He held onto my waist and gently patted my back."Is there something you want to speak about? Is it Haerim's death? You're not responsible-""It's not her. I'm just tired," I sighed, pulling away to cup his firm cheeks. Taehyung didn't look convinced, so I smiled and pecked his lips."The event planner will visit us tomorrow," Taehyung muttered."Event planner?" I asked."Yeah. The elders want to host our engagement party," Taehyung shrugged. I glanced down at our interlaced hands with a weak smile."I can't believe I'm marrying you," I chuckled."Wae? Did you want to marry Jeon Jungkook?" Taehyung asked. I laughed and shook my head. Taehyung chuckled and tugged me closer to him, so I hugged his warm body until he flipped me over to rest me on the mattress. He pulled the blanket up to my chest to tuck me and turned away to switch off the lights.
We didn't fight anymore after I successfully contained my impulsive outburst. Taehyung never brought up the topic related to Seokjin or Yangcha again. We get along pretty well and would spend time together throughout the day. Our early days were rough and bumpy because we were both still doubtful of each other, but we've grown tired of the constant arguments and fights. It's not worth it. I'm partly at fault for using Yangcha as an excuse to trigger Taehyung.

After all, I am protecting a killer. If Taehyung didn't break the bracelet that day... I would've never uncovered Yangcha's malicious acts. The killing had finally ceased, and Yangcha returned to his ordinary life. Should I keep things this way? I wasn't sure. I'm afraid the alpha will get upset and slaughter people again. It's a relief that Seokjin agreed to let Yangcha live alone at his mansion instead of his private villa.

Flash Back
Young Alphas"WOAH! That man is so hot~!" Sora shrieked, pointing at a grown man as he walked shirtless on the beach. The child was approximately three years old as she sat beside little Jungkook, who was licking his ice cream at a private seaside resort."You're a pervert!" Jungkook cutely bickered as Sora giggled with her sparkly pupils fixed on the buff man."You're just jealous~!" Sora shrugged."Why would I be jealous? I'll grow up handsome! And a lot of pretty women will chase me~!" Jungkook innocently poked his tongue at Sora as they sat under the umbrella shade. She intensely licked her melting ice cream until her cheeks flushed red from gawking at the sexy man.

"Your belly is bloated like a balloon! Tsk!" Sora cutely poked Jungkook's round belly, stained with sticky ice cream as he sat in his beach pants."And you think you're pretty? Look at your chubby face and round belly~!" Jungkook sneered. Sora frowned at his harsh words. She glanced down her plump belly and up at the slender woman... splashing in the pool by the beach. The child enviously stared at the woman's youthful cleavage before glancing down at her chocolate-stained two-piece swimsuit with a sulky expression."You're so mean~!" She muttered, sadly licking her ice cream. Little Jungkook, however... didn't... pay attention to her as he aggressively licked his cone to stop the melting vanilla from dripping. Slurp! Slurp! Slurp! Sora tried to contain her tears but gave in and started sobbing with adorable pouty lips."Yah- Yah! Why are you crying~?!" Jungkook gasped, startled by her unexpected tantrum, halfway glazing his cone with his saliva."I hate you~!" Sora shrieked, bursting into tears. Jungkook's eyes widened at her sunburned cheeks in shock as she wailed at the top of her lungs. He flinched in a panic when Sora suddenly threw the chocolate ice cream at him."Yah!- Ah! Crazy shora~!?" Jungkook screamed as the dark ice cream splattered all over his tiny body."I'm not a pig!- AH!" Sora tried to scream but was cut short when Jungkook aggressively shoved his melting vanilla ice cream right in her face."Crazy shora!!!" Jungkook angrily snapped but fell quiet as Sora remained frozen in her place. Jungkook nervously blinked at her frozen state as Sora sat beside him with the ice cream cone stuck funnily over her nose. Drip. The melting ice cream chunk dropped to the sand as Sora stared at Jungkook's horrified face with her sticky lashes."You-""I didn't mean to-""I hate youuuuu~!" Little Sora screeched, suddenly launching forward to attack Jungkook. The alpha screamed in horror as the feisty girl thumped her tiny fists against his chocolate-soaked belly."APPA! APPA! SHE'S KILLING ME! THE FAT PIGGY IS KILLING ME!- AH!?- *$^&#!?!!- I'M GOING TO DIE! SHORA- CRAZY SHORA!" Jungkook screamed in distress as Sora pinned him over the sand. Sora furiously squeezed his pale cheeks with her dirty hands, causing Jungkook to scream even louder."Yah! What's the matter!?" Taehyung shrieked, rushing up to the duo as Jungkook yanked Sora's pigtail with all his might. The oldest alpha tried to pull Sora off Jungkook, but he wouldn't release her. She screamed in distress and slapped Jungkook's face with her sticky palm."Stop fighting!" Taehyung snapped, roughly hauling Sora away from Jungkook."You think you can beat me, piggy?! Haha! I'm a strong man- you stupid shora! Oink! Oink!!!! AH~!" Jungkook smugly scrambled to his feet as Taehyung struggled to hold onto Sora's arms. Jungkook funnily got up to throw a wild kick with his small leg but slipped and tumbled onto the sand. He groaned and sat up with a face full of chocolate and sand."YOU DUMBASS!" Sora shrieked, angrily wiggling her tiny fists forward, but Taehyung securely hugged her dirty body and tugged her backward.
A moment later.
Mini Jungkook grumpily rested his chin on his father's shoulder with a face full of sticky chocolate ice cream as his father carried him up the hill. Sora, on the other hand, angrily glared at Jungkook as she held onto her father's hand. She was walking behind Jungkook's father. The two would poke their tongue at each other and make mocking faces as the elders took them back to the secret mansion. Taehyung weakly smiled when he turned to find Sora trekking over the gravel path with a loose pigtail and a face full of sticky vanilla.The elders eventually took the young heirs to their respectful room to bathe them in the tub. Sora quietly sat in the tub after her mother washed the ice cream off her face and shampooed her hair."Why would you fight with Jungkookie?" Mrs. Jang smiled at her daughter's bright pink cheeks."He called me a fat pig," Sora muttered while poking her bouncy belly."That's not nice of him," Mrs. Jang chuckled."He's not wrong... I'm ugly..." Sora pouted as her mother rubbed her scalp."You'll grow up a pretty lady. Don't worry," Mrs. Jang kissed Sora's cheek, lifted her daughter out of her toy-filled tub and pulled a light nightgown over her tiny body."I want to sleep with Taehyung oppa," Sora blinked innocently as her mother brushed her hair at the vanity table."You shouldn't bother him at night. He already had a bad time trying to break your fight," Mrs. Jang smiled at Sora through the mirror. Sora pouted."Can I marry Taehyung oppa?" Sora asked. Her mother chuckled and glanced at her daughter's innocent face."Do you want to marry him?" Mrs. Jang asked."Oppa is strong and handsome. I will tell him to beat Jeon Jungkook!" Sora grimaced. Her mother laughed at her daughter's claim and gently placed her on the floor. Sora quickly grabbed her stuffed animal and rushed out of the room."Oppa!" Sora called, banging on Taehyung's door in the dim corridor."Oh?" Taehyung yawned, opening the door for her."Can I sleep with you?" Sora asked, pushing her stuffed animal into Taehyung's hand and hurried inside before he could speak."Is this... your... payment for disturbing me?" Taehyung weakly smiled at her stuffed animal, closing his door behind his back as Sora climbed onto his bed in her fluffy gown."I won't disturb you," Sora giggled. Taehyung walked over and got onto the bed with her stuffed animal."What do you want?" Taehyung asked as he examined her suspicious behavior. She wouldn't look at him directly and purposely avoided direct eye contact."Marry me when you're older," Sora shrugged, glancing down at her hands."What?" Taehyung scoffed."I said marry me-""Why should I?" Taehyung teased. Sora frowned and glanced up at him with an upset yet cute frown."Why not? You have to marry me! Eomma said I'll grow up a pretty lady, so marry sora~!" Sora innocently gripped her tiny fists. Taehyung weakly stared at her sunburnt cheeks with a faint smile."Are you sure you'll grow up pretty?" He teased. Sora pouted at his words and turned to thrash on the bed in distress."Is it wrong to have a fat belly~?!" Sora whined. Taehyung chuckled and slowly laid down beside her on his side to watch her pout adorably."You're quite cute," Taehyung smiled. Sora's eyes widened at his praise, and her cheeks flushed even redder as she remained stiff on his bed... with her sparkling eyes fixed on the ceiling.

"What did you say~?" Sora gasped, turning to stare at Taehyung's wide grin."I'll marry you if you grow up pretty. Okay? So grow up well," Taehyung pinched her cheeks. Sora's lips suddenly curved up into a wide smile. She cutely clasped her lips and turned away to giggle at his promise. Taehyung scoffed at her shy reaction and turned to lie on the bed. The young alpha eventually calmed down and turned to scoot closer to him."Will you beat up Jungkook for sora~?" Sora whispered, keenly looking up at Taehyung's face as he lay with his eyes closed."So that's what you want...? Aigo," Taehyung scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief."Will you hit him? Oppa- answer- me-""Go to sleep!" Taehyung whined, pushing her face away when she tried to crawl over his body. Little Sora pouted at his rejection and turned to slump beside him with an annoyed look."A good husband should protect his wife!" She grumbled."It's Jungkook that needs protecting... not... a spoiled dumpling... like you," Taehyung muttered under his breath and turned away as Sora cluelessly grumbled under her breath until she descended into a deep sleep.End of Flashback
Sora's POV
I cluelessly wandered through the university hallway with a blank mind. People had returned to the campus as usual after the silent killer halted his slaughter. But people were still wary of each other. There was no gossip about me. Not after Haerim passed and definitely not after Yangcha got rid of the platform admins. I was like a shadow. Always passing by quietly in the background because Yangcha had... taken down all the posts related to me and my household."Come with me," Seokjin appeared, unexpectedly grabbing my upper arm to steer me away from the crowded corridor. I blinked and followed him unsurely as he stormed up the emergency staircase. Why is he taking me to the rooftop?"What's the matter-""Why did Haerim abduct you that day?" Seokjin turned to frown at me. I pursed my lips at Seokjin's abrupt question."I told you. Haerim thought I used Yangcha as a spy to initiate disorder within your household," I shrugged, unsurely searching Seokjin's unconvinced expression. I didn't tell Seokjin Haerim was after Yangcha for his contracts. Does that mean Yangcha didn't hand the files back to Seokjin? So he wasn't bluffing when he said he'll safeguard Seokjin's power if I stay hushed?"It's Kim Taehyung. Isn't it? He used the kid to trigger the disorder?" Seokjin asked, folding his arms with his jaw clenched. He seemed... pissed."No. I already asked Taehyung. He's clueless," I shook my head. Seokjin pressed his tongue against his inner mouth and turned away in discontent."Are you really going to protect the killer? Sora. Look at me," Seokjin seethed, taking a step forward with his eyes narrowed on me. I sucked in my breath in bewilderment at his shocking confrontation."K-Killer?" I stuttered, fearfully staring at his sore expression with a racing heart. Did he figure it out? That Yangcha-"Kim Taehyung," Seokjin gritted. I tried to make sense of his words."Kim Taehyung? He's not a killer-""Kim Taehyung tried to kill you! And as far as I know... he murdered his average uncle to save his household!" Seokjin snapped. My face drained in shock. Did I hear him right-?"What? What are you-""I thought you chose him because you loved him, but it was only his plan to seize your power. Haerim has been working for Taehyung! She promised to secure my contracts for him!" Seokjin pressed. I couldn't speak but stare at Seokjin in fright."H-How did you-""Yangcha told me Haerim tried to convince him to leave my side. Namjoon offered to rescue Yangcha, but the alpha refused their offers," Seokjin gritted. What the hell? Yangcha promised me to stay quiet!"Haerim loves you! She was doing it for you!-""No! She knew I'd be unstable without Kim Namjoon and Jung Hoseok, so she tried to free herself from my household. Taehyung offered her immunity in exchange for my contracts!" Seokjin argued. Baffled. I remained stiff in my place. What? Taehyung did what- It wasn't Yangcha...? Everyone thought Taehyung used Yangcha to spy on Seokjin... but it was... Haerim? That night... she was so desperate... for the contracts. Was it because of Taehyung? But if Taehyung wanted Seokjin's contract... then why didn't he save Haerim?"I don't know anything-""But you knew Kim Taehyung has blood on his hands!-""No, he doesn't-!" I mindlessly denied it, angrily disapproving of Seokjin's claim. He suddenly grew hushed and stood in silence to glare at me."You told me... you'd never let a man mistreat you. And yet... you're willing to submit to the man... who tried to end your life...? Has it ever occurred to you that he never... not once... contacted you after your family banished you? All those lonely years you spent alone... he was chasing Gae Haerim. She broke his heart and left without a goodbye. He went nuts. Everyone knew Kim Taehyung lost his mind because of her. And suddenly... he claims to love you after you turned legal? After you return to Korea? After you're old enough to be the heir? The supreme alpha? And Gae Haerim? Why did she show up after you returned? Perhaps... she was afraid you'd marry Taehyung. Sure. I was the one she fancied... but he's the one she died for! How are you... so certain... that Kim Taehyung is embracing you with love and not his greed? Hmm? If he loved you so much. Then why did he let you date Jungkook? Why didn't he seem to care until now? Why is it- that he's possessive of you only after the power marriage announcement? Sora, I'll handle my contracts with my alliances, but I need you to keep your eyes on Kim Taehyung. You and I... might... just be another pawn in his wicked power game. And I know... you know... what he's capable of committing," Seokjin ranted, furiously staring at me in disappointment. I grew hushed at his words.Seokjin took and deep breath after I failed to counter him and turned to open the door, but he didn't leave and held it open for me.
Fast Forward
Thud. Thud. I stormed through the empty property until I reached the glass door. All the windows to the glass house were dark except for a few glowing lamps. Panting heavily... I repeatedly clicked the doorbell, but there was no response."Jae Yangcha!" I screamed in distress, angrily pounding on the door."Oh? Noona!" Yangcha suddenly swung the door open to greet my unexpected presence with a puzzled look."What did you do?! I told you to keep quiet about Taehyung's past! Why did you tell Seokjin?!" I angrily thrust Yangcha backward, causing him to gasp in shock."Noona! Calm down!" Yangcha snapped, trying to walk toward me, but I angrily shoved him away again."What do you want?!- Huh?!- K-Kim... Namjoon...?" I was about to yell at the alpha when another person caught my eye. I immediately grew hushed with my startled gaze on the man. Namjoon... was sitting on a wooden chair... in the center of the dim living room.

"Mhhhmp!" Namjoon widened his eyes as if to speak but couldn't because... his lips were securely sealed with... duct tape. My lips parted in shock. Slowly... I shifted my gaze to his limbs... tied securely with zip ties. He was... restrained to the chair."What- W-What is this-? Hmmp!?!-" I unsurely turned to look at Yangcha in horror, but he was nowhere to be found. My heart pounded against my chest when I felt an arm slithering around my neck. I tried to resist him- but the alpha effortlessly held my body against his as he clasped a scented cloth over my nose to block my airpath."Shhh... Noona... You should calm down first. We'll speak once you wake up, okay?" Yangcha whispers sensually in my ear, causing my neck hair to rise at his chilly tone. Namjoon's eyes widened in fright as he watched me struggle to free myself from Yangcha's firm grip. I tried not to inhale the chemical but eventually gave in and started to lose consciousness.
Third Person's POV
"Hmmmp!" Namjoon muffled as he watched the supreme alpha's eyes drop close. Her legs went weak, but she didn't collapse because Jae Yangcha quickly slipped his arm under her legs and lifted her off the floor."Don't worry about her~! I'll take her upstairs so she can rest comfortably~!" Yangcha chuckled, smugly carrying the supreme alpha to his bedroom. Namjoon panted furiously as he jerked his bound wrists from behind his back, but it didn't work. The alpha tried to scream for help... yet... the property remained... weirdly... vacant.
Sora's POV
Strained by the inhalation of the unknown chemical, I finally woke up from the pitch darkness of my own mind. The room was blurry and my visions were distorted. I felt helpless. Why is my throat so sore?! I grumbled in discomfort as my body elevated off the soft mattress."What's... happening?" I hoarsely whispered as Yangcha placed my frail body onto a chair."Are you awake? Have some water, noona," Yangcha suggested, gently pressing a cold glass against my lips. I gulped the water with my eyes closed as he carefully fed me and placed the water away. I took a deep breath to recollect my scattered mind and finally opened my eyes to find Yangcha sitting on the edge of his bed as I sat in his wheelchair."Y-Yangcha-" I gasped, trying to get up but couldn't. My eyes widened in horror once I realized I was secured with zip ties."Don't resist too much. The zip ties might cut your precious skin. I wrapped it with napkins so it wouldn't cut your flesh," Yangcha smiled warmly, nodding at me. I stared at the cute patterned napkins... placed between my wrist and the plastic ties with a pale expression."Yangcha! I don't like this!" I snapped, looking up at him in irritation. Where's Namjoon?!"I'm sorry, but I won't release you until you calm down," Yangcha shrugged, leaning his body backward with his arms pressed against the mattress. I panted in frustration as I stared at his neutral face. Right. I'm dealing with an alpha with extreme psychotic and obsessive symptoms."What are you doing this for-""You seemed upset when you stormed inside my mansion. Did I upset you? I've been very obedient to your orders," Yangcha sighed. I wanted to scream at him. But I knew I was in an unfavorable situation."Why did you tell Seokjin about Taehyung's forbidden past?" I calmly asked."Because I don't like Kim Taehyung," Yangcha shrugged. I furrowed my eyebrows at his brief response."I begged you to stay out of my family's affair-""It seems like... your family's affair isn't so... personal after all. I recently received my mother's research files from the experts, and surprisingly... it was a detailed journal of your family's past. The infamous fire incident... wasn't an accident but a plot to murder Park Jihyun and his wife. I was correct about it. Your parents seized the supreme alpha's power, but your mother was smart. She knew she wasn't ready to face the world, so she exposed Kim Taehyung and his family to the society to test the pack. But she was restless... because... Taehyung's aunt... is married to an average and Jungkook's father is married to an average. She knew... that society would reject her allies so... she used Kim Taehyung to kill his uncle. And I'm guessing... she was also responsible for Jungkook's mother's death. She combined the widows to form the Jeon alliance. And with a few sacrifices... she formed two powerful alliances to stabilize her household. The Kim and The Jeon," Yangcha smiled weakly."Yangcha, I'm begging you-""Oh no... noona. Don't beg me. I don't resent your family at all. Your mother is a wise woman. Park Jihyun's reign was a dark period we all feared. I should thank your mother for roasting that half-blood to death. My family deeply admires your household. That's why my mother was so obsessed with researching your household affairs. She's a fan of your parents," Yangcha assured."Then why... why did you involve Seokjin?" I asked."I really didn't mind your relationship with Kim Taehyung, but after... I found out about your past with him... I was... very... upset," Yangcha sighed, reaching for the bedside drawer to grab a thick journal and flipped through the pages."Taehyung-""He drowned you in the ocean. That's what Haerim noona wrote in her diary. Gae Haerim claimed Kim Taehyung despised the Jang and had attempted to murder the heir. You see... Taehyung didn't only confess to killing his uncle with a broken liquor bottle... but also to drowning the supreme alpha in the sea. Haerim didn't specify... who he was killing, but I figured it was you. All the missing pieces my mother collected matched Haerim's timeline. Your family separated you from society because they were scared of you. Why? I believe it's because you knew their darkest... most twisted secrets and... maybe you threatened them? And Kim Taehyung? He blamed you for ruining his life. Haerim noona documented it in her diary," Yangcha sighed, lifting the scribble on Haerim's journal to show me. I didn't read the texts and kept my eyes glued to Yangcha."Taehyung admitted to his fault. He apologized to me-""Did he? How so? By claiming to cherish you as his only woman? Or... by pleasuring you in bed? The rumors about you aren't entirely false. People say he's using pleasure as a cuff to achieve your submission. Right, noona? Does he love to shush you up with his poisonous kisses? Make you tremble with his invasive touches? And oh... he loves to hear you moan under him. You're not the problem here. It's him. I initially wanted you to lead a happy life... but how can you side with a man who tried to kill you? Even Seokjin hyung was dumbfounded," Yangcha sighed, tossing the book aside. I uneasily stared at the alpha."I can deal with him. You don't have to meddle-""I promised to never hurt you. And I never intended to ruin your life because I was happy being your shadow. But I can't seem to rest. Not after I found out... he had promised to save Haerim if she agreed to help him disable Kim Seokjin. Now. We're both unsure... of Haerim's intention. That night... we don't know if she was fighting to be on Seokjin or Taehyung's side. But either way... Kim Taehyung is the real culprit. Noona. Aren't you tired of his deceptive lies? You deserve a better man. Not a toxic scumbag like him," Yangcha lectured me. Wah... I can't escape these ties. He's really crazy! How can I blindly walk into his place after I was drugged once!? Fuck- I'm so stupid!"Then what am I supposed to do? What do you want from me exactly?" I asked."I have a better plan. Me. I volunteer to be your love candidate," Yangcha smiled, keenly straightening his body on the bed as he watched me sit in the wheelchair."That's absurd-""Why not? I don't mind the age gap. You're a literal goddess... who am I to refuse you-""Yangcha. It's not about the age gap," I firmly shook my head. Still. The alpha didn't seem bothered by my rejection."Noona. I know you see me as a weak alpha. I was an innocent soul but not anymore. I've learned to orchestrate the game and I am confident I can... climb the hierarchy ranks," Yangcha chuckled."You're underestimating the top ranks. Yangcha, you're gambling your life-""I'll do anything for you. I'll kill for you, and I'll die for you. Noona, give me a chance. Oh? I'll get rid of Kim Taehyung! I'll get rid of everyone! So it's just us in the end! I'll grant you the happiness you desire! I'll please you! Everything you want- I'll give it to you!" Yangcha suddenly collapsed off the bed to kneel at my feet. He grabbed my hands, causing me to flinch in fright, keeping his puppy eyes trained on me."How? To Kill? Is that your wild card? You'll slaughter everyone?" I asked, darkly staring at his dilated black pupils."As long as you approve my proposal... I'll take care of everything. I promise. Noona... let me love you," Yangcha firmly nodded, gently kissing my hand. I stared at his possessed-looking gaze with a disturbed frown. He's scaring me."Why are you so comfortable with your crimes?" I whispered. Yangcha chuckled madly and slowly rose to his feet. I sucked in my breath when he leaned down to position his face beside mine. Gently, he turned his head to peck my cheek. A bone-chilling surge of goosebumps rose all over my sensitive flesh as he slowly drew away and straightened his body. The alpha didn't answer me, circled the wheelchair, and slowly steered me around. I gripped my fingers in fear as he pushed the wheelchair out of his room and into his parent's vacant master bedroom. What is he doing?! I can't fucking move! My jaw dropped when I found Kim Namjoon sitting on the chair with a beaten face. His eyes were swollen, and his nose was bleeding. There were a few scratches on his face as well. What did he do to Namjoon?!

"Because... you are a forgiving soul. A soul... that will protect and love her loved ones... even on their darkest sides. Right, noona...? If you can love a man who tried to kill you. And if you can love a man who's constantly abusing, deceiving, and manipulating you... then surely... you can forgive me too? After all, I got my hands dirty to please you. I'll let you walk me like your dog... and I'll gladly... kneel at your sacred steps," Yangcha darkly spoke beside my ear. My face drained in horror as Namjoon lifted his bloody face to stare at me with his beaten eyes.
We both saw the dread reflecting in each other's eyes.

Kim Namjoon and I... knew... one of us... won't make it out alive tonight.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Flashback: Bloody Rain Coat
Third Person POVThe principal's office walls securely contained the confidential conversations within the room as the investigation chief spoke with his people regarding the physical evidence they collected from the rooftop opening. Taehyung stood beside a policeman with his arms crossed over his chest as the man carefully sealed the bloody raincoat to prevent unwanted contamination."Why were you on the rooftop with the supreme alpha?" The principal asked Kim Seokjin, who was standing beside the wooden desk."I was there to have lunch and she was there to take a breather," Seokjin clarified his presence on the vacant rooftop with his ex-lover. Taehyung sorely eyed his fellow president in irritation."We'll analyze the blood samples on the coat and update the school on the outcome," The investigation chief nodded at the principal's weary expression as the man sat with his hand pressed against his wrinkled forehead."-You're not allowed- Sir-""Noona! Let me see- Sora noona!-" Taehyung turned towards the door when it suddenly swung open and someone came rushing inside... but was held back by a policeman. Taehyung frowned as Yangcha frantically shoved the man aside with a pale expression."Yangcha? What are you doing here? I told you to stay home," Seokjin stared at the alpha in bewilderment.

"I heard the news! Is noona alright?!- D-Did they catch the culprit?- AH!" Yangcha stubbornly pushed the policeman's arms off his shoulder and tried to step forward but gasped in shock when Taehyung roughly grabbed his collar and dragged him out of the room."How dare you show up to school?!" Taehyung gritted, angrily thrusting the young alpha backward, sending him colliding into the wall."I'm worried about noona-""If you're so worried about her- Then don't let her see your face again!" Taehyung snapped, fuming angrily at the alpha. Yangcha panted under his breath as he observed Taehyung's grimace with a restless expression.

"I'm sorry," Yangcha sighed, pursing his lips apologetically as he surrendered to Taehyung's not-so-welcoming reaction."Be sorry to the dead kids," Taehyung sneered, tightly clenching his rock-hard fists."M-Moh?" Yangcha's face drained at the top alpha's harsh statement."They died because of you! You're the reason your friends were murdered in cold blood! If you're truly sorry, then you should fucking vanish! You don't deserve to live! Not at the cost of other people's lives!" Taehyung gritted, stepping forward to corner Yangcha, who fearfully cowered against the wall."Hyung, I never intend to hurt-""You're a worthless sheep that should be dead! Sora saved you thinking you were a pitiful soul, and that's all you are to her! You're ruining her life because everything she did for your sake is backfiring on her!" Taehyung snarled, lowering his infuriated face to glare at the alpha's frightened pupils, terrorizing the frightened soul with his dominating energy. They were the same height... but Yangcha kept cowering away in fear."I'm a danger to her? Hyung, I've never raised a finger to bruise her skin. Why are you dumping your anger on me when you know you're the one... wrecking her? All the acts you put up before the public eyes are all pretentious because behind your mansion's walls... all I can hear is her chronic sorrow," Yangcha calmly spoke with his glassy pupils on Kim Taehyung."You-""Enough," Seokjin sighed, calmly approaching the two alphas with his hand in his pocket. Taehyung fired Seokjin a dark glare as Yangcha stood with his back pressed against the wall."Stay the fuck away from Jang Sora," Taehyung warned Seokjin and Yangcha, angrily turning to march away in his black boots. It was that exact moment when Taehyung discovered... The alpha is obsessed with his lover. Jae Yangcha. The second rank halted in the school's empty parking with his eyes set on a person as she calmly waited by his car. Gae Haerim. She quietly typed on her phone and lifted her pretty hazel gaze to meet Taehyung.  The two maintained an unblinking eye contact within the vacant space as he grimly grimaced at her presence.
A moment later.
"You and your lame excuses-""Taehyung! You didn't actually believe the rumors? I didn't murder Jae-il," Haerim scoffed as she perched in the passenger seat. He took her on a ride to the outskirts of town to speak with her in a shady parking lot near the slum."I don't care about the dead," Taehyung huffed, keeping his stern stare on the dark space. The sun had already set, and they were chatting in the dim underground parking lot."I know you better than anyone else-""Just get straight to the point," Taehyung dawdled in disinterest. Haerim glared at Taehyung's dismissive response and crossed her arms."Take me in," Haerim gulped."Why? Are you switching sides now because Kim Namjoon confiscated Seokjin's contracts?" Taehyung scoffed, turning to look at Haerim's frustrated grimace."The Kim plans to eliminate my parent's alliance contract after we were exposed for the murder. I wasn't aware of my parent's scheme to win Seokjin's contract!-""Then why don't you side with Kim Namjoon? He's more powerful than Kim Seokjin with all the contracts," Taehyung shrugged, glancing out his car window with an unbothered look.

"Are you seriously playing dumb with me? Did you think I wouldn't notice you planting a spy in the Kim household? Jae Yangcha," Haerim rolled her eyes. Taehyung didn't react to her statement and kept his gaze on a stray cat."Jae Yangcha," Taehyung repeated the alpha's name, slowly turning to raise his thick eyebrows at Haerim."I was suspicious from the very beginning but I was correct. You dispatched the kid to cause disorder within the Kim's household, using Jang Sora," Haerim smugly stared at Taehyung's neutral face. She tried to read his mind but failed miserably as he maintained a poker face."You're speaking nonsense. I'll drop you off-""Taehyung! I know you sent the kid to fool me! If you're planning to seize Kim Seokjin's power- Then take me on your side! All I need is your assurance of my immunity in the game!" Haerim snapped, grabbing Taehyung's upper arm when he tried to start the car engine. Taehyung halted and slowly turned to look at her again. He quietly stared at her bizarre desperation to be saved. Kim Taehyung had no idea what his former lover was so anxious about... but he saw the opportunity to mislead her."Why would I want to save you-""I know you're with Jang Sora for power! But she doesn't even love you! You know that! Kim Seokjin and Jang Sora still yearn for one another-""You're just jealous-""Why would she visit Seokjin to stay with him at his villa?! She was with him after a storm! If Seokjin didn't care for her- Why did he agree to adopt the useless alpha? And if she trusted you- Why did she beg Seokjin to save Jae Yangcha?! We're both in denial here! They're obviously still in love with each other!" Haerim grimaced, firmly gripping Taehyung's arm. The top-rank grew hushed as she scanned her ex-lover's face for signs of spewing emotions. Yet, he remained unresponsive to her claims."I might be uncertain of Sora... but she will reveal her true feelings once I seize Kim Seokjin's power. If she loves him... she will protect. And if she loves me... she will help me eliminate him," Taehyung smiled. Haerim grew pale."You can have his contracts. I initially stole it from Kim Namjoon to help Seokjin, but he backstabbed my household and tried to cast me away. If Jae Yangcha has the contract... he will likely hand it to Jang Sora. And... if she's too powerful... she wouldn't need you in her life anymore," Haerim tensely gulped until tears filled her eyes. Taehyung sat in silence, watching the blood drain from her face. He had no clue what she was talking about earlier... but... he eventually caught on to her latest statement. The top-rank realized... Kim Seokjin's alliance contract... is missing."You're right. Sora still hates me for what I did to her in the past. Jae Yangcha will earn her trust with Kim Seokjin's contracts. I planted the spy to eliminate the Kim, but... I was a fool to anticipate the sheep's loyalty to me. He'll do anything for Sora. Not me. And as for the contract, the alpha never informed me of its existence," Taehyung shrugged, playing along with Haerim's claim, so she would unconsciously spill additional information."Exactly. Jang Sora is using the alpha to retrieve Seokjin's power! If you're uncertain of Yangcha's loyalty- Then leave it to me. The child has the contracts- but I'll snatch it for you! Seokjin ditched me first, so there's no use running back to him! I'll aid you!" Haerim exclaimed with her pretty eyes fixed on Taehyung's dull stare. He quietly watched her helpless state with relieved feelings. Kim Taehyung never anticipated Seokjin's lost contracts, only his downfall. God must be on his side, he thought. Nevertheless, he was still wary of Haerim's claim to obtain a top-rank alliance contract and did not want to get his hand dirty with the matter."Do as you wish. If you bring me the contracts... I'll grant your immunity," Kim Taehyung sighed, glancing out the window again. Haerim pursed her lips and slumped back in the passenger seat."What if Jae Yangcha hands the contract to Sora?" Haerim whispered. Taehyung gulped at her words but didn't react.
What if Jang Sora has the contract and is hiding it from him? What if she plans to stabilize Seokjin to get rid of Taehyung? The top alpha is extremely uncomfortable with the thought. She had betrayed him countless times by entrusting her life to Seokjin. Taehyung thought he had her under control, but what if it was all an act...? So she could out beat him in the power game to reunite with Kim Seokjin? Taehyung was uncertain.
"I'll protect whoever helps me achieve Kim Seokjin's downfall," Taehyung muttered. Haerim froze in her seat and slowly lifted her face to stare at Taehyung as he started his car engine. If Jang Sora really has her hand on the contracts... then she will hand the documents to Taehyung out of love. If Gae Haerim brings Taehyung the contract... he'll have to safeguard her immunity.
He did not have the contracts within his grasp... but he knew... his strike would benefit him either way. Kim Taehyung used Gae Haerim's determination to survive... to confirm the vulnerability of Kim Seokjin's lost contracts, and it worked. Haerim kidnapped Jang Sora, believing it was under the supreme alpha's possession. The alpha assumed Sora's wicked intention was to win back her ex-lover's trust by returning the contract to Kim Seokjin, so she set up a trap to seize the contract.
However, the trap wasn't to aid Kim Taehyung. Gae Haerim was clever. She knew Taehyung was only using her to acquire the contract. Jang Sora will marry Kim Taehyung regardless of their nonexistent love. Haerim knew she had no place in Taehyung's life and the only hope she had left... was... Kim Seokjin. He might've resented her family for cheating in the game, but Haerim was determined to regain Seokjin's trust. And to prove her devotion to him, she manipulated Kim Taehyung with her pretentious desperation. She knew Jae Yangcha stole the contract, and it was only a matter of time before it fell into Kim Taehyung's grip. The man will do whatever he can in his power... to gaslight Jang Sora until he achieves Seokjin's power.Haerim was very well aware of the game she was playing. She wasn't wrong when she claimed... she knew Taehyung. And she wasn't a fool for blindly trusting his meaningless promises. Her only savior was Kim Seokjin. He was her only hope in surviving the storm. Perhaps, he will accept her commitment to assist him and grant her ultimate protection if she defied her parent's orders to stabilize the Kim Household again. Seokjin was a man of his word and Haerim knew... he'd never turn his back on her if she saved him from his best friend's betrayal.Gae Haerim had her game perfectly planned, carefully tailored, and calculated to aim for a secured victory. And that was... to save Kim Seokjin. But little did she know, Kim Taehyung only wanted to verify the contract's instability. They both struck their wild cards to counter one another and Haerim had more hope in winning the game- but there was a blindspot. Another player she failed to detect. She was unaware... of the sheep's real... identity.Jae Yangcha. Haerim assumed he was an innocent soul. A soul that she could easily sway. She thought the alpha would develop a soft spot for her after she relieved his aroused crotch. She thought... their heated moments together would waver him. She thought Jae Yangcha would devote his loyalty to her. She thought she could win the kid over... until he took the contract right from under her nose tip. She had mistaken his disastrous motives as a mere attachment. Jae Yangcha... was the ultimate wild card she didn't foresee. And tragically, she lost. She lost to the unexpected strike, an attack drawn by the worthless sheep himself.
"You deserve to die!" Haerim shrieked. The two of them wildly swung each other back and forth until Yangcha tripped into the metallic construction hoist elevator on the side of the building. Haerim gasped and stumbled inside with him-

BEEP

. They accidentally pressed the button, and the door to the elevator slammed shut.

THUMP!

"H-Hey! Yangcha! Haerim!- St- Stop fighting!- Let's settle the matter-!" I screamed, quickly scrambling to my feet. My eyes widened in horror as the elevator lifted off the ground with a weird creaking sound.

"ARGH!- ARGH! Get off me!" Yangcha screamed as the two alphas ascended upward. I yelled for them to stop fighting but they wouldn't listen as the elevator hoisted itself... upward until I could barely see them. They were probably on the fifth floor when-

BANG

. I jerked in horror when Haerim's crowbar fell from the elevator, colliding right into the generator's compartment- causing the lift to brake on the 6th floor of the construction building.

"Come down!- Stop fighting! Please-" I cried, frantically pressing the random control buttons, but the lift wouldn't lower itself. I fearfully turned to look at the jammed crowbar in a panic.

"ARGH!- Noona!- Haerim Noona! Stop it!" Yangcha fearfully screamed from above. Seokjin and I wildly snapped upward to find the lift's door flinging... wide open.... and Yangcha was... lying on the base of the elevator as Haerim sat on top of him. My heart pounded in extreme fright as I watched Haerim choke Yangcha on the lift until his head slipped over the edge.
"Kim Taehyung will kill you if you don't listen to me! Jang Sora is using you for Seokjin's power!" Haerim shrieked, scrambling over the steel base to seize Yangcha's collar as he glared at her.

The alpha tried to wiggle free from Haerim's firm grip, but she tackled him hard, pinning his body onto the floor. Yangcha gasped and rolled onto his back- just as Haerim frantically crawled over his body to search his pockets. THUD. Yangcha's eyes widened in shock once the elevator door swung open, exposing them to the unsecured deadly height.
"NOONA! HELP ME- HAERIM NOONA! I'M SORRY!- PLEASE!" Yangcha cried in fear as his body slowly slipped from the lift's edge. Haerim didn't seem to care as she angrily choked the alpha, who was gripping her wrist in distress as he fought to stop himself from tumbling off the wide opening.
"You should be dead for betraying Seokjin after he saved you!" Haerim sneered, successfully snatching the phone out of Yangcha's pocket. The alpha's frightened face suddenly neutralized as Haerim sat on his torso with the phone in her hand. Yangcha briefly turned his head and glanced downward to find Sora struggling to yank the crowbar from the generator with Seokjin. And unlike his frightened reaction... Yangcha's heart wasn't racing in fear."She can't hear me from up here, can she?" Yangcha smirked. He suddenly stopped resisting Haerim as she glared at him from above with a smudged cheek."Jang Sora doesn't care about you! Why would you-""Noona. Sora, noona has shown me her pure love countless times," Yangcha chuckled with his aching skull rested on the elevator as he remained on the floor in exhaustion. Haerim weakly crawled off Yangcha to sit at the far back of the elevator as she shakily clenched the phone in her dirty grip. Still. Yangcha didn't budge and sprawled on the elevator floor while struggling to contain his uneven breathing rhythm.

"Tsk. Did you think she'd value your effort-""Noona... you said you'd take care of me. Why are you hurting me now?" Yangcha whimpered, playfully pouting at Haerim's damp face as she sat with her piercing glare on his pretentious act."Yah!-""What if I fall to my death now? Seokjin and Sora will definitely hate you, right...? Kim Seokjin will never forgive you for killing an innocent child like me," Yangcha chuckled, fearlessly thrusting his body over the edge to expose himself, causing Haerim to suck in her breath in fear."Jae Yangcha!" Haerim snapped at the alpha's deranged behavior as he calmly sprawled with half of his body exposed to the deadly height."Noona. Did you think I'd... simply return the files?" Yangcha chuckled, tilting his head again to watch Sora... desperately calling for him from below. Oh, he loved the supreme alpha's attention on him. Yangcha faked a terrified scream as he clung to the door in fright, causing Haerim's eyes to widen in disbelief."Wh-What- Y-Yah! This isn't funny-" Haerim quickly tried to unlock her phone, but it was locked with a new pin. Her eyes widened in horror after the phone denied her access."Did you forget the pin?" Yangcha chuckled, lifting his evil gaze to Haerim's horrified expression."What's the pin!? Tell me! Yah!" Haerim angrily scrambled forward, climbing onto Yangcha's body with a furious glare. Yangcha weakly smiled at her unsteady breathing and gently placed his hands on either side of her waist to calm her."Noona... are you seriously going to abandon me? After all the moments we shared? All those... pleasures you received from sitting on me like this... on your satin sheets. The steady rising and lowering of your hips over me in the dim room. The soft moans and erratic breathing... as we sweat from the heat between our merging bodies... doesn't this situation remind you of our intimate memories?" Yangcha smiled, smugly pushing his tongue against his inner cheeks, causing Haerim's face to flush red as she remained on him. The alpha smiled, weakly reaching upward to brush her dirty cheek."Cut it! Give me the pin!" Haerim blinked out of her thoughts, roughly swatting Yangcha's hand away from her cheek."It's today. The pin is today," Yangch smiled. Haerim frowned at his blunt response and lowered her thumbs to type on the screen. Unlocked. She stared at her files in disbelief."I'll give you a chance to make up your mind. Stay on Seokjin's side, and I'll persuade him to-""Don't you want to know why the pin is today's date?" Yangcha smiled as he gripped Haerim's hip, gently massaging her curves to ease her tense nerves. She paused to stare at his weak smile and flustered cheeks."Stop fooling-" Haerim tried to speak when Yangcha suddenly pushed his elbows against the steel ground, swiftly sitting up to face her, causing the alpha to jerk away but he gripped her waist and held her firmly over his crotch."Because it's our special moment together," Yangcha whispered, leaning his smug face towards Haerim. She quickly jerked back in a panic as she sat facing him on his lap."Stop the nonsense- ARGH-" Haerim tried to get off Yangcha but screeched in shock when he effortlessly flipped her body under his. Yangcha chuckled as he pinned Haerim's arms with his knees."I wanted to spend our last moment together-""Get off me! You jerk!" Haerim screeched while thrashing under Yangcha in distress. The alpha chuckled and glanced through the opening with a faint smile."The reason I set the pin as today's date is because-" Yangcha dismissively chuckled but grunted in shock when Haerim successfully forced his body off hers. Thump! He fell back onto his back as she quickly sat up with her back turned on the wide opening."Did you think you could fool me?!" Haerim snapped, angrily wiping her sweat as Yangcha sat up inside the elevator."It's because today is your first death anniversary," Yangcha smiled. Haerim frowned at his eerie smile as Yangcha sat with his back pressed against the elevator wall."You asshole!- YAH!- ARGH!" Haerim angrily scrambled forward to attack him but was greeted with a bashing blow- THUMP! Yangcha raised his leg to kick her chest with all his might, sending Haerim staggering backward on her knees until her trunk tilted over the opened gate."Oops," Yangcha chuckled, leaning back against the elevator wall with a weak smile. Haerim's eyes widened in alarm after she accidentally dropped the phone on the elevator floor. Clatter. She frantically grasped the loose door handle on either side as half her body slipped dangerously over the edge."Shit-" Haerim gawked at the phone on the cold elevator floor as she desperately clung to the door to stop herself from slipping off the edge. Yangcha smiled as he calmly watched Haerim kneel on her knees with her body slanted backward over the opening as she desperately clutched the cold steel with the slippery friction of her sweaty palms.The alpha let out a frustrated whimper and tried to haul her body back onto the elevator- Swift! Yangcha jolted forward to seize the phone beside her knees, causing Haerim to thoughtlessly jerk as a reflex. She accidentally released the broken door and wildly stretched out her arms for the phone... but her body weight... did not... defy gravity.

Jae Yangcha halted with his hand over the phone with a sly smirk as he lifted his wicked eyes to watch Haerim's eyes bulge open in fear. He tricked her into releasing the door. Yangcha sucked in his breath as he stared at Haerim's last moment... wildly flinging her arms around to search for support... but she could no longer sustain her weight and tragically slipped off the edge. She immediately averted her frightened eyes to Jae Yangcha as he straightened his back while kneeling on the floor with a smug smile. And so... Haerim descended from the elevators and fell to her demise after she fell for his pretentious bluff."ARGH!- NOONA!" Yangcha screamed his last words, immediately jerking towards the edge to watch Gae Haerim fall to her death. THUMP. Her body shattered at the rough impact, splattering dark blood all over the ground and surrounding. Jang Sora remained paralyzed with her head tilted upward and slowly glanced at the corpse beside her. THUD. The elevator suddenly contracted and started to lower itself toward the ground."Ah... That was an easy kill," Yangcha chuckled, turning to grab Haerim's phone and placed it back into his pocket. He crawled to sit at the far back of the elevator, softly sniggering in joy. The alpha stopped laughing once the elevator reached the ground floor. He sunk his teeth into the inner flesh of his cheeks.. until tears filled his eyes. Yangcha pursed his lips as he professionally painted a frightened face after he safely landed... to find Jang Sora and Kim Seokjin staring at Haerim's corpse.
Kim Seokjin gulped, slowly turning to scan the broken metallic door to find another person sitting on their butt inside the lift with a terrified face. The person was in extreme shock with their back pressed against the elevator's wall. The elevator had landed right in front of the corpse... as the surviving person gawked at the bloody mess in dread.

"Shit!" Seokjin cursed, quickly scrambling to his feet.

"N-Noona... Noo-Noona..." Yangcha winced with his terrified eyes fixed on Haerim's body as he sat inside the lift with trembling lips. Jang Sora sobbed in distress and lowered her head as Yangcha crawled out from the elevator to approach the shaken supreme alpha.

And somehow... both Kim Seokjin and Jang Sora fell for the killer's illusion... to frame Gae Haerim's tragic passing as an... accidental death.
_____________________
Present
Kim Taehyung restlessly sat at his desk with his eyes narrowed on the laptop screen, carefully scrolling his mouse over the list of names for the hundredth time. He didn't know what it was, but something about the student's log... on the day Chung Yoona died kept bothering him. He rubbed his nose restlessly and leaned back against his chair in defeat after failing to enlighten his suspicion. Sighing heavily, he glanced at the clock in the president's lounge. 7:25 PM.The top rank rose from his desk and strolled out of the lounge with his hand in his pocket. There were a few overtime students in the corridor, and the academy's guards were patrolling every floor to ensure the student's safety. People kept eyeing Taehyung weirdly, but he pretended not to be bothered and strode out of the building until Jung Hoseok showed up with his arms crossed. Taehyung halted at Hoseok's bitter stare, who had blocked his path leading to the entrance."Showing up at this hour? To murder another student?" Taehyung blankly muttered."So it was you," Hoseok spoke with a straight face."Care to elaborate on your... incomprehensible nonsense?" Taehyung raised his eyebrow."You're the killer," Hoseok seethed, stepping forward to glare at Taehyung, who remained in his position without reacting."I can assure you, you won't live to see another day once you meet the real killer, and you won't be able to apologize for accusing me because you'd be dead," Taehyung shrugged, dismissively walking past Hoseok."You tried to kill Sora!" Hoseok snapped, causing Taehyung to halt in place. The top rank slowly turned to face Jung Hoseok with a blank face."Should I bring her here to answer your absurd accusation-""You drowned the supreme alpha when she was young! You killed your average uncle to achieve power! You planted Jae Yangcha as a spy to break Seokjin's alliance- and proceeded to murder innocent victims to distract everyone from your real intention- and that is to become untouchable in the council! That day- I saw the kid handing you a raincoat! What is the coincidence of finding the bloody raincoat on the rooftop!?" Hoseok confronted Kim Taehyung, who did not budge and stood with a dull expression."Bring me evidence if you're so certain," Taehyung huffed with a neutral expression and coldly strode away without a bother.Jung Hoseok fired Kim Taehyung a deadly glare but didn't chase him until the top rank disappeared into the parking space. Taehyung calmly walked to his jeep and got in. He started the engine and drove off with a blank expression, eventually halting at a congested street. Sighing, he pulled out his phone to dial Jang Sora... but all his calls went straight to voicemail. Taehyung lowered his phone unsurely to tap on Sora's contact... but she didn't respond to his messages and his texts were left unseen.The alpha tossed his phone aside and drove safely back to the mansion. He parked the car and got out with his bag until he noticed the elders glaring at one another in the room. Jeon Jungkook was as pale as a ghost. The room immediately grew hushed as Taehyung shifted his clueless eyes to Mrs. Jeon, Jungkook's stepmother, who was on the verge of tears."What's the matter-""You killed him, didn't you?!" Mrs. Jeon screamed, suddenly rushing forward to seize Taehyung's collar with her raging glower. The alpha was too stunned to react so... he stood calmly staring at the furious woman with his eyebrow lifted."Jisoo! We can't blindly trust the media-""Answer me, you jerk! Did you kill your uncle?!" Mrs. Jeon screamed as her husband tugged her backward to stop her from harassing Taehyung. The top rank grew hushed as he stared at the woman's vengeful glare with a blank mind. Slowly... he shifted his gaze to his parents and Mrs. Jang's troubled expression."Enough. We'll sort this out. Head to your rooms. Both of you. I'll ask Do-hwan to deal with the rumors," Mr. Kim sighed, dismissing his son as Mrs. Jeon sobbed uncontrollably in her husband's arms.

Taehyung gulped at his father's dismissal and walked away without looking back as his chest swelled with an uncomfortable stuffiness. The alpha restlessly tossed his bag onto the couch, snatched his phone from his pocket and slumped down with a dark frown. Taehyung suddenly turned stiff as he read... an article about his deeds. Published... an hour ago. It was the hottest news in the society.
Anonymous Post
Kim Taehyung Greatest Accomplishments - Source: Gae Haerim's Personal JournalAccomplishment 1: Killed his average uncle to save his household.Accomplishment 2: Drowned the supreme alpha to her death, but failed.Accomplishment 3: Dumped his dirty secrets on Haerim.Accomplishment 4: Abusing, manipulating, and deceiving the supreme alpha behind his walls.Accomplishment 5: Killed the lower ranks. JangWook, Yoona, and Seungho.Accomplishment 6: Planting a spy in Kim Seokjin's household because he's an insecure prick.Accomplishment 7: Posting an inappropriate picture of his lover with pride.Accomplishment 8: Luring Gae Haerim to her death.Accomplishment 9: A certified pathetic sadist scumbag.Accomplishment 10: Marrying the supreme alpha for power.Below the post was an attachment of Haerim's journal.
A picture... exposing... her delicate cursive handwriting.
Kim Taehyung remained frozen on his couch with his fearful eyes glued on the post, unable to make sense of the dire situation. He couldn't react or process his thoughts as he read the lists... over and over again. The alpha clenched his fist and lowered his head until he felt his temples pulsating in frustration. He gripped his fist, angrily launched onto his feet, and stormed out of the room."Sora!" Taehyung banged on her bedroom door but grew impatient and forcibly barged into her empty room. The alpha quickly checked his lover's bathroom and closet, but she was nowhere to be found. Taehyung frowned at her absence as he angrily stormed out of her bed chamber- until he came face to face with... Jeon Jungkook. Halt."Did you kill them?" Jungkook asked, frowning darkly at Taehyung."Fuck off-""Did you threaten Sora into gatekeeping your uncle's murder?!" Jungkook snapped. Taehyung clenched his jaw in irritation and tried to snap at Jungkook when something struck him. The alpha abruptly froze with a pale expression."Get out of my way-" Taehyung gasped, shoving Jungkook aside and dashed back to his room. He slammed his door closed as Jungkook banged on his door for answers, but Taehyung dismissed his cousin, snapped open his laptop screen and intensely gawked at the list again. The alpha quickly typed on the keyboard with a slight frown.JTyping...AE
Typing...
YANGCHA
Loading...
Taehyung stared at his screen with his eyebrows furrowed as he waited for the school attendance data to pop up.
Jae Yangcha
June 17th.Absent.The top-rank alpha froze at the result with a horrified face. June 17th, the day Chung Yoona died. Jae Yangcha's name was never on the list... but he was... present at the university. Taehyung quickly logged into the school security system to access the entrance footage and scrolled through the entire video until... he spotted... Jae Yangcha... walking toward the entrance at noon. The door to the exit suddenly slid open before the alpha registered his arrival, and Haerim appeared. Yangcha curiously turned after Haerim unsurely as she rushed past the young alpha, so he turned and entered through the opened door under... Gae Haerim's name.Flashback: A few hours before Yoona's murder."What are you doing?" Taehyung dawdled once he noticed the timid alpha peaking at the crowded lounge."Oh! I was just looking for Sora, noona! Have you seen her?" Yangcha turned to greet Kim Taehyung with a bright beam."Don't disturb her-""Oh! Then- Can you deliver this to her?" Yangcha quickly reached into his bag to retrieve something and handed it to Taehyung, who glanced down at the neatly folded set of black raincoats. Hoseok appeared, walking out of the lounge with his eyes glued to his phone."Move," Taehyung muttered, coldly walking past the alpha without accepting the gift."Hyung! It's going to rain today!- Hyung-!" Yangcha called desperately but Kim Taehyung ignored the alpha and strode away with a blank face. Yangcha pouted and glanced down at the raincoat in his hands.The alpha sulkily placed the raincoat back into his bag and walked away to search for the supreme alpha. He wandered, mindlessly turning and strolling down different flights of stairs until he noticed Yoona scurrying from the off-limited operation room. Yangcha froze in his place as he watched Yoona jog down the opposite hallway. He curiously entered the restricted room to find an unattended generator cabinet... left slightly open. Yangcha gently nudged the metallic door open to find a few switches... turned off. Fourth floor. The alpha quietly stared at the disabled switches and slowly withdrew Jangwook's phone to stare at his friends' secret chat room.
Seungho:

Doesn't this fucker look like Yangcha? I couldn't film his face in the bathroom.

Picture Attachment
It was a blurry picture of a half-naked guy.Seungho: I'll show you the full video once we meet.
Yoona: 
I'm not sure. I've never seen his dick lol~!
Seungho: Why don't you try stripping him naked to check? I'm suspicious *laughter emojis*Yoona: I'm going to check the supreme alpha's belongings today. Life is totally shitty without Jangwook. He usually does the dirty work.
Yoona:
 Should we summon Jangwook from the dead? Haha.
Seungho: He used to say he'd rise from the dead if I managed to leak Jang Sora's sex tape!
Yoona:

*laughter emojis*

Yoona: 
Jangwook must be starving in his grave haha~!
Jae Yangcha sighed as he placed his dead friend's phone away before strolling up to the fourth floor. And sure enough, the entire floor was entirely dark. Chung Yoona had lured the killer right to her. Yangcha knew. Yoona offered to have sex with him because it was merely her plan to confirm his identity in the leaked video.
And he knew... she would use the video against him in the near future, so he slaughtered her. Right there and then. He killed Chung Yoona. But that wasn't the end. He proceeded to terrorize Seungho with scary text messages as he posed to be his dead friend. Constantly spamming the surviving lower rank with haunting texts from Yoona or Jangwook until the boy lost his mind and resorted to hanging himself.

End of flashback.
Kim Taehyung weakly slumped onto his armchair with a pale expression, struck by the devastating realization. He snapped back to the alarming reality and quickly rushed out of the room to search for his cousin, but Jungkook had given up on confronting him. The alpha raced through his corridor in fear as he repeatedly called Jang Sora, barging inside the security department until he found Do-hwan working on a file at his desk."Where is Sora?!" Taehyung snapped, roughly slamming his palms on Do-hwan's desk. The chief guard didn't react to the alpha's rude intrusion and kept his bored gaze on his files."Did you forget her at school?-""ANSWER ME!" Taehyung demanded, angrily thumping his fist on the table again. Do-hwan lifted his sore gaze towards Taehyung's burning red face and turned to click on his mouse. Click. Click. The guard stared at the screen and glanced back at the alpha."The university," Do-hwan shrugged. Taehyung immediately turned on his heels and raced out of the office with his eyebrows furrowed. Do-hwan frowned at Taehyung's strange behavior and glanced back at Sora's GPS location again. The man called Sora a few times... but her phone was unreachable."The 10th call," Do-hwan muttered, calling her for the 10th time, and it went straight to voicemail.One of their safety codes was... if Sora failed to pick up her phone by the tenth call from Do-hwan. She is in trouble. The man froze and called her for the eleventh time... just to confirm his suspicion and still... she didn't answer him. Do-hwan immediately grabbed his gun from his drawer, launched from his chair, and hurried out to alert his team."Have you seen Sora?!" Do-hwan hurried towards Jungkook, who was sitting alone by the fountain."I don't know," Jungkook cluelessly shook his head. Do-hwan scoffed in disbelief, wildly spinning around and raced toward the garage to start his car engine. 9:20 PM. The man was about to drive out when Jungkook appeared in his pajamas. Knock! Knock! The alpha repeatedly tapped on the window with a baffled look."What happened?! I wanna go-""Get out!-""No! Where's Sora?!" Jungkook snapped, flinging the car door open and slipped into the passenger seat. Do-hwan glared at Jungkook in annoyance as the alpha buckled his seat belt, but the man didn't have time to explain the situation and slammed the accelerator with all his might. VROOM!"-YAH!? DO YOU HAVE A DEATH WISH?!" Jungkook screeched in fear at how fast Do-hwan was driving. The half-blood gripped the door handle in fear as the man wildly drifted out of the property. Jungkook gulped and leaned back against the seat in a panic as they raced through the dark streets.
Meanwhile
"Sir-""I said to review her logs today! Did she leave the university?!" Taehyung snapped at his phone as he tore through the asphalt road in his sports car."Give me a moment, sir!" The university guard replied. Taehyung's forehead began sweating as he took a sharp turn at the intersection leading to the university."HURRY UP-""She left the school premises alone at 5:26 PM, sir! The supreme alpha did not return!" The guard answered in a panic. Taehyung immediately ended the call as he shot towards the high hill, aggressively honking at the closed gate until the guards panicked at the blinding headlights. The alpha slammed the brake in anger once the guards refused to open the door on demand and angrily punched the steering wheel. Honk!"Yah? Are you drunk?" Kim Seokjin appeared, unsurely knocking on Taehyung's window. The agitated alpha turned to glare at his fellow president as he rolled down his window to find Seokjin standing in his sportswear. Kim Seokjin had gone out jogging and returned to find Kim Taehyung trying to break through his villa's gate.

"Sora. Where is she?!" Taehyung snapped."Why-""Jae Yangcha! Where is he!?" Taehyung seethed, tensing his body in extreme frustration. Seokjin frowned at the top-rank alpha, but before the second-rank alpha could respond, Taehyung reversed his car and left the property without a word. Seokjin blinked at the red backlights until the car disappeared from his view."Sir! There's breaking news related to Kim Taehyung! I'm afraid he's after Yangcha!" A guard approached Seokjin with a tablet to inform the alpha of the anonymous post. Seokjin frowned at the screen while reading the sketchy post with an unsettled feeling."Don't interfere. Contact Yangcha's unit to restrict Kim Taehyung's presence. The kid should be safe inside his home," Seokjin huffed, dismissively jogging up the hill, and entered his gate as Kim Taehyung raced out of the city to reach Jang Sora.Meanwhile
Sora's POV

"Because... you are a forgiving soul. A soul... that will protect and love her loved ones... even on their darkest sides. Right, noona? If you can love a man who tried to kill you. And if you can love a man who's constantly abusing, deceiving, and manipulating you... then surely... you can forgive me too? After all, I got my hands dirty to please you. I'll let you walk me like your dog, and I'll gladly... kneel at your sacred steps," Yangcha darkly spoke beside my ear. My face drained in horror as Namjoon lifted his bloody face to stare at me.

We both saw the dread reflecting in each other's eyes.

Kim Namjoon and I... knew... one of us... won't make it out alive tonight.

A moment later
"Yangcha! Listen to me-""Hah! My post gained so much popularity! Look! Aren't you proud of me~?" Yangcha chuckled, showing me his anonymous post about Taehyung's dark affair."You need to stop! Please delete it!" I begged while sobbing in tears. Yangcha dismissed my pleas and gently wiped the lukewarm teardrops from my cheeks with his thumb."Kim Taehyung is probably panicking right now. Anyways. What should we do with him?" Yangcha placed his tablet away, keenly directing his attention to Namjoon, who was too depleted to even budge his muscles. Why did he capture Namjoon?!"Yangcha! You'll get in trouble! Please-" I cried but sucked in my breath when Yangcha drew out a safety razor from his pocket and slowly pushed the sharp blade from the yellow handle."Don't worry, noona. I'll take the blame for all the crimes," Yangcha chuckled, slowly raising the shiny metallic blade before his eyes to examine the ultra-thin edges."Listen to me!-""No! Listen to me, noona! I'm doing what's best for you! Kim Namjoon!- This man! He's the root of the problem. He intends to betray Seokjin hyung for the past years! Kim Namjoon didn't confiscate Seokjin's contract because of me- it was always his plan to backstab his best friend! He used me as an excuse to pull out from the alliance! He convinced Haerim noona to side with him- and he tried to lure me in as well! I never invited him over- but he came to me willingly because he's a desperate scumbag," Yangcha chuckled, lowering the blade toward Namjoon's neck. I whimpered in fright while shaking my head, repeatedly tugging my wrists in distress, but the zip ties wouldn't break."Yangcha- Please- You don't have to do this-""Why did he visit me, noona...? To convince me to turn against you. He desperately wanted his unsecured contract back," Yangcha smiled, glancing down at Namjoon as he nudged the sharp blade against the alpha's sweaty neck. My eyes widened in horror as Namjoon seethed in pain- yet couldn't resist but let the thin blade sink into his skin barrier."Yangcha!" I screamed."Noona! For goodness sake! Why are you crying over men who want nothing but to witness your downfall?!- Are you insane?! How can you offer your undying love to the man who almost strangled you to death?! And how can you beg me to free a traitor like him?!" Yangcha angrily snapped after I refused to shut up.I whimpered at his angry scowl and lowered my face to shake my head in distress. Smack! The alpha suddenly punched Namjoon out of anger, causing the alpha's head to flop to the side. My body stiffened in fear as Namjoon remained motionless in the chair. I shouldn't have stayed hushed! Sora! Why did you protect Yangcha?! I'll be the one at fault if Namjoon dies in the silent killer's hand!"Please-""Why aren't you satisfied with me?! I did everything for you! Wae?!- Why can't you be grateful for once and tell me you're proud of me like you used to be?! Why?! Am I a disgrace to you!? What is it that I'm lacking?!" Yangcha roared, angrily directing his dangerous glare at me."I don't hate you-""Then why is it that you can't appreciate me!? Why is it that you love people who don't even give a shit about you?! Why can't you love a man like me?! A man that worships your existence and will fucking do anything for you?! Why is it that you see me as a bad person and not him?! Or Kim Taehyung?! Or Jeon Jungkook? Kim Namjoon is the mastermind behind your misery! Jeon Jungkook cheated on you! Kim Taehyung tried to murder you and is still abusing you! Answer me! What is it that you love about them!? Why are you degrading your self-worth to settle for pathetic assholes like them?!" Yangcha stormed towards me in tears. The alpha angrily cried before me with the blade clenched between his fingers. I grew hushed at his unstable condition."-I don't have a choice," I stuttered, tearfully staring up at him. Yangcha sniffled and slowly crouched before my wheelchair to place his palm on my numb cheek. His lips trembled at the sight of my torn expression, so he lowered his face to sob on my lap as I fearfully glanced at Namjoon, who was still motionless with his head flopped to the side."I- I'm... sorry... I didn't mean to... upset you. N-Noona... don't cry- please-" Yangcha apologized, shakily lifting his hands to cup my damp cheeks. I swallowed the hard lump in my throat with my tearful eyes on his guilt-ridden face."I- If I didn't care about you... W-Why did I stay silent? About- the murders? Y-Yangcha- I don't know what went wrong, but please... you have to stop. Y-You're still young- you won't survive like this-""I have no one left in my life, noona. My parents are gone, and you're the only person I have. I'd rather die than live without you. I didn't want to kill, but I'm afraid they'll end you if I stood by the sideline and did nothing. How can I watch you suffer? All those fucking liars- They claimed to love you but never did anything to fully shield you from the harsh society. Kim Seokjin- He never held you proudly in public. Kim Taehyung? A scumbag that loves to exploit your generous heart. Jeon Jungkook? He doesn't even care about you. Your parents? They watched you scream for help and did nothing. Noona... How can you live like this? Hmm..? How will you achieve happiness? By gaslighting your aching heart to leech off their false love? How long will your poor soul... last with so much... evil around you? Aren't you tired? Aren't you tired of constantly running on the same endless cycle of sorrow to please others? Is it really worth it?" Yangcha cried, gently taking my hand in his. My lips trembled at his words, so I closed my eyes to squeeze out the warm tears. Yangcha slowly got up to give me a warm hug as I cried against his shoulder- THUD! My eyes widened as Yangcha wildly spun toward the door... coming face to face with... Kim Taehyung."Taehyung-" I whispered, fearfully gripping the handrest. He found me?! How?!- Taehyung glanced at Namjoon's unfortunate condition with a dark frown."I knew it! You fucker!" Taehyung roared, angrily sprinting toward Yangcha with his baring fangs. Taehyung threw a rough punch, sending Yangcha tumbling to the side with a bruised jaw. The alpha quickly launched back to his feet and tossed the blade in his hand away."Araso! I'll prove to noona I'm better than a pathetic fuck like you!" Yangcha bellowed, balling his hands into tight fists. Taehyung angrily stormed forward and tried to seize Yangcha, who quickly threw a punch but missed and was hurled into the portrait on the wall. The alpha growled as Taehyung stormed towards him with his deadly energy- CRASH."URGH!" Taehyung gasped, stumbling onto the shattered glasses when Yangcha floor swept him. The alpha immediately leaped to his feet with a slight smirk. My heart started thumping against my ribs as I helplessly watched the alphas fight within the room. Taehyung furiously scrambled to his feet and tried to tackle Yangcha- but the boy dodged him, swiftly lifting his feet to kick Taehyung in the chest. My eyes widened in shock at the violent impact. Taehyung was forcefully thrown onto the Jae's bed.Yangcha hollered at the top of his lungs and sprinted towards Taehyung, who rolled to the side and toppled off the mattress with his hands clasped over his throbbing chest. The alpha seethed and turned to glare at Taehyung, who was struggling to get onto his feet. Taehyung turned just in time to thrust Yangcha away, sending the boy crashing into the door, but Yangcha didn't wince and turned to smirk at Taehyung. What the heck? Can't he feel any pain?"Stiff back from thrusting your hard cock too much, old man...?" Yangcha mocked, beckoning Taehyung with his hand, causing Taehyung to fume in rage. Taehyung roared and pounced forward- CRASH. My eyes widened as I watched Yangcha smash Taehyung's head against the nightstand. Taehyung gasped in pain and dropped weakly to the floor, so Yangcha quickly headlock the second rank with all his might until Taehyung started choking in distress."Yangcha! Stop!-" I screamed, desperately yanking my wrist from the ties. My weak body began to shudder in fear as I watched Taehyung thrash within the alpha's deadly grip. Yangcha roughly secured his legs around Taehyung's shoulder as Taehyung sprawled on the floor with a bright red face."Dumbass!" Yangcha shrieked, suddenly releasing Taehyung, who quickly scrambled over the floor while coughing in pain with his hand clasped around his throbbing neck. Swift! Taehyung immediately snapped his body around to counter the alpha- but was greeted by a blinding kick in the face. THUD.

My breath hitched in my throat as I stared at Taehyung's lifeless body... slumping weakly beside the bed. Yangcha panted heavily as he slowly stood up with sweat beads all over his neck and face. The alpha gently poked Taehyung's chest, but he didn't budge. I couldn't shift my eyes away and stared at Taehyung's shocking defeat with my eyes wide open in disbelief."Wae? Are you surprised? Because Kim Taehyung never lost to anyone before?" Yangcha chuckled as he lowered his body to sit on his parents' messy bed while keeping his smug gaze on Taehyung, who remained cold on the floor with a bleeding nose."I don't understand-""Ah~! My skills? I told you I was only pretending to be weak. I think my mother placed the photograph somewhere- Ah! Here! Can you see it? I've been a black belt in Taekwondo since I was sixteen. I also took Jujitsu and martial arts class," Yangcha got up to look through his parents' drawers, excitedly turning to show me a photograph of him proudly holding a golden trophy beside his parents with a black belt around his waist. The alpha chuckled and slumped back onto the bed again. He smirked and glanced at Kim Taehyung while rubbing the trickling sweat from his forehead. Shit! If Taehyung can't beat him- Then who can!?"I'll do whatever you want! Just leave them alone!" I cried, lifting my bounded wrists to beg the alpha. Yangcha sorely observed my frantic plea in disappointment."You're still wasting your precious tears on a loser like him...? He always wins a fight because people aren't prepared for his explosive attacks, but his strikes are basic. Fist fights. His weakness is self-control. He attacks the weakness he sees and expects people to cower away out of fear. Aigo~! What a pity," Yangcha shook his head while smirking at Taehyung's helpless condition."Oh really?" Another person suddenly stepped inside the room. I sucked in my breath at the familiar voice. My jaw dropped open as... Jeon Jungkook... stood at the doorway with a weak smile. A rush of goosebumps swept my body as the half-blood calmly entered the room, smirking at his opponent. Yangcha suddenly grew tense as Jungkook stepped over Taehyung's cold body. Jungkook was dressed... in his night pajamas."How many alphas are you bringing to beat a weakling like me? How ridiculous!" Yangcha scoffed as he rose from the mattress... cracking his stiff neck from side to side with his deadly stare on the half-blood. Jungkook darted at me with a weak smile... as if he wasn't frightened... at all. Jeon Jungkook and his pride! Yangcha is too skilled-"Duel with me. You always admired me, right?" Jungkook patted his pockets to show Yangcha he was weapon-free. I nervously watch Yangcha stiffen his body in Jungkook's presence. What's wrong with him? Why is he suddenly nervous around Jeon Jungkook?"Noona. If I win... I'll slaughter all three," Yangcha smiled at me. I gripped the wheelchair and glanced at Jungkook with a pale expression. Jungkook is a black belt in martial arts. He's been training with me all his life... but can he defeat Yangcha?"Strike me, little one," Jungkook smirked, smugly beckoning Yangcha with his hand. The alpha screeched and rushed forward to throw a shockingly powerful kick- but Jungkook effortlessly dodged to the side, causing Yangcha to stumble over Taehyung's body. Thump! The alpha slipped and fell hard to the polished tiles."Urgh-" Yangcha seethed, quickly scrambling to his feet."Aigo~ You're quite clumsy~" Jungkook teased as he turned his back on me.My eyes widened in shock as Jungkook held Yangcha's yellow blade in his palm. Yangcha screamed and sprinted forward again. Jungkook quickly tossed the blade onto my lap and turned to grab Yangcha by his collar, wildly swinging the alpha away from me. Jungkook swiftly locked his leg under Yangcha's shin, gripped the alpha's shoulder, and slammed the boy hard onto the floor. Yangcha groaned on his back after he repeatedly failed to attack Jeon Jungkook. I quickly gripped the blade, twirled it around to position the dagger between my wrists, and shakily nudged the sharp edge against the rough plastic."Don't disappoint me! Get up, young man!- ARK" Jungkook laughed. Yangcha suddenly sweeps Jungkook's legs. THUD. Jungkook grumbled, falling hard onto his back as Yangcha frantically leaped to his feet to attack Jungkook."Don't you mock me!" Yangcha screamed, angrily punching Jungkook. I halted in fear as Jungkook defended his face."Not my flawless face~!" Jungkook warned, briefly giving me a thumbs up to distract Yangcha from me. I sucked my breath and lowered my hand to cut the zip ties loose, but my hands were numb from being restrained. The blade keeps slipping between my sweating fingers!"Urgh!" Yangcha roared. Thud. I froze in fear, quickly lifting my face to find Jungkook... lying flat on the floor with a bloody lip. Cold. Yangcha was out of breath as he sat over Jungkook's body. My eyes flushed with tears after Jungkook collapsed."Noona... Is this enough to prove my capability now? I can protect you," Yangcha muttered, suddenly shifting his wounded face to me with a weak smile but halted when he found me holding the blade. His dangerous expression darkened... once he realized... I was trying to escape. The alpha let out a frustrated scoff and stood up to scratch his hair in bewilderment as I fearfully watched him tilt his stiff neck from side to side. Crack. Crack."Don't come near me! Or I'll stab myself!" I screamed, thoughtlessly shoving the blade against my sweaty neck. Yangcha froze in place, suddenly turning stiff at my threat."Noona. I will kill each of them with every drop of blood that spills from your precious skin," Yangcha warned, nodding at Jungkook. Shit! If I get hurt- Then he will probably channel his anger on them! I have to convince him to quit this madness! I gripped the blade in a panic, finally lowered my hands in defeat."I'm sorry! I surrender! Have it your way!" I cried, hurling the blade aside. Clatter! Yangcha sighed and limped forward to crouch before me as I sobbed in frustration. I pouted at him as Jungkook's lips curved into a weak smile while sprawling on the floor. Jungkook did not black out and only pretended to play dead because I noticed him wiggling his toes a moment ago."It's okay. Noona, it's okay," Yangcha patted my head to comfort me as Jungkook slowly sat up on the floor with a sore expression. The half-blood slowly rose to his feet behind Yangcha's back."Yangcha-""You do realize I can see your shadow, right?" Yangcha scoffed, slowly drawing away from me and shifted his dark gaze to Jungkook's shadow on the floor. Badum. My body stiffened in fear as Yangcha slowly rose to his feet. Jungkook darkly clenched his fist."Turn around, you fucker!-" Jungkook screeched, leaping off the floor and twisted his body with all his might as Yangcha turned to face him. The world slowed down... as I watched Jungkook's perfect high-kick posture. He wielded his legs in the air... slamming his feet... right into Yangcha's head. WHACK.Yangcha grunted, violently toppling to the side, and crashed hard into the coffee table. SMASH. The glasses shattered. The alpha tried to get up with his hand clasped over his injured head but failed and slumped weakly over the broken shards. I quickly pulled on the zip tie to form tension on the remaining rubber and slammed my wrists hard against my knees- SNAP."Argh!" I shrieked. A surge of sore pain expanded across my palm after I successfully broke the zip ties. Jungkook rushed forward to cut the zip tie loose from around my feet and quickly slipped his arms under my thighs. I gripped his shoulder for balance as he carried me out of the room. Thump! Thump! He quickly sprinted down the spiral staircase."Jungkook! Tae-""Alert Do-hwan! He's nearby!" Jungkook snapped, tossing me his phone after he rested me on the living room couch on the ground floor.I quickly unlocked the device and contacted Do-hwan to signal our exact location. Thud. Thud. Jungkook eventually returned while heaving Taehyung's heavy body down the stairs. Taehyung was half-conscious as he stumbled over the floor. Thump! The alpha shoved Taehyung into me so I gasped and grabbed onto his feeble body in fright."Namjoon! We can't leave him-" I cried, lowering my hand to rub Taehyung's face as he grumbled and slowly sat up with a dazed expression."Fuck!" Jungkook cursed, rushing up the stairs in his dirty pajamas for the third time to help Namjoon. I quickly shoved Taehyung off my lap, got up and limped up the stairs as Jungkook towed Namjoon's lifeless body from the room. My eyes widened in horror when Yangcha appeared behind Jungkook with a baseball bat."Jungkook!" I screamed. Jungkook widened his eyes at my alarming screech and spun in horror as Yangcha swung the bat, hurling it hard at his ribcage. WHACK! Jungkook gasped in pain as he tumbled backward, weakly dropping Namjoon onto the floor. Slump! I quickly sprinted up the stairs in a hurry as Yangcha dragged the baseball bat, swung it above his head, and tried to smash Jungkook's skull- but I leaped forward to grab his wrist."Stop it!" I screamed, fighting to yank the bat out of Yangcha's hand."Don't make me hurt you!" Yangcha stubbornly pulled the bat out of my hand as Jungkook struggled to sit up with a pained chest. Namjoon, on the other hand, remained unconscious on the floor as Taehyung crawled off the couch to climb up the stairs."Fucker-" Taehyung coughed as he struggled to reach us. Yangcha roughly towed the bat with his teeth clenched- but I yanked it back and swung him around on the first floor when Jungkook suddenly tripped Yangcha's feet, sending the alpha toppling onto me."ARGH!" I screeched, staggering to the side at the impact until my ankle snapped painfully on the landing. My organs floated up to my throat when my feet accidentally missed the steep steps. Yangcha's eyes widened in a panic as I wildly tried to grab the railing for support. Gasp! My entire body tilted backward after Yangcha's body slammed hard into me, sending us stumbling off the spiral stairs."NOONA!" Yangcha shrieked, unexpectedly grabbing my upper arm to hurl me back up.My fearful eyes bulged open as Yangcha twisted our position to shove me off him, sending me back up the stairs as he flung himself under me. I gasped, stumbling back onto the landing but lost my balance again. Jungkook thrust his body off the floor to grab my arm. He firmly yanked me away from the stair landing as I turned to watch Yangcha take the fall for me with my teary eyes. Yangcha apologetically stared up at me as he descended the stairs with his helpless arms in the air.

THUD. THUD. THUD. THUD. THUD. THUD. THUD. THUD. THUD. THUD. THUD!
Jungkook roughly pulled me against his chest as we watched Yangcha roll down the stairs, violently slamming into the steps, smashing his skull and body parts against the marble edges. Taehyung sat at the base of the staircase in terror after failing to climb on his limbs and wobbled weakly to the side as he watched the alpha tumble past him.THUMP. I flinched in shock as Yangcha's body bounced onto the ground floor, flopping face-first onto the marble floor. Splat. Unconscious tears slipped from my swollen eyes as Yangcha remained lifeless on the floor until dark... murky blood gradually seeped... from his head within the hushed villa. Taehyung grunted as he limped toward the motionless alpha and slowly flipped his body over. I sobbed in distress and turned to hug Jungkook in grief after I saw Yangcha's smashed face from the first floor, making my chest churn in extreme pain. Jungkook circled his arms around my body and pressed his nose against my head as I bawled against his chest. Taehyung sighed and turned to sit on the couch with his hand pressed against his bruised face.Jungkook slowly helped me down the stairs, but I refused to sit... and limped toward Yangcha's puddle of blood. Jungkook sighed at my soft whimpers and turned to look at Namjoon, who was now sitting up on the first floor with a confused look. I slowly crouched down beside Yangcha's swollen face in tears as I struggled to hold back my tears- Ding. I shifted my gaze to Yangcha's pocket when his phone lit up in his pocket. I gulped and carefully withdrew the smartphone. The screen was on... and it was a post.
Posted 10 minutes ago.
A worthless sheep. Right, Kim Taehyung?- Jae Yangcha.
Attached Picture
Blood drained from my face as I stared at Yangcha's last picture with a bruised face and bleeding nose. I gasped... and dropped the phone in realization, collapsing weakly to the side."Sora-""It was a suicide!-""What?-""He planned everything!" I screamed in distress.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
The front door suddenly swung open, and a flood of men came... marching inside the villa with weapons in their arms. Jungkook and Taehyung quickly turned to find... Kim Seokjin strolling inside with a bewildered look. Seokjin's eyes widened in horror when his eyes landed on Jae Yangcha's corpse on the marble floor. Slowly... he drifted his petrified face to the three of us with his mouth open in shock.

Jae Yangcha finally sacrificed himself as the dead sheep to trigger a greater tragedy.

The wildest card... played by the silent killer to curse... Kim Taehyung with eternal suffering.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
I shifted my position on the cushioned chair to ease my sore back as the warm lamp light illuminated the plain room, just enough to keep me awake by the medical bed. Beep. Beep. Beep.The health monitor continuously chanted within the muted room, making my inside stir uncomfortably at the thoughts of the tragic incident. I sighed deeply, redirecting my weary gaze to Taehyung as he peacefully rested in his medical attire. He fainted on our way home from Jae Yangcha's villa. The gash on his upper left forehead bled nonstop without proper treatment, so the doctor had to bandage his entire head to contain the blood flow.

The medical team assisted my minor wounds, but I wasn't even that injured, except for my sprained ankle. It's very swollen. I could barely walk. Jungkook left to sleep in his room with a few bandages on his cuts and scratches.

Taehyung absorbed the most damage during the conflict.
What will happen to us once the sun rises tomorrow? I'm uncertain. I'm afraid the star's warmth will be blocked by the shaded clouds, casting a disastrous shadow on our households. There was nothing I could do to evade the crisis and I knew... we'll be swept off our feet into the dangerous storm. Creak. I blinked out of my thoughts, turning to find eomma standing by the doorway in her nightgown. She didn't look at me but stared at Taehyung's adverse condition."Did he... kill... the alpha?" Eomma whispered, apprehensively glancing at me from the door. We didn't have time to clarify the situation to the elders earlier."No. But it'll be difficult to prove his innocence to the council," I shook my head. Eomma sighed and leaned her head against the door frame."Do you love him?" Eomma asked, blankly staring at Taehyung. I turned to look at her soulless body with a numb mind."Of course," I responded. Eomma didn't respond to me. She examined Taehyung with her sunken eyes."If Kim Taehyung fails to defend himself in the game... we'll be in danger," Eomma finally spoke up."What do you wish to do? Stay quiet?" I asked, unsurely eyeing eomma."Jisoo is suspicious of her late husband's murder. I'm afraid the Jeon will detach their involvements from us... once they uncover the hidden truth," Eomma muttered. I blinked and turned to stare at Taehyung's awfully yellowish skin. He killed his average uncle, and everyone is dishing about it. Taehyung has to battle... two fronts in the war. The society and his own alliance."If we fall apart... the society will seize the opportunity to terminate us," I shook my head. We can't risk fighting amongst our own households. Mrs. Jeon can't find out about Taehyung's crime against her late husband. The truth must be buried to sustain a peaceful alliance between the allies. "You're right. Our only hope is Kim Taehyung. We must protect him at all costs," Eomma nodded, straightening her body. She told me to rest and left after the brief chat, so I turned to stare at Taehyung's injured body with a discouraged face.Jae Yangcha supplied the society with too much information... to strike Taehyung. I'm afraid... we won't make it out in one piece. Sora. You should be ashamed! Taehyung is enduring the deadly turbulence because I chose to protect the silent killer! I bit my lower lips, shakily reaching out to hold Taehyung's hand. I have to help him. I dragged him into this mess.

A subtle breeze brushed my hair as I napped in an uncomfortable position after accidentally dozing off beside Taehyung's medical bed. Poke. I felt a soft tap on my nose. Grumbling softly, I opened my sleepy eyes to find another pair of pupils staring directly into mine, causing my heart to thump hard against my ribs."You scared me!" I gasped, shoving Jungkook away in a panic as he awkwardly crouched on the floor to watch me lean on Taehyung's bedside with my arms tucked under my chin."You're drooling," Jungkook grunted, rising to his feet and slumped on the couch. I groggily rubbed my damp chin as Taehyung remained cold on the bed."Are you okay?" I asked, apologetically staring at Jungkook. He darted me an irritated glare."You should get your mentality checked. You didn't actually believe it was a wise decision... to hide the murderous prick? You could've died if I didn't hijack Do-hwan's car!" Jungkook huffed."I wanted to sort out the issues on my own account," I shrugged. Jungkook rolled his eyes."Sora. I didn't know you'd be this stupid. He's a serial killer," Jungkook grimaced. I sighed at his upset frown and lowered my face to stare at my hands."Taehyung is in trouble," I muttered. I'm frightened. What if I can't save Taehyung from this madness? My decision to protect Yangcha will likely destroy my household and our alliances."I don't pity him," Jungkook darkly shifted his gaze to his cousin."Jungkook-""Was the alpha telling the truth? He murdered his uncle?" Jungkook dimly searched my pale face for answers. I pursed my lips. I never told Jungkook about the murder because I feared Taehyung would harm Jungkook if I disclosed his crime."I don't know,  but I'll trust Taehyung more than the post," I shrugged."Yeah. After the alpha almost killed all of us-""It was a suicide. Yangcha ended his life to stage his death as a murder," I shook my head. Yangcha had it all planned. And that was to eliminate Kim Taehyung from the game. The alpha knew he was too weak to compete with a top rank, so he smeared blood on Taehyung to provoke Kim Seokjin. He knew... only Seokjin could challenge Taehyung on the chessboard.Jungkook left with a nurse afterward to treat his injury. I showered in my room and eventually returned to the medical room to find Taehyung sitting up against the headboard with a grim look."Does it hurt? Your head? Should I alert the medics?" I asked, worriedly sitting on the edge of his bed. Taehyung didn't answer me but kept his downcast gaze on the window."You should've rested last night," He muttered without looking at me. I gently took his hand in mine."I was worried about you," I sighed. Taehyung swallowed his adam's apple and turned to stare at me in exhaustion."Why were you at his place? I told you to stay away from him," He asked."I was angry. Yangcha promised me to stay silent about our family affairs, but he revealed your secrets to Seokjin... so I thoughtlessly went to confront him," I lowered my face. Taehyung gently rubbed my knuckle as we held hands over the warm blanket."Jae Yangcha knew?" Taehyung asked."Haerim. She told the alpha about your past," I nodded, looking up at him apologetically. Taehyung frowned at me with a weary look."You knew? That he was the killer?" Taehyung asked, staring at me with a startled look. I gulped in fear and nodded in extreme guilt."I was afraid he'd ruin our household if I notified anyone about his crimes-""You somehow stormed into the villa? Even after you were aware of his crimes?!" Taehyung snapped, suddenly tensing his body in irritation. I pouted at his fuming red face."He said he wouldn't hurt me-""You never trusted me when I said I'll never hurt you, but you believed that fucker's words?" Taehyung coldly stared at me, causing my chest to ache in remorse."Taehyung-""Get out. I don't want to speak with you," Taehyung rudely interrupted, turning to glare at the window after yanking his hand free from my grip. I stared at my empty hand on the blanket and back at his clenched jaw in tears. I wanted to apologize to him, but I knew... we'd only worsen our dispute if I tried to put out his raging flames with my fuel. Sighing in defeat, I got up to exit the room, granting Taehyung the space he requested."The boy isn't dead!-" Mrs. Kim gasped, causing me to halt in the living room. I lifted my sulky face to find the elders... gathered in the living room with Do-hwan. They were reading the news in the article on their devices."But he's brain dead. He's basically dead," Jungkook shrugged as he sat beside his father on the couch."Kim Seokjin can't charge Taehyung with murder if the boy is alive," Mr. Kim sighed with a hint of hope in his dark pupils."But he'll still be accused of committing homicidal offenses," Mr. Jeon responded.Taehyung can't avoid Yangcha's unforeseen ambush because the alpha is the only living witness. Without him, no one will acknowledge Taehyung's statements. Eomma glanced at me with a stony stare as I unsurely listened to their discussion. She abruptly shot off the couch, stormed towards me, grabbed my wrist, and tugged me with her. I turned to look at Jungkook's confused expression as I followed eomma to her private office."You have to see Seokjin," Eomma demanded, roughly shoving her door shut."See Seokjin?" I blinked."Did Taehyung kill that boy or not? Be honest with me! Why were the three of you at the alpha's place?!" Eomma snapped. I gulped. Sora... maybe you should really... ask for your mother's guidance."It was me," I gulped. Eomma slightly widened her eyes as if she heard me wrong."What? You killed-""I tripped off the stairs. Yangcha tried to support me... and he... fell. I led him to his demise, eomma," I tearfully stared at her. If it weren't for me... Yangcha wouldn't have succeeded with his suicide plan to disable Taehyung. Eomma's face drained in dread."Why were you there? At his place! The Kim uploaded the footage of you three fools entering the alpha's villa on your own will!" Eomma snapped. I tried to speak but failed to utter my justification as a hot lump clogged my vocal cords. Eomma scoffed at my guilt-ridden behavior, wildly turning to rub her red face in discontentment.
A moment later.
My mother granted me time to appease my cluttered mind because she wanted me to confess my wrongdoings. She couldn't handle my childish attitude and left me to cry alone in her office until I recollected my unstable emotions. Taehyung grunted in discomfort as he sat beside me with Do-hwan's assistance. The elders grew hushed as they remained seated in their place. Jungkook nervously glanced at me from across the room.

"Sora, love. Taehyung will get in trouble if you refuse to-""I killed Yangcha," I confessed. Jungkook and Taehyung immediately frowned at my shocking confession. Mrs. Kim gasped in surprise as appa turned to stare at me with a bewildered look. Eomma remained expressionless."The alpha technically fell to his death trying to help her. You didn't kill him," Eomma shook her head."Then why is Taehyung-""Jae Yangcha loathes Taehyung... for some unknown reason. It might be Kim Seokjin's scheme to use Taehyung as a scapegoat," Jungkook shrugged."No. The alpha is obsessed with the supreme alpha. Yangcha has been stalking Sora without her awareness. And he hated me because... he couldn't have her," Taehyung muttered, grumpily folding his arms. Taehyung kept his dark expression on the coffee table, so I nervously studied the elder's startled reaction."That boy? He's obsessed-""Jae Yangcha has been... tracking my whereabouts with a bracelet he gifted me, but Taehyung broke it during a heated fight between us," I nodded in defeat. Taehyung abruptly turned to me with a stunned look. I never told him about it."Why didn't you tell me?" Taehyung asked, fully turning his body to face me in irritation. I pursed my lips at his disappointed dark pupils and glanced at the elders."Jae Yangcha... is the killer," I admitted. The elders didn't react but stared at me as if they didn't hear my confession."The killer?" Mr. Jeon repeated. His mouth dropping open in disbelief."He killed the chubby lower rank with rat poison and the girl when she had an asthma attack. That's why we couldn't find any resistance wounds on her body. And the other boy... Seungho... Yangcha drove him mad until the kid hung himself," I tearfully explained. Taehyung scoffed in frustration while glaring at me. I didn't dare meet his gaze. The elders were also... dumbfounded by my confession."H-How did you-""He told you?" Jungkook asked, straightening his back in realization. I bit my lower lips and nodded at him."Why didn't you tell anyone?!" Eomma snapped, firing me an angry look."He threatened me! The Jae runs an infamous media outlet that spies on society! His mother- She's obsessed with our households, and they've been gathering information about us! Jae Yangcha knows everything about us! He knows the fire incident was a stunt to kill Park Jihyun! He knew Jeon Jungkook is a half-blood! He knew we seized the supreme alpha's power!" I cried in frustration. Eomma exchanged a startled gaze with Taehyung before directing her attention to me again."So it's true? Jae Yangcha's claims... you killed our uncle?" Jungkook turned to stare at Taehyung, whose face darkened upon his cousin's off-limit confrontation."Of course not! Gae Haerim told Jae Yangcha lies! Because she resented Taehyung!" I defended Taehyung. He briefly glanced at me in surprise as my mother grew tense in her seat. The elders exchanged stern looks as I sniffled beside Taehyung."Sora, sweetie. Are you sure it was Yangcha who killed the lower ranks?" Mr. Jeon questioned. I nodded."But he's dead," Jungkook shrugged, leaning back to cross his arms over his chest."One is forced to be an accomplice and the other is falsely accused of murder, " Eomma grimaced, lowering her face to rub her nose bridge in distress as she struggled to resolve the dire case."We must deny their charges until we gather concrete evidence to refute the council," Appa sighed, dimly staring at me in dissatisfaction. The elders knew... we were tripping on our own tails in the game. How can we present the shocking silent killer incident to society without getting me in trouble?
After all, I hid the killer. I'm Jae Yangcha's accomplice in his crime. Jae Yangcha killed the lower ranks because he wanted to please me. I'll be the root cause of his crimes, and the council will punish me. And everyone will accuse Taehyung of implanting a spy in Seokjin's household. We're fucking screwed.

Fast Forward
It's not a dead end. Not yet. There is still one potential solution left. Thud. Thud. Thud. I quickly strolled through the quiet corridor until I noticed a few guards patrolling a door."Miss-""Announce my presence to Kim Seokjin," I coldly spoke, trying to push my way into the room, but the man easily held me back with his strong arms."No visitors are permitted-""What are you doing here?" Seokjin asked, suddenly stepping out of the room. I glanced at the guard's hand on my upper arm, so he quickly released me.Seokjin invited me inside the royal medical room after I insisted on seeing Jae Yangcha. I nervously followed Seokjin inside the room until I found the alpha resting on the medical bed with an oxygen tube installed deep inside his nostrils. He was on life support. It's been three days since he fell."Is he... really brain dead?" I whispered. Seokjin sighed and handed me the medical files, so I flipped through the reports until my face drained in fear."My parents will order the medics to take him off life support," Seokjin muttered. I slowly shifted my startled gaze to Seokjin."W-What? Seokjin-""We can't revive a brain-dead patient. He won't survive without life support, and there's no point in sustaining his unresponsive body," Seokjin softly shook his head."You can't kill him!-""Why? Because Kim Taehyung will face the murder trial if Jae Yangcha dies? Isn't that why you came here? To beg me? To keep the alpha alive?" Seokjin dimmed his eyes, causing my cheeks to flush red.

"Seokjin! It wasn't Taehyung! I did it! It was me! I hurt him- Oh? Ask Namjoon! We were fighting on the stairs- and I tripped, so Yangcha tried to help me-""Really, Sora? Are you seriously defending Kim Taehyung with your petty lies and excuses?! You're willing to take the fall for that asshole? It isn't only about Jae Yangcha! You know it. You were Kim Taehyung's victim once!" Seokjin fired a disappointed look."Yangcha killed his friends! All three of them, and I knew! I knew he was the killer, but I stayed silent on the matter because-""Whether or not Jae Yangcha kills the lower ranks... no one cares! Because Kim Taehyung is the prime suspect! You, Kim Taehyung, and Jeon Jungkook stormed inside a weak alpha's home, and he's dead now," Seokjin gritted, firing me a sharp glare. I gulped at his stern face."You said you wouldn't hurt me-""I did. But I won't let you protect a murderer either. If you want to protect Kim Taehyung. Then stand on his side, and don't try to sway me to please him. Alright? I've had enough of you- exploiting my kindness! I desperately wanted to help you, considering our past relationship but I've realized... I'm only a puppet to you! The person you come crying to when you need help- is me! Why? Because that's how you manipulate me! With your pitiful tears! I've given you a chance, Sora. A chance to free yourself from your corrupted family, but you fled. And now you expect me to defy my family for you? I've already lost two friends because of you! Because I chose to raise a cursed orphan for you! I should've saved Haerim- but I ignored her pleas because of you! Because I trusted you!" Seokjin snapped, furiously glaring at me in tears. I grew hushed as I stared at him with glistering tears. He saw right through me. Sora. What have you become? Kim Seokjin is right about your intention. I'm ashamed."Yangcha... he had your contracts after seizing them from Haerim. She intended to save you. I partly stayed quiet because... Yangcha promised to safeguard your household from Kim Namjoon's oppression. I assumed the alpha would hand the contracts back to you," I whispered. Seokjin's eyes flushed with tears as he glared at me. I took a deep breath and left before he spoke. I've repeatedly used Seokjin for my own gain and was never considerate of his feelings. How can I be this greedy? I wanted to safeguard the orphan's life, so I begged Seokjin to get his hands dirty with my family's affairs... and as a result... we're all spiraling into the dark abyss._____________________The judgment day ultimately arrived after I desperately prayed to avoid it. Kim Seokjin's household publicly requested Kim Taehyung's presence at the council to address the incident. We had no evidence to counter the Kims. Nothing. There was nothing. Yangcha did not leave behind any notes or evidence for us to oppose the accusation.My anxious heart started thumping in my ears as I gripped my fingers with my eyes fixed on the crowded council room. Taehyung sat at his third-rank seat with the Jeon and his cousin in their neat attire. He's been avoiding everyone at the mansion for a week. He didn't eat or drink the meals prepared for him. He refused to meet or speak with anyone and completely shut himself out from the world.
Taehyung resents me for concealing Yangcha's crimes, and he probably hates me even more now... for being the scapegoat for a murder he never committed.
"Let him deal with it. Okay?" Eomma nudged my arm. I turned to stare at her and nodded as I repeatedly tapped my shoes against the carpet floor. My parents warned me to avoid direct involvement with the case. Only Kim Taehyung will handle the trial.I'm forbidden from meddling with the affair, even if it meant... he'll be the person to take the bullet. The moderator started briefing the objectives to familiarize the council with the murder trial until I felt really lightheaded. Taehyung, however, remained composed in his place with a blank expression. I can't tell if he's nervous or not."Kim Taehyung, the leading heir in the Kim household... is accountable for Jae Yangcha's death at his villa-""I heard the alpha is still alive! He's not dead!" Jimin snapped at Seokjin. The room grew hushed."Jae Yangcha passed away last night," Seokjin announced, causing me to stiffen in place. What? The council erupted with the devastating news."What do you mean he's dead-""Jae Yangcha has been brain-dead since the day of his injury. Our household made the most rational decision to take him off life support," Seokjin sighed. My eyes suddenly swelled with tears. I knew Seokjin wouldn't listen to me, but it still crushed my heart. Yangcha is gone. He left us all in a wreck."Aren't you the killer if you're the one to suspend his life support?" Taehyung asked dully, causing the council to grow hushed."A person who is brain-dead... is legally confirmed as dead, Taehyung-shi," Seokjin responded calmly. Taehyung clenched his jaw and glanced away in discontent."Kim Taehyung did not kill the alpha," Mr. Kim defended her son."There's evidence of your son entering the alpha's villa-""My fiancé was missing. I went to pick up Sora but Jae Yangcha... was holding her hostage in his room," Taehyung countered Seokjin. I nervously chewed my thumb."The supreme alpha willingly entered his place," Seokjin's mother countered, sternly glaring at Taehyung."Well. The only logical assumption is to staple me as the prime suspect because the alpha posted a photo of his beat-up face. But there were witnesses. Where's Kim Namjoon? If you don't believe Sora or Jungkook's statements... then question Kim Namjoon. He'll tell you Jae Yangcha is a killer," Taehyung dawdled. Seokjin briefly glanced at me."Are you accusing Yangcha of murder-""Yes. Jae Yangcha is the silent killer we've all been searching for. Jang Wook, Yoona, and Seungho died at his hands-""That's absurd! They're his friends!" Hoseok snapped, glaring at Taehyung skeptically."That's why we didn't suspect him. If you're going to accuse me of murdering Jae Yangcha... then you should unearth his crimes first," Taehyung shrugged. The council grew hushed as they uneasily observed the top ranks."You're speaking without proof-""The day Yoona was brutally murdered. Jae Yangcha's name was not on the attendance list. He snuck in using Haerim's identity. Check for yourself. The day Jung Hoseok witnessed the alpha handing me the black raincoat... I never accepted it. Ask for the camera footage to confirm for yourself," Taehyung shrugged. Seokjin dimmed his face and glanced at Hoseok, who was taken aback by Taehyung's claim."The trial isn't about Jae Yangcha! It's about you! You murdered the alpha!" Seokjin's mother snapped in irritation. Taehyung let out a hefty sigh and fired me an annoyed look. The moderator eventually concluded the meeting after the fruitless arguments, permitting Taehyung to accumulate evidence to defend himself. They granted him a period of two weeks to prepare for the forthcoming trial."Tae-" I tried to speak, but he hastily got up from his seat and stormed off without acknowledging my existence. I pursed my lips and glanced at Jungkook, who fired me a disappointed look and left after his cousin. They're all upset with me. Maybe I should confess to being an accomplice? Taehyung shouldn't shield me like this! I sulkily followed the elders back to our car and left to stay at the mansion.
I didn't attend school afterward because I was feeling extremely unwell. No one spoke to me as I quietly grieved my foolish actions. Yangcha... What have you done? I gave you so much love... Why did you turn my sincere feelings towards you into resentment against my lover?

Taehyung still didn't speak to me. He'd shut himself in his room, and I didn't want to upset him anymore... so I didn't bother him. Imo would complain about Taehyung's cold dishes after the maids returned with the meals. It felt like my world was spinning out of control.
"What's wrong?" I asked while leaning against my bedhead as eomma strolled inside my room without a notice. She closed the door and sat down at the foot of my bed."Taehyung won't survive the trial without sufficient evidence to back his innocence," Eomma restlessly sighed."I can help him. I'll confess. Okay? I'll tell the society about Yangcha's obsession and tell everyone it was my fault-""No. Don't be stupid, Sora," Eomma firmly shook her head. I pursed my lips."Then let's skip the engagement? I'll get married to him and assert our influence in the council-""I wish to postpone your engagement ceremony," Eomma muttered. I blinked at her with a blank mind."But it's in a week-""It's a day before the second trial. The council and our people will switch to Seokjin's side if we assist Taehyung. If we blindly wed you to him- the society might seize the chance to fire us down with him," Eomma explained. I stared at her in shock after I understood her intent."Eomma-""I desperately want Taehyung to be your partner because I've always had faith in him, but this is a critical case. The Kims ended Yangcha's life, so they could officially accuse Kim Taehyung of murder. There is no proof to defend Kim Taehyung from the charges, not when Kim Namjoon refuses to stand as a witness, and you can't take the blame for Taehyung either. The society will target you too if you aid Taehyung... and we'll collapse," Eomma firmly shook her head.[Ga Aera Official Picture Reference]

"What is it that you want from me, eomma?" I asked. My heart is heavy, and I know she's after me for something."I want you to speak with Kim Seokjin-""Eomma! That's enough! You can't keep on using me to fool Seokjin!" I whined in distress. She sent me to convince Seokjin to keep Yangcha alive, but he knew my intention! He's not an easy target to fool!"Sora! You have to survive Jae Yangcha's scheme! Seokjin probably still favors you! You- just have to soften him a bit- Just enough to save our household!" Eomma snapped. I scoffed at her demand in disbelief."You hated Seokjin! You've never once shown him your approval, but now you're sending me after him just because he used to love me-""Kim Seokjin isn't a powerful man! Not without his complete contract alliances! He will become powerful if he manages to disable Kim Taehyung! We can't risk losing our power, so if he favors you- You can reconcile with Seokjin and potentially marry him. We'll still have access to our power either way! You have to be smart!" Eomma snapped, glaring at me from the foot of the bed. I whimpered and lowered my head in frustration until warm tears flooded my lash lines."You told me to steer clear of Kim Seokjin when I loved him, and now you're telling me to deceive him with my love to acquire Taehyung's lost power?" I whimpered in tears. Eomma sadly watched me cry in distress. She slowly got up to sit beside me and warmly took my hand in hers."Beautiful women... lives the most... miserable life because of men. Hmm? Sora, sweetie. Be clever and live to see tomorrow, okay? A sacrifice is needed for the greater good," Eomma whispered, gently wiping my tears. I sucked in my breath and sobbed in frustration, so she pulled me into her arms. My mother eventually left my room after I cried myself to sleep, and you guessed it, I woke up with a terrible headache from squeezing the sorrows out of my system. The elders weren't on good terms as they floundered with the upcoming trial."What? Postpone the engagement?" Mrs. Kim glanced at eomma with a startled look."The trial is a day after the ceremony. We should focus on the issue first," Appa smiled as my mother calmly sipped her tea. Mrs. Kim exchanged nervous looks with her husband."But the official engagement is a crucial event to solidify our two households' cooperation in the council," Mr. Kim uneasily chuckled at eomma."Of course, but I don't want Sora to face unnecessary trouble because of Taehyung-""What do you mean? Our son is enduring the fall for his fiancée!" Mrs. Kim raised her voice but immediately pursed her lips at my mother's deadly glare."My daughter did her best to stop the silent killer from exposing our household affairs to society," Eomma calmly spoke, placing her teacup down."But Taehyung-""We'll postpone the engagement until the case is settled," Eomma declared, getting on her feet and strode away from the living room. She halted when she found Taehyung standing by the corridor with an exhausted look. I nervously stared at him as he darkly glanced at me, but before I could speak, he hastily stormed off."Taehyung!-" Mrs. Kim called for her son, but he ignored her, marched into the garage, and left with his sportscar. I nervously glanced at Mrs. Kim's dark frown and hurriedly left the living room in guilt. The stormy sky started pouring after Taehyung left the mansion.This isn't right. How can my mother expect me to be so heartless? She might've given birth to me from her womb, and her blood might run through my veins, but I'm nothing like her! I restlessly tossed and turned on the mattress. What should I do? Do I obey eomma's order? Or do I defy her?"Oh? Young lady," Imo greeted, causing me to snap out of my thoughts. I blinked and glanced around until I realized I was inside the kitchen.  I unconsciously walk here...?"You're cooking alone?" I asked."I'm baking a cake for Taehyung. He hasn't been eating... anything at all lately. Aigo~! The poor thing~! How can anyone accuse him of ending another alpha's life?" Imo groaned. The maids had finished preparing the meals for the elders and had left to fulfill their other duties."I want to help," I offered, rolling up my sleeves as imo washed a basket of fresh strawberries in the sink."I heard your mother insisted on postponing your engagement?" Imo asked."Neh," I nodded."Aigo~! Your household support would significantly benefit the Kims in the trial. Taehyung's situation won't be guaranteed anymore with the uncertainty. It's understandable... as to why your mother chose to delay the ceremony... to protect you from being dragged with Taehyung. But my poor boy... he's isolating himself from the world again," Imo grumbled as I helped her chop the strawberries."Taehyung doesn't give up easily," I smiled."You're right. That boy is resilient to all sorts of catastrophes. Let's make him a delicious cake and hope... that it'll give him the strength to oppose his enemies?" Imo weakly nudged my arm. I nodded and smiled at her, so we spent time in the kitchen together. She was overly excited about Taehyung's return after preparing the dessert for him.
A moment later.
"Taehyung! You're back?!- We made your favorite strawberry cake- Aigo?! Why are you wet!?" Imo rushed toward the front door with a slice of cake on the plate to greet him but gasped in shock when Taehyung appeared... drenched from head to toe."Get out of my way-""Sora decorated the cake- Ah!" Imo lifted the plate, but he unexpectedly shoved the plate out of her hands. CRASH. My eyes widened in shock as the fluffy cake splattered onto the marble floor. Imo wildly turned to stare at the mess as Taehyung limped into the mansion with his dirty feet. He's... covered in mud. What the hell happened to him???"Kim Taehyung!" Mr. Kim bellowed, angrily storming toward his son. Taehyung lifted his swollen eyes to glare at his father with a drunken face. My jaw dropped when I noticed the injuries on his face."Taehyung? Are you alright?!!" Mrs. Kim appeared, rushing towards her son."The trial is in a few days, and you're returning home drunk?!-""What am I supposed to do, abeoji?! I didn't kill anyone- yet I'm accused of being a killer! I'm doing everything I can to save your fucking ass- ARGH!" Taehyung screeched but grunted in pain when his father struck him hard in the face. Imo gasped as Taehyung slipped and fell onto the floor in his dirty clothes."Save my ass?-""I'd rather die than live to be the fucking heir! But I'm still alive today because I have a fucking household to sustain! A society to lead! A woman to please! I'm only alive for the benefit of others!" Taehyung yelled, angrily scrambling onto his feet."You rascal-""Honey! He's drunk! Let's speak with him when he's sober!" Mrs. Kim grabbed her husband's arm to stop him from beating her son.Taehyung spat a mouthful of blood-infused spit onto the stained floor and limped away in anger. I quickly stepped aside to let him pass as imo rushed to alert the nurse. The Kims eventually left to reside in their room and the mansion grew hushed again. I sighed and turned to pick up the broken shards."Oh! Young lady! Please leave the mess to me!" A maid rushed forward to grab my wrist. I smiled as she carefully took the shard from my hand. I didn't leave and helped her mop up the place before striding toward my room. Ah~ I should shower. I halted when I found a nurse comforting imo, who was sobbing by Taehyung's closed door."Imo. Please rest-""That little brat! He keeps breaking my heart! I made him everything he loved, but he refused my efforts! He's bleeding so much, and yet he refused to be treated! How can he be so harsh on himself?!" Imo whimpered as the nurse supported her weak body. The woman wailed in distress as they strolled away, so I slowly walked up to his door and glanced at the medical tray left on the cart.Sighing, I lifted my finger to press the door pin. He probably changed his password- Click. The door slid open. I stood at his doorway... dumbfounded. He didn't change the passcode? After shutting himself out for so long? Taehyung was not inside his room, so I lifted the medical tray and entered the room. The shower in the bathroom was running... and his door was slightly ajar as I settled the tray on the nightstand. I turned to peek through the small gap. Shaaa~! Taehyung was standing under the shower with his head hung low. He didn't budge and remained like a statue under the harsh downpour.I carefully pushed the door open and stepped inside. Creak. Taehyung didn't seem to notice my presence as he stood with his back turned on me, so I nervously slipped my gown over my head and tossed it into his dirty laundry. What if he chokes me for invading his privacy? Gradually, I walked toward the glass enclosure but sucked in my breath as soon as I realized he was showering in freezing cold water. The cold droplet drizzled lightly onto my bear body... causing me to shudder from the cold tingle. Should I announce my presence? He might beat me if I startle him."Leave me alone," Taehyung muttered with his back turned as I pondered by the stall. Oh? Did he notice me? I gripped my fingers as I watched him press his strong arms against the wall with his head hung low.My body trembled in discomfort as I placed my feet into the icy shower, stepping onto the soaked tiles as the dirty water washed from his bulky body. I inched towards him with a tense feeling. Taehyung didn't budge and kept his face down. I couldn't see his expression. This is probably not a good idea but he won't kill me, right? Not when I'm naked like this? Nervously... I walked up to his muscular back until the freezing shower streamed on my head. I shuddered in difficulty but refused to give in and took another step closer. Why is the water so cold? He'll catch a cold at this rate!I lifted my arms to wrap them around his firm waist, gently pressing my naked body against his solid back to back-hug the man in the shower. Taehyung let out a frustrated sigh as I embraced him under the downpour. I snuggled my face against his shoulder blade and tightened my arms around his warm skin. We stood in utter silence until the glass enclosure fogged up, but I didn't release him and clutched his buff trunk tightly as water saturated my vulnerable flesh.

I softly stroked his torso to comfort him with my eyes closed when he suddenly lowered his hand to draw my arms from his waist and rotated his massive body to face me. I gulped in fear as he darkly loomed over me with his sharp eyes... partly hidden under his soaked black hair. Taehyung intensely stared at me without speaking as my heart pounded in fear, but I refused to surrender and tip-toed on my feet to peck his lips. Still. He didn't react... so I pressed my lips against his again."I don't want to leave your side," I whispered, pulling away to stare at his blank face as I struggled to keep the cold shower from my blurry sight."You don't have to pretend-""Pretend? To do what?" I asked, gently interlacing our fingers between our nude bodies. Taehyung dimmed his eyes at my damp face. I felt a surge of goosebumps sweeping my skin repeatedly as I fought to tolerate the freezing shower."Your mother plans on abandoning my household-""She can run as far as she wants, but I'll stay here. Right by your side," I smiled, weakly lifting my hands to cup his firm cheeks.Taehyung unsurely observed my face, so I chuckled and leaned upward to kiss him again. His steady breath... gradually grew heavier as I inserted my tongue into his mouth to tease him. He gently held onto my waist as I tilted my head to swirl my tongue between his lips. Taehyung pressed my body against the cold wall to align my arching spine with the frosty tiles, so I lowered my hands from his face to encircle it around his thick neck as he gently groped my firm breast, making me moan softly between our wet kisses."Are you doing this because you feel sorry?" Taehyung asked, drawing his lips away to stare at me. I didn't respond and gently kissed him again, so he gave in and kissed me back until I slipped my arms from his buff chest to grab his private part, causing him to stiffen against my body."I miss you," I responded, panting steamily against his moist lips with one hand in his hair as I gently rubbed his hard bulge with my other hand. Squelch. Squelch.Taehyung grunted against my lips as he pinned me against the wall and lowered his face to kiss my neck, so I tugged his hot body against mine in the shower while pleasing him with my hand until he grunted in difficulty, slightly twitching against my naked body. He ejaculated after ten minutes. I gasped, slowly withdrawing my saliva-soaked lips from his as I stood under his manly body and glanced down at his slimy semen between my palm and fingers with a flustered face. He usually takes longer to... finish. He must be super strained to finish this quickly."Urgh..." Taehyung screwed his fuming face and lowered his head to rest on my soaked shoulder while panting heavily. I reached down again to help him unload his remaining discharge. Taehyung sucked on my shoulder as he pinched my sensitive tips, causing me to whimper in pleasure."You're pent up. How long have you been holding it in?" I smiled, gently kissing his ear. Taehyung finally lifted his head and gently took my dirty hand to place it under the shower. He quietly washed his semen from my palm until I was clean and turned to make out with me again. I gave in to his assertiveness and hugged his naked hips as our slippery skin slip and slide over each other... causing my body muscles to stiffen... under the warm bathroom light. "Can you scrub my back?" He asked, turning to shut off the shower. I smiled as he sat down on the tiled bench, so I grabbed his soap and sponge to scrub his dirty back. Why is he so dirty?"You didn't change your passcode, so I figured you wanted to let me in," I giggled."I forgot to change it. It wasn't intentional," Taehyung scoffed. I grinned at his weak smile and kissed his cheek as I scrubbed his firm skin."How can you ignore such a cute girlfriend for so long? It breaks my heart," I joked, tilting my head to observe his irritated face."You mean an annoying girlfriend?" Taehyung fired me a playful glare, roughly slapping my buttcheek. Smack!"Oppa~!" I cutely whine, reaching down to rub my sore buttcheek. Taehyung laughed and pulled me onto his slippery lap, so I clutched his neck to stabilize my weight and gently licked his lips."Let's hurry up! I'm hard again!" Taehyung complained, roughly kissing me. I giggled at his claim until I felt his hard bulge poking between my wet thighs. I got up to shower with him and quickly left the bathroom in a towel, but he didn't give me time to get ready."Ah!" I gasped in a panic when he suddenly swept me off the floor and tossed me onto the bed in my towel. Taehyung quickly crawled over the mattress to tear the towel off my body, impatiently nudging my legs apart to position his body against mine."You weren't so shy a while ago~! Why are you flustered now?" Taehyung smirked as he kissed and sucked on my sensitive breast. I gripped his wet hair and tilted my head backward while curling my twitching toes."Shouldn't we treat your wound first?" I pouted, gently rubbing the scratch on his cheekbone."Let's relieve our bodies first. I'm throbbing so badly... it's starting to hurt," He smirked, softly grazing his lips over mine."Don't tickle me~!" I whined, pushing his hand away from my waistline.Taehyung didn't answer me and reached down to press his fingers between my inner thighs, causing me to shiver at his touch. I inhaled in difficulty as he heated up my sensitive areas until I was soaked with his finger activities, but that wasn't enough. He moved his body down south to position his head over my groin, making me jerk intensely as he held my hands over the bedsheet to stop me from pulling his hair. I panted in heat as I felt his slimy tongue rubbing against my pleasure spot, arousing my feverish body with his slick movements."I'm sore all over, so you'll be in charge today," Taehyung mumbled, finally lifting his face to stare at me from between my legs while licking his sexy lips. I pushed my body upward with my elbows as he crawled over the mattress to lay down, so I swung my legs over his torso and leaned down to kiss his chest as he adjusted my hips over his crotch."Hah~!" I gasped, screwing my eyes in pleasure after he slipped inside me.I stiffly perched over his toned body as Taehyung massaged my fleshy hips, so I bit my lower lips, raised my hips and sat back onto him until I felt my crotch boiling with the burning warmth. Taehyung tilted his head back on the pillow as I rode him, steadily thumping over his hard bulge until the suffocating pleasure consumed my nerves. I didn't want to make any sound, so I leaned down to meet his lips, deeply kissing the man to muffle our moans."Sora-" Taehyung tried to speak but gritted his teeth and slumped on the pillow in pleasure. He grunted with his mouth wide open as he reached down to press on my lower stomach. I gasped and grabbed his hand to interlace our fingers instead. The pressure on my lower torso is triggering an uncomfortable urge to pee!"Hmm?" I asked while humping him until tears filled my eyes as I felt my body flaming with the thrilling tingles."Don't leave my side," Taehyung panted, averting his intense gaze to my flustered face. I giggled while holding his hands to stabilize my position and lowered my body to press my chest against his wet torso. Taehyung wrapped his arms around my waist, reaching down to squeeze my bouncy buttcheeks as he repeatedly penetrated me from underneath."Should we make babies?" I asked, whispering into his tears."What?- Urgh-" Taehyung groaned, turning to frown at my absurd claims as I sped up the pace of my hip movement."I want to have your babies," I smiled, shifting my keen gaze to his startled pupils."What are you- Sora- Wait! I'm not done-! Not yet- Sora!" Taehyung snapped, trying to stop me from quickening our rhythm as I grind my torso over his to stimulate the burning sensation. I gripped his hands, pinning him against the pillow as I swiftly rocked over him until I felt a hot surge between my thighs.Taehyung tried to push me off his body, but I refused and pressed down on his abs until he exploded messily inside me. Taehyung grunted in distress, collapsing weakly onto the mattress as I orgasmed on him. My body quivered in distress as the explosive juice splattered out of my system. He groaned under me after I ended our intimacy... earlier than he desired. I coughed in exhaustion while slipping his throbbing bulge out of me. Taehyung closed his eyes in extreme exhaustion as I massaged his pulsating chest with my palm."You came fast~!" I teased while rolling off his body and slumped beside him with my soaked thighs as the thick semen dripped from my crotch."What were you saying? Babies...? Aren't you on pills?" Taehyung quickly lifted his face to stare at me in bewilderment. I smiled at his timid behavior."Why? You don't want to be a father?" I asked. Taehyung scoffed, quickly rolling over the bed to grab the tissue box. He sat up between my legs."Sora! This isn't funny! We're not ready to have a baby yet!" Taehyung scolded me as he wiped his semen from between my thighs. I closed my eyes in exhaustion as he gently dabbed my sticky groin."Aigo~! My boyfriend doesn't even want to have babies with me- AH! Oppa!" I grumbled when he suddenly rolled me over onto my stomach to spank my buttcheeks. Smack! Smack! I screamed in shock as he slapped my fleshy bum."Are you nuts!? We're in a dire situation right now- Argh! Yah! What are you- ARGH!" Taehyung repeatedly spanked my butt, so I shrieked at his harsh treatment and tackled the man backward. He screeched in pain as I sunk my teeth into his shoulder. Taehyung tried to push my face away, but I refused to let go and bit him harder until he surrendered to my aggression."My butt is sore because of you! Who taught you to slap my ass?!" I snapped, sitting up on his torso with a grimace. Taehyung groaned under me as he rubbed his shoulder but halted in shock when he found blood on his fingers."Sora~!" He whined, sitting up to squeeze his wound as I sat on his lap with a dark frown."You're not the only one with a feral attitude! I'm just as wild!" I glared, quickly pinching his nipple. Taehyung shrieked and shoved me away, making me laugh. His bright red handprint is plastered on my ass!"I'm sorry!" He whimpered while rubbing his chest. I sideways glared at him and crawled off his bed."So annoying~!" I grumbled as I bent down to pick up the towel. Taehyung watched me with a slight grimace."Why did you have to bite so hard?!" He whined, sitting up to check his bleeding shoulder in disbelief. I headed inside his bathroom to wash my private part and entered his closet to rummage for my spare nightgown. Taehyung sat against his bed head, still undressed with his legs extended over the mattress as he glared at me. Is he posing naked on purpose? Why won't he get dressed?"Do you want me to bite you again? I'll bite off your baby-making stick!" I snapped, crawling onto the bed with the medical tray."Moh? Baby making stick?!" Taehyung snorted, playfully squeezing my boobs."So annoying~!" I muttered. He didn't say anything but grimaced at my moody attitude, so I grabbed the tissues to wipe his private part clean. He sat in utter silence to watch me dab between his thighs. He's very comfortable in his naked skin. I placed a dry towel over his lower body because the manly bulge was too distracting for my eyes."Does your precious butt hurt?" Taehyung teased, weakly smiling as he rubbed my butt over the silky gown."Do you have a death wish?!" I snapped, biting my lower lips in irritation. He chuckled and leaned forward to kiss my lips. I glared at him after he pulled away and gently lifted his chin to direct his face toward me. I dabbed the cream on the bruise and gently rubbed the remaining leftovers on the fresh bite mark over his shoulder."I'll accept this as my woman's mark. It's not the first mark I received," Taehyung shrugged as I bandaged his shoulder."What mark? Who else gave you a mark?" I frowned at him. Taehyung twisted his toned torso to show me a small scar on his hip."You bit me when you were young after I accidentally ate your snack! Crazy child!" Taehyung pointed at the small scar. I pursed my lips and glanced at him in realization. Taehyung broke into a weak smile and placed his hand on my curve while chuckling at my rosy cheeks as I sat with my legs tucked under me."What happened? Why did you come home a mess?" I asked while place the tray on the nightstand with my back on him, slightly perching my hips over the mattress."Aigo~! Did I bruise my precious dumpling's buttcheeks? *smooch* *smooch* Minhae~! Let me check~!" Taehyung suddenly leaned over to kiss my bum. He tried lifting the light silk to expose my panties, so I shrieked in annoyance. I shoved the tray onto the nightstand and turned to smack his head. He winced and sat up with a cute pout."I asked you a question!" I snapped while glaring at him."Keep glaring at me like that, and I'll kick you out of my room! I should punish you for scarring me!" Taehyung threatened, pointing at his injured shoulder. I huffed in irritation and crawled onto his lap to sit facing him."Oppa! Answer me~!" I cutely pouted to counter his threat. Taehyung tried not to smile at my cuteness and pursed his lips in difficulty but gave in and leaned forward to kiss me, making me giggle against his lips."Why is it so hard to resist you?!" He laughed, pulling away to squish my cheeks, so I kissed his cheek and hugged his neck as he gently patted my head."I'm sorry," I whispered, worriedly scanning his depleted face. He's been distracting his difficulty with our trivial chit-chat. Taehyung sighed in defeat as he softly brushed his fingers through my hair."You're right. We'll be each other's downfall if we keep fighting on different sides," Taehyung replied while patting my back."I'm really really really.... sorry for the mess I caused. I wanted to save Yangcha, but everything backfired on you," I pouted, hugging his neck tightly as I spoke against his shoulder. Taehyung tightened his arms around my body as he gently rocked me from side to side."He's dead now, so he won't bother us anymore. I'll focus on untangling the mess he purposely induced to tear us apart," Taehyung whispered. I sadly pulled away to stare at his discouraged face."Eomma... she asked me to... break up with you," I confessed, lowering my guilty gaze to stare at my hands. Taehyung grew hushed as he sat with his back rested against the bedhead."Why did you defy her?" Taehyung asked, gently lowering his face to kiss my cleavage between the silk. I pursed my lips and glanced at him after he lifted his tender gaze to meet my eyes."I don't think I can live without you," I muttered. Taehyung rubbed my cheek and leaned forward to peck my lips. I inhaled his pacifying scent, slightly chasing his lips for more of his affection."Even after the endless fights between us?-""But we always make up afterward. Right? Even after all the arguments... my love for you hasn't changed a bit," I smiled. Taehyung chuckled and nodded while stroking his thumb over my lips."I feel the same way. But what did your mother speak to you about?" He asked, pushing his thumb between my lips to feel my soft tongue. I moaned with my eyes closed and softly sucked onto his fingertips as he played between my lips."She said... I should speak to Seokjin and get him on our good side. That's why she wanted to delay the engagement," I sighed heavily. Taehyung withdrew his thumb from my mouth."You don't want to return to Seokjin?" Taehyung asked. I frowned at him."Of course not. I told you-""Araso. I believe you, and I'm grateful to have you," Taehyung chuckled at my annoyed frown. He keeps doubting me! I huffed while eyeing his puffy eyes. He's been crying so much."What happened?" I asked, gently patting his muscular chest. "Ah? My condition? You wouldn't believe me, but I was robbed by a local thief," Taehyung scoffed. My eyes widened in surprise."W-What you were robbed-""Oh. I wanted to visit the cliff, but it was raining too much. The road was slippery... so I drove back down and decided to stroll around the area but was robbed. Had only a few bank notes... so the thief got mad and beat me for having nothing on me. I was partly drunk-""You let him beat you for money?" I giggled. Taehyung smiled at my cheeky smile."I was drunk and confused! The thief took my 10,000 won note and a few coins from my pocket. It was too little- so he stole my leather shoes- and my Richard Mille watch!" Taehyung lifted his empty wrist to show me. I giggled at his adorable story."Okay. Now tell me the truth!" I abruptly stopped laughing to grimace at him with my balled fist on my hips. Taehyung's lips parted at my intense scowl, startled by my sudden mood shift."I am telling you the truth! You don't believe me?!- Look! I'll show you my car's dash cam!" Taehyung argued in disbelief, turning to grab his phone. He clicked on the application and scrolled through the live footage to show me footage of himself walking in the rain. He was slightly far from the car, but I could tell it was him. Why is he walking in the rain?A man approached him with a knife out of nowhere. Taehyung seemed dumbfounded as the person threatened him for money, so Taehyung reached inside his pocket to shove the cash into the man's palm. The man... seemed taken aback by the small amount of money and suddenly struck Taehyung, sending the alpha tumbling onto the slippery ground. I gasped as Taehyung drunkenly sat up to whine at the man but shrieked in shock when the thief wildly seized his shoes, causing Taehyung to fall onto his back with his feet in the air as the man yanked them off Taehyung's feet.The alpha screamed in shock as the man funnily slipped the shoes off his feet. He quickly bent down to snatch Taehyung's watch from his wrist before hurrying away, leaving the alpha alone on the muddy pavement. Taehyung grunted and weakly got onto his bare feet with a bewildered look as he stood in the rain... after being robbed and beaten by an average.

"Ahah! You're unbelievable!" I exclaimed, hysterically laughing in disbelief. Taehyung scoffed and shook his head before placing his phone away."How dare you mock me! You should be worried~!" Taehyung snapped, grabbing my waist to tickle me. I screamed and thrashed in distress as he tortured me on his bed.Taehyung finally stopped tickling me after I threatened to pee on his mattress and got up to put on his clothes. I rubbed away the tears in my eyes as he rolled onto the bed with me and switched off the lights. He slipped his firm bicep under my head and turned on his side to hug my waist."Oppa," I whispered, keenly staring at his closed eyes in the dark."Hmm?" He softly exhaled against my face."Let's proceed with the engagement," I muttered."Your mother won't be pleased-""It doesn't matter. You'll deal with the council. I'll deal with the fierce cat in our home. It's us against them. Right?" I smiled. Taehyung softly chuckled and opened his sleepy eyes to stare at me."God. I love you," He chuckled, pressing his breathy kiss against my head. I giggled and hugged his torso while snuggling against his chest._____________________
Flashback
The hushed funeral home hummed with faint chatters as the grieving family members greeted the guests in formal attires. I sat quietly, staring at Haerim's memorial picture beside her casket with a grim face as Taehyung held my hand over his lap, gently rubbing my knuckles as I leaned against his shoulder. Jungkook softly chatted with Jimin on the bench behind us as I watched Seokjin pay his respects before the alpha's casket. No matter how desperately I tried to dismiss the terrific glimpses of past memories... they kept reappearing in my mind to frighten me with the tragic landing of her death. Her last moment. I could vividly recall it. Haerim was desperate, so she tried to save a man with the expectation for him to return the favor, but at what cost?
She lost her life.
I blinked once, and Haerim's pictures suddenly disappeared, replaced by a brilliant beam of a familiar face. His short fringe black hair... neatly groomed to the side to expose his clear forehead. His youthful dimples... and pretty dark brown eyes. Jae Yangcha.
It felt as if he was still alive... greeting me with his radiant energy like... he usually does.
The guilt on his face before he fell to his demise... It was the last impression I had of him. Sighing, I glanced down at my hand, but it was empty. I turned to find Taehyung staring blankly at the casket as he sat beside me. We haven't spoken since the first trial. People gossiped and eyed Taehyung with judgmental stares from every direction after he showed up at the alpha's funeral. Seokjin was greeting the guests by the door, so I sighed and turned to stare at Taehyung's side profile. He suddenly got up and left the venue, leaving me alone with Jungkook and Jimin as the other alphas paid their respect to the young alpha.

Yangcha. I begged you again... and again to stay out of my family's affair, but you were determined. I knew you'd be tainted with my family's evil, so I sent you away. I desperately wanted to let you live a joyful life, free from troubles and suffering.

Why? Why did you interfere? Why did you turn my genuine affection towards you into the thirst to kill for me? Maybe that's how you were raised? Repaying life debts to the savior? I never intended to be a hero in your life.

Noona only wanted to be your comfort, so you wouldn't feel cold in the relentless storm. I prayed for your well-being and fought for your safety because I feared losing your good soul to death. But you turned out to be... death himself, taking away lives and slaughtering souls to please me. I never wished for you to return the favor.

Why didn't you live happily on the path I urged you on? Why is it that... You have to relate yourself with my misery, hoping to save me from evil but ended up drowning yourself like this?
I sadly stared at his memorial picture with an aching heart.
Maybe, I shouldn't have saved a lost soul like you.
______________________
Third Person POV
Mrs. Jang sleepily yawned as she strolled down the staircase in her nightgown at dawn but halted halfway down when she noticed the maids and guards bustling in and out of the mansion with heavy boxes. She stared at a familiar face as Kim Taehyung shook hands with the event manager in the living room."Taehyung? Sweetie. What happening???" Mrs. Kim appeared, rushing towards her son in confusion while observing the busy staff."I'm taking charge of my engagement ceremony, of course. It's happening in two days. There were still many things left unattended, so I figured I should help you deal with it," Taehyung replied, weakly smiling at his mother's puzzled face. Mrs. Jang froze on the staircase."But we agreed to postpone the engagement!" Mrs. Kim gasped at her son in confusion."Let's just get it over with-""Didn't Sora tell you she wished to postpone the engagement?" Mrs. Jang asked, sternly strolling down the remaining staircase, causing the event manager to bow at her in fear. Taehyung turned to watch Sora's mother approach him with a look of discontent on her face. She wasn't pleased."Sora told me she was excited about the engagement," Taehyung shrugged at Mrs. Jang unsurely, causing the woman to stiffen in place."I ordered for the delay-""Eomma! There you are! I wanted you to help me pick out my dress!" Sora called, hurrying towards her mother with the stylists as they pushed a hanger rack filled with formal gowns. Mrs. Jang frowned at her daughter's cheerful smile."You two made up...?" Mrs. Kim asked, glancing back and forth between her son's bright beam and the supreme alpha's uplifting mood."It's impossible to remain upset with my lovely bride," Taehyung turned to place his arm over Sora's shoulder, gently tugging her against his body. Sora giggled and hugged his waist with flushed cheeks. Mrs. Jang scoffed at her daughter's behavior in disbelief."I want everyone out of the mansion now!" Mrs. Jang snapped, causing the maids and guards to halt in their places. The event managers and stylists immediately left in a hurry with their belongings as the maids and guards exited the mansion in fear, leaving the alphas alone."Eomma-" Sora pouted, but his mother simply turned and strolled away without speaking to her. Mrs. Kim sadly stared at the couple and walked away with a maid as Taehyung held onto Sora."She is a stubborn woman," Taehyung muttered, glancing down at Sora's anxious frown."What if-""Don't worry. I'll speak with your mother," Taehyung assured while rubbing her shoulder.Jang Sora doubtfully stared at Taehyung but gave in and nodded in defeat. She was restless about her mother's unchanging rejection of her engagement the entire day... until she sat at the dinner table with the elders. The door suddenly opened and Taehyung appeared, holding the door open for Mrs. Jang, who appeared with an ashen face. It's as if her soul had left her body. Sora unsurely observed her mother's timid behavior as the woman sat in her seat beside her husband."Why aren't you eating? Feeling sick?" Taehyung asked, taking a seat beside Sora. The supreme alpha glanced at her boyfriend and back at her mother's unblinking frightened eyes."Did you speak to her? What happened?" Sora whispered. Taehyung smiled at her eager puppy eyes while rolling up his sleeves.
Sora's POV
"Yeah. I did chat with your mother about our engagement," Taehyung nodded, drawing my plate toward him to slice the steak. I pursed my lips and glanced back at eomma, but she was already staring at me with a bitter look. What's the matter...?"We'll proceed with the engagement as planned," Eomma announced, causing the dinner hall to grow hushed."Neh?" I asked, dumbfounded by her approval."You have my blessings," Eomma stiffly nodded at us. My jaw dropped as I remained stiff in my seat, entirely taken aback by her statement."Omo! That's a relief!" Mrs. Kim shrieked, happily clapping for us. Taehyung chuckled and thanked our parents as the room burst into loud chatter, but eomma remained quiet as she quietly drank from her wine glass. How did Taehyung convince her?"Ah." Taehyung smiled, pushing the steak against my lips, so I opened my mouth to accept the bite. He smiled and fed me dinner. I exhaled and joined the dinner feast with everyone.____________________Whatever Taehyung said to my mother worked like a charm because it was definitely an effective deal. He wouldn't disclose their agreement to me, but it must be eomma's weakness for him to tame a powerful woman like her. I blinked, briefly glancing at Taehyung through the mirror as the stylist did my hair and makeup. He was typing on his phone in his suit and sleek black hair. Imo helped me into my dress after the makeover at a hotel's royal suite  reserved for me and Taehyung."We'll be out in a bit," Taehyung smiled at imo when she tried to lead me out of the room. I unsurely glanced at Taehyung after he held me back. Imo nodded and left, closing the door to separate us from the staff. I turned before the mirror to check my sparkling golden dress and loose hair."Don't you think I'm too sparkly?" I asked, smiling at Taehyung as he stood behind my back."You've always loved the sparkles," He smiled, gently hugging me. I stared at our reflection in curiosity. What's with him?"What is it?" I asked, turning my head to smile at him. Taehyung glanced at my lips and lightly pecked me."Thank you," He whispered."Thank you?" I repeated, raising my eyebrow skeptically. Taehyung quietly admired my face and lowered his hands to hold my cold fingers."Thank you for choosing to stand by my side," He smiled. I chuckled and hugged him."You're making me shy~!" I giggled. Taehyung patted my head, suddenly withdrawing a small box from his trouser pocket. I pursed my lips as he popped it open to show me a beautiful crescent moon necklace."A little gift for you," He smiled."It's so pretty!" I gasped, immediately spinning around to lift my hair with an approving smile. Taehyung chuckled and gently slipped the silver necklace around my throat to clip it. I lowered my loose curls, lightly touching the diamond pendant.

"I'll give you a better gift when I can afford it," Taehyung gently hugged me from behind as I gleefully admired at the jewel around my neck."Afford it? You can't afford what?" I asked, staring at Taehyung through the mirror. He weakly smiled at my baffled smile and placed his palms on my stomach, gently rubbing my belly in a circular motion."A child is pretty expensive," He whispered. My cheeks flushed red at his cocky smile, so I turned around to smack his chest in disbelief. Taehyung laughed at my reaction as he rubbed his chest."Oppa!" I snapped. Taehyung grabbed my waist to pull me against his firm body until my cheeks flushed red. I smiled and pecked his lips."Let's head out before you transfer your lipstick onto my face," He teased."Oppa~!" I whined as he grabbed my hand and led me out of the room. Imo appeared with a box of jewels but halted when she noticed the necklace sitting over my collarbones."She won't need that," Taehyung nodded at imo. The woman smiled at us and turned to place the box into a maid's hand as Do-hwan stood by the door with a stern expression."Big Man! You need to give us your blessing, or I'll get mad at you!" I poked Do-hwan's pocket. He's still upset with me and has been avoiding me since... the day Haerim passed. Do-hwan glanced at my eager puppy eyes and glanced at Taehyung's neutral face with an awkward look."Congratulations," Do-hwan cleared his throat, stiffly nodding at us. I happily giggled as the man opened the door for us. Taehyung took a deep breath and strolled out with me into the corridor until we arrived at the venue... where all the guests were registering their attendance. We both greeted the alphas and strangers our parents invited. Even the country's president was present. The hall noisily buzzed as we entered to find the shareholders huddling around the elders, waiting in line to converse with them."Sora!" Minah waved, hurrying towards me in her usual red-themed dress."You came!" I smiled. I haven't seen her in a while! I wasn't sure she'd show up because of the ongoing problems with Taehyung's trial."Of course! Who am I to refuse the supreme alpha's invitation?!" Minah giggled."You're marrying a man to save him from murder~! True love, huh?" Mira appeared with Minho, causing the smile on Minah's face to fade."Yah! Why would you say that-""Oh! Right! He's not found guilty... yet...?" Minho mocked, patting Taehyung's shoulder. Taehyung rolled his eyes and glanced away in disinterest."You're so rude!" Minah complained."Jungkook- Wait-!" Jimin gasped, chasing after Jeon Jungkook, who was storming towards us in fury."Come with me!" Jungkook snapped, roughly grabbing Minah's wrist, causing her to flinch in a panic."Yah! Calm down first-""Let go of me!" Minah snapped, tugging her wrist back in annoyance."Oh! Congratulations!" Jimin awkwardly nodded at us as Jungkook glared at Minah."Yah. If you want to make up with her-" I tried to tease Jungkook."Song Jae-il! It was him!" Jungkook snapped, angrily fuming at Minah, whose face turned pale."M-Moh?" Minah stared at Jungkook's upset expression."You were seeing him behind my back!" Jungkook snapped. Minah's face turned pale."Yikes..." Minho covered his lips. Jimin screwed his face in distress as Jungkook roughly dragged Minah away, leaving us dumbfounded."So the rumor about Minah cheating on Jungkook is true? She cheated on him with Jae-il?!" Mira gasped. Taehyung shook his head at the disorder and nudged me away, so we turned and left the couple."Yoongi!" I gasped, waving at him as he stood beside Hoseok, who bitterly eyed Taehyung."Congratulations," Yoongi smiled, weakly nodding at me as Taehyung glared at Hoseok. The two weren't on good terms."Kim Seokjin and Kim Namjoon aren't here today," Yoongi shrugged."I wouldn't be here too if you didn't force me," Hoseok grumbled."Yah! Sora's is my friend!" Yoongi scolded. Hoseok forcefully nodded at me and turned to leave with his wine glass. Yoongi apologetically tried to clarify Hoseok's attitude, but I assured him we weren't bothered. But it was a lie. Taehyung's body remained stiff throughout the night as he chatted with the elders and the guests. He's very uncomfortable with the controversies and the gossip... but is doing his best to contain himself."Why are you sweating so much?" I asked, gently dabbing his soaked forehead as he nervously glanced at the crowd. Many alphas and lower ranks didn't attend our engagement ceremony, leaving many seats empty. My mother was definitely not happy with our rash decision to host the ceremony. She kept darting Taehyung a cold glare."Just- overwhelmed-""Don't listen to their words. Okay? We planned our engagement weeks ago," I smiled, gently patting his cheek. Taehyung nodded and leaned down to peck my lips. I firmly gripped his hand to assure him as we walked toward the other guests. Taehyung was nervous because of the foul rumors about him. People claimed he was using me to shield himself from Seokjin's attack. That's why he's pushing the engagement to cement his position in the council.
They claim he's playing dirty to defy Seokjin with my power.
_______________________
Fast Forward
Taehyung softly patted my hand as we strolled through the elite building with the elders. I nervously glanced at the crowded council where the gawking eyes preyed on us. The elders seemed anxious as well, especially Taehyung's parents."I hope your woman's status can help you lessen the penalty," Minho dawdled, walking past us with his parents."Try using Jang Sora to beg Seokjin for forgiveness or just marry her off to him. You'll probably survive," Mira chuckled while shaking her head. Taehyung glared at the couple until I noticed Kim Namjoon's presence inside the room. Did he return? Namjoon refused to give a statement after he recovered from his injuries."Oppa. Should I speak to Namjoon? Maybe I can-""Don't bother," Taehyung shook his head, gently patting my soft cheek as I looked up at his handsome face. I anxiously watched Namjoon stroll to his place as Yoongi and Hoseok entered through the opposite door. It's Kim Namjoon's first public appearance after confiscating Seokjin's contract. Their parents were glaring at each other... but Seokjin seemed unbothered."Why did you bring the files?" Jimin asked, following Jungkook to his seat. Jungkook didn't respond to Jimin and fired a sharp glare across the room. Minah glared right back at him with her arms crossed. Apparently, the guy she was cheating with was Song Jae-il. Jimin found out after digging into her dirt and Jungkook has been bitter about her betrayal since."Congratulations. I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the engagement last night. Had a little errand to run for the top alpha," Sungho appeared, firmly reaching out to shake my hand before turning to smile at Taehyung, who nodded at him. He quickly rushed away."Do you want to sit with me? Since we're officially engaged now?" I asked, lifting our interlaced hands. Taehyung glanced at our couple rings and shook his head."It's alright. The council might assume I'm using your status to dominate the trial-""Then I'll sit with you. That's fine right?" I smiled, patting his hand. Taehyung weakly smiled as he led me up the stairs."Your mother won't be happy," Taehyung nudged my arm. I shifted my gaze to find eomma narrowing her gaze darkly at my lover as if she wanted to murder him. She's been acting this way since Taehyung spoke to her in private."What are you doing here?" Jungkook asked as I entered the third-rank row to sit beside him."To support my husband," I teased. Jungkook rolled his eyes at our interlaced hands, causing Jimin to chuckle from the row below. Taehyung sat down beside me as the elders turned to question my seating choice. My father darted me an annoyed look as he sat beside eomma on the top row."If we can't dodge this... Taehyung, you have to request an appeal to delay the trial," Mr. Kim reminded his son. Taehyung's face darkened as he released my hand to switch on the installed tablet screen on the desk.The room grew hushed after all the households settled in their respective seats. We averted our attention to the moderator as he spoke into the microphone. Taehyung appeared somewhat... calm... unlike the first trial. He didn't tell me much... about his progress, but I had a plan. I'll confess to Yangcha's demise. I didn't inform anyone of my intention because I know they won't approve it, but I'll speak the truth. Everything about Yangcha's obsession and his crimes."-If found guilty, the suspect must be stripped of his status to face the charges. The alpha must compensate his entire assets to the victim's household or the victim's standing alliance. Murder will result in the alpha's expulsion from society, including his entire household," Seokjin calmly read the articles aloud."Kim Taehyung may defend himself," The moderator spoke up. Seokjin placed his file down and glanced at Taehyung as he sat empty-handed without blinking. I nudged Taehyung's arm to snap him out of his thoughts, so Taehyung cleared his throat and straightened his back in his seat."Confess to your crimes, Kim Taehyung. At least you can save your family's life with the confession," Minho dawdled. Taehyung clasped his hands together as the elders worriedly watched his unresponsive reaction."The Jang will not aid Kim Taehyung with the charges and will remain independent from the case's involvement," Eomma cleared her throat. I snapped my head back to stare at her in disbelief."Oh. Dear. That's not good. Your woman's mother is pulling out to save her daughter," Minho mocked. Taehyung remained expressionless. Still, he didn't speak. What's the matter? Why is Taehyung muted? I placed my hand on his thigh to catch his attention. Taehyung briefly smiled at me and averted his gaze back to his opponents."A criminal case must be dealt with in chronological order. Jae Yangcha committed the murders first, so we should address the matter-""How are you so shameless? Accusing a dead child of crimes- he's incapable of committing?" Seokjin tensed his body at Taehyung's words."Kim Namjoon refuses to speak on the matter, correct? Even after Jae Yangcha almost decapitated you?" Taehyung sighed, averting his dull gaze to Namjoon. The alpha blankly stared at us and pressed his microphone."Yangcha and I got into a small fight, and I fainted by accident. I cannot stand as your witness since I wasn't aware of his last moment before his passing," Namjoon calmly refused to assist Kim Taehyung.
Taehyung didn't react and smiled at Namjoon. It's as if he was expecting Namjoon to betray him.
"I never needed your help anyway," Taehyung sighed, signaling someone across the room. The room turned their heads in confusion as Sungho got up from his seat with a report in his hand."Sungho...?" I muttered."He's proving his competency to our household," Taehyung smirked. Sungho handed a small USB to the moderator with the files and quickly left the venue, causing the council to glance at each other in confusion."These are... Jae Yangcha's... criminal records... authorized by the city's investigation team," The moderator read the title on the black leather case until his face drained. Hoseok widened his eyes and turned to glare at Taehyung."That's absurd! You didn't assemble a false record to blame the alpha-""Express your complaints after the trial. It isn't your turn to speak," Jungkook fired. Hoseok clenched his jaw and glared at the moderator as the man inserted the USB to share it on all the screens. The door swung wide open again and Sungho returned with the school's investigation team."The principal?" Jimin's jaw dropped in disbelief as the man strolled through the doorway. The school principal turned to greet the two presidents as he sat down on a chair Sungho had prepared for him on the ground floor."I didn't retain enough proof to support my claims. That's for sure, but a fellow alpha offered to assist me. You see, I wasn't the only one suspicious of the worthless sheep," Taehyung smiled, nodding at Sungho with an approving smile."Jae Yangcha is responsible for all of the lower ranks' deaths, and I've worked intensively with the team and the principal to uncover his crimes," Sungho formally bowed at the council as he stood with the team on the base floor. My jaw dropped in shock. What? Taehyung received help from Sungho? Why didn't he tell me???"On the day Yoona passed, Jae Yangcha was seen entering the campus at noon with Haerim's identity after she exited the door," Taehyung calmly spoke as the camera footage displayed on all the devices to show Yangcha entering after the academy Haerim left."That doesn't mean he's the culprit. I sometimes forget to register my attendance too," Mira rolled her eyes."In the next footage. Jae Yangcha is seen walking into the alpha lounge with his blue backpack. For your information, this was right after Yoona was killed. The electricity on the fourth floor has been shut off by Yoona herself," Taehyung explained, nodding at the footage of Yoona exiting the operation room and Yangcha appearing at the location afterward."He knew she was headed to the alpha's lecture room, so he went after her," Sungho nodded, signaling the moderator to play the following video."Back to Yangcha. He mysteriously entered the alpha lounge after Yoona passed to settle with the others until the alarm went off. The alpha poured out of the room and left to reside in the auditorium for safety, but Jae Yangcha... had stopped by his locker to place his bag away. His blue backpack," Taehyung nodded as Yangcha shoved his bag into his locker and walked off with the others."Does placing his backpack in his locker indicate he's a murderer?" Hoseok asked with a dumbfounded look. Taehyung chuckled and shook his head."He never returned to retrieve his belongings," Sungho smiled."Jae Yangcha accidentally left his locker card in his bag, so he couldn't open the locker and applied for a new card with the administrative department," Taehyung chuckled. The screen switched to a picture of a handwritten form placed by Yangcha to request a new locker card."I have approved his request myself, but the boy never picked up his new card," The principal confirmed, lifting Yangcha's new locker card with the request form."As a matter of fact, he didn't seem bothered because the alpha showed up to school with a new bag and never left with his old one. Why? Because the security checkpoint had to inspect all of the students' bags on the day of Yoona's death and for an entire week after the incident," Taehyung sighed."What was in his bag?" Yoongi asked, curiously staring at the screen."A pair of black gloves covered in dried blood. Yoona's blood and Jae Yangcha's verified fingerprints were on the gloves as expected," Sungho answered. The investigation team quickly drew out the blue bag from the plastic seal to place it on the table in the middle of the venue and dumped Yangcha's bag. His books... pencils... headset... and a black glove came tumbling out. My eyes widened in horror as the investigator carefully handled the evidence with their gloves on. All his materials were stained with dark brown blood.

"He could've destroyed the evidence," Namjoon muttered."Right? The school only monitored the student's material for the first week. He could've retrieved his belongings and thrown them out, but he didn't. Why? Because The Kim usually dispose of their own garbage, right Seokjin-shi?" Taehyung asked the second rank, whose face dimmed upon the question."My family handles our personal waste for confidential purposes," Kim Seokjin nodded."So Jae Yangcha knew he couldn't simply throw away his dirty gloves at the Kim's place because the staff would likely... check the disposed items before burning them. That's why he left his belongings in the locker," Jimin stared at Sungho in realization."Exactly. And regarding the poisoning incident... The milk does not belong to the school's cafeteria. It's a carton with the Kim's label on it. Yangcha brought the milk from home after injecting it with rat poison. Traces of the poisonous powder were also found in his bag," Sungho explained as the team placed Yangcha's original empty milk bottle beside his blue bag as the moderator showed the chemical report on the council's devices. Seokjin stared at the positive results of toxic chemicals with a slight frown."The first kill was too obvious. So obvious... we didn't even notice it was Jae Yangcha's doing," The principal nodded sadly. Everyone pitied the child because he was the one wailing for his friend's return."And the raincoat?" Hoseok asked."The child threw it on the rooftop, thinking the rain would wash off his trace, but we found a hair sample on the raincoat. It was his hair," Sungho nodded at the DNA result on the screen. Mira widened her eyes in terror."Actually... can you display Seokjin's crime scene report? The pictures of the scene itself?" Jungkook requested as he flipped back and forth on Seokjin's copy of the crime report. The moderator immediately brought up the pictures of Yangcha's sprawling corpse on the floor. The shattered glasses. The thick blood paste. The baseball bat. I tense my body uneasily at the reminder of his death."What's wrong?" I asked Jungkook as he intensely stared at the picture."That one! The toy collection! Stop and zoom in!" Jungkook demanded. The moderator clicked on the picture of tiny blood splatters on Yangcha's shelves. My heart thumped in bewilderment. That's right!"The items! The blue cap! The rose-shaped earring and the green wristband! They belong to his friends!" I blurt. Jungkook scoffed and lifted his smug face to smile at Seokjin."Maybe he wanted to keep his friends-""Ani. Yoona's corpse was found with only one earring on. The other piece was missing, and Yangcha never met her after she passed away. How did he possess her earring if he didn't even attend her funeral?" Jungkook asked as the moderator brought up Yoona's crime shots to zoom in on the picture of her mutilated face. An earring was missing."Neither... did Jangwook or Seungho have those items with them the day they were killed," Sungho confirmed. Seokjin grew hushed as he stared at the concrete evidence. The elders turned to chatter intensely regarding the matter."So you killed him? Jae Yangcha? Because he's the killer?" Seokjin asked, lifting his dark gaze to us. Taehyung scoffed and lowered his face to laugh weekly."Jae Yangcha's crime isn't a justified excuse to kill him. He could've been brought forward to be punished by the council," Hoseok glared at Taehyung."I knew the evidence wasn't enough to clear my name, but my lovely bride helped me discover a... crucial proof," Taehyung chuckled, weaklu smiling at me. I stared at his prideful smile in surprise."Me?" I blinked."The dashcam," Taehyung grinned. Huh? The dashcam of him getting robbed? Taehyung reached inside his pocket to withdraw a small chip from his hand and got up to stroll down the stairs, eventually handing it to Sungho, who rushed forward to submit it to the moderator."Are you showing them the video of you getting robbed?" I asked, awkwardly staring at Taehyung as he sat back down beside me. He happily took my hand in his... and gave me a soft peck on my cheek."I realized my lovely bride was unreachable that night, so I left to search for her. If I wanted to murder Yangcha. Why would I directly ask Seokjin about his whereabouts? See? Seokjin, you saw me that night. You knew I was heading to Yangcha's place to search for Sora. I would've sneakily gone to the alpha's villa if I wanted to kill him... but I didn't and visited you first because I thought the supreme alpha was at your place," Taehyung smiled across the room. Seokjin glared at his rival and glanced at the footage of Taehyung's car entering the dark property, illuminating his car light towards the glass house."Your visit alone isn't enough to declare your innocence-""Why don't you finish watching the footage?" Jungkook dawdled. Seokjin and his parents averted their attention to the screen in irritation. I watched the footage on my screen as Taehyung stepped out of his car, parked right in front of the glass door. He hurriedly entered the villa and scrambled up the stairs, disappearing from view until another headlight entered the property, and Jungkook appeared in his pajamas. He too... rushed up the spiraling stairs in a hurry. The council grew hushed as we watched the dark dashcam, capturing the vacant living room through the video.I stiffened when Jungkook rushed out of the room from the first floor with me in his arms. He quickly carried me down the stairs to settle my frail on the couch before turning to rush upstairs again to assist Taehyung. The two alphas limped down the spiraling staircase together until Jungkook shoved Taehyung onto me.The half-blood once again raced up to the room to help Namjoon as I climbed the stairs to assist Jungkook, leaving Taehyung alone on the couch as he rubbed his injured head. I sucked in my breath when Jae Yangcha appeared with a baseball bat. Jungkook was cluelessly towing Namjoon but suddenly turned to look behind his back in alarm after hearing my warning, but it was too late.Yangcha roughly swung the bat at Jungkook's chest, sending him tumbling to the side. Kim Namjoon slumped onto the floor at the impact. Yangcha lifted his bat again to strike Jungkook as I frantically rushed up the stairs to seize the bat, causing Yangcha to snap at me.The alpha frantically fought with me to gain control of the baseball bat when he suddenly tripped, slamming hard into me, sending me stumbling backward until my feet missed a step. Yangcha dropped the baseball bat in horror, grabbing my arm to stop me from tilting off the stairs... but failed... so he swung his body under me and thrust me upward, sending his defenseless body off the stair landing.I winced in discomfort as I watched Jae Yangcha tumble... down the stairs, passing Kim Taehyung, who was leaning weakly against the staircase and finally landed hard on the ground floor after the deadly collision. The alpha had stopped moving. His murky blood... seeping steadily... from under his lifeless body.
The dashcam unintentionally captured... everything. The footage wasn't clear... but... anyone could make out our identity through the transparent glass door.
Seokjin remained blank as he stared at the solid evidence of Taehyung's involvement with Jae Yangcha's death. Mrs. Kim, Seokjin's mother, let out a shaky exhale as she turned to eye her husband in dread. Even Jung Hoseok was hushed as he stared at Jae Yangcha's final moment. Yoongi pursed his lips and glanced up at me with a reassuring smile. Mira and Minho were frozen in their place as Jimin repeatedly replayed the scene on his personal device."Kim Taehyung is not guilty. The death was accidental," Sungho cleared his throat. The Kim remained quiet as Seokjin shifted his dim gaze to me."Why were you at Yangcha's place?" Seokjin asked me."Yangcha posted the rumors about Taehyung. I got upset after you confronted me, so I went to see him," I admitted. Seokjin clenched his fist and glanced at the footage with a grave stare."Jae Yangcha possesses his friend's phone. He drove the last lower rank crazy with texts from Yoona and Jangwook, posing as the dead. Can you confirm his possession of their phones?" The chief investigator questioned Seokjin. Mrs. Kim turned to speak with her son to discuss the request and eventually called their team to inspect Yangcha's place. I sighed in relief and turned to stare at Taehyung's weak smile as we waited for the news."Did you plan this from the beginning?" I asked. Taehyung shook his head."I remembered the dashcam after we watched my robbery footage. You saved me today," Taehyung smiled, gently kissing my hand. Jungkook fired us an annoyed look before darting Minah a sour glare."Did you speak with her?" I asked, nudging Jungkook."She claimed I was inconsiderate of her feelings and the cheating was an accident! She said she was drunk!" Jungkook grumbled in annoyance. Jimin chuckled and turned to smile at us as the council grew hushed again. Seokjin cleared his throat after receiving the call from his team."Our team discovered two phones and a laptop. We'll be investigating the devices," Seokjin announced. Mr. Kim exhaled in relief and turned to smile at Taehyung with pride."Kim Taehyung has proven himself-""We're not done here. Can I speak?" Taehyung asked, lifting his smug face to stare at the moderator as he attempted to conclude the meeting."Of course, young master," The moderator smiled uneasily. Taehyung patted his suit and straightened his back with his razor-sharp eyes fixed on Kim Seokjin."If found guilty, the suspect must be stripped of his status to face the charges. The alpha must compensate his entire assets to the victim's household or the victim's standing alliance. Murder will result in the alpha's expulsion from society, including his entire household. Right, Seokjin-shi?" Taehyung repeated the article with a weak smile. Seokjin clenched his jaw."Correct," Seokjin nodded stiffly."Jae Yangcha is found guilty, but he's dead. In other words, your household announced his death. The Kim is Jae Yangcha's legal guardian and all acts executed by your orphan boy... falls under your household accountabilities-""Kim Taehyung-""The worthless sheep tried to harm the supreme alpha. Me, Jeon Jungkook and Kim Namjoon. And killed three other lower ranks. The Kims are Jae Yangcha's direct alliance, and therefore... Your household must compensate for the damages caused to the seven victims. And that includes wasting my time and falsely accusing me of being a cold-blooded killer. The Kim must bear the consequences of the dead sheep's crime, and I will not settle for your pathetic plea," Taehyung cut Seokjin off. The council grew hushed as the former second-rank alpha sat in his seat with a pale expression after hearing Kim Taehyung's demand. I glanced at Taehyung's arrogant smile and lowered my hand to stare at his hand over my lap. He gently squeezed my thigh and shifted his dark eyes to me.Kim Taehyung never lost. I realized. My chest contracted in fear upon the sudden realization.
Jae Yangcha was not a sacrifice to a greater tragedy.

But an opportunity to be Kim Seokjin's deadliest destruction.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Flashback: Morning after Taehyung and Sora made up.
Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung stirred on the mattress to adjust his numb left leg but couldn't move as a heavy mass slouched over his body. He groaned over the pillow at the suffocating humidity of his lover's warmth. Sleepily, he opened his eyes to find Sora snuggling her face against his cheek with her legs tangled between his.The alpha tried to move again in an attempt to free his body but failed miserably because he was afraid of waking her. He surrendered to her firm grasp and relaxed his body on the mattress, quietly listening to Sora's stable breath with his eyes closed... until he felt something wet... dripping onto his lips. Taehyung frowned as he tasted the liquid with his tongue, slightly frowning at the blandness of the dense paste."Ah~ She's drooling~" Taehyung grunted under his breath, turning to find his girlfriend sleeping with her lips ajar. Her slimy drool... leaking from the corner of her lips... and onto his face. He scoffed in disbelief and lifted his head to stare at the position of their bodies... only to realize she had drawn over most of his blanket, leaving his body exposed to the cold atmosphere."Aigo~" Taehyung muttered, finally pushing his elbow against the mattress to sit up, carefully positioning Sora's head on the pillow. She stirred in her sleep at the slight disturbance, mouth open and hair dangling messily over her face. Taehyung weakly smiled at her not-so-appealing state. The dumpling's habit never changed. He thought. The alpha sealed Sora's lips, gently rubbing the excess saliva from her chin before tucking her in. He sleepily slid off his bed, bent down to pull on his shirt, and strolled out of the bedroom with his phone. It was almost dawn.Taehyung pushed the front door open to welcome the early morning breeze. He stepped out to stretch his toned body while yawning before strolling into the garage to approach his sportscar. He got inside to sit in the driver's seat, drew out his phone and clicked on the application.The alpha scrolled through his footage record of the day he visited Jae Yangcha's villa and as he anticipated... The dashcam somehow recorded the entire incident. Taehyung scoffed as he replayed the footage, finally lowering his forehead against the steering wheel as the heaviness subsided from his chest.

He had concrete proof to defend his innocence. The alpha wanted to announce the favorable news to his lover and the elders- but held back the urge... because he wanted to uncover his people's true nature. Kim Taehyung desired to confirm their loyalty to him, and the only person to proudly stand by his side despite his unforgiving situation was... Jang Sora.

Taehyung was frustrated with her stubbornness after she refused to respect his privacy... but her unwanted presence somehow made him feel at ease. He almost snapped at her in the bathroom until his mind went blank once he noticed her shivering under the shower as she fought to keep the water out of her eyes.

She doesn't like cold water. She hated freezing because of her past trauma in the sea. And yet... there she was... standing under the cold shower with him.

Sora might be a strong head, but Taehyung saw her determination to break through his walls. She refused to yield to her personal discomfort even as her sensitive skin burned bright red from being stung by the cold shower. Instead, Sora chose to embrace him. Her frail body... trembling out of control to hold him. And even if she had nothing with her but her defenseless shell, she offered her soothing embrace to her lover. Holding him in her arms despite being in a vulnerable state herself. Taehyung noticed her effort. Of course, he did. He had set up the cold shower to form a barrier... yet she walked right through it to reach him.

The alpha's heart throbbed with a troubled stuffiness as he watched her concerned puppy eyes, staring at his stone-cold face with so... so much... fondness and fear. It broke his heart to witness her in that state. He knew... he was mistreating her once again with his coarse actions.

Kim Taehyung believed she never truly loved him because of her past affairs with Kim Seokjin. And consequently, he used his doubt to accuse her of offering false love to him.

He had misinterpreted her genuine feelings.

Kim Taehyung knew he was insecure and especially... guilty of his actions. But he couldn't face his true feelings and chose to demonize his lover's affection. Harshly rejecting her love because he knew it was he... who failed to grant her the love she deserved.

The stone-cold walls he built instantly crumbled at her gently pecks and his heart began pulsating in remorse as she repeatedly caressed his body with her healing touches. Taehyung felt her body vibrating with the chills as he held her in the shower. Despite her distracting love imprints and kisses... Sora's lips were trembling against his.

The only body with enough warmth was his body and not hers... and yet she willingly held onto him.

Even if meant... He'll suck her remaining energy empty from her soul.
Taehyung finally lifted his face from the steering wheel to lean back against his seat with regret. The alpha reflected on his action within the muted space before stepping out of his car with the chip and headed back inside the mansion. Imo appeared with a cold expression, passing Taehyung without speaking to him. The alpha sighed at the elderly woman's attitude and followed her to the kitchen."Can I have the cake?" Taehyung asked as imo wiped the kitchen counter. The woman ignored his request and went on with her work. Taehyung rested his arm under his chin as he watched imo perform her duties."I'll complain to eomma if you refuse to serve me," Taehyung teased. Imo sideways glared at him. She turned to open the fridge. The woman brought out a slice of cake to place on the plate and hastily shoved it onto the counter, sending the plate skidding across the polished surface."Imo!" Taehyung huffed, quickly seizing the plate just before it slipped off the edge with a startled look."Happy to serve you, young master," Imo sneered, funnily widening her irritated eyes at Taehyung. The alpha scoffed at her rudeness and glanced down at the cake in irritation."Give me a spoon! Am I supposed to eat with my hands?!" Taehyung snapped while glaring at imo as she rearranged the dishes in the cabinet."You're twice my height, but you can't reach for a spoon yourself? Do I have to serve you until my stiff back breaks in half?!" She sourly snapped without looking at Taehyung. His mouth dropped open at her rude statement."You're paid to serve me!" Taehyung grimaced, getting off the chair to reach for a spoon from the top cupboard and sat back down by the counter to poke the cake."Definitely didn't get paid enough to deal with the emotional abuse," Imo muttered. Taehyung glared at the woman's harsh words as he pushed a spoonful of the creamy dessert into his mouth. The alpha ate in silence.[Imo Official Picture Reference]

"I'm sorry," Taehyung finally apologized. Imo didn't respond to his apology and proceeded to check the schedule on the device. Taehyung narrowed his irritated stare at her neglect."Your cake is the best! Wah~ How is it so delicious? I really can't live without your food~! I'm so grateful for you, imo~!" Taehyung funnily chirped as he stuffed the cake into his mouth, causing imo to smile weakly- but she immediately cleared her throat and pretended not to hear him. She filled a mug with warm water and placed it beside Taehyung's plate but didn't look at him."Aigo! You annoying rascal~!" Imo blurted, lightly smacking Taehyung's arm, finally giving in to him. The alpha laughed at her annoyed face and shook his head while chewing the cake."You're getting old~! It's unhealthy to be upset-""You're the nuisance in my life! I might die earlier than anticipated because of you!" She complained, cutely glaring at Taehyung."Why would you die early? I won't allow it. I'll starve and die without you," Taehyung winked. Imo scoffed and broke into a faint smile. She shook her head and walked away."It's Sora's special recipe," Imo smiled as she tapped on the device to order ingredients for the household."Really?" Taehyung asked, glancing down at his last creamy bite. He already finished everything."She insisted on adding the jelly paste inside, so I let her," Imo nodded as she confirmed the orders."I'm thankful for the both of you," Taehyung replied."You can easily console me, but Sora's not an easy soul to comfort. She's been through so much. I saw her arguing with her mother because of you, and she's been crying so much lately. Her eyes are always puffy," Imo sighed. Taehyung munched the last bite with heaviness in his chest."Don't worry. We already made up," Taehyung shrugged."And then what? You'll fight again. I've witnessed too many of your explosive fights," Imo shook her head as she turned to check the available ingredients in the fridge."She's very tolerant of me," Taehyung replied."Only to a certain extent. Nothing can match a woman's love, but once she's... done with you... I pray she'll have mercy on your soul. Don't push her to her limits just because she has a weak spot for you," Imo calmly spoke. Taehyung quietly smudged the excess cream over the plate in silence to contemplate Imo's words until the door opened, and Jungkook came striding inside with his eyes closed."Imo... water... I'm so thirsty... water~!" Jungkook hoarsely groaned, sleepily sitting beside his cousin with his eyes closed. The half-blood weakly slumped on the marble counter with his arms tucked under his swollen face from the good night's sleep."Aigo~! How do you expect to lead the society if you can't even pour yourself a drink?" Imo sorely placed a mug filled with cold water for Jungkook. The alpha lifted his weary face to drain the water as Taehyung bitterly watched his cousin."Why are you complaining so much? I'll tell appa about it!" Jungkook funnily grimaced after he finished the drink."Take the cake and go," Imo smiled, placing a slice for Jungkook."Good deal," Jungkook smiled, grabbed the plate, and exited the kitchen with his eyes closed. Taehyung chatted with imo and left after his cousin to return to his bedroom. The alpha halted when he opened the door to find Jang Sora sitting in the middle of the bed with her eyes closed and hair dangling over her puffy face.

"You're awake?" Taehyung asked, unsurely closing the door behind his back. Sora pouted as she sleepily opened her eyes to stare at her lover."Where have you been...?" She asked in a small voice, suddenly sniffling in tears."What's the matter? Why are you crying? Did you have a nightmare?" Taehyung asked, quickly approaching her. Sora pouted even harder. Her eyes barely open as Taehyung stared at her soaked lashes in shock. He crawled onto the bed to embrace her head."You left me alone? Why? I thought we made up-""Yah! Stop crying! Why are you crying first thing in the morning?!" Taehyung scoffed, pulling away to cup her cheeks between his palms. Sora pursed her lips as she stared at him with her watery eyes. Just like a little child."I woke up- and you weren't there- and the bedsheet is cold-" Sora whined in distress. Taehyung leaned forward to peck her pouty lips, drawing his face away as he gently rubbed her tear streams."I was hungry," He sighed, unsurely sitting on the bed with her. Sora grew hushed as she sleepily closed her eyes again. Taehyung weakly smiled at her rosy cheeks.

"I think... I might've peed... by accident," Sora whispered. Taehyung's eyes widened in horror."What-" He quickly grabbed her waist to lift her off the mattress. The alpha halted when he found a palm size bloodstain on his bedsheet as Sora hugged his neck."Oh," Sora muttered, carefully releasing Taehyung to lift her nightgown until a bloody spot appeared on the silk. She shifted her startled gaze to Taehyung in a panic once she sobered up from the drowsiness."Take a bath," Taehyung smiled, slightly nudging her. Sora scratched her head and left to shower in her room with her stained dress.Taehyung quickly pulled out his bed sheet... but fortunately, the stain didn't reach his mattress. The alpha hand-washed the stained sheet in his sink to rub away his lover's menstrual blood before lifting the mattress cover. He changed the pillow case, grabbed the blanket, and left to deliver his sheet to the maid before returning to find Sora... fighting to pull his new bedsheet... over his mattress with her buttcheeks sticking upward."I'll do it. Stay still, will you?" Taehyung chuckled, grabbing Sora by her waist to draw her off his mattress."I'm sorry," She apologized, slumping on the couch with her arms around her aching stomach."It would've been a disaster if you really peed yourself," Taehyung teased as he stretched the sheet over the mattress. The alpha turned to flatten the cover before scattering his blanket over the bed."That's why I was so moody..." Sora muttered, grumpily watching her boyfriend make his bed."Why did you leave my side~? Booohooohooo~!" Taehyung pretended to cry. Sora glared at him in annoyance. He thought it was strange of her to behave like a child, but she was weirdly adorable he couldn't help but tease her."So annoying..." She sourly rolled her eyes and got to her feet."Where are you going-""Don't touch me! I'm leaving!" Sora snapped in irritation, shoving Taehyung away when he tried to grab her."Oh? What's with the attitude? How dare you use me-""What do you mean I used you?!" Sora whined as Taehyung drew her back inside his room. The alpha quickly pressed his back against the door to stop her from leaving."You came to me last night because you were ovulating?" Taehyung smiled."Moh? You're speaking nonsense! Get out of my way!!!" Sora whined, grabbing his arm to pull him away from the door, but he refused to obey her command."So you came to me because you were horny?-""You're seriously irritating me right now!" Sora snapped, fiercely glaring at Taehyung, who remained motionless against the door with his fond gaze on her fuming red cheeks."Last night you were sorry with a heated body... and then you were hysterically laughing after succeeding in biting my flesh. And then you slept and drooled into my mouth like a dead corpse- and then you woke up sobbing and now snarling at me like a fierce cat?" Taehyung smiled."I didn't drool-""Yes, you did! You drooled right onto my lips this morning! I woke up choking on your spit!" Taehyung confronted her. Sora immediately stepped back, flustered by her unconscious acts.Taehyung smirked as she stared at him with an embarrassed look, so he bent down to clasp his strong arm under her butt and lifted her off the floor, lightly tossing her onto his bed. He quickly bent down to kiss her lips. Sora tasted her tongue weirdly after he pulled away."Why are your lips so sweet?" Sora blinked, cupping Taehyung's cheek as he hovered over her. She frowned as he remained over her with a weak smile."Yah~! Stop it! You're being weird!" Taehyung laughed when she lifted her head off the mattress to lick his lips with a confused frown. Sora tried to lick his lips again, but he pushed her face away."Am I hallucinating? Why do you taste-""Stop it! I had your cake!" Taehyung grimaced, turning his face away to avoid Sora's lips."Oh? You ate the cake? That's why it tasted familiar~!" She smiled weakly."I didn't brush my teeth yet-""WHAT?!" Sora widened her eyes in shock. Taehyung paused to stare at her offensive reaction. She quickly covered her mouth with a disgusted look."Ohoh?! You're disgusted after licking me?! Yah- Come here! Yah! How dare you express your displeasure-""Ah! No! Don't- kiss me! Yuck! AHHHHH!-" Sora screamed, trying to scramble off the mattress in her fresh gown, but Taehyung grabbed her shin and tugged her back. The alpha quickly flipped his lover over and bent down to shove his lips against hers."You like the sweetness, right? Suck it out of me!" Taehyung playfully smooched her lips, causing Sora to groan in discomfort... but she eventually gave in and hugged his neck to shorten the gap between their bodies."Hah~!" Sora cutely panted for air after Taehyung sat up on the mattress, leaving her starstruck with the flavorful taste on her tongue. Her cheeks were entirely flustered as she remained... stunned on the bed with a dreamy look."Stay here. I'll take a quick shower," Taehyung mumbled, reaching over to rub his spit off her lips. The supreme alpha didn't react but sprawled on his mattress after being forced to taste her lover's morning breath. Taehyung chuckled at her silly behavior and entered the bathroom to shower, leaving the door open to ensure she didn't leave his room. Sora finally sat up on the mattress as Taehyung strolled out of his closet room with a towel over his damp hair."Did I really drool into your mouth?" She asked, shyly watching him ruffling the towel over his hair."Yeah. But it doesn't matter. We literally exchanged spit while making out," Taehyung shrugged, turning to rub his newly shaved chin before the mirror."But we weren't kissing and that was pure... saliva," She whispered."So? I've tasted all of your fluids," He shrugged, dismissively brushing his hair with a comb."Fluids?!" Sora scoffed, offended by his choice of vocabulary."Your saliva. I've tasted it off your tongue. Your sweat. I've tasted it off your skin while making love. And the juice between your legs. I've also tasted it-" Taehyung chuckled. Thump. He paused mid-sentence, turning to look at the bed in confusion, but the supreme alpha... disappeared from sight.Taehyung rotated his body to eye the massive hump under his blanket. The supreme alpha was so flustered she hid under his sheet to keep out his voice. Taehyung smiled and crawled over the lump under the sheet. Sora refused to move and remained curled up like a ball."I hate you," Her tiny voice spoke up. Taehyung gently tugged the blanket away from her flustered face, but she quickly pulled it over her head again.

"If you want to hide... at least make it less obvious~!" He teased, grabbing the banket to yank it off her head. Sora whined and tried to roll away, but he caught her by the waist and dragged her over the mattress. He effortlessly swung his legs over her body to trap her and hugged her body on his side."Stop making fun of me~!" Sora pouted. Taehyung chuckled and held her head against his chest."Let's just hide in here today. I'm having so much fun with you," Taehyung chuckled, patting her hair with a weak smile.
Kim Taehyung isn't the type to express his concern toward people, especially not to the childish and weak. But Jang Sora was an exception. It wasn't because of his love for her but because he was conditioned to care for her. He grew up raising her as a child. It was his brotherly instinct to comfort her whenever she needed him.

The supreme alpha, on the other hand, doesn't often express her weakness to anyone. She's always pressed on doing her own things and would always refuse help... from the maids, the guards, her parents, and even Jungkook. She wanted to appear tough, and it was her nature to be independent unless it was Kim Taehyung.

Around him, she's willing to be needy, and around her, he's willing to nurture her.

Their soft spot for one another didn't evolve from their adult romance. It was their inner child. A vulnerable side of the soul, willing to let their guard down for the other, trusting the person to care for them.

It was his instinct to comfort her and only her.

And it was her habit to rely on him and only him.
End of Flashback______________________
Present
Sora's POVThe mansion erupted with exciting chatters as soon as the elders arrived in the living room. They happily conversed with festive beams as I followed Taehyung through the front door with Jungkook and Jimin. He won the second trial and it was a massive shockwave to the society. The council granted Kim Seokjin a chance to appeal the countered charge within a week, so Taehyung is officially free from Jae Yangcha's burdening case."I'm so proud of you!" Mrs. Kim happily cupped Taehyung's cheeks."Nice strike," Jungkook agreed as Jimin nodded at Taehyung with a bright smile."Wah~! Why did I doubt your potential for a second?" My father chuckled, patting Taehyung's shoulder with an approving smile. Eomma, however, remained unhappy as she quietly watched the households cheer for Taehyung. She left the living room without a word. Taehyung glanced at my mother with a smug expression.
Fast Forward
"Oh? What's this???" I gasped, strolling into the living room to find massive congratulatory flower stands, gift boxes, and goods stacked all over the living room as the maids and guards heaved the items."The guests sent them to you and Taehyung," Imo smiled as she instructed her team by the door."Wae? Is there a special occasion?" I asked, unsurely smiling at the presents."Ani. These are the people... who didn't show up to your engagement ceremony because of the trial. They're... expressing their apologies now because our young master won the trial," Imo grimly shook her head. Oh. I glanced at the gifts. So they want to get back on our good side after neglecting us?"Have you seen Taehyung?" I asked."I think he's in the gym with the others," Imo shrugged, walking forward to speak with a guard as he heaved the expensive wine crates. I turned on my heel and walked up the staircase to search for Taehyung until I entered our private gym. A blast of upbeat music boomed from the speakers as I entered the glass-enclosed room filled with gym equipment. Jungkook was punching the sand back with his gloves on as Jimin skipped over his jumping rope."Sora! You're here to work out?" Jimin smiled, causing Jungkook to halt and turn in my direction."In a nightgown?" Jungkook bitterly eyed my inappropriate attire. I've been wearing only nightgowns at home because it's comfy and I do almost nothing but nap and eat."I'm looking for Taehyung," I shook my head, turning to find him on the weight bench. The man carefully hooked the heavy bar and sat up with a face full of sweat, so I picked up a fresh facial towel from the cool freezer and headed toward him."Didn't you say you were feeling unwell?" Taehyung asked as I approached him. I smiled and pressed the cool towel against his sweaty forehead."I took painkillers," I shrugged as he grabbed the towel from my hand to wipe his sweat.

"I'll be done in a bit," He smiled, laying back down to lift the weights again. I shrugged and sat on the bench as Jungkook thirstily drained a water bottle beside me."Come here for a bit," He beckoned, tossing the bottle aside."Wae?" I asked, following Jungkook towards the punching bag."Hold the bag for me," He ordered, pulling off his soaked shirt to toss it aside. Jungkook turned to put on his gloves in his short pants. I grimaced at his toned body as I stood behind the punching bag."AH!" I shrieked when he roughly punched the sandbag, transferring the rough force to my body."Yah! Grip it tightly!" Jungkook snapped. I grumbled and tensed my muscles as he punched the bag. Thump. Thump. Thump. He threw a hard hook to the left... and then to the right... and then upward.

"YAH!" Taehyung snapped in disbelief once he sat up from the weight-lifting bench to find Jungkook punching the bag with me behind it."I'm fine- AH," I weakly smiled- WHACK. The sudden force sent me tumbling onto my butt after Jungkook raised his muscular legs to kick the bag. Thump! I landed butt-first on the mat with a dazed mind. Jungkook chuckled as I shook out the twinkling stars. It didn't hurt, but I could almost see the sparkles over my head."You asshole!" Taehyung snapped, rushing towards me as I sat on the mat."I'm fine," I giggled, funnily shaking my head. Taehyung turned to glare at his cousin as he examined the red patch on my forehead."Don't fall for her weak side~! She's a taekwondo master," Jungkook grinned."Is she? Sora! You're a black belt?!" Jimin gasped, dropping his jumping rope to approach me as Taehyung stood up and left to grab something."Used to be- but I haven't trained in so long- Woah~!" I softly gasped after lifting my eyes to find Jungkook and Jimin crouching before me. My jaw dropped, cheeks immediately flushing red as I stared at their insanely hot torsos. I didn't know Jungkook was this toned...? And Jimin- His abs are crazy. My pupils dilated in admiration as I stared at their shirtless pecs until I felt something dripping from my nose. Splat. I glanced down to find a droplet of blood."Oh!" Jimin gasped, swiftly gripping my face to pinch my nose bridge in shock."Yah! Don't touch her!" Taehyung snapped, returning with a cool towel to place on my head."Her nose is bleeding!" Jimin huffed as I lightly touched my bloody nostrils."Yah!" Taehyung fired Jungkook a sharp glare."I didn't even kick that hard-""Ani! It's okay! I think- I'm just overwhelmed," I chuckled, funnily pushing Jimin away to pinch my nose as Taehyung crouched down to wipe my bleeding nose with another towel. I fanned my burning face with a weak smile."Overwhelmed?" Taehyung grumbled. I glanced at Jungkook and Jimin's body again until my cheeks flushed red, awkwardly glancing back at Taehyung."They've got nice bodies~ Hehe," I giggled, reaching out to poke Jungkook's buff chest. Taehyung's eyes widened in shock, so I poked Jimin's abs with my finger."You pervert!" Jungkook snapped, falling back onto his butt, protectively covering his sweaty chest with his hands. Jimin burst into chaotic laughter as I giggled at them. Whack. Taehyung slapped my hand to stop me from touching Jimin."Ah- Ahhhhh~!" I whined as Taehyung roughly compressed the towel over my nose, sending a sore ache up my forehead."The kick must've flipped your brain!" Taehyung fired me an irritated look, funnily slapping the cool towel over my head to cover my eyes. I giggled and tried to peek under the towel again, but he suddenly clasped his hand over my sight, slipped his arms under my thighs, and lifted me off the floor."I can't see anything~!" I grimaced, trying to wiggle free. But he refused to release me as Jimin's hysterical laughter exploded all over the room. Thump. Taehyung placed me on the hard bench, so I quickly yanked his hand away and tried to peek past him, but he gripped my face between his palms and turned me back with a furious frown."Jang Sora!" He warned, glaring at my flustered face. More... blood began to trickle from my nose- so he quickly grabbed the towel to compress it over my face again."They're giving me a heat stroke," I giggled against the cloth. Taehyung clenched his jaw at my persistent praises for the other alphas and clasped the towel firmly over my mouth to stop me from speaking."Yah! Just let her stare if she likes it!" Jungkook teased. Taehyung turned to glare at his cousin in irritation."Do you have a death wish?!" Taehyung suddenly released the towel from my face, turning to stomp toward Jungkook."Come on! Fight me! Hiya~!" Jungkook chuckled, playfully punching the air with his gloves on. Jimin winked at me as he skipped over his rope... so I got off the bench and hurried towards Jimin with a bloody nose."Teach me- AH!" I smiled at Jimin as I stood before his hot body but was yanked back by a powerful arm around my waist, making me shriek in a panic. I turned to find Taehyung fuming at me in frustration. It's the first time I've seen him this jealous!"Jang Sora, I swear to god if you don't tame your-""Yah~! You're ruining the fun~!" Jimin teased. Taehyung snapped his head towards his friend as he dragged me backward."Andwae~!" I whined, extending my arms for Jimin, so he chuckled and stepped forward to hold my hand. My eyes widened in shock when Jimin lowered his face to kiss my hand."PARK JIMIN!" Taehyung bellowed, causing Jimin to burst into laughter."Oh no!" Jimin pretentiously gasped, backing away from his friend while smirking at me."He kissed my hand!" I laughed, lifting my hand to show Taehyung, whose face burned even redder. Is he really jealous?! Wah~~!"I'll kill you both!" Taehyung snapped, suddenly releasing me to storm towards Jimin, but Jungkook quickly raced towards me with his arms open."Come here, baby~! I'll take care of you-""YAH!" Taehyung whined, quickly jerking away from Jimin to grab my arm, possessively hugging my head against his sweat-drenched shirt to stop Jungkook from touching me. Taehyung panted heavily as he slowly stepped backward with me in his arms as his cousin and best friend strode towards us."It's us against you," Jimin smirked. Taehyung swung me behind his back, so I gripped his waist and poked my head from under his armpit with a weak smile. I gave Jungkook and Jimin a thumbs up to signal my satisfaction with their playful prank to irritate Taehyung."Yah. Why are you so possessive of Sora? After all, I'm her first love," Jungkook teased as he pulled off his boxing glove."So?! She'll be my wife!" Taehyung snapped."Well. I stole her first kiss. Do you remember Sora? The night we kissed! She was so shy~!" Jungkook teased. Taehyung tensed his jaw and glanced down at my cheeky smile as I hugged his waist."So?! She'll be the mother of my kids! Tsk!" Taehyung countered. Jimin giggled until his eyes disappeared."So..? I made her nose bleed... with my steaming hot body," Jungkook grinned at his older cousin. Taehyung scoffed in disbelief, suddenly bending down to lift my body off the ground."Ah!?- Taehyung! Put me down!" I screamed in distress as he recklessly swung me over his shoulder, hanging my torso upside down against his muscular back. I pushed against his back to lift my body upward as he firmly wrapped his arm under the back of my lower thigh."So?! I can spank her all I want because she's mine!" Taehyung snapped, suddenly smacking my butt. Jungkook and Jimin's eyes widened in shock as they watched Taehyung beat my buttcheek."Ah!- Kim Taehyung!" I screamed, trying to turn around as he firmly held me over his shoulder, but he refused to settle me down, so I weakly slumped over his broad shoulder with my hair dangling downward."She's my woman! My wife! The mother of my children!" Taehyung declared, funnily glaring at Jungkook and Jimin. They burst out laughing in disbelief as Taehyung wildly spun on his heels to leave the room, still carrying me over his shoulder like a sack bag. I lifted my face to smile at the alphas as they waved at me. Thud. Taehyung slammed the door shut and carried me down the corridor."Put me down!" I whined while smacking his back."No!" Taehyung yelled as he angrily stomped down the staircase. I whined in distress."I'm dizzy~!" I complained as my head swayed from side to side."Be quiet!" Taehyung snapped, suddenly spanking my butt again. SMACK. I shrieked in distress. He abruptly halted on the stairs. I quickly lifted my head and turned around... to find a crowd of maids and guards in the living room, staring up at us with their mouths hanging open. Imo pursed her lips as Do-hwan furrowed his eyebrows at Taehyung for beating my buttcheek. My face flushed red at their startled reaction."What are you looking at?! Get back to work!" Taehyung cleared his throat. I quickly slumped back down and pretended to play dead as he resumed strolling down the stairs. He finally landed and marched away from the crowded living room, so I lifted my flustered face to find Do-hwan chasing us."No- no! I'm fine! All good!" I frantically mouthed the man, lifting a thumbs to signal Do-hwan. The man halted at my bloody nose, so I awkwardly smiled at him as Taehyung took me away until we arrived at... his room.He carelessly threw me onto the mattress, causing my head to spin from being carried upside down. I slump weakly with my eyes closed as Taehyung stood at the edge of the bed with his hands on his hips."Don't you dare play dead with me!" He scolded. Still. I didn't budge and remained motionless. Taehyung huffed at my feet, so I sneakily opened one of my eyes to find him glowering with his piercing gaze."Oops," I closed my eyes and pretended to faint with a bloody nose."Jang Sora!" Taehyung yelled, grabbing my hand to yank me into a sitting position. I burst out laughing and cupped his cheek, lightly kissing his pursed lips. Taehyung jerked his face away in annoyance as I hugged his neck while patting his back to comfort him."It was a prank!" I smiled, pulling away to beam at him. Taehyung kept on his irritated face."Is the nosebleed a prank too?!" He snapped, unconvinced by my assurance."You were really cute~! So I kept teasing you~!" I giggled."Don't you fool me! You literally bled-""So? I bled because of the impact- but I used it as an excuse to irritate you!" I shrugged. Taehyung intensely glared as he fumed in irritation until his firm cheeks blushed with a pinkish shade."It's not fair! I'm hotter than them!" He whined, cutely sulking before me. I smiled and pecked his cheek."That's why I didn't bleed from my nose whenever I'm with you. Your presence makes me wet," I wiggled my eyebrow. Taehyung paused to stare at my mischievous smile."Is that supposed to make me feel better?" He asked, blankly staring at me."Of course! When I see you- I have this intense urge to make you the father of my children!" I chuckled, softly squeezing his cheeks. Taehyung stared at me in silence, so I smiled and gently stroked his firm jaw with my thumb until he softened his gaze."Scrub my back until I feel better," He grumbled, rising to his feet to pull off his shirt as he stormed inside the bathroom to fill the tub. I weakly shook my head and followed him to wash my bloody face over the sink as he poured the shower essence into the tub. Taehyung stepped over the rim to settle in the water."Were you really jealous?" I asked, weakly turning to watch him glare at the water."Hurry up, woman!" He snapped, firing me a sharp glare. I grimaced at his attitude, quickly slipped off my clothes, and stormed towards him. He hastily turned away to expose his back without looking at me as I sat behind him. I glared at the back of his head, snatched the sponge to soak it with soap, and roughly scrubbed his back with all my might. Scratch! Scratch!"Argh?!- Yah- YAH! Are you trying to skin me alive?!- Argh!" Taehyung screamed in distress, trying to spin around, but I clutched his shoulder and scrubbed his back in anger."You wanted me to scrub your back, right!? I'm scrubbing!" I argued. Taehyung shrieked in pain at my aggression, wildly spinning in the tub to snatch my wrist in disbelief."Yah! You started it first!" He snapped."Whatever!" I poked out my tongue, hastily flinging the wet sponge at his face. Splat. Taehyung sat stiffly in his place as I tried to scramble out of the tub but froze with one foot hooked over the edge when I found him sitting with a face full of bubbly foam. Dumbfounded, he shifted his intense gaze to me. I nervously gripped the rim and carefully sat back down to face him in the water. He might kill me."Jang Sora," He muttered without blinking. I tried not to laugh at his white face and gently reached out to rinse the mess with the clear water. Taehyung closed his eyes to let me wash his face until the soap disappeared. He opened his eyes again to stare coldly at me without speaking. I pursed my lips in fear as he darkly watched me without budging. The bathroom suddenly grew hushed as I sat with my hands clasped under the water. Maybe I've gone too far...?"Hehe... You're not mad anymore. Right? I've never seen you this jealous before- so I kept annoying you to witness your obsession with me. Oppa~! It was really a joke~!" I pouted, trying desperately to use my cuteness against him. Yet. He remained stony."I won't forgive you," He answered. I whined, quickly crawling over his lap under the water to hug his warm body."I swear you're the hottest man in my eyes. Oh? Look! You've got beautiful tan skin! Your pecs are crazy buff and your abs are so defined I want to lick it!" I giggled, cupping his cheeks. Taehyung's lips twitched at my ridiculous words, but he clenched his jaw to resist the urge and remained expressionless."Liar," Taehyung said shortly. I pursed my lips at his stubbornness. I know he's on the verge of laughing. Beep. I pressed the automated button to drained the water from the tub. Taehyung didn't react but sat sternly under me as I remained on his lap until the water completely emptied the tub, exposing our soaked bodies.Smiling, I lowered my face to kiss his neck without warning him. He didn't budge or speak, so I nibbled his collarbones and slipped my lips to his hard pecs. Taehyung let out a deep exhale as he sat stiffly under me. I lifted my mischievous eyes to watch his tense expression as I stuck out my tongue... to press it against his sensitive nipple. He suddenly clenched his jaw, making me smile at his positive reaction... so I gently bit his tip between my teeth to tease him, sensually sucking his flesh while rubbing his soaked abs between my fingers to arouse him."Urgh..." Taehyung panted, suddenly screwing his face in distress as I lowered my face to kiss his hard abs while jerking his hump between my hands. His breath suddenly grew unsteady as I rubbed his sensitive tip and finally... lowered my face to give him an oral favor. He shuddered, gripping the bathtub edges in difficulty until his humped hardened against my slick tongue."You're so tasty," I smirked while licking his manly bulge like a lollipop until Taehyung rubbed his lips with a difficult frown at my lewd behavior. Slurp. Slurp. Slurp.The alpha grunted sexily as he sat with his legs spread apart and suddenly lifted his hand to reach over my arching spine as I knelt between his legs to please his crotch. Hgnh~! I slightly twitched once I felt his fingers rubbing against my raw slit. The alpha moaned in distress as I intensely bopped my head over his crotch to swallow his hard shaft as he fingered my lady bits until I muffled in distress with his private part shoved against my inner cheek."Taehyung?-" Mrs. Kim's voice suddenly spoke up, causing the both of us to widen our eyes in terror. We snapped our heads toward the opened door in bewilderment. He didn't close the door?!"Eomma-""Taehyung honey- Omo!" Mrs. Kim cluelessly turned in our direction. Flop!I gasped in shock when Taehyung suddenly leaped forward, hastily pinning me against the base of the tub to shove my naked body out of his mother's sight, causing my legs to swing upward... hooking awkwardly over each side of the rim as I lay under his wet body with a flustered look. Mrs. Kim wildly turned away after catching a glimpse of her son's shirtless torso between spread-open legs. Snatch! Taehyung shoved my shins off the rim to force my legs out of sight so I nervously bit my lips to stifle my shaky breath as Taehyung held me down with a startled look."I'm showering! Give me a moment!" Taehyung whined, briefly glancing down at my bulging eyeballs as I covered my mouth."Araso! See me in the living room! Oh- And don't do anything weird in the shower! You two might slip and hurt yourself!" Mrs. Kim chuckled and quickly raced out of the room. My eyes widened in horror as Taehyung froze over me. Thud! She banged the door closed."She saw us!" I gasped, pushing his body to sit up in horror. Taehyung and I turned to find... my nightgown... panties... and bra... scattered all over the tiles."Ah~!" Taehyung grumbled, rubbing his face in frustration after getting caught by his mother. I chuckled and turned to smile at him."Should we make it quick?" I asked. He glared at me playfully. We hurriedly showered but didn't escalate the intimacy and got dressed to leave the room."I'll deal with you tonight," He leaned down to speak in my ear as we strolled hand in hand toward the living room. My cheeks flushed red, so I cleared my throat awkwardly as Taehyung released my hand to grope my butt.____________________
Fast Forward
"Congratulations!" A group of lower ranks crowded around Sungho after the school council conference. The lectures resumed as usual after Jae Yangcha's trial, and people have been very... kind to us. By that... I mean... They were really supportive of our relationship. The endless rumors and gossip completely diminished after Yangcha's passing.
The society took down the platform to prevent rumors circulation to nurse the rift between the top alphas and the lower ranks. The sky was much brighter. But the dispute isn't completely over yet.
Kim Seokjin is still negotiating the charge with the victim's households. I turned to find Seokjin strolling from away his president's desk, exiting through the back door with his files. We haven't spoken since I last saw him at the trial and he never greeted me at the university either.
We're like strangers... again.
"Thank you," Sungho smiled while accepting gifts from his supporters. Taehyung stepped down from his desk and walked down the stairs to approach me as I waited for him by the entrance."Ah~ I'm hungry~! Bring your parents to our mansion for dinner!" Taehyung gently took my hand and reached over to pat Sungho's shoulder. The alpha beamed at Taehyung as I walked out of the auditorium. Taehyung granted Sungho a status in the council as his personal assistant. He's also entitled to register as a president for the upcoming school year."Sora. Can I speak with you for a second?" Yoongi called, chasing after me. Taehyung turned to stare at the second rank unsurely."I'll gather Jungkook and Jimin. Meet you at the lobby," Taehyung smiled, kissed my cheek, and strolled off in his neat suit."Yeah?" I smiled at Yoongi."Regarding the charges related to Seokjin's negotiation. My parents voted to transfer Jae Yangcha's assets to your household instead of expelling Kim Seokjin," Yoongi informed me."Oh," I pursed my lips.
The council is actively voting on the resolution to resolve the matter. Kim Seokjin must repay the ultimate cost by sharing his assets with the victims, which bears the risk of his household collapsing or... Jae Yangcha's assets are paid entirely to Taehyung's household... and Kim Seokjin will be penalized with a probation period of half a year. This means his household won't be able to execute their authority in the council.
"Kim Taehyung is too powerful without Kim Seokjin. So we chose to keep the Kim in the game. The Jung will cast the same vote," Yoongi smiled."Thank you for informing me. It's understandable," I smiled."And since you're here... Hoseok asked me to invite you and your allies to his island," Yoongi smiled, handing me a few invitation letters. I chatted briefly with Yoongi, left with the invitations, and headed home with Taehyung.
A moment later.
"Did you put on makeup?" Taehyung asked while observing my face in curiosity as I sat on the exterior dining table. The elders insisted on hosting the dinner before our mansions. I like the breeze. It's definitely refreshing, unlike the suffocating dining room."Is it too much?" I asked, nervously staring at his eager face in embarrassment. It's an event between our household alliances, so I figured I should put in some effort."I wouldn't dare criticize my bride. She might bite me again," Taehyung teased, nudging my shoulder."Oppa~!" I whined quietly, gently smacking his hand. Taehyung chuckled and ruffled my hair.

"Annyeonghaseyo!" Sungho appeared in a black suit and dashing pushed-back hair, followed by his parents."Annyeonghaseyo!" We rose from our seats to welcome the second-rank alpha and his family."You're a really handsome man! Sadly, I only have one daughter to offer, and she's taken," Appa joked, proudly patting Sungho's back, who briefly smiled at me. Jungkook rolled his eyes as Jimin greeted the elders with his parents."But we have a beautiful daughter! Hwa-young! Introduce yourself!" Sungho's mother chuckled, dragging another person forward. Taehyung and I froze as a beautiful woman appeared in a knee-length floral dress. She was very tall compared to an average woman. Taller than me. Her hair was the color of dark chocolate that reached her waist. Huge almond-shaped eyes and glossy pink lips. Jimin's eyes widened as he nudged Jungkook in excitement."Annyeonghaseyo~! I'm Chul Hwa-young~!" She greeted the elders before turning to us with an enchanting smile."Just like your name! A beautiful flower!" Mrs. Kim chuckled."Greet the top alphas," Sungho nudged his shy sister forward."I'm Jang Sora," I smiled, warmly shaking her hand. Taehyung took her hands next. Jungkook forced a smile as Jimin eagerly waited for his turn."Ah, please take a seat!" Eomma smiled as the maids helped the alphas settle beside the Jeons. I sat beside Taehyung on the edge of our table. Jungkook and Jimin sat together beside us. And most of the elders were on the opposite side of our table. Eomma and appa were together at the left end as the Kims sat at the other end. Sungho sat right across from me."We have two handsome men available in our household!" Mrs. Park grinned at Hwa-young, referring to Jimin and Jungkook. Hwa-young blushed and lowered her head, shyly lifting her face to catch Taehyung's eyes. Taehyung smiled at her awkwardly.

"I love the sparkles on your eyelids," Sungho complimented my makeup, causing my cheeks to heat up."Ah. Thank you," I smiled."Jeon Jungkook!" Mrs. Jeon glared at her stepson as he stared at his phone with an unbothered look. Jungkook cleared his throat and placed his phone away. Well. The elders hosted the feast to thank Sungho for aiding our household in the trial.
Apparently... Sungho was investigating the case for fun until he uncovered Yangcha's crime. He immediately reported to the investigation team during the two weeks duration... that was granted to Taehyung. The principal immediately relaunched the investigation as requested and offered to help Taehyung in the trial after Sungho convinced the man.
"The Chul is looking forward to merging our household with the supreme alpha," Sungho raised his wine glass. The elders cheered and tossed, so I sipped the bitter wine with a bright beam. My parents will accept the Chul as our new alliance to strengthen our household. Hwa-young suddenly started coughing beside her brother. She's a shy and timid woman."Have some water," Taehyung offered, handing his unopened bottle over."Thank you," Sungho smiled, accepting the water to pour it for his sister. I glanced at Taehyung as he settled down to eat his food and back at Hwa-young as she briefly made eye contact with me. The dinner was fun. There wasn't any tension.

The Chul left the mansion after leaving us a gift. It was a box crate of ginseng roots and supplements.
"Have a safe trip home," Taehyung bowed at the Chul as we watched them get into the car. Sungho waved at us as Jungkook turned to walk away with a sulky face, so Jimin chased after his friend. Hwa-young turned to smile at us, so I waved back until she got in with Sungho and disappeared."Should I set her up with Jimin?" Mrs. Park smiled."Jungkook would be a good pair with her," Mrs. Jeon shrugged. The elders chatted outside the mansion for another moment... so we excused our presence and left for our respective rooms. I quietly brushed my hair while sitting on the bed after showering."Aren't you sleeping in my room?" Taehyung asked, pushing my door to stroll inside."I miss my bed. It's too crammed in your room," I muttered. He frowned and sat beside me with a questioning look."My bed is a... king-size bed..." He muttered, dumbfounded by my claim. His bed can easily fit four grown men."I can sprawl freely on my bed, and you snore too much sometimes-""Oh?! You're the one taking up most of the space. I sometimes fall off my own bed because you keep pushing against me! And what? I snore? You drool on me every day!" He snapped."Then let's sleep in our separate room. You won't be uncomfortable anymore," I shrugged."Andwae~! I want to sleep with you!" Taehyung whined, suddenly hugging me with a cute pout. He pressed his nose against my hair to inhale my scent."Araso~! Turn off the light," I mumbled in defeat. He pecked my cheek and quickly got up to switch off the light as I slipped under my blanket."Good night kiss!" He demanded, puckering his lips after slipping in beside me. I chuckled and leaned upward to press my lips against his and tried to pull away, but he grabbed the back of my head and leaned over to smother me with his kiss. I groaned, lightly tapping his chest until he pulled away."Oppa~!" I whined as I struggled to breathe."Why the long face? What is it now?" He asked, weakly smiling at me."I'm just sleepy," I muttered, turning away from him."Okay then. Good night," He sighed as I closed my eyes. He didn't speak and lay behind my back without touching me."She's beautiful," I muttered. Taehyung remained quiet as I stared at his motionless palm extended over my pillow. "Is that why you're sulking?" He asked, suddenly bending his elbow under my head to pinch my nose. I whined and shoved his hand away, restlessly turning to glare at him in the dark. Taehyung shifted his head over the pillow with a weak smile as he gently weaved his fingers through my hair."You keep looking at her," I muttered. Taehyung chuckled and tried to kiss me, so I firmly placed my hand over his lips with a slight grimace."You can touch another man's hard pecs, but I can't look at another woman? Aigo~! That's unfair!" Taehung mumbled."Whatever!" I huffed, turning to face away from him again."I might die early because of you. Aigo~! Why are you so complicated~?" Taehyung teased, funnily grumbling under his breath like an old man."If you can't handle more- Then settle for less!" I turned to glare at him. Taehyung shifted his head on the pillow at my bitter frown."You know I'm a very greedy man. I'll never settle for less," He chuckled, softly squeezing my cheeks. I huffed and scooted closer to him."I will gouge out your eyes if you look at her again," I grumbled, tightly hugging his chest."Aigo~ I'll have to walk with my eyes closed when I go out~! I must obey the supreme alpha's order, or my eyeballs will go missing~!" He chuckled in an old man's accent again. I bit my lower lips in irritation at his mocking smile."I'll touch Jungkook's muscles again if you-""Yah! You're unbelievable, really!" He scolds, lifting his head to fire me a sharp glare. I pouted at Taehyung and hugged his neck in defeat."Let's sleep," I mumbled against his neck. Taehyung scoffed and dropped his head back onto the pillow."Touch another man again, and I'll kill the jerk!" He snapped in irritation. I lifted my head to stare at his irritated face."Poke. I touched you," I smiled, booping his nose tip with my finger. Taehyung intensely glared at my weak smile."I'm dead," Taehyung suddenly closed his eyes, funnily poking his tongue out from his between lips. I chuckled at his playfulness."Oh no~! I must give my husband CPR," I giggled, softly kissing his cheek. Taehyung didn't budge and remained still with his tongue poking out, so I poked his nose again."He's dead," Taehyung briefly spoke and poked his tongue out again."Yay~! I'll find myself a new husband~!" I giggled, getting up to crawl out of bed."Yah!" Taehyung snapped, grabbing my arm to yank me back. I chuckled, falling back onto the mattress, and gently kissed his lips."Oh. He's alive," I smiled while lying on the pillow with a weak smile."I love you," He whispered, fondly gazing at me."I love you more," I smiled. Taehyung shook his head and leaned down to kiss me again as he rubbed my buttcheeks."I disagree," He smiled, pulling away. Taehyung drew me against his chest, so I swung my leg over his body to hold him, and we eventually drifted off to sleep on my bed. It felt surreal. The happiness I was experiencing with him.________________________I sat nervously beside Taehyung at the council after casting for another meeting to finalize Jae Yangcha's trial. Seokjin appeared at the venue, looking like a zombie with dark under circles as he sat with his drained parents. They've been fighting to secure their households.
Who would've known they were protecting a killer? The moderator announced the result of the council's vote, and it was the transfer of all of Jae Yangcha's assets to Kim Taehyung. Kim Namjoon will not receive the shares because he never pressed charges against Yangcha. Seokjin's household will remain stable in the society, but their authority will be detained by the council for six months. Kim Seokjin will personally compensate the lower rank families.

And with the victory... Kim Taehyung climbed the hierarchy rank.

He's officially a second-rank alpha.

My mother seemed tense but stayed silent on Taehyung's every decision.

The Chul finally announced their ultimate alliance agreement with the Jeon at the council. The household signed the contract to solidify the deal. And so... Sungho became my alliance. Eomma insisted on signing with the Chul directly... but Taehyung insisted the Jeon didn't have an alliance contract yet, so he transferred the deal to Jungkook. Sungho firmly shook hands with Jungkook after they sealed the contracts as the Jeons proudly chatted with the Chul. Eomma sighed in discontent as she glared at Taehyung.

She's afraid Taehyung and Jungkook will combine their power to resist me, but why is she so anxious if I'll marry Taehyung anyways?
________________________"Oh no! There's a woman!" Taehyung softly gasped, covering his eyes as Minah strolled inside the student lounge."Stop it!" I giggled, tugging his hand away from his eyes. Taehyung smiled and placed his arm around my shoulder."Are you guys visiting the Jung's island?" Minah asked, sitting across from us."Yeah. We'll start packing soon," I nodded in excitement. I've never been to the island, but I heard it's freaking beautiful- And the place is famous for the white grape wine!"Have you seen Sungho's sister?" Minah asked, eagerly leaning forward."We met her at dinner," I nodded. Taehyung yawned while adjusting his head on my lap as he typed on his phone."She's really popular. I heard Minho tried to court her. Mira got so furious- They were fighting," Minah chuckled."Even the supreme alpha herself is threatening to gouge out my eyes if I dared look at Sungho's sister," Taehyung dawdled. I glared at his smug expression, causing Minah to giggle."You're very attractive, Sora! Seriously- Every man in society was gossiping about you before your return to the society. Some men even planned on proposing! I'm serious! Didn't Jung Hoseok send you flowers? Even Jae Yangcha was obsessed with you!" Minah giggled. Taehyung turned his head to glare at Minah. I chuckled. The door to the lounge suddenly opened, and Jungkook came striding in. He sideway glared at Minah as he tossed his bag onto the couch."It was you. Wasn't it? You poisoned Gae Haerim?" Jungkook calmly asked. Minah stiffened in place at his unexpected confrontation."Moh?!" Minah snapped, causing the other alphas to glance at her."You cheated on me with Jae-il and got upset after he passed! You knew Haerim was involved, so you took revenge for him! You poisoned Haerim!" Jungkook loudly spoke. Minah's eyes burned with tears as she glared at him."You're a fucking asshole!" She gritted, angrily getting up from the couch to storm away. Taehyung quickly lifted his head off my lap to sit up with a puzzled look."I'll go after her-""No! She should be exposed for her crimes!" Jungkook snapped, grabbing my hand to hold me back."Jungkook-" I tried to speak. He roughly released my hand and stormed out of the lounge with an attitude, so I pursed my lips and turned to look at Taehyung worriedly. Jungkook is still upset with Minah. I don't know if he's telling the truth... but I'm afraid he's doing it to hurt her for betraying him."Let's head home," Taehyung sighed, getting up to collect my bag. I picked up Jungkook's bag, and we eventually strolled out of the university together. My head suddenly ached as I buckled my seatbelt, so I lowered my face to rub my temples."Do you have painkillers?" I asked."Your head is hurting again?" Taehyung asked. I nodded. He turned to search his compartment for a pill and handed it to me... so I took the medication as Taehyung adjusted my seat position to lay me down."Oh? What are we-""You've been having abnormal headaches. Let's get you checked. I already contacted the head doctor," Taehyung muttered, getting out of the car to open the door for me. We're at the central hospital. I scratched my head and followed him to the lobby, but a staff member was already waiting to escort us. The head doctor asked Taehyung to bring me to the hospital because he wanted to do a full body scan. I insisted I was alright, but Taehyung refused and told me to see our head doctor.A moment later."The result will be out in a bit," The nurse assured us. Taehyung nodded as he sat in the lobby with me. He kept taking selfies of us, so I smiled and posed for his pictures.

"Oh! Anneonghaseyo~!" Hwa-young appeared, bowing at me out of nowhere."Hwa-young!" I gasped, quickly getting up to smile at her."What are you guys doing here? Are you sick?" Hwa-young asked, awkwardly shifting her eyes past me, so I turned around to find Taehyung sitting on the cushioned bench with his hand clasped firmly over his eyes."T-Taehyung- It's fine-" I gasped, lightly tugging his shirt in embarrassment."Ah~! My eyes hurt! Nice to meet you!" Taehyung replied as he pretended to rub his eyes."Omo. What happened?" Hwa-young gasped. I awkwardly glanced at Taehyung as he firmly clasped his hand over his eyes to avoid looking at her.

"My lovely wife tried to gouge out my eyes," Taehyung replied. Hwa-young glanced at me with a startled look."Ahah! He's just joking! Why are you here?" I asked her to distract her from Taehyung's weird behavior."I'm here for a checkup," She nodded, unsurely glancing at Taehyung again. Hwa-young eventually left after the nurse called for her name, so I slumped back down."Is she gone?" Taehyung asked, nudging my arm, still keeping his hands over his eyes."You're so annoying!" I snapped, smacking his thigh. Taehyung opened his fingers to peek at the lobby before lowering his hand."Wah~! Who's this beautiful stranger?" He flirtily smirked, crossing his legs with his eyebrows raised. I glared at his cuteness.

"I already have a hot fiancé," I shrugged, scooting away from him. Taehyung suddenly faked a soft cry."He must be a very lucky man," Taehyung wiggled his eyebrows. I giggled. He chuckled and scooted closer to take my hand in his."Young lady. The head doctor is ready to consult you," A nurse approached us. Taehyung and I got onto our feet and entered the office to greet the doctor as he typed on his computer keyboard."Anneonghaseyo," We greeted him."How long have you been experiencing the symptoms?" The head doctor asked, glancing at me after we settled before his desk.

"Uh... since... I visited Busan. I kept getting headaches and seeing weird visions," I nodded. The head doctor rubbed his chin with his eyes fixed on my MRI scan."You've developed a brain tumor," He sighed, pushing the picture of my brain toward me. Taehyung stiffened in his place as he held my hand."Neh?" I blinked. The head doctor pointed his pen at my brain image. It was a pea-sized tumor on the left side of my frontal lobe."The tumor is located on the membranes that cover the brain, called meninges. It's still in the early stage... but it is infectious and will spread to the other healthy parts," The head doctor informed. Taehyung remained muted as he stared at the results, so I pursed my lips and glanced at him.[Head Doctor Official Picture Reference]

"Taehyung- I think we should contact the elders-""O-Oh yeah-" Taehyung stiffly nodded, fumbling for his phone in his pocket. He quickly got up to exit the room as I sat with the head doctor. My heart started racing in fear as I stared at my brain scan without blinking. A rush of overwhelming emotions suddenly swept through me as I stared at the result. THUD. I quickly snapped my head after I heard someone shrieking."Sir!- Sir?!" A nurse gasped as I rushed out of the room to find... Taehyung lying unconsciously on the floor."Assist him! Sora, I'll contact your mother," The head doctor gasped, quickly crouching down to feel Taehyung's pulse. The nurse rushed away to alarm the others for help. I felt my world spinning around me until my body elevated from the ground... as I watched the medics heave Taehyung onto the medical cart."T-Taehyung..." I whispered, trying to walk forward as the world tilted from side to side until my vision distorted and- Thud. My legs wobbled, sending me slamming into the wall. I felt weak. It's as if I had no energy left in me. The head doctor wildly turned to stabilize my body as my head spun like a whirlpool until the darkness swallowed the source of light above me.
I lost consciousness.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Flashback

"How long have you been experiencing the symptoms?" The head doctor asked, glancing at me after we settled before his desk.

"Uh... since... I visited Busan. I kept getting headaches and seeing weird visions," I nodded. The head doctor rubbed his chin with his eyes fixed on my MRI scan.

"You've developed a brain tumor," He sighed, pushing the picture of my brain toward me. Taehyung stiffened in his place as he held my hand.

"Neh?" I blinked. The head doctor pointed his pen at my brain image. It was a pea-sized tumor on the left side of my frontal lobe.

"The tumor is located on the membranes that cover the brain, called meninges. It's still in the early stage... but it is infectious and will spread to the other healthy parts," The head doctor informed. Taehyung remained muted as he stared at the results, so I pursed my lips and glanced at him.

"Taehyung- I think we should contact the elders-"
"O-Oh- yeah-" Taehyung stiffly nodded, fumbling for his phone in his pocket. He quickly got up to exit the room as I sat with the head doctor. My heart started racing in fear as I stared at my brain scan without blinking. A rush of overwhelming emotions suddenly swept through me as I stared at the result.  THUD . I quickly snapped my head after I heard someone shrieking.
"Sir!- Sir?!" A nurse gasped as I rushed out of the room to find... Taehyung lying unconsciously on the floor.

"Assist him! Sora, I'll contact your mother," The head doctor gasped, quickly crouching down to feel Taehyung's pulse. The nurse rushed away to alarm the others for help. I felt my world spinning around me until my body elevated from the ground... as I watched the medics heave Taehyung onto the medical cart.
"T-Taehyung..." I whispered, trying to walk forward as the world tilted from side to side until my vision distorted and-  Thud . My legs wobbled, sending me slamming into the wall. I felt weak. It's as if I had no energy left in me. The head doctor wildly turned to stabilize my body as my head spun like a whirlpool until the darkness swallowed the source of light above me.
I lost consciousness.
...The darkness I descended into earlier faded away as soon as it engulfed me. I sat stiffly, stunned by the strange surroundings. There is beautiful scenery beyond my gaze. It felt like... I had seen it before. Yet I couldn't recall the memories of witnessing the precise moment.
The sea. It was the calm sea. The gentle waves... washing the seashells on the beach. The warm sun... setting at the far horizon. The familiar seagull... squawking in the gloomy sky.
I felt nothing but this pacifying serenity within me. Gradually, I rose to my feet in confusion. How did I end up here?- Oh? I stood in place when I noticed the soft specs... drizzling before the seaside view. Snow? It's snowing.My lips parted as I admired the lightweight frost with my sparkling doe eyes, slowly approaching the glass wall with my lips ajar. It was snowing over the gloomy sea. The Winter Sea. The ethereal beauty of the once-in-a-lifetime phenomena. I stood with an empty mind until... I heard faint sniffles. It was as if someone was crying behind my back. I averted my gaze from the sea, turning towards the source of the sound and halted in surprise."Huh...?" I furrowed my eyebrows as I stared at an awfully identical clone of... me.Jang Sora. I was staring at myself.Except... I didn't look well. My cheekbones... were protruding from under my colorless gaunt cheeks. My once healthy flesh... replaced with... flaky skins that hugged my bones. My plump lips were pale and peeling. I looked... ill.I stared at my sickly state with a frightened feeling until I noticed... she wasn't alone.
In her arms... was a little child. A baby girl... cooing peacefully in my arms. One... two... and three... little boys... were hugging my frail body in their sleep with damp eyelashes. It's as if they cried themselves to sleep. I wasn't moving. Rather. My shell remained on the couch with her eyes closed. A single tear drop... rolling from her ghostly face. And right beside her... facing the sea view... was... Kim Taehyung. He sat with his arm wrapped firmly over my shoulder as he quietly sobbed against me. His warm tears... soaking my shirt, causing my heart to ache intensely.
I suddenly felt this sharp pain contracting in my chest as I glanced around the space to find the top alphas grieving within the room. I wanted to speak... to tell them... I'm right beside them. But I couldn't utter a word as a hot lump formed in my throat. No one seemed to notice my presence. It was as if I was invisible to their eyes.
I felt scared... cold... and hollow.
What's happening? I didn't understand- but the pain I felt- it's unmistakably real emotion. I felt restless. As if I wanted to scream for help. For someone to save me even if I'm physically stable. Unconscious tears began to fill my eyes as I watched the heartbreaking scene before me, so I rubbed away my tears and attempted to walk forward- but halted in place again.
The downcast living room with the alphas... and the little kids... had disappeared. Instead... I found myself staring at this... ancient tree on an emerald hilltop. I pursed my lips as the gentle wind grazed my skin with its soothing comfort. The intense throbbing in my chest subsided, replaced by a calming relief.
"Annyeonghaseyo~!" Jungkook's familiar voice spoke up to my right side, so I turned to find him dressed in a black suit. He was welcoming a flood of guests. Dressed in dark attires. And beside Jungkook was the top alphas. Hoseok. Seokjin. Namjoon. Yoongi. Jimin. They were all... greeting the strangers.I glanced past them to find rows... after rows... of chairs decorated with white flowers on the extensive field. Unconsciously, I turned my heel and walked over the aisle between the chairs with my eyes fixed on a flower wreath. I halted by the wreath with a blank face to stare at my own portrait. It was a picture of me. Smiling brightly at whoever was staring at the picture frame. I gulped and glanced at the name written below the flower. Jang Sora.Taehyung suddenly appeared by my flower wreath in his neat suit, so I turned to stare at his tearful eyes as he gazed at my picture with a yearning look. My heart stirred uncomfortably upon his dark circles and torn expression. I unconsciously stepped toward him when he suddenly turned away to greet the guests, forcefully holding back his tears. My heart sank. He couldn't see me. No one in this place could see me. Am I dead? Suddenly?

I turned back to my flower wreath and walked toward the open casket to find... my body... resting peacefully over the white cushioned sheets. I didn't look sick anymore. I looked healthy with the artificial makeover. There was hair on my head... and it appeared... as if I was... sleeping. It was weird. To watch myself remain in a casket as I'm standing right here... to witness everything without being acknowledged by the living souls.
It felt as if... I'm stuck in time... and everyone is moving forward so quickly... without me.

It's a scary thought to be left behind, alone to wander the parallel... world.

The same people... the same time period... the same places... yet I didn't exist in their universe.

It's as if I'm stuck in an alternative dimension. Living in an identical world, yet never the same.

Like a pair of parallel lines that will never meet despite moving in the same direction and being so close to each other. But will never overlap.
Sighing, I glanced at the ancient tree again when something else caught my eye. A little playground stood next to the tree. There were three children there and a small... baby crate. And without thinking, I started walking towards them. One by one... I walked up the pebbled path until my eyes... landed on the beautiful sea view beyond the hilltop.I shifted my gaze from the breathtaking scenery to the three boys. The oldest one was sitting on the grass with his empty gaze fixed on the ocean. A twin sat listlessly on each swing... softly rocking back and forth with their head slanted against the rope. They too... seemed blank as they stared at the grass without showing any sign of life.The young souls didn't express the lively behavior of a child. I glanced at the baby crate and walked up to it... to discover... a little baby girl... lying in her cushioned-filled space with her cute doe eyes fixed on the sky above her. She's awake. But she wasn't crying as she stared up at me with her naturally curled lashes. I didn't know who they were... the kids... but I felt an intense urge to embrace each of them and beg them for forgiveness.
I felt guilty. But I didn't know why.
"E-Eomma~!" The little girl suddenly cooed, cutely giggling at me. I froze. She blinked at me with her cute baby teeth. And slowly... she lifted her arm to reach for me.

"Can you see me?" I asked, startled by her awareness. The child giggled again as she wiggled her fingers towards the sky. So... I lifted my hand to reach for hers. My body turned numb when I felt her warm fingers wrapping around my index finger, tightly holding onto me."Mama!" She giggled in a cute voice as I froze over her crate. Warm tears... unconsciously dripping from my face as she repeatedly called for her mother. I reached inside the baby crate to pick her up with a weak smile as the hot streams trickled my damp cheeks. I tried to embrace her little body- Snap.
The parallel lines never met...
...My eyes suddenly flung open. I didn't flinch at the bright light but stared unblinkingly at whatever I was looking at without budging. My eyes weren't... soaked. I wasn't crying. But the heaviness in my chest is still there. I remained silent to recall the same... reoccurring dream I've had for the past few days and nights.
Why can't I remember anything after I wake up? I swear. I swear it was the same dream with the same people, but the instant I woke up... my mind is completely empty again. It's as if I've never had the dream before. Am I losing my sanity? No. I'm sure it's the same dream. Why? The heaviness in my chest. I feel it for a least... a minute after waking up before it subsides.
"Feeling better?" Taehyung asked from behind my back. I blinked out of my thoughts to find myself... staring at the navy blue sea before me. I was sleeping on my side... facing the bedroom door with the view of the ocean. I'm on a yacht."You stayed here the entire time?" I asked, turning to lie on my back. Taehyung sat beside me with his back pressed against the bedhead while flipping through his files."They're too loud up there," He shrugged. I scratched my hair and sat up to stare at the calm sea as the yacht rocked gently over the waves. We're heading towards Hoseok's private island on our private vessel. I got seasick an hour in, so I decided to sleep in the lower bedroom until I was awoken by the obscure dream."I keep... recalling the same dream," I muttered. Taehyung closed his file and turned to look at me."About the tumor?" He asked, lifting his eyebrow unsurely."Yeah. But that's all I can remember. We went to the hospital... The doctor said I had a tumor... and then I fainted. That's the furthest I can remember from the dream," I nodded, turning to look at him. Taehyung and I did visit the head doctor for a check-up... but there was no problem with me. The head doctor prescribed health supplements to help me sleep and digest better during the consultation. I don't have a tumor, so why do I keep dreaming about the terminal illness?"Let's get you some fresh air," Taehyung sighed as he got off the bed. I grabbed his offered hand and followed him out of the bedroom to stroll through the luxurious yacht to find the elders gathered inside the bar room. Taehyung led me past them and up the stairs to the upper deck."Oppa. The dream was weirdly... realistic. Oh? It's as if I've witnessed the situation before-""What's real right now is that you're losing your mind," Taehyung chuckled. I grimaced at him just as we arrived at the upper opening. It wasn't enclosed, like the lower floor, so I could see the entire sea in all directions as we cruised over the steady undulation of the tides."The chef brought a meal but... they're already... gone," Sungho chuckled, nodding at Jimin and Jungkook as they snored loudly on the couch. Sungho walked over to the blaring speaker and turned off the music, so I glanced at Hwa-young as she sat on a beach bench at the front of the yacht with a sketchbook."They'll be wasted by the time we arrive," Taehyung grimaced at the bottles of empty liquors. I sat down on the couch across from Sungho, still a little nauseous."They know how to have fun. You brought work on a trip," Sungho chuckled. Taehyung leaned over the coffee table to grab a bowl of fruit and handed it to me. I pushed it away, refusing to eat anything. I'm afraid I'll barf if I fill my stomach."Yah. You'll fall ill if you don't eat!" Taehyung scolded. I shook my head and turned to rest my chin on the headrest with my dim gaze on the calm sea. I refused to eat and remained sulky with a dizzy head. I'm not a fan of traveling over water. It reminds me of my past. Being near the sea itself... is scary."I've prepared seasickness pills- Just in case one of us got sick," Sungho smiled, getting up to dig into his bag. He handed me a small pill, so I took it with some water. Taehyung tried to lighten my mood during the trip but failed after many attempts because I wasn't in a good mood.Fortunately, the medication did soothe my swaying head after an hour, and I didn't feel the intense nauseous rocking anymore. Jungkook and Jimin eventually woke up from their brief nap and the first thing they did was drink and dance. I giggled at their funny moves until Taehyung grimaced at me for giving them more attention. He shifted his gaze away in annoyance after the alphas managed to uplift my mood without much effort."Aigo~! Why are you two always joined at the hip?" Appa groaned, strolling up the stairs with the elders to find me sitting sideways on Taehyung's lap with my arms locked around his thick neck.

"My boyfriend is grumpy," I grinned at Taehyung's sour face. He hugged my waist but didn't speak and pretended to sleep with his head tilted backward."Wae? Why are you sulky?" Mrs. Kim asked her son. Taehyung refused to answer, so I giggled and kissed his cheek as eomma strolled towards the railing to observe the deep sea below us."He's upset because he failed to cheer her up. These two made her laugh the instant they woke up," Sungho nodded at Jungkook, who was screaming into the microphone while bouncing around with Jimin with a drunken face."I know her better than her boyfriend! She was once my girlfriend too~! Dumpling~! Chubby dumpling~! Crazy dumpling likes to be entertained~!" Jungkook proudly beamed. Taehyung suddenly lifted up his head to fire Jungkook an irritated glare."If you don't shut up- I will throw you off the yacht!" Taehyung threatened."Why are you unleashing your frustration on me?! She chose me to entertain her!" Jungkook grinned as Jimin laughed funnily on the side until his legs wobbled and toppled onto the couch. Taehyung turned to glare at me as I giggled at their cute bickering."Should I throw you off?" He narrowed his eyes on me. I poked out my tongue to tease him."AH! OPPA- ARGH! %*#&^$?!- NO-" I screeched in fear when Taehyung suddenly bolted off the couch with me in his arms. He hurriedly walked towards the edge to hover my defenseless body over the railing... causing my heart to skip in a panic."Taehyung! Oh no!- Taehyung baby- That's the supreme alpha you're tossing out of the yacht! Stop scaring her!" Mrs. Kim gasped, funnily rushing after her son to stop him."Come near me, and I'll toss you too!" Taehyungfired his mother a playful glare. Mrs. Kim pursed her lips as I fearfully clung onto Taehyung's shoulder over the scary opening."BIG MAN- HE'S TRYING TO KILL ME-" I screamed at Taehyung as he firmly held me over the opening."Yah! Who- What the hell?! Put her down!" Do-hwan screeched from the deck below, so I glanced over the railing to find the man poking his head out from the lower floor to stare up at me in horror. I cried for help and turned to press my face against Taehyung's shoulder."Promise me you won't- ARGH! Yah! Jang Sora! Let- OW!" Taehyung tried to threaten me but shrieked in pain, funnily stumbling backward with his face screwed in distress as I bit his ear."Be careful!" Mr. Jeon snapped as Taehyung struggled to hold my body- just as Do-hwan appeared on the upper floor with a flustered look after racing up the stairs. Taehyung wailed in disbelief until he tripped and collapsed onto the wooden floor, landing hard on his butt."I told you not to mess with the cute dumpling~!" Jungkook happily sang into his microphone. I finally released Taehyung's ear from between gritting teeth and sat up on his torso as he lay on the ground with his hand clasped over his left earlobe."Aigo~! Maybe I don't have to worry about my daughter. After all... It's my son-in-law that I should be concerned about," Appa chuckled as Taehyung groaned under me. I huffed and stood up to dust my hands. Taehyung sat up to glare at me in disbelief with my teeth mark over his bright red ear.The elders chuckled at Taehyung's defeat, so I giggled and sat back on the couch with my feet crossed. Do-hwan smirked at Taehyung and nodded at me with an approving smile. The elders spent time with us on the upper deck as we chattered loudly, except for Hwa-young. She has been sketching for hours by herself. Eomma didn't seem as distant anymore because she kept chuckling with appa and Mrs. Chul.The yacht finally arrived at the island harbor a little past noon, so I yawned and followed everyone to the exit stairs. Jungkook and Jimin drunkenly hopped off the stairs, causing their mothers to shriek in distress. The alphas laughed as Taehyung supported my upper arm."Annyeonghaseyo! Please come this way! The cart is ready for transport!" A few staff appeared to welcome the elders."Didn't you put on sunscreen? Your skin is burning!" Mrs. Chul scolded Hwa-young's bright red face as she followed us from behind."She should leave with us," Mr. Jeon beckoned Hwa-young. There were only a few carts to transport the guests, so the elders left before us as I strolled over the wooden dock with the young alphas. Our parents left with the staff and Hwa-young for the first round trip to the hill.

"Dance with me~!" Jungkook drunkenly grabbed my wrists to sway me around."Yah! Stop fooling around!" Taehyung whined at his cousin's chaotic behavior. I giggled as Jungkook made me groove with him over the dock. I gasped in shock when he suddenly spun me under his arm and tilted me backward with his arm secured under my waist. Taehyung grimaced at our playfulness as he carried my essential bag."AH!" I shrieked in pain, suddenly collapsing onto the dock. Thud. Jungkook's eyes widened in horror."What's the matter?!- Yah! Why would you wear heels to the beach?!" Jungkook snapped, crouching to help me tug the trapped heel between the gap."Imo made me wear it!" I huffed while sitting on the wooden dock with a bleeding knee and sprained ankle."I told you not to fool around!" Taehyung shouted from behind us."She's fine! Perfectly fine! Right?! Get up- or he'll beat me!" Jungkook lifted his head to assure Taehyung as he approached us, suddenly pulling me back onto my feet after snatching the heels off my feet."Y-Yeah. I'm fine-" I nodded at Taehyung, but it was a lie. My ankle is throbbing like hell."Let's go~!" Jungkook giggled, dragging me forward on my bare feet."Stop dragging her! Let me inspect her ankle-" Taehyung called after us, but Jungkook didn't listen as I struggled to jog after Jungkook. We finally stepped onto the warm sand over the beach."Jungkook. Wait- I think it's bad- Ah!" I grimaced. My ankle is hurting more and more! I gripped my loose maxi dress uncomfortably- suddenly tripping and collapsed hard onto the sand."Yah! Pretend to be okay until I can escape him~!" Jungkook grimaced. We turned to find Taehyung storming towards us with my bag."You're dead!" Taehyung shrieked."Oh no~!" Jungkook gasped, suddenly seizing my upper arm to pull me back up, but I was in too much pain to stand on my right foot."Jungkook- I can't- AH?!- WHAT THE HELL- JEON JUNGKOOK! AH!" I complained, refusing to get up when Jungkook hastily grabbed both my hands- hastily towing me across the beach. My eyes widened in horror as he dragged my body over the sand like a bag of trash. Taehyung's jaw dropped at Jungkook's drunken behavior."JEON JUNGKOOK! STOP! WHAT THE FUCK-" Taehyung screamed, chasing after me as Jungkook ran at full speed, hauling me over the sand with him."Oppa- OPPAAAAA~!" I screamed in distress as the stupid half-blood dragged me across the beach until the sand splattered onto my face from his crazy speed. Taehyung dropped my bag and sprinted over my trail with a horrified look."Urgh!" Taehyung gasped, leaping forward to tackle my body. Jungkook's hand suddenly slipped from mine- causing him to stumble to the side as Taehyung pinned my body onto the sand to stop me from being dragged."Ah~!" I groaned, slumping on the sand in exhaustion with my arms extended over my head as Taehyung lay over me. He's completely out of breath. Taehyung quickly pulled me into a sitting position, bitterly firing Jungkook a sharp glare as he giggled at us. The half-blood sat up with a weak smile as Taehyung dusted the sand from my cheeks.

"Does it hurt? Your ankle?" Taehyung asked, pushing my dress off my feet to examine my swollen right foot."Of course, she's in pain! She dislocated her ankle!" Sungho gasped, crouching beside Taehyung to examine my ankle as Jimin picked up my bag from the sand."I'll ask the available medics to treat you," Taehyung sighed, slipping his arm under my body to lift me off the sand. I clung to his shoulder as Sungho and Jimin followed us from behind with a weak smile. They've been laughing at Jungkook's intoxicated state."Mianhae~!" Jungkook smiled at Taehyung, who resentfully glared at his cousin. Jimin chuckled as we waited by the path until a golf cart appeared with Do-hwan. He returned to fetch me after escorting the elders."What happened?" Do-hwan's lips parted in disbelief when he found Taehyung carrying me by the road. My hair is covered in sand... and my dress is... a mess."She decided to wear heels to the beach," Jungkook shrugged, pushing my dangling heels into Do-hwan's hands, dismissively climbing onto the golf cart. Taehyung carefully sat me in the second row... behind Jungkook. Jimin got in after us to sit in the back row with Sungho. Do-hwan sighed and got in next to Jungkook."Ark! Yah-" Jungkook wildly turned around to glare at me after I angrily grabbed a handful of his hair to yank him backward. Stupid jerk!"I will bruise your pretty face if you dare touch her!" Taehyung snapped, stopping Jungkook from attacking me from the front seat.Jungkook gritted in pain as he rubbed his scalp. He decided to turn away in defeat after he noticed Do-hwan glaring at him, so I hugged Taehyung's waist as the cart took us up the hill until we entered the massive property. The mansion was... like a castle with its decorative structures. The architecture... very... royalty-esque."Woah~!" I gasped while staring at the engravings all over the enormous pillars at the entrance. Am I in heaven? This place... is crazy... beautiful. The cart came to a halt before the massive wooden door. I unconsciously lifted my feet..."Sora!-""Argh!" I gasped in panic, suddenly wobbling to the ground after I got off the cart without support. I fell to my knees on the burning pavement, quickly lifting my face with a flustered look to find Taehyung staring at me in disbelief, dumbfounded by my careless act. Right. I forgot I strained my ankle. Taehyung hopped off the cart to seize my arm and tugged me onto my feet. We turned to find the other alphas eyeing my messy state with judgemental looks. I pursed my lips in embarrassment as I stood on one leg like a flamingo."You're here!- Oh? What happened to your feet?" Yoongi appeared, greeting me with a weak smile."We need the medics," Taehyung muttered as he supported my body against his."I'll inform Hoseok," Yoongi nodded. Taehyung eventually carried me inside the castle-like mansion and strolled up the massive wooden staircase to follow the staff as they escorted us to our room. My jaw dropped at the magnificent interior as Taehyung settled me on a velvet chaise lounge."His parents must love architecture," I whispered. There was so... so much attention to detail in every corner of the estate. Taehyung slid the glass door open, exposing us to an exquisite view of the vast sea beyond us."The Jung's most iconic heirloom is the island itself," Taehyung muttered. That's crazy. My family heirloom is a golden flower crown, but Hoseok owns an entire island? Knock. Knock. Taehyung opened the door to find an elderly doctor... standing before the entrance with Hoseok."I brought the medics," Hoseok announced, stepping inside our room as Taehyung sourly eyed him. The doctor immediately bowed to me and crouched down to examine my feet."You dislocated your ankle," The doctor sighed, turning to check the equipment in his bag."I think you should wash up first... given your condition," Hoseok bitterly eyed my messy state. The doctor agreed to let me wash up, so Taehyung helped me shower to scrub off the dirt from my body and helped me into a new knee-length beach dress. I limped out of the bedroom to find Hoseok observing the view over the terrace."Taehyung?" Jimin knocked, pushing the door open and poked his head inside."Yeah?" Taehyung replied."Your mother wishes to speak with you," Jimin informed. Taehyung unsurely glanced at me as he settled my body onto the chaise lounge."But-""We won't hurt her. Don't worry," Hoseok sighed, turning to face us."I'll stay with her," Jimin suggested. Taehyung sighed and left the room as Jimin entered to sit beside me."I'll place your ankle back in its place. It'll hurt a bit," The doctor crouched before my swollen feet again. I gulped at the bulge under my ankle in fear."Hold on to me," Jimin offered, scooting closer to me, so I nodded and hugged his bicep anxiously as the man gently examined my ankle. He placed his hands on my swollen ankle, sending a painful jolt of excruciating pain up my shin- but I didn't dare whimper- CRACK. A flood of burning tears swelled over my eyeballs before I could process the situation. Jimin held tightly onto my waist as I flinched at the unbearable ache all over my feet- I couldn't feel the man's hand over my flesh... but the burning inflammation under my skin."Urgh...!" I gritted, lowering my head to press my face against Jimin's shoulder as he patted my back. The doctor applied the cream and securely bound the injury with cotton bandages to prevent my ankle from moving too much."It'll hurt more now, but the pain will subside in an hour. I'll prescribe painkillers and leave the soothing cream for you. Please refrain from moving on your feet until the pain subsides," The doctor advised, handing me a bottle of painkiller and a tube of cream."Thank you," I sniffled, lifting my red face to smile at the man in tears."I guess you'll have to rest for the day," Jimin sighed."Please ask the staff to deliver the supreme alpha a wheelchair," Hoseok smiled at the doctor. The man bowed at us and left the room but Hoseok... seemed conflicted as he awkwardly cleared his throat."What's up with you?" Jimin questioned Hoseok's odd behavior."Well- I felt sorry for not siding with you during the trial," Hoseok shrugged. I smiled at his flustered face as he shifted his eyeballs around the room to avoid looking at me."You had your suspicions," I shrugged. It was understandable after Yangcha killed himself to frame Taehyung.Jimin helped me onto the wheelchair after the staff delivered it and pushed me out of the room to join the elders at a spacious lounge filled with chaise lounges, couches, and armchairs. Only the elders were gathered inside the space. Most of the young alphas chose to explore the exterior property."Annyeonghaseyo," I slightly bowed at Mrs. Min as she chatted excitedly with my mother and Sungho's mother."It'll be a bit difficult for you to walk around the place with a sore ankle," Mrs. Min sadly eyed my bandaged right foot. Jimin excused himself to speak with someone. So... I was left with my mother and her friends. It was odd... Eomma seemed... close to Mrs. Min. I'd never seen her speak to Yoongi's parents before."She often gets herself... into trouble," Eomma warmly smiled at me. Yoongi appeared, sitting on the couch by my wheelchair."Feeling better?" Yoongi asked, anxiously glancing at my feet. I nodded."It's not throbbing anymore," I assured him. The medication did fulfill its duty to numb my inflamed ankle. I'm feeling much better now. Yoongi patted my hand with a weak smile."You two seem close," Mrs. Chul smiled at us."Ah. They were friends before Yoongi was exposed. They're good friends. It would've been a good match if you guys dated," Mrs. Min smiled at Sungho's mother."Sora would've dated Yoongi if she found out he was an alpha earlier. My daughter tends to fall in love easily," Eomma giggled. Yoongi's cheeks flushed red, so I cleared my throat awkwardly."Eomma~!" I shyly shook my head with a disapproving look."It doesn't matter. We're considering an official alliance between the households," Mrs. Min beamed. I blanked out for a second."N-Neh?" I asked, startled by the woman's words."The Jung invited your household over for an important purpose... to negotiate with the Jang. My son and the supreme will soon be official allies. He favors you, so I figured we should side with the council's future leader," Mrs. Min warmly smiled."We'll discuss the alliance contract this evening. You can join us if you wish," Sungho's mother nodded."Oh. Neh," I smiled. So that's why the Min invited my household? Because they wanted to merge their household with mine? Yoongi seemed happy as he chatted with me about random things as our mothers chattered and giggled over their cakes and tea.
I, unfortunately, couldn't explore the island after arriving at the Jung's property on the first day because of my swollen ankle. So I remained at the mansion in the provided wheelchair. Taehyung appeared about an hour later to assist me. His parents had to speak with him about his duty at the headquarters building once he returned to Seoul after the vacation.

The Kims officially transferred their entire household assets and inheritance to Taehyung since he's now capable... of handling their workload. Taehyung is tasked to oversee the Chairmen Tower in Seoul, so he won't be studying much next year. He'll spend most of his time at his office.
Fast Forward
The elders... were somewhat very excited during dinner. Eomma sat with the Chul and the Mins, along with our households. I sat with the young heirs. Taehyung was in a great mood after his parents finalized his inheritance document, but... he suddenly appeared gloomy during the dinner feast in the lavish hall filled with crystal chandeliers and a well-dressed waitress. He kept glancing at Yoongi with a dark expression.

A moment later.
"Oppa! Doesn't this one look good on me???" I eagerly asked while standing before Taehyung with my bandaged feet as he dully stared at his files in an armchair by the dark ocean view. Taehyung lifted his gaze to scan my bright yellow two-piece bikini. I should pick the best piece for tomorrow's fun!"The color doesn't suit you," He shook his head, dismissively glancing down at his file. I pouted and turned to look in the mirror. Wae? It looks good to me! I sighed and took off the bikini to grab another one. I pulled on a lacy purple one-piece swimsuit."What about this one?" I asked, turning to twirl for him again."Half of your buttcheeks are exposed," He grimaced. I turned around to rub my fleshy butt cheeks."Don't you like my butt?" I asked. I thought he liked my butt so why is he complaining...?"Yeah. But you'll be showing everyone your bum," Taehyung chuckled, dropping his file over his lap. Grumbling under my breath, I sulkily turned to dig inside my suitcase again. I pulled out a pink flowery high-neck bikini with an extremely short skirt."Do you like this then?" I asked, turning to face Taehyung, hoping for his approval. He wasn't staring at his file anymore but watched me change into the swimwear from the armchair."Your skin is sensitive to the sun. You'll get sunburnt. Didn't you bring your old swimsuit? The long sleeves you wore at the hotel?" Taehyung asked."People stared at me weirdly! I want to look pretty too! Look... I even wax my bikini area and body!" I exclaimed, proudly showing him my smooth limbs."And who are you trying to look good for? You never bothered when you're with me," Taehyung questioned, narrowing his suspicious eyes on me."For you! I want to look different, but you don't like any of the pieces~!" I whined while pulling down the short elastic skirt, and turned to grab another pair of bikinis. This one had ruffles over my chest and a cute white panty bow."No straps? It'll easily slip off your chest," Taehyung asked while eyeing the strapless ruffles over my breast."What about this one? Wait-" I quickly took off the bikini, and tossed it aside to grab a black one-piece with a revealing deep V-neck connected with laces, exposing my entire cleavage. There was a sexy cross strap over my stomach as well. I'm sure I look hot in this-"You'll get weird tan lines with the laces," Taehyung muttered. I darted him an irritated look and turned to search for another piece. I pulled on a peachy pink one-piece with thin straps, but it had an extremely low cut on my back that almost reached my buttock."This one perfectly covers my chest," I turned to flaunt Taehyung the piece on my body after changing naked before him, attempting to hide the exposed back from him."Turn around," Taehyung nodded. I gripped my fists in annoyance and turned to show him the exposed low cut in guilt."Why don't you like anything?! I bought so many- but you don't like anything?!" I grumbled, slumping at the foot of the bed in exhaustion and flopped on the mattress with a big pout. Taehyung sighed and got up to approach me."Your skin burns with the slightest heat... and yet you want to wear revealing swimwear-""It doesn't matter! I'll just put on ointments afterward! What don't you like about me?!" I thrashed on the bed, wildly kicking my legs in the air. Taehyung caught my right shin midair and glanced at the bandage on my ankle as I lay on the bed in the pink bikini."Shouldn't you focus on healing your ankle?" Taehyung asked, nodding at the bandage as he held my leg in his palm. I tried to yank my feet out of his grip, but he firmly clutched my leg, making me lay awkwardly with my leg sticking upward."What do you like then?! Pick one!" I snapped. I bought many so many sets to look good for him! Taehyung chuckled, lowering my feet to the mattress as I remained restlessly on the bed."Personally? I like it most when you're naked... but I can't let you walk naked around the place," He smiled, placing his hands on his hips as he stood at my foot."Very funny," I sarcastically sneered, sitting up to glare at him."Just wear something that'll cover your body tomorrow," Taehyung bitterly shook his head."Wae?! So you'd have an excuse to stare at other women-""Moh?!" Taehyung snapped."I picked out the sexiest- most stunning piece so you'd keep your eyes on me! On my body! But you want me to cover up!? How will you keep your eyes on me-?! With the youthful women- wandering all over the place with their plump cleavage and peachy ass!" I shrieked, smacking his abs in irritation. Taehyung chuckled and grabbed my hand."So that's what you're worried about...?" He smiled as he firmly held onto my balled fist. I didn't respond but glared up at him in irritation."You should be proud of me! Oh? Why won't you let me look pretty too~? Oh? Is it embarrassing?!- Look! I made sure- to exfoliate my skin so I'd glow beside you-" I whined, lifting my leg to show him my smooth skin- but instantly sucked in my breath when he suddenly placed my palm over his crotch. My eyes widened in horror, so I glanced up at the man with a startled look as he stood at the foot of the bed. Taehyung gently pressed my hand over his bulge."It's not about you not looking good in the pieces. It's not that I'm not proud to have a beautiful woman by my side, Sora. The problem is me. Hmm? Can you feel... how hard I am right now? Do you want me to walk around tomorrow with a boner because of you?" He asked. I pursed my lips until my cheeks flushed red as I felt the hard hump... swelling under his pants."You're weird~!" I whined, tugging my hand away in annoyance. Taehyung lowered his hand to tug my swimsuit's elastic collar... exposing my cleavage. I gulped uneasily as I watched him brush his thumb over my plump breast."And it's not just me. I'm sure every man on the island will suffer the painful blue balls because of you!" Taehyung snapped, pulling his hand away. I pouted at him."Ah~! This upsetting," I grumbled, flopping back on the sheet in defeat. Taehyung slowly crawled onto the mattress, but I didn't want to face him, so I rolled over to lay on my stomach to avoid looking at him. I grumpily stared at the dark view as Taehyung lowered his heavy body over my back."Do me a favor... and don't put on those bikinis. Oh? I feel like I'll lose control," Taehyung whispered, gently pressing his ticklish lips against my ear. I grimaced and buried my face into the mattress as he massaged my hips."I want to look pretty-""I can assure you, you're more than just a pretty woman, Sora," Taehyung chuckled, sitting up on my back to fondle my buttcheeks. I sighed deeply as the man shifted his position down my leg, gently lifting my hips to make me stick out my butt over the mattress. I gripped the mattress with my face shoved against the bed as he carefully... pressed his fingers over the thin underwear over my crotch, rubbing in a circular motion, sending a surge of jolting pleasure all over my body."Do you like it...? This piece...?" I grumbled while perching on the bed. Taehyung chuckled, carefully slipping his fingers between the panty hem and tugged the fabric aside to expose my raw private part. Stroke. Stroke. I softly gasped when I felt his wet tongue... licking my sensitive flesh in an up-and-down motion all over my throbbing slit from behind. Taehyung gripped my hand to stop me from reaching backward and pinned my fingers to the mattress."We can definitely do it in all of the pieces you brought. Five pieces? Ten pieces? I'll show you how much I like each of the bikinis on your body. You can keep all of them on and I'll show you... just how much I want you," He muttered, sensually eating me from behind until my legs trembled from the hot burn in my crotch. I moaned in distress until I felt my butt twitching from the intense pleasure."Oppa~!" I moaned until my face flushed red from his lewd strokes. He didn't answer me and slipped his fingers inside to rub my inner sensitive flesh until my nerves throbbed intensely with his invasive strokes."Let's start with this piece, shall we...? You can change into a new one every time I get it dirty. Deal? I'll let you wear every piece," Taehyung lowly chuckled. I twitched in shock as he accelerated the thrusts of his fingers inside me, so I whimpered desperately and arched my back in distress to resist the urge until an explosive discharge ejected from between my legs, causing me to squirt intensely. Taehyung immediately flipped my body over the mattress to make me face him, so I covered my flustered face in embarrassment as he remained over me."You're so annoying~!" I whined. Taehyung pulled the thin strap off my shoulder to expose my left breast and leaned down to suck on my tip, causing my overly stimulated body to squirm with the naughty movement of his tongue activities. I seethed in pleasure as I gripped his muscular back for support."Don't whine about it! You wanted me to show my obsession with you, right...?" Taehyung chuckled, sitting up to pull the other strap off my arm and slipped the swimwear down to my ankles before tossing the soaked piece onto the floor. He picked up the bright yellow bikini and slipped the panty onto my hip. Taehyung pulled the bra over my chest to cover me as I lay weakly beneath him."I think I brought ten pairs," I muttered, staring at him in exhaustion while sprawling on the bed. Taehyung chuckled and sweetly lowered his face to kiss my lips, so I gripped his neck and pulled him down to shorten the gap between our bodies."I'll let you flaunt your beauty in each piece tonight," He smiled, lifting his moist lips to kiss my cheek. I giggled at his tempted expression, so Taehyung slipped his arm under my arching back to draw me into a sitting position, pulling me onto his lap. I reached under his loose T-shirt to caress his defined muscles as he wildly ran his fingers all over my burning skin to arouse me with the smoldering cravings for his touch.________________________
Next Morning
I groggily sat on the messy bedsheet with my striking messy hair to watch Taehyung pick up my dirty bikinis from the carpet. He tossed them in the laundry basket. The sea breeze... it's so refreshing. I yawned and turned to stare at the blue navy sea and the clear sky with a weak smile."You should shower. We already missed breakfast," Taehyung smiled."Can I... wear a bikini today?" I asked, sleepily looking at him. Taehyung froze as he straightened his body with a white panty hooked over his index finger."But we got every one of them dirty...?" He smirked, tossing it in the basket."I got one more," I smiled. Taehyung scoffed, firing me a sharp glare."You cheated!-""No! You were too exhausted to go for another round anyways! You fell asleep without cleaning yourself!" I argued. Taehyung blacked out on the bed after he drenched my last piece with his semen, so I had to clean his sticky body and dress him for bed after our crazy love-making session!"That's unfair!- Whatever! Wear whatever you want," He grumbled, slumping down on the armchair by the terrace to skim his file. I crawled off the bed to search my suitcase with a smug smile until I found a white ruched puff-sleeve one-piece swimsuit."This isn't as revealing as the others, but it's cute!" I exclaimed, excitedly tiptoeing into the bathroom to shower. I excitedly slipped off my nightwear and rushed inside the stall to bathe, faintly humming under the gentle downpour.
Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung sat quietly in the comfortable armchair with his legs crossed while listening to Sora's soft voice as she happily hummed in the shower. The alpha glanced at the swaying coconut trees and back at his file when the running water suddenly turned silent."OPPA!-" Sora shrieked, suddenly bursting out of the bathroom with her wet hair. She appeared somewhat... mildly upset with her piercing glare."What?" Taehyung asked, lifting his cocky expression to find her standing in the cute one-piece with a fuming red face.
A reference picture.

"The marks! They weren't there last night! What did you do to my skin?!" Sora screamed as she twisted and turned her body before the mirror to examine the love marks on her body in shock. Kim Taehyung knew Jang Sora was a stubborn soul. He knew she'd attempt to outsmart him."I got up earlier this morning to leave my territorial marks on your body," He chuckled as Sora frantically inspected her bruised collar bones. She lifted her upper arm, discovering a few more hickeys. The supreme alpha's jaw dropped when she turned to find... bruises on her butt and between her thighs..."This isn't fair! How am I supposed to walk out like this?!" Sora screamed, turning to glare at Taehyung in annoyance after he ruined her chance to wear her swimwear. He shrugged."You can wear that outside... I won't mind because all the jerks will see my marks on you," Taehyung smiled, eagerly resting his hand under his chin on the armrest to observe his lover's obvious displeasure. She shrieked in distress, wildly flinging her body onto the bed to throw an explosive tantrum. Flop!The supreme alpha burst into tears with her face pressed against the pillow after uncovering her lover's evil scheme to ruined her opportunity to look gorgeous for the day. Taehyung chuckled at her childish behavior while watching her wail on the messy bed with a smug smile.
A moment later.
Jungkook glanced at me with a confused expression as I sat beside him at a table before the Seaview in my maxi beach dress with a thick scarf around my neck, a large beach hat over my head, and black glasses to cover my swollen eyes from crying. Taehyung calmly sat beside me with a weak smile as I crossed my legs and my arms with a poker face."Are you cold? Under this heat...?" Jungkook asked, tilting his head upward to squint at the glaring sun above us."Her skin is sensitive to the sun," Taehyung muttered, happily reaching for the lunch on the table as his cousin sat in his shorts. He tried to feed me, but I scooted away from him in irritation. I hate him! Jungkook must've noticed my sulky mood because he suddenly asked if I wanted to stroll the beach with him."Let's go," I muttered, coldly getting up to leave with Jungkook, leaving Taehyung with his plate of food."Y-Yah! You haven't eaten! Sora!" Taehyung called, but I ignored him and followed Jungkook onto the sand."Did you guys fight again?" Jungkook asked."He wouldn't let me wear my bikinis," I muttered, sourly staring at the gentle waves while standing in my flat sandals. Jungkook crouched down by the damp sand to pick up a seashell."What's stopping you? He has no right to restrict you and Jang Sora never listens to anyone," Jungkook chuckled as he dug a small hole in the sand."What can I wear in this condition...?" I asked, tugging the scarf to show Jungkook the hickeys on my neck and collarbones. Jungkook froze, so I turned my arms to show him the marks and lifted my dress to show him the fresh bruises on my thighs."Yah... What the heck? How-""He planted them when I was asleep. I've got them over my stomach and even my buttcheeks," I grumbled, sorely lowering my dress to cover my legs. Jungkook scoffed as he crouched over the sand."He's out of his damn mind. You know what? I'll help you get back at him," Jungkook stood up. We turned to find Taehyung getting up from the table on the outdoor concrete platform with food stuffed in his puffy cheeks. The stupid man signaled me to wait for him, but I turned and walked away with Jungkook."I saved one piece for the fun, but he ruined my skin," I muttered. Jungkook suddenly ripped off his beach shirt to expose his hot body as he walked with me until we reached the massive pool before the sea. Most of the young alphas were gathered in the area in their sexy bikinis and swimwear."Sora! What are you doing in that dress?! Take it off and join us~!" Minah gasped in disbelief while sitting up on her floating flamingo."There are a lot of shirtless men here..." Jungkook nudged me as he sat on the bench. I sorely glanced at the pool packed with shrieking lower ranks as they splashed over the surface."I'm feeling unwell," I waved at Minah."Is she a nun?!" Minho mocked as he carried Mira over his bare back in the deep end."Did you forget to shave your legs? You can borrow my wax!" Mira offered. I smiled at her and shook my head. Namjoon, Hoseok, Yoongi, and Jimin were passing a bouncy ball in the pool with So-young and a few other fifth-rank alphas."Put the sunscreen on for me," Jungkook pushed the sunscreen he stole from Minah's bag and turned his back on me. I sighed, squeezed the paste onto his skin, and gently rubbed it into his muscular back as he cared for his limbs."Are you feeling unwell? I have medication-""No. Kim Taehyung prohibited her from exposing her skin," Jungkook sighed, bitterly looking up at Sungho, who was also shirtless."Is that so?" Sungho weakly chuckled."Help her provoke him," Jungkook smirked, tossing the sunscreen at Sungho, who chuckled and sat beside Jungkook."Please do the honor~!" Sungho chuckled, handing me the bottle. He turned his back on me, so I smudged the sunscreen onto his brawny back until Taehyung... appeared with a sore look as he scanned the pool for my presence."Here he comes~!" Jungkook muttered."Sora!" Taehyung snapped, storming up to me once he spotted me touching another man. Sungho lifted his head to wave at Taehyung as I massaged his back."I like her pressure! It's so soothing!" Sungho chuckled, nodding at me with an approving smile."Sora- Put it on my abs too-""Sure-""NO!" Taehyung snapped, possessively grabbing my arm as Jungkook stood up to flex his toned stomach before me. The alpha glared at his cousin and towed me onto my feet with a fuming red face."Yah! If you want to be boring- then do it by yourself! Let her have fun!" Jungkook grimaced as Taehyung dragged me away from the bench. I whined in irritation as I followed him away from the pool. The alphas turned to watch me leave while sniggering at Taehyung's possessive nature."Oppa-""The head doctor requested to inspect your ankle," Taehyung sighed at my red face. I chewed my lips intensely and left with Taehyung to get my ankle inspected again.
And you guessed it, Taehyung wouldn't let me near the alphas. We ended up in Hoseok's private orchard. A staff approached us to inform us of the ripe white grapes on their small ranch, so Taehyung agreed to enter the vine-infested area to pick fresh grapes with me.
"Oh! It's so sweet~!" I gasped while chewing the juicy grape with a wide grin after plucking it straight from the vines."Yah! I'll wash it first! Your face is burning red! Wait under the shade," Taehyung grimaced as he carried the basket of grapes. I happily skipped over to a massive tree to sit at the picnic table as the staff prepared grape vines and appetizers for us.

"This side of the island is unpopular. You're the only couple to show up for us to assist," The female staff chuckled as she poured the drink. She left the jar of liquor on the table, so I turned to find Taehyung washing the grapes in his causal shirt and short pants. He turned off the hose and strolled towards me with a sweaty forehead to place the basket on the table."Oppa! The wine is so sweet!" I grinned, lifting the cool glass towards him. Taehyung took a sip and sat beside me as I dabbed his face with my scarf. Taehyung took off my hat to place it away and grabbed a few grapes to feed me."You're not mad anymore?" He asked, gently kissing my cheek."I like this better! The peace and the grapes! It's a bummer I can't wear the bikinis, but I figured my ankle needs to heal first. I'll get my revenge later," I shrugged."You're not the only one at a loss! I'm giving up my chance to stare at women's hot bodies to pick and wash grapes for you!" He grumbled, bitterly plopping a grape into his mouth."That's your fault! You ruined your own woman's body-""I didn't ruin it! I'm simply marking my- Argh! Yah! What are you doing?!-" Taehyung screeched in shock when I grabbed his wrist and tried to bite his hand. He yanked his arm away in a panic."Should I bite you to leave the marks too?!" I snapped, glaring at him."No! You'll tear my flesh apart!" Taehyung grimaced, hastily forcing a plump grape against my lips to shut me up. I sucked in the grape and blew it back out. Plop! Hitting Taehyung's face with my saliva-coated grape."Ahah!" I giggled as the grape dropped right into the liquor cup."Yah! You're so nasty!" He snapped while wiping my spit off his cheek with a sour grimace."Drink it! I want you to drink it!" I insisted, lifting the cup to push it against his lips. Taehyung chuckled and shoved my hand away in disgust. He eventually gave in to my demand and drained the cup."Urgh-""The grape too!" I snapped, forcing him to eat the grape I spat out of my mouth. Taehyung made a disgusted face as he chewed it but burst out laughing... so I shook my head and poured myself a new glass. We spent our time alone in the orchard with the liquors, appetizers, and grapes until we both got tipsy.

"Let me give you a hickey!" I whined, drunkenly grabbing his neck to smooch him."In broad daylight?! The staff will gossip about us!" Taehyung whined as I shamelessly licked his neck."Yuck. You're salty~! Why are you sweating so much?!" I poked out my tongue, pulling away to taste my lips with a slight frown."You insisted on giving me a hickey!" Taehyung smiled with a flustered cheek as the liquor numbed our system."Lift your shirt..." I poked his chest with a devilish smirk."What?!" Taehyung scoffed, protectively covering his chest. He eyed my flushed face unsurely."Lift it! I'm getting my revenge!" I demanded. Taehyung grumbled and lifted his shirt to his chest as he sat facing me."You're seriously drunk- Bahaha~!- That tickles! Sora~! Stop-" Taehyung tried to speak but burst into laughter when I leaned forward to kiss his hard pecs. He dropped his shirt and tried to push my head away- but I grabbed his wrists to stop him and sucked his flesh to form the bruises. He whined in distress as I shifted my head under his T-shirt to leave my love marks on his torso."Young master- My lady-" A staff member suddenly appeared. Snatch! Taehyung roughly grabbed a handful of my hair to yank my head away from his soaked torso, so I jerked my puckered lips away from his hard nipple and shoved Taehyung's shirt down with a flustered face. The female staff awkwardly glanced at my messy lipstick and back to Taehyung's shirt as he patted the creases."Yeah?" I asked, unsurely smiling at her."Would you like to refill your... jar?" She nodded at the empty glass jar."Sure-""No- No! No more, or she'll suck me like a mosquito! You're dismissed!" Taehyung drunkenly waved his hand. The staff chuckled and turned to leave. I glared at him."A mosquito? I'm a mosquito now?! What are you then? A bloodsucking leech? You left the marks on me first!" I snapped."Look! You've got lipstick all over my abs!" He whined, lifting his shirt to show me again. Fwip! I tackled the drunk man to staple his body until Taehyung fell back onto the wooden bench. He tried to sit up, but I roughly pinned him down by his shoulders and scooted forward to sit on his crotch."I'm not done-!" I smirked while grinding my crotch over his hump and lowered my face to lick his naked skin."Yah! You're drunk! How are you so shameless?! This is too profane!" He whined, forcing my forehead away with his palm as I stubbornly leaned down with my cutely puckered lips, attempting to smooch his torso."I said I'm not done!- Stay still!" I smacked his chest, causing Taehyung to groan in disbelief. I lowered my face to kiss his chest again as he remained helpless on the bench with me on top of him."Someone help me~! Help me~ She's harassing me~!" Taehyung weakly lifted his arms to wave for help in the empty orchard. I shifted downward to lick his lower abs and sucked on his defined v-line abs... gently tugging his waistband down to leave a mark just above his crotch."Why are you hard!?" I snapped once I felt his hump swelling under his short pants."You're kissing me down there! How am I supposed to stay composed?! My dick is hard because you're dry-humping me!" He snapped, shoving my face away, hastily sitting up to yank his shirt down. I grimaced and turned to slump on the picnic table. I'm so... drunk."Let's head back..." I muttered. Taehyung got onto his feet with an annoyed look after I harassed him. He grabbed my beach hat to place it on my head as I pulled on my scarf, and we left the orchard. I aggressively wiped the smudged lipstick over my mouth with the wet wipes provided by the staff as we drunkenly strolled down a shortcut to march on the beach. Taehyung took my hand in his as we strode over the shallow ripples.

The sun is sinking beneath the distant skyline... painting the sky with a deep orange glow as the salty breeze gusts against our sweaty skin with its tropical humidity. I tiptoed on the ankle-height water and skipped forward. Taehyung yelled for me to wait for him but I shook my head and ran away with the sandals until he sprinted after me.I shrieked in a panic once he effortlessly swept me off my feet with his strong arms, so I held onto his head as we tenderly kissed before the calm sea. Smiling widely, I pulled away to cup his cheeks with a warm heart as he carried me along the beach."I love you," I smiled. Taehyung nodded and hugged me firmly against his body.We turned to look at the extensive beach opening until we noticed a crowd of alphas rushing back and forth in the court. The crowd cheered loudly as the two teams played volleyball at the seaside. Jimin, Sungho, Seokjin, Jungkook, Mira, and a buff lower rank hollered in excitement as they claimed their team's victory before the golden glow.

"Not fair! We're missing a person on our team!" Minho argued before the volleyball net. Minho had only five members on his team."Taehyung! There you are! Join their team!" Jimin waved at his friend. Taehyung settled me down with a drunken look."Can I play?" Taehyung asked while rubbing his flustered face."I'll cheer for you," I kissed his cheek and hurried off to sit with the lower ranks by the sideline. I took off my hat and wiped my sweaty forehead in anticipation."Another match!" Minho demanded. Minah, Yoongi, Namjoon, Taehyung and Hoseok were on the other team. Smack! Jimin served their ball from his winning team- sending it soaring across the court."Mine!" Minah screamed, leaping off her feet in her two-piece bikini to strike the ball, sending it back into the other court. Seokjin immediately dove across the sand to save the ball, flinging it back into the air, so Jungkook leaped off the sand, striking the ball with the base of his palm.Minho cursed in horror as the ball sailed back to their side of the court. My muscles stiffened in anticipation as I watched the ball accelerate over the net, soaring straight towards Taehyung, who stood motionlessly staring at it with his droopy eyes- SMACK. An uproar boomed for Jungkook's team."Yah! What are you doing?!" Yoongi screamed at Taehyung after the ball hit his chest and bounced off. Thump... The ball rolled over the sand. Taehyung grunted in pain as he drunkenly stumbled to the side while rubbing his chest."Is he drunk?! Yah!" Minah turned to glare at Taehyung after he failed to save the ball."Kick him out-""I'm fine! Give me a moment!" Taehyung shook his head, suddenly tearing off his shirt, and hurled the soaked material right at my face. Slap! The crowd gasped in shock. I pulled his sweaty shirt off my head as I sat on the sand... to find Taehyung standing shirtless with all my love marks on his body. My messy... lipsticks... staining his glowering tan skin."Omo!" Mrs. Kim gasped, wildly turning to stare at me after she noticed the marks on her son's body. The elders turned to me in bewilderment."Yah~ This is unbelievable~!" Jimin scoffed as he examined the lipstick smudges on Taehyung's torso. Taehyung smirked at me until my cheeks flushed red. He intentionally tugged his waistband down... to expose the hickey on his lower V-line abs, right above his crotch.

"This isn't a strip show! Yah!" Jungkook screamed in distress. My mother stared at me as if I was out of my mind, so I awkwardly shifted my eyes away as the lower ranks gawked at me with funny looks. I slowly placed Taehyung's sweaty shirt back over my head to avoid their attention... and hugged my knees to hide from their taunting stares in embarrassment."Focus on the game. One! Two! Three!" Sungho shouted, serving the ball from Jungkook's side. The ball flung over the net but was immediately attacked by Hoseok to counter the strike."He's so hot! Chul Sungho!-""Did you see Minah's toned legs? She's crazy hot!-""Jungkook got the most defined abs-""But Jimin got better pecs!-""Mira's boobs are crazy plump-"The lower ranks chit-chatted with enthusiasm. I watched the alpha strike the ball back and forth... while chewing my thumb. Smack. Jungkook's team won again. Minah screeched in distress after she failed to save the ball."Switch! I want to switch Taehyung with Jimin! He's too drunk! This isn't fair! We've got a useless teammate on our team!" Minho demanded. Jungkook laughed at Minho's complaint as Taehyung staggered over the court with his hands over his strong hips."Araso! I'll cover him!" Jimin agreed, bending under the net to switch with Taehyung, who was forced onto the other side. Seokjin intensely glared at Taehyung as he fumbled over the sand. The presidents were now on the same team."I'm not playing with him!" Mira whined as Taehyung struggled to position himself on the sand."But-""My legs are aching! Sora! Why don't you assist your drunk boyfriend?!" Mira beckoned, storming out of the court. Jungkook suddenly snapped his head toward me with an approving smile."She can't play in the dress! Her ankle is swollen! Just toss the ball! I can handle it!" Taehyung shook his head. I worriedly eyed his flushed cheeks. He's too drunk to concentrate on the game."Yah-""I'll do it!" I agreed while getting onto my feet and tossed my hat aside. I slipped the scarf off my neck and walked towards the court."Sora! Your ankle!-""I'm fine!" I chuckled, pushing Taehyung backward when he tried to stop me."Yah! Are you playing or not?! It'll get dark soon!" Jungkook snapped at us. I took Taehyung's hand and dragged him back onto the court."One more strike- and you're down!" Seokjin snapped beside me as he glared at Minho after switching Jimin with Taehyung."We're ready!" Jimin shouted from the opposite team. I stood beside Taehyung with my hands clasped together as Jungkook served the ball with all his might. Smack- Jimin immediately countered Jungkook's strike, passing the ball to Namjoon, who leaped beside the net to strike it inside our territory. The ball blasted straight towards me, so I lifted my arm... ready to counter- THUMP."ARGH!" I screamed in shock, unexpectedly interrupted by a blunt force as he wildly flung his body over mine. Smack. The ball bounced off the person's back... rolling awkwardly over the sand. Seokjin, Jungkook, Sungho, and the lower rank stared at me with dumbfounded looks as I gawked... at Taehyung's smug smile in horror.

"Heh... I saved you from the ball," He chuckled drunkenly, kissing my cheek. Smooch. I gripped his broad shoulders with a startled look as he staggered to the side with his hands on my hips."PFFT! BAHAHAHAHA!" Minho burst out laughing, abruptly dropping to the beach as Jungkook scoffed at Taehyung with his disappointed doe eyes. The half-blood appeared as if wanted to tear his cousin apart for being a dumbass."Why did you block me!? I could've struck the ball!" I gasped in shock."He thought he was the hero~! Aigo~!" Mira mocked from the sideline, causing the lower ranks to laugh in tears. Sungho chuckled at Taehyung's ridiculous behavior, so I shoved him aside."Don't defend me! Defend the ball!" I grimaced, apologetically lifting the ball to throw it at the other team. Minah caught the ball while shaking her head with a wide smile."That's 2-1!" Mira announced the score."Serve the ball!" Jungkook demanded, diverting his glare to the opposing team with his arms on his hips in frustration as his red chest gleamed with sweat."Ready! Set! Go!" Yoongi served a powerful strike, sending the ball flying toward the lower rank on our team. He swiftly struck the ball, so Seokjin leaped to his feet and slapped the ball back to the opposite court when THUD- THUD! THUD! Sungho wildly turned in alarm to find Taehyung speeding across the court with his determined eyes fixed on the ball in the air... without paying attention to his surroundings."Taehyung!-""MINE- ARK-" Taehyung roared, leaping onto his feet with his arm in the air. My mouth dropped open in disbelief as I watched him... run straight into his teammate- SMACK. Taehyung was cut short- once he slammed hard into Seokjin in mid-air. Their heads collided at the impact, sending the alphas flying backward."ARGH!" Sungho gasped. WHACK. The ball bounced off Taehyung's hand, blasting right into Sungho's face. The alpha whimpered and toppled to the sand. Thump. Seokjin, Taehyung, and Sungho tumbled onto the sand, causing the beach to erupt with startled gasps."YAH!" Seokjin screeched, sitting up with a bloody nose from the impact as Sungho rubbed his head in pain. Taehyung shook the twinkling stars from his sight as he sat on the sand with a swollen forehead."That's enough! Stop playing! Get out, you stupid drunk!" Jungkook demanded, aggressively towing Taehyung over the sand to cast him out."Are you alright???" The lower rank worriedly crouched down to help Sungho and Seokjin."I can play- Get off me! I can play!" Taehyung insisted, stubbornly thrusting Jungkook away. Jimin and Yoongi hysterically laughed on the other side after they witnessed... Kim Taehyung bolting straight into Kim Seokjin, ultimately... sending the ball smashing into Sungho's face."Yah! You're not in your right-""I'll cover him!" I snapped in frustration while grabbing my dress to yank it off my body and flung it aside. Jungkook wildly turned to eye my body in shock. The crowd averted their gazes to me as I fumed in irritation, but I didn't care and brushed back my loose hair as I stood... in my undergarments. It wasn't a bikini but... a nude... bra and panties. Seokjin and Sungho gawked the love bruises on my body with their eyes bulging open."Damn... The bloodsucker couple..." Minho's jaw dropped at the numerous hickeys on my body. Minah giggled shyly as the elders stared my body in disbelief."Severe hickeys may cause blood clots..." Sungho awkwardly muttered as he stared at the bruises on my skin."Sora! What are you doing-""I will freaking strip naked if we lose this round!" I snapped at Taehyung, causing his eyes to widen at my impulsive statement."DEAL! LET'S GO! WHOOH~!" Minho screeched excitedly, earning an irritated glare from Mira."Serve the ball!" Jungkook scoffed, turning to glare at the other team."It's 2-2!" Mira announced. I stomped to the back corner as Taehyung stood at the front line between Seokjin and Jungkook. Sungho stood in the middle beside me as the lower rank stood at the other backline corner. Hoseok spun the ball, tossed it in the air, and- WHACK. I tensed my body as I stood in my revealing lingerie. Taehyung briefly turned to glare at me in frustration from the front line."MINE!" Seokjin screamed, cushioning the ball, and tossed it backward so I leaped onto my feet and WHACK. I successfully sent the ball back over the net. Jimin immediately whipped the ball, passing it to Hoseok, who leaped off his feet to beat the ball over the net."I got it!" Sungho yelled as he lowered his clasped hands, lightly bouncing the ball and passing to Jungkook on the side. SMACK. Jungkook beat the ball with all his might... sending it hurling toward the other side."Argh!" Minho screamed, frantically flinging his body over the sand to save the ball. I sucked in my breath as I intensely waited for the ball to hit the sand. WACK! The ball flew back into the air after Minho thumped it with his hands, so Minah leaped on her feet to slam it against the base of her palm, dispatching the ball straight toward me. My eyes widened in horror."Sora!" Jungkook gasped, wildly turning around as the ball passed over his head."AH!" I gasped, wildly swinging my clasped hands to strike the ball. My heart sank in horror as the ball flew straight toward the net."Shit!" Seokjin frantically bolted forward to shove the ball away from the net, tumbling hard onto the sand with a bloody nose. My eyes widened in fear as the ball soared... straight upward... right above Taehyung's dazed head."Tae-" I whispered in horror as he tilted his head to watch the ball descend towards him in the air. Jungkook gripped his fist in alarm at Taehyung's unresponsive reaction and rushed forward to save the ball. WHACK. Taehyung violently lifted his arm to strike the ball with his massive palm- ZOOM! The ball blasted over the net- WHACK!- Smacking Minho right in his face with so much force... it sent the alpha flying backward. THUD!"Urgh!" Minho shrieked, tumbling backward at the rough impact on his nose. The alpha slammed hard onto the sand at Taehyung's powerful attack, sending the ball soaring to the sideline. Hoseok made a dive to save the ball and sent it back to Jimin, who made a leap for the ball. His fingers... barely grazed the ball. Thump! The ball flew straight into the crowd."AH!" Someone shrieked after the ball slammed into them. My eyes widened in horror as Jungkook wildly turned to look at me and the others. The crowd roared in disbelief as Jungkook bolted toward me, drawing me into a crushing hug. I shrieked in distress as we celebrated our victory. The lower rank hopped on his feet excitedly while wrapping his arms around Seokjin and Sungho's neck to pull them forward."We won!" The lower rank shrieked as I turned to hug Sungho's sweaty body. Jungkook grabbed Taehyung and pulled him into a group hug."Don't hug her!" Taehyung whined as he reached forward to tug me away from the alpha's moist pecs, so I smiled and hugged his sweaty torso instead."I thought you'd do nothing again!" I shrieked, smacking Taehyung's chest. Seokjin bitterly eyed me and turned to leave before the others."There's no way I'm letting you strip! Put on the shirt!" Taehyung scolded me as he walked away to snatch his shirt from the sand and drew it over my head to cover my exposed body."You're so sexy!" Minah happily cheered for me, earning a glare from Taehyung."Fuck-" Minho cursed as Mira supported his arm. His nose was bleeding from the impact."I'll call the medics to assist the wounded!" Hoseok chuckled as he walked over to our court."So close~!" Jimin whined."Yah! Did you hope for my team to lose so Sora could strip naked?!" Jungkook scolded his friend."Ani! I only wanted to win! But damn- Sora your body is insanely hot-""YAH!" Taehyung turned to fire Jimin a sharp glare when he tried to praise me. I chuckled as I dusted the sand from Taehyung's oversized T-shirt. Jungkook grabbed my dress and tossed it at me as the sky turned deep purple after the sunset over the horizon."Hwa-young?!" Sungho gasped, suddenly jogging over the sand as his parents held onto her."Oh no... I hit her with the ball..." Jimin pursed his lips, rushing towards Hwa-young.She was sitting on the sand with a bright red forehead. Taehyung took my arms, and we strolled away from the court with the crowd. The lamp lights along the pebbled path illuminated the island to brighten... the property over the dark sea surface. The sun finally set, leaving a deep purple tint in the sky. We strolled up the stairs and separated to our room to prepare for a dinner feast in the mansion's venue.
A moment later
"Heh... I saved you from the ball~!" Jimin drunkenly tossed his wine glass in the air as we enjoyed dinner in the hall. All the top alphas were assigned to sit together as the elders sat at the other tables. Everyone burst out laughing at Taehyung's idiotic move in the game. I giggled and rubbed Taehyung's palm as he shyly lowered his head with a weak smile."Sora! What did you do to Taehyung's body?! And What did you do to hers!?" Minah giggled, nodding at our love marks."He said that's how we mark our possessions," I shrugged, causing the table to burst into laughter again. Hwa-young turned to speak with her brother and suddenly got up to leave, so Sungho placed his cup down worriedly as she strolled away."Yah! She's not your possession!" Jungkook whined, shaking his head with a flustered look."Who are you to scold me if she's not complaining?!" Taehyung argued. Jimin chuckled and turned to smile at So-young, who was weakly smiling at our conversation."Mira! Should we try it too? Tonight-""Stop being weird! My skin is precious!" Mira whined, shoving her boyfriend's face away as Minho made smooching faces. The alphas laughed and cheered again. I chuckled, turning to find Yoongi and Hoseok arguing by the door. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but Hoseok seemed upset. Yoongi sighed and turned to leave the venue as Hoseok combed back his hair in bewilderment."I need to pee," I whispered into Taehyung's ear as he drank from his glass."I'll escort you-""It's alright. I'll be back," I patted Taehyung's shoulder and got up in my fancy dress to stroll away."Oh! You're leaving already?" The lower rank appeared smiling at me."I'll be back in a second," I smiled. He introduced himself as Hyun Jiwoo. I knew him from the volunteer session in Busan. We shared the same bus. He smiled and entered the venue to approach the alphas, so I strolled through the corridor to find the staff bustling back and forth. I climbed down the wooden staircase to reach the lower floor since the event was hosted on the highest floor."Oh!" Hwa-young gasped as she struggled to limp down the stairs."Are you alright?" I gasped, rushing down the remaining stairs to lift her off the floor landing."I missed a step and sprained my ankle," She smiled, lifting her swollen feet as she carried her heels."Come with me. I have the soothing cream," I smiled and helped Hwa-young to my room."Do you share this room with Taehyung oppa?" She asked curiously."Yeah- Ah. Aigo... our room is a bit messy!" I chuckled, quickly snatching Taehyung's underwear on the mattress and tossed it in the basket. I tugged the sheets to place it back in place and bent down to pick up the pillows as Hwayoung sat on a chaise lounge with a weak smile. I grabbed the tube and handed it to her."Thank you," She smiled, lifting her ankle to rub the paste over her swollen feet."You're really quiet," I smiled, quickly grabbing a few tissues to shove them over the used condoms in the trash can, hiding the rubber from sight. I grabbed my basket of bikinis to place them in the bathroom, then turned to organize Taehyung's clothes back into the wardrobe."You must have a really healthy relationship with Taehyung oppa," She chuckled as she watched me put away his shaving cream."It's not that smooth," I shook my head, finally turning to smile at her. I sat down at the edge of my bed with a weak smile."He seems to love you a lot... for him to leave those marks on you," She nodded at the hickey on my neck. I unconsciously touched my skin and smiled at her."Men are all perverts," I smiled. Hwa-young chatted with me for a bit and got up to leave, so I peed in my bathroom and left the room after locking the door. Hoseok stormed down the staircase with a slight frown."Have you seen Yoongi?" Hoseok asked."No?" I shrugged. Hoseok sighed heavily and turned to leave the floor. I feel nauseous. I sighed and texted Taehyung to let him know I was heading to the garden and strolled down the remaining stairs, limping slowly out of the entrance as the staff greeted me at the door. My ankle doesn't hurt anymore, but it's still uncomfortable, so I kept limping to ease the pressure.A moment later.I quietly strolled through the garden with a heavy heart, stopping to stare at the blooming flowers along the lit-up path with a busy mind to process the argument... until I heard... splashing sounds. I halted by the pool."Oh? Is someone swimming?" I muttered, walking forward to approach the glowing pool. The person was struggling to stay afloat. My heart stopped beating when I noticed... dark murky blood seeping all over the transparent blue water as another person held the person's head underwater."Oh?!- Yah!" I screeched, rushing towards the pool edge.The person snapped at me with a startled look, but I couldn't identify him because there was a black mask over his face. I quickly scrambled into the water in a hurry. Splash! The person quickly released the victim and tried to paddle away as I splashed toward them, but I caught his arm and yanked him back with all my might. The man shoved me hard, so I yelped and submerged under cold water after my feet slipped over the tiles. He frantically splashed away again."Sora!- You have to leave! Urgh-" Yoongi seethed, suddenly emerging from the water with a bruised face."Yoongi?! HELP?! IS ANYONE HERE?! GUARDS!?" I gasped, grabbing his arm to support the injured alpha under the water as he clutched his wounded waist."The mother fucker is leaving!" Yoongi seethed in distress, so I wildly turned to find the culprit heaving his body over the slippery edge. He wobbled weakly onto the pavement... as if he was injured. The man turned to rub his leg in difficulty and tried to scramble to his feet but staggered back onto the ground and grunted in pain. I screamed in distress for help as I climbed the pool wall with difficulty and reached down to haul Yoongi out of the water by his underarms. The second-rank alpha seethed in pain as he compressed his bleeding wound with his trembling fingers."Who are you?! Yah!-""Sora- no! Sora! Come back!" Yoongi shrieked. The man limped away on his injured left leg, so I frantically chased after him with a determined glower.
Third Person POV
"Sir?!" A guard rushed to the scene in horror to assist Yoongi as he weakly sprawled by the pool, covered in blood."Fuck-" Yoongi groaned as the guard radioed his team to alert them of the alpha's dire condition."The medics are on the way, sir!-""The supreme alpha! She went after the culprit! Chase her!" Yoongi snapped, ordering the guard to leave his side."But sir! You're injured!-""The supreme alpha might be in danger!" Yoongi bellowed as he fearfully turned to stare at Sora's wet footprints... leaving the pool site earlier to hunt the culprit."Yoongi?!" Hoseok gasped, rushing forward with a flock of guards and medics. The second rank seethed in pain as the doctor shoved cotton bandages into his open gash to block the blood flow."SORA! SHE WENT AFTER THE MOTHER FUCKER!" Yoongi screamed in distress. Hoseok's eyes widened in fear."SHIT! FIND THE SUPREME ALPHA!" Hoseok roared. A team of guards immediately dispatched from the pool in different directions to search for Jang Sora.
Meanwhile...
"STOP! YOU FUCKER!" Sora screamed, chasing after the man on her aching feet. It was dark, so she couldn't see anything... but follow his obvious wet footprints on the pavement. The supreme alpha sped up her pace as she rushed after the culprit until his wet trails... abruptly disappeared. She halted by the fountain in confusion, heavily panting for air in her drenched dress. Sora cautiously glanced around the quiet garden as the water dripped from her wet hair. All she could hear was the soft tree branches swaying above her head.

"YAH!" Sora screamed when she caught a glimpse of the man on the side of a bush, so she sprinted forward, causing the man to bolt away in fear."STOP RUNNING!" Sora screamed, sharply taking a shortcut on the left path to outrace the culprit. The man raced on the other pathway with the parallel bush between them.The supreme alpha intensely glared at his silhouette between the bush wall as they dashed in the same direction. She gritted her teeth, accelerating her speed to outrace the man as both paths led to an eventual... central intersection. THUMP! Sora tackled the man hard onto the ground with her body."URGH?!" The man grunted, shoving her off his body but halted when their eyes met. Sora's mouth dropped open as she sat on the culprit... with her terrified yet bewildered gaze on... his familiar dark pupils."TAEHYUNG?!" Sora gasped in shock. Taehyung's eyes widened in a panic as he stared at her frightened face. Sora glanced down at his soaked clothes and backed up at him in confusion. She couldn't make sense of the situation... but gawked at his shocking presence."Are you okay? What happened? Why are you soaked?" Taehyung asked, sitting up to cup her face as she dreadfully stared at him with a racing heart. Click."HANDS OFF THE SUPREME ALPHA!" Hoseok snapped as a thundering vibration of footsteps marched over the paths. Sora wildly spun around to stare at Hoseok in horror as he directed his gun barrel at Kim Taehyung.The guards appeared in different directions with the firearms... aimed at Taehyung as Jang Sora stiffly remained over her lover's lap. She wildly turned to look at Taehyung's beaten eye again as she struggled to process her mind until she felt her anxious heart hammering against her ribs. The deadly fear filled her body... paralyzing her nerves with his startling involvement in the crime against... Min Yoongi.Sora's eyes gradually drifted to... a soaked black face mask... on the ground.Shakily... she redirected her... burning tearful eyes... to Taehyung's terrified face for explanations.
Why?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
Taehyung sat beneath me with a startled yet confused look as we remained defenseless within the ring of loaded gun barrels. A powerful gust of wind blew hard over us until I felt my body vibrating from the chills of the night. I couldn't speak but stared at him, contemplating my next move. Do I fight for him? Or do I believe my own eyes? What will I do? I am lost and bewildered, but mostly... I am scared... of wrecking our love over the unexpected clash with a powerful household."Sora-""I said release her, or I'll fire!" Hoseok demanded, aggressively handling his gun when Taehyung tried to touch me. Taehyung immediately lowered his hand onto the pavement, yielding to Jung Hoseok's threat and glanced at my watery eyes with a startled look. I shakily lifted my hands upward, cupping his damp cheeks with a torn expression, and gently tugged his head against my shoulder to hold him."Put your guns down," I ordered, gulping the hot lump in my throat as a flush of tear streams trickled down my face."Sora! He-""I SAID PUT THE GUN DOWN! HE'S DEFENSELESS!" I snapped, angrily turning to glare at Hoseok. The guards stood their ground as they surrounded us with their weapons directed at Taehyung.  "Lower the weapons," Hoseok shakily commanded his men after maintaining intense eye contact with me. I gulped in relief while scanning the garden to ensure the deadly barrels weren't on Taehyung anymore. I'll be his shield for now. Until I figure out the truth. Taehyung abruptly pushed his heavy body off the pavement with his arm around my waist to lift our bodies off the ground. I quickly rotated my body to draw Taehyung behind my back as Hoseok and his guards bitterly stared at my decision to protect Kim Taehyung."What's with this fuss?!" Taehyung snapped, trying to push past me, but I firmly held him back. They might fire."M-Moh? The audacity to ask the question after you're caught red-handed trying to murder Min Yoongi?!" Hoseok snapped. Taehyung frowned at the alpha's allegation. He glanced down at my damp face for an explanation."What are you talking about? There's an attack?" Taehyung asked, lifting his clueless eyes back to Hoseok. I stared at Taehyung's startled reaction with a slight frown. Why is he...? Unaware...?"Seriously?! You're purposely acting clueless in your drenched clothes?! Sora! Did you catch him or not?!" Hoseok shifted his stern eyes to me. I opened my lips to speak in fright as I struggled to defend Taehyung's involvement."I-""She tackled me onto the ground! So what?! And why are you accusing me of attacking Min Yoongi?!" Taehyung argued, hastily pushing me aside to face Jung Hoseok in irritation and carefully drew me behind his back to form a barrier between me and Hoseok's men. I gripped his forearm in fear when he marched towards Hoseok with his deadly darkness. The two alphas darkly glared at one another... tensing their body muscles with every breath they took.
What's happening?! I was chasing the man- and I tackled him! And the culprit turned out to be Kim Taehyung! I witnessed his presence with my own eyes! And even fought with him?! What did I miss?!- Sora! Why would Kim Taehyung attack Min Yoongi? In the Jung's territory? That's a suicide mission!

A moment later.
"Don't touch me! I can walk!" Taehyung grunted, shoving the guards off his shoulder as they attempted to escort him. I walked by Taehyung's side with my eyebrows furrowed intensely to recall our bizarre encounter."Lock him up in his room," Hoseok ordered the guards as we arrived before the crowded mansion door. The other alphas and lower ranks were eyeing Taehyung suspiciously on the sides. Thump! Thump! Thump! We halted before the opened door when someone... came storming out of the mansion. Eomma appeared with her rageful glower on Kim Taehyung. I stared at her disgruntled scowl with a restless feeling- SLAP.My eyes widened in shock, wildly turning to the side to find... Taehyung... standing stiffly with his face turned to the side after receiving the blunt blow to his face. Eomma slapped Kim Taehyung before... everyone's eyes. The crowd gasped in shock as eomma fumed heavily. Taehyung pressed his tongue against his inner mouth, evidently humiliated by her outburst, and lifted his killer stare to eomma with a poker face."How dare you hurt the Min's heir?! Do you wish to trigger a war between the households?!" Eomma seethed, angrily glaring at Taehyung with spite. He didn't speak but stared at my mother's agitated reaction in silence. Jungkook appeared, pushing through the crowd with a dreadful look."Are you okay?" Jungkook mouthed me. I nodded to assure him."War? Why would I wish to initiate war when you're working... so hard to obtain the Min's alliance? So you'd be powerful enough to cast me out? Isn't that your plan, mother-in-law? To banish me with your latest alliance consideration? Why would I risk upsetting a woman like you...? When I know... I'll only lose Jang Sora if I defied you?! You wanted me to stay hushed, so I did! I did everything you wanted- just- so you wouldn't take your daughter away from me!" Taehyung roared in my mother's face until bulging veins formed over his thick throat. My jaw dropped. The crowd gasped in shock after witnessing the argument. What?! Eomma considered the alliance with the Mins to discard the Kims?! Wae?! I wildly turned to look at my mother's troubled expression as she kept her piercing glare on Taehyung."We should speak in private," Mr. Jeon stormed out to draw my mother away from Taehyung. The society can't witness our internal conflict!"I will immediately expel you from the household if you're guilty! Did you think I'd let my daughter suffer with you?!" Eomma snapped as Mr. Jeon dragged her back inside the mansion.Taehyung gritted his jaw at eomma's statement, angrily storming inside the mansion with his fists clenched. He suddenly turned to look at me as I stayed back, dumbfounded by the wave of information. I shook my head to eject the wild thoughts from my mind and hurried after my lover. Taehyung firmly took my hand... and we headed up the stairs together. The Jung's men followed us to our room after we separated from the other alphas. Jungkook, Jimin, and Sungho restlessly watched us from the staircase, so I smiled and nodded at them."Fuck- Leave us alone-""Sir, please cooperate," The guard stubbornly pushed the door when Taehyung tried to close it on them."Let them in. We can't afford to oppose the Jung since we're in their territory," I calmly patted Taehyung's hand.The agitated alpha clenched his jaw while glaring at the guard while standing firm in his place to block the men. I tensed my body uneasily as Taehyung remained headstrong, glaring at the guards without blinking as they sternly stood by our door frame. To my surprise, Taehyung stepped back. Two guards entered our room to stand by the terrace with their arms behind their backs. They didn't utter a word. Taehyung sighed in frustration and slumped on the armchair to rub his face."I'll shower," I informed, turning to enter the bathroom. I quickly rinsed the pool water from my body, frantically combing through my brain for the mismatching pieces... I missed during the chase.What happened? Why is Taehyung denying the accusation? Did eomma really plan on expelling his household? Why? The Kim is our most trusted ally! Why would she wish to drive Taehyung away?! I stepped out of the bathroom in a new dress to find Taeyung sitting on the armchair with his head tilted over the headrest and eyes closed."Sir. The household requested your presence," A guard spoke up. Taehyung opened his eyes and stood up with a blank face."You should stay-""No. I'll go with you," I stubbornly shook my head, gently taking his hand to reassure him. Taehyung sadly eyed me, so I tugged him forward as the guard held the door open for us.Taehyung exhaled heavily, turning to stroll through the corridor with me until we reached a spacious meeting room... enclosed with massive arch windows and fluttery curtains. Within the confidential space... was an extended wooden table surrounded by golden armchairs. The room is packed with the elders of the top households. The young alphas were standing by the walls since there weren't enough seats to accommodate everyone.Jungkook restlessly watched Taehyung as Jimin spoke with his parents. Sungho was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Mira and Minho looked half-drunk as they stood beside Namjoon and So-young. Only the elders were seated, and at the far end of the table... was the Mins. Taehyung slowly approached the end of the table... opposite the Mins.There were no chairs available... so he stood alone before the households with his hands clasped and chin held high. There was no remorse on his face. Mrs. Kim eyed Taehyung anxiously as his father glared at him from his seat. I stood by the door with the guard as Seokjin stared unblinking out the window with his arms crossed. He didn't seem to care about the commotion. After all, his household is forbidden from meddling with the council's affairs. He's still on probation."You were caught-""It wasn't me. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time," Taehyung denied before the Mins could finish their sentence."Sora caught you," Hoseok dimly narrowed his eyes."Yes. But the person she caught isn't the culprit," Taehyung shrugged. The Mins stiffened their bodies in irritation at Taehyung's unbothered response."But you're soaked! And you've got a swollen eye! Care to explain?!" Hoseok slammed his fist on the wooden desk. Taehyung briefly glanced at me. He gulped and glanced back at the cold stares he was receiving from the elders."It's not pool water," I muttered. Eomma frowned."What?" Mr. Min scoffed."Taehyung... he's... drenched in seawater," I pointed out. Taehyung turned to look at me in surprise. I smelt the salt on him... the instant we ran into each other. He didn't reek of pool chemicals but the salty ocean water."You were swimming at the beach? At this hour?!" Mrs. Kim snapped while staring at her son in disbelief."Oh! That's right! Taehyung did ask me to relay a message to Sora- but I forgot! He wanted to see her at the beach for a stroll," Jimin gasped, straightening his back in realization. The situation didn't make sense to me after we collided because... of my determination to pin him as the culprit with all the first-hand proof I acquired with my senses.
My eyes notified me that it was Taehyung I was staring at. My ears recognized his deep voice the instant he spoke. My touch verified it was his firm skin that I was touching. But my nose... it told me otherwise. He smelt like salty water. The slightest detail... I only recalled it after pondering it in the shower.
"Eomma?! Oppa!-" The door suddenly swung open. Someone came rushing in with a frightened look. Hwa-young. She stumbled inside the room. What is she doing here?"Hwa-young???" Sungho gasped, rushing forward to assist her."Oppa!- He was with me! Taehyung oppa was at the beach with me! It couldn't have been him!" Hwa-young frantically explained. The room grew hushed, so I averted my attention to Taehyung with a questioning look. He stood with a pale expression as he watched Hwa-young defend his innocence."What? He was with you-""I went to the beach to wait for Sora... but Hwa-young... she struggled in the deep end... so I jumped in to save her. She gave me a black eye out of fright while I was helping her," Taehyung sighed. Hwa-young gripped Sungho's hand as she tearfully stared at Taehyung. He dully shifted his eyes to the elders again."Hwa-young! You can't swim! Why would you-""I only wanted to splash around in the shallow end... but the waves subtly drew me deeper," Hwa-young sniffled, apologetically staring at her concerned parents. Sungho frowned at his sister's unstable condition and gave her a comforting hug.
The guards eventually escorted Hwa-young back to her room after her brief appearance.
"Take off your shirt. I'll confiscate it for inspection," Hoseok sorely demanded. Taehyung effortlessly yanked his shirt over his head and tossed it onto the wooden table. The love marks on his body are still visible.The elders called off the meeting... and we finally returned to our room. However, two guards were stationed outside our door. Taehyung quietly entered the bathroom to wash up as I slipped under the blanket and rolled on my side to sleep. It was an exhausting day... because I was knocked out on the mattress... the moment my head landed on the soft pillow.
Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung stepped out of the bathroom with a towel over his damn hair but halted once he noticed Jang Sora sleeping on her side with her arm tucked under her head. He quietly pulled on his clothes and sat by the foot of the bed, gently lifting her healing ankle to his lap. The alpha applied the soothing cream over her faded bruise, unconsciously releasing a deep sigh to relieve his swelling chest. He placed the tube on the nightstand, pulled the blanket over her body, and lowered his sore body onto the mattress. She was fast asleep. Taehyung turned to lie on his back with his downcast eyes trained on the ceiling, restlessly letting out a deep sigh every few minutes."C-Can you... see me? I'm- right... here," Sora mumbled in her sleep, turning her body over to hug his chest. Taehyung lifted his head to find Sora snuggling against the warmth of his body. He lowered his hand to rub her scalp, soothing the nightmare she was having.Taehyung is aware of her nightmares... because she's been repeating the same phrases... over and over again. Almost every night. He sighed and turned on his side to hold her body close to his. Gently pressing his nose against her hair. Her comforting body scent... calming his strained muscles and heavy heart until his droopy eyelids... drop closed to grant him the pacifying darkness he desperately needed to shut out his overflowing thoughts.
A moment later.
Sora stood quietly inside the bathroom. She was washing her dirty bikinis with hand soap. The nightmare had woken her up again, and she didn't feel like sleeping anymore, not with the constant issues between the households. She blankly rubbed the last panty between her palm when the door creaked open, and Taehyung appeared with his puffy eyes half-opened. Sora briefly glanced at him in the reflection as he leaned against the doorframe, barely awake. Hair striking messily in different directions. His bruised eye... were less swollen."Aren't you sleeping?" He hoarsely muttered, sleepily squinting at her as she stood before the sink. "The staff can't handle our discharged stained clothes," She shrugged, gently rubbing the foam over the white stains of his dried semen."Are you mad at me?" Taehyung asked, guiltily watching from the door.
Sora's POV
"You should sleep," I muttered. I'm not mad at Taehyung. Just... a bit... tired. I need alone time to sort out the tangled mess in my head. Taehyung slowly walked forward to back hugged me as I rinsed the panties under the warm water to wash off the soap. I didn't feel like being touched by him, but I didn't want to upset him. So I stayed muted."I can't sleep without you," He muttered, groggily pressing his nose against my shoulder."You slept fine without me over the past years after I left Korea," I whispered. Taehyung slightly tightened his arms around my waist. "I always dreamt of you... night after night... you keep appearing in my dreams," He shook his head as I squeezed the excess water from the soaked panty."I'm not your dream. I'm your nightmare," I replied. Taehyung sighed deeply and shook his head. I might appear in his dream every night, but I'm certain... It wasn't the good memories between us. Why else was Taehyung so cold to me after I returned? He hated seeing me in his dreams. I saw him too. In my sleep. He was the nightmare I dread."You're not a dream or a nightmare to me because right at this moment, you are my reality. The past, the present, and the future... it's you," He shook his head. I placed the bikini away and washed my hands in the sink, finally turning around to stare at his tearful eyes. Taehyung pursed his lips as I examined his bruised eye. There was this... unexplainable guilt in his eyes. I didn't know what it was or what he did, but I saw it. He looked sorry, and it made me feel uneasy."You're not losing me, and I'm not losing you," I smiled, weakly brushing his tears with my thumb. Taehyung leaned forward to embrace my body under his strong arms, so I hugged his back with my chin tilted over his shoulder. He gently rocked me from side to side as we stood in the quiet bathroom.________________________Taehyung calmly sat against the bedhead with his legs crossed under me as I sat between his thighs with my back pressed against his pulsing chest. We remained in our room the morning after waking up from all the madness because it was raining heavily over the island. He gently held my hands as we watched the curtains flutter over the stormy sea view. The rainstorm is very refreshing. The subtle wind gust... filling our room with the cool sea breeze. We left the terrace doors open and sat on the bed to admire the gloomy view.

"Your hair is tangled," Taehyung muttered, gently combing my hair between his fingers to fix the knots as I hugged my knees with my face turned towards the wide door."I'll wash it at home," I shrugged. He quietly played with my hair, so I sighed and leaned against his pulsating chest to rest my head against his shoulder as he hugged me from behind. Taehyung gently interlaced our fingers over my stomach as I sat in my nightgown. I tilted my head upward to admire his sleepy face. He smiled and lowered his face to give me a soft peck."You're pretty clever," He smiled."Clever?" I giggled."I thought you'd get upset and accuse me of the murder again," He chuckled."Hey... I had my doubts. But it didn't make sense... because you smelt like the sea," I shrugged. I noticed it right away after we tumbled into each other- but my brain refused to acknowledge the hint because I was too overwhelmed."The culprit is still on the island," He sighed. Right. How did the man escape without a trace? I swear he was running on the other side of the bush."Why were you on the beach?" I asked, curiously looking up at him as he played with my fingers."I figured you'd want to go for a swim since you couldn't have fun with the others during the day. Jimin was leaving for his room, so I asked him to relay the message and left before you," Taehyung sighed."And Hwa-young was there?" I asked."Yeah. I found Hwa-young splashing in the ocean... so I rushed to save her and left after she regained consciousness. You ran straight into me in the garden afterward," He shrugged. I sighed and glanced at the sea view again. How's the coincidence so... perfect?"I saw your text on my way to the pool, but Yoongi was hurt, so I got distracted," I shrugged. Taehyung sent me his live location on the beach to track him- but I was too alarmed by Yoongi's condition. "Let's head out," Taehyung lifted me off his lap."Out? But it's raining???" I asked."Put on the white one-piece. I'll take you for a swim," Taehyung smiled as I sat on the mattress in confusion to watch him crawl off the bed."Are you serious?" I asked, staring up at Taehyung with my mouth open."You don't want to?-""Ani! Let's go! Hah~!" I shook my head, scrambling off my bed in excitement to slip off my nightgown, and brought out the untouched one-piece to pull it on my body in a hurry."It's cloudy, so the sun won't burn your skin, but it'll be a little bit cold," Taehyung smiled as he pulled off his clothes to put on his beach pants. He grabbed a towel and we left the room together."Ah! It's cold!" I gasped while strolling barefoot on the pebbled path as the rain showered over us once we left through the front door."Can you handle it?" Taehyung asked, worriedly holding the towel over my head as we strode towards the beach. It's early in the morning... so the drunk alphas are probably still asleep."I like it!" I smiled, pushing the towel off my head to expose myself to the frosty raindrops. Taehyung chuckled as I happily skipped onto the soaked sand with my face tilted toward the dark sky. The raindrops drenched my body as I twirled over the sand with my arms wide open.

"The waves are pretty calm despite the storm," Taehyung smiled at the gentle waves over the shore. I splashed into the shallow water until it rose to my knees. Taehyung dropped the towel on the sand and turned to gaze at the foggy sea before us. It's drizzling lightly over the island."AH?! Oppa!" I shrieked, shielding my face when Taehyung kicked the wet sand onto my swimsuit. I pouted at the mess and splashed deeper into the sea to wash the sand off my piece at waist height. Taehyung waddled into the water with me, so I frantically splashed the water at his face to keep him away. He chuckled and shielded his eyes with his forearm, blindly reaching out for me with his free hand."Stop it! It's salty!" Taehyung complained. I refused to stop and splashed harder until he was soaked, so Taehyung dropped his hand and leaped forward to tackle me into the water. Splash!"AH!" I screeched, trying to waddle away but failed as Taehyung seized my waist and drew me backward."You naughty woman!" He scolded, pinched my nose, and suddenly submerged my body underwater. I gasped in shock, frantically emerging out of the water, completely soaked with a horrified look as Taehyung laughed at my startled face."Oppa! You're so mean~!" I shrieked, lightly smacking his bare shoulder in distress after he playfully dipped me under the surface. Taehyung released my nose and rubbed away the water from my eyelids as he held my body in the water. He slowly paddled backward to sit on the shallow end. The water rose to his buff chest as I sat facing him on his lap with my knees pressed against the sand beneath the surface."Are you cold? You look pale!" Taehyung laughed."No- n-no! I'm n-not cold!" I denied, shaking my head, but my teeth wouldn't stop chattering. Taehyung laughed hysterically at my trembling lips and leaned forward to engulf me under his body warmth. He pressed his lips against mine, so I hugged his head and kissed him back as my lips vibrated against his."You're shaking like a lost puppy," He weakly smiled against my lips as the rain showered over us. I pulled away to smile at his fond gaze as the gentle waves washed against our bodies."But you're keeping me warm," I grinned, pressing my body against his to hug him. Taehyung kissed my forehead as we sat on the shallow shore. I softly splashed with my hands while staring at the gloomy castle on the island. He's right. We were the only ones awake at this hour. It's about 7:00 AM... but the sky is still dark because of the storm.

"Sit up for me," Taehyung gently nudged my body away from his chest to stop me from hugging him. I straightened my back on his lap with a questioning look as the water softly caressed his bare chest. Taehyung leaned forward to press his face against my cleavage, gently fondling my breast over the swimwear between his palms."Ah! Pervert!" I shrieked, pushing his face away to stop him from harassing my boobs."Did your boobs get bigger? It's so bouncy!" He funnily groped my breasts and gave them a light squeeze. My cheeks flushed red at his mischievous smile."Oppa! We're out in the opening-""It's fine. Everyone is staying inside to hide from the rain. It's just us here," Taehyung smirked, gently tugging my left puff strap off my shoulder to pop out my right breast. I shyly gasped as he lowered his lips to suck on my nipple as I sat over his lap, so I hugged his head with a heated face to gaze at the empty beach as we sat in the water. Taehyung gently massaged my other breast as he sucked onto me until I slightly twitched over his lap."It's weird to breastfeed you like this," I giggled. Taehyung chuckled and lifted his face to kiss me as he massaged my exposed right breast with his thumb. I pursed my lips as he nibbled my neck, so I hugged his shoulder and pressed my breast against his naked chest while rubbing my crotch over his hump under the water."Hey!- Can I join you guys?!" Jimin called out of nowhere. My eyes widened in horror when I lifted my face to find Jimin sprinting across the beach with Jungkook and Sungho. Taehyung immediately pulled my swimsuit strap back onto my shoulder as I perched over my lover's lap with a flustered look."No! Go away! Stop disturbing us!" Taehyung whined as Jimin excitedly splashed into the sea."We saw you guys from the window of rooms!" Sungho chuckled as he followed Jungkook into the sea. They hollered loudly and turned to swim towards the deep end with their faces tilted upward to welcome the cold shower."I told you they can see us," I grumbled, shyly whispering in Taehyung's ear."They definitely didn't see anything," Taehyung assured as he hugged my hips under the water. Jungkook did a backstroke over the water."So-young! What are you standing there for!?" Jimin called as she stood on the seaside with a grimace. Jimin scrambled out of the water to grab her hand and guided her into the ocean."It's cold~!" She complained. Jungkook wildly splashed water at So-young as she stood in her navy blue two-piece. She shrieked and covered her face to shield the water."Yah! Stop it!" Jimin turned to glare at Jungkook, who swam away with an evil look."No-! Stay away! Don't bother us!" Taehyung warned Jungkook as he paddled towards us. I screeched and turned my face away just as Jungkook violently splashed the water. Sungho burst out laughing while stroking on his back over the mild waves."Oh no..." I muttered in dread once I noticed a flock of alphas and the lower ranks storming onto the beach in their swimwear. And before we knew it... The beach was crowded with wet people.

They splashed and screamed over the ocean surface as others kicked the bouncy balls over the damp sand. People rushed around in excitement. Taehyung grimaced at the packed space as he paddled through the congested water filled with soaked bodies with me between his arms to keep everyone away from us. I smiled at Minah as she playfully splashed at me."Let's leave," Taehyung muttered, stepping out of the water with me in his arms. He settled me onto the damp sand and picked up the towel to throw it over my body as I shivered from the cold."-No! Yah-""Stop complaining! Let's have fun-""I don't want to ruin my hair- Minho!" Mira shrieked funnily as her boyfriend towed her arm to drag her across the sand. She refused to follow him toward the water, so Minho bent down to sweep her off the ground."AHAHHAHA!" Minho evilly laughed- SPLASH. He tossed Mira into the shallow end, causing her entire body to submerge underwater."SHIN MINHO! YOU JERK!" Mira screamed, frantically sitting up with a soaked face. Minho poked out his tongue and paddled away from her. Mira shrieked and chased after him in the water. She grabbed his shoulder and shoved his head under the surface to drown him. I softly giggled at her cuteness until Taehyung tugged my hand and pulled me away.We left before the others after they ruined our brief moment of peace and strolled through the rain with the towel over my body as Taehyung walked shirtless beside me. He sexily brushed back his wet hair after we stepped inside the mansion to find Hwa-young standing by the doorway with a gloomy expression. Taehyung halted as soon as he noticed her. She weakly smiled at us and turned to leave, so I pulled Taehyung's arm and took him back to our room."I want to make babies!" I exclaimed, slamming the door shut. Taehyung turned to look at me in surprise."Wae? Suddenly-""Why did you touch my body like that?! I'm in heat!" I whined, pushing Taehyung onto the chaise lounge. He chuckled and slipped off his pants to expose his hard hump. I crawled on top of him before the seaview and leaned down to kiss his lips. Taehyung smiled at my impatient behavior and reached down to tug the panty line aside to insert himself inside me. I stiffened my back in satisfaction after he carefully penetrated me. The man lifted his hands to pull off my straps... fully exposing my aroused bosoms and we... made love... before the rainstorm in my wet swimsuit.
A moment later

Apparently. Yoongi's gash wasn't severe... but the cut was deep enough to require a few stitches over his right abs. The Mins appeared somewhat skeptical of Taehyung's involvement... but they didn't possess valid evidence against the Kim's heir.
"Did he walk right yesterday? Especially his right shin," Yoongi asked as he sat on the lounge with his parents. Hoseok glanced at Taehyung and back at his friend."Yeah. Kim Taehyung wasn't limping when we found him," Hoseok nodded. Yoongi dimmed his eyes at Taehyung as he blankly stood beside me."The mother fucker... had a leg cramp while crawling out of the pool," Yoongi nodded at me."So Taehyung isn't the culprit," Mrs. Kim weakly patted her son's shoulder in relief."Didn't you see anything on your way back to the mansion?" Hoseok bitterly asked Taehyung."No. I was following the live location of Sora's whereabouts and collided with her," Taehyung shrugged. Eomma intensely glared at Taehyung and glanced away in irritation. Why does she despise Taehyung so much? She didn't actually consider discarding the Kims for the Mins... right? A chief guard strolled into the private lounge with Do-hwan to notify us of their investigation."The culprit might've fled through the hedge wall. We discovered broken twigs and a clear path through one of the barriers," The guard informed, handing Hoseok the printed photographs. Sure enough, there was a hole in one of the bush walls. It's as if someone scrambled through it."There are blood stains at the site. We've collected the sample for investigation," Do-hwan firmly nodded."Did the yachts or boats leave the harbor last night?" Yoongi asked."We immediately lockdown the island to prevent vessels from leaving the island. We believe the culprit is still on the island," The chief guard sighed."We need to find the culprit before he hurts another person," Mrs. Min anxiously patted Yoongi's shoulder. Yoongi refused to stay bedridden and left with the alphas for the outdoor lunch feast prepared by the Jung in the orchard. It stopped raining, but the sky was still gloomy. Taehyung took my hand as he walked me down the carpet over the ground to approach a long picnic table... decorated with scented candles, silver utensils, and flowers.
The young alphas were assigned to settle at the same table. I sat across from Jungkook and Jimin with Taehyung beside me. Sungho sat beside Jimin with his sister. Namjoon sat beside Mira and Minho in our row, and Seokjin sat next to Minah and a few other fifth-rank alphas. Yoongi and Hoseok showed up to sit at the end of the picnic table as the staff served us the iconic white grape wine.

The liquor might appear light with its addictive sweetness... but... it could fatally numb our systems if overly overconsumed. 
The Jung ordered the guards to place an entire wine barrel on display, and the staff would refill the liquor from it for the guests. I nervously glanced at Seokjin as he quietly ate his food. He's been quiet since we arrived on the island. Sighing, I glanced at Taehyung as he chatted with Sungho over the table. Hwa-young immediately glanced down at her plate once I caught her staring at Taehyung.

"One of us could be the culprit~!" Minho wiggled his eyebrows. Yoongi grimaced as he ate from his plate."Where were you last night then?!" Jimin asked Minho."I was trying that bloodsucking thing inspired by the iconic couple with Mira in our room-""Stop talking about it!" Mira whined, nudging her boyfriend's shoulder. Minho chuckled and lifted the glass to sip from it."And why were you alone at the pool?" Jungkook asked Yoongi."I had an argument with Hoseok. Thought I should get some fresh air but ended up with a blade lodged in my flesh instead," Yoongi sarcastically shrugged. A staff member leaned over to pour the drink into my glass. I thanked her and lifted the glass to my lips- Snatch! Taehyung abruptly switched his half-empty cup with mine."Wae...?" I asked Taehyung unsurely as he made me drink from his cup."The culprit is still on the loose. We need to be cautious. I already drank from my cup... and it's safe, so have it," Taehyung lowered his voice to speak in my ear. I pursed my lips and drank from his glass as Taehyung sipped from my glass to test the wine. He's doing it to prevent me from getting poisoned."How tall is he? Was he buff? Can you remember anything?" Minah curiously asked with her elbow on the table."He's tall and well-built, but he wore a mask..." Yoongi shrugged."That's not helpful... all the male alphas here are tall and well-built," Namjoon chuckled, nodding at the men at the table."What if it's not one of us? Why would any of us be foolish enough to murder a second-rank alpha on the Jung's territory?" Jimin dawdled while picking a grape to push in his mouth."Right? It's a very uncalculated attack," So-young agreed."Oh! I have tea! Last night... I saw... a couple... doing the dirty on the beach!" Minah giggled, drunkenly waving her fingers before her face."Moh? The dirty?!" Mira asked, eagerly staring at Minah from across the table."Yeah! I was vomiting near the beach- and I saw... the woman skinny dipping in the sea! And a man- approached her... and they probably hit it off! He also got naked!" Minah chuckled, funnily shaking her head. Clatter. Hwa-young accidentally dropped her fork, causing everyone to glance at her pale face."Fuck-" Taehyung started choking on his food. I quickly patted his back as he cleared his throat with a napkin pressed against his lips."Why were you peeking...!" So-young giggled shyly."I wasn't peeking, but it was too obvious! I vomited and lifted my head after a moment- to find the man hovering over the woman's body on the beach~!" Minah grinned widely."Ooooooh~! Sex on the beach, huh?! Which one of you did it?!" Minho cheered loudly. Mira quickly covered his lips to prevent the elders from overhearing our inappropriate conversation."Are you okay? Are you sick again?" Sungho asked, turning to examine Hwa-young's bright red face as she chewed her food with difficulty. He lifted his hand to feel her forehead."I'm fine," Hwa-young nodded, nervously glancing at me and back to her plate."Hyung! You'll get drunk again!" Jungkook snapped at Taehyung, so I turned to find him draining my glass empty. Taehyung gulped intensely and lowered the empty glass with a flustered face."Seokjin! Is it you?! Why are you so quiet?" Minah giggled, nudging Seokjin, who was sitting beside her."I definitely wasn't at the beach," Seokjin denied, lifting his gaze to meet mine. I cleared my throat and glanced away awkwardly."Right... Then who is it?" Minah drunkenly narrowed her eyes on the alphas suspiciously."Oh! Taehyung, you invited Sora to the beach, right?!-" Jimin gasped."No! She was chasing the culprit~!" Hoseok shook his head. Jimin pouted and lowered his head to eat from the plate."Oh? Weren't you at the beach, Hwa-young? Didn't you see anything? You should share the details with us if you saw them!" So-young grinned at Hwa-young, whose face flushed even redder."I didn't see anything," She shook her head. I paused with the fork against my lips and glanced at Taehyung, who was strangely stiff in his seat. I glanced back at Hwa-young's nervous giggle and back at him with a slight frown. Clearing my throat, I placed the fork down without eating the food."Please refill my glass!" I beckoned the waitress. She smiled and stepped forward to fill my empty cup, so I thanked her and lifted the glass to my lips, only to have Taehyung seize it from my grip."Wait-""Let go!" I whined, pushing his hand off me, and tried to drink when Taehyung suddenly snatched the glass out of my grip, spilling half of the liquor onto my dress. I gasped and dabbed the liquid in disbelief.Taehyung quickly placed the cup away, so I glared at him and got up from the table to use the bathroom. I'm fucking tipsy! And why am I suddenly irritated?! Sora- Don't make assumptions! I hastily washed the stain on my dress before the sink and finally strolled out of the restroom... to find Taehyung waiting for me by the door."I'm sorry-""Don't touch me!" I snapped, angrily yanking my arm out of his grip. A staff froze at my outburst as he passed by with dirty plates. Taehyung clenched his jaw and dragged me away until we were out of earshot."What's the matter?!" Taehyung frowned at my drunken face. I swallowed the lump in my throat."What happened exactly?!" I questioned, glaring at him in irritation. I didn't think much of the situation after he told me he 'simply' rescued Hwa-young at the beach."What-""Tell me why you and Hwa-young keep exchanging strange glances?! Did you think I didn't notice?!" I asked, fuming at him in rage. He was tense the entire time! And they've been exchanging flustered looks!"She drowned- and I helped her-""Naked? Minah said you undressed-""Minah was drunk last night! She's saying nonsense! If I stripped naked- then why were my clothes soaked?!" Taehyung snapped. I gritted my teeth, keeping my burning eyes fixed on Taehyung with a conflicted mind."Whatever!-""Sora!- Jebal! Don't be like this!" Taehyung whined, grabbing me by my waist to tug me backward as I tried to stomp away. I whimpered and turned to shove him aside, but he refused to release my body and pulled me into a crushing hug."I'm trying my best not to make up assumptions-""I promise nothing happened! Alright?! You're my only priority!" Taehyung snapped, firmly holding my shoulders with his desperate frown trained on my tearful pupils. I bit my trembling lips to recollect my cluttered mind... finally nodding in defeat. He sighed and pulled me into a crushing hug. What's wrong with me...? Why am I so... restless? Is it liquor?"I don't like it. I don't like it when you-" I cried but was cut short when Taehyung pressed his lips against mine to shush my distressful whimper."I love you. Hmm...?" Taehyung sighed after pulling away to rub my stained cheeks as he searched my torn gaze. I nodded and tightly hugged his waist, so he patted my back to comfort my restless soul. Taehyung eventually sat me on an empty picnic table to fix my hair and dabbed swollen eyelids, patiently waiting for me to calm my flooding emotions.
A moment later.
"Are you alright?" Jungkook asked, eyeing my red eyes once I settled onto the bench with Taehyung."Yeah. I puked," I nodded, weakly smiling. Taehyung placed his arm over my waist to hold me against him, so I hugged his waist to rest my head on his shoulder for support."The island is beautiful. Maybe we should host our wedding here?" Taehyung asked, weakly smiling at me."The dock is too small. There will be traffic on the sea," I smiled. Taehyung chuckled and kissed my forehead, causing Jungkook to fire us a disgusted look, disapproving of our public display of affection.
A moment later.
The alphas cheered and tossed their glasses until we emptied an entire wine barrel. The chatters grew louder and louder after every sip they took. It was a wholesome feast to have the higher ranks enjoy a meal together without the intent to murder each other. Hoseok instructed his people to bring another barrel for us to celebrate since it was the last day of the trip. We'll be leaving in the afternoon after the feast."Yah! You should gift us a barrel of wine each~!" Minho drunkenly stood up with his hands on his hips."Sure~! I'll gift each household a barrel!" Hoseok chuckled while waving his hands in the air, funnily wobbling into Yoongi, who seethed in pain and shoved his friend away. Minah happily clapped, constantly leaning against Seokjin, who kept nudging her away from him with a sour grimace. Minho slumped back into his seat."More wine, please~!" Mira called, lifting her glass above her head. The staff refilled their jars from the new wine barrel and rushed over to pour Mira a drink after the guards loaded it on the display. The alphas lifted their glass for a refill."Cheers!" Mira shrieked, lifting her glass as Taehyung and I shared our half-empty glass. A staff carefully filled my cup with the fresh white grape wine from the new barrel-"ARK!?" Minho spat out the wine in disgust."Yuck!-" Mira covered her lips with a startled look. Jungkook's eyes widened at their startling reaction with the glass rim pressed against his lips. Sungho unsurely placed down his cup without... sipping the liquor."Holy shit-" Jimin suddenly gagged at the aftertaste of the sip he took."Jimin. Are you okay?!" So-young asked, patting his back in confusion. Seokjin screwed his face in disgust and spat the wine back into the glass as Namjoon frantically cleansed his mouth with fresh water. Minah suddenly vomited in distress, turning her face to puke on the grass, causing Seokjin to jerk away in a panic at her slimy discharge."Wae? Wae???" Hoseok asked as Yoongi screwed his face and tossed his glass onto the table. Taehyung and I exchanged glances. Slowly, we glanced down at the fresh wine in our glass with an unsettled feeling. Taehyung unsurely lifted the wine to sniff the liquor. I flinched in my seat when he hastily flung the cup away after getting a swift of the scent. I looked up at him for an explanation as Taehyung rubbed his traumatized nostrils."Hold fuck~!" Jungkook gagged after sniffing the liquor and shoved the glass away."What the fuck did you serve us!?" Minho snapped as he aggressively rubbed his tongue with a napkin to wipe off the nasty aftertaste. Hoseok remained baffled by the alpha's adverse reaction to his iconic white grape wine."S-STOP SERVING THE NEW BATCH!" Hoseok screamed to stop the staff from pouring it for the elders. Everyone halted and turned to stare at Hoseok as he struggled to stand straight with a flustered face."Wae? Wae???" I asked Taehyung's dark expression."It smells... like..." Taehyung lowered his head to rub his nose bridge. "Why did you bring an immature barrel?! Bring a new batch! Didn't you inspect the wine in advance?!" Hoseok scolded. The staff quickly withdrew the drinks from all the tables in fear."It tastes like a rotten rat!" Namjoon grimaced while fanning his tongue."Did a rat die in the barrel!? Yah! I will kill you!" Mira screamed. Minah was still puking in distress, so Seokjin quickly got up to pat her back until she burst out crying. Is it... that bad? I glanced at our empty glass on the grass after Taehyung hurled it away."Yah! Stop being so dramatic!" Seokjin snapped at Minah as she cried while barfing out her food. The staff hurriedly rushed towards the wine barrel and lifted it off the display."Fuck-" Taehyung cursed, suddenly lifting his face with a pale expression. Thud. He unexpectedly launched to his feet and stormed towards the staff with his fists clenched."Put down the barrel!" Taehyung demanded, blocking the three men from heaving it away."Sir-""I said put it down!" Taehyung bellowed. The entire orchard grew hushed as the men settled the barrel onto the ground with their terrified gaze fixed on the alpha."Yah? What are you doing-?!" Hoseok snapped, getting onto his feet again when Taehyung snatched an empty chair from the table. My eyes bulged open in horror. THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. Taehyung violently smashed the chair over the wooden barrel."Taehyung?! What are you doing-" I gasped, getting up from the table and rushed towards him as he violently beat the wooden barrel at the center of the orchard. SMASH!I shielded my face in horror. Splatter! The barrel cracked open, sending a wet splatter on my dress as the excessive liquor exploded all over Taehyung, drenching him with a foul smell. I suddenly gagged at the reeking odor and covered my nostrils with a sick stomach. The elders screwed their faces in shock while covering their noses."HOLY SHIT!?" Jungkook bellowed, rising from his seat with his terrified eyes on the shattered wooden barrel. I lowered my forearm in fear to find... a large mass... rolling from the wrecked barrel as Taehyung stood over it with a face full of dark red wine. Ani. The liquid is too thick to be wine. Red? White grape wine is supposed to be... clear. Taehyung scoffed in shock as he stared at the lump... spilling out of the barrel with the chair gripped in his hands."ARGH?!" Mira shrieked, turning to puke in distress as Jimin's mouth dropped open. The elders gasped in shock. Hoseok collapsed onto the ground in terror as Namjoon's eyes widened. Minah suddenly fainted, so Seokjin immediately grabbed her arm. So-young clasped her hand over her mouth as Hwa-young hugged Sungho in fear. I... stood frozen... with my eyes... on a body.
The corpse of... a person. A human being. A man.
My eyes swelled with tears as I stared at the... body without blinking. The man was covered in red paste... except... the grape wine is white and not red... which indicates... he's covered in his own blood. Seokjin suddenly barfed out his digested meals after settling Minah's motionless body on the bench. Taehyung snatched a napkin from the elder's table and stepped onto the thick paste over the grass to wipe the man's face."Holy fuck-" Yoongi slowly stood up with his gawking stare on the familiar face. The alpha unconsciously clenched his wounded torso with an ashen face."J-Jiwoo!- Hyun Jiwoo?!" So-young gasped, covering her lips in devastation as we stared at the lower rank disturbing condition. His bulging white eyeballs... stained with blood.The Hyun suddenly screeched in horror, rushing forward to inspect their dead son on the ground. His mother wailed in despair as she lifted her son's stiff body from the grass in grief. His limbs remained curled up and stiff... like a sculpture. I glanced at Taehyung in fear as he stood up in exhaustion... slowly backing away from the body... drenched... in the foul substance. The Hyun wailed in anguish as they cradled their son's lifeless body. Fearfully... I turned to stare at the petrified alphas with my lips ajar... unable to make sense of the situation."Which one of you... did this!?" Taehyung bellowed, angrily hurling the chair aside, causing the alphas to flinch in fright. Minho appeared as if he was about to faint as Mira sobbed in distress. Minah slowly sat up on the bench with a confused look after fainting. Seokjin dabbed his lips and lowered his head to rub his nose bridge in distress. Namjoon frantically gulped clean water in an attempt to purify his taste buds."G-Guards!" Hoseok stuttered, fearfully screaming for assistance as he struggled to get up from the ground. Taehyung darkly glared at the alphas with his raging darkness until Do-hwan appeared with the island's chief guard to investigate the scene."Wait!" Yoongi snapped, limping forward to stop the guard from touching the corpse."Sir?-""In- Inspect his upper bicep- I grazed the culprit's skin with his knife-'' Yoongi stuttered.Do-hwan quickly seized Hyun Jiwoo's corpse from his mother to roll him over, causing her to scream in distress as she begged him to spare her son but was restrained by the guards. Do-hwan snatched the dirty napkin from the ground to wipe the paste from his skin. I sucked in my breath in shock... at the visible sight of the swollen cut on his upper right bicep."NO?!- MY BABY WOULD NEVER HURT ANYONE! JIWOO?! HONEY- WAKE UP! THIS CAN'T BE-" Mrs. Hyun screamed in despair as her husband collapsed onto the ground, shaken by the shocking proof. Yoongi stiffened in place after discovering the unexpected culprit."Hyun Jiwoo... is the culprit?" Jimin whispered."But who killed him? Who?!" Jungkook snapped. Taehyung scoffed in disbelief."We're leaving! Sora, let's go!" Taehyung snapped, circling the corpse to approach me. Taehyung grabbed my hand and dragged me away."We're not safe here," Sungho sighed while beckoning Hwa-young. The terrified alphas hurried after Taehyung with their fearful gaze on the bloody corpse. The elders immediately got up from their seats to evacuate the orchard in dread. What's happening?! Why is Hyung Jiwoo involved?! And who killed him!? Taehyung swung the door to our bedroom open and dragged me inside the bathroom."Let's wash up! We have to leave now!" Taehyung snapped. I nodded, quickly took off my clothes, and stepped in the shower to wash the blood off my body with Taehyung. He aggressively rubbed his skin with soap and rushed out to pack our things as I got dressed. I didn't have time to comb my wet hair as I raced back and forth to pack our things. Taehyung shoved my bikinis into his suitcase, so I grabbed our essentials and shoved them into his bag. He slammed my luggage close and turned to put on his shoes as I slipped on my sandals.We quickly dragged our luggage out of our room as the wooden stairs thundered with footsteps. Every household appeared with their luggage... and we hurriedly fled the mansion. Hoseok frantically alerted the guards of the dock's traffic to evacuate everyone. The alphas rushed over the harbor without looking back at the island.Do-hwan appeared by the yacht entrance to receive my suitcase, so Taehyung grabbed my hand and pulled me onto the yacht. Jimin and Jungkook came running with their luggage as the elders boarded after us. I nervously watched Yoongi and Hoseok climb their vessel beside ours. Sungho appeared with Hwa-young with his parents. They climbed the stairs and entered after Jungkook. Taehyung brushed back his messy hair, finally slumping onto the couch to press his hands against his face."HOLY FUCK~!" Jimin cursed as he climbed on the deck with a pale face."Who the fuck killed him!? And why?!" Jungkook frowned, slumping down on the couch beside Jimin."He's a pawn," Taehyung muttered, darkly tugging my waist against him."A pawn???" I asked him unsurely."Someone sent Hyun Jiwoo after Min Yoongi and then killed him to tie up the loose ends. It must be one of the top alphas," Sungho shook his head as he settled with us. Our yacht was the first to leave the island... so I turned to look at the ominous castle with a frightened look.And in one of the windows... I noticed... a man... standing... drenched in blood. Hyun Jiwoo. I blinked once and he was gone. His ghost... will forever remain on the island, trapped in the wine barrel.
The society brought evil to the... pure land.

Wherever we go... we will pollute everything... and everyone with the infectious darkness.
______________________
Jung Hoseok submitted Taehyung's confiscated shirt for investigation after our return to the city... and the result was just as we anticipated. His shirt is soaked in seawater, never the pool's water. However, there were traces of pool chemicals in the wine barrel Jiwoo was stuffed in. The autopsy result came out a week after we returned to Seoul, reporting severe leg cramps on his right limb. It made sense because he couldn't walk after climbing out of the pool. Hyun Jiwoo had a cramp. But there was another wound on his body. A deep puncture in the back of his skull. Caused by a violent impact against sharp steel. He died the same night he stabbed Yoongi.

It didn't make sense at first... How Taehyung managed to appear at the exact same moment as Hyung Jiwoo. I was startled by his appearance, but it turns out... Taehyung was striding towards me from the opposite direction because of our shared live location. Taehyung was approaching me... and the culprit was racing along my side, eventually forcing his way through the bush wall to escape me.

How did the culprit end up in the wine barrel? We didn't know. Who killed him? No one knew the answer. The culprit passed before he faced the council's penalty. Maybe this is what you called instant karma? Or perhaps, this is just another well-planned ruse in the power game?

The Mins revoked the charge against Kim Taehyung after failing to compile enough evidence for Yoongi's attack. Taehyung seemed unbothered by the issue. He even refused to show up at the council to clarify his innocence. He claims it's a waste of his time to strain his energy on a crime he didn't commit. It made sense after the troubles he went through because of Yangcha. Consequently... the Mins were forced to close the case.

They found their culprit, and he's dead. Silenced by another player.

Yoongi thereafter informed me of his parents' decision to withdraw their alliance consideration with our households. Eomma was super disappointed after expecting to recruit the Mins. Obviously, the attack on Min's sole heir on the Jung's island had initiated mistrust between the households. What is it between her and Taehyung? I still didn't know.

Eomma always favored Taehyung, sometimes even more than her daughter. She'd grant him countless opportunities in the council and she would always encourage his household to participate in the power game. But since... Taehyung spoke to her... She's been using every excuse to keep him off the chessboard. Eomma is determined to expel Taehyung from our circle with her translucent desperation to merge with another household... but what is it that she fears about him? I was curious but figured... I should stay out of their dispute.

I like it this way anyways. Eomma has been nagging me less with Taehyung by my side, and he's been treating me well. I don't want to ruin our relationship again.

There were no... rumors or conflicts in the society after our return, aside from Yoongi's attack. The day was a little too peaceful. It made me feel restless.

The society thrives on madness and chaos. The more bloodshed... the stronger the alphas becomes in the council. The more unbalanced power... the more... the powerless households collapse and are filtered and eliminated by the upper ranks. Peace is a positive trait in the ordinary world... but in the alpha's world? It symbolizes stagnant progress.

The society does not function in a straight line. The households... must always... aim to accomplish more. Higher and higher... the line must rise to its peak to ensure the household's security.

Being stagnant is dangerous.

Flowing water is safer to drink than a puddle of stagnant water.

Why? A static water source is home to breeding bacteria and hazardous microorganisms. The longer it remains stagnant... The dirtier it gets... The more life-threatening for consumption.

And therefore, just like water... The society and alphas must always flow to evade the risk of being eliminated by a powerful household. 
"You've been skipping school for a while," Taehyung sighed, gently massaging my healed ankle over the mattress as I lay on my stomach."My skin is still irritated," I muttered. Taehyung lowered my leg and gently tugged my nightgown strap to examine the scattered rash on my shoulders and back."You should stay home until you heal," Taehyung nodded, placing the strap back over my shoulder.
He's right about my skin's vulnerability to the heat. Essentially... Taehyung was never afraid of other men seeing me in the revealing swimwear. But because he's aware of the severe side effects on my skin if I'm exposed to the sun for a prolonged period of time. It was always Taehyung... who rubbed ointments on my burnt skin since we were young. He'd chase me around the house with the soothing cream. My condition was so severe I'd fall ill sometimes from high fever and peeling skin. 
"Oppa. Do you believe in an alternative universe?" I asked, tossing my phone away, turning to look at him."An alternative universe?" Taehyung asked, laying down on his side to face me as I remained on my stomach with my head rested over my arm."Another universe just like ours. The same people. The same time period. The same situation... but a completely different world? You and I... we exist in the other world too. I exist there as Jang Sora and you as Kim Taehyung," I explained. Taehyung cutely pouted to think about my words."You've been indulging yourself with too many profane novels," He chuckled."Do you think... we're living a happy life there too?" I asked, curiously staring at his sleepy eyes."Happy or miserable... I'm sure Kim Taehyung is always right by Jang Sora's side in both worlds," Taehyung muttered, eyeing me from under his messy bangs. I tried not to smile at his words and scooted closer to hug his body."I hope so," I mumbled, pressing my face against his chest. I hope I live happily with him in the other world."Wherever you go... I'll always follow you. Even to the afterlife," He whispered while patting my hair softly."Why would you follow me to death?" I giggled."What will you do without me? Hmm? What will Jang Sora do without Kim Taehyung? You're too hopeless without me. Drop, roll, and cry before the divine entities? Throw a tantrum? Run away? Fling your mortal body over a balcony? Whine and wail until you're soaked in tears and snot... until your guardian angel submits to you? Until they surrender to your cuteness? No, they won't. Did you think everyone could put up with your attitudes? No. You need me. Your specialized caretaker to help you navigate your path until you successfully reach the afterlife," Taehyung teased and kissed me softly. I smiled and hugged his warm body against mine. I hope I am also relying on him in the other world... or else... I'll get myself into so... so much trouble.
Jang Sora, are you relying on Kim Taehyung in the other world?
______________________
Fast Forward
"Oh!" The man gasped, widening his eyes at me in shock as I stood by the cashier counter."Oh! You're alive!" I gasped."Are you alright?! I was worried about you after the incident!" He happily smiled at me. I accidentally encountered the waiter man from the port event... during my volunteer trip in Busan. He was caught up in the attack that evening... and I told him to call for help. We chatted briefly at the cafe he works at. And I left with Do-hwan after grabbing my drink."Send the man a gift. He saved my life that day," I muttered, handing Do-hwan the waiter's contact. Park Bogum."Am I your personal errand boy? I'm so busy with all the other work- and yet you're telling me to go shopping- to buy a handsome man a gift and- forced me out of my office to escort you to your lover because you can't stand being apart from him for longer than an hour?! Why can't you wait for him to return and give him your snack?! Why force me to drive across the city to deliver your biscuits~? I'll have to work overtime again!" Do-hwan funnily complained. I glanced at the man from the passenger seat with a straight face. He gulped, regretting his unfiltered eruption almost immediately. The man cleared his throat and redirected his gaze on the road after he received the deadly poker face. I dragged him out of his office to bring Taehyung my freshly made honey biscuits.We finally arrived at the looming corporate tower. Do-hwan parked the car by the entrance and got out to open the door for me, but I refused to leave the car."Can't you just drop it off?! I don't want to get out~!" I whined."I have to carry out an errand for your mother and I can't bring you with me! Stay at the corporate tower!" Do-hwan snapped, bending into the car to grab my wrist. I grumbled and stepped out with my paper bags. My cheeks flushed red as I stared at the well-dressed staff and glanced down at my... nightgown."And why are you dressed like that!?" Do-hwan scoffed at my inappropriate outfit."I never intended to visit him directly- and I thought he works at a small office-""What do you mean by small office?! He works at the tower-""I thought he worked in a separate office! Not at the tower itself!" I whined. Do-hwan scoffed at my embarrassing nightgown and rubbed his forehead in disbelief."Well. I can't bring you back home now, or I'll be late for the appointment," Do-hwan rudely rolled his eyes. I asked Do-hwan not to alarm the staff at the tower because I only wanted to drop by Taehyung's office without causing a scene. But people were already staring at my ankle-length gown.Do-hwan took me inside the lobby filled with bustling employees. I lowered my head as I walked beside him in my fluffy slippers. We entered a private elevator, so I turned to stare at the glass enclosure, examining the different building departments with my hands pressed against the transparent glass. We arrived at a private lounge... and it was weirdly empty.
Apparently, Taehyung didn't want too many people around his office.
"Wae?" I asked as Do-hwan nodded for me to sit on the comfortable beige couch in the lounge."Taehyung is in the meeting at the moment. I need to pick up some files from the nearby law firm, so I'll pick you up afterward," Do-hwan explained and left. I gripped my hands unsurely as I glanced around the vacant lounge."He has a bar here..." I muttered, getting up to round the counter. Curiously reaching for a whisky bottle from the rack and poured the drink into a glass. I gasped softly when I found... an ice cube ball and plopped it into the cup. Smiling, I raised the glass to sip from it. Hmm! That's a refreshing drink! Maybe I should follow Taehyung to work every day? This is an extremely comfortable space! I rubbed my chest uneasily as the liquid burned my inside. I giggled and spun on the stool with the whisky... humming softly to myself while waiting for my fiancé.
A moment later.
Third Person POVKim Taehyung slightly bowed at the chairmen and turned to exit the room with his secretaries as they briefed him on his remaining schedule. The alpha nodded as he checked his watch and strolled through the building bridge to enter his office floor when he noticed a few staff bustling inside the lounge with frightened looks."We need to contact the guards! The first lady will be here soon to visit our master!-""How did she get in!? We'll get into so much trouble-""Miss?! Are you conscious!? Who are you-""The first lady is here! We have to-""What's the matter?" Taehyung asked, halting with his secretaries."Omo- Sir!" Another staff rushed out of the room but halted abruptly after almost running into him. Her face turned pale. The assistant looked up at Taehyung's intimidating straight face as he stood outside the lounge entrance. He glanced inside the room to find another assistant crouching over a person on the couch."Sir, the first lady is here!" The elevator opened again... and a guard appeared, escorting a woman inside the office as Taehyung stood before the timid staff. Taehyung turned to find... a beautiful woman in a pretty floral dress striding onto the floor with her silky loose hair. The secretary immediately lowered their heads as Taehyung watched her approach him."Oppa," Hwa-young smiled, shyly appearing before the alpha with a gift bag."Omo... you're so... gorgeous," The staff beside him covered her lips with her gawking eyes on the woman."What are you doing here?" Taehyung questioned. Hwa-young lifted the bag for Taehyung."I came here to visit my brother since it's his first day interning at the tower, so I figured it's only appropriate to pay you a quick visit," She smiled. Taehyung glanced at her gift bag and lifted his hand to accept it."Should we prepare-" The staff tried to speak but immediately halted."Crooook~! Pheeeeew~ Crrooooook-!" A strange noise echoed from the lounge. Everyone grew hushed as they listened to the loud snoring, awkwardly glancing at each other."Oh no!- Miss?! Please wake up!?" The other staff gasped, frantically shaking the person's shoulders.

"Let her sleep," Taehyung sighed, shifting his fond gaze to the person in the lounge. Hwa-young curiously turned her head to look inside the room, abruptly halting with her lips pursed once she recognized the familiar presence."N-Neh? But the first lady-""She is the first lady. The supreme alpha," Taehyung smiled at his employees, whose eyes widened in shock. Gasp! Every eye shifted toward the unconscious woman... as she sprawled over the couch with her lips ajar.
Jang Sora was asleep on the couch... with one leg hooked over the headrest and the other leg... dangling over the couch. She had one slipper on her right foot as she lay with her sock on her left foot. Her face was flushed from the liquor she consumed as she snored loudly in the private lounge. Her slimy drool... dripping from her... parted lips.
"Neh!?" One of the secretaries blurted, wildly turning to stare at Hwa-young's flustered face as she watched the supreme alpha vulnerable state."-I'm gonna kick his ass!-" Sora grumbled, violently jerking her feet on the couch, startling the staff with her violent contraction."Please escort the Chul's daughter back to her brother. Thank you for the gift," Taehyung smiled at Hwa-young, pushing the bag into the secretary's hand and dismissively strolled inside the lounge.The staff immediately got up to her feet in fright as Taehyung grabbed Sora's leg from the headrest to straighten it. He carefully slipped off her slipper to place it on the floor and tucked her wild hair strands behind her ears. Kim Taehyung sealed Sora's lips and gently dabbed her saliva from her chin. The secretaries and assistants pursed their lips as they watched Kim Taehyung adjust a cushion under the supreme alpha's head."-Oh!? Oppa- Oh no- I had a drink-" Sora jerked awake, frantically sitting up in her gown with a dazed face."You should rest-""I brought snacks! Do-hwan said he'll come back to pick me up- but he's been gone for hours~!" Sora complained, pushing Taehyung's hands away when he tried to lay her back down. She stubbornly grabbed her snack bag to tear it open with her sleepy eyes. Taehyung quietly watched her lift the snack. She drunkenly smiled and nudged the sticky biscuit against his lips."You're still drunk?" He asked, opening his mouth to accept her honey biscuit.Sora plopped another piece into her mouth, pushed the bag into his hand and slumped back down on the couch with her eyes closed. Turning to hug the cushion... as if it's her own bed. Taehyung's lips slightly parted at her exposed thighs from under the gown as he watched her chew in her sleep until she dozed back to sleep. He quickly covered her legs and pulled the missing right sock back onto her cold feet, weakly smiling at her adorable intoxicated state as he gently patted her buttcheek.Hwa-young enviously stared at Kim Taehyung's delicate gestures as he helped the supreme alpha adjust her body. He slipped his arms under her frail body and lifted her off the couch, carefully rising to his feet with his fond gaze fixed on her rosy red cheeks. Hwa-young stepped aside to let him pass her. She felt invisible in his world. As a matter of fact, she felt like she didn't exist in anyone's world. Unlike Jang Sora... who seemed to be the center of everyone's world... She was nothing but an ordinary person.

"Sir? The snack-""Bring her biscuits," Taehyung answered without looking back. Hwa-young glanced at her expensive gift bag in the secretary's hand and back to the staff as they picked up the supreme alpha's used kimchi container she brought from home and a torn paper bag to chase after their young master. Hwa-young sighed with a heavy heart and turned to leave through the elevator with the guard.
She had no place in his world either.

Meanwhile
Kim Taehyung rested Jang Sora on the couch in his private office as the assistant unsurely placed the container of biscuits on the coffee table. He dismissively slipped off his jacket to cover her thin nightgown and adjusted the cushion under her messy hair."Should I transfer the biscuit to a plate?- ""No. Leave it be. Bring mineral water," Taehyung shook his head. The staff bowed at him and left to fetch the water. Kim Taehyung sighed and got up to work at his desk as Sora snored softly on the couch with a puffy face from being intoxicated by the strong liquor."Did she cause trouble-""Why did you bring her here?" Taehyung asked the instant Do-hwan barged inside with a bewildered look."She insisted on tagging along with me, but I couldn't bring her to the law firm- so I figured it was best to leave her here with you," Do-hwan shrugged, walking up to the unconscious supreme alpha as she snuggled against the cushion."She drank the whisky at the lounge," Taehyung sighed."She's a hassle. Why did she wear this? She should've prioritized her reputation," Do-hwan muttered, bending down to pick up a biscuit from the container and plop it in his mouth."I told her to avoid wearing tight-fitted clothes that will irritate her rashes," Taehyung muttered while skimming through his files. Do-hwan sat on a single couch and crossed his legs while chewing the sweet biscuits."She's very annoying at home without you," Do-hwan muttered, dimming his eyes on the supreme alpha."Wae?" Taehyung asked, lifting his eyes in surprise."She bothers everyone when she's bored. Sora kept chasing imo- and insisted on helping with the house chores and got angry when the maid refused her help. The day before... She begged a gardener to let her water the flowers... and you guessed it... mud... everywhere and flowers? It all drowned. And every single afternoon... she'd rush to the gate to distract the guards while waiting for you by the entrance. She even brought board games to play with the guards on duties. Imo didn't want to be bugged, so she agreed to let her bake today. And... I was her next target. Dragged me out of my office with her freshly made batch so she could deliver it to her man," Do-hwan grumbled. Jang Sora was restless without Kim Taehyung, so she kept poking around in the property until she found a target to entertain."An entire... overstaffed household can't handle her? That's ridiculous. She's not that complicated," Taehyung chuckled."She doesn't bother anyone when she's with you. You're her favorite, and I'm taking her home... before she embarrasses you here," Do-hwan shrugged, rising to his feet to lift Sora off the couch."Urgh- Oh?!- Big Man! Where have you been!?" Sora suddenly jerked awake, unconsciously gripping Do-hwan's shoulder as he held her in his strong arms."I'll escort you home, my lady-""No! I don't want to leave! Put me down!" Sora whined, frantically fighting to slip off his arms."One less trouble at the mansion. Great," The man smiled, tossing his young lady back onto the couch, causing her to shriek in a panic. Taehyung's lips parted as the guard walked away happily and left the office without the supreme alpha. Sora grumbled as she reached for the mineral water and gulped thirstily with her head tilted upward... until she noticed Taehyung staring at her from his desk."Oh! You're back!?" She gasped, placing the bottle down. The supreme alpha quickly got onto her feet and rushed over to his desk to look through his files. She lifted his pen. Opened his drawers. Grabbed his face to inspect his eyes and then turned to flip through the documents again."Are you sober yet?" Taehyung asked, composedly sitting in his leather seat. "Why did eomma assign you so much work?! You've been working overtime~! Is she doing this on purpose to keep you away from me-" Sora whined as she counted the stacks of documents with a disapproving scowl. Taehyung chuckled at her distracting behavior and got to his feet to drag her away... before she tore his desk apart."You're still drunk," Taehyung sighed, forcing her to sit on the couch. Sora stared up at him with her flustered cheeks."Or... are you staying late at work... to do suspicious things behind my back...?" Sora narrowed her eyes as she watched him sit beside her with his arm over the headrest."What suspicious things?" Taehyung smiled. Sora burped softly and scooted closer to her lover. He didn't budge and stared at her rosy red cheeks as she sniffed his face like a puppy."Take off your shirt," She poked his chest. Taehyung stared at her with a dumbfounded look."W-What-""I wanna check! If you have nothing to hide- then take it off~" She smiled, leaning her face forward."I can't do that-""Oh? Are you hiding your love bruises-""Sora!-" Taehyung gasped, grabbing her hand to hold her back, but she stubbornly pushed his hands away to unbutton his shirt. Slump! Taehyung collapsed back onto the couch as she crawled over him and pushed the fabric apart... until he was shirtless under her. The drunk supreme alpha narrowed her eyes on his exposed torso."This mark-""You gave it to me a few nights ago," Taehyung sighed as she pointed at his upper left chest. Sora scratched her head to recall their shared moments and sat up on him with a suspicious frown."Should I give you new ones?" She asked, quickly leaning down to kiss his body, but Taehyung cupped her flustered cheeks to stop her... just before she smooch his skin with her cutely puckered lips."Give it to me at home," He smiled."I must leave the marks for other women to see-""Sora, I don't walk around naked here. No one will see it because no one will dare get this close to me aside from you," He chuckled. Sora pouted as she processed his words with her numbed mind. Taehyung sat up to button up his shirt as she sat with her legs tucked under her body."Mine has faded," She muttered. Taehyung froze midway while buttoning his shirt. He lifted his gaze to her with an uncertain frown."What?" He asked."It's all faded," She repeated, shamelessly lifting her nightgown upward to her chest to expose her bare body under the gown. Taehyung's eyes widened at the sight of her panties and bra. He quickly scrambled forward to yank the silk down in disbelief, covering her body with a flustered face."Sora! We're at my office!" Taehyung snapped, staring at her dazed face in shock."Okay," She pouted, turning to slump on the couch grumpily. Taehyung sighed at her sulky mood and lowered his face with a weak smile."I'll make it up to you-""I'll just ask another man to do it-""Yah!" Taehyung snapped, impulsively smacking her butt. Whack! Sora stiffened in shock at the sore burn of his handprint on her bum. The alpha pursed his lips in a panic as she averted her irritated glare at him."You said this is your office, but you slapped my ass!?-""It was an accident! I didn't mean to-" Taehyung tried to excuse his thoughtless mistake. She sat up in frustration while rubbing her sore butt."Harass me again, and I'll tell my mother to fire you!" She threatened. Taehyung pursed his lips at her cuteness. The entire household couldn't handle her aside from him."You wouldn't dare fire your husband, right? How will I support my high-maintenance wife without a job? You'll beat me up for starving you~!" Taehyung chuckled as he picked up the biscuit container. He got up from the couch to stroll away as Sora intensely glared at him. She grumbled under her breath and laid back down again with her arms over her chest. And as Taehyung anticipated... she passed out again. He shook his head and turned to study his files, quietly munching on her sweet biscuits with a weak smile.
A moment later.
The staff awkwardly waited by the lounge's door as the supreme alpha crouched over the carpet to search for her missing slipper. A side was missing. Taehyung sighed bitterly after strolling out of his office to find the assistant's timid behavior and rounded the counter to withdraw the fluffy slipper from the liquor rack after she accidentally kicked it off her feet. Sora giggled as he helped her back into her slippers, and they walked hand in hand inside the elevator. The secretaries tried not to smile as Taehyung carried his lover's cute paper bag."Oppa~! I should finish my course quickly, so we can work together," Sora smiled while pressing her hands against the glass wall. He smiled, pecked her cheek, and patted her hands. The secretaries pursed their lips funnily while firing each other excited looks.

"You can share the gift with the others," Taehyung nodded at Hwa-young's bag in the secretary's hand and turned to stroll out the door with Sora. She happily strode by his side in her silk gown until they exited the building. Taehyung helped her into the passenger seat and started the engine after rounding the car."Sorry..." She muttered while staring at her hands in guilt."About?" Taehyung asked, steering out of the building."For embarrassing you. I should've dressed appropriately... and I shouldn't have drunk the liquor," Sora shrugged. Taehyung smiled."I told you to wear nightgowns to soothe your irritated skin. It's not a problem," Taehyung shrugged.
Sora's POV
"Who gave you the gifts?" I asked curiously. I saw a stack of gifts in his office."The employees. I'll ban gifts after I handle the first workload. Hwa-young dropped by earlier to bring a gift too... but I left it with the secretaries," He shrugged."You should've at least brought it home," I muttered."I've got my stomach full of your biscuits," Taehyung chuckled, nodding at the empty container. I smiled and leaned back on the car seat. We didn't head straight home. Taehyung took me to a nearby shopping area to get me a few silk nightgowns before returning home."Oh? Sungho!" I waved, stepping out of the car to find Sungho steering his car in after us. The alpha strode out of his car and slammed the door shut just as Taehyung circled the car with my shopping bags."What did you do to my sister?!" Sungho roared, angrily storming toward Taehyung. My smile dropped as the alpha passed me with his angered glare on Taehyung."Oppa! No!-" Hwa-young scrambled out of her car seat in tears. SMACK. My eyes widened in shock, wildly turning to find Taehyung stumbling into his car with his palm clasped over his face. Jungkook halted by the door in his sportswear while jogging around the property."The fuck-""Did you think you could hide it from me and Sora!?" Sungho snapped, angrily grabbing Taehyung's collar."Do you have a death wish?!- Urgh!" Taehyung tried to speak but was cut short when Sungho shoved him hard onto the ground. Hwa-young frantically grabbed her brother's arm to hold him back as he angrily fumed over Taehyung."Yah?! What's happening!?" Jungkook asked, jogging forward with a bewildered look."Oppa! We should leave- Please- They're the top ranks-""SO?! HE CAN'T HARASS YOU JUST BECAUSE HE'S POWERFUL!-" Sungho shouted, furiously glaring at Hwa-young's tearful eyes as Jungkook helped Taehyung to his feet."Harass..?" I asked, unsurely staring at Sungho for explanations."You inappropriately touched my sister on the beach!" Sungho snapped, stepping forward, but Jungkook held the alpha back by his chest. I pursed my lips and glanced at Hwa-young's frightened face. She was... sobbing by Sungho's side."Fuck..." Taehyung scoffed, getting back onto his feet with his spiteful glare on Sungho."Did you think my sister would stay hushed just because she's powerless?!" Sungho confronted Taehyung. Jungkook wildly turned back and forth in confusion as he stood between the alphas."What did you do???" Jungkook asked, turning to stare at Taehyung, who was leaning against his car with his head hung low. My chest churned intensely as he lifted his troubled eyes to look at me. The guilt. I saw it before. I saw it in his eyes on the island. It was the same guilt in his pupils. Sungho balled his hands into tight fists as Hwa-young sniffled beside him."Taehyung...?" I asked, uneasily searching him for answers. Taehyung shakily swallowed the lump in his throat. He couldn't speak and... remained muted by the car."Wait a minute... Minah's story... about the couple on the beach...?" Jungkook muttered, suddenly scoffing at his cousin with a horrified look. My heart completely sank at the sudden realization.What the hell is he hiding from me? The night he was soaked... with a bruised eye... he appeared guilt-ridden. The way he kept exchanging silent glances with Hwa-young and the look of discomfort on her face whenever she saw him. It was all too obvious now. Something happened between them. She didn't just drown... and Taehyung has been hiding the entire truth from me. The elders suddenly rushed out of the front door after noticing the fight between the second ranks. I gripped my fist with a swelling chest as I glanced back and forth between Taehyung and Hwa-young.
He dodged a murder trial and an attempted murder without a scratch... but this accusation? Anyone could tell... he was shaken by his own guilt.

Crack.

I felt my heart... breaking over our love... for the first time.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Flashback
The BeachKim Taehyung aimlessly strolled over the dark beach after the dinner feast with his hands in his trouser pockets. The alpha halted on the seaside to gaze at the glimmering moonlight reflection over the dark waves. He proceeded to walk forward, softly kicking the sand beneath his sandals. He calmly walked along the unlit shore until he was in a remote area surrounded by trees and beach rocks. The alpha glanced back at the castle to observe the dim light poles and back to the sea until his eyes adjusted to the movements over the surface.

"Oh?" Taehyung paused with his narrowed gaze on the silhouette of a woman in the sea near the rocky shore. He smiled and walked forward until he found Sora paddling over the subtle waves of the dark ocean. Her upper body... appeared naked. The water was at her chest level. Taehyung halted to watch her from the shore, slightly confused by her decision to swim alone in the vast sea.

"What's a beautiful lady doing in the dark sea alone? Aren't you scared of sharks? Or perhaps... the creeps around the area? A gorgeous woman like you shouldn't leave your clothes unattended on the sand. There are a lot of perverts out here~" Taehyung loudly spoke, just enough for her to hear him as he slowly approached the shallow end. Sora suddenly stopped splashing in the water, quickly turning her body away from Taehyung. She shyly sank under the surface to cover her chest. Taehyung chuckled at her adorable behavior."You could've waited for me. It's dangerous to swim in the dark sea alone~!" Taehyung teased as he took off his shirt and tossed it on the sand with Sora's clothes. The supreme alpha remained muted as she hid her body under the surface until the water level rose to her chin."Can I join you~?" He grinned, unzipping his trousers and pulled it down to his ankles, exposing his sturdy body to the nature around him. Taehyung carefully stepped into the sea in his boxer as his lover stood still, facing away from him. The alpha smiled, gently bouncing forward under the water to reach her."Stop being shy~!" Taehyung chuckled, leaping forward to grab her shoulder. Sora tried to swim away from him but failed as he firmly seized her upper arm. The alpha effortlessly drew his lover backward to hold her vulnerable body against his chest."You're such a tease. Do you like it like this? Hmm~? Just us... in the dark~?" Taehyung whispered, sensually speaking against her soaked hair with his lips pressed against her ear. Sora didn't respond and tried to push his hand off her body, so he chuckled and groped her breasts, causing her to jerk against his body. Taehyung lowered his face to suck on the crook of her neck while pinching her sensitive tips.The alpha lowered his free hand to draw her waist against his crotch under the water, carefully tracing his fingers downward to reach between her legs. She slightly jerked again at his dirty touch, attempting to thrust her body forward- but he wouldn't release her body and resumed touching her inappropriately while kissing the crook of her neck. She softly gasped as he inserted his fingers inside her private part to heat up her body.Kim Taehyung lustfully nibbled her shoulders until her body tensed up against his. Taehyung smiled at her strange muteness and accelerated his finger's movement until he felt her body vibrating in pleasure. He was determined to make her moan his name, so he pressed his soaked tongue against her shoulder wing to stroke her sensitive skin."O-Oppa!" An unfamiliar voice finally shrieked.Taehyung immediately halted at her voice with a blank mind. The sea grew hushed as he held her naked body against his hard crotch. Slowly, the woman... rotated her body to face him with her watery eyes, causing Taehyung's heart to thump hard against his chest. A jolt of fright violently shocked his dazed mind to the core... until he felt his body... turning cold. Chul Hwa-young stood before him... with her frightened gaze on his drunken face. She was on the verge of tears."W-What- What are you doing here?!" Taehyung stuttered as his heart hammered in dread. The alpha unconsciously stepped away from the woman. Hwa-young whimpered while covering her chest and lowered her head to cry in pain, unable to express her feelings after being raided by Kim Taehyung's touch."Why did you touch me- Ah?!" Hwa-young sniffled, shrieking in a broken voice. Taehyung angrily seized her wrist to yank her with all his might."Why didn't you say anything when I was on the shore?!" He seethed with his raging pupils on her frightened face.Hwa-young fearfully tugged her arm back and tried to paddle away to escape the alpha. But he angrily grabbed her shoulder to restrain her. She yelped out of fright, so he immediately covered her lips to stop her from attracting attention from the beach. Hwa-young's body quivered under the water in fear as the powerful alpha arrested her helpless body against his masculine torso."Oppa!- I was- in shock when you appeared- because- my clothes weren't with me- I thought you'd leave-" Hwa-young fearfully explained. The darkness inside Taehyung abruptly plagued his body as he dangerously fumed over her. Squelch. Hwa-young sucked in her breath in terror as Taehyung wrapped his shaky fingers around her throat, narrowing his deadly eyes on her frightened face."Don't... you... dare... utter... a word... to... Sora..." He gritted, lowering his killer eyes on her. Hwa-young's lips trembled out of control upon his deadly warning. She frantically nodded in agreement... with her hands clasped over Taehyung's suffocating grip around her throat. The sea grew hushed again. Taehyung... heavily panted... roughly shoving her into the deep end and turned to storm toward the shore."Ah!- Oppa! I can't swim- Oppa!-" Hwa-young screamed as she fearfully splashed in the sea. Taehyung didn't look back, walked onto the beach, and pulled his shirt over his soaked torso. Hwa-young desperately screamed for his attention, but Taehyung ignored her call, hastily pulling on his trousers in a hurry. Silence. He halted, quickly turning to scan the dark sea. Hwa-young disappeared from sight."This isn't funny!" Taehyung roared, glaring furiously at the soft ripple in the deep end. The alpha furrowed his eyebrows... and after a minute of absolute silence... There was still no sign of struggle or life."Fuck!?" Taehyung cursed, frantically splashing into the sea after he realized... Chul Hwa-young had drowned. He scrambled towards the bubbling water at the deep end until the water rose to his chin.The alpha reached for her floating arm to lock his fingers around her wrist and tugged her forward. The second rank grunted while tiptoeing on the deep end in difficulty. He quickly raised her pale face above the sea surface and swam to the shallow end with Hwa-young's unconscious body. Kim Taehyung's heart thumped in fear as he lowered her weak body onto the wet sand. The alpha quickly averted his gaze away as soon as he realized... she was entirely... unclothed beneath him.Taehyung hastily grabbed her clothes to place them over her chest and crotch- quickly leaning down to slap her face. Still... Hwa-young remained cold on the beach. Her pale lips slowly... turning purple.The alpha cursed under his breath, quickly placing his hands over her bare chest to compress downward. Thump. Thump. Thump. He shoved her ribs to force out the water from her lungs. Yet... she remained cold. Taehyung pinched her nose and leaned down to press his lips against hers, blowing the air into her lungs until he felt her chest inflating beneath his hand. He immediately compressed her chest again and leaned down to give her another breath- SPLAT. Hwa-young choked, spitting the water out of her lips in distress."Oppa~ Sungho~ Oppa~!-" Hwa-young painfully coughed as she sprawled on the soaked sand, groaning in pain as the seawater spilled from her lips.Taehyung drew Hwa-young upward and pounded on her back as she cried in distress with her hands clasped over her throbbing chest and throat from gobbling the salty water. Taehyung laboriously hyperventilated as he knelt beside Hwa-young, struggling to calm his racing heart. He could've killed Chul Sungho's sister. She unconsciously cried and turned to hug his body for support, so Taehyung gulped and patted her back until Hwa-young's unsteady breath grew stable. She lifted her tearful eyes to stare at Taehyung."Get yourself treated," Taehyung muttered, coldly shoving her off his body and hurriedly strode away, leaving her alone at the beach. Hwa-young rubbed her sensitive skin and lowered her head to cry in anguish. She whimpered and slowly got up to pull on her dress as she held back her tears. Weakly, she limped over the beach with an aching chest as warm tears trickled down her cheeks.Kim Taehyung drew out his soaked phone to tap on the screen. It was still functioning thanks to the waterproof feature. He shakily clicked on Sora's contact to check her whereabouts until he found her in the property's garden. Taehyung abruptly turns in her direction, frowning at the speed of her movement. She was... sprinting across the garden. He lifted his face to search the garden after shoving his phone back into his pocket and jogged towards the intersection- THUMP.A heavy force suddenly swept him off his feet.The alpha stumbled to the ground at the blunt force, so he quickly sat up but was forcefully stapled down by the person- He froze beneath her in terror as she seethed over him with her raging darkness.Jang Sora's stern expression immediately neutralized... upon their unexpected encounter. Her face turned pale and... she was suddenly... stiff over him. Taehyung gulped at her shaken condition and tried to speak when he heard the low rumbles of heavy footsteps speeding toward them.And so... he remained paralyzed on the ground as the herd of heavily armed guards appeared with their gun barrels directed at him.End of flashback
Present
Sora's POVHwa-young sniffled in her seat as she dabbed her tears in her mother's arms. The woman gently patted her daughter's shoulder as she weakly leaned on her for support. Mr. Chul sat with a dark gaze on Taehyung, who was sitting beside me in the living room. Mr. Kim deeply exhaled and lowered his head to press his hands against his face after Taehyung admitted to harassing Hwa-young by accident.

Sungho restlessly sighed every few minutes with his sore eyes on Taehyung. I glanced at my lover... as he hid his face under his messy hair. Jungkook sucked in his inner cheek with a frustrated grimace. No one uttered a word. We were all taken aback by the incident.
How am I feeling? I felt numb. Of course, I was troubled by his actions, but then again... He claimed it was an unintentional act. He never meant to touch her inappropriately without her consent.

Hwa-young is the victim... and she's been suffering from the incident... all by herself.

Because Taehyung threatened her to stay hushed.

Her silence... ultimately destroyed her mentality. All I could do at the moment... was to remain silent on the matter... and wait for them to resolve the problem.

Taehyung must handle his actions alone.
The elders dismissed the gathering, and we separated into our rooms. I was the first to rise from the couch and left the living room without speaking to anyone.A moment later.Knock. Knock. I shifted my gaze from the mirror to stare at the door as the person tried to enter my room... but the door was locked. I knew who it was. Taehyung. My chest swelled with an uncomfortable tightness... so I sighed and strolled toward the door in my nightgown to unlock the handle. Taehyung tensely stood by the door frame with his hands clenched around my soothing cream. His eyes... anxiously searching mine."Your cream-""Thank you," I nodded, grabbing the tube from him and tried to close the door, but he quickly grabbed the handle to hold it open."Sora-""I can do it myself," I assured without looking at him."Just- let me put it on for you. Hmm???" He insisted. I sighed and lifted my weary face to observe his desperation. Taehyung clenched his jaw, impatiently waiting for my approval."Taehyung. I really need... space. Please... just... let me do it myself," I gulped, struggling to speak with him in a calm voice. Taehyung's eyes darkened at my words. He shakily exhaled with his dim eyes trained on mine and finally nodded. He turned and left without putting up a fight, so I closed the door and headed to bed. Thud. I tossed the tube away without applying the cream and turned off the light to lie on the mattress.Thump. Thump. Thump. I calmly listened to the pulse of my steady heartbeat in my pillow. I'm aching all over. Not just my body... but... my chest too. The pain... it's very dull yet... irritating. I couldn't shake out the unbearable contractions, so I tossed and turned on my bed until unconscious tears filled my eyes. Sniffling, I buried my face into my pillowcase to dry the warm tears. Why am I heartbroken? He claim it was an accident, but I'm still disturbed. I shouldn't be the one crying here. I feel guilty... Hwa-young is the person suffering from the issue... and yet I dare to use her trauma as a personal matter? The tears wouldn't cease throughout the night, no matter how desperately I attempted to console the misery. I ended up crying myself to sleep.
Maybe. It's all a nightmare. I'll definitely feel better tomorrow.

A lie. It was a lie I told myself to gaslight my aching emotions. I did not feel better, and I dreaded seeing Taehyung. I don't know what was happening to me, but the last person I wanted to see was Taehyung. I left to attend the university early the next day to avoid him. Do-hwan was skeptical of my decision to leave the mansion due to the rashes on my skin. But the man must've noticed my sullen mood because he agreed to take me to school without objecting my request.

My day went about... without any disturbance. No one seemed to care about me. And I was just another person in the background. I sat in the lounge by the corner of the room with a headset secured over my ears. Quietly scribbling on my notebook. My phone buzzed repeatedly. Sighing, I shifted my eyes to the screen to find a few texts from Taehyung.
Taehyung: I'll pick you up after school.Taehyung: Can we speak?Taehyung: Sora, answer me.Notification: 18 Missed Calls.I turned off my phone and tossed it in my bag- just as the alphas poured inside the lounge. Everyone turned to eye me weirdly, and I knew... instantly. There was another rumor about me. I quickly shifted my gaze to my book with an uneasy feeling until Minah rushed over with a drained expression. She tapped my shoulder as she anxiously sat beside me, so I slipped my headphones off my ears and turned to face her with my eyebrows raised."Are you okay...?" Minah asked, nervously inspecting my face."Why wouldn't I be...?" I asked."Sora- I really... didn't know it was Taehyung at the beach with Hwa-young that night. I'm really sorry if you're upset-""What?" I interrupted, uneasily straightening my back. Minah pursed her lips to observe my startled reaction."Everyone is talking about it. Kim Taehyung... cheating on you. We know," Minah sighed, sadly taking my hand to comfort me. I glanced at the alphas as they eyed me from their seats. The painful contraction suddenly tore my chest apart again. The news already broke out? I thought- I could avoid it by dismissing the matter, but everyone is aware now?"He didn't cheat. Taehyung was drunk," I shrugged, tensely glancing at my book. I need to contain myself."Hwa-young broke down in the lecture room earlier and fainted. Sungho had to rush her to the infirmary. What a pity. An accident or not... she must be in pain," Minah sighed. I gripped my pencil with my eyes fixed on the messy scribble."What did you see that night exactly...?" I asked. Minah shifted her apologetic gaze to me."Well- I actually... someone uploaded a video..." Minah nervously shrugged. I stared at her with a hollow feeling. Minah sent me the circulating video, so I left the lounge to hide in a vacant storage room. My heart raced in fear as I hovered my thumb over the video clip.
Play.
It was a blurry video since whoever was filming was hiding in the dark path near the garden. The person's unsteady breath could be heard as the witness attempted to zoom their phone camera on the dark figures on the far beach. Taehyung. I recognized his walking pattern instantly. He was standing on the seashore as Hwa-young remained in the water. Taehyung appeared to be speaking with her.The video couldn't capture their voices since it was too far. I nervously chewed my thumb as I watched Taehyung slip off his clothes to stride in the water until he reached Hwa-young. He grabbed her body and tugged her against his torso. I shakily paused the video as my chest wretched with a troublesome feeling. I took a deep breath and resumed the video. It wasn't clear, but I could tell he was hugging her in the ocean. She didn't resist his touch as he tilted his head to press his face against her neck with his arms encircled around her body.
What bothers me... is the fact... his inappropriate activities went on for roughly... five minutes. How is it possible? If Hwa-young knew she was being harassed... Why didn't she address the situation the instant he touched her? Perhaps, she was frozen in fear?
And Taehyung. How did he not notice the difference between me and her? I tearfully watched him stand in the water as god knows what he did to her body under the surface.
I could almost recall his touch... The way he loves to tease me with his arousing strokes. The thoughts... made me dizzy. The video ended.

I gulped. Lowering... my phone to my lap as I sat behind the desk with my back pressed against the wall until unconscious tear streams... dripped from my lower lash lines. He said it was an accident and she claimed she was threatened... but neither of them... seemed to... resist one another during the moment.
Is it really an accident? Or was it his guilty pleasure? If she was truly frightened... Why... Didn't she stop him from entering the water as he was speaking to her? Why did she let him escalate their intimacy?

My heart. I can almost hear the rapid cracks expanding across my chest.
"You alright?" Hoseok suddenly appeared, standing over the table to watch me sit on the floor. I quickly rubbed away my tears, so he sighed and sat beside me with something in his hand.

"How did you find me?" I muttered, lowering my face to dab away my tears."I saw you entering a while ago," He sighed, handing me the gift bag."What's this?" I asked, unsurely accepting it."Seokjin asked me to hand it to you," Hoseok shrugged, extending his legs over the carpet. I sniffled in silence."The video... it's everywhere, isn't it?" I asked. He nodded. I pursed my lips and hugged my knees in tears. I'm not prepared for this kind of love problem."Sungho... appeared... pissed," Hoseok muttered."Hwa-young is his sister. He should be upset," I shrugged as I struggled to maintain a calm voice."Well. Hwa-young is undeniably an attractive woman. But the last man I expected to be involved with her is Kim Taehyung," He sighed. I gulped and glanced at the bag Seokjin sent to me."Why did he send it to me?" I asked to divert the topic. I don't want to think about it anymore."I don't know. I don't know what Seokjin sent you, but Seokjin... is probably worried about you. He was pretty... in love with you," Hoseok chuckled softly. I lifted my face to stare at Hoseok."We're not on good terms-""I know. But the heart... is a stubborn fucker. Right? I never thought Seokjin would involve himself with the fleeting romance... but he was... pretty... into you since the beginning," Hoseok smiled. I blinked."What are you talking about?" I whispered."Remember the party at my place? The lollipop game?" Hoseok asked, weakly smiling at me."You lied to me," I grimaced. Hoseok told me it was him in the closet with me. It was Taehyung."Yeah, I was an asshole. I liked you then. So I lied because I wanted you to earn a chance with you," Hoseok nodded."What about it?" I sighed, averting my eyes away."I found out about your closet affair... after Seokjin told me about it," Hoseok admitted."What? How did he-""Because he was the person in the closet with you. He was drunk that night and didn't want to participate in the lollipop game, so he crawled into my closet to hide. There's a secret door in my closet... and Seokjin knew the way out because we always played hide and seek there when we were younger. The man was too drunk, so he hid there until you appeared inside the darkness," Hoseok shrugged. I frowned at him."Wait- What? But Taehyung said he was the man in the closet-""He did? Hah. That dipshit. He wasn't even in the room to begin with. Kim Taehyung was downstairs the entire time," Hoseok scoffed. I frowned at Hoseok."Did Seokjin tell you-""Yeah. But Seokjin doesn't remember the incident since he was drunk. He collapsed after the game ended, remember? He fled through my secret closet door. He kept grumbling about kissing a woman and how much he liked her tasty sweet lips as I helped him into the car. Seokjin had a red lollipop that night. And you had blue, right? That's how I knew... the story and used it to fool you for my own gain. I'm sorry," Hoseok apologetically eyed me. I stared unblinking at the carpet. That night... Taehyung had purple lips... and so did Hoseok. But no one saw Seokjin because he fell unconscious.
Taehyung lied to me.
"Why were your lips purple?" I asked."I kissed Haerim. I initially thought I kissed you, but it was her. I was never in the closet... and she was the other person with purple lips. She got upset and left the party early," Hoseok shrugged. Sighing, I lowered my face to press my palm against my face. How many times did he lie to me? Kim Taehyung. What is his intent? And why is he constantly hiding the truth from me? Our relationship and the words he told me... was it ever genuine?A moment later.I left the campus with Jungkook a period before the last class. He stayed strangely muted, so I sighed and rested in the car until we arrived at the mansion. I headed straight to my room, refusing to have dinner with the elders... and kept my door locked for privacy reasons.Taehyung knocked on my door a couple of times, but I didn't respond to his call and remained in my room. I lowered my head over the opened textbook to process my cluttered thoughts before glancing at the gift bag Seokjin sent to me. Sighing, I placed my books away and sat on the couch with the paper bag."Oh?" I muttered, drawing out a laptop and a phone. My heart sank when the screen lit up to reveal a selfie of me with Yangcha. It's his belongings. Why did Seokjin send it to me??? The phone is locked.I typed Yangcha's birthday... denied.So... I typed my birthday, and as expected, the phone unlocked itself.I stared at the wallpaper of my own portrait. It was a picture of me at the BBQ place with Yoongi. Sighing, I leaned back to search through his phone... but there was nothing.... out of the ordinary. He took a lot of pictures of me and his toy collection. There were exchanged texts between him and his friends. Yangcha led a pretty ordinary life, aside from his psychotic killer phase. Gurgle. I lowered his phone to listen to my irritated stomach... growling hungrily for food.12:23 AM. Everyone is probably asleep by now.Creak. I opened the door, cautiously turning my head from side to side to ensure Taehyung was nowhere to be found. The corridor is empty. I carefully closed my door without making a sound, raced towards the kitchen as quietly as I could... passing by the dark living room, and quickly slipped inside the vacant kitchen. I found a few dishes left on the heated plates. Imo must've left it for me. I smiled, sat at the counter to devour the warm meal, and drank the juice from the cup. Burp. I cleared my throat after scraping the plate clean with the spoon and did the dishes in the sink."Kamjagiya!" I shrieked, jerking in a panic once I turned around to find Taehyung sitting on the stool by the counter with his hand tucked under his chin. When did he get here!?"Did I startle you?" He asked. I gulped and quickly turned away to place the dish in the cabinet. Shit. My body hair rose all over my nape as he got off the stool. He quietly strides towards me, so I clenched the dish as his arms slithered around my waist."I'm heading to bed," I muttered, pulling his arm off my waist, and hurriedly left the kitchen.It was another sleepless night for me as I tossed and turned on the bed until I somehow managed to fall asleep... right before dawn. The darkness gradually swallowed me into the abyss of my subconscious mind as I rested on the mattress.
His fuming hot breath... brushing over my moist skin..  teasing my nerves with the gentle breeze.

The addictive traces of his lips on my lips... my forehead... my neck... my breast... all over my bare stomach and between my thighs.

I could feel my body heat rising with every tender stroke over my sensitive skin. His dominating movement over my body as we moaned against each other's lips.

The igniting pleasure... consuming our souls with the smoldering pleasure of his presence inside me.

His alluring sweat scent... filling my nostrils and soothing my stiff muscles with his tempting pheromones.
It was a dream. I opened my eyes to stare at the ceiling with an empty heart. My body is thirsting for Taehyung's love... but I'm afraid I'll bleed if he rests his fingers on my skin again. I sucked in my breath once I felt the movements between my legs. I glanced down in horror to find Taehyung kissing the side of my inner thighs as he knelt between my legs. Am I still dreaming? I remained frozen in my place as he skimmed his hand over my gown, gently pushing the light fabric up to my stomach, and lowered his head to press his damp lips over my belly button. My body shakily vibrated at his thrilling strokes, so I reached down to push his head away."Taehyung-" I tried to speak, but he simply interlaced our fingers to pin my hands to the side. I arched my back over the mattress as he lowered his face to press his nose against my panties until my crotch throbbed at the thrilling presence of his lips activities."You promised to stay by my side," He muttered, lifting his head between my spread-opened legs. I fearfully stared at the darkness in his eyes. Taehyung looked almost upset... but his cheeks... were burning red. Did he drink? He lowered his head again and tried to pull down my panties, so I seethed, abruptly reaching down to block my crotch."I'm not in the mood- AH!" I gasped, trying to sit up but gasped in shock. He forcefully scrambled onto my body to pin my shoulders over the pillow. I stared at his drunken face in fear."Don't you dare push me away-""Stop! Please- You're drunk!" I gasped, trying to shove his heavy torso off my body, but Taehyung firmly held my body captive under him. My eyes surged with tears as he gripped my cheeks between his fingers, impatiently roaming his other hand over my breast to tug down my straps."Stop resisting me! Why are you-""TAEHYUNG!" I screamed, angrily thrusting him off my body. He grunted and tumbled to the side, so I quickly sat up to pull my nightgown over my shoulder with a frightened look. I quickly rolled off the bed in fear as he sat up with a frustrated look."I NEVER INTENDED TO TOUCH HER- SORA!-" Taehyung bellowed. I quickly sprinted towards the door- but he was quicker. I yelped in a panic as he effortlessly swept my waist with his forearm. Thud. I slammed hard against his pulsating chest, so I smacked his forearms to resist his touch- but he didn't budge and only tightened his possessive arms around my body."Release me! Taehyung!" I cried as he hauled me back to the bed. He angrily pressed me down on the mattress, making me whimper in distress as he clutched my throat within his suffocating grip. Is he out of his mind!?Taehyung angrily glared at me as he tugged down his pants to expose his bulge and pushed my gown to my waist to expose my lower body. I shrieked in distress as I grabbed his hand to stop him from pulling down my panties- but he shoved my arms away while coiling his fingers around my neck, causing me to gag with my lips ajar. Tears filled my eyes as he roughly pulled down my panty from my hip bones, so I twisted my legs to stop him- BANG. Taehyung wildly turned around at the unexpected disturbance. THUD. Jungkook appeared, rushing inside my room in his pajamas."WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!" Jungkook roared, punching Taehyung hard in the face. I coughed in pain and sat up with my hands around my throat as tears dripped from my lower lash line. Taehyung grunted drunkenly on the floor as he held the drawers for support. I pulled down my gown in fright, quickly covering my exposed legs."Stay out of my business!-" Taehyung bellowed, launching toward Jungkook. My eyes widened in terror as Jungkook slammed back into the opposite cabinet, collapsing to the floor, sending the picture frames shattering on the floor. Taehyung seized Jungkook's collar and tried to strangle him."No! Taehyung! Wake up!-" I cried, grabbing his forearms to tow him off Jungkook, but he was too powerful."Urgh!- Holy fuck, you fucking asshole-! Sora- go to Do-hwan!" Jungkook roared as he struggled to remove Taehyung's arm from his neck. I fearfully stared at Jungkook's alarming condition as his cousin choked him with his bare palms. SMACK. Taehyung grunted, falling to the side as I swung my leg to kick him off Jungkook, who quickly scrambled to his feet. Jungkook grabbed my hand, so I turned and sprinted out of the room with him."ARGH!" Taehyung roared, angrily chasing us. Jungkook's eyes widened in fright as he dragged me toward the living room. The half-blood frantically pushed open the door... just in time to find Do-hwan patrolling the door."Big man!" I sobbed, running into his arms. Thud.Do-hwan unconsciously hugged my trembling body as Jungkook wildly slammed the door shut on Taehyung- BANG. Jungkook flew to the side at the violent impact. The door swung open, and Taehyung's looming darkness appeared before the door frame. Kim Taehyung stood by the door with his evil-infested pupils nailed on me, so I whimpered and hugged my chief guard in fear. Do-hwan froze at Taehyung's dangerous energy... quickly drawing me behind his back to form a barrier between us."Kim Taehyung!" Do-hwan roared, trying to wake the alpha from his clouded mind, but Taehyung didn't... seem to hear his words and dashed forward to tackle the man. Do-hwan aggressively grabbed Taehyung's shoulder and tried to disable him, but Taehyung was quicker.The alpha roughly elbowed Do-hwan in his nose, sending the man topping into the pillar. Jungkook grunted as he sat up in pain with his arms around his stomach. Taehyung angrily kicked Do-hwan's chest, swiftly turning to slam the door against Jungkook's head. Thud. Jungkook whimpered, falling back with a bruised forehead. Taehyung panted heavily after the two men collapsed to the sides... before shifting his dark face to me with his killer stare as I stood frozen with my hand clasped over my mouth."Sora- run-" Do-hwan grunted, attempting to get up, but Taehyung effortlessly wrestled the man back onto the pavement."Oppa!" I gasped, rushing forward to hug his forearm."What's with the noise!?- Omo!" Imo appeared with a sleepy face but gasped in shock once she found me clinging to Taehyung's muscular arm. Taehyung snapped his deadly eyes toward Imo."STOP ME, AND I WILL KILL-" Taehyung roared, angrily turning towards imo with his murderous energy but was cut short when I tiptoed to kiss his lips. He glanced down at me in confusion."Let's speak! Okay?! Taehyung!- Please! You're out of your mind!" I begged, holding tightly onto his forearm. Taehyung kept his dark gaze on me as imo nervously backed away from us."You said-" Taehyung tried to scold me, but I dragged him back into the mansion before he could finish his sentence. Do-hwan sat up with a bleeding nose, so I signaled him to help Jungkook... who was unconscious on the ground. Imo immediately crouched down to help the half-blood."You need to calm down-""YOU PROMISED TO STAY BY YOUR SIDE! NOW YOU'RE BACKING OUT OVER A RIDICULOUS ISSUE!" Taehyung bellowed, slamming the door to his room shut. I tearfully turned to look at him. Thump. Thump."Sora?!" Do-hwan called as he frantically pounded on Taehyung's door."I'm fine!" I called to assure Do-hwan. The man stopped beating the door, so I glanced back at Taehyung's unstable condition. He reeks of liquor. I glanced at the empty wine bottle on his couch and back to him.

"I BEGGED YOU TO TRUST ME BUT-" Taehyung seethed while glaring at me. He halted in shock as I swiftly slipped off my gown, letting it drop to my feet. He stared at my naked body in confusion."I don't want you to harass me. But if my body is what you desperately need to calm your anger... Then I'll gladly offer it to you," I coldly stood before Taehyung and leaned down to slip my panty from my legs. Taehyung stared at my bare body in tears, slowly glancing back up at me."Sora- I didn't mean to scare you-""It's what you always do to me. Sex. Whenever we fight, you arouse me to settle our conflict. So do it if that's your love language. If you're upset with me... then unleash your frustration on me... not the innocent people," I swallowed the hot lump in tears. He tried to reach for me but stopped himself. Taehyung glanced at his raised hand, slowly lowering it to his side as I remained cemented in place. He sorely observed... my healing rashes and glanced back up at me.

"I'm sorry. Alright? I promise I'll never force you again-""Of course. I'll believe your empty promises because I love you. You know that, don't you? That I'm willing to let you fool me with your words?" I sternly nodded. Taehyung deeply inhaled and slowly leaned against the door with his apologetic gaze on my naked body. He's torn."We were happy together-""I was happy with you until you lied to me. Over and over again. You could've told me the entire truth," I coldly replied in disappointment. Maybe I wouldn't be as hurt if Taehyung were honest with me, but he told me it was nothing! Nothing? Is assaulting another woman by accident nothing to him? I expected a man like him to handle the matter with decency- but he chose to silence the victim and lied to me to get away with his crime."I knew you'd get hurt-""What about Hwa-young? Is she... just another woman you can touch and discard? I feel like shit because I'm whining so much when she's the real victim! I should be sorry for her- yet all I care about is your betrayal!" I cried, angrily storming towards Taehyung. He pursed his lips with his hands on his hips."What am I supposed to do?! I was drunk! I thought it was you, so I touched her-""I'm not blaming you for accidentally betraying me, but you should be sorry towards Hwa-young!" I snapped. Taehyung hardened his face at my tearful eyes. He seemed conflicted."What do you want me to do then? Kneel before her? Beg for forgiveness? Will it erase my touch from her skin?!" Taehyung snapped. I closed my eyes to let the warm tears trickle down my face."I don't know! It's your problem- But why am I hurting over it?! I don't know Kim Taehyung! How will you resolve this conflict?! You tell me!" I snapped, angrily prodding his chest."I'm sorry- Sora-" Taehyung whimpered, shakily stepping forward to embrace my body. I gripped his shirt and cried in distress as he patted my head."Do it," I muttered, pulling away to glare at him."What?" Taehyung scanned my tearful eyes."Do what you always do whenever I doubt your love! Fuck me! Do whatever with my body! Because I'm losing my mind right now! And I'm afraid I'll fucking give up on you- so poison me with your love to keep me addicted!" I snapped, angrily seizing his arm to tow him toward the bed. Taehyung scoffed in disbelief as I pushed him down onto the mattress. My heart- It's tearing itself apart, and I hate the fact... that I'm beginning to detest him!"Sora-""Do it, Kim Taehyung! Ruin me!" I screamed in desperation. It always worked wonders! His strategy to weaken me! Maybe it'll work again after he exhausts my body and mind?! I'm desperately attempting to save our relationship so- maybe- I can deceive myself into submitting to him again if he fucked me right!Taehyung didn't react and remained under me with a sulky expression. He carefully sat up to cup my soaked cheeks, gently hugging my throbbing body with his comforting warmth. He reached down to pick up my gown from the floor while holding onto my naked body."Don't cry," Taehyung sighed, lifting my body off his lap to settle me on the mattress. He quietly pulled the gown over my head and helped me back into the nightgown.I stared at his beaten expression in silence as he crouched before the foot of the bed, weakly lowering his head in defeat to press his face against my knees as he reflected on his actions and hurtful speeches. My chest wouldn't stop pulsing with the dull ache, so I sighed in frustration and wept internally until the silent tears spilled from my eyes. I felt helpless. I can't fix this for him... and he's struggling to deal with the issue.
I don't know how to help him when I'm a total wreck like this.

Fast Forward

I ended up falling asleep inside his room that night. Taehyung tucked me in and left for work since it was already morning. I fell ill for the next few days. High fever... stuffed nostrils and an aching body. We didn't speak about the fights afterward and I remained in solitude within the walls of my rooms.
"What's wrong?" Eomma lifted her eyes from her document as I limped inside her office in my usual nightwear and cool patch over my forehead. My hair... striking messily, but I didn't care... and I sat down on the couch without answering her and hugged my knees. Eomma kept her uneasy eyes on me as I watched her with my dark circles."Did... appa... ever... cheat on you?" I asked. My mind is diving into the deep end, and I feel like I will lose my sanity because of the harmful thoughts and miseries. Eomma dimmed her eyes at my unstable condition."No. Your father is a loyal man," Eomma sighed, leaning back against her armchair."If you were me... What would you do? Eomma, I'm lost. My heart... it keeps aching," I mumbled with my tearful eyes fixed on the gloomy sky outside the window. Eomma grew hushed as she watched me sniffle. We both know I can't interfere with the issue... but I'm hurting too much and I can't ease the pain. I need to resolve the conflict before it kills me."You know the answer. Why are you asking me?" Eomma sighed."I- I love him- and I'm willing to forgive him, but- I don't know. I don't want to see him anymore because I keep breaking at his presence," I shook my head. I always claimed to be different from my mother despite being her blood daughter... but I was wrong. I inherited the greed for love from her. My possessive nature is killing me because I hate sharing my lover with another person.
He completely wrecked my trust.
"Men... They're the bane of our existence. Love... is a beautiful sensation. All the little moments. The innocent kisses and endearing memories. They make us feel loved. They make us feel wanted. They make us their priority. We usually get through all the conflicts together and resolve the issue as one if the love is healthy and mature. But... there is one curse... with the potential to ruin a wholesome relationship. And that is... the presence of another woman. Once there's another woman's involvement... the possibility of the relationship surviving is slim. It only takes a few seconds or even... a few minutes of blunder to break each other's hearts. One might claim it's unintentional and... that it was merely a mistake... but broken glass can't be restored to its perfect condition... even if it was an accident. Sure. The shards could be pieced back to their rightful places, but the streaks... of our torn fragments... will still be visible to the eye," Eomma spoke quietly. I sat in silence to ponder her words.
My mother is right. Whether or not his error was intentional... I'm already broken. Is that why I'm in so much pain? Because I'm aware of my shattered pieces. I'm trying desperately to put the shards back together with Taehyung... but we're both bleeding from the rough edges.

The glass heart... is now smeared with... my blood... filling the cracks and rifts with the muted heartbreak.
"Why do you wish to discard him?" I asked, lifting my deserted gaze to eomma."Why don't you question Kim Taehyung yourself? Didn't he inform you of his intention to keep you by his side?" Eomma asked. I lowered my eyes to my yellowish palms."He said it's love," I muttered."But you're doubting him? So you're skeptical of his love?" Eomma questioned. I've been dismissing the troubled feelings towards Taehyung by using love as an excuse to justify his actions."I want to know the truth," I muttered. Eomma dimmed her eyes."He threatened to expose his crimes to the Jeons," Eomma sighed. I looked up at her in surprise."What?-""He said he'll destroy the households from within if I took you away from him. He'll confess to murdering his uncle. The Jeons... will likely break off our alliance if they uncover the truth behind the average's death. Kim Taehyung signed the Chul alliance under The Jeon to taunt me with his hostile intention to eliminate our household. If I dared end your relationship... He'll wreck our household with his crime, and the Chul will have to side with the Jeon. The Park will side with the Kims and us? We'll be left with nothing," Eomma nodded. I gripped my fists."But if he ruins us... then he won't be able to marry me-""Exactly. It's not about you, Sora. It's not about the marriage. Kim Taehyung... is willing to scrap us from the chessboard if he fails to achieve your power. It's his end goal... to integrate with our bloodline... to seize the throne of immunity in the council. It's either he marries you for power... or he'll destroy you to achieve the power," Eomma sighed. So... that's the reason... eomma was so... anxious about him? My chest churned in discomfort as I thought about her words.
Eomma didn't wish to abandon him.

It was Kim Taehyung who... intended to discard us first.
______________________I turned on the mattress to hug Taehyung's bare chest. He snored softly against my head, so I lifted my face to stare at his side profile. It didn't work. The intimacy didn't work on me anymore. I sat up to pull on my hair in distress.
Hah~ I'm going crazy. We fought again last night... and I was desperate to forgive him, so I begged him to poison me with his addictive love, and he did. He exploited my vulnerable body with lust and suffocating kisses. I moaned and whimpered for his love on his bed, pathetically pleading with him to numb my aching heart, and he did as I requested. I was numb... temporarily... while he was penetrating me. I couldn't think but savor the blazing pleasure between my legs. I assumed I could let him use my body to weaken me... but I was wrong.

My heart is still hollow and I am... still... hurting.

Fast Forward
I stared at the reflection of my dreadful face in the mirror, gently tugging my collar to cover the love bruises. Night after night... He'd manhandle my body as he pleased, and I let him because it was the only solution to ease the swelling in my chest. Taehyung was almost always away at the office to complete his work during the day, and I spent most of my time at the university. Alone. Jungkook got super bitter with me for letting Taehyung use my body for pleasure, so he stopped speaking to me. I had no friends and no one to speak with. Everyone appeared happy with their lives... except me. I'm once again... succumbing to the darkness in my mind.
Hwa-young? She appeared... ill ... and every time we meet... I feel the intense guilt feasting inside me.

No matter how desperately I tried to overlook the rift between us, I couldn't. I wanted Taehyung. I knew I loved him but... it felt wrong... and yet... I was stubborn and chose to replace the distressing emotions with sex.
Sighing, I tapped Yangcha's phone to look through his cute selfies. He was such a bright soul with so much potential. I can still recall his radiant smile and cute dimples. But he's gone now. As if he never existed in this world. I quietly scrolled through the discontinued application on his phone. Rumors... gossip... and insider information were leaked on the site. The platform is inactive, but I can still view the archives. It was interesting. To go through all the publicized sources. I kept scrolling down until... I found a few pictures. It was Hoseok's party.Someone uploaded pictures of the alphas. I smiled at the drunk pictures of Minah and Jungkook dancing. Swipe.
Namjoon appeared, speaking intensely with Haerim. 
Swipe
.
Hoseok appeared with a drink. Swipe.Seokjin was tugging at his collar. Swipe.Taehyung was grimacing at the flashed picture. A lower rank had forced him for a picture. He looked annoyed. Swipe.I found a picture of myself smiling at Hoseok with my purple lips. Wait a minute- I swiped backward to inspect Taehyung's picture again. I pursed my lips as I zoomed into the picture to find him... clutching a purple lollipop in his hand. Taehyung had a purple lollipop that night? So Hoseok told me the truth?I quickly swiped back to Seokjin's picture... to find him... holding a red... lollipop between his fingers. I had blue that night. And Hoseok? I zoomed in on the picture... he was sucking on a blue-colored stick. He had the same color as mine...? We couldn't have created the purple combination if we had the same colored tongues. And Haerim? She was sucking on a red one.I lowered Yangcha's phone in disbelief. Hoseok told me the truth. That night... I was in the closet with Seokjin and never Taehyung. But Seokjin was too drunk to remember anything, so he never really brought up the topic. And Taehyung? His lips were purple because he had the purple piece, but why did he lie to me? Why did he- I snapped out of my straining thoughts once Seokjin came strolling inside the storage room. The alpha funnily flinched, panicking at my presence once he found me sitting on the floor beside the desk. He cleared his throat and turned to look through the old thesis documents on the rack... as if I was invisible.

"Why did you send me Yangcha's belongings?" I asked. Seokjin didn't respond as he inspected the leather cases."I figured you were the closest person to him. He probably left behind his items for you, given he used your birthday as the access code," Seokjin shrugged. Yangcha left everything to me?"Your confiscated contracts... It's not in any of the devices," I replied. Seokjin pulled out a thick case to flip through the files."I know," Seokjin replied. So he went through the files too...? I watched him place the case back on the rack."Do you remember the night at Hoseok's party? The lollipop? Where were you that night?" I asked curiously. Seokjin briefly glanced at me with a confused look."Hoseok dragged me into his darkroom... but I was too tipsy... so I hid in his closet," Seokjin shrugged. So he remembers."You knew?" I asked, dumbfounded by his confession."No. I couldn't remember much but the sweet aftertaste on my lips. But I figured it was you... after Hoseok... pointed it out to me," Seokjin shrugged. I sighed and lowered my head."And I was the oblivious one," I muttered, closing my eyes with my head tilted against the wall."About our argument-" Seokjin cleared his throat but was abruptly interrupted when the door to the storage room flung open and Kim Taehyung appeared with a furious scowl. What is he doing at the university? Isn't he supposed to be at the tower?!"Kim Seokjin!" Taehyung roared, storming toward his fellow president. I quickly scrambled to my feet in a panic as Taehyung seized Seokjin's collar with his deadly glare on the alpha."Yah- What the hell?!-""What did you do with her!?" Taehyung snapped, furiously firing me a rageful glare."W-What's the matter- oppa!" I gasped, frantically rushing forward to stop Taehyung from hurting Seokjin."Urgh-" Seokjin groaned, toppling into the rack after receiving a painful left hook to his cheekbone. I grabbed Taehyung's forearm to tug him back. He angrily shoved me away and tried to grab Seokjin again but was flung backward by a harsh blow. Thud. Taehyung collapsed onto the ground, colliding with the metallic racks after Kim Seokjin kicked him in the chest."Taehyung!- Calm down-""CALM DOWN!? TELL ME WHY YOU WERE WITH THAT MOTHER FUCKER ON THE ISLAND?! WHILE I WAS DRUNK!?" Taehyung screamed at my face, angrily shoving me aside. I fell onto my butt in horror."What?" Seokjin stared at Taehyung with his eyebrows furrowed."In the wine storage! The fucking shed! Why were you there?!" Taehyung screamed at my face in tears as he sat on the floor. My heart thumped hard against my ribs as I stared at his boiling-red face."Nothing happened! Sora was there by accident-""WHY IS IT- THAT YOU TWO- ALWAYS- END UP IN THE SAME PLACE BY ACCIDENT?! I WAS GUILTY OF MY ACTIONS- AND YET YOU FUCKING HID YOUR AFFAIRS WITH THE FUCKER-""WE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!-" I screamed at Taehyung in anger."YEAH?! THEN WHY WAS THERE TRACES OF SEMEN IN THE FUCKING WAREHOUSE?! HUH?! AND YOUR FUCKING HAIR STRAND!? AND HIS FINGERPRINTS!? JUNG HOSEOK RELEASED THE NEW INVESTIGATION REPORT. YOU LEFT YOUR TRACES THERE!" Taehyung furiously shouted while glaring at Seokjin, whose face drained in bewilderment as he stood by the rack with a bruised face."Y-Yah?! We seriously didn't-""WHAT HAPPENED, SORA!? DID YOU FUCK HIM?! DID YOU SUCK HIS HARD COCK?! DID YOU LET HIM FUCK YOUR TIGHT PUSSY?!-" Taehyung bellowed until I felt his spit splattering in my face. SLAP. I struck the madman hard across his face as the darkness pounded in my head with the icy cold sensation. Taehyung scoffed with his head turned to the side and snapped his burning face back at me in shock with a bright red handprint on his cheek."How dare you accuse me of fucking another man while you were fingering another woman's pussy in the sea?! How dare you scream at me for betraying you after you ran your filthy fingers over her body?!" I screamed, grabbing his collar with my burning glower on his sweaty face. Taehyung seethed angrily, keeping his glowering killer eyes on my dark pupils."Yah- Kim Taehyung. Sora and I- we never- Sora!" Seokjin tried to explain the misunderstanding. I hastily shoved Taehyung onto the floor, leaped to my feet, and dashed out of the room in frustration. How dare he use my encounter with Seokjin against me?! Did he think it would make him feel better about harassing Hwa-young?!?!"Oh?- Sora???" Sungho gasped after I accidentally ran into him. I rubbed my tearful eyes and hurried up the staircase in frustration. Fuck! I want to die at this rate! Thud. I kicked the rooftop door open, stumbling into the heavy rainstorm as the violent wind bashed my feeble body with its stinging pellets. I weakly tumbled onto the wet pavement and lowered my face to cry in anguish. I've had enough! I can't do this anymore!"HOW MANY TIMES DID I FUCKING WARN YOU- NOT TO RUN AWAY WHEN I'M FUCKING SPEAKING WITH YOU-""LEAVE ME ALONE!" I screamed, angrily turning to glare at Taehyung after he followed me to the rooftop. I don't want to see his fucking face anymore! Taehyung stood by the opened rooftop door with his resentful glare locked on mine. Fuck it! I'll face him!

"Don't you dare manipulate me with your pathetic whimpers and tears! Admit it, Sora! You cheated on me with that asshole!" Taehyung stormed forward. I didn't flinch and stood my ground with my tearful eyes glued on him as the wind violently swirled around us. The dark sky... rumbling dangerously above our heads. What are the odds of being struck by lightning? I want to set him on fire!"The only time I let out the pathetic whimpers is when I'm with you! Whether it's because I'm upset- or because I'm getting fucked by you-""YAH! WATCH YOUR MOUTH!" Taehyung roared, roughly snatching my cheeks between his fingers. I tearfully stared at him as he squeezed my face in anger."Why are you dumping the faults on me when you're very well aware- that it's all your fault?! Why?! Because you can't admit to your unfaithfulness?! So you're now accusing me of committing the same crime?!" I asked, hastily slapping his hand off my throbbing cheeks. Taehyung fired me a killer glare as the cold droplets poured onto our bodies. The sky suddenly lit up brightly, followed by a clamorous thunder as the strong wind blasted the freezing air over the rooftop, numbing our skin with its frost."I told you I never meant to touch her! I thought it was you-""That's the problem! I always believed your words! Your lies! Because you claim it's your definition of love! To touch me just the way you touched her! Your fucking dirty hands- between my legs! You fucking slimy tongue sucking on my hard nipples! Your hard dick- beating inside me until I cum all over the sheet! That's what it is to you! Love?! Yeah, sure- it's your love language!-""Are you nuts!? You consented-""OH, I DID! I LOVED TO BE FUCKED BY YOU! SURE! BUT THAT'S ALL THERE IS TO OUR RELATIONSHIP! SEX! ARGUMENTS! FIGHTS! IGNORANCE! MORE SEX!" I screamed in his face. Taehyung pursed his lips to search my angered scowl in disbelief. I left him speechless.

"Sex...? That's all you can acknowledge in our relationship? So everything else... everything I did for you!- It was never a form of love?! The way I cared for you! The extremes I took to protect you from harm! The death penalty I had to face in the murder trial! Jang Sora! I allowed you to exploit me-""That's not love! It's not love! You're confusing it with your duties to care for me!" I screeched. Taehyung frowned at my absurd claims as if he didn't hear me right."What's the matter with you?!-""Everything you did for me- it's your subconscious duty to raise me! You've been doing it since you were young! To care for me! To protect me! To prioritize me! But you never loved me! It was all your brotherly obligations because I was the youngest! You never saw me as someone you loved! But a burden in your life! A child that constantly needs you! A child that doesn't know what to do with her own life aside from relying on you! You don't love me! It's your duty to care for me! Why? Because I'm your power source. Everything you did for me now is to acquire power from me! The only way for you to earn the position in the council is to keep me alive, fed, and happy! So you could marry me to solidify your power! Every time you cheered me up- it was not because you cared about my feelings but because my negative emotions- might ruin our relationship! You're afraid I'll detach myself from you- and you'd lose your grip in the power game- so you did whatever you could to please me! Even if I'm being a fucking cynical brat- you'd let me have everything my way like the child you were tasked to raise all your life! So I'd be pleased with you, and so I'd be willing to live another day for you! Because as long as I'm alive and in love with Kim Taehyung- You'll be the most powerful man in the fucking society!" I cried in distress. I finally found my answer.
The grounds for my uncertainty... despite being happy around him is clear to me now. I realized it was his subconscious duty to raise me since I was a child. His love felt indifferent because that's how- He's been treating me as a child! And it's not love! Never was!

Kim Taehyung saw me as a burden in his life- but he took care of me anyways because it was his sole obligation as my mother's ally. Nothing changed after we grew up! It's merely his instinct to care for me and to nurse my sulkiness because- the only way to achieve marriage is to keep me content with his presence. He never did it out of genuine feelings because he loved me! It's his natural instinct to earn my favor!
"Who are you to demonize my feelings for you?!" Taehyung seethed, darkly narrowing his sore pupils on me."Why is it so easy for me to love you? But you find it so difficult to love me? That's because your affection was never real! And I was always the one... to love you with genuine feelings. Since we were young- I've always clung to you and given you privileged access... whenever you needed me. Whatever you told me... Whatever you promised... What excuses you used... I always believed you, but you don't feel the same way. You always questioned my loyalty! Every word I told you... every feeling I expressed... you never believed me! Because loving me is a fucking commitment to fulfill and never your sincere affection!" I sobbed. I'm tired of tricking myself into falling for his empty promises. Taehyung towered over me as the cold water soaked his bangs. He glared at me with his flaming red eyes."If you truly believe... my love is merely a duty to fulfill... then let's end it here. I'm tired of your bullshit," Taehyung clenched his jaw, causing my chest to ache intensely.

"W-What?" I blinked in horror."You claim... I'm simply nursing your feelings because I need you to favor me, so I won't do it anymore. I won't waste my affection on an ungrateful person like you. Let's break up. You claim I'm simply seducing you for power..? Hmm? But it is you, Jang Sora... who is taking my love for granted. I never- once-! Saw our love as a duty to fulfill- but it is you- You saw me as the man with a duty to fuck you as a trade-off for power. Guess what?! I don't need the fucking marriage to earn my status in the council- so let's end this pointless relationship! I'm tired of you! You fucking exhausts me! I'm fucking tired of putting up with your childish stunts and stupid assumptions! And if you're still attached to the man you hooked up with in the dark closet- then go and fuck him. Hopefully, he'll offer you the delusional love I couldn't grant you. HOPEFULLY- HE'LL FUCK YOU WITH LOVE!" Taehyung sneered, turning to leave through the door. My heart dropped. Thud. I felt this extreme... excruciating pain crashing violently throughout my body after being dumped by Kim Taehyung.A stream of hot tears filled my eyes as I stood... alone... in the cold storm.
A moment later.
Third Person POVThe soft drizzle subtly showered over the campus building after the rainstorm subsided. Jeon Jungkook rushed through the gate and back inside the empty building as he frantically dialed the supreme alpha. Call unreachable."Have you seen Sora?!" Jungkook snapped, grabbing Seokjin, who was the last to leave the president's lounge."No? She argued with Taehyung earlier- I thought she went home?" Seokjin asked, cluelessly staring at Jungkook."She didn't check out of school-" Jungkook shook his head. Seokjin frowned, suddenly turning to rush towards the emergency exit.Jeon Jungkook quickly chased after Seokjin as he climbed the stairs in a hurry to find dirty shoe prints on the vacant stairs. Thud. Seokjin shoved the door open. Jungkook roughly pushed past the alpha and stormed onto the rooftop. They both halted once their eyes landed on Jang Sora. She was... lying on the bench... soaked from head to toe as the icy wind numbed her nerves."Shit-" Seokjin cursed, rushing forward to seize her quivering hands. Jungkook supported her body as Seokjin helped her onto the half-blood's back. The alpha stood up and hurried back down the stairs in a hurry as Seokjin held the door open for them.
A moment later.
"My poor child!" Imo cried while standing by the bed to watch the nurse calm Sora's threatening fever. Her face burnt bright red... and her... body twitched in distress on the medical bed."She's having a seizure!" The nurse gasped. Do-hwan immediately rushed forward to hold her body as the nurse performed their duties. Jungkook anxiously sat on the medical room's couch with his hands pressed over his lips, sourly watching the supreme alpha's dire condition."Bring my equipment!" The head doctor bellowed, barging inside the room after rushing through the rainstorm to assist her condition. Sora groaned on the pillow as she tossed and turned until her eyeballs rolled into the back of her sockets. The head doctor ultimately evacuated the room to concentrate on the intensive treatment to avoid distractions.
The bustling mansion eventually grew hushed after the team succeeded... in calming Jang Sora's hyperthermia episode. The elders visited her briefly and left for bed since it was past midnight... so the only souls by her lifeless side were... Jeon Jungkook and Do-hwan.

Both men sat quietly in the room... with their weary gazes fixed on her ashen face.
"Why was she on the rooftop alone?" Do-hwan asked."Seokjin said she was arguing with Taehyung," Jungkook shrugged. The guard grunted and tilted his head backward in frustration. Jungkook exhaled heavily and leaned back with his hands clasped together. He tried contacting his cousin, but Kim Taehyung ignored his calls.
Fast Forward
Sora's POVI stared unblinking at the swaying tree branches from my room, listlessly sitting in the wheelchair with a blanket over my numb legs. The hyperthermia episode had weakened my immune system and... my ability to use my limbs. I couldn't properly move my body without assistance. My muscles were sore and I felt like... I'm entirely depleted of energy.Jungkook would visit me before he left for school and after he returned from the university. It's been three days since I last saw Taehyung on the rooftop. Sighing, I steered my automated wheelchair out of the suffocating room... and entered the kitchen to find... imo slicing a freshly baked cake."Young lady! What are you-""Can I have a slice?" I asked, weakly smiling. Imo nodded and placed the plate with the red velvet cake on my lap. I sighed and rolled my wheelchair back to the living room.The door suddenly opened, and Taehyung appeared for the first time after our heated argument. He didn't look at me and strode off... as if I didn't exist in his world.I heard Jungkook punched Taehyung the other night after he returned home. They squabble pretty bad over me because Jungkook came into my room with a bandaged head this morning. I lifted the fork over the cake but halted as this... uncomfortable emotion pained my chest. Sighing, I lowered the fork and redirected my automated wheelchair toward the corridor. Finally, stopping before a door. I should apologize.Knock. Knock. I nervously sat in my wheelchair with my eyes on the door. No answer. Gulping, I knocked again. And again. Still. No response. Tears filled my eyes. I slowly placed the plate... in front of the door and drove my wheelchair back inside my room. I left the cake for Taehyung as an apology.

I thought Taehyung was temporarily upset with me, but a week passed by... and he's still ignoring my existence. Every single day... I tried calling him and even asked the maid to request his presence, but he refused to show up.

Taehyung left early in the morning to work and would return late to the mansion. I never woke up early enough to greet him. And I always fell asleep in the living room before his return.

Days and nights... I sat helplessly in the wheelchair to yearn for him.
"Oh! Oppa-" I called, helplessly rolling my wheelchair forward when I caught him walking down the corridor. I've been sitting outside my room the entire night in the wheelchair. He passed me without batting an eye and walked straight to his room, so I desperately drove the wheelchair after him."I made biscuits today with imo-" THUD. I halted in shock, lifting my face from the plate of snacks to look at the solid door before my face. Taehyung coldly slammed the door on me again. I gripped my fingers and lowered my eyes to stare at the cold snacks until tears slipped down my cheeks. I sobbed uncontrollably, lifting my arm to rub the sleeves over my damp cheeks."Did he refuse your food again?" Do-hwan sighed as I placed the plate on his desk at the office. I didn't answer and rode my wheelchair to sit in the corner of his office. The man bitterly watched me sulk from his desk as he quietly ate the biscuits. I lowered my face to press my soaked eyelashes against the lustrous silk while hugging my knees. When will this pain end? I can't endure the pain any longer.
My heart... it's completely crushed.

Fast Forward
[Song Recommendation: Love the way you lie - Eminem ft. Rihanna]I unblinkingly sat on the couch beside Jungkook with my hands clasped as the elders gathered in the living room with the Chul. Hwa-young nervously sat beside Sungho, who was anxiously observing my bony face. I didn't greet anyone and remained a lifeless shell. Jungkook nervously patted my knee over the nightgown to comfort me. Still, I didn't move and soullessly remained seated until Taehyung appeared. He didn't sit beside me and chose to sit with his parents on the couch across from Hwa-young. Ache. I gripped my fingers to counter the throbbing pain in my chest."We heard Hwa-young... has been receiving supportive consultation?" Mrs. Kim sadly eyed Hwa-young's timid behavior. She refused to look up at Taehyung."Neh. But she's still... unwell. That's why I wished to speak with the households today. I'm afraid her condition will worsen. Perhaps... Taehyung could speak in person with Hwa-young? You two should figure it out. I don't think you'll get better if you avoid the issue," Mrs. Chul encouraged her daughter. Hwa-young nervously lifted her face to look at Taehyung."We'd do anything to resolve the conflict-""Kim Taehyung should marry Hwa-young to resolve the issue," Eomma sighed. I lifted my face to stare at my mother, startled by her statement."Neh?" Hwa-young widened her eyes. I gripped my nightgown."You must've felt ashamed because of the incident. The society has been speaking ill of you because of the Kim's heir. He should... be liable for his actions," Eomma shrugged."But what about Sora? She's engaged-" Sungho uneasily straightened his back."He broke up with her," Jungkook muttered. Mrs. Kim and her husband immediately turned to stare at their son in bewilderment. Taehyung remained blank as he kept his eyes on Hwa-young.

"We wouldn't dare disrupt the supreme alpha's marriage- ""Fine. If marriage is the only way to make her feel at peace... then I'll bear the responsibility and marry her," Taehyung agreed. Jungkook turned to look at Taehyung with his eyes bulging open as I fought to contain the rotting pain in my chest."Taehyung-""The supreme alpha wanted me to bear the responsibility for my foolish acts, but I can't reverse my actions. I've already assaulted Hwa-young's body, and she's living with the trauma of my touches... so it's only appropriate if I marry her. Surely we can resolve the issue between us with marriage," Taehyung sighed. I finally lifted my tearful eyes to look at him. It felt like... I was stabbed by a piercing dagger... right in my chest. Taehyung didn't look at me."But the Jang-""I do not wish to upset the Chul. Sora had already broken up with Taehyung. Therefore, The Kims may do as they wish. The Jang will not interfere," Appa assured."Sora, sweetie. Are you alright?" Mrs. Kim glanced at me. I bit my trembling lips as the tear walls swelled in my eyes. I tried desperately not to blink and swallowed the burning lump in my throat. Taehyung sighed and stood up from his seat. I glanced at him unsurely as he approached me."Give me our engagement ring," He said coldly, placing out his palm. I glanced down at the ring on my finger and back at him."Oppa-" I whimpered, tearfully looking back up at him. Taehyung hastily grabbed my wrist, so I frantically curled my left hand into a tight fist as he attempted to withdraw the ring from my finger."The decision doesn't have to be this hasty!-" Sungho gasped as Taehyung roughly stretched my fingers open. I grabbed his wrist with my other hand to push Taehyung away, but he stubbornly fought to slip the ring from my finger. I burst out crying in distress as I struggled to keep the ring on my finger."OPPA! STOP IT-""My love was never enough for you. You said it yourself, so give me the ring. I'll give it to another woman," Taehyung gritted, roughly snatching the ring from my hand. I whimpered and looked at him with my burning tearful eyes."O-oppa- I really didn't mean- oppa!" I begged, frantically grabbing his hand to stop him, but Taehyung hastily yanked his arm out of my grip, sending me tumbling off the couch."Sora!" Jungkook gasped, immediately grabbing my arm to support me. I shoved Jungkook aside and tried to get up, but my legs were still too weak, so I helplessly tumbled back onto the floor. Taehyung stormed towards Hwa-young with the ring."Oppa! Jebal! S-Speak to me first! I'm begging you!" I pleaded, ugly crying before everyone as I knelt helplessly on the floor. Taehyung didn't listen to my plea. He grabbed Hwa-young's hand to fit the ring onto her ring finger. She fearfully lifted her eyes to stare at me from the couch.

"Let's skip the engagement and proceed with the wedding," Taehyung firmly held Hwa-young's hand after he proposed to her. My soul left my body as I watched Kim Taehyung announce his marriage with another woman. Sungho glanced at me in fright and back at Taehyung as he impulsively insisted on marrying Chul Hwa-young. I wept in grief and lowered my face to let the warm tears glaze my damp cheeks.
Throb...

Throb...

Throb...

It was only a tiny crack at first... but at this very moment... it wasn't only my heart that was breaking.

The muted pain.

No matter how desperately... I wailed or whimpered for it to cease... I couldn't stop it from shredding my weak heart with its ruthlessness.

The rotting wound remained unbearable within my chest... agonizing my ruptured soul with the first... heartbreak.

.

.

.

He betrayed me.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
The invisible cramp churned and twisted within the center of my upper rib cage as I wept on the floor, severely torn by his heartless determination to wed another woman without my approval. Every inch of my body is... aching in despair.My head... throbbing with a dull ache. My weak limbs... shaking from the relentless grief. My puffy eyelids... swollen from the downpour of hot tear streams. My nose... failing to regulate my breathing rhythm as my slimy snot dripped onto the marble floor. How is it that I'm still alive with... so much pain? I didn't know. It was beyond my weak body's capability to endure the painful swells and surges of distressing emotions.
Snap.
I slightly twitched, stifling my muffled breath with my swollen eyes fixed on my shadow. The blurry reflection of my pitiful state.... reflecting off the polished tiles. A warm teardrop dripped onto the floor as I stared at my fuzzy form... weirdly shifting under the tiles. It's as if I was staring at my inner soul... convulsing and screaming within its noiseless dimension, trapped as a shadow beneath me. The unyielding ache abruptly subsided, substituted by an intense hollowness, gradually expanding within my bleeding chest to clog the open wounds with its thick haze.My pulsating chest calmly... rising and sinking as the foreign darkness roamed my inflamed nerves, pricking my wounds with its icy cold tingles until I twitched uncomfortably, ultimately paralyzing the gushing heartache.The living room grew hushed. I couldn't hear anything but the tedious quietness... ringing loudly in my eardrums. Absolute silence. Thump. Thump. The steady pulse pounded in my head until the unpleasant chills ascended to the tip of my skull, intoxicating me with its numbing anesthesia, depriving my shaken self of emotional responsiveness to reject the unfavorable stimulation.I quietly sniffled, tilting my head from side to side as the unexplainable emotions ushered my wretched soul, replacing the discomfort with this... strange calmness. It switched off... my tear faucets to suspend the burning flows from my eyes. My heart rate began to fall to its stable pace until my lungs pumped adequate air for my deflated lungs, clearing my stuffy nose with the light airflow. I panted softly and closed my eyelids to lubricate my burning eyeballs.
The pain. It's gone.

I felt nothing but a bizarre calmness within me.
Jungkook tried to hold my arm, but I lifted my hand to stop him. I wiped my tear-soaked face and slowly pushed my body off the floor with my arms. Strangely, my legs... didn't wobble, and the chronic ache I felt earlier... ceased without a warning. My sore muscles didn't ache and my back didn't hurt anymore... as I rose to my feet without assistance. I directed my empty gaze to Taehyung as he stood beside Hwa-young with a poker face."Eomma..." I muttered, rotating my body toward my mother within the ring of the powerful households."Are you okay?" Jungkook whispered, lightly tugging my gown."What is it?" Eomma asked, unsurely eyeing me after I abruptly stopped throwing a tantrum."What did you do to Park Jihyun when he betrayed you?" I asked, tilting my head to the side to stretch my stiff neck."What?" Eomma stiffened in her seat. I smiled, weakly brushing back my hair."Just a question..." I softly chuckled, turning to limp toward the wheelchair. The elders stared at me with their lips ajar... as if I'd lost my mind. I reversed the wheelchair. Softly humming, I steered the wheel and slowly left the living room... leaving everyone dumbfounded by my sudden departure._______________________Just as I foreshadowed, the latest announcement stirred up yet another controversy within the society. Kim Taehyung... officially engaged to Chul Hwa-young. Some celebrated their relationship... while others... criticized his decision to abandon me.
Am I heartbroken? Of course, I am. I spent days... and nights... weeping alone within the airless walls of my room. The piercing pain within my chest didn't cease... and I was left to mourn the emotional damage within my own shell. Not until the darkness consumed me. It was strange... How the strange sensation would infest me with its numbing antidotes.

Just enough to keep me alive and sane.

Somedays, I didn't want to see Kim Taehyung, but on other days... I'd helplessly begged him for forgiveness, and like the heartless man he is... he never once... accepted my apologies. The cycle repeated. No matter what I promised... He never listened and chose to sting me with his icy cold response.

It's okay to be heartbroken. I felt like I was going to die from the burning flames, endlessly scorching my blistering heart, but I knew... I'd be okay. I'll let myself bleed if the gash is deep. I'll squeeze out my tears if I'm overflowing. I'll scream for love if I'm desperate. I'll be a pathetic soul, despairing for his affection if that's my necessity. Why? Because I knew... once... all the emotions emptied my chest.

Once... the wounds stop bleeding... and once the tears run dry... I won't have anything left for him.

_________________________________
The Unavoidable Stages of Heartbreak.
Denial
I repeatedly pressed the pin on his door with a random passcode, but it was all denied."Oppa! Speak to me!" I screamed, banging on his door in distress. Taehyung didn't respond to my call, so I wailed and collapsed to the carpet in frustration. I angrily kicked his door while sitting on the floor. Thump. Thump. Thump. If I irritate him enough... he'll open up for me. Thud. I halted when the door suddenly swung open, and Taehyung appeared in his night robe with a sour grimace. I quickly scrambled onto my feet."Disturb me one more time and I'll-""I'll do whatever you want! Oh? You can't marry her! What about me?! You asked me to stay by your side! Oppa-" I sobbed while gripping his forearm in tears. Taehyung stood with a blank gaze as I pleaded for his forgiveness."If you want to act childish, then-""I'll let you have sex with me! Oh? I'll never complain again! You can do anything to my body! Anything!" I frantically took off my gown before him."Jang Sora!" Taehyung snapped, trying to stop me, but I thrust him away and stripped my panties from my hip bones. He scoffed and tried to pick the silk off the ground, but I forced him backward until he collapsed onto the bed."Touch me! Oppa!- Please- Just- Touch me! I'm sorry- I'll do anything for you!" I shrieked, grabbing his hands to place it on my breast.Taehyung angrily jerked his arms away from my body, roughly shoving me off his lap... accidentally flinging me backward. I screamed and fell off the mattress. THUD. I grunted in pain after slamming hard onto the floor. Taehyung angrily yanked his loose robe back onto his body with his infuriated glare nailed on me. I whimpered, weakly crawling towards his feet with the friction burn on my elbows."You accused me of exploiting your body for my own pleasure- but you're behaving like a worthless whore! Get out of my room!" Taehyung demanded, hastily grabbing my arm to tug me onto my feet. I thrashed in distress to resist him, but he effortlessly hauled me across the floor and shoved me out of his room."Ah!" I screamed, slammed hard into the opposite wall and slumped weakly onto the carpet after the rough collision. Taehyung furiously flung my nightgown at my naked body, so I quickly scrambled towards the door. BANG.He slammed the door shut in my face. I lowered my face with my hand pressed against the solid door in defeat after I failed to persuade his unchanging heart. The burning hot tears... flowing down my damp cheeks as I sat naked before his door with the nightgown over my lap."Omo! My lady!" A maid gasped, hurrying towards me. She collapsed beside me with a drained expression, quickly pulling the gown back over my head to cover my exposed body. I screamed in frustration, causing the maid to flinch in fright."What's wrong?!" Jungkook poked his head out of his room. His face turned pale once he found me on the floor with the maid, who was fighting to stop me from thrashing on the ground. Jungkook dashed towards us in a hurry to seize my arm, effortlessly lifting my sore body off the floor. The maid whimpered in fright as she watched me squeal within Jungkook's muscular arms.
Jungkook eventually calmed me down after my hysterical episode. He stayed with me that night to keep me company. I sniffled... and sobbed throughout the night until he sat up on the mattress to dab the snot and tears from my face.

My aching heartache persisted for weeks... until Jungkook broke down at one point. I was too stubborn, and he was tired of nursing me. He left my room and slammed the door shut after I refused to take the medication to soothe my headache.

Fast forward.
The taxi driver thanked me after I paid for my ride, so I smiled and turned to stroll inside the tower with my paper bag. The staff in the lobby immediately greeted me at the entrance as I strode in my knee-length floral dress and dolled-up face. A guard politely bowed as I scanned my face by the elevator and entered alone to head up to the highest floor."First lady!" The assistant beamed, greeting me as I stepped out with a wide smile. They guided me to the lounge, so I keenly sat down with the bag as the assistant prepared the appetizers and drinks on the coffee table."Young master. The first lady is here to visit-" The assistant hurriedly rushed out of the lounge to greet Taehyung in the corridor. I nervously stood up while fixing my hair and dress to ensure my presentable appearance.

"Oppa-" I waved but abruptly froze in place. The smile on my face faded once Taehyung appeared... with Hwa-young by his side. He was smiling at her, and she was shyly giggling behind her slender fingers. Taehyung's smile immediately faded once he found me standing in the room. A surge of jealousy swelled in my chest as Hwa-young stared at me with a startled expression."The first lady-""Escort her back to the lobby," Taehyung nodded, dismissively striding away with the secretary. My heart dropped as I watched him enter his office without acknowledging me. Hwa-young awkwardly glanced at me."Eonni. I'll deliver your gift to him~!" Hwa-young apologetically walked forward to lift my bag. I gripped my fist at her fearful expression. I wanted to scream at her for stealing my man and ruining my life but I figured... Taehyung will only hate me more if I upset her.And so... I nodded in defeat. I suppressed spewing anger, strode to the elevator with my chin held high, and returned to the lobby as he demanded.Do-hwan told me to wait for him at the corporate building, so I sighed waited on the lobby bench. My chest is so stuffy, and I hate it! I rubbed my forehead to calm the discomfort in my chest. Maybe he'll forgive me... if I behave myself? I shouldn't cause him any more trouble."Apparently- he's now engaged with another woman-""I heard he cheated-""Well- she isn't as pretty as his new lover-""I heard she's a toxic person- that's why he left her-"I raised my face to stare at the gossiping staff. The team of employees fearfully lowered their heads and hurried away upon witnessing my vacant stare. Sora- You have to stay calm! Warm tears... unconsciously swelled my eyes again, so I cleared my throat and glanced at the light drizzle over the city. It's raining... again. Why is the world so gloomy?! The stupid weather is stressing me out!I curiously glanced at the elevator door as a crowd of staff excitedly waited by the entrance. The door slid open, and Taehyung suddenly stepped out... with Hwa-young. She was clinging to his arm with a soft smile. I glanced at my paper bag in his hand as he strode towards the entrance. He accepted my gift...? I straightened my back on the couch with a hopeful feeling."Should I leave with him? Since he's heading home anyways-" I muttered.Kim Taehyung suddenly tossed my gift bag into the trash by the exit. I froze in shock... halfway to the door as he strode toward the car. He helped Hwa-young inside the vehicle and got in on the other side. The world grew dimmer as I watched his car leave the building. I glanced back at the trashcan as a janitor heaved the bin and took it away on their automated cart.
A moment later.
I walked out of the corporate building after Taehyung left with Hwa-young and rounded the building to find the janitor disposing of my gift bag into the massive dumpster. The rain poured onto my head as I listlessly strode toward the bin. Did he have to toss it away as if it meant nothing to him? He used to love my snack but... it's trash to him now? How is it possible for anyone... to be this heartless towards their former lover within such a short period? How is it so easy for him to hold another woman after tossing me aside? I sniffled, reaching inside the stinky dumpster to shove the wet waste away until I found my soaked paper bag.My lips trembled in distress as I picked up the bag and turned to walk away with it. I walked... aimlessly through the harsh downpour. I'm lost. Passing... one street... after another to search for my way home... yet I can't seem to recognize the area after walking for half an hour. Where am I? I turned my head from side to side as the gloomy street and shop signs distorted around me. Pitter... Patter... pitter... patter. The rain showered all over my damp dress as I stood over the shallow puddle.People were rushing back and forth with an umbrella over their heads as I stared at the gloomy world around me. Why is everything so blurry? Sighing, I sat down on a bench at the park with the dirty bag as the silent tears spilled from my eyes. I don't know how to get home.I lifted my shaky fingers to rub away the nasty food waste on the bag, weakly tearing open the paper seal to stare at the plastic kimchi container. I placed the bag on the bench after taking out the container and rested it on my lap. I blinked once... to squeeze the raindrop from my eyelashes as I remained soaked on the bench with my vulnerable body exposed to the rainstorm above my head.The sky lit up with a violent strike until a bolt of lightning fired over my head, and yet... I remained lifeless as I unpacked the box. I lifted the fork to jab the cake as the rainwater splattered onto the cream. I shouldn't starve. I have to stay healthy and pleasant for him to forgive me. If he doesn't like it... I'll try a new receipt. I'm sure he'll give in to me if I fill his stomach.

I pitied my failing efforts to win him over, so I weakly rubbed away my tears with my sleeve, lifted the cake to my lips, and pushed it into my mouth to taste the sweet cream. My taste buds, however... refused to identify the flavor because with every bite I took... the cake tasted bland. I sobbed, quietly biting down on my trembling lips as the lukewarm tears trickled down my damp face. Why is it so bland? How did I expect him to eat something like this? Maybe I shouldn't be mad at him for throwing it away? How can I be so careless? I should've done better for him. I chewed the cake in difficulty and swallowed it with a burning lump lodged in my throat.
Third Person POV
The supreme alpha sat alone under the rainstorm as her frail body quivered with the freezing wind current. One jab after another... She'd lift the soggy cake drenched with rainwater to stuff it in her mouth until the cream smeared messily over her lips. Jang Sora coughed in pain and lowered her head to pound on her aching chest as the cold droplet filled her cake container. She lowered her head in distress after the last bite with her shaky fingers clenched around the silver spoon.She couldn't swallow the last bite and cried in frustration over the flooded kimchi container until her slimy snot dripped from her nose and into the creamy rainwater in the box. The supreme alpha lightly rubbed her aching chest as she sat alone on the bench, deliberately exposing her feverish body to the heavy storm as the wind blew against her messily dangling hair."SORA!?" Jungkook gasped, collapsing before the bench with a horrified look after searching the area for her.Jeon Jungkook panted heavily as he gripped her shoulders... and lowered his head to catch her eyes. Jang Sora... slowly lifted her beaten expression to stare at her first love with her blue lips. The half-blood's lips parted upon the dirty smudges on her face, causing his chest to contract intensely."H-He- he threw away my cake in the dumpster-" Sora whimpered, shakily speaking in tears, sending bits of the unchewed cake from her lips. Jungkook scoffed and lowered his head to screw his face in anger as a boiling rage jolted throughout his body. He slightly squeezed Jang Sora's shoulders, fighting to contain his flaring emotions."FUCK!" Jeon Jungkook roared, violently snatching the cake container from Sora's hand. Clatter! He angrily hurled the plastic box away, sending the silver spoon skidding across the soaked pavement.The half-blood let out another frustrating scream as he brushed back his soaked hair with his burning red glower on the supreme alpha as she helplessly sobbed on the bench. Jungkook rubbed his face in frustration and slumped beside her in defeat with his head hung low."I- I'm sorry," Sora stuttered, tearfully watching Jeon Jungkook rub his burning face as he sat under the rain with her. He sniffled and leaned back in exhaustion... with his dim eyes fixed on the broken container and the melting cake cream over the pavement.
The half-blood is beyond frustrated with her spiraling condition. He couldn't comprehend her willingness to be disrespected by her ex-lover.

It made him angry.
Sora's POV
I refused to let go of Kim Taehyung and blamed myself for ruining our relationship. The breakup was too impulsive, and I wasn't prepared for it, so I repeatedly denied his decision to end our relationship. Desperately, I'd crawl and beg him on my knees to take me back. How did I sink so low?

Love is a double-edged sword... and I am the one... with the blade... punctured... deep inside my bleeding heart.
__________________________
Anger

I caught the flu after sitting in the rainstorm, and so did Jungkook. He confronted Taehyung about his coarse actions towards me, but the man didn't care and brushed it off with his arrogant silence. The medical team strictly supervised me as I remained in the medical room for a few days. No one visited me aside from... Jungkook, Do-hwan, imo, and the maids.
"I'll let you pick your own partner," Eomma's voice repeated in my mind. My mother claimed she wouldn't interfere with my love life anymore... and would let me choose a man if I snapped out of my crazy obsession with Kim Taehyung.
The man she selected ended up... backstabbing her daughter.
I stared unblinking at the photographs on the community post. The lower ranks uploaded pictures of Taehyung on a dinner date with Hwa-young at a high-end restaurant. She was smiling with the napkin over her lips, and he was... staring at her with a bright expression. How is it so easy for him to move on this quickly? Without a hint of remorse? Were all the moments with me... fake? The love he claimed to have for me... was it all an act? Was I a fool for believing his empty words? Why is it that I have to suffer alone like this?It's unfair! He should be in pain too! A surge of anger suddenly filled me.I gripped the phone and tossed it aside as I sat on the medical bed with the cool patch over my forehead. I glanced at Jungkook, who was fast asleep on the other bed. He chose to stay with me because he didn't want me to feel lonely. Cautiously... I swung my legs off the bed, tiptoed across the room, and pushed the door open after grabbing a medical scissor from the cart. I casually walked down the corridor as the darkness expanded across my chest with a hollow void.My mind was completely blank as I walked down the empty hallway. Creak. I pushed open Taehyung's bedroom door, but it was empty. Sighing, I strolled towards the living room. The space was also vacant and dark, so I glanced at the patrolling guards outside the door and checked the garage. His cars are in the mansion. I turned my heels and slowly walked up the staircase. He works out at night. Thud. Thud. I heard the soft thumping from the private gym.I placed my hand on the handle with a blank mind, gently pushing the door open, and stepped inside the room. Taehyung was running on the treadmill, facing the window in his sweatpants. He's shirtless. I closed the door behind my back... darkly walking up to his back with the scissors clutched between my tight grip. The darkness suddenly jolted to my skull. I stood behind his muscular back, panting heavily with my resentful glare glued on this sweaty nape as the man cluelessly jogged over the machine. How dare... he mistreats me...? I gripped the scissors so hard... my hand started shaking from the erupting anger.

If it's so easy for eomma to kill her ex-boyfriend... then I can do it too.

He deserves to die for fucking me over with his love game.

Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung stopped running after the timer ran out on the treadmill and slowed down the pace of his sore legs. He panted heavily. The alpha pressed his hands against the handle to recollect his mind as heavy sweat dripped from his face and hairline. The alpha took a deep exhale, took off his headphones, and turned around... to find... his former lover... standing before him with her pitch-black pupils. STAB.Taehyung tumbled to the side before he could utter a single word. He couldn't process the situation as she swiftly swung her arm at him again. The alpha fell off the treadmill in horror as he attempted to shield himself but failed as she roughly shoved something... deep into his chest. Kim Taehyung sat on the floor, petrified by her brutal attack.His heart started thumping in terror as he lifted his hand to find... blood dripping between his fingers. Kim Taehyung's chest bled severely from the stab wound as Sora angrily extracts the sharp object out of his raw flesh. Snatch! The pain suddenly struck him, making the alpha seethe in pain once his cluttered mind alarmed him of the danger he was in."Sora-" Taehyung gasped, clasping his punctured chest with a pained frown."You fucking asshole! You deserve to die!" She screeched, tackling Kim Taehyung onto the mat. He wildly grabbed her arm as she attempted to stab him again. He knew Jang Sora was not herself because he could sense her dark energy...The supreme alpha's strength was far more powerful... than he anticipated as Taehyung struggled to wrestle the scissors out of her grip. She aggressively sunk her teeth into his wrist, causing Kim Taehyung to grunt in pain. He quickly released her- STAB. Kim Taehyung's eyes widened in shock as she thrust the scissors deeper into his open wound."FUCK-" Taehyung cursed, flinging Sora off his body. She shrieked and tumbled to the side.The alpha frantically scrambled to his feet with a sweaty forehead to find the scissor lodged... deep in his chest. Kim Taehyung clenched his jaw as Sora whimpered beside the bench with her arm on her lower back. She sniffled in pain. Taehyung cautiously approached her with the scissors... stuck in his flesh."Fucking bastard-""ARE YOU FUCKING CRAZY- URGH!" Taehyung bellowed, angrily seizing her shoulder to confront her but was cut short by the blunt impact to the side of his head. Jang Sora violently slammed a weight bar... against his head, sending the man toppling over the bench. THUD. Kim Taehyung weakly slumped onto the mat with a smashed head. His blood... seeping from the split on the side of his left skull... and the scissor still... punctured in his flesh.The supreme alpha dangerously rose to her feet with her evil-infested mind. Jang Sora panted  heavily over his lifeless body with a blank mind. She glanced at the dumbbell and crouched down to heave it."Rot... in... hell... you... fucking... bastard! ARGGHHH!" Jang Sora exploded, angrily raising the heavy dumbbell over her head and swung it downward to crush her former lover's head."SORA!?" Jungkook screamed, tackling her to the side in terror. THUMP. The dumbbell flung out of her hands- CRASH. Smashing right through the glass window. She screeched in distress, angrily turning to shove Jungkook off her as Do-hwan stumbled inside the room to find Kim Taehyung... lying in the puddle of his blood."KILL HIM! I WANT TO FUCKING KILL HIM! ARGGHHH! HOW DARE HE MAKE ME FEEL LIKE SHIT-" Sora furiously thrashed her body within Jungkook's firm grip as she clawed her fingernails into his forearms until the alpha bled from her feral episode. She wildly scrambled towards Kim Taehyung with a rageful glare, so Jungkook slammed his arm against the back of her neck- SMACK. The supreme alpha suddenly slumped to the ground, knocked out by the blow."Shit..." Do-hwan cursed, hurrying out of the gym to alert the medics.Kim Taehyung survived her attack and was treated in the medical room. No one dared to confront her as Sora sat in the corner of the dark bedroom with her arms wrapped around her knees and face lowered.Her sticky... hair covering her unblinking red eyes. She lost her mind to the dark side... after gaining consciousness from the evil to discover dried blood all over her hands. The supreme alpha sobbed in frustration as she shakily wiped her bloody hands all over her white gown.
Sora's POV

The misery I endured... began to feast on my inside until I was rotting with the infectious ache.

My mind... clouded with the dangerous dark haze.

I keep hearing chilling voices in my ears. I'm suffering from severe hallucinations. Sometimes... I'd notice my own shadows moving beneath me, and other times I'd find myself staring at my own... pitch black pupils in the reflection. It's as if I was staring at my evil counterpart. The inner darkness waiting to possess me with its evil.

I didn't know what to do with the unbearable pain... so I turned it into anger. Hatred. I blamed him for the pain he induced on me. The blame game... was the peak of my heartbreak when I tried to stab Kim Taehyung with a scissor, mercilessly piercing the blade deep inside his chest- just so he could feel the pain I endured.

He didn't die but was severely wounded.
______________________________
Bargaining
I anxiously walked barefoot toward the medical room a few days after I tried to murder Kim Taehyung in cold blood. My heart thumped in extreme remorse as I inched closer to the looming door. Bound with guilt, I pushed open the door to find Taehyung leaning against the bedboard with his dim gaze on the window. His upper chest was wrapped with cotton as he sat shirtless on the medical bed with a bandaged head. He shifted his exhausted eyes to me as I stood by the doorway with my hands clasped together. Taehyung's face flashed in discontent at my unwelcoming presence."I didn't mean to-""What are you doing here!?" Someone shoved me aside. Hwa-young appeared with a dark grimace. I grabbed the door for support."This is my home!" I screamed, angrily pushing her backward. Hwa-young gasped, tumbling onto the floor in her high heels, so I rushed towards her- but was held back as Taehyung launched off the bed to bind his strong arm around my waist, violently hurling me into the wall. Thump. I grunted in pain and collapsed onto the floor after the painful impact."GET OUT OF MY FACE! DON'T LET ME SEE YOU AGAIN! OR I'LL FUCKING SNAP YOUR NECK!" Taehyung roared, looming above me with his glowering killer glare. I stared at the pure hatred... written all over his face and glanced back at Hwa-young as she stood beside him with her spiteful eyes on me. I gripped the door handle and slowly drew my weak body back onto my feet, keeping my head low to hide the tear streams from Taehyung, and slowly limped out of the medical room at his demand.
The next phase? Regrets.

The guilt of hurting him had once again engulfed me, even after all the pain he put me through. I went back to him, just like a miserable dog to apologize, hoping he'd forgive my impulsive acts to end his life. Pathetic, right? Yeah. I wailed and whimpered, desperately begging him to listen to my justifications, but he only... grew colder.

Kim Taehyung told me... he didn't want to see my face again.

So, I granted his wish.
__________________________Trigger Warning: Suicide.
Depression

The aftermath of my outburst entirely wrecked my mentality. Solitude. I stayed in isolation.

It was the most dangerous stage, not to those around me, but because I was a danger to myself.

Suicidal thoughts and self-harm... lurking in the dark glooms of my own mind, subtly convincing me with its ill-intended solution to end my misery.

Another week passed, and I was feeling worse... and worse. When will this pain cease? I didn't know. I can't live like this anymore!
I sobbed in frustration as I sat beside my toilet with a knife clutched tightly in my hands. Shakily, I lowered the sharp blade to my wrist, pressing it over my thin skin barrier. Press. I whimpered in pain as I pushed the steel into my flesh until it sunk beneath my skin, spilling the dark red blood from my damaged veins. My body shook violently as the stinging pain expanded all over my arm.
SLIT.
I angrily slashed my wrist with all my might and dropped the knife in a panic as a shot of blood splattered onto my face. Clatter. The saturated knife bounced off the tiles and skidded across the floor."Hah~!" I grunted, gripping my hand in pain with my face pressed against the open wound.The thick blood oozed from my wrist as I crouched beside the toilet, shakily waiting for my life to end at my own hands. I sobbed uncontrollably and slumped back against the wall in exhaustion while seething over the fresh cut, tilting my head back to stare at the dim bathroom light as sweat beads formed all over my face and neck. I gulped in discomfort and lowered my hand to the side in exhaustion as I bore the gnawing ache over my wrist joint... letting the blood flow freely from my injured veins. I wanted to scream for help but held back the urge and screwed my watery eyes shut to resist the excruciating agony.
Just a few more breaths... Sora.

Everything will stop hurting. Your heart won't irritate you with the painful contractions anymore. Your wild thoughts will be muted to grant you the peace you long for.

Just a few more breaths...
I desperately begged myself to endure the pain. I must- die. I gasped and collapsed onto the bathroom with an aching heart as the dark blood... bled from the deep gash. I tearfully bit my lips to resist the pain... until my body quivered out of control. One... two... three... I helplessly counted with my blank gaze fixed on the light above me... but it didn't work... I didn't die as quickly as I anticipated. Weakly... I pushed my body off the floor, crawled over my slippery blood, and dragged my heavy body over the tiles... until I was out of the bathroom."Jungkook...? Imo...? Do-hwan...? I need- help- urgh..." I whispered hoarsely while crawling towards my door, but the pain was too severe... I ended up... tilting to the side. I whimpered in distress as I gripped my bloody wrist, slowly curling my senseless body into a ball in the... dark and cold room. I sniffled in difficulty as the hot streams trickled from my eyes... splattering pitifully onto the pool of blood beneath my body.My lightheaded mind swayed... from side to side... spinning and twisting as I struggled to breathe... until the room distorted around me. I could no longer move but listen to my labored breathing.
Huff...

Huff...
Huff...Softly hyperventilating... I rolled onto my back to stare at the ceiling with unblinking tearful eyes.
My soul... gradually... departing from my wounded shell.

The pain will end soon. Sora... the pain will end.

A few more deep breaths.
I deeply exhaled and inhaled until my vision blurred out... and instead... I found myself staring at... Kim Taehyung. He was smiling sweetly above me.I coughed in distress as I shakily lifted my bleeding wrist toward the faded memories of his affectionate gaze. I wanted to touch him... for the last time. Just one more... time. My fingers... weakly grazing the cold air."I'll disappear... from your life..." I muttered as the hot tears coursed down the side of my face. My mind suddenly darkened... and my eyelids dropped closed. Thump. My bleeding arm dropped onto my chest and my head... weakly flopping to the side.
Third Person POV
Do-hwan remained petrified by the doorway after he unlocked the supreme alpha's bedroom... to unveil the alarming bloody stains all over the room. The man shouted in terror for his young lady, sprinting forward, and collapsed beside her cold body. A distressing surge tore through the big man's chest as he shakily clutched Sora's bleeding wrist to inspect the swollen flesh around the gash."You stupid child!" Do-hwan roared, shifting his fearful eyes to her pale lips in frustration. He quickly clasped her face to wipe the blood off her cheeks and lifted her body off the floor."GET HELP! CALL THE HEAD DOCTOR!" Do-hwan shouted, frantically storming through the corridor with Jang Sora's lifeless body in his arms."What happened?!" Jungkook gasped, sitting up on the couch in the living room. The alpha's eyes bulged open as he watched the thick blood... dripping from Sora's hand."Omo!- Sora!?" Imo screamed, rushing forward as Do-hwan shoved the front door open.
Meanwhile
Kim Taehyung causally stepped out of his car in a neat suit after Hwa-young's driver dropped him off from his dinner date. THUD. Do-hwan unconsciously bumped into the high rank, hurriedly dashing out of the mansion's door with a heavy mass in his arms.The world suddenly rotated in slow motion... as Kim Taehyung lowered his gaze to Jang Sora's ashen face... smeared with blood. His heart stopped beating for a brief moment as the guard passed him. His cousin... Jeon Jungkook, and imo... rushed after the guards with a terrified expression.Kim Taehyung froze beside the car, slowly tracing his gaze after the... blood trial... scattered all over the pavement. He shifted his gaze inside the living room through the opened door to find more... blood... splattering all over the glossy floor.

Jeon Jungkook wailed in despair as Do-hwan rested her body inside the car with imo in the backseat. The guard immediately leaped inside the driver seat and tore out of the mansion with the half-blood.Kim Taehyung stood, dumbfounded by the disorder, and slowly stepped forward... following the blood trail back into the mansion without blinking. His mind... was entirely blank. He didn't know how to react but followed the thick drips all over the carpet until he entered... Jang Sora's chilly dark room.The alpha halted in bewilderment at the disturbing blood splatter all over the floor... as if someone was murdered in the room. He glanced at the... bathroom and slowly stepped inside to find yet... another... puddle of blood all over the tiles and the toilet.Taehyung shakily glanced at the knife in the middle of the bathroom... before shifting his horrified gaze to a blood-stained document on the floor. The alpha... slowly lowered his body to pick up the document with his eyes fixed on the bold titles.
Medical Terms & Agreements Form
His blood turned cold as he read the crumbled paper. Skimming quietly through the terms of the agreement on the paper until he found... Jang Sora's signature on the paper....
Sora's POV

I assumed suicide was the quickest exit to escape my miserable life. All it took was a blade to slit my blood vessels. I could've died due to blood loss, but... cutting wasn't the most efficient way to die. It is in fact, a very painful procedure because I was conscious the entire time, and I had to lie in my own puddle of blood for hours with a throbbing wrist until my family found me.

Do-hwan almost collapsed when he found me lifeless in the middle of my room. I didn't die and was treated by the head doctor at the hospital. I lost the will to live and thrive, so I resorted to the dark side to forcefully terminate my soul from my body.

But it didn't work, and I was once again... revived to endure the painful reality.

The endless days repeated at the hospital as I watched the sun rise and set through the glass window.

I refused food.

I refused water.

I refused to speak.

I wanted to kill my body by depriving my system of its essential necessities.
____________________________The Present
Acceptance

The final stage arrived. The ache in my chest... ceased after what felt like an eternity of suffering from the unbearable heartbreak. I felt better after waking from a two-week coma. It was a prolonged break from the world. For an entire two weeks... I remained in the peaceful darkness. The pain didn't disturb me and I finally achieved a little bit of rest.

Obviously... my family was upset with my determination to give them a stroke over my stupid decision to kill myself with a kitchen knife. I felt sorry for Jungkook, Do-hwan, and imo. I didn't mean to hurt their feelings but... I was drowning... and I didn't know where to turn or how to save my shredded soul from the darkness of my clouded mind... so I took the nearest exit to terminate my pain. But they saved me. They brought me back to life.

I spent a week at the hospital after gaining consciousness from the coma. Day and night... I'd sit in the dull hospital room and listen to the endless monitor beside me. The head doctor visited me three times a day to inspect my condition, and a nurse was always... on stand-by in my private royal lounge to keep a close eye on me.

I weakly smiled at the clear city sky from the couch with the IV drip hooked to my bandaged wrist. Four months have passed since I first had my heartbreak. It felt like I was running in a loop of eternal suffering. I thought there was no path out of the misery and spent most of my days... mourning my lost relationship.
But I went through all the phases.

Denial. Anger. Bargaining. Depression, and lastly... acceptance.

I made it.

____________________________

Fast Forward
"Yah! You better stay in place!" Jungkook warned through the phone."Araso~! I'll send you the location," I smiled, lowering my phone to text Jungkook my address.It's finally the day of my discharge from the hospital... but I didn't feel like heading straight home- not to that dreadful hell house... so I left the hospital to stroll over the morning street. The day was clear, and the breeze was very soothing. It's been a while since I could freely walk like this without being a prisoner to my abusive emotions. Softly humming, I trekked over the sidewalk in a fresh dress. Do-hwan brought it for me during his visit the day before. I stopped at a cafe to read the notice paper on the glass door."Oh?- Rich woman!?" Bogum gasped, appearing beside me."Waiter man!" I gasped, happily turning to greet him."What are you doing here this early?!" He asked, reaching out to unlock his store's door.
Bogum invited me inside, so I agreed and briefly chatted with him after he treated me to a hot latte. Jungkook showed up ten minutes later to bring me back home.

Eomma and appa were on a business trip abroad for their new project when I harmed myself, so they couldn't rush back to Seoul to look after me. The only people to visit me were Jungkook, Do-hwan, Imo, Seokjin, Hoseok, Yoongi, and Minah.

The first thing Eomma did was scold me for being a nuisance after she returned from the airport in the afternoon. Appa pulled me into a crushing hug in the living room. The elders sadly eyed me. I didn't know how to react but to beam at them. Like any mother... eomma was pretty upset with me... for literally... trying to commit suicide.
"Don't you dare fool me with that smile!" Jungkook snapped, standing at my door with his arms crossed over his chest."I'm fine! You can leave-""So you could hang yourself this time!?" Jungkook argued. I grimaced at his overly protective behavior and shook my head as I organized the clothes in my closet."I'm seriously alright," I shrugged. I wasn't pretending to be okay anymore. My heart is at peace and... I could feel... my body healing from the inside. The dreadful emotions completely vanished from my chest.
However, Jungkook remained suspicious and stayed by my side most of the day.

Fast Forward
Third Person POVKim Taehyung sat at his desk in his bedroom with his blank gaze on the document until a soft knock woke him up from his deep thoughts. He got up in his night robe to draw open the door, coming face to face with his fiancée."Oppa," Hwa-young beamed as she stood before his door."Oh-? What are you doing here-""Sungho oppa and my parents had to discuss with your parents about our upcoming marriage, so I figured I should visit you," Hwa-young smiled, handing Taehyung a gift bag."Thank you," Taehyung nodded, accepting the gift from her hand to place on the coffee table."So... this is your room?" Hwa-young smiled, brightly turning around to examine his bedroom."Yeah," Taehyung nodded, quickly snatching a blood-stained paper from his desk and slipped it into his drawer.

"You're... still working? At this time?" Hwa-young uneasily smiled as she watched Taehyung organize his desk."Oh. I've got overdue work," He nodded, keeping his eyes on the files."Our wedding is in a month... I'm very nervous..." Hwa-young spoke awkwardly. Taehyung nodded at her words before lifting his face to find her beaming at him with her captivating smile as he stood beside his desk.Hwa-young nervously rubbed her hands and stepped forward to inch closer to Taehyung as he stood in his place. She gently took his hands while gazing at his tender pupils. Taehyung swallowed uneasily as he studied Hwa-young's rosy red cheek. She smiled and tiptoed, closing her eyes to kiss him- Knock. Knock. Taehyung glanced at the door... so Hwa-young quickly released his hand."Come in," Taehyung sighed. The door slid open, and Jang Sora appeared. Hwa-young stiffened in place as the supreme alpha stepped into the room."I'm here to collect my clothes. Sorry for the disturbance," Sora assured, strolling inside without looking at either of them. Taehyung tensed his body as he watched Jang Sora enter his closet.Hwa-young pursed lips as she watched the supreme alpha crouch before Taehyung's drawers. She quietly rummaged through his nightwear to withdraw her clothes with an unbothered look. Taehyung rubbed his neck uneasily and glanced at his desk again.He hasn't seen her since the day she was hospitalized after slitting her wrist. The alpha always returned home late and left early in the morning almost every day to fulfill his duties... so he never really saw her around the mansion. He tried not to look at her but couldn't help but sneak a peek as she cluelessly searched through his clothes."She keeps her clothes with you...?" Hwa-young asked, unsurely glancing at Taehyung with a startled look."H-Huh? Oh. Yeah. Since we were together," Taehyung shrugged, glancing at Sora's short hair. The supreme alpha requested the nurse to chop off her waist-length hair at the hospital because she couldn't properly maintain it. Sora gathered an armful of her clothes and stood up to stroll out of the room.

"I've got everything- Oh-" Sora smiled as she hurried past the couple but halted when a piece of her clothes fell to the ground. Hwa-young grimaced at the supreme alpha and glanced down... to find... a lacy panty. Taehyung awkwardly cleared his throat as Sora lowered her body to snatch it off the floor and left through the door without another word.

"You should head home," Taehyung glanced at Hwa-young as she kept her dark stare on the door. Hwa-young clenched her fist and turned to leave the room, so Taehyung escorted her to the main door to greet her parents. They spoke briefly by the front door and he finally strolled back into the corridor to find... Jang Sora... exiting her bedroom with her luggage.Taehyung unconsciously stepped aside to let her pass him. She didn't seem to notice his presence as she hauled the luggage with a few other bags swung over her shoulders. The supreme alpha strolled away without sparing him her attention. Taehyung scratched his head and slowly made his way toward his room.He calmly closed the door as he recalled her oddly... bright energy. She has been walking around with a faint smile on her face... unlike her past behavior. Taehyung uneasily rubbed the soreness in his chest until he felt the bulging scar over his chest. The alpha glanced at the drawer as he sat at the foot of his bed. He sighed, slowly got up to open the drawer again and took out the blood-stained paper to stare at it.
Medical Terms & Agreements Form
Patient Name - Jang Sora.Pregnancy Duration - 13 weeks.
.

.

.
Kim Taehyung restlessly stared at the written medical terms with a heavy heart and slowly lowered his face against his hands. An aching pain struck his chest, so the alpha exhaled in discomfort to soothe the stuffiness. He quickly tossed the paper back into the drawer and hurried out of the room."Bye~!" Sora's soft voice echoed from the opening as Kim Taehyung dashed towards the opened door to find imo and Jungkook waving at Sora. Taehyung slowed down as Sora leaned out of the car window with a bright smile to bid her farewell."Aigo~! I'll miss her so much~!" Imo sniffled as Sora slid back inside the car. Taehyung glanced at Jungkook's weak smile and at the woman as the car exited the mansion's property. A sharp contraction hammered against his rib cage once again as Taehyung unconsciously rubbed the scar over his heart.Jeon Jungkook halted when he turned to find his cousin watching the black car leave through the gate. Taehyung glanced at Jungkook for explanations, but the alpha coldly brushed past him and headed back inside. Imo sighed and followed Jungkook back into the mansion.Taehyung quickly turned after them, slightly parting his lips to ask his cousin about her departure, but he couldn't... bring himself to speak. He glanced back at the gate again as the guards shut the metallic door to seal her from the mansion. The alpha glanced back at the empty living room as he wildly combed his fingers through his hair and hurried back down the corridor. Thud. Taehyung shoved Jang Sora's door open, switched on the lights, and hurried inside.He halted in the center of the room.The bed was neatly made. There was no blood stain on the tiles. Taehyung glanced at her shelf.
Empty.
All her picture frames and book collection... were gone. Taehyung shakily walked towards the bathroom door and shoved it open. His heart sank as he stared at the empty sink.
Her soap. Toothbrush. Shampoo. Lotion. Towel. Everything... was gone.
The alpha quickly strolled out of the bathroom to check her closet room, hastily swinging the wardrobe open. Kim Taehyung scoffed in disbelief as he stared at the empty cloth hangers. All her clothes were gone. He wildly turned to pull out her drawers... empty.
There was nothing left.
Kim Taehyung quickly dashed out to check her vanity table. And as expected... her skincare... had disappeared.Taehyung heavily slumped onto the chair before the mirror in bewilderment as an intense pain swelled in his chest. The alpha slowly pulled her vanity drawer open, freezing in place at the sight of a few items. He blankly stared at the familiar jewel box without budging. The high rank finally gained the courage to pull out the velvet case... popping it open.
Everything... everything he gifted her was left behind. Her necklace. Their couple's bracelet... and a promise ring. Besides... It was a couple of photographs with him.

She left it all behind.
Taehyung scoffed, lowering his arms to lean against the vanity table with a restless feeling."You must be satisfied now that she's gone," Jungkook's dull voice spoke up. Taehyung lifted his dark gaze to stare at Jeon Jungkook through the reflection. Jungkook was leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed over his chest, so Taehyung glanced back at the jewel in dread.___________________
A month later
"Sora?!-""Neh?! Give me a moment!" I called, quickly heaving the basket of fruits off the truck and rushed inside the building to place the crate on the floor as ajumma hurriedly pulled on her apron."The kids are awake! You should help the Eunhee-" Imo nudged me."But the fruits-""I'll ask Jaekyung to unload them! Go~! Your back is still hurting!" Ahjumma smiled. I grinned, turned to wash my hands, and hurried inside the building to find a few caretakers handing out small milk cartons to the kids."Noonaaaaa~" Woobin whined, sadly sitting up on his thin mattress with his eyes half open."He's refusing to drink his milk again," Eunhee smiled as she popped the milk for the other kids. I grimaced at the little boy with bowl-cut hair."Why aren't you drinking-""I don't want it!" Woobin huffed, slumping back onto his scattered blanket."I'll take you out for a walk tonight if-""DEAL!" Woobin quickly snatched the milk from my hand. He popped the carton open with a mischievous smile, so I patted his head and got up to readjust the heater on the wall. The kids might get sick if it's too cold."Eonni~! Can you read this book for me?" A twin baby girl tugged my shirt."Of course! Let me pack up your mattress first, okay?" I ruffled their hair. The twin giggled and sat down in their matching teddy socks as I folded the blankets to place them away."Alright! Gather around! Sora will read a story for everyone! Make sure to finish your milk and throw it in the bin!" Eunhee loudly announced. The children shrieked in excitement as they surrounded me. She signaled me to distract the kids, so she could leave to help ajumma in the kitchen."Let's do our daily stretch first~! Everyone get up~!" I grinned, leaping to my feet on the soft mat. I turned to put on the tomato song and stretched my hands upward."Arms up towards the ceiling!- Reach for the star~! Okay! Now hands on your hips! And tilt to the side~! Ahhhh~! Doesn't it feel nice~?!" I chuckled as I stretched before the kids. The cute children imitated my movements with their attentive eyes and cutely lifted their tiny arms in the air.The music finally ended after an entertaining stretching session, so I settled down on the mat as Woobin crawled onto my lap to sit on me. I flipped through the book with a soft smile while listening to their cute giggles and chatters.

I enthusiastically read the story aloud, raising and lowering my voice to keep them on edge with the climax. The kids would randomly erupt with high-pitched laughter at the comedic scenes and flinch away in fright as I teased them with the written tales.
I left the mansion to temporarily stay in an orphanage in Daegu. A stranger passed a flyer to me on the street, so I figured I could use the volunteering session to take my time off from the society. I initially thought I couldn't handle the kids during my first day at work because of their wild stunts.

Some days they'd drenched me in vomit. Other days... it's pee on the mattress. And sometimes, they'd poop themselves. Snots... saliva... and dirt smudges would stain me every day as I cared for the young souls. But spending time with the innocent was very comforting in a way. I could freely behave their age without being judged or insulted. The kids are very obedient and would always make me laugh with their silly behavior.
"Is that your boyfriend? He visited again!" Eunhee nudged my shoulder after we put the kids to bed."I'm more handsome than him," Jaekyung shrugged, proudly walking off, earning a sharp glare from Eunhee."I'll see you tomorrow," I smiled, patted her shoulder, and strolled towards Jungkook as he sat on the bench with his arms crossed."I'm starving!" He complained, leaping to his feet."You didn't have to visit me every few days!" I glared while pulling on my puffer jacket."Hurry up! I might starve and die!" Jungkook complained."Noona~! Wait for me!" Woobin screamed, running towards me on his mini legs."Aigo! You really didn't forget!" I chuckled, bending down to lift the child from the floor. Jungkook turned to frown at the little boy."Is he coming with us???" Jungkook scoffed."Hyung! Buy me a lollipop!" Woobin smiled, winking at Jungkook, who funnily poked out his tongue and turned to walk away. I smiled and carried Woobin out of the door. We left the orphanage to stroll on the frozen sidewalk due to a heavy snowstorm the other day. Jungkook led the way, striding ahead of us with his hands in his pockets as I pulled the warm beanie over Woonbin's head."Wah~!" Woobin smiled while blowing his cute breath in the winter air to form a thick mist."Jungkook, give me your scarf," I called. He stopped to slip off his wool scarf and tossed it at me, so I wrapped it around the little boy's neck. Woobin giggled as he clung to my neck, happily wiggling his tiny legs on our way down the slope. Jungkook entered the mart after me as he held the door open by the entrance.

"Noona put me down!" Woobin insisted, impatiently patting my shoulder. I smiled and settled the kid on the floor."One snack only!" I reminded him."Neh~!" The boy chirped as he skipped down the aisle. Jungkook grabbed ramen from the counter. He doesn't often eat convenient food, but it's the only meal we have around this area since the local market is far away. We're in an isolated town."I'll never understand your endless passion to raise annoying midgets for free. You should be studying at the university!" Jungkook grimaced as he grabbed the sausages from the rack."They're fun to be around," I shrugged."This one, please!" Woobin placed a few packs of snacks on the counter. I grimaced at the boy, so he shyly giggled after disobeying my order. He always grabs more than one pack.Jungkook strode towards the counter to pay for the snacks and the ramen, so I collected the package to add the seasoning and broth by the boiler. I poured boiling water into the ramen cup for Jungkook as he packed the snack for Woobin in a bag. Jungkook took Woobin to the outdoor seat as I lifted the ramen cups and headed out to place them before Jungkook. Woobin climbed onto an empty chair between us as Jungkook popped a beer can for me. I took a massive gulp, letting out a satisfied huff. Oh! I love beer![ Choi Woobin Official Picture Reference ]

"Can I try?" Woobin tugged Jungkook's jacket, wiggling his eyebrows at the steaming noodle."You'll have indigestion," I shook my head. The kid will vomit if he eats processed food."Ah~! One strand won't hurt you," Jungkook cutely blew on the noodle and lifted it to the child's open mouth. Woobin wiggled his dangling legs excitedly as Jungkook fed him the single ramen strand. I shook my head and handed Woobin his banana milk. The child happily sipped from the straw while leaning back against the chair. It stopped snowing... but it was still super cold. Jungkook and I hungrily slurped the ramen to battle the chilly wind."Did you park your car at my apartment?" I asked. Jungkook nodded as he bit the sausage."Your parents asked me to escort you back home," Jungkook shrugged."Wae?" I lifted my face unsurely. Jungkook uneasily glanced at me, then at the little boy as the child gazed at the dark sky above us with his sparkly pupils."The wedding..." Jungkook pursed his lips."Oh," I muttered, lowering my face to stare at the soggy ramen. Right. Jungkook cleared his throat and lifted the beer to gulp it.

"Hyung- Are you noona's boyfriend?" Woobin asked. I smiled at the child."No. I'm her friend," Jungkook shrugged."Why won't you be her boyfriend? Noona is really pretty!" Woobin cutely asked."Woobin!" I gasped, ruffling his hair."No way. I can't handle noona," Jungkook teased. I glared at him."Why not?! Noona is the best! She knows how to cook! She read books for us! She puts us to bed! She washes our clothes and doesn't complain when we vomit on her!" Woobin innocently spoke while waving his milk in the air."I'm not a child! I don't need her to do all of that for me!" Jungkook shook his head."You'll regret not loving her!" Woobin sneered at Jungkook. The alpha scoffed and glared at Woobin. Jungkook and the child became friends after his frequent visits.
I really enjoy their heartwarming bickering.

A moment later
I slowly strolled after Jungkook as he carried Woobin against his shoulder. The boy fell asleep on the way up the slope. I exhaled in relief as I carefully stepped over Jungkook's footprints on the fresh snow. We climbed to the orphanage to put the child to bed and left the hill to my apartment.
Eomma agreed to send me away for some time to grant me the peace I needed after the head doctor suggested that I move out of the city... and Jungkook has been following me around. He'd visit me at the orphanage every few days, even if I told him not to travel far from home for his own security. He refused and came to visit me on the hill.

Ajumma would sometimes... force him to help with the chores. Jungkook would complain, but he does his work well.
"Ah~ I'm so tired!" Jungkook whined, slumping on my bed after showering."Sleep on the couch-""No! I wanna sleep on the bed!" He refused, stubbornly hugging my pillow as I sat against the bed head. I sighed and glanced down at the faded scar over my wrist. Jungkook grew hushed and glanced up at me."Are you sure you're okay now?" He asked."Yeah," I nodded. Jungkook gently grabbed my wrist to caress the scar as he laid face first on the mattress with his face tilted to the side on the pillow."Should we get married?" He asked. I scoffed and yanked my wrist out of his hand."You should marry a better woman," I smiled, slipping under the blanket and turned to switch off the lights by the nightstand. Jungkook quietly stared at me from his pillow. I turned to smile at him in the dark."My life is boring without you these days. I want you back home, but I don't want you near that asshole," Jungkook grumbled, pressing his face against the pillow."I'll return to Seoul... but I won't stay at the mansion," I shrugged. Eomma agreed to let me live alone at a penthouse in Seoul upon my return. I'll only cause more trouble if I resided in the mansion."Let me move in with you. I hate the mansion," Jungkook grumbled."No-""Why not?! The space is too huge for you anyways!" Jungkook whined."I'll let you visit me!" I shrugged. Jungkook glared and tried to tickle my waist, so I shrieked and pushed him away. He chuckled, finally rolling onto his back with his arms tucked under his head."Kim Taehyung isn't doing well. You have to witness his struggle at the corporation," Jungkook muttered."I don't care," I shrugged."I'll walk you down the aisle once you settle," Jungkook smiled."No, you won't," I shook his head."Why not?" Jungkook asked, turning to look at me."You might be the groom if I can't find a husband," I chuckled. Jungkook scoffed and turned to smile at the ceiling while shaking his head."Araso. I'll marry you if you're at a dead end," Jungkook agreed. I smiled and closed my eyes. We might've fought countless times over the littlest thing when we were young but at the end of the day... Jeon Jungkook will always return to my side. Even if he's grumpy or upset.
He'll never give up on me.
______________________
Fast Forward
"Aigo~! My poor child!" Imo shrieked, cutely rushing through the opened door to hug me. I chuckled and embraced her delicate body against mine. The woman cupped my cheeks with a grimace as she tilted me from side to side to examine my face."Did you miss me?" I smiled while rubbing her shoulders."Of course I did! Oh?- Why won't you return to the mansion? I'll let you do all the chores! And I'll let you bake anything you like! I promise I won't complain anymore!!!" She pouted, gently taking my hand to persuade me. I chuckled and shook my head as Do-hwan strolled inside my penthouse with heavy bags."Big man~!" I waved. Do-hwan grimaced and unloaded the bags onto the kitchen table as Jungkook dragged the suitcase inside."Hah~! Double work because of you again~!" Do-hwan grumbled. I playfully glared at him. The man smiled and turned to open his arms, so I hurried forward to hug him. Thump! I love his comfort!"I know you miss me," I grinned, looking up at him with my puppy eyes."Tsk. I definitely didn't miss a rascal like you~!" He teased. I playfully smacked his arm and turned to find Jungkook resting my formal gown for the event on the couch. Eomma must've sent the dress to me. Do-hwan turned to close the door as Imo wandered around the one-floor penthouse to examine the estate in curiosity."Put her food in the fridge!" Imo ordered, bending down to adjust my humidifier on the coffee table."She spent an entire week making side dishes for you. I had to haul boxes of ingredients and fresh vegetables," Do-hwan grimaced, turning to unload the massive container boxes from the bag. My eyes widened in disbelief."Imo! I live alone! You didn't have to bring so much food!" I chuckled, popping open a fresh kimchi container. I picked up the fermented cabbage with my fingers and pushed it into my mouth. Oh! I miss homemade food!!! She's really the best at cooking! Do-hwan chuckled and picked up a piece to taste it as well."Don't touch! Keep it for her!" Imo whined, possessively sealing the container to stop Do-hwan from touching the side dish. She grabbed the plastic box and turned to place it in my empty fridge. Do-hwan helped her organize the freezer as Jungkook left to put my suitcase away in my room."I'm moving in after the wedding! I like this place!" Jungkook beamed, strolling out of my bedroom to admire the high glass wall around the penthouse."Don't even dream of it-""I don't think- I can stand.... staying in the same place with that asshole. It's better for my mentality if I move out. Imo... Do-hwan... Why don't we move in with Sora too? We'll be happier here!" Jungkook excitedly entered the kitchen as I munched the sweet radish pickles."I'd love to live here, but- the mansion will be a total mess without me!" Imo shrugged as she counted the containers in the fridge."Triple my payment and I'll consider residing with our high-maintenance young lady," Do-hwan chuckled. I fired him a sharp glare.
Imo... Do-hwan and Jungkook. They aren't blood-related to me, but it has always been the three to... keep their eyes on me. They were the only people to stand by my side during my darkest phase. No matter how crazy I went and how mean I was to them... They chose to remain by my side. Even after I rejected their assistance... they'd still shed tears for me. They'd race me to the hospital to treat my injuries. They'd bring me food and drinks... knowing I won't touch the meal. They'd force their way inside my room... just to open the curtain so I'd get enough sunlight. They'd get angry with me for not taking my medication, but they'll eventually return to console me.

I wouldn't have survived the heartbreak without them, so I'm very thankful.

Imo... is like a mother to me... or perhaps... my sweet halmeoni. And Do-hwan? He's the father figure. Always prioritizing my safety and puts me in my place with his straightforward nature. And Jungkook? He's like a friend to me. Ani. He's more than a friend. A man I could rely on without the fear of being betrayed. No matter how feral I become... He'll never view me as a weird person. After all, he's... used to my crazy episodes since we were young.

Imo prepared warm meals for the four of us at the penthouse and for once... I felt the pacifying warmness blooming within my chest again as I laughed and chatted with them at our dinner table. Imo kept drinking the wine Do-hwan brought until her face flushed red. Jungkook kept teasing me about my crazy phases, and Do-hwan would scold me over little incidents. It was a delightful reunion.

Imo stayed at my place that night because Do-hwan was too drunk to drive her home, so they rested at my penthouse. I gave up my bed for imo, and Jungkook shared the guest room with Do-hwan.
Sighing, I sat quietly on the couch in the dark living room with my sleepy gaze on the dark city. The twinkling lights of the random building windows and the vacant street illuminated with yolky pole lights. It's so peaceful. I never thought I'd experience this kind of harmony with my inner self. I glanced at the creamy satin gown on the opposite couch until a deep hollowness filled my chest.
Fast Forward
My eyes flung wide open to find the bright lights beaming inside my room.
SHIT.
I quickly sat up to grab my phone from the nightstand. 8:23 AM. OH NO!? There were a bunch of missed calls."YAH?! Where are you-""I FORGOT TO SET THE ALARM!" I gasped, frantically getting off my bed in a hurry. Eomma is expecting me at the wedding ceremony! She insisted on sending a stylist over but I told her I could handle my own makeup."You're unbelievable- You won't make it on time- so just prepare for the evening feast- Stupid dumpling," Jungkook grumbled in annoyance and hung up on me. I sighed and sat back down on the mattress with my striking hair. Well. I don't want to see him at his wedding ceremony anyways. I'll just... wait until it's over. I turned to stare at the cloudy sky and glanced back at the beautiful gown... hanging in my closet. Should I just... ghost the event? There's no point in attending it. Sighing, I turned to lay back down on the mattress and rolled over to resume my sleep.
A moment later
I quietly applied the makeup on my face, tilting my face to inspect my jawline. Dab. Dab. I unsurely stroked my cheeks with a light blush to color my face. I gently applied mascara to my curled lashes to add volume to my thin strands... and exhaled in relief after struggling to complete my own makeover. Maybe I should've asked the stylist to come over. Whatever. I'm not the main character at the event anyways. The bride should be prettier than me. I exhaled and got up to pull on the violet dress.

It's a bit loose. Eomma tailored the dress in my usual size, but I've lost quite... a bit of weight. Shrugging, I turned to slip on the satin fabric and turned to tug the zipper over my curves. I glanced down at the jewel box Do-hwan delivered and decided to put on a basic set. I slightly tilted my head to clip on the earrings and necklace and... clipped on a thin diamond bracelet to cover the scar on my left wrist."Why is no one calling me? Is Do-hwan here yet?" I muttered, exiting my room after putting on my heels until I noticed the heavy downpour over the city. It's raining again? My gown might get soaked. I grabbed my phone from the couch with my purse and headed toward the door."Oh-? Out of battery?- Shit- Do-hwan is probably waiting!" I gasped, repeatedly clicking on my phone, but it remained dead. I forgot to charge it! I cursed under my breath and hurriedly rushed towards the door, briefly glancing at the clock on the wall. 9:02 PM.
Knock. Knock.
"I'm coming! My phone died-" I called, quickly yanking the door open, and stepped forward but stopped dead... once my eyes landed on someone. My breath hitched in my throat at the startling presence of the person.It wasn't Do-hwan. I stood... cemented in place with my eyes fixed on his familiar dark brown eyes. Gulping... I glanced at his soaked... white button-up shirt.
Drip...

Drip...

Drip...
The water trickled down his soaked face... slipping over his nose tip... and dripping onto his white shirt. I lifted my startled gaze to inspect his striking wild hair in confusion as he blocked my path with his dim gaze on my pale expression. He suddenly stepped forward, so I unconsciously flinched, stepping backward in a panic at his slightest movement. What is he doing here?!

"Why did you hide the truth from me?" Kim Taehyung muttered, keeping his burning glower on me. I cluelessly stared at his dark pupils and glanced at his completely soaked formal attire."Shouldn't you be at your wedding-""JANG SORA!" Kim Taehyung bellowed, angrily marching forward. I gasped and tried to rush away, but he seized my wrist and yanked me back with all his might. Clatter. I dropped my phone onto the floor as he darkly towered over me with his intimidating energy."What's the matter with you?!-""Why didn't you tell me the truth?! WAE?!" Taehyung snatches something from his trouser pocket, furiously raising it before my pale face. I stared at the blood-stained paper before my eyes. Badum. My heart thumped in fear as I stared at the document and glanced at Taehyung in bewilderment."Why do you care-""THE CHILD- WAS IT MINE?!" He seethed, frantically searching my eyes in tears. I gulped the hot lump in my throat."It doesn't matter because you couldn't have been its father anyways-""So it's m-mine...?" Taehyung whimpered, suddenly softening his voice in a broken tone as his hand trembled around my wrist. I stared at him with a slight frown as he struggled to contain his unmistakable... devastation."Can you please leave?-""Sora! Talk to me-""THERE'S NOTHING TO TALK ABOUT ALRIGHT!? NOTHING!" I snapped, shoving him back in frustration. Taehyung screwed his face in distress."THE CHILD IS MINE! OUR CHILD, SORA! WAE- WHY WOULD YOU ABORT IT!? WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME!?-" Taehyung roared, weakly grunting in pain as I refused to address the issue. He angrily hurled the document to the floor, so I shifted my startled gaze to the title of the document....
Medical Terms & Agreements Form

Disclosure and Consent for Abortion.
Patient Name - Jang Sora.Pregnancy Duration - 3 months 1 week.
.

.

.
"Isn't it obvious? I don't want you to be the father-""I COULD'VE RAISED OUR CHILD-""OUR CHILD!?- THE AUDACITY TO CLAIM THE CHILD AS YOURS AFTER YOU ABANDONED ME?! I'LL NEVER LET A SINGLE DROP OF YOUR FILTHY BLOOD RUN THROUGH MY CHILDREN'S VEINS! YOUR MERE PRESENCE DISGUSTS ME!" I aggressively screamed at his face in tears. Taehyung scoffed in disbelief at my hurtful statement."So... you killed an innocent life?-""Call me a killer or whatever, but I don't care! I'll never raise a child while its father is fucking another woman! I'd rather be the heartless bitch than let my child grow up to witness you raising another family! If it's anyone- you're the culprit! You should be ashamed of yourself!" I shrieked, tearfully glaring at him with my burning pupils. Taehyung opened his mouth to speak but couldn't voice out his argument. He intensely swallowed adam's apple, softly whimpering and lowered his head in defeat."Sora- I'm sorry- baby- I didn't know you were pregnant-""No. Don't give me your dumb excuses. It's over, so don't try to justify your acts. If you can't bear to be responsible- then I'll be the culprit alone! I'll take all the blame for murdering our child! I'll do it so you can be the man you desperately want to be with your new family!" I snapped, shaking my head in tears. Taehyung bit his lower lips and tried to reach out for me, but I quickly backed away to avoid his grip."Sora- I'm begging you- please-" Taehyung cried, helplessly sobbing with a torn expression."Leave. Now," I sternly stared at his pathetic broken expression. Taehyung clenched his jaw... suddenly... sinking to his knees before me. I gripped my dress in difficulty as he knelt before my feet... with his head hung low. His body... trembling in anguish as he grieved on the floor. Taehyung lifted his pained eyes to meet mine as I watched his lips tremble helplessly."Just this once- Please- forgive me- b- baby please- I've been torn over you since the day we broke up-""But it was your choice. Don't tell me it was a mistake because... you've already killed me... and our baby... since the day you placed the ring on another woman's finger. So bear the consequences of your action, Kim Taehyung," I coldly stared down at him as he apologetically looked up at me. The heavy tear streams... gliding messily down his damn cheeks as he knelt at the base of my feet. Taehyung wept miserably and lowered his head to cry in anguish as I towered over him.
The city suddenly lit up brightly with the lightning strike... fracturing the sky into shreds.

I had no tears left to spare him the empathy he desperately needed and my body was no longer restrained by his poisonous love curse.

There was nothing left for Kim Taehyung.

Nothing.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Third Person POV
Jeon Jungkook rubbed away the cold rainwater from his damp face while strolling out of the elevator after landing on the highest floor with his suit hanging from his forearm. Beep. The alpha scanned the card and opened the door, entering Jang Sora's private penthouse. He called her earlier, but her phone was unreachable, so he decided to drop by to ensure she was safe at home.The supreme alpha was mopping a small puddle of water on the floor in her casual clothes. Jungkook halted in place. She lifted her gloomy face to stare at his wet shoes. Drip... Drip... more water splattered by the door as Jungkook stared at her grim expression."I couldn't get him to leave," Sora shrugged. Jungkook didn't budge and stared at her in confusion."What?" The alpha asked, unsurely questioning the unspecified pronoun. He?Sora sighed and glanced at the kitchen, uneasily gripping the mop handle.
Cling... Cling... Cling...
The sound of empty bottles colliding against one another echoed monotonously throughout the place. Jeon Jungkook frowned once he realized there was movement in the kitchen, and cautiously rounded the corner without taking off his shoes, leaving behind his wet trails... to discover... a pair of long legs extended over the floor. The alpha stopped dead as soon as his eyes landed on a person.Kim Taehyung... sat with his back pressed against the counter and head hung low. His hair... striking messily over his somber face. His clothes were soaked and his white socks were wet and dirty. The second-rank alpha tightly clutched a half-empty wine bottle in his hand as if his life depended on it, so Jungkook glanced at the other empty wine bottles... rolling freely over the floor.

"I can't run anymore because this is my home," Sora muttered. Jungkook frowned and lifted his gaze to her unbothered reaction as Taehyung sat unconscious against the counter."He came to you?" Jungkook asked, calmly drawing out his phone to contact someone."Yeah. Take him and leave. His wife must be worried about him," Sora nodded, putting the mop away in the bathroom. She returned to sit on the couch with her legs crossed as Jungkook stood with one hand on his hips."I found him. Kim Taehyung," Jungkook darkly spoke into the phone. The alpha glanced at Sora as she switched on the television with an unbothered look.A moment later
Jang Sora's POV
I frowned at my packed living space in disbelief as the elders filled the room, disrupting my peace with their loud footsteps and chatter. Why did Jungkook call them?! He could've quietly brought him home! Do-hwan appeared with Jimin, so I scoffed and glanced at the television screen in annoyance. I just mopped the floor but the entire place is stained with muddy shoeprints again!"You rascal!" Mrs. Kim cried, collapsing beside her son, who was now... resting on the couch. Taehyung's cheeks were rosy red from the alcohol influence and his forehead... glazed with a thick coat of sweat. Jungkook heaved the drunk man onto my crouch after he contacted the elders."Are you alright?" Jimin asked, approaching me anxiously.The room buzzed loudly as the elders conversed about whatever- as if I didn't exist within the room. Why are they here!? I left the goddamn mansion because I didn't want to deal with their bullshit, but they followed me all the way to my private living space!? I grimaced, deeply sighing in irritation at their unannounced arrival at the penthouse."I want him out of my place!" I demanded, angrily snapping my head towards the crowd. The room suddenly grew hushed at my rude interruption. They glanced at me, finally acknowledging my dark frown. Eomma fired Taehyung a disappointed glare as she restlessly stood by the couch with appa."Sora, sweetie-""Everyone out of my door! Now!" I firmly instructed with my arms folded. The elders glanced at one another and back at me."You're not aware?" Jimin asked, glancing at me uneasily. I shifted my irritated gaze to the elders."Kim Taehyung ran away from the wedding this morning. He's been missing the entire day," Eomma informed. I quickly opened my mouth to snap back but halted once my brain processed her words. Startled, I glanced at the man as he remained motionless on the couch."So? That's his business. I've already fled from my house because of him, so he shouldn't chase me around," I shifted my stern gaze back to the elders. They worriedly glanced at Taehyung and back to me as the storm thundered relentlessly over the city.And I suddenly noticed... the distinct fear on the elder's faces.
They were frightened.

Fast Forward
"Sora-""H-Huh!? Oh- Oh yeah!-???" I snapped out of my thoughts, wildly turning to find Bogum mopping the floor beside me."You should head home. You don't look well lately," Bogum sighed. I glanced at the mess on the coffee table. Shit. I've been out of my mind since the incident. A customer complained today because I accidentally added too much sugar to her drink. And another customer came to return our dessert after I gave him the wrong flavor. The store was a mess when Bogum arrived, so he decided to help me clean the place.
Bogum hired me after I saw his job requirement posted on the door. He gladly took me in and even trained me for a week before I started my shift.
"I'll close the shop and leave," I nodded, bending down to pick up the empty cups and tissues, and then hurried behind the counter to dispose of the waste.Bogum worriedly watched me as I washed the cups in the sink with an expressionless face. Yeah. I quit the university. There's no point in attending the goddam academy anymore, not after missing out on... so many lectures. Besides, I'm a shadow student. The academy won't acknowledge my performance anyways. I like it better... working in the average world. I'll just... marry a man from the society when my mother finds a suitable match for me, but for now... I'll live my life freely... like I've always wanted."Let's drink together this weekend," Bogum loudly spoke up as I strolled down the street after leaving the store. I chuckled and turned to wave at my boss as he poked his head out from the doorway. He gave me a thumbs up, so I turned and walked down the sidewalk after my tiring night shift. The streets were still bustling busily as I passed the main road, staring unblinkingly at the advertisements on the massive billboards and strolled over the crosswalk after the lights turned green.
I felt invisible amongst the crowd of commoners. Commoners? That's how the society prefers to address the average. Funny how the wealthy view themselves as some sort of... superior entity when we're in fact... just like everyone else. An ordinary human being. With a soul and emotions.

We're all tired at the end of the day. We're all caught up with our personal problems, living by the day... just to survive tomorrow. And constantly hoping that our life will get better at some point. So we keep moving, just like I'm walking amongst the crowd of the average people on the sidewalk. Praying... That I'll someday... achieve permanent happiness in my life.

I visited the local market to buy fresh ingredients from the stores and returned to my apartment building. 10:00 PM. Dread loomed over me once the elevator dinged, sliding open to expose the single black door leading to my penthouse. I exhaled deeply to mentally recollect my senseless mind, walked toward the door, unlocked the handle, and strolled inside to find... Kim Taehyung... sitting on the couch with his eyes fixed on the television screen. I ignored his unwelcoming presence and hurriedly entered the kitchen to prepare the meals.
Why is he here with me? The stubborn jerk refused to leave, and why didn't I run? I'm tired of running. This is my house. I'll never run away from my home because of him again. Apparently... He ghosted Hwa-young at the altar and fled the venue, leaving the guests and the elders in utter shock. They sent people out to comb the streets for him, but you guessed it... no trace. He ended up in my building to confront me about the abortion, and we argued. I did everything I could to make him leave- but he refused and decided to gobble my liquor until he collapsed in the kitchen.

The elders refused to let him return to the mansion after failing to hatch a valid excuse for his bewildering act to abandon the bride. So they're hiding him here temporarily until they figure out a solution with the Chul. Sungho is a powerful heir... and clashing with a second rank is extremely dangerous for my mother. Hwa-young might not be the heiress, but she's still pure blood from a powerful family.

It's been a week since the wedding disaster... and we didn't speak, even if we're residing in the same space.
I exhaled in great relief after an intense cooking session, carefully settling the plate on the counter, and stuffed my growling stomach with the steaming meal until I noticed a movement before me. I lifted my startled face to find Taehyung sitting on the stool across from mine with a dispirited face as he hungrily eyed my single rice bowl and chicken bulgogi. Taehyung didn't say anything but swallowed at the sight of the steaming food. Fuck? Is he seriously playing the pity game with me? I swallowed the food with difficulty, hurriedly shoving the remaining rice into my mouth, lifted the empty dish to wash in the sink, and rushed to my room. Thud. I slammed the door shut, locked it and hurriedly showered.
Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung sat blankly at the counter after his former lover left without acknowledging his presence. He gloomily swallowed his hunger and slowly got up to open the fridge, but there was nothing inside aside from the packed side dishes. The alpha sighed, taking out a box of sweet radish to place it on a plate, and turned to dig out a small portion of cold rice from the cooker. He grabbed the soy sauce bottle to season his rice and finally sat alone in the dim kitchen with a chopstick. Poke. Poke.The alpha nudged the plain side dish and lowered his head to eat the bland rice, quietly chewing with his puffy eyes fixed on the tasteless radish. He ate just enough to keep himself alive.
She never cooked for him, so he had to fend for himself. She didn't do his laundry, so he had to hand wash his dirty clothes. She didn't give him a blanket, so he had to huddle on the couch at night. Day after day... he'd rot on the couch after she left to work... keeping his gloomy gaze glued to the abortion document.

Shame and regrets... carving a deep hole within his sore chest as the endless misery bothered him with an uncomfortable hollowness.
Flashback: After she attacked Taehyung in the gym.
Sora's POV
Blurp. I coughed in distress as a jolt of slimy vomit ejected from my windpipe. I sobbed in discomfort to resist the burning sensation in my throat while gripping the toilet with my face screwed. I feel so sick. I barf another blob of discharge into the bowl. My throat was sore... and my nose was runny as the nauseous sensation spun the room around me. I slumped weakly onto the tiles with my head hung low after the last blurp, deeply breathing to soothe the ache in my chest. I felt terrible. My body... it's so weak... I could barely move my aching muscles.
My thick... saliva... stretching from my numb lips and... dripping onto my gown.
I sniffled quietly and took a deep exhale to flush the dizziness from my mind, finally lifting my wearied gaze to stare at the pads on the cabinet. I gulped and glanced down at my foul vomit in the bowl with a slight frown. When did I last have my period? I don't remember. I blinked, slowly grabbing the sink to haul my weak body upward, flushed the toilet, and shakily lowered my head to splash the cold water at my burning face. My eyes were bloodshot from the rapid tear production and painful pressure from crying endlessly.
A moment later.
"Would you like anything else?" The cashier asked after scanning my pregnancy kit. I stood with my hands in my pockets and a hood over my head. Gulping, I glanced at the freezer full of ice creams."How much is the kit?" I asked the teenage kid."7,500 won," He responded. I gulped and turned toward the freezer to stare at an ice cream cone. 4,000 won. I dug into my pocket... pulling out the single... 10,000 note. Sighing, I glanced at the small popsicle. 2,000 won. I slid the glass to the side and reached for a melon-flavored popsicle, finally placing it on the counter. The cashier handed me a coin after processing my payment.

"Is there a bathroom?" I asked. He nodded and showed me to a small public restroom. Sniffling, I unwrapped the kit to test my pregnancy and finally walked out to sit at the outdoor table. The result will show up in about five minutes. I'll stay calm until then.Sora... How did you not notice your delayed menstrual cycle? I quietly licked the popsicle to absorb the sweet aftertaste with my head tilted toward the vast dark sky with my puffy eyes. We always used condoms... How is it possible? Maybe I'm just sick because of the heartbreak? Sora. You did it raw with him a few times. But I always took my pills?-"You're pregnant?" A familiar voice spoke up behind me, making me jerk in a panic. I quickly turned around to find... Park Jimin... standing behind my chair with his shaken gaze on the kit on the table. I froze with the popsicle in my mouth and shifted my eyes to the... two red stripes.
Pregnant.
Gulping, I kept my eyes on the result in horror. My mind went blank as the popsicle melted over my fingers. Jimin glanced at me worriedly as I remained frozen in the seat. I snapped out of my thoughts."Don't tell anyone," I murmured, avoiding his concerned eyes. Why am I pregnant now?! I grabbed the kit to shove it in my pocket and got up to leave the mart before he could stop me.
A week later.

The pregnancy took a toll on me. I felt helpless. A part of me wanted to tell Taehyung about it... but what's the point? He'll never listen to me. If he doesn't care about me... a woman he claimed to love... he probably won't care about the child... either. As a matter of fact, the cruel jerk might just... accuse me of carrying another man's child.

And the thought of raising a child alone...? It's scary. I don't want to have his child, not after witnessing his insensitive nature when it comes to... handling love. Kim Taehyung can't be the father... and I don't want to live my entire life... dwelling in the guilt of birthing a child without a proper father figure.

We never planned to have children anyways... so there's no point in... delivering an innocent soul into this society. Not when the child's parents aren't together. The child won't survive the power game without a complete family.
"Careful-" Jimin gasped, helping me slip over the mansion's wall after I climbed our dumpster. I grunted as he settled me onto the sidewalk."Did you tell anyone-""You told me to stay quiet," Jimin shrugged, unsurely staring at me. I gulped and glanced at my stomach and back at him."I need your help," I muttered. Jimin studied my unhealthy-looking skin tone with an uneasy expression. We stared at each other in silence on the evening street.
Dread filled Jimin's face as he contemplated my absurd request.

A moment later.
A woman grunted in pain as she strolled out of the medical room, causing Jimin to tense his body again. Another woman entered after her. I sighed and glanced at the written medical form on my lap."Are you sure about this? Shouldn't you speak to him first? If not- you should seek advice from the head doctor," Jimin muttered worriedly as he attempted to convince me to reconsider the abortion. But I've already made up my mind. The longer I wait... The more indecisive I will be. I didn't have the money to abort my child. I mean, I could use my credit card....? But my parents will find out about my pregnancy since they track my daily transactions."No. It's my child... so I'll bear the decision alone," I shook my head. Jimin furrowed his eyebrows and glanced at the women in the room as they waited for their turn."You're right. You're the mother, so it's your decision whether or not to conceive the child," Jimin sighed, gently taking my hand in his to comfort me. I wearily stared at the alpha. I didn't want to let anyone know about my pregnancy because I wanted to quietly get an abortion... but Jimin found out by accident, so I figured I should ask him for help.
Jimin appeared troubled by my decision to terminate my pregnancy but didn't try to persuade me... until it was my turn to enter the room.

The doctor reviewed my blood tests and questioned my pregnancy terms and medical conditions before I was permitted to change into a medical gown. I was instructed to rest on the exam table with my legs hooked over the stirrups. The nurse told me to relax as the female doctor sat before my wide-opened legs to examine my private part. I nervously gripped the handle with my terrified eyes on the dim light above me as she inserted something cold inside me. My body jolted at the chilly sensation, so I pursed my lips as I felt the injected anesthesia seeping into my cervix.
A flash of memories suddenly flickered across my mind, but I immediately shut my eyes to keep his stupid face out of my head until my heart started racing in fear. A rush of tears filled my eyes as I panicked on the table. Sora? Are you sure about this? You don't have to do this. The child can lead a happy life without the jerk."Does it hurt-""No. No- I'm just- overwhelmed," I shook my head. The doctor worriedly watched me cry, so I bit my trembling lips and laid back down with a shattered heart.

Eomma... is terribly sorry for doing this to you. If there's another chance... please come back to eomma. I'll make sure to birth you into a happy family. A family with a proper father figure. A father who will love us unconditionally. So until then... Please forgive eomma for doing this to you. I desperately apologized to my baby, hoping it'll understand my heartbreaking decision to give up on the poor soul."Please rest a little and don't... cry too much. You did your best," The doctor announced. I flung my eyes open as the warm tears slid down the corner of my face. My mind is entirely blank. My heart... throbbing in pain. And my body... numbed from the procedure.
It's over. There's no turning back now.
I repeatedly blinked to break the wall of tears over my eyes after a minute of staring at the light above me... slowly lifting my head in confusion after the quick procedure. It didn't take as long as I anticipated. The woman spoke to me briefly as I was resting on the bed, consulting me with professional advice on my recovery, so I nodded and was finally allowed to leave the room half an hour later."Are you alright??? Does it hurt?" Jimin worriedly rushed over to support my arm. I nodded and sat down on the couch in the lobby in difficulty as I endured the sore cramp between my legs."Thank you," I whispered, lifting my tearful eyes to meet his. Jimin pursed his lips as he held tightly onto my arms. I don't think it's something he'd be grateful for... but I'm still thankful."Aish... that fucking asshole. Come here," Jimin cursed in frustration, suddenly pulling me into a tight hug. I gripped his shirt, buried my face against his shoulder, and softly cried in pain. He patted my back to comfort me as I broke down against his shoulder. I'm a terrible person.

Jimin took me back to the mansion after the secret procedure at the clinic, and I remained isolated from everyone. The painful cramps lasted a few days, and I'd have small blood spots on my panties. I took medication prescribed by the doctor to ease the discomfort, and after a week... the pain subsided. And once again, I was left with infectious heartbreak.
I desperately attempted to dismiss the guilt inside my chest but day after day... I felt more and more... terrible for killing my own child. Why would a mother do this to their child? What kind of a mother am I? I blamed myself for my child's demise. Who else can I blame? It was my decision.

The regrets tore me apart until I felt... helpless. I don't deserve to live. Why is that... the first person... I killed... is my very own... blood? My child? How is it that my hands are smeared with my child's blood?

I am a fucking monster.
I shakily lowered my troubled gaze to the abortion form with the kitchen knife beside it."Should eomma... just die? I'll search for you in the afterlife. Should we move on together? Hmm? So you wouldn't feel lonely and lost in the darkness? Eomma should find... my precious baby... so I can protect you," I whispered in tears while clutching onto the document and lowered my head to cry in grief.
And so, I killed myself, not because of Kim Taehyung but because of the guilt of aborting my child. I believed... I could escape my miserable life... to find my lost baby. And while I was... helplessly resting in my pool of blood... it wasn't Kim Taehyung that I was aching for. Just before I passed out... I saw... myself... caring for a child.

The imaginary glimpses... flashing before my eyes with vivid visions as I remained helpless with a wounded wrist.

I desperately... longed for an unbreakable bond with my child.

A happy life. A mother and her love for her little ones.

I saw it. Me... and my children, living happily in a world full of love and comfort.

The Parallel Universe
"Eomma~!" A little girl cutely chortled, grabbing my hand as she sucked on my breast. I chuckled and stroked her tiny fingers as she brightly observed my face with her pretty doe eyes."Eomma! Can we play on the beach?! Just for a moment! Please?!" Two adorable twin boys appeared, slightly tugging my dress. I softly chuckled as they dragged me onto the afternoon beach. The boys shrieked with excitement, turning to chase each other across the beach as I hugged the little bundle in my arms."Eomma~! I'm the top scorer in my class this month!" Another boy smiled, proudly showing me his gold medal. He was slightly older than all the other children. I ruffled his hair and sat down on the bench with him to watch the twins splash water at each other on the shallow end."Wah~ Wah~ Wah?!" The little baby girl giggled. I glanced down to find her giggling at the older boy. The child chuckled at his adorable sister and leaned down to kiss the little fetus, so I placed my arm around the boy's shoulder to hold him against me."Eomma! We found a seashell! It's so pretty!" The twins giggled, rushing forward to show me their shell collection. I smiled as they showed the baby girl the shiny shell, causing her to kick her legs in excitement at the sight of her brother's glossy shells. I lifted my daughter to kiss her plump cheeks, happily absorbing her soothing flowery scent with a weak smile."Sora..." A dark voice called. Cluelessly, I shifted my eyes from her rosy pink cheeks to find... Kim Taehyung... standing before me. Dark blood... drenching his body and clothes. I gripped the child in fear as he stared at me with his evil darkness."AH!" I screamed when he suddenly launched forward to attack me- Snap.My eyes flung open in a panic. I frantically lifted my head off the pillow as a nurse remained at my bedside. She was comforting me, so I turned my head wildly to find... myself... in the hospital suite with the IV drip injected into my veins. I fearfully glanced around the room to search for the presence of the children... but they were nowhere to be found. I shakily exhaled and slumped back onto the pillow as the nurse alerted the head doctor until my eyes slowly drifted to the... bandage around my wounded wrist.
It was only a dream. A strikingly vivid dream.

End of flashback
__________________________Grumbling softly, I sleepily rolled off my bed after silencing my annoying morning alarm and pulled open my bedroom door. My feet suddenly caught on something, sending me tumbling hard onto the floor. Thud! I grunted in shock as I sat up to find the cushions scattered... all over the floor. My eyes drifted to the dirty clothes on the couch in disbelief."What the fuck?" I gasped, crawling on my feet to find Taehyung sleeping shirtless on the couch. Empty bottles... were rolling all over the carpet. I groaned, hastily picking up the cushions from the floor and flung them angrily at his face. Is he a pig!? How is he so messy?! I keep cleaning up after him! I angrily picked up his clothes with the broom and swung it onto his lifeless body. Still... he didn't budge but lay like a dead person. I glared intensely at his annoying face and bent down to pick up the empty bottle. I SHOULD JUST SMASH HIS HEAD-"Good morning-""AH!" I shrieked in a panic when I felt something grazing my thigh. I wildly swung the broom- SMACK. Taehyung gasped in shock after I accidentally hit his head.The alpha clasped his hand over his swollen forehead, grunting in discomfort, so I gripped the broom in annoyance as the stupid man fought to keep his dazed eyes open. He's so annoying?! Good morning?! Did he think I'd appreciate his fucking good morning bullshit?! Sighing in frustration, I swung the broom away and stormed back inside my room to get ready for work.A moment later.Taehyung was collecting the trash on the floor... still shirtless... after I stepped out of my room. I sternly glared at the scar on his chest and his striking messy hair. If only I drove that scissor deeper- He'd be dead by now, and I wouldn't have to deal with him anymore! Do-hwan suddenly entered the penthouse with grocery bags."Big Man! Get rid of the pig!" I screamed. Taehyung halted while crouching on the floor. He looked up at me as I rudely pointed at him with my glowering eyes on Do-hwan."P-Pig?-""I am here to escort him. The elders requested his return to the mansion," Do-hwan yawned, walking past me to enter the kitchen."What-? Return-?""Yeah. Your fiancée keeps barging inside the mansion to search for you. She's severely... upset with your disappearance," Do-hwan shrugged. I glanced at Taehyung in annoyance as he stood with the empty bottles."My place better be polished once I return!" I snapped at Do-hwan and turned to storm out of the penthouse. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Why won't he leave!? Is he testing my patience!? Keep testing my limits- and I'll make sure to- send him to the last ring of hell one a day! I stormed out of the apartment door and strode right... towards a parked blue sports car. Thump. I swung the door open and hopped inside the passenger seat, startling the driver with my unexpected appearance."What are you doing...?" Seokjin asked while staring at me in disbelief."AND WHY ARE YOU ALWAYS OUTSIDE MY BUILDING!? WHAT'S WITH ALL OF YOU, CREEPY MEN?!" I snapped, directing my irritation on Seokjin. His cheeks flushed red at my confrontation, so he glanced at the road with an embarrassed look. Did he think I couldn't notice his car outside my building?! It's freaking blue!"I didn't mean to""Stalk me!?- Whatever- Get me out of this place before I lose my shit!" I screamed, angrily kicking the compartment. Seokjin stiffened at my outburst. He quickly started the engine and drove off as I sat with my arms crossed over my chest. I fumed heavily with my piercing eyes on the road."Where-""WHEREVER I CAN BURY YOU WITHOUT GETTING CAUGHT!" I screamed. Seokjin flinched in a panic at my heated outburst. The man gulped as he gripped the steering wheel. I huffed and shoved the chair backward to lie down in irritation. Fuck. I got dressed for work- only to realize it wasn't my shift today. Whatever. I can't stand staying with that jerk anyways! Seokjin grew hushed as he calmly steered the wheel over the road, so I huffed and leaned back until I fell into a brief nap.A moment later."Huh?" I grimaced, sitting up in confusion... after I realized the car wasn't moving anymore and Seokjin wasn't in the car. Where am I...? I frowned at this old run-down barn and finally stepped out to find Seokjin standing in his casual clothes."Where am I?" I asked, approaching him as the snow lightly drizzled from the gloomy sky. Why did he park his car at an old barn?"You said you wanted to bury me alive," Seokjin answered as he lifted the dusty cardboard."And you'd let me bury you alive?" I asked."No. I should be the one burying you alive," Seokjin responded. I glared at his back until an old black scooter appeared underneath the heap of cardboard. Seokjin grabbed the handle to steer the scooter into the opening and got on to start it. The engine made funny noises as it failed to start up on demand. Seokjin frowned, lowering his head to check the motor as he repeatedly turned the accelerator to revive the old scooter."Why were you stalking me?" I asked. Seokjin didn't answer me and started the engine with persistence. Ra- Da- Radadada- Dadadaaaa!"Did it hurt?" Seokjin asked, turning to look at me with a neutral face."What?" I asked, unsurely staring at him."The break up... did it hurt?" He asked. I grew hushed as I stared at his neutral face in silence."Why do you care-""Yeah. That's what you get for dumping a handsome man like me! Do you know karma?" Seokjin chuckled. The engine suddenly warmed up. VROOM!"Yah! How dare you!" I screeched in annoyance as he mocked me with a soft chuckle. His scooter jerked forward a little- so I grabbed the back seat to hold it back."What are you doing?!" Seokjin screamed, turning to look at me in disbelief."I'm going to bury you alive!" I sneered. Seokjin scoffed in irritation. He turned the accelerator handle. VROOOOOOM. The scooter roared to life, slightly jerking forward again, causing me to stumble after it as Seokjin drove over the dirty property."Let go!" Seokjin snapped as I stubbornly clung to the seat with all my might. Seokjin suddenly accelerated forward again after my finger slipped a little- VROOM."ARGH!" I gasped, toppling to the side as his scooter blasted forward. I grunted and fell to my butt as Seokjin screeched in distress while struggling to gain control of the scooter. He wildly zigzagged over the damp soil until he hit the brake, abruptly tilting the scooter over. THUMP. Seokjin collapsed onto the ground as I stood up with a slight grimace. My clothes are dirty!"You bring chaos wherever you go!" He whined while getting up to heave his rolling scooter from the damp ground."You brought me to the middle of nowhere-""Are you coming or not!? If not- then freeze to death in the barn! I'm leaving!" Seokjin rudely interrupted, firing me an irritated look. I pursed my lips and glanced back at the creepy old barn. What if he leaves me here and runs away?
A moment later.
I tensely perched over the backseat as Seokjin carefully drove over the dirt path, racing through the light snow in the countryside. I weakly smiled and lifted my arms to feel the frosty breeze between my fingers until I caught Seokjin staring at me through the scooter mirror. He cleared his throat and glanced back at the village ahead of us. Weakly smiling, I shifted my tender gaze to the tiny homes along the small street as Seokjin entered the town to visit a local market.
He took me shopping for fresh ingredients, and I kid you not... he almost bought the entire village in cash.
"Why are you buying so much!?" I screeched in distress as I hugged the massive bag over my lap on the cranky scooter. The old scooter probably can't carry our weight at this rate!? What if it breaks down!?"We're done," Seokjin slipped another bag of fresh peaches onto my forearm. I grunted in annoyance. He dismissively mounted the bike and drove forward as I tried not to fall off the scooter with all the grocery bags dangling from my arms. Did he drive all the way here- just to buy ingredients?!We suddenly came to a halt after entering an old gate. My jaw dropped at the ancient-looking mansion until I noticed the late elders... strolling over the snowy path with their walking sticks or wheelchairs. What's this??? I sat with my mouth half open as Seokjin grabbed the bags from my numb hands after parking the scooter by the rusty fence."What is this place?" I asked, slightly widening my eyes at Seokjin."Can't you read?" He grimaced, strolling away with the small bags, leaving me with the massive one. I glanced at the letters over the building.
The elderly home.
"Seokjin! Kim Seokjin- AH! So heavy!" I screamed, frantically getting off the scooter to chase after him. Thump! I lowered the bag in frustration. How am I supposed to carry a bag that's bigger than my body?! Seokjin ignored my complaint and walked inside the building. I grimaced and dragged the bag with me."YAH! THOSE ARE PRECIOUS INGREDIENTS!" Seokjin scolded, hurrying out of the building after a moment to snatch the bag from my sore hands as I carelessly dragged it across the pavement. He fired me a sharp glare and heaved the bag away."Young chef! Aigo~! You've been away for a while!" A grandma in her late 70s gasped, greeting the alpha inside the building."Annyeonghaseyo!" Seokjin brightly beamed, lowering the bag to greet the group of elders."Aigo~ I thought I'd never get to have my last meal made by our young chef again! Why were you away for so long?! I could've passed away from hunger!" Another harabeoji whined, playfully smacking Seokjin's arms. I glanced back and forth as the elders spoke with Seokjin. They seem close?"Don't say that! I was just a bit occupied lately~! I'll try to drop by more often," Seokjin chuckled, reaching out to pat a halmeoni's wrinkled hands. The elders suddenly shifted their attention to me as I stood beside him."A-Annyeonghaseyo," I awkwardly bowed."Who's this? Your girlfriend? You promised to bring your girlfriend over the last time you visited!" A chubby halmeoni giggled, causing my cheeks to flush red."No! She's not my girlfriend- She's my- uh- my- apprentice!" Seokjin stuttered, anxiously staring at me. Apprentice...? I stared at him in surprise."You're really pretty~! What's your name? Maybe I can set you up with my grandson. He's a really... popular singer~!" Halabeoji grinned."Neh?" I widened my eyes."His grandson is Seojun! Lee Seojun~! He visited his grandpa last week, and he's crazy handsome! He even sang for us!" Halmeoni cutely giggled with her sparkly eyes."He's definitely not her type," Seokjin shrugged. I glared at him."Halabeoji~ Please set me up with him-""Yah! You're here to work!" Seokjin scolded me when I tried to speak with the elderly man. The elders chuckled at Seokjin's slight disapproving grimace."She's still young-""We have a lot of preparation today- so please excuse us!" Seokjin cut the harabeoji short, suddenly dragging me away from the crowd. I smiled and bowed at the elders as Seokjin held onto my wrist with one hand while carrying the heavy bag with his other arm. Seokjin dropped the bag outside a door and pushed me inside a room."Lee Seojun is his grandson?! That's crazy- AH! YAH!" I curiously smiled with a flustered look as I thought about the hot superstar when Seokjin suddenly yanked off his shirt. I shrieked and covered my eyes in disbelief."What?" Seokjin questioned my dramatic reaction to his shirtless body. I gulped and peeked between my fingers to find him staring at me with one eyebrow raised, dumbfounded by my timid behavior."You could've warned me- AH?!- YOU CRAZY MAN!!" I stuttered when he suddenly pulled down his pants, so I wildly spun my body away to face the wall with a flustered face."Why are you overreacting? It's not like you've never seen me naked before-""ARE YOU CRAZY?! JUST BECAUSE WE DATED BEFORE DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD SHAMELESSLY STRIP IN FRONT OF ME!" I screamed. Seokjin grew hushed as he opened his locker. I gripped my fists with a stern gaze on the opposite wall until I felt my cheeks burning in the heat."You're unbelievable... for someone who loves to read profane novels," Seokjin muttered, banging the locker shut and walked past me. I blinked at his casual clothes and quickly pulled off my heavy jacket to leave it on the bench before racing after him."Are you doing it on purpose now that I'm single again!?" I asked as he heaved the bag into a spacious kitchen."Are you regretting a good man like me?" Seokjin smirked. I frowned at his smug expression as he unwrapped the bags."So annoying! And why are we here?!" I whined. Seokjin sighed in frustration and darted me an irritated look, so I quickly pursed my lips at his uptight frown."Can you please keep quiet? This is an elderly home, Sora. Not the noisy orphan you were hiding in," He grimaced. My face flushed red in embarrassment."How did you-""Did you think people wouldn't notice the supreme alpha's absence?" Seokjin rolled his eyes as he pulled on an apron. I chewed my inner cheeks in annoyance as I watched him turn to wash his hands in the sink."So... we're cooking for old people?" I asked, glancing at the ingredients."Make yourself useful," Seokjin muttered. I glared at the back of his head and picked up an apron to pull it over my head. Seokjin stepped aside to let me wash my hands. I uneasily glanced at him as he eyed the scar on my wrist."Can you not stare?" I asked, quickly hiding my wrist while dabbing my hands dry."You should've done better research before killing yourself. Wrist cutting isn't effective. It has the lowest mortality rate. And you could've been crippled for life if the wound were severe," Seokjin sighed while heaving the vegetables into a basket."I'll do proper research next time," I said sarcastically."You know what's the easiest way to die?" Seokjin asked. I frowned and looked up at him as if he was crazy."Do you want me to die that badly?" I asked."It's easier to die when you're at peace. Not when you have unfinished business because you'll die in vain no matter what method you choose to kill yourself. The only way to die without regrets or pain... is when you're content with life," Seokjin shrugged. I quietly stared at him as he lifted the basket to wash the vegetables in the sink. He didn't look at me and kept his gaze concentrated on the flowing water."It did hurt a lot. Wrist cutting..." I muttered, turning to help him rinse the vegetable."You know better now," Seokjin replied. I pursed my lips as I quietly rubbed the tomato under the faucet and placed it in the clean basket. We didn't speak afterward, so I quietly chopped the vegetables into pieces as requested by Seokjin.

"Smaller?" I asked while hovering the knife over the onion to ensure he was satisfied with the chunks."Yeah. And what's with your habits of not tying your hair???" Seokjin asked, suddenly turning to lift up my hair. I froze at his tender touch, slightly grazing my neck as he stood behind my back to fix my hair. He must be very bothered because I wouldn't stop pushing my wild hair strands from my face."It's short, so I figured-""You'll get rashes if you sweat too much," He sighed, gently dabbing my sweaty neck with his forearm, sending a faint chill down my spine. Seokjin turned to wash his hands again... after placing my hair into a neat bun."Do you do this often? Cooking for the elderly?" I asked, briefly glancing at him."Yeah. I own this place-""What?" I asked, turning to stare at him in shock."The non-governmental association didn't have enough funds to sustain this place, so I bought it. I visit the place often to cook and do the chores," Seokjin nodded. Right. I noticed there weren't many staff around."How do you maintain this place all on your own?" I asked. He keeps surprising me. I always assumed he was a workaholic... but who would've guessed... he'd assist the elders as a hobby during his free time?"The staff usually does the routine work. But I do most of the work during my visit... after dismissing their duties.... for the day because I like to spend time alone. It helps me clear my mind," Seokjin muttered while adjusting the heat on the stove. "Did I disrupt your peace?" I asked, guiltily looking up at him. I've been acting childish the entire day."Too much peace can be a bit boring. It's more entertaining to nag you," Seokjin shrugged, professionally slicing the meat on the chopping board."I'm sorry for disturbing your alone time," I muttered. I should've been mindful of Seokjin's space and boundaries."So what are you going to do now?" Seokjin asked as I transferred the onions into a bowl."I don't know," I muttered. He briefly glanced at me."Kim Taehyung ghosted his bride for you," Seokjin muttered. I quietly placed the carrot and pepper onto the board."Just like he dumped me for her," I muttered. Seokjin chuckled softly, so I looked up at him in confusion."The player got played~!" Seokjin teased, turning to wash his knife in the sink."Moh? Are you saying I'm-""Oh. You broke my heart to marry another man, and he broke yours to marry another woman. Karma is real," Seokjin chuckled. I glared at his bright beam."At least I didn't cheat on you," I grumbled, heavily chopping the carrot in irritation.
Seokjin and I somehow... managed to cook an entire feast for the elders. We actively bustled around the kitchen to decorate the dishes after an intense hour of chopping, slicing, stirring, and tasting. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of perfecting the flavors, we served warm meals in a small room filled with the elders. There were about thirty halmeoni and halabeoji combined. And all the staff had been dismissed, so it was just... me and Seokjin left in the entire home.
"I can die in peace now!" Halmeoni beamed after tasting our food. I smiled at her cuteness and glanced at the other elders as they excitedly praised Seokjin's meal and his visual.Seokjin seemed... unfiltered around the elders. He'd joke and chat with them over random topics. He never really speaks casually with anyone aside from school and work-related matters. Even when we are together... I did most of the nonsense gibberish, and he was always there to listen to me. Seokjin huffed as he joked around with the senior generation. He fits in well with the elders, it's almost as if they're the same-aged friends.The sun began to set over the hills, casting a deep shadow over the ancient mansion. And the snow started drizzling... heavier and heavier over the property, so Seokjin insisted that we wait a little longer... until the snow ceased because he was anxious about the slippery road on our way back. I chuckled warmly as the elders gathered in a spacious room, replenished with cozy couches and armchairs. It's the main living room with a warm fireplace. There was a chess board, a vinyl record, yarns, and bingo games."Dance with me, young lady~!" Harabeoji smiled while grooving over me as I sat on the couch. I giggled shyly and placed my hand into his warm palm to accept his offer. The man pulled me upward, so we held hands and gently rocked with the healing classical music. Seokjin weakly smiled at me as he chatted with the halmeonies in the corner of the room.

"I'll ask my grandson to contact you," Halabeoji winked. I chuckled and nodded brightly."Handsome chef! Dance with me!" Halmeoni insisted, tugging on Seokjin's arm."I'm so sore~!" Seokjin whined cutely, but the grandma declined his rejection and pulled the alpha onto his feet. Seokjin shook his head in disbelief as he stiffly grooved with the elders.
We ended up... slow dancing in the room, swaying from side to side with them, and for a moment... I didn't feel so strained anymore. Just like the kids... the elders... offered just as much comfort as they celebrated their life-long journeys with their wrinkled smiles and dim eyes. Each and every one of them... has traveled a long way. Through all the dark phases and good peaks... And yet... They're still happy and cherishing every moment of their lives.

They're right. I'm too young to give up now.

Maybe life will be forgiving towards me if I'm willing to live... just for another day.

A moment later.
"Young lady~!" Halmeoni patted my arm as I tucked her into bed."Neh?" I smiled as she rested on her pillow."Convince him to bring his girlfriend," She giggled."Ah... Sure," I nodded uneasily."He promised to bring his girlfriend. I wonder if they're still together?" Another halmeoni asked from the opposite bed."Maybe they broke up? He seems skinnier than usual. The handsome chef was gone for some time," The chubby halmeoni spoke up."Aigo~! I hope not. He seemed to really love her~! He'd always tell us how much... he loved her whenever he visited~!" The halmeoni beside me shook her head. I glanced at the elders unsurely as they chit-chatted about Seokjin's love life. Did he talk about me? I left the room after switching off the lights to find Seokjin strolling out of the bathroom with a towel over his head."The county authority called. The storm won't subside until tomorrow, so we'll have to stay here tonight," Seokjin sighed, turning to stare out the mansion window. It's snowing heavily. The entire garden is covered in thick ice. I pursed my lips and lowered my gaze to my dead phone. I need a charger."I need to inform-""I already told Do-hwan. The bathroom is down the hallway. I left a fresh towel on the sink and spare clothes," Seokjin nodded, walking off to check on the elders in their respective rooms. I sighed and left to bathe in the dim bathroom. He brought his soap, so I didn't have to worry about getting rashes. I gently rinsed my body with the warm water and finally pulled on Seokjin's loose shirt and short pants. The mansion isn't cold because he made sure to heat the floor and the walls for the elders."Are we sleeping here?" I asked, unsurely standing in the locker room's doorway to watch Seokjin spread a thin mattress on the floor."I searched a spare bed for you, but they're all occupied," He shrugged. I watched him pat the mattress as he organized a few cushions he gathered from the living room to place on the cramped space between the lockers. I sighed, slid off my slippers, and stepped onto the soft mattress."I'm fine with it," I muttered while loosening my hair."We'll have to share the blanket," Seokjin quietly spoke as he sat beside me. The space between the locker was about 1.5 meters wide, so it was pretty... tight for two adults."Sure," I nodded, slipping under the thin blanket to lay on my back. Ah~! My back is aching so much from intensive labor.Seokjin got up to switch off the lights and finally rested beside me. I turned on my side... to face the locker as he adjusted the cushion under his head. We didn't speak afterward. And I dozed off almost instantly after exerting my remaining energy to cook a feast for the elders. However, the locker room... wasn't as warm as the other sides of the property.

My body started to tingle due to the cold... and naturally... my body... snuggled... against the only source of warmth in the room.

Next Morning
I grumbled, sleepily hugging the heated pillow against my body. The room is freezing cold. I slipped my feet under the blanket to warm up my numb toes and coiled against the firm flesh. The person snored, turning on his side to hold my body. I exhaled in relief at his comforting warmth, gently hugging his neck- NECK? My eyes flung open in realization. My heart skipped a beat when I found... Seokjin's dashing handsome face... just an inch away from mine. He was still asleep. I glanced at his muscular arms... encircled my waist and quickly shoved him away to lay on my back in embarrassment."Aigo~ You're awake?" A soft voice spoke up. My eyes widened as I stared at the plain ceiling. Awkwardly, I lifted my head off the cushion to find... the door... wide open... and... a crowd of elders... watching us from the door. My face immediately flushed red."Seokjin- Seokjin!" I snapped, smacking his shoulder. Seokjin groaned and turned on his back with his forearm over his squinting eyes.

"You two look cute together~!" Halmeoni grinned."Good morning..." I uneasily smiled. Seokjin grumbled, suddenly sitting up with his eyes half open. My eyes widened in horror when I noticed his morning boner under his pants. I quickly threw the cushion over his lap to hide it."Are you guys sure... you aren't dating~?" Halabeoji asked, suspiciously narrowing his eyes on us. Seokjin suddenly froze as he stared at the smirks on the elder's face."Ah! Why are you watching us?!" Seokjin gasped, scrambling onto his feet. The elders chuckled cutely and rushed away.Seokjin frantically slammed the door closed with a flustered face. Thud. I awkwardly stared at the bulge under his pants. He briefly glanced down and back up at my flustered face as I sat on the thin mattress."Stop looking, you perverted freak!" Seokjin immediately gripped his pants to hide his bulge, so I turned my face. Mortified by the unholy sight of his hard morning wood._______________________
Fast Forward
I hurriedly poured the warm coffee into the mug over the counter and turned to cover the cold drink with a plastic lid before lifting the tray and hurrying toward Yoongi and Hoseok."Here's your drink~!" I smiled, placing the drink for them."This job oddly suits you~!" Hoseok grinned, thanking me for the latte."Stop teasing her!" Yoongi laughed. I smiled and hurried back to the counter.

"Sora~!" Minah beamed, entering the store with her black glasses on."What are you guys doing here???" I gasped as Namjoon, Jimin, and So-young entered after her with wide grins."We heard you're working at the local cafe! Thought we should support your new career!" Jimin laughed as Minah stared at the menu on the counter. I chuckled, shyly rubbing my neck as they stood in line."Make me the best hot chocolate. Sugar-free!" Minah giggled. I shook my head with a weak smile as she paid for her drink and strolled away to join Yoongi and Hoseok."We'll have the cheesecake and strawberry jelly," So-young pointed at the glass enclosure of the display freezer."Neh~!" I smiled as Jimin paid for their orders. They left to sit by the window of the store."Ehem..." Namjoon awkwardly cleared his throat while inspecting the menu above my head."The... chestnut latte is pretty popular here," I smiled."Oh- Oh? Yeah. Sure, I'll try that," Namjoon nodded. The alpha awkwardly strode away to sit alone with his book.... after placing the order."Sora! Bring me a strawberry cake and an iced americano!" Jungkook demanded, suddenly strolling through the door, and went to sit with Jimin and So-young."You have to pay!" I screamed from the counter."Your treat!" Jungkook snapped. I grimaced as he dismissively chatted with Jimin. He never pays for these drinks or food! I grimaced and pinned their orders before turning to prepare the drinks. The work is exhausting, but I enjoyed it. It kept my mind off my wild thoughts as I occupied my body with manual work. I placed the drinks on the tray with the plate of cakes and rushed toward the alphas.

"Here's your sugar-free hot choco~!" I smiled, carefully placing it in front of Minah."Take a picture with me! I'll sponsor you so the average will see it on my blog!" She snapped, tugging my arm. I lowered my face to smile at the camera as she posed for the picture. Snap. Minah giggled happily, so I placed the cakes for Jimin and So-young with the fork and spoon. I hurried toward Namjoon with a latte and placed it on his desk. He thanked me and glanced back at his book again."WHERE'S MY ORDER? YAH! HOW DARE YOU MISTREAT YOUR CUSTOMER!- WHERE'S YOUR MANAGER!" Jungkook screamed."You didn't pay for the order!" I snapped, causing Jimin to chuckle at our bickering. Namjoon grimaced at Jungkook's noisy screech and shook his head as he struggled to concentrate on his work. I quickly placed a slice of strawberry cake on the plate, brewed an iced americano, and served it to Jungkook."Do you want to join us for dinner at the mansion?" Jimin smiled."I'm working late today," I smiled and hurried away but paused as another person entered through the door. Seokjin glanced at the packed cafe filled with the alphas with a startled look and glanced at me uneasily. He didn't expect their presence. The man cleared his throat and closed the door, awkwardly approaching the counter in his coat."Is there a takeout?" He asked, nervously reading the menu with his eyebrows furrowed."Yeah. But you're not the type to order... food made by other people," I smiled, tapping on the cashier screen to process the new order. Seokjin glanced at the cakes in the enclosure."I'll have the cream cappuccino," Seokjin nodded."Is that all?" I smiled. Seokjin briefly glanced at me and back at the cake."The carrot cake too... No takeout. I'll eat it here since you made it," Seokjin nodded. I chuckled at his specific selection. Bogum didn't offer dessert at his cafe, but I insisted I could bake cakes for our customers, so he agreed to give me half the commissions on all the cakes I sold."It's the last carrot flavor for today," I grinned. Seokjin slightly nodded as he paid for his order. I handed him the receipts, turned to grab a clean cup from the cabinet, and set off to work."Sora. Pack up the remaining cakes. I'm bringing them to my office for my men," Do-hwan suddenly spoke up, so I turned to find the big man leaning over the counter. When did he get here? Did eomma send him to stalk me again? Eomma was furious with my decision to work at the local store because she claimed I should utilize my full potential in the council... not the coffee machine or stupid cakes."Give me a second," I smiled. Do-hwan nodded and walked off to sit with Seokjin, who sat alone at a table with his phone. I carefully placed the hot cappuccino on the tray, brought out the last carrot cake, and headed toward Seokjin."Did you make the cake?! It's crazy delicious!" Jimin gasped."Her secret recipe are her tears and snot," Do-hwan mumbled as I placed the cake before Seokjin, who weakly chuckled at the man's joke. I smacked Do-hwan's shoulder and hurried back to the counter to grab the paper boxes to compile the remaining slices from the display freezer. I carefully withdraw the chocolate cake, cheesecake, coffee flavored, and strawberry cake from the glass rack to place them neatly in the paper box."Ah~ My back~!" I murmured, bending down to withdraw the last strawberry cake until I noticed... someone standing on the opposite side of the transparent freezer. The man was staring through the glass to watch me remove the cakes."The strawberry cake-""We're out of cakes-" I quickly straightened my body to inform the customer but halted when I found Taehyung standing on the other side, blankly staring at me with a flower bouquet in his arm. He pursed his lips and quickly shifted his eyes to the menu over my head. I swallowed uneasily and turned away to pack Do-hwan's order.

It's been a few weeks since Taehyung left my penthouse to return to the mansion. I'm clueless about his affair with Hwa-young. Taehyung never bothered me again after he left on the day I returned from the elderly home with Seokjin. I quickly placed the packages into a neat paper bag and hustled away from the counter to hand them to Do-hwan as the man got up from his table. Minah fired Taehyung an annoyed look."You should ban him from your store~ Tsk~!" Minah grumbled while rolling her eyes at the top alpha."Please save the cheesecake for imo," I smiled at Do-hwan. Jungkook suddenly grew hushed while chatting with Jimin when he noticed his cousin standing alone at the cashier counter."What is he doing here?" Jungkook dimmed his eyes."I heard Hwa-young slapped him the other day at the corporation after he refused to see her?" Minah spoke behind her hand."Really? Of course, she's upset. He ghosted her during the ceremony," So-young shrugged."His father lectured him the past few weeks for failing to keep up with his work at the corporation. The chairmen were furious," Jungkook sighed. Seokjin lifted his gaze briefly to inspect Taehyung. Do-hwan patted my shoulder and left with the paper bags. I shrugged and walked back to the counter as Taehyung clutched the flowers between his arms with his nervous eyes fixed on the menu. It's as if he's afraid to make direct eye contact with me."Can I have... the cherry thing...?" He asked, uneasily lifting his eyes to meet mine while poking the menu."Sugar level?" I asked, tapping on the screen with a blank face."Regular," He muttered. I frowned and unconsciously lifted my face to question him. Regular? He usually takes 50%. I didn't say anything and typed on the screen. Taehyung quietly paid for his order and walked away... but halted and turned around again. I raised my eyebrows at his conflicted attitude... as if he wanted to say something."Can I help you with anything else?" I asked."I got this for you on the way from work," Taehyung gulped, handing me the flowers. I froze as he held the bundle of light pink tulips over the counter. The alphas within the cafe grew hushed as they watched him offer the bouquet to me.

"OPPA! WHY WON'T YOU ANSWER MY CALL!?-" A feminine screamed, storming inside the store. Hwa-young appeared with her burning eyes trained on Taehyung. She suddenly froze once she spotted Taehyung with the flower bouquet, so I quickly turned away to brew the drink. She's usually a quiet person... How'd she get so loud and bold???"My phone must've died-" Taehyung muttered, turning to walk away with the flowers in his arms. Hwa-young huffed and followed him to a table."Did you get the flowers for me?" Hwa-young sighed, folding her arms over her chest as she sat across from him."You can have it if you want," Taehyung muttered, placing the bouquet on the table with an unbothered look. Minah scoffed at Hwa-young's obliviousness. I lifted the drink and walked toward Taehyung with the tray. He lifted his eyes to meet mine. I glanced at Hwa-young's upset expression and lowered the drink with a strawberry cake."What are you doing here?" Hwa-young's jaw dropped once she noticed me serving Taehyung the drink."I work here," I muttered. She scoffed and fired Taehyung a sharp glare. Taehyung glanced at the strawberry cake in surprise. It was a slice I saved for myself after work."You came here to see her?!" Hwa-young snapped."Everyone in this cafe is here to see her~!" Jungkook rolled his eyes. Hwa-young huffed and glanced at me rudely. I sighed and turned away when she suddenly grabbed my arm."Yah! Know your boundaries!-" She screamed. SPLAT.I froze in horror after she slapped the strawberry cake... right at my face. Hwa-young angrily seethed as I stood frozen in place with my eyes closed. Minah gasped in disbelief as Jimin's mouth dropped open. Namjoon straightened his back at the tense atmosphere as So-young pursed her lips at her rude behavior. Seokjin turned to look at the commotion with a bewildered look. Drip... The mushy cake splattered onto the floor. My eyelashes were smeared with the cream, so I exhaled and rubbed the sticky paste off my face with my forearm."Sora-" Jungkook gasped, leaping to his feet with his furious scowl on Hwa-young as Seokjin tensed in his seat. The half-blood was cut short when Hwa-young suddenly thrust me backward. Usually... she never dared to look me in the eyes... but she's shoving me around now...?"This is insane! You guys should've invited us!- Omo!" Mira chirped, cluelessly pushing the door open to stroll inside the cafe with Minho. They both halted when they found me covered... with the strawberry cake. Taehyung sighed, quickly getting up from his seat to seize Hwa-young's hand, but she hastily tugged back and turned to glare at me as I lowered my body to pick up the fallen chunk on the floor with my bare hand."Hwa-young-""You're a pathetic whore!- Ah!?-" Hwa-young screamed but was cut short when I seized her vulnerable throat with one hand, angrily slapping the dirty cake I picked from the floor into her opened mouth. Her eyes widened in horror as she gripped my wrist to resist me, but I roughly pushed her frail body down until she collapsed onto the chair while stuffing her with the nasty creams and crumbs.She coughed in distress and tried to spit the cake out of her mouth, but I aggressively clutched her cheeks between my fingers to keep her head tilted upward. I wiped the cream from my face, furiously smearing it over her glossy lips to make her swallow the smashed cake.Hwa-young whimpered, frantically attempting to push me away... so I grabbed her hair to yank her head backward, making her gasped in pain. I snatched Taehyung's untouched cold drink from the table and... roughly poured the fluid into her cake-filled mouth until it overflowed. She began gagging beneath me.Hwa-young choked in difficulty as I squeezed her cheeks between my fingers to keep her mouth open. I emptied the drink into her mouth until it spilled messily from the corner of her lips—the ice cubes... splattering on the floor. I finally released her face, roughly shoving her head aside as she sat on the chair with a mouth filled with soggy cake. She whimpered and barfed out the liquid in distress as I darkly stood over her. The alphas within the room grew hushed after I forcefully choked Chul Hwa-young without a hint of remorse. Jungkook remained frozen in terror as Hwa-young cried with her head hung low."The next time you raise your voice... or even... attempt to embarrass me with your ill-manners... I promise you... it's not a cake that I will shove down your throat- I am the fucking supreme alpha, Chul Hwa-young... and you're nothing... nothing compared to me! So don't fucking dare disrespect me! You'd be rotting in your grave- If I wanted to end your pathetic life, so don't try to drag me into your dick game!" I bellowed, looming murderously over her. Hwa-young sobbed with her hands clasped over her lips as her slimy spit... dripped from her chin. She lifted her tearful eyes to glare at me. Taehyung blankly stood beside her as he watched Hwa-young whimper in frustration. I hastily grabbed the flower bouquet and shoved it back into his arms."And you fucking scumbag!- Don't ever bring me flowers again! Your stupid colorful petals won't flutter my heart! Take your fucking bitch and leave!" I snapped, furiously seizing his arm to drag him out of the cafe. Taehyung unconsciously stumbled after me as I roughly shoved him out of the door as Mira and Minho stood petrified by the door."Oh- Oh!? Sora! What are you doing?!" Bogum gasped, appearing by the door in bewilderment as I hastily stormed back inside to grab Hwa-young's arm and yanked her onto her feet. I shoved her out of the store and banged the glass door shut before flipping the sign on the door. CLOSED. I thumped the glass with my glowering eyes on the couple. Bogum glanced back and forth between me and Hwa-young messy condition as Taehyung stood beside her with his rejected flowers.I fumed angrily and circled the counter to dab my sweaty neck as the alphas remained frozen in their seat. I glared at Mira and Minho in annoyance as they stared at me with pale expressions. They didn't dare budge an inch."ARE YOU ORDERING OR NOT!?" I screamed, causing them to flinch in a panic."I'll get an ice americano! And hot macha for Mira!" Minho stuttered, quickly walking forward. I hastily typed on the screen as he paid for the drink.The couple immediately hurried away to sit with Seokjin in fear. I angrily washed my greasy face to rub off the cream and finally turned to brew the drink for the couple. The cafe remained hushed, so I sighed after five minutes and carefully placed the drink for the alphas. Mira thanked me, nervously sipping her drink as Bogum stepped inside the cafe with a bewildered look... after apologizing to Taehyung and Hwa-young outside the store."Yah? Why are you closing the store so early???" Bogum asked. He halted when he noticed my dirty attire and glanced at the splattered cake on the floor. I didn't reply, grabbed the mop, and aggressively mopped the sticky drink and cake."I'll head home..." Yoongi nervously stood up and left with Hoseok. One by one... The alphas left the place until the store was empty. Bogum grew hushed as he counted the cash by the counter in our vacant cafe just a bit after dawn."You made a lot of sales today..." Bogum muttered. I didn't reply and hastily moved the chairs around. I did all the chores and finally changed into my casual clothes. Bogum was leaning against the wall outside the locker room with his arms crossed, waiting to speak with me."I'll head home-""Do you want to drink? I'll treat you to dinner," He grimaced at my sour expression. I halted to stare at him in silence.
A moment later
"NO WAY?! HE DID THAT!?-" Bogum gasped, spitting his soju in shock."He snatched the ring right off my finger and shoved it onto hers!" I nodded and took a shot of the clear liquor. Bogum dramatically scoffed and thumped his fist on the table in irritation."I should've kicked his ass this afternoon!" He grimaced."I'm over him! It doesn't matter!" I shrugged."I'll make sure to kick him out of our cafe the next time he visits! Should I print out their faces and paste them on the door?! NO CHEATERS! IN BOLD RED!" Bogum drunkenly leaned forward to narrow his eyes on me. I chuckled at his offer as I chewed the sizzling pork belly."Don't bother. He's a powerful man," I shook my head."What about the people in the cafe earlier? Are they your friends?" Bogum asked, pouring me a drink. I quickly lifted the glass with my hands to accept the liquor."Yeah- No. Not exactly. I wouldn't call them... my friends. It's complicated," I shrugged."The men are handsome. Especially the dude with broad shoulders. He seems decent," Bogum giggled, colliding his shot glass with mine. We both took a huge gulp from the glass. I let out a satisfied gasp as Bogum screwed his face in distress."He's my ex-boyfriend," I nodded. Bogum's eyes widened."Seriously?!-""Yeah. We dated for a short time. He's a good man... but I broke up with him," I shrugged. Bogum scoffed and lowered his head.We chatted over our pork belly charcoal tray until we emptied a few bottles of soju. Bogum is a really funny man when he's drunk. He'd express his frustration over my love affairs and claim to beat up the men for me. We laughed over our jokes and finally stumbled out of the restaurant."Are you sure you can get home safe?" Bogum burped as he staggered over the sidewalk."I'll be fine. You should head home!" I smacked his arm. He shook his head and lifted his drunken eyes to meet mine. I frowned as he wiggled his finger before my dazed face. "No! I must take you home! Kaja!" He chuckled, wrapping his arm around my neck to drag me forward. I giggled as we drunkenly strolled over the empty pavements."Ah! Haha! Be careful~!" I giggled when he clumsily tripped over his own shoes. Bogum chuckled as he held onto my arm for support. We somehow arrived at my apartment after twenty minutes of walking... aimlessly with our numbed minds."Head inside," Bogum smiled, shoving me towards the door. I grinned."Do you want to stay over? It's a bit late," I muttered, switching on my phone to check the time. It's already 1:00 AM."No. I'll head home," Bogum shook his head. I chuckled and placed out my hand. Bogum lifted his eyebrow in confusion."Let's be friends!" I grinned. Bogum chuckled and held my hand to give me a firm shake."But- We have to maintain our work relationship. I'm still your boss- so don't try to close my shop without my permission again!" Bogum playfully glared. I chuckled and nodded. He pulled me into a warm hug, so I patted his back and stepped back as he struggled to stand in place."Bye~! I'll see you work tomorrow, sajang-nim~! Have a safe trip home~!" I giggled, politely bowing at Bogum. He chuckled, waved at me, and drunkenly walked away. Shaking my head with a weak smile, I scanned my card at the entrance and strolled inside the apartment lobby."My lady," The receptionist greeted. I smiled at him and walked toward the elevator while fumbling my fingers in my pocket."Oh?! Why is the store key with me!?" I gasped, pulling out Bogum's key from my pocket. Shit! I frantically turned around and rushed out of the building."BOGUM!-" I called, sprinting down the sidewalk as he crossed the block ahead. He didn't seem to hear me, so I called for him to stop as I chased the drunk man.

"THE STORE KEY-" I gasped, stopping to catch my breath as Bogum crossed the empty street. Whatever! I'm out of breath~! I'll... just visit the cafe early tomorrow to drop off the key- ZOOM! A powerful gust of wind swept past me as I stood on the sidewalk. I lifted my laggy head to stare at the swift... headlights... passing by my side... and shifted my gaze to the crosswalk at the intersection where Bogum was crossing. CRASH.A loud collision suddenly erupted as the tire screeched violently over the asphalt. The car... wildly drifted to the side... ramming right into the traffic light. My eyes widened in shock as I remained petrified on the side of the road. Bogum disappeared. W-Where did he-?"B-Bogum!? Park Bogum!?" I gasped, sprinting forward in fright. I fearfully crossed the small street and ran as fast as my legs could carry me toward the main intersection. My breath hitched in my throat as I halted at the side of the street.Wide awake... I stood... paralyzed... as my heart pounded in fear at the sight of a body... sprawling in the middle of the road. His... thick blood paste... oozing... all over the ground. I glanced at the car as it roared to life again. The driver suddenly reversed the vehicle with a damaged hood and raced away to avoid their crime. Leaving me... alone on the street as I stared at the lifeless body near the crosswalk. Lips trembling... I sprinted forward in devastation."Bogum!" I cried in horror, collapsing hard onto the road to seize his injured body. Bogum was unconscious as heavy blood trickled from his head. I grabbed his face and lifted his body off the ground to prevent the blood from freely gushing out of his wound as the hot tears flowed down my cheeks.

"Bogum! Wake up!- Shit!-" I sobbed, shakily slapping his cheek, but he was unresponsive. I quickly dug my hand into my pocket to dial Do-hwan as I knelt in the middle of the road with Bogum's wrecked body in my arms. Sora! You have to be stable!"Big man!?" I sobbed aggressively."What's-""CALL AN AMBULANCE! PLEASE- MY BOSS- HE WAS HIT BY A CAR-""WHAT-""SOMEONE HIT HIM ON THE ROAD! PLEASE- HE'S BLEEDING TOO MUCH- IT'S THE INTERSECTION NEAR MY APARTMENT- SEND AN AMBULANCE!-" I screamed at my phone in distress but halted when I noticed a headlight flickering before my face. Flick. Flick. I blinked at the lights.My eyes widened in horror with the phone pressed against my ear as Bogum slumped weakly against me. The same... car with the dented... hood... reappeared. My hands started trembling as the person sat stiffly in the driver's seat. I couldn't see who it was but the person... was calmly sitting behind the steering wheel."SORA- I NEED YOU TO STAY CALM. GET OFF THE ROAD-""YAH! YOU FUCKER!" I screamed, quickly scrambling onto my feet in tears as the car remained at a halt on the road. VROOM. VROOM. SCREECH!The car suddenly blasted forward, racing towards me as I stood over the crossroad with my bloody fingers gripped around my phone. The deafening screeching of the tires... filling the empty night sky as I stared at the vehicle with my eyes wide open."SORA?! JANG SORA! GO BACK TO YOUR APARTMENT-" Do-hwan voice boomed through the phone speaker as I watched the car zoom towards me over the asphalt road. I glanced at Bogum's lifeless body and back at the car in a panic. I can't leave him! Or the fucking car will run over- JANG SORA YOU'LL BE THE NEXT DEAD BODY IF YOU DON'T LEAVE!"Do-hwan... It's not- a hit and run-" I cried, dropping my phone, wildly bending down to seize Bogum by his armpits and attempted to haul his lifeless body over the ground."ARGH!- BOGUM!" I screamed in distress as I desperately dragged him off the road."SORA!" Do-hwan's voice roared from the phone as the car appeared before me. I froze on the empty intersection with my tearful eyes on the bright beam while gripping Park Bogum's body in fear as my heart hammered out of control. Thump. Thump. Thump.Run... Sora... you have to run... A terrified voice spoke up in my head.The luminous white beam... blinding my sight as the powerful breeze of the car speed blasted against my vulnerable body. I whimpered... legs weakly wobbling to the ground as the car fired straight... toward me.
CRASH.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The luminous glow of white beams... blinding my sight as the powerful breeze of the car speed blasted against my vulnerable body. I whimpered... legs weakly wobbling to the ground as the car fired straight... toward me.

CRASH.
The unexpected presence of another car narrowly missed my hips as it tore past me at a deadly speed, thrusting my body aside with its propelling force. I stumbled backward with Bogum's lifeless body... as the sports rammed right into the dented car, violently steering it off the road until it flipped over on the sidewalk. CRASH. I squinted at the blinding headlights as the two vehicles wildly drifted across the asphalt. A burst of sparks scattered all over the road as the tire-screeching sound tore through the empty street.My legs wobbled weakly- Thud. I fell hard onto the rough road. CRASH.An ear-splitting sound erupted again, causing my heart to drop in fear as I watched... the glowing orange blaze... bursting toward the peaceful night sky. My eyes bulged open in shock at the scene of the explosion. W-What just happened? Where did the other car come from?!

I frantically glanced around the empty street to search for help and back to the dented car... that was now upside down on the pavement and to the burning sportscar in horror. My eyes swelled with warm tears as I stared at the familiar plate number on the back of the car. Why is he here!? I froze on the road once I noticed... a man.... struggling to open the car door. The fallen street sign... blocking his path as he repeatedly shoved the door to escape the fire."Taehyung?!" I screamed, scrambling onto my feet in fear as he frantically thumped his fist against the cracked window to force open his damaged door but failed miserably. The alpha suddenly lowered his head and slumped weakly against the car seat. The fire dangerously caught on the engine, so I gulped at the disorder and stepped forward just as an icy jolt pounded my hollow chest with its darkness. Halt.I stood blankly... watching Kim Taehyung sit motionless with his head titled against the window. His bright red blood... trickling from his hairline as the raging fire expanded toward the inner compartment. Should I leave him to die...? He doesn't deserve to live.
SORA! HE SAVED YOU AND BOGUM!
Blink. I snapped out of my dark thoughts at the strong odor of the burning fuel, causing my numbed chest to pulsate in fear. I shook my head to resist the dark temptation, gripped my hands, and sprinted toward the blackspot's car.

Taehyung's head suddenly flopped on the steering wheel as I attempted to haul the stop sign away from the car to clear the path... but the broken pole was lodged into the metallic door. The car will explode! What do I do!? I can't get him out-! My eyes fell upon a brick... beside the tire. Fuck! I hastily snatched the heavy brick from the ground, hurling it straight at the car's window without thinking.THUMP. I furiously slammed it against the window. No impact. Argh! I crushed the window again until a small crack formed. THUMP. I banged the brick again and again until my palm surged in pain. The car windows are force-resistant! I nervously glanced at the raging fire... that was now flaming over the windshield. My heart started pounding in fear as the thick smoke filled the inner compartment. He'll die from the poisonous gas! THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! I swung my arm back and forth to break the window until the sweat droplets dripped from my chin."ARGH!" I screamed for the last time, violently thumping the brick over the cracked glasses- SMASH! The consistent violence ultimately shattered the sturdy window. I swiftly struck the remaining shards on the rims of the window to form a clear path as Taehyung sat unconscious in his seat. I coughed in distress as the smoke filled my lungs- Shit! I'm running out of time! I quickly bent through the window opening to unbuckle his seatbelt, firmly grabbing his torso to secure his body."Taehyung!?- Wake up! Taehyung!? You're too heavy!" I cried in distress while struggling to heave his body through the window. Thud. I lost my grip, causing him to slump weakly against his seat. Taehyung's head flopped to the side... so I gritted my teeth and leaned deeper to encircle my arm around his torso again. Sora! The car will fucking explode-"ARGHHHH!" I howled at the top of my lungs as I heaved his massive body with all my might to yank him over the car window. My body started shaking from the tensed strains on my sore muscles as I fought to hold his deadweight mass. I refused to surrender his body to the raw fire and thumped my shoe against the car door to force my body backward while hauling him through the window. "SORA!? SORA- GET AWAY FROM THE CAR!" Someone warned from behind me. I ignored the warning and towed Taehyung's biceps with my arm as the fire flared to the inner compartment.
The gas is leaking!
"ARGH!- ARGH!- ARGH!" I screamed in dread, furiously jerking his body until he slid off the window and thump! He landed hard on the road. My legs wobbled weakly, so I collapsed beside him, rolling to the side in pain as a sharp pain surged up my lower back.I suddenly felt light-headed upon the scorching heat as the thick smoke clogged my lungs with its poisonous vapor. I gasped and coughed frantically to clear my windpipe when the flames suddenly erupted from the car window. I cried in fear, unconsciously shielding my face as the scorching flames reached for me with its rageful fire. Thump. Thump. My temples throbbed intensely against the side of my head as I rubbed my burning chest to expel the smoke from my lungs. I'm nauseous... I fearfully glanced at Taehyung, who was lifeless beside the burning car."SORA!" The person shouted. I scrambled over the pavement, dodging the flames near the car to grab Taehyung's arms, and hauled him over the road to draw him away from the burning vehicle as the reeking gas filled my nostrils with the alarming odor. We were about five feet from the car. My eyes widened in horror as I paused to stare at the blazing flames... as it viciously consumed the inner compartment until the seats and leather ignited on fire."Urgh...?" Taehyung suddenly opened his dazed eyes to find... me staring at the burning car in dread. He lifted his bleeding head to gaze at the car as all the windows shattered from the severe heat. Crack. Crack. Crack- Smash!"ARGH!" I cried- KABOOM. The scorching heat wave suddenly fired in our direction as I stood petrified with my arms around Taehyung's torso. THUMP. Taehyung suddenly tackled me onto the road, sending us flying backward as the powerful force slammed against our bodies. I screamed in fright at the violent impact and roughly rolled over the rough asphalt. Thump! Thump!Our bodies... collided hard against the road. Taehyung gripped tightly onto my body as we violently skidded across the street. Thump! We came to a halt.He softly grunted against me. I can't feel my legs anymore.I kept my eyes closed as I listened to our ragged breathing while struggling to recollect my scattered mind. Huff... Huff... My heart was racing out of control as I remained motionless on the ground until... my sensitive nostrils picked up a burnt... scent... its as if someone was roasted to ashes. Fearfully, I opened my eyes to find Taehyung... slumping lifelessly beside me with his arms... cushioned under my body and head. My heart throbbed in anguish as I stared at his smudged face. The hot vapor... steaming from his burnt clothes.
Shit! He's on fire!
"PUT OUT THE FIRE!" Do-hwan shouted as Taehyung lay on the ground with his searing clothes. I gasped and sat up in terror as the guards blasted the extinguisher at Taehyung's back.Do-hwan quickly grabbed my arm to draw me away from the motionless alpha and pulled me onto my feet as I kept my eyes on Taehyung's flaming body. I gawked at the... wreckage across the street... violently bursting into flames... as the guards attempted to contain the fire. There was nothing in my mind as I remained in extreme shock. Parts of the road were melting from the heat and the tire rubber... staining all over the street as the dark oil leaked from the damaged engine."Get the ambulance ready for transport!" Do-hwan demanded as a few guards carried Bogum's body off the street.Do-hwan quickly bent down to heave Taehyung and hurried away with another guard, so I turned after them until I noticed... something slipping out of Taehyung's burnt jacket. A flower. I paused to stare at the single stem. Cautiously... I approached the... rose... on my aching feet. I crouched down to pick up the withered petals... and stared at the dead flower without blinking. The blooming petals... falling off one by one after being exposed to the scorching heat."Sora!- Are you okay!?" Jungkook appeared, dashing towards me. I lifted my tearful eyes to watch him sprint towards me. Thump! Jungkook pulled me into a crushing hug, so I lowered my hand to hug him with the rose gripped tightly between my palm and lowered my face to lean against Jungkook's shoulder for support.
Did he... return to bring me flowers again? How foolish of him.

A moment later.
Do-hwan anxiously paced back and forth in the corridor as I sat with Jungkook on the hospital's bench until the Jeons arrived on the floor, rushing out of the elevator with a pale expression. The Kims and my parents are on a business trip abroad, so Mr. Jeon is in charge of the households. The elderly man immediately pulled me into a crushing hug before rushing off to speak with the doctor, so I sighed and sat back down as Jungkook chatted with his stepmother."Is he okay???" Jimin appeared with his parents, hurrying towards us in his pajamas. His hair... striking in every direction. I nervously glanced at the emergency room. If Taehyung didn't show up... I'll probably be dead in the emergency room by now.The doctors eventually stepped out to announce the physical condition of the patients. Kim Taehyung and Bogum are both alive. The stuffiness within my chest suddenly subsided at the fortunate news. Thank god they're alright... especially Taehyung. I would've lived my remaining life in remorse if he died to save me. The elders, Jungkook, Jimin, and Do-hwan instantly entered Taehyung's suite to check on him after the nurses transferred him from the emergency room.I sat on the bench without budging. I could've... left him to die. What's happening to me? The voices in my head... It almost convinced me to kill Kim Taehyung. Am I turning into a monster? I'm scared of it... the darkness within me. It's been rooting its evil... within my mind ever since I let it numb my first heartbreak. The twisted thoughts... urging me to kill for pleasure. What if I ended up losing control? I might harm the innocent souls around me.Sighing, I got up from the bench, approached the opposite suite, and entered to find two guards inside the room with Bogum, who was resting on the bed with a bandage around his injured head. I sighed and stared at him in silence. Was the accident a mere hit-and-run? Or an attack? But why is an average like him the target? The person definitely returned to finish me off. Perhaps... they didn't want to leave a witness? I sat with Bogum throughout the night until Do-hwan asked me to head home with him."Do you want to see him?" Do-hwan asked, glancing at the dead rose in my hand. I've been carrying with me. I stared at it with a blank face. Is it necessary to see his face? I bitterly stared at the suite's door and entered alone to find Taehyung... resting on his side with the bandage secured over his back. Slowly... I walked over to his bedside and placed the withered rose on his open palm with my eyes fixed on his swollen face.I faintly sighed and turned away in defeat. I don't want to see him. I simply visited him to return his flower. I abruptly stopped dead at a slight tug on my hand, so I turned to face the medical bed and glanced down to stare at his bandaged fingers... wrapped weakly around mine as he held onto the dead rose. I lifted my gaze to scan his closed eyelids as a single teardrop dripped from his face and onto the pillow. The room remained hushed as we both listened to the monotonous sound of the health monitor. I exhaled, drew my cold fingers from his desperate grasp, and turned to leave the room without looking back. He's conscious.Do-hwan escorted me back to the penthouse after dealing with the hospital registration documents. The man instructed his men to securely patrol the alpha and the average over the phone while pacing back and forth in my living room, so I took a shower to wash the blood and dirt off my body. I stood in silence under the cold downpour without flinching. There was nothing on my mind but a hollow void in my chest. I felt dreadful. Is it merely an accident? Or another scheme to threaten my life?I finally switch off the shower after I let the lukewarm water drain the thoughts in my clouded head. My fingertips were wrinkled from the prolonged exposure to the water. I sighed, pulled on my nightgown, and strolled into the living room as the morning sun rose over the city. It's... already morning? Do-hwan didn't leave my side and chose to stay with me."Sit down," Do-hwan patted the couch as he sat in his casual clothes. I sat beside him, weakly tilting my body to rest my head on the man's lap. Do-hwan smiled while patting my hair before lifting my arm and rolled up my sleeves to reveal the friction burns. The man quietly treated my wound over my limbs until I fell asleep on his thigh. I felt safe around him.I woke up at noon and groggily snuggled my face against the pillow on my bed. Was it a nightmare? Nope. I can still recall the disturbing accident.The man must've brought me to my room after treating me. I sniffed the savory scent in the air while lying on the mattress with my eyes closed and slowly crawled off the bed after my stomach growled hungrily. I halted once I noticed the neat bandages all over my arms and legs by the doorway, covering every wound visible to the eye."What are you cooking?" I asked, sleepily strolling out of my room to find Do-hwan placing the meals on the table."You have to take your medication," Do-hwan shrugged as I sat on the counter. I smiled at the warm food and back at the man in admiration. We had lunch together, and Do-hwan left for work after spending the morning at my penthouse.
A few days later.
I quietly wiped the counter with a cloth after washing plates and turned to adjust the cake in the freezer. A few customers entered the cafe to place their orders, so I immediately set off to work. It wasn't a busy day today... so I ended up... mopping the cafe... and cleaning the windows during my free time. Bogum is still hospitalized, but I didn't want to take my days off, so I decided to continue working because it was the only way to keep my mind off the incident.
Do-hwan claimed the incident was a hit-and-run because the driver disappeared that night. They couldn't find a trace of the person's DNA in the car.

The incident didn't sit right with me... so I asked the big man to investigate the case further.
"Annyeonghaseyo-" I greeted the customer while arranging the cakes on the display. I halted once I recognized the person. Sungho awkwardly looked at me from across the counter."My sister... asked me to get cakes... strawberry cakes... for her fiancé," Sungho cleared his throat."How many?" I asked blankly."Uh... We'll have two," Sungho nodded. I quietly typed on the screen. The alpha paid for it as he nervously observed my unbothered reaction."I'm sorry about my sister's behavior. I heard... about her coarse attitudes toward you..." Sungho apologized. I nodded and turned to pack the cakes for him."Thank you," I blankly smiled, handing him the paper bag, so he sighed and left after I refused to accept his apology. Hwa-young threw a tantrum after I humiliated her at the cafe and demanded that I apologize to her in front of everyone... but I never bothered to fulfill her request. The audacity to make me beg her for forgiveness? Did she think she was the 'It Girl' after I lost my man to her? Pfft. How delusional.
She's a blooming beauty on the outside... but is a rotting soul on the inside.
I kept myself busy at the cafe with my routine task until it was almost time to close the shop, so I crouched before the counter to sort out the packages. Carefully counting the inventory while noting down in a small notebook and finally stood up again."KAMJAGIYA!" I screamed, stumbling backward at the presence of an unexpected person before the counter. My heart thumped so hard- I almost fainted. The man stood... in his place... staring at my startled reaction in his hospital gown. Why did he have to show up dressed in white!? I thought he was a ghost!"The sign on the door... says... open," Taehyung muttered, nervously nodding at the sigh. I stared at him in disbelief while rubbing my chest as he stood with an arm cast on his left forearm. Did he run away from the hospital? Why is he here? What if Hwa-young shows up to cause a scene again? I swear I'll lose my shit!

"I'm about to close the shop-""There's one strawberry cake left," He nodded at the freezer. I glanced at the only slice and back at the healing bruises on his face. He's a stubborn asshole."Your fiancée dropped by earlier to pack it for you," I grumbled, turning to take off my apron. Still. Taehyung didn't budge and placed his black card on the counter, tapping it with a determined face. I grimaced and placed the order for him. Why is he so annoying!? I would've felt so much better if he married Hwa-young and moved on as I did... but why is he back?
He'll only complicate our relationship.

A moment later.
I carefully placed the cake before him with a fork and sat at the table as he quietly observed my cold expression. He's been monitoring me the entire time, and it's seriously very uncomfortable! Maybe he'll leave if I confront him? I shoved the tissues forward and crossed my arms over my chest."Thank you for saving me," Taehyung muttered, lowering the spoon to dig into the cake. I stared at the healing bruises on his knuckles.

"You saved me. Why were you there?" I asked bitterly. If it weren't for Taehyung... I'd probably be dead by now."I wanted to see you, but you came home late, so I waited in my car," Taehyung shrugged. I sat in silence as he ate the cake. Apparently... Taehyung was waiting outside my building to give me the rose, but I came home drunk with Bogum. He was about to leave after seeing my drunken state until he witnessed the hit and run. Taehyung drove right... into the car to stop it from hitting me at the very last second."You should leave. There's really no point in seeing me anymore," I sighed after Taehyung finished his cake. Taehyung lifted his dim eyes to mine while licking the cream on his fork. The damage can't be undone, and I will not let him sway me with his desperate pleas. He wasn't there when I needed him most.
Kim Taehyung left me in the dust and I'll never forget the pain I endured because of his betrayal. I'd be a fool if I returned to him.
"It feels like we have matching wounds, but mine's still black and bruised... and yours is perfectly fine now," Taehyung mumbled. The man appeared somewhat... almost disappointed. Did he expect me to share the discomfort with him?"It's the product of your heartless nature," I shrugged, getting up to collect the plate.
He's playing the victim card to weaken me again. The victim? After tearing me apart? It's ridiculous. I wonder if he has a brain or a heart? To bear the remorse of hurting me? How can he shamelessly claim to be the victim after torturing me with his brutal acts? In the end, I never mattered. My feelings and pleas never mattered to him. The world must only revolve around him and only him.

Kim Taehyung is the victim, and I'm the villain for being insensitive to his feelings. It's expected of him to guilt trip me by comparing our wounds, but I won't react to his accusations. He loves to place me in an unstable condition to diffuse my anger and ultimately... weaken my senses until I take the blame and submit to him.
"If you hate me so much... Why didn't you leave me to die? I'd be better off dead," Taehyung darkly stared at me. See? He's making me question my effort to save his ass. Did he really think I did it out of love? I could've been heartless... and reversed his brutal acts, but what would it make me? I'll end up like him. An abuser."I'm not like you and never will be. I won't let you turn me into a cold-blooded monster because of your awful mistreatments. Many people love and cherish me unconditionally... so I won't let my wound bleed onto them because of you. And no... I won't let you sacrifice your life for me because I don't need you to be the hero in my life. It's your decision to save me, and I shouldn't be obligated to be thankful for your sacrifice. Dead or alive... That's your decision. Don't die for me, and don't live for me because either way... I'll never be grateful," I replied with my empty gaze fixed on his slight frown, coldly turning away with the dish.Taehyung remained hushed in his seat at the corner of the table as I washed the dirty cups and plates in the sink. He's trying desperately to reconcile our relationship with the excuses of saving one another. Why did he save my life? Why did I save him? We must care for each other...? Hence... we probably still love each other. That's bullshit. We were caught up in the unforeseen disorder, and it was our natural instinct to survive, so I did whatever I could to keep him alive because what's the point of killing him? He should suffer his terrible blunders in life.I switched off the empty freezer, so Taehyung got up from his seat and slowly limped out of the store in his medical attire. He didn't bid me goodbye and pulled the door open, suddenly halting with his eyes on another person outside the door. Taehyung glanced at me briefly as I looked past him with a cloth in my hand to find a tall man... standing in his long coat. His broad shoulders... were enough for me to identify him. Kim Seokjin blankly stared at Kim Taehyung by the door. Neither of the top alpha budged, so I cleared my throat and announced the shop's closure. Seokjin finally stepped aside to let Taehyung past him as I mopped the floor. The alpha didn't enter the cafe, so I sighed in relief and took my time to wipe the tables. I finally sealed the cash till and turned to stroll out the door. Should I visit Bogum...? Click. I locked the door with the key- but stopped dead when I found Kim Seokjin standing by the sidewalk with his attention on his shoes. He lifted his dashing visual to gaze at me. I cleared my throat and walked forward."I couldn't bake carrot cakes today. It's not available... if that's why you're here," I smiled. Seokjin huffed, slightly shaking his head with a sweet smile plastered on his face."I gained weight because of the frequent visit to your cafe, so I came late on purpose, hoping you'd sell out all of your cakes," He chuckled."Wae?" I stared at him curiously."I don't want to gain weight," He shrugged."No. Why are you here?" I asked. Seokjin lifted his enchanting pupils to me and glanced at his parked Bentley."Can you spare some time?" He asked. I pursed my lips while staring at him with a conflicted look. Taehyung isn't the only person attempting... re-enter my life."Well. If you have something to say... we can talk," I sighed. Seokjin smiled and walked over to his car to hold the door open for me. I got in the passenger seat and buckled my seatbelt as Seokjin rounded the car to get in beside me. He started the engine and we left the cafe after my evening shift.At least... I know Seokjin will be honest with his intentions. I'll sort out the problem one by one. I leaned back against the car seat with my eyes on the window until... I spotted... a man in a medical uniform sitting alone under a bench. My chest uneasily stirred as I watched Taehyung sit with his head hung low. Why is he sitting alone? Gulping, I glanced at the car mirror as the car passed by the block. Seokjin cluelessly glanced at me, so I smiled and looked forward. He's not my concern.
A moment later.
I quietly followed Seokjin as he trekked over the dimly lit path leading up a hillside until we arrived at the elevated view with the beautiful city lights. He stopped by a store to grab fried chicken and snacks, so I figured we'd be spending... our night together. I was a bit suspicious of his intention but figured Seokjin wasn't the type of man to do anything inappropriate. Seokjin carefully settled at a vacant picnic table under the dim light pole as I glanced around the empty area. People usually gather here in the afternoon to watch the sunset."Aren't you afraid of getting attacked?" I asked. It's dangerous for a top alpha to visit an unsecured area without security."I believe I'm not the target," Seokjin shrugged as he placed the bag on the worn-out bench. I sat beside him with my fingers curled in my pocket. Seokjin handed me a warm chocolate can, so I popped it open to take a sip while staring at the view. He didn't bring alcohol... which indicates... he intends to stay sober."So... what's the occasion?" I asked, turning to smile at Seokjin. He was too busy searching through the plastic bag, so I sighed and took another sip."It's your birthday today, Sora," Seokjin muttered. I halted when he suddenly brought out a small cake before my face. I stared at the cake with a startled look before shifting my gaze to Seokjin as he poked the cream with a single yellow candle. My birthday???I glanced at the city view with my lips ajar. The alpha lit the candle with a match as I unblinkingly stared at him. Seokjin smiled and lifted the cake before my face until I felt the warmth of the tiny flame warming my cheeks with its flares. I stared at the small candlelight and back at Seokjin until my chest churned intensely. I was extremely touched by his effort."I don't usually... celebrate my birthday," I whispered. Since the day I was abandoned in a foreign country... I never had the courage to celebrate my existence because I felt like... I didn't deserve to live. My family was away... and I had no one to rely on, so... year after year... I never... celebrated my birthday until I forgot my birth date—24th January.
It's pitiful to celebrate alone... so I figured it's best if... I dismissed it.

"Make your first wish," Seokjin encouraged. I smiled, closed my eyes to make a wish, and gently blew the candle. I sat quietly with my eyes closed. The alpha turned to place the cake aside once I opened my bright eyes. He's so sweet! The gesture is warming my heart!"You're the only person to remember my birthday," I chuckled. No one congratulated me today. Even I... Jang Sora... didn't remember the day of my birth. Seokjin handed me the fried chicken drumstick with a weak smile, so I chuckled and ate quietly. The alpha weirdly didn't buy us alcohol and brought juices instead. Well. He said he didn't want to gain weight."I wanted to celebrate with you... but our relationship didn't make it to your special day. Your parents never celebrated your birthday?" Seokjin asked, curiously glancing at me. I nodded."They did when I was young but never bothered after I moved away. No one visited me, and I was too miserable alone... so I never really cared either. My existence itself is the pain in the ass to everyone's lives," I chuckled. Seokjin bitterly shook his head as he chewed the juicy chicken. I smiled at the small teddy bear cake and glanced at Seokjin again. He's so cute! I had the urge to give him a warm hug... but figured it was too awkward... so I refrained from doing so."You're only the pain in people's lives because of everyone's greed to have you in their life. Love can't exist without pain. No one would even bother to let your existence affect their inner feelings if they didn't care enough about you," Seokjin shrugged. I slowly chewed and lifted my eyes to stare at him with an uneasy feeling."Love is pain?" I asked."No. Love is love... and pain is pain but love comes with attachment and desires... and it can be painful once one fails to secure love..." He smiled. I scoffed."Well. You'd be dead if you can't feel pain. One must live to suffer hardship and misery. Pain is the only reminder of life," I agreed. Seokjin handed me a water bottle as I struggled to swallow the greasy chicken."What did you wish for?" Seokjin asked. I paused and glanced at him."Your well-being," I smiled."Why?" He asked, widening his eyes in surprise."I really don't desire anything right at this moment... and you're the only person to remember my birthday... so... I suppose you deserve some blessing for the sweet chivalry," I shrugged. Seokjin chuckled softly and lowered his face to shake his head in disbelief."You should treat yourself-""Why is it that you don't hate me? After all the troubles and... the pain I caused you during our break up? Why?" I asked while staring at him. He must've felt the same way I felt toward Taehyung. The betrayal... but why is he so carefree? Is there a difference? I know he wants to say something but is conflicted and I hate that he's hesitating... after claiming he wanted to speak with me. Seokjin grew quiet as he thought about my words."Of course, I was hurt by your decision to end our relationship-""Then why are you still pursuing me?" I asked. It's obvious. Seokjin has been low-key about his desires... but he's very expressive of his feelings once confronted."The only reason we got together in the first place is because we both thought... we should attempt the hookup culture. We thought we could embrace each other and move on the next day, but I ended up... wanting more. I'm not the type of person... to chase temporary pleasure or love," Seokjin sighed."I know," I nodded. We thought we could have sex and dismiss the moment together like all the other youth our age. But we were wrong. The both of us... craved... a deep and intimate form of connection and... a fleeting moment of pleasure... wasn't enough to fill our deep voids."It was my first relationship. And it was your first relationship. I mean- your first non-platonic relationship. I really enjoyed your presence. The quality time we spent together... whether it was sexual or non-sexual... I always appreciated our moments. But we were both inexperienced with adult love. And... there were many... misunderstandings between us because of our contrasting nature. You were a mess. A broken and reckless person. In contrast, I was the perfect guy with a pristine and organized nature. I didn't feel comfortable letting you... stir up a mess in my life because I felt like I'd lose control of everything... and you weren't comfortable with my pureness. You must've felt restricted and... guilty for staining me," Seokjin muttered. I thought about his words. He's right. I always felt ashamed of the troubles I brought into his life. Seokjin might've been patient with me, but... he was silently suffering and being the childish person I was... I took it personally when he tried to confront me."I felt like I was holding you back with my disastrous turbulence," I agreed. I've always felt sorry for dragging Seokjin into childish troubles."Right. We weren't used to each other's nature. But... somehow... You were the perfect balance in my life. I didn't mind being smudged by your clumsiness or... unfiltered behavior. I realized... it was okay to stain myself with dirty smudges and that... being pure and plain... is boring and tiresome. Why is it that... I always have to be so perfect? It didn't make sense to me. I liked the marks you left on me because... you weren't tainting my soul... in fact, you were adding colors... messily scribbling and painting me with your... carefree nature. I liked it. I didn't feel as uptight around you. I was a white canvas, and you painted me with your wild sides," Seokjin smiled. I weakly chuckled. I miss our time together. The comfort I felt... It made me feel whole.
We had a healthy relationship, but I ruined it with personal affairs.
"I felt guilty for ruining you," I shrugged. Why was I so childish? I could've sorted out the problems with him, but I didn't and chose to back out like a coward. Seokjin must be disappointed in me."As I said... we were both inexperienced with our first relationship, and neither of us was comfortable with our contrasting polarity and... that generated a lot of conflict between us," Seokjin nodded."And?" I asked, lifting my eyebrow unsurely. Seokjin stared at my eyes in silence."Now that we've... understood each other's needs and comfort. Perhaps... we could restart our relationship?" He asked. I stared at Seokjin with a flustered face and glanced at the cake with a blank mind. No. I knew Seokjin still had feelings for me. I knew, but I didn't expect him to approach me again after I hurt his feelings. I don't deserve him. At all. Seokjin didn't press me. He quietly sat by my side as I struggled to process my thoughts."Honestly. You're a very good person... and I'm thankful... to have met and been with a man like you. Seokjin, you've proven to me... that I deserve to be treated like a human being. And not a love's prisoner. But right now... my life... It's a wreck. I got my heart broken over another man. My household is unstable. I'm struggling to live my life normally... but it's extremely difficult to simply be happy with my existence- when there's so much going on. I'd only be a burden if I depended on you, and I don't want to take your feelings lightly again. It's not that I don't like you- But I'm afraid I'll remain selfish and ruin a decent man like you. And to be honest, I don't see myself with you- not at this point in life. Our moments are worth cherishing, and you'll always warm my heart with your gentle gestures. But I really don't want to rashly accept a relationship. I'm still healing. And I don't want to bleed on you. My relationship with Taehyung- Left me in a complete wreck. It wouldn't make sense to use you to nurse my pain over another man. I need you to understand that... right at this very moment... I am... still searching for an answer for myself. What do I truly desire? How should I lead my life? Which path should I take? I'm uncertain. How can I hope for a relationship with anyone if I'm unsure of myself?" I sighed, apologetically staring at him. How can I love when I'm not ready?"I understand. I only wanted to convey my feelings... I figured... it's better if we're both conscious of each other's feelings," Seokjin nodded."I'm sorry," I apologetically stared at Seokjin. He quietly stared at me."You don't have to give me an answer. I'm not in a position to ask for your hand in marriage either... not without my power. My life is just as messy. You're right. I'll only be a burden to your life if I hold you... so I guess we're both unprepared... but if... one day... our path clashes with one another again... I am willing to... love you again," He nodded.
I knew. I didn't love Seokjin or Taehyung. Usually... my naive self would confuse... this emotion for love and attraction and immediately assume that... I'm deeply in love with the man, but I was wrong. I'm merely in love with the concept of them and the idea of having them in my life.

It's not that I fall in love easily but because... I'm desperate to seek comfort and love from every man that claims to love me. I so desperately wanted their love to validate my worth... that I ended up agreeing to a relationship I was never prepared for and because of my thoughtless acts to foolishly follow my heart... I've almost destroyed my life for love.

This cycle has to stop until I've truly found myself in the depth of my broken ridges.
________________________
The next day
I quietly left the penthouse as Jungkook and Do-hwan sprawled on my guest bed after drinking with me the night before. Apparently, they too... remembered my birthday. Jungkook and Do-hwan snuck inside my flat to surprise me with drinks and even a cake. I almost smacked them with a broomstick for scaring the crap out of me. They whined about waiting for me all night. I felt sorry for them... so we ended up celebrating my birthday until early morning.
It was my first birthday after almost a decade of being neglected.
"Ah~ I'm an hour late!" I gasped, hurrying toward the cafe to unlock the door and headed inside to open the shop. Do-hwan asked me to stop working until he figured out the links to the attack, but I didn't want to be useless, so I came to work. It's a crowded area in the city, so I'll be fine.A few customers dropped by for their morning coffee ten minutes after I opened the cafe. The first half of the day was pretty busy. I had to close the shop at noon to prepare the dessert for the afternoon demand. I carefully placed the new slices in the freezer. Knock. Knock. Someone knocked on the closed door."We're open now~! Thank you for waiting-" I hurried toward the door to swing it open but paused when I found eomma standing before the glass door with a slight grimace. She didn't utter a word... and strolled past me to sit at an empty table. I gulped and quickly flipped the sign on the door. Close. I can't attend customers with her around."So this is your playroom?" Eomma asked, coldly crossing her legs after taking off her sunglasses."I'm not playing around. I'm working," I muttered, turning to brew my mother a warm ginger tea before settling the cup before her. Eomma bitterly stared at the cheap teacup and back at my ridiculous uniform."Working? This is obviously a distraction," Eomma muttered, picking up the cup to sip it. I quietly stared at her."What is it that you want now? You said you'd let me do anything if I stopped obsessing over-""I promised you a free life but not for you to wipe tables, take out the trash, and serve the average. Jang Sora, you're the supreme alpha," Eomma frowned. I sadly lifted my gaze to meet her stone-cold stare."My only duty as the supreme alpha is to breed an heir," I muttered. That's my only role. She's setting me up with men and bossing me around to find a promising match so she could wed me off."Breeder? I never said you're a breeder... and I definitely didn't birth you to be a breeder. It is you who is refusing to acknowledge your authority in the council. I sent you to a private boarding school, sent you to an elite university, and even set you up with multiple opportunities, and yet- you choose to play around with the creams and crumbs..." Eomma scoffed."You know I'm incapable-""And that's on you. You're the only person doubting your potential and hindering your achievements with your narrow mind. Everything I did... is to secure the power throne for you, but you're backing away like a coward before you even lifted the sword," She shook her head. I stared at her in silence."What do you want me to do? You already gave Kim Taehyung access to the chairmen's building-""Kim Taehyung doesn't own us. He doesn't own the building, Jang Sora. I hired him to work for us but you...? You crawled into that place as if he possessed your soul. Are you a dog on a leash? Did you think I didn't hear about the controversies? You are the future leader of the society, not Kim Taehyung," Eomma leaned forward in dissatisfaction. I glanced at the empty teacup and back at her."I'll quit my job once my boss recovers-""Our household is unstable right now with the ongoing conflict between The Kims and the Chul," Eomma grimaced. I frowned."Conflict?" I asked."The Kim isn't happy with the Chul's alliance, especially after I encouraged Kim Taehyung's marriage with the Chul's powerless daughter," Eomma sighed."They didn't settle the issue-""How? Kim Taehyung left the bride at the altar and ran to you. The Chul might not know the entire truth, but they're growing impatient. The Kim is probably urging Kim Taehyung to neglect his bride to eliminate the Chul from our circle," Eomma sighed."The Kims? Wae???" I blinked, startled by eomma's claim."Sora, The Kim favors you and not Chul Hwa-young. Their son was on the right track to wed you- of course, they're upset after Taehyung broke up with you. They see the Chul as a threat now," Eomma shrugged."And why did you support our splitting?" I asked."I planned for you to wed Chul Sungho," Eomma shrugged. I froze with my eyes glued on my mother in surprise."Sungho?" I whispered."I initially thought no one could beat Kim Taehyung in the council... but Chul Sungho...? He's a second rank. And he's the leading the alphas at the academy. Kim Taehyung signed the Chul under The Jeons to threaten us, so I figured I could wed you to Sungho instead to secure his household, and Taehyung could marry his pretty sister. We could've obtained a secure alliance network between the households," Eomma shrugged."So that's partly why... you wanted me to break up with Taehyung?" I sighed, sorely staring at my mother's troubled expression. My mother wished for me to marry Sungho since he's the Chul's ultimate heir. She encouraged Taehyung to marry Hwa-young with the intention of binding the Kim's power with the Chul, so she wouldn't lose Taehyung to another household."I assumed Kim Taehyung only stayed by your side because he desired power, but it seems like... there's more to your relationship than I anticipated," Eomma shrugged."He is seeking to achieve power from me-""He messed up at the corporation after your break up and even dared to humiliate the Chul by fleeing the wedding. He's refusing to see Chul Hwa-young now and-""What do you want me to do then?" I sighed."Whether or not he loves you... it doesn't matter anymore now that you're healed. I will cast Kim Taehyung out of the game, and hopefully... The Chul will side with us and marry you. They won't support the Kim... not after Taehyung discarded their daughter," Eomma shrugged. I stared at her blankly. So... she wants to... earn the Chul's trust to waver them from the Kims...?"You knew... didn't you?" I asked, narrowing my eyes suspiciously."What?" Eomma asked."You knew... Kim Taehyung will resist... and infuriate the Chul... because you assumed The Kim will never give up on pursuing my power with the marriage. So you suggested... that they get together... knowing it won't work and the Chul will side with you after the Kim's betrayal? That's why you allowed Sungho to start his work at the corporation alongside the Kim's heir, so you could train him to replace Kim Taehyung?" I asked, finally realizing her purpose."You despise Kim Taehyung. Cheaters don't deserve to live, Sora. After all... he's the reason... I had to banish you," Eomma crossed her arms. I stared at her in confusion."What do you mean-""You're aware. Kim Taehyung was restless after you were exposed to the society. You claimed he drowned you at the port-""But you never believed me-""Of course, I believed you, but I couldn't acknowledge his crime because I needed the Kims on our side. We were a new player in the game, our household was unstable, and the Kims knew too much about our affairs with Park Jihyun. I couldn't risk confronting his crime without losing the Kims... so I stayed silent and called you crazy. Kim Taehyung intended to kill you, not once... but a few times after you survived. You were weak, and he was upset... so I was afraid he'd succeed in eliminating you one day. Naturally... to ensure your survival... I had to send you away to distance him from you. You can ask him yourself... the day you fell ill before your departure abroad... ask him about the acts he swore to commit against you," Eomma shrugged. I sat in silence to contemplate eomma's claim.
The reason... I was abandoned by my family... was it really because of Kim Taehyung? If he hated me so much... then why did he love me? His claims... was it all an act to achieve power from me? I didn't know. But I won't blindly trust eomma either. Trust doesn't exist between us... and Taehyung's involvement isn't an excuse for her to send me away.
________________________The tower's entrance was packed with guards and employees as they waited for my parent's arrival at the lavish lobby. Eomma and appa finally stepped out of their car to stroll toward the directors dressed in formal attires and greeted them as I quietly sat in the backseat. Do-hwan pulled the car door open, so I stepped out into the opening in my knee-length beige-colored tweed dress with my hair placed into a neat bun. All eyes averted to me as I stood beside the car. I smiled faintly and strolled towards my parents in my short heels and handbag. Appa proudly beamed at me."Aigo~! The first lady is so gorgeous," A director chuckled, praising my captivating beauty. I glanced at the familiar faces of the employees as they admired me in astonishment. They've never seen me dress up to the corporation before. My first impression at the corporation wasn't especially remarkable. They must be startled."Let's head inside," Eomma nudged my waist. I nodded and followed her with the guards and directors as I sensed the employee's respect for me. We entered the elevator and headed straight toward the conference room for the board meeting.Eomma asked me to participate in the corporation's affair so we compromised. I get to work at the cafe in the morning... and I'll spend the remaining day dealing with the household affair. Theoretical studies... didn't work for me, so I'll try practical training at the corporation. The guards straightened their postures as I strolled toward a packed conference room. Smiling, I entered to find middle-aged men and women seated in the room, surrounded by the glass enclosure with a view of the city center. They immediately greeted us as eomma and appa strolled towards the desk at the front of the room, facing the guests.Taehyung suddenly lifted his gaze from the thick file on his table in our presence and quickly got up to bow to my parents. He shifted his eyes to me, but I didn't look at him and sat beside my father. There were only three chairs at the main desk to accommodate my household. Taehyung had to sit at a separate desk on our side. Appa smiled and placed his arm around my shoulder, giving me a soft pat.

"Anneonghaseyo," Sungho appeared, placing the files for my parents."You're very handsome today," Eomma praised. Sungho chuckled and glanced at me with a weak smile."All eyes are on the supreme alpha though," He muttered. Appa chuckled.Sungho turned to sit at a desk at my mother's side. Taehyung cleared his throat and glanced at his document again. The conference finally started so I sat in silence to observe the structure and procedure of the corporate affairs, attentively watching my parents speak on the investment proposals and questioning the potential projects raised by the chairmen. It's intense.I'm only used to the alpha world... not this kind of workflow. I glanced at the annual financial statement on my desk to skim the crazy digits on the paper and back at the crowd as they presented to my parents. Sungho took charge of the meeting. Taehyung on the other hand... sat in silence at his desk. I heard... Taehyung's parents asked their son to redo most of his work because he messed up the required documents.The conference finally concluded after an intense two hours of my life, so I straightened my back and placed the files in a neat pile. The chairmen and shareholders in the room immediately rose to their feet to greet my parents as we gathered in the corporate lounge reserved for the executives. All I did was smile, shake hands, and speak with the unfamiliar strangers as they attempted to please my parents."You'll start your work tomorrow, so be on time," Eomma informed as we strolled through the sky bridge built within the building."Sungho will assist you if you need help," Appa assured, gently rubbing my upper shoulder as we entered the private lobby. The assistants immediately got up to greet us just as the door to Taehyung's office opened, and Mr. Kim appeared with a red face. I glanced at Taehyung's bleeding lips with a startled expression."We would like to speak with Taehyung," Eomma smiled at Mrs. Kim. The man warily eyed the assistants as they stood with their faces down and stepped back inside."Should I wait outside-""No, come in. It's regarding your position," Appa nudged me forward. I gulped and strolled inside with eomma as Mr. Kim tugged his collar in extreme irritation. My parents sat on the couch as a few assistants placed the drinks and appetizers on the table. They hurriedly left to grant us privacy as I unsurely sat on the single couch, keeping my anxious gaze on my hands."You shouldn't abuse your son at the corporation. Words will spread," Eomma muttered as Mr. Kim slumped on the opposite couch from mine with an irritated face. Taehyung stood quietly before the elders with his hands clasped together. His father... beat him again."He's the best candidate to coach Sora but he messed up the workload-""That's alright. He can focus on his work. Sungho volunteered to assist the supreme alpha," Appa shrugged. Mr. Kim fired me an uptight look."The Chul is a new ally-""But they've proven their competency. Especially Chul Sungho. I'm confident the alpha can handle the supreme alpha," Eomma interrupted Mr. Kim. The man glared at Taehyung in annoyance. I sat in silence as they discussed the role of my mentor.
Fast Forward
I sat in absolute silence at the desk with a sore stare at the live update on the computer screen with a slight frown and glanced at Taehyung, who was quietly working at the desk beside mine. Eomma had installed another desk for me. Ah~ It's easier to handle the flooding orders, bake a cake and attend the average. All it takes is a cold drink and a cozy cafe to satisfy the average's daily needs. Why is my parent's workflow so complicated? My human brain can't handle the crazy rise and fall of the stock market, let alone the crazy economy. Thud.Taehyung's head suddenly slammed against the table, startling me with the rough impact. I quickly glanced at him and back at the screen as he grunted and lifted his face to rub his nose bridge after accidentally dozing off. Taehyung didn't attempt to speak to me at his office, and we would sit in complete silence as I reviewed the reports from the lower departments."Oppa~! Can I come in?" Hwa-young's voice suddenly echoed. She happily strides inside before he answers her request. The woman abruptly froze once she noticed me sitting at my desk. Hwa-young clenched her fist and hurried toward his desk with the paper bag."I'm a bit busy-""I'll leave in a bit. There's an afternoon feast this afternoon, right? Should I escort you?" Hwa-young giggled, brightly standing before Taehyung's desk. He blankly stared at her keen smile."Do as you wish," He nodded, shifting his attention to the files in defeat. Hwa-young briefly darted me an irritated look before turning to leave the office without greeting me.I shrugged and typed on the keyboard until my mind shut out the external distraction as I kept my gaze focused on the words and figures on the screen. Taehyung grabbed Hwa-young's bag and tossed it aside over the floor before bending beside his desk to pull open the drawer. I shifted my eyes from the screen as he extended his arm to place a small box on my desk. Taehyung awkwardly stared at me and back to the box."It's freshly made sweet rice cake-""You should share it with her," I muttered, glancing back at the screen with an unbothered look. Taehyung sat in silence."I brought it for you-""I'm not hungry. You can have it," I coldly replied. Taehyung sighed."Imo made it. She asked me to bring it," Taehyung muttered, sliding his leather chair away to sit at his desk. I didn't bother to look at the rice cake and shut off my computer once the time struck 4:00 PM. I quickly got up from my seat, grabbed my coat, and strolled out of the office without touching the sweet cake.
He never really spoke to me but has been bringing me gifts. Some days I'd find a bouquet on my desk and other days... it's snacks and sometimes jewelry. But I never touched them, and the gift... would always end up with Hwa-young later. He's dumping the rejected gifts on her.
I headed straight to my penthouse to get ready for the afternoon feast. My parents are hosting a company dinner with the head executives and board of directors at a high-end restaurant and demanded that I show up with them. I did my makeup, pulled on my formal dress, and left the penthouse to wait for Do-hwan."Sora," Sungho waved, jogging over the sidewalk towards me in his nifty black suit."What are you-""Your mother asked me to escort you. Do-hwan is occupied with the elders," Sungho smiled. I grimaced. She's serious about marrying me off to the Chul? Tsk. I bitterly smiled and entered the car as the alpha held the door open for me."Sorry for the inconvenience," I muttered while buckling my seat belt."It's my job to serve the supreme alpha," Sungho chuckled, driving forward as I texted Do-hwan my location."You're not upset with me anymore? For bullying your sister?" I asked. Sungho was sore about the incident at the cafe before. He seems unbothered now."I heard the entire story. Although it wasn't pleasant for you to treat my sister so harshly... I understand that she was also at fault," Sungho apologetically glanced at me. I sighed and stared out the window."She seems to adore Taehyung very much... despite the assault," I muttered. Sungho glanced at me worriedly and back at the road."I'm sorry for splitting you and Taehyung apart-""It's fine. We already broke up before he insisted on marrying her," I shrugged. I can't be bothered anymore."I don't want my sister to end up with him," Sungho muttered. I raised my eyebrows and turned to face his dark expression."Why not?" I asked."He ditched her at their wedding, claiming he wanted to postpone the marriage because he was not ready. Why? Because he's obviously still in love with his former lover," Sungho muttered. I lowered my gaze to the scar on my wrist."He doesn't love me. He's happier with your sister," I bitterly shook my head. Sungho chuckled softly."My sister will live her entire life deprived of love if she marries him. Kim Taehyung might've believed he could temporarily offer his false affection, and it worked. All the pretentious smiles and agreements... but the suppressed emotions will only eat him out alive. He never once looked at my sister with love," Sungho sighed."So you're against their marriage?" I asked."It's pretty obvious that your mother wants to set you up with me and I didn't mind at first because you're the supreme alpha herself but my heart only grows heavier every time I witness my sister's desperation to be appreciated by a broken man," Sungho shrugged. So he's aware."Eomma favors you over Taehyung," I muttered."I know. But who am I to marry a powerful woman to satisfy my own desire while my sister suffers the terrible fate of being wedded to a cold-blooded man?" Sungho shook his head."Taehyung can be very caring once you break his-""That's the problem. Hwa-young has to break into his heart with her bare hands, but how can she? When the heart already has an owner? And that's you. He'll never let her in, and he'll never treat anyone as well as you," Sungho briefly glanced at me."Treat me well...?" I scoffed, weakly smiling at the dark memories of my heartbreak with my eyes glued on the visible scar."Unlike a woman... a man is very impulsive during their heated anger. Women are more rational when dealing with love problems because they tend to prioritize emotional attachments with their lover. But a man's greatest downfall in love? His ego. It's a foolish belief... That he can easily select a better woman as a replacement because what are the odds of finding another rare gem in the vast pool? So he abandons her, assuming he'll feel better without her bothersome clinginess or presence. In fact, he will feel better during the first few weeks, provided he's free from the burdening pressure of loving you. He'll enjoy his time with new women, but unconsciously? He'll search for your qualities in those women. He'll try to recreate the sensation he felt with you until he realizes... No one possesses the same qualities. And that's when reality strikes him. He lost the only woman he loves to his arrogance. And oftentimes, it's too late. By the time... He wakes up from his selfish ego. His lover is already gone. By the time Kim Taehyung's heart started rotting. Yours is already healed with a deep scar," Sungho explained. I rubbed the scar on my wrist without blinking."And why are you telling me all this? You could easily become the next leader of the council," I muttered."Because this is a scheme set up by your mother. The elders might not realize it yet but between you and me. We both know nothing is free in this world. I'm willing... to be your love candidate, but the power game is a game that I should never underestimate. Your mother needs my family's support against The Kims. She wishes to eliminate them for an unknown reason. Why is it that she's so keen on recruiting me? I'm sure there's a motive," Sungho shrugged. He's right. Why is it that my mother is so desperate? Why is she so eager? What is the truth behind her intention with the Kim? She claims Taehyung threatened her to expose his crime. But is that really the truth? Is that the only reason she's trying to eliminate Kim Taehyung?"Once I marry you. My mother will secure your assets. And if Taehyung marries Hwa-young, my mother will possess Taehyung's assets through you, her older brother. She knew the Kim wouldn't be able to defy her but obey your order because you're a powerful alpha," I muttered.
Eomma is unsure of the Chul's commitment to our households. She's afraid they might backstab her, so she's trying to bind me to the Chul and Hwa-young to the Kim. If she had Sungho, that means she'd also have control over Taehyung with his marriage to Hwa-young, and with the Kims... she'd have control over Jeon and The Parks.

It's a tight knot. A knot my mother is trying to form... merging our powers... to achieve immunity and override the other household authorities in the council.
Sungho and I continued discussing our household politics on our way to the venue until we arrived after sunset. I stepped out of the car, linked my arm around Sungho's arm, and strolled inside the bustling place. The guests immediately greeted us as we strode through the restaurant and up the stairs to the private ballroom. There's an extensive rectangle table to accommodate the corporate officials. There were around twenty guests excluding the alphas."Aigo! You two make such a perfect match!" Mrs. Chul gasped, happily covering her mouth as we bowed to the crowd. The men and women within the room brightly beamed at us.Hwa-young's smile dropped once all the attention left her as she stood beside Taehyung, who was speaking with Jimin's parents. Jungkook weakly smiled at me as he stood with Jimin. The elders and the corporation officials eventually settled at the table for the feast. I sat between Jungkook and Sungho across from Jimin. He's sitting beside Taehyung and Hwa-young. The elders sat at the end of the enormous table as the staff served us high-class meals."Are we expecting another marriage?" A chairman asked, curiously eyeing me and Sungho."Ah. Truthfully, we're in a discussion," Mrs. Chul giggled, causing Mrs. Kim to tense in her seat."Aigo~! His sister should get married first," Mrs. Jeon giggled as she proudly patted Jungkook's back."Oh, that's right. I heard the marriage was postponed. Is there a reason for it?" Another shareholder asked while cutting through his steak. We glanced at Taehyung. He blankly stared at the wine glass after emptying it. The staff refilled the liquor in his glass as the room grew hushed, eagerly waiting for the groom's answer."Ah. Oppa is quite busy with his workload at the moment. We've agreed to delay the wedding until he completes his first mission at the corporation," Hwa-young shyly spoke while patting Taehyung's upper forearm."Is that so? Well- It's important for a man to stabilize his career before considering marriage," A woman agreed."What about our first lady? Have you found a suitable candidate?" The chairman asked. I paused with the fork hovering over my plate and glanced at Sungho again. Taehyung quietly emptied his glass again and placed it down. Blankly... keeping his vacant gaze on his plate."We've got our eyes on our lovely executive deputy," Eomma giggled, referring to Sungho, who shyly lowered his head with a modest smile."Aigo~! You've got good eyes for your daughter! The executive deputy can speak five languages! He's handsome! He attended a prestigious school abroad and is extremely competent! You two will make a perfect match!" A shareholder agreed. I chuckled and shook my head. Jimin glanced at Taehyung, who was repeatedly draining his glass. The waitress nervously glanced at the alpha as he continuously emptied the red wine until his face flushed red."Oppa-" Hwa-young whispered, tugging Taehyung's arm to stop him, but he didn't listen and continued swallowing the wine like water. Mr. Kim darted his son a warning glare... but Taehyung dismissively requested more liquor."I'm still adapting to the work environment. The corporation is much more dynamic and challenging than the theories I learn from the academy," Sungho beamed. The room erupted with laughter at his humble response. The men and women started chatting noisily over the table to discuss their work, so I smiled at Sungho as he spread the caviar over my meal."Oppa. You're having too much-""DON'T TOUCH ME!" Taehyung snapped, angrily shoving Hwa-young's hand off his arm. The room suddenly grew hushed. Jungkook wildly snapped his face toward his cousin with the food left unchewed in his mouth as Jimin nervously watched Taehyung fume at Hwa-young."T-Taehyung-" Mrs. Kim gasped, trying to grab his son when he hastily shoved his arm against the table, causing the plates and glasses to clatter violently. Everyone froze as Taehyung erupted from his seat and stormed out the door without excusing himself. Eomma and Mrs. Kim exchanged nervous glances."Oppa!" Hwa-young gasped, getting onto her feet to chase him. Mr. Kim had to apologize to the guests for the disruption to excuse Taehyung's coarse behavior. Sungho sighed and lowered his face in frustration after his sister disappeared to console the drunk alpha. The elders had to end the dinner feast early and rushed back home after receiving a call from imo.Kim Taehyung is trashing the mansion... and no one can stop him. Not even the guards. Sungho took me in his car... and we all headed to the property. Why is he like this? Is he jealous of Sungho? Or is it about our relationship issues again?! I nervously stared at the looming mansions as a few guards and maids anxiously waited by the opened front door.CRASH. CRASH. SMASH. CRASH- I sucked in my breath at the violent shatters... echoing across the property. Jungkook and Jimin hurried through the door, so I quickly followed the elders to find... Hwa-young... crying on the couch as Taehyung aggressively smashed the portraits. My jaw dropped at the sight of... broken vases and antique statues as Taehyung tore the place apart. The alpha angrily stomped on the portrait until the glass cracked under his shoes."H- He came home drunk-" Imo sobbed as she helplessly stood by the door. Do-hwan stormed over to seize Taehyung's arm, but the alpha hastily thrust the man backward."KIM TAEHYUNG!" Mr. Kim bellowed, storming toward his son in anger. The man lifted his hand to strike his drunken son but gasped in shock when Taehyung suddenly shoved his father aside, sending the man tumbling onto the ground. Mrs. Kim's eyes widened in horror as Do-hwan immediately assisted Mr. Kim, helping the man back onto his feet as Taehyung stubbornly sabotaged the living room with his wrath. Destroying... everything within his path."I'M FUCKING DONE! I'M DONE!" Taehyung roared, angrily fuming at the elders."Oppa-""DON'T CALL ME THAT!- ARGH!- SHUT THE FUCK UP BEFORE I TEAR OUT YOUR FUCKING TONGUE!" Taehyung threatened, turning to glare at Hwa-young dead in her eyes as he pulled his hair in distress. She whimpered on the couch at his harsh words."Yah! Are you crazy-""Crazy?! YES, I'M FUCKING LOSING MY SHIT! CRAZY!?! FUCK- I LOST MY FUCKING CHILD AND THE WOMAN I LOVE!" Taehyung roared, furiously shoving Jimin backward to stop his friend from approaching him."Child- What? C-Child!?" Mrs. Kim gasped while staring at Taehyung in shock."SORA WAS PREGNANT! SHE WAS- FUCKING PREGNANT WITH MY CHILD WHEN YOU FORCED ME TO ABANDON HER!" Taehyung hollered, furiously hurling the stained document at the elders. I froze in terror as the paper fluttered to the floor. Everyone snapped their eyes toward me in bewilderment."What? Sora-?" Jungkook stared at me in shock. I gulped and glanced back at Taehyung."You had a child?" Appa frowned at me."She aborted it," Jimin clenched his jaw. The elder's jaw dropped in disbelief. Taehyung weakly grunted in pain while rubbing his fuming face in despair... until his face burnt bright red. "As she should. There's no point in raising a fatherless child. You were going to marry Hwa-young anyways," Eomma calmly interfered. Taehyung suddenly shifted his dangerous glower to my mother with his fists clenched."We were happy together! Until you ruined us!" Taehyung roared."You broke up with her, did you not?" Eomma asked, firmly glaring at Taehyung."We could've made up-""No. We couldn't have. Stop dwelling on our past," I sighed, causing the alpha to snap his head in my direction. I listlessly stared at his angered face with little to no emotions."Sora-""You assaulted Hwa-young and it's only appropriate for you to be liable for your actions!" Eomma snapped at him. Taehyung scoffed and shifted his deadly glare to Hwa-young."This is all a setup!-""Taehyung! Jebal!- There's nothing left between us!" I screamed. Taehyung clenched his jaw, suddenly growing hushed with his torn eyes fixed on me. He looked... broken."Park Jimin. The day I asked... to relay the message to Sora. Why didn't you do it?" Taehyung seethed. Jimin gulped and glanced at Hwa-young."I was too drunk- so I asked Hwa-young to relay the message," Jimin shrugged. Taehyung exhaled and glanced at Hwa-young's pale face as she stiffly perched on the couch."And why didn't you tell Sora?! Why did you visit the beach when you knew I'd be there!?" Taehyung screeched. Hwa-young whimpered."Oppa! I couldn't find her- so I decided to stroll on the beach-""WITH A SWOLLEN ANKLE!?" Taehyung asked, angrily fuming at her. I glanced back and forth between them. Hwa-young gripped her fist in fear as she glanced at the shaken elders."Yah?! Are you accusing Hwa-young of purposely luring you?! You touched her- Ugh!?" Jimin groaned in pain when Taehyung unexpectedly threw a wild left hook. Smack! I gasped in shock as Jimin stumbled to the side."She knew I was heading to the beach! Why on earth would you undress yourself there!?" Taehyung snapped. Hwa-young suddenly burst out crying in distress."That's enough! You're too desperate to justify your acts at this rate- It's pathetic," Jungkook scoffed. Sungho suddenly stormed forward to grab Hwa-young's arm, roughly pulled her onto her feet, and dragged her away."Oppa-" Hwa-young tried to resist Sungho, but her brother refused to release her and towed his sister out of the mansion. The Chul sighed heavily and turned to leave after their children, leaving our households behind to deal with the mess."Can you take me home?" I asked Do-hwan. Whatever. Why did I come here? There's no point in trying to convince him. The man nodded and turned to leave through the front door as Jimin rubbed his bleeding lips with a dark frown before storming away with his parents, leaving Taehyung in the wrecked living room.Jungkook shook his head in disappointment and strolled into the corridor as the elders separated their ways to their respective rooms. Taehyung clenched his jaw as he watched... one by one of his family and friends... leave his side. Attention. He wants attention. He'll never stop if we keep feeding him his needs. I waited by the front door until Do-hwan pulled up beside me with a car, so I turned to stare at Taehyung, who was staring at me with a pained expression as he stood over the shattered glasses. Everyone neglected his desperation."Sora! Take this!" Imo hurried forward with a packed bag. I warmly hugged her frail body and shifted my dull gaze to Taehyung again as he tearfully stared at me."What are you standing there for?" I asked, blankly staring at him."M-Moh?" Taehyung blinked his tears."You wanted to speak. Right? If not, I'll leave alone," I sighed. Taehyung blinked in confusion, suddenly hurrying towards me after realizing it was an invitation. I need to give him proper closure, or I'll never escape him. I got into the passenger seat beside Do-hwan as Taehyung slipped into the backseat with a nervous look. Do-hwan glared at the alpha through the mirror and drove out of the property. I stared blankly at the empty road without speaking as Taehyung sniffled in difficulty in the back seat."Should I wait-""You're dismissed. He'll be staying at the penthouse," I assured Do-hwan and got out of the car with the bag imo packed for me. The man uneasily glanced at Taehyung as he followed me into the building. I greeted the receptionist and headed inside the elevator. Taehyung lowered his face to hide his swollen eyelids and stepped inside to stand beside me. I stared blankly at the numbers on the screen until we arrived on the top floor and strolled out. Beep. I pushed the door open, switched the lights on, and strolled inside the kitchen."Wash up first. I'll speak with you once you're sober," I muttered, strolling inside the kitchen to sort the packed side dish inside the fridge. Imo packed many side dishes and a box of freshly made sweet rice cakes for me.Taehyung quietly entered the bathroom to shower as I demanded, so I dug into the closet for Jungkook's spare clothes and placed them neatly on the couch. He strolled out after a while in his towel as I entered my room to shower. I took my time under the downpour to sort out my thoughts. Finally got dressed and then strolled into the living room to find Taeyung perching tensely on the couch with his hands clasped together. I sighed and sat opposite him with a poker face. Taehyung lifted his guilty stare to me and lowered his gaze again."Can I speak?" He asked."This is the only time I'm willing to listen to you. Whatever you say after tonight won't matter anymore, so make sure to say whatever you've been dying to tell me," I shrugged. Taehyung rubbed his fingers, nervously lifting his tearful eyes to me again.Flash Back: Before the BreakupThird Person POVKim Taehyung strolled inside Mrs. Jang's office after the maid informed him of her request for his presence. The alpha unsurely sat on the couch, facing the wooden desk as the woman coldly stared at him with her hands clasped together."I'll get straight to the point. Break up with Sora," Mrs. Jang exhaled deeply. Taehyung didn't respond right away but stared at the woman with a blank face."Why should I-""You're aware... that I don't want you anywhere near my daughter anymore. I asked her to end the relationship, but she refused... and I doubt she has the courage to do it, so you have to do it," Mrs. Jang leaned back against the armchair."You want me to betray her?" Taehyung frowned."In her eyes... you're already a traitor when you touch Chul Hwa-young. She's being rational with you... but it's hurting her," Mrs. Jang shrugged. Taehyung scoffed."It was an accident! I never intended-""It doesn't matter. I've been too lenient with you and your harsh acts towards her. After all, she's my daughter, and I am not pleased to know she's being manipulated and cheated on-""I DIDN'T CHEAT!" Taehyung argued, angrily glaring at the woman."But you're still a traitor. It's not about the way you touched another woman, but it's the feeling of betrayal that she can't seem to shake. Sooner or later. She will burst... so end the relationship now," Mrs. Jang shrugged. Taehyung clenched his jaw and turned to glare out the window in frustration."What if I refuse? You know what I'm capable of committing, right?" Taehyung asked, darkly staring at the woman. Mrs. Jang suddenly chuckled and shook her head in disbelief."Your uncle died at your hand, Kim Taehyung. You brutally slaughtered the innocent man to survive. The blood isn't on my hands, and if you wish... to break the alliance... do it. I dare you to do it. I won't perish alone. You know better than to threaten me with the past. The Chul will back out once you refuse to take responsibility for your actions, and I won't let that happen. I will recruit their household, so even if you dare to disrupt our alliance. The Chul will stand by my side," Mrs. Jang dimly narrowed her eyes on the alpha."Sora will fucking hate me-""So what? She's already loathing you now... but being the naive child she is... she doesn't know that yet. Plus. Did you really think she was in love with you? Kim Seokjin is the man she's been interested in since her return," Mrs. Jang smiled."He's powerless-""And still... she secretly went to see him on the island. You might think she's in love with you but that man. Kim Seokjin has been offering her more comfort than you ever did. A woman will always appreciate a man who's good in bed but at the end of the day... her heart will only yearn for the man with the most love and comfort to offer," The woman smiled."What do you mean she went to see him-""I saw her leaving the wine storehouse with Kim Seokjin before Min Yoongi's attack. Didn't she tell you? Of course not. Jung Hoseok will release the official autopsy result tomorrow... and he'll probably find traces of their proof together. My daughter is a soul deprived of love, and therefore... she will attract a lot of men... who are willing to nurse her. And she will thoughtlessly accept their comfort to soothe her soul. It's the product of your determination to eliminate her," Mrs. Jang leaned forward."She loves me-""Only after I convinced her to settle for you. Jang Sora never wanted you in her life. She's just confused because you've always been there to raise her. The man she truly loves is Kim Seokjin. The first man to offer the comfort she needed after recovering from the darkness you shoved her into. Years... for almost a decade. I was forced to abandon her abroad because of you. You were a threat to her. She begged and cried, telling me it was Taehyung oppa... who drowned her in the cold sea, but I had to play the bad mother, neglected her pleas, and sent her away because you wanted to end her life. Not once. But too many times. I couldn't handle losing your parents since they were of pure blood, so I kept quiet and chose to expel my very own daughter," Mrs. Jang chuckled."The day you swore to kill her with your bare hands? You, Kim Taehyung, are the reason... she had to live alone, deprived of affection and support from her family. I gave you everything you wanted, hoping that... you'd stop blaming her for being the bane of your existence. But you didn't. You failed to fulfill your duties and took her for granted. And the first man to offer her pure love was Kim Seokjin. Not her childhood first love, Jeon Jungkook. But the second-rank alpha with a pure reputation. And you believed. That for a second... Jang Sora preferred your insensitive treatment? Why on earth... would anyone... choose pain over comfort? You're nothing compared to her former lover, Kim Taehyung. You're nothing but a painful prick to her already broken heart, and he'll always be her comfort person. Why else... did she flee you to see him whenever she's scared? Because she never loved you enough to trust you with her life," The woman calmly spoke. Taehyung blankly stared at his hands without budging until his chest erupted with a boiling rage.
The alpha immediately confronted his lover at the university once Jung Hoseok confirmed the supreme alpha's presence at the wine warehouse and he ultimately broke up with her after... Mrs. Jang contaminated the alpha with her deadly spell.

Double Flashback
Young Alphas after being exposed to the society.Mrs. Jang worriedly sat by her daughter's bedside to keep her company after the supreme alpha barfed out blood. She was rushed to the emergency room at midnight with an alarming fever after she finished dinner. The doctors took her blood sample to test for traces of poison and finally returned to the suite filled with the elders. Kim Taehyung stood quietly by the door with his blank gaze on the city view.

"Bleach. There's a small amount of bleach in her stomach," The doctor informed. The elders gasped at the startling news as Jungkook worriedly held Sora's hand. Mrs. Jang suspiciously glanced at Taehyung, who stood without a reaction and glanced at her ill daughter. The woman didn't say a word and remained hushed as the doctor assured her of the supreme alpha's condition."I'll stay with her tonight," Mrs. Jang nudged her husband. Mr. Jang nodded and gave her a soft peck before turning to leave with the household.Ga Aera sighed heavily within the empty room as she sat on the couch to watch Sora breathe through the oxygen tube with difficulty. The mother eventually fell asleep in the VIP medical suite and woke up at midnight to leave the room for some water. She requested assistance at the lobby, strolling away to sit on the terrace to admire the night view, and finally returned to the medical after soothing her stressful chest... only to find...a silhouette of a person beside her daughter's bed."Yah!? What are you doing!?" Mrs. Jang gasped, rushing forward as the person compressed the pillow over her daughter's face to smother her."She deserved to die! You should die!- The cursed child! She has to die! I will not rest until she dies- Argh!" Young Kim Taehyung screamed, angrily shoving the woman aside. He furiously thumped the pillow over the supreme alpha's face to suffocate her again. Mrs. Jang's eyes widened in horror as she stared at his menacing pitch-black eyes. It was as if... he was possessed by a demon."Kim Taehyung?!" Mrs. Jang gasped, angrily shoving the alpha aside, and hurriedly pulled the oxygen tube over her daughter's nose. Sora whimpered in her sleep as she struggled to breathe, so Mrs. Jang frantically rubbed her daughter's rosy cheeks to comfort her.The woman wildly turned to find Kim Taehyung... sitting on the floor with a confused expression. He shook his head repeatedly while glancing around the room with a dazed look. The woman stared at the alpha in horror as he lifted clueless eyes to stare at her. It was as if he had just woken up from his sleep. Mrs. Jang gulped and glanced dreadfully at Sora's stable pulse on the monitor.
Fast Forward
"EOMMA! I'M SORRY- EOMMA!" Sora screamed as the guards dragged her fragile body inside the airport. Mrs. Jang stood blankly with the elders, keeping her emotionless gaze on her desperate daughter."Let's leave," Mrs. Jang sighed and turned to leave, causing Sora to scream louder as the guards forcefully escorted her away. Taehyung blankly turned to follow the elders. The woman quickly stepped inside the car and lowered her head to rub her warm tears."Sora!?- Where are you taking her? Appa! Sora-" Jungkook suddenly appeared, attempting to rush inside the airport to stop the guards... but was held back by his father."She's going to study abroad-""Let me see her! Appa- Why is she screaming!?" Jungkook gasped, frantically thrashing within his father's arms as he watched the guard drag the supreme alpha away. Mr. Jeon sighed and smacked the back of his son's neck, causing the young alpha to fall unconscious.The airport grew hushed again... so the elders bitterly sighed as Mr. Jeon lifted his son's lifeless body and carried him to the car. Mrs. Jang sat with a torn heart... until the plane... took off. The mother pursed her lips and lowered her face to weep in distress until her husband pulled her into a comforting hug."She'll hate us..." Mrs. Jang sniffled in pain."She won't," Mr. Jang sighed, gently patting his wife's head and tightly hugged her. Aera sobbed in distress while clenching her aching chest. Because the mother knew... her daughter will never forgive her betrayal.
It was a sacrifice she had to make to ensure her daughter's survival.

A moment later.
Kim Taehyung quietly gamed on his phone while resting on the couch in his bedroom. The alpha was in his teenage years. Knock. Knock. He shifted his attention to the door when it creaked open, and Sora's mother appeared with a file. The boy quickly sat up in confusion as the woman stepped inside his room with thin lips. She didn't utter a word and carefully closed the door with her intimidating eyes glued on Kim Taehyung. The woman slowly placed the contract on the table."Sora is gone as you desired. It is your turn to return the favor," Mrs. Jang calmly stood with her arms crossed. The alpha unsurely glanced at the file and back at the woman."What's this?" Taehyung asked, reaching for the file."To settle the past conflict with my daughter... I will offer you security in the long term, but you must fulfill your duties in return," Mrs. Jang dully replied. Taehyung blankly flipped through the file."Marriage?" Taehyung frowned, lifting his eyes to her after spotting it in the terms and conditions."I will make you the most powerful man in the society. And in return, you'll have to marry her regardless of your desire. Unless, when the time comes... and I deem you unworthy... then I will terminate marriage on demand. You may not refuse my order, or I'll eliminate your household," Mrs. Jang replied. Taehyung clenched the file and glanced down at the terms."What if there isn't love? Jang Sora will never rest-""Sculpt love for her. I don't care if you get hurt, bleed to death, or die for her. I've sacrificed my motherly love towards her for you, so you have to perform your duties. In her eyes... I'll always be a cold-blooded mother. So you have to grant her the assurance I can no longer offer. On one condition, and that if... you're unfaithful to her... I will tell her the truth regarding your desire to achieve power from her and your false love," Mrs. Jang blankly stared at the teenage boy. Taehyung glanced down at the file again and back up at her.
And the alpha agreed. Greed and vengeance... was all the young soul cared about.

He assumed he could overpower the mind games against Jang Sora's mother once he was capable of handling the society, but he miscalculated a deep sinkhole.

Love and attachment.

The alpha assumed he'd always despised the supreme alpha for ruining his life... but everything altered and shifted beyond his control once she returned to him.

He became a victim... of her... love spell.
End of flashback____________________________
Present
Sora's POV"You'll be discharged soon," I beamed while pushing Park Bogum's wheelchair through the hospital garden. He recently woke up from his coma and has been receiving active treatments from the head doctor."You shouldn't have operated the store. How did you run the cafe alone?" Bogum grimaced as he checked his account balance. I deposited all of the profits under his name."I'll be unemployed and broke if my boss is hurt. Had to keep the business running to survive. Just raise my salary, sajang-nim~!" I teased, sitting down on a bench to face Bogum, who was sitting with a bandaged head. He weakly smiled.

"Did you catch the culprit?" Bogum asked. His face darkened. I pursed my lips and shook my head."No. The person disappeared," I sighed. I'm sure the attack is an alpha's doing, but I can't reveal the information to Bogum. Do-hwan is still tracking the culprit."My lady- The head doctor would like to speak with you," A nurse informed, appearing with a weak smile."Oh-? I'll escort-""I'll wait here. It's been a while since I had refreshing air," Bogum smiled. I nodded and got up from the bench to follow the nurse and headed inside the lobby as Bogum rolled his wheelchair forward to approach the other patients. The nurse smiled and stepped inside the elevator with me. She quickly walked out onto the administration floor, so I followed her.

"Wait- Let me grab water," I smiled, turning to the vending machine. I placed my card in the machine, withdrew a bottle of cool water, and turned to the busy lobby... but the nurse disappeared."Oh? Did she leave without me?" I mumbled, cluelessly wandering around the department to search for her."My lady! How can I assist you?" A male nurse smiled, keenly approaching me."A nurse told me the head doctor wanted to see me earlier. Can you lead me to him?" I asked."The head doctor? He's busy in the operation room at the moment. He'll conclude the surgery in two hours," The nurse stared at me in confusion while checking the schedule. I pursed my lips."Oh. It's fine. I'll visit the head doctor after the surgery then," I smiled and turned to leave through the elevator. The nurse politely bowed. He turned to place his file at the administration counter as I leaned against the metallic wall to sip my water and lowered the bottle until I noticed something shiny on the floor. I crouched down to pick up the metallic pin. It had a bird engraving on it. A phoenix? I stared at the piece in silence- Ding. I blinked out of my thoughts and strolled into the bustling lobby until I noticed Jungkook waiting for me."What are you doing here?" I asked, happily approaching him."I'm hungry! Let's eat!" Jungkook whined as he followed me through the entrance door."Why won't you eat at home-""I got bored of the food. Let's have beer and ramen. Oh?" Jungkook nudged my shoulder. Chuckling, I unconsciously slipped the pin into my pocket. He's fond of the local marts after complaining about the food...?"I'll escort my boss back to his suite first," I grinned."By the way... What happened between you and Taehyung? You took him to your place. You didn't hook up with him again, did you!?" Jungkook grimaced, suspiciously narrowing his eyes on me. I fired him a sharp glare."I'm not stupid! He asked for a closure- so I gave it to him," I shrugged. Jungkook lifted his gaze to search the garden... but Bogum was nowhere to be found. A few patients were strolling around with their friends and family."Did he leave? I don't think he's here," Jungkook shrugged."Excuse me- have you seen a man in his late 20s? He has a bandaged head... and he was in a wheelchair," I interrupted a couple on the bench."Ah... we saw him steering back toward the lobby earlier. He probably returned to the building," The woman smiled as she held her lover's hand."I'm sure he's back in his suite. Let's leave~!" Jungkook placed his arm around my shoulder to drag me away. I whined and shoved him aside as we strode towards the parking lot- just as an SUV passed by us. Jungkook gently tugged me backward to keep me off the path, so I smiled and followed him to his car."Oh?" I froze when I noticed an unattended phone behind Jungkook's sports car. I bent down to pick it up and flipped it over to discover a shattered screen. Did someone drop their phone-? I sucked in my breath once the screen lit up to reveal the background."Yah! Aren't you coming?!" Jungkook snapped, poking his head out of the window to glare at me as I stood behind his car with a drained expression."J-Jungkook-" I stuttered, shifting my startled gaze to him. Jungkook frowned at the sudden shift in my mood and hurriedly hopped out of the car."What-?" Jungkook grimaced, snatching the phone from my hand."It's Bo-Bogum's phone-" I stuttered, looking at him in terror. Jungkook frowned at the picture of Park Bogum hiking over a mountain."He probably dropped it," Jungkook assured, dismissively nudging me forward. Why is his phone here? It doesn't make sense! Why would Bogum enter the parking area??! We immediately returned to the lobby to question the receptionist... and we were told to wait as they contacted the medical staff for his whereabouts."My lady- We can't find him anywhere!" A nurse gasped, hurrying towards me. My eyes widened in horror. Jungkook grunted and lowered his face to rub his forehead in distress."Review the camera footage!" Jungkook demanded. The nurse fearfully bowed and rushed away to alert the security department as I nervously rubbed my hands. I don't feel good about this! What if he's in trouble again?!
A moment later.
Do-hwan frowned at the footage as we gathered inside the cramped security department of the hospital to review the footage. I pursed my lips as I watched Bogum steer his wheelchair across the garden when an unknown man appeared behind his back. Bogum wildly turned around but was greeted with a harsh blow to the back of his neck. The average slumped weakly with his head hung low as the unknown man dressed in black pushed Bogum away in the wheelchair."Halt-" Do-hwan commanded. The security guard immediately froze the screen. Big Man narrowed his razor-sharp eyes on the car's plate number."There's no plate number," The security guard nervously zoomed in on the black SUV.Do-hwan sighed in frustration and resumed the footage. Jungkook appeared a few cars away, cluelessly stepping out of his sportscar to approach the building as the man heaved Park Bogum's lifeless body into the backseat and shoved the wheelchair inside the trunk after folding it. I exhaled in fear and turned away to rub my face. Who would do this!? And why would they kidnap an average man!? Jungkook patted my shoulder while exchanging uneasy glances with our chief guard________________________I nervously tapped my feet as I sat in the university lounge with an empty stare on the busy school premises below the building. Do-hwan asked me to close the cafe for some time after Park Bogum disappeared with the stranger. The first 48 hours of abduction are the most crucial hours! The chances of him... surviving are slim... and it's already the second day!"Did you find anything!?" I gasped as soon as Jungkook appeared through the door with Jimin."Nope. Nothing. Do-hwan couldn't track the SUV," Jungkook shook his head. I groaned and leaned back on the couch in distress."What's the motive though?" Jimin asked, worriedly eyeing me."I don't know-""They probably abducted him to threaten Sora? It's probably the same hit-and-run culprit," Jungkook shrugged. Jimin sighed and leaned back."But he's an average...?" Jimin asked. Right? It doesn't make sense! Why would an alpha mess with the average!? Perhaps it's because I let him get too close to me!? Sora! You should've maintained your distance- But it isn't my fault-?! Park Bogum is in danger because of me! I snapped out of my mind when someone strolled towards me, so I lifted my eyes to find Mira smirking at me."So... your family... are the soul reapers?" Mira smirked as Minho stood behind her. Jungkook frowned at the alphas as the others turned to fire me with a judgemental look."What-""Park Jihyun. Your parents killed the half-blood to seize his power," Mira smirked. My face drained in horror. I briefly glanced at Jungkook, who was just as taken aback. How did they know? It's confidential information, and my parents never spoke a word-"Yah! Stop saying nonsense! The fire incident was an accident!" Minah scoffed, shoving Minho aside as she strolled towards us. Seokjin glanced at me uneasily from his seat. The rumor... it's sweeping the society once again..."Nonsense?! Their households were the only witnesses at the fire scene! Isn't it suspicious? How they never release a proper report regarding Park Jihyun's death?" Mira rolled her eyes."But Sora remained anonymous after his death! And her assets don't even make up a third of Park Jihyun's assets," Jimin shrugged."Are you dumb? They split the assets between the three households to avoid suspicion! And they waited until they were stable enough to reveal the supreme alpha~!" Minho countered Jimin. Jungkook and I eyed one another in terror but remained composed to avoid suspicion."Right?! If it's true- The council will call for an elite meeting!" Mira chuckled. I glanced down at my hand in silence and quickly got up with a blank face. The alphas turned to smirk at me, but I ignored them and hurried out of the lounge. Someone revealed the information and it's one of the households!I stormed through the corridor- just as Taehyung appeared at the intersection. I grabbed his hand and tugged him inside the bathroom, angrily banging the door shut behind my back. Taehyung glanced at me with a startled expression as I hastily checked the empty stalls to ensure we were alone."What are you doing?!" I snapped, furiously stepping towards him. He blinked at my irritated face."You dragged me inside the bathroom-""Why did you expose our household secrets to the society? So you could threaten my parents?!" I snapped. Taehyung frowned as he searched my fuming face unsurely."What secret-""You told everyone our parents murdered the half-blood and his wife! I told you to leave our personal dispute alone- but you're generating instability within the household to seek revenge!?" I roared, shoving him backward. Taehyung scoffed, firing me a sharp glare."I don't know what you're talking about! I just returned to the university!" Taehyung snapped. I glared at him in silence. If it's not him- Then who would dare leak the information?! Only Jungkook, Taehyung, and I are aware of the household affairs! It has to be one of us!"Hwa-young- Did you tell her?!" I snapped."What-" Taehyung raised his eyebrow. I scoffed in realization, angrily storming out of the bathroom with a hard scowl. Chul Hwa-young! She's the only new outsider within the household! Sora be rational- she despised me because Taehyung refused to marry her! She's probably taking her revenge to initiate mistrust between the elders!
So Taehyung would marry her to regain stability!

___________________________

A future event.

Huff... Huff... Huff...
I shakily fumed while recovering my consciousness with my blurry vision on the unrecognizable space around me. My head... it's throbbing in pain as the sticky blood drips from my chin and onto my clothes. I slightly shook my head to recollect my fuzzy mind while struggling to free my limbs... but my wrists were tightly secured behind my back as I sat on an uncomfortable chair. The room... was chilly... and there was a single light bulb above my head. The dim glare... just enough to cast me under the spotlight. Fuck... I'm so sore. I squinted at the unfamiliar dark room. Where am I...?Creak. The door slid open, and a person appeared. I grunted with my wary eyes glued on the man as he stepped into the room with a leather belt. He was in his late 40s. Short neat gray hair and white beard. I couldn't recognize his face, no matter how hard I tried to recall his identity. But he looked somewhat... familiar...? Have we met before?"Jang Sora," He chuckled, slowly stepping under the dim glow to reveal his devilish grin. He knows my name. So we've met before? But who the fuck is he?! I huffed, lowered my face to shake off the dizziness, and glanced back at him. Fuck... which alpha did this to me!? I'm tired of their fucking games!"Who are you?" I grunted with a dizzy mind."The Black Phoenix," He smiled eerily.I froze in my seat with my swollen eyes on his menacing energy as he tightened his grip around a black belt. I didn't know what the Black Phoenix was... but his presence alone was enough to paralyze my nerves. I felt my body stiffening in place until... my blood ran cold. A rapid flash of the fire incident suddenly reappeared in my mind, so I seethed in pain at the aching thumps in my head until I was entirely out of breath.
Fire... screams... smoke... fear... chaos... wooden doors...
The man chuckled and crouched before my restrained legs to observe the dirty smudges on my face as the heavy sweat beads... glazed my scratched cheeks. I gripped my fist in fear as he leaned his face forward to get a better look at my face. He was so close... I could almost count his deep pores.
The man had a few light freckles over his sunburnt cheeks. His face... entirely smeared with greasy oil. His lips were dark purple. As if he was suffocating. And his crooked teeth... gritting at me in... excitement- as if he was keen to see me... but I could feel it... his malicious intention towards me.
There was something in his eyes. A piercing darkness, digging into my soul. It's as if he could read my mind. I shakily maintained intense eye contact with the man. Why is he staring at me in such a way? As if I was some sort of... strange object he's been dying to possess? This is definitely not our first encounter. But who is he!?The man chuckled and finally stood up, breaking the eye contact with me. Puff! I panted in relief until a few men suddenly opened the door and strolled inside to position a camera before me. The man rounded the chair to stand behind my back as I nervously examined the strange figures dressed in a hooded black cloak. A woman started recording me... so I uneasily gripped my fingers but jerked in shock when I felt the man sliding the leather belt around my neck."What are you doing?!-" I gasped but was instantly cut short by the shocking strain around my throat. I gagged in fright as he strangled me with the belt. Thump! Thump! I fearfully resisted the man until the chair scraped the floor, but my limbs were securely fastened with duct tape."The cursed child... must perish," He chuckled, suddenly yanking the leather harder, causing it to suppress the windpipe beneath my throat. I gasped and tilted my head backward in horror as he roughly compressed the leather around my neck. I whimpered and glanced at the dim red beam of the recording camera in fear. FUCK?! I CAN'T DIE LIKE THIS!Hot tears began to trickle down my cheeks as I gagged in distress until I felt my hand shaking between the tapes. I closed my eyes to resist the pain and tried to speak, but the man only towed the belt harder until I felt the pressure pushing out my eyeballs and tongue. I sobbed in fear with my bulging eyes on his evil face above mine as the bright light... glowed above us.A sore pain spread across my neck and up my chest, as my lungs violently begged for air, so I sniffled and clenched my jaw to resist the discomfort until I felt my temples pulsating on either side of my head. But no matter how desperately I defied his hostile acts... there was little I could do to save my helpless body from being murdered.Wheezing in difficulty... I resisted for the last time, slightly jerking my body, but it was useless, so I stopped thrashing and slumped weakling on the chair, completely exhausted by the aching pain around my throat.My head began to sway from side to side as my throat burned in pain until my mind grew hushed. I could almost hear my heartbeat... pounding in my ears as I struggled to breathe. And yet... nothing... not a single breeze of air was allowed to enter my throat... as I sat on the chair... helplessly waiting for death to accompany my soul.My bloodshot eyes slowly dropped closed after failing to feed my deflated lungs with oxygen, and everything suddenly turned pitch black. I couldn't feel my body or process the thoughts in my head as I descended toward the terrifying abyss.Puff... I felt a hot warmth over my face, so I fearfully turned around within the darkness of my mind to find... a gigantic phoenix symbol on the wall. I stiffened in place at the sight of thick blood... oozing between the brick and splattering onto the pool of dark fluid. My heart thumped in fear at the sight of the vicious creature.I stood frozen with my eyes nailed on its sinister energy... until the cold chills pricked my skin. The entire wall suddenly erupted on fire- sending its deadly flames blasting in my direction. My eyes widened in horror as I remained paralyzed in my position.
My glassy... pupils... reflecting the scorching wrath of the firebird as it blasted toward me with its... red flames.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POVA guard politely performed his courtesy at the entrance as I hurriedly walked inside the building lobby with a forceful smile. I nodded at the staff as they halted to greet me and scanned my face before the elevator, but the lift was still on the stop floor. Ah~! This is a disaster! I shouldn't have eaten the sour kimchi! I screwed my face in discomfort while tapping my feet with my attentive gaze on the descending number. Ding.I impatiently rushed inside the compartment and turned to tap the button repeatedly. Nervously, I stepped back to lean against the railing for support until I felt my swelling bowel stirring inside my intestine, so I twisted my legs to resist the poop's protest to exit my body. I need to use the bathroom! Why didn't I get the urge at the penthouse?! My stomach growled again, making me wince in discomfort with my hand pressed over my belly. The elevator ascended to the top floor at a taunting pace as I struggled to keep my butthole shut. Ding!I gasped in relief, quickly racing into the empty corridor, but halted with a slight grimace. I can't shit inside the office's private toilet! It's too awkward. I pursed my lips, restlessly glancing at the staff's toilet, and hurried inside to use one of the unoccupied stalls. Fuck! Fuck! It's coming out~! I cursed in frustration as I struggled to unzip my skirt. The zipper was stuck, so I whined and lifted my skirt, pulled down my panties, and quickly sat down.
Breep!
A flood of diarrhea instantly escaped my strained butthole. I bit my lower lips with my fist clenched and lowered my head to counter the discomfort as the aching pressure swelled inside my stomach until tears formed in my eyes. My ass is on fire! Flush. I quickly tap the screen to flush away the smelly discharge and let out a deep sigh after my stomach stopped gurgling. Sniffle. I rubbed my burning face while sitting on the bowl with my hands tucked under my chin to wait for the next batch of diarrhea. Creak. I froze at the presence of another person."Ah~! She's such a fuss," An assistant muttered. I gripped my skirt over my lap and lifted my startled gaze to the stall door as the employees entered the bathroom."What happened? Did young master scold you again?" Another employee asked."No. It was his fiancée. She visited again earlier this morning," The assistant replied."She came with gifts again? She always brings him gifts," Her co-worker replied as she entered the stall beside mine. I remained stiff on the bowl as the wet and soft discharge slipped out of my burning arsehole, so I clenched my buttcheeks to minimize the sound of the impact. Plop. My poop dropped inside the bowl. I lowered my face in embarrassment. Fuck~ I hope they didn't hear it~!"Why doesn't he bring her gifts home? I always lied about the unattended gifts whenever she asked about his reaction. What am I supposed to say? That our young master always sent us home with her gifts?" The staff by the sink exhaled in annoyance. I flushed the toilet again and washed my butt with the automatic water ejector before dabbing my crotch dry and slipped my panties from my ankle back onto my hips. I didn't want to interrupt their conversation, so I quietly closed the toilet lid and sat down. My presence will startle the employees."Young master doesn't like her. Isn't it obvious?" The employee in the stall replied."But he cheated on our first lady for her?-""I heard he was drunk. His family probably forced him to marry his current fiancée to resolve the problem," The staff replied, flushing her toilet and exiting the stall. I stared at the ribbon decoration on my shoes, calmly waiting for them to leave the room."He always stayed overtime after they split up. He couldn't stand seeing our first lady," The assistant huffed."I don't think so~! He used to hurry home at 4:00 PM sharp when he was still with her. He probably stayed back to work because it was the only distraction to keep his mind off her," The other woman responded."Right. Young master frequently sat alone at the private bar in the lounge to drink by himself. Some days, he'd sleep over at the office until I came to work the next morning," The assistant sighed."He avoids returning home. He stays back at work but doesn't get any work done. He overdosed himself with liquor until he blacked out. The symptoms are unmistakable. He's suffering in silence," The assistant sighed. The staff chatted about Taehyung's welfare and finally left the bathroom, so I carefully pushed open the door to check the space.I uneasily walked toward the sink to wash my hands and strolled out into the corridor. The assistants and secretaries bowed at me from their desks as soon as I stepped inside the main lobby. I nodded at them and entered the room to find Taehyung standing beside my desk. He quickly slammed the drawer shut and turned awkwardly to stare at the view of the city. What is he doing? Why is he checking my drawers? I pretended not to notice his suspicious behavior and strode forward to sit at my desk.Taehyung briefly glanced at me as he stiffly settled in his seat, waiting for my acknowledgment with his eager gaze. I ignored his obvious glances and switched on my computer to fulfill the tasks for the day. The day went about without disturbance. I was pretty much unbothered, and Taehyung was busy flipping back and forth on the file.

I eventually released a deep exhale and leaned back on the armchair after mass murdering my brain cells to perform the task, weakly slouching against the backrest in exhaustion. Taehyung suddenly spun in his chair and turned to look at me again, but he didn't look away this time. He kept his determined gaze on me until I felt super uncomfortable. I sighed and shifted my grim attention to the man without turning my head to question his behavior. Taehyung straightened his back with a startled look at my acknowledgment and glanced at the file on his desk."Your silence is loud," I muttered, shifting my eyes back to the screen."Do you have any plans after work?" He awkwardly cleared his throat. I tapped the armrest quietly."No. Why?" I replied."I want to have dinner with you," He replied. I stared blankly at the reports on my screen."I've already bought ingredients," I shrugged. I've been eating home-cooked meals lately after Bogum disappeared. Do-hwan instructed me to remain at my penthouse to avoid getting in unwanted trouble."Then can I eat at your place?" Taehyung curiously asked. I scoffed and shifted my eyes to his eager face as he fully rotated his chair in my direction."The last thing I need is for your fiancée to break inside my house with a knife to murder me-""Can you stop calling her that?" Taehyung grimaced. I stared at him with my lips pursed."Well. You were so keen on marrying her- but you don't want me to-""I told you I was stupid. Can't you spare some sympathy?" Taehyung complained."Spare sympathy for your stupidity?" I chuckled. Taehyung scoffed at my mocking statement, suddenly turning to slam his fingers on the keyboard with an annoyed look. I shook my head at his childish attitude and glanced back at the opened file before me. We grew hushed for another ten minutes as I listened to the intentional loud clacking of his keyboards. Click! Clack! Click! Clack!

"Are you seeing someone???" Taehyung restlessly turned to frown at me again. I stared at him unsurely."Is it your business-""You've been seeing Seokjin," He narrowed his eyes."So? We're on good terms," I shrugged. Taehyung scoffed at my unbothered response and glared at his screen again. Click! Clack! Click! Clack! The man hammered the keyboard with an upset frown. Is he nuts? Why is he behaving like a brat?"But your mother favors Sungho-""I'll marry him if it's her wish. He's a decent man," I shrugged. Taehyung darkened his expression and released a shaky breath at my bland response. What kind of reaction is he expecting from me? The alpha grew muted again after I irritated him and diverted his attention back to the work."So you've been clean all these months?" Taehyung suddenly asked out of the blue. Why is he speaking every ten minutes or so? I furrowed my eyebrows while struggling to make sense of his words."What?" I asked, turning to frown at him."Are you not horny or anything? Didn't you have sex with anyone?" He asked, funnily frowning at me. My lips slightly parted in disbelief. Ani. Why is he so interested in my affair?"I don't need a partner to pleasure myself," I replied, dumbfounded by his question. Taehyung turned back to his screen and lowered his face to scribble on the document without responding to me. Silence. I scoffed and glanced back at the desktop. Is he horny or what? Did he expect me to invite him to my place? "So you're saying you've never slept with another man after we broke up? I was your last?" He asked after five minutes of silence between us. I exhaled, trying hard to comprehend his baffling questions, and lowered my head to pinch my nose bridge. Is he crazy? It doesn't feel like I'm speaking to Kim Taehyung."You definitely won't be my last," I rolled my eyes. Taehyung stared at me with a slight grimace. He's out of his mind."I never slept with Hwa-young either. We never kissed," Taehyung shrugged. I scrolled through the file on the screen with an unbothered look."Okay," I replied. Taehyung seemed annoyed at my lack of concern and uneasily gripped his armrest. The alpha groaned and lowered his face to rest his forehead on the desk in defeat after I repeatedly dismissed his hints. Is he acting cute to make me melt for him? And this is how a male human behaves when he's in heat...?"I'm really sorry. Okay?" Taehyung muttered, keeping his head rested on the desk without budging."Okay-""Sora!" Taehyung suddenly snapped, startling me with his angered voice. I quickly fired a dead glare in disbelief as he shakily fumed from his desk with his frustrated glower on me."Don't scream at me! My stomach is unwell right now! I'll seriously force out the rotten sour kimchi from my ass and shove it inside your mouth!" I screamed. I'm trying to focus on my work! I rubbed my racing chest to calm my pulsating heart in annoyance. Stupid asshole!"I told you I'm sorry! Why won't you-""I heard you! What else do you want me to do!? You can say sorry as many times as you want! But the scar on my wrist will never fade, and the blood I lost will never return to my body!" I snapped, glaring at him in irritation. He's been bugging me so much! Endlessly apologizing for the past! I know he's sorry! And I know he's aware of his fault, but I can't fucking bring myself to do anything but listen to his justifications! That's the farthest I can do for him!"I also bled for you! There's also a scar on my body! I bled for you too!" Taehyung argued, firmly poking his left chest with an offended look. I stared at him with a poker face and spun the chair to face the city view with boiling blood. Fuck. I have to remain composed."I literally killed our child because of you, Kim Taehyung," I sighed, shifting my dark gaze to his red face. Taehyung clenched his jaw at my words as he perched stiffly with his burning eyes on mine. The alpha gripped the handrest and spun his chair around to glare at his screen. Instant shutdown. He stopped speaking, so I lowered my head and sighed deeply to ease the troubling emotions within my chest. I finally stood up, grabbed my jacket and bag and left the office without another word. I'm so exhausted.
I spat hurtful words at Taehyung that day... on the rooftop. I'm aware. The crimes I accused him of committing against me under the cold storm- I didn't mean any of it. I was desperate to portray him as a bad guy because of the betrayal I couldn't seem to neglect. I tried. I tried so hard to stand by his side after uncovering his inappropriate acts towards Hwa-young, but in the end, I couldn't convince myself to dismiss the incident. So I played the victim in an issue I wasn't even involved in. I completely lost my mind... so I screamed... hateful speeches at him.

Who am I to claim that his love was a lie? How was I so... certain of his pretentious love? I wasn't, but I was hurt and upset, so I vented reckless arguments. Taehyung was fed up with my nonsense, so he broke up with me on impulse. I'm sure he didn't mean to treat our love so carelessly either... but we were both overwhelmed by the disorder. Thus, we ended up... breaking each other's hearts in the heat of our clouded senses.

Yet it doesn't mean I was entirely at fault. Taehyung is probably just as confused as I was regarding our relationship because we grew up in a confined space. Neither of us knew if it was actually love or just... familiarity.

I didn't know the answer until my heart shattered for him. I realized after enduring the unbearable aches in my chest that I did love him. And that I needed him in my life. But the situation wasn't forgiving, and I could no longer take back my harsh words. It was over. And Taehyung? He probably only understood his emotions after I left his side. I don't know, but there's nothing left for us to kindle.

We might set each other on fire if we tried to ignite the dying ember.

I can't live my remaining life dwelling on the past anymore. I can't change what's done and said. Nothing I do now will fix our history. I can only live in the current reality, and I can only live for the future. Hopefully, I can build a better life and become a better version of myself if I focus on my present life.

Why would I want to revive the heartbreaking past? I don't. Just because I failed to lead a happy life in the past, it doesn't mean I'll fail to set a path for my future. There is still hope, and I am... my only hope in achieving fulfilled happiness, so I'll trust myself and walk forward.

Whether or not I fail or succeed in life... it is my choice and my accountability, alone.

I will detach my soul from everything that has been holding me down.

Only then can I swim upward and break through the suffocating surface.

Finally breathing freely...

I kept blaming Taehyung for the scars on my wrist, but was it his fault? I chose to slit my wrist, and he should never bear the burden of my acts. It was my choice and never his... to pierce the blade into my flesh. I did it to end my life because I couldn't bear to live longer, but my survival from the suicide attempt... has formed a rotting guilt in Taehyung. Everyone blamed him for my misery. It's understandable because I foolishly tried to end my life over a man. But in reality, the only scar he's responsible for is my broken heart and never the visible scar on my wrist.
I halted on the pavement, coming to an abrupt brake with a blank stare on the side of the road. Someone is tailing me. I turned around to find a black car rolling slowly by the sidewalk. Is he serious? I frowned at the man behind the steering wheel.

Taehyung awkwardly glanced away as he sat behind the steering wheel with his rolled-up sleeves. I narrowed my disapproving gaze at him as I waited for his car to drive past me. The stalker man eventually passed my position a little until he halted his tires about five feet from my position. I huffed and walked in the reverse direction... until I noticed his car rolling backward. Is he crazy?! I stopped, fired his car a sharp glare, and stormed toward the window. Knock. Knock. I hastily thumbed my fist on the glass."What?" Taehyung asked, rolling down the window with a blank look as if he was oblivious to the entire situation."I'm not a hooker on the street you can pick up, sir," I grimaced while bending at window level."I'm just- following you because- it's not safe! The society is unstable right now!" Taehung stuttered as he struggled to find an excuse. I narrowed my eyes at him until he averted his nervous face away."You're dismissed, sir," I rudely muttered, straightening my back again and walked off with my arms crossed over my chest. He's so annoying! I ignored his presence and strolled over the bustling sidewalk until I reached the entrance of my building. Oh? I slowed down my pace as a man stood by the doorway. Seokjin lifted his face in my direction. His lips curved up into a weak smile. The man raised his hand to wave at me, so I turned to find Taehyung's car... still rolling a few feet behind me."Your shift is over?" Seokjin asked while carrying a bag in his hand."Why are you here- Ah!" I asked, unsurely approaching him when Seokjin swung his arm around my neck to tug me forward. I gasped in disbelief as the man dragged me inside the building before I could react."Someone's following you," Seokjin whispered, forcefully smiling at the receptionist. I slightly shoved him aside."It's Taehyung," I muttered, quickly fixing my hair. Seokjin widened his eyes and glanced at the closed door to find Kim Taehyung stepping out of his car."Why is he after you?" Seokjin asked, unsurely scanning my annoyed face."The same reason as you. Now leave," I calmly shrugged. Seokjin bitterly glanced at Taehyung as he strolled inside the building lobby. I quickly scanned my card and hurried inside the elevator. Ding. I waved at Seokjin. He stood outside with a dumbfounded look as the elevator door closed on him. Taehyung halted behind Seokjin right before the door fully closed as I stood with a blank face.
I won't let either of them back into my life!
__________________________Jimin chuckled until his eyes turned into a crescent shape while speaking with me in the mansion's living room. Jungkook grimaced at my joke and shook his head until the door opened and the Chul appeared, so we quickly bowed at the elders. Sungho greeted us as Hwa-young sulkily stood behind her brother's back without acknowledging our presence.She still resents me for triggering Taehyung's outburst towards her. Hwa-young sideways darted me an irritated look. My parents invited me to a dinner feast at the mansion because the Chul is growing impatient with Hwa-young's delayed marriage, so I'm probably the next target."I got something for you," Sungho smiled while sitting beside me in the dining room. I curiously glanced at him as he opened a jewel box to reveal a sage green peridot hairpin."It's beautiful," I softly gasped, reaching out to stroke the gem in the shape of a peacock. Sungho beamed brightly as the elders filled the room."You usually put your hair into a bun lately. I thought it would suit you," Sungho shrugged. I chuckled, slightly rotating my body away to let him pluck it in my hair. Sungho carefully lifted the pin and pushed it through my neat bun."So that's why I couldn't get my hands on the latest collection!" Mrs. Jeon gasped, enviously staring at the hairpin in my hair."He handpicked the piece for the supreme alpha," Mrs. Chul proudly beamed. Sungho patted my shoulder, so I smiled and slightly touched the pin in my hair as Taehyung strolled into the room.Hwa-young immediately sat up in her seat, wanting to call for her fiance's attention but held back and crossed her arms instead. Taehyung strode around the table to sit across from me instead of settling beside Hwa-young. I unsurely eye his composed behavior. He didn't look at me but maintained a blank expression."The marriage between The Kim and Chuls should take place soon. The society is unstable again, so it's best if the supreme alpha marries a powerful ally to sustain the households," Appa urged. I was right. They invited me to speak about the potential marriage. The room grew hushed. Taehyung slowly shifted his dull eyes to eomma."The supreme alpha may proceed with her wedding first. Taehyung oppa and I can wait a little longer," Hwa-young spoke up from her seat. Mrs. Kim narrowed her eyes on the Chul's daughter and glanced at me."You're right. The supreme alpha's security is our priority. We shouldn't postpone Sora's marriage to ensure stability in the council," Mr. Chul agreed."Sora. Are you ready for the marriage with Sungho?" Mrs. Kim uneasily questioned me. Jungkook and Jimin exchanged glances once they noticed the Kim's uncomfortable reaction to the marriage. My mother will discard the Kim once she has her grip on Chul Sungho and the Kim is fully aware of her intentions."I'm ready to fulfill my duties whenever. I'm sure my mother will pick the best candidate for me," I smiled. It's easy for me to fall in love, so I don't have to worry about the man I'll potentially marry."That's a relief. Maybe we should confirm the supreme alpha's marriage?" Mrs. Chul happily chuckled after hearing my approval. Sungho frowned at his sister from across the table for suggesting our marriage to the elders."She can't marry him," Taehyung spoke up with an unbothered look."Why not?" Jungkook scoffed, frowning at his cousin's objection. Hwa-young chewed her lips in annoyance and fired me a sharp glare."She's not ready for marriage. The supreme alpha may only marry when she's well-equipped for the society. She can't be the council's leader without proper skills and commitment," Taehyung dully stared at Jungkook in response. Sungho unsurely looked at Taehyung and glanced back at his irritated sister. She kept firing Taehyung a side eye, but he didn't seem to detect her disapproving frowns. The man proceeded to eat his meal, softly scraping the silver utensil against the plate."I'm sure it won't take her long to master her skills," Eomma smiled uneasily."Right? Her performance is almost at your level in the corporation," Jungkook mocked Taehyung, who fired his cousin a sharp stare in return."Her performance seems high because I slowed down. Did you think she could overpower me when she can't even focus on a simple task? The supreme alpha can't marry unless she demonstrates her competencies to the chairmen and earns their respect, or she'll never be ready for the role," Taehyung smirked, averting his dark eyes at me with his eyebrow raised. I gripped the fork intensely and glanced at my mother for assistance. Why is he suddenly challenging me?!"Taehyung is right. Sora should focus on her role in the society first. She's not prepared to handle the council yet," Mr. Kim firmly agreed with his son. Eomma let out a deep exhale while struggling to stay composed."She's ranked the lowest in regards to the academy's performance. The alphas will reject her authority if she officially takes her rightful seat. And the society will undoubtedly dismiss her authority. Did you think your mere baking skills could soften the hearts of greedy households?" Taehyung muttered, darting me a piercing look. I maintained a neutral expression, keeping my stern eyes fixed on his. I won't cower away."Taehyung is right about Sora's position in the council. Her future groom alone isn't powerful enough to dominate the society. The supreme alpha must prove her legitimacy to secure her position for the long term. The marriage will only distract her from fulfilling her rightful duties," Mr. Jeon sighed, slightly nodding at Taehyung. I glanced at eomma's infuriated scold, but she refused to argue and shifted her attention to her plate.A moment later.Taehyung was the first to excuse his presence from the dining room after finishing his meal, so I got up after him. I need to speak with that jerk! I wonder what he has up his sleeve! Taehyung steadily strolled down the empty corridor but halted once he noticed me following him from behind."Are you seriously using the power game against me-""Me? Using it against you? It's your duty, is it not?" Taehyung turned to frown at me. I paused to observe his oddly dark energy, taken aback by his dull gaze. What's the matter with him?

"I know it's personal-""I've already told you my side of the story, and it's up to you whether or not you believe me, but the society isn't a personal matter between you and me. It's the game of survival, and I will do anything to protect my household. The last thing I need right now is for you to mindlessly agree to marriage without being aware of the consequences," Taehyung firmly stared at me."Sungho is a stable-""Sure he is, but do you know his real intention? The Chul is a new household within the society. And the only credit he has is his school performance. Nothing... else. You've never once spent time with him- At least not enough to uncover his true color," Taehyung raised his eyebrow."Are you saying you're better than him-""No. In your eyes- I'm nothing but a cheater. Kim Taehyung. The man who attends to your need with the intention to leech off your power. Isn't that your definition of me? I'll never be the good guy in your life, and to be blunt. You can assume whatever, but if your marriage with another household guarantees my family's downfall- Then I will do anything to prevent it. I will not allow you to marry so you can wreck my family. It's a shame to have served an ungrateful household like yours for the past decade," Taehyung coldly narrowed his eyes. I nervously gripped my dress while staring right at his firm expression."Who are you to dictate my life?" I asked while glaring at him. Taehyung chuckled and lowered his face to my ear. I slightly jerked away from him with a slight frown."I'll give you a year. If you can outrace me in the corporation, the society and the academy. I'll let you do whatever you want. But remember Sora... I won't go easy on you anymore. Your sweet strawberry cake isn't an effective recipe to soften me anymore. I'll show you my real potential. And I will show you... my dangerous greed for power. Even if it means forcing you into a marriage you're against. Chul Sungho can never... replace me in the council," Taehyung whispered, turning his head to pant softly against my ear. I gripped my fist, slightly turning my face to glare at his arrogant smirk. Taehyung straightened his back with a weak smile."Fine. But if I win, I'll choose the next council leader and you'll have to admit your defeat," I firmly stared at him."Deal. It's the beginning of the new term for the corporation and the academy, so we'll begin from here," Taehyung shrugged, turning to stroll away. I darkly glared at the back of his head and turned around to leave through the door. I didn't weaken at his desperate pleas. So he's playing the power card with me. I have to defeat Kim Taehyung in the average world, the society, and the academy to free myself from his stupid game!____________________________
Fast Forward

There was no news on Bogum. He disappeared, and there were no traces of him. Do-hwan reported a missing person case at the local station and instructed the police to investigate the matter after my mother demanded that we stop wasting our resources and manpower on the average man, so I couldn't get the special force to track Bogum anymore.

He's my responsibility, and for all I know... an alpha might be responsible for his disappearance. But it's strange. Why is the culprit hushed?! Why did they take Bogum? To threaten me? I've not received a single threat so far, so what's the purpose of his abduction? I tried searching for Bogum's relatives to inform them of his absence... only to find out he's... an orphan.

No families. No friends.
"Here. Why do you need all this?" Seokjin asked, placing his old thesis document on the desk as I frowned at the candidate registration form on the screen."I will compete this year," I muttered, grabbing his file to flip through the sample. Seokjin scoffed and sat down with doubtful work."You're studying full-time? What happened to your cafe? Did it go bankrupt? I'll lend you some money as an investment, but I want to have a 50% stake in the business," Seokjin playfully offered. I glared at his smug smile. He's getting better at his jokes."My boss was abducted by an unknown person. I have no money to manage the expenses. Eomma froze my bank account, so the only way to free myself from her grip is to study and beat Kim Taehyung," I muttered while flipping through the book."So... they're forcing you to take charge of your role, huh? You're far behind though," Seokjin smiled, weakly resting his chin over his hand. I lifted my stern eyes to observe his keen expression."You're Taehyung's only rival in the society. Mind... telling me his weakness?" I asked. Seokjin scoffed and lowered his head before lifting his bright eyes to meet mine again."Are you cheating-""Ani! I'm just- seeking useful tips from the only man to beat Kim Taehyung on the thesis work," I cleared my throat with a flustered look. Seokjin glanced at the files and back to me while tapping his fingers over the table.

"What will I get in return?" Seokjin asked. I didn't blink and stared straight at his curious gaze."I'll help you retrieve your power," I muttered. Seokjin playfully gasped."How will you do that? You can't lure me into helping you without a proper deal. We should assemble proper terms and conditions and sign a contract," He chuckled to tease me."Jae Yangcha is the last alpha to obtain your contracts. I'm sure he didn't hand it to Namjoon or Taehyung, so I'll try to find it for you. Your lost contracts- may be hidden somewhere," I shrugged."Namjoon is hushed... so that indicates... he's secure," Seokjin muttered."Or... he's unstable. What if he lost the contract? He's staying low, hoping you won't sue him," I smiled. When a person is quiet... it's either they're confident or they're hiding from the spotlight. We never know until we lure them out of the cave. "Fair enough. Should we provoke their fear?" Seokjin suggested."Sure. You may initiate a trial against Kim Namjoon. I'll back you. Namjoon will avoid the council if he doesn't possess the complete contract," I nodded."And what do you want from me in return?" Seokjin lifted his eyebrow."Your support in the council. Me. Jang Sora. Not my parents and not my household. I want you to back me up with your recovered power," I stared at him firmly. Seokjin leaned back against his chair to reconsider my terms."Deal," Seokjin nodded."So what's Kim Taehyung's weakness?" I asked. Seokjin glanced at his file and back at me."He doesn't have one," Seokjin smiled, getting up to stroll out of the room."Hey! Yah- How's that helpful!?" I snapped, but Seokjin waved his hand and left through the door with his bag. I groaned and glared at the files in annoyance.The school thesis competition is exclusively for the top students because it's a cutthroat brain power competition. And ironically, I do not possess the active brain neurons, let alone a healthy brain to compute the work. The professors will reveal a case study, and I'll have to figure out a solution to resolve the issue. Why did I agree to this!? Taehyung knows I do not have the brain power to solve anything theoretical! I grimaced and frowned at the stack of papers.Why did they have to make up false scenarios? It's hard for me to imagine letters in my head! Huffing, I lowered my head in defeat to slap my face against the file. He must be laughing at me for being so stupid and agreeing to challenge him!
A moment later.
"Oh. Sora," The principal waved for me to enter the room after I disturbed him with my frantic knocks. I clutched Seokjin's files and strolled inside the office to slam the documents on the table. Thump! The man stared at the heap of compiled files in surprise."I want to participate," I muttered, sitting down with my arms crossed. The principal glanced at me and back at the files."Sure. The competition is open to everyone-""Why is the competition theoretical?" I questioned. The principal stared at my question with a dumbfounded look."Because a report must consist of proper references-""That's unfair. Not everyone in the academy is good with texts, and not everyone can visualize everything in their head. There should be practical performance!" I frowned, keenly leaning forward. The man seemed a bit taken aback by my complaints."The academy always hosted the competition in this custom-""Then there should be a modification! The system is old school! We need to accomplish something more practical! What's the point of researching all these things- just to win an award and then stack the documents away?! There should be real outcomes and visible results~!" I complained, repeatedly tapping on the document with a determined frown. The principal grimaced at my attitude, but I didn't give up and kept annoying him with the issue. I can't beat Taehyung if it's theory-based, so I'll try something practical! I might stand a chance.____________________________
Elite Council
Seokjin smiled at me from the opposite row after sitting down at his seat at the council. I brightly beamed and glanced at my parent's somber expression. Oh. Right. I must maintain my facial expression. I cleared my throat and tried to frown at the crowd. Eomma said I must look intimidating to induce fear in the crowd. Jungkook suddenly lowered his face while waving his fingers before my unblinking eyes as I frowned at the people within the room."Are you okay...?" Jungkook asked while observing my stern expression with a judgemental look."I'm fine! I'm just trying to appear intimidating-""With that look??? It looks like you need to take a shit," Jungkook chuckled. I snapped my head in his direction and fired him an offended look."Shut up!" I whispered as the moderator initiated the elite meeting."He's the poker face master," Jungkook nodded at Taehyung, who was leaning back against his leather chair with his legs spread apart under his desk. I examined his dull gaze and expressionless face."Relax your body and face if you truly want to look confident," Eomma whispered, gently patting my back. I eased my stiff back and slowly leaned backward, tilting against the chair to copy Taehyung's pose. I unsurely adjusted my uncomfortable position because it felt like I was slumping like a lazy child."Pfft!" Jungkook sniggered. His father smacked his back as the alpha laughed at me in tears. I frowned and sat up in annoyance as Taehyung side-eyes the commotion with a disapproving look."Yah. It doesn't fit you at all. You're slouching," Jungkook teased. I huffed and sat up again as eomma shook her head at my failed attempt.
Kim Seokjin finally called for the council to intervene in his household alliance matter against Kim Namjoon for breaching their contract terms. Namjoon denied the accusation and firmly stated that Seokjin was risking his alliance to save Jae Yangcha. So Namjoon withdrew the contracts to protect their households.

Yangcha's controversy is Seokjin's biggest blunder because he unknowingly defended a killer in the trial.
"The contracts must be placed under the council's custody until the issue is resolved," Seokjin firmly spoke, firing Namjoon a dark look."That isn't necessary. All the alliances approved my withdrawal," Namjoon countered. Seokjin maintained a firm expression as I nervously chewed my thumb. Smack. Eomma slapped my hand, so I immediately straightened my posture again.
Namjoon refused to present the alliance contracts at the council, which is a positive signal. He might not possess the documents. Did Yangcha hide it? Where did he hide it? I need to find the contract as soon as possible. If I can help Kim Seokjin, he'll be my first power partner in the council.

The elite meeting eventually shifted to the Jung's household as they disclosed the information about Hyun Jiwoo passing on the island.
"Our team located the supreme alpha and Kim Seokjin's fingerprints at the site," Hoseok announced, worriedly eyeing me."Did you kill Jiwoo to cover up your affair in the warehouse?!" Minho asked, smugly smiling at me. Taehyung bitterly eyed me again and back at Seokjin, who was just as flustered."The supreme alpha isn't involved. Sora was at the warehouse before Min Yoongi's attack at the pool. Hyun Jiwoo was still alive, and she rushed to save the second-rank alpha. Hyun Jiwoo passed away afterward," Eomma testified for me. She acted as the witness for my household. Hoseok nodded. The alpha ensured he'd monitor the camera footage again to confirm my involvement."Wah~! Isn't it suspicious? Jang Sora... with Seokjin at the warehouse while Kim Taehyung cheated with the Chul's daughter?" Mira shook her head in disbelief. The room darted my household dirty looks."Is my household love affair your main issue? One of you within the room is the real culprit behind Min Yoongi's attack and Hyun Jiwoo's death. You won't be laughing once we capture you," Jungkook snapped back at the couple. Mira rolled her eyes as Jimin smiled at Minho's annoyed expression."The Min is still investigating the culprit behind the attack. We believe Hyun Jiwoo was an agent sent by the top alphas. Please cooperate with our investigation procedures," Yoongi spoke up. The Min is still after the killer. Hyun Jiwoo might be the person with Yoongi's blood on his hands, but someone else silenced him for messing up."And as for the latest issue. It is directly associated with the supreme alpha and her households concerning Park Jihyun's death. The society agreed to request an official statement regarding the fire incident at the Seoul mansion," The moderator announced. Eomma turned pale as I sat stiffly with my eyes on the prying alphas within the room."Park Jihyun has been dead for over a decade. We can't possibly-""Why is it that you refuse to investigate the fire incident?" Namjoon dully questioned my father."Are you accusing my household of murdering the late supreme alpha?" Jungkook scoffed."It's not an accusation. We merely wish to study the official death report. Did Jihyun die in the fire by accident, or was it a scheme set up by your household to seize his power? Coming to think of it... all three households never existed before. Perhaps. Are you an average family? Jihyun's maids or secretaries? You might've worked together to end the half-blood to acquire his power-""That's nonsense! We were the top three anonymous alphas under the honored supreme alpha, Park Chulseok! He left us under Jihyun's care after he passed away!" Eomma countered, gripping her fists in anger."Then... can you present the contract transfer documents?" Namjoon smirked. The elders turned pale as they glanced back and forth."Is a document necessary? We were his direct alliance!" Jungkook countered."We still wish to see the official documents. Please cooperate with the council," Mr. Min spoke up sorely."The Jang possesses all of the documents. The Jeon and the Kim are simply obeying orders," Taehyung muttered, dumping the responsibilities on my mother, who fired him a sharp glare. My mother got so upset she ended up feeling super light-headed.
The moderator concluded the meeting after addressing the issues in the household. We were granted a period of two weeks to gather all of the past information to prove our legitimacy in the council. However, foul gossip began to circulate across the society.

People started calling me a murderer, a power thief, and a bloodsucker.
_________________________
Fast Forward
"Hello, average woman," Mira mocked, appearing before me with her group of friends. I lifted my piercing eyes to meet hers."Average?" I repeated with a blank face."What was your parent's occupation before you killed Park Jihyun? Ah. Your mother is probably a maid, mopping up his marble floors, and your father...? He's probably a gardener?" Mira teased. I rolled my eyes. I can't give in to their mockery. Their words mean nothing to me. I will sink if I let the water enter me. Slowly, I rose to my feet with my dull gaze glued on Mira's smug expression. She seemed a bit nervous as I stared at her without speaking."According to the current ranks. I am the supreme alpha, and you're a weak fifth rank as verified by the society. Please watch your words, or I'll dig into your household dirty works in the average world. After all, the alphas should be pure blood. Right? What about you? Mira- shi. Weren't your parents broke and starving after they birthed you? They lived in the slum, feeding you with the little cash they earned from operating an illegal den. If it's anyone, you're the worm in disguise as an alpha," I mocked, tilting my head with a weak smile. Mira's face flushed red as she glared at me. I patted her shoulder and walked off with a smug smile.I halted by the corridor when I noticed Jimin arguing with So-young. Jimin scoffed and stormed off in the opposite direction. Why are they fighting again? Jimin recently started dating So-young after their long-term courtship, but they're already arguing?"Ah!" I gasped when someone grabbed my arm and pulled me into an empty lecture room. Hoseok slammed the door shut and turned to glare at me."Sora. I need you to tell me the truth!" Hoseok snapped."What!?" I frowned."In the warehouse! Are you sure you're not involved? Your fingerprints-""I was there before Jiwoo died! Seokjin was drunk, and we got into a fight! We left the place afterward, and that's how I found Yoongi in the pool! The timeline doesn't make sense! Hyun Jiwoo died hours after attacking Yoongi!" I whined. Hoseok frowned with a conflicted look."There are traces of semen... at the warehouse," Hoseok sighed. I stared at him with a blank expression. So Taehyung was right about Hoseok's official report? He wasn't bluffing."Is it Seokjin's...?" I asked, unsurely staring at Hoseok."I don't know. But you need to tell me the truth," Hoseok shrugged."We did nothing at the warehouse. I can assure you. We did not get intimate," I sighed. Hoseok huffed and leaned back against the door with his arms crossed."The case doesn't make sense at all. The Min suspects you killed Jiwoo to cover up your affair with Seokjin, but your mother is correct... you left the place before the culprit killed Jiwoo," Hoseok grimaced. I chatted briefly with Hoseok and left the lecture room. Whoever killed Jiwoo... it could've been to silence the lower rank or to conceal an affair. There were traces of. semen at the warehouse?
But again.

There were a lot of young couples on the island. A pair could've snuck inside to do the deeds there.

Fast Forward

I prayed for the gossip about my household affairs to die down but it didn't. I desperately needed peace and stability to concentrate on my work, yet they wouldn't stop chattering loudly about my family's dirt. Two days later, I was called a slut. And people started claiming that I cheated in Taehyung with Seokjin. The lower ranks and the alphas would eye me in disgust. Taehyung seemed colder after the controversy swept the society. He found out before the others... and it triggered our breakup.
"Are you alright?" Jimin asked, sitting down beside me in the empty lounge. I nodded and leaned forward to rub my face. I have to preserve my self-control. Everything is a scheme. The only thing I need to focus on at the moment is the upcoming competition. The room suddenly flooded with the alphas after they poured through the opened door."You took her to get an abortion!?" So-young shrieked, angrily steering her raging glower at Jimin. The room suddenly grew hushed at her fuming outburst. Jimin lifted his face to stare at his girlfriend in bewilderment."So-young-""Why?! Because she had your baby!? Yours?! So you're the man at the warehouse with her?!" So-young fired me a furious look. My lips slightly parted at her unexpected accusations. Neither of us was prepared for So-young's assertive claims."It's not-""How many guys did you fuck on the island!? If it's not your baby- Then why did you take her to the abortion center?!" So-young screamed, angrily shoving her boyfriend backward when he tried to reach for her."Who told you-""You were seen at the clinic together! You were hugging her!" So-young snapped, furiously showing Jimin the blurry pictures of Jimin comforting me inside the lobby. I pursed my lips in horror. The alphas gasped at the shocking news."Woah. So whose baby did you bear...? Seokjin's or Jimin's?" Minho asked while staring at me with a dumbfounded look. I couldn't respond but remained frozen on the couch. Thud. Thud. We shifted our eyes to the door to find... Kim Taehyung... storming inside the room with his deadly gaze on his best friend."PARK JIMIN!" Taehyung roared, angrily seizing his friend's collar. He roughly pulled Jimin onto his feet to drag him out of the lounge, leaving So-young baffled yet upset with the news. I blinked out of my thoughts and quickly chased after the duo. Shit! Who leaked my abortion information!?"Listen!- Argh!" Jimin gasped, trying to shove Taehyung off him but was cut short after receiving a harsh blow to the left jaw. The alpha stumbled to the side as Taehyung fumed over him."It was you!? Why did you agree to take her there?!" Taehyung bellowed, roughly snatching his friend's collar."It was her decision! She asked me not to tell you!" Jimin countered, firing his friend an angry look. Taehyung tried to punch Jimin again, but I quickly stepped between them and shoved the crazy man away."That's enough-""Whose child is it, Sora!? Why didn't you tell me if it was our child!? Why is it that my best friend is the man bearing the expenses of your abortion?! I thought it was Kim Seokjin- but Park Jimin!? Was the baby mine or not!?" Taehyung snapped. I glowered at Taehyung in frustration. Did the gossip pollute his mind too...?"You broke up with her! You couldn't have done anything even if it was your child!" Jimin roared at Taehyung in anger. I knew he'd accuse me of having a child with another man! Despite fucking me all day and night?!- He dared to ask if it was another man's child?!"SO YOU AGREED TO HELP HER MURDER A CHILD!?" Taehyung darkly clenched his jaw, stepping forward to seethe at Jimin, but I firmly stood between them. So-young burst into tears as she listened to our conversation and hurried off, causing Jimin to exhale in frustration as he rubbed the blood from his lips."So... it's true. Jang Sora had an abortion?" Mira stood with her mouth hung open. I shakily panted as I stood in the crowded hallway filled with prying eyes. Fuck! I can handle all the problems but not the abortion! It's a sensitive topic for me!The aching pain within my chest suddenly relapsed, so I clenched my jaws and rushed away, hastily pushing through the crowd to avoid the alphas. I never wanted anyone to find out about the abortion! And I definitely didn't expect people to fucking argue over the father of a dead child! I rubbed away my tears while storming down the stairs and raced out of the school- just as Jungkook appeared with a bag over his shoulder."Hey, dumpling-!""Don't touch me!" I screamed, shoving him aside, and tried to walk forward, but Jungkook grabbed my hand to pull me back with a slight frown."What happened-" Jungkook questioned, lowering his startled face to examine the tear streaks on my cheeks, but I shoved him aside and marched out of the university.
It's not that I'm upset about the nasty slurs they've been calling me! I'm upset by the fact that everyone dared to fight over my fucking dead child! Why is it that they have to act like I've committed treason!? It's my baby, and it's my pain alone! Why is it that they have to dramatize it!? This is a personal matter that shouldn't be raised as an issue by other people!

A moment later.
"Argh!-" I screamed, angrily swinging my leg to kick the arm pads."Urgh! Yah!- Calm down- Fuck!" Jungkook screeched, raising his forearms to shield his face as I repeatedly beat the pads with my bare fists. Thump! Thump! I threw a left hook with all my arm strength. Jungkook grunted while struggling to resist me. The half-blood hastily shoved the pad forward, sending me tumbling over the mat in the practice room after I refused to back off."What's the matter with her?" Do-hwan dawdled while walking on the treadmill. I screamed in anger and launched forward, attempting to strike Jungkook again. Jungkook's eyes widened in horror as I tackled him onto the mat. Thud!"Urgh!!? I'm not your punching bag!" Jungkook groaned, trying to force me off his body, but I kept hitting the pad over his forearms until my sweat dripped messily all over Jungkook's shirt."Ah!" I gasped when Jungkook dodged my punch and thrust me off his body. I collapsed hard onto the mat but quickly sat up again, wildly firing a piercing glare at Jungkook. Thump! Jungkook suddenly launched over my body to wrestle me downward. I gritted fiercely and tried to punch him, but Jungkook smirked and pinned my arms down with his knees."Give up~!" Jungkook teased as he sat over me. I huffed and slumped weakly onto the mat in exhaustion. The only way to shut down my mind is to exhaust my body."Get off me," I muttered, grunting in discomfort as I supported his heavy mass. Jungkook smugly rolled off me to slip the pads from his forearm as I sprawled weakly on the floor, defeated by his counterattack. My burning chest intensely pulsated, rising and sinking as I struggled to catch my breath on the floor. Do-hwan chuckled at my strained condition and shook his head after I surrendered to Jeon Jungkook."Did something happen at the university?" The man asked."They found out about the abortion," Jungkook grunted while sitting beside me, carefully wrapping the cotton around his fingers. He got up to grab a bottle of cool water and tossed it at me, so I pushed my body upward to gulp the water thirstily until it dripped all over my sweat-drenched clothes."Should we irritate the supreme alpha more? So she could train her inner core? I've never seen you this energetic," Do-hwan chuckled. I glared at the man while wiping my damp lips and lowered my face to recollect my cluttered mind."You should train with me every afternoon after class. It'll strengthen your physical and mental state," Jungkook stood over me. He turned to pull on his gloves. Thump! Thump! The alpha started striking the sandbag. I didn't say a word and sat with my head hung low."Whose baby was it, by the way?" Do-hwan asked, curiously staring at me."Really? Are you going to raise the same question? Isn't it obvious?" Jungkook chuckled. I rolled my eyes."Maybe I should ask the devil to return my baby so we can perform a paternity test?" I sarcastically rolled my eyes, pushed my sweaty body off the mat, and limped away to sit on the bench. I grabbed a cool towel from the fridge to press it against my sweaty neck."I heard you're making significant improvement at the university. No more creams and crumbs obsessions?" Do-hwan chuckle."I made a bet with Taehyung," I grunted, tilting my head back while rubbing my sore spine."A bet?" Jungkook asked, staring at me curiously as he grabbed the swinging sandbag to stabilize it."I'll marry a man I deem worthy if I beat him. Kim Taehyung will never let me marry another man because my marriage will ensure his downfall," I muttered. Jungkook scoffed."Are you that confident? It's obviously a trap. No one can beat Kim Taehyung," Jungkook muttered, turning to strike the sandbag with all his might."Not physically but mentally? We're humans with emotions. Those who fail to contain their emotion will deem it as a weakness. But those with self-control will foster their emotions as their greatest strength. If Sora can weaken his mental state once. She can do it again," Do-hwan shrugged. I stared at the big man in silence to process his words.
Right. We're all the slaves of our emotions. Nothing can destroy a soul better than our rotting mentality. But then. That suggests I have to play mind games with him. Isn't that cheating? He's testing my physical abilities, knowing I am far weaker than him. In terms of paperwork. Public speaking. Physical strength, and influence in the council... Kim Taehyung is the ace, and I'm a beginner.

But in terms of mind games...? I'm sure... I'm just as specialized.
_____________________Jungkook grimaced as he stepped into the bustling property with his hands in his pocket. Jimin gasped in shock at the glimmering mansion ahead of us, packed with guests. Guests? It's the lower ranks and the young alphas. It's Minah's birthday today. She invited me to her pool party at her mansion, so everyone is gathered at her place. My eyes widened at the crazy massive heart-shaped pool. Women were dancing around in their sexy lingerie, and men were swimming around shirtless, flexing their toned bodies to each other. The alphas sure love being wet and exposed. I glanced down at my formal dress and back to the revealing lingerie on the hot bodies."There's a dress code?" Jimin's jaw dropped. The three of us were... dressed in formal attires. Jungkook scoffed at his plain suit and glanced at Jimin's velvet tuxedo."This is embarrassing! Why didn't you tell me there was a dress code?!" Jungkook whined, turning away to screw his handsome face. Jimin quickly flipped the card open to skim the invitation letter again as I stood in my glittery crystal heels and knee-length white dress."Maybe we should head back home to get changed before they notice us-""Sora?! You came! Oh-!? And you came too!" Minah's high-pitched voice shrieked as she sprinted to us in her usual red-coded two-piece lingerie. She's wearing these sexy butterfly wings and red lace straps around her slender thighs. Jimin's face flushed red at her revealing figure, so he immediately glanced away as Jungkook tried hard not to stare at her gorgeous face."Uh- Yeah. Did we miss the birthday celebration?" I chuckled uneasily. Minah grabbed my arm and spun me around to frown at my dress. I gripped my purse in embarrassment."Why are you three dressed like this~!?" Minah whined, dramatically glaring at us."We... missed the dress code," Jimin shrugged. Minah scoffed, linked her arm with mine, and dragged me forward as I struggled to step over the wet ground in the high heels. The alphas and the lower rank within and outside the pool turned to stare at us weirdly. Jungkook pursed his lips in annoyance as they goggled at our formal attire."You're right on time!" Minah giggled, dragging me to the table decorated with red roses as the staff placed a three-story red velvet cake with kiss stains on the cake."Time to blow out the candles~!" Minho screamed, loudly announcing the occasion.The guests scrambled out of the pool to crowd around the table. Minah widely grinned as she stood at the center. She slightly tugged me close to her as Jungkook stood on her other side with a grimace. She's the most popular female alpha in the society. Almost everyone is attending her events. The alphas cheered happily after the staff lit the candles on the cake, so we sang her a happy birthday song. I smiled, glanced at her pretty side profile, and lifted my face to find Jungkook smiling at me. Jungkook carefully shifted his position to stand behind my back."You should've celebrated your birthday with everyone else," He whispered inside my ear. I shook my head and smiled at Minah as she stood with her fingers clasped under her chin.The alpha kept her eyes closed to make a wish as everyone sang the birthday song. Smiling in relief, I lifted my eyes from the cake to the empty pool... to find Taehyung standing alone at the deep end with his muscular arms spread over the rim. His bare upper torso was exposed, and he was quietly watching the crowd from afar. The lone wolf. I quickly shifted my eyes away as Minah blew out the candles.

"Congrats! You're a year close to death!" Minho shrieked."YAH!" Minah screeched. Minho poked out his tongue and hurriedly rushed away. SPLASH. He wildly flung his sturdy body into the pool, sending the wet splatter all over the crowd. Minah cursed at the alpha as Jungkook shielded my face with his forearm. I giggled at the disorder."I asked the chef to add red wine to the cake! Everyone must have a bite!" Minah shrieked, carefully cutting into the cake. The lower ranks and the alphas separated their ways to drink, swim and dance all over the property, so I followed Jungkook to an empty bench. Jimin hurried left to grab our cocktails. I thanked him and sat down as Hoseok splashed around with a few sexy lower ranks.Namjoon was flirting with So-young, and Seokjin was sitting on the pool edge with his legs in the water. He too... was shirtless as he sipped the alcohol from his glass. Yoongi and Hoseok were chatting with their allies by the bench across the pool as Taehyung remained motionless over the soft ripples. He shifted his seductive gaze to me, so I quickly averted my eyes away with a startled look. Jungkook forced us to empty the first glass of cocktail. I screwed my face at the bitter aftertaste until my head started swaying after finishing three glasses."Is she flirting with that nerd to irritate you?!" Jungkook grimaced as he watched So-young flirt with Namjoon in the pool."She's still upset with me~!" Jimin muttered. So-young briefly glanced at Jimin, purposely leaning toward Namjoon, slightly brushing her lips against his ear as she spoke with the alpha. Jimin huffed in jealousy while slipping off his suit with a fuming red face."You keep eyeing Minah," I nudged Jungkook's shoulder. He quickly shifted his gaze away with a flustered face after getting caught staring at her from afar."That cheater?!" Jungkook scoffed, denying my claim. I chuckled and lowered my head."Here! I have new boxers for you! Be grateful I was considerate enough to purchase swimwear for my guests!" Minah grimaced, throwing a new pair of swim shorts at the alphas."I don't want to swim-""Come on! You can't seriously sit still when your girlfriend is that touchy with another man!?!" Jungkook huffed, dragging Jimin from the bench as he sulked over his cocktail. Jimin quickly emptied his glass and got up after Jungkook."And you-""No. I'm fine. I don't want to get wet," I refused."No! Friends don't do this to each other! Stop being so boring!" Minah shrieked, stubbornly seizing my arm. I whined as she dragged me around the pool, so I sighed in defeat and followed her inside the secured mansion and up her carpet stairs to enter her baby pink room. Wow. Everything is so fluffy!"I didn't wear appropriate-""I know! I have a few new swimwear! You can borrow mine!" Minah insisted, quickly entering the massive closet room to rummage through a drawer."Did you speak with Jungkook?" I asked while leaning against the door frame."About?- What's your favorite color-""I don't want anything too revealing... and everything looks red to me in your collection, so does it matter?" I chuckled. Minah frowned and glanced at me."You're right. I have this red lacy lingerie. I think I'll suit you well since you like to tease men with your hidden curves," Minah got onto her feet to pull out a thigh-length lingerie with teasing slits and a low-cut neck."That...?" I asked, unsurely eyeing the transparent fabric. Minah lifted the bright red underwear with an excited grin."I've never seen you wear red. Haven't you noticed the way Kim Taehyung was eyeing you? I bet he'll get super irritated once you reveal your skin. But don't worry. You won't be fully exposed because the fabric will cover your torso but baby~ Once the lingerie gets wet, your godly curves will show up! Try it on~!" Minah evilly smiled, pushing the lingerie into my hand. I gulped, strolled into the bathroom to change into the light material, and stepped back into her room after staring at my reflection with an uncomfortable feeling. I've never worn anything this provocative in public! Minah's jaw dropped as she waited for me on her couch."Is it weird?" I smiled, softly twirling for her.[A reference picture of the lingerie]

"It's my birthday today, but it doesn't matter! I want you to walk out there with pride, okay!? You've been walking with your head down after the stupid abortion scandal! It doesn't matter whose child it was- Let's make Kim Taehyung regret you!" Minah shrieked, happily launching to her feet to hold my hips. I nervously smiled as she turned me around to tighten the straps, lifting my boobs until it molded my plump cleavage. I chuckled as she gently nudged my boobs to make it bounce."You know what. Let's have fun. I don't want to dress for anyone~!" I grinned. Minah popped open a wine bottle."Now drink to put on those natural seductive blushes on your face!" She urged. I nodded, gulped half a bottle of the wine with my eyes closed, and lowered my face to resist the burn in my chest.My head began to sway from side to side after a minute of flushing the liquor into my system, so I had to hold the wall for support. Minah excitedly grabbed my hand and led me back down to the ground floor on my bare feet. I gripped her hand nervously as we walked towards the crowded pool.

The loud music and howlers filled the property with the sound of thirsty and untamed youths. My heart started racing in a panic as the cold breeze grazed my vulnerable skin beneath the thin fabric. It was transparent enough to expose my curves, belly button, and red panty, barely covering my crotch and buttcheeks. The red color must've caught everyone's attention because every eye within the pool space suddenly shifted to me. Jungkook gawked at the lingerie on my body in shock as he stood in the pool with soaking wet hair."OOOOOOOH?" Hoseok shrieked, clasping his hand over his lips."Isn't this the first time!?" Mira gasped as she eyed my plump cleavage."Confidence, Sora! You can't wear red without confidence!" Minah nudged me forward. I smiled and walked towards the edge of the water."Come here!" Jungkook grinned, paddling towards me with his arms open. I smiled and slipped over the edge to reach for him."That's unfair! Can I have a hug too!?" Minho pouted. SMACK. Mira angrily threw the bouncy ball at his head. Minho groaned and fell back into the water. Jungkook grabbed my waist, so I circled my arms around his neck in the water."The perks of being her first love!" Jungkook smugly beamed, tugging my body closer to his."Pervert!" I grimaced and pushed him away. Jungkook chuckled at my playful glare as the others remained starstruck at the sight of my bare body.The crowd erupted with ear-splitting howls as the DJ dropped the beat. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The waves in the water suddenly swelled at the movement of the alphas and the lower ranks, sending the tides sweeping across the pool as my chest vibrated with the frequency of the deafening speakers. Jungkook shouted beside me, so I bopped my head with the upbeat rhythm and began to bounce in the water with him.The liquor must've held my mind hostage because I unexpectedly felt braver in the thin cloth that was barely covering my body. I grew more comfortable in my own skin and sang the song with the crowd as I drank from the cocktail glass. We cheered, danced, and screamed with the alphas until the water soaked our faces and hair. Minah swam towards me with Jimin, so we shrieked at each other and danced wildly. I suddenly paused with the cocktail glass against my lips once I spotted... Seokjin sitting on the pool edge with a weak smile while observing the intoxicated alphas."Seokjin!" I waved, hopping over the water to reach for him. Why is he sitting alone?! Ah! That's right! He has no friends!"No!- No! Stay away~! I don't want to- Ah~?!" Seokjin tried to scramble away as I paddled towards him. Hoseok suddenly ran over the rim to shove Seokjin's muscular back, sending the alpha splashing into the pool."It's a pool party! Don't expect to stay dry! Let's get wet, baby~!" Hoseok drunkenly screamed, jumping into the pool. SPLASH. I gasped at the wet splatter on my face as Seokjin emerged from the pool, sexily combing his soaked hair backward with his fingers. I chuckled at his handsome face as Seokjin fired his former friend an irritated look for pushing him over. Hoseok dismissively hugged Seokjin's shoulder to drag him forward with Yoongi, who was enjoying his drink way too much. He's been drinking so much! How is he still sober?!Jimin did an underwater cartwheel for the crowd, causing us to cheer loudly. He smugly emerged from the hot water, revealing his perfectly toned abs to the flustered ladies. So-young grimaced at his unbothered reaction as she swam towards us with Namjoon. Mira and Minho were wrestling each other in the water, so I chuckled and shook my head at their playful nature.The music intensified again. The crowd hollered louder into the cold night as they jammed in the packed water. The soaked bodies... of almost naked men and women, grinding against one another as people lost themselves to the strong liquor.I unconsciously grabbed Seokjin's arm to make him raise his arms in the air. Why is he standing awkwardly? He's so timid! Is this his first pool party~!? He chuckled and bounced with me as I guided him with a reassuring smile, so I turned to shout at the DJs and screamed at the top of my lungs. No one will judge us because everyone is just as wasted. We should enjoy the moment while it lasts! Namjoon wiped the water from his face as he danced with Mira after she successfully dunked Minho underwater."Are you okay?" Seokjin gripped my arm when my body suddenly swayed. I shook my drunken mind and lifted my flustered face to smile at him after toppling to the side. I had too much wine. Seokjin's eyes abruptly shifted to my wet cleavage and back to my lips with a red face."My eyes are up here, sir," I giggled, pointing at my eyes. His ears immediately flushed red."Huh- Huh?! Yeah. I'm looking at you," Seokjin shook his head to keep his gaze off my distracting cleavage. I smiled, drunkenly placing my arms around his thick neck for support."I think I'm drunk! You don't mind me holding you, right!?" I screamed through the music. Seokjin smiled weakly, refusing to hold my hips as I hugged his neck and stepped forward to press my body against his shirtless torso."I do mind! It's uncomfortable!" Seokjin whined, stepping back until his back pressed against the pool wall. We were far from the crowd... so I turned to watch Jungkook tease Minah with soft splashes and glanced back at Seokjin again. No one seemed to notice us on the side of the pool."I'm a bit drunk~! I need support- Just for a moment!" I grumbled, tightening my arms around him to contain my dizzy head. Seokjin scoffed and spread his arms on the edge as I clung to him with my rosy red cheeks."I won't touch you. You might regret our interaction," Seokjin smiled. I chuckled and tilted my face upward to stare at his tender gaze. The clear water dripping... from his defined hairlines. Why is he so hot?"I've already regretted a lot of things," I shrugged. Seokjin's smile faded. He nervously glanced down at my lips and back at my eyes."You might... regret... this, Sora. We don't want temporary, remember?" Seokjin muttered. I thought about his words, but nothing seemed to cross my mind. The alcohol has completely numbed my body and brain. I can't make sense of anything aside from the fact that I can't tear my eyes off his handsome face.
Third Person POV
"You're right," Sora nodded, keeping her drunken gaze on Seokjin's damp face. She clung weakly to his neck as the other cluelessly bounced with the music.Seokjin lowered his gaze to her lips again. He's troubled by the flaming temptation to embrace her body, but he knew neither of them were in the right mind, so he held himself back. The alpha repeatedly reminded her of their boundaries, yet she was like a magnet. The force of her attraction was so strong- he could feel his body shifting toward her. Seokjin clenched his fist to resist the urge, but she kept grazing the back of his nape with her fingernails, causing the alpha's body to tense uncomfortably at the gentle strokes."Are you sober now?" Seokjin asked, weakly smiling at her pouty lips. Sora mumbled nonsense, and lowered her small face to rest against his hard pecs with her eyes closed, still clinging to his neck.Seokjin's heart started racing out of control as her cleavage softly rubbed against his skin until he felt his body heating up. He couldn't help but glance down at the deep ridge between her glazed breasts. Sora lifted her face again and blinked at him without responding, so Seokjin observed her flushed face unsurely. And without thinking... in a split second... of losing control of his mind. The powerful gravity between their bodies suddenly collided.The alpha lowered his face to adjust his nose tip against hers. Sora sucked in her breath at his bold movement, slightly slanting her upper body backward as Seokjin pressed his lips against hers with his eyes closed. The supreme alpha weakly pulled away to stare at his face with a flustered look. Her cheeks gradually turned bright pink. Seokjin knew... her dazed head was struggling to make sense of the situation as she unblinkingly stared at him with her lips parted."The boundaries..." She whispered. Seokjin lowered his face to her lips again and gently leaned forward to close the gap between their parted lips.Sora didn't back away and let him kiss her as she nervously tightened her grip around his neck upon the addictive taste of his flavorful tongue. Seokjin raised his arms off the edge and slowly placed his palm on the back of her head to draw her closer to him. The supreme alpha panted against his wet cheeks and tilted her head to graze her lips over his as he inserted his tongue inside her mouth to tease her with his presence.
Meanwhile
The clueless alphas screamed and danced as the duo passionately kissed each other by the pool edge. Minah shrieked in excitement- abruptly flinching in surprise once she spotted Sora and Seokjin making out on her side. Her face flushed red, so she unconsciously grabbed Jungkook's arm to stop him from splashing the water. The half-blood turned to look at his ex-girlfriend in confusion as she remained frozen beside him. Jungkook followed her gaze while holding the cocktail glass until... he realized Seokjin was kissing the supreme alpha. Jungkook gasped, quickly leaping forward, but Jimin cluelessly grabbed him back."Yah!" Jungkook snapped, shoving his friend aside. Jimin's drunken gaze finally landed on the duo, causing his eyes to widen in shock. Minah, Jungkook, and Jimin funnily stood with their lips ajar as they watched the steamy make-out session between the top alphas."I've never seen- Kim Seokjin- k-kissed anyone in public before-" Minah stuttered, unable to tear her eyes off Kim Seokjin. Jimin's jaw dropped as he unconsciously rubbed Jungkook's abs. The alpha flinched at his friend's invasive touch and shoved Jimin off him.Mira was dancing beside Minho with her arms in the air when she suddenly caught a glimpse of the steamy scene. Her eyes widened, so she unconsciously grabbed a handful of her boyfriend's hair. Minho shrieked in shock and turned to glare at his girlfriend in confusion. He lifted his face in the direction she was gawking at and pursed his lips in disbelief."Oh damn... they're eating each other out..." Minho whispered. Yoongi nudged Hoseok with his eyes trained on Seokjin as the alpha tilted his head to deepen the kiss. Sora coiled her possessive arms around the alpha's broad shoulders with their tongue entangled between her lips as Seokjin massaged her curves with his palms."Whooh! Whooh! Whooh!- Oh-!?" Hoseok cluelessly teased Yoongi with his weird dance, so Yoongi grabbed Hoseok's jaw and turned his friend's head in the direction of the spectacular sight. Hoseok jerked in a panic once he noticed the couple smooching each other's lips."I kissed her once..." Yoongi muttered unconsciously."Me too... Huh-!? When did you kiss her?!" Hoseok nodded without blinking but snapped his head at his friend with a startled look. Yoongi blinked out of his dazed head at the accidental blunder. "What? I never-""You said you kissed her once!-""No, I didn't! You're drunk!" Yoongi whined, swimming away with a flustered face. Hoseok funnily screeched as he chased after his friend to make him clarify his confession."Kim Taehyung... might mass murder the pool. I'm getting out now before he drowns everyone in his path," Namjoon nudged So-young. They glanced at Taehyung, who was fuming with dangerous energy on the far edge. His piercing brown eyes... narrowed at Kim Seokjin."I agree," So-young nodded nervously and paddled away to get out of the pool."That's enough! Yah! You're both drunk!" Jungkook protectively launched forward to grab Sora's arm, but she kept her lips glued to Seokjin and pushed Jungkook's chest away. The alpha scoffed at her rejection as she pulled Seokjin closer to her and proceeded to kiss him with her slimy lips."Why does the kiss... look so delicious?" Jimin eagerly muttered while staring at the couple with a funny look.Meanwhile.Sora panted heavily, finally drawing her face away from Seokjin with a flustered face... only to taste an odd flavor in her mouth. She glanced down at Seokjin's lips as he sensually stared at her."Omo!- B-Blood!? Why are you bleeding!?" Sora gasped, rubbing her blood-stained lips. Seokjin quickly touched his bleeding nose in shock and tilted his head back in a panic. Sora quickly shifted her gaze back to Seokjin, who was soaked in his blood. Drip... The bright red blood splattered onto his wet chest."Wah! That's disgusting!" Minah gasped, quickly swimming away."Haha! You know the kiss is exceptionally good when you're a bloody mess!" Jimin teased. Sora frantically wiped Seokjin's blood off her face as Seokjin heaved his thick body out of the water."Are you okay??!" Sora asked as Seokjin pinched his nose to prevent the blood flow."I'm fine," He shook his head. Jungkook grimaced as the supreme alpha crawled over the wall to pull her exposed body from the pool. She grabbed Seokjin's chin and gently tilted his face to examine his bloody nose with a slight frown. Seokjin stared at her cute frown with his lips pursed."You've never kissed me until your nose bleeds before..." Mira frowned, turning to glare at Minho."Yah! I'm not a vampire!" Minho shoved her aside. She shrieked and smacked his chest. Seokjin assured the supreme alpha of his well-being and quickly walked away to use the bathroom. Sora glanced down at her bloody hands as she sat with his blood smudged over her lips."Now... that's my red queen! Men are literally bleeding for you!" Minah chuckled, funnily drinking her cocktail as she sat on the pool edge. Sora shyly lowered her face. Smack!"Ah!" Sora grimaced when Jungkook suddenly struck her knee."Wash it off! Having another person's blood on you is dangerous!" Jungkook scolded. Sora grimaced and lifted her feet to kick Jungkook's face. Thump! He winced and toppled backward."WAOH!" Jimin gasped, grabbing Jungkook to stabilize his friend. Jungkook frantically emerged from the water with his mouth open in shock. He angrily fired the supreme alpha a sharp glare. Hoseok hysterically laughed after she drunkenly kicked Jeon Jungkook in the face."Yah! Jang Sora!" Jungkook screamed, furiously splashing the water at her. The supreme alpha screeched and shielded her face as she sat on the rim."Jungkook! Your nose is bleeding!" Minah screamed. Jungkook immediately halted and lowered his gaze to find the red droplets dripping into the clear pool."Ah! Yuck! I'm leaving!" Jimin grimaced and swam away. Jungkook rubbed his heavily runny nose to find blood... smearing all over his forearms in disbelief."Jang Sora!" Jungkook bellowed, glaring at her in irritation. Sora chuckled and waved at him. She quickly scrambled onto her feet and rushed away. Jungkook groaned and hauled his body out of the water as Jimin tossed a towel at the alpha. The half-blood cursed under his breath and compressed the cloth against his throbbing nostrils.
A moment later.
Sora's POVI took a quick shower in Minah's room and changed back into my plain dress. Minah was bidding goodbye to the guests by the pool as I stepped out into the opening to find Jungkook dressed in his suit again with a tissue stuck in his left nostril. Jimin was speaking with So-young near the entrance as Seokjin picked up his belongings in casual clothes. I gave Minah a warm hug and handed her a small gift bag."Asshole," Minah glared at Jungkook after he strolled away without gifting her anything."Ask your dead boyfriend to buy you a gift~!" Jungkook mocked. Minah glared at Jungkook's back before turning to face me with a bitter look."Happy birthday," I smiled."Aigo~ Someone broke a glass! Watch your steps!-" Minah warned the lower ranks, so I glanced to the side to find a bloody glass shattered on the wet ground. We chatted briefly and finally, I strolled away with Jungkook to wait in the parking lot until I noticed... droplets of blood on the pavement."Are you still bleeding?" I asked, worriedly lifting my eyes to Jungkook."No. Why?" Jungkook asked. I nodded at the blood trail. Jungkook shrugged as we waited for Jimin to finish talking with So-young. Ah! Why did I kiss him!? Should I speak with him to clarify the kiss between us?"I'll be right back!" I informed Jungkook as he stared at his phone screen. Jungkook nodded with an unbothered look, so I quickly followed the blood into Minah's garden until I noticed someone on a bench surrounded by twinkling light decorations."Seok-" I called but stopped in place once I realized it wasn't Seokjin. I paused at the far end while staring at... Kim Taehyung.I glanced down at the bloody drips and glanced at him as he sat with his head hung low and a bloody... hand. Did he cut himself? I gripped my purse, unconsciously walking forward but halted again. No. Sora, you have to stop worrying about him. He can take care of himself. I popped open my purse to stare at the bandages I prepared and glanced back at Taehyung. Grimacing, I dropped my purse on the ground and turned to leave the garden. I won't offer to help, but he can use the bandage if he finds it.A moment later.I waved at Jimin after Jungkook dropped me off at the building and entered the lobby to greet the stand-by receptionist until I noticed someone sitting on the couch in the lounge."Why are you here?" I asked, slowly approaching Seokjin as he sat with a dazed face. He shook his head and stood up with his bag."I thought I could drive home- but I'm too drunk," Seokjin muttered."Should I contact your guards-""I snuck out of the villa. Eomma will kill me if she knows I attended Minah's pool party. My mother isn't fond of wet and nude gatherings..." Seokjin sorely rubbed his red neck. I glanced at the receptionist and back at the alpha."Well... I do have a guest room," I shrugged, walking forward. Seokjin lowered his face and strolled after me. I scanned my card on the elevator and stepped aside to let Seokjin in the compartment. We stood awkwardly in the muted silence with our eyes on the numbers on the screen. It's awkward... now that we're a bit more sober. Why did I kiss him!? Ah~ I'm starting to regret it now.Seokjin isn't quite sober yet... because he's leaning against the elevator wall with his eyes closed. Beep. I scanned my house card and entered the penthouse. Seokjin quietly followed me and took off his sneakers to place them neatly on the rack."The guest room is on the left," I informed and hurriedly left to enter my room. I quickly took another shower and pulled on my gown, finally flinging my sore body onto my soft bed. Ah~ The alcohol is paining my muscles~! I rolled over to sleep on my side and fell into a brief sleep.The sleep lasted for about an hour before I was awoken by a loud growl from my stomach. I grunted and lifted my head off the pillow in annoyance. I didn't eat anything at the party~! Ah~! I sat up with my striking messy hair and strolled out of my room to open the bridge in the dark. I stared the japchae imo packed for me and brought it out to scoop a portion into a bowl. I grabbed a chopstick and closed the fridge to place the japchae on the counter."Ah! You scared me!" I screamed, jumping back in shock with the chopstick as a dark shadow stood motionless beside the counter. "Sorry..." Seokjin muttered, rounding the counter to sit on the stool beside mine."It's the only food I have," I muttered while eating the japchae and handed him another pair of chopsticks. Seokjin nodded and ate from the same bowl. We didn't talk and stuffed our cheeks full.

"About the kiss..." Seokjin grumbled under his breath."I know," I muttered, keeping my attention on the empty bowl after we devoured it. Seokjin grew hushed as we sat in the darkness of the kitchen. The alpha quietly poked my chopstick with his while keeping his dim stare on the counter.

"It's painful..." Seokjin muttered. He seemed flustered, but the room was dim, so I couldn't make out his exact expression."Painful? The nosebleed? Do you want painkillers?" I asked, worriedly eyeing him."No... not my head or nose..." Seokjin shook his head. I pursed my lips as he lifted his troubled gaze to meet mine in the dark."Your heart...?" I asked. Seokjin blankly stared at me. Is he troubled again because of our kiss? Ah~! I should have been mindful of his feelings. Seokjin must be troubled by our interaction-"My... balls..." Seokjin muttered. I blankly sat in my seat with my eyes fixed on his embarrassed face."What...?" I frowned as if I didn't hear him right. Seokjin swallowed intensely and glanced at the bulge under his pants and backed up at me. My mind turned blank at the sudden realization."I couldn't sleep... because of it..." Seokjin whispered, glancing away in embarrassment. I glanced at his pants and back at him as Seokjin poked the empty bowl with his chopstick."Ahahah~!" I giggled, lowering my face to rest it on the counter in disbelief."Why are you laughing?" Seokjin muttered. I chuckled and shook my head."You're still drunk," I laughed, lifting my head to smile at his cute frown. Seokjin doesn't usually express his horniness. He must be drunk."I don't know," Seokjin shrugged. I weakly tilted my head to smile at him with my hand tucked under my chin."Is it that bad?" I asked while biting my lower lips to stop myself from laughing."It keeps... swelling... I can't even move. I can't feel my crotch anymore," He nodded. I smiled at his honest response, gently extending my arm to tuck his messy hair behind his ear. Seokjin shifted his gaze toward me in surprise, clearly startled by my touch."You might bleed again," I teased. Seokjin grimaced at me with a weak smile."Is this funny?" He huffed. I chuckled."It is funny-""It's not funny!" He whined. I snorted and lowered my face to laugh in disbelief as Seokjin held my hand over her lap. I rubbed his knuckles and lifted my bright eyes to examine his cute pout. He's still drunk. What do I do with him?"A painful erection isn't normal-""Ah~!" Seokjin groaned in pain as he gripped his hard bulge with his head lowered.The alpha huffed in difficulty as he sat beside me with his forehead rested on the counter. I pulled my hand free from his and gently touched his ear. His earlobe is warm. He's not lying. Seokjin grumbled under his breath and tucked his arms under his face to lean over the counter in defeat. I glanced at the night view and back at the alpha as he struggled to calm his heated body.
Men's tongue is often salivated... with lies and the aftertaste of regrets...

Yet, this one... has me craving for... his sweet flavor...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
A slight movement brushed against my cold toes beneath the warm sheet as the person adjusted their posture on the mattress. The slight disturbance, ultimately stirring me awake from the deep sleep. I didn't open my eyes right away as I sought solace from the soft pillow until my clouded senses returned to my shell.I curled my freezing toes, slipping them deep under the blanket to keep out the uncomfortable chills, and coiled under the soothing heat until I felt an arm slipping under my neck, cushioning my head. I didn't open my eyes as the man shifted over the mattress to hug me from behind, gently pressing his soft pants against my ear. My mind was still numb from the tiresome intimacy, so I remained motionless within his embrace. The memories from the previous night are still vivid, but I didn't want to recall the steamy moments between us.Kim Seokjin breathed softly against my earlobe as he tenderly rubbed my bare shoulder with his thumb in a circular motion to offer his limitless comfort. Still, I didn't respond to his touch over my bare skin, and snuggled against the pillow, facing away from Seokjin as he rested with his sturdy torso pressed against my bare back. In response to my unresponsiveness, he gently tugged my waist with one hand to hold my body against his pulsating chest while linking his fingers with mine."Why is your body so cold?" Seokjin hoarsely muttered as he held me within the domain of his warmth. I am always cold. Externally and internally. I always rely on another person's warmth to balance out my body temperature.
A soul... deprived of warmth. It's a curse.
I didn't respond and lay on the mattress, calmly inhaling and exhaling without addressing his concern. Seokjin sighed at my muteness and lifted his hand off my bare stomach to run his fingers through my hair, gently playing with the loose strands. I hoped he'd give up and leave my side, but Kim Seokjin persistently fed me his warmth without shifting away and remained on the bed. He'd weave his fingers through my hair to soothe my scalp, graze my sensitive skin with his fingertips, and breathe softly against my ear to remind me of his presence. I remained hushed for about ten minutes, yet Seokjin didn't seem to take the hint, so I finally opened my eyes to greet the morning lights.The room is gloomy. I glanced at the dark sky over the city view. There's another rainstorm...? I stared at the cloudy atmosphere from the bed as I lay motionless in my former lover's embrace. Seokjin lifted his head after a while and leaned over to check on me after I refused to acknowledge him. The alpha paused once he realized I was awake, so I glanced at him with a weak smile and finally rolled over.He gently rubbed my cheek as I hugged his firm hips under the sheet to absorb his warmth. I'm like a ghost... sucking the warmth out of people to relieve my chronic shivers. Seokjin sleepily leaned forward over the pillow, attempting to press his lips against mine, but I cupped his firm jaw to hold him back just before his lips met mine. He paused, panting softly against my face with his eyes closed at my unexpected objection. The alpha unsurely scanned my face to question my withdrawn reaction."Are you sober?" I asked, gently rubbing his cheeks with my thumbs. Seokjin glanced down at my lips and tried to lean forward without answering me, but I stubbornly held his face between my cold palms. The alpha didn't flinch at my cold touch. It's as if he was immune to the icy pricks. Seokjin let out a faint sigh and drew my body toward his torso to press his pulsating chest against my perky breasts beneath the sheet. Thump... Thump...We stared at each other within the noiseless room as he faintly panted against my chest. I can feel his heartbeat. It's steady and calm. He held onto my hand to withdraw my grips from his face and tilted his face downward to rest his soft lips on mine, stubbornly inviting me with his love strokes until I gave in to the passionate kiss.I softly panted as he brushed my lips with the moisture of his lips, carefully sliding his hand under my head to tug my head closer to his face as he leaned his heavy shoulders over my body to deepen the kiss between our damp lips.Seokjin isn't forceful, but he's very assertive. He'd never place me in an uncomfortable situation, even if I'm reluctant to his requests. The alpha has his ways. A slight touch. A gentle nudge. A silent request is all that's needed... to leave the addictive aftertaste on my tongue. I weakly held onto his broad shoulder as he held me captive beneath his body, kissing me in a slow rhythm and leaving just enough breaks for me to catch my breath between each caress.The alpha inhaled deeply, finally drawing his lips away to rest his head on the pillow beside mine as I licked my damp lips with a troubled expression. I exhaled and pushed my body off the mattress until the blanket slid off my shoulders to reveal my naked body. Seokjin quietly watched me as I turned away to place my feet on the warm floor and bent down to pick up my nightgown. A rush of chills swept across my body when I felt his fingers tracing my arched spine, starting from my nape... and skidding down to the back dimples above my buttcheeks."Wae? Are you in a rush? It's the weekend today," Seokjin muttered as I pulled the gown over my head to cover my body. I stood up from the bed to avoid his teasing touch and tied my hair up without responding. Seokjin rolled over on the mattress to watch me dress before the view."I'm out of ingredients, so I can't cook you a warm meal," I muttered while adjusting the blinds beside the glass wall. Seokjin observed my distant behavior with a questioning look."Are you politely urging me to leave your place?" Seokjin asked, sitting up on the bed. I didn't look at his face and turned on the humidifier by the nightstand. I bent down to sort out the trash filled with dirty tissues by the door without returning an answer. Seokjin stared at my nonchalant behavior and slowly got dressed on the other side of the bed. He pulled his waistband up to his strong hips, slipped the shirt over his head, and glanced at me again."You can shower before you leave," I muttered, strolling out of my bedroom with the trash bag to dispose of it in the bin. Seokjin huffed and followed me out into the living space. He appeared somewhat irritated."Sora. What's the matter?" Seokjin asked after I dumped the trash, but I didn't answer and walked past him. He frowned, turning after me with his arms crossed as I arranged the cushions on the couch. I finally lifted my dull eyes to meet his after organizing the mess. I don't know if he's clueless or if he's ignoring the signal on purpose."Nothing. There's nothing wrong," I shrugged with a blank look. Seokjin slightly furrowed his eyebrows to study my poker face.

"Are you upset because I... wanted to get intimate with you? I might be drunk, but I was fully aware of our moments," Seokjin explained, walking forward to reach me. I gripped the cushion and stepped backward to preserve the space between us. The alpha halted at my withdrawal, lifting his startled eyes to my pale face. "I know-""Can you not act like you're regretting our shared moments? What's the matter? Speak to me if you're restless. I'll listen," Seokjin questioned, frowning at my persistent attempt to avoid him. I stared at him without blinking while hugging the cushion over my chest."I don't regret being with you. We both enjoyed the... sex... so there shouldn't be a problem," I shrugged."Then why are you avoiding me? Sora, I don't want temporary-""Why did you go through my things last night?" I asked, bitterly staring at Seokjin. His ears immediately turned red, clearly flustered by my question."I was j-just- Sora-""Searching for your lost contract? You suspected Yangcha left it with me? That's why you searched my space after I fell asleep? You had another motive when you asked to sleep over at my place," I sighed in disappointment. It's not the sex that I'm regretting. We had a great time together, and I really enjoyed his presence. But he was here for something else, and the... intimacy was just a distraction. Seokjin clenched his jaw with his stern frown on my dark eye bags."Sora. I'm sorry- I really wanted to be with you- It wasn't my intention to come here for that purpose. I- got curious. I'm sorry, okay?" Seokjin sighed. He didn't trespass the invisible boundary I drew between us. The alpha seemed... torn as he defied the urge to cross over to me. We were only two meters apart, yet Seokjin stood on his side of the line.
Taehyung would certainly walk forward and invade the line I drew, even if I warned him not to cross it. He never cared about the boundaries and would advance forward, stepping over them to seize my body whenever he wanted, so I never really felt safe around him.

But Kim Seokjin...? He stood in his place, knowing he couldn't afford to trespass the red line without damaging the frail trust between us. So he stayed back to grant me the space I desperately needed. He's not the type of man to grab onto me without permission nor raise his voice in the heat of his anger.
"You may leave," I sighed, nodding at the door. Seokjin shakily inhaled at my insensitive attitude to his apologies. He wore a stern frown without budging as if to contemplate his next move.Will he cross the line too? Just like Taehyung did? So he could convince me otherwise of his intention? Or will he respect my request and leave? I invited Seokjin over because I was willing to share my space with him, thinking he'd never exploit me. But... he snuck around my place to search for his lost contracts. It's mildly disrespectful for him to creep around without my approval, and I hate that he didn't trust my honesty.
I trusted him... but he never trusted me.
"I will leave. Okay...? You shouldn't be upset this early in the morning," Seokjin sighed, raising his hands to surrender, and took a step back with a reassuring nod. I kept my unblinking gaze on him as Seokjin turned to pick up his things and walked to the door. He pulled on his shoes and turned to look at me for the last time. Silence. I stood in the living room with the cushion, dully watching Seokjin walk out the door. Click.I huffed in relief and slumped onto the couch after he left my place.__________________________Flashback: Island.Sora's POVThe luminous gravel path gradually grew darker as I strolled through the beautiful orchid, filled with night flowers. Its blooming petals releasing... the therapeutic fragrance. Softly smiling, I took a deep exhale of the soothing aroma to filter my polluted lungs. The city is contaminated with smoke and dust. So this is very healing for the body and my soul. Oh-? I halted once I noticed a massive barn-structured property on the steep edge. It's the elevated region of the island and the wooden property is perched on a rocky cliff. I unsurely stepped onto the wooden stairs leading to the slightly opened door as the warm yolky rays escaped through the wooden gap."Woah...?" I whispered, stopping for a brief moment to gaze at the neatly aligned racks within the space. Barrels... after barrels... were placed over each other. The Jung's iconic grape wine. Is this their... storage? The family isn't producing wine for sale, but why is there so much for the household alone? Smiling, I eagerly closed the door behind my back and strolled deeper to admire the clearly labeled years on each barrel. 1956. Oh? There's wine that old? I smiled and turned to walk along the towering racks that were three times taller than me until I entered another chamber. It was filled with bottles of milky-colored liquor.

"This is so gorgeous," I whispered, gently grazing my fingers over the unique engravings on the rack. All the bottles were different. It almost looked like a collection of the rarest potion bottles. How did Hoseok's family gather all these rare gems? Clink. I immediately halted in surprise when my feet caught on something, so I glanced down to find an empty wine bottle. It rolled under the rack."Why is it empty?" I mumbled, bending down to pick up the glass bottle with the engravings of deep sea creatures. I quietly examined its ancient beauty and walked forward with it until I felt a subtle breeze brushing my face. Frowning, I turned in the direction of the salty sea scent in confusion. Why is there wind inside the warehouse-? My eyes landed on another opened door leading out onto a dark terrace.I clutched the fragile glass bottle under my arm and strode toward the opening with my eyes fixed on the illuminating full moon in the sky, carefully stepping onto the wooden terrace to discover the vast sea before my eyes. Crash... Crash... I listened to the subtle crashing waves beneath the cliff and curiously peeked over the railings to stare at the rocky base under the warehouse. Sniffles. I froze. Sniffles.A person was sulking. I chased the sound to find a person sitting on the ground with his back pressed against the wooden wall. His head was hanging low, and his shoulders were slightly shaking. He's crying. Should I leave? I remained cemented, too afraid to move because I didn't want to disturb the person.Seokjin remained oblivious to my presence as I watched him battle his inner demon before the darkness of the immense sea beyond his gaze. I glanced at the empty bottle and toward the full glass by his side. Did he finish an entire bottle? He's a light drinker though. Carefully, I lowered the empty bottle in my hand to the wooden dock. Clink. Seokjin stopped sniffling at the sound of the glass colliding with the old wood. I announced my presence, so he wouldn't be startled by my presence. I quietly approached Seokjin's side and crouched down to examine his flustered face."Do you need company?" I asked, unsurely scanning his torn expression. Seokjin didn't attempt to hide his tears and stared at me in utter silence. There was a thick wall of swelling tears in his eyes, waiting to spill over his burning face. I felt sorry for him. What have I done to Kim Seokjin? He used to walk around with his radiating pride and captivating visuals, but he's so miserable now. I am an infectious soul. I infect everyone and everything around me with my darkness. Seokjin gulped, thrusting his body off the terrace, and sternly stood up, so I quickly got up after him."Don't pity me," Seokjin coldly spoke, rudely walking past me and entered the warehouse."Do you want to talk?- Hey-! What's the matter-?!" I snapped, chasing after him. Seokjin suddenly spun on his heels to glare at me, making me halt in place at the abrupt brake."What's the matter with me?! I should've listened to your warnings and steered clear of your path!" Seokjin seethed, furiously lowering his flaming glares. I gulped at his flushed face."Seokjin- I'm not trying to argue with you! I know you're suffering in silence, and I'm willing to lend a shoulder if you're feeling unwell-""You're right about being the bad person in this story! There is nothing you can do for me! Because you've already poisoned me with your painful pricks! I should've listened to my mother when she warned me to stay away from a cursed child like you! But I didn't listen because you appeared harmless- and that was my biggest mistake! Plucking a wildflower because of its beauty! You turned out to be the poisonous beauty without an antidote!" He snapped. I pursed my lips unsurely while listening to his hurtful statements."I'm sorry for messing up your life- I really didn't mean to-""Discard me like I was nothing?! Nothing?! How can a person insist on discarding love so easily?! What is your definition of love exactly?! Why is it that you walk away from me whenever there's a problem between us?! Ani! It wasn't even an issue between you and me! It was us against the world! And yet- you cowered away and ran off!" Seokjin seethed, angrily fuming over me."Are you still upset over the breakup? Seokjin, I had no choice-""You knew! You knew you never had a choice because it is Kim Taehyung that you're supposed to marry! And yet you ran to me! Repeatedly! Involving me with your love affairs! And I was a fool for protecting a killer for you! You knew Jae Yangcha was the culprit! And yet you stayed silent to let it wreck me!" Seokjin bellowed. My heart throbbed intensely at his disappointed look.

"Seokjin! I never meant to deceive you about Yangcha's crimes-""You knew he killed the lower ranks! And you knew you couldn't afford to protect the alpha from his crimes, so you shoved him into me! I trusted you because of your pitiful state! But it was Kim Taehyung's scheme to silence my household in the council! I thought you'd at least feel guilty for ruining our relationship but no! You went as far as siding with Kim Taehyung to sabotage me!" Seokjin yelled, angrily stepping forward, causing me to back away in panic as I stared at the strained veins over his temples. Seokjin isn't the type to lash out like this. Sora, you shouldn't argue with a drunk person!"I did not side with Kim Taehyung-""Yeah?! You knew Yangcha had my contracts! But you never spoke about it until he died! I genuinely wanted to stand with you through all the hardships- but you fooled me into being the pawn- a sacrifice- just so your lover could stand alone as the sole leader in the council! You knew Kim Taehyung had everything prepared! And you let him cast me out of the game! It isn't the fact that you choose the asshole over me, Sora! It's the fact that you stayed silent! How can a person be so heartless?! Towards someone whose intention was to purely love you!? What did I do wrong for you to do this to me!? Why is it that you stood so motionlessly when he shoved the knife at my throat!? You didn't even flinch!" Seokjin shrieked in anger. My body remained unresponsive as I stared at his torn expression. Guilt. I felt extreme guilt tearing through me.

"There was nothing I could do. I tried to stop Taehyung from disabling you," I sighed. I tried. I tried desperately to stop Kim Taehyung, but he was determined to overthrow Seokjin."Hand me back my contracts and I'll leave you alone," Seokjin seethed, stepping forward again. Thud. My back slammed against the rack filled with wine barrels. I gripped the wooden structure for support as Seokjin glared at me."I don't have it-""Liar! I know you have it! Jae Yangcha couldn't have given it to anyone but you! Where is it, Sora?!" Seokjin pressed, lowering his skeptical glare to my frightened face. My eyes swelled in tears as he cornered me against the wine rack."I said I don't have it!-""Did Kim Taehyung convince you to manipulate Jae Yangcha into retrieving my contracts after using the alpha as a scapegoat to smear blood on my hands?! You were there with Kim Taehyung before Yangcha died!-""I SAID I DON'T HAVE IT! YANGCHA NEVER GAVE IT TO ME, AND TAEHYUNG DOESN'T HAVE IT EITHER!-""HOW ARE YOU SO SURE?! THAT ASSHOLE IS THE MASTERMIND!" Seokjin screamed at my face, stepping forward again, but I couldn't back away so I helplessly leaned against the rack. I huffed heavily with my frightened eyes on Kim Seokjin's burning red eyes."YOU CAN ASSUME WHATEVER! YOU CAN MAKE ME THE BAD PERSON IN YOUR LIFE IF IT'LL MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER! BUT DON'T SAY THAT I DIDN'T LOVE YOU AND THAT I TOOK YOU FOR GRANTED! I LOVED YOU! I LIKED YOU A LOT! AND I AM SUFFERING FROM THE GUILT OF BEING INSENSITIVE TO YOUR FEELINGS! YOU CAN BLAME ME FOR LETTING KIM TAEHYUNG RUIN YOU, AND YOU CAME DESPISE ME FOR NOT STEPPING FORWARD TO DEFEND YOU! BUT DON'T EVER CLAIM THAT I OFFERED YOU FALSE LOVE! YOU WERE MY COMFORT! THE ONLY MAN I FELT TRULY SAFE WITH! I WANTED EVERYTHING WITH YOU! A LIFE! A FAMILY! YOU! KIM SEOKJIN! BUT YOU WERE THE PURE MAN, AND I WAS A CONTAGIOUS DISEASE IN YOUR LIFE! AND I'M SORRY IF I MADE YOU FEEL WORTHLESS FOR CHOOSING ANOTHER MAN! I MIGHT LOVE HIM NOW, BUT I'VE LOVED YOU FIRST! I'M SORRY FOR CHOOSING HIM OVER YOU! I'M SORRY THAT I LOVE HIM MORE! I MIGHT LOVE KIM TAEHYUNG, BUT I SWEAR- I NEVER INTENDED TO LET HIM HURT YOU!" I cried at the top of my lungs.Seokjin grew hushed, silently panting at my face with his glowering gaze glued on my tearful eyes. I thought he was going to snap back, but the alpha clenched his jaw and stormed away before I could stop him. Thud. Seokjin slammed the warehouse door shut and left. Sighing deeply, I lowered my head with my eyes closed to recollect my scattered mind and finally strolled out after him to enter the garden with my tearful eyes.Why did he leave amidst the fight? Did I upset him again?! Seokjin doesn't usually speak on his impulse when he's drunk. He must be super hurt for him to lash out at me. Sora~! You shouldn't have raised your voice at him! You're the reason he's involved with Jae Yangcha's affairs. But Yangcha never told me anything about Seokjin's lost contract!? How am I supposed to know?! Did he hide it somewhere...? The only people at the villa before he fell off the stairs were Taehyung, Jungkook, Namjoon, and me. I blinked out of my mind and turned to stroll down the gravel path with a restless feeling.[Yoongi 's attack occurred afterward]_________________________
Present
Taehyung and I sat before the principal's table after he called for us. I haven't seen Taehyung in a while because we live in different places. He usually works at the tower unless there's a mandatory task at the university and I've been spending most of my time at the university worrying about Park Bogum. Is he alright? I'm afraid he's dead by now. Fear would loom over me at the thought of my missing boss because I somehow felt responsible for the abduction. I have to bring him back and I will not stop until I find his body. Dead or alive... I won't give up on him."You two are the only contestants this year," The principal nodded at our application forms. Taehyung remained expressionless. He's been cold to me ever since I kissed Seokjin at Minah's party."What happened to the other students...?" I asked curiously. A flood of top students usually apply for the competition."I'm not sure, but there were only two applications this year," The principal nodded. I sighed. So it's just me and him...?"What's the case this year?" Taehyung asked. The principal leaned over the table with his hands clasped under his chin and glanced at me. I straightened my back nervously."There's a slight change. I've discussed with the professors regarding the thesis. We've all agreed to host a practical competition," The principal glanced at Taehyung. My eyes immediately lit up at the news. Hah! He heard my complaints!"That's awesome! What are we supposed to do!?" I gasped, widely grinning as I curiously leaned over the desk to stare at the man. Taehyung sideway fired me a bitter look."Assemble your legacy out of nothing," The principal calmly spoke. My jaw muscles suddenly grew stiff as my lagging brain struggled to process his words. I froze with a forceful smile."What?" I blinked, suddenly frowning at the man."My legacy?" Taehyung asked."I want you two to create an everlasting legacy from scratch. It should be associated with the society's system, of course. Neither of you is allowed to fund your project using your household capital. Start... from nothing and work your way upward. You'll be judged based on your performance. The thesis is broad... so you have to be flexible and develop something that will leave a lasting impact on the society," The man nodded. I pursed my lips. Oh no. How do I start a project without money? Taehyung sat in silence to contemplate our task. How do I do that!? I gripped my fists nervously and glanced at Taehyung's confident smile in annoyance.
FUCK MY LIFE.
________________________
Fast Forward

Although I got along with the alphas during Minah's birthday party, it doesn't indicate I was on good terms with anyone. The youthful alphas only celebrate with liquor and music. And exclusively during the moment of numbness... is when we're willing to gather together without the intent to murder each other in cold blood. But during a sober day like this. People would generally avoid each other. Especially me. The foul rumors intensified as people purposely mocked me while darting dirty looks to disrupt my peace with their absurd judgments.

Lately, there has been strange gossip about the late supreme alpha.
"He's alive-""That doesn't make sense-""I'm sure Jihyun didn't have an heir-""What if her household killed the one true heir-""That's likely-""They were anonymous, so the society was never fully aware of Jihyun's anonymous households-"I quietly sat at the bench under the tree with a notebook as the lower ranks passed by, slowing down their pace and raising their voice intentionally to feed me the lousy gossip. I didn't lift my eyes from the book and stayed hushed as if I was deaf.

These people, they want to provoke my patience. I must remain calm to avoid falling for their mind games. They'll eventually grow tired of speaking if I ignore them. I'm not quiet because I don't have the courage to speak, but because it is not the right time to address the problem. They'll only mistake my reasonings as a sign of fear, so it's better to stay hushed and provoke fear once the time is right. A pair of polished shoes suddenly appeared before me, so I lifted my eyes upward to find Seokjin standing above me with a small bag in his hand."Share the bench with me," Seokjin nodded at the empty space beside my books."All the other benches are empty," I shrugged, glancing back at my notes with an unbothered reaction. Seokjin bitterly turned to scan the unoccupied seats and back at the book in my hand. He lowered the bag on the bench, lifted my books to place it aside, and sat right beside me. Again. Kim Seokjin dismissed my signal. I made it obvious this time, but he's not accepting it. I sideways fired him an annoyed look and scooted away."We're both outcasts, so it's best if we stick together," Seokjin muttered with the bag on his lap."I'm doing fine on my own," I shrugged."When was the last time you ate a proper meal?" Seokjin asked, changing the subject. I sorely lifted my gaze to find him staring at me with a questioning look as we sat side by side. It didn't seem like he was purposely irritating me. He's actually curious...?"Does it matter?" I asked. I haven't eaten since lunch yesterday because I lost my appetite. Bogum is probably rotting somewhere, or maybe he's suffering from the torture...? Besides, the university thesis is fucking stressful. I can't think of a feasible method to construct a concrete plan. Seokjin drew out a small lunch box from the bag and opened it to reveal a warm meal. He gently withdrew the book from my hand to replace it with the container. I didn't look away but stared at his face unsurely as he placed the spoon in my other hand. Why did he bring me food?"You said we should be partners, and we made a deal. I need your help just as much as you need mine, so let's stay fit to survive the society. I don't like it when people bluff nonsense without the capacity to perform their role, so keep your promise. Help me retrieve my power, and I'll support your immunity in return," Seokjin sighed. He briefly glanced at the lower ranks as they messed around by the entrance to the building. I sighed and glanced at the warm rice, egg rolls, spicy marinated chicken breast, sun-dried sliced radish, and fermented bean sprouts."Men usually bring me flowers and rare jewelry," I muttered while poking the spoon into the steaming rice."Flowers will eventually wither and die. You don't need jewels because it's meaningless. That's why you don't usually wear them. It might give you rashes too... due to the friction," Seokjin shrugged. I quietly lifted a spoonful of the rice to push it between my lips without looking at him."So you made home-cooked meals?" I asked, turning to look at Seokjin."People can easily utilize the money to acquire gifts with the hope to earn forgiveness. I figured you're tired of receiving the meaningless scented petals that will eventually rot and sparkling jewels that are worth nothing to you as an apology," Seokjin nodded. I chewed slowly, still keeping my skeptical gaze on Seokjin's side profile until he glanced at me."So this meal is an apology?" I asked. Seokjin didn't reply and stared at me under the setting sun beside the building. The gentle sun's warmth... illuminating our skin with its radiant glow as we sat on the bench under the tree."It's not enough to attain forgiveness. A mere apology will not mend the broken rifts, but a warm meal will help you feel a bit fuller. And hopefully... you'll also feel better after you poop it out," Seokjin smiled. I glanced down at the meal, lifted another spoonful to take a big bite, and glanced at the lower ranks as they peeked at us from the windows."Why is it that you're not disguising yourself with the mass? Why choose to step forward to settle with an outcast? Your household is weak, and conforming with the masses will ensure your safety. You can't afford to give them more reasons to target you," I nodded at the lower ranks as they gossiped about our interaction. Seokjin chuckled while flipping through my notebooks to skim through it.

"A person will never shine if they camouflage themselves with the mass to achieve a sense of belonging. In order to conform, I'll have to give up on my real identity... and I will lose a part of myself to appear just like everyone else. The mass is a dense and unbreathable pack. People suffocate themselves to stay within the safe boundary of being amongst the others to avoid the nerve-wracking spotlight," Seokjin muttered as he read my messy scribbles."So you'd rather sit with me? The outcast?" I asked, smiling at him."At least I can breathe around you," Seokjin shrugged, lifting his eyes to meet mine. His lips slightly curved upwards, so I sighed and lifted a spoonful of the rice to place it before his lips. Seokjin stared at me in surprise."The radish is a bit chewy," I offered, nudging the spoon against his lips. Seokjin chuckled and opened his mouth, so I fed him the meal. Smiling, I withdrew the spoon and gently wiped the sauce off the corner of his lips with my thumb. The alpha suddenly shifted closer to me until we were shoulder to shoulder. We quietly ate the meal as Seokjin read my drafted plans with a concentrated frown."Kim Taehyung seems distant lately," Seokjin sighed, lifting his gaze to follow Taehyung as he strolled out of the lobby. He didn't look at us and left through the gate."I have a year to prove my competence," I muttered. Seokjin glanced at me with a confused look."Why?" He asked."The council will reject a weak leader, so I must assert my influence in all three fields. The average world is, of course, the corporation. The society is the council. And the academy with my studies," I sighed heavily. Seokjin glanced at the scribbles again."You wrote ingredients though... everything isn't related to the school's thesis," Seokjin pointed out. I bitterly chewed the food on one side of my cheek. He's right. I've got nothing done, and I have been scribbling recipes on the empty pages. I am gravely clueless about the project."You said money can't fix anything but food can at least heal them," I muttered, sorely lifting my eyes to look at him. Seokjin pursed his lips at my dispirited energy and glanced back at the notes.
Seokjin is right when he claims money can't permanently buy happiness... and that material items can't fix what's already broken. No matter how many flowers, money, or jewels I dump into the broken crack... it'll never fill up. But food? Food is comfort. The daily dose of the sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and salivating aftertaste will set me in a good mood. Flowers wither and die, and I'd have to discard it. It's only great for decorations, and I don't even admire it after the first glance.

Jewels... stay locked up in my closet until dust covers it. And money? Money can't buy happiness, but it can definitely offer a better living standard for those in need. Especially during inflation. A paid bill, a full fridge, and a warm home are enough for the desperate to live a comfortable life. A comfortable life is their definition of happiness. But it isn't an alpha's definition of happiness.

A paid bill, a full fridge, and a warm home aren't enough to grant us permanent happiness. The only way... for us to achieve or even... graze... just barely... to acquire the scarce droplet of happiness is to numb our minds with poison.

It could be... alcohol... deafening music... sex... and even drugs. All of which will leave us feeling depleted and sick the very next morning.

A moment later.
The receptionist smiled as he held the door open for me. I thanked the man and heaved the heavy bag out of the door to dump it on the sidewalk, causing the materials to loudly clatter against each other. What's taking him so long? I frowned at the empty street until I noticed a black car pulling up on the sidewalk. Seokjin stepped out of the driver's seat with a baffled expression, so I bent down to heave the heavy bag again."Wae? Why do you need me at this time?" Seokjin asked, approaching me in his casual clothes."Help me heave-""Why is it so heavy?!" Seokjin gasped as he struggled to lift the bag. I grunted and walked forward to dump the bag in his opened trunk. Seokjin fired me a confused look and tried to check the bag, but I immediately grabbed his hand to stop him."No- The receptionist is watching us," I warned under my breath as Seokjin firmly held the bag. He lifted his eyes to find the man smiling at us from the door. The alpha furrows his eyebrows at me with a suspicious look, slowly releasing the bag after I refuse to let him inspect the materials inside it. Thump. I slammed the hood shut and got into the passenger seat to buckle my seat belt as Seokjin got into the driver's seat to start the engine."My mother will kill me if she knows I'm out this late," Seokjin muttered, carefully driving forward. 10:22 PM."Take me to Yangcha's grave," I muttered. Seokjin snapped his head in my direction with a startled expression."W-What?" Seokjin asked, glancing back and forth between the roads to double-check with me."I want to visit Jae Yangcha's grave," I demanded."During this hour...?" Seokjin stared at me as if I was out of my mind, but I didn't care and pushed the seat backward to lie down. I fell into a brief nap on the way there. It was over an hour's ride outside of Seoul, so the property was dark and empty once we arrived."His relative took his body to bury it at their family's private cemetery," Seokjin muttered, unsurely stepping out of the car. I yawned sleepily while stretching my arms in the air. I tapped the car trunk with a blank face, so Seokjin quickly popped it open for me. I sighed and tore open the bag."Hold this-""Wait- Don't tell me you're trying to-?!" Seokjin gasped as I pushed the heavy shovels into his arms. He stared at me as if I was nuts, so I grabbed the hammers and a flashlight from the bag with two pairs of safety gloves. Thud. I slammed the trunk shut with the materials in my arms."What? I'm helping you find your lost contracts," I shrugged, placing the materials in a separate backpack. Seokjin stared at me with a startled expression as he hugged the shovels."At a graveyard..?" Seokjin widened his eyes, awkwardly staring at me as we stood in complete darkness. Hoot... Hoot...We slowly shifted our eyes to the dark and empty cemetery to find a few scattered tombstones. There was light fog drifting over the dead properly as the ancient trees stood beside the dirt paths. I gulped. Well. Shit. This is creepier than I anticipated. I uneasily scanned the darkness under the dim moonlight as the icy cold breeze brushed our skin with its chilly frost."Wait! I don't think- Sora~!" Seokjin whined, but I switched on the flashlights and strode over the dirt path. Seokjin hurried after me as I turned the dim flashlight from side to side to scan the names on the tombstones."You couldn't find the contracts anywhere-""He doesn't have it with him! I delivered his body myself and the medical team did a thorough examination!" Seokjin whined as he raced after me.

"Jae Yangcha visited his grandparents often! His death report claimed his family came to collect his personal belongings!" I stubbornly stepped over the grass. Seokjin huffed."But I made sure to check everything!" Seokjin complained, grabbing my arm to stop me. I abruptly halted to stare at Seokjin with a dark frown but pursed my lips when I realized... he was paler than usual. Seokjin fearfully glanced at the tombs around us and back at me."We can't miss a spot, so let's start from here. Just in case," I sighed, carefully taking his shaky hand. Seokjin glanced down at my fingers as I interlaced them with his to assure him of my intention to dig up a corpse. And like the supportive man he is... Seokjin didn't resist, even if he's shit scared of the ghostly property.I'm scared too. I held his hand because... I'm afraid he'll flee for his life and I'll be left alone. I'll hold on to him... just in case he decides to ditch me in a graveyard with the dead and run away, so we have to stick together. I slightly tugged him forward. We carefully walked over the dirt path, passing under the creepy trees for another minute until I noticed a pile of withered flowers on one of the graves. I strode off the path and dragged Seokjin with me. Flick. I diverted the flashlight to the name carved on the stone. Jae Yangcha. His relatives must've visited him often to leave the flowers."An act concerning the desecration of a grave is a crime punishable- ""Put on the gloves," I sighed, tossing the new pair at Seokjin. He dropped the shovels with a startled look as he stiffy stared at the young alpha's haunting smile."Sora! This isn't necessary! I don't think we should be digging his grave! He's a silent killer!- Oh?! What if his spirit is evil!? Oh!?- I've already handled enough in the society! I can't afford a killer ghost! Jebal~! Let's leave~!" Seokjin funnily complained. I glared at his pale face as he stiffly stood beside me. It's Seokjin's first time digging a grave...? Well. It's my first time too. And I'm just as nervous, but why does he have to make me feel so anxious...? Sora! What if Yangcha comes after us for disrupting his grave?! Sighing, I knelt before Yangcha's tombstone."Yangcha. Noona desperately needs your help right now. Please forgive us, okay? Seokjin hyung is a bit scared of you. He might suffer a stroke if you scare him... so please be kind to us? We don't intend to harm you. Okay?" I weakly smiled at Yangcha's picture. Seokjin grew hushed as he uneasily glanced around the hazy cemetery. Sighing, I got onto my feet to grab the shovel and pulled on my safety gloves. Thump. Seokjin flinched in fright as I jabbed the new shovel into the dirt pile."Why didn't you tell me in advance...?" Seokjin grumbled, picking up the shovel after I refused to leave."I knew you'd back out," I muttered. Seokjin huffed, slightly jabbing the soil as I dug with all my might and turned to toss the heap aside."Seriously, why-""His relatives buried his belongings with him. Seokjin, if the contract is with him- You can easily retrieve your power from Kim Namjoon!" I snapped, turning to glare at him. Seokjin gulped and glanced at Yangcha's picture again as I left the flashlight by the tombstone. Sighing, Seokjin shoved the shovel into the soil, so I exhaled and lowered my arm to scrap up the dirt. The work wasn't too exhausting at first, but after about half an hour of digging and piling the dirt aside... I was entirely out of breath and soaked in sweat.

"Ah~!" I grumbled, sorely rubbing my shoulder wing as Seokjin dug deeper with his shovel. Thump. Seokjin suddenly froze when his shovel hit the casket. I froze at the hollow echo. He lifted his startled eyes to me. Thump. Seokjin poked the wood again."We reached the casket!" Seokjin announced, quickly tossing away more dirt. I dropped my shovel and hopped back into the 4 feet hole to dust the dark soil from the moldy casket."Hammer!" I demanded. Seokjin quickly turned around to grab the bag from the dirt pile and tossed it at me. I can't believe I'm digging up a grave! I pulled out a hammer and lowered it to remove the nails lodged in the casket. Seokjin noticed I was struggling, so he quickly knelt down, grabbed the hammer, and roughly withdrew the rusty nails from the wood. Clink. Clink. Clink...Kim Seokjin carefully pulled out the nails from the wooden platform as I impatiently knelt beside him. He finally tossed away the last piece and turned to look at me with his dirt-smudged face, so I firmly nodded and scooted to the side. Seokjin grabbed the lid with both hands and attempted to yank open the casket, but it remained sealed. Thud. It's stuck? I quickly grabbed the edge of the casket to help him heave the heavy wood."Pull harder!" Seokjin grunted, clenching his jaw in difficulty as we towed the lid with all our might- THUD."ARGH!" We screamed, falling back at the sudden release, and crashed into the dirt pile. I grunted in shock as the lid slammed over our bodies. Seokjin quickly shoved it away as I scrambled over the dirt, frantically crawling toward the opened casket."Fuck!" I gasped, covering my nose at the unpleasant odor. Seokjin immediately shielded his nose as I  knelt by the casket until... my eyes landed on the corpse. My heart suddenly swelled with an unexplainable emotion as I stared at the dead alpha.His hair was still intact, and so were his teeth... but his youthful skin... was gone, replaced with yellowish-brown bones and decaying tissues. Seokjin stood without blinking as we both examined the dead alpha. I sat on the dirt without budging to stare at his skull and empty sockets before glancing at the bone remains with a heavy heart. So... this is where you're resting...? My heart feels heavy.Seokjin grimaced at the disturbing skeleton while crouching across from me to dig the scattered belongings in the casket. Gulping uneasily, I shifted my eyes away from Yangcha's corpse to search for Haerim's phone. I tossed aside a controller, a shirt, a teddy, a robotic toy, and a book as Seokjin slipped his hand between the edges to search for the items. An hour went by... and we were still searching. We went through all the toys and his personal items... but there was nothing. We couldn't find anything. Seokjin sighed, wearily collapsing to the side in exhaustion. He was covered in dirt as I desperately searched the casket on my knees."It has to be here! Yangcha!- Where did you keep hyung's contract! Noona desperately needs it-""Sora... We should stop. This isn't right," Seokjin whispered, bitterly eyeing my desperation. I gripped the torn shirt at Seokjin's disapproving tone and slumped to the side in defeat. Neither of us spoke a word... as we stared at the dead alpha with our dirt-smudged hands after tearing his resting place apart. Is our greed getting out of control...? What am I doing? Sora... Why are you doing this?My chest suddenly swelled in guilt. I sniffled and lowered my head to cry in distress. Seokjin let out a heavy sigh as he quietly sat beside me. I felt sorry. What was I thinking? Why did I tear open his grave like this? Even after he's gone? The warm tears slipped from my face as Seokjin stared unblinking at the skeleton."Let's clean up," I whispered, lifting my face off my knees after I calmed down. Seokjin nodded and stood up while offering me his dirty hand, so I took it. He hauled me onto my feet as I turned around to search for our shovels."I'll get it- urgh!" I mumbled, turning to climb the slope until I was out of the hole. Thud!"Are you okay?!" Seokjin worriedly called when I accidentally collapsed onto the dirt pile after slipping over the loose soil."I'm fine!" I assured, quickly scrambling across the ground to reach for the shovel handle until my eyes landed on a pair of shoes before me. I paused to stare at the sneaker with a blank mind as the person stood under the light fog without budging. Thump. Thump. Thump. My steady heartbeat started... smashing my ribs at the presence of the third person... in a graveyard with only two living souls. I fearfully lifted my frightened eyes upward as I remained on my knees in the dirt pile. Jae Yangcha...?! He's here to haunt us!-"We need new nails to secure the casket-""ARGH!" I screamed, startled by the unexpected presence."ARGH!" Jungkook screamed, startled by my reaction. I wildly swung the shovel at his face out of fright, causing Jungkook's eyes to widen in shock. He shielded his face just before the dirty plate hit his face- SMACK. It struck his arms instead, sending the alpha toppling to the side."YAH- What's the matter- ARHDEWJHD~?" Seokjin shouted, trying to climb out of the hole at the sudden screeching sound but gasped in shock when Jungkook missed a step and slid down the unstable dirt pile."%$#*&^#?!!" Jungkook's eyes widened in horror as he struggled to balance his body. I immediately swung the shovel away and reached out to grab his hand but missed his fingers.Seokjin screeched in disbelief as Jungkook tumbled into the hole, slamming hard into him. Thump! Thump! Thump! Jungkook and Seokjin both fell backward. The half-blood grunted in pain as he rolled a few rounds and landed hard into the casket as Seokjin staggered to the side. Thump! Both alphas groaned in distress. Jungkook seethed in discomfort while lying face-first on the skeleton. Seokjin immediately sat up at the foot of the casket with his striking messy hair as I stood above them with a pale expression."Jungkook! Why are you here!?" I gasped. Jungkook grimaced and lifted his head to glare at me in difficulty."Yah! Are you fucking crazy-?! Why would you dig up a grave at this hour- ARGK!?- AH! WHAT THE FUCK!?- A- APPA- JHAGKSAHJG!?!!" Jungkook tried to scold me until his irritated eyes landed on the hollow sockets of the rotting skull beneath him. The alpha shrieked in horror as he frantically jerked away from the corpse with his eyes bulging open."Be careful!"I gasped and slid over the pile to grab Jungkook, who immediately shoved his body off the corpse, startled by the skeleton's not-so-appealing presence. CRACK- His blunt force suddenly fractured the corpse's bones, causing a side of the ribs to collapse. I halted in horror. Jungkook suddenly grew hushed at the rough impact. His eyes... growing wider as he sat over Yangcha's skeleton with his hand stuck between broken ribs. I quickly grabbed Jungkook's arm to tow him off the casket."Stop screaming and calm down!" I snapped as Jungkook snapped his bewildered face to me until blood drained from his face."CALM DOWN!? YAH- I BROKE HIS RIBS- WHAT IF HE COMES FOR ME-" Jungkook stuttered in a panic as he firmly gripped my arm with his bulging frightened eyes... but he didn't finish his sentence.The alpha's eyes suddenly rolled into the back of his sockets... and his heavy body weakly tilted backward. Slump. Jungkook collapsed onto the dirt. I grew hushed, awkwardly staring at Jeon Jungkook as he lifelessly sprawled on the slanted slope. Seokjin lifted his startled gaze to me after Jungkook passed out in the grave and glanced back at his fellow alpha, who was unconscious after the shock. Sighing, I lowered my arms to grab Jungkook's upper arm. Seokjin quickly grabbed his ankles and we heaved his body out of the hole."Fuck he's heavy!" Seokjin cursed, carefully placing the alpha onto the clear grass beside the tombstone. I panted heavily and crouched down to feel Jungkook's steady pulse over his sweaty neck. Seokjin rubbed the sweat off his forehead and glanced back at the messy dirt piles around the hole.We didn't speak and turned to pick up the shovels again. Seokjin hopped back into the hole to draw the hardwood back over the casket after he arranged the dead's belongings. I tossed him the bag, so Seokjin drilled the new sets of nails into the wood. He grabbed my hand and hauled himself out of the hole. We quickly shoved the soil back onto the casket as Jeon Jungkook sprawled on the graveyard with his mouth ajar and arms extended to his sides.
Third Person POV
Jeon Jungkook finally opened his blurry vision after his recovery from the unexpected blackout. The alpha softly grunted while struggling to open his heavy eyelids, groggily shifting his eyeballs from side to side until his eyes fully opened... until he found himself staring up at the creepy tree branches above his head.The alpha froze in confusion, unable to recall the incident as the chilly fog surrounded his body on the grass. He lifted his head to stare at the tombstone at his foot in horror and quickly laid back down with his eyes wide open in fear. The alpha remained paralyzed while listening to the creepy wind whistles and swaying tree branches. Jeon Jungkook didn't dare move but listened to the strange repeated thumping sound to his right. Crack. Jungkook snapped his head to the side to find a shoe, squishing his left palm over the ground."ARGH!" Jungkook screamed in pain, startling the person above him. Seokjin wildly glanced down to find himself standing over Jungkook's hand. He quickly lifted his shoe as Jeon Jungkook funnily screeched in pain."Jungkook!" Sora gasped, dropping her shovel, and hurried toward Jungkook to pull him into a sitting position. The alpha's eyes bulged open in horror at the sight of her smudged face. Only her eyeballs were showing... and it scared the living crap out of the unstable alpha."ARGHH! G-GHOST-! GHOST- $&^!%&!?- ARK-""Yah!- Sora, be careful!" Seokjin snapped after Jungkook roughly shoved Sora aside. She gasped, tumbling to the side as Jungkook frantically scrambled to his feet. The alpha suddenly snatched the shovel off the ground in a panic... and lifted it to threaten the supreme alpha."Stay away, you evil spirit! I know this is a dream! Go away!- SHOO- SOMEONE HELP ME- APPA! APPAAAAA!- I'M A MARTIAL ART MASTER- SO BACK THE FUCK OFF IF YOU DON'T WISH TO DIE TWICE!- AH! AH!? AH!!!- THERE'S TWO OF YOU!?!" Jungkook threatened Sora but frantically jumped back in fright when Seokjin tried to stop the alpha from freaking out. Jungkook tripped over a rock and fell onto his back with the shovel. He quickly sat back up in horror as Sora sat on the ground with a dumbfounded look in response to his psychotic episode. "You're dead!" Sora screamed, scrambling forward. Jungkook screeched like a madman as she weirdly crawled toward him on her hands and knees."ARGH!- N- NO! GO AWAY- YOU DEAD PIECE OF SHIT! I'M NOT DEAD-! APPA! APPAAAAA~!" Jungkook cried for his father, frantically turning to crawl away over the dirt, but Sora grabbed his shoes to tug him back. Jungkook wailed in distress, hastily turning to shove Sora off his body, but she firmly grabbed his wrists and pinned his hands to the side of his head. Jungkook muffled in fear as he stared at her dirty face with a slight pout."We're the grim reapers," Sora spoke lowly with a blank expression as Jungkook struggled to breathe beneath her. He shakily shifted his frightened eyes to Seokjin's dead face as the man stood with a shovel."G-Grim reapers- What do you mean-""We're preparing your grave. Can't you see?" Seokjin nodded at the hole. Jungkook's lips trembled out of control as he stared at the tombstone. He glanced at the shovel and back at Sora's dead face as she sat over him. The graveyard grew eerily hushed as Jungkook's heart pounded hard against his ribs. He couldn't speak but froze on the ground in utter shock."AHAHAHAH!" Sora burst out laughing. She pulled Jungkook into a sitting position as he remained tense with a confused look. Seokjin chuckled and shook his head as the clueless alpha glanced back and forth in confusion."W-What-" Jungkook stuttered as Seokjin turned to shove the remaining soil back into the grave hole."Stop screaming, or you'll actually wake up the angry resting souls here. I can't help you if they come after you for disturbing them with your ridiculous screams, so be quiet," Sora patted Jungkook's shoulder and stood up to grab her shovel.Jungkook stared at the duo in confusion and glanced around the dead cemetery in bewilderment before lowering his bulging eyeballs to his dirty clothes. Jang Sora and Kim Seokjin worked intensively to fill the hole until it was almost dawn. The supreme alpha knelt on the fresh brown soil before the grave to ask Yangcha for forgiveness and bid her farewell before leaving the empty site with the alphas. Seokjin swung the heavy bag over his shoulder as he carried the shovels in his other arm."Y- Yah! Wait for me! Yah!" Jungkook gasped, scrambling onto his feet to chase Sora, who was leaving the graveyard with her flashlight. The half-blood fearfully raced after the duo until he caught up and left the cemetery with them.___________________________
Fast Forward
Jang Sora softly grunted as she scurried into the empty lobby early in the morning with heavy bags as Do-hwan carried the materials for her. The supreme alpha quickly dragged two tables from the space to combine them beside the entrance as Do-hwan carefully placed the bags on the chairs. Sora excitedly bent down to dig into her bag and pulled out a massive banner. The guard sourly watched the supreme alpha as she stood on a chair to glue the fabric over the glass."Big man!" Sora signaled her guard to help her put up the other banners. He nodded in exhaustion and did as she instructed. Sora happily handed her guard a paper bag before he left as a gift and quickly raced away to get changed in the bathroom before the school day began. She headed back toward the table to sort her freshly baked goods and placed them neatly in the trays. Thud. Thud. A person suddenly strolled inside the lobby but halted at her presence."Mr. Principal!" Sora brightly greeted the man, who paused to stare at the frog hair band over the supreme alpha's head and her cute fluffy knee-length dress.

"Oh- Oh, Sora. What's this?" He asked, approaching the supreme alpha's unannounced dessert stall unsurely."It's my project, of course! This is my startup! Please support me~!" Sora giggled. The principal frowned at her oddly radiating energy and to the cakes on the table. He didn't expect the supreme alpha to establish such a basic project and although he didn't approve... of her mini stall, the man didn't want to ruin her mood. He agreed to purchase the dessert and left to work.
A moment later
Kim Taehyung strolled through the university gate in the afternoon after his tiring day at work but halted in place once he noticed the uplifting atmosphere within the premises. It's been a while since the alphas and the lower ranks appeared this cheerful. He glanced at the slices of cake... cupcakes... muffins as the student ate them on the benches. The alpha slowed down by the entrance with his leather bag to read a massive handwritten banner on the glass wall.

Creams

&

Crumbs.

He stared at the familiar handwriting unsurely and lowered his gaze to the crowd as the familiar voice chirped from within the crowd, welcoming her customers with her kind tone. The lower ranks excitedly scurried away after grabbing their cakes, so Taehyung frowned and glanced at the strawberry cakes and brownies in their hands."Yah~ This is unbelievable!" Hoseok gasped as he pushed his way through with a wide smile."I'm telling you'll never regret buying her cakes!" Minah promoted the cake to the lower ranks."Are you sure this business is sustainable~?" Minho doubtfully stared at the stall as the crowd cleared the area, earning a glare from Minah... and Taehyung found himself staring at Jang Sora as she hurried back and forth to pack the cakes she made. Sora briefly lifted her face to find her former lover standing before the stall with a blank stare. Taehyung coldly glanced away and strolled inside with a word."He's an asshole~!" Minah sorely glared at the alpha as he entered the elevator.
Fast Forward

The supreme made over two million won on her first day at the university after receiving immense support from the lower ranks and the alphas. She enthusiastically took her first turnover... and rushed home to purchase more ingredients and would spend the night baking her new recipes. The alpha did not ask anyone for help... but worked on performing the manual labor herself until her body ached from the tiring work. She'd end up with flour on her face and a ruined shirt, but she'd smile and skip around her penthouse like a happy child.

Her business went well during the first week, and she made over ten times the money she made on the first day, but... her sales started to decline afterward. She made too many cakes and would be left with cold and melting creams by the end of the day. The hype died. And she would anxiously sit at her empty stall, desperately begging people to buy her cakes.
"Mian~ I gained weight after having too much sugar," Minah pouted, refusing to buy the cakes. Sora sighed and sat down at the table with a discouraged face. Her only frequent supporter was obviously Jeon Jungkook. He'd sit at her stall and munch her cakes but never really paid for the treats."How much did you make?" Jungkook asked, curiously glancing at her while licking the cream off the spoon. Sora sighed and checked her bank account. 13, 450, 000 won."It's not much," She shrugged, showing him the figures."I heard Taehyung made a hundred million won during his first fund yesterday. He's launching a fintech and cyber security project," Jungkook muttered. I glanced at the melting creams with a discouraged face. I worked so hard for the past week but barely earned a fraction of Taehyung's fund."It's easier to be a man," I muttered. Jungkook sighed."Can I be honest with you?" Jungkook asked, glancing at me anxiously. I lifted my tearful eyes to him. He's going to worsen my mood with whatever he has to say."Yeah," I nodded, lowering my gaze to avoid his frown."Don't cry. Sora, this isn't sustainable. You're selling in exchange for profit. That's not what the professor wants from the competition. Creating something out of nothing. Sora... you're using too much of your energy and physical product to bake these cakes. There's nothing wrong with your recipe or the flavor, but the cost of making the dessert is higher than the cost of selling it. You have to be smarter. Use your brain, not your body muscles. Taehyung didn't offer any products, but he managed to acquire 100 million during the first day from his proposal alone," Jungkook sighed. I rubbed my warm tears and quietly thought about his words."You know... I'm the most stupid out of the three of us. How can I ever beat him?" I spoke in a broken voice. Jungkook sighed and glanced at the cakes."I think you have more potential... It's just that you're pursuing the wrong path," Jungkook muttered."Why is it... that I have to fight to free myself from his suppression? Why is it that I don't have a voice, but the man can do whatever the fucks he wants?" I cried, sobbing uncontrollably. Why can't I do whatever I want?! Why is it that I have to listen to my family and obey Kim Taehyung?!"Because it's not about Kim Taehyung, Sora. It's the council and the society. They will weaken you if you're under-prepared for the role. So don't be the victim in this game, okay? You're not a victim. You just... have to figure out a new approach," Jungkook nudged my shoulder. I leaned weakly against his shoulder for support, so Jungkook patted my head to comfort me.
Third Person POV
Kim Namjoon carried a familiar decorated paper bag into the private meeting lounge filled with the other alphas as Kim Taehyung sat at the end of the table. He settled the bag on the desk and took his place as the others filled the room."You bought her cake?" Yoongi asked."Yeah. Sora was crying," Namjoon spoke up. Taehyung lifted his dull stare to watch Namjoon share the dessert with the fellow alphas."She'll never beat Kim Taehyung. He offered us tripled the amount invested in his project," Minho chuckled, nodding at Taehyung. They were gathered in the room as investors for Taehyung's thesis project."One should never underestimate a woman," Hoseok muttered as he skimmed through Taehyung's proposal."Then why are you here? With the man? Go and support the woman," Mira scoffed. Hoseok bitterly fired her an annoyed look. Kim Taehyung cleared his throat and finally rose to his feet to begin the meeting. He dimmed the lights in the room and turned on the screen to announce his conscientiously curated plan to develop a fintech program.The alphas grew hushed as they listened to the leading alpha until their mouths dropped open in astonishment. Namjoon nodded at Kim Taehyung's strategy with his arms crossed, knowing well... Kim Taeyung had undoubtedly established his own legacy within the society.
Meanwhile
Sora's POVI quietly packed up the leftovers after the sunset as a flood of the top-rank alphas strolled down the stairs. Kim Taehyung appeared with a blank face as he passed by my pathetic stall and left, so I sighed and collected the bags."Your company is already going bankrupt?" Minho teased as he passed with Mira. She chuckled and smacked his head. I stayed quiet as Hoseok and Yoongi stopped to speak with me. They too left... afterward, so I wiped the table and placed it aside before turning to heave the bag and strolled out after the others.Jungkook left earlier to train at the mansion. I exhaled and strolled toward the gate when Taehyung suddenly returned through the door after the others left and walked straight toward me. I slowed down unsurely. Should I move aside...? He stopped before me with a stern gaze."What?" I sorely asked while staring at his stone-cold expression."You can surrender," Taehyung dully spoke. I gripped the bag."Surrender?" I repeated."You can stop if you can't do it and marry me," He sternly spoke. I stared at his face in silence."Surrender and marry you? So you could put me on a leash and walk me like a dog? I'd rather die fighting," I scoffed, rudely walking past him. Taehyung clenched his jaw at my brutal statement as I walked toward the door... until Seokjin appeared, jogging towards me. He told me he'd return after school to help me close my stall."Sora! I found a fresh strawberry farm for your cake! Do you want to check it out? I'll contact the supplier for you!" Seokjin smiled, gently taking the bag from my hand to ease the weight."I don't want to bake anymore," I muttered, walking into the parking lot."Why not??? Are you tired? I can help if you need another hand," Seokjin weakly nudged my shoulder. I chuckled and shook my head."The alphas are sick of my creams and crumbs," I shrugged.
The distinct difference between Taehyung and Seokjin?

Kim Taehyung keeps telling me... I'm destined to depend on him for a satisfactory life. The only path for me... to achieve happiness and security is to surrender to him. That's what... I've been doing all my life because I always doubted my abilities. I'd cry, whine and give up on everything I do after I failed for the first time and he'd be the hero in my life to fix my problems. So naturally, I thought I could always rely on him. I thought I couldn't live without his help. I am struggling now, and he's offering to help again.

But I'm determined to refuse his assistance or... I'll end up with a puppet cuff around my wrists, ankles, and throat.

And Seokjin? He's too considerate. Seokjin is the type of man to encourages his lover to be her best. He never once did my work for me and would patiently wait for me to finish my task. He's only willing to offer guidance and would always praise my hard work. But the setback? His endless support will only lead me to my demise. He's too kind for his own good. I know he doesn't approve of my project either, but he chose to stay quiet because he didn't want to hurt my feelings.

Neither is good for me.

It is Jeon Jungkook... who is constantly keeping me on the ground. He'll never let me float too high into my delusional haven, knowing I'll fall and hurt myself. And he'll never let me sink too low until I suffocate in my own grave. He's blunt, and he could be arrogant sometimes... but he'll always speak the painful truth. He'll confront me if he isn't satisfied and would also console my sorrows, reminding me of my purpose every time I feel like a worthless piece of shit.
"Who's picking you up today?" Seokjin asked as we stood in the parking lot."Big man-""What will you do with the leftovers? You can't possibly eat all of it?" Seokjin nodded at the packed bag in his hand."I'll throw it away-""That's a waste. Let's visit the local streets. I'm sure your dessert will warm a lot of hearts. Don't bother letting the alpha's rejection weigh down your precious heart," Seokjin smiled. I couldn't help but swoon at Seokjin's words as he cluelessly smiled at me. My heart... it keeps... yearning for him, but I knew better than to invade the boundary between us."Can I give you a hug?" I asked, eagerly staring at him without blinking."Huh?" Seokjin blinked with a startled look. I smiled and stepped forward to give him a warm hug. Seokjin stood stiff in his position as I embraced him. I want more... I want more than a hug from him, but... I can't be foolish about my desire. We should maintain a healthy friendship rather than hastily jump into a relationship again.
I feel like... by drawing a line between us like this... Seokjin will feel less hurt and I can... control myself better. I don't want to hurt his feelings again and I know... I'm very reckless, so until I'm fully prepared... I won't... let him close to me.
"Thank you for being my comfort," I smiled, stepping away to smile at him. Seokjin stared at me with flushed cheeks as he held the bags. He suddenly leaned forward to peck my cheek, causing me to widen my eyes with a startled look."I'll respect our boundaries, but I won't avoid you. I'll follow you close, just enough without overstepping the boundary. Okay? Just don't make me dig a grave- I can't follow you there again," Seokjin chuckled. I smiled and shook my head at his joke."Okay," I nodded with a wide grin."I'll take you on a refreshing ride. Maybe we can share your delicious cakes with the locals," Seokjin smiled, nudging me forward.I giggled and followed him to his car. Seokjin placed my bags in the back seat of his car and opened the car door for me, so I got in to buckle my seatbelt. Ah~! Why am I suddenly so happy? I was on the verge of crying a moment ago!- I froze in the seat once I noticed Taehyung sitting behind the steering wheel in his black jeep with his dark eyes trained on me. I gulped and turned to watch Seokjin arrange the bag in the backseat. He smiled and cluelessly rounded the car to hop in beside me.Seokjin and I left the university and headed to the local streets to deliver the dessert for free to the kids and elders in a small neighborhood. And just as Seokjin predicted... They were beyond grateful for our kind gestures. I felt happier offering my dessert to the locals even if I didn't earn any money from it. Maybe... the answer is not about the amount of money I received? Why am I more content with putting smiles on the average's faces... than the money I earned from the wealthy alphas?

"Aigo~ You're too kind!" A harabeoji patted my arm as Seokjin handed him the box, followed by a pack of supplements. Seokjin dropped by his place and insisted on giving out supplements to the locals with my dessert.
The smiles... on Harabeoji's face and the cute giggles from the kids as they ate my cakes and muffins... had entirely lifted the dead weight off my chest. I was able to breeze better and for once... I felt... appreciated.

Their genuine smiles and praises... made me happy.
"Ah~ That was so refreshing~!" Seokjin chuckled as he walked beside me in the dim alley with our empty bag. I briefly glanced at him and back at the road beneath our feet.

"Can you lower your face a little?" I asked, turning to look at him as we walked side by side."Why? Is there a smudge-" Seokjin asked, lowering his face cluelessly but was cut short when I planted a peck on his cheek. His eyes widened at my unexpected gesture, so I hurried away without speaking."I'm hungry!" I called while jogging down the alley."Yah!- What was that?! Come back!" Seokjin shrieked, chasing after me. I sped up my pace and ran away from him as people turned to look at us in confusion. He caught up with me, swiftly encircling his arms around my waist to lift me off the ground, so I shrieked in a panic and wildly turned to hug his neck as Seokjin chuckled at my flushed face."Boundaries!" I whined, pushing his chest with my palms."You're the one invading it! But it doesn't matter because you made up the rules? You're cheating!" Seokjin teased as I clung to his neck. I bit my lips happily and leaned upwards to press my lips against his. Seokjin smiled against my lips and hugged me tighter as we kissed in the dim alley until my cheeks flushed tomato red."I'm not ready yet, but I wanted you... to be aware of my feelings," I smiled, pulling away to stare affectionately at his bright pupils."That's fine. I can wait," Seokjin nodded while stroking my soft hair. Seokjin revealed his feelings to me a while ago, but I was hesitant because I was still healing."I like you too. A lot. So wait for me a little longer," I pursed my lips. Seokjin warmly strokes my cheeks with his thumbs."Okay. Let's maintain the boundary until we're both ready," Seokjin nodded. He pecked my lips again and pulled away. Smiling widely, I interlaced my fingers with his and we walked hand and hand. We glanced at one another with an approving smile. Seokjin let out a deep exhale in relief and lifted his handsome face upwards to stare at the dark sky._________________________
Seokjin and I got along really well after I disclosed my genuine feelings to him... and I somehow didn't feel as uptight around him anymore. It's probably because Seokjin is an understanding man, so there were no complications between us. I think he's been waiting for me to give him a signal. And finally, I did. So we're both at peace now.

I stopped baking the cakes and focused on studying instead. My mother wasn't fond of my creams and crumbs fundraising campaign because she personally visited my penthouse to lecture my idiotic act. She claimed I took the competition too lightly... and that it was humiliating for our household. But hey, I got popular. The alphas and lower ranks didn't take my bakery seriously, but they've been questioning my return, to which I politely declined their demand.
"Don't you have work?" I asked while staring up at Seokjin as I lay on the bench with my head rested on his lap. Seokjin was fanning my face with my notebook."I'm usually occupied with the thesis work during this time of the year, but I didn't join the competition this year, so I'm free," Seokjin shrugged. I smiled at Seokjin and turned to stare at the nosy lower ranks as they pretended to cover their faces with the books."They're talking about you," I smiled. Seokjin chuckled."I think they're more interested in your affairs," Seokjin shook his head. I chuckled and sat up, carefully grabbing the lunch box to place it on my lap."Did you eat?" I asked, glancing at Seokjin as he extended his arms over the bench."Not really. I wasn't hungry," Seokjin shrugged."We can share. I made more than enough for myself," I offered, showing him the neatly sliced Gimbap. Seokjin opened his mouth, so I chuckled and lifted a piece with the chopstick to place it in his mouth. Smiling, I quietly ate beside him.

We were both immune to the gawking eyes and judgemental stares. I would usually feel uncomfortable... and Seokjin would always avoid making intimate contact with me, but we're unbothered now. I crossed my legs on the bench and shared the Gimbap with Seokjin."There you are~! Scoot over. Are you dating or something?" Jungkook approached us. Seokjin grunted as Jungkook squeezed in between us, earning an annoyed glare from me. Jungkook smugly snatched the lunch box from my hand and hungrily picked up the rolls to shove it in his mouth."We're not dating," I mutter, bitterly staring at Jungkook as he sits between me and Seokjin, who is obviously irritated by the alpha's disturbance."The society claims you're together," Jungkook shrugs."We're close but not together," Seokjin muttered. Jungkook glanced at the alpha with a funny expression."Wae? What's your plan? Are you trying to make Kim Taehyung jealous because it's definitely working. He's really grumpy these days," Jungkook chuckled. I rolled my eyes as Jungkook turned to look at me."Why is he grumpy? He's obviously winning the competition," I shrugged. I heard he made over a million dollars during his third meeting. That's more than enough to fund the project."He's winning in every field except for your heart," Jungkook nudged my shoulder, teasing me with his raised eyebrow."Yeah, because someone else already won over her heart," Seokjin grunted. I chuckled at his response, so Jungkook glanced at Seokjin with a doubtful look."Her heart? Her cold heart? Who's the unlucky man~?" Jungkook sang funnily. Seokjin darted Jungkook an annoyed look. I smiled and leaned against Jungkook's shoulder as he teased his fellow alpha."She's not cold-""Ohoh? You were just as depressed after she dumped you. Is Jang Sora warm now? She will probably set you on fire in a matter of time. I might have to put you two out with a fire extinguisher again," Jungkook chewed the gimbap on the side of his mouth. I smacked his knee and fired him a warning glare, so Jungkook chuckled and handed me back the empty box."She'll select the next council leader once she beats Kim Taehyung. It's my only chance to make a good impression of myself," Seokjin shrugged. Jungkook scoffed and placed his arm around my shoulder to hold me."But Kim Taehyung is winning though. Stop making empty promises to each other. You might end up watching her walk down the aisle with the asshole," Jungkook sighed. He ruffled my hair, so I fired him a sharp glare as I combed my fingers through my hair to fix the messy strands.The half-blood smiled at us and walked away with his hands in his pocket. I pursed my lips and glanced at Seokjin's dark expression as we sat with the gap between us. My heart stirred uncomfortably at the thoughts of my downfall."So marriage... is the deal?" Seokjin asked, turning to stare at me for an explanation. I rubbed my fingers and swallowed uneasily."Eomma wanted me to marry Sungho, but Taehyung objected," I nodded. Seokjin clenched his jaw before shifting his grim stare to the lower ranks."So if you lose... you'll have to make him the leader through marriage?" Seokjin questioned without looking at me. I nodded and stared sadly at my feet as Seokjin quietly thought about my terms with Taehyung. I'm trapped in a game I can't play... and I knew that.
Kim Taehyung will win, and I will lose.
"That's... why... I desperately needed your power. Maybe... you'll stand a chance against Kim Taehyung," I muttered. Seokjin exhaled heavily and lowered his face to press his palm against his face in exhaustion. I need Seokjin to be as powerful as Taehyung for me to free myself from the game, or I'll never escape Kim Taehyung's grip.
Fast forward
Third Person POVKim Taehyung listlessly strolled inside the bustling kitchen to find the maids and imo preparing cake slices in separate boxes. He halted to stare at the familiar decorations and glanced at the neat bags unsurely. The maids were busily packing warm meals in paper containers as the guards placed water and juice in each box."What's this?" Taehyung asked imo."Oh. Our young lady is doing donation work on the outskirts of Seoul. I'm asking Do-hwan to deliver a token of our household supplies," Imo smiled at Taehyung."Why are you wasting our supplies?" Taehyung frowned at the woman."The elders are always busy on business trips. Jungkook and you don't eat that much food. The food will rot, and we'll have to throw it out anyway. Why waste so much food? I figured we could make use of it," Imo shrugged. Taehyung glanced at the packages in irritation."Imo~! Ask the guards to deliver the remaining batch! I'm dropping by Kim Seokjin's place to help him with the other batch," Do-hwan informed, poking his head into the Kitchen window. Taehyung turned to frown at the man as the other guards picked up the packages to load them in a truck outside the mansion. The alpha sighed, grabbed a cool bottle from the fridge, and left to work in his room. Kim Taehyung took a sip of the water and glanced at the report on his laptop screen."Oppa~"Taehyung snapped out of his thoughts, utterly startled by the unexpected voice after he heard Sora's soft voice calling for him. The alpha searched his empty room in confusion and lowered his face to pull his hair in distress. He has been hearing her voice here and there at random times during the night. Does it make sense? To be haunted by a living person?Kim Taehyung restlessly leaned back in his armchair with his stern gaze fixed on the meaningless words on his screen and finally exhaled. He got up from the desk and exited his room to enter Jang Sora's empty room. Nothing. No matter how many times he entered her room... it was empty. Taehyung stared at the vacant space with a sore expression until he found Sora strolling out of her bathroom in her usual nightgown."Oppa. Have you eaten?" She brightly smiled, walking towards him with a curious smile. Taehyung pursed his lips at her vivid appearance as she cutely tip-toed to peck his lips."-Shit! I'm late!" Jungkook's voice echoed from the opened door. Thud. The alpha slammed his door shut and raced away, so Taehyung glanced at the door and back at Sora... but she was gone... again. Taehyung sighed and left her room to return to his work desk.
Meanwhile.
"How are you young people so beautiful!? What did you eat!?" An ajumma gasped as she stared at Minah, who was passing out the packages to the locals."You kids look so well off! I'm jealous! My muscles used to be as big when I was young~!" Another ajusshi poked Seokjin's bicep."Jungkook! Why are you late?!" Sora screamed in annoyance as the half-blood rushed towards her with a few batches in his arms."I fell asleep!" Jungkook answered as he joined the crowd of alphas. Yoongi was chatting with an ajusshi as Hoseok helped a harabeoji unload his cart by his tiny home. Namjoon and Sungho chatted with the children as they excitedly ate the snacks with bright beams."You should help Jimin in the fifth zone. He went alone," Sora nudged Jungkook, pushing the map into his hand. Jungkook nodded and hurried off to assist his friend as So-young helped a halmeoni walk towards her home.
Jang Sora had launched another campaign, covering donation works in the slums on the outskirts of Seoul. She used up the amount she made from the mini stall to cover the expenses... and the alphas were willing to help her since it would benefit their graduation transcript at the end of the year. Kim Seokjin helped her publish an official announcement to captivate the alpha's attention. And as expected... the top alphas showed up at the slums to assist the supreme alpha.
"Where's big man?" Sora grunted, glancing around the area while counting the gift bags on the cart as her guards separated their ways to distribute the goods."He left to the fifth section," Sungho informed her as he offered the kids books and school stationaries."But Jungkook and Jimin are already there~!" Sora whined. She sighed, lifted a box, and turned to walk in the opposite direction."Where are you going?" Seokjin asked, quickly catching up with her."There's a senior halmeoni in the 6th zone. I'll deliver it myself," Sora shrugged. Seokjin nodded and followed her."Why are you doing charity work? You've already used up all your savings from the cake campaign," Seokjin sighed, following Sora through a small alley."I don't know what to do with the money and I don't want it in my bank account. It's best... if I use it to feed the people in need. I'll figure out a way to earn more," Sora shrugged."But this is temporary. You can't feed them... forever," Seokjin nudged her shoulder worriedly. Sora nodded. Sora knew she was at a dead end, but she enjoyed helping those in need, so she was determined to make their life a little better with her little gifts."Aigo~ Young man~! Can you help me with the cart?" An ajumma grunted. Seokjin immediately walked up to ajumma and pushed the cart without hesitation."Have you received the gifts yet?" Sora smiled, walking beside the woman."Yes. A very handsome man delivered it to my house a moment ago," She nodded. Sora smiled and glanced at Seokjin, who was pulling the cart up the slope. Ajumma proceeded to praise the alphas for their kind gestures."Oh. This is the section," Sora stopped after noticing the street sign beside a pile of cardboard. Seokjin glanced at the small and dim alley as he hauled the cart on the slope."We should head to ajumma's place together first. I'll escort you back-""No. Please help ajumma to her place. It's getting late, so I better deliver this. You can come to find me after you're done," Sora smiled as she patted Seokjin's shoulder. She bowed at the woman and quickly strode through the small alley to deliver the box. Seokjin sighed and proceeded up the main street with the cart and the lady.
Meanwhile.
Sora carefully read the house numbers as she walked deeper into the slums until she found another rusted green door. She double-checked the map and finally stepped forward to thump her first on the metallic door."Halmeoni~! I'm a representative from the charity campaign ~!" Sora announced her presence."Aigo~ I'll be there~!" A woman replied. Sora smiled at her response and took a step back as she waited by the empty alley until a small halmeoni in her eighties opened the door to greet her."Annyeonghaseyo~!" Sora smiled, bowing at the woman."Please come in. You must be tired from walking all the way here," She invited the supreme alpha. Sora chuckled, slip off her sneakers, and stepped inside Halmeoni's tiny home. It was about 4x4 meters. The kitchen was right beside the door, and the bathroom was at the far end. It was so small... a person could barely fit. Halmeoni led Sora to her small bedroom... where she stacked her blankets by the wall. Sora smiled and placed the crate down as Halmeoni poured her a glass of water."Do you live alone?" Sora smiled as Halmeoni sat across from her."No. I live with my grandson. He studies late at the university," Halmeoni chuckled, pushing the cup toward the supreme alpha. Sora took a sip from the glass and glanced at the moldy walls and the rusty roof above her head with a sore grimace."You must be cold during winter," Sora sadly smiled at halmeoni. The walls are too thin to act as a filter against the harsh ice storm and the floor is not heated enough to keep halmeoni's feet warm."Aigo~! I won't be suffering for long. My grandson promised to move us to a better place once he becomes an attorney!" Halmeoni shook her head with an optimistic smile. Sora sadly studied her wrinkled smile lines and chuckled.

"I'm sure he'll take care of his precious halmeoni," She nodded. Halmeoni was a talkative person despite her old age. She'd tell Sora about her life in Seoul, and Sora would cutely laugh at her hilarious story. The two enjoyed each other's company very much... so they kept chatting, and Sora finally left the property. 
Fast Foward
Do-hwan checked the empty truck by the main street as the guards returned from the alleys after delivering the goods. The big man halted once he noticed Kim Taehyung walking towards him with a jacket and casual clothes. The awkward alpha curiously glanced around the busy street."The elders hired you to protect the mansion, so why are you here?" Taehyung grimaced."I got permission from Sora's mother to do charity work with her daughter," Do-hwan shrugged."Is she your only priority-""I must protect the supreme alpha. Jang Sora is not present at the mansion. So there isn't a need for me to stay behind the walls. I must stay close to her... wherever she goes," Do-hwan dully spoke. Taehyung grimaced as the alphas strolled toward the main street after fulfilling their duties."Do-hwan! Have you seen Sora?" Seokjin called, jogging toward the man. Do-hwan frowned."Didn't you leave with her earlier?" Sungho asked Seokjin as he passed Minah and So-young."She went in a separate direction. I visited halmeoni on my way back, but she claimed Sora left her place over half an hour ago," Seokjin panted heavily."Has anyone seen Sora?" Do-hwan shifted his gaze to the clueless alphas."Nope," Yoongi shook his head. The alphas shrugged, causing the guard to freeze in his place. He quickly drew out his phone to check Sora's location. Taehyung glanced at the red pin on the digital map. She wasn't moving. Her location was not on the sixth street but down a deep alley... near another area.
Last moving... 20 Minutes ago.
"Fuck-! Everyone, search for her! I'll share her location! Go in pairs!" Do-hwan roared, sending the alphas to her location, and hurried ran off into the alley after instructing his men. Seokjin cursed under his breath and turned to dash after the man."Is he missing???" Minah gasped, wildly turning to stare at the commotion."Yoongi, we should leave- Yoongi!" Hoseok tried to drag his friend away, but Yoongi turned and headed back down the street."Wae?! What's happening-""Sora is missing! We have to head back!" Jimin yelled at Jungkook, who was jogging toward the crowd... that was racing back to the location. Jimin grabbed Jungkook's arm and hauled him back in the direction.Sungho hurriedly left after Jimin as Namjoon and So-young left with their drivers. Minah nervously stared at Taehyung and chose to leave as well... because it was too dark. And in a split second... Taehyung stood alone on the streets. The alleys echoed with anxious calls as the men screamed for the supreme alpha.Taehyung gritted his teeth and slowly walked down the alley with an uneasy feeling. He glanced at the unmoving location on his screen and jogged down cramped paths... turning left and right until he ended up at a dead end where Seokjin was standing with his hand clasped over his lips as Do-hwan stood up from the ground and turned to stare at Taehyung in dread. The alpha halted as Do-hwan lifted Sora's shattered phone with a dreadful look."There are... signs... of struggle," Seokjin furrowed his eyebrows as he examined the tiny blood spots on the wall. Taehyung stood stiffly as he scanned the confusing alleys with a dreadful look."Team one. Dispatch half of our men to the location immediately. Team two. Review all the camera footage and Team Three. Alarm the forensic team," Do-hwan darkly spoke into his phone. Seokjin let out a heavy exhale as he combed his hand through his hair- BOLT! Kim Taehyung launched forward to tackle the alpha."Yah-""You were supposed to be with her!-" Taehyung seethed, angrily shoving Seokjin against the wall."I insisted, but she left!- Urgh!" Seokjin tried to explain the situation but was cut short when Taehyung struck the alpha in the face. Do-hwan immediately grabbed Taehyung's arm, but he shoved the man away and turned to wrestle Seokjin, who kicked Taehyung square in his chest. The alpha grunted in pain as Seokjin trusted him onto the rough ground. Taehyung angrily sat up but was disabled by a forceful blow to his face after Seokjin punched him hard with his clenched fist."THAT'S ENOUGH! SORA IS MISSING! WHY ARE YOU FOOLS FIGHTING!?" Do-hwan roared, causing the alphas to halt at the man's outburst as they furiously glared at each other.Choi Do-hwan exhaled in frustration and stormed away without breaking the fight because he couldn't waste time over the foolish squabble. The man raced through the alleys to search for the supreme alpha while howling her name... hoping to receive an answer, but Jang Sora remained muted.
She disappeared within the confusing maze.
____________________________
A few days later.
Mrs. Jang sat restlessly at the council's meeting venue after her daughter disappeared. The entire society was swept up by the shockwave after the news leaked... regarding the missing heir. The supreme alpha had vanished without a trace. Her guards and the alphas search for her in the slums for the entire night, but she is never sighted by anyone.The local police went from door to door to investigate the disappearance, but even the locals... were unaware. Seokjin restlessly tapped his feet as he sat at his desk. Taehyung spitefully glared at the alpha from across the room for losing the supreme alpha. Jungkook was dozing off on the desk after spending the past nights searching for Sora. No one... within the room seemed to focus on the moderator. They concluded the meeting after an hour, so Taehyung grabbed the file and quickly walked down the stairs."Oppa!" Hwa-young called, getting up from her seat beside Sungho to chase Taehyung. He dismissively passed her, so she grabbed his wrist to stop him from striding away. Taehyung halted and coldly glanced at her firm grip on him."Let go-""Why are you avoiding me!?" Hwa-young cried, causing the other households to pause at their arguments. Taehyung gritted his teeth in discontent, despising her for drawing unnecessary attention from the crowd. "Hwa-young. Now isn't the time to speak about your personal matters. The Supreme alpha is missing-""So what?! My marriage has been postponed for months! But no one seems to care! Why is everyone so worked up after she's gone for a few days?! She probably ran away from home again!" Hwa-young snapped at her brother. Sungho pursed his lips in horror at his sister's thoughtless exclaims."Yah-""Talk to me! Why are you so childish-""I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU ALRIGHT?! STOP BOTHERING ME!" Taehyung angrily bellowed at her face as Hwa-young stubbornly held his arm. Hwa-young's eyes immediately flushed with tears."You said you'd marry me-""I DON'T FUCKING WANT TO MARRY YOU ANYMORE!" Taehyung angrily shoved her aside and stormed down the stairs. Sungho immediately grabbed his sister, so she burst out crying as the room remained hushed. Taehyung darkly stormed down the stairs with a sharp frown when the room's speaker suddenly blasted an ear-splitting sound."What the fuck-" Jungkook cursed, covering his ears in disbelief. Taehyung halted at the strange static nose as Seokjin grimaced on the opposite stairs. The black screens within the room suddenly flickered. The room grew hushed as they stared at the blurry black-and-white footage."What's wrong with the audio!? I'll go deaf!" Minho snapped as the sound screeched all over the room. The moderator attempted to disconnect the screens and sound system, but it didn't work. Flick. The screen suddenly lit up with clear footage and the speaker instantly grew hushed, leaving the alphas with ringing eardrums.The entire elite room became muted as they stood with baffled stares at the person on the screen. A woman... sat on a chair in a dim room with a man behind her. Her hair was soaked in sticky blood... and she was bleeding heavily through the clothes. Her eyes were swollen and her lips were bruised.Kim Taehyung's evil-infested darkness was suddenly replaced with fear... as soon as he recognized her familiar features. Seokjin gasped, stepping forward as Jungkook's jaw dropped open in horror. Jimin slowly stood up from his seat as Namjoon remained stiff by the door. Yoongi and Hoseok stood beside each other with their bulging eyes nailed on the screen as Mira nervously hugged Minho's arm."Sora!?" Minah gasped, stepping forward with an anxious frown."What's this!? Why is my daughter-" Mr. Jang snapped but halted when the man slipped a leather belt around Sora's vulnerable neck. Taehyung unconsciously jerked in horror as the man tightened the strap around her throat. Sora's distressing whimper filled the room as she sniffled in pain, causing the room to tense up at her dire situation."N- no- no! No! no! What the hell-" Jungkook shrieked, pushing Taehyung aside to rush toward the screen."WHAT'S THIS!? STOP THE MADNESS! HOW DARE YOU HURT THE SUPREME ALPHA- I ORDER YOU TO HALT YOUR TREACHEROUS ACT!" Mrs. Jang burst into tears. She frantically rushed towards the screen but was held back by Mr. Jeon."Urgh!- Hmmp!" Sora sobbed as she gagged and coughed intensely with her head tilted toward the light above her head."This is a live stream. It's everywhere..." Jimin whispered, lifting his phone to show Taehyung, who was darkly frowning at the footage."STOP IT! WHOEVER YOU ARE!" Seokjin roared angrily as the man strangled the supreme alpha with the leather belt.She helplessly thrashed with her bounded limbs until the scraping sound filled the room. Taehyung stood with a racing heart as... Jang Sora desperately hyperventilated for air, weakly twitching and jerking on the chair... but failed to free herself.
The thick leather curling... tighter... and tighter around her neck to restrain her windpipe.
Mrs. Jang screamed in agony after her daughter suddenly collapsed from the torture. Her body suddenly eased... and her head flopped lifelessly to the side. The taunting whimpered stopped. Her tears ceased and she remained... stiff and motionless with her wrists and legs tied to the chair.
Jang Sora abruptly stopped breathing... and Kim Taehyung suddenly couldn't breathe... as well.
Switch. The screen suddenly turned blank.Kim Taehyung stood with his frightened pupils glued to the screen until he felt a sharp contraction in his chest. A burst of darkness violently penetrated his chest... viciously expanding its dangerous icy sensation until the forceful chill jolted up his neck to numb his skull with the evil. His pupils dilated, turning pitch black as his veins bulged from the pressure of the overflowing evil within his system.No one moved.No one blinked.No one dared to breathe.A flaming Phoenix appeared on the screen... extending its fiery wings before the crowd of elite players....
The storms of vengeance have arrived with the wrath of the firebird.

The predator... soaring dangerously over the pack of powerful wolves within the destructive storms to prey on the petrified crowd beneath its deadly flames.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
"Heesung-ah! Escort noona to the main street!" Halmeoni called for her grandson as we stood by the rusted gate."It's okay! Please take care of halmeoni~!" I smiled at Halmeoni's grandson as he hurried out of the gate to accompany me. He just returned home from school. It must've been an exhausting day, so I shouldn't burden him.Halmeoni gave me a warm hug and we took a picture together before I said my farewell and left the alley to return to the main street. I chatted with halmeoni until her grandson returned home from his university. They warmly asked me to have dinner with them, but I declined and left because it was getting late.
Strut... Strut... Strut...
I turned to the left alley, expecting an exit leading to the main street but halted once I found myself on a tiny path. Huh...? I frowned at the unfamiliar location. Did I come the wrong way? I drew out my phone to check the map and followed the navigator when a notification popped up on the screen. No internet connection. I lifted my eyes to stare at the confusing alleys leading up and down the slope. Should I call Do-hwan? But there's no signal. Sighing, I lifted my phone above my head to search for the signal as I aimlessly walked through the confusing maze of identical alleys.

"Ah~ This is annoying. How are people living in this area without proper access to the internet...?" I grumbled, lowering my phone with a slight pout, and finally looked up to find myself standing at a dead end. Should I head back to Halmeoni's place to ask her grandson for assistance? I might get lost if I wander around. Sighing in defeat, I turned around to leave the area but stopped almost immediately once I noticed three men dressed in black clothing blocking the only path out of the alley.They stood motionlessly with the black masks over their faces, only their eyes were visible. I nervously swallowed at the alarming presence of the strangers as they sharply stared at me and glanced at the dead signal on my phone. Are they here to rob me?! But I don't have anything with me!"Y-Yah! W-Who are you!?" I shrieked when they suddenly charged forward.The men didn't answer my questions as they cornered me against the concrete wall. I glanced back and forth to scan the area for another exit, but we were enclosed by the rusted fences. A man swiftly reached out to seize my arm, so I immediately shoved him away with a startled look. What's this!? Why are they after me!? The man scoffed at my resistance and tried to snatch my arm again. Are they the local thugs!? I yanked back with all my might, but he refused to release me."HELP!?- IS SOMEONE AROUND!- HELP!-" I screamed at the top of my lungs as I attempted to dash through the three men, but an arm found its way around my waist. My eyes widened in horror as the man yanked me backward with all his might. Fuck! He's crazy strong! I roughly swung my elbow backward to smash the man's face, causing him to grunt in pain at the impact. He loosened his grip, so I frantically scrambled toward the opening but was roughly hurled back by my hair. ARGH!"URGH!" The man grunted in pain once I swung my balled fist at his face. SMACK.He toppled to the side as I weakly slammed into the wall. I need to get out of here! All three men suddenly charged forward, so I violently kicked a guy in the chest and twisted another person's arm as he tried to seize my shoulder. Argh! I flung the other man aside but lost my balance as he gripped tightly onto my sleeves. I screamed in horror as a firm-gripped head locked me from behind to stop me from attacking the other guy."Ah!" I gasped as the person shoved me hard against the wall, firmly pressing my face into the coarse concrete. Shit! I'm outnumbered! I furiously kicked the wall with all my might to shove my body away, sending the both of us flying backward at the force. THUD. I groaned in pain as I roughly landed on the ground but didn't dare whimper and quickly scrambled onto my feet- THUMP.Someone swung a solid object at my head, sending me tumbling onto the ground. I wailed in shock at the blunt force and lowered my head to find blood dripping from my head. F-Fuck...? My mind started swaying from the painful collision as I struggled to stand but was cut short when someone kicked me hard in the face. I felt my jaw cracking at the blunt impact. Thump.
The world stopped spinning around me... and I was suddenly sinking into the muted darkness of my dead mind.

Fast Forward

Huff... Huff... Huff...

I shakily fumed while recovering my consciousness with my blurry vision on the unrecognizable space around me. My head... it's throbbing in pain as the sticky blood drips from my chin and onto my clothes. I slightly shook my head to recollect my fuzzy mind while struggling to free my limbs... but my wrists were tightly secured behind my back as I sat on an uncomfortable chair. The room... was chilly... and there was a single light bulb above my head. The dim glare... just enough to cast me under the spotlight. Fuck... I'm so sore. I squinted at the unfamiliar dark room. Where am I...?

Creak.

The door slid open, and a person appeared. I grunted with my wary eyes glued on the man as he stepped into the room with a leather belt. He was in his late 40s. Short neat gray hair and white beard. I couldn't recognize his face, no matter how hard I tried to recall his identity. But he looked somewhat... familiar...? Have we met before?

"Jang Sora," He chuckled, slowly stepping under the dim glow to reveal his devilish grin. He knows my name. So we've met before? But who the fuck is he?! I huffed, lowered my face to shake off the dizziness, and glanced back at him. Fuck... which alpha did this to me!? I'm tired of their fucking games!

"Who are you?" I grunted with a dizzy mind.

"The Black Phoenix," He smiled eerily.

I froze in my seat with my swollen eyes on his menacing energy as he tightened his grip around a black belt. I didn't know what the Black Phoenix was... but his presence alone was enough to paralyze my nerves. I felt my body stiffening in place until... my blood ran cold. A rapid flash of the fire incident suddenly reappeared in my mind, so I seethed in pain at the aching thumps in my head until I was entirely out of breath.

Fire... screams... smoke... fear... chaos... wooden doors...

The man chuckled and crouched before my restrained legs to observe the dirty smudges on my face as the heavy sweat beads... glazed my scratched cheeks. I gripped my fist in fear as he leaned his face forward to get a better look at my face. He was so close... I could almost count his deep pores.

The man had a few light freckles over his sunburnt cheeks. His face... entirely smeared with greasy oil. His lips were dark purple. As if he was suffocating. And his crooked teeth... gritting at me in... excitement- as if he was keen to see me... but I could feel it... his malicious intention towards me.

There was something in his eyes. A piercing darkness, digging into my soul. It's as if he could read my mind. I shakily maintained intense eye contact with the man. Why is he staring at me in such a way? As if I was some sort of... strange object he's been dying to possess? This is definitely not our first encounter. But who is he!?

The man chuckled and finally stood up, breaking the eye contact with me.

Puff!

I panted in relief until a few men suddenly opened the door and strolled inside to position a camera before me. The man rounded the chair to stand behind my back as I nervously examined the strange figures dressed in a hooded black cloak. A woman started recording me... so I uneasily gripped my fingers but jerked in shock when I felt the man sliding the leather belt around my neck.

"What are you doing?!-" I gasped but was instantly cut short by the shocking strain around my throat. I gagged in fright as he strangled me with the belt.

Thump! Thump!

I fearfully resisted the man until the chair scraped the floor, but my limbs were securely fastened with duct tape.

"The cursed child... must perish," He chuckled, suddenly yanking the leather harder, causing it to suppress the windpipe beneath my throat. I gasped and tilted my head backward in horror as he roughly compressed the leather around my neck. I whimpered and glanced at the dim red beam of the recording camera in fear. FUCK?! I CAN'T DIE LIKE THIS!

Hot tears began to trickle down my cheeks as I gagged in distress until I felt my hand shaking between the tapes. I closed my eyes to resist the pain and tried to speak, but the man only towed the belt harder until I felt the pressure pushing out my eyeballs and tongue. I sobbed in fear with my bulging eyes on his evil face above mine as the bright light... glowed above us.

A sore pain spread across my neck and up my chest, as my lungs violently begged for air, so I sniffled and clenched my jaw to resist the discomfort until I felt my temples pulsating on either side of my head. But no matter how desperately I defied his hostile acts... there was little I could do to save my helpless body from being murdered.

Wheezing in difficulty... I resisted for the last time, slightly jerking my body, but it was useless, so I stopped thrashing and slumped weakling on the chair, completely exhausted by the aching pain around my throat.

My head began to sway from side to side as my throat burned in pain until my mind grew hushed. I could almost hear my heartbeat... pounding in my ears as I struggled to breathe. And yet... nothing... not a single breeze of air was allowed to enter my throat... as I sat on the chair... helplessly waiting for death to accompany my soul.

My bloodshot eyes slowly dropped closed after failing to feed my deflated lungs with oxygen, and everything suddenly turned pitch black. I couldn't feel my body or process the thoughts in my head as I descended toward the terrifying abyss.

Puff...

I felt a hot warmth over my face, so I fearfully turned around within the darkness of my mind to find... a gigantic phoenix symbol on the wall. I stiffened in place at the sight of thick blood... oozing between the brick and splattering onto the pool of dark fluid. My heart thumped in fear at the sight of the vicious creature.

I stood frozen with my eyes nailed on its sinister energy... until the cold chills pricked my skin. The entire wall suddenly erupted on fire- sending its deadly flames blasting in my direction. My eyes widened in horror as I remained paralyzed in my position.

My glassy... pupils... reflecting the scorching wrath of the firebird as it blasted toward me with its... red flames.
________________________
The Present
Third Person POVThe security department bustled loudly as the echoes of the security commands, violent keyboard clackings, and consistent ringtones vibrated within the packed room. The chief guard, Choi Do-hwan, held an emergency meeting with the team of S.W.A.T members as the remaining guards tracked hundreds and thousands of security footage on the street to search for the missing supreme alpha."She never left the sixth section," Jungkook pointed out as he reviewed the footage with the guards."Jang Sora never left the slum. There was no movement in and out of the place either. How is it possible?" Jimin frowned at the screen. The experts tried to track the alleys leading to the main streets, but there were no abnormal movements. Only the locals were seen leaving the paths, and there were no suspicious vehicles or people within the neighborhood."She never left the slum," Sungho muttered as the guards switched between the footage on the large screens to locate Sora's presence.
Ring! Ring! Ring!
The team answered the calls to contact and update the local security on her possible whereabouts... but there were no indications of her whereabouts. The alphas immediately lifted their heads from the desktop screen once a flood of S.W.A.T members stormed through the department."The government has authorized a search warrant," Do-hwan sternly informed the security within the department as he pulled on his gear and stormed out of the office with his men.
Meanwhile.
"Taehyung! Where are you going-""I'm joining the mission to search for her," Taehyung stormed through the corridor with his loaded gun and a cap over his head as his mother chased him."You can't be involved! Let the guards deal with the problem!" Mrs. Kim grabbed her son's arm to stop him. Taehyung took a deep exhale to neutralize the burning heat within his chest and turned to face his mother with a dark frown."The supreme alpha is in danger. Do you wish to-" Taehyung tried to scold his mother but was cut short when she clasped her hand over his lips. Mrs. Kim suddenly pulled her son into Sora's empty room and closed the door for privacy reasons. The woman let out a shaky exhale as Taehyung unsurely observed his mother's restless behavior."The Jang plans to eliminate us," Mrs. Kim calmly spoke. Taehyung searched his mother's face unsurely."They can't get rid of us. I'll make sure of that-""Aera will marry Sora off to Sungho, and we'll be left with nothing! Taehyung- The contraction renewal will take place in a few months!" Mrs. Kim snapped, firmly grabbing Taehyung's forearm as she anxiously stared at her son's blank face."What are you trying to say?" Taehyung frowned at his mother."The Jang never appreciated our efforts! They tried to eliminate our household after Jungkook's birth mother died! Don't you remember?! The Jang will seize Park Jihyun's power from us once Sora marries Sungho. Even Jeon is at risk! And the Park will not survive without us! Aera is retrieving the late supreme alpha's assets from all her alliances to merge her power under Jang Sora's name! But without the supreme alpha... The Jang won't be able to snatch the assets from us," Mrs. Kim gritted to persuade her son. Taehyung grew quiet, uneasily pondering his mother's intention."Are you saying... you won't interfere with her disappearance and hope... she dies? So we could inherit the Jang's assets?" Taehyung questioned, dumbfounded by his mother's claim."As long as... the contract doesn't expire and we can prove Jang Sora's death... we have the right to claim the Jang's contracts. The Chul won't be able to interfere because they're under the Jeon's control. Taehyung, the world is in our favor!" Mrs. Kim tightly gripped Taehyung's forearm with her determined gaze trained on the alpha's neutral face.Taehyung stared at his mother in silence to contemplate the risk his mother is pleading him to take. If Jang Sora dies... He's the only household entitled to withdraw her assets, and the Kim will be untouchable in the council. Kim Taehyung can easily tame the Chul with the supreme alpha's power and assert his dominance within the society.
Her death will reap a promising reward for his household, but it was a deadly gamble.
"Eomma-""You will become the next supreme alpha. Kim Taehyung. This is your only chance to seize the throne of immunity," Mrs. Kim nervously stared at her son's blank expression. The alpha stood with a slight frown after he heard his mother's reminder of... how... easily... he could... ascend the hierarchy rank without any hindrance.
It's a free ticket to the most desired position within the society. But will he take it?
"We'll have to find her corpse to prove her death," Taehyung sighed, patting his mother's shoulder, and turned to leave through the door. Mrs. Kim pursed her lips worriedly as her son strolled away to join the security team outside the mansion.
A moment later.
A middle-aged man stood, smoking a cigarette outside an alley by a rusty door as a few thugs rushed in and out of the entrance. A woman greeted the guests as she strolled down the stairs and headed inside to deliver packed meals to the gambling den. Men and women were screaming and cursing over their cards. A fat man loudly roared in contentment while standing over the desk with a cheap cigarette between his lips. He smugly chuckled, happily bending down to collect the hard cash he made as the other players grunted in discontent after losing their money to the game. A few other gangsters... were singing and drinking in one of the run-down karaoke rooms."Ah~ I'm fucking lucky today~! Should I pay a bitch to screw tonight~?" The man grinned, nastily licking his cash after he won the card game."Sit down, you fat pig!" A woman snarled, causing the man to chuckle at her irritated face. He lifted his glass of beer to gulp the low-grade liquor and sat back down- CRASH! The heads within the room snapped towards the stairs leading from the entrance at the startling sound... to find the male bouncer tumbling down the stairs. THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. The man slammed hard onto the basement ground, followed by the footsteps of heavy boots."POLICE! POLICE! THEY'RE RAIDING THE DEN!" Someone shouted, startling the thugs within the dim space.The ordinary man's eyes flung open as the room erupted into chaos. People started screaming and shouting at each other over the gambling tables as the gangsters fled for their lives, but before they could escape the site... a tall man stormed down the stairs with his dark energy, followed by a flood of armed men in well-equipped gear. Thud... Thud... Thud... His powerful footsteps... sending a surge of vibration throughout the cramped space... until everyone froze in place at the man's powerful presence.Kim Taehyung dangerously marched down the stairs with his black boots, tight black jeans, and a leather jacket with a cap secured over his head as he led the team of armed men. The gambling man suddenly seized the stash from the table and fled through the back room as the women raced away to alert the boss of the unexpected intrusion."WHO ARE YOU-" A buff man sprinted toward the second rank alpha with a chair, but Taehyung effortlessly lifted his leg- THUMP.The alpha slammed the base of his boots against his chest, sending the man flying backward. CRASH. The thug collided with the glass fridge, causing the door to shatter from the impact. The room suddenly grew hushed as the victim grunted on the ground with his hand clasped over his aching chest. The other men froze in shock at the scattered shards and glanced at the deadly alpha as he towered over them with his pitch-black pupils and hostile darkness."WHO DARE INTERRUPT MY OPERATION!?- YAH! I BRIBED THE CORRUPTED POLICE TO ENSURE A SMOOTH OPERATION!-" A gangster suddenly appeared with a cigar in the corner of his lips. The man showed no fear and stormed up to Kim Taehyung, who stood in his place with a blank gaze. The boss raised his left eyebrow to examine the alpha and glanced at the armed men behind the alpha's back with a disapproving look."We have acquired a search warrant. Cooperate with the authority," Do-hwan announced loudly as he lifted the official file above his head.A group of thugs suddenly flooded the room to back their boss with their weapons as the squad of guards stood sternly behind Taehyung. Some were holding knives... while others clutched onto shiny machetes. The leader glanced at the paper in Do-hwan's hand and back at Taehyung's intimidating stare unsurely before glancing at the injured man, who was vomiting blood on the floor after enduring a single strike from the alpha.
A moment later.
The once-swarming gambling den was emptied in less than ten minutes after the authority's arrival. The gamblers and alcoholics were evacuated from the basement, leaving behind the thugs responsible for the den to face the interrogation. Do-hwan strode ahead of his men as they followed the leader through a shady corridor and down into a dark underground basement. Do-hwan halted to stare at the shady room as they stood on the top of the stairs with the boss."Wae..? Are you fucking scared of the dark?" The thug leader chuckled, strolling down before Do-hwan, so the man signaled a few guards to stand by on the top floor.Taehyung stormed after the thug and strolled down the corroded metallic stairs filled with dim red lights until they landed on a damp basement. There were no windows, so there was no light source except for the flickering light bulb hanging from the leaking wall. Do-hwan frowned at the concrete barrier while scanning the leakages from the tunnels above their heads. Taehyung rubbed his sore nostrils as the foul odor numbed his nerves."Is this a joke?" Do-hwan asked as they stood in the stinky room. The thug chuckled and walked toward a massive metallic door to draw the heavy lock. Creek... The lights suddenly flickered, exposing a deep tunnel behind the doorway. Taehyung hardened his stare at the ankle-height flooded underground tunnel and strode forward to examine the secret passage.

"Careful there, young man. The sewer water will ruin your expensive boots," The thug chuckled, smugly nodding at Taehyung to stop the alpha from stepping into the tunnel."Where does it lead to? Is the government aware of the passage?" Do-hwan asked as he inspected the deep tunnel."Of course, they're aware. They constructed an underground bunker and an escape passage beneath the city during the war. They covered most of the tunnel but this one... it's still here. The government probably forgot about it," The man nodded. Do-hwan took pictures of the tunnel as the other guards entered to examine the place."Have you seen her?" Taehyung asked, lifting his phone to show the man a picture of the supreme alpha. It was a picture of Sora on the island. She was... brightly smiling at Taehyung in the grape garden with a flustered face after getting drunk. The man squinted to observe her face, unsurely tilting his head to recall his lost memories."I'm not sure...? She's a fucking pretty bitch though. What is she doing here in this sewer?" The man smirked, shaking his head with a doubtful look. Taehyung frowned at his clueless response, so Do-hwan sighed and pushed an envelope into the man's chest."Cooperate with us while we're being generous," Do-hwan warned. The man chuckled and opened the envelope to check the bundle of money before lifting his smug face to smile at Kim Taehyung."There are a lot of customers, so it's a bit hard to remember everyone. Some days... it's empty and other days... I get a lot of illegal movements. I'm not responsible for the activities, of course. I only charge my clients fees if they want to cross the tunnel. You'd have to give me a specific date," The man shrugged."Last Friday at around 9:30 PM. She disappeared in the alley," Do-hwan informed. The man glanced at Sora's picture again and frowned at the tunnel."Huh. I only had a group of customers that day- AH! That's right! Those strange men! They were dressed in black!- Black masks! I charged them 100 thousand won each to use the passage! They came empty-handed and left with a body. It was a woman... but I didn't see her face because they had a bag over her head," The man gasped at the chief guard."Was she wearing this set?" Taehyung asked, lifting the picture of Sora standing with halmeoni before she was abducted. The man stared at her black jeans and beige-colored sweater before glancing at the green charity vest."I remember black jeans... but her sweater was covered in blood," The man shrugged. Taehyung rolled his eyes in discontent at the useless answers and glanced at the sewer with an uptight look."Taehyung-" Do-hwan called, but the alpha impatiently stormed inside the tunnel, stepping into the dark murky water without hesitation. Splash. Splash."Yikes... he must be a rich mother fucker. Those boots are darn expensive. The tunnel doesn't flood unless there's a rainstorm. It should drain tonight," The man stared at Kim Taehyung as he strolled through the tunnel to search through the shallow sewer water."Bring the investigation team-""Hey! Mr. Police!- You said you won't interrupt my operation-""Stay quiet and let us deal with the matter, or I'll shut down the place for good!" Do-hwan snapped at the man."That's unfair!-""You're operating a gambling den and allowing drug dealers and possibly killers through the tunnel! The punishment alone is enough for you to receive a life sentence!" Do-hwan snapped at the thug.The man grunted and glanced at Taehyung in annoyance, who suddenly lowered his body to pick up something from the murky water. Do-hwan paused by the entrance as Taehyung lifted the green vest upward. The dirty water... dripping from the soaked fabric. Taehyung stood in silence to inspect the vest and slowly lifted his face toward the guard with a grimace. The alpha returned to the door and handed Do-hwan the wet vest.
Jang Sora.
Her name was printed on the tag. Do-hwan furrowed his eyebrows and looked up at the clueless thugs. Taehyung rested his dirty hands on his hips and glanced at the tunnel darkly. The supreme alpha did leave the slum the same night, but it wasn't over the visible roads. They took her through the underground tunnel... leading to the outskirts of Seoul.

The guards and authority seized control of the gambling den to investigate the tunnel for a week as the armed men busily rushed back and forth through the tunnel to search for possible clues... but there was no camera footage at the exit... leading into the wood at the other end of the tunnel. All the traces were covered by the time the team reached the wilderness.
The households operated days and nights, through the scorching sun during the day and the chilly frost during the night... to hunt the supreme alpha, but she was nowhere to be found. The abductor did not contact the households... and there was no news of her disappearance.

Fast Forward

Mrs. Jang sat restlessly at the council's meeting venue after her daughter disappeared. The entire society was swept up by the shockwave after the news leaked... regarding the missing heir. The supreme alpha had vanished without a trace. Her guards and the alphas search for her in the slums for the entire night, but she is never sighted by anyone.

The local police went from door to door to investigate the disappearance, but even the locals... were unaware. Seokjin restlessly tapped his feet as he sat at his desk. Taehyung spitefully glared at the alpha from across the room for losing the supreme alpha. Jungkook was dozing off on the desk after spending the past nights searching for Sora. No one... within the room seemed to focus on the moderator. They concluded the meeting after an hour, so Taehyung grabbed the file and quickly walked down the stairs.

"Oppa!" Hwa-young called, getting up from her seat beside Sungho to chase Taehyung. He dismissively passed her, so she grabbed his wrist to stop him from striding away. Taehyung halted and coldly glanced at her firm grip on him.

"Let go-"

"Why are you avoiding me!?" Hwa-young cried, causing the other households to pause at their arguments. Taehyung gritted his teeth in discontent, despising her for drawing unnecessary attention from the crowd.

"Hwa-young. Now isn't the time to speak about your personal matters. The Supreme alpha is missing-"

"So what?! My marriage has been postponed for months! But no one seems to care! Why is everyone so worked up after she's gone for a few days?! She probably ran away from home again!" Hwa-young snapped at her brother. Sungho pursed his lips in horror at his sister's thoughtless exclaims.

"Yah-"

"Talk to me! Why are you so childish-"

"I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU ALRIGHT?! STOP BOTHERING ME!" Taehyung angrily bellowed at her face as Hwa-young stubbornly held his arm. Hwa-young's eyes immediately flushed with tears.

"You said you'd marry me-"

"I DON'T FUCKING WANT TO MARRY YOU ANYMORE!" Taehyung angrily shoved her aside and stormed down the stairs. Sungho immediately grabbed his sister, so she burst out crying as the room remained hushed. Taehyung darkly stormed down the stairs with a sharp frown when the room's speaker suddenly blasted an ear-splitting sound.

"What the fuck-" Jungkook cursed, covering his ears in disbelief. Taehyung halted at the strange static nose as Seokjin grimaced on the opposite stairs. The black screens within the room suddenly flickered. The room grew hushed as they stared at the blurry black-and-white footage.

"What's wrong with the audio!? I'll go deaf!" Minho snapped as the sound screeched all over the room. The moderator attempted to disconnect the screens and sound system, but it didn't work.

Flick.

The screen suddenly lit up with clear footage and the speaker instantly grew hushed, leaving the alphas with ringing eardrums.

The entire elite room became muted as they stood with baffled stares at the person on the screen. A woman... sat on a chair in a dim room with a man behind her. Her hair was soaked in sticky blood... and she was bleeding heavily through the clothes. Her eyes were swollen and her lips were bruised.

Kim Taehyung's evil-infested darkness was suddenly replaced with fear... as soon as he recognized her familiar features. Seokjin gasped, stepping forward as Jungkook's jaw dropped open in horror. Jimin slowly stood up from his seat as Namjoon remained stiff by the door. Yoongi and Hoseok stood beside each other with their bulging eyes nailed on the screen as Mira nervously hugged Minho's arm.

"Sora!?" Minah gasped, stepping forward with an anxious frown.

"What's this!? Why is my daughter-" Mr. Jang snapped but halted when the man slipped a leather belt around Sora's vulnerable neck. Taehyung unconsciously jerked in horror as the man tightened the strap around her throat. Sora's distressing whimper filled the room as she sniffled in pain, causing the room to tense up at her dire situation.

"N- no- no! No! no! What the hell-" Jungkook shrieked, pushing Taehyung aside to rush toward the screen.

"WHAT'S THIS!? STOP THE MADNESS! HOW DARE YOU HURT THE SUPREME ALPHA- I ORDER YOU TO HALT YOUR TREACHEROUS ACT!" Mrs. Jang burst into tears. She frantically rushed towards the screen but was held back by Mr. Jeon.

"Urgh!- Hmmp!" Sora sobbed as she gagged and coughed intensely with her head tilted toward the light above her head.

"This is a live stream. It's everywhere..." Jimin whispered, lifting his phone to show Taehyung, who was darkly frowning at the footage.

"STOP IT! WHOEVER YOU ARE!" Seokjin roared angrily as the man strangled the supreme alpha with the leather belt.

She helplessly thrashed with her bounded limbs until the scraping sound filled the room. Taehyung stood with a racing heart as... Jang Sora desperately hyperventilated for air, weakly twitching and jerking on the chair... but failed to free herself.

The thick leather curling... tighter... and tighter around her neck to restrain her windpipe.

Mrs. Jang screamed in agony after her daughter suddenly collapsed from the torture. Her body suddenly eased... and her head flopped lifelessly to the side. The taunting whimpered stopped. Her tears ceased and she remained... stiff and motionless with her wrists and legs tied to the chair.

Jang Sora abruptly stopped breathing... and Kim Taehyung suddenly couldn't breathe... as well.

Switch.

The screen suddenly turned blank.

Kim Taehyung stood with his frightened pupils glued to the screen until he felt a sharp contraction in his chest. A burst of darkness violently penetrated his chest... viciously expanding its dangerous icy sensation until the forceful chill jolted up his neck to numb his skull with the evil. His pupils dilated, turning pitch black as his veins bulged from the pressure of the overflowing evil within his system.

No one moved.

No one blinked.

No one dared to breathe.

A flaming Phoenix appeared on the screen... extending its fiery wings before the crowd of elite players.
...
The storms of vengeance have arrived with the wrath of the firebird.

The predator... soaring dangerously over the pack of powerful wolves within the destructive storms to prey on the petrified crowd beneath its deadly flames.

A moment later.
"Is there any news?!" Mrs. Jang sobbed as the elders gathered in the living room after fleeing the disorder during the council meeting.Jungkook wildly ran his fingers through his hair as Jimin paced back and forth within the room with his hand tucked under his chin. They finally saw the supreme alpha after her disappearance through the screens... but she was in a dire condition. Taehyung calmly stood with his eyes on his parents, who seemed unbothered by the chaos... and glanced back at Mrs. Jang's tearful eyes as her husband comforted her on the couch. Imo was sobbing by the corner with the maids after she heard the news."They contacted us!" Do-hwan roared, bursting through the front door in bewilderment to inform the worried crowd. The elders and young alphas grew tense."W-What?! Is Sora alright!?" Mr. Jang stood up in terror."They said they will return Sora if we hand over Jihyun's heir!" Do-hwan announced. The elders froze at the absurd request. The man unsurely stared at their stunned expressions."Jihyun doesn't have an heir," Mrs. Kim dawdled. Do-hwan's face turned pale."What?" The man asked."Park Jihyun never had an heir. He died in the fire with his wife," Mrs. Kim calmly explained. Do-hwan stood in shock, unsurely frowning at the dreadful elders, who seemed as lost as he was. The guard wasn't aware of Park Jihyun's history. Mrs. Jang sobbed in defeat and lowered her face to press her palm against her face."How are we supposed to trade a nonexisting heir for the supreme alpha!?" Jungkook whined, turning to slap his forehead in disbelief. No one uttered a word as they struggled to initiate a solution to save the supreme alpha.The room grew hushed as the elders listened to Mrs. Jang's soft sniffles and glanced at each other in dread. The leading household finally received a deal to safely bring the supreme alpha home... but it was in exchange for a person that doesn't exist.
They were still at a dead end.
Thus far, it was the only news they received from the unknown people. Kim Taehyung frowned hard with his arms crossed over his chest as he thought about his childhood... to recall Jihyun's last moment. An heir? He couldn't remember anything... about the late supreme alpha having a child with his average wife._______________________Kim Taehyung sat in the bustling lobby of the corporation, staring unblinkingly at his phone screen with his eyebrows furrowed. The community page was hacked by an unknown source.
RETURN PARK JIHYUN'S HEIR OR THE SUPREME ALPHA SUFFERS A TRAGIC DEMISE.
Taehyung stared at the bold text with a slight frown as the employees passed by, slowing down to peek at the alpha. The city couldn't seize control of its network since last night after they were hacked... and almost every secured site was hijacked. Articles... after articles of the fire incidents were published to blame the supreme alpha household and her alliances for Park Jihyun's death.
A FAMILY FILLED WITH BLOOD LUST AND TWISTED SECRETS.
Taehyung stared at the red links and clicked on the article about the fire incident. The source claimed the anonymous alphas overthrew Park Jihyun to seize Park Chul Seok's assets for themselves. The alpha sighed in frustration, shut off his phone with a headache, stood up to leave through the entrance, and headed to the university.Every head turned after Taehyung as they gossiped about the unknown source, even at the school premises. The alpha didn't bother and strolled up to the meeting room to update the other alphas on his project, but they too... weren't focused on Taehyung's reports."You were one of the survivors of the fire incident, right?" Mira smirked, curiously leaning over the table. Taehyung halted to stare at her smug expression as he stood before the screen."You may leave if you're here to-""Isn't it weird? How all the anonymous heirs survived the fire? Except for Park Jihyun's heir? The pillars survived... except for the one true heir?" Minho chuckled. Taehyung clenched his jaw as he darkly stared at the couple. He glanced at Yoongi and Hoseok, who were dully staring at him, and Namjoon, who was scribbling on his notebook with an unbothered look."The incident was a mere accident-""But rumors say... Jihyun was Ga Aera's ex-lover... and she was extremely heartbroken after he cheated on her with the average woman. If I was Mrs. Jang, I'd kill the mother fucker too," Mira scoffed. Taehyung rolled his eyes at her nonsense, grabbed his files, and left the room.
The society shifted its sole attention to the top three households, endlessly questioning their legitimacy in the council after the unknown source revealed the information on the community platform. Jungkook and Jimin were instructed to remain home because the elders were afraid they'd be the next target, and only Taehyung was allowed to leave the walls to fulfill his duties.

The elders couldn't come to an agreement with the unknown source to bring Jang Sora to safety because they were clueless about Jihyun's nonexisting heir. And so... Sora remained missing for another week. Do-hwan could no longer contact the source after the elders failed to meet their terms.

And as the day passed without the supreme alpha presence... the households became more and more vulnerable to the council's allegations.

The wolves got greedier and began to swarm the households with their baring fangs and sharpened claws.

Knock. Knock.
Mrs. Jang lifted her puffy eyes to the door as Kim Taehyung stepped inside her office at the mansion in casual clothes. The woman wiped her tears and glanced at the alpha as he sat on the couch facing her desk.

"Did you kill Park Jihyun's heir?" Taehyung asked. Mrs. Jang frowned at the alpha."He doesn't have an heir," Mrs. Jang refuted. Taehyung sighed."So why are the anonymous people declaring his existence? You were the only person closest to Jihyun," Taehyung muttered. Mrs. Jang clenched her jaw in discontent as she recalled her memories with the late supreme alpha."Park Jihyun cheated on me with the average woman and married her without my knowledge," She shrugged. Taehyung frowned to think about the situation."Give me access to the past records. Everything related to Park Jihyun and his wife," Taehyung sighed. Mrs. Jang glanced at Taehyung unsurely."Aren't you hoping for Sora's demise to snatch the supreme alpha title from her?" Mrs. Jang bitterly eyed Taehyung.

"The problem stays between you and me, not Sora. She's clueless," Taehyung muttered. Mrs. Jang scoffed."Wae? Are you regretting it now because she's gone?-""The only way for her to stand strong is for me to distance myself from her," Taehyung muttered."So you're playing the bad guy? Pain doesn't work on everyone the same way. It might have conditioned you to love her harder, but pain is Jang Sora's greatest weakness," Mrs. Jang muttered. Taehyung blankly stared at the woman and stood up. She finally slipped Taehyung the key to the confidential room. The alpha excused himself and left for the storage room to check the files and finally retrieved all of Jihyun's records to study them in his room._______________________
The Elite Meeting
"The supreme alpha failed to disclose the fire incident documentation! Her household's authority should be withdrawn temporarily to be investigated!" Mira snapped across the room."We are Park Jihyun's direct allies! The households are entitled to inherit his assets!" Mr. Jeon fired back at Mira."All three households survived the fire except for the supreme alpha and the first lady! It could've been a scheme to seize Park Jihyun's power!" Mr. Jung argued as Hoseok nervously sat beside his father."We've provided the alliance contract! Isn't it enough?!" Jungkook frowned at the council."But there were no contract transfer documents-""Park Jihyun died! How are we supposed to obtain his signature?" Jungkook argued, cutting Namjoon off."The community platform has been hijacked by an anonymous source, claiming the Jang, the Kim, and the Jeon killed Park Jihyun, the first lady, and his heir to acquire Park Chul Seok's assets because the anonymous household did not approve of the average blood," Mrs. Min bitterly countered."That's absurd! Park Jihyun doesn't have an heir! The first lady was ill for years!" Mr. Jang argued in irritation."How are you trusting the unknown source so easily?" Jungkook scoffed in disbelief with his bitter gaze on the desperate crowd.Kim Taehyung averted his eyes to Kim Seokjin. The Kim's probation period was finally lifted after six months. And yet, Kim Seokjin didn't utter a word to defend Jang Sora. Taehyung glanced away in discontent as he stared at the live update of the security department on his phone. He's been tracking the team's performance days and nights.
A month eventually passed with an intensive effort to save the supreme alpha. The security team worked day and night, fighting to trace her whereabouts with the assistance of the government to raid almost every route across the nation. Yet they couldn't locate a trace of her. It was as if she had vanished into thin air. And although her family prayed for her quick return, the second month passed without an update.

The security team eventually grew exhausted from their mission to save Jang Sora, and her parents were on the verge of losing their sanity due to their daughter's disappearance. The longer she was gone, the more likely she was presumed dead.

Her absence within the society had lured out the hungry wolves from the darkness.

The alphas knew a household without a standing successor faced the terror of being devoured by the pack. And consequently... the predators started attacking the Jang to claim the vacant seat. Left and right. Days and nights. From dawn until dusk. The Jang had to hire legal specialists to deal with the news and circulating rumors as the society challenged their legitimacy on the power throne.

Jang Sora was the pillar in her household... without her presence, even her alliances began to tear away from the Jang. The Kims felt optimistic after Sora's disappearance, so they stayed hush about the matter.

The allies... patiently waited for the opportunity to claim the power seat from the most powerful household.
Mrs. Jang dully strolled into the meeting room within their mansion walls after dinner to settle at the wooden table with her husband. Mrs. Kim blankly stared at her ally and glanced at Mr. Jeon, who was staring at the table with an unblinking gaze. Mr. Park and his wife unsurely glanced back and forth in the tense atmosphere as the Chul waited for the other households to speak up."We cannot sacrifice the households to the council," Mr. Kim finally exhaled after everyone settled down. Taehyung sat in silence as Jungkook frowned at the Kim's suspicious intention."The council has no right to strip us of our power," Mrs. Jang lifted her sharp stare to Taehyung's father."But they can silence our voice in the council. The council might vote to eliminate the entire households," Mrs. Kim replied."Suggest a feasible solution," Mr. Jang nodded at Taehyung's mother. Mrs. Kim glanced at her husband and back at her son with a stern look."If the society is pressed on eliminating our authority, it has to be the Jang-""That's ridiculous. The Jang is the supreme alpha's household. The society may not restrict our authority in the council," Mrs. Jang immediately shot down Mrs. Kim."The Jang is the only household without a presentable heir. It has been over two months since Sora disappeared. For all we know... she might not be alive," Mr. Kim argued."My daughter is alive!" Mrs. Jang seethed, furiously snapping her deadly glare at the Kims. Sungho and Jimin nervously exchanged glances as the most powerful woman spitefully glared at Taehyung's father."We have no information on her welfare to prove her existence! The society will attack the household without an alpha! The alliances can't risk the attack, so only one household should be sacrificed!" Mrs. Kim tensely gripped her fists over the table. Mrs. Jang exhaled heavily with a glowering look as Taehyung's mother insisted on sacrificing the supreme alpha's household to the hungry wolves."So are you suggesting that the Jang take the fall for the society's outrageous allegations?! Over a dead supreme alpha's demise? Park Jihyun died because his plan to eliminate us backfired!" Mr. Jang refuted, fiercely firing the Kims an infuriated frown."The Jang should transfer the power to the Kim before the society seizes the assets. The transfer will secure the late supreme alpha's power. It was Park Chul Seok's wish for the anonymous alphas to preserve his assets, so we must obey his command and keep the power intact no matter what. The contract will expire soon. The alliances will withdraw from the Jang to safeguard the supreme alpha's assets from being robbed by the greedy society," Mr. Jeon exhaled, lifting his dull eyes to Mrs. Jang."Minhyuk! The households must stick together, or the society will tear us apart! Did you think the council would let you live in peace after attacking the Jang? They will use Park Jihyun as an excuse to eliminate all the households as long as we possess his power! Park Chul Seok assembled the anonymous alphas so we'd be an unbreakable trinity, but you want to break us apart and foolishly flee for your life?! You'll never outrace the council alone!" Mrs. Jang fired Jungkook's father a glowering look. The man grimaced and lowered his eyes to his hand with a conflicted look."But your sacrifice will buy us more time. Aera and Beomseok-ah~! The Jeon and The Kim have served your family as the leading household for decades. And we've each made a sacrifice to help you achieve stability. The Jang should return the favor and protect the alliances in return for storms we've shielded for you in the past to keep Sora safe," Mrs. Jeon sorely spoke up beside her husband. The Jang swallowed tensely and glanced at the Park and Chul after her most trusted allies agreed to use her household as the armor to shield their households from the attacks."Sungho-""The Chul is the Jeon's ally, so we'll obey the Jeon," Mr. Chul sighed. Mrs. Jang gripped her first in difficulty. She glanced at the Park in desperation."The Park will side with the Kims," Mrs. Park sighed. Aera sat in silence with her resentful eyes on the alliance after they turned their back on her and her husband."How are you so frightened of the council when we're not even the culprits behind Park Jihyun's death?" Mrs. Jang suddenly chuckled, tilting her head at her alliances."But we possess no proof to clear our names, and the presence of Park Jihyun's heir will threaten Jang Sora's title as the supreme alpha," Mrs. Kim restlessly countered. Aera suddenly burst out laughing, causing the elders to frown at her strange outburst with uneasy feelings."Ahaha~! You're afraid of a non-existent heir...?" Mrs. Jang questioned, lifting her intimidating gaze to smile at Mrs. Kim's frustrated expression."Although Park Jihyun never had an heir... we can't be certain with the possibilities-""The first lady was ill for two years after their marriage. An heir? She couldn't even get out of bed and would hallucinate days... and nights," Mrs. Jang smiled at the elders. The room grew muted as Aera curiously raised her eyebrows to observe the timid alliances."The heir may actually exist," Taehyung muttered, placing a file on the table."Is that so?" Mrs. Jang smirked."Park Jihyun forbade the alphas and staff from visiting the first lady a few months after their marriage. I reviewed the first lady's medical records, and it turns out... her report was undocumented for six months. You claimed Jihyun immediately married the average without your knowledge, and the supreme alpha, Park Chul Seok... agreed to wed the half-blood to the average. Why? You may ask. Park Jihyun might've accidentally got the woman pregnant when he was cheating on you. And the average woman was likely already pregnant before their marriage. Jihyun had to marry her because of the pregnancy, so he concealed the news because he knew society would never welcome his average child. He assigned a specific maid to care for the first lady during the six-month period after their marriage, and no one was allowed to see her. The medical records showed up again after the 6th month. This indicates... the first lady could've been pregnant for three months before the marriage and had given birth during her solitude from the outside world. There were rumors about the first lady bleeding non-stop... so that must be the reason. She fell ill afterward... as mentioned in the reports," Taehyung explained. The entire room grew hushed as they listened to the alpha's theory."Jang Sora is the legitimate heir, and I will not allow the council to shatter the household over a dead man's affair with an average. I believe the alliances have another motive... and that is to overthrow the Jang. But I won't let it happen. Each... and every one of the households is... contracted under my authority. And therefore... no one is allowed to flee their post in the game, or I will... ensure you face the dire consequences of breaching the terms and conditions," Mrs. Jang slowly rose to her feet with her deadly stares on the pack of powerful families.The Kims and The Jeon nervously stared at Jang Sora's mother in fear as she firmly asserted her dominance over the households. The woman glanced at her husband, so he got up and left the meeting room with her, leaving the alliances in dread after they failed to defeat her in the argument.___________________________Taehyung sat quietly at his work desk to review the reports from the directors when the secretary entered the office to inform him of his mother's visit. The alpha straightened his body as Mrs. Kim strolled inside the room with Chul Hwa-young. Taehyung uneasily glanced at his fiancée's dark expression and back at his mother."What brought you here?" Taehyung asked, getting up from the desk to approach his mother. Hwa-young didn't greet Taehyung and sat on the couch with her arms crossed."You should apologize to Hwa-young," Mrs. Kim nodded at the woman. Taehyung glanced at her annoyed face as she stared at the floor with a slight frown."For what?" Taehyung asked, earning a glare from Hwa-young."Taehyung. She's your fiancée. She has the right to be upset. I'm here today to set the wedding date," Mrs. Kim sighed."I told you I will not marry unless I'm ready-""The Jang collapse will pose a massive threat to alliances once the society seizes the supreme alpha's assets to disseminate it amongst the other households. You have to merge with the Chul to withstand the society after Jang Sora is eliminated," Mrs. Kim grabbed her son's arm, pleading him to consider Chul Hwa-young as his life partner.

Taehyung stood in the silent room and glanced at Hwa-young again. The council will be untouchable once they seize the supreme alpha's power and the alliances combined... won't be strong enough to dictate the society. The Kims knew the Jang would never fall alone, so their only option to resist the council was the marriage between the households. The Chul might pull out of the short-term alliance to side with another household, and Taehyung knew his mother had given up on courting Jang Sora.
It's every man for himself now.
"But if Jang Sora returns before the contract expires... the council won't be able to seize the Jang's assets. The society may only eliminate a household without an heir if their seat remains vacant for three months. And we haven't found her dead body yet. Do you truly wish to gamble your frail trust with the Jang and abandon them...? After all... I made a bet with Sora and if I win... she'll have to marry me. If Jang Sora is alive... I will beat her in the game, and our household will be secured," Taehyung calmly explained."You made a bet to marry her?!" Hwa-young gasped, standing up in disbelief."I told you multiple times-""You touched my body and then claimed you don't want me-""Chul Hwa-young. Did you think I was oblivious to your ridiculous scheme? You? Showing up out of nowhere to wreck my relationship with Sora? It's all too cynical. The society is against my marriage with Jang Sora because... we'd be too powerful together. Tell me. Why is it that... you want me when you're clearly obsessed with my cousin?" Taehyung asked, smirking at Chul Hwa-young. Her eyes abruptly flashed in fear, startled by his statement."W-What-""Jeon Jungkook. You've had your eyes on him for a while now. But you chose to marry me. Why? Because you're jealous of Sora...? Because she has all the attention? Or perhaps... you knew I'd reject you? And the elders will feel sorry and offer Jeon Jungkook as your groom instead?" Taehyung questioned, lifting his thick eyebrows."Taehyung, sweetie! What are you saying-""Her sketchbook. It's filled with Jeon Jungkook's portraits," Taehyung bitterly sighed and turned away as Hwa-young stood with a flustered face. Mrs. Kim glanced at Sungho's sister in surprise as Taehyung sat back down at his work desk."You're an asshole!-""That night. It wasn't me who you were targeting. It was Jeon Jungkook. He claimed he wanted to swim at the beach after dinner, so you went there to wait for him... and I happened to be at the wrong place," Taehyung smiled at Hwa-young, whose face flushed even redder.
Kim Taehyung... only suspected something bizarre about his encounter with the woman at the beach after recalling the incident for the past months. Why would a woman with a wounded ankle walk that far to swim in the ocean? When she can't even swim? Alone? In the dark?

Taehyung realized... Chul Hwa-young... has been watching Jeon Jungkook. Waiting for him to notice her and would sulk after he dismissed her presence. Brief glimpses... she'd a peek at the alpha and look away. The night Sora left to use the restroom during dinner... Taehyung left the venue after he finished his meal... and Jeon Jungkook drunkenly walked down the stairs with him until he spotted Hwa-young limping in difficulty.

Hwa-young knew the half-blood was drunk.

She seized the opportunity to lure the half-blood, but Taehyung accidentally fell into her trap, so she had no choice but to settle with the Kim's heir to avoid suspicion.

Flash Back
"Are you alright~?" Jungkook drunkenly strolled down the stairs to help Hwa-young stand up as she crouched on the floor with a swollen ankle."I'm fine. Sora eonni offered me her cream earlier," Hwa-young smiled. Her cheeks flushed bright pink as Jungkook carefully held onto her arm. Taehyung slowly walked down the stairs after his cousin."I'll help you to your room," Jungkook drunkenly smiled while holding her upper arm. Hwa-young pursed her lips and limped away with Jungkook as Taehyung stopped by the opened window on the third floor to stare at the garden below."Should I meet up with Sora at the beach? She wanted to swim," Taehyung muttered as he gazed at the calm sea while checking her whereabouts on his phone until Jimin strolled down the stairs. Sora's location was somewhere in the garden, so Taehyung knew she wasn't in their room."Jungkook! Where are you going!?" Jimin called, calling for his friend as he strode away with Hwa-young."Wait there! Let's go swimming at the beach! Wait for me in the garden!" Jungkook shouted at Jimin and turned the corridor with Hwa-young. Jimin chuckled and stood beside Taehyung with his rosy red cheeks."Can you ask Sora to meet me at the beach too? She's in the garden," Taehyung nodded to Jimin."Sure~!" Jimin sang and turned to walk down the corridor. Taehyung made his way down the stairs and headed to the beach alone as Jimin left to wait for his friend in the garden.
But Jimin and Jungkook never made it to the beach that night because they were both drunk.

Park Jimin convinced Jungkook to head back inside after he vomited in the bush. And therefore, Jeon Jungkook took his friend back to their room. Chul Hwa-young wasn't aware and limped towards the beach, hoping she'd meet Jeon Jungkook there, but Taehyung showed up instead.

And they were ultimately caught up with each other in the dark sea.

A drunk man who thought he was embracing his lover and a desirous woman ended up tangled in the net Chul Hwa-young set up to trap Jeon Jungkook.

End of flashback
___________________________Three months... after Sora's disappearance.The entire elite council flared into chaos as the household screeched at one another over the supreme alpha's status. Mrs. Jang snapped at Kim Namjoon for suggesting the vote option to eliminate the Jang. Taehyung lowered his head in frustration at the commotion as the alphas lost their temper. He couldn't concentrate but listened to angry voices and arguments."How dare you abuse your power and refuse to vote! It's been exactly three months since she disappeared! A household may not stand without an alpha!" Mrs. Jung argued from across the room. Hoseok nervously rubbed his chin as his parents opposed the most powerful household."Jang Sora is not dead! You have no proof!" Mrs. Jang snapped back at the council."The council must vote regardless of her wellness! The Jang does not have sufficient information to prove their innocence concerning Park Jihyun's death!" Namjoon's father roared."That's enough! Let's vote!" Minho's father snapped, glancing at the moderator to signal the timid man. Mrs. Jang gritted fiercely as the man launched the poll on the screen. The household immediately cast their votes on the live display."Shit..." Jimin cursed as 60% of the council voted to launch the elimination trial."Aera!" Mrs. Jang called for his wife when she angrily stormed down the stairs, passing the households to leave the council. Taehyung glanced at the woman, then at his parent's smug smile, and back to the Chul, who was worriedly staring at the result. They didn't dare click on the screen."Every household must cast their vote! You can't leave, or the poll will be disqualified!" Minho snapped at Mrs. Jang as she stormed towards the door. Taehyung sighed in frustration and got up from his seat."Taehyung!?-" Mrs. Kim gasped after Taehyung switched off their screen, refusing to vote."Jungkook-" Mr. Jeon wildly turned to his son as Jeon Jungkook got up after his cousin. Jimin nervously stared at his conflicted parents as they hesitated to vote. Sungho sighed and leaned back in his chair without voting as Taehyung and Jungkook strolled down the stairs."Open the door!" Mrs. Jang demanded, but the guard refused to budge. He stared blankly at the woman's fuming red face."It's only fair for the council to cast the votes! Please take your seat!" Mira's mother shouted. Mrs. Jang turned to glare at the poll as the vote rose to 68% and shifted her dark glare to the stubborn guard again."I SAID OPEN THE DOOR! HOW DARE YOU DISOBEY MY ORDER!?" Mrs. Jang screamed, angrily stepping forward to confront the guard as Taehyung and Jungkook stood behind her back. Yet the man stood stiffly with his hands behind his back to block the path."THE JANG MAY NOT LEAVE!" Minho bellowed within the noisy venue. Mrs. Jang directed her glowering eyes to Kim Taehyung as he stood behind her with a dull expression."Taehyung! We can't vote without you- TAEHYUNG?!" Mrs. Kim called for her son but shrieked in shock when the powerful alpha suddenly withdrew a gun from his trousers pocket. The room gasped in horror as Kim Taehyung darkly lifted the barrel towards the stern guard by the door."Open the door," Kim Taehyung sternly ordered. Jeon Jungkook glanced at his cousin with a startled look as he threatened the guard."Yah! Weapons are forbidden! Are you nuts-" Jimin gasped as he sprinted down the stairs to approach his friend. The guard nervously glanced at the bewildered council and back at the loaded gun barrel before his face."The council may not authorize the vote if a top member is absent and the council does not possess the rights... to keep the council door closed. Open the fuck up... or I'll fire at your skull," Taehyung lowly gritted with the gun directed at the man's forehead.Mrs. Jang glanced at Taehyung's dark energy with a startled look. The room remained tense in the muted room as the guard waited for the order from the higher rank- Creak. The man flinched in a panic when the door suddenly slid open without him touching it. He wildly spun around in a panic to stare at the person behind the door.Kim Taehyung stood with the gun raised as another person appeared behind the door after drawing it open. Mrs. Jang's eyes bulged open in disbelief as Jungkook's jaw dropped in the presence of the person. Jimin halted on the stairs after running down as Sungho straightened his body in shock. Seokjin gripped the desk and Namjoon remained stiff as he stood at his section. Mira blinked in disbelief as Minho covered his mouth. Minah didn't budge but sat beside So-young with her horrified gaze on the opened door.The elite room was instantly silenced by her shocking appearance. No one dared to budge or move as the person stood by the opened door with a blank face. Taehyung furrowed his eyebrows, unsurely lowering his arm to put down the gun as Mrs. Jang stared at the person... with her tearful eyes. The woman shifted her blank gaze to the active polls on the screen again. 75%. She stared at the increasing digits and back to the petrified mass before her.The person stepped forward.

Thud... Thud... Thud...

Taehyung turned his head after her pale face with parted lips. Jungkook remained frozen in his place as she strode inside the room with her unblinking eyes fixed on the widescreen. The households held their breath, intensely watching her storm straight toward the moderator, who was just as stunned at his desk. The chubby man stared at the woman as if he had seen a ghost as she approached his desk and quickly stepped aside. The woman lowered her hand to click the live poll and enabled the edit option.

"Vote again," Jang Sora's dull voice echoed as she lifted her dilated pupils to inspect the hushed crowd within the room. No one dared to budge as the supreme alpha stood at the desk, displaying little to no emotions. The numbers on the screen suddenly declined significantly in her presence as the household switched their votes.
70%... 67%... 63%.... 58%.... 50%... 43%... 37%... 22%....
Jang Sora calmly stood at the podium as she waited for the household to cast their votes. Jeon Jungkook immediately scrambled up the stairs with Jimin to vote at their desks, so Taehyung quickly spun around and headed back to his parents on the second row.
17%...
Mrs. Jang signaled her husband. He nodded at his wife and pressed on the screen at his desk.
13%...
The room grew hushed at the final result after the entire council pinned their votes. Jang Sora shifted her vacant gaze to the odd number on the screen and back to the petrified households before her with a blank expression... until fear loomed over the council. The supreme alpha clicked on the households... that voted to eliminate her.Kim Namjoon    EliminateLee Mira               EliminateKang Minah        EliminateShin Minho         EliminateAnd lastly... Sora's eyes landed on the final vote....

Kim Seokjin

Eliminate.
The supreme alpha averted her gaze to Kim Seokjin as he sat stiffly in his seat... keeping his guilty face on her. He gulped and glanced away to avoid her cold stare. Jang Sora dimmed her eyes and shifted her gaze to the hushed crowd as they waited for her to speak.

"Case closed. Those who wish to oppose the Jang must step forward after the meeting," Jang Sora spoke dully. She switched off the screen, rounded the desk, and strolled out of the council, leaving the alphas frozen in their seats as they watched her walk through the door with an unbothered reaction.
She came and left... like a breeze of wind, stinging the society with her icy cold pricks.
"Are you okay?" Do-hwan nervously waited by the door. Sora nodded and walked off with her bodyguard. He quickly pulled the car door open for her. She slipped inside and buckled her seatbelt just as a flood of alphas rushed out of the building to chase her. They didn't expect her unannounced return to the society."Take me to the mansion," Sora ordered. Do-hwan nodded, reversed the car, and drove out of the property as Sora stared at Kim Seokjin with an empty gaze. He was staring at her with a pale expression as he stood amongst the crowd. The guard steered out of the gate and tore through the road to escort the supreme alpha back to the mansion at her request.Screech. Do-hwan abruptly halted by the mansion's door, so Sora pushed the door open and stepped out, causing imo eyes to bulge in shock as she held a vase by the door. CRASH. The valuable item slipped from her hands and smashed against the floor as Jang Sora strolled past her without acknowledging the woman and stormed inside the mansion.She walked straight into the corridor and headed directly to her room. Sora pushed open her door and walked straight toward her drawer. Thud. She pulled it open and halted to stare at the item without blinking. Slowly, she withdrew it from the desk before shifting her dark gaze ...to her reflection in the mirror as the darkness... consumed her.Jang Sora... clenched the item within her grip and lowered her hand to slip it into her pocket. She turned around and sternly strode out of the vacant bedroom... just as Kim Taehyung raced down the hallway with a bewildered look. He halted at her presence. Jang Sora stopped dead in her tracks as he observed her body and face in extreme confusion. He couldn't understand her perfect condition.
The two alphas... stood staring at each other without budging until the loud silence drummed in their ears.
"Prepare for your defeat," Jang Sora spoke up."What?" Taehyung frowned."I have six months left to overthrow you in the game, so make sure to fight with all your strength," Jang Sora exhaled, walking forward with an unbothered look. Kim Taehyung stood stiff in his place as she brushed by him.
And for the first time... Taehyung realized... he wasn't talking to Sora.
Her energy... it was dark... and cold. A sweep of goosebumps rose all over Kim Taehyung's body as the icy frost stung his skin.He quickly turned to speak with her but sucked in his breath once he noticed... The thick vapor of the darkness... engulfing the supreme alpha's body.The alpha stood paralyzed in his place.__________________________
Flash Back
Sora's POVThe dark abyss gradually grew lighter as the faint light source penetrated the thick haze to lighten my surroundings with its dim glow. Grunting softly, I opened my blurry vision to stare at the familiar room with an aching head. Why am I still alive? My throat is so sore...Sniffling, I lowered my face in exhaustion. I couldn't turn or lift my head because of the wound around my neck. Murmurs. My heart thumped in fear once I heard movement within the room, and my ears suddenly picked up the audio of low chatters. I didn't dare move my muscles and remained motionless with my head flopped downward as the men argued within the room."-It may be a trap!-""The heir is in danger, sir-""Are you sure it's him?!""He's been missing for over a month!-""Can you confirm his identity!?-""Yes, sir! The culprit sent the videos and photographs of the heir-""What does he want-""The culprit is willing to trade the heir for her-""Her?! But I can't-""Sir! The heir's will not live for long if we keep him locked up with the motherfucker-""Fuck!"I softly bit my lower lips in fear to stifle my voice... with my sticky hair dangling messily over my head as the angry footsteps marched towards me. I'll play dead, or they'll torture me again. The man suddenly snatched a handful of my hair and yanked my head backward to expose my face, so I screwed my face in pain as the stinging ache surged all over my bruised neck from being strangled. I weakly stared at the man's face in tears as he resentfully seethed over me."When is the trade?" The man grunted while glaring at me."Tonight-""What?!" The man scoffed at his men in disbelief."I'm afraid... we provoked the culprit with the live stream. They demand that we return her alive tonight, or they'll kill the heir," The men nervously replied. The man sneered in discontent and glanced down at me again. I pursed my swollen lips as he lowered his bloodshot eyes to glare into my soul. I don't understand... Why is he so angry with me? What crime did I commit for him to be this upset with me?"You're a lucky bitch," He spat, spitting his warm spit at my face. I flinched at the wet splatter and closed my eyes as he roughly released my hair, making me whimper in discomfort.My body... is aching all over... and my throat... is stinging so much. The men suddenly drew a dark bag over my head to cover my sight. I stiffened in a panic, fearfully turning my head in the darkness as they freed the ropes from around my limbs. What's going on???? Are they releasing me!?"Argh!" I cried, violently tumbling to the floor after they shoved me off the chair. I grunted in pain as the men grabbed my free wrists to bind it again, and I was suddenly hauled onto my feet, but I couldn't stand due to my paralyzed nerves. Thump.I wobbled back onto the ground. My legs are numb from sitting for who knows how long! The men hastily seized my upper arms and heaved me back onto my feet. I softly groaned as they dragged me forward with the bag over my head. I tripped, stumbled, and wobbled in difficulty, yet they didn't care and hauled me through the secret place like a bag of trash."You better behave, or I'll fucking crush your skull!" A man warned, aggressively shoving me into a compartment. I shakily grunted on the seat, turning my head from side to side in fear as I desperately opened my eyes to peek through the ragged bag. We're in a vehicle. Sora. Someone is going to save you! So don't upset them!

I swallowed... and sat composedly with my tied wrists rested over my lap. The loud engine roared to life, and we suddenly jerked forward, so I closed my eyes as the men and women chatted around me. My head began to sway again until I lost consciousness.
I'm losing too much blood.

A moment later.
"AH!" I screamed in shock when a strong force flung me off the vehicle while I was unconscious. I tumbled hard onto the soaked ground as the heavy downpour drummed over my body, causing me to seethe in pain as the water pierced my opened wounds.Someone clutched my collar, aggressively yanking my weak body onto my feet and dragged me over the ground. I whimpered and stumbled after the man in a panic. Where are they taking me in the rain!? Snatch. I squinted, startled by the swift movement after he snatched the bag off my head, exposing me to the heavy shower. I blinked away the blurriness and shook my head repeatedly to shake the rainwater out of my eyelids."Are they here?" A man asked. I didn't dare look up at the guy beside me as he held onto my collar, so I nervously glanced at the surroundings around me. We're in a deep alley. Where am I...? What's happening...? My chest rapidly rose and fell as I struggled to contain my pounding heart. Sora! You have to stay calm!"They said they will release the heir in one of the alleys. And we have to let her find her way to them," The guy replied. Who...? Who's saving me?"Ten minutes. If we can't find the heir within the time stamp, we're killing the bitch," The man ordered. The guy beside me firmly nodded at the order and tightened his grip around my hood. He forcefully grabbed my chin to tilt my face upward, so I looked up at the scarred-faced man in tears as he squeezed my jaw between his fingers. I tried not to blink as the harsh downpour showered over my pale face. Shaaaa~! The man glared at me from under his raincoat."You better run for your life because after ten minutes... we'll come for you, and I can assure you... you won't live to see tomorrow. Don't you dare scream for attention, or we'll slaughter the witness," He gritted. I bit my trembling lips in tears as the cold rainstorm pounded over us. The man angrily shoved me forward, so I quickly turned toward the confusing alley... but my aching feet suddenly wobbled, and I ended up tumbling over the dirty ground. SPLAT. I cried in pain as my ankle twisted to the side."TEN MINUTES," The man shouted. I cried in distress, weakly got back onto my feet, and limped down the confusing alleys alone with my frightened eyes on moldy concrete walls. I sobbed and turned left... and then turned right... until I was at another intersection. Where am I supposed to go!?I aimlessly dragged my aching feet through the maze of confusing alleys until I was completely soaked from the cold downpour. My body stung uncomfortably due to the severe wounds... and I was shivering to the point I could no longer feel my numbed fingers... but I didn't give up and splashed over the shallow puddles to search for my savior. I have to find the person before they find me. Keep walking, Sora-"We found the heir!" Someone screamed from the alley beside mine. I halted in place, eyes widening in horror as I heard footsteps racing down the path to my right, so I grunted and sprinted into the left alley. I gripped my tied wrists and ran as fast as I could to avoid the flock of men. Thump! Thump!"Time's up! Search for her now!" Someone roared by the intersection. My heart thumped in fright as I wildly threw my body behind a stack of cardboard just as a group of men passed by the dark alley, slamming my body hard into the wet wall. Thump! I quickly clasped my hands over my mouth to hush my frantic whimpers with my eyes closed. Pitter... patter... pitter... patter. The alley grew hushed again. I heard a distant shouting, so I carefully peeked from behind the piles to scan the empty path as I struggled to control my shaky breath.

"Shit!" I cursed, quickly scrambling onto my feet, and raced off in the opposite direction."Argh!" I screamed as a man appeared out of nowhere with a black hood over his head. I abruptly stopped over the murky puddle in a panic as he stepped out from the shadow to face me. Thump. Thump. My heart pounded hard against my chest so hard... I could hardly breathe as he stood fixed in his place."There she is!" Someone roared from behind me, so I wildly spun around to find another guy sprinting in my direction. I cried at his presence and turned to bolt down the dark alley to my right, fleeing through the rain in tears to escape the murderous men. I dodged a shop sign and quickly turned into another alley- SPLAT. I groaned in pain as my muddy sneakers slipped over the pavement. The force sent me skidding hard over the rough concrete, but I quickly got back up with my aching ankle while gripping the slippery shop sign."Found you bitch!" The man suddenly appeared, quickly racing towards me with a wide grin."Stay away!" I screamed, quickly crawling over the damp ground to escape him, but the man grabbed my ankle and roughly dragged me over the dirty ground with all his might. CRACK. I wailed in shock at the unbearable pain around my ankle as he intentionally twisted it. He madly chuckled at the sound of my pathetic whimpers and towed me down the path, so I wailed in extreme pain while clawing the ground to stop him from dragging me away."I'll reap the biggest award if I bring back your head! But you're a pretty bitch, eh? Should I fuck you first? Or should I kill you and then fuck your corpse!?" He grinned, evilly crouching over me. My eyes bulged open in fright as he drew a knife from his pocket, swiftly flipping the blade at my neck."ARGGH!" I screamed, roughly raising my feet to kick his face. SLAM. I struck him hard with the base of my shoes. The man groaned in shock and tumbled backward as the knife flew out of his hand and collided with the metallic shop door. I quickly sat up on the shallow puddle and tried to crawl away but didn't get far. He angrily tackled me back onto the ground. THUMP!"You stupid bitch!- I will choke you until your eyeballs pop out of the sockets! Then I'll- fuck your holes with my dick!" He roared, roughly pinning my aching body onto the wet ground. I tried to sit up but he forcefully shoved my shoulders down and strangled my throat with his bare hands. I coughed in difficulty, hastily trying to thrust his chest away, but my bleeding wrists were securely tied together.The man grunted with a wicked smile as he tightened his slippery fingers around my wounded neck, causing me to gag from the pressure. I cried in pain and thrashed under him in distress to free my restrained body. Sora! You need to scream for help!The cold downpour mercilessly drummed onto my face, blurring my sight with the cold fluid as I cried in despair. I tried to shout... but no voice escaped my lips. My vulnerable windpipe... entirely blocked by the force around my throat. And my chest... burning from the lack of air. I began to hyperventilate... within his deadly grip as my saliva dripped from the corner of my opened mouth.My leg muscles suddenly contracted painfully, making me jerk at the unbearable cramp until the aching pain intensified in my head. The man chuckled like a madman over me as I stared up at his ugly face with burning eyes while gripping desperately onto his fingers to stop him from suffocating me. SLASH!I blinked the warm tears out of my eyes with my mouth ajar as a swift movement appeared beside the man. His evil smile suddenly stiffened, replaced by a frightened look as a splatter of warm blood sprayed onto my face. My eyes dilated in horror as the man sat over me with a knife snuck to the side of his neck. His body grew stiff."Urgh-" He grunted, suddenly releasing my neck from his deadly grip. The man shakily lifted his hands to the knife handle... lodged deep in his neck in horror as I remained frozen on the ground, too frightened to budge but gawked at his pale expression.A dark shadow... suddenly appeared behind him... so I shifted my terrified gaze to find... the person in the dark hood. The man weakly wobbled to the ground as he struggled to breathe, so I quickly sat up with my terrified eyes glued on the unexpected presence as the person stepped over the bleeding man.The thug lifted his shaken pupils to the unknown person in fright. I shakily backed away from the person... who stood... towering over the man under the pouring rain. Shit! I need to leave! I quickly crawled over the murky puddle on my knees to scurry away- but halted in dread once I found the tall wall looming above me. A dead end. My heart sank in fright as I stared at the solid brick wall before me. Lips trembling, I glanced back at the injured man but stiffened in shock when the hooded person snatched the knife from his neck.
STAB.
I screamed, flinching in absolute fear as the person slit the man's throat open with a single slash. The person roughly kicked the man's chest, sending him rolling onto his back. THUMP! The man groaned in pain as he choked on the floor with his hand clasped over his torn neck. I unconsciously backed away on the ground until my back collided with the damp wall. I loudly whimpered at the presence of the unknown person until my body shook out of control.The hooded person slowly crouched over the wounded thug as he gagged on his own blood. His limbs twitched uncontrollably with his bloodshot eyes trained on the person crouching over him until blood seeped from his nostrils and ears. The wounded man stared at the killer in fear as the person played with the knife, rotating the bloody blade swiftly between his fingers. STAB!I sat... paralyzed... as the person aggressively punctured the knife into the man's injured throat... forcing the blade deeper into the center of his vocal cords and slowly... he dragged the knife downward... to slit open the man's chest... down to his stomach... until the dark blood gushed out of the open wound. The man screamed in agony as he painfully thrashed over the bloody puddle until a severe seizure seized control of his damaged nerves.I couldn't react and knelt speechlessly in the dim alley to watch the dark blood... spill from his torn flesh... spreading across the dirty ground and streaming away with the cold rainwater. My body remained petrified. My heart stopped beating. My mind was entirely blank, and I could no longer... feel the sore aches over my body.
I couldn't do anything but stare at the bone-chilling scene without blinking. 
The injured man suddenly convulsed violently and jerked from side to side as he gagged on the thick blood in his mouth, spitting out the warm paste as the person withdrew the blade from his ripped organs... leaving him... bleeding helplessly in the dark alley.The rain poured harder on us as I remained defenseless on the ground, fearfully watching the man choke in extreme agony until his eyes bulged open and his chest suddenly inflated for the last time... as if to take his last breath and- Slump. He stopped thrashing and suddenly flopped to the damp ground. Still. I didn't blink as the dangerous hooded person slowly rose to their feet after murdering the man in cold blood. He tossed the knife aside- Clatter. I flinched at the sound of the blade colliding with the concrete pavement and fearfully hugged my knees with my burning pupils on the killer.

The person suddenly turned his head in my direction without moving his body to stare at me, so I gripped my fists and huddled against the corner of the dead end with my tearful gaze trained on the darkness beneath the hood. I couldn't see the person's face... but I could sense it... the menacing evil... seeping from his tainted soul.

Thud... Thud... Thud...

The person calmly strode forward... making me shudder with every splash of his steady steps over the shallow puddles. I tried hard not to whimper under the cold storm and gripped my numbed fists in fright. Badum. The figure eventually paused over me... so I fearfully looked up at the darkness under the hood as... the killer crouched before my soaked face.I helplessly whimpered and hugged my knees in fear while fighting to keep my soaked lashes apart as he lowered his body and tilted his face slightly to meet my frightened gaze. Still... I couldn't make out his distorting features. Fwip. He carefully drew the black hood off his head, causing me to stiffen in place."Hic-" I covered my mouth to muffle the hiccup.I immediately held in my shaky breath as I stared at his evil-infested pupils with my unblinking tearful bloodshot eyes. The person squatted darkly before me as I remained stiff and petrified by his alarming presence until the clamorous thunder... drummed violently over the alleys.A flash of brightness flicked over the sky to illuminate the pair of dark brown eyes and defined facial structures. My heart stopped pumping... and my blood suddenly blood ran cold as my head pulsated intensely... until I felt super... light-headed. My vision unconsciously grew blurry again due to the swelling tears... yet I refused to look away from his piercing stare... until my lips trembled severely.We remained under the relentless rainstorm... staring at each other without blinking until my system shut down my overwhelmed body... and I suddenly tilted to the side. Flop.
Everything turned pitch black... and I was once again... lost in the dark abyss.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Third Person POV

"Prepare for your defeat," Jang Sora spoke up.

"What?" Taehyung frowned.

"I have six months left to overthrow you in the game, so make sure to fight with all your strength," Jang Sora exhaled, walking forward with an unbothered look. Kim Taehyung stood stiff in his place as she brushed by him.

And for the first time... Taehyung realized... he wasn't talking to Sora.

Her energy... it was dark... and cold. A sweep of goosebumps rose all over Kim Taehyung's body as the icy frost stung his skin.

He quickly turned to speak with her but sucked in his breath once he noticed... the thick vapor of the darkness... engulfing the supreme alpha's body.

The alpha stood paralyzed in his place.

Sora's POV
The carpet floor thumped monotonously with every step I took until I exited the vacant corridor to stroll over the polished marble floor. Imo stood frozen beside a few maids as my parents barged inside the mansion's door in bewilderment. They both gawked me up and down with their mouth ajar, too stunned to voice their concerns. My mother's almond eyes slightly widened in disbelief after confirming my factual existence as I halted before her and glanced at my father's pale expression.They both stood in absolute shock as I stood with a poker face until the Kims rushed through the door with the Jeons. The elders must've anticipated my death- No. The entire society is shaken by my return because they thought I died at the hands of the unknown people.
I never submitted to death, yet they're acting as if... I rose from my grave.

The dead can't rise to the living realm once buried deep under the thick piles of dirt.
"S-Sora! Where have you been!?" Appa gasped, rushing forward to cradle me in his arms. The man tightened his crushing grips around my body, causing me to stiffen in place upon receiving his unexpected embrace.When was the last time... my family held me with so much affection and warmth? I don't remember. They never comforted me before sending me abroad because I remember crying desperately for their mercy. I shifted my gaze to eomma's watery eyes. Even with the swelling tears over her glassy pupils, I couldn't tell if she was genuinely concerned or... if she was upset with my disappearance."Are you alright?!" Jungkook asked, pushing past the elders as appa pulled away from me. My father gripped my shoulders firmly to observe my face with a baffled... yet anxious frown. I glanced at the terrified elders."I'm fine," I answered, dully eyeing the devastated crowd before me.Eomma's eyes suddenly flared in rage as she hastily stormed forward. Appa unsurely glanced at eomma's explosive reaction, but before he could stop her... The woman raised her hand to strike my face. SLAP. I stood stiff in my place with my face turned to the side as the warm handprint stung my cheek with the agitated force. Eomma fumed furiously before me, so I lifted my blank gaze to study the wall of tears... swelling over her eyes. As expected.
My mother doesn't shed tears because she's upset... but because she's furious with me. Did I hope for her to weep for me with her aching soul...? I should've known better than to expect love from a woman without a heart. 
"What have you done!? Did you think this is amusing!? To disappear and reappear whenever you want?! We wasted our manpower and resources to search for you!-""Eomma, your emotions are overflowing. Please refrain from expressing your weakness. A powerful woman like you... shouldn't let your emotions seize control of your mind and body," I chuckled, smugly lowering my face to shorten the gap between our faces.Eomma immediately pursed her lips with a startled expression as I smirked at the burning tears until the warm stream slid down her face. She sniffled and quickly wiped away her tears, briefly glancing at the hushed elders in embarrassment. I deeply exhaled while straightening my body with the bright handprint stamped on my cheek. It didn't hurt because the burn eventually grew numb."You could've contacted us-""I was abducted, but everyone within this household failed to save me. Why are you blaming me for narrowly escaping death at my own effort? Should I have died at the hands of those fuckers? I had to race to the elite meeting to shield my crumbling household from the council's persistent aggression because the household's authority was basically powerless without my existence. It's a nuisance, really. And why are you upset at me for being innocently tortured over your past affairs with the dead supreme alpha? It is me... who should be upset with you for failing to defend your own daughter. Don't worry, eomma. They'll never find my dead corpse to prove my death. I'll live for a long... long time... to ensure... every person... suffers from my existence," I smiled while patting her shoulder to comfort her.My mother dreadfully stared at my unblinking vacant gaze as Jungkook frowned at my statement until blood drained from Mrs. Kim's face. Mr. Jeon stood stiff in place, so I turned to smile at Taehyung, who was standing behind my back with his thick eyebrows scrunched together. He looks like an angry bird. I don't remember Kim Taehyung being this expressive?"Sora. We were searching for a solution to rescue you-""You didn't search hard enough," I shrugged, rudely cutting Mr. Jeon short, and strolled past the elders. They unconsciously stepped aside, so I beckoned Do-hwan and left the property.
Big man took me back to the penthouse... but the man refused to leave my side. So I had no choice but to let him stay in the guest bedroom. The man didn't dare bother me and quietly minded his own business.

The first thing I did upon my eventual arrival at my home was resume the incomplete chores. I placed the dirty laundry from the day I was missing into the washing machine, poured detergent, and left the storage room to grab a vacuum to suck up the thin dust coat over the floor.

Do-hwan frowned at my active behavior as I tackled my daily routine without speaking to him. I mopped the floor, turned on the humidifier, and threw out the spoiled food in the fridge. I soaked the window sweeper and wiped the glass wall clean before entering my room to change the bedsheets... and proceeded to wash my bathroom until the penthouse was sparkly and spotless... and I was dripping in sweat from the exhaustive labor.
I finally slid into the warm water in the tub after I calmed down to take a peaceful bath and strolled out of my bedroom in my nightgown to find Do-hwan placing a few bags on the coffee table. He ordered us food. It's getting dark. Is he staying..? I quietly sat down to slurp the black bean noodle he bought and drank the soda with my stuffed cheeks as the man sat across from me, funnily peeking now and then at my composed behavior."You can talk," I muttered while chewing on one side of my puffy cheek. He cleared his throat awkwardly and took a sip of his beer."Are you sure you're not hurt...? We should perform a medical checkup," He worriedly studied my throat. Do-hwan must've seen the livestream...? I thought I'd die with a broken neck from being strangled, but I didn't. The unknown people kept me alive, barely... just enough to trade my dying soul for another person. I chewed the food with my dull gaze on Do-hwan's concerned frown."I'm healed. My throat is fine," I shrugged."How? The livestream- You were hurt-""Someone cured me. I was severely injured, so I stayed with the person until I healed," I shrugged again."Who?" Do-hwan asked, curiously leaning his face over the table to read my blank face. I stopped chewing with my empty gaze on his anticipated frown."My savior," I smiled. Do-hwan froze in his seat with the chopsticks clipped between his fingers. He didn't budge but stared at me as if I was out of my mind. The man attempted to make me talk about the abduction, but I changed the topic, finished the food, and headed to bed.
Is it necessary for me to recall the agonizing past? The man gave in to my stubbornness and left to sleep in the guest room after assigning a unit of guards to patrol the lobby, which was annoying. I seriously don't want to be bothered... but I didn't have the energy to argue with him, so I headed to bed.
_______________________
Fast Forward
The secured door slid open to welcome my presence, revealing the packed academy premises filled with bustling students. I took a deep breath and strolled inside the territory with my chin held high as I kept my stern gaze focused on no one... but the entrance. The lower ranks immediately stopped chattering at my presence as I entered the lobby and headed straight toward the elevator.The door slid open, and a group of lower ranks rushed inside and tried to close the door on me... so I clicked on the button again to stop it from shutting. Silence. They stood awkwardly inside the compartment as I stood with my arms crossed, intimidating them with my cold stare.I lifted my eyebrow to question their audacity until they fearfully nudged each other and hurried out of the elevator. I rolled my eyes at their surrender, stepped inside alone, tapped the glass button, and stepped back to monitor the screen. The crowd gawked at me from outside the elevator until the door slammed shut to form a barricade between me and the prying crowd. Ding.

I strode out of the elevator and headed directly to the crowded alpha lounge in my medium heels. Hoseok is the first to notice me. He paused mid-sentence while speaking with Yoongi, who turned to look in my direction. Jimin stopped chatting with So-young, and Jungkook suddenly sat up on the couch, chasing me with his anxious gaze.Namjoon shifted his attention from his files as I dismissively tossed my bag onto an empty couch. Seokjin sat across from me, but I didn't spare him a glance and crossed my legs as Minah nervously looked at me from the armchair to the right. Sungho lifted his gaze from his laptop screen to examine my loud presence through his glasses.I pulled out a book and flipped through the pages.The room... remained in utter muteness. No one dared to speak as I drifted my gaze after the words in the book until my mind completely eliminated their unwanted attention from my peripheral sight. Everyone must've anticipated my death for them to be this... uncomfortable with my appearance.The day went on without any disturbances as I attended all the lectures on my schedule and finally left the university early to stroll through the corridor until I noticed someone strolling up to me from the opposite direction. Seokjin nervously gripped his hands as I walked straight toward him with my gaze on the opposite wall. He stopped, expecting me to acknowledge his intention... but I didn't and assertively walked on the straight path... until I nearly slammed into him. Kim Seokjin swiftly stepped aside to let me past him, so I strode forward without blinking and left through the stairs, leaving the alpha unattended within the empty corridor.
A moment later.
I strode inside the lobby with my handbag after stopping by the mansion to get changed for work at the corporation. Do-hwan escorted me to the elevator, and we briefly chatted while waiting for the lift until I noticed a crowd of employees surrounding the tower's entrance in excitement. Do-hwan dimmed his eyes at the disorder and glanced back at the door until it slid open, and we stepped inside the compartment."I heard a popular singer is visiting the corporation today. It's probably the marketing team," Do-hwan muttered."Aren't you excited to meet him too?" I chuckled, strolling out of the elevator and entered the private lobby. The secretaries immediately stood up to bow to me in fear... so I dismissed them and entered the office door to find Taehyung sitting on the couch with a glass of water and a file. I didn't greet him and headed straight to the desk until an assistant hurried toward me with a tray of snacks and water."Please remind Secretary Cha to bring me the past financial statements," I smiled at her.She bowed at my order and left the office, so I switched on the desktop and reached inside my bag to search for my notebook. Clatter. Something dropped out of my bag. Taehyung lifted his sharp eyes from the file to the package of tablets. I quickly snatched it off the floor and tossed it back into my bag. The alpha directed his suspicious gaze at me as I dismissively scrolled through my list of tasks."Why are you taking birth control pills?" Taehyung asked from the couch. I glanced away from the screen to meet his narrowed eyes."To avoid unwanted pregnancy...?" I answered, dumbfounded by his inquiry. Taehyung frowned at my blunt answer."You're seeing someone?" He asked. I glanced back at the screen."Not necessarily," I shrugged."You initiated so much trouble for the households over your disappearance... only to reappear with the pills? As if nothing has happened?" Taehyung questioned. I rolled my eyes. Did he expect me to brood and remain traumatized over the incident? I have less than six months to overpower him... so I won't let the incident distract me from my main goal."Wasn't it your parents... who were causing the trouble by insisting to sacrifice my household? And why are you so pressed about my pills? Wae? Are you worried about the side effects? You made me take it all the time when we were together. After all, you liked to do it raw with me because you prefer to ejaculate inside and leave a mess between my legs," I shrugged as the secretary entered the room. The man halted with a flustered face after overhearing the personal conversation between us. Taehyung cleared his throat and glanced away to avoid the secretary as he strode forward to place the files on my table. I thanked him, so he awkwardly turned and left the office."You shouldn't fool around with temporary people. They might infect you with STDs-""Ah~ So you're the only one who can fuck me raw without giving me diseases? You're the safe guy, huh?" I chuckled, causing Taehyung to tense his body at my dismissive reaction."Did you expect me to marry a woman with STDs-""Who said I have STDs? And who said you're marrying me? Can you... please stop talking about my sex life? It's my body and it's definitely my choice to spread for a hard cock," I grumbled, darting him an annoyed look. Taehyung clenched his jaw and glared at the wall in discontent."Who is it that you're seeing?" He asked, averting his dark gaze to me. Why is he so nosy?"The person I'll marry once I beat you," I smiled. Taehyung furrowed his eyebrows in irritation. He hastily got up and strolled toward his desk, angrily tugging the chair back, and sat down to type on his keyboard. Click! Clack! Click! Clack!The room grew hushed after the angry bird calmed down, so I exhaled deeply and began completing my work until we heard a faint knock on the door. I like to annoy him. Kim Taehyung loves to put on his insensitive cold-guy mask to hurt me. It's not working anymore... because I can easily upset him by claiming to choose a man better than him.
He doesn't like to be challenged... and he definitely doesn't like to lose.
"My lady, you have a visitor~!" The secretary announced at the door. A handsome man suddenly stepped in after the secretary. His energy... so vibrant... it's as if he's glowing under a scared halo. The man stood in a neat suit by the doorway with his hands clasped together. Taehyung lifted his dark frown to the man and glanced at me with a questioning look."Mr. Lee! Welcome to the tower~!" I gasped, quickly getting onto my feet to greet the superstar. I hurried from my desk to give him a firm handshake.

"It's my pleasure to work with the heir," He beamed, nodding at me with an approving smile."Oh- Kim Taehyung! He's my work buddy! He's my mother's favorite puppy!" I chuckled, nodding at Taehyung, who fired me a funny look for introducing him to the average man in a disrespectful manner."Nice to meet you," Taehyung stiffly nodded from his desk as the superstar bowed at him. I chuckled and patted the man's forearm with a bright smile.Taehyung shakily exhaled to calm his boiling temper but didn't dare snap at me for irritating him, so I asked the secretary to prepare the private lounge for our appointment. The superstar kept staring at me in curiosity as the assistant settled the drinks before him with the appetizers. They bowed at us and left through the door... so I smiled and lifted my eyes to scan his flushed face."Do you... feel uncomfortable?" I asked, slightly tilting my head to study his tense posture."Ah- No! I'm a bit timid! It's my first time- working on this side of the industry. I'm not the brightest person... when it comes to brainpower," He chuckled, lowering his face shyly. I giggled while staring at his handsome visual."What are you saying~? You're the nation's heartthrob! I'm also a fan! We're born with different specialties! You're good at singing and I'm good at causing trouble-""Neh?" He repeated my baffling statement."Thank you for sparing your time to meet me today," I smiled. Lee Seojun chuckled uneasily and lowered his head as I slid the files toward him."It's my pleasure, really. I saw the charity campaign a few months ago and thought I should contribute to the organization. You see, my grandfather is also an elderly man so... I really wanted to support the seniors... who are too weak to care for themselves," Seojun smiled. I met his grandfather at the elderly home."It's a challenging project, so there will be a lot of workload. I'll ask my secretaries to deliver the contracts to your agency, so the management team can review the terms and conditions. Our marketing team will meet with you afterward to discuss the workflow," I informed.

Seojun flipped through the files with a weak smile. We chatted in the lounge over our work, and he finally got up to leave, so I followed him to the elevator as he carried the file in his arms. Taehyung appeared with his bag to leave work. Seojun greeted him again. Taehyung stiffly nodded and glanced at the elevator number. Why is he so awkward...? It's making the superstar nervous. Seojun cleared his throat and glanced at me again."Are you free after work today?" Seojun asked."I think so. Why-""Ah- I wanted to invite you to dinner- but who am I to request for your valuable time?" He chuckled."Ah... You may send my secretary the address and the time. I'll make time for you," I smiled."Really- I mean- Thank you! Ah- What am I saying!?" He stammered random words. I chuckled at his rosy red cheeks.The man bid his farewell and stepped inside the compartment, awkwardly waiting for Taehyung to enter with him. But Taehyung didn't enter the elevator and waited by my side with a blank face... so I funnily chuckled and waved at Seojun. He forced a smile and glanced at Taehyung's intimidating gaze again before clicking the button until the door sealed itself to separate the superstar from Taehyung's uncomfortable stare."A superstar? Really?" Taehyung rolled his eyes. I folded my arms and looked up at his dark expression."He's willing to work for my campaign. I told you to be prepared for your defeat because no one can convince the entire nation like a person with a voice," I smiled, brushing past Taehyung and headed back to the office."Did you think you could beat me with a mere average who sold his soul to entertain the public?" Taehyung chuckled. I rolled my eyes and strolled away, leaving him by the elevator.There were multiple unfulfilled tasks to finish that day, so I stayed back at the office to get my work done until Do-hwan arrived to escort me home. I didn't have time to rest and left the penthouse to meet Lee Seojun at a high-end restaurant to dine with him. He was as warm as his image on the screen. The superstar would tell me humble stories about his younger self. And... how he was raised on a farm by his grandparents.
We chatted about our collaboration over our wine glasses and warm meals.
________________________"You went on a date with a superstar?!" Eomma snapped as soon as I entered her office at the mansion."It was business-""Over a glass of wine at a sky bar?!" My mother snapped in irritation. She's been on edge around me lately because of my disappearance."Is a superstar more important than Park Jihyun's heir?" I asked with a poker face. Her face turned pale."Park Jihyun doesn't have an heir!" She snapped from her desk. I sighed and sat down on the couch to observe her obvious denial."Then why was I abducted? I almost died!" I shot back."Park Jihyun-""You fed the first lady hallucination drugs to make her ill, eomma. She was sick because of you. You were quietly killing her with the same method- you used to kill Jungkook's mother," I dimmed my eyes. Eomma's face flushed bright red at my confrontations."Did you expect the average to birth an average heir and make him rule over the council of pure alphas?! The society would've overthrown the heir if he existed, and his alliances would've been torn apart. I had to stop her from getting pregnant for the sake of the household's security!" Eomma snapped. I knew it. Sighing deeply, I lowered my face to process my clouded thoughts.
Eomma interfered with her former lover's affairs to prevent Park Jihyun's wife from getting pregnant. One would think my mother was upset and resented her lover for betraying her... but it was beyond that. Eomma knew the heir would bring nothing but destruction to the supreme alpha and the anonymous alliances. The council would've rejected the average heir and put the anonymous households at risk... so... she drugged the first lady to prevent her pregnancy. But it didn't work.
"Park Bogum," I muttered after a moment of pondering my thoughts."What?" Eomma stuttered."He's Park Jihyun's heir. The Black Phoenix kidnapped me because someone abducted the heir," I muttered darkly. My boss turned out to be the late supreme alpha's sole heir."The Black Phoenix-""It's the cult with the motive to end the alphas and the society. I'm sure they're Jihyun's past employees and relatives. Park Bogum is caught in the crossfire with me. He's clueless. The heir is an orphan," I shrugged. Eomma frowned at the information."How-""I checked his birth date. It seems like the First Lady was already pregnant before Jihyun married her. The couple concealed the heir because they feared his unpromising safety," I sighed. Eomma grew hushed. Her face turning paler by the second."We must find the heir-""You shouldn't underestimate the cult. The Black Phoenix has the financial resources and manpower to challenge the alphas. And I could've died if it weren't for the trade," I muttered."Trade?" Eomma frowned at me."The person who abducted Bogum traded the heir for me. He saved my life," I shrugged."A person saved you?" She asked. I quietly stared at her in silence."I'll introduce him once I beat Taehyung, or his safety will be compromised," I shrugged. Eomma hardened her face at my statement but didn't press me further, so I left the mansion after disclosing Park Bogum's identity to my mother. ___________________
Fast Forward
The conference room lowly hummed as I entered the grand venue with my parents to attend Taehyung's first general shareholder meeting for his upcoming project launch. I dimly monitored the local and foreign investors and... the alphas... who were participating in Taehyung's fintech project. Minah avoided my eyes as Mira smugly watched me, so I took my seat in the front row as prepared by the staff with my parents in my black ankle-length dress. Jungkook sat beside me."Here," He nudged my hand. I glanced at the tiny sweet rice cake package in his palm."Where did you get it?" I asked."Imo made it last night. Brought it from home," Jungkook muttered. I took the package from him and leaned back on the chair with my legs crossed. I plopped the soft cake into my mouth as the wealthy men and women filled the spacious venue.The room grew hushed after the light dimmed, and the lights on the stage flickered on as a person stepped under the spotlight with his hair neatly pushed back. I rubbed my fingers nervously as I watched Kim Taehyung strode onto the stage with a stern expression in his perfectly fitted black suit.Mrs. Kim proudly stared at her son as the press directed their cameras at him. I glanced to the side to find Sungho staring at the alpha with a dull expression. He shifted his eyes to me, so I quickly looked away. My cheeks flushed red after getting caught staring at Chul Sungho.Kim Taehyung is operating his corporation with the aid of the alphas. I glanced at the high ranks with my eyes narrowed. The Min. The Jung. The Kim. The Lee. And even The Shin. They all have a stake in Kim Taehyung's project. But me? I have no one. Who do I have left? I glanced at Sungho, Jimin, Jungkook, Minah, Seokjin and So-young."Annyeonghaseyo. I am the Kim's sole heir, Kim Taehyung," Taehyung deep voice boomed across the venue as he confidently spoke into the microphone. Eomma and appa grew tense over their seats as we listened to Kim Taehyung's influential speech.
A moment later.
The room erupted loudly as the investors clapped for his powerful statements until the lights in the venue gradually lightened. I quickly got up from the seat as Taehyung strolled off the stage to greet the board of directors he selected to execute his operations."Speak to me for a second," I muttered, nudging Jungkook, who was speaking with an elderly woman. He excused himself from her, and we walked toward the exit."What's the matter-""I'll let you handle my operation," I firmly turned to Jungkook."For the campaign?" Jungkook frowned at me."Your family has an extensive network within Korea," I nodded."Kim Taehyung made close to half a billion for the project in less than a year-""But the thesis isn't about the revenue," Sungho suddenly appeared, walking up to us."The fintech project will definitely-""I studied the thesis performance criteria. The professors did not mention anything related to financial revenues. They want a legacy, not a profit-generating project. Sora is on the right track... her campaign is non-profit and with the right strategy... she will establish an everlasting legacy," Sungho shrugged."That's why you didn't invest in Taehyung's project?" I asked, frowning at Sungho."His project will undoubtedly generate billions in the future, but your project will definitely initiate a bigger impact. Only if... you have an exceptional team, so I'm willing to aid you," Sungho smiled. He noticed my sneaky glimpses during the conference. Jungkook frowned at us."Who will trust us? We need the alpha's support-""I know a person with a refined image," I smiled at Jungkook."Kim Seokjin?" He asked. Sungho chuckled and glanced at the city view before us with his hands in his pockets."A royal household with access to almost every corner of the world. Kim Seokjin's rank might've dropped after the confiscation. But his family is still... a prestigious household with high credentials and extensive network with the foreign... old money society," Sungho nodded.______________________I sleepily stirred on the mattress after the subtle movement brushed beside my bed, so I tugged the blanket up to my neck as the person gently stroked my head in the dark. Wait, what-!?! I flung open my eyes to stare at the person in the room, shaken by his unexpected presence. The man smiled and gently caressed my cheek with his fingers."H-How did you get inside my penthouse-?" I grumbled, turning to lie on my back with my eyes closed. The man chuckled as he sat at my bedside."I didn't want to wake you, so I came quietly," He muttered. I didn't respond and lay on the bed sleepily before turning my head on the pillow to find him gazing at me with a weak smile."You could've announced your presence," I whispered. The man softly stroked my cheek."Your security team is pretty strict. The man is sleeping in the living room," He shrugged. I sighed and sat up against the bedhead with my eyes half open."It's quite impressive for you to pass all the checkpoints in the lobby without getting caught," I grumbled. The man chuckled and lowered his head."You didn't really think I used the front door? I came through the staff entrance and had to climb the emergency stairs... all the way up here," He muttered."I told you to stay in Daegu," I whispered, sorely dimming my eyes at him. "I arrived in Seoul this afternoon," He shrugged. Gurgle. His stomach suddenly stirred. He lifted his eyes toward me in embarrassment."You haven't eaten?" I asked."I'll search for something on the night street-""I have leftovers. Stay here," I muttered, crawling off my bed in my nightgown and walked out of my bedroom. Do-hwan was snoring softly on the living room couch, so I tip-toed to the fridge to take out the frozen chicken soup and placed it in the microwave."What are you doing...?" Do-hwan grumbled from the living room."I'm hungry," I answered. The man scoffed and turned on the couch to sleep as I carefully scooped out the warm rice and hurried back to my bedroom after warming the food to find the person strolling out of my bathroom in his sweatpants without a shirt on.

"I took a shower," He informed me as I placed the plates and bowl on the coffee table with a glass of water. He dried his toned torso with my towel while ruffling his buzz cut to shake off the excess water."Eat and sleep in if you want. The guard will switch their shift in the morning. I'll be gone by then... so Do-hwan won't be here either," I muttered as I anxiously settled on the edge of the bed. The man nodded and sat down on the couch to slurp the warm soup. I feel restless. He shouldn't be here yet. I stared at his muscular back in silence, glanced at his damp nape and reached out to pat his hairline dry with my silk sleeves."You're pretty busy lately. Why didn't you answer my texts?" He asked without lifting his face. I nervously gripped my fingers as he ate in my room."There's a lot of work. And... Do-hwan sometimes monitors my calls and texts," I sighed. The man chuckled."Or maybe you were too busy... going on a date with the superstar?" He calmly muttered, flipping his phone screen upward on the coffee table to show me the news article about the superstar's rumored lover. It was a picture of us at the restaurant, but the media blurred my face for privacy reasons."He's the ambassador for my campaign," I shrugged. The average thinks we're dating, but it's only a mere scandal."He has a girlfriend. They work in the same industry. You should be careful around him because the fans are sensitive to his relationships. Don't cause unnecessary trouble, and focus on Kim Taehyung," He instructed. I swallowed at his order and nodded.

"Kim Taehyung is suspicious of your identity. You should return to Daegu," I muttered."So he knows? I'll stay here for a while. I've got to deal with something but in the meantime... Did you find the item I asked you to retrieve?" The man asked. I swallowed and glanced at my drawer. Sighing, I got up to withdraw the item and placed it on the coffee table as the man slurped from the bowl. He glanced at the item... and nodded with an approving smile."What about the Black Phoenix?" I nervously asked."They're laying low for now because the heir is injured. I bought enough time for you to ascend to the throne, so make sure to overthrow Kim Taehyung. The Black Phoenix will attack once you're stable," He muttered, finally lifting his face after finishing the meal. I calmly stared at his tender gaze, so he got up and entered the bathroom to rinse his hands.The man walked up to me without his shirt on and lowered his hand to graze my cheek with his thumb as he stood over me. I didn't speak and stared up at his neutral face within the dark room. He slowly knelt before me as I sat on the bed edge with a dim expression."What if I can't win the battle?" I whispered, unsurely searching his dull gaze."You will win with me as your shadow. Just do as I say. Kim Taehyung isn't the real enemy. It's the Black Phoenix... and you will never be safe... unless Park Bogum disappears. I'll help you in the game, but you need to keep our promise," He muttered, gently taking my hand into his warm palm. I pursed my lips, slightly frowning at him, and nodded in defeat, so he smiled and gave me a soft peck on my forehead.The man got onto my bed shirtless and turned to sleep on the pillow. I slipped in beside him and turned to sleep on my side. He didn't speak afterward and dozed off on the shared mattress, so I lifted my head to peek at him with a troubled expression before turning to stare at the city view until... my busy mind ran out of fuel... and my heavy eyelids dropped closed.
The Next Morning
"Sora!" Do-hwan snapped, throwing the pillow at my face, startling me with his unexpected intrusion."H-Huh!? I told you- not to barge inside my room!-" I screamed, frantically sitting up in horror, and glanced at the man beside me... but... he was gone. I quickly glanced at Do-hwan with a racing heart. Did he leave...?"It's your first appearance today! Get up! I'll wait for you downstairs!" Do-hwan grumbled and strolled out of the room.The man slammed the door shut, so I wildly turned on the bed to gawk at the empty mattress in confusion. The dirty plates were still in my room. Fuck! That was so close! Grumbling under my breath... I quickly scrambled off my bed to shower and exit the bathroom in my towel... but paused abruptly... once I noticed the dirty bowls and plates had... disappeared."Did Do-hwan take them?" I mumbled as I pulled on my dress before the mirror. I quickly tied my hair, hurried out of my bedroom to grab a water bottle, and tilted my head to drain the water until I noticed... the wet sink and the sparkling bowl on the racks. I lowered the bottle from my lips with a slight frown."I'll rest for a bit and leave before noon," A voice spoke up, causing me to jerk backward with a thumping heart. Fuck! He scared me! I wildly turned to find the man leaning against the counter with a weak smile."O- Oh. Yeah- Don't get caught! And here's some cash. Buy yourself some food," I nodded, pushing the cash towards him as I round the counter to put on my heels by the doorway. He chuckled at my startled reaction... so I waved goodbye and left to enter the elevator.
A moment later
Third Person POVThe man strolled out of Jang Sora's bedroom after he took a quick shower in her bathroom. He sat on the living room couch in his fresh clothes, grabbed the remote control to switch on the news channel, and leaned back against the cushion with his vacant gaze on the news as the reporters spoke on the screen regarding the establishment of a non-profit organization.The supreme alpha ultimately made her appearance before the public in her formal white two-piece tweed outfit with a small ribbon in her hair to tie her loose strands. The man smiled faintly at Sora's gorgeous appearance. He keenly leaned forward to rest his hand under his chin in anticipation.

The Jang appeared beside Sora as she strolled through the venue with her chin held high before the men and women within the area. The man shifted his eyes to the alphas in the background as they remained in their seats and glanced at Kim Taehyung, who was typing on his phone with an unbothered look. The audience grew hushed once the supreme alpha stepped onto the outdoor stage with a confident smile. Sora picked up the microphone and slowly approached the center of the platform.
The man knew everyone had their eyes on her.
And he knew... the audience was either envious of her status and beauty... or madly in love with the supreme alpha. The man smirked and shifted his eyes to Kim Taehyung, who was dully eyeing her in disinterest... but the alpha wasn't blinking. Kim Taehyung's gaze gradually softened... the longer he witnessed his former lover's presence. It was almost impossible... to neglect a woman like her."Annyeonghaseyo. I'm Jang Sora of the Jang family," She humbly spoke into the microphone. The supreme alpha effectively communicated her speech to the audience with her delicate gestures. She would flash a beautiful smile, wave her slender fingers and walk the stage with grace while possessing immense power over the audience.The man smiled at her impressive performance as he rubbed his smooth chin, carefully monitoring her every move, and exhaled in relief after the crowd applauded her statement. She politely bowed at the stage and strolled off to speak with her parents.The mysterious man finally switched off the television screen, got up from the couch, and left the penthouse. The person strolled down the corridor while staring at the dangling item between his fingers with a weak smile. He softly whistled the monotonous yet unnerving melody until he exited through the back door, leaving the building tainted with his lurking darkness._______________________
Sora's POV
I hurried inside the university building after I attended a meeting with the potential investors at the tower. A flood of funds... flowed into my account after the initial conference meeting, so I had to transfer the financial governance to Sungho. Jungkook is dealing with operational management. It's a bit difficult for me to run an organization with only three members."I'm sorry for the disturbance," I bowed to the professor and slipped into my seat in the class packed with the alphas. I quickly settled my bag and brought out my books as the professor resumed the lecture until I noticed a small juice box in my bag. Slightly frowning, I reached inside to stare at the familiar apple juice brand and smiled. Did he leave it for me...?I popped the small carton and opened my books to study. The lecture was two hours long, so I was a little drained by the end of class. I quickly packed my materials, headed to the library to search for a private lounge, and settled at a table by the glass wall... until someone else took the empty seat in front of me. I lifted my eyes unsurely as Seokjin pushed a paper bag over the table."I made-""Thank you for the food," I nodded, grabbing the bag to place it aside. Seokjin tensely perched before me with his hands clasped over the table."Why are you avoiding me?" He asked. I glanced at the empty juice box and back at his eager face."Wae? Is there something we need to speak about?" I asked, raising my eyebrow with a stern gaze fixed on his handsome face. Seokjin blinked at my clueless reaction and glanced at the city view."The poll- I didn't mean to-""I know. Your parents cast their votes. It's natural for them to steer me off the chessboard after I brought trouble to your household," I shrugged. I knew... Seokjin didn't wish to defy my household, but he was under his mother's control... so he was forced to oppose me."What happened? You were gone for three months," He eagerly leaned forward to search my face."I was abducted the first week but was rescued, and I had to heal from the injury. That's all," I muttered as I skimmed through the reports on my phone."Why didn't you contact your family-""Well. I was traded with the hidden heir. Did you think the person would release me so easily?" I shrugged. Seokjin pursed his lips."About our relationship-""Oh, about that. Let's not bother about it anymore. Our relationship is strictly business from now on, so don't try anything funny, but I'm still thankful for the food. Also, your family is associated with the old money community abroad, right?" I asked with a keen gaze on Seokjin. He appeared slightly confused by my dismissive attitude but nodded to answer my question."Yeah-""Great. I need someone to act as a bridge between my organization and the outside world. It's your first task," I nodded, grabbing a file from my bag and sliding it toward Seokjin."Sora. I can't- my parents-""You swore to help me, and you don't like empty promises, so fulfill your role, and I'll help you reclaim your assets. It's what you wanted when you approached me, right? Power. You didn't have to use our past attachment as an excuse to soften me. But I understand your intention now. Let's work together without the relationship's involvement. It'll only confuse you and me," I nodded. Seokjin furrowed his eyebrows and glanced at the tasks on the file."I never meant to misrepresent my feelings solely to take advantage-""Authentic or not... Please stop using me to pursue your power. I know you're after me because you think I have your contracts, and I really don't have it so... It's best if we maintain a formal relationship from now on. You may do as you wish with your role in my organization. I will not benefit from the project... but it may benefit your households. I'm not asking you to consider the role. You must fulfill it," I firmly tapped the paper and stood up. I grabbed his paper bag and turned to leave the library, leaving Seokjin dumbfounded at the table."You scared me!" Minah gasped after slamming her locker door closed to find me leaning against the locker."You scare me more with your two-faced nature," I rolled my eyes. She grimaced at me."Yah. I thought of you as a friend- ""But you wanted to eliminate me? Friends don't backstab each other," I shook my head. Minah fired me an irritated glare, but I didn't react and remained blank with my arms crossed."Did you expect me to vote for your household after the ongoing allegations? Your family murdered Park Jihyun to rob his assets!" She snapped. I sighed heavily."Is my family the only villain in the council? What about you? Hmm? Are you that innocent Minah-shi?" I smiled. Minah blinked, taken aback by my questions."What are you saying-""Hyun Jiwoo. Why he ended up in that wine barrel? Do you wish to explain? Hmm...?" I smirked, stepping forward to narrow my eyes on her. Minah's face flushed in horror."Y-Yah- Are you accusing me-""Of course, a person alone couldn't have dealt with the murder so easily. You were there with another person. Right? Perhaps a man? There were traces of his semen there," I smiled, folding my arms smugly until her face drained in horror. Minah glowered right at me with her piercing eyes. She was the first to cry at the picnic event after sipping the wine... We thought she was being dramatic... but Kang Minah... knew she was drinking from the wine barrel stuffed with a dead man's corpse."Are you seriously blackmailing me-""It's not my concern. You'd have to explain yourself to the Mins, who is actively searching for the culprit. Anyways. You're popular... so I'll select you as the marketing executive. Make sure to capture the mass's attention. Do your job well," I smiled, patting her shoulder after pushing my file into her hands."Yah!-""I'll stay hush if you complete your tasks!" I waved without looking at her and strolled away. Minah angrily screeched behind my back... so I chuckled and entered the lounge to find Jimin sitting across from So-young. Are they on good terms...?"Sora...?" Jimin greeted me as I approached them."I have two available spots in my organization. I need another person to help Jungkook organize the events. Are you up for it?" I asked, placing the file before Jimin and another copy for So-young. The alpha huffed, rudely getting up to leave the room without responding to my invitation. Jimin grimaced at his girlfriend's attitude."She's still upset about the abortion-""Your household is still contracted with mine, so you must work for me. I'll stay silent regarding your intention to shift your alliance to So-young's household," I muttered, calmly sitting down to face him. Jimin's face drained in horror."H-How did you-""She's upset with you because you refuse to side with her. And you've... considered... ditching Taehyung for your girlfriend because of the unstable household affairs. It's your choice to leave my household... but once you exit, I won't let you back in. But until you decide to backstab your own alliance... you still owe me your loyalty as my ally. Please fulfill your work," I nodded at the file. Jimin grew tensed in his seat and shifted his restless attention to the files."Sora. My parents always supported your household, but Park Jihyun's allegation is concrete. There are many twisted secrets and mysteries within your household. It'll only endanger my family if I stay..." Jimin exhaled. I dimly stared at the alpha. Park Jimin has been laying low to plan his alliance consideration with his girlfriend. Just like Namjoon, Hoseok and Seokjin... Jimin will soon betray Taehyung and Jungkook to save himself."One must bear the consequences of their action. You may do as you please, but you're still contracted under my household authority. I expect you to serve me," I nodded, got up from the couch, grabbed my bag and left the empty lounge.
Fast Forward

It took me over two months to thoroughly organize my project with the help of the alphas I recruited. The project was so immense... I ended with a packed schedule day and night.

Eomma and appa weren't too fond of my charity organization because they believed the average won't benefit us. Nevertheless, my parents eventually supported my determination to establish the organization after we received an enormous inflow from investors abroad.

Seokjin left Korea for a week to circulate the establishment to the old money society abroad. Jungkook was likewise occupied with the internal operations as we hired the locals to work for my firm. And Minah fulfilled her tasks as the marketing executive to influence the average and the lower ranks with her multimedia mass communication skills. Sungho acted as my advisor and took on the role of the financial executive to deal with the funds.
"We've accumulated 650 million dollars," Sungho announced as he revealed the figures on the screen. I clasped my hands under my chin at the tremendous number. We have to properly disperse the capital to ensure sufficient usage."The investors responsible for the fund will visit Korea for the general meeting," Seokjin nodded."The employees will transfer to the firm tomorrow," Jungkook informed."The event agenda is all set. I've contacted the venues and prepared the invitations for each set of events," Jimin updated the team."I made sure to inform the lower ranks and the average," Minah rolled her eyes."I'll deal with all the legal work after the establishment," So-young muttered. She didn't agree to work for me, but I threatened her with her family's tax evasion cases, so she had no choice but to aid me."Thank you for your cooperation," I smiled at the alphas. They sighed, collected their materials, and poured out of the meeting room."Do you want to grab dinner with me?" Jungkook asked."No. I have an appointment," I shook my head. Jungkook nodded and left with Jimin.The room emptied after just five minutes, so I sighed heavily and slumped on the chair with my eyes closed. What am I launching? I'm creating employment for the jobless and those in need. A great deal of homeless and disabled individuals have potential and should be granted the chance to restart their lives.
How will I generate profit? It's a non-profit organization which means we won't produce profits from the operation... but the organization itself will benefit the funders. How will we deal with the expenses? Sungho suggested that we provide loans to giant firms at low interest rates.

In simple terms, companies encountering urgent financial demands... may borrow money from our corporation at a lower rate than the bank.

And the interest payment we acquired... will be used to renovate the slums and provide essential needs to the old age population, homeless, disabled and offer opportunities to low-income family students.

The corporations are willing to borrow from our organization, knowing the interest fee they pay... will be used to assist the locals. The investors will each receive social responsibility credits as their payment will be used to aid and develop the lower class's living conditions.

The abundance of investors are willing to put their money to practical use for the greater good. In this case, they may borrow the capital from our organization, pay a reasonable interest fee for the loan and participate in global welfare development with the fees they disburse as it will be utilized to assist individuals in need.

It's a win-win for both parties.

The investors received the funds they needed to finance their businesses while participating in charity work. And there will be enough generated reserves to support the struggling population.
Organization Name: PHILANTHROPY.__________________________
["Philanthropy involves charitable giving to worthy causes on a large scale, but it is much more than just a charitable donation. Philanthropy is an effort an individual or organization undertakes based on an altruistic desire to improve human welfare." - Investopedia.]
__________________________
Fast Forward

I successfully founded a fully functioning organization just three months after my return... driven by the high-rank alphas and operated by the newly hired locals. Investors flooded the firm to take out loans after consulting with the experts... and payments were paid and used to support the targeted individuals.

Philanthropy was such a sensation... even the averages began to offer donations without a return.

We granted donors opportunities to meet up with the locals to ensure they were directly involved with the project, so they could identify where and how their resources were spent. The funds were mainly used to fix the sewers within the areas with flooding issues, install a warm heating system for the run-down areas, and the remaining funds were utilized to fund fresh food deliveries to the struggling population.

Jungkook and Jimin worked together to expand the organization's welfare mission by targeting the student sector where we offered fully funded tuition payments for low-income residents. The students, in turn, will be guaranteed a stable job at the Philanthropy organization after they graduate from the university. Homeless and disabled people were hired at our firm to be trained, equipping them with the necessary skills to efficiently perform their duties. And during the fourth month, we opened a subsidiary company to help new graduates or unemployed individuals search for a job within the nation.

We successfully resolved the flooding homes, heated the walls, and ensured a full fridge, free medical care, and licensed quality education for those within our program. Hundreds, if not thousands of investors would borrow our funds for their businesses, repay the loan with interest, and even offer to make massive donations for our generosity, so we were very much supported by the people, the government, and the wealthy capitalist.

The non-profit organization was so triumphant Sungho started considering additional branches abroad. Philanthropy shouldn't be limited to Korea, so we're targeting countries with high poverty rates to resolve social issues.

A surge of specialists proposed to help set up the organization, so I mainly had to deal with the potential projects abroad with Sungho as the remaining alphas dealt with the operation within the country.

Lee Seojun is the ambassador for Philanthropy, so with his popularity and Minah's intensive marketing team. They were able to initiate the hype amongst the average participants. The superstar's fan would show up to help the employed staff, and the lower ranks would engage with Minah's marketing scheme. We'd have a flood of volunteers and charity workers to deliver and help with the charity projects almost every week.

And the most popular campaign was, of course, my iconic cake campaign.

People began to upload their pictures with the cakes they baked as a trend- The masses started transferring funds to the organization and even offered free labor, which helped the organization minimize its expenses significantly since most manual labor was voluntary work. Jimin and So-young collaborated on managing each charity event, working on my schedules, and managing the human resources to allocate the manpower to the appropriate divisions.

Philanthropy was such a grand success... My parents offered to sign our chairman tower as an associate with my organization so they could provide secured loans to the organization on demand. I agreed with their proposal and signed the contract with my parents after hiring the legal team to take charge of the legal procedures within and beyond the organization.
FOUNDER | Jang SoraExecutive Members:
Chul Sungho

Jeon Jungkook

Kim Seokjin

Park Jimin

Kang Minah

Ryu So-young

We were all credited for the organization's success as the youngest organization with the most significant impact. And therefore, the university awarded us... project of the year for the astonishing outcome of my hard work. Our ranks within the academy increased significantly, and Taehyung's team started to decline on the live board.

Sungho became the top student at the academy. Kim Seokjin landed in second place. Jungkook seized 5th rank as Taehyung stood in third place, Namjoon in fourth, and Jimin in sixth place. Minah climbed from 11th place to 8th, followed by So-young in 10th place. Hoseok was ranked 7th, and Yoongi ranked 9th. Minho dropped to 11th place as the other alphas ranked after the top ranks.

Me? Of course, I wasn't on the academy system, but I knew for certain, I didn't need the academic ranks to validate my worth.

I don't fit the standard because I've already attained their expected benchmark.

I am, of course. The supreme alpha.

No criteria can label my potential within their standards.
_________________________The area bustled with enthusiasm as I stood under the tent with Do-hwan to sort the goods with the staff. We were all wearing the Philanthropy sage green vest as the employees carried the goods to deliver them to the designated households.

Jimin was instructing a few men to sort the truckload of supplies as Minah managed the media team in another tent. Jungkook and Seokjin left to do manual work with the volunteers as Sungho handed out the snacks, water, and meals to the passersby.
"Hyung! Can we have a picture?!" A group of fans gasped as soon as Seojun returned to the tent with heavy sweat beads on his forehead."Gather around~!" Seojun cheerfully nodded, so his fan lifted the phone to film him. They happily shrieked as he posed for the pictures. Seojun bowed to his fans and entered the tent, so I smiled at him.

"You're staying overtime?" I asked."I convinced my manager to help out for another hour," He shrugged as he fanned his red face beside me."I'll have to compensate your overtime work~ It's pretty expensive~!" I teased. Seojun chuckled and shook his head."It's free labor," He shook his head."Are you guys dating?! The superstar and  Philanthropy founder?! You're a perfect match~!" A volunteer chuckled at us. Seojun shook his head shyly. The volunteers and the locals asked to take pictures with us, so I ended up posing with Seojun for the photographs.

"I heard she's super-rich-""Right?! Seojun has a great taste-""She's not only beautiful! But a beauty with a brain!-""I'd date her too if I was an attractive man like Seojun!-"The volunteers chattered in excitement as I turned to help Do-hwan check his goods. The big man wouldn't leave my side and would follow me everywhere I went in the cute green vest. Seojun left afterward to help a group of plumbers fix the leakage at one of the houses."You're scheduled for an event at the hospital next week and a university the week after. I've already set the date," Jimin informed me. I nodded, so the alpha walked off with his device to review the schedules for the day."How much have you made so far?" Do-hwan asked curiously."I made? It's not my money. We made... 1.2 Billion USD? 30% of it is the profit to cover the charity work and expenses. 20% is dividends for the investors, and 50% is a reserve for the loans. I will eliminate the investor's funds after the organization is stable, so it's 50% reserved for loans and 50% for expenses and charity work," I shrugged. Do-hwan scoffed.

"It all started with me carrying your creams and crumbs," Big man happily nudged my shoulder."Right?! Do you want a position? I'll hire you as the cyber security executive!" I poked his muscular bicep with a wide grin."Looking after you and ensuring your safety is enough work for me. Just because you survived the abduction doesn't mean you'll be lucky forever," Do-hwan shook his head. I rolled my eyes."Did you locate them? The Black Phoenix," I muttered while placing the supplies in the box."I can't find any information on them, but I suspect... they're operating under a different name. There are numerous... suspicious illegal operations throughout the nations conducted by the same entity, so I'll look into that," Do-hwan muttered. I nodded."What about Bogum?" I asked."He's still missing. If he's really the heir... then his people will take care of him. His existence threatens your stability, so don't get too attached," Do-hwan sighed. I nodded and heaved the box onto the table for the volunteers.
A moment later.
"Have a safe trip home!" I waved at Seojun after exiting his van with Do-hwan. The superstar insisted on treating us to dinner, so I chatted with his manager and finally turned to enter the penthouse. The guards greeted us at the entrance as we walked toward the elevator and headed to the penthouse.Do-hwan left to sleep in the guest room as I showered and got changed into my nightgown, weakly collapsing onto my bed after the exhausting charity event. But before my eyes dropped closed... A text popped up on my phone.
Are you asleep?
I stared at the text on the screen and turned to lie on my bed with a blank gaze on the ceiling. I'll just... answer tomorrow. I tossed the phone away and turned on the pillow to snuggle against it."Why are you ignoring my texts?" A voice mumbled from the side of my bed, causing me to jerk on the mattress in a panic. I flung my terrified eyelids open in horror to find the man sitting on the floor beside my bed."Stop scaring me, will you?!" I whined, throwing the pillow at his face, and turned to sleep on my other side."You wouldn't answer me-""I'm exhausted! Can't you wait for my texts?" I whispered, snuggling into the pillow in irritation."Why did you go to dinner with the superstar? I was waiting here all afternoon," He muttered, slowly getting off the floor to sit on my bed. I didn't answer him and closed my eyes."He insisted on treating me to dinner," I mumbled."Lee Seojun is also a club host for the Black Phoenix. That's why I asked you to stay away from him," He sighed. I opened my eyes and turned to stare at the man in disbelief."What?" I asked, sitting up in shock."I doubt he knows he's working with the cult. But the superstar hosts a few secret clubs. Drugs, the black market and prostitution," The man handed me his phone. I took it from his hand to scroll through the pictures of the superstar at the dark clubs filled with shady men and women."Why didn't you tell me-""I didn't know you'd hire him as the ambassador," He shrugged. I pursed my lips and glanced at the grocery bag on the coffee table."Did you bring food?" I asked."Yeah. I wanted to eat with you because you told me you'll be free after the charity event," He shrugged. I sighed and crawled off the bed to sit on the couch in the dark. He brought fried chicken... but it's all soggy and cold."I'm sorry," I apologetically looked up at him. He shook his head and sat beside me. The man pulled the bag toward him and quietly ate the tasteless chicken."Are you prepared for the conference meeting at the tower? It's your last game. Kim Taehyung will lose to you in all three fields once you beat him there," The man asked. I stared at him without speaking and nodded."I think... I will make a good impression at the annual meeting with Philantrophy's success," I nodded. The man smiled and nodded."We can deal with the Black Phoenix once we overthrow Kim Taehyung," He nodded. I sat in silence."Is Park Bogum... aware of the situation?" I asked."He might have been clueless before, but I'm pretty sure he resents you now," The man shrugged. I gulped and lowered my face. What if Bogum hates me? I never thought... he'd turn out to be the hidden heir._________________________
The Tower
The staff instantly straightened their postures as I strolled into the tower with my parents and Kim Taehyung, who strode ahead of the crowd with his slick black hair groomed to the side. I smiled at the staff as I walked in my short heels and knee-length dress until we stepped into the elevator with Taehyung. He sideways glanced at me, but I didn't bother returning the look and strode out of the elevator to meet my parents as they exited the other elevator.Appa proudly patted my back as we crossed the glass bridge, so I smiled and walked along his side with eomma to enter the organized conference room filled with the leading shareholders. They quickly bowed at us with bright beams as I settled at the desk with my parents. Taehyung sat at the desk alone, so I glanced at Sungho's vacant seat. The Chul heir recently resigned to focus on handling Philanthropy, so Taehyung is the only... standing candidate at the tower.The executive officers began briefing their new project proposals as I reviewed the statements and reports at the desk. Taehyung glanced at me in discontent once my father questioned the chairmen about my performance at the corporation to raise my accomplishment, to which I was highly praised for establishing Philanthropy from scratch. I chuckled shyly and smiled at the beaming directors."Our young first lady is destined to lead the corporation. I'm sure she will be elected as the next successor," The chairman smiled. I glanced at Taehyung's dark expression as he sat at his desk. No one seemed to notice him and would only compliment my achievements."Actually. I believe the role at the tower is more suited to Kim Taehyung. He's undoubtedly better than me in the field. I plan on running Philanthropy after I finish my term at the academy," I nodded at the men.Taehyung darted me a sore expression as I refused the chairman's offer to be the leader. Eomma wouldn't stop grinning from ear to ear as she held my hand over her lap. The conference proceeded smoothly, and I was finally allowed to leave the building after the meetings came to an end.
And as anticipated, Philanthropy grew by tenfold... to the point other NGOs requested to collaborate with us. It was my sole responsibility to approve or reject the request with my team's assistance. Sungho and Seokjin advised me to keep the organization within my control capacity because we're still lacking the man and brainpower to operate it.

The revenue skyrocketed in December... and we received so much support, So-young had to ask her parents for assistance in developing an appropriate internal control system. Jimin had to hire a separate team to assist him in keeping up with the occasions and the agenda as Minah increased her marketing team intensity to break through the market.

Sponsors from all over the world... started making donations and proposing their products and services to aid our organization. I left the work to Seokjin to perform the quality check. He had full power to authorize and reject the sponsors.

The revenue at the organization increased significantly, and the cost was reduced dramatically, leaving a shocking 70% of the profit for the charity division alone.

The Elite Meeting
The top households settled at their seats after my parents called for a meeting to discuss the power transfer. Kim Taehyung tensely sat in his armchair... beside his restless-looking parents. The Kim glanced at Jungkook and Jimin, who were endlessly praised by the council for their contribution to Philanthropy.Minah smugly smiled at Mira and Minho. The couple gloomily stared at the moderator as he pridefully discussed Philantrophy's triumph with the society. Seokjin shot me a weak smile as his mother proudly patted his back, so I glanced at Sungho's confident smile."We believe Jang Sora is ready to succeed Jang's seat in the council," My father announced."She deserved to ascend as the supreme alpha after excelling with her non-profit organization," My mother agreed. I gripped my hands nervously.
Sora. You made it. Today... is the day... you'll rise as the council leader.

The legitimate supreme alpha.

I was the supreme alpha, but my parents didn't trust me enough to transfer all of the authority and ownership to me... but right at this instance... I am staring at the stack of files associated with my succession.

I made it.
"Are there any objections? Please speak up if the household opposes the succession," The moderator repeated. The room remained hushed, so I anxiously glanced around the composed crowd. No household dared to speak. My mother chuckled and patted my shoulder. They are all compelled to accept my dominance within the council, especially after witnessing my potential.

"Very well. The Jang may transfer the council's seat to the supreme alpha," The moderator nodded with a smile. Eomma turned to me, so I lifted the pen off the table and signed away my name on the contract.
Jang Sora.
I placed the pen down with my eyes fixed on my signature and lifted my eyes to the council, who was staring at me in anticipation."CONGRATULATIONS!" Jungkook screeched, suddenly clapping for me. Jimin hollered loudly, causing the shockwave to sweep across the conference room as the alphas erupted into loud cheers."LONG LIVE THE SUPREME ALPHA!" Jimin roared. I shyly smiled and stood up to bow at the council of elderly alphas before glancing at my proud mother with flushed cheeks. The moderator strolled up the stairs to hand me the supreme alpha pin, so I accepted it with a proud smile. My mother happily patted my back as I sat down to retake my seat.
I am now... the legitimate supreme alpha.
Kim Taehyung tensely clenched his jaw as he sat in his seat. He did not celebrate my victory and glanced away with a look of discontent. The Kims stared at their son's bitter reaction to my victory after the council accepted my succession to the throne of immunity.
Philanthropy made a lasting legacy of its own. And therefore I have succeeded in overthrowing Kim Taehyung in the academy.

The council approved my ascension to the power throne. And yet again, I overshadowed him with my competence.

And the last... game to challenge Kim Taehyung was my pending succession at the tower.

One more game, and I'll beat him in all three fields.
...
December 25th.
Third Person POVThe guests entered the spacious venue in their stylish gowns and tailored suits. The alphas excitedly flaunted their wealth through their jewels and rare fabrics as the lower ranks chattered in delight at Kim Taehyung's impressive masquerade ball-themed birthday celebration.Chul Hwa-young smiled from ear to ear as she stood in her princess-like golden dress and masquerade mask decorated with authentic gemstones. She linked her arm around Kim Taehyung at the entrance, widely smiling at the crowd before them. The birthday man strode into the venue with a black mask covering his alluring eyes. The mask was ornamented with golden stripes and gemstones to reflect his dominating power within the society.Every head turned after the powerful man as he strolled over the red carpet leading into the luxurious hall where all the other guests stood behind their decorative masks. Hwa-young couldn't stop smirking at the attention she was receiving as she stood in her glimmering gown. It was a piece Mrs. Kim gifted their son's fiancée to apologize for her son's cold treatment.However, their spotlight was immediately stolen once the newly ascended supreme alpha arrived at the venue. The society shifted their attention from Kim Taehyung and Chul Hwa-young as Jang Sora slowly emerged from the stairs until she appeared before the wide open door.
And unlike the other alphas... The supreme alpha attended the event without a date.
[DRESS REFERENCE LINK] Minah's jaw dropped as she stared at the white gown, perfectly tailored to fit the supreme alpha's figure. The delicate neck layers of the fluttery off-shoulder straps... revealing her slender neck and deep collarbones. The alphas stood unblinkingly as they stared at the dangling pearls and glistening crystals embroidered all over her gown to compliment her soft and graceful image. They were all... mesmerized by her beauty.

She was a beautiful snowflake, delicately fluttering with the winter breeze with her soft and elegant gestures.

One might have the urge to reach out for her without knowing... she could prick them with her frost and melting away at the slightest warmth of their grips. And before they know it, she's already gone.

An ethereal beauty that can only be admired, never touched or embraced.

Jang Sora's POV
I directed my gaze to stare at the gawking eyes from different directions as I strolled inside the venue in the extravagant dress ornamented with rare pearls and gems in my crystal high heels while adjusting the white mask over my face and strode straight toward Jungkook, who was staring at me with his mouth wide open. I think the dress... is outshining my presence."Close your mouth," I smiled. Jungkook shook out his thoughts and circled my gown in disbelief to examine the pretty patterns around my waist, slightly touching the ruffles behind my back."How do you pee in this???" He asked, looking up at me with a questioning look. Dumbfounded by his stupid question, I remained stiff in place."Yah! You should compliment me!" I whined. Jimin chuckled from the side as he approached us."No- seriously! How will you sit on the toilet? Did you wear a diaper or something?- Ah!" Jungkook funnily tried to lift the thick fabric to peek underneath, so I smacked his head. He groaned and stood up to glare at me."Stop harassing her! You'll ruin her lovely gown~!" Jimin nudged his friend. I smiled at Jimin and patted the gown to flatten the creases."I'm sure she's wearing a diaper underneath-""Jeon Jungkook!" I snapped. Jungkook chuckled and shook his head at my annoyed frown. He loves to tease me!"Did designer Choi tailor it for you?" Minah asked, walking up to me in her flaming feather dress with the mask over her seductive eyes."Yeah. I hand-picked the design myself," I nodded, softly twirling to show off designer Choi's hard work. He had to adjust it plenty of times to fit my curves and ensure I wasn't suffocating. The fabric is so light- it felt as if I wasn't wearing anything!"It suits you. The color white. Like a snowflake," Sungho complimented. I blushed and lowered my face."She's a winter child. Of course, she'll look her best in her nature," Jungkook shrugged."Right? You're like an angel~!" Jimin chuckled, earning a glare from So-young. I giggled at their compliments and turned to examine the crowded venue with a bright beam.The elders eventually arrived afterward to join the event, and we were served drinks and appetizers as the classical music resonated within the space under the radiating glow of the crystal chandelier over our heads."So... who's your love candidate?" Jungkook nudged my shoulder to distract me from my parent's discussion. I turned to frown at him."What-""You said you'll pick your husband after you beat Kim Taehyung. You won. So who is it?" Jungkook asked. I glanced at Taehyung, who was standing on the other side of the room. He was grimacing at Hwa-young as she furiously spoke to him. He shifted his eyes to mine, so I quickly looked away."I haven't decided," I shrugged."You can choose me," Jungkook muttered. I frowned at Jungkook with a slight grimace. Is he teasing me again?"Why should I-""Hey! I'm handsome and intelligent! And popular! And sexy!" Jungkook funnily scoffed. I rolled my eyes and shook my head."There's no way I'm marrying a cheater. Be grateful we're on good terms," I poked out my tongue at him. Jungkook glared at me."Hey! You were away- Yah! Where are you going-" Jungkook tried to argue, but I lifted my gown and walked away with a wide smile."Careful!" Seokjin gasped, grabbing my arm to tug me back just before I blindly walked into a waitress. I toppled to the side, quickly looking up at Seokjin's captivating eyes from behind his white mask."Oh? We're matching," I pointed at his white suit. Seokjin blushed under his mask and glanced at my gown."Maybe he matched with you on purpose~? Designer Choi probably told him the color of your dress~!" Jungkook smugly walked up to us. Seokjin fired Jungkook an irritated look."The birthday boy isn't so happy," Hoseok appeared with Yoongi, so we glanced at the alpha.Kim Taehyung was striding away from Hwa-young with a dark frown. The woman scoffed at his rude departure and turned to storm in the opposite direction with her arms crossed. Why is she so persistent? Kim Taehyung is clearly an asshole, and she will only wreck herself trying to please him."Well, he lost to Sora. He should be upset," Yoongi chuckled as he sipped from the glass.The alphas eventually gathered around me to speak about Philanthropy's success, so I happily enlightened them about our goals and missions. Yoongi asked if he could invest in the organization, but Sungho funnily denied his request on the spot. We chuckled and laughed over our glass of champagne until it was time to celebrate Taehyung's birthday.
Mrs. Kim dragged her son to make him stand before the five-story golden cake as we surrounded the table to engulf him. Kim Taehyung didn't look pleased with the childish cake and decorations. I heard he refused to attend the birthday ceremony but was threatened by his parents.

The Kim is desperately putting up a show to convince the society that they're stable and secure, even after I defeated their son in the council.
Hwa-young squeezed in between the crowd to stand beside Taehyung as I stood on the opposite side. I am facing him with the cake between us. The crowd started singing the birth song to celebrate his special day.Taehyung grimaced with an embarrassed look as he stood before the cake. The alpha eventually shifted his attention to my presence, holding eye an intense contact with me between the glowing candles. I clapped my hands with a faint smile until he blew out the candles, causing the room to erupt into loud cheers and chatter.The classical music was suddenly replaced with the latest pop songs, causing the elders to grimace at the disruption of the noisy beats. Taehyung shook his head to disapprove of the celebration and quickly left the crowd in annoyance as the alphas and lower ranks started dancing around the cake.I whined in irritation as Jungkook playfully grabbed my wrists to make me dance with him. Jimin started jamming with So-young as Minah dragged Seokjin over the dance floor. Yoongi and Hoseok joined Jungkook and me, so the four of us... danced and swayed to the music.
A moment later.
My high heels started stabbing the base of my feet after a few songs. Fuck~ It's uncomfortable. I excused myself to sit at an empty chair by the side as the elders chattered at the feast table over their meals. I grunted while rubbing my aching ankle and glanced at the opened door until I noticed Taehyung.... standing alone to watch the light snow by the stairs.Slowly, I rose from the chair and walked towards him until I exited the door and entered the freezing dead of night to admire the delicate snowflakes... drifting from the dark sky and landing in the snowy garden before us. Taehyung side way glanced at me and back at the snow.

"Thank you," I muttered. Taehyung lowered his gaze to stare at me with a bitter expression."What for?" He asked, sternly shifting his gaze away."For pushing me to be the best version of myself," I replied."Whatever-""I have a gift for you," I grabbed his hand, so Taehyung halted to stare at me. I quickly released his hand and cleared my throat.

"You may take the role at the tower. I'll hand over my position to you because I have to watch over Philanthropy," I cleared my throat."Is it a pity gift?" He scoffed in discontent."Oh. I told you to be prepared for your defeat. You lost in all three fields, but you deserve the tower for helping me ascend the throne," I nodded. Taehyung stared at me with his usual dark gaze."So you'll pick the man of your dream now?" He asked. I stared calmly at the darkness in his pupils and glanced at the snow before us."Yah! You crazy witch!-" Someone shrieked before I could answer Taehyung, so we quickly turned to find Hwa-young storming towards me with a drunken face."Wha- Ah! Yah!" I screamed in shock when she suddenly snatched my hair."Chul Hwa-young!" Taehyung snapped, trying to tug her away from me, but she screamed in distress and pulled my hair harder."Urgh~? What's with you?!" I screamed, shoving her aside, but she wouldn't release my hair. Taehyung angrily pulled Hwa-young away and stepped in between us to shield me. She resentfully glared at Taehyung after he took my side."Touch her again, and I'll fucking twist your neck!" Taehyung roared, furiously threatening her as I rubbed my sore scalp. I can fight with my fists and legs but hair yanking?! It's ridiculous to foolishly pull out each other's hair over a man! Hwa-young scoffed at Taehyung's threat and backed away before shifting her burning eyes to me as I stood behind him."Hwa-young!" Sungho called, hurrying forward to grab his sister's arm as the alphas and lower ranks crowded the opened door to anticipate the commotion."You're an asshole! Did you think you were the man of the society?!- I only seduced you into the sea- because I wanted to wreck your relationship! I wanted to ruin you! Kim Taehyung!-""Hwa-young, you're drunk!-" Sungho tried to drag his sister away, but she wouldn't leave and pushed her brother aside."Moh?!" Taehyung scoffed at his drunk fiancée."You're nothing but a worthless piece of shit! Why is it- that you get to shine the most when Jeon Jungkook is clearly better than you!? You've got blood on your hands! Jeon Jungkook should be recognized as the most competent successor! Not a cold-blooded killer like you!" Hwa-young screamed. Jimin glanced at Jungkook with a startled look, who remained stunned in his place. Jeon Jungkook was taken aback by his involvement."What-""You both deserve to rot and die! Jeon Jungkook's birth mother passed away because of your family's greed! Your family murdered his mother!" Hwa-young screamed in frustration. Taehyung stood beside me with his terrified eyes on his fiancée as the lower ranks averted their eyes to Jeon Jungkook, whose face suddenly turned pale."SHUT UP-""YOU KILLED YOUR AVERAGE UNCLE! AND HER MOTHER KILLED JUNGKOOK'S AVERAGE MOTHER TO FORM THE JEON HOUSEHOLD! YOU'RE A GREEDY BASTARD! YOU KILLED YOUR OWN FAMILY FOR POWER! YOU TWO DON'T DESERVE TO LIVE AT ALL!" She screamed in tears. Sungho's face flushed in horror at Hwa-young's absurd claims. Jungkook remained frozen beside the door as Hwa-young exposed his average blood to the society."Hwa-young!-""ARGH!" Hwa-young shrieked in distress as she sprinted forward to tackle me. Taehyung effortlessly stepped between us to shove her away, but he accidentally bumped into me while resisting Hwa-young's frantic aggression. I stumbled backward until my heels missed a step over the stair landing."SORA!" Seokjin gasped from the crowd.Taehyung quickly turned to look at me in horror as my body tilted off the stairs. He tried to push Hwa-young away to grab my arm after I lost my balance, but she firmly held onto his wrist, roughly pulling him back with her possessive grip. My eyes widened in shock as Seokjin raced from the crowd to seize me, but he was out of reach."FUCK OFF!" Taehyung bellowed, angrily hurling Hwa-young away with all his strength as he desperately reached for me with one arm. I extended my arm for his hand... our fingers barely grazing... as gravity dragged my body mass over the steep stairs. His eyes widened in shock after his fingers slipped from mine... and the world... suddenly slowed down as I waited for the painful landing.
Thump.
Seokjin suddenly halted beside Taehyung, who stood frozen when I unexpectedly landed into another person. The person stood behind me with his strong arms around my waist to support my body weight, so I panted shakily with my eyes bulging open. I could've fallen and broken my neck. The crowd shifted their startled gaze from me to the man, who was securely holding onto my body as I gripped his neck for support over the stairs."T-Thank you-" I stuttered, lifting my face to the person... but halted in shock once I noticed his familiar gaze behind the silver mask. Badum. Blood drained from my body as he held firmly onto my waist. Taehyung frowned at the mysterious man while standing above us on the stair landing with Seokjin and the rest of the households.
"What will you do without me, noona...?"
The man smiled....The silver mask... suddenly slipped from his face to reveal his defined facial structure and dark brown pupils. Smugly... the man averted his razor-sharp eyes toward the crowd before him with a devilish smile.Kim Taehyung furrowed his eyebrows upon the unexpected presence of the former alpha, so I gripped the alpha's shoulder with a racing heart and glanced back at the petrified crowd. Hwa-young sat on the floor in shock while staring at the man with her mouth... hanging open. I uneasily gulped and glanced at the man's evil-infested gaze again as he stared straight at... Kim Taehyung with a mocking smirk.
Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung hardened his expression on the familiar face once he found himself staring at the mysterious dark pupils... and glanced at the alpha's buzz-cut hair to frown at the visible surgical scar over his scalp.The man carefully helped Jang Sora back onto her feet as she nervously gripped his silver mask between her freezing fingers.
The supreme alpha stood vulnerably... within death's embrace... engulfed by the cursed ashes of the... Silent Killer.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Third Person POV
The crowd of alphas remained shaken over the stair landing with their bewildered gazes on the allegedly dead alpha as he stood beside the supreme alpha, who was turning pale upon his shocking appearance. Kim Taehyung glanced at Sora's terrified face with a startled look. He averted his attention to the young alpha in dread once he realized... he wasn't the only one witnessing Jae Yangcha's presence."You bastard!-" Taehyung roared, abruptly jerking forward to storm down the stairs... but halted almost immediately when Jang Sora swiftly stepped between him and the alpha.Seokjin anxiously stared at the supreme alpha as she sternly stood her ground before Kim Taehyung's bewildered frown. Jang Sora suddenly took Yangcha's hand and tugged him down the stairs to steer the alpha away from the lurking predators, causing Kim Taehyung's eyes to widen in disbelief."Sora!" Taehyung called, racing down the stairs to chase after her. Yangcha gripped Sora's hand to secure her balance as they sprinted across the snowy garden, but the supreme alpha couldn't run far. Her high heels were stabbing the base of her feet and the chilly frost... stinging her bare shoulders as Kim Taehyung stormed after them with his dangerous darkness... amidst the swirling snowflakes.
Sora's POV
Thump! I gasped, stopping over the thick snow when Yangcha suddenly tumbled over the ground upon the blunt impact over his back. My eyes bulged open in horror once I spun around to find... Kim Taehyung... wrestling the alpha over the snow with his jaws clenched and rageful glower... nailed on the alpha.Yangcha grunted at the top alpha's aggressive outburst and tried to sit up, so Taehyung roughly shoved his shoulder down and struck Yangcha's face with his rock-hard fist. Smack. Yangcha's head flopped to the side at the blow to his lower lips as Taehyung tightened his grip around the alpha's collar to restrain him."Stop!-" I snapped, hastily grabbing Taehyung's forearm to prevent him from striking Yangcha again but Taehyung roughly shoved me aside, sending me toppling onto the ice sheet in my puffy gown."How dare you return before my face?! I'll make sure you die twice if one death isn't enough!" Taehyung roared, angrily thumping his fist over Yancgha's face repeatedly until blood streamed from the alpha's nostrils.My eyes widened in alarm upon the bloody brawl between the alphas as Yangcha remained helpless on the cold ground without resisting Kim Taehyung. Why isn't he defending himself?! I scrambled frantically over the cold snow on my hands and knees while struggling to stand in my slippery heels, fearfully flinging my body forward to grab Taehyung's shoulders."I said stop it!" I screamed, hastily shoving Taehyung off Yangcha, sending him tumbling to the side."Yah!- He's a fucking killer!" Taehyung bellowed, wildly turning to glare at me as I frantically drew Yangcha into a sitting position. The alpha was dazed out of his mind, so I tearfully glared at Taehyung's fuming red face as the snow poured heavily onto us. The chilly breeze... turning my sensitive skin bright red with its harsh frost."Touch him again, and I will fucking kill you!" I screeched, possessively gripping Yangcha's wounded face with a dark glower.Taehyung scoffed at my threats in disbelief as he sat on the snow... surrounded by the droplets of Jae Yangcha's blood. The crowd of alphas suddenly appeared in the garden, so I nervously hugged Yangcha's shuddering body to shield him from the society's prying stares. Yangcha grunted in pain, weakly shaking his head to recollect his scattered mind."Jang Sora! Why are you protecting that bastard!?-""I SAID BACK THE FUCK OFF!" I screamed, angrily shoving Taehyung backward when he tried to scramble toward Yangcha again. He slumped back onto the snow in utter shock, slightly widening his bewildered eyes to question my defensive reaction.No one dared to speak as we stood under the light snow. I'll get him to safety first, or the crowd will attack him. I grabbed Yangcha's hand and hurled him onto his feet, so Yangcha weakly stood up while holding onto my waist for support. Jungkook frowned at us from the crowd... just as Do-hwan appeared with a team of guards."This doesn't make any sense! How are you alive?!" Hoseok gasped in disbelief as he studied Yangcha's healthy physique."Restrain him!" Taehyung ordered, signaling the guards with an uptight frown. I quickly tugged the alpha behind my back and shifted my dangerous glare to Taehyung."Touch a strand of his hair, and I'll fucking break your fingers!" I snapped, causing the guards to halt at my command. The men glanced back and forth between me and Taehyung, who were clearly infuriated by my threat but... were in so much shock... he couldn't grasp the situation but stared at me with a dark frown. Do-hwan grimaced at the tense atmosphere, suddenly strolled forward to seize Yangcha's weak body, and dragged the alpha away."Sora!-""Dare to harm Jae Yangcha, and I'll make sure you suffer an agonizing death!" I seethed at Taehyung when he tried to stop me.Taehyung clenched his jaw intensely as he stood under the drifting snow until his eyes darkened at my determination... to protect a killer. I seethed in anger, dangerously shifting my gaze to the terrified crowd before turning in my gown to limp after Do-hwan, who was escorting Yangcha to the car. The crowd of alphas remained petrified over the snow after I unexpectedly cast my household's immunity over the infamous... Silent Killer.
A moment later.
Do-hwan carefully rested Yangcha's unconscious body onto my bed with an uptight frown as I instructed him. The man wouldn't tear his razor-sharp gaze from the injured alpha, so I quickly adjusted the room temperature to heat up the cold room. I slipped off my stabbing heels and kicked it aside. Clatter. The heels collided against the wall and dropped to the floor."Do not allow any visitors. Not even my parents-""Sora!" Do-hwan suddenly shouted at my face, causing me to halt at the man. I blinked at Do-hwan's strained veins over his forehead as he furiously fumed over me. The man was on the verge of exploding."Raise your voice at me again, and I'll-""Jae Yangcha will bring destruction to the household! This is absolute madness!-""I ONLY SURVIVED BECAUSE JAE YANGCHA SAVED ME! HE PERMITTED ME RETURN BEFORE THE HOUSEHOLD CRUMBLED SO I COULD DEFEND MY MOTHER IN THE COUNCIL! YOU FAILED TO RESCUE ME!- BUT IT WAS JAE YANGCHA- WHO- SAVED AND PROTECTED ME FROM THE BLACK PHOENIX! I WOULDN'T BE HERE IF IT WASN'T FOR HIM! AND HE'S THE REASON I EARNED MY RIGHTFUL SEAT IN THE COUNCIL!" I shrieked at Do-hwan in anger. The man pursed his lips in frustration and darted the alpha on my bed a murderous glare.Do-hwan scoffed in discontent and stormed out of my room- BANG. The man slammed my door shut to express his disappointment. I shakily panted at his rude behavior and clenched my fists in the muted room. No one will protect the killer! Not even my family! I quickly locked the door and turned towards Yangcha's unconscious body, anxiously biting my lower lips with a racing heart. How long do I have before the vicious alphas corner me and the killer?"Why did you show up?! I'm not ready to defend you!" I cried in frustration. I grunted and lowered my face to rub away my warm tears.
His appearance will initiate disorder within the council!

A moment later.
I sat with a blank mind as I gently dabbed the warm towel over Yangcha's lips to wipe the dried blood off his wounds and carefully treated the scratches on his face. I rubbed the cream over his split lips and bruised cheeks with my fingertip before pressing a small bandage on his forehead to seal a shallow cut. Sighing heavily, I straightened my back and sat in the muted room... dimly staring at his dark circles with a heavy heart.
Flashback
Third Person POVThe alpha grunted in difficulty as he carried the supreme alpha's dead weight over his shoulder while climbing the dim and stinky staircase until he landed on the fourth floor of a run-down apartment building. He unlocked the rusted door knob and stepped inside his dark flat in his soaked clothes after he battled the harsh rainstorm, merely escaping the Black Phoenix clutch with the supreme alpha.

Jae Yangcha carefully lowered Jang Sora onto an old mattress on the floor, causing her head to flop weakly to the side. He paused over her damp face while examining the bleeding wounds, and glanced at the friction burn around her vulnerable neck. The alpha shakily exhaled as he pulled off his soaked jacket, and rushed inside the bathroom to fill a bowl with water before returning to the mattress with a towel.He soaked the cloth, gently wiping the dirt and blood from her swollen face and arms... but halted once he noticed the clear water turning murky with just a single dip in the bowl. He pursed his lips and glanced at the supreme alphas, troubled by the filth covering her precious skin. A bowl of water isn't enough to scrub her body clean."I have to wash you," He sighed, pushing the bowl away. The alpha strode into his cramped bathroom and filled his yellowish tub with cold water. He hurried back out to slip his arms under Sora's limbs and lifted her lifeless body off the mattress. Yangcha cautiously settled the supreme alpha into the tub and quickly exited the bathroom again to boil the water in a kettle before hurrying back inside to find... Sora shivering in her sleep."It'll be a bit cold. Bear with me, noona," Yangcha whispered, crouching outside the tub to adjust her head against the tile as he positioned her in a sitting position. The alpha carefully reached into the tub to pull her damp and dirty sweater off her head, carefully unbuttoning her jeans and slipping the drenched garments off her slender legs.Jae Yangcha paused to stare at the dark bruises... over her fragile flesh with a slight frown. There was a palm-size bruise just below her ribcage, a few cuts over her hips, and a swollen ankle on her left foot. His chest stirred with an uncomfortable sensation as he stared at the supreme alpha's almost naked body. Yangcha felt a rush of anger boiling within his system as he thought of the brutal abuse she had to endure. He shouldn't have left her at the slaughterhouse for so long. Jae Yangcha didn't strip her naked and left her undergarments on for privacy reasons.He lowered the shower head to rinse the sticky dirt and blood off her body, quietly running his fingers over her face to rub the water from her nose and gently spraying the water at her cleavage to remove the debris. Yangcha rubbed the cheap soap bar against his palm before massaging the foam over her cold skin to disinfect the wounds, causing the supreme alpha to seethe in pain at the prickly stings.She grunted with her eyes closed. Yangcha halted in fear of hurting her. He patiently waited until she calmed down, gradually easing her slight frown, and relaxing her tense muscles again. He resumed his activities and sprayed the cold water over her red skin to wash off the soap. Yangcha switched off the shower head after ensuring she was clean and got up to grab a fresh towel. It took him over half an hour to completely clean her up.The rusted drainage... turning dark and murky as the water slowly... drained through the clogged sewer. He dabbed the soft towel over her wet flesh to dry her skin, lifted her body out of the tub, and walked out of the bathroom to place her almost bare body on his mattress again.The alpha got up to rummage through his messy wardrobe, eventually pulling out an oversized shirt and shorts. He kneeled beside the mattress again and glanced at the supreme alpha's plump cleavage intensely. He swallowed, shifting his eyes from her distracting breasts beneath the soaked bra, and carefully lifted her head to slip the loose T-shirt over her head, carefully pulling it down to cover her exposed torso. Yangcha slightly tilted Sora's body to the side, reached under the shirt and unclasped her bra. He then laid Sora on her back over the mattress, pulled the straps off her shoulders, and finally drew out the soaked undergarment from underneath the shirt.Yangcha placed the towel over her crotch to cover her lower body part and reached under the sheet to pull down her panties. He carefully slipped the thin fabric from her ankle before pulling his fresh shorts up to her hip bones. The alpha sighed and removed the towel from her crotch in exhaustion after changing her without exposing her private parts."Are you cold?" Yangcha spoke between his peeling lips as she weakly shuddered over the mattress.Her fingertips were wrinkled from the cold bath and her lips... turning blue after her system failed to regulate her body heat. Yangcha felt her burning forehead worriedly as she shivered beneath him. The alpha grabbed her wet bra and panties to put them away in the sink and strolled out to search through his drawers again. He drew out a worn-out sock from the messy pile and knelt at her feet to adjust the wool over her feet, finally spreading the blanket over her body to trap her remaining warmth.Jae Yangcha grabbed his first aid kit from the shelves and sat on the floor beside the mattress. He pushed Sora's sticky hair away from her face, exposing the injury on her neck and gently rubbed the smooth cream over the wound to cure it. He treated the tiny scratches on her face and lifted her shirt to expose her bruised stomach. The alpha placed an ice pack on the purple bruise... and worked his way downward to bandage the cuts on her thighs and shins. Finally, Yangcha ripped one of his shirts apart to wrap the fabric around Sora's dislocated ankle. He tightly tied the cloth to secure her feet and got up to place the kit away.The alpha deeply exhaled after mending the damages inflicted on her body and entered the bathroom to shower, eventually stepping out in fresh clothes. He turned off the boiling kettle over the small stove and poured the water into a mug with cool water.Yangcha sighed heavily every few minutes to ease the stuffiness within his chest, finally sitting down beside the supreme alpha's lifeless body as she calmly breathed under the thin blanket. Jang Sora wasn't shivering anymore and blood had returned to her face as the soothing warmth nurtured her vulnerable body. She softly stirred in her sleep and turned to the side, so Yangcha grabbed the fallen ice pack to place it on her swollen ankle.The alpha grabbed two painkillers, crushed the tablets with a spoon, and mixed it with a tablespoon of water. He crawled over Sora's body to lift her head upward, forcing her to gulp the liquid painkiller with her head tilted against his chest. The supreme alpha coughed in discomfort while grunting in her sleep as she struggled to swallow the bitter substance.Yangcha wiped her lips dry and rested her back on the pillow. The alpha inhaled in relief after he cared for the supreme alpha, slowly lowering his aching body to lie on the cold floor beside the mattress. He turned on his side with his forearm tucked under his head to stare at Sora's injured wrists without blinking in the dark room._________________________
Sora's POV
My eyelids suddenly flung open at the abrupt awakening, expecting to be blinded by the natural bright light. However, I couldn't see anything... but the darkness beyond my gaze. Am I dead? I didn't dare budge and remained on my back until my pupils adjusted to the absolute darkness... and I found myself... sleeping in a pitch-dark room. I blinked at the moldy ceiling above me and drifted my gaze after the traces of water leakage. Thump. Thump. I heard something pounding against the wall but didn't dare move... fearfully averting my eyeballs from side to side to scan the unfamiliar space with a restless feeling. I sniffed the foul air with a baffled mind.
It smells like... damp clothes.
My body didn't ache anymore... and I somehow felt really comfortable under the thin sheet. After ensuring I was alone, I raised my wrists above my face in darkness to examine the metallic cuff. There were cotton bandages beneath the cuff to protect my injury from the friction. Where am I? I rubbed the bandage around my neck and slowly pushed my body off the mattress until I noticed the warm teddy bear socks on my feet.There was a bandage over my left knee and on my right shin. My left ankle was securely wrapped with a torn cloth. Creak. I sat stiffly in place as the door slid open, and a man came strolling inside the dark room. He didn't seem to notice me as he placed a bag down on the floor and turned to pour himself a cup of water. The man exhaled heavily after gulping the water by the drawer with his back turned on me. I sat stiffly with my intense gaze on the person until he turned in my direction. He abruptly halted once he found me... staring at him from the mattress without blinking.

I couldn't tear my eyes off his face but stared at his familiar facial structure in absolute silence. How is it possible? Jae Yangcha died. He's brain-dead. I blinked to recall the rainy night. He saved me. I saw Yangcha's face that night and fainted out of shock. He's not a dream. But a reality that I can't seem to grasp. The dead shouldn't wander the living realm, so why is he here? Yangcha stood stiff in place as he stared at my pale expression, waiting for me to react, but I couldn't move my paralyzed body, so I blinked a few times to ensure I was awake."Am I dead?" I asked, finally speaking to break the tension within the room. Maybe he's haunting me? Or maybe... I'm dead too? That's why I can see him? Yangcha swallowed and slowly knelt down to sit on the floor beside the mattress. He didn't dare touch me because he was afraid I'd panic and scream out of fear. I'm not frightened of him. Just... confused by his existence. Isn't he buried deep in his grave? I saw his corpse."Does your wound hurt?" He asked, nodding at my neck. I pursed my lips. He can speak. What the hell...? Seokjin claimed... Yangcha passed away."How... are you alive...?" I asked while searching his dim eyes.
Yangcha's youthful face chubs were gone, replaced by gaunt cheekbones. It's as if... he's starving himself.

His once youthful and pale skin... was darkly tanned. It's as if... the sun's heat had burnt his precious skin. There were light freckles over his cheeks.

His hair... wild and messy... unlike his usually groomed soft strands.
I studied the visible dark circles under his eyes and glanced at his peeling lips. He looks... ill. Yangcha didn't look like the dead corpse I saw at his gravesite.
He looked... extremely... worn out.
Yangcha didn't answer my question regarding his baffling existence and got up to switch on the lights, so I squinted at the bright light, slightly lowering my face to avoid the blinding gleam. He calmly picked up the plastic bag, placed it on the stove, and made instant noodles for me as I sat motionless on the mattress, too afraid to shift my gaze away from his presence.The alpha eventually settled a steaming pot on the floor after about twenty minutes, carefully separating the soggy strands into a plate. I sat in silence to inhale the savory scent but didn't dare avert my eyes away from the alpha. He was so... scruffy... it appeared as if he was homeless on the street."You should eat," He muttered, lifting the noodle with the chopstick to my lips, but I refused to let him feed me and stared at him in utter silence. Yangcha paused at my stubbornness with a slight frown and sighed, lowering the chopstick back into the bowl after failing to make me digest the cheap ramen.

"I don't want to eat," I muttered, quickly laying back down."Noona. You've been unconscious for three days," He exhaled. It's his voice. It's definitely Jae Yangcha. This doesn't make any sense!I closed my eyes and turned to sleep on my side, facing the wall with my cuffed wrists tucked beneath the side of my face. I heard Yangcha sighing at my dismissal, but he didn't press me and quietly ate the noodles in silence. I wanted to get up and leave the place, but I knew... he'd never let me escape. The only way to deal with the silent killer is to remain calm because he feeds on fear.I lifted my head off the pillow after briefly falling asleep. Is he asleep...? The room is dark again. I carefully rolled over the mattress and glanced to the side... expecting him to be asleep... but instead... I found Yangcha lying on the cold and hard floor with his arm tucked under his head. My heart thumped in a panic once I realized he was staring unblinkingly at me on his side. He looks like a possessed person with the blank and vacant gaze. He didn't speak and stared at me in the darkness, so I gulped and awkwardly turned away to stare at the stained wall again.
Fuck. He's creepy.
I dozed off after remaining stiff on the uncomfortable mattress until Yangcha left the apartment early in the morning, so I quickly sat up in bewilderment. Should I leave? Or should I call Do-hwan? I hastily got up from the mattress with my cuffed wrists and tried to open the door, but it was locked. Right... It's not that easy to escape.Sighing heavily, I turned to stare at the small window, strolled over to it, and tugged the curtain aside. Where am I...? I halted once I found myself staring at the brick wall of the opposite alley. I glanced down the building to find... Yangcha strolling down the small street with a gray hood over his head. The window is sealed with a lock. I slumped on the floor to stare at the messy room with a slight grimace. I'm definitely not in Seoul.Should I scream for help? The unknown men might find me again. I scanned the room with a dim expression. What's bothering me the most is... why... is Jae Yangcha alive? I might not know how he's walking freely instead of rotting in his casket... but I must stay composed until I figure out a way out of this place.
Fast Forward

Days and nights passed by... and Yangcha would return home late at night and leave early in the morning. He'd attempt to feed me the soggy ramen every day, but I refused and only drank water until I was too weak to move on the mattress.
"No-""Noona! You have to eat! Stop starving yourself!" Yangcha roared at my face. He suddenly grabbed my cheeks to stuff the ramen inside my mouth, so I whimpered and leaned against the wall in tears as he forcefully fed me."Don't touch me" I snapped, shoving him away. CLATTER. The plastic bowl violently collided against the wall... causing the ramen to spill all over the floor.I pursed my lips in fright as Yangcha shifted his dark gaze to the mess and glanced back at me with his dangerous pupils. The alpha slowly picked up the remaining ramen inside the bowl and turned toward me again as I cowered in the corner of the room. He grabbed my cheeks, roughly shoved the ramen inside my mouth, and covered my lips to make me swallow it. I stared at him in tears and chewed the food until I finished the bowl because I was too afraid... of upsetting him again.Yangcha huffed and got up to shower in the room after feeding me. I glanced at the scissors on the cabinet and quickly scrambled for it. The alpha suddenly stepped out of the bathroom in his shorts without his shirt on, so I quickly crawled back to the mattress, slipped the scissors under the blanket, and fired him a sharp glare. Yangcha sighed at my resentful expression but didn't confront me and turned to pull a shirt over his muscular torso. I huffed in discontent while glaring at the plain wall.He stayed up to watch the outdated television and finally went to bed after a while, so I gripped the scissors under my sheet with my dark gaze glued to the wall, waiting for the opportunity to attack him. Should I fight my way out of the room? I can't stay like this! The room is suffocating me!Sniffles. I blinked out of my thoughts. Sniffles.Yangcha made a strange sound, so I slowly lifted my head off the pillow to find him... sitting in the corner of the room with his face pressed against his knees. I sat up on the mattress with a slight frown. The alpha cried in silence with his arms wrapped around his knees. Why is he crying?My tight grip gradually relaxed around the scissors as I watched him sulk in the corner of the room and glanced down at the scissors blade with a conflicted grimace. He didn't hurt an inch of my hair. How can... do this to him? I pursed my lips and laid back down with the scissors. He eventually stopped crying after ten minutes and got up to use the bathroom... so I deeply exhaled and laid still with a blank stare at the moldy ceiling. Sora... maybe you should talk to him? You have to return home.Thump. I heard a soft thump from the bathroom... as if something heavy dropped to the floor. The room suddenly grew hushed as I listened to the running faucet from behind the bathroom door. Shaaaaa~! The water kept running for over ten minutes... and there was still no movement. I frowned and sat up on the mattress in the dark.... until I noticed water seeping frown under the bathroom door."Y-Yangcha?" I called in a small voice, unsurely crawling over the mattress to stare at the leaking water. He didn't respond, so I halted to wait for another few minutes. The room started flooding the longer I waited... and my heart started pounding in fear. I quickly got up from the mattress, stepped over the cold water on the floor and tried to open the door, but it was locked."Yangcha?!" I snapped, thumping my fist on the door. He didn't answer my call."Shit!" I cursed, trying to force my way through the door."Yangcha! What's wrong?!" I screamed, angrily kicking the door with all my might, but the door wouldn't budge. I gritted my teeth and took a few steps backward with my fists clenched."ARGH!" I screamed, sprinting toward the door- BANG! I slammed into the plastic door with my right shoulder. The rough impact... sending me tumbling into the bathroom. THUD! I groaned in shock after slipping over the slippery tiles and colliding into the tub- but my eyes immediately widened in horror at the sight of Jae Yangcha... lying unconscious on the dirty floor."Yah!?- What's the matter with you?! Yah!" I snapped, grabbing his pale face to slap his cheek, but he remained unresponsive. I pursed my lips and lifted my face to the overflowing faucet over the sink. I cursed under my breath, switched off the running water, and stumbled out of the bathroom to search his drawers until I found a small key.I quickly fit the key into the lock to uncuff my wrists before rushing towards the door to unlock it with the key I seized from his jeans pocket. I have to leave! This is my only chance! I should contact Do-hwan and- I quickly scurried down the dark corridor and bolted down the staircase... but halted abruptly without an explanation.My mind suddenly turned blank. Something made me stop. So I stared at the dark staircase with an uneasy feeling. I gripped the railing as I stood on the stairs with a blank face.Sora... You should leave. The dead... should remain dead. I slowly turned around to purse my lips at the dim floor above in dread. It's either I leave now... or never. What if he traps me forever?I glanced back down the dark staircase... leading to my ultimate freedom.Sighing heavily... I skipped down the stairs to flee the building after Jae Yangcha collapsed.
A moment later
Third Person POVJae Yangcha's eyelids suddenly swung open. His sensitive pupils... harshly greeted by the bright light beam over his head, causing the alpha to squint his sore eyes in discomfort. He froze on the bed.... as he listened to the hushed chatters around him and glanced to the side to find a nurse... adjusting his IV drip by his side. The alpha jerked into a sitting position in horror."Sir-""What am I doing here?!-""Sir! Please stay calm-""Where is she!? Noona!?- No- No- No!" Yangcha shoved the nurse aside when she tried to calm him. He snatched the needle out of his veins and frantically scrambled out of the bed, causing the other patients to stare at him with a startled look."Sir! Please remain calm! You're not well-""Noona! You can't betray me! Noona!- Where is she?!-" Yangcha screeched in distress as he ran barefoot through the corridor in his medical attire. The nurse gasped in shock while chasing him through the corridor as the alpha frantically raced away with his eyes bulging open.

"Sir?!" A doctor shrieked when Yangcha suddenly wobbled to the side and collapsed weakly onto the bench. The alpha grunted in pain and tried to get back up with the doctor's assistance. His head... spinning like a whirlpool."Don't touch me!-" Yangcha grimaced, furiously fighting his dizzy mind as he shrugged the doctor's arm off his shoulder- but abruptly halted once he looked up to find... Jang Sora... standing in the corridor with a box of apple juice in her hand. The supreme alpha stared at the pale alpha with a startled expression as the nurse helped him back onto his feet. Yangcha kept his tearful gaze on her without blinking while struggling to catch his breath.
He thought she left him.

Sora's POV
"Thank you," I smiled at the nurse. She assured me of the situation, so I sighed and returned to sit by Yangcha's bed. He intensely stared at me as he sat on the bed with the IV drip hooked to his wrist. Yangcha didn't speak and lowered his gaze to the apple juice in his hand. The doctor and the nurse had to escort him back to his bed after he tried to run away."Mild malnutrition. You haven't been eating the right food," I muttered, bitterly staring at Yangcha's somber expression. Yangcha chewed his inner lips, finally lifting his restless eyes to meet mine.

"Why didn't you run from me?" He asked, skeptically frowning at my decision to remain by his side. I didn't leave the building to flee... I went to get help because I couldn't carry him alone. Yangcha is much bigger and heavier than me, so I asked the neighbors to call the ambulance."It wouldn't make sense for me to leave you in a flooded bathroom after you saved me from death," I answered. Yangcha unsurely gripped the apple juice."I don't have the money-""Don't worry. I covered the medical bill. I left earlier to sell my bracelet at a pawn shop. The man gave me 300,000 won," I smiled, showing him the remaining cash in my hand. I paid the bills at the front desk and decided to grab an apple juice from the vending machine until I found him racing through the corridor with the nurse."Your bracelet is worth two million won," He grimaced. I chuckled and patted his hand to assure him. Yangcha frowned at my gentle strokes. He's... startled by the comfort I was offering."I couldn't bargain with the man because I needed to hurry back. I was afraid the hospital would reject your treatment," I shrugged.
Yangcha didn't seem as strained anymore after we chatted in the hushed room. The doctor requested that he stay at the hospital overnight, and we finally left the building with a package of prescribed pills in the morning. Yangcha led me back to his apartment building in an isolated area. Well... the rent is probably cheaper here.
"Are you hungry?" He asked after locking the door."We're in Daegu?" I asked, lifting my wrists toward him."Wae?" He glanced at my wrists unsurely."Aren't you going to cuff me?" I asked, willingly raising my wrists. Yangcha pursed his lips and glanced at the flooding room with a slight grimace. The mattress, the drawers, and even the television were soaked."I didn't want to cuff you due to your injuries, but I was afraid you'd leave my side. You didn't leave me last night, so I won't restrain you. Noona, please just... let me speak first. You know I won't hurt you," Yangcha gently pushed my hands downward. I stared at him sadly and glanced at the flooded room.
A moment later
"Yah!!?- You're really annoying! It will cost so much to repair the room! The rooms below are complaining because of the leakage!" The landlord complained as she checked the flooded room in disbelief."I'm sorry- I promise I'll pay you back-""You owe me the rent fee for over three months now!" She snapped at Yangcha. He briefly glanced at me with an embarrassed look as the landlord cursed in disbelief."Uh- will this... compensate for the damage? It's a top-grade flawless clarity diamond imported from Russia," I quickly took off my necklace to show the woman. She dimmed her eyes at the sparkly pendant and glanced at Yangcha's pale expression."Noona- No- I'll handle-""You're such a nuisance!" The woman snatched the necklace from my grip and strolled out of the room. Yangcha tried to stop her from leaving with my necklace, but I grabbed his hand and gently pulled him back."Noona- The necklace-""It's fine. You shouldn't live in this environment anyway. The walls are moldy, there's no airflow through the window and the water is dirty. You'll never recover if you keep living in this condition," I shook my head. Yangcha apologetically stared at me, so I sighed and glanced at the mess in the room.
Everything is wet and damaged. He can't live here or he'll suffocate to death.

A moment later.
Beep. I pushed the door open and strolled inside the vacant place as Yangcha followed me with a cardboard box full of his belongings. I asked him to pack his essential items. The alpha blinked at the spacious apartment with his mouth half open as I switched on the lights and pushed the blinds aside to let the lights into the room.

"Do you own this place?" Yangcha asked, carefully settling the box on the coffee table."Eomma got it for me while I was working at the orphanage. No one will find us here," I answered. Yangcha nodded with his mouth ajar and sat down on the comfortable couch with a weak smile."Why are you so good to me? Everyone wants me dead," Yangcha chased his gaze after me as I adjusted the air conditioner on the screen."You never hurt me. Why should I hate you? It's not like society is any better than you. We've all got blood on our hands," I shrugged, walking towards Yangcha. I used to think of him as a child, but he's all grown up now. He's a man.

"What's this?" Yangcha asked, shifting his startled eyes to me as I handed him the key card."You can use this apartment. It's yours," I pushed the key card into Yangcha's palm. The alpha pursed his lips and glanced at me with a slight pout. He's still cute... but he's a dangerous player. I ruffled his wild hair and turned to check the bedroom.
I should be fine... as long as I don't provoke him.

A few days later.
"Does it hurt?" I paused as Yangcha flinched before the mirror."No. My scalp is a bit sensitive... especially the scar," Yangcha shook his head.I lowered the electric razor to his hair and gently trimmed off his tangled hair strands. Yangcha claimed he's been using cheap body soap to wash his hair because he didn't have money to buy shampoo. A handful of his hair fluttered to the bathroom floor as I gently slid the razor over his head. Yangcha sat shirtless before the mirror, so I briefly smiled at him and finally turned off the razor."Do you like it?" I asked while staring at the visible scar on the side of his left scalp."I feel lighter," He chuckled at his buzz-cut hair. I didn't shave his head all the way down to its root. He asked me to leave about a centimeter of his hair so he wouldn't feel too bald. I dusted the scattered hair strands off his shoulders with a towel and left the bathroom, leaving Yangcha to clean up the mess.
Why didn't I contact my parents, and why didn't I leave?

Yangcha asked me to stay by his side until he was ready to speak with me. I'm afraid society will kill him if they uncover his existence, so I agreed to stay by his side. Besides, he might get upset and slaughter people again if I run away without his knowledge. He's not a person I should underestimate, not after I watched him defeat Taehyung in a fight.
"Seokjin knows I'm alive," Yangcha muttered. I stopped chewing the rice in my mouth and lifted my eyes to stare at him with a startled expression."What?" I asked while blinking at the alpha. Yangcha rubbed his buzz-cut hair nervously."Seokjin freed me so he could accuse Kim Taehyung of murder," Yangcha replied. I scoffed in disbelief. Seokjin knew this entire time...?"But why-""Well... I threatened him... with his confiscated contracts. Seokjin didn't dare defy me because he was afraid I'd destroy the evidence of his contract," Yangcha dimmed his eyes."Does he know your whereabouts-""Of course not. I disappeared and never contacted him again. Kim Seokjin knows I'll someday return to you so... that's the reason... he's staying close to you... because he thinks I handed his contracts to you. He's after you for his power," Yangcha sighed.
Seokjin faked Yangcha's medical records to announce him as brain dead to accuse Taehyung of murder...? We all had a rough time with the murder trial... over Jae Yangcha's death. But it was Seokjin's scheme to break our households? But Taehyung got lucky and won the trial? So Seokjin had to back down? He knew... Yangcha would never leave my side... so he kept following me around. All those times... he was stalking me... did he hope to catch me with Yangcha?
"What about the unknown people...? How did you convince them to trade for me?" I asked, bitterly changing the topic. Yangcha chuckled softly."I told you my parents were obsessed with your households. I dug into my parent's confidential files and... apparently... they were searching for Park Jihyung's heir. Many witnesses... claimed the first lady was pregnant although they were unsure... if she successfully gave birth or not. I dug into their past dirt and found out... There is in fact... a cult run by Bogum's uncle to oppose the alphas. They call themselves the Black Phoenix. The cult planned on attacking you... so I captured the heir ahead of time to secure my bargaining power. Just in case... they hurt you. They did... so I offered to trade the heir for you," Yangcha shrugged. I stared at the alpha in disbelief.

"Park Bogum?" I frowned. My boss...?"Yup. I kidnapped your boss," He nodded. My heart sank. What the heck?! So the man... who took Bogum that night from the hospital was Yangcha!? And he's been torturing Bogum since?!"Did you torture him-""No. I fed the heir and kept him locked up at an abandoned farm. I only beat him up after the Black Phoenix live-streamed your torture," Yangcha confessed. I stared at the alpha with a disturbed feeling. And I suddenly didn't want to eat anymore.This is... too much. I'm overwhelmed. Yangcha unsurely glanced at me as I grabbed the beer can to chug it. I thirstily swallowed the liquor and tossed the can away before popping open another one to fill my system... until my mind grew numb.

The alpha stopped speaking after I grew a bit tipsy, so I poked the leftover food on the table with my chopsticks while staring at the soggy fries without blinking. Yangcha sighed at my somber mood and got up to clear the table as I sat blankly in the living room. Exhaling heavily, I leaned over the table to rest my head on my arms.What should I do? I thought Seokjin genuinely cared about me, but it was his primary motive to retrieve his power because he knew Yangcha was faithful to me? Does he really like me... or is this all just another power game? Seokjin claimed he didn't want to hurt me... but he released Yangcha and accused Taehyung of murder to break the Kims, knowing Kim Taehyung's defeat would also destroy my household. Yangcha did the dishes and left to shower in the bathroom."I got something for you on my way from work," Yangcha placed a paper bag on the couch. I lifted my flushed face off the coffee table in surprise."You barely made any money. Why did you buy me a gift?" I mumbled while opening the bag to find a neatly folded silk."You usually wear silk gowns because your skin is easily irritated. I noticed you scratching your back, so I figured I should get a piece for you," Yangcha muttered. I pulled the golden silk out with my lips pursed. He's so thoughtful. The alpha eagerly stared at me as I rubbed my thumb over the thin fabric."Thank you for the gown," I smiled. Yangcha's eyes flashed brightly at my approving smile. He's cute. I got up from the table and left to shower in the bathroom. I finally pulled on the new gown but halted in the mirror once I noticed something... strange... about the grown."Is it comfortable?" Yangcha asked as I strolled out of the bedroom to find him sitting in the living room. The alpha is watching a movie. He turned off the lights... so the apartment is flickering brightly with the colorful beams from the screen."I think you bought the wrong gown," I chuckled, walking up to the alpha in the loose fabric. It's not the best quality silk... but it's pretty comfortable."Oh?- ""This is a maternity gown for pregnant women," I drunkenly laughed. Yangcha's face flustered in embarrassment after I showed him the loose belly part."I should refund it-""It's fine. I like it. Don't bother," I giggled, slumping on the couch beside Yangcha. It's the thought that counts. The alpha didn't live with me for long, but he remembered my needs and went as far as doing... everything in his power to make me feel comfortable. Yangcha glanced at the gown on my body with a weak smile, so I exhaled and glanced at the movie on the screen.We grew hushed within the cold and dark room.Yangcha kept peeking at me from the side, so I hugged my knees and turned my face to meet his curious gaze. Does he have something to say? The alpha jerked in a panic and glanced at the screen with a flustered face after getting caught peeping at me. Smiling, I examined his buzz-cut hair and glanced at his defined jawline.
He grew up well. If only... he wasn't involved with the murder case... Yangcha would probably be a popular alpha with his handsome visuals. Just like Jeon Jungkook. He appeared very scruffy when we first met because of his wild hair and dark eye bags... but he looks much better now after visiting the hospital and receiving proper treatments. The alpha is still tan but his skin seems healthier now.

I'm actually relieved... that he's alive.

He's too young... to die early.

A person should be given another chance to restart their life.
"It tickles..." Yangcha muttered, turning to stare at me as I softly traced my fingertip over the surgical scar on the side of his head."Did it hurt?" I asked curiously. Yangcha touched his scar and glanced at me again."Yeah. It hurt a lot, but it's alright now," He nodded."Noona... really thought... you died. I felt very sorry, but there was nothing I could do. After all, you got into all the trouble because I... couldn't handle my own affairs," I muttered with my tilted head rested on my knees. Yangcha quietly stared at my face as the TV lights flickered before us."I'll do anything for you. Noona, even if I die... I'll die to serve you. I don't have a reason to live anymore... not without my power or parents, but I won't waste my life either. That's why I chose to live a miserable life... waiting for an opportunity to cushion your fall whenever you need me. Only... then can I be at peace," Yangcha smiled. I lowered my hand from his scar and smiled weakly at him. The alpha didn't blink and stared fondly at me.
Jae Yangcha wasn't born a killer. He kills... because he's determined to satisfy me. He believes his life holds no purpose aside from... devoting his loyalty and obsession to me. So he's willing to drench himself in blood... as long as... It keeps me clean and pure.

He's a soul that can easily be exploited because he'd do anything... in the name of love.
"You're the only... person... in my life... to prove to me... that... I deserve to be loved. I often thought about your words after your passing. You weren't wrong. Why did I submit to people who don't care about my well-being? Why is it that I don't prioritize myself? It's exhausting. Why is it that I seek comfort in men... who couldn't treat me right? Did I hope they'd change for me? They'll never change. And I was a fool for lying to myself and desperately defending their hurtful actions... confusing it... as a form of affection," I sighed. Yangcha studied my face with his lips pursed."Even during your darkest times... Please remember you'll forever be the person I love. You just have to call for me... and I'll be your shadow... following you everywhere you go because noona... a shadow can only exist with the presence of the light and that's you," Yangcha sadly smiled. I chuckled at his sweet words."You're a certified womanizer," I teased. Yangcha smiled, briefly glancing at the television screen until his cheeks turned rosy red. He turned back to meet my eyes, so I smiled and raised my eyebrow when he wouldn't look away.Yangcha suddenly leaned forward, and before I could process the situation... I felt his lips on mine. I sucked in my breath at his tender stroke. Smooch. I unconsciously gripped the cushion... at the presence of his soft pants on my face. The alpha slowly pulled away and opened his eyes to search my startled expression. We didn't speak and stared at each other in the dim room.He suddenly got up from the couch with a flustered face and strolled away to sleep in the bedroom, leaving me dumbfounded before the screen. I pressed my lips together and glanced at the opened bedroom door. He kissed... me?I glanced at the movie on the screen with a blank stare, but no thoughts crossed my mind. I couldn't move or speak, so I remained stiff in place as the actors on screen argued with each other. The movie eventually ended after I zoned out on the couch. I eventually switched off the screen and left to sleep in my room.It was a one-bedroom apartment, so I had to share the bed with Yangcha. He never really touched me inappropriately and would sleep on his side of the bed. I slowly slipped under the blanket beside him as he slept with his back turned on me. Is he alright? Why did he suddenly leave like that? I exhaled, turned the opposite way and closed my eyes until I fell into a deep sleep.
I shouldn't think too deeply about it. Yangcha has always been open with his feelings, and I'm not surprised. He probably couldn't hold back and did it without thinking.
Yangcha left the apartment early the next morning to avoid me after the incident between us the night before. And I was left alone with nothing to do at the apartment. I'd briefly leave the apartment to buy fresh ingredients and return home instantly because I was afraid of being recognized.
Should I return to Seoul? It's been almost two months. My parents must be worried about me.

Should I give Do-hwan a call? The guards will barge inside the apartment... and Yangcha won't have any place to reside at.
I anxiously paced back and forth in the apartment to contemplate my thoughts. Should I leave him here? I'm sure he'll come to me when he needs me.
Should I leave a note?
I restlessly stared at the warm meals on the table after I cooked them for him. Should I eat the meal with him and leave afterward? What do I do...? I glanced at the ticking clock on the wall. 8:00 PM. He's late today... Did he wait for me to fall asleep? Yangcha asked me not to leave his side without informing him, but I felt restless. The society is probably tearing my household apart without my presence. I should return."Fuck..." I jerked awake from the couch after accidentally falling asleep while waiting for him. I stretched my arms and glanced at the cold meals on the table. 11:20 PM. He's not home? I chewed my fingers anxiously as I thought about my decision. Eomma can't handle the council without an heir.
And so... I made my decision to leave the apartment. I'm afraid... I won't be able to depart once I see Yangcha again. The sadness in his eyes... will soften me.

Jae Yangcha rescued me out of pure determination to ensure my survival.
I switched off the apartment lights, closed the door, and strolled down the stairs with nothing on me but a few cash notes in my pocket. I'll take the night bus to Seoul.Sighing deeply, I exited the building into the empty street and walked down the sidewalk with my hands in my pocket. It's best if I return now. I'm uncertain... if Yangcha will remain composed forever. He might get upset if I insist on leaving, and he might restrain me again... so this is the safest method. I'll leave the apartment for him... so he'd at least... have a roof over his head. I strolled towards the main streets to search for a taxi and turned down the block until I spotted Yangcha chatting with a store owner on the side of the road. I quickly dodged to hide behind the tree as he chuckled at the woman."Aigo~! You shouldn't eat expired food! It's not good for your health!" The woman smacked Yangcha's back."The food isn't spoiled yet! Thank you!" He bowed at her with a gimbap roll clutched in his hand. The woman shook her head and turned to close her shop as Yangcha strolled in my direction with the half-eaten gimbap in his hand."Oh! You cutie~! Are you hungry?" The alpha suddenly halted once he spotted a stray cat sitting on the side of the store. I uneasily peeked at Yangcha as he crouched over the black cat. He glanced at his gimbap with a slight pout."I'm full. You can have it," Yangcha smiled, carefully placing the gimbap roll down for the cat while chewing on one side of his mouth. The cat meowed adorably at the alpha and lowered its head to bite the food, so Yangcha chuckled and stroked the cat's head. I pursed my lips and slowly... stepped out of the tree to observe his gentle nature.

He's a kind soul. What went wrong? Perhaps... it's the corrupted society?

Jae Yangcha was always... a tender-hearted human being until... he was attacked by the killer. He lost his family in a split second. And was left alone to wander within the darkness of the cruel society.

They wanted to slaughter the orphan for his power.

The society didn't care about his well-being. It was their intention to kill the weaklings. Maybe... Yangcha didn't have a choice?

It's either he kills to survive... or they kill him for his power.
"Oh?- Noona! What are you doing out here at this time?!" Yangcha gasped once he noticed me standing at the end of the block. I didn't blink as the alpha stood up and jogged toward me with a bag in his hand. I blinked out of my thoughts and averted my gaze to study the bright beam on his face. His dimples... It's back."H-Huh- I was just- you were late, so I thought I should wait for you here!" I stuttered, making up an excuse to avoid being suspected. Shit."It's not safe! The Black Phoenix might capture you again! Don't worry about me! Oh- I got you sweet tangerines from the market!" Yangcha cutely nudged my shoulder and lifted the tangerine bag to show me. I nodded stiffly and ended up... following him back to my apartment. Maybe... I should tell him... the truth. Yangcha quickly took a bath and happily returned to eat the warm meal after I microwaved it for him."You shouldn't eat expired food. You'll fall sick again," I sighed. Yangcha softly hummed as he peeled the tangerine and placed it before me."It's alright! Expired food is free and the secret is... It's not actually expired yet! I've been eating it every day!" He beamed. I sadly stared at the bright sparkles in his eyes. The good soul... It's still in him. Yangcha... Is this your mask? Do you put on a show in front of me... just so you could lighten my mood...? He cluelessly smiled and lowered his head to slurp the warm soup. I glanced at the tangerine in front of me."You should cook proper meals," I shook my head."Noona... What's wrong? Are you sick? Why aren't you eating???" Yangcha asked, curiously staring at me from across the table. I gripped my fingers under the table as I bit my lower lips."I think it's time for me to return...," I pursed my lips. The lights in his eyes immediately dimmed as he sat, unblinkingly staring at me."You want to leave?" He asked. Yangcha tightened his grip on the spoon."What do you need from me? I'll give it to you once I return to Seoul. Oh? You saved me so-""I only wanted to ensure your safety. Did you really think I saved you because I needed something from you?" Yangcha fired me with a hurtful expression, causing my chest to ache in discomfort."I can't stay here forever. I didn't want to leave without a proper goodbye, so-""So you made the last meal for me? So you waited for me on the street for the last time? So you walked me back home for the last time...? Is it your way of saying goodbye?" Yangcha asked, keeping his stern stare on my face until warm tears filled his torn eyes. I opened my mouth to speak, but he scoffed, hastily leaped from the table, and stormed away. I gripped my hand as Yangcha stormed into the bedroom and slammed the door shut. Bang.
Fuck. I knew he'd get upset.
I sighed in defeat at the ongoing conflict within my head and closed my eyes to recollect my thoughts. Of course, he'll have attachment issues. He has no one left... aside from me.I collected the leftover meals to place them in the fridge and did the dishes before opening the door to enter my dark room. Yangcha was sniffling on the bed... but he wasn't lying on the mattress. The alpha sat against the headboard with his face hung low. I pursed my lips and carefully closed the door. Sighing heavily, I rounded the bed to sit beside him in the silk gown he bought the other day."Yangcha... don't be like this..." I whispered, gently reaching out to wipe his tears, but he slightly turned his face away to avoid my touch. I halted with a dark frown and lowered my hand to hold his warm fingers instead."You left the apartment this evening- to leave me? You should've left without telling me," Yangcha muttered hoarsely. I gently rubbed his knuckles and lowered my face to catch his eyes."But I didn't. I came back with you because... I didn't want you to think I was abandoning you. Just because I'm leaving doesn't mean... we can't see each other again," I sighed. Yangcha clenched his jaw and lifted his burning face with his eyebrows furrowed. I suddenly felt really sorry... at the sight of his dripping tear streams."How am I supposed to see you when everyone... wants me dead?" He mumbled. I sighed, closed my eyes, and leaned over to pull him into a comforting hug. He didn't resist and let me hold him."I'll protect you. I promise... but I can't do that right now. I need to attain power in the council to fully grant you security," I sighed while patting his back. Yangcha stopped sniffling and buried his face against my shoulder, calmly breathing against me, so I rubbed his lower back to console his hurting soul. The last thing I need is to make him my enemy. I can't turn him into a monster again.
After all, monsters aren't born... they're made by the ruthless society.
"I don't want to live like this anymore... I miss my parents. I miss you. I hate it... living in the dark. No one will accept me... How am I supposed to live like this? I feel like I'm sinking into a deep abyss. I should be dead- but here I am... suffering endlessly in the dark shadows. I feel helpless without you because what's the purpose of my life if it's not to serve you?" He sobbed, shakily gripping my shoulder. My heart thumped painfully, so I pulled away to cup his cheeks. He blinked at me with a slight pout."You told me... I'll always have a person... who will love me unconditionally even during my darkest times, right? Well. You have to remember... I'll always be the light in your life. Wherever you go... I'll always illuminate your path so you won't feel scared in the darkness. Okay...?" I sighed while rubbing his firm cheeks to comfort him.Yangcha pursed his trembling lips as he stared at me with a torn expression, suddenly clutching my face and tugged me forward. What the hell?- I gripped his shirt in shock as he firmly pressed his lips against mine. He didn't pull away. The alpha tilted his face to fit his nose beside mine and parted his lips... startling me with his unexpected invitation."Yangcha-""I love you- Noona- I love you so much-" Yangcha shakily whispered against my lips with a difficult frown. I took a shaky exhale... but before I could respond to his desperate call... he leaned forward again to suffocate me with his lips. I gripped his muscular shoulder as he ran his fingers through my hair.
My heart started racing out of control as he slipped his arms around my waist... pulling me forward... closer and closer to him.
Although I was hesitant at first... my body... gradually surrendered to his love strokes. I eased my muscles and circled my arms around his neck as he deeply kissed me. Yangcha inserted his tongue into my mouth after ensuring I was comfortable, so I panted and slightly leaned backward to catch my breath, but he pulled me right back in, muffling me with his steady rhythm.I finally gave in to his desperation and let my heated body guide my clouded mind. Yangcha slowly lowered my body onto the mattress and climbed over my body as I held onto his nape, gently rubbing my thumb under his prickly hairline. He wouldn't detach his lips from mine and held me captive under him, so I gripped his shirt and tried to turn my face to the side, but he clutched my cheeks, persistently pressing his wet tongue against my lips until I let him inside my mouth."S-Stop- Yangcha- please-" I whispered, grabbing his jaw to push him away once I noticed him growing slightly impatient. He pursed his moist lips, pulling away to examine my conflicted frown as I sprawled on the mattress."D-Did I- go too far-""Sit up a bit. Calm down, will you? Your heart is racing out of control," I patted his chest to push him away. His heartbeat... it's thumping like crazy against the base of my palm. Yangcha bit his lower lips and sat up as I requested."I'm sorry," He whispered, guilty eyeing me as I sat up to face him with a troubled expression.I exhaled deeply, grabbed the silk on either side of my waist, and slipped the gown off my head to reveal my bare body. Whip. I tossed the silk aside. Yangcha's face instantly flushed bright red as he stared at my exposed breasts. The alpha shifted his startled eyes to my flushed face."I thought you were experienced? Why are you so stiff?" I asked, gently grabbing his loose shirt to lift it off his head. Yangcha swallowed intensely, so I smiled and pulled down his waistband. He lifted his hips, slid off his pants, and tossed them aside until he was... sitting in front of me with nothing on. I smiled at his rosy red cheeks and slowly laid back on the mattress in my panties."I- I don't know- I didn't feel this way when I was with Haerim noona..." Yangcha stuttered."Be a man," I teased, opening my arms for him. Yangcha unsurely reached out for my body and lowered his bare body over mine, so I hugged his broad shoulders as he planted his soft lips over mine again. Still... Yangcha remained tense. He wouldn't lower his naked body onto mine and remained hovering over me as we made out on the bed. It was as if he was afraid to touch my body."Noona- I can't breathe-""What's wrong with you???" I scoffed after he jerked away with a bright red face. Yangcha pursed his lips and sat up stiffly with his hands clasped over his bare crotch. I glanced at his pulsating pecs and back to his frightened expression. Is he panicking?"I don't know- I'm hard but- but you- you're making me nervous-""Sit against the bed head," I sighed, gently patting his hand. The alpha nodded and sat naked against the board, so I climbed his lap to sit facing him. He funnily gripped his crotch to cover himself, so I lowered my face to watch him hide his bulge.Yangcha didn't dare lower his gaze, stubbornly keeping his eager eyes on my flushed face and intensely stared at me, so I cupped his warm cheeks and leaned forward to press my lips against his. Softly pecking him in the attempt... to calm his racing heart. He's... feverish. The alpha huffed uneasily... with every stroke he felt on his lips, so I smiled and inserted my tongue inside his mouth, carefully lowering my hands to remove his fingers from his manly bulge."I love you-" He whispered. I pulled away to stare at his affectionate frown with my eyebrows raised and gently lifted my hand to graze my thumb... over his parted lips."You can touch me," I encouraged as I sat on him. Yangcha gulped and glanced at my perky breasts before lowering his eyes to my panties."But- but you're so perfect- I'm afraid I'll taint your body-""Is my body an object?" I frowned at his flushed face. Yangcha clenched his jaw and intensely swallowed while gripping the mattress on his sides."No- no- but-""Then don't be afraid to touch me. You have my permission... which means... I'm willing to let you hold me however you like," I whispered. Yangcha nervously stared at my naked body and shakily lifted his hand to place his warm fingers on my right breast. He gently kneaded my chest, so I pursed my lips and leaned forward to kiss his lips again.Yangcha eventually eased his body as we made out in the dark room. We took it slow and steady... because I knew... he was very anxious. The timid alpha huffed in difficulty after pulling away to catch his breath and lowered his face to press his lips against my hard tips while sitting under me. I gasped a little at the ticklish sensation of his wet tongue while rubbing his buzz-cut hair with my head tilted backward as he sensually nibbled and sucked onto my sensitive breasts until a jolt of warm sensation expanded within my crotch."Are you okay?" Yangcha asked as I shuddered at his pleasurable strokes. He lifted his sparkly eyes to watch me bit my lips in difficulty, so I nodded."Hah~ I'm alright~!" I smiled, cupping his jaws so he lifted his face and pressed his lips against mine again. I played with his red earlobes as he sensually wrapped his tongue around mine.Yangcha gradually skidded his hands down to my fleshy hips and slipped his fingers under my panties fabric to massage my buttcheeks as I arched my back over his thighs. He gently tugged my panties aside and pushed his hard tip against my crotch, so I gripped his shoulders with my lips ajar as he slowly penetrated me. Yangcha moaned against my shoulder as I steadily lowered my hips... over his crotch to take him inside me."Hah~! Noona~ You're so warm inside- Hah~!" He grunted as I slowly grind my crotch over his. The alpha moaned in distress and leaned back against the bed head with a flustered face as I pressed my palm against his hard pecs, gently lifting my hips and lowering my body to intensify the pleasure."You look like you're constipated..." I laughed at Yangcha's concentrated frown."My body is burning so much!" He grimaced as he held my hips, so I gently bounced over his lap to increase the friction inside me. Yangcha bit his lips in difficulty, eventually leaning forward to suck on my breast again. I shuddered at his gentle nibbles and hugged his head against my chest while riding his hard cock. Why is he so hard? He's filling up my inside!I dug my fingers into his back muscles and shuddered at the hot pleasure between my dripping wet crotch. Yangcha suddenly pushed me backward to make me lay on my back. He quickly readjusted his position between my legs in a missionary position. I gripped his firm waist as he pushed his way inside me again, so I huffed with my legs spread under him and tilted my head over the mattress in pleasure as he steadily thumped between my legs until my body burned with the smoldering heat. The alpha grunted in difficulty and lowered his buff trunk to hug my feverish body, so I clutched his head against my neck. He grunted, thrusting deeper inside me until I felt my crotch... melting at the presence of his bulge."Are you alright???- Your body- It's burning- HAH~! Ah! Yangcha~!" I asked but moaned in distress as he quickened the pace of his thrusts to intensify the pleasure between my legs until my back arched over the mattress. I wrapped my legs around his hips with my face buried against his shoulder until I felt my inside muscles clenching around his hard bulge to the point I couldn't breathe as the repeated thumps... of pleasure stifled my voice."Shit- Noona~ I love you- I fucking love you- Ah- Ah! Hah!-Noona!- I'm cumming!- URGH!-" He grunted, suddenly pulling out of me, so I gasped, quickly rubbing my face in distress as he grabbed his raw bulge and jerked off over me until his semen ejaculated onto my stomach. SPLURT.I panted heavily as I watched the overwhelmed young man grunt over me with his face screwed in discomfort. His thick discharge... dripping from his swollen tips and onto my bare crotch. Yangcha shakily fumed and lowered his face in exhaustion with his hands pressed on either side of my body, so I lifted my head to stare at the mess on my moist stomach."You came fast..." I chuckled. Yangcha quickly scrambled off the bed to grab the tissues and hurriedly wiped his sticky semen from my stomach."No... I'm still hard," He shook his head. I sat up in shock to examine his hard bulge in disbelief. Yangcha pursed his lips in embarrassment as I sat with my legs spread open. Chuckling, I leaned forward to kiss his sweet lips and pushed his shoulders down until he flipped under me."I'm not done either," I patted his chest and slipped his hard bulge back inside me. Yangcha held onto my hips as I steadily rode him and lowered my face... pursing my lips in difficulty... at the presence of his raw meat, thrusting repeatedly between convulsing inner nerves."Noona. Are you seeing anyone at the moment?" Yangcha questioned."Yeah," I nodded."You are?" He frowned at me with a startled look."I'm seeing a dead man," I chuckled. Yangcha's face flushed red at my joke. He broke into a weak smile while rubbing my cheeks, so I arched my back and thumped over his hard cock until our wet flesh slapped against one another. Squelch. Squelch. Yangcha suddenly sat up on the mattress to hug my body.Weakly smiling, I cupped his cheeks and gave him a breathy kiss while grinding my groin over his... until our sweaty bodies throbbed in extreme pleasure. He moaned with his eyes closed as the burning sensation scorched our strained nerves. The alpha sensually rubbed my arched spine to help me bounce over his lap, so I lowered my face to bury it against his sweaty shoulder."So... are we lovers?" He asked. I pulled away to stare at his difficult frown while rocking my soaked slit over his textured pubic hair. The man didn't shave, so he's quite hairy... but I don't mind."Not yet. You and I... we're lost in lust right now," I shook my head and pecked his lips. Yangcha weakly smiled and nodded in agreement. He leaned against my chest to squeeze my breast, making me moan in pleasure as we listened to each other's unstable breath... fuming shakily within the dark room as I pleasured our bodies with steady thumps and thrusts... until we messily orgasmed our discharge onto each other's moist body within the humid and steamy dark bedroom of my apartment.
Fast Forward
I sleepily stirred under the blanket while searching the cold bedsheet for the presence of Yangcha's warmth... but he was nowhere to be found, so I opened my eyes to stare at the empty bed. Where did he go? It's barely morning. I grunted and rolled over- but shrieked in a panic once I found Yangcha sitting on the floor beside the bed with his chin rested over his arm. He was staring at me with a faint smile."Did I scare you?" He innocently blinked as he tilted his head over his forearm to admire me. I huffed and rubbed my swollen face in disbelief."Why are you watching me? You should sleep," I grumbled, groggily turning on my side to stare at his handsome face."I like to watch you sleep. Your face is a bit puffy... and it's cute," The alpha shrugged. I searched his eyes sleepily and glanced at the hickey on his neck."It's creepy to watch someone sleep. Come here," I mumbled, extending my arm over the bed to grab his wrist. Yangcha smiled and got up from the floor to crawl onto the mattress, so I wrapped my arms around his firm waist and drew his sturdy trunk onto mine. We're both still naked."You said we shouldn't be lovers, so I was a little hesitant. It didn't feel right to hold you while you're asleep," He mumbled, lowering his hard abs over the blanket as I remained underneath him.I softly chuckled as he snuggled his nose against my neck to tickle me. Yangcha's body is... very toned. He's fitter than the high-rank alphas, but I couldn't tell because he always wore loose clothes. I patted his head with my eyes closed as Yangcha laid over my body with his arms encircled around my neck."I usually lose all of my body heat after sex, so I'm always cold afterward. Share your warmth with me. Just a little bit," I mumbled.Yangcha smiled, lifted the blanket off my body, and slipped underneath with me. He gently lowered his naked body back onto mine until our bare flesh rubbed against one another, making me exhale in relief. He didn't speak and remained over my body to offer me his warmth until I fell asleep again.__________________________
A few days passed since our intimacy, but our relationship didn't escalate. Yangcha seemed brighter and cheerful, and I was somehow very calm around him. It wasn't awkward or anything. We just accepted whatever happened between us. I thought the alpha would get greedy and try to get intimate with me again... but he didn't.

Yangcha respected my boundaries and didn't touch me without my permission. He didn't even ask me to have sex with him again and would go about his day as usual. He'd leave for work in the morning and return home on time. The alpha was afraid... I'd leave his side again if he stayed at work for too long.

Day after day... He'd return home with a gift for me. It was nothing much, but he'd always bring something home for me. Some days, it's his usual tangerine... other days it's a single flower... and sometimes, he'd bring me apple juice in the kid-size carton. He's really cute.
"Oh- Who's this pretty lady?" A man in his late 40s greeted me with a bright beam as I walked towards the warehouse filled... with buff men as they heaved the goods into the trucks."I'm here to see Yangcha," I smiled, nervously gripping the package in my hand."Yangcha??? Who are you?- He left earlier for a break- Oh! Yah! Yangcha! A pretty lady is here to see you!" The man fired me a confused look before turning to scan the bustling warehouse for the alpha.The man funnily waved his hand for Yangcha's attention, so I turned to find him standing in the corner with a cigarette between his lips. The alpha glanced at the man and glanced at me in surprise, startled by my unexpected presence. He smokes...? He quickly put out the cigarettes and jogged toward me with a confused look."Noona! What are you doing here?" Yangcha asked, unsurely approaching me. The men within the warehouse suddenly nudged each other with wide grins as they watched Yangcha walk up to me."You forgot your supplements at home... and I brought you lunch," I smiled, lifting the bag to show him. Yangcha's face suddenly flushed red.

"Oh!? Are you his older sister? You don't look alike though!" A man asked, curiously smiling at us."Ani! We're not siblings- she- she's my- ugh- I call her noona-""I'm his girlfriend," I chuckled, gently grabbing Yangcha's forearm, causing his eyes to widen in disbelief. Yangcha gawked at me with a dumbfounded expression. The men funnily gasped."Yah! You never told us you had a girlfriend! She's so pretty too~! No wonder you've been glowing up so much lately~! You must be taking great care of him~!" The elderly man smacked Yangcha's shoulder, causing the alpha's ears to turn bright red as blood surged up to his face."Actually... he's been rushing home early lately!" Another man chuckled until Yangcha turned stiff. He bit his lips awkwardly."Can I borrow him for a second?" I smiled at the men while clinging to Yangcha's forearm."Take him for as long as you want!" The elderly man laughed. I chuckled at their encouraging smiles and lifted my face to scan Yangcha's poker face.
A moment later.
"Are you okay...?" I asked, lowering my face to examine Yangcha as he quietly ate from the lunch box on a bench. He's been weirdly quiet. Yangcha swallowed the food and glanced at me."Why did you introduce yourself as my girlfriend?" He asked, unsurely searching my eyes. I frowned at his strangely upset expression."Shouldn't I have done that? Wae? The men seemed eager, so I-""Ani. It's just that... I'm uncomfortable," He muttered while shaking his head. He lowered his eyes to the spoon as he chewed on the left side of his mouth."Why?" I blinked, cluelessly staring at Yangcha's sulky expression. I thought he'd like it."Because you clearly said we can't be lovers, and I don't want to hope for too much. It's better... if you treat me like you always do. Like a younger sibling," Yangcha shrugged. I glanced at my hands in silence. Oh. I thought Yangcha would play along with me to tease the men... but he's unhappy with my joke."I'm sorry," I muttered. Yangcha abruptly stopped chewing and glanced at my gloomy expression. He pursed his lips, unsurely gazing at me curiously, but I didn't return the glance and stared at my feet in silence.[Jae Yangcha Official Picture Reference]

"Are you mad at me?" He asked, innocently tilting his head to search my sulky face."No," I shook my head. Yangcha blinked at my neutral face with an unconvinced expression."Then why are you-" Yangcha asked, scooting closer to me, but I immediately shifted away. The alpha halted to stare at my withdrawal with a startled look. He abruptly stopped chewing at my attitude... leaving a side of his cheek puffy... and his greasy lips slightly parted."Nothing-""Noona! What's wrong!? Why are you suddenly sulky-" Yangcha asked, grabbing my wrist unsurely. I tugged my hand out of his grip, but he wouldn't release me and placed the lunch box aside. He fully turned to face me on the bench, but I didn't look at him."I said nothing is wrong-" I mumbled, lightly shoving his chest away. Yangcha grimaced, suddenly grabbing my waist to pull me back, forcing me to face him with his eyebrows furrowed."What's the matter?" He asked, glowering at me with an intimidating look. I didn't answer but stared at him until his gaze shifted to my lips. Yangcha suddenly leaned forward, but I quickly clasped my hand over his mouth to stop the man from kissing me."No. I don't like the taste of cigarettes," I muttered. The alpha stared at me without blinking with his arms secured around my waist as I firmly covered his lips. We grew hushed."Do you want to leave me again? Is that why you brought me lunch?" He asked. I huffed and shoved him away in annoyance, so Yangcha grimaced at my attitude and fired the lunchbox a sour look."I told you you forgot your supplements! I already cooked lunch, so I figured I should pack some for you!" I whined. Yangcha gripped his fists without touching the remaining food."Stay with me for another month. Just one more month, and I'll let you go. I promise," He muttered, gloomily staring at his hands. I sighed."I'll leave only when you let me go, but it doesn't mean we'll part forever. It's just that I have to assert my dominance at the council. My household will collapse without me, and believe me... if I could... I would bring you back with me," I sighed. Yangcha grew hushed. He suddenly grabbed the lunch box and shoved the remaining rice into his mouth until his cheeks were stuffed. I sat quietly by his side."Aigo~! Sorry for the interruption, but we really need his muscles at the site~!" The elderly man appeared, walking up to us with a smug expression. My face flushed bright red at the man's teasing smile until Yangcha started choking on his food, so I quickly handed him a water bottle and patted his back to ease his discomfort.
Fast Forward
Yangcha eventually returned to his work after finishing the lunch I prepared, so I headed back to my apartment alone with the empty bag and did the chores until Yangcha arrived home with a box of sweet rice cake for me. We had dinner together, and I finally exited the bathroom after showering in the maternity gown he got for me... but halted once I noticed Yangcha slamming the drawers shut. Slam! He wildly turned to look at me with a startled look."What are you doing?" I asked, unsurely eyeing his pale expression. Yangcha's face flushed red as he stood with his hands behind his back."N-Nothing- I was just sorting your clothes-""Yah. You're acting suspicious. What did you do???" I asked, strolling across the room with a slight frown. Yangcha tried to dash past me, but I grabbed his arm to hold him back. Fwip! Yangcha swiftly hid the item behind his back. He's bad at acting..."Nothing! Noona- seriously-""Show me-" I snapped, tugging his hand forward, but Yangcha stubbornly stepped back to keep the item hidden- Clatter.We both froze in our position. I glanced down at the small package on the floor. He pursed his lips with a startled expression. Huh..? Yangcha grew stiff as I lowered my body to grab the square-shaped wrapper until my lips parted in disbelief... so I shifted my eyes back to his frightened puppy eyes. He awkwardly glanced back and forth between the item and back at me."Noona- Let me explain-""A condom?" I asked. Yangcha pursed his lips."It's just-""Do you have more?" I nodded at his hands that were still hidden behind his back. Yangcha flushed even redder as he guiltily slipped his arms from behind his back to show me the box of condoms. I quietly stared at the plastic wrappers and looked up at him again."Noona! I swear I didn't want to do anything suspicious-""Then why did you get it-""Just for precautions! Oh-? I promise I didn't intend to have sex with you! I'm just- afraid things will escalate again- and I might get you pregnant!" Yangchca whined, grabbing my wrist to convince me with his cute excuses. I stared at him in silence until his face drained in fear. He didn't dare blink but stared at my disappointed face."We don't need it. I'm fine doing it raw," I sighed, pushing the package back into his hands."But- you might get pregnant-""I got the pills. Don't worry about it," I sighed. Yangcha bit his lips adorably as he clutched the packages between his massive palms. I loosened my hair and turned to smile at his timid behavior."Noona... I really don't want to burden you and I really didn't mean to-""Come here," I beckoned after sitting on the bed. Yangcha gulped nervously and walked up to me, so I patted the mattress. He unsurely sat down as I weakly smiled at his anxious face. I grabbed the condoms to place them away and finally turned to face him."If you like me that much... stop treating me as some sort of... divine entity you're afraid to touch. It's very uncomfortable," I sighed."But I really respect-""I know. But you're making it weird for both of us. Oh? View me as a person— A woman. Your lover," I shook my head."Lover?" He repeated, uneasily staring at me."Yeah. Treat me as a person you love... not a god you worship. That's the only way for me to bond with you," I nodded. Yangcha pursed his lips with a troubled frown."But you deserve more-""Everything you did for me is more than enough. I can feel it, your love. I can see it too, your devotion. I'm aware, Yangcha," I sighed. The alpha glanced at the condoms on the nightstand and glanced at my lips. Slowly, he leaned forward to kiss me again. I didn't stop him, nor did I pull away. I patiently sat beside him as he pressed his lips against mine."I can only treat you as a love interest... only if we're lovers because as long as there's a boundary between us... I'll always put you above me... as an untouchable entity. The boundary you draw... shouldn't be on the same level, noona. That's why other men can easily invade your territory... but how can I invade yours when you're high above me? I can only admire you from below... and I can never ever... reach for you unless you reach for me first," He muttered, drawing his flustered face away. I quietly searched his dim eyes and leaned forward to peck his lips."And so... if I reached for you. Will you stand by my side? On the same level?" I whispered. Yangcha searched my neutral face until his cheeks flushed red. The alpha smiled and leaned forward to kiss me again, but he didn't pull away this time and hugged my waist to draw me closer. I giggled against his passionate strokes and circled my arms around his neck to pull him closer."I swear... I'll make you the most powerful woman," He panted, pulling away to rub his nose against mine. I chuckled with my eyes closed."And I'll let you rise to my side once I attain power," I nodded.Yangcha smiled, gently caressing my lips once... and then leaned forward again to nudge his damp lips against mine, requesting my approval of his invitation... to which I accepted and responded with my parted lips. My heart thumped steadily at his tender strokes as I coiled my arms around his buzz-cut head, fondly grazing my fingers over his prickly roots... and tugged him closer to shorten the gap between our heated... bodies.
Maybe it isn't so bad at all... to love the villain who will destroy the world for me...?

Rather than loving the hero... who will sacrifice me for the pack...?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Author's Note

You guys asked me about Yangcha's looks and tbh, it's up to your imagination XD I know we have different tastes and preferences so I never really bothered describing his looks since I figured you'd want to imagine him in your own way. BUT! Since you're curious, this is my version of Jae Yangcha. His physical appearance is actually inspired by a combination of Dooshik (Pearl Boy) and Jaekyung (Jinx). They're BL Manhwas characters! You can imagine him however you like! <3 Hehe!

__________________________
Sora's POV
"Does it hurt?" I worriedly asked while dabbing the swollen wound on Yangcha's split lips with the thick cream. He nodded, slightly scrunching his eyebrows, and closed his eyes as we sat in the living room. Do-hwan didn't return after he argued with me. I didn't know where he went, so I changed out of my white gown and helped Yangcha to the couch.

"Should I disappear for a while?" Yangcha asked hoarsely. I hovered my fingertip over his lips and lifted my weary gaze to study his beaten face."Why did you attend the ball?" I sighed, lowering my hand to stare at his conflicted expression."I just wanted to... admire you from afar because of the pretty gown," He muttered. I sighed and placed the cream away. Yangcha attended Taehyung's birthday party because he wanted to see me in the gown? He could've saved himself from the trouble and bruises."You should have defended yourself. Why did you let Taehyung beat you?" I asked, sorely examining the dark bruise under his eyes. He might be physically fitter than most of the alphas, but he has to understand that he's outnumbered by the pack. They will rip him apart.

"I promised not to hurt anyone," Yangcha muttered. I perched restlessly with my eyes on his swollen lips. I asked Yangcha not to hurt anyone, but I didn't expect him to be this defenseless."The council will call for you," I sighed in defeat. Yangcha gripped his hands and lowered his head."If I'm such a burden... then should I just kill myself and die so you won't have to-" Yangcha tried to speak but halted mid-sentence once I lifted my dark frown to question his dumb statement. Is he out of his mind? How could he possibly consider ending his own life over a trivial matter? His appearance isn't a minor issue, but I'm sure we'll figure a way out of this."I told you I'll protect you. No one is dying," I shook my head. Yangcha lowered his face in guilt, so I exhaled and pulled him into a comforting hug- BEEP. Our moments of peace were suddenly disrupted as the door flung open and angry footsteps trampled into the penthouse. I could already sense the uninvited guests before I even turned in the direction."This is outrageous!" Eomma bellowed.Yangcha quickly released my body, so I turned on the couch to find eomma glaring at me. Appa and the elders marched inside my room with Do-hwan. Jungkook appeared with Jimin and Taehyung. They weren't looking at me but were glowering at Jae Yangcha with their death stares. I grimaced at Do-hwan. Why did he let them in...? I specifically asked the man to keep everyone out!"Can you not storm inside my place-""Your place!? I bought this goddamn place for you! And you're hiding a killer behind your walls?!" Eomma screamed, angrily storming up to me. I quickly stood up from the couch to counter her as the woman marched towards me with her flaming red pupils. Eomma hastily raised her hand to strike my face- but I was suddenly tugged aside- SLAP.My eyes widened in horror as I slowly turned to find Yangcha towering over my mother with his dark gaze. Eomma suddenly froze in position after her impulsive heat collided with the wrong person. The room grew hushed and for a moment... I couldn't process the situation, so I lifted my head to find eomma... gawking at the Silent Killer as he intensely challenged her glare with a bright red cheek. Yangcha didn't shift his deadly stare from my petrified mother... gently drawing me behind his back to shield me from her wrath."Jang Sora is the honored supreme alpha. How dare you raise your mere fingers to harm her?" Yangcha questioned, lifting his eyebrow before my mother, whose face turned pale upon hearing his low voice."This is none of your business! We're her family!-""So what? Does it mean you can bruise her skin and heart however you please, just because you're her family?" Yangcha gritted at my father when he tried to step forward. Taehyung scoffed at Yangcha's argument and averted his disappointed gaze to me while standing with his hands on his hips."Yangcha. Let me handle this-""The parents who... discarded their daughter in a foreign land and brought her back only when she's old enough to be married and fucked by powerful men. A father who doesn't value his daughter's existence unless she uplifts his reputation in the corporate world. A mother who heartlessly deprived her daughter of affection, constantly abusing her emotionally and forcing her to acquire power, using the old-school tactic of selling your daughter to the heartless assholes... who don't even care about her wellbeing," Yangcha gritted."The first love... who never once... made an effort to contact her and chose to fuck another woman without offering her proper closure. The fiancé, who only claims to love her when your dick is deep inside her. And is also... the man who left her broken to marry another woman. The alliances... that only ensure her welfare because she's the sole hope in your survival. The same... people who choose to stand on the sideline to watch her suffer with their cold hearts. Is that your definition of family...?" Yangcha ignored my words, lowly speaking with his piercing gaze on the households. The alpha gradually shifted his razor-sharp eyes to my mother... paralyzing her with his dangerous energy. Eomma suddenly grew stiff as she glared at Yangcha, who was almost a foot taller than her."Yah. You murdered-""I had to get my hands dirty because no one- not a single... one of you within this room, claiming to be her so-called family... had the heart to ease her despair. You only cared about her usefulness in the power game but never bothered about her feelings or even attempted to treat her as a human being with emotional needs. She was always a power subject, imprisoned by her own people... just like a fucking slave to fulfill your endless greed," Yangcha sneered at Jungkook. "Why did I kill the fat pig? Because he's been shoving his fat nostrils in noona's affair. Why did I kill the stupid bitch? Because she was the one circulating the foul gossip about the supreme alpha and your households. So I tore her throat apart to stop her from spreading her venoms. And why did I drive the last fucker out of his mind until he committed suicide? Because... he has noona's sex tape with Kim Taehyung," Yangcha gritted, darkly shifting his angry eyes from person to person. My eyes widened in horror at the unexpected information as Taehyung averted his startled gaze to the alpha."What-""That's right. You love to shove your hard dick inside her whenever you please, right? The fucker was gonna spread the footage, but I caught him on time. Remember when you took her to the hill? Just the two of you? Just so you could fuck her before the view? Yeah. The fucker installed a hidden camera inside your fucking jeep. But don't worry. I destroyed the profane footage because it's fucking disgusting! How you manipulated her into spreading her legs for you! Noona was clearly uncomfortable on the hill, but did you care?! You didn't even use protection, and she was left with a mess between her legs! Your fucking filthy semen, dripping between her legs! And, of course- you didn't care and drove home as if nothing had happened! I can't fucking imagine how many times you did that to her!" Yangcha snarled at Kim Taehyung."Even during an argument! You'd seize her body and pin her down to fucking muffle her with your dick! Is that really love?! Or is it your way of emotionally abusing her with pleasure!? You're the reason the lower ranks kept calling her vulgar names because she kept submitting to your horny dick! It's always the woman who suffers from the sexual activities initiated by men! They slut-shamed her but not the man with a dick! And yet you never defended her and let the fools humiliate your lover!" Yangcha resentfully glared at Taehyung. I stood with a muted mind while staring at Yangcha until my face drained of blood. What? They had a tape of us..? Taehyung clenched his jaw at the alpha and glanced at me with a startled look."Yangcha-""NOT ONE OF YOU BOTHERED TO PROTECT HER! SO I HAD TO GET MY HANDS DIRTY! HOW CAN I SIT STILL AND WATCH HER SUFFER?! IT DOESN'T MATTER IF I'M A FUCKING MONSTER BECAUSE AT LEAST I MADE AN EFFORT TO RELIEVE HER MISERY! AGAIN AND AGAIN! YOU FAILED TO PROTECT HER! EVEN FROM THE HANDS OF THE BLACK PHOENIX! I HAD TO FIGHT THROUGH ALL THE EXTREMES TO SAFEGUARD HER SAFETY! SHE COULD'VE DIED AT THE SLAUGHTERHOUSE IF I HADN'T KIDNAPPED PARK JIHYUN'S HEIR! HOW CAN YOU BE SO CARELESS TOWARD THE PERSON YOU CLAIM TO LOVE?!" Yangcha seethed, furiously directing his raging glare to eomma's burning eyes.No one uttered a word as they stood motionless within the room. Eomma shifted her loathing glare to me, suddenly turned around, and stormed out of the penthouse. Appa shakily exhaled and followed her, so the elders turned and left.Jungkook grimaced at us and nudged Jimin, who was unblinking glaring at Yangcha. They too, exited the door after the elders, leaving Taehyung with Do-hwan. The big man deeply exhaled and strolled through the door as Taehyung blankly stared at us. He shifted his dark expression to Yangcha in resentment before storming out of the door. Click. I averted my attention to Yangcha's raging scowl.I softly exhaled after he repelled my family from my personal space, gently took his hand, and tiptoed to encircle my arms around his neck. Yangcha clenched onto my waist and lowered his head to press his fuming face against my shoulder.We didn't speak as I quietly patted his back to comfort him. The alpha let out a deep exhale as he struggled to contain his boiling temper while encircling his strong arms around my waist to hold me, so I rocked him from side to side... calmly comforting his depleted soul with my pacifying embrace._______________________
The Elite Council
The steady footsteps echoed dully within the vacant hallway as I strode forward in my formal dress, with short black glossy heels, and a white ribbon in my hair to approach the looming entry. The guard's eyes widened in a panic once he spotted me in the corridor, so he quickly bowed at my presence and pulled open the door leading into the ring of powerful households.The door slid open, sending a gust of chilly breeze into the room as the participants disputed loudly within the venue. The elders glanced in my direction, freezing in fear as I intruded on the council's private gathering. Eomma's eyes widened in shock as I stood by the doorway. It's not a private meeting. Everyone is present except for the supreme alpha. They excluded my presence."It's against the regulation to host a meeting without the supreme alpha's knowledge. Why didn't anyone notify me?" I calmly asked, tilting my head to smile at the pale faces within the room. Thud. Thud. The gawking eyes, fearfully shifted to the person as he slowly stepped inside the room.Jae Yangcha tensely stared at the council leaders in his casual clothes. Every soul sat with their mouths sealed to conceal their fear as they stared at the Silent Killer in dread. Kim Taehyung's face dimmed upon our presence as Kim Seokjin sternly stared at the alpha with an unwelcoming scowl. Yangcha nervously glanced at me upon the council's coarse reaction to his presence, so I smiled, gently linking our fingers before the crowd to assure him of his safety. No one can touch Jae Yangcha under my protection.Eomma clenched her teeth at my affectionate treatment toward the killer and glanced at her rivals with a restless feeling. Yangcha weakly smiled, so I tugged him with me and we slowly made our way up the stairs. Thump. Thump. Thump. Jungkook narrowed his eyes at the alpha as I passed his rank. Sungho glanced back and forth between us while sitting beside Taehyung, who was glaring at Yangcha with his arms crossed over his chest.We passed the second rank and strolled up to the first row. I halted once I found my father darting me a warning look. Eomma shakily glanced at the disapproving households, so I sighed and slid into my seat. Yangcha pursed his lips and sat with me on the armchair beside mine. Still, I didn't release his hand and placed our interlaced fingers over the table with a faint smile. Hoseok's face... ashened as Yoongi stiffly crossed his arms. Minah frowned at Jae Yangcha from her seat as Minho combed his fingers through his hair in bewilderment. Mira fired me a disgusted look before letting out an annoyed scoff."Sora! I told you to stay at the penthouse-""Why did you stop? Proceed with the discussion," I ignored my mother's frantic whispers and lifted my empty gaze to the frozen council. No one spoke a word as they stared at Jae Yangcha without blinking. Eomma gripped her fist in irritation."What's the purpose... of seating a killer on the first rank?" Seokjin asked, lifting his eyebrow at Yangcha."Where else is he supposed to sit? You took his assets and power," I sorely responded. Seokjin grimaced at my frank response."Jae Yangcha should be dead!" Minho snapped in irritation. Yangcha sat in silence with a blank expression, so I tightened my grip around his hand."The council called for a meeting without inviting me. Why? To discuss his past crime?" I dawdled."Jae Yangcha murdered three lower ranks. He should be punished in accordance with the council regulations," Namjoon sternly stared at the alpha from across the room. Yangcha didn't react and stared right back at Kim Namjoon."He already bore his punishment. Jae Yangcha lost all of his power, assets, and status," I exhaled. Namjoon frowned at me in disbelief."Is that enough? To make up for the lives he slaughtered?!" Mira snapped. Yangcha swallowed, so I grew hushed and stared at Lee Mira's infuriated face."Well then. The household involved in the murder trial was Kim Taehyung and Kim Seokjin. The households may speak if they wish to relaunch the case," I smiled, nodding at Taehyung, who clenched his jaw and quickly glanced away to avoid me. Seokjin tensed his body in irritation but didn't dare speak."You're abusing your power to protect a killer-""Can you be quiet? I've already asked the households involved to speak on the matter. Why are you all silent? Jae Yangcha served his punishment and is living as an average man," I shrugged."He should be sentenced to death!" Mira snapped to defend Minho after I interrupted him. I chuckled and shook my head with a weak smile."Is Jae Yangcha the only killer in this room? Hmm? Should I uncover all the bloody murders? Should we undertake an extensive investigation to uncover every household's concealed murders? We'd all be sentenced to death if I was to punish the sinners with a death sentence," I chuckled, shifting my eyes to Minah, who turned pale. She tensed her body, so I tilted my head at Mira and Minho, whose faces flushed in fear. We've all got blood on our hands. No one is innocent in this room. It's just that most of the alphas... committed the crimes in disguise."The case was already closed, and the lower ranks family were compensated for the loss and damages! Kim Seokjin seized Jae Yangcha's assets and Kim Taehyung won the trial! There isn't the need to bring everything back!" Minah shakily defended me in frustration."So we should just... let the killer walk freely?!" Mira snapped, firing Minah a sharp glare."Mira-shi... you're also walking freely with blood on your hands. You tried to kill me and Min Yoongi with Gae Haerim. Remember? It was a kill order. If you insist on killing Yangcha... then you should also face the death sentence," I smiled. Mira stiffened in her seat, angrily firing me a sharp glare. She rudely scoffed and glanced away in defeat."If he's a mere average... then why did you bring him back?" Yoongi bitterly asked. I lowered my eyes to Yangcha's hand."Jae Yangcha saved my life. I survived the abduction with his help, so I'll use my power to protect him. If the households involved in the murder trial do not oppose... Jae Yangcha's existence... then... I will officially close the case," I sighed. Eomma scoffed and lowered her head as I took charge of the meeting. The room grew hushed.Surprisingly, Kim Seokjin didn't dare speak, and Kim Taehyung kept his eyes on the desk with a blank face. Jae Yangcha has Kim Seokjin's contract and Kim Taehyung lost the bet to me. The only way for Kim Taehyung to earn his seat at the tower... is to submit to me. Because if he resists, I'll seize the corporation, and he'll be left with nothing. The man must keep his promise and back off. Neither of the top alphas is entitled to defy Jae Yangcha with the risk of losing their ultimate authority in the game.
The council didn't dare press on Yangcha's welfare after Kim Taehyung and Kim Seokjin refused to speak on the subject. And so, I asserted my dominance and made it clear that... Jae Yangcha was under my absolute protection. My parents disapproved of my decision, of course, but they've already transferred the authority to me. The moderator concluded the meeting... after I shut down the council with the declaration to free Yangcha from his past offenses.
"You'll catch a cold," Yangcha muttered, pulling off his scarf to place it around my neck as we waited for our car before the building entrance. I chuckled and hugged his upper arm before the snowy field with a weak smile."What should we cook today? Should I bake for you?" I asked, grinning at him. Yangcha smiled and leaned downward to press his lips against my forehead. Thump. Yangcha stumbled into me after Jungkook rudely bumped into the alpha and strolled away with a blank expression. I gripped Yangcha's arm and glanced at the disappointment on Jimin's face as he followed Jungkook to their cars.______________________
Fast Forward
Yangcha chuckled as I playfully hopped over the thick snow on the pavement. I giggled and dragged him with me as he carefully settled his massive shoes over my small footprints until we arrived at the front door.

"Oh! Imo!" I greeted her."M-My lady..." Imo nodded, fearfully glancing at Jae Yangcha, who was smiling at her. She swallowed and stepped aside to let us pass, so I strolled inside the mansion with Jangcha in my short white faux fur winter cloak. I slipped off my scarf as we walked through the corridor leading to the dining room. The maids fearfully bowed at our presence by the opened door, so I smiled at Yangcha and entered the room with him."We're here," I announced, walking through the door to find the elders gathered around the table.My mother suddenly grew stiff once she found Yangcha strolling inside with me. Jungkook scoffed and lowered his face in annoyance as Taehyung remained blank in his seat. Mr. Jeon exchanged a restless glance with the Kims and cleared his throat, forcefully smiling at me. My mother precisely asked me to come alone, but I didn't want to leave Yangcha behind, so I brought him to the mansion."Take a seat," Appa exhaled at the two empty seats. I smiled and dragged Yangcha forward. We settled at the dining table before the uncomfortable elders as they stole glances at Yangcha. The maids quickly filled our glasses as I slipped the fury gloves off my cold fingers."Give it to me," Yangcha smiled. He took the gloves to place them in his suit pocket. Jungkook kept his frustrated glare on Yangcha without speaking."I didn't think you'd come," Eomma cleared her throat, darting Yangcha an uneasy look."I heard you're going to discuss my position at the tower," I nodded, lowering my hands to poke the food on my plates. Yangcha quietly ate beside me, so I lifted the glass to sip the water."We want you to take over the tower after you finish the course-""I've already spoken to Taehyung. We struck a deal," I shrugged. Eomma frowned and glanced at Taehyung's blank expression."What-""I will not succeed the tower. I might harbor a prestigious reputation, but I'm not competent for the role. Taehyung is much more experienced and skilled, so you should leave the tower in his care. I'm sure he'll sustain it with all his ability. And I have to handle Philanthropy, so I can't handle both works," I shrugged. Mrs. Kim glanced at Taehyung, who remained quiet in his seat."But the tower is the Jang's assets-""The household almost broke apart during my disappearance. The Kims are clearly unsatisfied with your greed, eomma... so we should share the tower with our alliance as collateral to mend our trust. We'll offer fifty percent of the stakes to the Kims," I sighed. Eomma furrowed her eyebrows."But-""It's the only resolution I'm willing to take. It's either the Kims and Jeons... accept the tower as a token of our apology to mend the household's broken rifts, or I'll seize the tower and obtain absolute control of the corporation," I sighed. Eomma glared at me from across the table. There was a long pause within the room."Very well. Taehyung will handle the tower from today onward, and the Jeon may participate in the governance control," My father exhaled. I smiled. Taehyung lifted his dark eyes to me.
We made a deal, Taehyung. You said you'd leave me alone if I beat you, and I did, but I didn't seal our agreement with empty words. I'll give you the power you desire to attain peace between us. I didn't beat Taehyung with the intention of destroying him and his household. I did it to achieve my freedom.

Therefore, I do not wish to fight with him anymore, so I'll grant him the chance to be the leader in the society. He's a competent man, and the tower will flourish with his leadership. I shouldn't be selfish and take on a role I'm incapable of handling.

He's the most suited candidate for the position.
"Oh. I forgot to introduce Yangcha properly," I suddenly lowered my fork and glanced at Yangcha, who had been eating with his head lowered. My parents glanced up at me with a baffled look as Taehyung dully eyed us from his seat. The Kims and Jeons remained hushed, unsurely waiting for me to speak."We're well informed of the killer's presence in the dining hall," Jungkook grunted, rolling his eyes at Yangcha, whose face darkened upon the half-blood's mockery."Jae Yangcha," Yangcha lowered his head to greet my parents."We're aware Sora was only deceiving the council with the false relationship to guarantee your security for saving her life," Mr. Jeon sighed, nodding at the alpha."Deceiving...?" Yangcha repeated. Eomma tensed her body again."Yangcha is my lover. I'll marry him once we settle the matter with the council and the black phoenix," I announced, gently weaving my hands with his. The elders stiffened in their seats. Eomma stared at me as if I was out of my goddamn mind."You wish to marry the killer?!-" Jungkook blurted while gawking at me in disbelief."The society might've labeled him a killer, but he's my savior. I wouldn't be here today without him," I nodded firmly at Jungkook. The alpha scoffed and lowered his head to pinch his nose bridge in distress."Just because he saved you... it doesn't mean... you should risk your household security to blindly shield a wanted criminal," Appa grimaced. Yangcha clenched his jaw at my father's harsh words."Appa. All he did was protect me when you couldn't do anything to save your daughter. I'll trust Yangcha's actions over your meaningless promises," I frowned at my father. The man sternly stared at me without speaking from across the table, finally averting his frustrated attention to Jae Yangcha."He's younger than you though...?" Mrs. Kim unsurely questions me."But he's more respectful than the older men I've been with. He takes great care of me and never lifts a finger to bruise my skin. Not once," I smiled at Mrs. Kim. She pursed her lips and glanced at Taehyung's dim expression as he blankly stared at his plate. Jungkook sighed in frustration, suddenly launched to his feet, and stormed out of the dining room without excusing himself."Since you're being transparent with us... are you seriously considering marriage? Even if you know the council will never rest?" Eomma asked, lifting her eyebrows to question our decision."With marriage or without... marriage, I'll always stand by her side. I do not wish to succeed the supreme alpha's power. Noona may choose not to share her power with me. Essentially, it's not my intention to use her for power," Yangcha nodded. Eomma narrowed her eyes on the alpha and glanced at Taehyung. He's weirdly composed in his seat."The supreme alpha must marry the strongest and most competent partner," Appa dully muttered."I mastered martial arts at a very young age. Therefore, in terms of... physical strength, I'm confident I can protect the supreme alpha. Noona doesn't need a bodyguard either because no one will pass me. And in terms of intelligence, I am a strategic thinker. I can assure you I'll always be a step ahead of everyone else in the game... and I'll clear the path for the supreme alpha so she won't face unwanted challenges. Just like how I abducted Park Bogum before the Black Phoenix captured her. But if you want academic validation. Then I've always been at the top. You may review my study records from the private boarding school abroad or verify my perfect marks at the elite university. Though, I'm afraid they might have destroyed my study record. Ah. Besides that, I'm skilled in technology programming. If that's a skill you seek from me, then I'll offer it to you," Yangcha smirked, smugly staring at my parents. Taehyung sideways rolled his eyes at Yangcha's proud smile."But how are we going to trust you? You sided with Kim Seokjin to accuse Taehyung of murder," Mrs. Kim narrowed her eyes. Yangcha smiled."Fine. I participated in the scheme with Seokjin. But it wasn't my intention to ruin the supreme alpha. I wanted to destroy Kim Taehyung, so I flung myself off the stairs. Kim Seokjin is the real culprit. It is his sole desire to break your alliances," Yangcha replied."So Kim Seokjin knew you were alive?" Mr. Jeon asked with a startled expression."Yes. Kim Seokjin freed me so he could blame the murder on the Kim's heir. I didn't want to be involved, so I lived quietly," Yangcha nodded."Why would Kim Seokjin free you-""Because I possess something significant to Kim Seokjin," Yangcha smiled. My mother suddenly glanced at Yangcha with a dumbfounded expression. Taehyung quickly looked up at the alpha with a dark frown."Can you elaborate?" Eomma asked. Yangcha didn't respond and smiled at my mother's eager inquiry. The elders exchanged silent glances."I'm aware your household fears Kim Seokjin's influence in the council. You've attempted to restrict his influence for the past decade. So I agreed with noona to be placed under his custody after my parents died to initiate disorder within his household. It worked. I partly murdered the lower ranks because I knew Kim Seokjin would have a difficult time defending me, and he'd be hushed by the council once they uncovered my crime. I purposely left behind all the evidence for the team to discover," Yangcha chuckled while chewing his food."And to be frank with all of you, I wanted Kim Seokjin and Kim Taehyung to tear each other apart. Again. The top alphas fell for my scheme and tried to wreck one another in the council. Why? Because they were driven by the greed to be the ace player... but at what cost? Kim Seokjin lost his voice in the council and Kim Taehyung lost the supreme alpha's trust. You might've doubted my abilities... but even while I was living quietly... the top alphas... were still fighting on the chess board I set up," Yangcha smiled.The dining room remained hushed in the tense atmosphere as the elders stared at Jae Yangcha in dread. I sat blankly beside him. The wild card... it wasn't to destroy Kim Taehyung. But it was Yangcha's plan to ignite the flame between Kim Taehyung and Kim Seokjin so they could ruin each other without him... having to ever lift a finger.
A moment later
I quietly took off my earrings before the mirror after we returned from the dinner feast at my parent's mansion. Yangcha strolled past me and entered the stall to shower, so I unzipped my dress and awkwardly poked my head inside to watch him shower. Yangcha halted once he found me staring at him as he stood under the shower head. The damp water freely coursing down his toned muscles and... onto the tiles. "What's wrong?" He asked, unsurely turning off the water."Can you scrub my back?" I asked. Yangcha chuckled, so I smiled and entered the stall with him. I sat down on the built-in bench and turned my back on him. The alpha quietly rinsed my body while standing behind my back. He switched off the shower, poured the gel onto his palm, and gently rubbed the grease onto my back."Do you need a massage?" He asked. I nodded. Yangcha sighed and sat behind my back to knead my shoulder blades.I closed my eyes as he applied tender pressure over my nape, causing my body to strain with pleasure. He lifted his hand to rub my scalp and gently knead my temples to ease my sore scalp. I exhaled in relief once my sore muscles relaxed at the pressure of his thumbs, so I hugged my knees and closed my eyes to let him relieve my soreness. The alpha proceeded to scrub my back afterward and somehow... he did everything I asked without invading my body.I stepped out of the shower with a towel in my soaked hair, leaving Yangcha to shower alone after he took care of me and walked up to the mirror to wash my hands. I lifted my eyes to stare at my glowy skin in the mirror before exiting the bathroom to pull on my gown and finally settled at the foot of the bed to wait for him. The alpha eventually stepped out while pulling a shirt over his head. He ruffled his buzzcut to shake off the excess water as he stood in his shorts. I stared at him in silence."Thank you for the massage," I smiled. Why is he so respectful? Yangcha had full access to my naked body. He had permission to touch me however he liked, but he only did what I asked. How is his self-control so strong? Taehyung would usually get distracted and touch me here... and there... until our intimacy escalated."Why the long face?" Yangcha asked, sitting beside me on the mattress. I nervously stared at his curious frown."Do you think I'm an easy woman?" I asked."What?" Yangcha lifted his eyebrow."I easily give in to men's touch," I muttered. Yangcha scoffed and lay back on the bed with his arms tucked under his head. I blinked unsurely and rested beside him on my side. Yangcha smiled while observing my face."Is it that you're an easy target...? Or is it... that those men lack self-control? Are you really the problem? When it's their fingers... thirstily roaming your body?" Yangcha asked, turning on his side to stare at me. I pursed my lips to think about his words. I grabbed his hand to place his palm on my breast. He didn't react and stared at me without blinking."I encouraged you to touch me like this. You were hesitant, but I was driven by lust... so I urged you to invade my body. Even when I'm making you touch me like this? You still perceive me as a good woman?" I curiously asked. Yangcha lowered his gaze to his palm over the thin fabric as I held his wrist to make him grope my breast. He sighed and lifted his hand off my chest to comb my hair behind my ear."You're asking me if you're a dirty woman because you let men touch you easily...? I don't think it's healthy for you to view it from that perspective. You grew up with abandonment issues. You had to fend for yourself while living abroad. Your family never contacted you. You must've felt... cold and lonely without their comfort and affection," He sighed."Keep talking," I muttered, sleepily staring at him."You say you're always cold, and I can't deny that. Your body... it keeps absorbing my warmth. Of course, I noticed that. I don't think you're an easy woman if that's how you perceive yourself. Noona, I see a soul that is desperate for warmth. Your body and soul are so... deprived of love and affection... that you're left with nothing but the hollowness within you. It's uncomfortable. I know... so you tend to seek warmth from another person. And the most efficient way to acquire warmth from the other person is through... sex. Right? I noticed... your pale cheeks... immediately flushing red and your eyes getting teary with every stroke of pleasure and your cold flesh... heating up upon your lover's embrace," Yangcha smiled."Yeah. I like it... the pleasure," I nodded."It's not the pleasure that you need. It's the warmth. The heat... igniting from within your cold soul. It's the only way... for you to feel... warm... just temporarily. So you give in to your lover's touch very easily. Why? Because your mind believes... lovemaking is the only way to achieve the scarce warmth. It's not that you're driven by lust or that you are gullible... it's just your wounded soul... craving for comfort and love. You're confusing lust with love because of the warmth you're receiving," Yangcha smiled."I noticed... the way you let... men touch you because it flusters your skin, and upon a slight spark of warmth... your empty soul will surely yearn for more. That's why you give in easily, but it doesn't make you worthless women... it's just those men... they're aware of your weakness. Kim Seokjin and Kim Taehyung... I'm sure they embraced your cold body after sex because they know you yearn for it. And once you wake up with a clouded mind... the first thing... you'll search for is the man's body to absorb his warmth. You're most vulnerable in that state. When you're cozy under the sheet while you're being warmed by the man's flesh. It makes you feel safe... loved, and comforted, and as a result... your mind convinces you to weaken for the man... because you are scared of losing the warmth," He sighed, gently stroking my cheek."All it took was a steamy night to light your body on fire and a warm morning to confuse your desperate soul. So they held you... because they know you'll never get enough of the warmth. And that's why you're always confused afterward. You might think you love them, but you pull away just as easily once they prick you with the coldness. You hate it... the cold. In fact, it is your lover's greatest blunder to use coldness against a woman who is suffering from the same frost," He muttered as I quietly stared at his sleepy eyes."Their coldness will drive you further away from them... and their warmth is like a drug, confusing your true feelings. So, if you ever find yourself questioning your feelings for them... It's because your soul is hungry for warmth, and your mind is confusing the warmth as a source of love. Your heart knows... It's not love that you're experiencing. And it's probably... why you feel like you can't properly love anyone or that... no one can provide the love you need. It's not that the love you desired... is unattainable... but because... you can't differentiate your need for warmth and ultimately confuse it as love," Yangcha weakly smiled. I stared at him in silence."Is that why you never embraced me after sex?" I asked, sadly searching his eyes."Noona. I can only offer you temporary warmth, and you'll only grow greedy for more... to the point, that I can't provide you enough, and you'll eventually grow frustrated. I don't want you... to become dependent on me. The warmth must ignite from within your soul for you to be content. Your love expectation is attainable, but you need to understand... that the love you need the most isn't your lover's affection. How can you ever love anyone if you're starving your own soul of affection? You must... learn to love yourself first," Yangcha muttered. The distance between us... he always maintained it, not because he was afraid of touching me but because he was afraid that I'd end up relying on him for warmth."Did you call me a greedy woman?" I asked, abruptly lifting my head to frown at Yangcha. He pursed his lips with a startled expression."I meant- Ah! Noona!" Yangcha tried to speak but shrieked in shock when I leaped over his body. Yangcha chuckled and tried to push me away, so I grabbed his wrists, firmly pinning his arms by the side of his head as I sat over his torso."Oh. I'm a greedy woman! I don't like to share anything with anyone!" I smiled, leaning down to hover my lips above his. Yangcha didn't resist me and lifted his head to kiss me, so I pulled away while tightening my grip around his wrists."I'm all yours~!" He smiled. I bit my lower lips, pushed his shirt upward to expose his toned torso, and lowered my head to kiss his hard pecs. Yangcha stiffened underneath me."I'll absorb all of your warmth~!" I smirked, lifting my devilish gaze to his bright pupils before lowering my lips to nibble his toned abs. Yangcha softly chuckled and patted my head. I sat up after a while and lowered my face to kiss him until he encircled his arms around my body, gently tugging me down. I smiled against his lips as he slowly turned on his side to rest my body on the pillow beside him.Yangcha gently pecked my lips and pulled away, staring at me fondly as we remained on the mattress with a weak smile. Exhaling softly, I scooted on the mattress to hug his sturdy body. Yangcha coiled his arms around my waist to hold me until I drifted into a deep sleep... within his comforting embrace._____________________
Jae Yangcha became my solace within a short duration, and for the first time, I could freely be myself. There were no doubts between us because I knew I could fully expose my vulnerability around him without the fear of being exploited. He never pushes me to get intimate with him. He never invaded my personal space, even if we were sleeping on the same bed. He never questioned my decisions or whereabouts and would wait patiently at the penthouse for my return.

For the first time in forever, I felt really relieved. I'd wake up feeling refreshed every day. And I'd overflow with energy from morning until dusk. The chronic headaches subsided, and I didn't feel the soreness all over my body anymore. Even the annoying heaviness within my heart was uplifted, and I could freely breathe again.

It was odd... how I felt so much better... physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Yangcha didn't suffocate me with his love, but I was nonetheless content with our relationship. I'm usually very greedy and would always seek smoldering affection from my past lovers but with Yangcha... I was satisfied with the space he granted me. He'd only touch me when it's appropriate. And he'd get intimate with me once in a while.

Unlike Kim Seokjin, Yangcha never demanded that he needed me to act or behave in a certain way to fulfill his expectations. Sora, I don't want temporary. Sora, let's not waste each other's time. Sora, we should act decently before the public eye. These are the most common phrases I heard from Seokjin's lips. He'd set his boundaries for me to follow, leaving me no choice but to back off and attend to his needs. Seokjin might've been courteous with me... but it was very draining... to live up to his expectations.

And Kim Taehyung? Fluttery and love bombing are his techniques. Wherever or whenever we were... his possessive grip would remain on my body. Whether it's my waist, my hips, my buttcheeks, my thighs or my hands. Kim Taehyung would always leave his traces on my body to ensure I was constantly reminded of his assertive existence. He'd hold me with so much tenderness... but would also shut me out with the silent treatment whenever he was upset, and I'd be left with the guilt of being a disappointment. He'd always overshadow me with his presence, and I'd quietly grip his hand, lower my face, and walk along his side with my head down.

But Jae Yangcha? He keeps my chin high. Yangcha never insisted that I act a particular way to satisfy him. He'd never touch me whenever he wanted, and he would only hold my body when I'm willing to let him touch me. My past lovers would often touch my buttcheeks, grope my breasts and invade my body with their love strokes whenever they felt like it but Yangcha? No matter how vulnerable I was or even... if I was standing naked before him, he'd maintain his distance.

He'd never distract me while I was working and would sit quietly, minding his personal business until I finished my work. He'd then talk to me about my days and offer his assistance even if I didn't ask for it. I felt respected and loved by his well-mannered approach to our love.

Just because he didn't touch me all the time... It doesn't mean he's not good at dealing with our bodies. Jae Yangcha's manliness brings out the feminine urge for me to receive from him.

In terms of our sexual relationship... I'd have to admit I enjoy sex more with him than with the other men. Why? He gave me control and would let me guide our bodies. He'd ask me if I was comfortable, and he would ensure he didn't leave me in a mess afterward. Jae Yangcha's sex drive was just as strong as Kim Taehyung's... but Yangcha's self-control was much more powerful... than Taehyung's.

And so... I didn't feel like I was being improperly invaded by his touches.

Jae Yangcha's biggest strength is his strong self-discipline to restrain his selfish urges. And that makes him deadly because he doesn't attack in the heat of anger. He backs away and emerges from the darkness once he's ready. I always thought Taehyung was the wisest alpha with the most powerful cards to play the games as he pleases, but Jae Yangcha didn't play.

He's the game itself, and everyone is playing his games without their awareness.
"Yah? What's wrong with you? I asked you to send me the Philanthropy monthly report-" I called, chasing after Jungkook through the university corridor, but he ignored me and walked forward."Don't touch me!" Jungkook snapped, firing me a sharp glare as I seized his arm to stop him. My lips parted at his harsh reaction."What's with that look-""Why do you care?! Go and be with that piece of shit!" Jungkook snapped. I blinked at his angry expression unsurely. Jungkook has been... upset with me... ever since I defended Jae Yangcha in the council."Are you referring to Yangcha??? Jungkook he-""Yeah, sure! He saved you from the cult! But did you know how anxious we were!? I spent days and nights searching for you! Taehyung never got any sleep, either! Do-hwan had to force his men to work overtime! Imo got sick from stressing over you! And your parents wasted a ton of resources to search for their daughter! At what cost!? Everyone was going crazy for you, but you were quietly fucking that killer?! Tell me, Sora! Should I be fucking disappointed or not?!" Jungkook angrily sneered. I pursed my lips at his bright red face with an aching heart."He wouldn't have allowed me to return-""So you brought him with you!? You brought a fucking killer into the households!" Jungkook snapped."He promised to never hurt anyone-""And you trust him!? You witnessed the kind of madness he's capable of provoking. That fucking asshole gouged out a person's eyes! He clogged their system with rat poison and used his mind games to drive a lower rank to his death! But you brought him back and gave him power over the council! Are fucking kidding me!? Taehyung might've been a scumbag, but he'll never kill his own people- but that fucker?! He will destroy the society with his rotten mentality!" Jungkook screamed at my face until his eyes burned in tears. I grew hushed at his glowering glare."I'll let him burn down the world if it's to protect me because... I'm tired of being exploited by greedy men like you. I've earned nothing from trying to please a man that doesn't respect me. You took my love for granted, yet I let you off because I didn't want to hurt you. But you're upset now that I'm happier and living well? I guess... people will become agitated once I start to prioritize myself. If you view me as a selfish person... just because I chose to protect myself... so be it," I sternly stared at Jungkook."I'll be a traitor in your eyes but remember Jeon Jungkook, I might be fucking a serial killer on my bed... and I might be moaning his name in pleasure with his dick inside me... but at least... I'll never let him fuck me on your bed while you're trying to sleep. Did you know how ridiculous you sound to blame the urge... to shove your dick inside another woman's pussy on our separation?" I lowly questioned with my empty gaze on his blazing glare. Jungkook's eyes flashed in disbelief, but before he could speak, I turned around and left the corridor with a blank face.
He makes me sick. I tried desperately to forgive him after he brought another woman onto my bed to have sex, but this was the outcome of my generosity. He thinks he's so much better than me just because I've chosen a man he disapproves of. I fall in love easily... but at least... I'll never cheat on my lover and blame our separation for being unfaithful.

Fast Forward
The private corporation lounge hummed lowly as the chairmen and shareholders chattered within the room to discuss the new project authorization. I chuckled with a few women as they praised the Philanthropy establishment. Taehyung, on the other hand, was speaking with the chairman as he beamed at the alpha for finally taking charge of the tower. I finally excused myself from the room after chatting with the executives, and strode back to my private lounge... but halted once I found Taehyung frowning at another person's presence."How dare you set foot in here?" Taehyung asked, darkly staring at Yangcha, who was sitting on the couch. The assistants and secretaries fired each other a startled look."What's the matter? I asked him to bring me the file you requested," I asked, strolling inside the room. Taehyung clenched his jaw, sharply staring at me."You could've sent Do-hwan," Taehyung lifted his thick eyebrows. I glanced at Yangcha's uneasy expression... and at the nervous staff within the room."I'll leave-""You shouldn't make a fuss of it. Here," I sighed, snatching the file from Yangcha's hand to push it into Taehyung's chest. Yangcha tried to walk away, so I grabbed his hand to make him stay. Taehyung clenched the file in discontent."The tower access is restricted only to those entitled to enter. Please do not break the protocol and send Do-hwan with the confidential work," Taehyung fired me a sharp look and strolled inside the office."Wait for me here. I'll collect my bag. Let's leave together," I smiled at Yangcha, tip-toe on my heels to peck his lips, and hurried after Taehyung. The secretaries awkwardly stared at Yangcha's flustered face, so he cleared his throat and smiled at them. Thud. I slammed the door closed and hurried towards my desk."If you're trying to provoke me with his presence... then you better stop. I'm seriously on the verge of losing my shit," Taehyung warned. I paused while shoving my phone into my handbag and lifted my eyes to study his dark frown."I'm not trying to provoke you. You're just annoyed that I'm with Yangcha now," I shrugged. I never intended to irritate Kim Taehyung, but he's been resentful since I beat him in the games."Keep the alpha's affair out of the corporation. It's not that I'm jealous, but the shareholders might uncover his crimes. And it will put the tower's reputation at risk. You can proudly walk around with that cold-blooded serial killer, but don't bring him inside the tower. Your parent's hard work will shatter at your utmost recklessness," Taehyung glared at me. I dimmed my eyes."Araso~! It's your tower now. I won't be here in a month, so you may work in peace. Just try not to bring trouble to me afterward," I shrugged, dismissively grabbing my bag and strolled towards the door. Taehyung grimaced with his stern gaze on me... so I shoved the door open to find Yangcha chatting with the assistants."Noona," He greeted me."Oh? You're younger than our first lady?" An assistant smiled."Neh. He's my boyfriend," I smiled at her. The assistants giggled cutely with their hands over their lips, so I bid them goodbye and walked away with Yangcha."Is he upset again?" Yangcha asked curiously. I smiled and stepped inside the elevator with him."Everyone is upset with me, but it doesn't matter. I'm unbothered by their judgments," I shrugged while holding his hand. Yangcha chuckled as he stood beside me and strolled into the lobby. The staff halted their activities once they found me striding through the building with Yangcha.
They stared at him with curiosity as I introduced him to the world for the first time.

A moment later.
"Oh? Why are we here?" Yangcha asked after I led him inside my parent's mansion."My mother wants to speak with you," I informed, leading him up the staircase.Yangcha briefly darted me a confused look, so I shrugged and pushed the office door open to find my mother sitting at her desk with her blank stare on a file. She lifted her almond-shaped eyes to examine us through her reading glasses. The woman exhaled, took off the thick frames, and placed it aside. I sat down with Yangcha on the couch, still holding his hand over my lap."Why did you request to see me?" Yangcha asked, blankly staring at my mother as she sat at her desk. Eomma didn't answer right away... and leaned back with a suspicious gaze on Yangcha."What is it that you seek? You must have a motive," She asked. Yangcha briefly glanced at me and back at my mother."You might not approve of my relationship with your daughter-""I approve of your relationship," Eomma sighed, easing her dead stare."Neh?" I blinked unsurely at her response."You saved the supreme alpha and brought her back to safety. I should be grateful for your effort, but I'm afraid it's just another one of your games to achieve a greater motive. So tell me your true desire," Eomma dimmed her eyes at Yangcha."My only desire is to be good to your daughter," Yangcha answered without hesitation. Eomma shifted her eyes to me and back at the alpha."And you're sure about him? We're aware my daughter... is quite a player herself," Eomma tilted her head with a weak smile."I'm sure," I nodded. Yangcha kept his firm gaze on my mother."Your relationship will initiate agitation within the society in the long term. The council might be hushed now, but the society will rise again once we're unsteady. I'm fully aware of your capabilities... but you may not marry my daughter as a powerless man. Brain power isn't enough to guarantee her security... and I will not allow my daughter to defend you in the council either. If you want her... you must... attain power," Eomma weakly smiled at Yangcha. I nervously glanced at him and back at eomma."If I attain power... will you approve of our relationship?" Yangcha asked. Eomma smirked and glanced at me."Most definitely. Why should I care about your crimes? It's not like you killed them for fun. The sinners deserve to die. What's important is that you can acquire power and prove yourself worthy. The council won't be able to resist you and my daughter," Eomma nodded. Yangcha tightened his grip around my hand, so I glanced back and forth between them."How will he do that?" I asked, unsurely staring at my mother."If he's truly... devoted to you... I'm sure he'll find a way, but keep in mind. You must fulfill your duties without putting my daughter's position at risk. Prove your power once more, and I'll accept you into my household. You honestly impressed me... with your strategies. Not every man... has the power to rise from the dead, so make yourself useful if you want to hold onto her hands," Eomma nodded at our interlaced hands. Yangcha grew hushed and lowered his gaze to my hand with a determined expression.We strolled down the staircase after we spoke with my mother to find imo waiting for me with a wrapped gift bag, so I greeted her. The woman nervously stared at Yangcha as she handed me the packed sweet rice cake. I chatted with her and left the mansion with my lover afterward.
A moment later.
"You have to be cautious around my mother. She's not a woman you should underestimate," I muttered while sitting over Yangcha's thighs on the couch in the dark living room. Yangcha calmly sat under me as he gazed at the light snow outside the glass wall. He slowly averted his fond gaze to my naked body."I know. Your mother is the most powerful player," Yangcha smiled, gently rubbing my cheek with his thumb, gradually lowering his hand to trace his fingers along my neck and down to my sensitive breast. The alpha lowered his dim gaze to my hard tips, gently brushing his thumb over my fleshy breasts as I sat facing him on his naked crotch. We're both undressed."How will you achieve power? Eomma will never hand me over to you without a return," I whispered, gently rubbing his firm jaw. Yangcha lowered his hand from my breast to hold my hips, so I glanced at his hard bulge... and gently grabbed his private part to jerk his sensitive meat between my palm.The alpha closed his eyes in difficulty at the throbbing sensation over his tip and rested his head backward. I leaned forward to press my lips over his thick neck as he grazed his fingers over my fleshy hips to arouse my body. Yangcha lifted his head, gently slid his hand under my jaw, and drew my face toward his until our lips collided. He sensually pushed his tongue between my lips to taste my flavor as I rubbed his bare chest with my palm.I kissed him with a troubled expression as he softly caressed his moist lips over mine until I felt my cheeks heating up. Why is he effortlessly so attractive? I released his hard bulge and hugged his neck instead, so he clutched my naked body and pulled me closer as we made out on the couch before the city view in the cozy penthouse."What if I told you... she saw an opportunity in me?" Yangcha whispered, gently drawing his face away to search my eyes with a tempted gaze. I pursed my lips as he lightly tweaked my nipples."An opportunity?" I asked. He gently combed his fingers through my hair and lowered his hand to clutch my waist as I uneasily stared at his neutral expression. Yangcha parted his lips... lowering his face to suck on my sensitive breast, making me tense my body muscles... so I bit my lower lips while playing with his earlobe. He softly moaned while pleasuring me with his wet tongue before lifting his flustered face to gaze at my rosy red cheeks."I can attain power, Sora. I told you... I'm always a step ahead of everyone. I have a bait... that your mother wants... and I've been waiting for the right time for her to take it. She sees power in me... and I'll show it to her... to secure our relationship. I knew she'd tempt me to achieve the power to have you," Yangcha whispered, calling by my name for the first time. My cheeks flushed even redder at his low and raspy voice. I glanced at his sexy parted lips in temptation, so Yangcha chuckled and kissed me. I shakily huffed as he straightened his muscular body to hold my body within his strong arms."Hah~!" I softly huffed, pulling away to frown at Yangcha's weak smile as he gently pinched my breast tips to stimulate my nerves."Why are you so flustered?" He chuckled. I bit my lips as he rubbed my arched spine to soothe my tense body with his other hand."I like it when you call me by my name," I giggled. Yangcha scoffed and gently tilted his head to kiss my neck, so I gripped his sturdy shoulder for support while biting down on my lips with a difficult frown. He pressed his wet tongue against my sensitive skin and sucked onto my neck while massaging my buttcheeks as I gently rub my moist slit over his hard shaft. I lowered my heated face to kiss his ear while rubbing his prickly buzzcut as I sat with my naked torso pressed against his pulsing chest."Should I call you by your name from now on? But that's dangerous. I might turn you on unintentionally," Yangcha teased. I chuckled and gently pushed his chest back to make him lean against the couch.The alpha lifted my hips, so I gripped his shoulder as he gently pushed his swollen tips against my soaked crotch, slowly penetrating me. I gasped under my breath and sat down on his crotch to slip him inside me. Yangcha grunted and leaned back on the headrest with his eyes closed."Call me by my name," I whispered.Yangcha opened his dazed pupils to admire my faint smile and shifted his gaze to my flushed cheeks. He smiled as he interlaced our fingers to hold me in place, gently thrusting his hips upward until I moaned and tilted my head toward the ceiling with my lips ajar. Yangcha smiled and hugged my shuddering body as I struggled to contain my overstimulated nerves... so I dug my nails into his flesh and buried my face against his neck as we made love before the dark city view in the dim living room.
Our naked bodies... working at a steady pace... until I was pulsing with pleasure.
___________________
January 24th
I stood with my attentive eyes on my reflection in the mirror as the stylist fitted the gown to my body. It's a strapless gown in the color of light peach with a slight pink undertone embroidered with short streaks of pearls over the silky bodice, scattered with cute flower decorations on the a-line silhouette ruffles that draped all the way to my feet. The stylist tightened the laces behind my back to secure the fabric around my waist as I adjusted my hairpin.[ Reference Dress ]

Imo eventually dismissed the stylists and makeup artists as I stood before the mirror with my hair fixed in a neat bun, ornamented with pearly pins to uplift my face. The light makeup... gently patted onto my face to achieve a delicate look. Imo carefully clipped a pearl choker around my neck, so I tilted my head to let her fix it. The woman quietly patted the fabric to flatten the creases as the maid placed the heels beneath my feet. I clipped on a bracelet on my left wrist to hide the scar and finally smiled at my radiant appearance."Did you bring him here?" Imo asked without looking at me as she gently dabbed a bit more blush onto my cheek."Yangcha? He's here," I nodded."Are you sure you're happy with him?" Imo asked, shifting her worried eyes to me."Why don't you look at me and tell me if I'm content with my life or not," I chuckled. The woman observed my face with her wrinkled smile lines and glanced at my appearance in the mirror."Your usual dark eyebags are gone. Your skin appears brighter now, and you're taking great care of yourself. I assume you're happy," Imo nodded."I'm the happiest today. It's my first birthday celebration," I smiled as the maid rubbed the moist lotion onto my exposed shoulders and arms. Imo sighed and patted my hand."I hope you live happily," She sadly smiled while gazing at me. I softly chuckled and finally exited the private dressing room to stroll towards the staircase in my gown until I heard the soft chatters from below as the guests waited for my appearance.
Third Person POV
Jae Yangcha stood alone in the corner of the room with a glass of wine as the guests chattered with each other. He shifted his dull gaze to Kim Taehyung, who was speaking with a few shareholders as they praised his visuals. The alpha averted his gaze to a crowd of lower ranks to find them... firing him dirty looks. No one seems to acknowledge his presence, and even if they did... they'd smear him with disgusted frowns. Jeon Jungkook darted the alpha a sharp glare as he passed by in a fitted suit, so Yangcha glanced at the empty glass in his hand until a movement above the stairs caught his eyes.The noises within the room suddenly died down. Kim Taehyung paused mid-sentence as he stood by the stair base once the elegant supreme alpha stepped onto the stair landing in her exquisite gown with a slight smile on her pretty pink lips. Kim Seokjin lifted his attentive gaze to examine the details around her curves as Hoseok stood with his mouth half open. Namjoon stopped speaking with Sungho as they both gazed at her captivating visual from below.

Jimin diverted his attention from So-young once he noticed the tense crowd until his eyes landed on her majestic appearance. Yoongi slightly tilted his head to observe the gracious aura around the supreme alpha as she proudly stood before the audience.Minah pursed her lips with a slight smile as she watched Jang Sora stand at the top of the staircase. Hwa-young, on the contrary, enviously grimaced and glanced at Jungkook, who was staring dimly at his first love. Mira and Minho stood fixed in their place as Jang Sora took her first step, carefully lifting her gown to stride down the stairs with a delicate smile.Yangcha stood in the far back shadow with his unblinking stare on the goddess as she gracefully descended from the higher ground to join the pack. Mr. Jang, the supreme alpha's father, proudly placed out his hand for his daughter, so Sora smiled and took her father's hand at the base of the stairs.Jae Yangcha shifted his stern gaze to scan the starving male's gaze within the room as the alphas admired her enchanting appearance in temptation. The men were starstruck by her ethereal beauty, and the women... were humbled by her untouchable elegance. No one uttered a word as they chased their attentive gaze after the goddess."Aigo~! My daughter is so beautiful tonight~!" Mr. Jang chuckled, gently patting his daughter's hand as her mother proudly smiled at her. Sora's face flushed red as she beamed at her parents. Kim Taehyung unconsciously lowered his wine glass while eyeing her lustrous shoulders and lifted his mesmerized gaze to her gorgeous face with his lips pursed.

The eyes amongst the crowd did not shift from the supreme alpha as she slightly tilted her chin upward... as if to search for someone. The top-ranked alphas attentively watched her as the supreme alpha swept the crowd with her eager gaze until... her eyes... landed on the man at the far end of the room. She instantly spotted him... even if he was standing in the shadow.Jae Yangcha's heart abruptly leaped with overwhelming ecstasy upon her recognition. She happily lifted her eyebrow once she noticed him, so the guests within the room turned around to stare at the alpha with their dark frowns. Jae Yangcha was suddenly cast under the spotlight... just as she had promised to be the light source in his life. The alpha placed his empty glass aside as he stood in his black tuxedo with his magnetic gaze on her approving smile.
Sora's POV
Yangcha smiled as I waved at him and walked through the crowd, so he stepped forward to meet me halfway. My heart repeatedly thumped against my chest as he towered over me in the sexy black suit and buzzcut hair. I examined his strong jawline and shifted my gaze to his alluring lips."So? Do you like the dress?" I asked, lifting the gown to show him its delicate design. Yangcha tried not to smile too wide as he pridefully admired the dress."The dress? I can't seem to tear my eyes off your face," He teased. I chuckled and lowered my hands to hold his."You should appreciate the dress!" I giggled. Yangcha chuckled and pulled me into a warm hug. I gleefully tiptoed on my high heels to wrap my arms around his neck as he lowered his body to hold my waist."You'll always be a goddess in my eyes," He whispered in my ear.My cheeks suddenly grew warm, so I pulled away to stare at his tender gaze. Yangcha smiled and lowered his face to peck my lips. I happily gripped his hand, finally turning to greet the bitter crowd around us.

Kim Taehyung stood emotionless as he watched our interaction, so I shifted my gaze to Jungkook, who rolled his eyes and strolled away in discontent. Seokjin took a sip of his wine and turned to speak with his parents as the elders narrowed their eyes on Yangcha.The guests suddenly shifted their attention away from us the instant I approached Yangcha and went on with their chatter. My parents nervously observed the dismissive crowd and glanced at me, so I shrugged and tugged Yangcha toward the shareholders to introduce him to them."He's really handsome!" A man complimented Yangcha."Ah. You're too kind," Yangcha chuckled as I clung to his forearm."You're so tall too!" Another woman patted his back. Yangcha chuckled and shook his head."You two look perfect together! I heard the employees talking about him at the corporation but never anticipated him to be this masculine and sexy~!" A shareholder nudged his colleague. I chuckled and hugged his arm with a bright smile."You two must be in a healthy relationship for our first lady to appear this luminous! You weren't so well before, so we were a little anxious about your well-being, but it's a relief now!" A woman exclaimed. I chuckled shyly and shook my head, so Yangcha smiled and gently hugged my waist on his side."What an eyesore..." Jungkook grumbled, intentionally bumping into Yangcha. I frowned at the half-blood persistent taunting acts towards Yangcha. Jungkook isn't doing well either after Hwa-young exposed his bloodline to the society. But did he really have to explicitly insult my lover?
It was my first birthday party, but the guests didn't seem pleased with my presence as I held onto Yangcha. The alphas would avoid speaking to me and chatted with the lower ranks, and the elders would pry their gaze on my lover as if he were a monster they wished to slaughter. Their ruthless judgments were so relentless we ended up standing in the corner of the room to avoid being targeted. I didn't feel welcome at my own birthday party.
My mother grew restless at the tense atmosphere... so she asked the staff to bring out the cake. I stood up from the chair and walked up to the four-story cake with a slight smile to gaze at the pearl decoration as Yangcha stood beside me. My father lit the candles. I smiled at the twinkling candle lights until my gaze gradually... focused on another person. The man kept his blank gaze on me as I unsurely clapped with my beaming parents.Kim Taehyung slightly tilted his head and shifted his dark stare to Yangcha as he stood on the opposite side of the cake. I cleared my throat and leaned forward to blow the candles. The crowd applauded for me... but it wasn't a genuine cheer. The alphas darted me mocking expressions, rolled their eyes, and turned away, and before I knew it... everyone had their backs turned on us again. I stood unblinkingly before the cake with a blank expression as Yangcha swallowed at the society's cruel treatment. I resentfully glared at the crowd and hastily stomped out of the hotel venue until I burst onto the terrace. Fuck! I shouldn't let them ruin my mood, but this is too much!"Noona!" Yangcha called, chasing after me. I shakily gripped my fist as I leaned over the outdoor railing to glare at the river below us with tearful eyes."I'm sorry-""Why are you crying?! It's not your fault," Yangcha gasped, quickly dabbing my tears before they slid over my cheeks. I pursed my trembling lips while studying his worried frown."They keep treating you like some sort of-""Sora. It is me... that should be ashamed of ruining your special day," Yangcha frowned, gently rubbing my cheek as we stood on the spacious terrace. I gripped my fists and leaned forward to hug him under the winter breeze, so Yangcha tightly held me against his chest."It's not your fault. I shouldn't have insisted on celebrating my birthday," I sniffled, pulling away to shake my head. I wanted to introduce him to everyone, but we were harshly rejected by the society. Yangcha sighed and lowered his hand to stroke my cheek as we stood before the river view."Don't let them ruin your night. Hmm?" Yangcha smiled, weakly rubbing my cheeks."I always celebrated my birthday alone, so I thought- I thought I could celebrate with you this year, but they-""I'm happy. Oh? Sora, I'm happy with you. Nothing else matters, alright?" Yangcha firmly shook his head. I blinked at him in tears as my chest throbbed with an uncomfortable contraction. I feel sorry for him. I did everything I could to help him rise, but the ruthless society... is treating him as a cursed creature."Should we run away from the venue together? Let's celebrate with just the two of us," I smiled, glancing at the river. Yangcha chuckled."Okay. Let's leave this place," Yangcha agreed. I smiled and tiptoed to press my lips over his, so Yangcha tugged me closer until I felt his chest pulsating against mine."Let's go," I smiled, taking his hand in mine. Yangcha firmly nodded, and we were about to head back inside when- BOOM.The sky above us suddenly ignited with colorful flames, so I halted to stare at the glittery sparkles. Yangcha pursed his lips and glanced at the dark sky as the fireworks exploded above our heads. The tears in my eyes suddenly ceased as we stood under the beautiful shower over the terrace. Neither of us... budge as the fireworks set off above the building. I gripped Yangcha's fingers. He chuckled in disbelief and lowered his face to smile at me.

"I love you," He smiled. I pursed my lips at his tearful eyes as the bright twinkles exploded into magnificent flowers, beautifully lighting up the dark winter sky until I felt my chest stirring with an intense emotion."I love you too," I replied. Yangcha sadly blinked, lowered his head, and tilted his face to the side, so I closed my eyes until he rested his warm lips on mine. He smiled against my lips as I hugged his neck to deepen our kiss.We kissed passionately under the colorful glimmer of the winter night until my cheeks flushed warm at his soothing love strokes. Yangcha softly chuckled, pulling away to lift his face upward again while hugging me in his strong arms. I rested my cheek against his chest, happily gazing at the beautiful flickers with a faint smile.
I love the beautiful fireworks and I loved him too.

BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.
My heart suddenly stirred with an unexplainable feeling as I stood in my lover's warm arms. He gently rocked me from side to side as we admired the fireworks from the terrace opening with a soft smile.The stuffy emotions ultimately subsided, and I didn't feel as restless anymore. Nothing matters besides our love. For once... I felt whole in his arms. Yangcha lowered his gaze to stare at me fondly until I chuckled and snuggled against his chest to watch the fireworks from the outdoor terrace.
The bright lights... reflecting over the frozen river... and painting the dull city with its colorful brilliance.

"Let's get married," I whispered. Yangcha stopped rocking me and glanced down."Hmmm?" He unsurely lifted his eyebrow with a startled expression."I'll give up on the world for you," I smiled. Yangcha sadly stared into my eyes in tears."You can't do that," He shook his head."Why not?" I blinked as the gentle frost stung our skin."Because I will give you the world, so don't give up on it," He whispered. My cheeks flushed red at his sweet response. Yangcha tearfully lowered his face to caress his lips over mine again... so I hugged his waist and tilted my face upward to close the gap between us as the brightly colored beams sparkled above our heads to celebrate our... blooming love.
BANG.
Yangcha slightly stumbled forward, so I unconsciously drew my lips away to break the kiss in confusion as he firmly held onto my body. A teardrop suddenly slipped from his pained eyes, so I glanced at his shaky fingers as he stroked my cheeks. I stared at his difficult frown and glanced at his trembling lips with a restless feeling."Are you okay? What's the matter-""S-Shhh... I'm okay. Don't worry. Just hold me. Sora, just hold me tight and keep your gaze on the fireworks," He sniffled, tugging my head against his shoulder. I unconsciously gripped his back as he held onto my body so I wouldn't pull away.I glanced at the distracting sparkles above us again as Yangcha tightened his grip around my body. He sniffled and lowered his face to my bare shoulder with his tear-soaked face. Why is he so emotional...? I patted his back unsurely until... I felt something sticky on my fingers. I frowned as I stood with my chin rested on his shoulder and slowly lifted my hands behind his back to discover... bright red blood... all over my fingers. My heart suddenly dropped."Y-Yangcha- why are you- bleeding-" I stuttered in horror and tried to pull away, but he only hugged me tighter. My chest started thumping against my chest in fear... so I averted my terrified eyes back to the blood on my palms."I'm fine-""Yangcha!" I gasped, frantically pulling away from him in fright to find blood all over my arms. Yangcha clenched his jaw as he stood before me. He suddenly coughed and wobbled to the ground, so I quickly seized his body to support him. What's happening?! Why is he wounded?!"I'm fine- d- don't cry- It's your special day-" He grunted, slowly sinking to his knees. I gasped in panic as Jae Yangcha weakly slid to the ground... so I grabbed his arm to stop him from collapsing."Yah! What's wrong with you!?" I screamed in tears as I crouched on the ground in my bloody gown. The alpha gripped my blood-soaked arms for support, so I fearfully hugged his shoulder against my chest as the fireworks exploded over our heads."I love you- Sora- I love you-""Stop talking!" I gasped, tightly gripping his body against my chest until my swelling gaze... landed on the crowd of people standing on the open terrace. They stood with their blank gaze fixed on Yangcha as he sat weakly in my arms. My eyes widened in horror once I noticed... a man... standing with his arm lifted... and between his grip was a gun.

My mind suddenly turned blank as I shifted my torn eyes from the steaming barrel to the person as he stood with a cold stare. I lowered my gaze from the man and gently turned Jae Yangcha over to find a deep bullet... wound in his upper back. Badum.
And for a brief moment... I couldn't react, nor could I breathe.
I shifted my tearful eyes to Yangcha's pale face as he remain lifeless against my shoulder. His sticky blood... soaking my fancy dress and seeping all over the floor. My lips started trembling at the shocking realization as I tried to speak, but my throat was clogged with a hot lump. I couldn't process the situation as I crouched beside his lifeless body until the unconscious tear stream dripped from my curled lashes."Y-Yangcha?!" I gasped, slapping his cheek to wake him up, but he was no longer responsive to my call.My heart suddenly shattered into pieces once the shocking reality struck me, so I screamed in horror and hugged his head in distress. Yangcha's head weakly flopped to the side as I repeatedly smacked his chest for a response. The burning tears... trickling messily over my cheeks as I wept for his heartbreaking downfall. My body started vibrating in extreme anguish until the aching emotion surged through my cold body... suffocating me with an unbearable heartbreak.

"Someone please help him! He needs help!" I screamed, lifting my eyes to the crowd, yet no one moved. I gasped, quickly stood up on my high heel, and attempted to lift Yangcha upward, but he didn't budge. I screamed in distress while tugging his arm... again and again... but he was too heavy."JEBAL! SOMEONE, PLEASE HELP HIM! I'M BEGGING YOU!" I cried in pain as I frantically crouched back down to hold Yangcha's bloody face between my palms.Still.The crowd remained unresponsive as they unblinkingly stared at Jae Yangcha's lifeless body. My desperate screams and pleas... didn't seem to be heard by the world... no matter how desperately I screamed for their help. No one stepped forward... as they heartlessly watched him bleed onto me until I was soaked in his dark blood. I rubbed my tearful cheeks in frustration and attempted to heave his body again... but failed miserably and stumbled to the side."You can't die! I won't let you die! Argh!" I sobbed, smacking Yangcha's chest as he leaned against my shoulder with his eyes closed. My chest throbbed and churned with every heartbeat, so I whimpered and hugged his head against my chest in extreme pain. I howled in extreme anguish until my bloodshot gaze landed on the culprit... as he stood... with his dark gaze on me.
Kim Seokjin remained blank in his position.
He slowly... lowered the gun to his side as he watched me scream against my wounded lover without a hint of guilt. I clutched Yangcha's shoulders and lowered my head in grief until I lost my voice to the pain... so I choked and helplessly cradled his lifeless body within my arms.
Jae Yangcha remained lifeless in my arms.

My burning tears... dripping onto his blood-stained face... warming his skin with my self-made warmth... yet he was already... cold... and gone.

I didn't know what to do... but to possessively hug his body... desperately hoping to trap his withering soul... so he wouldn't leave my side and drift away with the winter breeze.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POVClick. Clack. Click. Clack. I sleepily yawned while walking through the empty corridor leading to my penthouse after wandering in the uncomfortable short heels. Beep. I scanned the card, pushed the door open, and slipped off my shoes to soothe my blistering ankles. I weakly leaned against the wall and lifted my right leg to rub my aching joint while clutching onto my handbag before lowering my feet to the floor for balance."Yangcha...?" I paused once I noticed the dark penthouse. Did he leave...? Where would he go at this time?I tossed my bag on the couch, entered my bedroom to undress my torturing formal dress, and took a quick shower in the stall. The overtime work at the organization had left my brain sore and nerves aching from the continuous usage of my strained brainpower. I stared at my face in the reflection while wrapping the towel around my body and finally stepped out of the bathroom."Boo!" Yangcha shrieked, leaping out of nowhere."AH!- Yah-!?!?" I screamed, jerking backward in a panic at his abrupt presence, causing the towel to slip from my cleavage. Yangcha hysterically chuckled at my startled reaction as I held onto the bathroom handle with my eyes wide open in response to his mischievous manner."Did I scare you?" Yangcha asked, picking up the towel from the floor to pull it over my naked body. I glared at him in disbelief. Is he out of his mind?! I almost lost consciousness! The alpha chuckled at my slight frown, gently cupped my cheeks, and lowered his face to give me a soft peck as he held the damp towel over my shoulders."I had only one brain cell left from the tiring work. Did you have to scare me..?" I grumbled. Yangcha smiled and pulled me into a comforting hug. I exhaled and hugged his warm body as he held me in the towel, loosely covering my body. Ah~ All I need is to be recharged by his firm embrace. I closed my eyes and exhaled in relief with my nose pressed against his chest. I feel like I can instantly melt into his arms and immediately fall into a deep sleep."You told me you'll be home late, so I left earlier to order you a warm meal," He muttered. I pulled away from him, patted his firm cheek, and entered the closet to pull on my long-sleeved silk gown."You shouldn't wander around alone. The society might attack you," I mumbled, stepping out of the closet while combing my damp hair. Yangcha chuckled and followed me to the living room where a bag of packaged food was placed on the coffee table. I sighed and sat down to eat the food he brought me.

Yangcha figured I'd be too exhausted to cook the meals with fresh ingredients, so he got me the packaged dinner from a nearby restaurant. We chatted over the delicious meal about my work day until I finished the food. I finally brushed my teeth and slumped on the mattress, groaning softly as the painful soreness throbbed all over my body.My muscles... It's so stiff. Yangcha pushed open the bedroom door with my heels dangling between his fingers after he picked it up from the doorway. He entered my closet to place it on the rack and finally sat at the foot of the bed as I lay on my stomach with my puffy cheek snuggled against the pillow. I'm so... exhausted."You should wear something comfortable," He mumbled, carefully lifting my feet to place them on his lap. Yangcha rubbed the cream onto my irritated ankles from the friction burn, so I exhaled and closed my eyes."Thank you for taking care of me," I mumbled. Yangcha didn't respond to my gratitude and continued massaging the base of my feet, gently kneading the strained muscles until I gripped the bedsheet in satisfaction. He eventually gave me a full back and shoulder massage until I fell asleep without realizing it.But I didn't sleep long. I woke up again a little after midnight. I turned on the mattress to find Yangcha snoring on his side, so I smiled and patted his cheeks sleepily. Yangcha is a light sleeper. I lifted my head to peck his lips before swinging my legs off the mattress, carefully slipping from under the sheet to place my feet on the heated floor.There's a formal research I need to finalize for Philanthropy, and I'm way behind schedule, so I have to complete it before morning. Sighing deeply, I grabbed my laptop from the desk and exited my bedroom to sit on the carpet by the coffee table. I brewed myself hot honey lemon tea to keep my numbed mind awake, placed the protective glasses over my nose bridge to filter the blue lights, and quietly typed away my work on my laptop in the dark living room. Click. Click.

I narrowed my eyes on the screen while sipping the warm tea, cautiously skimming the reports for errors before typing on the keyboard again until... I heard faint footsteps approaching me."Are you not sleeping...?" Yangcha yawned, sitting on the couch behind me with his swollen eyelids. How is he so quiet...? I didn't even hear him leave the room."Why are you up? Go back to sleep," I muttered, worriedly turning to look at his dazed face.Yangcha deeply exhaled, slid off the couch to sit beside me on the carpet, and gently hugged my waist. The alpha cutely tightened his arms around my waist while snuggling his face against my silk like an adorable child, so I lifted my arm off the keyboard to hug his shoulder. He grumbled under his breath, apparently still hypnotized by his groggy senses. Is he sleepwalking...? I unsurely patted his shoulder as he hugged me without moving for a solid minute.

"I can help you," Yangcha mumbled, lifting his sleepy eyes to meet mine. I smiled at his precious face and kissed his forehead, causing his lips to curve into a weak smile upon my breathy love strokes. He gently leaned forward to peck my lips, so I chuckled softly and kissed him back."Are you sleep-talking?" I chuckled. Yangcha cutely pouted and shook his head to deny my claim. Yangcha lifted his head to kiss my cheek, so I glanced back at my laptop screen and started typing again as he hugged me on his side with his head slanted on my shoulder. The alpha didn't utter a word nor budge on my side and quietly watched me work with his droopy eyelids.
I figured he didn't want to sleep alone, so I let him sit with me. Yangcha might be respectful and would grant me the personal space I desire, but he's sometimes very clingy. He'd occasionally chase his gaze after me in the penthouse and would gradually shift closer to me until I let him inside my boundary. And he'd hold me in silence, even as if I was working. Yangcha would observe whatever I was doing without asking me questions. I... somewhat... got used to his curious nature without feeling too bothered about it. Besides, I like it when he clings to me.

Third Person POV
Jae Yangcha sleepily sat beside the supreme alpha in the dark living room before the city view. His head... slanting against her shoulder and his pupils... listlessly tracing the letters on the report. She appeared very concentrated on her task, so he didn't speak... even if he noticed a typo on the screen.The alpha eventually lifted his head off her shoulder after a while because he was afraid of weighing her down and hugged his knees instead while reading the texts on the screen. Yangcha faintly smiled once he noticed another error she missed on the report and glanced at Sora's pretty side profile. She kept making typos and would cutely curse under her breath when she couldn't get the phrases right.The alpha couldn't help but glance back and forth between her pretty frowns as she fought with her expiring brain cells. He knew... she was working with a clouded mind, but he didn't dare disrupt her determination and patiently waited by her side. Sora's energy eventually burned out after an hour of fighting to correct her report until her eyelids drooped. But she immediately shook her head and tried to focus on the screen again.

Yangcha softly chuckled as he curiously watched her resist the desperate brain signals to stay awake until the speed of her fingers... gradually slowed down, causing the clicking sound to cease within the dark space. The alpha quietly skimmed through his phone with a slight smile until the living room eventually grew hushed, so he glanced to the side to find... Jang Sora... slouching before the screen with her head hung low, lips ajar, and her glass frame... slipping down to her nose bridge.The supreme alpha had finally lost consciousness from the occupied day of performing the tiresome workload as she unconsciously tilted towards the table... so Jae Yangcha extended his hand to cushion her forehead with his palm to prevent her from slamming against the coffee table.The alpha sighed at her eventual defeat as he slipped his phone into his pocket, carefully raised Sora's head off the table, slipped his arms under her body, and carried her to bed. The supreme was entirely depleted by the time her lover rested her frail body on the bed. She didn't budge and slumped over the mattress like a dead corpse.Yangcha smiled at her floppy head as he pulled the sheet up to her chest, pushed away the messy strands from her face, and turned on the humidifier to filter the room with refreshing air. The alpha fondly kissed her soft lips and left the bedroom to settle in front of her unattended computer. He quietly skimmed through her packed schedules and glanced at the disorganized report with a slight frown. Sighing, he took his time to study her work and finally raised his hands to complete the task for her until the moon disappeared from the dark sky... replaced by the rising sun."Baby?" Sora grumbled, sleepily walking out of the bedroom with her puffy face."You're awake?" Yangcha smiled, finally putting her laptop to sleep after typing away on the screen until the sun rose over the city. The alpha stretched his muscular arms with a soft smile as he watched her stroll towards him in her silk gown."Did you wake up early?" Sora mumbled, cluelessly kneeling beside Yangcha on the carpet. He welcomed her with his arms open, so she crawled onto his lap and hugged his neck with her eyes closed. Yangcha hugged the supreme alpha's warm body against his torso and gently ran his fingers through her soft hair.

"You should take a day off," Yangcha softly sighed. Sora didn't respond and hugged him on his lap in her nightgown with her eyes closed. The alpha chuckled at her hushed response and gently caressed her back to comfort her. She softly snored against his shoulder and fell back into a deep sleep in his comforting embrace.
End of Flashback
__________________________
Present
Sora's POVKnock. Knock. I jerked awake at the sudden disturbance, sleepily opening my eyes to find Yangcha resting calmly on my pillow with the oxygen tubes in his nostrils. I rubbed my swollen eyelids and lowered my gaze to our interlaced hands with a heavy heart as I sat by his bedside.Knock. Knock. The person persistently knocked on the door to announce their presence, so I glanced in the direction with a wary expression, finally getting up from the chair beside my bed and strolled towards the door.Taehyung appeared in casual clothes.I glanced at the tray of meals in his hand and tried to close the door."Sora-""Leave-""I won't hurt him," Taehyung sighed, freeing one arm to hold the door open to stop me from closing it on him. I stared at the alpha with a blank face, and after a moment of intense contemplation, I stepped aside.Taehyung exhaled and strolled inside my bedroom with the tray. I closed the door and sat across from him on the couch. Taehyung glanced at Yangcha on my mattress with a dim expression as we quietly listened to the steady medical monitor beeps.Flash Back: Birthday Celebration
And for a brief moment... I couldn't react, nor could I breathe.

I shifted my tearful eyes to Yangcha's pale face as he lay lifeless against my shoulder. His sticky blood... soaking my fancy dress and seeping all over the floor. My lips trembled as I tried to speak, but my throat was clogged with a hot lump. I couldn't process the situation as I crouched beside his lifeless body until the unconscious tear stream dripped from my curled lashes.

"Y-Yangcha?!" I gasped, slapping his cheek to wake him up, but he was no longer responsive.

My heart suddenly shattered into pieces once the shocking reality struck me, so I screamed in horror and hugged his head in distress. Yangcha's head weakly flopped to the side as I repeatedly smacked his chest for his response. The burning tears... tearing down my cheeks as I wept for him. My body started vibrating in extreme anguish until the aching emotion surged through my cold body... setting me on fire with the unbearable heartbreak.

"Someone please help him! He needs help!" I screamed, lifting my eyes to the crowd, yet no one moved. I gasped, quickly stood up on my high heel, and attempted to lift Yangcha upward, but he didn't budge. I screamed in distress while tugging his arm... again and again... but he was too heavy.

"JEBAL! SOMEONE, PLEASE HELP HIM! I'M BEGGING YOU!" I cried in pain as I frantically crouched back down to hold Yangcha's bloody face between my palms.

Still.

The crowd remained unresponsive as they unblinkingly stared at Jae Yangcha's lifeless body. My desperate screams and pleas... didn't seem to be heard by the world... no matter how desperately I screamed for their help. No one stepped forward... as they heartlessly watched him bleed onto me until I was soaked in his dark blood. I rubbed my tearful cheeks in frustration and attempted to lift his body again... but failed miserably and stumbled to the side.

"You can't die! I won't let you die! Argh!" I sobbed, smacking Yangcha's chest as he leaned against my shoulder with his eyes closed. My chest throbbed and churned with every heartbeat, so I whimpered and hugged his head against my chest in extreme pain. I cried in distress until my eyes landed on the man as he stood fixedly... with his pained eyes on me.

Kim Seokjin remained blank in his position.

He slowly... lowered the gun to his side as he watched me scream against my wounded lover without a hint of guilt. I clutched Yangcha's shoulders and lowered my head in grief until I lost my voice to the pain... so I choked and helplessly cradled his lifeless body within my arms.

Jae Yangcha remained lifeless in my arms.

My burning tears... dripping onto his blood-stained face... warming his skin with my self-made warmth... yet he was already... cold... and gone.

I didn't know what to do... but to possessively hug his body... desperately hoping to trap his withering soul... so he wouldn't leave my side and drift away with the winter breeze.

Thud...

Thud...

Thud...
Someone suddenly stepped out of the unmoving crowd, so I lifted my soaked face upward to find Kim Taehyung... approaching us with a slight grimace. I blinked in confusion as he swung the suit onto Yangcha's body and effortlessly slipped his strong arms under the alpha's lifeless limbs."You have to help yourself," Taehyung gritted, sternly staring at me. I pursed my lips as the streaming hot tears flowed down my cheeks. I was still in shock, so I gulped and glanced at the merciless pack again as I remained drenched in my lover's blood.
Kim Taehyung grunted in difficulty as he lifted Jae Yangcha off the ground.
I frantically thrust my weak body upward as Taehyung carried the alpha away, forcefully pushing through the dense crowd. Seokjin suddenly blinked, snapping back to reality as Kim Taehyung rushed past him with the injured alpha, passing by the ruthless bystanders to enter the venue until Do-hwan appeared with a bewildered look upon witnessing the commotion. The man quickly helped Kim Taehyung heave Yangcha's body without hesitation at the sight of the alarming bloodshed. Taehyung took my hand and guided me out of the venue as Do-hwan hauled Yangcha towards the elevator in his strong arms. Ding.Kim Taehyung dragged me inside the elevator, so I glanced toward the opened venue door as... Kim Seokjin... stood with a pale expression. My heart dropped at the sight of his ashened face, and before I could react... I was tugged inside the compartment.The metallic door slid shut, ultimately separating me from the traitor as I unblinkingly glared at Kim Seokjin.Taehyung gently pulled me backward with his arm placed around my shoulder to comfort me as we descended to the lower floors. I shifted my blurry vision to Yangcha, who remained lifeless against Do-hwan's shoulder. Why would Kim Seokjin lift his pure hands to slaughter the silent killer before the mass? It's unlike his nature to shed blood all over his immaculate appearance. I blinked out of my thoughts and glanced at the streams of Yangcha's blood... dripping from his cold fingers.
His thick blood freely trickling... onto the floor and splattering... all over my crystal heels.
I lifted my tearful eyes to Taehyung after an intense moment of silence. He glanced down at my messed-up state with a conflicted frown as I resisted the urge to break down until he held onto my trembling fingers to stop me from shaking.
And suddenly... my knees wobbled and I tilted weakly towards the floor with a spinning head.

But I knew... I didn't land because...

I knew... Kim Taehyung was there to cushion my fall once I blacked out from the overwhelming situation.

End of Flashback.
PresentTaehyung averted his troubled gaze to me as I emotionlessly stared at the food tray without blinking. Imo made sweet rice cake and a bowl of herbal soup to sustain my degrading health, but how can I consume the food when I'm this nauseous? I might just vomit out everything due to the pressuring anxiety.
Yangcha was shot down that night by Kim Seokjin and everyone stood... motionless. The people I thought I could trust. They all turned their back on me for protecting him and left my lover to bleed to death.

It was Taehyung... who stepped out from the crowd to rescue Yangcha.

I never expected Taehyung to offer his helping hand, but he did.

He saved Jae Yangcha.

.

.

.
"I might not know why you're willing to save him-""Jae Yangcha is an ace player," Taehyung muttered. I pursed my lips and glanced up at Taehyung's somber expression."What? Don't you hate him-""He helped you defeat me, didn't he?" Taehyung asked, narrowing his eyes on me."Yangcha supported me. All he did was care for me," I mumbled.Taehyung sighed and glanced at the unconscious alpha again. We're back at the mansion because Yangcha has to be treated by the head doctor. The hospital can't be trusted because they might attempt to slaughter him again. The doctor performed an intensive three-hour surgery to remove the fractured bullets from his torn tissues.
Fortunately, he survived because it missed his spine and critical nerves.

I didn't want him to reside in the medical room due to the uncomfortable bed, so eomma agreed to move him to my vacant bedroom. And I have been by his side since his collapse.
"Sora. You have to be careful around him-""I've never once felt threatened by his presence," I shrugged."But his presence will threaten your stability. You saw the society's reaction to Kim Seokjin's offense. They're on his side. Not Jae Yangcha and they will use the silent killer to break you," Taehyung bitterly shook his head."I will slaughter for him," I darkly muttered. Taehyung frowned."Sora-""If he can kill for me. Then I can do it for him too. I was born a villain, so I'll avenge the crime they committed against him," I gritted. Did they think I'd cowardly back off after they tried to take away my person...? I'll end the fucking world for him. They won't be laughing once I unleash my unfiltered rage on them. Taehyung sorely studied my disgruntled frown and glanced at the alpha again."He provoked Kim Seokjin that night. I think whatever happened... It's another part of his scheme to break the Kims. Sora, you have to-""Eomma asked him to obtain power. I'm aware. She's tempting him just like she did with you," I shrugged. Taehyung sucked in his inner cheek and glanced at me with a slight grimace."I do not wish to be on bad terms with you anymore, especially after we resolved our issues with the bet we made. But I'm asking you not to blindly exploit your power to protect him... to an extent... of placing the alliances in danger with the council. You may protect him. And you may do as you wish, but the households should also be your priority," Taehyung sighed. I grew hushed.Kim Taehyung eventually got up and left the room after I showed no interest in hearing his advice. I quietly ate the meals he brought. My mind is empty right now. I can't immediately attack Kim Seokjin, so I'll wait for Yangcha to recover. No one in this household is pleased with Yangcha's presence either. Therefore, I must remain by his side until he's stable.
A few days later
"Young lady. We can-""It's fine. I can handle him. Thank you for your hard work," I smiled as the nurses nervously stood by my bed. They bowed and left my room upon my dismissal, so I inhaled and sat beside Yangcha after they treated the wound on his back. The nurse offered to wash him, but I insisted on performing the task myself. I prepared a warm bowl with a towel and quietly undid his medical clothes on the bed.Deeply sighing, I attentively wiped the damp towel over his yellowish skin with a blank mind. Yangcha steadily breathed as I rubbed his chest with the fabric and gently dabbed his neck. It didn't take me long to scrub his body clean, but my back was aching from bending over him for about an hour. I pulled the fresh clothes onto his body and finally tucked him into bed."How is he doing?" Eomma asked after I exited the bathroom to find her sitting on the couch with her legs crossed. Did I forget to lock the door?"Alive," I muttered. Eomma dimmed her eyes at my brief response."The council will never rest," She deeply exhaled."I will defend him no matter what-""You saw the crowd. The society watched Kim Seokjin put a bullet in him, and no one budged. The council might be oppressed by your power for the time being and Kim Seokjin might be weak... but the pack will always follow the most rational leader. And that is Kim Seokjin," Eomma shrugged.I dimly glanced at Yangcha. Loving the villain... is a tragedy. He'll never bring harm to me, yet the world will do anything to sabotage us. Is he really a danger to me? Or am I the real danger to him? The corrupted society doesn't care about Jae Yangcha. He's a powerless man. It is me they're targeting, and he's simply a scapegoat to eliminate me from the game."But you rescued him despite knowing he's wanted by the pack," I dimly crossed my arms."I'll give him a shot. He has the capability to seize Seokjin's power... so if he can acquire the contracts... legally... you'll only grow stronger," Eomma sighed. I glanced at Yangcha with a dull expression."Kim Seokjin will never allow-""Exactly. Kim Seokjin might've been weak, but he has the society's support against Jae Yangcha, so you must steer clear of the affair. Jae Yangcha must battle the council alone. You must refrain from the involvement and let him handle the matter. Do not grant the council a reason to upheave you in the council," Eomma sighed.My mother got up and left the room after she chatted with me about our household affairs, leaving me alone in my room. I sighed and entered the bathroom again to shower, pulled on my nightgown, and finally sat at my vanity table to rub the moist skincare on my face. I have to appear well. Yangcha isn't dead, so I won't let the conflict affect me. I grabbed my skincare bottles and crawled onto the bed to sit on the bed beside Yangcha.

"You look dull," I muttered while examining his dehydrated face. His skin is flaky from the lack of hydration. Tap. Tap. I poured the product onto my palm and gently rubbed the moisturizing liquid over his face while sitting with my feet tucked under me."This serum will lighten your skin and repair your skin barrier," I giggled while dabbing the thick paste on his cheeks. He should appear healthy once he recovers. I grabbed a face mask, tore it open, and gently placed the soaked fabric on his face. Smiling, I patted the creases to flatten the moisturizing sheet on his face."Should I make you my skincare model? I'll test the latest products on you~!" I chuckled while observing the white mask on his face. Yangcha remained motionless, so I lowered my face to swipe the juicy lip mask over his chapped lips to coat it with the thick gloss."Ahah~!" I giggled, glancing briefly at his face but paused almost immediately once I found him staring at me with his eyes half open. I froze on the mattress after I was caught harassing his face. Yangcha didn't speak as I hovered my fingertips over his lips. He blinked at me but didn't move, so I gulped and straightened my stiff body with my shaken attention on his dilated pupils. Am I imagining it...?The alpha remained motionless as he kept his wearied pupils on me from the pillow. He's awake. I gulped, quickly collected my skincare bottles, snatched the mask from his face, and crawled off the bed to place them away. Yangcha remained lifeless on the bed without speaking, so I quickly slipped back on the mattress and turned to sleep on my side, facing away from him. I tugged the blanket up to my chin with a slight grimace."What's the matter? You were having fun with my face," He muttered hoarsely.I remained hushed and closed my eyes to keep out his voice. Yangcha sighed and slowly placed his arm on my head to stroke my hair, yet I didn't respond to his call. He gently patted my head, making me huff at his tender strokes. I hastily shoved his hand off my head to stop him from touching me.Yangcha grew hushed upon my hasty withdrawal, suddenly turning on the mattress to scoot towards me. The alpha tried to hug my waist from behind, but I quickly shoved his hand off my body with a stern frown on the opposite wall while gripping onto the blanket."Ah~! Ah- It hurts-" He grunted, suddenly slumping beside me in defeat, so I quickly turned to glare at him. Yangcha rubbed his left chest with a slight pout, making me frown even harder."Your wound is on your back! Why are you rubbing your chest?!" I snapped, glaring at him funnily. Yangcha pursed his lips at my bitter expression."My heart is hurting because of the beautiful woman by my side. Ah~ She's killing me with her annoying glares- Ah!" Yangcha pretentiously pouted while rubbing his chest but gasped in shock after I struck his chest with my fist. I huffed and sat up to glare at him without blinking. Yangcha smiled at my dark frown and rested his head back on the pillow."Did you think this is funny!?-""You were giggling like a child earlier. Wae? Why are you upset? Should I be unconscious-""You got shot!" I snapped, gripping my fists in annoyance. Yangcha quietly inspected my fuming red face and finally lifted his hand to hold mine as I sat beside him."But you held me while I was dying~!" He grinned. I scoffed at his playful manner and slumped back on the bed with my hands pressed against my face."So annoying~!" I whined until the warm tears flooded my face."Hey! Why are you crying!?" Yangcha gasped, quickly sitting up to grab my shaky shoulders, but I whined and forced him away while kicking my legs on the bed in distress. How can he take it so lightly?! He grabbed my wrists to remove my hands from my flustered face."You stupid jerk! How can you tell me to watch the fireworks with a bullet inside you?! Did you think you were some kind of immortal hero!?! You could've died!" I cried in frustration.Yangcha exhaled and gently slid his arm under my neck to hold me, so I sobbed in distress and hugged his neck with an aching heart. The man could've cried in pain! He could've told me he was hurt! But no! He told me to admire the stupid colorful lights! Did he think it was romantic? To hold me with a bullet in his body?!"I didn't want to ruin your night," Yangcha whispered, gently kissing my head. I clutched onto his bandaged back as he fastened his strong arms around my shoulder to assure me of his well-being.
Next Morning
I calmly rested on my side beneath the warm blanket with my unblinking stare on Yangcha's side profile as he softly snored with his face tilted towards the ceiling. He woke up last night, but I was too overwhelmed to properly respond to his recovery and ended up throwing a tantrum until I fell asleep.
His collapse was a traumatic experience. I've been feeling... as if I was constantly walking on eggshells ever since I almost lost him. I really thought he wouldn't survive the attack. There was so much blood, and he was turning cold. Did he think it was something I should take lightly?
I carefully scooted over the mattress to shorten the gap between our bodies, lifted my hand to poke his nose bridge, and lowered my fingers to graze his soft cheek. Wake up. I want to wake him up. Poke. I nudged his nose tip again but he didn't budge so I wiggled my finger up his nostril, intentionally bothering the man."Your fingers are pretty warm," He muttered without opening his eyes. I paused to stare at his moving eyeballs beneath his eyelid and gently stroked his defined hairline. Yangcha exhaled at my touch to puff his chest and finally turned his head on the pillow to gaze at me with a sleepy look. I didn't respond and quietly traced my fingertips over his cheekbone."Should I call the nurse? Do you feel any discomfort?" I muttered, finally lowering my sore arm to rest it on the pillow beside his head. Yangcha calmly took my hand to place it on his pulsating chest."How can I feel any discomfort when you're the first beautiful thing I see when I open my eyes?" He asked while gazing at me with his tender gaze. I pursed my lips and tried not to smile."You're seriously annoying!" I whined, trying to shove him away, but Yangcha firmly held only my hand and pulled me back to stop me from rolling away. He chuckled and kissed me softly, so I closed my eyes, deeply caressing his crusty lips to savor his comforting strokes while rubbing his firm chest."I'm still annoying after a night of sobbing and breaking down? Shouldn't I have woken up then? Does my presence frustrate you that much?" Yangcha chuckled, pulling away with a fond gaze. I pursed my lips and leaned forward to peck him for the aftertaste. He tasted bitter because of the medication he was on... but I didn't care and shifted my face closer to deepen our kiss. The alpha parted his lips as I firmly held his cheek, slightly leaning over his face to insert my tongue inside his mouth... until I felt his chest rising and sinking unsteadily."I'm on my period," I whispered, pulling away to examine his tired pupils. Yangcha scoffed as he slipped his arm under my head to cushion me."You're blaming your attitude on your period now?" He teased. I grimaced. Yangcha bit his lower lips with a slight smile and pulled me into a comforting hug."I really thought I lost you. You were lying in your pool of blood... and no one was willing to help. It was really... scary. I was terrified," I whispered, getting all teary again. I was frightened of losing him."I'll never die. Not when I haven't given you anything yet. I'll die a million times, and I'll keep returning to you until the day I grant you the world. I promise I'll wrestle the grim reapers and run back to you," Yangcha chuckles. I pouted at his easy-going mood, so Yangcha stroked his thumb under my lower lashes to rub off the tears.The alpha attempted to pull me closer to his chest, but I stubbornly pushed him away with a disapproving frown. Softly chuckling, he gently pulled me back in until I gave in to his dismissive behavior and hugged him tightly. Yangcha drew me onto his body and turned to rest on his back with his arms around my waist as I lay over him with my face pressed against the crook of his neck.
I expected Yangcha to respond negatively to the situation during his recovery. But he never expressed his discomfort and would distract me with his little jokes. He's trying hard to keep a smile on my face, but little did he know... I was growing restless by the day.
_________________________
Fast Forward
Chul Sungho's dull voice echoed in my vacant mind as I sat with my arms crossed over my chest, blankly staring at the projector screen in the hushed room. Minah was typing on her phone as Jungkook scribbled on his device with his electronic pen. So-young lazily sat in her seat with her hand tucked under her chin as Jimin engaged with Sungho to confirm the forthcoming schedules.I blinked out of my thoughts once the door opened, and Seokjin appeared with a dull expression. He strode inside the office to settle beside Jimin, so I shifted my dark gaze to him. Sungho unsurely glanced at me and back at Kim Seokjin's dismissive attitude. I gripped my fingers with my intense glare on the alpha.
He hasn't shown up to the organization since the day he dared put a bullet in Jae Yangcha and has made no statement on the crimes he committed. How dare he show himself before me?
"The next agenda-""What are you doing here?" I asked, straightening my back as Seokjin sat across from me. He lifted his blank face to question my inquiry."I'm obviously here to work-" The alpha was abruptly cut short as I hastily flung my glass at Kim Seokjin, causing the orange juice to splatter all over the meeting table. Clatter. Seokjin didn't flinch and sat in his seat... dripping wet as the sticky juice soaked his white shirt. Minah sat up with an anxious look as I spitefully glared at Kim Seokjin, who narrowed his irritated gaze in displease after I ruined his attire."Sora!" Sungho gasped, quickly grabbing the tissue to box to wipe the mess from the table. Seokjin picked up the glass to place it on the table and quietly wiped his face as I fumed at him without blinking. "The audacity?!" I roared, angrily slamming my fist on the table. How is he so calm?!"Sora. I think we should keep the council affairs out of the organization-""I want you out of the building! Don't you fucking dare show up before me again!" I flared my nostrils in anger. Seokjin sternly glowered at me from across the table with his soaked hair and glanced at the room filled with the startled alphas."You can't fire me over your personal affairs. The board will never approve your foolish decisions," Seokjin calmly responded, raising his cocky eyebrow to counter my demand. A surge of boiling anger suddenly clogged my veins as I darkly stood with my fists clenched."You-""Sora-shi. You should refrain... from abusing your power over the powerless. You might've succeeded in silencing the council with your authority, but Philiantrophy... isn't yours. Please remain rational, or you'll demolish your own hard work with your ill-tempered manner," Seokjin slightly leaned back against his seat with a blank face.My body suddenly vibrated in extreme anger, so I stormed around the table to approach the stupid jerk. Fuck! He's getting on my nerves! How dare he act all cool and tough after he betrayed me!? Jungkook suddenly shot up from his seat to block my path. I halted and shifted my piercing glare to the half-blood as he blankly towered over me."Get out of my way!" I demanded, snapping my angry glare at Seokjin again, who was composedly sitting in his seat. Jimin nervously glanced at me and back at the alpha."I believe the person who should step out of the room to recollect their scattered mind is you," Jungkook sighed, stubbornly blocking my path. I scoffed at his statement and lifted my stern gaze to Jungkook's expressionless face. Right. He's still fucking pissed with me for fucking a dead man."Are you seriously bossing me-""You might hold the power at the council, but in an average corporation... the mass has the right to reject their leader," Minah muttered. I gripped my fists and glared at her as she dully spun the pen between her slender fingers. Jimin and So-young remained hushed, so I took a shaky breath and averted my dark eyes to Jeon Jungkook again. He didn't blink and coldly stared at me. They're... defying me now...? How ridiculous."I'll see you all at the council then," I gritted, turning around to storm out of the room. I angrily pushed the stack of files off the table, shoved the chair aside, and stormed out the door with my chin held high. The staff immediately bowed to me, so I nodded stiffly and left the building with my suppressed boiling rage. Fuck! I can't lose my shit before the employees!
A moment later.
Third Person POVJae Yangcha sat quietly on the bench facing the marble fountain in the mansion's garden with a thin cardigan over his medical attire. He drifted his gaze after the light snowflake, smiling at the thought of his lover's delicate gestures. Everything reminded him of her. Even her tears... were like pearls. Her soothing fragrance is... an antidote... numbing his aching soul and assuring him of his worthy existence.The alpha smiled at the light specs, but his moment of peace was disrupted when someone heavily slumped on the bench beside him. He blinked out of his thoughts and turned to the side to find the supreme alpha frowning at the water fountain. She didn't speak as she resentfully glared at whatever was within her gaze.Yangcha shifted his eyes to her striking messy hair and fuming red face with a slight frown. She's home early. He had been waiting for her to return home from her usual busy day, but she didn't look too... content today. Sora huffed in annoyance while slipping off her loose scarf, and turned to place the material around Yangcha's exposed neck. He didn't budge and watched her cute scowl as she tucked the wool around his neck to keep him warm."You will be cold-""I can burn down the stupid world with my warmth right now, so don't worry about me," She grimaced, cutely huffing and glared at the fountain again. Yangcha unsurely studied her upset expression and took her hand in his. Surely enough... her fingers were very warm.
Maybe... a little too warm.

"I don't think this is the kind of warmth you should be emitting," Yangcha worriedly eyed her side profile. Sora blinked and turned to glare at her lover until he pursed his lips at her disapproving scowl."Should I kill Kim Seokjin?" She asked. Yangcha unsurely rubbed her fingers between his palms."I can handle him-""He shot you!" Sora whined as she frantically stomped her feet in annoyance. Yangcha slightly flinched at her outburst.He didn't know how to react so he abruptly grabbed her cute cheeks and pulled her forward to hush her adorable whines with his lips. The supreme alpha paused with her eyes wide open as her lover tilted his face to graze his lips over hers until the boiling emotions subsided from her frustrated chest. The alpha softly panted as he drew away to stare at his agitated lover with an anxious frown."I won't ask you to trust me, but please... just let me handle the issue," Yangcha smiled, weakly rubbing her warm cheek with his thumb as the soft snowflakes fluttered over them. Sora pursed her lips while eyeing Yangcha's sparkling eyes. Huff. She sighed and lowered her head to rest against his chest in defeat. All she wanted to do was... to seek revenge for him... but why is everyone urging her to stay out of the matter? How can she merely dismiss the incident after she almost lost her lover to the bullet fired by another alpha...?"I'm not the type to sit still. I almost lost you," The supreme alpha grumbled. Yangcha chuckled and ruffled her hair.

"Did you win the fight? With them? Your hair is a mess," He smiled, gently combing his fingers through her wild strands to loosen her tangled knots. Sora lifted her face with a cute pout."I lost. There were too many of them," Sora grumbled. Yangcha chuckled again at her teary eyes and poked her nose tip with his finger."How can anyone take you seriously when you're this precious?" He grinned. Sora bit her lips at his playfulness, finally breaking into a soft smile after he managed to console her discomfort."I feel restless seeing you this bright when you're in so much pain," She muttered. Yangcha still didn't drop his smile and tilted his head to examine her sulky expression."I'll never unleash my anger on the woman I love. Even as the world is burning... I'll still look at you with the same affection because you're the only person that matters to me," He smiled. She chuckled and shook her head."You sound like one of those cliché main characters," Sora giggled."Hey. A villain has a heart too~! Especially with their lover," He shrugged. The supreme alpha's cheeks gradually glowed bright pink, so she lowered her gaze to their interlaced hands over her lap."I really meant it when I said I want to marry you," She smiled. Yangcha sadly eyed her tender gaze."Why marriage?" He asked."So I won't lose you. I'm quite possessive," Sora replied. Yangcha huffed with a slight smile."Marriage or without marriage... this heart belongs to you. Always," Yangcha smiled, placing her palm against his steady heartbeat over his chest. The supreme alpha quietly stared at her lover as she felt the stable thumps beneath her hand."I'm assured," She smiled."Let's get married once I can give you the world. Until then... let's both stay strong. I've already taken a bullet, but it's nothing, so don't let the council ruin your precious mood, alright? It's really nothing. You know I'll go through hell for you," Yangcha chuckled, slightly lifting his eyebrow. Sora smiled and nodded in agreement, so he pulled her into a comforting hug. She pressed her face against his soft scarf and exhaled deeply at his soothing embrace.
Meanwhile.
Kim Taehyung quietly stood by the mansion's window in his casual clothes with his dispirited gaze on the couple as they held each other on the bench under the drifting snow. The alpha unconsciously lifted his hand to rub the scar on his firm chest until he felt this... weird... sensation churning within his beating heart. It was warm... and it made him feel... very tense. The sensation... it was familiar. The alpha blinked and lowered his eyes to frown at the invisible stirs within his chest.
It's as if a dim light bulb was igniting in his chest but flickering out just as quickly. The alpha has been questioning the hollowness he felt... ever since he started having the obscure reoccurring dreams.

Her scented lily fragrance... filling his nostrils.

Her cheerful laughter... and the sound of a distant crying baby.

His freezing hands... as he scurried through the dead of the winter night... rushing through a vacant garden.

Her unexpected appearance in... her thin medical gown.

Her pale face... and bandaged head.

The lost slipper... was in her hands.

The soft snowflakes... that were swirling over them.

The warm yolky pole was over their heads... as they sat on a bench... under an ancient tree.

A small... twinkling candle lights... and her sparkling pupils... as she sat before him.

He could only remember parts of the dreams. The short glimpses felt so vivid... it made him question his own sanity. Who is she? He kept seeing her in his dreams. And yet... he couldn't remember her face. But he knew one thing for sure... the woman he saw... makes his heart ache in pain.

A pain... that was slowly killing him from the inside.

It was grief... but there was so much yearning and love.

It's as if he was despairing for someone who was long... long gone... from the living realm.
Kim Taehyung blinked out of his thoughts and glanced back at the couple with a dim gaze. The alpha stood listlessly... staring at the Jae Yangcha as he rocked Jang Sora in his arms to comfort her."Are you regretting it?" Imo asked, suddenly appearing beside Taehyung to stare at the couple from the window with the alpha."Regrets? No. But I do long for her," He muttered."What's stopping you? I know you're smarter than him. And I know you'll burn the world for her," Imo sighed. Taehyung dimmed his eyes on the lovebirds."I've never seen her this happy before," He shrugged. The chief maid lifted her downcast eyes to stare at the lonely man."So you're going to reside in the shadows?" She asked."I can't bring myself to hurt her feelings anymore. And I'm tired... of loving her the wrong way. She'll drift further from me the more I clutch onto her," He sighed."But you made her strong," Imo shook her head."I know. But she did it all herself. To free herself from me. She won, so I must step back. I was worried at first, but she seems happier now," He muttered. Imo deeply sighed and glanced at the supreme alpha again."Do you think he'll treat her well?" Imo asked, referring to the former scandalous killer."I don't know. But he's doing his job well, so I shouldn't interfere," Taehyung shrugged. Imo sighed again, patted his arm, and walked into the dim corridor, leaving the alpha alone at the sight of Jang Sora... being worshiped by another man.
Kim Taehyung claimed Jang Sora's love desire was unattainable but he was wrong... due to his insensitive nature to her needs. The love she anticipates is in fact... achievable... because another man... is offering it to her and she is now... deeply in love with her new lover.

Who is he to ruin her for his own greed?

Despite all of the pain, he put her through... Sora was still kind enough to gift him the tower. Kim Taehyung knew he was a fool for challenging her out of the heat of his anger because... she never once... saw him as a competition.

He was a cage... trapping her behind the steel bars.

He was suffocating her in his prison... because he was afraid she'd learn to fly and leave his side.

So he trimmed her wings and conditioned her to rely on him until she grew restless and finally... broke free from him.

And upon seeing her soar into the clouds with her healed wings... Kim Taehyung couldn't bring himself to force her back into his cage.

Because even if he tried... she was already beyond his reach.
_____________________________
THE ELITE COUNCIL
The massive door swung open, exposing the intimidating power circle of the wealthiest households and their prying hawk-like eyes in the presence of the man. He sternly strolled inside the venue with a blank face in a neatly tailored suit, fitted to his muscular physique and broad shoulders as he marched towards the single podium at the base of the room.Jang Sora nervously straightened her back in her seat on the first row beside her parents as Taehyung clasped his hands over the desk with his attention on the wanted criminal. Jungkook darted a glare as Jimin leaned back with his legs crossed. Sungho keenly leaned forward beside his father as Kim Seokjin shifted his unbothered gaze to the former alpha.
The council eventually grew noiseless upon his assertive presence.

Jae Yangcha.
The Black Jaguar.
The infamous Silent Killer has once again stirred unrest amongst the leading households of cold-blooded players.
The alpha smiled at the council and politely bowed at the alphas with his radiating confidence... despite being a highly wanted predator. The elders suddenly stiffened in their seats as they witnessed his obvious pride. His darkness... gradually seeping across the venue to paralyze the living souls around him with his contagious energy.

"The trial may begin," The moderator finally announced. The room remained muted. Yangcha smirked and shifted his attention to Kim Seokjin, who was blankly staring at him from his seat."Is the trial necessary? You should be awarded a death sentence," Seokjin raised an eyebrow at Yangcha. The alpha smiled."And so I died again at your hand," Yangcha responded. Seokjin narrowed his eyes on the alpha in discontent."Let's vote to eliminate and get it over with. There isn't the need to waste the council's time," Mira bitterly grimaced. I gripped my fists in irritation until eomma fired me a warning glare to ensure my composed behavior. I gulped and tensely leaned back to calm my nerves."Voting is the last resolution. It's against the council's regulations and laws to be eliminated by the masses. Unless concrete evidence is presented to prove an individual's guilt. My murder trial case was closed over a year ago and neither households wished to speak. Therefore, the only trial we should focus on is the bullet... that was lodged inside me," Yangcha smiled, placing the fractured bullets in a transparent plastic bag on the podium. The council glanced at the shattered bits and pieces with unease."Yah. You should be glad you're alive. Did you think we simply called for the council meeting to help you worthless piece of shit achieve justice? You should be on your knees and begging the council for mercy," Minho scoffed at Yangcha, who remained composed at the podium."You were all the witnesses at the scene, yet no one stepped forward. Everyone within the room is Kim Seokjin's accomplice in the murder. But how will I win against the masses if all of you want me dead? It's a bit unfair, don't you think?" Yangcha smiled at Minho."Unfair? Why don't you say it to the faces of the dead lower ranks you brutally murdered-""Shin Minho. I'm sure you're aware... the dead can't hear us, right? Because if they could hear us... then you should be apologizing to Hyun Jiwoo," Yangcha chuckled. Minho's face flushed in horror, causing Mira to glance at her boyfriend with a startled look."Yah!-""Are we going to play the blame game? Who killed who? Sure. Min Yoongi. Your household is still after the culprit behind the stabbing incident on the Jung's island. Am I correct? Why don't you ask Shin Minho and Kang Minah? I'm sure they have a lot of explanations to do. Ah. Of course, they don't. Hyun Jiwoo's death was simply an accident... because he was killed to conceal their affair. Oh no- Mira, you weren't aware your boyfriend was with another woman, right?" Yangcha chuckled, lifting his thick eyebrow at Mira."Yah! Shut up! How dare you accuse me-""No one in this room is truly innocent. Hyun Jiwoo hid at the wine storage after he stabbed Min Yoongi at the pool. The lower rank coincidentally witnessed Kang Minah and Shin Minho... getting their bodies dirty in the wine shed. He was caught, and the next thing that happened? The lower rank's rotting skin, swollen organs, and bowel were fermented in the wine barrel. Ready to be served to the guests. Wae...? Because... Minah-shi... You used Shin Minho to silence the culprit. Hyun Jiwoo... promised to satisfy you, so you encouraged him to kill Min Yoongi under... Kim Namjoon's order," Yangcha smugly smiled. Minah's face drained in horror as she shifted her fearful eyes to Kim Namjoon's grim expression."You're speaking nonsense!" Minho snapped."The Min should reinvestigate the case. I don't think your ally, Jung Hoseok... was entirely honest with the investigation. Hoseok-shi... didn't you test the semen sample? It belonged to Shin Minho, and the traces at the warehouse... belonged to Kang Minah. You knew, didn't you? But Minah also had you in a chokehold, so you hid the evidence from Min Yoongi for her? Aigo~ The things you do for love. Perhaps... Kim Seokjin was never stupid enough to let Kim Namjoon seize his... power over a woman... but it was his twisted plan to disperse his allies over the council," Yangcha laughed. Seokjin gripped his fists uneasily on the table."Yah-""Elaborate," Yoongi cut Jung Hoseok short. The alpha's face turned pale, so he quickly glanced at Min Yoongi's blank expression."Kim Seokjin did favor Jang Sora. You liked her a lot, but unlike the pure image you're trying so hard to preserve... you're surprisingly a vengeful man. You hated the fact that she left you. It's not the feeling of betrayal... but it was because she wounded your pride. So upon her return to the society... You sent a killer after my family. The man killed my parents, and I almost died at your hand. The supreme alpha used her intensive manpower to search for the culprit, but of course... who would suspect a perfect man like you? Hmm?" Yangcha smiled at Seokjin."I saved you from the society-""Because you had another motive. People assumed Kim Taehyung sent me away to plant a spy within your household, but it was you... Kim Seokjin who took advantage of me to break Jang Sora. You saw my devotion to the supreme alpha... so... being the most desired man you are... You convince Gae Haerim to seduce me," Yangcha smirked."Moh?!" Jimin gasped, startled by Yangcha's confession to his relationship with Gae Haerim."Yah. Your affair with her-""It's weird how Haerim noona... kept questioning me about the supreme alpha's household affairs. Kim Seokjin, you knew my parents retained confidential information about the supreme alpha. Didn't you? You promised... Haerim noona that you'll accept her if she... could tame me and turn me into a weapon for your personal use. So... as the gullible and desperate woman she was... Haerim chose to sleep with me. But Gae Haerim was smart. She knew... you'd discard her after using her, so she stole the contract from Kim Namjoon as collateral. Kim Namjoon broke away from the Kim Seokjin as a distraction so Jang Sora would fully entrust me with Kim Seokjin, thinking you'd protect me with good nature. You knew the supreme alpha has a soft side for you... and it was your sole... plan to ruin her... just like she broke your heart. But you're a greedy man. Jang Sora wasn't your only target. Kim Taehyung was also the bane of your existence in terms of his popularity and his influence in the council," Yangcha smiled. Kim Seokjin clenched his jaw."What about the Jung? How are they involved in all this!?" Mr. Min snapped impatiently."Min Yoongi's second-rank position undoubtedly posed a threat to the society, so Seokjin dispatched Hoseok to the Min so the Jung could keep the Min under control. Isn't that right? The Min has never asserted their power in the council ever since they arrived at the council because they trusted the Jung's guidance," Yangcha smiled."Yah! I never intended to harm Yoongi-""No. Not you, Jung Hoseok. But Kim Namjoon was restless because... he was afraid you'd actually side with Min Yoongi and give up on the master plan to destroy the supreme alpha households. So... using Kang Minah... Kim Namjoon encouraged her to see you with the intention of keeping you cuffed by your neck, and she succeeded. She kept you hushed on Hyun Jiwoo's death after she prompted him to murder Min Yoongi. But she was afraid of getting caught for the crime alone, so he lured Shin Minho into the shed and made him do the dirty work," Yangcha smiled."How can you simply theorize... the bullshit without solid evidence?" Minah gritted."Do I have to put it simply? Seokjin is on a mission to break Jang Sora's household and her alliances. So-young-shi. Why are you hushed? You've spoken to Kim Seokjin, right? He said he'll secure you if you manage to convince Park Jimin. You've been tempting him to side with you so you could submit your loyalty to Kim Seokjin. Am I correct, Park Jimin?" Yangcha shifted his eyes to Jimin's pale expression."Nonsense!" Jimin snapped. Jungkook glanced at Jimin with a suspicious look."The supreme alpha confronted your intention to ditch Kim Taehyung for your lover. That's why you chose to work at Philanthropy after Sora promised to stay hushed on your alliance consideration," Yangcha nodded at his lover. Sora weakly smiled at him with a restless feeling. Yangcha shifted his dull gaze back to Kim Taehyung's dark frown as he intensely stared at Park Jimin."To conclude, Kim Seokjin sent the Jung to tame Min Yoongi to prevent him from asserting his influence in the council. Kim Namjoon pretentiously initiated the alliance confiscation to divert attention so that Jang and her alliance would lower their guards because... it was the trinity's plan to falsely weaken Kim Seokjin's authority. So he'd earn the supreme alpha's trust. Kim Seokjin... you killed my parents and then pretended to be the savior. You were kind and nice to me, so I assumed you deeply cared for me until I realized Haerim noona was being exploited. She was the first person to... realize... you're not a man of your word. So she stole Namjoon's contracts to secure her position in the game... but I wasn't aware and seized the contract after she tried to harm Sora noona. You knew... I had the contract from the beginning, but you were afraid... I'd hand it over to Kim Taehyung. So what did you do? You stayed quiet. You faked my death to frame Kim Taehyung for murder, thinking you'd win but unfortunately lost the case. So you pursued the supreme alpha again... hoping I'd return someday with your contract," Yangcha smiled. The households glanced at Seokjin's darkened expression. "The council may investigate my claim to confirm my theory. Essentially, I only speak facts. I'll give the households a month to assess the trial, and once we're ready... let's cast the votes to charge me with the past crimes. However, I am only willing to accept the punishment if Kim Seokjin confesses to his crime... and the bystanders... must also bear the consequences," Yangcha exhaled once the council refused to speak.No one was paying attention to the silent killer... instead... the top households darkly eyed each other with mistrust. The Mins dimmed their eyes on the Jung as Mira glared at Minah and Minho. Jungkook and Taehyung fired Jimin a disappointed look as Kim Namjoon and Kim Seokjin exchanged uneasy glances.
The mass might've banded together to banish Jae Yangcha, but the Black Jaguar knew... he could easily break up the dense pack with the twisted truth.

And so, he initiates suspicion amongst the council to split up Kim Seokjin's deadly trinity.

A moment later.
The mansion's dining hall chimed with the soft utensil scrapes as the Jang ate in the room with Jae Yangcha and Jang Sora after their return from the council. Mrs. Kim intensely stared at Jae Yangcha and glanced at her composed daughter."What do you wish to do afterward?" Mrs. Jang questioned."Obtain power. I have the legitimate legal capacity to seize Kim Seokjin's confiscated contract for myself. The society will likely support me after I tow Kim Seokjin under the spotlight," Yangcha shrugged, carefully placing a piece of meat on Sora's plate."So... you'll rise as a second rank with Kim Seokjin's lost power?" Mr. Jang questioned."I can secure the supreme alpha's seat with the power," Yangcha smiled, lifting his smug face to stare at the supreme alpha's parents, who appeared somewhat timid by his carefully curated scheme to dominate the power game."What about Kim Taehyung? I'm sure Kim Seokjin isn't your only target," Mrs. Jang skeptically frowned at Yangcha."What about him? Sora dealt with Kim Taehyung. Right? I'll handle Kim Seokjin," Yangcha shrugged. The Jang narrowed their eyes on Yangcha and glanced at their daughter, who had been eating in silence. Yangcha smiled and left with Sora after they finished their meals to reside in her room.
Sora's POV
I combed my wild hair strands while sitting before the mirror in my fresh nightgown until the door slid open and Yangcha came strolling inside the room in his casual shirt and gray sweatpants. He pulled off his shirt and tossed it aside, so I glanced at the fresh bandage on the toned ridges of his muscular back."The head doctor treated the wound again," He informed."Did you express your discomfort?" I asked, getting up from the chair to sit on the edge of the bed. Yangcha nodded as he pulled on another shirt and turned to walk towards me with a cream bottle."My shoulder blade is a bit stiff, but I'll surely feel better after I heal," He shrugged. He handed me the cream and sat down, so I sighed and pushed his shirt upward to expose the minor wounds on his back. I quietly rubbed the cream over the dark bruises with my fingertip as he sat facing away from me."Why didn't you tell me the entire truth?" I asked after a moment of pondering my inner thoughts. Yangcha sighed and turned to face me. He gently took the cream from my hand and lifted his eyes to my somber expression as we sat facing each other on the bed."I didn't want you to waste your time on trivial matters. You had to handle the corporation and Philanthropy. I figured I could handle it myself," Yangcha shrugged."You said Seokjin used Haerim. Did she tell you?" I asked."I overhead them. Seokjin knew she was seeing me. Haerim was wary of Seokjin's unpromising bargain, so she seized the contract... she wanted to side with Taehyung after learning Seokjin... wasn't going to marry her no matter what she did for him," Yangcha nodded. I pursed my lips and lowered my head. Fuck. It's so complicated. Why are they all connected? I thought... I could trust Kang Minha, but she's siding with Kim Namjoon too?"So... is Kim Seokjin and Kim Namjoon working together?" I asked."Nope. Namjoon got super upset after Haerim passed. He liked her a lot, and he hated the fact that Haerim... was devoted to Seokjin. Kim Seokjin's scheme failed after Haerim passed... and his contracts went missing. Namjoon blames Seokjin for fooling Haerim into... sleeping with me. Their friendship shattered... so Seokjin went on his own path... to try and court you again. And Namjoon grew restless with the missing contracts, so he convinced Minah to seduce Jung Hoseok to ensure he wouldn't leak Hyun Jiwoo's crime to the Mins," Yangcha nodded. I closed my eyes."And Taehyung?" I asked. Yangcha gently grazed my cheek."To be honest... I never intended to ruin him because I knew... Kim Taehyung is as committed as I am to protecting you, but he messed up in his own game. I don't intend on hurting anyone... unless they wish to harm you. I promise I'll behave," Yangcha assured. I sadly stared at him and nodded in defeat, so he leaned forward to peck my lips."We should sleep," I muttered, pulling away with a flushed face."Why are you so feverish...? You've been avoiding my touch lately. Did I upset you?" Yangcha frowned. I pursed my lips with a troubled expression."I just didn't want to burden you," I shrugged, lowering my gaze to my hands."What? You'll never be a burden to me-""I sometimes... get aroused when you touch me," I pursed my lips. Yangcha blankly stared at me."What?" He chuckled."It's just my body is in heat sometimes! So I try to minimize our physical contact," I shrugged."And why would you suppress your urge?" Yangcha smiled."You're hurt~! How can I even think of touching you!" I whined, lifting my puppy eyes to stare at him. Yangcha smiled at my rosy cheeks and glanced at our hands again."So you're... horny?" Yangcha smiled, keenly leaning forward. I quickly pushed his chest back to maintain the distance between us and tilted my body backward."Don't tease me~! I won't touch you until you're healed!" I grimaced, scrambling over the mattress to sleep, but he caught my ankle and dragged my back. I gasped and collapsed face-first on the mattress at his swift movement. Yangcha grabbed my hips and rolled me over, so I quickly tried to sit up... but was immediately disabled by his forceful lips."I'm not the type of man to break easily," Yangcha smiled, pulling away to examine my flustered face with his sexy gaze.I gulped intensely until I felt my cheeks growing numb, so he smiled and sat up on my body to yank off his shirt, exposing his toned body to my tempted gaze. Yangcha sexily placed his arms on his hips to flex his ripe muscles with his head tilted to the side as I thirstily swallowed beneath him."I- I can wait..." I stuttered, tearing my eyes off his distracting torso. Yangcha grabbed my hand to place my palm on his hard pecs and lowered his face to shove his lips against mine again. I panted shakily at his persistent invitation as he carefully laid my head on the pillow."You can touch me whenever you want, and I'll serve you," He whispered as he withdrew his moist lips from mine. I lay beneath him with a troubled look while rubbing the prickly hairline of his buzz cut until I felt my body throbbing uncontrollably.Yangcha lowered his face at my conflicted frown and scooted downward to kiss my inner thighs, causing my body to tense at his taunting strokes. He smiled at my timid reaction, lifted my leg upward to rest it over his firm shoulders, and tilted his head to kiss the base of my feet, gradually shifting his lips to my shin and kissing my knee. I nervously gripped the silk gown as he teased my nerves with his hot lips activities, softly planting his wet kisses all over my skin barrier to stimulate my vulnerable body."Why are you so... hot?" I whispered while biting my thumb, clearly overwhelmed by his untamed behavior. Yangcha smiled and shifted his seductive gaze to mine while sitting between my spread-open legs as he mischievously sucked on my toes until I moaned in pleasure."You should see yourself in my eyes, Sora," He smiled, nudging my knees apart to expose my thin panties beneath the gown, and lowered his heavy body onto mine. I hugged his neck and kissed him hungrily as he gently slipped his warm fingers under the fine silk to hold my fleshy hips. He gently sucked on my tongue as I reached downward to pull down his waistband so he sat back up on the mattress to remove his pants before removing the gown from my body. I lifted my legs to pull the panties straps off my hipbones and tossed them aside... until we were both fully naked on my bed.Yangcha panted steadily as the scorching heat expanded within the room with his sensual gaze on my vulnerable body over the satin sheet. I twisted my legs to cover my cold crotch with my fingers over my mouth while eyeing his insanely manly physique until I felt my body aching for his touch."I want to bruise your perfect body," Yangcha whispered. I blinked at him as he slowly walked his fingers over my thighs... up to my belly button, and gently pressed his palm downward to massage my stomach."Bruise me? The love marks?" I smiled as he sat over me."No... I want to leave the invisible bruises on you," He shook his head. I frowned."What do you mean?" I smiled. He chuckled and lowered his face to press his lips over my bare stomach. I pursed my lips as he firmly held my hips and gently sucked on my skin, making me curl my toes at the ticklish sensation."I'll show you," Yangcha smiled. I gently held his head as he roamed his soft lips over my feverish torso, gently kissing me here and there until I found myself fuming on the pillow with my lips ajar. He isn't touching my private parts, but my body is helplessly shuddering from the thrilling foreplay. I bit my lips in difficulty and reached down to play with his red earlobes as Yangcha kissed under my perky breast and lifted his face to kiss my shoulder until our lips met again.I slightly tilted my head to deepen the kiss... intensely sucking onto his sweet lips with my possessive arms around his thick neck. Yangcha panted softly against my face while kneading my breasts, so I encircled my legs around his strong hips to rub our heated crotch against one another until I was dripping wet with the pleasuring friction."Hah~!" I moaned softly as Yangcha roamed his wet tongue between my cleavage and all over my breasts. He attentively averted his alluring gaze to my flustered face, gradually lowering his parted lips to lick my hard nipple, so I bit my lips and rubbed his firm cheeks as he sensually sucked onto me until I was quivering under him.He chuckled softly after playing with my breast and lowered his head to press his lips against my crotch, making me jerk at the tingling sensation of his warm lips on my private part. Yangcha tilted his face to suck on my pleasure spot as he gently inserted his fingers inside me, so I curled my toes over the mattress and lifted my troubled face to watch him perform the oral favor."Are you enjoying it...? When I'm licking you like this...?" He whispered while fingering me in an upward motion.I shivered at the motion of his slick tongue stroking against my soaked slit and nodded in satisfaction, so he smiled and shoved his face deeper against my moist crotch while holding my thighs apart with his strong grips. I slightly twisted my body and gasped desperately at every pleasuring stroke with my shins hooked over his shoulders until he sat up to push his raw tips against me.Yangcha held onto my left hand as he carefully penetrated me, so I reached down to press on his toned abs as he slipped inside me. We both moaned in pleasure as a scorching sensation burst within our crotch, but Yangcha didn't thrust right away and lowered his red face to recollect his thoughts. I gently rubbed his forearm to ease his tense muscles.
It's cute how he's always overwhelmed by my warmth... and would pause with his bulge lodged inside me to calm his racing chest... until he's ready to initiate our sexual intercourse.
The alpha released a deep exhale and slowly shoved his hips forward to push himself deeper inside me until I arched my spine over the mattress. Fwop. Fwop. The man steadily picked up the pace of his hip movement and thrust harder between my legs until I gripped the pillow beside my head for support. I moaned in pleasure and tried to reach downward, so he grabbed my wrists to pin my hands over my stomach as he slip and slide in and out of my body with his hard bulge."W-wait- Yangcha-" I gasped, tapping his abs repeatedly to stop him from moving his hips, so he paused over me with a confused expression. I huffed in exhaustion and laid back on the pillow as he unsurely examined my naked body."Are you uncomfortable?" He asked, lowering his heated body to give me a tender kiss as he remained inside me."No. But I don't want to finish yet," I smiled. Yangcha chuckled as he hugged my shoulders while swirling his tongue inside my mouth, so I panted heavily and shoved my lips against his.He stopped thrusting and steadily made out with me over the mattress as I clutched onto his muscular back with my legs held apart beneath his heavy body. Gradually, he started moving his strong hips again so I moaned and hugged his back as he snuggled against my neck. The scalding pleasure... surging all over our overstimulated nerves, making me whimper against his moist flesh. Hngh~! The intercourse was so... intense... I found myself biting his shoulder and clawing my fingernails into his sturdy back muscles as he repeatedly pounded his hard bulge deep inside my soaked canal.It took only one round of sexual intimacy... for the sweat beads to completely drench our steaming skin with the fumes of our lustful aftermath. We were both out of breath after Yangcha ejaculated deep inside me. My private parted wouldn't stop pulsating and I was struggling to breathe under him.Jae Yangcha weakly slumped onto my vibrating chest, so I hugged his sweaty nape as he kneaded my hips, slightly twitching inside me as the hot semen burst into my cervix. He finally pulled out, grunting in satisfaction as I laid with my legs apart until the thick paste dripped between my inner thighs. Yangcha quickly scrambled for the tissues on the nightstand and lowered his face to wipe my genitals clean as I rubbed my face in exhaustion."You came a lot," I muttered, pushing my body off the mattress with my elbows to watch him dab between my legs. Yangcha smiled and pecked my lips, so I chuckled and kissed him back as he clutched onto my naked body."Let's wash up together~!" He smiled, sliding his arms under my feverish body and lifted me off the mattress, so I giggled and clung to his shoulder for support as he strolled inside the bathroom."You gave me a small hickey," I pouted after he lowered me by the sink. I turned to find a light bruise over my cleavage.Yangcha tossed the dirty tissues away and back-hugged me, so I turned around to encircle my arms around his neck as he slowly guided me into the stall with our lips glued to one another. He sweetly smooched my lips and pulled away to stare fondly at my eyes until I smiled and tiptoed to suck on his slippery tongue again while searching for the shower handle with our arms tangled around each other's bodies. I don't want to let go of his body!"Ah!" Yangcha gasped, suddenly stumbling to the side over the slippery tiles. I gasped in shock as he toppled onto the built-in bench."Are you okay?!" I gasped as he grunted in pain and lowered his hand to rub his spraint ankle."I'm fine," He shook his head as I crouched before him."We should get it checked," I shook my head while massaging his swollen joint as Yangcha stroked my cheeks and lifted my face towards his. My cheeks flushed red again once I noticed his bulge getting hard again. Yangcha gulped and tried to cover himself, so I chuckled and knelt between his legs."Just leave it-" Yangcha flinched as I touched his bulge."One more time, and we're off to bed. I'm not as young and energetic as you... so be mindful of my easily drained energy," I chuckled, gently pressing my lips against his swollen tips and sucked onto him like a lollipop. Slurp. Slurp. Yangcha moaned in distress and leaned back against the damp wall as I helped him relieve his bulge on my knees until he came again after an intense oral favor in the bathroom. We ended up having sex again in the bathroom, finally washed up and headed to bed.
Fast Forward
"Ahahaha~!" I screeched with a gleeful smile while clinging to Yangcha's neck as he firmly held me over his lap. The wheelchair zoomed forward, rolling through the hall as Yangcha took me on a ride on the automated chair. I grinned as he steered back and forth in the mansion's corridor, rounding the couches and blasting towards the working maid. Imo chuckled at our playful manner, so I smiled at Yangcha and kissed his lips. The head doctor instructed Yangcha to move around in the wheelchair due to his injured ankle, and we've been messing with it since.

"Oh no! You're distracting me~! We'll crash~!" Yangcha teased. I gasped as he did a little drift in the living room to spin the wheelchair, so I nervously hugged his shoulder for balance. Yangcha chuckled and finally halted the wheelchair by the couch as the maids giggled at us.We fondly stared at each other's eyes as I fought the urge to stop... myself from grinning too widely. I bit my lips and lowered my gaze to his lips again so he chuckled and tilted his face upward to give me a breathy kiss, making me giggle between our soft pecks.
He said he wanted to leave the invisible bruises on my skin.

And I finally... understood the purpose of his claims after he showed it to me.

The only bruises... are the past prints of his lips on my delicate skin. Why is it a bruise, one may ask...? It's his faded love marks. The sacred presence of his affectionate touch... leaving me in pure ecstasy. How can my nerves tingle with so much... pleasure upon his gentle love strokes? It's the yearning of the invisible traces... on my sensitive skin... that's throbbing for the moist touch of his lips.

A love bruise, invisible to the naked eye... yet penetrating deep under my skin layers.

Third Person POV

Anyone within the household.... has evidently witnessed the supreme alpha's lively laughter and healthy complexion whenever she was around her lover.

She was finally happy, and almost everyone could feel her authentic contentment.

Nevertheless, not everyone was happy to see her live her best life.

Sora's POV
We immediately stopped giggling once the door opened, and Jeon Jungkook appeared with a dim gaze. I gulped while clinging to Yangcha's shoulder as he hugged me over his lap. Jeon Jungkook darkly entered the living room, strolled away without greeting me, and left to reside in his room. I pursed my lips and glanced at Yangcha. He smiled and patted my back to comfort me.
It doesn't matter.
I blinked and shifted my eyes back to Yangcha with a soft smile.I love him, and that's all that matters. The only soul I need is the person to help me achieve my inner peace. Not the ones that love to stir discomfort in my chest. So I'll choose him. Smiling, I leaned forward to embrace his body as we quietly watched the gloomy sky through the clear arched windows.
Meanwhile
Kim Taehyung quietly stopped by the upper staircase with a damp towel hooked around his sweaty neck after he worked out at their personal gym. Again. The alpha paused to stare at the lovers as they giggled and chatted softly by the window. Yangcha was smiling at his woman as she cutely snuggled against his face. She raised her finger to point at something beyond the window, so Yangcha immediately shifted his eyes after her fingertip. He chuckled, carefully coiling his arms around her waist as she happily sat on his lap in the wheelchair.

The alpha's chest stirred intensely. Taehyung released a deep exhale, strolled down the staircase, and left to reside in his room without glancing at the couple again. Kim Taehyung tried desperately to distract the hollowness within his chest with work... but even the mountain of tasks... wasn't enough to fend off the gloom from his vacant soul.The alpha slowly sank into his couch in his dim bedroom with his vacant stare on the bloody abortion paper until he unconsciously teared up. Kim Taehyung closed his eyes and took a deep exhale to relieve his aching chest... but the distressing emotions only... intensified within his rotting chest... until he could barely breathe.
How is it possible? His body is stuffed with functional organs... yet... it feels like there is an empty space inside him.
The alpha slowly dozed off on the couch with his muted misery until... he was once... again awakened by the recurring dream. Kim Taehyung opened his eyes to find himself... staring at a jaw-dropping view of the vast sea from the peak of a hilltop. He squinted in confusion at the bizarre sight, glanced at the emerald field, and up to the light blue sky above his head filled with drifting clouds."Eomma! I found a ladybug!" A young boy shrieked, dashing toward a woman in her ankle-length flower dress. She was crouching... before a twin boy... who was giggling cutely at her from the swings."Oh! You're right! She's so cute~!"The woman agreed, warmly hugging the older boy as the identical twins gasped at their brother's discovery."I hope our sister is just as cute once she's ready to see us~!" One of the twins giggled.The woman laughed at her son's statement and stood up, turning to face Kim Taehyung with a faint smile. Taehyung couldn't help but admire her sparkling eyes and heart-warming smile as she approached him with her hand over her belly. There was a bump beneath her dress. Taehyung opened his arms to embrace her."They want a sister," The woman chuckled as she tenderly hugged him on his side. Taehyung smiled, gently cupping her cheeks to examine her bright pupils and lowered his face to kiss her lips."A daughter...? I'll spend the rest of my life protecting her," Taehyung chuckled, turning to admire the view with a sore expression. The woman chuckled and hugged him on her side with her head tilted against his shoulder, so Taehyung gently rubbed her baby bump with a faint smile."If you can protect me. You can protect her too. Right?" The woman brightly beamed. Taehyung shifted his eyes from the stunning scenery to gaze at her gorgeous smile as her wild hair strands... fluttered with the breezy wind. He blinked and glanced at the woman's bump under the dress until... a blood spot appeared over her belly."Taehyung. You'll protect our baby, right?" The woman seethed, firmly grabbing his wrist. Taehyung suddenly stiffened in place once he noticed her pained frown."Eomma!" The kids gasped when she suddenly wobbled to the ground. Taehyung immediately seized her body, startled by her unexpected collapse.The kids suddenly burst out crying as the woman grunted on the ground, causing Kim Taehyung's chest to drum in fear upon her desperate whimpers. He glanced between her legs to find blood... soaking her beautiful sundress... and saturating the soil beneath the grass hill."S-Sora-""Promise me you'll protect her- please..." The woman begged, gripping tightly onto his hands with her bloodshot eyes. Taehyung unconsciously gasped and clutched the woman's fragile body as the little boys surrounded their mother... but before he could fully hold her... she suddenly vanished from his embrace... leaving him paralyzed on the hilltop.Kim Taehyung's eyes flung wide open as he frantically jerked awake over the headrest on the couch. He couldn't move but stared at the dim ceiling with his tearful gaze until he felt the aching pain subsiding from his chest. The alpha remained paralyzed on the couch and slowly rubbed the scar on his left chest... until the burning hot tears slid over his damp cheeks. He quickly sat up to rub his face and lowered his head in frustration as his temples throbbed intensely.
The same recurring nightmare... It's driving him crazy.
The alpha slowly lifted his troubled frown to the piece of blood-stained paper on the floor with a heavy heart... until a dreadful surge of extreme grief struck his beaten soul. Sniffle. Kim Taehyung burst into tears and lowered his numbed face to his trembling palms as he helplessly mourned his terrible mistake with a... broken heart.
He couldn't protect their love.

He couldn't protect their child.

He couldn't protect the woman he loved.

He couldn't keep his promise.

He failed.

He failed... miserably. 
...
"Even in a parallel world... I've once again failed to protect you."
...
"I couldn't save us in both lives."
...
"We were the thread of lines... that were destined to meet once, clashing and colliding together only to drift further... and further apart... for an eternity. And never meeting again."
...
"We were always destined to part."
...I love you. You whispered.I love you more. I insisted....Yet... we parted in the end.  _________________________     You have reached the end of ALPHA - PART 1     _________________________

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

ALPHA - PART 2
THE APOCALYPSE 
      
Third Person POV

Flick. Flick. Flick.
Kim Taehyung sat unblinkingly within the dim office space with his deserted gaze on the dull city view before his top-floor office building. His leather armchair... facing away from his work desk as the man remains seated in his uncluttered work suit and polished black shoes. The alpha blankly stared at the flashing billboard advertisement on the nearby building's concrete walls, gradually drifting his eyes to the mismatching window lights on the scattered buildings as the extreme rainstorm tore through the city with its despairing agony.The cold pallets...  angrily striking the massive transparent wall... leaving behind the shattered water beads on the damp glass upon the rough collision.

Knock. Knock.
"Sir? Is there anything else you'd like me to assist you with?" A secretary knocked on the door, unsurely strolling inside the chilly office to find the alpha sitting listlessly in his chair. He didn't budge."You're dismissed. I'll be working overtime again," Taehyung muttered without glancing at the secretary.The man pursed his lips and lowered his head before excusing himself from his work obligation... carefully shutting the door to leave the alpha in solitude. Kim Taehyung finally blinked at the dark view to retrieve his distracted mind from the unsettling reality of his world and spun on his chair to face the bright desktop screen on his desk.10:45 PM. He stared at the time and glanced at his inactive phone screen. The alpha bitterly tapped on the screen, hoping to receive a text... or even a few notifications... but no one seemed to notice his absence. Oftentimes... he'd get random texts from his girlfriend throughout the day. Jang Sora would question his whereabouts the instant he was a minute late.Dumpling: Oppa, should we eat dinner together?Dumpling: I baked your favorite cake again~! Hurry home!Dumpling: Oppa! Should I bring you dinner? Imo made beef bone soup today. You should have it when it's still warm~!Dumpling: I saw a cute cat today! It looks like you~ Haha~! *Picture Attachment*Taehyung blankly stared at the endless spam on his phone as he scrolled through their previous text messages. The last time she contacted him... was to bring him her cake at the corporation, but he dismissed her and left with Hwa-young. He didn't even bother to reply to her message and left her on seen. Yet during... this particular moment... on a cold... and stormy night like this... Kim Taehyung couldn't help but... yearn for one of her childish texts.
Maybe. It'll lighten his spirit.

A random text is all he needed to uplift his gloomy mood.

But who would dare speak to him so casually... if it's not Jang Sora?
The alpha heavily exhaled to deflate the pressure within his chest, pushed his phone aside and glanced back at the desktop screen. No one cares about him. He was solely birthed into the world to take on the role of the household's workload. A human machine, severely abused and forced to deliver the highest performance to satisfy the elders. He lifted his hands to type on the keyboard again, drowning his sorrowful thoughts with the tasks and muting his disturbing emotions with every soft clack of the keyboard.
Words after words... digit and digit... pages after pages...
He'd read the phrases over ten times to finally comprehend whatever he was trying to understand. Sighing deeply, Taehyung closed his stinging eyeballs and lowered his face to recollect his mind with his unmoving fingers rested on the desk. The alpha had completely run out of fuel, and no matter how hard he tried to push himself... he couldn't deliver the desired output for his work.Kim Taehyung sighed in defeat after failing to accomplish his work, rose from the armchair while collecting his belongings, and strolled through the vacant private lobby... but abruptly halted before the dim bar in the lounge. He stood quietly to contemplate his thoughts, finally strode inside the room, and dropped his suit before rounding the bar counter to pour himself a glass of whiskey. He took a small sip while sitting on the stool until rapid flashes... of Sora's drunken face appeared in his head.The way... she'd fumble around with her intoxicated nerves while uttering nonsense with her pouty lips. Her bright smile and dirty smirks while clinging to his body for support. The man gripped the whiskey glass with a slight grimace and drained the glass to silence his active mind. Softly grunting, he lowered his face to counter the burning sensation... as it expanded across his chest, gradually numbing his system with the strong liquor.One glass after another. The alpha devoured the liquor until his mind grew fuzzy... and his body... too weak to uphold his heavy head. He pushed the empty glass away, stumbled onto his feet, and tried to collect his belongings... but ended up... tumbling onto the couch.Kim Taehyung weakly rubbed his throbbing head and turned to lay on his back with his hand clasped over his forehead. He tried to resist the urge to fall asleep... but his eyes only drooped lower and lower... until the dim lounge light faded from his blurry vision to isolate him from the miserable world. Thud. The alpha slumped on the couch. His thick forearm slipped off his forehead... hanging weakly over the couch's edge. Completely wasted, he remained alone in the room and fell asleep throughout the night... until the morning sun rose over the damp city."Oh?" An assistant halted in a panic once she found the alpha snoring on the couch. His upper buttons were loose, revealing the deep ridges of his toned muscular chest. She glanced at the empty whiskey glass and the bottle on the counter before glancing back at her unbudging young master."Should we contact his guard?" The secretary asked as they bitterly watched him snore from the doorway."He has a scheduled board meeting in an hour," The assistant anxiously glanced at her colleague. The secretary sighed and left to prepare the schedule for the alpha, so the assistant immediately brewed Kim Taehyung a warm glass of honey lemon tea to assist his hangover.
A moment later.
The executive directors within the room awkwardly stiffed the reeking liquor scent with their sensitive nostrils as Kim Taehyung grumpily strolled into the room with his messed up hair and a loose shirt. The executives unsurely studied the alpha's unfavorable appearance but didn't dare express their concerns. He groggily slumped at the desk and leaned back to rub his swollen face as the assistant placed the warm tea beside his files.The men and women began speaking about their meeting objectives and proposing the strategies to the alpha until the meeting was disrupted... once the executives... realized Kim Taehyung had dozed off in his seat. The directors exchanged nervous glances as the alpha leaned against his armchair with his eyes closed and his lips... slightly parted.Consequently, the board meeting was forcefully suspended by the chief secretary to grant the alpha an appropriate resting time. Do-hwan arrived at the tower afterward to escort the alpha home. And Taehyung ended up... falling ill for almost a week. His weak immune system caught the severe flu, and he was plagued by high fevers, burning eyes, and a runny nose.
Kim Taehyung could no longer keep up with his profession, falling behind schedules and leaving the tower in undesirable disorder. The employees couldn't acquire his judgments on time, and everyone had to work overtime with his impractical strategies.

Mr. Kim would confront Taehyung about his carelessness with harsh lectures and painful strikes to his handsome face.

The senior alpha would force his son to execute his duties within a constricted time frame until the heir was too depleted and worked until his body ached all over. Yet he didn't dare complain about his discomfort and would stretch his strained capacity... further and further until he felt like he was going to suffocate and die from the stressful work burden.
"How is she...?" Taehyung murmured, slowly approaching the hospital entrance to meet imo, who has been watching over Jang Sora after she tried to commit suicide."Aigo~! Are you feeling alright?! You should get a check-up since you're here! I'll contact the head doctor~!" Imo gasped, worriedly patting Taehyung's forehead after she noticed his bloodless face."I'm fine. I asked if she was alright," Taehyung sighed, dejectedly pushing Imo's hand off his forehead as he held onto his suit. Imo bitterly stared at his wearied spirit and glanced at the hospital entrance.
A moment later.
Kim Taehyung slowly sat beside Jang Sora's side with his suit over his lap as imo closed the door and sat at the foot of the medical bed with her exhausted gaze on the supreme alpha's bandaged wrist."She hasn't woken up yet," Imo muttered.Kim Taehyung clenched his fist while hovering his worn-out gaze over his former lover's yellowish skin tone before glancing at her flaky skin. He pursed his lips in remorse while recalling the abortion documents he uncovered in her bloody bathroom. Kim Taehyung didn't dare tell anyone about her probable pregnancy and chose to conceal the information."Was I too... selfish? I didn't know she'd go this far. I should apologize to her," Taehyung muttered, sadly gazing at Sora's ashen face with a wretched heart. He felt miserable."The poor thing didn't know how to ease her pain," Imo darkly shook her head. Kim Taehyung deeply exhaled and lowered his face to reflect on his numbed thoughts within the muted room.
He ruined her. He wanted to return to her... but she had already bled her rotting heart through her open veins. Kim Taehyung knew he was far too late because no matter what he did to express his remorse... the scar on her wrist would remain... and it would forever serve as a reminder of his betrayal.

Kim Taehyung always had a rational reason to behave a certain way when it came to the power game. As a matter of fact, he was always confident with his judgments. Power... was child's play to him. He always had everything his way... until he entered the world of love.

Not just any love, but he had to love... Jang Sora.

A soul he grew up knowing all his life. He knew her little habits and he could even predict her reaction to certain situations out of familiarity, but he still lost. He lost the love game, and there wasn't any justification to refute his reckless acts towards her. Love... is a game he failed to play.... because it involved being wholly vulnerable to the deadly double-edged sword.

Thereby, Kim Taehyung was... extremely intimidated by the weakness he calls... love.

He was a fool. He knew. Kim Taehyung took Jang Sora for granted during their early relationship days. Of course, it wasn't entirely his fault, but Kim Taehyung knew he could've been more mindful of her feelings. His greatest blunders were believing she'd tolerate his mistreatment permanently and remain by his side regardless of his insensitive nature.

The alpha thought he could bribe her naive soul with her favorite sweet rice cake forever. He thought she'd somehow return to him if he gaslighted her into believing everything was her fault. But he was painfully wrong.

The young Jang Sora he used to fool... was finally fed up with his toxic treatment and being the greedy person she was... she wanted more from him until it was beyond his capability to provide the love she desired. And in the heat of anger. He told her he couldn't love her anymore and that she was delusional for demanding such a form of love from him.

He intentionally shut her out to trigger her remorse for being a hassle in his life, and it worked. The guilt began to eat her out just like he anticipated. But Kim Taehyung wasn't willing to give in and coldly rejected her apologies and neglected her desperation until... long overdue.

The sweet love they brewed together... had unfortunately spoiled... turning into a poisonous grievance.

She spilled her blood under his name and ended their child's life with the deadly poison he made, and there was no antidote for it.

Only after he saw her disturbing bloody tiles and the soaked document did he realize... He had lost the love of his life and his child to his unyielding greed to tame her.

Jang Sora had already... consumed the poison to detach herself from him.
"We are not allowed to disclose our patient's information, sir," A doctor politely smiled at Taehyung. The alpha pursed his lips while studying women within the abortion center and glanced back at the middle-aged woman."My... girlfriend... she was here. I'm only trying to verify the abortion," Taehyung insisted, pulling out the medical file to show the doctor. The sore woman stared at the stained paper and left to retrieve the files after the alpha refused to leave without confirmation.Taehyung nervously entered the counseling room with the woman."She came by with another man. I remember her. Jang Sora. She didn't look too well that day," The doctor nodded as she flipped through the medical records."She was pregnant..?" Taehyung eagerly asked as he sat on the stool."Three months pregnant. We injected Sora's cervix and withdrew the fetus," The doctor informed. Kim Taehyung stared unblinkingly at the paper in his hand until he felt his chest swelling with an intense emotion."Did she... hesitate? At all?" Taehyung restlessly asked while perching on the chair. "She did. She visited me a week prior for counseling and returned on the appointed date to undergo the procedure. Sora... she's a strong woman. She cried afterward. Why are you curious? Did she get the abortion without your knowledge?" The doctor curiously asked. Taehyung clenched his jaw and looked up at the doctor's slightly raised eyebrow."She didn't tell me she was pregnant. I had no idea... she was carrying my child," Taehyung nodded. The woman's eyes dimmed at his obliviousness to his lover's pregnancy, so she sighed and glanced at the medical file."At the end of the day... it is her choice to conceive the child. You ought to respect the mother's decision," The doctor weakly smiled. Taehyung nodded with a grim frown. He was left speechless by the devastating verification.The alpha then left the clinic after confirming Jang Sora's abortion with the doctor.
Fast Forward
"Oppa. Are you okay?" Hwa-young smiled, slightly grabbing Taehyung's arm, causing him to blink out of his wild thoughts. He averted his eyes to Hwa-young's pretty smile as she stood in her bridal gown."I'm fine," Taehyung stiffly nodded and glanced at the cameraman.[ Chul Hwa-Young Official Picture Reference ]

"You're so perfect together~! Aigo~!" Mrs. Chul gasped at the couple as the elders gathered in the private space to take pictures with the bride and groom. Taehyung forced a smile as Hwa-young clung to his arm.The wedding venue resonated with cheerful chatters as the honored guests attended Kim Taehyung's wedding with Chul Hwa-young to settle at the flower-decorated seats. The alphas congratulated Taehyung and the bride on their special day, so Taehyung pretentiously plastered a smile on his face while conversing with the guests after Hwa-young left to touch up her makeup."Aish!- How is she so stupid?!-" Jungkook grunted while glaring at his phone after calling Sora to wake her up."Yah-" Taehyung unconsciously grabbed Jungkook to stop him from passing. The alpha lifted his confused face to question Kim Taehyung's edgy behavior."Is she... coming?" Taehyung asked awkwardly."You want her to suffer that much, don't you? I'm sure she'll show up to send you off~! No worries~!" Jungkook rudely scoffed, striding off while rolling his sassy eyes to irritate the groom. Taehyung clenched his jaw and glared at his cousin's coarse response as he stood sternly by the aisle."Taehyung! It's almost time! You should get your makeup done again!" Mrs. Kim appeared, dragging the groom aside so Taehyung followed his mother into the dressing room. Hwa-young was happily giggling with a few makeup artists as they complimented her exquisite visual, so Taehyung lowered his gaze to stare at his phone and tapped on Sora's picture with a restless feeling."Where is Sora!?" Mr. Jang's voice echoed from somewhere within the room as the elders bustled around in their traditional hanbok."Jungkook told me she forgot to set her alarm. She'll be here for the dinner feast," Do-hwan responded. Taehyung gripped the handrest and glanced at his dark expression in the mirror as the hair stylist fixed his loose strands. He glanced at his phone again and shifted his tense gaze to Hwa-young, who was peeking through the mirror at Jungkook as he cluelessly chatted with Jimin on the couch."I need to use the restroom," Taehyung informed, abruptly getting up from the chair, causing the stylist to step back with a startled reaction. The alpha pushed open the door and strolled down the bustling corridor without being suspected by his household. He hastily snatched the prickly pins from his gelled hair and stormed towards the exit with a dark frown.
And without anyone's awareness... Kim Taehyung fled the wedding to see Jang Sora. He couldn't find her until the rainstorm hit the city... and he ended up stepping out of his car in his suit with his soaked face tilted toward the looming building, surrounded by the dark clouds.

The alpha switched off his phone after receiving the explosive calls and texts from his family... and stormed inside the lobby to confront the supreme alpha about her past abortion.

He wanted closure. Kim Taehyung wanted to hear the words from Sora's lips before he married another woman because he thought it would put him at peace. But he was... nevertheless... still wrong about his love beliefs.

Jang Sora admitted to aborting their child, and upon hearing her cold claims... Kim Taehyung felt a piece of his soul breaking. 
Crack.

No matter what he did... he couldn't seem to free himself from the mistake he committed. And he realized love wasn't an easy sensation to neglect nor suppress, and there was no action he could undertake to resist the painful contractions within his chest.

And so, love became a permanent defect, embedding deep within his resilient soul, just as he feared.

He was never the same after acquiring the closure he desperately needed from his former lover. Kim Taehyung would often find himself blanking out at the thought of nothing. He'd randomly hear her voice in his ears and would even... sense her touch over his skin. Glimpses... after glimpses of their shared memories would emerge vividly before his eyes until he felt his chest tensing so much... it's as if he was going to burst from the pressure.

What troubled him the most was... the invisible rift between them despite being so close to one another. Sometimes, she was just an arm's length away and other times... she was right beside him, but it felt as if... There was a vast abyss separating them.

Kim Taehyung couldn't reach for her... no matter how close she was to him.

He missed everything about her. Her overflowing attention and quirky jokes... endlessly bothering him throughout the day with her childish character. Taehyung never really appreciated her immature behavior because the only time he felt like... he truly wanted her was... when they were having sex.

She'd stifle her voice and stare at him with her troubled expression whenever he was deeply penetrating her with his hardened private part.

Taehyung enjoyed handling her body because it was the only time she would behave maturely. The only moment... he viewed her as a woman was when she was fully naked beneath him. Her firm skin, perky breasts, toned body figure, and fleshy buttcheeks exposure would provoke his masculine impulse until he lost himself to the addictive taste of her body... and he would lust for her with his aroused nerves.

It was selfish of him to regard her only as a woman when her vulnerable unclothed body was restrained on the dirty mattress. But Kim Taehyung couldn't resist his desire and would tempt her to sleep with him because it was the only time he could fully love her as a woman and not as the childish girl he grew up with.

He hated her immaturity because it felt like he was grooming a child instead of having a proper woman by his side. Kim Taehyung desperately needed her to make him feel like a man, but she would never behave the way he desired and would make him feel... as if he were her personal caretaker.

And for that reason. Kim Taehyung kept having sex with her because it made him feel like a man with strong sexual skills to please their bodies.

Consequently, he held her accountable for his restricted masculinity... he'd attempt to get her body as dirty as he could with his scent, saliva, and semen... just so he could... mark her as his possession.

He is an asshole. He knew. But he was tired of constantly cradling her like a child, so he only thought with his dick. Never his heart... or mind.

In the end. Kim Taehyung succeeded in ruining Jang Sora's pureness for his desire to be a man. Jang Sora ultimately realized her worth, so she walked away from him... and he was left... with the burden of being the proper 'man'.

She no longer bothered him with her clinginess nor did she chirped in her usual high-pitched voice whenever she was around him. He no longer had to deal with her tantrums and reckless acts. He no longer had to eat her unhealthy creams and crumbs.

He finally had a proper woman by his side.

Chul Hwa-young. She was undeniably a graceful woman... with delicate courtesy and a highly esteemed reputation for her breathtaking beauty and family background. Hwa-young would dress up decently to match Taehyung's appearance, never embarrassing him before the public eye.

She'd always use formal honorifics, never expressing her complaints with Taehyung. Her postures, on all occasions, were perfected, even while standing, sleeping, or sitting. She was the ideal perfection Kim Taehyung had always desired.

Mature, beautiful, and disciplined.

A pure woman, desired by many men within the society regardless of her powerless status. She was everything Kim Taehyung wanted in a partner. A composed and liberated woman... who will make him an honorable man.

She's everything Jang Sora didn't have in her.

Yet Kim Taehyung wasn't satisfied with her flawless nature. He felt no chemistry with the perfect woman he desired. She was too stiff. Too stern. Too serious. Too sympathetic.

Hwa-young would agree with him on everything, and she'd conceal her radiant smile behind her fingers whenever she laughed. The alpha tried desperately to appreciate her best qualities, and he'd push himself to engage with her, but no matter what they did or spoke about... Taehyung's mind would replace her presence with his former lover.

Jang Sora would never cover her mouth while laughing and would show him her cute teeth and cheeky smile. Hwa-young would dress appropriately for every event, even during their causal date, but Sora? She'd sleepily walk around the mansion in her same worn-out silk gown.

Hwa-young would remain composed and respond calmly to every situation to uphold her squeaky-clean image... but Jang Sora would shriek, scream, whine, or make weird faces to communicate her emotions. Taehyung could always read her like an open book because she's an expressive soul. Meanwhile. Hwa-young... would never complain or disagree with Taehyung... even if she was unsatisfied.

Chul Hwa-young was the woman Kim Taehyung desired, yet he was never comfortable with her, and would often feel very uneasy and awkward because whatever Hwa-young did... it didn't interest him. There was nothing about her for him to dislike because she was undeniably flawless to the point... he became exhausted of her perfection.

Unlike Jang Sora, he'd always frown at her crazy attitude and maniac episodes... constantly trying to keep up with her wild sides, so Kim Taehyung was never really bored around her.

Only after spending time with Hwa-young... did Kim Taehyung gradually realize... he never hated Jang Sora's immaturity. He liked everything about her because she was the only person with the courage to challenge him.

Sora would never sit still and let him have everything his way, so in a sense... her continuous opposition helped Taehyung grow as a person. He learned to suppress his needs to satisfy her... and he understood that everything he did wasn't always correct because Sora would always ensure his awareness of her dissatisfaction.

Unlike Hwa-young... she'd let him off with everything, so Taehyung never knew if he was doing the right thing for her.

Kim Taehyung had to buy Chul Hwa-young gifts and take her out on expensive dates to keep her content. Everything he did... He had to carefully plan their time together to avoid upsetting the woman but with Sora? He didn't have to do anything. She'd smile just as brightly and would welcome him in her arms with his mere presence alone.

He did the bare minimum for Sora. And that was his greatest regret. What made him think she deserved the most minimal effort? Kim Taehyung hated himself for offering almost nothing from himself and would hold her accountable for the compulsory duties he fulfilled to secure her. That was the only excuse he had to justify his loyalty to her.

I protected you.

I grew up bearing the pain for you.

I'm the reason your household is stable.

I made the most sacrifices to ensure your survival.

It was the only excuse he could bring up to guilt-trip her. Taehyung never handled their relationship problems appropriately and would use the same justifications to drive her crazy with his so-called sacrifice. It should've been them versus the problem... but Taehyung always made her a figure to challenge and defeat... as if she was his greatest enemy in the game, and would even attempt to tame her as if she was a feral animal when she was fact just another... broken soul.

Jang Sora was his lover. Not an enemy to slaughter.

Flashback
Kim Taehyung waved at six-year-old Jang Sora as he stood by her school gate once he found her strolling through the exit in her cute pink bag and neatly braided hair. Sora's sullen expression immediately brightened up upon noticing Taehyung waiting for her by the entrance, so she skipped forward, happily jogging towards him while swinging her lunchbox back and forth. The alpha held out his arm for the little girl to retrieve her bag. He flung the strap over his shoulder to bear the weight of her study materials before grabbing her lunch box to carry her belongings so she could freely walk by his side.

"Is Jungkook home?" Sora cutely asked as she gripped Taehyung's shirt while walking down the soaked sidewalk after the rainstorm passed over the city."Yeah. Jungkook should be home," Taehyung nodded and walked forward. Sora slightly loosened her small grip on Taehyung's shirt and slowed her pace to let him walk ahead of her. Taehyung cluelessly strolled forward until he noticed her absence, so he turned around to find the young girl... standing before a small puddle with a slight grimace."What's the matter?" Taehyung asked, halting to stare at the young heir. Sora glanced at her pretty sparkly shoes, and cute pink socks, and back up at Taehyung."It's my favorite shoes," She pouted. The young heir didn't want to ruin her princess heels."Just jump over the puddle," Taehyung smiled. She stubbornly shook her head and stepped back. Sora is determined to keep her shoes clean.

"I hate the dirty water and the mud~!" She whined, refusing to stroll forward. Taehyung sighed at her rosy cheeks and tearful puppy eyes as he walked back towards her."Don't be a spoiled brat! We can just wash our shoes-""No! I hate the rain! I hate the mud! I hate puddles! It'll ruin my pretty sparkles!" She shrieked while thumping her glittering shoes over the sidewalk with her balled fists and a cute frown. Taehyung grimaced at her childish attitude and lowered his body in defeat."Get on my back. You whiny dumpling~!" He snapped. Sora pouted and stepped forward to climb Taehyung's back. The older alpha secured her legs and stood up, carefully stepping over the puddles as she demanded, so she giggled and clung to his neck as he carried her backpack over his chest."You're the best, oppa~!" Sora chuckled, softly pecking his cheek. Kim Taehyung was initially frustrated... but broke into a weak smile as she repeatedly kissed his cheek to thank him for his sacrifice.

"You're not a god, so learn to get your feet dirty," He grimaced."Never~!" Sora shook her head while wiggling her dangling sparkly shoes on Taehyung's side.Taehyung sideway glanced at her plump cheeks as she rested her chin on his shoulder and climbed the hill until they arrived at the private mansion. Jang Sora immediately lowered herself by the door and rushed inside the mansion in her clean clothes and shoes as Taehyung took off his muddy sneakers by the doorway. He hugged her bag and climbed the stairs to put it in her room before heading to his room to wash the dried mud from his ankles.
End of flashback.
Kim Taehyung deeply inhaled while leaning against the steering wheel with his dim eyes fixed on Jang Sora, who was strolling down a slope with an average guy and a small child. The supreme alpha softly chuckled on the sidewalk as she lifted the boy off the path to step over a puddle as her work friend chatted with her. The alpha drifted his gaze after her until she entered the mart with the orphan and her friend.
Jang Sora is very humble by nature. She'd immediately drop everything to assist those in need. She'd never express her dissatisfaction, especially around the average people. She'd fit right in with them and get herself dirty, but Taehyung knew... she's spoiled by nature. She might be unaware, but Jang Sora will always seek the highest kind of... pampering. Taehyung blinked once he noticed Sora bending down to wipe her white sneakers by the mart's doorway with a tissue. She grimaced at the stain and aggressively rubbed it clean.

He missed her after she moved out of the mansion, so he'd drive all the way to Daegu now and then... to watch her wander around the area with the same bowl-cut kid and her work friends. Jeon Jungkook would sometimes escort her around the place... but Taehyung never revealed himself to her. He only watched her from afar because he didn't want to ruin her day with his unpleasant presence.

A moment later
Kim Taehyung drunkenly strolled inside the mansion at around 3:00 AM after returning from the exhausting trip to Daegu and strode inside the living room to slump on the couch. He gripped the cushion and stretched his sore legs while resting face first until he noticed another person sitting opposite from him in the dark space."You have a general meeting tomorrow, yet you're wasted at 3:00 AM?" Mrs. Jang scoffed as she sat with her cup of tea. Kim Taehyung dully stared at the elderly woman's dim eyes and turned to lay on his back."I went to see Sora," He muttered."She shouldn't be your concern-""She's a forgiving soul, isn't she?" Taehyung asked while staring at the dark chandelier above his head."Don't even think of-""If I get on my knees and beg her for forgiveness. She'll forgive me, right?" Taehyung asked quietly. Mrs. Jang didn't respond right away and narrowed her eyes on the helpless alpha as he stared at the ceiling in deep dejection."Fulfill your duty and marry Hwa-young to secure the Chul. You've already promised to marry the Chul's daughter, so don't initiate trouble for the household. Sora will live well without you. Stop bothering her with your false affection," Mrs. Jang sighed, getting up to stroll away, leaving her empty cup behind on the coffee table. Taehyung sighed heavily and closed his eyes in defeat.
He's at a dead end... entangled in his own distressing thoughts and emotions.

End of all Flash Back.
___________________________
Present
Sora's POVHumming softly, I twisted and turned before the reflection of myself in the mirror while slipping a dress over my body to inspect my figure. Yangcha smiled while watching me dance before the mirror as he manspread at the foot of the bed with his arms pressed on the mattress to support his sturdy trunk."What do you think?" I asked, twirling before the mirror to show him the thin-strap purple dress."Everything looks stunning on you," Yangcha shrugged as he watched me from behind. I chuckled and turned to look at him as he sat shirtless in his boxer. Yangcha weakly smiled at my tidy appearance, so I walked up to him in the dress and crawled onto his lap. He softly chuckled as I circled my arms around his neck and lowered my face to gaze at his deep brown eyes."Do you want to attend the event with me?" I asked as he held onto my waist. Yangcha smiled while rubbing my waistline."I might get you in trouble again," He shook his head. I pouted at his rejection, causing him to chuckle. Yangcha tilted his head to press his lips against mine until I broke into a soft smile. I pulled him in by his nape to deepen our kiss until I felt his hand rubbing my inner thighs, so I slightly rubbed my sensitive crotch over his bulge to set our bodies in the mood as we kissed until he moaned softly against my lips.
A moment later.
"Hngh~!" I moaned heavily with my lips ajar. Yangcha gently bounced my buttcheeks over his lap as I sat facing him with my lips pressed against his until I felt his warm semen oozing between my legs. Yangcha grunted in distress and clutched my waist tightly, so I hugged his neck with my flustered face pressed against his shoulder."You have to shower again," He muttered while rubbing my back to soothe my body after I orgasmed in the dress with a loose strap... dangling off my left shoulder, revealing a side of my moist breast. I tightened my grip around his neck, shuddering in satisfaction while hugging him in the sitting position with my eyes on the bullet scar on his back. Smiling, I traced my finger over the raised bump of his skin."I'm running late," I chuckled, finally pulling away to peck his lips.Yangcha held my hand to support me as I got off his naked thighs, so quickly scurried inside the bathroom with the mess between my legs. I washed the sticky paste away with the showerhead before it dripped down my legs, and finally exited the bathroom to find Yangcha wiping himself clean with the tissues as he sat on my bed."Aren't you going to shower?" Yangcha asked while eyeing my slightly moist skin from the aftermath of the heated intercourse as I slipped off the dress and pulled on a formal knee-length tweed set before the mirror."I want to leave your scent on my body. Besides, I look really pretty with a flushed face. Don't you think? You gave me the natural blush," I chuckled, pointing to my rosy red cheeks. Yangcha chuckled at my dirty statement while rubbing his burning face with a weak smile as I zipped my dress and turned to brush my messy hair back into its proper position."People might suspect your scent," He smiled."I'll bring a piece of you with me wherever I go~!" I shrugged. Yangcha chuckled, got off the bed to pull on his boxers, and walked up to me as I pulled on my medium nude heels. Smiling, I turned to hug him as he held onto my waist. Yangcha quietly searched my eyes and leaned his face beside my ear.

"I'll wait for you," He whispered, gently kissing my earlobe. I giggled and smacked his chest to resist his teasing behavior. Yangcha rubbed his bright red chest with a wide grin and finally released me, so I waved at him and quickly strolled out of my bedroom.Big man was waiting to escort me into the building's lobby, so I hurried towards him and left with the man to attend the academy's ceremony. Yangcha immediately sent a text with a picture of his pouty face, making me giggle at his playful selfie, and sent him a heart sticker. Do-hwan bitterly frowned at my soft chuckles and glanced back at the road."Are you seriously marrying him?" Do-hwan asked. I shifted my attention from the phone to meet his stern eyes through the mirror."Why? Do you oppose it?" I asked with my eyebrow raised."Your taste in men is progressively worsening. That's all I'm saying," He shrugged as he stopped by the traffic light."Hey?!- Don't be mean! Yangcha is a good man!" I scoffed, offended by the man's insult."Yeah. He's only good to you. It's rather suspicious," Do-hwan grumbled. I glared at the man in annoyance."I don't care. I'm happy with him," I shrugged. Do-hwan sighed and drove forward after the lights turned green."All the men you've dated are messed up, but him? He's the worst of them all," Do-hwan replied."It's not like anyone is truly innocent," I shrugged. I'll never find a good man because a purely good person will never exist. Everyone is bad in a sense, so I'll just choose an imperfect man who is good to me."What's so special about him though? Jae Yangcha. Indulge me. I'm very much curious and concerned about my young lady's... rather strange preference in men," Do-hwan smirked as he steered the wheel. I grimaced at his smug expression and glanced out the window."He's loyal and will kill for me. I like it. His devotion. And he's physically hotter than every other man in the society," I shrugged. Do-hwan chuckled and shook his head."You like the big boys, huh? Careful there... my lady... he might crush your frail body with his strength. No one can tame a wild beast. Not even its master," Do-hwan teased. I glared at the big man as he funnily eyed me through the mirror and huffed in discontent."I'm not taming him," I muttered."It seems like you don't need a bodyguard anymore. Should I resign? You should use your scary boyfriend privilege to scare off your enemies. He's a certified killer," Do-hwan chuckled."Big man! Do you have a death wish!?" I snapped in annoyance. Do-hwan chuckled at my stern glare and shook his head."He's been following you around. The university. The organization. The charity events and even the corporation. He's giving me too much obsessive energy, and obsession is never good Sora. I am very concerned about his peculiar devotion to you," Do-hwan sighed. I pursed my lips and glanced at Yangcha's continuous texts on my phone."So? You and Taehyung always track my whereabouts-""Because we're concerned about your safety. Jae Yangcha lurks in the dark... as if to attack the people around you. He might not be a threat to you, but he might attack those around you," Do-hwan sighed. I dismissively rolled my eyes as we entered the university premises and finally stepped out of the car without Do-hwan's assistance to find Taehyung mounting his giant black bike."Oh? You're back on the wheels again?" I asked, approaching Taehyung with a weak smile. Taehyung took off his helmet as he stood in his black leather jacket."The engine will fail if I don't use it," Taehyung shrugged. I smiled and walked by his side to enter the university. We're on good terms again. Taehyung doesn't approve of my relationship either... but he never really bothered me about it anymore. And I didn't want to have bad ties with him... so I figured we should settle our long-term dispute.The auditorium bustled loudly as the students and professors chattered within the room until they noticed my presence. The noises within the venue abruptly died down upon my arrival, and the atmosphere suddenly grew tense. Every prying eyes... shifted to me as I strolled beside Taehyung, who glanced at me with an uneasy look upon receiving the dreadful stares from different directions. I shrugged, settled in the front row with Taehyung and crossed my legs.The school principal finally stepped onto the stage to speak about the previous year's thesis competition. He praised Taehyung and me for our hard work and dedication to accomplish our mission. I smiled and nodded at the man."Jang Sora," The principal announced the winner of the academic year.I honestly expected the room to erupt with deafening cheers and applause, but the hall remained noiseless. My chest uneasily stirred as I rose to my feet to find the professors and a few alphas clapping for me.Everyone else... remained unresponsive in their seats. They're seriously... treating me this way? Tsk. I rolled my eyes and strolled onto the stage to receive the crystal trophy from the professor. The man gave me a firm handshake, so I cleared my throat and glanced at the dead crowd before me. Oh... look at those... dead stares. I'm so intimidated~!- Pfff! How ridiculous!"Thank you for attending the occasion today, even if you knew I'd be the winner," I smiled. The crowd scoffed at my arrogant statement, so I smirked and strolled off the stage with the trophy, causing the principal to clear his throat nervously with the unnerving reaction to my achievement.

"Congratulations," Sungho smiled as he approached me.I was about to respond to him when the hall suddenly erupted, and everyone got up from their seat without greeting me to exit the room. I sighed and strolled out of the auditorium when someone suddenly bumped into me and strode off. I gasped and turned in confusion as people kept walking into me. No one apologized and walked off with a poker face."Bitch-""Fucking whore-""Rot in hell-"Thud. I slammed hard into a solid locker door when someone purposely shoved me aside. Fuck!?- Another person firmly grabbed onto my arm to stabilize my balance, so I swallowed and lowered my head to thank the man before directing my resentful glare at Mira, who was glaring at me. Why did she shove me!? Does she have a death wish!?"Yah-" I seethed, trying to confront her when the crowd suddenly gasped before me.Everyone stopped moving as they stood paralyzed with their petrified eyes wide open. I paused and glanced at the terrified crowd unsurely as they stared past me. What's with them...? Mira's pupils flashed in fear as she slowly shifted her attention behind me... so I slowly turned around in confusion to find... Jae Yangcha... towering over me with a dark scowl.The principal and the professor's jaws dropped in disbelief as the former alpha stood in his all-black outfit with a cap secured over his head to hide his visible scar. No one dared to budge but gawk at his shocking presence until he slowly took off his cap... and shifted his dangerous gaze to the crowd of students. A sweep of chills suddenly filled the corridor as he loomed over me."Apologize to her," Yangcha spoke calmly, shifting his deadly eyes to Lee Mira. The alpha gulped and glanced at the startled crowd with her fist clenched. What is he doing here!?"How dare you step inside the academy after murdering-""I said... apologize to her," Yangcha gritted, suddenly stepping forward to shorten the space between him and Mira. My heart began racing in fear as the crowd kept their frightened attention on Yangcha."Y-Yangcha-""Apologize!" Yangcha snarled, furiously stepping forward with his blazing red eyes. I grabbed his forearm to stop him from inching closer to Mira, who was unblinkingly glaring at him."Please leave the school premises. You're forbidden from entering the academy. I'll have to call the guards to escort you if you don't cooperate," The principal sternly spoke up to break up the tension. I nervously glanced at Yangcha's dark expression and back at the dense crowd as he firmly stood his ground with his deadly stare on Mira."Let's go-""Touch a fucking strand of her hair again, and I'll fucking rip out your fucking throat!" Yangcha sneered at Mira. He hastily grabbed my wrist and dragged me out of the corridor, so I gasped and stumbled after him."What in the fucking madness are you doing here!?" Do-hwan roared, angrily storming towards Yangcha once he spotted the alpha pulling me through the entrance door."Get out- Fuck?!-" Yangcha tried to shove Do-hwan aside but was immediately cut short when the guard flung his fist at his jaw. I gasped in shock as Yangcha stumbled to the side at the rough impact. Do-hwan tried to grab me, but I quickly yank my wrist back."S-Stop! You didn't have to hit him!" I snapped at Do-hwan as I protectively drew Yangcha behind my back, who was rubbing his bruised jaw in resentment. Do-hwan huffed in anger upon my defensive reaction and glanced at Yangcha's flaring nostrils as Taehyung jogged out of the entrance with a bewildered look."Why would you step inside the academy?! You know it'll cause Sora's trouble-""Should I have stood aside and watched them push her around!?" Yangcha snapped back at Do-hwan, who scoffed in disbelief. The man fired me a piercing glare as I firmly stood between them."She can fucking handle the problem herself! The last thing you should do is put her in a difficult position for defending you fucking murderous piece of shit!" Do-hwan bellowed, fiercely stepping forward, so I tensed my body and slightly held Yangcha back as he stood behind my back with a blank expression."Do-hwan-""Enough. Both of you. Leave right now. The school is growing restless," Taehyung exhaled as he calmly strode toward us with a dark frown. Yangcha snapped his head towards Taehyung and back at Do-hwan's glowering glare."Let's leave," I sighed, cautiously steering Yangcha away from Do-hwan to prevent a fight from breaking out between them, and we left together through the main gate. Yangcha and I took a taxi back to the penthouse... and we were pretty much silent... on our journey home.
A moment later.
"Noona-""Don't touch me," I muttered, slightly jerking my arm out of his grip when Yangcha tried to reach for me. The alpha scanned my face with a troubled frown upon my hasty withdrawal."I was just-""I need a moment alone," I sternly stared at him.Yangcha clenched his jaw at my poker face, let out a shaky exhale, and stepped back with a slight frown, so I turned around and entered my bedroom to cool down my steaming head. I wanted to scream at Yangcha out of frustration, but I knew I couldn't risk upsetting him.Yangcha didn't bother me for the rest of the day, so I left the penthouse to meet Taehyung at the corporation and then returned home again a little past 9:00 PM. Yangcha was asleep on the couch upon my arrival. I quietly entered my bedroom again to shower, changed into my gown, and finally strolled out to cook dinner in the kitchen.Fuck!? I slightly jerked by the stove once I found Yangcha leaning against the counter with a gloomy face. He was blankly staring at the spatula in my hand while watching me cook without uttering a word, so I exhaled to calm my racing heart and stirred the meals until it was ready. I placed the plates on the counter, a bowl, and a chopstick for Yangcha... and finally settled down opposite him to have the warm meal.Still, we didn't speak and quietly ate the food under the warm kitchen light. Yangcha kept his downcast eyes on his rice bowl and listlessly ate until we finished the meal. I cleared the table, did the dishes, and finally brushed my teeth before settling on the bed as Yangcha watched TV in the living room.The alpha suddenly opened the door with his wary gaze on me after he switched off the television. I pretended not to notice the guilt on his face and loosened my hair while sitting on the bed. Is he upset...? What should I do?He lowered his head again upon my neglect, closed the door behind his back, and slowly walked towards me. The alpha pouted as I unsurely studied his sulky behavior, slowly lowering his body by the bedside until he was... kneeling on the floor as I remained on the bed. I paused to stare at him as he sat composedly with his hands clasped over his lap and legs tucked under his weight."What are you doing...?" I asked, utterly baffled as he knelt before me."Are you upset with me?" Yangcha asked, lifting his tearful eyes. I frowned at his pitiful condition."Don't do this. You're making me uncomfortable-""Noona- I'm sorry! I-I really didn't mean to upset you!" Yangcha gasped, grabbing my hand to stop me when I tried to get up from the mattress. I sighed in defeat upon witnessing his anxious reaction and blankly observed the genuine remorse on his face. I shouldn't avoid him. Yangcha tightened his grip around my hand... softly whimpering on the floor... but didn't dare cry."Get up. I seriously don't like this," I muttered, lightly patting the mattress.Yangcha nodded obediently and quickly got up to sit beside me but wouldn't release my hand and clutched tightly onto my fingers. What should I do with him...? I sadly stared at his flushed cheeks and tearful glassy pupils with a heavy heart."I only wanted to see you with the trophy-""How long have you been doing it? Following me around? You'd always tell me you're home but would show up at the most unexpected times," I sighed with a slight frown. Yangcha lowered his face to blink away his tears and remained hushed."I'm afraid... someone might hurt you again and that I won't be there on time to save you," He muttered. Yangcha didn't lift his face, so I grimaced and tapped his chin to make him look at me. A tear stream flowed from the corner of his eyes, causing my chest to stir in pain. Why is he crying? I gently wiped his tears and lowered my hand to hold his firm jaw with a troubled grimace."You have to understand that you can't freely wander around. Especially not to the places... you were involved with in the past. The academy... is definitely the site you should avoid. You will only infuriate the society further with your unwanted presence, so until you're ready to face them... please... just stay here. At the penthouse. You're safe here," I lowered my face to stare at his puppy eyes. Yangcha shifted his beaten gaze away and pursed his lips in discontent."I know I'm an embarrassment... a disgrace. I'll be careful from now on," Yangcha mumbled, averting his burning eyes to me again. I sorely shook my head, gently pulling him into a comforting hug, so Yangcha tightly hugged my waist and lowered his face to press his nose against my shoulder."No. You're my pride. I'm trying to protect you, so please... listen to me. Hmm...? Don't cry," I muttered while rubbing his prickly roots. Yangcha sniffled against me as he tightened his arms around my body. So I sighed and lowered my hand to pat his back."Okay," He replied, pulling away from me. I gently dab his cheek to dry his tears, so he leaned forward to peck my lips. Smiling, I kissed him back until he pulled away to embrace me again.
I was very much upset with his reckless decision to make his thoughtless appearance at the university. But I didn't want to fight with Yangcha over the matter. He listens well, so I remained calm and chose to speak with him instead of lashing out in the heat of my anger. It'll only hurt his feelings if I scream at him... and I definitely do not wish to provoke his suppressed evil. I'm afraid... I'll bring out his unstoppable killer instinct if I hurt his feelings, so it's best... to assure him of my affection.

Hopefully, it's enough to keep him calm and composed.
__________________________
The Elite Council
Jae Yangcha smugly lifted his face from the contract transfer document with excessive pride and glanced at Kim Seokjin's expressionless face after he signed away his name on the files and composedly placed the pen down. The entire council remained stiff in their seats with their dim eyes on Jae Yangcha after he successfully seized Kim Seokjin's lost contract.The elders within the conference room anxiously eyed each other as the young alpha submitted the document to the moderator, who stiffly accepted the new contract ownership. Kim Seokjin was forced to surrender his confiscated contracts to Jae Yangcha under the attempted murder allegation. The alpha finally revealed the hidden USB he used to store the second-rank's power."Thank you for the warm welcome. I look forward to cooperating with the council," Jae Yangcha smiled, politely bowing before the ring of deadly alphas, and lifted his dark eyes to intimidate the households with a slight smile. Not a single alpha could resist him because Yangcha had charged them with being primary murder accomplices in his deliberate attack during Jang Sora's birthday party.Anyone within the room could sense the alpha's contagious and destructive energy... after the silent killer successfully integrated into the society as a high-status second rank. Kim Seokjin remained blank in his seat. He didn't blink or budge his muscles. Jeon Jungkook resentfully crossed his arms as Jimin clenched his jaw. Min Yoongi glanced at Jung Hoseok's pale expression as Kim Namjoon clenched his jaw upon the alpha's official rank transition in the game.
The Black Jaguar was now... the highest second-rank alpha... withholding immense power in the council after he orchestrated the entire power game to get the households clashing with each other.

The corrupted superiority of the dead alpha... expanding dangerously beneath the society chessboard and paralyzing those within its reach with its menacing evil and rooting deep into the power game with its assertive dominance.

Kim Seokjin might've succeeded in courting the council on his side to resist the supreme alpha but with Jae Yangcha's presence... Jang Sora is once again... untouchable. Even her alliance combined isn't powerful enough to defy Jae Yangcha's contribution in the game to sustain the supreme alpha.
Kim Taehyung firmly crossed his arms over his chest, slightly narrowing his eyes on the silent killer with a suspicious gaze before glancing at the muted supreme alpha. Jang Sora sat blankly with her gaze on her powerful lover, slightly smirking with her head lowered. She shifted her sharp gaze to Kim Seokjin, who remained unbothered in his seat after his power was stolen.
Snap.
Kim Taehyung realized something. He quickly shifted his eyes to Jae Yangcha and back to Kim Seokjin's almost... smug expression. The alpha glanced back at Jang Sora with an unsettling feeling as he thought about the potential strategic... scheme to achieve greater power.
Kim Seokjin had successfully lured out the... Black Jaguar... from its cave.

Jae Yangcha has finally stepped down from the higher ground and joined the pack of wolves... to stand by the outcasted supreme alpha's side... fully exposed to the bloody ring of powerful households. 
_______________________Sora's POVThe uniformed staff by the door slightly bowed at me as I strolled inside the lavish lounge filled with familiar faces on the entertainment screen in my sparkly golden sequin dress and high heels. The lounge was crowded with top-grade celebrities ranging from actors, idols, artists, DJs, and popular influencers as they chattered over their glasses of expensive champagne. The men and women immediately paused mid-sentence and glanced at me as I strolled inside the room until a handsome man beamed at my presence and approached me in his high-end tailored suit."Sora~ You're so stunning tonight~!" Lee Seojun greeted, extending his arms to offer a warm hug. The well-known individuals eyed me up and down in curiosity.

"Congratulations on your movie premiere," I smiled at the superstar as a mainstream male idol observed my dress beside a top-notch actress, who was attentively eyeing the rare pearls around my neck."Ah. Hera. And Byul... this is Jang Sora. Philanthropy's founder," Seojun smiled at his friends."Anneonghaseyo," I greeted them."So you're the beauty with a brain?" Byul, the idol scoffed with a captivating smile."Isn't that... the Baroda pearl necklace?" Hera lifted her eyebrow, slightly stunned by the double strands around my neck, securely clasped with a diamond pendant."Ah. It was a gift," I smiled at the famous actress.Hera nodded in disinterest and flipped her long glossy hair while eyeing the other guests in the room as they kept their keen attention on us. She's a bit snobbish, unlike her television personality. She's obviously uncomfortable because I was wearing a jewel more expensive than her three million dollar necklace, which is lent by the jewel brand. After all, she's the ambassador. And what's with the idol man? He keeps gawking at my cleavage with his shameless monolid eyes. He's usually the sweet and bright artist on stage but a perverted freak here?"Actually. I organized this special gathering especially for you, so I could finally introduce you to my friends," Seojun chuckled, nodding at the curious-looking entertainers."What an honor," I smiled at the guests."Your organization's social status is skyrocketing. It's a good sign. We can promote your campaign. Your sales will boost by ten folds with our appearance," The idol man suggested, keenly leaning forward to offer his promotion."Ah. But I'm operating a non-profit organization. I'm not selling a product or service to be promoted," I calmly shot down the idol's offer. Seojun cleared his throat awkwardly as the idol's cheeks flushed red upon my direct rejection."Oh. Sora. I got you a gift. I recently went on a tour in America... and I thought... this will suit you well," Seojun suddenly reached inside his pocket to retrieve a jewel box. He popped it open to reveal a limited edition designer clover necklace. Hera glanced at me and fired Seojun a bitter look."Thank you for the thoughtful gift," I smiled and reached out for the box, only to have someone else snatch it from Seojun's hand, so I turned to find Yangcha standing behind me with a slight smile. Seojun paused, immediately shifting his offended stare to the alpha."I'll keep it safe for her," Yangcha smiled at the superstar. Hera's face flushed red upon Yangcha's presence... and she suddenly appeared more interested. The idol man tilted his head upward to inspect Yangcha, who was a foot taller than him and glanced at me with a questioning look."Ah~ You brought your bodyguard along?" Seojun chuckled, brightly beaming at me."Oh. Right. I should properly introduce myself. I'm Jae Yangcha. Sora's boyfriend," Yangcha smiled, placing out his hand with a slight smile. Seojun blinked with a startled look and glanced at me before placing out his hand to greet the alpha.  Yangcha tightly gripped the man's palm and firmly shook his hand, causing Seojun to clench his jaw in discomfort.

"You never told me... you had a boyfriend," Seojun chuckled uneasily while eyeing the guests around us in embarrassment. I smiled and clung to Yangcha's arm as he stood beside me with a smug smile."It's my first time announcing our relationship publicly," I giggled. Yangcha smiled and glanced at Hera, who was eyeing his buff body with her eager fox eyes. She unconsciously touched her neck and avoided his dark gaze once she was caught checking him out."What's your occupation?" The idol bluntly asked while eyeing Yangcha with doubtful looks."I'm her personal assistant," Yangcha smiled. Seojun clenched his jaw in discontent but didn't dare express his dissatisfaction and glanced at his timid-looking friends. The guests awkwardly stared at Seojun, who seemed a bit embarrassed, so he kept rubbing his nose and sucking in his inner cheeks.

Apparently, Seojun planned on proposing to be my boyfriend before the famous individuals. But I knew beforehand, so I brought Yangcha along to subtly decline his request. The superstar was obviously embarrassed by the situation as his friends gave him awkward glances. He must've confidently told them he could court me. Why else would he be so flustered?

A moment later.
"Pfft. That was the most boring party I've ever attended," Yangcha chuckled as we strolled out of the building while holding my waist."Don't be mean," I nudged his shoulder as Yangcha held the car door open for me, so I lifted my dress and stepped inside."I expected entertainers like them to be much more interesting, but they're all the same. Gatherings at the private lounge to drink, show off and do basic shits with their prideful nature over a glass of expensive liquor. They're only interesting on the artificial screens," Yangcha muttered. I chuckled as he slowly drove out of the property."Hera seems to admire you," I muttered."A woman who sold her soul to chaebol men and officials for fame and banknotes? She doesn't interest me," Yangcha shrugged."So you'd rather prefer a boring person like me? At least she's very attractive and popular. She's desired by the mass," I smiled. Yangcha freed one hand from the steering wheel to interlace his fingers with mine as he drove out of the city."Pretty faces can be bought with money. Anyone can look pretty once they lay on the operation table and undergo the surgeries, but a beautiful soul like yours? Only exists once in a lifetime. You'll always be a goddess to me," Yangcha smiled, gently raising my hand to kiss it, making me smile at his romantic gesture. I patted our interlaced hand and glanced at the dark street as Yangcha drove me out of the city.
A moment later.
Yangcha held the car door open after an hour's drive, and I finally stepped out in my dress with a curious smile to stand on a vast pavement. I blinked at a helicopter... parked before me with my parted lips, unsurely glancing at Yangcha for explanations until he placed out his hand with a weak smile."May I grant you a short break from the world?" He asked, proudly beaming at me. I glanced at the brightly lit property as a few staff waited by the helicopter. What's this? He wants to take me up to the sky?!"I'll give up the world for you, remember?" I smiled, placing my hand in his.Yangcha smiled in delight and clutched my hand. He turned towards the helicopter, so I strolled beside him as the staff greeted us with their polite courtesy. Seriously?! A helicopter!? This is so unexpected! I thought he planned an ordinary dinner date for us!"You're not afraid of height, right?" Yangcha asked. I smiled and shook my head."I fear nothing when you're holding me like this," I giggled, lifting our interlaced hands to shake it before his face. The pilot smiled at our sweet interaction and stepped aside, so Yangcha grabbed my waist and lifted me into the aircraft.I pulled the provided gears over my ears as he slipped in beside me. This is my first time going on a date in a helicopter! Eomma would never let me do this without proper security measures, but I don't care!!! I nervously smiled at Yangcha as the pilot got in his seat to prepare for take-off as we buckled our seatbelts.The loud helicopter engine suddenly roared to life until my body stiffened in against the seat as I glanced out the transparent door. My frail heart started thumping against my chest for no reason, and I suddenly felt very anxious. Yangcha placed his arm around my shoulder to hold me. Badum! I bit my lips to stop myself from grinning too wide as we slowly elevated off the ground... and soared into the dark night sky."This is scary!" I softly whimpered, scooting closer to him as I watched us ascend high above the helipad below until the staff turned into tiny people.

Yangcha chuckled at my rising anxiety and hugged my head against his cheek, so I turned to clutch his thick neck until he laughed at my timid response to the deadly height and lowered his head to kiss my forehead. Ah! This is fucking scary! My heart started pounding harder the higher we hovered, so I whined, tore my eyes away from the opening, fearfully clinging to his shoulders in extreme fright."You'll love it! I promise!" Yangcha chuckled while patting my back.I briefly yelped to release the fear from my chest as the windy breeze swarmed the helicopter. Ah! I might pee my panties~! Yangcha gently rubbed my shoulder with his nose pressed against my hair, so I nervously glanced at the opening again after we successfully took off. I refused to release his sturdy body and gripped tightly onto him with my fearful gaze on the darkness below us as the helicopter drifted through the cold night.

"What's the occasion?" I asked, lifting my face to smile at him. Yangcha rubbed my cheek and lowered his face to assure me with a soft peck."You'll see," He smiled, pulling away from my lips. I chuckled and glanced out the exposed window again, persistently clinging to his shoulder with my lips pursed.Yangcha secured his arms around my waist and held me firmly against him until my thumping heartbeat grew steady... and my mind suddenly grew hushed as I stared at the twinkling lights below us. I can see the mountain and forest silhouettes... and it's freaking beautiful!The chilly breeze subtly grazed against my face and exposed skin until I slightly shivered... so I snuggled against Yangcha's chest and tilted my head to admire his gentle gaze on the scenery below us. How did I get so lucky...? He was always by my side all this time... and I've repeatedly failed to acknowledge him. I lifted my face to peck his cheek and hugged him again until the helicopter soared over the beach."We're at the beach?!" I gasped, curiously leaning forward to gawk at the shore below us.Yangcha possessively held my waist to hold me back as I eagerly peeked downward. It was a little past midnight, but people were still playing with the fireworks on the shallow shore. Spark. Spark. The colorful beams exploded over the seashore as we flew over the crowd.The helicopter steadily flew over the dark waves, so I curiously watched the bright seashore and smiled widely until I noticed a massive luminous yacht... floating over the calm sea surface, not too far from the shore.I slowly released Yangcha's shoulders, flabbergasted by the magnificent vessel as I stared at what looked like... glowing light decorations on the spacious helipad area below us. The helicopter cautiously hovered over the parking space over the yacht... and we slowly descended downward. I gripped onto Yangcha's forearm without breathing... and thud. The helicopter safely landed, and the swirling wings above eventually ceased, causing the turbulent wind to die down.... leaving me a bit dazed by the terrifying yet fascinating ride.I lifted my head off Yangcha's chest and glanced at the luminous opening with puzzled senses as Yangcha took off my gears and unbuckled my seatbelt. I repeatedly blinked with a completely empty mind. What's going on...? Yangcha stepped out of the helicopter, grabbed my hips, and helped me down so I held onto his shoulders until he settled me onto the ground."What's this? A yacht...?" I asked, unsurely scanning the dark sea before us as the salty sea breeze filled my nostrils.Yangcha lightly took my hand, so I unconsciously followed him down the stairs while observing the jaw-dropping interior until I found myself... stepping over the red rose petals on the wooden floor. I huffed in excitement and glanced at Yangcha as he led me to the open deck decorated with all kinds of flowers and twinkling candlelights. I glanced at the pretty blooming flowers and looked up at Yangcha again as he stood over me with a subtle smile while holding both my hands."What do you think is the occasion?" He asked. I blinked at him and glanced at the apparently super-obvious decorations around us."Hmm... you want to be my legal sugar baby...?" I replied, fighting the urge to stop myself from laughing.Yangcha chuckled cutely and tilted his face towards the sky in disbelief. Grinning widely, he bit his lips and lowered his tender gaze to my weak smile. He released my hand and slowly knelt down before me on the stable vessel, so I pursed my lips and slightly stepped backward as he pulled out a small velvet case. Pop. He opened it to reveal an oval-shaped diamond ring."I promised you the world, but this is only the beginning of it all. So, as for now. Jang Sora, will you marry me?" Yangcha proposed. I pursed my lips with my fond gaze on the glimmering ring until warm tears swelled over my pupils.

"Give me the world," I nodded, placing my left hand for him as my heart churned intensely. Yangcha smiled and slipped the diamond ring onto my ring finger. He quickly stood up, so I opened my arms to embrace his firm hips until I felt my soft heart melting with his affection. He's so... romantic! I can't believe he prepared all of this for me?!The alpha fastened his arms around my waist, hugging me tightly before the dark sea until I pouted at the intensity of my churning chest. Yangcha gently rocked me from side to side as the mild sea breeze brushed our skin with its humid current when- BOOM. My eyes lit up brightly at the unanticipated bright flickers above our heads. Yangcha quickly pulled away with an excited smile as the fireworks exploded in the sky, so I pursed my lips and stared up at the beautiful scenery in tears. Sniffle."Why are you crying?!" Yangcha gasped when I suddenly burst out crying like a crybaby as the colorful sparkles illuminated above us. BOOM! BOOM!"It's traumatizing! The fireworks!" I whimpered, turning to pout at him. Yangcha's face drained in horror at my adverse reaction, so he briefly looked up at the sky again."Araso! Araso! No more fireworks!" Yangcha gasped, pulling me into a tight hug as he signaled the staff to halt the explosion. I shakily held onto his body and sobbed in distress as the disturbing memories filled my head. I don't want to remember it! The night he almost died under the stupid fireworks!"I don't like fireworks~!" I whined, causing Yangcha to break into uncontrollable laughter. He grabbed my waist to pull me against him, so I sobbed and hugged his neck as he lowered himself to hold me."Ah~ I will die from your cuteness~! Stop crying!" He teased, funnily pulling away to squeeze my red cheeks. I pouted until he pecked me once... and then again.Yangcha lowered his body to hug my waist with his head rested on my shoulder until the fireworks ceased. The staff on the boat played romantic classical music instead, so I inhaled deeply to stop my heart from beating too fast and slowly swayed with Yangcha over the platform before the dark sea. I tearfully smiled at the scattered flowers over the deck and at the heart-shaped bouquet on the sides."I'm happy," I muttered with my puffy gaze on the dark sea. Yangcha deeply exhaled while rubbing my back as we slow danced to the steady rhythm."Smile for me then. I'm not convinced when you keep pouting at me like this," Yangcha whispered, pulling away from the hug while holding onto my hands. I grinned at him with my watery eyes, causing Yangcha to flush red with a funny smile.He gently swayed with me and lifted my hand to make me twirl under his arm, so I chuckled and danced with him on the high deck with a broad smile. My heart... is so warm. The staff on the yacht fondly stared at us from the sides until I got super shy and hugged his body with a beaming grin. I snuggled against his chest as Yangcha rubbed my curved spine to soothe my tense body. Smiling like the happiest woman on the planet, I tiptoed to give him a soft peck before pulling away to pat his firm cheek with an approving smile.
The next morning.
I sleepily sat up against the king-size bed within the luxurious yacht suite with a vast view of the calm ocean in my night robe, loosely fitted to my body as Yangcha bent over the floor to collect the dirty tissues. He threw them away in the trash. I sleepily watched him walk around with the silk robe over his hulk-like figure and glanced at my cleavage to find a faint love mark.
We had a lot of fun the previous night. Yangcha prepared food, snacks, and drinks for me on the yacht. We danced... and celebrated with the staff and finally got down to business on the bed to ignite our heated bodies with pleasure. We spent time in the bubbling tub afterward before the sea and finally headed to bed at dawn.
"I got something for you," Yangcha hoarsely muttered, pulling open a drawer and handing me a rectangular package. I smiled and opened the gift until a hard-cover book slipped out of the box. I softly gasped in surprise as I flipped through the photo book filled with my favorite novel's characters."How did you get this???" I smiled, briefly glancing at Yangcha as he opened the window to let the wind inside the suite. The alpha yawned while stretching his toned body and finally settled on the bed edge beside me with a faint smile. I eyed the red scratch marks on his chest as he rubbed his sore pecs."You always read those... profane novels. I saw your endless transactions. You keep buying the mature versions, so I figured you'd want a physical copy. It's a limited edition," Yangcha shrugged. I bit my lips with a delighted smile as I stared at the explicit graphics on the book."You're the first person to buy me explicit adult art~!" I giggled, shyly lifting my bright pupils to Yangcha, who was weakly gazing at me."The flowers and jewels are cliché. You get it all the time. So I figured I should bring you the spicy books," Yangcha chuckled. I shook my head in disbelief while flipping through the pages to examine the adult art with a mischievous smile."I love it! Seriously!" I shrieked out of pure contentment.Yangcha laughed as he crawled onto the mattress to sit beside me, so I leaned against his bruised torso as he placed his arm over my shoulder to hold me against him. I couldn't help but turn to give him a soft peck before glancing back at the photobook. Yangcha smiled and pulled the blanket over my thighs to cover me as I happily flipped through the pages."She's looking at the pictures of a hot man when I'm available beside her~ How disappointing~!" Yangcha grumbled while kissing my exposed shoulder. I smiled and leaned my head against his chest as he watched me read the context."Do you want to try this position?" I asked, pointing at the art."While standing? I can carry you, but it doesn't look comfortable," Yangcha chuckled softly. The couple is making love and the female character has her legs wrapped securely around her lover's hips as he pins her against the wall in a standing position."Let's try it once. At least," I shrugged. Yangcha gently grabbed my cheeks to turn me towards him, so I smiled and gave in to his kiss. He gently weaved our fingers over the satin blanket, making me smile between our sweet smooches. He finally drew away and lowered his fond gaze to the glittering ring on my finger with a faint smile."I love you," He smiled, gently pecking my hand, making me giggle in response to his ticklish lips. I love that I'm allowed to thrive in my feminine energy around him.
We spent our leisure days on the yacht chatting, eating, and getting intimate to the point my legs were sore, but I loved it. Our private moments. I needed the refreshing breezes and peaceful nature around us to keep my mind off the society's affairs.

I've finally found my comfort... and I'm loving every single moment with Jae Yangcha. Whatever we did... we'd immediately click... and we'd enjoy each other's company with so... so... much love and affection.
Yangcha turned on his shirtless trunk to hold my waist as he lay on the outdoor bench with my arm under his head. I calmly gazed at the drifting clouds above our heads as the seagulls flew over us and glanced at Yangcha's surgical scar on his scalp. Smiling, I leaned forward to give him a soft peck on his buzz cut as he softly snored beside me. He sleeps a lot lately."Yah?!- Let me on the yacht!" A familiar voice screeched from the sea below. Oh?"Sir-""That fucking asshole! Where is she!?" Do-hwan's voice roared. I gasped in shock, sitting up on the couch, and quickly rushed towards the railing to find Do-hwan standing on a small fisherman's boat with a slight grimace."Do-hwan! What's the matter?!" I gasped, quickly strolling down the stairs to the lower deck as Do-hwan frantically scrambled over the old fishing boat to climb the yacht. The staff gasped and tried to assist him, but the man shoved them away."Aigo~! Careful! You might fall!" The old ahjussi on the fish boat warned as Do-hwan roughly grabbed the yacht railing and swung his leg over. Thump. I quickly rushed forward to help Do-hwan as he stumbled over the side path, but he suddenly grabbed my hand and yanked me forward."Are you fucking crazy?!- How can you leave without informing me of your whereabouts!?" Do-hwan snapped, angrily glaring at me with his fuming frown."I sent a text! Ah-!? Do-hwan! What are you doing-?!-" I tried to explain when he suddenly seized my waist and hurled me over the railing, causing my heart to leap in fear."We're leaving!" Do-hwan snapped."OMO! Be careful!- She might fall!" The ahjussi rushed over to extend his arms from his old fisherman boat as Do-hwan roughly forced me off the yacht's railing. I screamed in horror while gripping the railing for support as the deep sea water splashed against the yacht."Sora!" Yangcha gasped, quickly rushing towards me after he appeared on the first deck.Do-hwan snapped his angered eyes towards Yangcha and tried to push me again, but I shoved the big man backward, so Yangcha launched forward to grab my wrist- just as my butt slipped off the railing. I screamed in fright but was securely grasped by Yangcha's firm grip."Don't touch her! Fucking let go-" Do-hwan bellowed, roughly grabbing my other arm as I clutched Yangcha's bicep."She will fucking fall!" Yangcha screeched in a panic while fighting with my chief guard to secure my body.The alpha furiously shoved Do-hwan backward, grabbed my waist, and effortlessly hurled me back onto the yacht, so I whimpered in fright and stumbled into Yangcha, who possessively hugged my head against his buff chest with his other arm fastened around my waist. Do-hwan scoffed in disbelief and snapped his flaming pupils towards Yangcha with a spiteful glare."I said-""STOP! WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH YOU?!" I screamed, angrily shoving Yangcha aside to face Do-hwan when he tried to storm forward."IS YOUR SAFETY A JOKE?!" Do-hwan bellowed, widening his angered glare on me. Why did he barge onto the yacht like this?! I clenched my jaw in anger and was about to snap back when I noticed the innocent ahjussi and staff watching us with anxious expressions. I swallowed hard and glanced at Yangcha, who was murderously glaring at Big Man.
A moment later.
"We're simply on a trip! Did you have to cause a scene?!" I snapped at Do-hwan as he stood in the private living room with his arms crossed. Yangcha, the staff, and the ajusshi waited outside the room as I argued with the man."You disappeared for two days! I couldn't contact you-""There was no signal! I did send you a text!" I argued, showing him the pending texts on my phone screen. Do-hwan scoffed and fired Yangcha a sharp glare before glancing back at me again."How can you thoughtlessly follow him out here alone?! Jae Yangcha is a fucking killer-""HE PROPOSED TO ME! YANGCHA PREPARED EVERYTHING TO PLEASE ME! WHO ARE YOU TO RUIN OUR TIME LIKE THIS?! I'M FUCKING DISAPPOINTED! WHY CAN'T YOU GIVE ME YOUR BLESSINGS!? AND ROOT FOR MY HAPPINESS!" I screamed at the man. Do-hwan clenched his jaw at my stubbornness."The corporation and Philanthropy are in disorder right now! He's distracting you!" Do-hwan snapped. I frowned at the man."What-""The news leaked! The average knows Jae Yangcha is an infamous killer! Taehyung is fucking losing his shit at the corporation, and the people are questioning Philanthropy's involvement in the crimes! They know you're dating a fucking killer, Sora! My blessings!? You'll never get my blessings until the day I die! I must be a crazy bastard to approve of your relationship!" Do-hwan seethed at my face. What is he talking about?!"How did they find out""Did you think you could freely walk around with an ex-convict without getting in trouble?! For all I know- The society is leaking his crime to disrupt the elder's corporation operation! The households will weaken without the corporation! If he fucking cares about you- then he wouldn't be this determined to present his wanted killer face to the fucking public! There's something wrong with him, and you're being an ignorant fool!" Do-hwan sneered. I clenched my jaw with my hurtful eyes on the man's red face."Maybe... I should've never allowed myself to develop an attachment with a mere average like you. You're right. I am a fucking clown for respecting you as my very own father when you don't even give a shit about me-""If I didn't give a shit about you. Did you think I'd fucking race here right now? To ensure your safety?! And don't call me your fucking father! You're a disgrace! And I will never be proud to have a daughter like you! How can anyone appreciate you when you're constantly being a reckless rascal!? Everything doesn't revolve around you, Sora! The world doesn't fucking revolve around you and only you! Why is it that you're always playing the victim and blaming others for your misery when it is you- who is creating the problems for yourself!? Sure! You're the supreme alpha! You're the founder of Philanthropy! You're undoubtedly a competent and independent woman with immense power in the society! You're the fucking best I know, but I can't put up with this shielding the fucking killer bullshit anymore! Not when he's threatening your very own security!- Taehyung! Jimin! Jungkook and Sungho! Their households are facing the severe backlash for being your allies! You're forcing them towards a dead end for that bastard!" Do-hwan seethed, lowering his fuming face to mine, but I stood blankly without blinking at him. I'm... a disgrace? He wouldn't want a daughter like me...? That's too brutal. A flush of tears suddenly flooded my eyes."Fine. From now onward... I will not spare you my emotional attachment. Fulfill your work just like the peasant you are, and don't fucking dare interfere with my life. You sold your worthless soul to protect mine, right? Then die protecting me!" I furiously snarled at his face. Do-hwan scoffed at me in disappointment before firing Jae Yangcha a sharp glare again."Araso. I will escort you home, my lady. It is your mother's command to bring you back home," Do-hwan sneered, nodding at the door with his firm scowl. I gripped my fist, glanced at the staff, and finally back at the man-hardened glare. We maintained deadly eye contact as the super yacht rocked over the calm waves.________________________
Fast Forward
"What!? This is absolutely unacceptable!" Eomma shrieked as she stood in the living room with her arms crossed."The shareholders insisted on holding an urgent meeting regarding the matter. The stock price has plunged significantly overnight," Taehyung muttered as I sat beside Yangcha with a sore grimace."We have to issue a public statement. Refute the allegations," Appa suggested. Eomma darted Yangcha a disapproving look."They've already leaked the confidential files related to the past murders," Do-hwan muttered. Jungkook scoffed and fired Yangcha a sharp glare."There's been a mass protest in front of the Philanthropy building during the past days while the founder was on her romantic yacht date," Jungkook rolled his eyes, so I gripped my fists in annoyance but didn't say anything and sat in utter muteness."Can we regulate the media circulations?" Mr. Jeon asked worriedly."The team is intensively containing the news, but the mass is speaking of it," Do-hwan shook his head."You two must never make an appearance. Especially not you," Eomma darted Yangcha a stern glare."Is that all? We're a bit occupied today since I have to meet designer Choi to discuss Sora's wedding dress," Yangcha asked, calmly lifting his disinterested gaze to the elders. The room suddenly grew hushed. Taehyung quickly glanced at the ring on my finger with a startled expression."Moh!?-"
Third Person POV
"Oh. That's right. I proposed to the supreme alpha and she agreed to marry me. I kept my promise to achieve power, so we'll look forward to receiving your blessings, mother-in-law," Yangcha smiled, slowly rising to his feet.The alpha placed out his hand for the supreme alpha. She didn't speak a word and took his hand, so he gently drew her onto her feet while exposing the enegament ring on her finger. The elders remained pale as they stared at the muted supreme alpha and glanced back at Jae Yangcha's smug expression."B-But-""Sora isn't involved with the corporation. She transferred the duties to Kim Taehyung, so her personal affairs shouldn't be an issue. The households should refrain from blaming the problems on her and address the situation appropriately," Yangcha shook his head to release his fiancée from her household accountability. Mrs. Jang tensed up in her place and fired her daughter a dark frown upon Yangcha's assertion.
Fast Forward
"Kim Seokjin!" I snapped, storming through the corridor to stop Seokjin from leaving the building. He paused and turned to stare at me with a slight frown."Wae? Are you here for my blessings?" Seokjin asked, nodding my engagement ring. I gritted my teeth in irritation."Did you think I was dense!? How dare you prompt the shareholders to resist me on the board?!" I snapped. Philanthropy shareholders and the alphas have requested that I make an official statement on my relationship with the silent killer."I did not urge them to question your leadership. Never did. Sora, you chose to place that killer on the throne yourself. Not everyone is pleased, and I'm sure you're aware... The average will lose their faith in you. All the charity works for what? So you could cover up Jae Yangcha's bloody hands? Anyone with a functioning brain will question your outrageous determination to protect a killer... even if he's not involved with the organization," Seokjin smirked, slightly tilting his head to the side. I glared at his arrogant smile. Huff."You're acting cocky now that the alphas voted for you to replace me?" I scoffed. I received endless letters from the employees to step down from the organization."I don't intend to steal your title. But since the majority deems me a worthy candidate... I shall fulfill my role to sustain the organization. It isn't about me and you anymore, Sora. Your white lies will never sway me again," Seokjin shrugged."White lies?! Yah-""You claim I was manipulating you with our past affairs, but it was you who asked me to be patient... and so I did. I granted you the space and time you desired but in the end. You betrayed me again. After everything I've done to support you... You chose Jae Yangcha... the killer. At this rate. I believe I'm not the problem. It is you... who wants to initiate troubles. You're the cancerous troublemaker. Not me," Seokjin lowered his smug face to scan my fuming frown."You killed his family," I clenched my jaws."My parents eliminated his family because you destroyed my life. I tried to make up for it and took him as you requested, only to be accused... of being the bad guy. Do you have that much faith in Jae Yangcha? That rookie player..?" Seokjin smirked, narrowing his gaze on me. I didn't look away and sternly stared back."Jae Yangcha can easily pluck you out if it weren't for me-""But he took my bait," Seokjin lowered his face to whisper in my tears. I clenched my jaw and looked up at Seokjin with an uneasy frown."Stop bluffing-""You see... I grew sick... of his childish hide-and-seek game. My power is within his grip, and he's a coward for concealing the contracts... using it to blackmail me. So I pulled the trigger. You might've thought I was a fool... but was I really a fool? I put that bullet in him with purpose. So he'd think he's winning and legally seize my power. But what's the drawback, Sora? Hmm? I couldn't attack him when he's a powerless man because I won't gain anything, so I pushed him... to expose my lost contracts, and it's fully in his grip now. And what will happen when there's concrete power in his hands? Anything... with... form and solidity... can be stolen, Sora. Jae Yangcha is still legally my dead alliance. Therefore... if he dies today... all of my power will return to me. Why should I panic? My power is safe," Seokjin smiled. I grew stiff in realization. Kim Seokjin shot Yangcha to provoke him? So Yangcha would stop concealing his confiscated contracts and seize them from the Kims out of greed? Just so Kim Seokjin could kill him and acquire the contract right back from his ally?!"You won't be able to retrieve it if he marries me-""You can't marry him. Not yet. Not when your parent's corporation is at risk and not when the average knows... he's an ex-convict. Your household will crumble if you insist on marrying him," Seokjin chuckled. My face drained in horror."You leaked the confidential trial to the average?!" I scoffed in horror."Did you think you're the only one with a brain, Sora?" Seokjin smiled. The alpha patted his suit neatly and strolled away with a smug expression... leaving me dumbfounded in my position.
Shit.
________________________
Fast Forward
The grand venue bustled loudly with the presence of the shareholders and the alphas as people attended Philantrophy's first organization celebration prepared by Sungho to achieve harmony amongst the restless commoners. My parents chatted gleefully with the shareholders as I stood in silence at the corner of the room with a dull expression.Eomma told me to stay out of the spotlight, so I didn't dress to catch the eyes. Seokjin pridefully led the conversation with the other shareholders until they briefly fired me suspicious stares. They're probably talking bullshit about me. I gulped and glanced at Jungkook, who was busy conversing with Sungho.I glanced down at the texts on my phone and chatted with Yangcha until I noticed a man approaching me, so I looked up to find Seojun staring at me with a slight frown. He's invited to sing for the guests."Can I speak with you for a moment?" Seojun asked. I nodded and followed him to the back dressing room."What's the matter?" I asked. Seojun sighed heavily and turned to gaze at me with a troubled expression."I want to quit promoting Philanthropy," Seojun bitterly muttered."Is it because of the allegations?" I asked, blankly lifting my eyebrows."My fans aren't responding well to the news. I'm afraid the public will drag me with you if I continue the promotion," Seojun sighed."Philanthropy shouldn't be associated with my personal life-""But you're the founder. I initially thought you were a high-value woman with an unmatched prestige, but I was a fool. You're not as worthy as you appear," Seojun muttered."Moh? You're saying I'm worthless now after I rejected your proposal?" I scoff in disbelief. Lee Seojun initially set up the private gathering in an attempt to ask me to be his lover before his friends, but I introduced Jae Yangcha to him. He's still sour about the objection."Your image isn't as pure as you appear. I thought you were a pretty flower, but it turns out... you're a man-eater. Ah. Preferably... you like the serial killers, right? Of course, I'm not up to your standard," He chuckled, darkening his gaze at me. I stared at the cocky popstar as he poked at my personal affairs to cushion his wounded ego."You should take proper care of your gifted throat, Lee Seojun," I chuckled, lightly patting his shoulder, and strolled out of the room. Did he think he could provoke my anger? Tsk. I rolled my eyes and entered the venue until I spotted Taehyung steering towards me."Can we speak for a second...?" Taehyung asked, dimly staring at me. I exhaled and glanced at the unbothered crowd before walking off with him.
Meanwhile.
Lee Seojun sat quietly in the dressing room with his legs crossed while typing on his phone with a slight smirk. The singer chuckled at the texts on his screen until he noticed movement in the room, so he looked up to find a staff standing behind him with a black mask over his face."You scared me! Who are you?!- Yah. Did you sneak in here for an autograph?!" Seojun scoffed in disbelief, wildly turning to glare at the unannounced presence of another person. "I'm here to escort you to the stage, sir. I'm sorry for startling you," The man slightly lowered his head. Seojun cursed under his breath and slipped his phone into his pocket before rising to his feet to fix his hair in the mirror and finally strode out of the room as the employee held the door open for him."What's taking my manager so long? I need my cooling pills to soothe my vocal cords," Seojun grunted as he cluelessly followed the man down the corridor while typing on his phone."Oh, Hera. Are you free tonight?" Seojun answered the call as he walked through the empty corridor with the employee. He dismissively glanced out the windows on the sides and strolled forward with a slight smirk.

"I've got boiling hot news related to the filthy bitch. Oh~! I'll see you! Bring your wine! Oh~!" Seojun chuckled as he turned after the man at an intersection. The singer lowered his phone and strode forward but halted once he found himself standing inside a dim storage room."Yah? What's this?" Seojun asked, abruptly turning to face the employee, who was slowly closing the door under the dim red light.

"It's the back exit to the stage, sir," The man replied, calmly resting his emotionless gaze on the singer, who scoffed and glanced at the scattered equipment within the room in disbelief."I can't see another door though...?" Seojun glared at the man in annoyance as the employee slowly pulled on his black gloves."You'll see the door soon, sir," The man chuckled, lifting his smug gaze to the clueless singer."Yah! Cut it! I'm leaving!" Seojun snapped, stomping forward to try and shove his way through, but was firmly held back as the employee effortlessly gripped the superstar's shoulder."I must escort you to the door, sir," The man stubbornly insisted. The superstar furrowed his eyebrows at the sketchy man."YAH!- UGH!?!-" The singer tried to resist but was cut short when he felt something puncturing his lower rib. The superstar huffed in shock and glanced down to find a blade... sinking deep beneath his skin... penetrating his raw organs. He fearfully lifted his eyes to the darkness within the man's blank pupils in horror while gripping the blade."Please save your energy, sir," The man muttered beneath his black mask, suddenly snatching the blade out of the superstar's abdomen, causing the thick blood to stain his golden suit. The superstar's lips started trembling in terror at the painful withdrawal. He suddenly collapsed onto the ground with his hands clasped over his open stab wound."You fucking bastard! Who are you?!" Seojun shouted while struggling on his knees with his hands gripped over the wound. His warm blood... splattering messily over the floor as he desperately crawled towards the door... but was violently hauled backward. Thud!The superstar grunted in pain as he collapsed onto the bleach bottles while struggling to sit up. The employee stepped forward with his blank gaze on the superstar's sweaty face as he fearfully scooted backward until his back slammed against the solid wall."ARGH! HELP!?! S-S- SOMEONE HELP ME! HELP- ARK!" Lee Seojun screeched, suddenly launching to his feet to scramble for his life while screaming desperately, but was cut short after the employee seized his neck and slammed him hard into the opposite wall where the clothes' metallic hangers were lined. THUMP.A rush of warm blood splattered all over the killer's face at the deadly impact against one of the sharp hook hangers. Lee Seojun immediately opened his mouth to speak but ended up... spitting out blood as he stood stiffly against the wall. The curved metallic tool... poking out of his gifted vocal cords. The singer whimpered in extreme distress with his fearful eyes on the killer as he tightly gripped the singer's hair to hold him in place after slamming the man into the wall on purpose to shush him with the piercing hook."Can you see the door..?" The killer snarled, lowering his dangerous glower to the burning tears in Lee Seojun's eyes as dark blood gushed out of his ripped throat. The superstar opened his lips to speak, but only blood was dripping from his slimy mouth... trickling onto his now... bloody golden suit. He whimpered in pain while trembling helplessly against the wall."Urk- ugh- urgh-" The superstar's lips overflowed with the thick blood as he stood stiffly against the wall with the hook lodged deep inside his throat from the back of his nape, poking out through Adam's apple. Drip. The thick paste trickled from the metallic sharp end... and splattering onto the floor below."Don't move too much. It'll only hurt more," The man chuckled, lowering his razor-sharp eyes to the pointy tip as the blood dripped from the sharp end that had pierced the superstar's throat from the back. The superstar's breath suddenly grew unsteady as the menacing dim red light... distorted his fuzzy vision."Urgh!" Thump! The superstar suddenly lost his energy, collapsing hard onto the ground with his torn throat. The man whimpered and grabbed his wounded neck in agony while twisting on the floor in his own pool of blood as the employee stood blankly over him."You still can't see the door? Let me assist you," The man chuckled, grabbing a bottle of super glue from the shelves and turned to crouch over the hyperventilating singer. The superstar fearfully stared up at the man with his pleading pupils while coughing on his blood until the madman poured hot glue over his swollen gash."Oh no. Your wound is too big. I hope the glue can seal your throat. Aigo~! You won't be able to sing for a while~!" The man madly chuckled as he shoved the bottle tip into the ripped fresh and squeezed the hot glue into the torn throat tissues, causing the victim to grunt in excruciating pain. The killer stapled the superstar's shoulders down with his knees as he violently jerked on the floor. The overflowing super glue... sizzling with the mixture of blood until bubbles formed in the superstar's mouth due to the... fatal chemical burn."I'll show you the door to the... afterlife," The man smiled, carefully withdrawing the half-empty glue bottle to hover it over the superstar's bulging tearful eyes as he desperately gagged beneath him. Drip..."ARGHSJH?!*%&^$#!?!-" The superstar painfully screamed as the super glue dripped onto his raw eyeballs.
Drip...

Drip...
Drip..."Hahah... AHAHAHAH!" The man evilly chuckled as he squeezed the remaining super glue onto the man's eyes until his eyeballs burned from the harsh chemicals.Lee Seojun grunted in distress and jolted violently as the toxic glue spilled over his sweaty face until strained veins bulged over his glazed forehead. The killer slowly exhaled and got back onto his feet. He tossed the bottle aside... wiped his shoes with an old cloth, and slowly approached the door. Creeeaaak- Thud. The man opened and closed the door, leaving the superstar bleeding to... death with a blinded sight and mutilated throat.Thump. Thump. Thump. The superstar blindly sat up on the floor to search the bloody tiles with his hands as heavy blood oozed from his swollen throat. His ragged breaths... filling the hushed storage room as he shakily crawled over the slippery floor to search for the wall, whimpering in distress... until his fingers fumbled upon the doorknob."Hmmp! Hmmmp!" The superstar tried to cry for help... but even his throat was blocked by the burning super glue.He painfully clasped his stinging throat after shoving the door open... and tumbled hard onto the floor in the corridor with his blistering eyeballs. He couldn't see anything as the rapid tears streamed down his cheeks, so he scrambled back onto his feet and aimlessly limped through the corridor with a torn neck and glued eyelids... leaving behind messy blood trails over the carpet.
THUMP.
"Ah!"The man suddenly collided with another person, who gasped and seized his arms in surprise. Jang Sora's eyes grew wide open once she found the superstar standing... before her... soaked in blood. She pursed her lips in horror while gawking the fresh wound over his Adam apples. His swollen inner throat tissues... contracted underneath the torn flesh... causing more blood to leak freely from the gash."Hmmp! Hmmp!-?!*%&#$*!-" The superstar wailed in distress with his muffled bloody lips as he desperately grasped her body for help. The supreme alpha stood frozen in place... with her dreadful eyes bulging in extreme fear as Seojun gripped her arms... staining her skin with his bloody handprints."Sora!" Taehyung called, chasing after her, but halted in bewilderment when he found the singer standing before Jang Sora. She stood paralyzed in her place until the man suddenly choked and tumbled to the floor. He could no longer breathe as he sprawled on the floor... rolling back and forth with his bloody hands clutched around his mutilated throat."Hmmp! Hmph! Urgh-!" The superstar jerked violently with his hands clasped over his neck after his inner tissues swelled severely... ultimately blocking his windpipe.The supreme alpha remained cemented in her place with her terrified eyes wide open as the superstar laboriously wheezed and coughed out more blood while struggling with a deadly seizure and jolted violently on the floor with his burned lashes and blistering eyelids.
The yellowish fluid... leaking from his scalded eyeballs and staining his dirty cheeks.

His gruesome bloody drool... trickling from the corner of his lips... splattering all over the carpets and the wall as he repeatedly spat out the blood.
Kim Taehyung frantically raced forward to seize Sora's arm and quickly tugged her back with his horrified eyes on the man's troubling state. The alphas remained paralyzed with dreadful looks. Neither of them could speak... or budge before the disturbing scene... of the struggling soul as he... helplessly endured the distressing pain.The man grunted for the last time as he thrashed his legs restlessly against the carpet to resist the excruciating pain... until his body convulsed in extreme anguish at the lack of airflow in his lungs and- Slump!Lee Seojun suddenly stopped moving, and the tedious gurgling sound suddenly ceased. Jang Sora blinked at the man's stiff body in absolute terror as the thick blood paste seeped from his torn throat. The two alphas pursed their lips with their unblinking stare on the severe chemical burns over the superstar's swollen eyelids... and slowly shifted their fearful gaze to each other's pale faces... in utter shock.Ding. Jang Sora slowly lifted her phone screen to stare at the single text.Jae Yangcha: I miss you.She shakily clicked their shared location on the tracking application and to her absolute terror... Jae Yangcha was within the same area. He was slowly... drifting further and further away from the venue. Kim Taehyung frowned at the live location and shifted his dark gaze to the supreme alpha before glancing back at the dead superstar on the floor.
Jae Yangcha... typing...

Jae Yangcha... typing...

Jae Yangcha... typing...

Jae Yangcha: Do you love me, noona?
Jae Yangcha... typing...

Jae Yangcha: :)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
The mansion's living room bustled loudly at the echoes of frantic footsteps marching back and forth over the polished tiles. The vibrations... bouncing within thick walls as I sat unblinkingly with my empty gaze on the dried blood on my hands. There were no thoughts in my webbed mind. Nothing. I felt nothing but a hollow void. Am I frightened? Am I confused? Am I worried? No. I am calm.I gradually shifted my downcast eyes to the frowning elders as they thunderously discussed the incident with the chief guard in an attempt to contain the disorder. No one expected the superstar to die in vain during an ordinary company occasion, so everyone is taken aback by the spotless murder. How is it that no one knew? Until he's dead?
Of course, it was the work of a skilled killer.
"Sora! Did you witness anything?" Eomma asked, nudging my shoulder to wake me from my blankness. I glanced at Kim Taehyung, who was darkly standing beside the opened door with his arms crossed while speaking to imo."Sweetie. You were the first to see him there," Mr. Jeon worriedly joined the conversation."I didn't... see anyone else. Only the superstar," I answered. Eomma exhaled in disbelief and slumped beside me in irritation. I didn't see anyone. Only Lee Seojun and Kim Taehyung. How else am I supposed to answer?"Lee Seojun is a nationwide sensation! His murder will devastate the people!" My mother grunted while rubbing her sore temples. Taehyung shifted his dim eyes in my direction as he stood by the door, so I quickly glanced back at my hands."Where was Jae Yangcha?!" Jungkook snapped, suddenly storming into the living room with an infuriated scowl. I lifted my face to stare at his blunt confrontation unsurely."He was home," I muttered."Prove his whereabouts! That fucker-""It's not him!" I snapped, defensively launching to my feet to stop Jungkook from invading my space as he attempted to tower over me. He didn't back off and hardened his frown with his jaws clenched."Lee Seojun died during Philantrophy's event! Did you think this is a joke?! The organization will fucking bear the backlash!" Jungkook sneered, furiously lowering his gaze to my stern face."You have no evidence against him!" I screamed, causing Jungkook to tense his jaw until the muscles under his flesh bulged from the compression."Jae Yangcha is the primary suspect. Search for him!" Jungkook ordered. I scoffed in discontent at his hot-headed determination, attempting to counter him... but was abruptly cut short once Taehyung shifted his gaze to another presence. The man casually strode inside the hectic living room with a blank expression, causing the terrified souls within the space to freeze in their position."I'm here. Why are you searching for me?" Yangcha muttered, stepping forward in his casual clothes with a slight look of puzzlement.Kim Taehyung sucked in his inner cheeks and glanced at me again as Yangcha passed him, so I shakily glanced back at the petrified elders. Jungkook scoffed in discontentment and turned to glower at the alpha's clueless appearance."Lee Seojun! You knew Philanthropy is struggling with the ongoing speculations! But you dared murder the superstar at the event?! What the fuck is wrong with you!?" Jungkook furiously accused the alpha of the crime without presenting valid evidence to back his claim. Yangcha calmly averted his blank stare to me and back to Jeon Jungkook, who was fuming in anger."I'm here to bring Sora home. I don't know what you're talking about," Yangcha exhaled bitterly, causing Taehyung to tense his body at the alpha's dismissive response. Taehyung didn't interfere despite his suspicion of Yangcha's involvement. He remained observant of the situation."Yah! It's obviously you!" Jungkook hastily stomped forward to shove Yangcha backward. Still, the alpha remained composed while balancing himself beside the couch."The only person whose apparent intention is to harm another person is you, Jeon Jungkook. You can't blindly accuse me of murder without proof," Yangcha sighed, dimming his eyes on the half-blood. Jungkook hastily jerked forward in offense but was firmly held back by Kim Taehyung, who swiftly extended his arms to hold his cousin's upper arm."What are you doing?! Are you seriously siding-""We should focus on addressing the murder case. There's no use in accusing each other. We'll settle the matter quietly. You said Philanthropy is at risk of being criticized for the superstar's death, so... as an entity responsible for the organization... you have to respond to the problem with appropriate solutions to evade suspicion. This isn't a personal issue, so don't use your subjective grudge to handle the matter. Even if you caught the culprit. What will you do? Tell the public the superstar was murdered at Philanthropy's ceremony..?" Taehyung bitterly sighed. Jeon Jungkook clenched his jaw at Taehyung's stern frown before firing Yangcha a sharp glare."Silence the media for now. The news must not circulate," My mother agreed. Jungkook glared at me as I stood with my hands clasped together."Noona. You must be exhausted. Let's head home," Yangcha shifted his blank gaze to me."She should stay with us. We're uncertain of the motive of the attack, so her security could be compromised," Taehyung shook his head."I'll leave. It's fine. The penthouse is just as secured," I shook my head and walked forward. Taehyung fired me a disapproving look, unsurely shifting his anxious gaze to Yangcha as the alpha extended his hand for me. I took it without hesitation and strode out the door.I kept my head low to avoid Jungkook's piercing glare... and strolled into the opening with the alpha, eventually turning around to gaze at the dread... written all over Taehyung's face. I pursed my lips and left with Yangcha. I know Taehyung wants to keep me close, but I need to separate Yangcha from everyone else.Yangcha didn't speak as the driver escorted us back to the penthouse. He quietly wiped my blood-drenched hands with a pack of wet wipes to rub off the dark stains, so I let him and sat blankly with my eyes on the passing light poles. Yangcha held the door for me once we arrived at the building. I thanked the driver, and we headed to the penthouse together without exchanging conversations in the elevator.I didn't say anything, entered the bathroom to shower, and stood blankly to watch the dirty water... flowing freely from my body and into the drainage with my unblinking eyes. I aggressively rubbed off the stains from my body with bubbling soap... finally stepping out of the stall after ensuring my limbs and torso were squeaky clean."Do you feel sick?" Yangcha asked as I pulled on my nightgown in the closet room. I turned to find him leaning against the doorway in his fresh clothes.I don't want to think. I don't want to question him. I don't want to know why he did what he did because I'm too exhausted to contemplate the rights and the wrongs. I warily scanned his usual blank eyes and finally stepped forward with my arms open. The alpha unconsciously welcomed my body into his strong arms as I hugged his waist with my face rested against his chest... calmly listening to his steady heartbeat."I love you," I muttered with a dim stare on the nightstand. Yangcha quietly hugged me by the doorway while combing his hand through my soft hair strands to loosen the tangles."I know," He replied, so I lifted my face to press my lips against his.Yangcha gently rubbed his thumb under my jawline while brushing his soft lips over mine in a steady rhythm until my breath grew a little jerky from the lack of regulated airflow within my chest. Yet, I refused to pull away and parted my lips, sensually inviting his tongue inside my mouth. I'm afraid I'll start venting my thoughts if I don't occupy my lips with his sweetness.The alpha slowly stepped backward as I walked forward, gently guiding him toward the mattress without breaking the kiss until his legs hit the bed. Yangcha panted heavily, slowly drawing his lips away to scan my rosy red cheeks as I gently pushed his chest to make him sit on the mattress. He held onto my waist and laid back as I demanded, so I crawled onto his torso as he adjusted his position under me. He's oddly calm because I can feel his unchanging heart's pace thumping beneath my palm.I grabbed the side of my silk, pulled it upward to slip it off my head, and tossed it onto the floor, abruptly exposing my bare skin to the alpha's gaze without warning him. Yangcha unsurely rested on the pillow with his starstruck gaze on my naked body, so I sat quietly over him without budging with my palms pressed over his pulsating chest. This is the only way for me... to read his emotions. His chest, steadily thumping quicker the longer he witnessed my vulnerable state until his skin... slightly heated up against my cold fingers.Jae Yangcha kept his thirsty gaze on mine before drifting his pupils to scavenge my naked body with a blank expression despite his racing heartbeat until a slight tint of redness appeared on his cheeks. He traced his eyes from my collarbones, down to my breasts... to my curvy waistline... and to my bare stomach while holding onto the side of my thighs. I gently pushed his shirt off his toned torso as he slipped his arms out of the cloth and lifted his head to let me pull it off him.Still. I didn't speak and stared at his hard abs, gently lowering my fingertip to trace his defined muscle ridges. Yangcha deeply inhaled in pleasure at my teasing touch. He remained motionless under me as I carefully observed his satisfied frown. I skimmed my finger over his skin... down to his veiny pelvis area just above his waistband... gently tugging it down to expose his deep v-line muscles.The alpha stiffened his body beneath mine upon the slight contact with my fingers, making me lift my sharp eyes to observe his response to my teasing touches as he struggled to contain himself beneath me. I pursed my lips while clutching his waistband, carefully pulling it off his firm hips as I hovered my weight over his body to slip the sweatpants off his legs and tossed it aside before sitting back down, just below his crotch with his throbbing manly bulge secured between my inner thighs. I softly smiled with my tempted gaze on his hump until I noticed his laborious breathing. "Don't you think you're teasing me too much...?" Yangcha asked while rubbing his fuming face in frustration. I didn't answer and continued tracing my finger over his bulging pelvis veins with a hungry gaze on his throbbing bulge. His tip is already... a little bit wet without me touching it. Yangcha shakily exhaled while tucking his forearms under his head with his tempted gaze stapled to my naked body, patiently watching me tease his sensitive body parts.I finally wrapped my fingers around his hardened private part to grant him the pleasure he was throbbing for as I lowered my torso over his and gently pressed my lips against the crook of his neck, softly tickling his warm throat with my love strokes until I found my way to his lips while stroking his wet tip with my fingers.Yangcha lifted his hand to hold my head while stirring his addictive tongue in my mouth to drench me with his flavor. I shakily moaned against his lips when I felt him reaching between our heated bodies to rub my slit with the pad off his fingers, making me grip the side of his head in difficulty upon his delicate strokes over my pleasure spot."Hngh~!" I moaned with my face pressed against his head as we both pleasured each other with our hands. My body slightly shivered with the tingling sensation, so I curled my toes and gave in to his lustful touches... until my entire face burned in heat.Yangcha gently inserted his finger inside me after ensuring I was prepared, making me slump weakly against his body as I remained over him. The alpha held my waist down with one arm, causing his heated pecs to rub against my sensitive breasts as I laid over his body with my buttcheeks perching upward. I gripped his shoulder for support and finally lifted my fuming face to shove my lips against his in a desperate attempt to stifle my moan, but the pleasure was too good... I ended up whimpering against his moist lips."You're so gorgeous," Yangcha whispered as he watched me squirm over him, so I sensually whimpered and screwed my eyes shut before lowering my face to kiss him again as he fingered me between my soaked thighs."Take control," I whispered, shakily pulling away from his greasy lips. Yangcha grabbed the back of my head, pulled me down again, and pressed his lips against mine, so I nervously panted as he rolled my aroused body over to rest me on the bed sheet while adjusting his sturdy abdomen over mine.He intensely stroked my lips with his tongue and tilted his head to deepen the kiss until my lips were drenched in our saliva as he gently nudged his hard tips against my heated crotch, firmly holding my thighs down with his arm to keep my legs parted for him. I gasped in extreme difficulty after failing to resist my overly sensitive nerves... so I quickly broke the steamy kiss and turned my head on the pillow with a slight frown, causing Yangcha to chase after my lips as he pushed his raw bulge inside me.The alpha sexily grunted as he hovered his lips over my burning cheeks, so I reached downward in difficulty to hold his strong hips until he sat up over me after the successful penetration and thrust steadily between my spread-opened legs.My body suddenly trembled out of control at the unbearable hot spasm inside my crotch until I groaned and arched my back over the mattress in distress. I pressed my finger over his lower abs as he smoothly shoved his tips forward to penetrate me again, repeatedly slipping and sliding in and out until I felt my nerves withering and contracting intensely as the scorching pleasure disabled my body with his addictive movements.Yangcha lowered his hand to press my lower stomach to increase the friction while rubbing himself inside me. I moaned in distress while arching my back over the mattress with my lips ajar, so he gently pressed my body onto the bed with his palm to stop me from twisting and lowered his face to taunt my sensitive breasts with his lips and tongue."Noona. Ease your body. You're too stiff," Yangcha panted, lifting his face to stare at my troubled frown. What's with me?! Why am I so tense...? I nodded, grabbed onto his muscular forearms, and deeply exhaled to ease my strained limbs with my head tilted over the pillow. Yangcha seized the opportunity, bent his body over while thrusting inside me, and gently licked the side of my neck, causing me to quiver again at the dirty dampness of his tongue.He smooched my skin and shifted his lips to kiss below my jaw as I held onto the side of his head to endure the warm thumps inside my crotch and turned my face to press my flushed cheek against his prickly hair root... jabbing my skin lightly with its soft pricks. Yangcha hugged my shoulders tightly while kissing the crook of my neck, steadily pounding his hard cock deep inside me until I felt the uncomfortable throb numbing my entire body. He groaned in satisfaction while kneading my breast with his palm, so I scratched his back in distress as my naked body... rocked up and down over the jiggling mattress."Yangcha~! Hey~ Look at me~!" I moaned, gently tapping his shoulder to grab his attention. He lifted his dazed face from my shoulder with a questioning look, so I pursed my lips and glanced at his sexy lips while rubbing his firm cheeks with a conflicted frown as he steadily thrusts his hips against my wet groin. I gasped in pleasure before I was able to speak and tilted my head in distress with every stroke I felt until the flaming pleasure stifled my voice with the smoldering warmness of his bulge."You're unusually very sensitive today...?" Yangcha smiled, sitting up again to hold my knees together and bent my thighs over my body while penetrating me. I huffed and turned my head on the pillow in defeat as the unbearable pleasure consumed my body until sweat beads formed all over my feverish skin.The sex was so good... my chest pulsated intensely at the rapid movement of his hard bulge pumping inside me until I felt an intense urge to pee myself... but I held back and shifted my defeated gaze to Yangcha as he quietly watched my favorable reaction. He released my knees, pushed my thighs apart, and gently lowered his hand to rub my swollen clit, making me moan at the taunting pressure over my crotch, so I lifted my head to watch his glossy bulge... penetrating me repeatedly between my parted legs.Yangcha gently interlaced our fingers while hovering his sturdy trunk over mine as he took control of our bodies and beat harder inside me. I gasped in shock and tried to wiggle free for a short break, but he firmly held me under him and accelerated his hip thrusts until I felt my inside tissues swelling around his shaft, making my crotch contract intensely with electrifying jolts."Yangcha- I'm coming-! Baby~! Hah- you're so good- Let's take a break- Hngh~!" I coughed while wiggling my fingers under his palm until he released my hand and gently wrapped his fingers around my throat to hold me down when I tried to push his bulge out of my crotch... but he refused to free my body and quickened his pace until the bedroom echoed with the moist squelching sound of our wet flesh. I grabbed my jiggly breast in difficulty with my eyes closed as he held me down by my throat while struggling to catch my breast until I felt an extremely hot surge... swelling inside my crotch and blasting down towards the entrance."Cum for me. Sora, cum for me," Yangcha grunted lowly with his eyebrows furrowed as he rough fuck me to juice the fluid out of my throbbing slit.I intensely whimpered while curling my toes over the mattress and tensed my body muscles as Yangcha repeatedly thrust harder to stimulate my inner muscles with the rapid friction- SQUIRT! He quickly pulled out just as the hot liquid ejected from between my legs. I gripped the bedsheet in distress and lifted my hips off the mattress to discharge the warm liquid while twitching on the bed, splattering the fluid all over his burning abs while gasping desperately for air- but Yangcha didn't grant me a break and inserted his fingers deep inside my throbbing private part and rubbed upward to torment my nerves with the excessive pleasure."HAH~! Baby! Baby~! You're too good~!" I cried, jerking uncontrollably on the bed as he made me orgasm repeatedly until the wet liquid squirted messily all over his thick thighs. Slump!I hyperventilated over the pillow and sank back onto the mattress while struggling to catch my breath as the dangling hair strands stuck to my sweaty face. My heartbeat was pounding out of control, and I could feel my cheeks pulsating with boiling steam. The scorching heat... sizzling from my skin as I weakly spawled under my lover with my eyes half open and lips ajar... like a dying fish.Yangcha paused to stare at the soaked mattress as I shivered and twitched beneath him with my vibrating legs hooked over Yangcha's muscular thighs to keep my soaked private part exposed to his view. He smiled at my heated reaction and lowered his face to kiss my crotch, making me whimper in distress at the sensitive tingles over my throbbing entrance, so I reached down to hold his head as he gently licked on the juicy flesh between my thighs with his slick tongue."I like your flavor. It's delicious," Yangcha chuckled, lifting his face to smirk at me as I weakly rested my head on the pillow, utterly disabled by the shockingly satisfying orgasm.I took a deep exhale to recollect my overstimulated nerves as Yangcha rubbed my wet discharge over my stomach with his palm. He gently held my legs open and shoved his tip inside me again after letting me rest a little. I shakily whimpered and tilted my head over the pillow as he penetrated me again and thrust with his strong hips strength to pleasure himself, so I pressed my hand against his lower abs to hold him while biting my lips as I watched him attempt to finish himself. My heart... pounding out of control. And my body... burning in extreme heat until... he finally.... cummed inside me. He grunted in difficulty while holding my thighs apart."Come here," I whispered, opening my arms for him in exhaustion after the final thrust.Yangcha leaned forward to slump his moist body over mine as I hugged his back with my face pressed against his sweaty neck until I felt the warm liquid... filling up inside me, so I wrapped my legs around his buttcheeks and tightened my arms around his bruised back. Yangcha weakly groaned while removing his bulge from inside me to let the thick paste flow freely. I panted in relief as I hugged his neck, gently rubbing his toned back muscles as he snuggled against my sweaty neck to absorb our reeking love-making scent.We remained motionless on the bed, completely out of breath after relieving the strained sexual tension to soothe our sensitive nerves with our overheated limbs tangled into one another. We refused to move despite the uncomfortable stuffiness and clung to each other's moist limbs, depleted of energy as we remained on the dirty mattress.I finally got up to shower in the bathroom after we calmed down and stepped into the stall with the semen stains... trickling down my thighs and legs. Yangcha pulled out the dirty sheet and left to do the laundry before returning to pull on a fresh bed set. I loosened my damp hair after a quick shower to cleanse my body and finally collapsed face-first on the mattress in exhaustion. Yangcha chuckled at my soft grunts and strolled away to shower as I drifted into a deep sleep under the cozy blanket.
A moment later.
Thud. I carefully closed the bedroom door behind my back to avoid making too much noise after crawling off the mattress earlier on my sore legs, quietly strolling towards the kitchen with my eyes half open in my thin strap gown. It was about 2:00 AM, so the city was at its most peaceful hours since most people were asleep. I thirstily grunted while opening the fridge to pull out the milk carton, grabbed a mug and filled it halfway.

Exhaling deeply, I lowered the carton, took a sip of the milk, and placed the mug down with my eyes closed while tasting the rich cream between my lips... until I felt a pair of arms circling my waist from behind, so I sleepily turned to find Yangcha standing behind me with his chin rested on my shoulder. Did I wake up him? I tried not to disturb him though. How is he so... conscious of his surroundings? Even while he's deep asleep? He'd immediately know if I left his side, no matter how cautious I was with my departure."You really need to stop scaring me," I muttered, lowering the empty mug and poured more milk. I don't know how Yangcha does it, but he moves around pretty... quietly.... and he'll always go undetected."You couldn't sleep?" He grumbled while pressing his nose against my shoulder to inhale my scent. I smiled and handed him the mug, so Yangcha grabbed it from me and drank the milk as I turned to place the carton back in the fridge. He exhaled heavily, carefully settling the empty mug into the sink as I leaned against the counter with my arms crossed to observe his puffy face. He's shirtless in his gray sweatpants. The scratches of my nails were still visible on his torso."Do you do it often? Following me around like this?" I asked curiously in the dark kitchen.

Yangcha walked forward to hold my cheek and lowered his face to kiss me instead of answering, so I leaned back against the counter while holding his jaws between my palms. He swiftly pulled away, leaving the milk essence on my tongue, gripped my hips, and lifted me upward, making me chuckle, so I wrapped my legs around his hips as he securely hugged my body and carried me out of the kitchen with his arms secured around my back. Smiling, I kissed his earlobe while grazing my fingers over his prickly buzz-cut roots as we entered the living room.The alpha didn't take me to our bedroom and settled on the couch in the dim living space, illuminated by the city lights as he held me over his lap. I pulled away to examine his drowsiness as he rested his head against the headrest with his hand on my waistline. I grazed my thumb over the light hickey on his throat with a weak smile."I do. I follow you often because I didn't want to be away from you. But I figured you wouldn't want me around all the time... so I tend to keep my distance wherever you go," Yangcha admitted. It's weird. How... I never once felt uncomfortable with his unusual habit of stalking me. I'm aware it's creepy, but... for some reason... I never felt threatened by Yangcha. I mean. He's my lover. What is there to be scared of? I pursed my lips and glanced down at the engagement ring on my finger without speaking. Yangcha shifted his eyes to the diamond with his sleepy gaze."You shouldn't follow me around," I whispered, lifting my eyes to study his wary expression. Yangcha lowered his hand from my waist to hold my hand with his gaze fixed on the ring. Even if I'm not bothered by it, other people will only suspect him for his bizarre stalking habits. He'll only get himself in unwanted trouble if he keeps it up."Are you upset with me?" Yangcha asked with a dim expression as he gently rubbed the ring over my hand. I maintained my neutral expression until he lifted his torn gaze to search my face."Do I look like I'm upset with you...?" I asked with a straight face. Yangcha unsurely scanned my face and raised his hand to brush my cheek. How can he ask me such absurd questions after our fun times together earlier?"No, but-""It's strange. This feeling..." I whispered, grabbing his palm to hold it against my cheek and snuggled against his warmth with my eyes closed until my lips curved into a weak smile."What feeling...?" Yangcha whispered."Why did you do it...?" I asked, opening my eyes to stare straight at him."Do it...?" He unsurely smiled, sitting up to peck my lips, so I released his palm and grabbed his jaws to make him look at me."The kill. Tell me why... You did it? Hmm...?" I questioned, narrowing my eyes on the alpha, startling him with my persistent inquiry. Yangcha didn't answer and maintained our eye contact with a downcast look."Do you regret agreeing to my proposal?" Yangcha asked, glancing down at my ring instead of answering me, so I tugged his face to make him look at me again. He shouldn't avoid my question."Answer me," I shook my head. Yangcha sighed in defeat and leaned back against the headrest without shifting his eyes from me."It's an urge. It doesn't happen often but once... the target... threatens your welfare... I begin to stress out and... I end up... killing them... without realizing it. You might not believe me... but it's an urge that I can't control until it's all over," Yangcha confessed. I quietly stared at his guilty expression."That's very dangerous. You don't even have access to your self-control when it's happening," I muttered. Yangcha nodded in exhaustion."It's beyond my control," Yangcha admitted. I sighed heavily."If you keep hurting people... It'll be hard for us to stay together," I whispered while inspecting his handsome face."Why? Because it makes me a bad person?" Yangch asked. I nodded."I'm willing to love your darkest sides... and I appreciate that you're doing it for me, but I don't want you to get your fingers dirty in the name of love. Instead, can't you... just support me by the sideline? There are many ways to resolve the issues... so please... try not to shed blood. I can't shield your increasing body counts," I sighed bitterly. Yangcha grew hushes as he stared at the ring on my finger. He opened his mouth to speak when- Drip. A single... blood trickled from his left nostril."Oh shit-" Yangcha gasped, quickly blocking his nostril with his finger, so I wildly turned to grab a few tissues from the coffee table."Are you okay???" I asked, gently dabbing his nostrils as Yangcha pinched his nose bridge to stop the blood from flowing. He nodded, so I quickly got off his lap and scurried toward the fridge to grab a cooling patch."I'm probably dehydrated again," He grunted while tilting his head as I carefully placed the cooling patch on his forehead to help disperse the heat."Wait here," I pecked his cheek, strolled into my bedroom to grab something from my bag, and walked back out to find Yangcha sitting on the couch with the tissues shoved up his left nostril. He wiped the blood from his bear's chest and tossed the tissue into the trash bin."What's that?" Yangcha blinked as I sat beside him with a weak smile. I opened the jewel box to show him a custom-made ring. He glanced at me with a startled look."A promise ring must come in pairs," I smiled, lifting the ring to show him. Yangcha scoffed with a weak smile."I thought you were going to abandon me," He muttered. I shook my head as I slipped the ring onto his left ring finger and gently held onto his hand with a faint smile."I promised to give up the world for you, remember? But you have to promise me one thing. I really need you to stop hurting people. Yangcha, if you desperately can't control your urge... Just hold my hand. Like this. Can you do it? For us? Come to me if you can control yourself," I asked, lifting our interlaced fingers to show him. Yangcha glanced at me and back at the pair of rings around our fingers."Okay," He nodded in agreement. Sighing heavily, I leaned forward to give him a comforting hug, so he secured my waist and pulled me back onto his body. I chuckled and sat over him with my cheek rested on his shoulder while admiring the dark view beyond the glass wall as he softly rubbed my back over the couch.
The next morning.
Yangcha unsurely sat up on the couch while watching the TV screen when a person strolled inside the room after I opened the door for him. Taehyung warily kept his gaze on the alpha as he entered the living room and sat down with his legs crossed, so I tugged the night robe over my body and settled beside Yangcha, who was uneasily eyeing the alarming presence of another alpha."Why did you kill Lee Seojun? I'll never let you off, so confess your crime," Taehyung sternly confronted my lover."Why would you bother-""Yangcha. Taehyung can help you if you explain your situation. We know. You had a motive," I firmly gripped Yangcha's hand. The alpha glanced at me with an unconvinced frown and glanced back at Taehyung."Lee Seojun is the Black Phoenix's spy," Yangcha darkly muttered."The Black Phoenix? Park Jihyun's cult?" Taehyung repeated."No. It's Bogum's uncle's cult. Chung Manseok. The late first lady's adopted brother," Yangcha informed."Why Lee Seojun? You're aware the superstar will trigger mayhem amongst the average society," Taehyung frowned. Yangcha clenched his jaw in annoyance."Lee Seojun planned on turning his back on Philanthropy. He intended to falsely accuse the organization of being run by an infamous cult. The superstar wishes to expose the alpha society to the average to disable Sora and all the other households because it was the Black Phoenix's order to disclose the corrupt council to the average," Yangcha shrugged. I glanced at the alpha poker face and back at Kim Taehyung."Do you have proof?" Taehyung questioned, lifting his eyebrow in doubt."You can search his place or maybe... ask his acquaintances. Lee Seojun isn't the only spy. Hera and many entertainers are working for the cult. The superstar wasn't fully aware of the alpha's capabilities, so he thought he was just messing with corrupted chaebols," Yangcha dully explained. Taehyung briefly darted me a suspicious look before shifting his eyes back to Yangcha."How are you well informed of the cult's activities?" Taehyung questioned."I have my ways. Information is king," Yangcha smugly lifted his eyebrow."So... Lee Seojun was up to something...? I'd have to investigate-""Philanthropy is Sora's creation. Why are you interfering?" Yangcha asked, dully staring at Kim Taehyung."It's not Philanthropy that I care about. You might be Sora's current lover, but I'll always be the sole pillar in the household. It is my duty to sustain the alliances, dominate the council, and secure the corporation. Your recklessness will induce instability within the corporation because Sora is a well-known entity there. Whatever Jang Sora... is facing... we're also suffering from the aftermath, so please refrain from causing more trouble for her and her households, or I'll take matters into my own hands," Taehyung sorely dimmed his eyes on Yangcha's stony face. I sat quietly as Yangcha darkly stared at the alpha in response to his warning before shifting his pupils to me with a grim expression._______________________
Funeral
I quietly sat in the hushed aisle in my grieving black attire with an empty stare on Lee Seojun's flower wreath as his family sobbed by the entrance with their head hung low. Many famous individuals were present at his funeral to pay their respects. The entire Philanthropy network... also attended the funeral to send him off. Jungkook wouldn't stop glaring at me from his seat, but I ignored him and kept my face forward.

The entire nation is obviously devastated by the news of Lee Seojun's tragic passing. His family, fans, and friends were, of course... very heartbroken after losing the precious soul to the dark side. My household had concealed the truth behind his death with the use of intensive coercion and media control to disclose his death as a suicide to avoid the average's suspicion.

Even his family wasn't aware of his cause of death because his corpse was fabricated to fool the visible eyes. Lee Seojun's body was immediately cremated without autopsy performance to destroy all the evidence. The body in the casket is... in fact... another person's body.

You see. The wealthy is a very... frightening society. Money will buy you almost everything anyone could possibly desire. Death or life... could be bought and exchanged like products on the market. The truths and lies can easily be manipulated as soon as the financial incentives are offered.

Facts can be easily twisted and structured to favor the rich desires. Money might not be able to buy happiness... but it gives the wealthy the highest bargaining power to run the world under their feet. Lies could easily be the truth and reality... could easily be covered by the banknotes and account figures. All it takes is the amount of artificial numbers to increase, and the specialized peasants will immediately grant the wealthy their wishes.

Just like Lee Seojun, he was just another victim. A pawn, played by the higher-ups to execute dangerous and dirty works. He's bound to die regardless of Yangcha's involvement because the wealthy will certainly tie up their loose ends once they're done using him.

The superstar isn't the only victim subjected to the endless greed for money, fame, or status.

Many well-received entertainers and political individuals have been slaughtered by wealthy entities from the secret society, staged as suicide or... an unfortunate stroke or drug overdose. Sounds familiar, right? One would pity the bright smile of the deceased on the portrait and blame themselves for not being there for them.

Why would a famous superstar commit suicide? Why would he end his life when he's got everything? Fame. Money. Women. It didn't make sense. Of course, it didn't. Because he was murdered by the invisible hands of the superior entities.

Nothing in the media is real. Most often, the information you witness or hear is manipulated to capture or divert the attention of the masses or conceal a crime of the real players. People easily believe whatever they were told because it's officially verified by the authorities or the agency when... in fact... these victims... have been killed brutally by the higher-ups.

The media and false news have been the most effective strategies to mask foul play, adopted by the government and the wealthy to create an illusion for the clueless masses for the last decades. Those subjected to the influence will lose their reasonable senses and thoughts to the carefully curated scheme to shift their attention from the reality of the ugly truth. And it often... works really well.

It's like a well-written script, orchestrated by the masterminds and played by the specialized performers to keep the clueless audience hooked. No one really knows what goes on behind the curtain because they're so focused on whatever is happening on the artificial stage. They would chase their gaze after the intended spotlights, oblivious to the factual reality until the mind is clogged... by false deceptions.

In my particular case. Lee Seojun was slaughtered due to his involvement with the Black Phoenix, and my parents used the opportunity to divert public attention from my allegations at Philantrophy to his funeral. Everyone has already forgotten that I'm engaged to a killer because everyone is too busy mourning Seojun's death. And my name...? I'm already forgotten by the averages. They don't even know I exist anymore. It's like magic, right? Media play.

It's a powerful tool used to disengage the masses from the hideous realities and to mislead them with trivial affairs. The powerful love to use pretty faces such as celebrities as the curtain to block off their backstage evil deeds.

A famous example of media play?

Dating scandals. Sexual harassment allegations. Bullying controversies. All too common.

The hot news related to a public figure is enough to attract the attention of the masses because people are foolishly more interested in celebrity affairs rather than the problematic issues related to war crimes, murders, social issues, and all the other illicit schemes executed by powerful entities.

In fact, Philanthropy is once again booming with endless support from the public because the fans believe it was the superstar's wish to give back to the unfortunate. Large amounts of donations would flood the organization in Seojun's name, and the volunteers would pack the events to work in favor of the superstar.

See? Money is the most influential weapon to drive the world in our favor. It's a secret... the hidden society wishes to conceal from the average. Instead, false ideals are used to brainwash the ordinary. Study, work, and pay the bills. They tell people to send children to stressful school environments, get qualified degrees, and produce lab rats to be exploited by the greedy fat pigs on the top of the food chain.

The wealthy will forever expand their network by forming associations with the players just as powerful, usually through marriage. They'll never be humble enough to give up on their class to marry the ordinary like the cliché films on television screens. The rich will only favor the rich and wed each other to increase their wealth and security.

There isn't a fairytale... where a wealthy prince marries a poor village girl. Even if such a form of love exists... the ordinary girl will live a life with her soul locked up in the invisible prison of the wealthy or worse... killed in a staged accident and eliminated from their exclusive circle. Or the prince will have to live his entire life as an outcast, stripped of power and neglected by his people.

The average might claim it's unfair, but there's no fairness or justice in the world run by money and greedy individuals. If we were to weigh the scale of justice, then the world would tilt towards the unjustified side because, in the secret society, the only thing that matters is to... survive and thrive with endless gains and benefits.

Blood will be shattered and lives will be discarded like dying flies to achieve power.

You might've viewed me as an endearing character to cherish because of my good nature, or perhaps... It's because you were able to relate to my pain or suffering. But I have warned you. Countless times. I am not a protagonist in this story... and I am definitely not a good person.

Why? I was born into a family raised by ace players... who have brutally exploited the weak for power. I was taught to direct the chess game and trample over the powerless with my heels.

I might've been humble and good-natured at times. But that goodness does not outweigh my deepest and darkest desire to thrive in this world. Although I try to suppress the urges... I can never exist as a pure entity.

Rather. I am a soul driven by greed and limitless desires. And that is why I chose to protect my killer lover instead of serving justice to the victims. At the end of the day, I will sacrifice the world to save those I love even if they're at fault.

I'm selfish. I'm aware, but it is you who should be conscious of my cynical nature by now. I will probably continue to frustrate you with my heedless acts, but that is me. Jang Sora.

I am the villain in disguise as a good soul.

It wouldn't make any sense for me to grow up a good person when I'm a spawn of evil itself. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. No matter how hard I try to suppress my urges. The darkest still exists within me. And occasionally... it will take over my soul to pilot my mind and actions with its greed.

Your pain is my pleasure.

And at this stage of my life... if you were to ask me if I'll shield Jae Yangcha despite his killer tendencies. The answer is yes. I will protect him and pounce at those who intend to bring him harm. He might've intimidated those around him with his deadly nature, but he was never a threat to me, so I'll never give up on my solace for the peace of the pack. Because in the end, the society doesn't care about my well-being, and I will earn nothing from sacrificing the only man in life to ever worship my footsteps. I'd be a fool to give up on my happiness to please the barbaric crowd.

I am selfish... and I can assure you... I am much worse than you anticipate.
Blinking out of my deep thoughts, I finally stood up from my seat, excused my presence from the venue after paying my respect to the discarded pawn, and strolled the hallway but was immediately disrupted when Jeon Jungkook darkly stepped out of the intersection with his sharp eyes narrowed on me. He's one of the heroes."Tell me you don't intend to defend that fucker forever," Jungkook narrowed his eyes."I'm really tired of wasting my time arguing with you-""What's the matter with you?! You've changed so much since you got with him! Sora! I don't want to hurt you, but-""But you did. You've hurt me... the most, Jeon Jungkook. And I didn't change. I was merely pretending to be a good person around you because I desperately needed your stupid validations," I shrugged."Oh, so you're playing the villainess now? You're just going to marry that fucker, and then what? Give birth to a child? Whose father is an infamous killer? Are you even thinking this through, or are you simply relishing his creepy obsession???" Jungkook clenched his jaw while searching my blank face."Should I marry you and give birth to a child? Whose father is a cheater?" I asked. Jungkook's face instantly darkened."Seriously...? How long are you going to torture me with the past?! I'm only speaking to you because I care about your well-being, but you're acting like a total bitch at this rate!" Jungkook seethed, angrily stepping forward to tower over me. I scanned his angered expression and let out a deep sigh."I was always a bitch. Just not around you. Don't be too upset and get used to it," I shrugged, dismissively walking past him with my arms crossed. Jungkook scoffed, quickly spinning after me with his dimmed expression as I exited the funeral hall without looking back.
A few days later.
"I am resigning from Philanthropy as requested by the majority," I announced before a crowd of executives, employees, and shareholders. The alphas stared at me with unsettled looks as I raised the resignation letter to show everyone.
Sungho fired me an anxious frown as Jungkook grimaced at me from his seat. Minah... was staring at her pretty nailed as So-young blankly sat beside Jimin, who seemed a bit nervous. Seokjin smugly lifted his eyebrow after I legally handed my position to him.

Philanthropy might've been founded by me, but it doesn't benefit my household in any way as it is a non-profit organization. I can't give the public an excuse to strike me over my relationship with Yangcha.

Seokjin can direct the organization... and execute it under his leadership however he pleases. Because my fundamental authority... is the supreme alpha's seat in the council, not the mere organization.

A moment later.
"What did you do?! Why didn't you discuss the transfer with me first?!" Eomma gasped, standing up from her desk in horror after I informed her of my resignation."Eomma. I'm an adult. I can-""You handed Philanthropy to Kim Seokjin?! Are you nuts!? You're aware the corporation is associated with the organization, right!?" Eomma snapped. I exhaled and lifted my eyes to eomma's glowering glare."Kim Seokjin won't exploit the corporation. In fact, I left because Taehyung is having a difficult time... explaining my involvement to the executives at the corporation since the tower is associated with Philanthropy," I shrugged. Eomma scoffed and slumped back into her seat with her palm over her forehead."You handed the tower to Kim Taehyung! And then you gave up on Philanthropy to Kim Seokjin! What next!? You'll transfer your alliance's contracts to Jae Yangcha?!" Eomma angrily gritted. I stared blankly at her."I can transfer the seat back to you if you don't trust me," I muttered."Is this a joke to you?! To transfer your authority back and forth depending on your bipolar mood swings?!" My mother let out a hefty exhale as I stood before her desk."I want to marry Yangcha... and I can't be with him if society and the average are constantly involved with our relationship," I muttered, dimly staring at eomma's burning eyes."What did he do to you? For you to give up on everything... just to keep him by your side?" Eomma huffed."With him, I have everything. I don't need anything else," I replied. Eomma tilted her head backward and screwed her face in distress. She will surely suffer a stroke one day because of me."I will not let him weaken you-""You said you'd let him marry me if he achieved power. Why are you turning on your words now?" I asked, lifting my eyebrow to question my mother's unreliable assurances."He's making you give up everything for him! You don't fucking give up everything for a man, Sora! Even in the name of love! You'll be left with nothing if he decides to abandon you," Eomma frowned."I will kill Jae Yangcha with my bare hands if he dares betray me," I smiled. Eomma stared at me in horror."You think you can kill that-""He might be untouchable, and no one can ever hurt him because he's physically and mentally strong, but Jae Yangcha has one weakness... and that is me. I will give up everything for him, and if he dares... betray me... I will not hesitate to end his life," I firmly nodded. Eomma grew quiet as she studied my expression."He killed Lee Seojun. I'm aware of his involvement," Eomma grimaced."Because he wanted to divert the spotlight from me to the superstar. Jae Yangcha slaughters whenever I'm pressured by the undesirable attention to distract everyone," I nodded. Eomma shakily exhaled."You're gambling your life for him. The alliance contract renewal will happen soon, and if you persist... the allies will break apart," Eomma warned. I blinked blankly and stood in silence to contemplate her words.I nodded and left the mansion without uttering another word, leaving my anxious mother restless with my muteness. Right. The chances of the Kims and The Jeons terminating the contract renewal are high, and if they decide to leave our side... I'll also lose the Park and Chul alliance.________________________Taehyung briefly glanced at me as we made our way through the hotel corridor and finally entered the suite to find Do-hwan guarding a door leading to the living room. I unsurely glanced at the woman as she sat on a chair over the carpet in the luxurious space."This is annoying?! What do you want from me!?" Hera, the actress screamed in distress as she sat with her limbs restrained and blindfolded by a cloth."Lee Seojun. He works for the cult," Taehyung exhaled, sitting on the couch, so I sat beside him as Do-hwan dully stared at the anxious actress."I don't know what you're-""Answer my questions, or you'll end up like Lee Seojun. Save your pretty face for the screen, and don't waste it," Taehyung warned. Hera bit her red lips in fear as she aimlessly glanced around with the cloth tied securely over her eyes."I don't know anything regarding Seojun's affair with the cult!" Hera snapped in annoyance."Ask her about... the secret operations," I whispered into Taehyung's ear. She can't hear my voice because she'll probably recognize me."Lee Seojun was hosting illegal clubs. Are you aware?" Taehyung asked. Hera pursed her lips."Of course. Seojun is in charge of the money laundering, drugs, and prostitution," Hera admitted. Taehyung frowned and glanced at me."Were you ever at the club with him?" Taehyung asked."Of course! Why are you asking!? Seojun hosts the events twice a month!" Hera whines while tugging her wrists in frustration."Has he ever introduced you to... his boss? Whoever he's working for?" Taehyung asked."Of course not. Seojun claims he never- met the man behind the illegal operations," Hera shrugged. Taehyung glanced at me again before shifting his suspicious gaze to the actress as she panted heavily in the chair."Are you sure? Because according to sources... Seojun has met up with the boss," Taehyung frowned. Hera pursed her lips and sat in silence to recall her memories."R-Right! A few months ago! S-Seojun told me he might be meeting the boss, but he never told me if he had actually met the man!" Hera frantically nodded while gripping the handrest on the chairs."Ask her about the period he met the man," I nudged Taehyung."When did he tell you? I need a specific time," Taehyung exhaled. Hera frowned to calculate the time."It was... the night before my movie premiere. He brought me gifts to celebrate at my villa," She replied. I quickly pulled out my phone to search for her latest movie premiere, and to my horror... it was a week before Seojun requested to be the ambassador for Philanthropy. Taehyung grimaced and glanced at Hera's pale expression as she clueless sat in the chair."Interrogate her as you please," Taehyung nodded at Do-hwan and stood up, so I grabbed my purse and followed Taehyung out of the suite."Yangcha wasn't lying," I muttered as we walked side by side. Taehyung tapped on the elevator button and glanced at the empty corridor with a wary expression."He's not following us, is he...? He creeps me out," Taehyung grunted as we waited for the elevator."No. Yangcha promised to stay at the penthouse," I shook my head while staring at Yangcha's location at my address.

"Ask him about the Black Phoenix. They might cause a scene-" Taehyung instructed as the elevator arrived on our floor and the door slid open. Ding.The alpha was immediately cut short once we noticed a couple making out in the elevator. My eyes widened in disbelief... as I stared at the duo. The man quickly snapped his head towards me as the woman covered her lips in shock, startled by our unexpected encounter. Taehyung didn't budge and stood beside me with his blank gaze on the pair.

"What are you doing here!?" Jungkook gasped as he stood beside... Chul Hwa-young, who was turning pale in the corner."Are you seriously asking me that question?" Taehyung scoffed as he bitterly glanced at Hwa-young, so she quickly turned away to hide her red cheeks. Jungkook furiously rubbed his lipstick-stained face in embarrassment."We- we were just-""Whatever. Finish your business," Taehyung muttered, stepping forward to stroll into the elevator. I blinked and quickly followed him inside as Taehyung pressed on the lobby floor, so I rubbed my wrist, awkwardly glancing at Hwa-young and Jungkook's guilty expression before glancing at Taehyung, who was somewhat unbothered by their affairs.The elevator suddenly ascended a few floors upwards as the four of us... stood in the completely packed space. Jungkook is secretly seeing his cousin's fiancée...?! Ding. The elevator door slid open... revealing the empty corridor leading to the private suite. Taehyung stepped aside with a poker face, so I did the same for them. We glanced at the pair as they stood stiffly at the far back of the elevator."Are you leaving or not...? Why are you two standing there? Isn't this your destination?" Taehyung asked blankly, nodding at the hotel's suite.Hwa-young lowered her embarrassed face as Jungkook clenched his jaw at his cousin. He suddenly grabbed Hwa-young's wrist and dragged her out of the elevator. I pursed my lips as the pair stormed away, leaving us alone, so Taehyung sighed and tapped the screen again to close the door. I glanced at the decreasing numbers on the screen and back at Taehyung's blank face as he stood with his arms crossed over his chest. Is he okay...? Why is he so composed...? He gradually shifted his eyes to me and awkwardly cleared his throat."T-That was- unexpected-""Ah~ That rascal..." Taehyung exhaled in disbelief and lowered his face to rub his nose bridge. I pursed my lips and awkwardly glanced at the numbers on the screen again. Ding.Taehyung placed his hand over the door to let me pass and strolled out after me. He funnily hurried forward and rushed towards the lobby, so I rubbed my neck uneasily as he spoke to the receptionist regarding his cousin's affair. Well. That's shocking, but why am I not surprised? Jeon Jungkook is definitely the type to steal another man's bride, but Hwa-young...? She's too timid for this kind of... sneaky link with her fiancé's player cousin.
It's always the quiet and shy ones...

A few days later.
"What?!" Mr. Jeon gasped, snapping his disappointed face to Jungkook, who turned pale on the couch after Taehyung told on him. The elders glanced at Hwa-young in disbelief as she sat with her head hung low. Sungho gawked at his sister in disbelief and glanced at Jeon Jungkook in bewilderment."Hwa-young, honey. Why would you-""He's insensitive to my feelings! I'm frustrated!" Hwa-young snapped, lifting her face to glare at Taehyung, who stood blankly beside me with his arms crossed."But he's your fiancé-""Well. Jeon Jungkook must be treating you well for you to meet him at the same hotel suite every day over the past few months. And you've bought the condoms from the hotel every time," Taehyung bitterly tossed the suite reservation history on the table."Everyday?! You took her to the hotel every day!?" Mr. Jeon stared at his son in disbelief. I pursed my lips. Everyday? They were... sleeping together every day...? I swallowed as Hwa-young turned red like a tomato. We all sat in the awkward silence. Every day...? They're pretty energetic. Or am I getting old? I don't think I've made love with my lovers that often... not even with Taehyung."Ah- Ah~! You rascal!" Mrs. Jeon dramatically pretended to faint with her hand over her forehead."We're absolutely sorry about our daughter's manner. We'll speak to her in private-""No, don't be sorry. Hwa-young obviously enjoys their everyday late-night rendezvous with my cousin. We've always been platonic, so I thought she was a conservative woman. But given... that she's more open to Jungkook... then... she should be with him," Taehyung interrupted Mrs. Chul when she tried to apologize. Sungho exhaled and lowered his face in defeat. He's speechless."But you're engaged-""I never wanted to marry anyway. Let's end the engagement. You've always fancied Jungkook, so marry him and give me back my engagement ring," Taehyung dismissively shrugged, placing out his hand for the ring. I pursed my lips as the elders awkwardly glanced at Taehyung's frank request for his ring back. I'm trying hard not to laugh in this serious situation! But this is too hilarious! Why is Taehyung so unbothered!? Jungkook is turning super red!"Sweetie, do you wish to-""Of course, she wants Jeon Jungkook! Stop being so muted and speak for yourself! You'll obviously produce healthy heirs with him- quit pretending around me!" Taehyung shrugged. My lips curved upward, but I cleared my throat and glanced away to stop myself from laughing."Hwa-young. Say something, sweetie," Mr. Jeon exhaled. She lifted her red face and glanced at Jungkook, who was blankly staring at the coffee table. Why isn't he speaking up? He can take her to the hotel room every day. But he can't clarify the situation before the elders?"Fine. Let's break the engagement. I never really felt comfortable around him anyways," Hwa-young agreed after Jungkook stubbornly refused to speak. Taehyung funnily placed out his hand again, so she slipped the ring from her finger and placed it on his palm. The elders stared at the alpha with their lips parted as he dismissively slipped it inside his pocket."I'll just- refund the ring," Taehyung awkwardly shrugged and folded his arms again, causing the elders to glance at Jungkook and Hwa-young uneasily as the pair... remained embarrassed in their seats. I chewed my inner mouth to stifle the urge to laugh and lowered my eyes to my fingers.________________________
The Elite Council
My eyes widened in disbelief as a man strolled inside the council room in a neat suit. What is he doing here!? Is he alright?! Yangcha sat blankly on the row with Sungho and Taehyung, who suddenly tensed up in their seats upon the guest's unannounced presence. Eomma's eyes flashed in horror, so she quickly exchanged glances with her husband and Mr. Jeon. The man stopped before the podium at the base of the circular room and sternly looked at the moderator."Anneonghaseyo. I'm Park Bogum," Bogum spoke up. I quickly straightened my back in my seat with my attentive gaze on the heir in disbelief. Why is he here!? What's happening?! Namjoon rose from his seat and clasped his hands together before shifting his deadly dragon eyes to my household."Today, I will present the ultimate heir to the council. Park Jihyun's direct descendant. The rightful owner of the supreme alpha's seat," Namjoon cleared his throat. Hoseok gasped in disbelief as he gawked at Bogum's composed expression."Moh? So he's real?!" Mira asked, widening her eyes in disbelief. Namjoon smiled, strolled down from his seat with a file, and approached Park Bogum."Park Bogum was given up to an isolated adoption center immediately after birth under Park Jihyun and the first lady's name," Namjoon nodded, showing us the official birth certificate. I frowned and glanced at Taehyung in shock. Why is Bogum here?! Did he agree to side with Kim Namjoon?!"So? What's your motive in bringing him back here?" Jungkook scoffed in disbelief. Bogum wouldn't look at me and blankly stared at Namjoon."Isn't it obvious, Jungkook-shi? The supreme alpha title belongs to Park Bogum. He's the entitled heir to the throne!" Minah scoffed, causing her ex-boyfriend to glare at her."The council consensually agreed to Jang Sora's ascension! No one objected! How dare you bring an abandoned heir back to terrorize the throne?!" My mother snapped at Kim Namjoon's smug expression. So Kim Namjoon is working with the Black Phoenix?! Yangcha was right! He claims the cult will rise again once the heir is healed!"We agreed because there wasn't concrete evidence of the heir's existence, but he is present today to prove his legitimacy," Seokjin countered my mother. I glanced at Bogum and back at the council unsurely. Is he okay...? I haven't seen him in a while."Park Jihyun abandoned Park Bogum as an orphan. Isn't the late supreme alpha's decision enough to prove that he didn't want his heir involved with the council!? Why would Jihyun send his heir away if he wanted the child to rule over the society!" Taehyung shot right back at Seokjin, who bitterly glanced at Park Bogum."Let him speak," I finally spoke up, causing the hall to grow hushed. Namjoon shifted his eyes from me to Park Bogum. I'm sure I can speak to Bogum about the matter. There's a misunderstanding between us."Park Jihyun sent me away after birth because he feared the anonymous households would kill me due to my diluted average blood," Park Bogum spoke. Eomma suddenly tensed up in her seat with her narrowed eyes on the heir."Bogum. My family would never-""But they did. Sora-shi... My average mother was never accepted by the households. That's why my parents feared for my safety," Bogum finally shifted his dark eyes to me. I sucked in my breath as I searched his spiteful stare with an uncomfortable feeling. What happened to him...?"That's absurd! How dare you accuse the households of threatening your mother's existence-""Mrs. Jang. You have been feeding my mother hallucination drugs to mess with her until she lost her mind because you were afraid Jihyun would give birth to an average heir. But I was already conceived in my late mother's womb before my father married my mother. Jihyun knew you'd never let an average blood rule the council... so he sent me to the orphanage," Park Bogum directed his gaze to my mother, whose face turned pale. How did he know!?"Are you claiming to be the legitimate heir entitled to the throne!? That's ridiculous! An average should never rule the council! Kim Namjoon, are you seriously using an average as a pawn to upheave the supreme alpha?!" Taehyung questioned with his thick eyebrow raised."The Jang never submitted an official report to clarify the late supreme alpha's death-""This is absolutely outrageous! The late supreme death was an accident!" Mr. Jeon fired at Seokjin in disbelief."No. My father and mother were killed in the fire by the anonymous households. Isn't it obvious? The top households survived the flames except for the supreme alpha and the first lady? You seized my parent's power right after and fled to hide in Busan because you weren't strong enough to withstand the society," Bogum calmly spoke. My mother scoffed and lowered her face in distress."Where's Chung Manseok?" Yangcha suddenly spoke up. The hall grew quiet upon his interference as everyone averted their attention to the alpha, who blankly stared at Bogum."Who?" Minho asked unsurely."The Black Phoenix leader. Where is he? Why did he send the heir? Don't waste the household time with the scapegoat and present the real cult leader if you wish to address the issue. And Kim Namjoon, you shouldn't blindly side with a mere average heir just because you're desperate to dethrone the supreme alpha. If the heir truly desires to seek justice... then bring the man here. The council should never side with a third party, so please refrain from advocating for an unknown cult for your personal gains and let the supreme alpha handle the matter with the so-called heir," Yangcha demanded while staring at Bogum's ashen expression."Yangcha is correct. The council households have no right to support a third party. If the heir wishes to defy the supreme alpha. Then he must properly present the entity responsible with concrete evidence. There is mistrust between the households... and you're obviously dragging Park Bogum inside the council in the hope of gluing the council together with a common goal of overthrowing the supreme alpha," Taehyung agreed, firmly cornering Namjoon and Seokjin, whose faces darkened in dissatisfaction."Bring Chung Manseok and evidence to me... if you're confident with your legitimacy. I challenge the heir to conquer my household," Eomma chuckled, smugly leaning over the desk while observing Park Bogum's uneasy expression. The heir exchanged glances with Kim Namjoon and glanced back at us with unsettled expressions once the higher ranks disregarded their threats._________________________
Fast Forward
The secretary and assistants quickly stood up from their desks to greet me upon my unanticipated arrival at the tower with the files in my arms. I nodded at their respectful courtesy and strolled inside Taehyung's office to find him staring intensely at his work. He shifted his attention to me as I strode toward his desk in my medium heels and placed the documents before him."Have a seat. The assistant brought me honey biscuits. You can have them," He muttered. I glanced at the fresh snacks on the plate and sat down on the couch to munch the sweets. I'm too tired to return immediately, so I'll rest a little before leaving.

"Why can't you retrieve the files on your own? My mother lives in the same property as you," I sighed. Taehyung closed the file before him and stood up from his armchair, rounding the desk to approach me. He sighed and sat down on the couch opposite from mine."She doesn't like me bothering her. Not after her daughter is once again... unemployed," Taehyung shrugged. I darted him an annoyed glare. Right. I'm unemployed again because I left Philanthropy.

"The public is at rest now that I'm independent of Philanthropy. The organization isn't my personal asset alone because the other alpha did help me operate it, so it's best to leave it in good hands," I shrugged."All of this for the young gentleman?" Taehyung chuckled, referring to Yangcha. I raised my eyebrow at him. Is he mocking me?"I'll just retire, find a stable job, and live quietly with him," I shrugged. Whatever I touch will wither, so I shouldn't get involved with anything or anyone and leave the corporations and household affairs to my parents and Taehyung. The society won't have any more excuses to attack our households."Your mother might end up in the asylum with your headstrong neglect of your role," Taehyung scoffed."She wants me to produce an heir-""I doubt she wants you to have a child with a father with a corrupted past, but it's your decision," Taehyung shrugged. I glared at the sticky honey biscuit and leaned back against the couch while chewing it on one side of my mouth. I'm bored. There's nothing to do. I don't want to attend the university lectures anymore because I'm not welcome there after I got involved with Yangcha.

"Your fintech company... are you hiring?" I asked, curiously turning to stare at Taehyung."I'm searching for a personal assistant," Taehyung nodded."I'll work for free," I suggested. Taehyung scoffed and shook his head."Hire you so you could bring trouble to my corporation? No, thank you," Taehyung denied, firing me an insulting look."I'll freelance my skills. I won't show up at your corporation," I shrugged. Taehyung quietly studied me from the opposite couch and sighed deeply."Hand me your phone," Taehyung requested."Wae?" I asked, unsurely blinking at him."You shouldn't let Jae Yangcha mess with your phone even if you're his lover. Give it to me... I'll ask the specialist to inspect it. For all I know... he can probably hear us speak live and watch us through your camera," Taehyung shrugged. I scoffed at his absurd claims, pulled out my phone, and handed it to him."Yangcha never touched my phone," I shrugged. I know he follows me around, but Yangcha is still a very respectful person. He'd never go through my phone to do such things. Taehyung grabbed my phone and contacted a specialist to visit the tower... so I ended up relaxing at his office until I fell asleep on the couch out of boredom."You're awake? I'm heading out. I'll take you home," Taehyung spoke once I sat up on the couch with a dazed mind. I lowered my face to rub my fuzzy head and stood up to stroll out after him.Taehyung pulled the door open for me but abruptly halted once he found the assistants and secretary nudging each other before the door. They jerked in a panic, frantically grabbing each other's arm in alarm, suddenly turning stiff at Taehyung's unexpected presence."S-Sir..." The assistant stuttered, briefly glancing at me in embarrassment."What's the matter?" Taehyung asked the woman, who fired the secretary a nervous look."Uh- Well. Mrs. Cha and I... wanted to invite you to our... company dinner today," The secretary nervously spoke up. Taehyung frowned at his employees and glanced at me."Reserve two additional seats. We'll be there," Taehyung nodded."T-Two?" The secretary repeatedly unsurely."The first lady will attend with me," Taehyung nodded and walked forward. I pursed my lips and glanced at the timid employee before chasing after Taehyung toward the elevator."It's alright- I can just head home-""The corporation is talking nonsense about you. Show up at the dinner party and get to know your own people. Your world doesn't revolve around your lover and only him," Taehyung bitterly sighed. I pursed my lips as he clicked the button and stepped back to stare at the screen.
A moment later.
"Aigo~! This must be a little uncomfortable! We didn't expect Secretary Yoon and assistant Cha to invite our young master and the first lady!" A senior finance manager gasped as I settled on the worn-out cushion over the wooden floor in a spacious room filled with employees from various departments. They rented out the entire restaurant...?"It's fine. Please don't be uncomfortable with our presence~!" I lightly chuckled as Taehyung sat with his legs crossed beside me as I knelt on the cushion, uncomfortably pulling my dress over my thighs.He suddenly tossed his suit onto my lap, so I smiled at his thoughtful offer and comfortably sat beside him after I covered my exposed legs. The employees at the table grew tense as they stared at us, and everyone was suddenly sitting up straight with anxious looks. It's as if they're maintaining their good posture because of us."Did you invite us to have dinner? Or to make the first lady and I uncomfortable with your stares? We don't bite," Taehyung blankly confronted the employees."Ah! Aiyaaa~! Stop staring at our young master and our first lady! Enjoy your meals!" The senior marketing manager snapped at the employees within the room.They broke into delighted laughter and turned to their meals, causing the space to echo with loud clatters, so I unsurely chuckled as Taehyung sat at the end of the table. Secretary Yoon sat across from me with assistant Cha and assistant Ri. They quickly organized the utensils and plates as the finance director poured us a glass of rice wine.

"Do you want to order an expensive liquor? The employees wanted makgeolli, but you probably don't prefer the affordable liquor so-""It's fine. We'll drink whatever you're drinking," I smiled, quickly raising the metallic cup for the man. He chuckled and poured Taehyung the drink. We cheered over the table and gulped the sweet yet bitter drink. Taehyung made funny faces at the aftertaste... but he didn't complain and placed his empty cup down."Aigo! Our barbeque smell will ruin our first lady's clothes and hair! Should we ask for a precooked meal and a separate dining room?!" Secretary Yoon gasped as he fanned the smoke from the grill to prevent it from sizzling at me."Hah- It's alright! Seriously! How can anyone smell fresh after having barbeque?! Let me do the grilling!" I giggled, reaching across the table for the tongs. The assistant gasped and tried to grab it, but I insisted, so they nervously surrendered. I rolled my sleeves to my elbows and reached over to flip the meat and animal intestines on the grill. The assistant bit their lips and nudged each other in excitement as I skillfully cut the meat into chewable pieces."We never thought our young lady would enjoy something like this! This is really surprising!" The assistants giggled at each other. I chuckled at their enthusiastic reaction."She's very lazy at home. The first lady is only showing off to you guys," Taehyung shrugged with a poker face, earning an annoyed glare from me. What's with him?! The department managers chuckled at my slight frown."Your parents might deduct our salaries if she knows the first lady is serving us~!" The man joked."Oh no! Let me do it! I can't afford a deduction this month!" The secretary funnily reached over to grab the grill tongs from my hand. I chuckled and sat back with a bright beam. Taehyung weakly smiled as he sipped the white rice wine beside me. I was a bit uneasy at first... but ultimately eased my body as the employees lightened my mood with their bright smiles and caring gestures.
The private room eventually filled with loud chatters, clattering chopsticks, and constant cheers as the employees ate and drank over the grills. They didn't seem as tense anymore and would casually speak to me and Taehyung... and would pour us more and more drinks, so I giggled and chatted with them in excitement.
"Oh- He can't eat spicy food! I'll have it instead!" I gasped when the restaurant staff settled a spicy stew before Taehyung. He lifted the bowl and placed it in front of me."You guys seem close!" The finance manager giggled with his cute red cheeks and wild hair."Of course! They used to be lovers- Ow!" The secretary drunkenly tried to speak when assistant Cha smacked his forearm, causing the man to groan in disbelief."He's talking nonsense! Hahah~!" Assistant Ri chuckled uneasily."It's alright. We actually grew up together. We're like siblings in a sense," Taehyung calmly spoke as he placed his chopstick down."Ah~! So it was an arranged marriage?! Of course, it was! Wealthy people love to marry their kids to other wealthy kids!" Secretary Yoon chuckled drunkenly."It was somewhat like that," I smiled."Sadly... you're not together anymore-" Secretary Yoon pouted. Assistant Cha quickly covered his mouth to stop him from speaking, making me chuckle at their cuteness."I think we should send him home! He's not making any sense!" The marketing manager nervously chuckled at the intoxicated secretary."Let him enjoy the meal. He's been very stressed lately," Taehyung smiled at his secretary.Assistant Cha fired the man a warning glare to stop him from speaking about our affairs before glancing at me with a sweet smile. The staff would funnily make jokes and tell us humourous corporation stories, so I'd giggle and gasp with them. The finance manager kept pouring us drinks until I noticed Taehyung sitting blankly with his lifeless gaze on his plate."You okay?" I asked, poking his knee as he sat crossed legs on the cushion. Taehyung shook his head and glanced at me with a dazed expression. Is he drunk...?"Y-Yeah. I'm fine. I need to use the bathroom," Taehyung nodded, pushing his palm against the table, and stood up to slide open the wooden door in his socks. THUMP!"YOUNG MASTER-" Secretary Yoon gasped, eyes widening, so I quickly turned around to find Taehyung crawling on the floor. What the heck-?!"I-I'm fine!" Taehyung raised his hand in embarrassment as he grabbed the door to haul himself back onto his feet after collapsing onto the ground."Are you okay-""I'm fine! I tripped! That's all!" Taehyung firmly shook his head with a flushed look and quickly hurried away to avoid the startled crowd. Secretary Yoon glanced at me with an awkward expression."I'll check on him," I smiled, stood up from my seat, and followed Taehyung to the men's bathroom. He took his time in the private room and finally stepped out with a soaked face. He doesn't get drunk easily over expensive liquor... but he's already half out of his mind over the rice wine?"Are you drunk?" I asked unsurely."I didn't get enough sleep. The liquor is messing with my mind. Here. Your phone," Taehyung shrugged, pulled out my phone from his trouser's pocket, and handed it back to me."Was there anything suspicious?" I asked."No. It's fine. He didn't tamper with it," Taehyung shrugged and walked forward, so I followed him back to the private room, but he walked towards the cashier."How can we help you, sir?" The staff smiled."Process the payments," Taehyung muttered, pulling out his black card to place it on the counter. I pursed my lips and glanced at the happy staff in the room as they cluelessly chattered. The restaurant owner bowed and processed the payments as Taehyung leaned against the wall for support. He keeps spacing out...? Should I call Do-hwan?"We should leave," I muttered. Taehyung inhaled deeply and closed his eyes until he received his card back... and we entered the room again to join the crowd.
A moment later.
"Aigo! Thank you so much for the meals!" The senior managers and staff bowed to Taehyung outside the restaurant."Have a safe trip home," Taehyung smiled as I held onto his suit."Young master! I want to challenge you!" Assistant Cha suddenly stumbled out of the restaurant with Secretary Yoon, who was laughing loudly as Assistant Ri tried to stabilize them."Challenge-?! Yah! How dare you speak informally with our young master!" The manager scolded the assistant."You know noraeeeebang?! Accept my challenge, young master~!" Assistant Cha boldly grabbed Taehyung's wrist. I flinched in a panic as Secretary Yoon swung his heavy arm over my shoulder and dragged me forward."Yah! You're dragging the first lady-" The executive director gasped in horror... but the secretary didn't listen and dragged me forward as Taehyung stumbled after assistant Cha, who was giggling on the sidewalk. They dragged us down a few streets until we were standing in front of the night streets in Hongdae. Taehyung glanced at me with a startled look as we stared at the colorful neon lights of the sketchy places in the crowded neighborhood.
A moment later
Third Person POVJang Sora screeched into the microphone at the top of her lungs while bouncing across the dim karaoke room until her hair tie loosened and fell to the floor, causing her wild curls to dangle messily over her face. Secretary Yoon joined her and sang along while making weird dances as the assistants bopped around in contentment before the bright screens. Kim Taehyung bitterly watched the supreme alpha lose herself to the loud music.

"Whoo! Whoo!" Secretary Yoon hyped up the supreme alpha as she danced barefoot on the floor."OHHHHHH~!" The assistant screeched when Sora started twerking, causing Taehyung's eyes to widen in disbelief."Hey- Hey! That's enough!" Taehyung gasped, scrambling out of the leather couch to grab the supreme alpha's wrist, but she effortlessly shoved him away and flipped her hair from side to side with the microphone gripped between her fingers.She glared at Kim Taehyung for attempting to ruin the fun, screaming louder into the microphone, so Taehyung quickly covered his ears in discomfort. He scoffed at her untamed drunken behavior. The alpha chugged the cheap beer from the glass in disbelief and tried to wrestle her again... but she refused to stop singing and screeched the lyrics passionately until her voice cracked.
A moment later.
"Faster! Faster!!!!! ARGHHGKA-??!" Jang Sora screamed in front of the flashing screen as Kim Taehyung intensely raced on the gaming car beside Secretary Yoon."Secretary Yoon! Secretary Yoon! Secretary Yoon!" Assistant Cha and Assistant Ri chanted together as the man raced with their young master. Jang Sora's eyes widened as Secretary Yoo's car zoomed ahead of Kim Taehyung's sportscars."ARH~?! AHHHHHH!" Secretary Yoon screamed, leaping out of his seat in excitement to hug the drunk assistants. They cheered loudly at their victory, so Kim Taehyung huffed in exhaustion and slammed his head against the fake steering wheel in defeat. He lost three times in a row."We won! Please grant us a day off tomorrow!" Assistant Cha grinned. Taehyung raised his hand in defeat to wave at the employees as Sora frowned in disappointment."Ah!?- Yah!" Taehyung gasped when Sora suddenly smacked his forearm and stormed off with her arms crossed. The secretary and assistants eventually bid their farewell after challenging their young master and headed home together, leaving the supreme alpha's side, who was sulkily staring at a claw machine as a couple giggled while catching the small piglet."Annoying!" Jang Sora gritted while glaring at the piglet. She had drunkenly promised to bake everyone cakes if they could defeat Kim Taehyung... and he lost all rounds. Kim Taehyung rubbed his sore forehead while stepping off the seat and strolled towards the supreme alpha as she attentively watched the couple pick up the plushie with the claw.

"AW!" The woman whined after her boyfriend dropped the plushie again. The couple eventually gave up on the machine as Kim Taehyung calmly stood beside Sora."I have a few coins left," Taehyung lifted his coin card between his fingers."Tsk. You suck," Sora grumbled, rudely rolling eyes."Ohoh!?- Wanna bet!? Watch me!" Taehyung glared at her coarse response with an offended look and walked forward to scan the card. The supreme alpha grimaced and walked off in annoyance with her arms crossed."Tsk-""Yah!? Where are you going!? Watch me! Yah!" Taehyung called for her attention as she sulkily exited the arcade to slump on the bench outside the place with her bag strapped to the side of her torso.The crowded street bustled with young adults as they wandered back and forth in pairs... and in groups to enjoy their precious time. The supreme tilted her head back against the wall with a weak smile. She wasn't upset. Rather. She felt a bit relieved. It's been a while since she had genuine fun with anyone. And the corporate party was her first time interacting with the employees. She wanted to live freely like the average. They're so carefree. She thought to herself as she watched a group of friends joke with each other over the street as a couple swung their hands back and forth while strutting the busy street."Here," Taehyung appeared, suddenly tossing the small piglet onto her lap. Sora caught the plushie in surprise and looked up at him in bewilderment, so Taehyung sighed and sat beside her."You caught it?!" Sora smiled while squeezing the plushie's chubby cheeks."No. I threatened the staff and bought it at triple the price," Taehyung exhaled in defeat with his head tilted against the wall. Sora frowned and glanced at his side profile. He's not good at bargaining. It's either the person accepts the deal or Kim Taehyung pays higher amounts to achieve his needs."You're such a loser..." She muttered, smiling weakly at the pink piglet. Taehyung scoffed and turned his head to stare at her with a faint smile."You never changed," He muttered, drunkenly staring at Sora's messy hair after her frantic singing and dancing episodes. The supreme alpha pursed her lips while gazing at his slightly flushed cheeks.

Taehyung wearily drifted his eyes to the piglet and back to her rosy red cheeks until he remembered her youthful dumpling cheeks. He chuckled while shaking his and glanced up at the night sky, causing her to frown at his muted happiness."I like it better now that we're on good terms. There were many... misunderstandings between us," She smiled while squeezing the piglet. Taehyung stopped smiling and stared at Sora with his head turned to the side."I'm sorry. I was harsh with you," Taehyung replied. She stared at him with a sad expression."It's not like the word sorry... will mend anything. Don't bother," The supreme alpha shook her head."I probably won't say this when I'm sober... but I've never been the same since I found out about your abortion," Taehyung muttered, lowering his guilty gaze to his hands."It was my decision. Don't be burdened by it. If the child is the cause of your attachment to me... then save yourself the misery and move on," Sora sighed, shifting her gaze to the busy night street."I saw you. In my dreams... with kids. It's always so vivid... You're a great mother. I know it," Taehyung chuckled, lowering his face to press it against his palm."I'll probably never have a child in this life. My blood is a curse, so I'd rather die alone than birth innocent lives into this cruel world. I'm afraid I'll turn into my mother and ruin the innocent souls, so I'll... live my remaining lifeline and disappear from the world afterward," Sora muttered while staring at the bruise on her feet due to the friction against her heels. She sighed and lifted her face to stare at Taehyung after he grew hushed to find him leaning against the wall with his eyes closed. He passed out.
A moment later.
Sora's POVKim Taehyung grunted under his breath as the big man settled him onto the bed after I called the man to pick up the drunk alpha and followed them home because Do-hwan told me he'd take me back home. Taehyung groaned and rubbed his forehead in discomfort while sprawling on the mattress."Stay over. I'm too tired to send you back," Do-hwan muttered, coldly walking out of Taehyung's room. I frowned at the man in annoyance after he lied to me and glanced at Taehyung as he rubbed his burning chest. Sighing, I closed the door, locked it, and slowly approached Taehyung with an uneasy expression."Are you awake...?" I nudged his forearm while standing by his bedside. Taehyung didn't answer and grunted with his eyes closed. I bit my lips and poked his arm again until Taehyung slowly opened his eyes and squinted at me."Where am I...?" Taehyung hoarsely grunted while scanning the room. I gripped my handbag and crouched beside the bed with a heavy heart."I have a favor to ask..." I whispered, tearfully staring at Taehyung's drunken state. He innocently blinked at me as he slowly sat up on the bed and ruffled his hair."A favor...?" He grumbled, turning to look at me in confusion. He's very drunk. I gripped my handbag and pulled out a thin file with my shaky fingers. Taehyung blinked at the paper and cluelessly glanced at me again. Carefully... I placed the document on his lap as he sat on the bed and pushed a pen into his fingers with my lips pursed."Can you sign it for me...?" I asked, anxiously staring at him. Taehyung narrowed his eyes on the document as if to read the content... but he shook his head repeatedly while gripping the pen after failing to understand the terms."I'll read it tomorrow-""No- no! I need you to... s-sign it now," I grabbed his hand when he tried to toss the paper aside with a racing heart. Kim Taehyung glanced at the file and back at me unsurely. This might not work. Sora?! What are you thinking!?"Okay..." He agreed and lowered his hand over the paper after a moment of silence between us."W-Wait! L-Let us practice your signature first!" I gasped, quickly grabbing his hands again to stop him from scribbling on the document. Taehyung paused and glanced at my demand, so I quickly dashed toward his desk to search for a new sheet."Try it on here," I encouraged, pushing the paper into his hand. Taehyung nodded and lowered his pen to the paper... but his signature... was squiggly. He's too drunk! This won't work! I hopelessly pursed my lips as Taehyung concentrated on perfecting his signature... repeatedly signing his name until he got it right."I can do it," He cleared his throat."Sign here," I nodded, pointing at the blank signature section. Taehyung lowered his fingers again, so I tensed my body and sucked in my breath with my eyes concentrated on the tip of his pen. Sora... why are you doing this...? Are you crazy...?"I think I should sober up first-""SIGN IT WILL YOU!?" I snapped with an impatient glare, angrily grabbing his wrist when he tried to pull away.Taehyung scanned my sudden outburst unsurely, swallowed the lump in his throat, and glanced back at the files to process his clouded thoughts. Warm tears began to flood my eyes as the endless guilts thumped against my ribs... until Taehyung gave in and sighed in defeat. He quickly tugged his wrist out of my grasp... and... scribble...He signed his name on the blank space. The alpha lifted the pen and handed the document to me, so I shakily took it without breathing. I didn't dare blink as I scanned his perfect signature, entirely stunned by his agreement with my water eyes. Taehyung grunted again and slumped on the bed... immediately passing out on the mattress as I slowly stood up with my eyes on his name... clearly written on the file. My chest churned in extreme guilt, so I shifted my troubled stare to Taehyung's innocent face. I'm really sorry.

Signature:  Kim Taehyung.
Sora...? Does it have to be this way...?
I shook my head to erase the heavy feelings, quickly shoved the file back into my handbag, and hurried out of Taehyung's room as the flooding tears soaked my cheeks until I felt my heart churning intensely, so I covered my mouth and quietly raced through the mansion with a broken heart. I rubbed away my tears with my hand while strolling through the living room... but abruptly halted once I noticed a silhouette of a person sitting in the living room. My heart skipped a beat as Yangcha turned to stare at me from within the moonlit room."Let's go home, noona," Yangcha smiled. I sniffled and nodded, so he got up from the couch to hold my hands and... slowly led me out into the cold night. I bit down on my lips to suppress my feelings and left the mansion with my lover and document.
Meanwhile.

Kim Taehyung... remains... unconsciously on the bed without the awareness... of his name... clearly inked on... the documents his former lover presented to his drunken state of mind.
A vital document... that will completely alter his future... sending his determined destiny crashing into a different path... and heading straight toward... the unavoidable apocalypse of their twisted fates.
There was... no returning.

.

.

.

Jang Sora had rewritten their... destinies in the stars.

Their clashing fates... forever altered by the prophecy of their predetermined storyline.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
"First lady~! You didn't have to- Aigo~! We're so ashamed of our drunken behavior!" Assistant Cha gasped in shock as I piled the freshly baked dessert on her table. Taehyung lost the bet, and I don't want to make false promises, especially when the staff is wary of my presence, so I baked the sweets for them."Omo! You made so much?! We were only joking!" Assistant Ri apologetically bowed again after realizing the bag was packed with desserts."Please share it with the other departments-""What's with the fuss?" Taehyung dawdled, cooly strolling into the private lobby with Secretary Yoon, who was somewhat surprised by my unannounced visit."Our first lady baked dessert-""Really?!- My lady! You didn't actually take our jokes seriously?! Aigo~! It must've been a burden for you~! We'll make sure to eat the cakes and appreciate your efforts in tears~! I'm so touched by your kind gesture~!" Secretary Yoon funnily teased as he peeked inside the massive bags and bowed at me."I'm a person of my word," I chuckled. Taehyung dimmed his eyes at the bags loaded with paper boxes decorated with neat ribbons and glanced at me suspiciously."Inside my office, now," Taehyung ordered, strolling past me.The assistants and the secretary happily unloaded the boxes on their desks, so I gripped my handbag that was strapped over my shoulder and entered the office after Taehyung as he took off his suit to hang it on the coat hanger. He nodded to beckon me forward and sternly sat at his desk. What's with his bossy attitude...? I unsurely stood before his desk with my hands gripped over my handbag.

"What did you make me sign the night I was drunk?" Taehyung asked with his eyebrow lifted."W-What?" I pursed my lips. Heart... thumping hard against my chest."I thought it was a dream. But there were ink stains on my hands after I woke up. What did you make me sign, Sora?" Taehyung pressed, frowning from his seat. I gripped my handbag nervously as he sternly stared at me from behind his organized desk with his hands clasped under his chin. Sighing in defeat, I opened my bag, pulled out a file, and placed the paper on his table. Taehyung lowered his gaze to the document with his eyebrows furrowed."You promised to make me your... assistant," I shrugged. Taehyung examined the messy scribble on the work contract."That's not how I sign my name. Did you fabricate my signature?" Taehyung scoffed, looking up at me in disbelief. I glanced at the obvious replication of his signature and back at him."Y-You w-were drunk! You couldn't perfect your signature..." I shrugged, defensively frowning at him. Taehyung bitterly grabbed the paper, crumpled it between his palms, and tossed it into the trash."How dare you take advantage of-""Hey! That's not fair! Give it back-""You making me sign a work contract when I'm intoxicated is a crime, Sora! I can sue you!" Taehyung grimaced. I bit my lower lips upon his disapproving stare."Whatever! I'm leaving! You're so annoying!" I huffed, attempting to walk away. I have to leave before he reads my mind with his supernatural power!"The interview is tomorrow at noon. If you want the position, then show up. Don't try to cheat your way through just because we're close," Taehyung exhaled. I halted by the door and turned to frown at the man as he leaned back against the chair with his hands clasped together."We're not close," I muttered, coldly turning around to leave Taehyung's office. The secretary and assistants excitedly chatted with me in the lobby, so I stayed back briefly to speak with them and finally left the building to return home.
A moment later.
I paced back and forth in the penthouse living room with the printed interview questions and answers I found online, restlessly chewing my nails as I attempted to memorize the script. Yangcha quietly watched me in confusion while munching the cake I made for him.

"Noona. You'll get dizzy if you keep pacing like this," Yangcha chuckled with the spoon in his mouth. I grimaced and slumped beside him with the towel over my damp hair. This is frustrating! I can't memorize every single interview question overnight!"Stupid jerk," I grunted as Yangcha curiously leaned over to peek at the paper. He's really heartless! I thought he'd be lenient with me because of his past mistreatments!"You're applying for a job...?" He lifted his gaze to me in surprise while chewing the cake on the side of his cheek."Taehyung is selecting a personal assistant at his fintech corp," I nodded without looking away from the paper. Yangcha unsurely shifted his gaze to the list of questions and back to me."You want to work with him? Despite your past with him?" Yangcha muttered while jabbing the cake on the plate."It doesn't matter anymore. I don't want to live my remaining life dwelling on the past," I muttered as I read through the detailed answers with a concentrated frown."I see," Yangcha chewed the cake quietly.I blinked out of my cluttered thoughts and glanced at the alpha once I noticed his strange silence to find him staring blankly at the half-eaten cake. He's usually chatty, so it's rather obvious when he's upset about something."Wae? Is the cake not delicious?" I asked, nudging Yangcha's shoulder, causing him to snap out of his thoughts."Huh? N-No. It's good. Of course, it's good," Yangcha shrugged, glancing at me and back at the cake with a downcast expression.I lowered my head to examine his face... but he intentionally looked away to avoid our eye contact. I can't believe he's sulking? Did he expect me to stay home with him 24/7? My mother will kill me for being useless! I reached over to brush my thumb over the cream stain on his lips. Yangcha immediately looked up at me, startled by my touch. I pressed the cream on my thumb against my lips to taste the flavor I wiped off him, causing the alpha to stiffen against the cushion. He's easily flustered by my deviant behavior. It's adorable."You're really... cute when you're grumpy," I chuckled, scooting closer to him. Yangcha intensely stared at me as I sucked my thumb until a hint of redness flushed over his cheeks. I grabbed the plate from his hand, sliced the cake with the spoon, and lifted it towards his lips."Ah," I opened my mouth. Yangcha blinked and opened his mouth as I instructed, so I pushed the cake into his mouth. He quietly ate and lowered his gaze to the cake again.

"Did you bake for Kim Taehyung?" Yangcha asked, lifting his gaze to me."Nope. Only for the employees because I made a promise. Why? You're against me working with Taehyung?" I chuckled, fondly watching him chew the cake with a brooding pout. So that's why he's unhappy?"Of course not. You can do whatever you want," Yangcha shrugged."Then why are you sulking? Jealous much...?" I questioned, curiously leaning forward, but was cut short when Yangcha grabbed my face and leaned forward to press his flavorful lips against mine. I groaned in distress as he chuckled against my lips, purposely smearing the cream on my lips. Yangcha pulled away, took the plate from my hand, and fed himself as I licked the cream off my lips with a slight smile."You're going to marry me. Why would I be jealous?" Yangcha shrugged as he shoved the remaining cake into his mouth. I nodded in agreement, gently lifting my arm to run my fingers over the visible scar on his scalp."You're a very secure man," I smiled. Yangcha might be vulnerable at times, but he's a confident man."I have to be the best of the best to secure your heart. And I did. That makes me the best, right?" He shrugged with a cute smile. I softly chuckled while tracing my hand over his earlobe, briefly leaning forward to peck his cheek. I can't seem to keep my hands off him. What's happening to me...? I've never been this touchy with my lover, but I like him so much... that I can't seem to maintain the gap between our bodies."No one can replace you," I assured.Yangcha faintly beamed in delight at my statement and happily scraped the plate clean. The alpha got up to wash the dishes as I sat on the couch to revise the interview question. He eventually brought a blanket into the living room, carefully crawling onto the couch with me. So I laid down beside him and turned on my side to skim the paper as Yangcha settled behind me with his warm body aligned against my back."I love you," Yangcha whispered, gently kissing my shoulder while eyeing the paper in my hands, so I turned my head that was cushioned over his bicep to give him a quick peck on his lips.Yangcha happily kissed my cheek while hugging me against his chest as I rested on my side, facing away from him. He switched on the television and quietly watched the movie without bothering me further.I finally dropped the paper onto the carpet, ultimately surrendering to my hazy mind after failing to make sense of the contents. I give up. This is too complicated. Deeply inhaling, I pulled the blanket to my chest while watching the film on the screen. Yangcha switched off the living room lights with the remote once he noticed I wasn't revising anymore and interlaced his fingers with mine over the blanket to hold me.We quietly watched the move while lying down on our sides as he softly breathed against my ear, kissing my head now and then... until I giggled at the ticklish sensation. The main character funnily chased their children in a playground, causing us to chuckle at the comedic interactions. That's a very cozy family. I wish I was raised with so much affection. Yangcha gently rubbed my knuckles as I rested sideways on his firm bicep until I grew a bit sleepy... so I turned away from the TV to hug his neck instead. Yangcha patted my head with his eyes glued to the screen."You've grown a bit of a beard. Should I shave it for you?" I muttered while observing the short roots over his chin, which was merely a few inches from mine. Yangcha didn't respond and kept his gaze past me, calmly watching the movie while massaging my scalp with his fingers."Our children should take after you," He muttered, drifting his fond gaze to me."Children?" I smiled while stroking his firm jaw as we lay under the blanket. Why is he suddenly bringing it up?"Oh. Our children should take your family name," Yangcha nodded, gently lowering his face to kiss my lips."They should take after their father. What are you talking about?" I chuckled, pulling away to scan his sleepy expression. He shook his head and pulled me closer to snuggle against my face while rubbing my upper back with his palm."My name is a disgrace. I'm not a father figure they would be proud of," He muttered. I grew hushed, quietly rubbing his prickly hairlines just above his nape until he let out a deep exhale and closed his eyes. Yangcha appeared dispirited by his own claim. Would they be proud of him?"I'm proud of you," I whispered. Does it matter? I'm not bothered by the dirt on his name. Yangcha opened his eyes at my statement, carefully shifting his head back on the cushion to observe my face with a faint smile.
At the end of the day, I still have my family around me. But Yangcha? He has no one. Only me.

He can't even return to his grandparents without putting them at risk. How did he endure the hardships alone? Perhaps... it's not because he doesn't want to take proper care of himself but because he lost his purpose in life?

Yangcha tried to ruin himself because he was guilty of his past crimes, so he punished himself and remained hidden in the darkness of his sorrows... until he found his way back into my life.

He noticed my dim twinkle in the pitch black abyss.

And suddenly, he had the will to live again.

And so did I.

Yangcha had single-handedly towed me out of my misery. And despite being younger than me... he's much more mature and has brought out the best in me— but not to please the world.

I am a better person for myself because of him.
"A bad person like me? You're a convincing liar but I believe your every word because I'm a sucker for you~!" He teased. I scoffed, firing him a playful glare."We're both bad to other people! But good for each other!" I shook my head. Yangcha chuckled and lowered his face to kiss me again, so I gently smooched him as he rubbed my upper arm with his affectionate strokes."I can't believe I've gained the chance to hold you like this. Everything feels like a dream to me. You know? I wake up every day... feeling very frightened because... what if I wake up one day... and this is all a dream? And you're not in my arms? It's scary," He muttered."Should I hold you tightly in your sleep? So you won't wake up panicking? Like this? Can you bear it~?" I teased, tightly hugging his neck, causing Yangcha to groan as I playfully suffocated him with my arms. He softly chuckled and turned to lay on his back, gently pulling my body onto his. I giggled as he tightened his strong arms around my waist with a satisfied beam as I laid over him under the blanket. 
We ended up... falling asleep after teasing each other with the small conversations on the couch in our peaceful home.

The Next Day before Noon.
"Jagi, are you ready~?" I called while putting on my shoes by the door. I have to attend the interview at Taehyung's firm. Yangcha's leaving the penthouse to work at a local courier service where he's employed to load goods for delivery."Why didn't you drink the milk? I poured it for you," Yangcha asked as he strolled out of the room to grab the mug from the counter in his casual clothes."Oh? It's mine? I thought it was for you," I chuckled as he handed it to me, so I drank from the mug as he bent down to pull on his work boots.Yangcha straightened his back and took the mug out of my hands after I emptied it and left to place it away in the sink. I stepped out of the penthouse with his lunch box until he locked the door and followed me to the elevator. My driver arrived shortly at the building to pick us up and we left together. Yangcha grabbed the lunch bag to place it on his thighs as he held my hand over my lap."I can ask my mother to employ you at the tower. You don't have to heave heavy goods," I pouted. He's a skilled programmer. Why is he wasting his talents? Yangcha chuckled and shook his head."The corporation won't respond well to my presence. It's fine. I like labor work. It keeps me fit," Yangcha smiled as I leaned against his shoulder in the back seat of my personal car. He's avoiding the spotlight again... after I lost my position at Philanthropy.

"Make sure to finish your meal. I added a lot of broccoli and carrots for you. And take your health supplement, alright? We'll get you checked at the hospital later this week. And make sure to drink plenty of water! This wipe- use it before and after you eat to clean your hands," I muttered, unzipping the cute lunch bag to show him everything I packed inside."You even brought a towel?" Yangcha asked, weakly smiling at me."Use it to wipe your sweat. I'll wash it after I return home," I nodded, reminding Yangcha of his diet. He'll get sick again if I don't encourage him to eat well."I'm not a baby, you know~?" He cutely nudged my shoulder."You're my baby though," I shrugged, causing him to chuckle in disbelief. I smiled and zipped the bag for him again just as we arrived at a warehouse packed with staff and crates of goods. Yangcha quickly got out of the car with his lunch bag, so I followed him with a basket of premium quality pears as the middle-aged ahjussis and ajummas turned to stare at us.

"Noona. It's fine. I can-""No. I want to see your boss," I shook my head when he tried to convince me to leave the place. Yangcha pursed his lips and awkwardly bowed at the staff there."Yangcha! Aigo! You're here?! He's our new helping hand!" A middle-aged woman marched out of her office with a yellow cap over her head in her blue work vest to greet Yangcha."Anneonghaseyo, sajang-nim," Yangcha greeted the woman, who halted to eye my formal outfit and glanced at Yangcha's casual clothes before shifting her eyes to the driver waiting by my luxurious black car."Oh? Who's this pretty lady? Is she your sister?" A man chuckled, walking forward to greet us."Ah! Annyeonghaseyo! I'm his fiancée! Please take care of him! Oh- And I brought a little something!" I beamed, walking forward to offer the fruit basket to the woman."Oh?! Your fiancée?! She's so pretty!-""This is premium quality pear! You didn't have to bring it!" The woman gasped in surprise as she accepted the basket. I chuckled beside Yangcha as he shyly smiled at his senior colleagues."He's got big muscles! Aigo~! I won't have to heave as much anymore!" Another man teased as he stood beside a truck."I'll leave him under your care for now," I chuckled at the sweet elders as they praised Yangcha's well-built physique."Good luck with your interview," Yangcha smiled, turning to me. I tiptoed to give a soft peck, causing the ahjussis and ajummas to giggle at each other in excitement."Kids these days~! They're so affectionate~!" The boss chuckled. I patted Yangcha's arm and strode back towards the driver as he opened the door for me, so I waved at Yangcha to bid him goodbye. He beamed and waved back at me from the entrance. I drew out my phone to snap a picture of Yangcha while giggling by myself and finally entered the car."Ah~!" I softly grumbled while rubbing my belly when I felt an uncomfortable ache. I keep farting...? What's wrong with me? The driver took me back into the city center after I dropped off Yangcha until we arrived at the glass building. I thanked the driver and entered the building lobby alone but paused abruptly with my lips ajar once I noticed the stunning decorations.The building was a massive glass house. The natural light source... beaming brightly through the UV-tinted roof and walls to illuminate the space with its natural glow. There was even a small artificial waterfall within the lobby. This definitely isn't Taehyung's taste. How did the alphas convince him to select this interior??? Gurgle. I groaned again, tearing my eyes away from the lovely decorations, and rushed towards the lobby bathroom. I quickly pushed an empty stall open, pulled down my panties from under my formal ankle-length A-line skirt, and sat down in a hurry to release my swelling discharge. Breep.I pursed my lips in distress as the thick paste seeped out of my sore butthole. I clutched my aching stomach and lowered my head to endure the uncomfortable ache. Diarrhea?! At this time!?- Is it the milk?! I grimaced and sat on the bowl until I finally emptied my stomach, repeatedly flushed the toilet to prevent the nasty odor from spreading across the bathroom, and left the stall to wash my hands. Fuck.I lowered my hands to rub my aching stomach, anxiously glancing at the time on my phone. I have 30 minutes left before the interview. Should I get medication? What if the diarrhea strikes again!? I quickly raced out of the building to a nearby pharmacy to grab medication for my uncomfortable stomach, frantically hurrying back over the busy streets until I was completely out of breath. Hah~!"Annyeonghaseyo~! Are you one of the candidates?" A staff politely greeted me. I patted my wild hair strands to maintain a pleasant appearance.Taehyung is the type to select a person with an exceptional first impression. That's why I made the effort to dress up appropriately for the interview. I nodded at my name on the list to confirm my attendance a minute before the time was up.
The man instructed me to stick my name tag on my shirt.
"Oh~?" I paused once I entered the waiting lounge to find crazy attractive women and men sitting and pacing around with their resumes. Oh? Was being pretty and handsome a requirement on the job recruitment notice? Everyone was so... appealing and prepared- I suddenly felt a little intimidated by their presence.I pursed my lips and sat on an empty chair as people briefly glanced at me. They look like models. How are the women so slender and beautiful and the men so fit and handsome? I unsurely scanned the candidates. Taehyung's more picky than I anticipated. Maybe that's why he never liked it when I didn't dress well around him? Was I embarrassing him with my carelessness...?"Did you hear? He's graduated from a prestigious university abroad and had even interned at the state's private technology center?" A random woman sitting across from me giggled while nodding at a man in the corner of the room, dressed in a navy suit with silver frame glasses hooked over his high nose bridge. The women within the room were eyeing him eagerly. He's really handsome. Just like one of those hot CEOs in the dramas."He has potential," I nodded uneasily as the woman with pretty doe eyes and short black hair smiled at me. She's pretty too. Just like a doll."That's the former model from X agency. She's a beauty with a brain. Her parents are successful surgeons," The woman nodded at the tall model with a neat bun. I glanced at her high black heels and glanced at my medium heels unsurely. Should I have dressed up better? I thought I looked appealing, but damn... I think... I might've underestimated the candidates- I hugged my stomach again as it stirred sorely. Fuck. Why isn't the medication working?!"May I have your attention, please? The program will begin shortly. Please leave your documents behind and follow me to the trial center," A man appeared to announce the beginning of the interview."Oh?- But what about our resume? Aren't they inspecting it?" The woman before me muttered in confusion. The candidates glanced at each other unsurely and placed their documents away. I got up from the chair, followed everyone out of the lounge... and we strolled together through a narrow corridor. What is he testing us on? Taehyung didn't tell me anything! Why is he so rigorous!? I'm not prepared at all!"I heard the founder is a handsome man from the wealthiest family!" Someone excitedly whispered."He's not checking our background? Wae? Are they picking the candidate based on looks?" Someone else muttered. The model smirked and pridefully walked forward until the staff opened the door for us. Looks!? Seriously? I won't stand a chance!"Huh...?" The crowd muttered in confusion as I squeezed in between the pack to make my way to the front... but halted in confusion once I found myself standing in a massive kitchen filled with fruits and bags of flour. The crowd frowned and glanced at each other in bewilderment. This isn't the environment... I expected."The founder is here. Best of luck!" The man smiled at us and stepped aside as the leading Kim's heir strolled out from the back door in his fitted black suit. I felt the crowd... tensing up as he stopped before the nervous candidates with an empty expression. I weakly smiled and tried to catch his attention, but Taehyung looked past me without acknowledging my presence. How... rude."The candidate has an hour and a half to craft your best dessert. That's the only trial, and the final candidate will be selected after I perform the taste test," Taehyung announced. I widened my eyes as the crowd gasped in shock. Huh!? Did I hear him correctly?!"Wait- So we're supposed to-""Yes. One of my requirements is for the assistant to have exceptional cooking skills. A person can easily be trained to perform technical work, but cooking requires those with natural skills. Do your best," Taehyung nodded blankly. The crowd suddenly grew anxious as a few staff entered the room to guide the puzzled candidates. This is unbelievable! The model frowned in disbelief as she restlessly grimaced at Taehyung, who stood motionless at the center of the kitchen."The ingredients are available, and all the tools are placed on the racks," The staff announced. Is this a MasterChef competition?! I quickly glanced at the basket of fresh fruits and back at Taehyung in disbelief. He didn't look in my direction and stood calmly with his hands clasped together."I'm screwed," A man beside me lowered his face in disbelief. Many candidates... were taken aback by the trial. They were instantly defeated upon the request to bake for the founder."You may begin," The man announced. I quickly pulled the fresh apron over my head, tied it behind my back without hesitation, put my hair into a neat bun, and quickly raced towards the fruit basket to grab a small bowl of fresh strawberries.Did he do this so I could easily win the competition? I smiled and grabbed the eggs, butter, flour, whipped cream, and all the necessary ingredients. The room suddenly bustled with loud clatters as the crowd picked out their desired components. I set off to work with my ingredients until the noisy world faded into the back of my mind. I can do this! Hah! Taehyung isn't so bad after all!

Taehyung sternly wandered around the busy kitchen to oversee his candidate's efforts as a handful of the attendees groaned with sore frowns due to their cluelessness as others passionately performed their work with happy smiles. Only half of the candidates seemed to know how to bake... while the other half unsurely glanced at each other."Candidates may leave if they wish to abandon their mission," Taehyung announced, suddenly stopping by my table. But he didn't look at me and glanced at the others with his piercing cold stare.A few people sighed in defeat and left through the door before the time was up, but I didn't bother and blended the cream in the metallic bowl after I shoved the cake pan in the oven to fluff up the dough. I quickly placed the whipped cream aside and added pink dye while reaching out for my strawberries- but halted with a slight panic attack once I sensed something abnormal about the weight of the bowl. Why is the bowl so light...? My eyes widened in horror... the instant I averted my eyes to find... an empty bowl.
Where did my strawberries go?!!
I gasped and lifted my terrified face upward to find Taehyung leaning against the table with a few strawberries in his palm as he chewed the remaining fruit on one side of his cheek with his smug expression trained on the other candidates. Why did he eat my strawberries?!

I angrily clutched the stainless whisk in annoyance while glaring at the arrogant man. He wouldn't look at me, but I knew he intentionally ruined my workflow with his outrageous interference. He's obviously enjoying my failure! Stupid man! Should I smack him with the whisk?! Ding.I blinked out of my thoughts at the loud chime and took out the heated cake pan to place it on the table. What should I do now?! I quickly hurried back to the fruit basket... and to my horror... the strawberries were gone. Shit! I snapped my head towards Taehyung, who was curiously strolling around the kitchen to inspect the candidates with my strawberries. Ahhhh!? Can I curse at the fucking asshole!? I want to kill him! I grabbed the ripe bananas from the basket because it was the only ingredient left and hurried back to the table.Thump! Thump! The candidates nearby lifted their heads with startled looks as I angrily chopped the stupid bananas with a kitchen knife. Stupid! Man...! I wish I could stab him like I'm stabbing the stupid banana! Argh!I gritted and punctured the bananas on the chopping board until Taehyung appeared before my table again with his arms crossed. I glared at this smug expression as he smirked at me, so I gripped the knife, abruptly halting to narrow my eyes at his arrogant smile. Is he testing my patience? While I'm holding a sharpened kitchen knife?!- HAH! He's gambling his life on my boiling temper right now!"You wanna die?!" I mouthed, angrily frowning at him. He claimed I shouldn't cheat my way through, but he's the one disrupting my work!Taehyung shrugged dismissively and walked away with a contented smile as I chased my deadly glare after him. Huffing in annoyance, I finally chopped up all the bananas and scraped them into the remaining batter in the mixture to blend with the butter. I have to restart everything! I quickly poured the thick paste into a rectangular pan and shoved it inside the oven again."Thirty minutes left," The man announced.I clenched my jaw and glanced at the candidates to my sides. And to my surprise... the dude from the prestigious university was decorating a fancy Tiramisu on the plate. My jaw dropped at the impressive dessert. So I glanced around the room in a panic... and almost everyone that stayed behind was... making crazy... complicated recipes. Gulping, I glared at my plain banana bread in the oven in disbelief.This is unbelievable! Why did he eat my fucking strawberries?! I huffed in frustration as I waited for the timer. Taehyung suddenly left the room, leaving the candidates to wrap up their work. I nervously chewed my nails with my eyes fixed on the banana cake with a slight frown. I need to think of something new! But I'm too frustrated to even focus at this point! Ding.I quickly flung open the oven- and grabbed the heavy tray to slam it on the table, causing the dude beside me to jerk at the loud clatter as I quickly cut out a piece of the steaming banana bread in a square shape to place it on the small plate. Fuck! It's hot!"Time's up! You may bring your dessert to his office on the highest floor," The man announced.The man beside me smirked at my pathetic piece of banana bread, lifted his dessert, and walked off with the other candidates. I pursed my lips while frowning at the syrup and jam on the table. I have to do better! I will not lose to him! Especially not when he's provoking me like this! I quickly sliced the steaming banana bread in half, added strawberry jam to the bread, and pasted a bit of cream before jamming the bread shut like a sandwich.I grabbed a clean spoon and hurriedly raced out after everyone else... but I was the last to reach the packed elevator. The candidates took the available lifts and I was left... alone... waiting in the lobby because of the crammed compartment. I grimaced at the elevator number on the screen and glanced at the rising elevator. Fuck it. I won't make it on time if I wait for another lift. I quickly raced up the stairs in my uncomfortable heels. Clack! Clack! Clack!"Ahhhhh~!" I whined in annoyance once my stomach growled in pain again. Grimacing... I hugged my stomach with one arm while climbing the stairs until I was out of breath. I need to take a dump again! Fuck- I quickly rushed into a random floor to search for the toilet with the plate of banana bread."Can you look after this for me!? Just for a moment!" I gasped after bumping into a man in the corridor. He grabbed the plate with a startled expression but didn't get a chance to speak, so I wildly pushed him aside and hurried inside the toilet as the swelling shit pushed against my clenched butt muscles- BREEEEP!The explosive diarrhea trickled from my throbbing butthole again... immediately after I sat on the bowl. I grunted with sweat beads over my head as I perched on the toilet while tapping my heels over the floor to concentrate on the unsteady flow until I felt like fainting from the persistent diarrhea attack. I'll be late at this rate. I groaned softly and leaned my head against the stall wall with my eyes closed.I finally wiped the sweat off my forehead after about five minutes of enduring the continuous explosive diarrhea, cleaned my butt with the automatic sprinkler, flushed the toilet, and thoroughly washed my hands in the sink before stepping out of the bathroom to find the man leaning against the wall with the plate. I halted once he looked up at me awkwardly."What are you doing here?" I asked Min Yoongi as he held the plate with both his hands."What do you mean? This is my workplace," He muttered. Right. He's a part of the Taehyung start-up project."Where's my banana cake?!" I shrieked, widening my eyes in disbelief once I noticed the absence of my bread."Taehyung passed by earlier. He grabbed the bread with his napkin and left..." Yoongi awkwardly shrugged. I whined in distress. Kim Taehyung!!!!!! I snatched the empty plate from Yoongi's hand without thanking the alpha... and stormed off with my eyebrows furrowed. I'm going to complain! He's too much, really!"I will kill that stupid man!" I screeched, angrily punching the elevator screen. The compartment finally arrived on the floor, so I rushed inside and ascended to the top floor... to find the candidates waiting outside the door with anxious looks as Taehyung remained in his office. I will fucking smash the plate against his fucking head!- Did he think this is entertaining?!- Ah- Ah~! I'm very nauseous."Everyone may enter," The secretary informed, finally opening the door, so I grimaced and followed everyone inside the room with my empty plate. Should I shit on the plate? And offer it to him?! That's not a bad idea. The supreme alpha premium quality shit is definitely an extraordinary recipe. The candidate anxiously gathered inside the room as Taehyung sat on the couch after performing his taste test, leaving the plates scattered on the coffee table. I dimmed my eyes at his smug expression."Not bad. You're all exceptionally talented," Taehyung approvingly smiled at the anxious crowd. I glanced at the leftover cakes on every plate after he had a bite of all the desserts. Except mine. Did he throw my banana bread away...? I glared at him in annoyance.

"Is this it? You'll pick the candidate after tasting the cake?" The model frowned at the founder."I've already chosen my personal assistant," Taehyung nodded."Would you like to announce the winner?" The secretary smiled at the founder as he gazed at the various creative desserts on the table."The empty plate is the winner," Taehyung announced. Everyone halted at his words with their keen eyes on the table as the crowd scanned the leftover desserts unsurely."But you haven't finished any of the treats...?" The prestigious university guy uneasily glanced at Taehyung. The crowd glanced at each other in confusion. I halted in realization... slowly lifting the empty plate... before my bulging eyes in shock. Wait-"Omo... Where is your dessert?" The woman from earlier nudged me as I stared at the circular plate without blinking. Everyone turned to look at me as I gawked at the dish on my palm with a stunned expression."M- My banana jam bread-?" I stuttered, lifting my face to stare at Taehyung in disbelief."Your plate is empty, isn't it?" Taehyung asked blankly. I glanced at my plate again with my lips ajar as the crowd froze in their place."I'm the chosen candidate?!" I gasped, snapping my bulging eyes back at Taehyung. HAH?!"Your bread got my napkin dirty," Taehyung nodded, lifting the strawberry jam-stained napkin to show me.The woman beside me clasped her hands over her lips, startled by my unexpected victory. I suddenly broke into a bright grin when the crowd applauded and cheered for me, causing the secretary to chuckle weakly. I gripped the empty plate with a wide smile... as if it was my prized possession... and glanced at Taehyung to find him... smiling at my dumbfounded reaction.
He was teasing me!

A moment later.
I slowly limped out of the firm on my swollen ankle due to the friction burn after racing up the flights of stairs to reach Taehyung's office with my plate. The founder eventually dismissed the candidates and sent them home with appreciation gifts. The candidates congratulated me with sincerity, so I chatted with a few of them and finally strolled out into the opening to wait for my driver until... a familiar black car rolled by the sidewalk."Hop in. I can't step out, or the staff will recognize me," Taehyung slightly rolled down his window to invite me in. I nodded, cautiously limped around the car to open the door and slipped inside in difficulty."Thank you," I grumbled while buckling my seatbelt as Taehyung steered the wheel and drove forward. He glanced at my bleeding ankle and bitterly looked forward."You wouldn't stand a chance against the candidates if I followed the standard procedure," He shrugged, steering the wheel to the side."I thought you were against me working for you," I mumbled. Taehyung ate all the strawberries!"I need someone to care for me when I'm too busy working," He shrugged, stopping by the traffic light, and leaned back with his eyes trained on the intersection."That's why you chose me?" I asked."Yeah. Even if your dessert was the most basic. I'm more used to you... and I don't feel like hiring a stranger to follow me around. You know my habits and needs... so I don't have to waste my time training you to attend to me," He bitterly shrugged. I pursed my lips and glanced at my hands."Basic?! You ate my strawberries!" I whined, grimacing at him."At least you won! Stop whining! You asked for work- and I gave it to you- so you better keep your annoying pouty lips sealed!" He snapped. I grimaced at his harshness and glared out the window as he drove forward again."So annoying..." I grunted under my breath."And what's the foul smell? Is it you?!" Taehyung scoffed, turning to frown at me while sniffing the odor in the air."I've been having diarrhea the entire afternoon!" I whined while hugging my sore stomach."Hah! You made me food after you shitted!?" He gagged in disgust. I glared at his annoying reaction."What?! Is your shit made of gold?! I washed my hands and even sanitized it with disinfectants!" I glared. Taehyung briefly fired me a sharp glare and drove me to the mansion. He insisted that I get treatment for my swollen ankle. The alpha effortlessly lifted me out of the car... carried me inside the empty mansion before setting me on his couch in his bedroom."Take a quick bath. I can't stand your reeking odor," He muttered before exiting his bedroom.I grumbled in annoyance at his disgusted frown, entered his bathroom to shower as he demanded, and finally stepped out to find a set of new clothes on the bed. So I pulled on the formal dress until a nurse appeared with a tray of medical tools. I greeted her and sat on the couch as she knelt by my feet to treat the friction burn before bandaging my feet with soft cotton to secure my wound. She left afterward... just as Taehyung returned to his bedroom. He tossed a pair of faux fur slippers at my feet."Thank you," I muttered. Taehyung suddenly flung a homemade sweet rice cake box on my lap and strolled toward his desk to dig through his drawers. I smiled at the sweet rice cake until Taehyung placed the contract on the table with a pen."Read the terms and conditions and sign it. You'll start working for me tomorrow," Taehyung nodded. I grabbed the pen, signed the paper without hesitation, and pushed it towards him. Taehyung frowned at my dismissive behavior after I refused to read the contents."I don't need to read it," I shrugged."Are you sure? The work I require is quite intensive," Taehyung frowned."How bad can it get-""You have to prepare appetizers for me on demand. Pack a warm lunch for me daily and cook dinner if I work overtime-""WHAT!?" I snapped, sitting up in disbelief. Taehyung grimaced at my startled reaction as I sat with the sweet rice cake pressed against my lips. I quickly snatched the contract, but he was quicker. Snatch!"I look forward to working with you," Taehyung smirked, snatching the file from under my fingers just before I touched it. "Give it back!- Hey! That's unfair?! Why would I cook for you?!" I screamed in distress, but Taehyung possessively hugged the work contract and quickly got up to lock it away in his drawers."Oh yeah. You have to address me as your boss whenever we're at the corporation. No one shall find out we're related parties... so you must remain professional and prudent under all circumstances," Taehyung chuckled. I scoffed in disbelief with the sweet rice cake left unchewed in my mouth as I watched Taehyung organize his desk."Are you searching for an assistant?! Or a maid?! I'm not your slave! This is a scam!" I complained while glaring at him in disbelief."I'll deduct your salary every time you complain. It's all stated in the contract. You should've read the terms beforehand," Taehyung darted me a sly smirk. I pursed my lips with the sweet cake left unchewed in my stuffed cheeks. Is he crazy?! I furiously grabbed the cushion from the couch, wildly flinging it across the room. SMACK!"YAH!?" Taehyung snapped in disbelief after the cushion hit his stupid cocky face and fell onto the desk."I bet you didn't specify that I can't throw a tantrum in the contract!" I poked out my tongue, quickly standing up with the box of sweet rice cake."You're unbelievable, really!" Taehyung snapped in annoyance. I made funny faces to mock him and limped out of the room in the fluffy slipper and the box of rice cake."I'm leaving, sir!" I waved, dismissively leaving the room without shutting the door. I heard Taehyung cursing from his room upon my childish attitude as I strolled the corridor and left the mansion with my driver. Did he think he could beat me!? I'll annoy him until he loses his sanity!
Third Person POV
Yangcha seized the heavy box with his gloved hands and effortlessly flung it into the truck before turning to haul another crate. The heavy sweat beads... dripping messily from his chin and soaking his white shirt as he tied his jacket around his hips. The ajummas giggled and nudged each other as they eyed his transparent abs through the wet fabric."Yah. Your girlfriend is super pretty. How did you meet her?" A chubby ajusshi asked as he stood in the truck to sort the crates."We met at our university," Yangcha responded."She seems well-off. Is she from a rich family?" A man his age chuckles as he helps the alpha lift the goods."Neh," Yangcha nodded."Of course she's rich! She has a personal driver! Even her skin complexion radiates the rich girl vibes!" An ajumma chuckles."She's so thoughtful! Didn't you see? She packed him a full meal, snacks, and even his supplement!" The boss lady agreed."Is she older than you? She seems to take on the role of your mother," The ajusshi on the truck chuckled."Neh. She's two years older than me," Yangcha nodded."Ohhhh! She's your noona?! Dayum! Yah- Are you dating her because she's wealthy?! You should be living a comfortable life, so why are you sweating your ass off here?!" The young man nudges Yangcha's shoulder out of excitement."Yah! Mind your words! She's obviously a pretty lady!" Ajumma scolded."I'm a bit useless, so this is the most suited job. My girlfriend doesn't mind," Yangcha chuckled."How'd you afford to marry her though?" Ajusshi asked curiously. Yangcha weakly smiled as he chatted with the average."Yangcha!" A familiar voice chirped, so he quickly turned at the slightest sound of her vocal to find the supreme alpha limping toward him in her slippers and casual dress. She beamed and waved at him with her usual pretty smile."She's so bright~!" Ajumma chuckled as she marched to her lover.

"What happened to your feet???" Yangcha asked, slightly widening his eyes in surprise once he noticed her limping on her left leg."Nothing! It's just my heels! Annyeonghaseyo~!" The supreme alpha greeted the staff there. Sora arrived an hour early to wait for him... so she ended up chatting with the average employee as he completed his work. Yangcha grimaced at her injury and finally excused himself from his duties after his work hour."Ah- Don't touch me. I'm too filthy~!" Yangcha slightly jerked his face away when Sora tried to peck his sweaty cheek. She pouted at his rejection while carrying his lunch bag as they walked toward her car. Yangcha opened the door for her.

"Did you finish everything?" Sora asked as they sat in the backseat while checking the empty lunch box to ensure he had finished his food."Of course I did," Yangcha nodded while dabbing his sweaty neck in the car. The supreme alpha smiled pridefully and held onto his dirty hand on their entire trip home.
A moment later.
"Noona! I'm seriously stinky right now-" Yangcha complained after they entered the penthouse. She wouldn't stop... trying to kiss him.Sora grabbed his cheeks, successfully planting her sweet kiss on his lips, leaving the young man caught off guard by the doorway. The alpha chuckled at her forceful invitation and gave in to her tender love strokes as she wrapped her arms around his sticky neck to deepen their kiss. The supreme alpha didn't mind holding her lover's sweat-drenched body."Go and shower. I'll prepare the meal for you," Sora poked his smudged nose.Yangcha pecked her lips again while holding her waist and strolled away to shower in their bedroom. Sora softly hummed while washing his lunch box, threw out the empty snack bags before placing his towel away in the laundry, and finally prepared dinner for him. She eventually placed the hot meals on the coffee table in the living room as Yangcha strolled out in a set of pajamas. The supreme alpha left afterward to shower and returned to find her lover watching the TV while sitting on the carpet before the meal on the table, patiently waiting for her to join him."I told you not to wear those heels," Yangcha grimaced as he bitterly watched Sora limp with her blistering ankles. She shrugged and sat beside him in their matching couple teddy bear pajamas."It's fine. I won't have to dress up too much while working with Taehyung. He's lenient with me," Sora shrugged as she grabbed the chopstick to dig into the meal."You made it?" Yangcha asked."Yup. It was a baking contest," I nodded. The alpha pursed his lips and nodded as he ate beside his girlfriend."Did you go to his place?" Yangcha asked. Sora blinked and glanced at him."How did you know?" She smiled."You smelt like him earlier," Yangcha shrugged. He noticed her strange fragrance in the subtle wind current when she approached him earlier at the warehouse. She smelt like her ex-lover."I hurt my ankle badly after the intensive contest, so Taehyung took me back to the mansion to treat my ankle. I signed my work contract there and left afterward to pick you up," She informed."I see," Yangcha nodded, quietly averting his eyes away to eat the food. The supreme alpha dismissively ate her meal while watching the movie with Yangcha on the television. And they finally headed to bed after clearing the table. She finally exhaled and sat on the bed to rub her sore shin until Yangcha approached her with a cup of water and a few pills."Huh? What's this...?" Sora asked, unsurely looking up at her lover."For your stomach," He shrugged. Sora nodded and took the pills without hesitation before drinking water- but paused abruptly with the water in her mouth once she realized something. She shifted her suspicious gaze to Yangcha's guilty expression... cautiously... swallowing the remaining water to flush the pills into her system.
Sora's POV
"How did you know? I didn't tell you anything about my diarrhea," I muttered, frowning at Yangcha's awareness of my sickness. He pursed his lips, and carefully took the half-empty mug from my hand to place it on the nightstand before sitting beside me with his head lowered."I added laxatives... in your milk this morning," He pursed his lips, briefly glancing at me and back at his clasped hand as he sat beside me. I froze in my position with my eyes fixed on his guilt-ridden face. Slowly, I lowered my hand to rub my sore stomach. So that's why I had diarrhea all day...?"Yangcha..." I sighed while staring at him with a slight frown."I'm sorry. I wanted you to fail his test. I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have done it," He muttered, lifting his tearful eyes to me. I bit my lips with a conflicted feeling."I asked if you were uncomfortable the other night, but you said-""I know. I didn't want you to spend time with Kim Taehyung. But I knew I didn't have the right to intervene because you are determined to work," He shook his head. Ah... What should I do? I'm not angry at him, but he's starting to worry me. Yangcha used medication to hinder me from attending the interview. It's not that big of an issue... but his constant... sneakiness is... troubling me. Did he really have to make me sick?"I wouldn't have attended the interview if you told me not to, but I've already signed the contract," I sighed deeply."It's fine. I shouldn't stop you from doing your things. I only wanted to confess my acts because I felt sorry," He muttered. I dimly stared at his face as I leaned against the bed head."Will you speak to me the next time you're unsatisfied with something? We should communicate, or it'll be hard for me to understand you," I exhaled heavily.Yangcha nodded and glanced at me with his puppy gaze. I quietly scanned his apologetic expression until he scooted forward to hug me. I would've been mad if I found out on my own that he used the medication to disrupt my day, but he confessed first. So... I shouldn't be upset. Right? I patted his back as he gripped my back."I'm sorry," He muttered."I'm not upset," I sighed heavily, gently pecking his cheek. Yangcha weakly smiled and kissed me, so I patted his face with a weak smile. We went to bed after the brief reconciliation. And I ended up falling asleep sooner than expected due to the medication.Buzz. Buzz. I stirred under the blanket at the disturbing vibration over the nightstand. Buzz. Buzz. My phone vibrated again. I sleepily extended my arm to search for the screen to enable the do-not-disturb function, tossed my phone aside, and turned on the mattress to hug Yangcha, who was fast asleep beside me. I snuggled against his warm chest and closed my eyes- RING. RING. RING. My body jerked unconsciously at the blasting ringtone, so I frantically lifted my pillow to search for my phone in a panic. What the fuck-?! I grabbed it to mute the loud sound in horror before glancing at Yangcha, who stirred on the mattress with a slight frown. Shit! Did I wake him!?Caller ID: Stupid Jerk."Why is he calling at this hour...?" I grumbled sleepily. 5:10 AM. Yangcha restlessly tossed and turned on the bed, so I slipped back down to hug his head and gently patted his shoulder until he drifted back to sleep. I sat up on the mattress again, crawled off the bed, and carefully strolled out of my bedroom."Why are you calling so early?" I grumbled after answering the phone as I slumped on the couch in exhaustion with my eyes closed."Yah! I have a schedule with the shareholders today! You better be ready by 6:00 AM!" Taehyung snapped. I frowned."What?! That's impossible-""6:30 a.m. is the longest I'll allow since it's your first day," Taehyung firmly stated, suddenly ending the call before I could complain. I grunted at his caller ID with a slight frown. What the fuck? My work day starts at 6:30 am...? Is he crazy!? Sighing heavily, I stood up and stretched before the dark city view before strolling into the kitchen to open the fridge. I have to cook Yangcha his breakfast and lunch.
A moment later.
The chicken soup steamed with its savory scent as I left it boiling on the stove while chopping the vegetables. Yawning sleepily, I dumped the chewable chunks into the pot and turned to stir the sour and sweet fried pork rib in the heated pan. I chopped up the apples, plucked the grapes, and peeled the tangerines with my eyes half-open.Sighing for the hundredth time, I placed the steaming Kimchi pancake on the plate and settled it on the table before adding the leftover rice into another pan to make seaweed fried rice with scrambled eggs. And after an intense hour of cooking... I finally turned off the stove and thirstily drank a glass of water before packing the fruits in a box and placing them in the fridge to keep it cool. I settled the fried rice on the table with a cup of freshly squeezed celery juice."Noona...? What are you doing up this early?" Yangcha yawned, strolling out of the bedroom with his puffy eyelids. He scratched his head and sat down at the counter to stare at the early morning food in confusion."I have to leave early for work today, so pack your meals before you head out to work. Pour the chicken soup into the stew bottle. Pack some rice and bring the sweet and sour ribs- Oh. And the fruit is in the fridge, so don't forget it and take your supplements on time," I muttered while pointing at the empty soup container and lunch box beside the bag while packing a separate set for Taehyung. I quickly strolled out of the kitchen to shower, pulled on formal attire before putting my hair into a neat bun, and strode back out to find Yangcha sitting on the stool. He was chewing the fried rice and kimchi pancake with his eyes half open."Who are you packing for?" Yangcha nodded at the other lunch box."Taehyung," I muttered."Why are you cooking for him?" Yangcha lifted his face with a slight frown."It's a part of his contract terms," I shrugged as I placed a box of fruit in the other bag."Isn't that too much work?" Yangcha grimaced with his mouth half open. I grabbed the bag and rounded the counter to kiss his cheek before lifting his celery juice to take a sip."It's fine. Make sure to empty this, okay? I'll pick you up after your shift," I smiled, pushing the cup against his lips. Yangcha intensely stared at me as he sipped from the glass, so I placed the half-empty juice away and pecked his moist lips. I tried to walk away, but Yangcha grabbed my arm and pulled me onto his lap."I'm going to miss you," He grumbled, tightly hugging my waist. I chuckled and pecked his cheek again."I'll text you, okay? If possible- I'll call you," I smiled while patting his firm cheeks. Yangcha cutely whined and puckered his lips."Another kiss," He demanded. I giggled and lowered my face to kiss him again."I have to go," I smiled as he released me from his embrace."I'll see you soon," He nodded, so I strolled away with Taehyung's lunch box to put on my shoes by the door. Yangcha sadly watched me while sitting on the stool."You better pack everything! Don't be lazy! Send me a picture, okay?!" I reminded him again. Yangcha nodded, so I waved and left the penthouse, finally... hurrying down to the lobby until I noticed Taehyung waiting by his car."It's almost 7:00 a.m!" Taehyung scolded as I hurried towards him."I didn't know I was needed this early!" I argued. Taehyung glared at me as he held the door open, so I hopped into the passenger seat. He slammed the door shut and rounded the car to get into his driver's seat as I placed the lunch bag in the back seat."Your work starts at noon on Friday. 6:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. You should be ready whenever demanded on my busy days," He grunted. I scoffed in disbelief."I don't remember you waking up this early for work?!" I snapped. Is he doing this on purpose to mess with me?!"I completed the university course this year! I'm a full-time worker now! And you've been living in a different place! Of course, you wouldn't know!" Taehyung bickered, glaring at me in irritation.I huffed under my breath and leaned back against the car seat in defeat. He took me to a nearby cafe for breakfast. We grabbed our drinks for the day before heading off to work. Well. We didn't actually go to the firm. Taehyung had to meet up with a few shareholders at a reserved suite at a fancy hotel to discuss the hiring of an independent auditor to prepare for the upcoming year-end financial statements."Your water... sir," I muttered while placing the clear glass before Taehyung as he sat at the meeting table. He nodded and flipped through his files, so I smiled and stepped back to stand beside him.

"May I have a glass too?" A chubby man smiled."Of course," I smiled. Taehyung unsurely looked at the man and glanced at me... but I assured him it was alright and left to grab another glass before walking over to the man to place it for him when I suddenly felt his hand over my hips."Where did you find his beautiful young lady...?" The foreign shareholder smirked, causing me to tense up uneasily at his uninvited touch. Taehyung glowered at the man from his seat."Please do not touch her, or I'll have to ask you to leave the room," Taehyung firmly spoke. The man unsurely eyed the founder and released me, so I cleared my throat and walked back towards him. They can't know I'm the former Philanthropy founder... or there will be problems in Taehyung's corporation."Why? Is she your woman? I can see why you're protective of her," The man chuckled while examining my body with his disgusting male gaze. Taehyung clenched his jaw, darkly staring at the arrogant man."It's not that I'm protective of her, but a man must respect a woman. Her body is not an object you can freely roam. Please refrain from showcasing your inappropriate manners. Or I'll have to take legal action. No employees should be mistreated or taken advantage of. I do not tolerate problematic acts," Taehyung sternly lifted his eyebrow, causing the man to tense uneasily in his seat. The other shareholders bitterly eyed the man as I stood behind Taehyung's armchair."I'm sorry, sir," The man cleared his throat, resentfully shifting his gaze to me."Don't apologize to me. Apologize to my assistant," Taehyung ordered. The shareholder stiffened in his seat and glanced at me with an offended look."Do you expect me to apologize to a mere-""Just because she's a woman that works with men like you... doesn't make her any less worthy. Apologize to her. Now," Taehyung interrupted the man, causing the other shareholders to lower their heads in fear. The man clenched his jaw at Taehyung's intimidating gaze and averted his glowering eyes to me again. He wasn't pleased with the command."I'm sorry," He finally apologized. I didn't blink and stared at him with a poker face.

"Bring a chair and sit down. Your feet are still healing," Taehyung briefly glanced at me. I stared at him unsurely and glanced at the shareholders as they observed our interactions. Taehyung frowned at my uncertain reaction and sternly nodded at the empty chair."Yes, sir," I nodded, grabbing the chair to sit beside him. Taehyung exhaled at my obedience before averting his attention back to the files as the men within the room narrowed their eyes on me. What if they circulate... unnecessary rumors about us?"Contact the listed firms to check for valid credentials and report to me," Taehyung pushed a file toward me. I grabbed the document with a startled expression."The firms we selected-""My assistant will do a background check first to prevent collusion," Taehyung firmly stated with his eyes fixed on the other file, so I glanced at the list of proposed audit firms and law consultants. The shareholders dimmed their gaze and glanced at me again after Taehyung granted me the power to oversee their proposal. I shrugged and highlighted the documents in silence as they discussed the other objectives at the meeting.
A moment later.
"I hope you have a wonderful day, sir," The men bowed at Taehyung by the doorway leading to the corridor as I carried the heavy files in my arms."Thank you," Taehyung nodded at the shareholders. I awkwardly stared at the men and tried to bow, but Taehyung abruptly grabbed my wrist to stop me with his eyebrows furrowed. He fired me the 'What are you doing?' look.The man unsurely glanced at Taehyung as he blankly stared at me and carefully took the file out of my arms. I pursed my lips at the stiff shareholders and finally turned to leave with Taehyung until we arrived at his car. He opened the door for me, so I got in as Taehyung placed the files in the backseat and finally drove us back to the firm.I fell into a brief nap during our ride... because I woke up too early this morning.
A moment later.
"I'll microwave the food," I informed Taehyung and hurriedly walked over to his private snack section at his fintech office to place the meals in the microwave.Taehyung took off his suit while sitting on the couch to review the documents, so I took out my phone to find a few texts from Yangcha. It was the pictures of his packed lunch meals and a cute selfie of him on the bus ride to work. I sent him a heart emoji with an attached selfie of me- Beep. I quickly slipped the phone into my pocket, carefully grabbed the meal from the microwave, and hurried towards Taehyung to place it on the coffee table."Didn't you cook for yourself?" Taehyung asked, lifting his eyes to me in confusion."Is a lunch break not included in the contract?" I pursed my lips. Taehyung glanced at the steaming meal, lightly tossing the files aside."Share the meal with me. Cook two portions from now on. You'll be eating with me because I can't give you a lunch break. It's your mother's order to keep you close," He muttered. I pursed my lips and sat beside Taehyung."I'll just have the... chicken soup. You can have the meal and the fruits," I muttered, carefully blowing into the hot metallic container. Taehyung sighed and ate the meal beside me with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. We sat quietly without exchanging conversations."Thank you for the meal," Taehyung suddenly muttered to break the awkward silence."Why didn't you ask imo to cook the meals?" I asked curiously. Taehyung only eats food made by imo and rarely eats the food served by the corporation staff."I wake up early these days. She's getting old, so I figured I shouldn't burden her," Taehyung shrugged. I nodded while slurping the soup directly from the container."Thank you for defending me earlier," I muttered. Taehyung turned to stare at me while hovering his fork over the meal as he slowly chewed the food."I hired you to assist my needs, not to serve me or my men... so don't abide by another man's order. And definitely don't lower your head for them. You're the supreme alpha... and even if we're concealing your identity... don't kneel for anyone, even if it's an act. Just be you," Taehyung muttered. I stared at him with my lips pursed and finally glanced at the container with a slight smile. He did change. It's strange how... he's so... considerate these days. I guess... we're steadily growing and maturing as we age."Got it, sajang-nim~!" I giggled while staring at the container.Taehyung shook his head at my playfulness and ate his food without another word. I ended up staying at the office to help him contact the firms via calls to book appointments with the professionals... and ultimately placed the company's phone down after endless inquiries with an aching head.The secretary suddenly brought us packed meals after the sun set over the city, so Taehyung told me to eat at his office. I ate my dinner while skimming through the emails he asked me to send to the shareholders as he ate at his desk. Taehyung finally permitted me to head home after working overtime. He took me back to the penthouse after I asked him to stop by a Chinese restaurant to pack meals for Yangcha. 11:20 PM."Jagi~ I'm home!" I announced, pushing the door open expecting him to be in front of the TV screen, but the penthouse was dark. I pursed my lips and glanced at Yangcha's work boots on the rack."Is he still at work?" I mumbled. He hadn't sent me any texts after he told me he was heading home first because I was working overtime. Sighing, I placed the food package on the coffee table and strolled inside the room to find Yangcha sleeping on his side, facing the opposite wall in my dark room. I tiptoed to his side and gently tapped his shoulder to wake him... but Yangcha wouldn't budge and calmly breathed with his eyes closed."Hey. I brought you food," I whispered, trying my best not to startle him in his sleep.Yangcha stirred with his eyes closed and turned to face the other side. Huh...? Yangcha is a very light sleeper though. Whatever. He must be exhausted. I sighed and strolled into the shower to take a quick bath, walked into the closet to put on my gown, and finally slipped in beside Yangcha to sleep. He'll wake up to eat once he's hungry.
Next Morning.
I woke up early again on the Sunday morning to prepare the meals in the kitchen but halted once I noticed Yangcha limping... out of the bedroom and into the living room. The alpha strangely didn't greet me as he grumpily sat down with his head tilted against the headrest and closed his eyes."I heated the meals for you. Did you eat anything last night?" I asked from the kitchen while marinating the chicken breasts with my plastic glove."No," Yangcha shortly replied. I halted and glanced at the alpha as he calmly sat on the couch."You went to bed with an empty stomach?" I asked in shock. Why didn't he eat anything? He could've heated the leftovers in the fridge."Yeah," Yangcha replied. My chest stirred uneasily at his brief yes and no response. What's with his attitude?"You should eat then," I sighed and turned to cook the meals, finally strolling inside the bedroom to get dressed after prepping everything and walked back out, only to freeze in place when I realized the food was still untouched on the coffee table... and Yangcha was... staring unblinkingly at the city view. I could feel it. The somber atmosphere. I cautiously... rounded the couch and slowly approached him with a slight frown. Still, Yangcha... didn't look at me."Are you upset?" I asked, sitting beside him on the couch."No," Yangcha replied, refusing to acknowledge me with his dim gaze. I grimaced at his persistent unresponsiveness to my concerns."Are you going to eat the meal or not? If not. Then I'll pack it and leave the penthouse," I sighed in frustration."I'm not hungry," He replied.I gripped my fists in annoyance as he coldly stared at the city with a gloomy expression, so I hastily got up and tried to stomp away but was firmly tugged back when I felt a tight grip around my wrist. I pursed my lips, startled by the immense strength around me, and turned to find Yangcha... clutching securely onto my wrist.He was staring at me with a slightly... angered frown... so I grimaced and tried to tug my hand in an attempt to free myself from him... but he only tightened his grip and tensed his body at my withdrawal. His ears suddenly glowed bright red, making me freeze with an uneasy feeling as I scanned his bizarre reaction. What's with this behavior...?"Keep up with the attitude, and I'll leave you to sulk-" I scolded in irritation but was cut short when I felt Yangcha shaking on the couch. I pursed my lips in horror as his unblinking eyes unexpectedly swelled with tears, so I glanced down at the firm grip and back at him as he glared at me with his upset... yet angered expression...? Shit. Is he mad?He won't release me no matter how many times I tugged my wrist... and I knew... I couldn't overpower his strength because my hands were starting to go numb from the pressure.
The discomfiting pain... is worsening but I refused to snap at him.
"Hey...? Hey. Why are you crying...? What's the matter? Hmm...?" I exhaled heavily, suddenly softening my voice upon his alarming behavior. Yangcha clenched his jaw intensely, so I carefully stepped forward to pat his cheek... but he quickly turned his face away to dodge my touch, still refusing to ease his grip around my wrist. Fuck. I've never seen him this upset before. Is he mad? Or is he upset? I can't tell."I'm sorry. Okay? I didn't mean to lash out at you- Whatever it is. Will you talk to me?" I worriedly asked, slowly crawling onto his lap as I attempted to catch his burning eyes.Yangcha finally averted his glowering gaze to me after an intense minute of silence between us, so I pursed my lips anxiously at the sight of his visible tear streams... slipping... from his lower lashes... and his lips... slightly trembling in distress... making my chest churn in discomfort as he struggled to contain his overflowing emotions. I cautiously lifted my hand to pat his cheek with a restless feeling.He refused to release my wrist regardless of my comforting strokes. I am confused but more worried about his unstable state. Yangcha didn't avoid my touch this time... so I rubbed his warm tears with my thumb... as the alpha... scowled at me with his loud muteness. I softened my gaze and leaned forward to give him a soft peck on the lips. The alpha didn't blink and frowned at me, so I tilted my face to kiss him gently with my love strokes. Yet, he didn't respond and remained stiff under me. I rubbed his cheek worriedly after pulling away to examine the swelling tears."I love you. Okay...? Will you calm down for me?" I whispered. Yangcha gritted his jaws in response, so I exhaled and leaned forward to hug him, gently patting his back as he stubbornly clutched my sore right wrist. Why isn't he calming down?!"You said to hold you when I get the urge to kill," Yangcha finally whispered.I sucked in my breath, suddenly freezing against his shaky torso with my terrified eyes on the opposite wall. He's heating up. Yangcha wants... to kill? I can't feel my wrist. Should I run? Sora. This is dangerous. If he loses control- I blinked out of my thoughts and slowly pulled away to search his infuriated glare. I can feel it... his body... trembling beneath me as he defied the dangerous temptation."Here. Hold my other hand," I offered, lifting my left hand.Yangcha lowered his eyes to my fingers and seized them as well. I didn't wince at the painful grip and composedly sat on him with an attentive stare on his hot tear streams. This is the first time. He's never shown me the urge to slaughter before- Sora! He wants to kill you! You should be cautious- But what happened?"A-Aren't you scared?" He asked, slightly frowning at me as I calmly waited for him to cool down."You're not a threat to me. I trust you. Take your time," I shook my head.Yangcha frowned at my sympathetic response as he struggled to contain himself, so I smiled and leaned forward to kiss him again. His fuming hot breath... searing dangerously against my face, but I didn't wince and persistently stroked my lips over his... until... I felt him easing his grips around my aching wrists.I didn't break the kiss and proceeded to caress him at a steady pace. Yangcha eventually took a deep inhale against my face and finally released my wrists from his firm clutch... so I raised my numbed hands to encircle them around his neck while deepening our kiss until he weakly leaned back against the headrest in defeat."I-I'm sorry- Noona- I didn't mean to hurt you-" Yangcha weakly sobbed against my lips. I quickly pulled back to frown at his flustered face. The alpha suddenly broke down and lowered his head until his wet tears trickled all over his shirt."It's okay. I understand. I'm not upset-""I'm really sorry! Noona- I didn't mean- Please don't hate me- n-noona- I swear-" Yangcha lifted his desperate face to plead me in a small voice. I sorely scanned his torn gaze while rubbing his cheeks with a restless feeling. Sighing heavily, I leaned forward again to welcome him with my assuring embrace. Yangcha shakily sobbed and choked on his tears as he tightly hugged my waist, so I gently rubbed his nape to soothe his dangerous temptation.
Jae Yangcha had a psychotic episode.

Fuck. I am scared... but I'm even more scared of letting go of him.

If only I had resisted him out of impulse and left his side... I'd probably be dead by now.

A moment later.
Yangcha sniffled softly with his nose pressed against my shoulder as I calmly patted his back with an unblinking gaze on the blank wall behind the couch. It's been half an hour of listening to his frantic apologies. He keeps apologizing... and my shirt is... soaked with his warm tears. RING. RING. I blinked out of my thoughts and turned to look at my phone on the couch. Yangcha pulled away to reveal his puffy red eyes at the abrupt disturbance."I'll pick up the call for a brief moment. Okay?" I assured. He nodded and rubbed his tears as I grabbed the phone and got off his lap to answer it."I can't work today-""It's your second day!" Taehyung snapped."Yangcha is sick. I have to look after him-""Is he a child?!" Taehyung scoffed in disbelief."I'll visit the mansion later in the afternoon to perform my duties. Just please give me a day off," I replied. Taehyung scoffed on the other side of the line."Bring me lunch and be at the mansion before dinner," He grunted and hung up on me, so I lowered the phone and glanced at Yangcha, who was staring at his fingers with a blank expression. I blankly raised my wrists to inspect the bruises and finally walked towards the fridge to grab a cooling patch. Yangcha looked up at me in guilt as I sat beside him to place the cooling patch on his forehead. I felt it... his body... it's like a boiling kettle."I- I'm sorry-""I understand. You should eat. Hmm?" I nodded at the food. He pursed his lips and nodded, so I grabbed the rice bowl and quietly fed him with the spoon. Yangcha sniffled and chewed in silence, briefly peaking at my blankness before shifting his guilty eyes away."I can do it," He muttered, taking the bowl from my hand. I sighed deeply and let him feed himself as I quietly observed him. I was stupid for sticking around when he was having the attack. But maybe... running away was the worst thing I could do..?"Are you feeling better?" I asked, reaching out to pat his head. Yangcha nodded and gulped the water from the mug. I finally cleared the table after he ate and did the dishes."N-noona, are you mad-""No. You should shower. I'll leave for a moment... so stay calm, alright? I'll be right back," I shook my head as I dried my hands against my clothes."Okay," Yangcha nodded. He got up from the couch and walked away to shower as I instructed. I grabbed the lunch bag, left the penthouse, and walked through the lobby to find Taehyung sitting on the couch with his arms crossed."You seriously can't- What's wrong with your wrists?" Taehyung tried to scold me but halted with a startled expression once he noticed the fresh bruises around my wrists."Nothing. Take your lunch and leave. Yangcha is sick," I shook my head and pushed the meal into his arms."Yah. Is he hurting you-""No. I'm fine. Please leave. I made your favorite dish," I muttered dimly. Taehyung clenched his jaw unsurely while scanning my somber expression."Give me your phone," Taehyung demanded. I stared at his stubbornness and handed him my phone so Taehyung quickly typed on the screen."What now-""I'm your emergency contact. If that fucker... attempts to hurt you... press the emergency button," Taehyung pushed the phone back into my hand and stormed out the door before I could speak. I bitterly stared at Taehyung until he left in his car before taking the elevator back to the penthouse to find Yangcha sitting on my bed. He took a painkiller to numb his pain."What happened to your ankle?" I sighed, kneeling before his legs to examine the swollen bruise."I slipped at the warehouse," He muttered. I sighed and got back up to sit beside him. Yangcha pursed his lips at the bruise around my wrist."Did I... trigger you?" I asked, uneasily observing his grim expression. Yangcha shifted his startled gaze to me and back to my hands."I don't know. I just felt- really angry-""So you were angry?" I sighed. Yangcha nodded. He kills when he's angry?"I'm sorry-""Why were you angry? Because I came home late?" I asked. Yangcha nodded again."Noona- I'm usually not like this. I promise. I didn't know what got into me- Ah!-" Yangcha gasped, painfully gripping his forehead after I flicked him with my finger."You rascal! Did you think I was out having an affair?!" I snapped in irritation. Yangcha pursed his lips with a slight pout."I'm sorry~!" Yangcha whined."You could've just spoken to me! I trusted you, but you couldn't trust me!? Oh?!- Of course, I wanted to come home early to be with you-" I scolded him but was immediately cut short when Yangcha grabbed my cheeks, forcefully pressing his lips against mine to silence me. I tried to shove him away, but he refused to release me and tilted his head to suck away my breath with his active lips... until I gave in to his desperate strokes. Hngh~! I moaned intensely as he stifled my voice with his slick tongue."Forgive me. Oh? Sora, forgive me..." Yangcha frowned, pulling away with an apologetic expression. I softened my glare on him... and finally nodded in defeat while tasting his spit on my damp lips."I was never upset in the first place, you idiot," I smiled. Yangcha exhaled in relief at my positive reaction and pulled me into a crushing hug. The alpha pulled away to smile at me as I bit my lower lips. He drew me back in and breathily kissed me with his minty aftertaste... until I weakly laid back on the mattress."Can you not work overtime? I get really frustrated when you come home late because I'm worried about you," Yangcha softly muttered as he snuggled against my neck while lying over me. I sprawled weakly with my arms rested on the mattress."Kim Taeyung isn't an easy man to convince," I sighed. Yangcha groaned against me, so I gently rubbed his back to console him.
Evening.
"What's this?" Taehyung asked, looking up at me with a startled look as I entered his room to find him sitting at his desk. The alpha shifted his gaze to Yangcha, who sternly stood beside me."Uh- Well- He needed to get his ankle treated, so I brought him along," I awkwardly tried to explain. Taehyung glanced at Yangcha's bandaged ankle after the nurse fixed his injury and glanced at me in disbelief."Ah~ You're seriously giving me a headache-""It's illegal to force your employees to work overtime," Yangcha grimly muttered. Taehyung frowned at the alpha."She agreed to the work contract-""Araso. If Jang Sora works over time. Then I'll stay by her side until she's allowed to go home. Deal?- Deal!" Yangcha funnily argued, suddenly slumping on the couch with his arms crossed firmly over his chest."Y-Yah!-?! What are you doing?! G-Get out now!- Hah~! This is unbelievable! It's the second day of work! And you're already demanding a day off- only to show up with your psycho boyfriend in my private space?!" Taehyung groaned in distress while pulling his hair. Yangcha maintained a composed expression as he stared at the alpha harsh reaction to his presence. I nervously blinked at Taehyung, who appeared... as if he wanted to bang his head against the desk.
Taehyung finally gave in to Yangcha's stubbornness and let me work overtime at the mansion after we ate dinner in the dining hall. The elders weren't home, so we were practically the only ones there.

Jungkook is absent too. Maybe he's doing his routine workout session at the suite with Hwa-young again...?
"Make yourself useful since you're here," Taehyung muttered, tossing a file at Yangcha, who was sitting on the couch in my bedroom to watch me type on my laptop as I sat crossed-legged on the floor before the coffee table. Taehyung didn't want Yangcha in his room, so he agreed to let me work in my bedroom instead. Yangcha glared at Taehyung as he picked up the files."Seriously?-""I need you to break into my fintech firewall protocol to locate the loophole. So I can direct my team to address it. I have to test our cyber security before the launch," Taehyung nodded at the file loaded with a descriptive overview of the software. Yangcha quietly grimaced as Taehyung handed him a technical laptop. The alpha grew hushed as he carefully read the document and finally started programming for Taehyung as I researched the suggested law firms.
Well. Strangely. Taehyung and Yangcha got along really well. They bickered a lot, and Taehyung would attempt to throw himself off his balcony whenever he was frustrated... but Yangcha's programming skills were very helpful for the fintech development. He found many loopholes, so Taehyung had to ask his team to work on reassembling firewalls to avoid undesirable issues. It was agreed between us that... I would only work overtime at the mansion, and Yangcha must be present to prevent misunderstandings between us at home.
I quietly sat at the edge of the bed to apply the cream on Yangcha's ankle as he softly snored on the mattress until I noticed Taehyung standing by the doorway with his arms crossed. He dimly stared at me without speaking. Yangcha sleeps really early and he's also a light sleeper. That's why I never stayed up late and would head to bed with him before my usual curfew to ensure that he was getting enough rest."Wae?" I unsurely frowned at Taehyung's muteness."I just find it a little... amusing that... you're willing to care for him when you're... usually the one getting cared for," Taehyung whispered, nodding at Yangcha."He takes better care of me than I do for him," I shook my head.
Yangcha would do anything, and by anything, I mean he'd run through the rainstorm to get me medications if I was feeling unwell. He'd never hesitate to grab my women's necessities while he was out and would stay up all night and day to look after me when I was sick. Even if he couldn't cook, he'd always bring home fruits and snacks. He often completes my work when I'm asleep... even if he's not used to staying up late. I don't care what people say about our problematic relationship. We're happy together, so there shouldn't be an issue.
"Did Jungkook speak to you?" Taehyung asked, suddenly switching the topic."No. He's still upset. I don't know why he's so reactive to my relationship," I muttered. Jungkook has been ignoring me for a while now and refuses to speak to me."He likes you. Isn't it obvious?" Taehyung muttered. I softly scoffed while bandaging Yangcha's feet."I don't remember him being this petty when he likes someone," I shrugged."If he couldn't care less about your well-being... you'd never even witness his effort... in trying to reach you," Taehyung shrugged."You care. But you're not upset with me. It's his nature to be a jerk because... I stopped trying to please him," I shrugged. Taehyung grew hushed before letting out a heavy sigh."I need you to finalize the report by next week," Taehyung muttered, strolling off without another word. I got up from the bed to place the kit away, gave Yangcha a soft peck on his cheek, and left to work in Taehyung's room.__________________________
A week later.
Kim Taehyung drove me home after our exhausting schedule at the fintech firm as I rubbed my sore neck to soothe the ache. He dropped by a restaurant earlier so I could pack dinner to share with Yangcha. I don't have any schedule tomorrow since it's Monday. Taehyung will take care of the corporation... and I can finally rest after the intense three-day shift."Eomma got ginseng from China. Give it to him," Taehyung handed me a box of supplements from his driver's seat."Wae? Are you growing fond of him too?" I chuckled as I accepted it."He should stay healthy so you don't have to treat him like a helpless child," Taehyung bitterly shook his head.I smiled and waved at him before turning to enter the penthouse. Taehyung didn't leave and waited in his car until I entered the elevator. The door slid open on the vacant corridor, so I happily strolled towards the penthouse and entered with my belongings- CRASH. I halted- at the alarming crashing sound from the living room. THUD. THUD.The lights within the room were off... but the space was dimly lit... by the city lights. I stood in the doorway with my arms full of bags and files as a swift movement raced across the room. My eyes widened in horror as the person head locked Yangcha from behind, who was struggling to free himself from the attacker. The alpha grunted, angrily flinging his arms elbow as he stood over the shattered coffee table, slamming the force directly into the stranger's masked face. Thump! I stiffed in shock as the person resisted the painful blow to their nose and strangled Yangcha even harder."ARGH!" Yangcha bellowed, swiftly hip-throwing the intruder off his back- CRASH! The person violently flung across the room at his immense force, colliding hard into our humidifier stand. The sharp shards suddenly shattered to the ground as Yangcha stood up with his hand clasped over his sore throat and a furious glower directed at the person, who was now rolling on the floor with their hands clutched around their injured ribs."Y-Yangcha-""Noona! Leave!-" Yangcha snapped when I tried to walk forward.I froze in shock when the intruder suddenly launched to their feet and bolted straight at Yangcha with a sharp shard. Thud. I dropped my bags and files, unconsciously rushing towards Yangcha, whose eyes widened in horror. He quickly snatched the cushion from the couch to intercept the sharp end with the fluffy cotton as the person violently swung the broken glass at the alpha. Poof! The light feathers exploded from the cushion through the deep tear. The attacker suddenly swept Yangcha off his feet, sending him tumbling over the shattered glasses on the floor."Hey?! YAH!-" I gasped, rushing forward to seize the person's shoulder, but the person suddenly shoved me aside, sending me staggering onto the couch. The attacker quickly pinned Yangcha onto the floor as he struggled to sit up and swiftly raised the shard above his head in an attempt to stab him again."Noona! You have to leave-""ARGH!" I screamed, angrily bolting at the person to secure my arm around her throat- forcefully wrestling her onto the floor before she could puncture Yangcha with the shard.She tried to resist me, but I struck her face with my fist and grabbed her wrists to disable the shard from her grip. She suddenly flung me off her body with all her might before scrambling to her feet- but I quickly swept my leg across the floor to trip her until she tilted backward and slammed hard onto the rough floor. She grunted in shock as Yangcha frantically scrambled to his feet. He sprinted forward as she roughly forced her body off the floor and thrust her leg upward in an attempt to kick his chest.Yangcha didn't flinch at the mere miss of her deadly boots and grabbed her ankle- wildly hauling her across the room, sending her tumbling into me- so I quickly head-locked her from behind until she kicked the couch with all her might to shove the both of us backward- FUCK?! We collided roughly into the wall. THUMP.I grunted in pain as my back slammed into the solid concrete... but I refused to release her and violently grabbed her hair to restrain her. The woman groaned in pain as I yanked on her scalp. She frantically thrashed within my grip until I toppled and fell to the ground... so she hastily shoved me away- but I angrily snatched her mask as I tackled her backward with all my strength to pin her shoulders on the floor."YURI?!" I gasped, halting in shock while hovering over her familiar face. Yuri's eyes suddenly flashed in horror as she lay beneath me with her hands around my throat. My heart... thumping out of control as I frantically tried to process her unexpected presence. Am I looking at the right person!?"Sora!- What are you doing here?!" Yuri grunted, suddenly releasing me in a panic after she recognized me. I quickly sat up on her torso as she pushed her body off the floor in disbelief. I couldn't comprehend how she was sitting before me when I thought she was still living abroad! I stared at her familiar facial structure with my mouth hanging open, utterly shaken by her appearance. What's happening?!"I should be asking you that question!-" I gasped, quickly grabbing her hands as her nose bled severely from the blunt force but was cut short once I noticed Yangcha storming towards Yuri with a kitchen knife clenched in his hand."Sora-""Yangcha! Wait!-" I gasped, shoving Yuri aside, quickly scrambling onto my feet to block him from her. Yangcha didn't seem to hear me as he marched forward without stopping, so I turned toward Yuri in horror. I quickly rushed towards the alpha- but he swiftly grabbed my shoulder and violently shoved me backward. No- No! Yangcha is going crazy again!"HEY?!" Yuri gasped, pulling me out of Yangcha's path in a panic. The alpha kept his possessed blank pupils on her. Yuri swiftly tugged me behind her back with her sharp eyes trained on him as he murderously stormed forward with his hostile darkness."Yuri- stop-""Who is he?!" Yuri snapped as she cautiously backed away from Yangcha."He's my fiancé!- YANGCHA!" I screamed in fear when he suddenly bolted forward with the knife raised above his head. Yuri roughly thrust me aside, quickly seizing Yangcha's wrist to stop him from slashing her with the blade but was caught off guard when he suddenly snatched her neck with his other hand.I tumbled hard onto the couch as Yuri suddenly gagged within his deadly grip. She smacked his chest repeatedly, but it was useless as he attempted to shove the knife towards her. Yuri firmly held his wrist to hold back the silver blade... and to my absolute terror... Yangcha clenched his jaw until his muscular body bulked up... with the assistance of... his raging... evil.Slowly... very effortlessly... Yangcha lifted Yuri off the floor by her neck with one arm. My pupils flashed in terror as I watched his alarming state. Yuri started gagging in pain as her shoes grazed helplessly over the glass shards on the floor. THUMP! Yangcha violently thrust the woman against the wall, pinning her with one arm while hovering the polished knife over her face with his other hand as Yuri desperately restrained his wrist with her remaining strength. The alpha clenched his jaw at her resistance and tilted his evil-infested face forward to glare right at her with his pitch-black eyes."Ah?!- Fucking bastard!-" Yuri grunted in difficulty as she thumped her head in distress against the wall. Blood dripping... heavily from her nostrils... and her sweat... beading all over her forehead as she desperately forced the sharp blade away from her face."Yangcha! HEY! Wake up! YANGCHA?!!?" I screamed in a panic, fearfully dashing towards him. Yangcha didn't budge as I hugged his waist to tow him backward. He was like a solid statue... cemented in place.What's with him!? Can't he hear me!?! Yangcha suddenly tried to thrust the knife forward again, so I cried in horror and grabbed his thick forearm with both my hands to tug the blade from Yuri's bulging eyeballs. She's turning blue!Yangcha sternly glared at the woman without blinking, stubbornly refusing to lower the knife as I begged him in tears. Yuri screwed her face in distress while struggling to gasp for air with her legs dangling hopelessly against the wall. My heart started pounding out of control at how powerful Jae Yangcha was... as the uncontrollable darkness consumed his paralyzed senses."R-Run- Sora- Leave-" Yuri weakly shifted her tearful eyes to me. I sobbed in distress as I clenched my teeth while struggling to tow his muscular arm backward. I can't! I can't leave her to die and I can't let him make another kill!The alpha suddenly thrust the sharpened steel forward again, causing my eyes to widen in horror as it shifted toward her eyeballs. Yuri grunted in distress as she desperately struggled under the pressure of being strangled while being pinned to the wall with her vulnerable throat... cuffed between his deadly grips. "ARH!" I screamed, unconsciously grabbing the blade tip with my bare hands to stop it from sinking into Yuri's pupils. Yuri grunted in pain as Yangcha darkly pushed the blade between my hands, making me whimper in shock as the knife painfully slashed my flesh with its thin edge. This can't be happening!"YANGCHA PLEASE!?- CAN YOU HEAR ME!? WAKE UP WILL YOU!? I'M BLEEDING!?" I cried in desperation as I gripped the blade with my torn flesh to stop it from hurting Yuri... but Yangcha stood blankly with his deadly grips around Yuri's throat, relentlessly... suffocating her. She'll either die from being strangled or from being stabbed!
WHACK.
Yangcha suddenly wobbled to the floor at the unexpected blunt impact on his neck. I shrieked in fear until my eyes widened at the swift movement as Yuri weakly tumbled onto the floor. Thump! They both slammed onto the scattered shards. I stood in absolute shock after Yangcha and Yuri... unexpectedly collapsed to the ground. I can't breathe.Slowly... I shifted my tearful eyes to another person while holding onto the bloody blade as the man stared at Yangcha in utter bewilderment. His face... turning paler by the second as he heavily panted beside me."Fuck!?-" Taehyung gasped, wildly turning to stare at my bloody hands in horror as I held onto the blade. Too... afraid... to let go because my flesh was aching too much between the piercing blade.My thick blood... dripping between my shaky fingers. I finally found my voice and cried in distress... causing a flood of tears to sting my burning cheeks. Yuri coughed in pain while rubbing her wounded neck. She suddenly slumped against the wall with a bleeding nose and pale complexion, weakly flopping to the side... as Yangcha sprawled on the floor with his eyes closed.Taehyung quickly grabbed a towel from my room and carefully removed the knife from my hands... making me whimper in pain as he compressed the towel against my fresh wounds."We have to leave-""No!-""Sora! You saw him!-""He'll only grow more upset if I leave! And I can't leave Yuri!" I stubbornly cried in fear. Taehyung clenched his jaw before darting Yuri a conflicted glare as she unconsciously sat against the wall with Yangcha's handprint around her bruised throat. He will kill her.
A moment later.
I quietly sat beside Yangcha as he remained unconscious on the bed. Taehyung contacted the head doctor for assistance, so the man visited earlier to treat my wound and left after he inspected Yuri and Yangcha's wounds.
This is a misunderstanding! The conflict will only escalate if I flee out of fear.
"Uh- N-Noona!?- Noona-" Yangcha suddenly jerked awake, frantically searching the room with his active pupils. He's awake. The darkness has once again... left him disoriented. The alpha halted in shock as soon as he noticed me... sitting beside him on the bed."Noona!" He gasped, towing me into a crushing hug, and quickly pulled away to inspect my bandaged hands in shock. Yangcha pursed his lips and shifted his startled gaze to me in tears."Are you sure... you're under control?" I asked, dimming my eyes on his unstable condition."I- I'm sorry! Noona- There was an intruder! She attacked me- so I-""She's my friend," I whispered. Yangcha pursed his lips. His face... draining of blood."What-""I don't know what happened either. But right now... I need you to remain stable," I shook my head. Yangcha clenched his jaw and lowered his eyes to my injured palms. He grunted in distress and rubbed his forehead to beat himself for his failure to retain control of himself."Noona..." He whispered, lifting his apologetic face to scan my pale expression. I shook my head and leaned forward to hug him with a stuffy chest."I want to tell you that everything... is okay and that I'm fine... but your attacks... it scares me. Yangcha. I'm scared," I whimpered restlessly as he held me against his chest. He shakily exhaled while tightening his grip around my waist."I'm sorry. I know you're frightened," Yangcha apologized. I closed my eyes and held tightly onto his shoulder. We sat in utter silence... until we heard a soft knock on the door. Taehyung pushed the door open."She's conscious," Taehyung announced. I nodded and lowered my bandaged hand to hold Yangcha's. I pulled him onto his feet... so he firmly held onto me, and we slowly exited the bedroom to find Yuri sitting up on the couch with her palms pressed against her bandaged face.Yangcha tensely stared at her until she lifted her dark gaze to glare at him as I led the alpha to the opposite couch. Taehyung anxiously stood with his arms crossed as the two warily glowered at each other."I'm sure there was a misunderstanding. Yuri. This is Jae Yangcha. My fiancé. And Yangcha. This is Yuri. My former roommate," I calmly introduced them to each other."Why did you attack me?" Yangcha grunted in displeasure. Yuri clenched her jaw, pulled out a folded piece of paper from her leather jacket, and tossed it onto the table."Someone hired me to kill you," Yuri muttered. Taehyung frowned at her blunt confession and lowered his gaze to the paper. I reached for it and unfolded the creases to find a few pictures of Yangcha printed on the paper."Who? Who sent you after him?" Taehyung questioned, unsurely glancing at Yuri."I don't know. A friend referred the mission to me," Yuri shrugged. Yangcha dimly pursed his lips. Someone hired Yuri to kill Yangcha...?"Is it one of the alphas?" I asked Taehyung."Possible," Taehyung nodded. I gripped Yangcha's hand and glanced back at Yuri's weary expression. She looks ill. Is she alright? There were dark circles beneath her eyes."Yuri. Can you confirm... whoever is responsible for the kill order?" I asked anxiously. Yuri clenched her jaw and glared at Yangcha again."It's a cult. For all I know. They told me he's an infamous serial killer," She darkly mumbled. Taehyung quickly glanced at me with a startled look. A cult?"The Black Phoenix," Yangcha whispered in horror and lifted his face to stare at Yuri with a hardened expression. She glanced at us unsurely. The society... is also a cult. Which side... is after him?"They're seeking revenge because you hurt the heir," Taehyung sighed, sitting down with his face lowered. I anxiously frowned at Yuri as she rubbed her bruised neck with her sharp eyes on Yangcha, who was blankly staring at her as he clenched onto my bandaged hand for stability.
Yuri left the penthouse after we settled the matter... and she agreed she wouldn't attempt to attack Yangcha again because she didn't want to be involved with me.
Meanwhile, Taehyung insisted that I leave with him because he was afraid Yangcha would hurt me... but I refused and told him to head home. It took a bit of convincing to send Taehyung back to the mansion, and I finally returned to the penthouse to find Yancha mopping the blood on the floor after he vacuumed the shattered glasses. I told him I was going to shower and finally stepped out of the bathroom to find him sitting on the bed, calmly waiting for me with a pale face. He anxiously glanced at my hands again."Is it aching?" He asked worriedly."Not as much," I shrugged. I took two painkillers prescribed by the head doctor. The man had applied numbing creams to the wounds so... it's not as painful."I'm really sorry," Yangcha worriedly pursed his lips."Let's go on a date tomorrow," I muttered, sitting beside him. Yangcha turned to look at me with a confused frown."A date?" He asked."Oh. Coming to think of it... we've never been on a date before," I nodded. Yangcha gently hugged me on my side and snuggled his face against my neck to inhale my soothing scent."She's Chung Manseok's daughter," Yangcha muttered. I froze."What?" I blinked at him."You should've let me eliminate her. She's a deadly weapon," Yangcha lowered his gaze to his hands."Yangcha-""She will return. And the next time she emerges from their flames... it's an order to kill you and your family," He dimmed his eyes. I pursed my lips in fright. Yuri?... She's the cult leader's daughter?! What?!- Dread suddenly filled me as I stared at Yangcha in bewilderment."I could've saved you so much trouble," Yangcha muttered, dimly staring at his hands in discontent. I tensely stared at the disappointment on his face. It's as if he wasn't satisfied... and somehow... he was still infested with the deadly darkness. It made me uneasy. Yangcha darkly shifted his dim gaze to me... causing my body to stiffen in place upon witnessing the unmistakable darkness within his pupils.
I realized.

Stopping... Jae Yangcha from making his kill... doesn't actually calm his raging blood thirst.

The failure to spill blood... will only... make him feel more restless... and the repressed... urge... will ultimately erupt again with his evil... to unleash his menacing intention... to slaughter.

Did I really believe I could feed the Black Jarguar my affection and expect him to be full...?
"Give me a kiss," I smiled."Hmm?" Yangcha blinked out of thought, so I pucker my lips with my eyes closed. Yangcha leaned forward to rest his lips on mine, making me smile at his obedience."You've already spilled blood today. My blood," I exhaled, pulling away to stare affectionately at his eyes. Yangcha frowned and glanced at my lips again. I think I'm crazy at this point. He lifted my bandaged hands and gently pressed his lips against the cotton before shifting his lips to mine."The more... lenient you are with my mistakes... the more my soul burns for you. You're aware, right?" Yangcha asked, pulling away to stare at my eyes. Why am I smiling after almost dying at his hands? I didn't know. What's wrong with me? This is a dangerous gamble."I'd bleed for you without hesitation, but... I'm mortal. If I keep bleeding... I'll wither and die. Is that what you need? For me to die for love?" I asked curiously. Yangcha inspected my face as he gently caressed the side of my neck with his thumb."No. I won't let you die no matter what," Yangcha shook his head."So are you going to defy our destiny?" I chuckled."The only divine entity I serve is you. And for you. I will burn down heaven and drown hell to keep you by my side... in the living realm," He stared at me with a fond gaze. I chuckled weakly at his determination to prove his devotion to me."You're turning me into a sinner," I whispered. I want to commit crimes for him. Whatever he's provoking inside me... is a guilty pleasure that I'm savoring."A goddess doesn't sin, Sora," Yangcha shook his head.
How can a goddess sin with a death angel by her side...?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
I held onto the wall for support while putting on my black boots by the door with my small handbag strapped around my loose beige cardigan and ankle-length white skirt. It's my day off from work today, and Yangcha agreed to go out with me for the first time after the incident last night. My palms are still recovering, but I figured there was a more critical problem to address before it's too late.Yangcha. My first resolution for dealing with his random murderous episode is to help him relieve his stressful mind and feelings. Perhaps a day out will help him loosen himself a little...? Beep.The door opened, and Yangcha appeared in his sweaty shirt after he left earlier this morning to complete his early shift at the warehouse. He halted by the doorway once he noticed my light makeup and white ribbon clips in my hair."Hah~! I got a little too excited!- Shower quickly! Let's go~!" I eagerly nudged him."I don't feel like going out," Yangcha muttered, turning towards the shoe rack to pull off his boots and place them on the shelves. I frowned at his blank expression until he strolled off to shower in the bathroom. He's been withdrawn since the attack last night.
A moment later.
"Why aren't you dressed up...?" I asked, unsurely staring at Yangcha as he strolled out of the bedroom to slump on the couch in his casual clothes. I have been waiting for him by the door."Can we go another time?" Yangcha asked, turning to stare at me in disinterest. He doesn't want to go out...? I gripped my purse with a slight frown upon his unwavering refusal to leave with me."Sure," I replied, turning to grab the door handle. Click."Noona...?- Where are you going- Noona!" Yangcha called for my attention but was immediately cut short when I slammed the door shut to lock out his voice, blankly strolling towards the elevator and stepping inside the compartment... just as the door to my penthouse flung open.Yangcha appeared... bewildered by my determination to leave. He quickly stepped out into the corridor to stare at me with his lips ajar, so I blankly stared at his startled expression. Beep. I click the close pad on the screen. The alpha scoffed and attempted to dash forward on his bare feet to stop me from leaving the floor, but he didn't make it."Noona!- Wait-" Yangcha gasped... but it was too late. He disappeared from my view as the elevator sealed the gap between the automated doors, and the lift descended downward.I leaned back against the wall with my eyes fixed on my bandaged hands. I'll spend time alone if he's determined to stay locked up in the penthouse. I'm unable to think clearly, so I'll just have fun on my own because... coming to think of it... I've never really...fully enjoyed my personal time.
A moment later.
I cluelessly blinked at the menu board over the busy cashier counter in a random cafe I entered after hailing a taxi ride to a central neighborhood. A few customers were relaxing at the tables with their drinks and appetizers. A coffee date. It's what... I've always wanted to try because they always do it on the TV screen."Hello. What would you like to have today?" The staff greeted me after the man before me ordered his drink, so I stepped forward to rest my bandaged hands on the counter with my curious gaze on the menu. Should I get something new? I don't feel like drinking the same drink."Can I have the peach green tea without sugar," I smiled at her."Would you like an appetizer?" She asked while tapping on the screen to process my order. I glanced at the display with a slight smile."I'll have the lemon-filled muffins," I smiled. I politely thanked the cashier and wandered off to sit on a cushioned stool by the window. This is weirdly peaceful...? It's not as exciting as I anticipated, but it's very calming... in a sense? To appreciate my own company without the obligation to speak or interact with anyone else.I glanced at the averages as they enjoyed their mid-morning snacks over a glass of warm latte or cold ice drinks. I've never... gone out like this before. You see. I was a  miserable child in the States, so I'd attend school early in the morning and return home afterward.
No one wanted to be my friend during the first few years there because I was a foreigner and I couldn't speak their language. Carla adopted me into her friend group once I reached high school, and I'd find myself hanging around my friends often.

Not so miserable anymore, but still a loner.

They were nice to me, but I was a quiet kid. Didn't like to speak much. Didn't like to take risks. I was always timid and nervous. It's unlike my nature because I was always the loud, chatty... and fussy child back home. But I lost my innocence once I arrived at the unknown land.

I was afraid of being rejected by my circle of friends due to my past trauma of being abandoned by my parents, so I'd agree to do whatever they suggested out of fear of being an outcast again. However, my friends knew I was never... a risk-taker... so they never pushed me to do things against my will.

I consider myself lucky, really. They were my good friends. Actually. They always had crazy stories to tell about their vacations over their summer break.

But me...? There was nothing... I could speak of. All I could recall was the series of traumatic events throughout my life. I was almost murdered in my house by intruders. My mom drove my first love's mother crazy. The person I considered my brother killed his uncle in cold blood, and I was drowned at a port. I saw my first love... getting hit by a car. So much. There was so much going on, but I was forbidden to speak of it.
"I hope it suits your taste," The staff smiled, placing the tray on my table so I thanked the lady for her service. I sipped the tea from the straw with my eyes on the cute muffin on the pink plate.

The main characters always go on cute dates like this in the dramas. It's funny. Although I'm active with my love life... from man to man... I'd move from lovers to lovers, yet I've never experienced anything as... simple as going on a date at a local coffee store. A coffee date is popular amongst the average but not the alphas because... I doubt any of my past lovers would enjoy this kind of outing.

They're busy men. The heirs of wealthy households.

Kim Seokjin and Kim Taehyung... are both work-oriented individuals. I don't blame them. They were never raised to fool around and waste their time on such... useless cafe breaks. The alphas... were strictly trained to be the next most secured leader, and therefore... they never bothered about the... worthless... hopeless romantic dates.

Even Yangcha is reluctant to walk publicly in the free world. How can any of the alphas... walk carelessly without being a target? We're too miserable for a coffee date.

And because of that... I usually spend my time with my lover in our private spaces to avoid public attention. Whether it's Seokjin's villa. Or Taehyung's bedroom or my penthouse with Yangcha... I'm always enclosed by thick walls.

It sucks... really. I don't want to live my life as the snobbish wealthy heir. Not anymore. I'm sick and tired of everything I have. I've grown tired of stepping over the perfectly polished tiles and carpets after the maids exhaustively performed their work to serve me, only for me to ruin their efforts with my dirty shoes.

The boring... expensive gifts, overflowing flowers from men and the usual high-class meals. I loathe it. Everything about the high-society lifestyle.

One might think I'm blessed, and I am. I know.

I should be grateful. But I've grown up with so much... materialistic things... it's starting to bore me. At the end of the day, it's just another gem on my necklace, another pretty flower that will wither, another luxurious meal that will rot in my stomach, and the same... high ceilings shielding me from changing weather.
I blinked out of my thoughts while sipping the drink when a familiar person passed by the window. Yangcha abruptly halted once he spotted me sitting inside the cafe, so I cleared my throat and looked down at my drink as he dimly stared at me from the sidewalk. The alpha finally stepped into the cafe after he located me. He left to make his order before sitting on the empty stool beside mine. I didn't acknowledge his presence as he sat quietly with his jacket's hood over his head.
He found me. I wonder how he does it? Taehyung claimed my phone wasn't tracked... but Yangcha somehow... always knew where I was. It's weird, but I'm not bothered by it anymore. It's not his intention to hurt me.
"Your hands are barely healed," He muttered, glancing at my bandaged palms. I didn't reply and ate my lemon muffin with a bitter stare on the busy street. Yangcha grimaced and scooted his stool close to mine until we sat shoulder to shoulder, facing the streets. "I found it in your jacket while doing laundry the other day," I muttered after a moment, carefully drawing out a pack of cigarettes to place it on the table."I don't smoke anymore," Yangcha sighed, grabbing the empty pack to place it in his pocket."Why?" I asked."Because you hate the odor," He muttered.
Yangcha used to smell like cigars during our early days together. He never smoked nearby, but I knew he'd try to de-stress himself with the toxic sticks whenever I was not around because he'd reek of the ashy burnt wood.
He quit his addiction after I told him the scent made me sick, and Yangcha has always smelt clean since. So I was a bit surprised to find the empty cigarette pack inside his pocket. I shoved the remaining muffin in my cheek to stuff my mouth and chewed dully until the staff arrived to deliver Yangcha's drink. He got a matcha drink. Yangcha quietly stirred his drink and glanced at me, but I didn't look at him, so he sighed and rested his head on my shoulder with his eyes on the passing cars. I didn't speak and sipped my drink."Go back home if you're tired. I'm not upset. If that's why you're following me around," I muttered. Yangcha didn't speak as he leaned against me."I'm not tired. I just wanted you to heal first," Yangcha shook his head as he patted my bandage."This is the kind of healing I need," I muttered. Yangcha inhaled deeply and lifted his face to stare at me. Did he think I'd be bothered by the mere cuts on my flesh when he's struggling to control his tendencies to chase people with a knife?"Someone sent a killer after me, Sora. I might put you in danger if I carelessly wander around with you. It's not that I don't want to spend time out here but because I don't want to compromise your safety-""So? At least I'll die with a pretty face and these cute ribbons. Why else did you think I dressed up today?" I shrugged. Yangcha stared at me in disbelief. If I die today, so be it! Does it matter? I should at least look gorgeous before I die! I finally turned to face him with my eyebrow raised. He tensely scanned my dolled-up face until his face flushed red."You're pretty-""Did you just notice?- Ah-! Stay away~! Don't ruin my effort!" I sorely grumbled when he tried to kiss me, but I shoved my palm against his face to push him away. He'll ruin my expensive makeup products with his crusty chapped lips!"Noona~ Stop being so cold~!" He whined while gripping onto my wrist. I grimaced at his slight frown and shook my head, stubbornly refusing to let him kiss me.
Men should at least put in some effort to please their women! Oh? Does it make sense?! Why am I the only one trying to appear all cute and pretty when he's barely doing anything but try to touch and kiss me in his basic clothes? Did he even brush his teeth?! Or washed his dirty hands before touching my spotless skin?! I bet not! Men just don't care!

Yangcha scooted the stool again, stubbornly hugging my waist and gently pecked my cheek, but I remained blank while sipping the drink. He repeatedly kissed my soft cheeks until... my lips curved upward at his adorable behavior. He might choke on the cosmetic powder on my face.Yangcha leaned in to peck my cheek once more, so I turned just in time to cushion his lips with mine. He paused, slightly pulling away to examine my face with a weak smile before leaning forward again to caress my lips with his. He always ruins my makeup. The boyfriend air is real. I'd be a pretty doll... and he'd immediately mess it up.
A moment later.
"I can't believe you!" I gasped as Yangcha led me inside Lotte World, packed with people of all ages. He agreed to go on a date with me, and this is where he insisted on coming?! Not here again! I almost died the last time I brought him here!"Remember our first date? You brought me here. I still have the ticket you bought for me," Yangcha opened his wallet to show me the old ticket, preserved in a plastic seal."Wah~! I'm seriously dating a child~!" I grimaced at the scary Viking Boat... swinging the soul out of the horrified participants on board. Yangcha chuckled as we walked hand in hand through the crowd. He insisted that we rent out the cute student uniforms... so... we're dressed up as high school students."People are looking at us!" Yangcha nudged my shoulder as he strode in his neat school uniform with a blue tie around his collar. He's really handsome. I glanced at the young women and teenage girls as they gawked at Yangcha's visual while passing by. I mean. He's tall. Attractive. Mature and smart.He's perfect... except for the psychotic serial killer  tendencies .

Even the men and young guys were enviously staring at the alpha. So that's why he didn't dress up? Because of the attention he'll get? He was a homeless person earlier, but he's now... a powerful magnet... attracting almost everyone around us. And all it took was a cute school uniform and a little bit of my cherry chapstick on his crusty lips for him to glow like a superstar. That's quite unfair. I spent over an hour trying to pat in my cushion powder so it wouldn't look cakey on my face!"They're looking at you," I muttered as we stood on the escalator to ascend to the upper floor. A cute little girl... about five years old... suddenly reached out to pat Yangcha's cheek as her father carried her against his shoulder. They were standing on the higher step before us."Annyeong~!" Yangcha beamed at the little girl."You're handsome, oppa~!" She giggled, causing her soft ponytail to bounce from side to side.Yangcha lightly chuckled with a flushed face after receiving the compliment, making me frown at his bright beam as we stepped off the escalator and walked behind the man and his daughter. Yangcha reached out to hold her extended arm, but I grabbed his bicep, suddenly dragging him aside to steer him away. Yangcha glanced at me with a startled expression. No! He can't give the little girl more attention when I'm right beside him!"I- I need to pee!- S-Stay here!" I stuttered, quickly releasing his arm with a flustered face, and hurried inside the restroom to attend to my business. Maybe we shouldn't have changed into the school uniforms?! He's distracting everyone with his visual! Ah~ I will go crazy. I sulkily strolled out of the busy restroom to find Yangcha... conversing with a few women."Can I have your phone number?" A pretty woman asked."Oh. No- I can't-""Wae? Do you have a girlfriend?" Another girl giggled, causing Yangcha's face to flush red."He has a wife!" I loudly spoke up, startling the youthful women. They wildly turned in my direction as I stormed up to them."Oh?- Really?" The long-haired girl gasped in shock. I firmly locked my arm around his arm to secure him, causing Yangcha to eye my possessive clutch with a questioning look. It's usually the guys surrounding a woman! Why is he being chased by women?! AHhdewjhq?!"This man. Is my husband," I blankly grabbed his cheeks and shook his head from side to side. The woman flushed red in embarrassment, so I lifted my hand to flaunt my engagement ring with pride- only to realize my hands were bandaged. Pause. The women stared at me awkwardly. I gulp in embarrassment and quickly grab Yangcha's hand to show them the ring instead, causing the alpha to chuckle at me. The women eventually apologized... and walked off in a hurry."Husband?" Yangcha nudged my shoulder as he steered me through the entrance, and we finally strolled into the wide opening of the amusement park, vibrating with the deafening frantic screams from the scary rides."Oh! You're my husband! How dare you flirt with other women when I'm not around! How disrespectful!- Scoot to the side!" I snapped, quickly switching sides to make Yangcha walk by the concrete railing so women wouldn't try to brush by him. Yangcha funnily chuckled as he walked by my side. So I fired him an annoyed glare, but he didn't seem to care and smiled right back."I wasn't flirting! Did you expect me to chase them with a knife?!" He complained. I glared at him with my eyebrows furrowed. He's enjoying it too much. The attention. Yangcha pursed his lips in a panic and cleared his throat at my fuming red face."Excuses!- Whatever! Go! Attract all the women you want! There are handsome men here too! So it won't be hard for me to search for another man!" I shoved him aside and stormed off in my boots."Hey! What's with the attitude?!-" The alpha snapped as he chased after me. I smiled weakly, bolted off between the gaps on the bridge and raced towards the looming castles as a scary ride to my side flung high above my head."Excuse me- sorry- I lost my wife- excuse me!" Yangcha loudly apologized to the passerby as he dashed after me between the packed spaces. I screeched in distress once he caught up with me, firmly seized my waist and hauled me backward until my back collided with his rock-hard chest."Let go!" I shrieked, but Yangcha refused and back-hugged me firmly, making me giggle as he tightly wrapped his strong arms around my waist."I know you're trying to initiate an argument so you'd have an excuse to sulk.... and I'll end up consoling you on the bench instead of playing on the rides," Yangcha grinned. My face flushed red."No- Ah!- Put me down?!! NOOOO!- I'll wait on the bench!" I screamed when Yangcha suddenly lifted me off the ground and effortlessly tossed me over his shoulder. I gasped in shock as he firmly held onto the back of my thighs beneath my short fitted skirt and strode off towards a tall Gyro drop."We'll start at level one," Yangcha teased, finally placing me down at the entrance to the ride. My eyes widened in fright at the shocking lift... that was as tall as a freaking building. No way!"Level one?! That's a free ride to hell! Argh- No!- AH~~~!" I argued, frantically trying to push past him... but Yangcha effortlessly hooked my waist with his strong arm and pulled me back until the line of people shifted their attention to our chaotic commotion."Magic pass for two," Yangcha smiled at the staff waiting by the VIP line. My eyes widened in horror as the man opened the gate for us so we didn't have to wait. Yangcha swiftly grabbed my hips to lift me up the stairs because he knew I'd try to sprint back down."Babe!- Hah- Listen to me-! Hey- Listen to me!!!""We'll be fine~""Babe- Seriously- Jamkkanman! Jamkkanman!- Ahh~~~! Listen to me first! No-""Noona! Everyone is eyeing us weirdly-""Wait- Wait- let me explain! Ah!" I repeatedly pressed my bandaged hands against Yangcha's chest to stop him from walking forward as he held onto my waist and guided me over the path until I was walking backward. I tried to sprint past him again, but he effortlessly blocked my way, secured his forearm around my waist again, and spun me around. Fuck!"Explain? Then why are you running?" He chuckled, making me groan in distress as he urged me forward while back-hugging my frail body."Are you trying to kill me?!" I snapped as Yangcha dragged me through the line, passing by the ordinary players on the standard path. I gripped his hand nervously and followed him to the entrance as the massive circular seats plunged from the sky, sending a blast of cold wind against my face, causing my loose hair to flutter everywhere. Whoosh!My poor heart... started thumping in fear at the frantic screams as people clung on for dear life. Yangcha slightly hopped in excitement as he patted my wild strands, so I bitterly stared at the pale expressions of the players in the seats after they safely landed."You said you're dating a kid earlier. This is only child's play. Right, jagiya~?" Yangch smirked. I grimaced at him as the staff helped the players out of their seats. A few people wobbled to the ground- causing me to tense up uneasily. It's not that bad! I'll be fine-
A moment later.
"I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU!" I repeatedly screamed as I sat in the secured seat. The lift slowly ascended upward until my legs dangled helplessly in the air. I gasped and gripped the belt handles in fear once... I realized... I was hundreds of meters above the ground.[Reference Picture: Gyro Drop]

"Hold my hand!" Yangcha chuckled, reaching out to clutch my trembling fingers from his seat as we faced outward. I whimpered in fear and shrunk back into the seat with my eyes on the vast city view. Yangcha chuckled weakly as I bit my trembling lips. Thump...The drop slightly hit a brake at its peak... and we were finally suspending freely... high above ground. Badum. Badum. Badum. My heart started hammering hard against my ribcage as the seat slowly rotated in the air... exposing me to the deadly heights. It's going to drop at any second! HAH!- I can't! I can't do this!-?! ^%$!$#^*?~!"I WON'T MARRY YOU ANYMORE! I HATE YOU!!!!" I cried in distress while waiting for the seat to drop as I intensely gripped his hand."I LOVE Y- AHHHHHH!" Yangcha chuckled but hollered in shock when the seat abruptly plunged downward. I quickly opened my mouth to scream out the fear... but the fall was so frightening my voice ended up... stuck in my throat as I watched myself descend towards the ground with my tearful eyes... until I felt my organs floating up to my throat.I couldn't breathe, scream or budge.
POOF.
The drop suddenly settled smoothly after the free fall- and I was left petrified... in my seat. I didn't get a chance to scream... at all. My hair was a mess as I sat blankly with a soulless body. I couldn't feel my numb hands but stared at the line of participants... waiting for their turn to... suffer a stroke from being dropped from a deadly height. My heart wasn't racing anymore... in fact... I was... paralyzed and bewildered."Are you okay?" Yangcha chuckled, suddenly appearing over me to lift the safety belt over my head. I blinked repeatedly as he helped me unbuckle my seatbelt before pulling me onto my feet. I gripped his forearm for support as Yangcha dragged me towards the exit, stopping briefly to pick up my handbag from the basket and pull it over my head. I remained speechless as he led me down the ramp. Yangcha cutely chuckled at my pale face while leading me toward another gyro twister. I immediately stiffened on the pavement with a pale expression as I watched the ride swing back and forth. The alpha grinned excitedly and forced me onto the seats again... and I was swung right back into the air. I screamed out my lungs in fear after failing to contain myself, causing Yangcha to chuckle at my frantic reaction as he held my hand from his seat.[Reference Picture: Gyro Swing]

"I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU- ARGHQDJH! FUCK! FUCK!" I screeched in horror as the seat tilted downward, causing my head to dangle upside down. The swing swiftly flung me back towards the sky as it wildly spun, forcing my racing heart to thump even harder until I was out of breath.I screeched with all my lung capacity... until the ride was over. and I was left... yet again... with weak limbs. But Yangcha wasn't satisfied. We went on a roller coaster... and I kid you not... my soul had perished once we took the deadly dive, plunging straight towards hell. I stomped my feet in fear while clinging to Yangcha's upper bicep as he happily raised his arms with a bright smile.
THIS IS WHAT I GET FOR DATING A PYSCHO BOYFRIEND!
And you guessed it. The alpha made me endure every single ride until I was utterly beaten to a pulp by the rapid distressing fear of gambling my remaining lifeline on the killer ride he calls entertainment. Yangcha giggled happily after stumbling with me from a bungee drop and tried to drag me toward another ride- but I shoved him aside and stomped off in frustration. I will die at this rate! He's being a jerk!"Noona!" Yangcha called, chasing after me. He grabbed my hand with a bright beam, but I roughly shoved him aside again with a sour grimace, causing him to almost tumble into a couple by the bridge. The alpha quickly apologized to the average, so I huffed and stormed back into the building with my arms crossed.
My cute ribbons are missing! And my make-up is smudged!

A moment later.
Yangcha worriedly ate his ice cream with my handbag strapped over his torso after I flung it away out of frustration, so he picked it up and carried it for me. I gloomily sat on a bench with my blank eyes on the melting cone. Yangcha tried to console me, but I was too grumpy and stubbornly sat on the bench until he left to get me ice cream. I licked the sweet flavor with a dark frown. Yangcha sighed after he finished his cone and scooted closer to me... but I huffed and shifted my butt away."I'm sorry~!" Yangcha whined, cutely tugging my sleeves. I grimaced and glared at his puppy eyes."You're too much! Seriously!" I snapped. Yangcha shook his head and scooted closer, carefully encircling his arms around my waist with a slight pout."You didn't complain the last time we came here-""Because I thought it was your birthday! I didn't want to upset you, but you lied to me then too! It wasn't your birthday!" I sorely sneered. Yangcha pursed his lips and leaned forward to peck my lips."Araso! You can choose the game of your desire! I'll do whatever you ask!" Yangcha firmly sat up. I grimaced at him."I'm hungry," I sighed in defeat. I feel like I will faint. Yangcha took me to the food court as requested, and we ended up sharing a bowl of Jjamppong... before returning to the entertainment site.
A moment later.

"I'm dizzy~!" Yangcha whined while hugging the pole on the carousel as we slowly spun... round and round... with the little kids. I giggled while holding onto the horse's head as Yangcha hugged me from behind with an embarrassed look. I excitedly lifted my phone to film our ride... only to find Yangcha grimacing in the background. He forced a smile and leaned forward to rest his chin on my shoulder.
He didn't like it. The Carousel.

Ice Skating
"Ah!-" Yangcha gasped while struggling to balance himself in the ice skating ring. I giggled as I skillfully spun around Yangcha, who was sitting on the icy base. He fell so many times! How is it possible?! Can't he balance himself?!"Hold my hands~!" I smiled, grabbing Yangcha to stabilize him. The alpha grimaced as he struggled to stand up again, so I guided him by the edge of the ring to help him skid forward. He cutely frowned as he skated with me with his legs apart."Ah!-" We both screamed when he suddenly tumbled to the side after a kid roughly bumped into him. Smack! I gasped and tried to grab his heavy body but ended up stumbling with him and landed butt-first onto the cold ground. Yangcha funnily shouted at the annoying kid as he held me in his arms, making me giggle at his annoyed frown. He sucks at ice skating.
Monorail

"Isn't it pretty?!" I gasped while admiring the scenery from the kid's monorail, a train that slowly pilots around Lotte World over the high rails. Yangcha didn't answer me, so I turned to find him dozing off on the seat. I grimaced and smacked his head, causing him to jerk awake with a dazed expression. How dare he fall asleep during our date?!"Oh- it's pretty," He yawned, sleepily rubbing his eyelids in disinterest.
He got bored of the rail... so I had to take him to much more... challenging ride.

Drunken Basket

"ARGH! NOONA! STOP! I'M DIZZY! NO MORE- ARHHHH! JEBAL! NOONAAA?! STOP-" Yangcha screamed in horror as I violently spun him a basket cup."Weren't you sleepy earlier?! I'm waking you up!" I laughed as Yangcha sat on the opposite bench from mine with his arms spread out over the cup and head tilted backward with his eyes closed in difficulty. I shrieked evilly and spun the cup like a tornado to swirl us out of our minds until the other kids in the cups beside us stared at our wild spin with their lips ajar.
We were the only basket... that was spinning at super speed.
Yangcha's face suddenly turned green as he fearfully stared at me from across the bench.
A moment later
Yangcha weakly strolled out of the men's bathroom with a drained expression after puking out his lunch. He can endure scary rides... but not the kid's rides. I smiled at his soaked face as he weakly lowered himself to hug my waist... resting his dizzy head over my shoulder as I hugged his hips to stabilize him."Let's make up. Oh...? I'm sorry for being inconsiderate of your feelings," Yangcha grumbled. I chuckled at his defeat with a satisfied smile... and we ended up cooling off with a cup of coke and fried chicken before Yangcha took me to the arcade and effortlessly won me a cute teddy bear from the claw machine. I shrieked in glee as we walked hand in hand while watching the festive parade as the costumed characters greeted us. Yangcha cutely clung onto my handbag that was strapped around his torso as he waved at the characters."Let's sit at the back," Yangcha drew me to the back of the boat. I followed him and sat in the last row before the vehicle slowly drifted into the underground tunnel, engulfing us with complete darkness.I nervously clutched Yangcha's arm while hugging the teddy over my lap... until I suddenly felt him gripping my jaw in the dark. Smooch. I felt his lips on mine, so I smiled and kissed him back as we steadily drifted into the cold and dim water passage. I finally pulled away once we noticed the entertaining storyline on the sides... about a princess being kidnapped by some evil man.Yangcha giggled as I leaned against his shoulder to watch the automated mannequins. He gently massaged my waistline as we calmly floated over the water passage with the other passengers. Smiling, I lifted my face to kiss him again... and we ended up making out in the back seat until we exited the tunnel.
My lipstick stains... smearing all over his face.

A moment later.
Yangcha slightly drew me aside as we strolled into the overcrowded Gyeongdong market. We changed back into our clothes and left Lotte World for grocery shopping. Yangcha insisted that we shop at the supermarket because it's less chaotic... but I wanted to visit the local market out of curiosity. And as expected... it's overrun by the middle-aged population. Yangcha cautiously had to pull me from side to side to avoid the rushing passersby, motorcycles and carts the instant we entered the dense space.

"Should we leave?" Yangcha grimaced, so I took his hand and tugged him with me. He doesn't like crowded places. Not this kind of disorder."I want to explore the market. Let's get something before leaving," I muttered. Eomma usually sends me fresh food and ingredients through her supplier from our personal farms located across Korea, so I never really had to go shopping, but imo always told me stories about her trip to the local markets! She always bragged about her bargaining skills and how almost every vendor in the market knows her!"Young lady! Have some motherwort juice! It's very effective for digestion and especially for women your age!" A halmeoni called out from the store to my left, making me halt to greet her. The elderly lady... ended up giving me a sample in a small cup, so I took a sip and glanced at Yangcha, who immediately screwed his face in distress at the bitter taste."Please pack a kilo from me," I smiled at the vendor."Noona- It's too bitter-""This is good for your health. I'll make it for you every day!" I nudged his shoulder, causing Yangcha to grimace in dissatisfaction. Halmeoni returned with a bag of powder, so I thanked her and pushed the bag into Yangcha's hand."Do you want to eat abalone porridge? I'll make it for you," I asked, stopping at a store filled with seafood tanks."It's fine-""Imo! Please pack two kilos of abalone for me!" I called, cutting Yangcha off. He pursed his lips as the women hurried out of the store to greet us, so I paid for the abalone and walked forward again as men and women fiercely promoted their products. The market is extremely noisy."Oh! Blood sausage! You love it, right?" I smiled, rushing forward to ask for two sausages. Yangcha's nauseous from the spinning basket, so I should feed him some food."Hmmm~! It's good!" The alpha's face suddenly lit up as he tasted the sausage with a stick. I stopped by another stall to buy him fresh grapes, and we walked forward again. Stall after stall... I'd stop by almost every store to inspect and pay for the items... until Yangcha followed me with his hands loaded with bags."Do you want to eat grilled fish today???" I asked, turning to find Yangcha pouting at me with sweat beads on his forehead, so I chuckled and dabbed his head. He's not used to this kind of humid environment."Hello~! Aigo- You're so beautiful!" A woman in the related 40s appeared in her rubber boots and apron."Please give me a fresh mackerel~!" I smiled at her."Neh! Please give me a moment!" She politely smiled as she snatched a fish from the ice basket.

"Would you like me to slice it?" A man in his late 20s appeared in a white tank top and shorts with a red apron strapped to his muscular shoulders."I want to grill it. Can you split it open for me?" I smiled as he placed the mackerel on the chopping board."Of course. You're a new face here. Where are you from?" He smiled, briefly looking up at me, causing my cheeks to flush red at his handsome visual. He's really hot... for an ordinary person. Why isn't he an actor or a superstar?"Ah. I'm from around here," I replied as the man skillfully sliced open the fish with his sharp knife."You don't look like every other woman though," He smiled, briefly looking up at me as he carved out the intestines."Aigo~! Where did you find such a well-built and handsome helper?!" The woman walked back out with a bright beam on Yangcha."Oh-""Eomma, she's so petite. Of course, she needs a fit helper to carry her goods," The man chuckled at his mother."Also. Are you single? My son here is single too~! He's handsome, isn't he? A lot of women visit our store because of him!" The woman cutely patted her son's firm bicep."Jagiya. I'm thirsty," Yangcha suddenly spoke up, causing the man to glance up at us with a startled look."Oh-? Oh. Yeah. Wait a minute-" I quickly turned to uncap the water bottle in my hand and gently raised it against Yangcha's lips. He thirstily gulped the water as he held the heavy bags with both his hands. The alpha finally withdrew his lips away so I gently dabbed his lips dry with my sleeve."Are you guys together?" The woman gasped, startled by our interaction."She's my beloved wife," Yangcha smiled. I chuckled and hugged his forearm, causing the man to dim his eyes while fileting the fish."Of course~! The pretty ladies are always taken~!" The woman chuckled, uneasily glancing at her son. The man finally packed the fish for us, so I thanked him and left with Yangcha while clinging to his arms."Aigo~! How are you so easily flustered whenever you see a handsome man?" Yangcha grumbled as he walked beside me. I lifted my face in surprise."Flustered? I wasn't-""Sure. Your cheeks turned red for no apparent reason~! You were frowning and glaring at me all day... but you giggled so much because of him~?" Yangcha bitterly glanced around the crowded alley.

"Wae? Weren't you all chatty earlier with the women too-""That's a different story!" Yangcha whined."How is it different? They were flirting with you too!" I argued as we strolled out of the market."I spoke to them out of kindness, but you were eyeing his biceps-""His bicep is toned, but yours is better. Don't you think? I think you can crush my skull with your muscles," I giggled innocently, causing Yangcha to scoff in disbelief."Why would I crush your skull-""Ah, right. It's enough to suffocate me! I almost got a stroke because of your body weight whenever we're making love! You'd hold me down when you're close to climaxing~! I sometimes have to hold my breath while clinging to you!" I nudged his arm. He often suffocates me under his sturdy trunk while we're making love because he's twice my body size! Yangcha weakly smiled at my argument and lowered his face with puckered lips, so I gave him a sweet peck as we waited for my driver by the street.
A moment later
"Oh?!- What are you doing here???" I gasped once the elevator door opened to reveal a person as he stood in front of my door in his work suit."I brought a file for your forthcoming task," Taehyung muttered.I hurried forward to unlock the door as he dully eyed the bags in Yangcha's hands. Taehyung strolled inside without an invitation, so I switched on the lights to illuminate the dark space. I quickly grabbed the bag from Yangcha's hands to place it on the counter, causing Taehyung to frown at the colorful bags with a questioning look."Have you eaten?" I asked as I grabbed the eggs from a bag. Yangcha quietly removed the meat and fish from its package to place it in the sink."Imo is sick, so the maid is in charge," Taehyung shrugged."Oh, dear. I brought ginseng roots from the market earlier. Please bring it to her!" I smiled, grabbed the blue plastic bag, and handed it to Taehyung, who took it with a confused expression."Jagi. Do you want me to wash the fruits?" Yangcha asked."Oh, sure. Wash them in the basket. I'll cook the meals," I nodded."I'll eat here then. It seems like you brought a lot," Taehyung muttered."Sure. You can shower in the guest room... since you don't usually eat before you wash up," I nodded while washing the mackerel in the sink to rinse off the greasy slimes.Yangcha sideway glanced at me but said nothing as he rubbed the pears and peaches in a basket before draining the water and turning to sort the fruits in the fridge with the grapes. The alpha finally strolled away to shower in our bedroom, so Taehyung left to bathe in the guest bathroom... finally... they strolled out of the room in casual clothes at just about the same time."Where did you get the clothes?" Yangcha frowned at Taehyung as he sat on the couch with a towel over his head."I used to live here too, you know?" Taehyung dawdled. Yangcha frowned and glanced at me as he unsurely sat at the counter to watch me cook."Can you set the table? I'll take a quick shower," I smiled at Yangcha after placing the steaming meals on the table and hurried off to shower. Ah~ I'm so sticky!
20 minutes later.
I stepped out of the bathroom to find a neatly folded gown on the bed. Yangcha must've placed it for me. I yawned and pulled on the fine silk he got for me the first time we met in Daegu before strolling out of the bedroom to find Taehyung narrowing his eyes on Yangcha, who was blankly staring back at Taehyung without speaking. What's with them...? Taehyung shifted his gaze to my gown with a slight frown as I sat on the carpet beside Yangcha."Are you pregnant?" Taehyung asked."Ah~! No. Yangcha bought the wrong gown for me," I smiled as I pushed the cup of motherwort juice towards Taehyung. "Well. You can wear it once you're pregnant," Yangcha smiled while eating the meals as the film played on the TV. Taehyung shifted his eyes to my gown, swallowed intensely, and lowered his face to eat the meal."Did you set your wedding date?" Taehyung asked, unsurely looking up at me."Oh. In a few months during the fall. November 20th," I smiled at him."Your wedding dress fitting is scheduled for next week. Designer Choi wants to make an adjustment," Yangcha reminded. Taehyung lowered his gaze to his rice again as I unsurely glanced at him and ate in silence."Ark!" Yangcha suddenly started choking on his rice. He frantically lowered his rice bowl to the table while coughing in distress."Be careful! You keep choking!" I gasped, quickly snatching the glass to press it against his lips.Yangcha screwed his face in distress as he gulped the water to ease his clogged throat and finally exhaled in relief... so I quickly dabbed his lips with the tissue but halted once I found Taehyung staring at us with a blank expression from across the table. I cleared my throat and pulled my hands away, causing Yangcha to shift his attention to Taehyung's bitter frown."T-The juice is good for digestion. It's a bit bitter," I smiled at Taehyung, who nodded and sipped the juice before screwing his face in disgust. I chuckled at his unfavorable reaction to the harsh taste- Clatter! I flinched at the sound and glanced at Yangcha, who suddenly dropped his spoon. He dismissively picked it back up and ate with an unbothered look."Oh yeah. There's a business trip next week... so make sure to pack your clothes," Taehyung announced, causing Yangcha to halt abruptly."What?" Yangcha blinked."Right. I'm taking your fiancée on a formal business trip to Gwangju for three days and two nights," Taehyung lifted his eyebrow at Yangcha, who pursed his lips and glanced at me unsurely."Can he come along-""Of course not. We'll be surrounded by the employees and the shareholders there," Taehyung glared at me. I pursed my lips and glanced at Yangcha's uptight frown."Why do you need her there? Just leave her-""Are you serious? She's my assistant-""But you're treating her like a maid!" Yangcha snapped in irritation. I quickly grabbed his hand to stop him from tensing up. Taehyung dimmed his eyes on the alpha, who was glaring at him displease."Why would I treat the supreme alpha as my maid? If I see her as a lowly peasant... Did you think we'd share our lunch and dinner every day? Did you think I'd be this lenient with her work schedule? Did you think I'd let her bring your clingy ass to her overtime shift? Did you think I'd... personally pick her up from her home and bring her back safely whenever she has to work with me? Hmm? I don't think I'm the one treating her like a maid," Taehyung calmly spoke, causing Yangcha to clench his jaw in extreme agitation."Taehyung-""It's you who is treating her as your mother. She has to cook for you. Clean up after you. Remind you of your medication intake. Care for you... and constantly console you like a child. Do you really need a lover or mother at this rate? Everything she brought earlier... isn't something of her taste. It's all for you. For the man-child," Taehyung sternly spoke. Yangcha tensed in his seat."You're pretending to be the good guy now after leaving a scar on her wrist?-""Yangcha. Stop- please. Both of you. If you're- just going to argue over dinner then-" I quickly cut Yangcha short- but paused in a panic when Taehyung shoved his plate away and hastily got up from the carpet. I pursed my lips as the alpha angrily collected his belongings and stormed towards the door to put on his shoes. Thud! Taehyung swung open the door and slammed it shut, leaving me alone with Yangcha, who was darkly glaring at the meals on the table."You're not going with him on the trip," Yangcha muttered while glaring at his plate."But-" I tried to speak when he hastily stood up from the carpet... and stormed inside the bedroom. Thud. He slammed the door shut. I sighed heavily at the sudden clash between the alphas... and drifted my eyes to the unattended plates on the table. I deeply exhaled as I recollected my scattered senses while leaning against the couch with my hands over my forehead. This is complicated...I collected the plates to place the leftovers away in the fridge before dumping the rice from the bowl, quietly washed the dish and finally turned off the living room light. I didn't want to disturb Yangcha since I figured he was probably asleep and crawled onto the couch with a spare blanket to watch a movie with an empty gaze. I'm sure he'll apologize later and let me do my own things, so it's best... if I stay calm and let him cool down. I switched off the television and lifted my empty phone to stare at the blank screen.The only people I'm contacting right now are Yangcha and Taehyung. Neither my family nor any of the alphas... seemed to remember my existence ever since I got with Yangcha. Sighing, I tossed my phone aside and turned to lay on my side on the spacious couch, keeping my blank gaze on the twinkling city lights beyond the glass view. Creak.I heard the bedroom door opening and soft footsteps strolling out of the room until Yangcha rounded the couch... appearing before the television with a slight frown. He stood motionless in the dim room to watch me under the blanket. I unsurely stared back at his muteness."Why aren't you sleeping inside?" He asked. I blinked at him without moving."You can have the bed to yourself. I want to sleep here tonight," I muttered in exhaustion. Yangcha clenched his fists as he stood by the couch with his dim gaze on me."Are you seriously sleeping outside because I argued with him?" He asked. I stared at him without responding. Why is it that I can't seem to get mad at him? I am frustrated. But I can't seem to confront him no matter what."I don't want to argue. Get some rest," I whispered, sleepily closing my eyes."Is it wrong for me to be upset with the man that ruined your life?" Yangcha pressed, causing my chest to swell with an uncomfortable stuffiness. I deeply inhaled to relieve the unfavorable feelings."You shouldn't stress yourself out over my past. Really. We're all trying to move forward," I muttered with my eyes closed. If I keep provoking Yangcha... He might really kill me, but I don't care. If my lover decides to kill me with his bare hands... then I'll just die. What's the point of living and loving endlessly... only to end up in the same loop of hurting each other?"So you don't appreciate everything I've given you anymore? Are you sick and tired of me already?" Yangcha asked. I slightly frowned at his absurd statements. What's going on in his mind exactly...?"I never said I-""I gave up on everything. I gave up on everything, noona. I gave up on myself for you. But it's not enough, is it?" He shakily exhaled. I calmly opened my eyes to stare at the ceiling above my head with the muted blankness in my mind... before turning on my side to find him standing in the exact same spot.
He expects me to step forward with my arms open to console him. So we could make up. I usually do it to end the fight, but right at this very moment... I feel numb and tired. I don't want to move my body and my soul... is drained. I don't have enough energy to recharge him.
"And so did I. I left my family and friend's side to be here with you. Not out of pity but because you were enough for me. I am here... with you. I abandoned the world and gave up on everything I had to be with you. What else do you expect from me? Am I a greedy person... or is it that you want me to isolate myself entirely from everyone around me because you wish to be the only person in my life?" I asked with my blank gaze settled on his tearful pupils. I want to give in. I want to fold and hold him, but... Yangcha... his obsession... is pushing me towards a dead end."Why is it that... Kim Taehyung is the only person you're hanging onto? Why?" Yangcha tensely gritted. I closed my eyes to process his pressing inquiry with an aching head. Slowly, I sat up on the couch with my poker face directed at Yangcha, who was intensely staring at me. He's... upset again. I'd be damn dead if the episode consumes him."You're aware... I'm only around him because my mother is restless. She will never let me settle with you in peace if I remain unbothered about my role. He's the only person willing to help me-""Isn't it obvious? That he's getting you familiar with him again? You spent most of your days with him now and-""Yangcha. We're engaged," I frowned."So? You were engaged to him too... yet he couldn't keep you. What makes you think I can fully secure you?" He asked. I swallowed the hot lump, lodged in my throat and leaned back against the headrest to drain my swelling tears. My heart... why is it aching so much...?"How am I supposed to know? Hmm? I've told you I love you a millionth time. I've shown you my affection days and nights. Everything. I'm transparent to you... and yet you're still suspicious of me? Isn't it a bit much?" I asked, frowning at him in defeat. Why is he suddenly restless like this...? I really needed him to trust me, but he's doing it again... questioning my faithfulness."That night. The night he was drunk at the mansion. You were crying. What is it? I never intended to get nosy about your affairs, but you're suddenly determined to work for him? And he's-""I was just emotional! Seriously! Can't you see that I am trying desperately to avoid a fight with you?! What else do you want from me-""I WANT TO BE THE ONLY PERSON IN YOUR LIFE. ME. ONLY ME! NO ONE ELSE! I WANT TO BE ENOUGH! I KNOW YOU'RE A HIGH-MAINTENANCE SOUL- BUT I NEVER SURRENDERED! SO LET ME BE ENOUGH! WHAT IS THAT I LACK THIS TIME?! CAN'T YOU TELL ME!? WHY IS THAT YOU'RE CRYING OVER YOUR FORMER LOVER?! WHICH PART OF YOUR HEART DID I FAIL TO HEAL? WHICH PART OF YOUR SOUL DID I FORGET TO MEND?! TELL ME, SORA! WHICH PART?! I WORKED DAYS AND NIGHTS TO PUT YOU BACK TOGETHER! BUT THAT ASSHOLE IS STILL FORMING CRACKS ON YOUR SOUL- SO BE HONEST AND TELL ME! TELL ME WHAT I HAVE TO DO FOR YOU TO-  RECOVER SO I CAN FULLY EXIST IN YOUR WORLD?!" Yangcha cried in tears, causing my chest to churn in extreme pain. I whimpered in distress upon hearing his statements and rubbed my tearful eyes. What do I say?! I don't know what he's talking about!? Am I not allowed to break at times?! Am I not allowed to feel anything else but love for him?!"Yangcha. Listen. This is a misunderstanding- Can we not fight-""I am a competent man! I did everything to satisfy you! You wanted someone to love you unconditionally, so I did. I've always loved you the most! You wanted a wise partner to help you grow, so I helped you achieve your goals! You wanted me to sympathize with your needs, so I did! I fulfilled everything and took care of you! I did everything! You love to touch my body- so I stayed fit just so you could hold me however you want! Look at me! Even all the scars on my body- The scars of the devotion to love you- Can you see them?! The scars that formed to stand by your side are like a mark of triumph for me! So tell me! What does it take for me to heal the soul broken by another man?!" He seethed, angrily yanking off his shirt with his fuming rage.I stared at the scar on his scalp before glancing at the bullet wound on his back as he turned to show me all the minor marks on his body after getting beaten by the attacker at his mansion. Even the surgery scar... under his ribs after he fell off the stairs was visible in the dim room. Yangcha stood in frustration as I dimly stared at his toned and naked body after he flung the clothes aside to show me his imperfections."I've already mended my soul before we got together," I whispered. I've healed. Fully. I never left... anything cracks... or bits behind for him to repair."What?" Yangcha frowned."If you claim my healed soul... is still broken. Then maybe it's because of you. After all, I've given you full power to hold my beating heart, so I really don't understand why you're blaming me for the crack that doesn't even exist...? It is you... that is broken. Yangcha, your insecurity towards me is a direct reflection of yourself. It's not me. It's you. You never healed because you're still shattered... and I did try to help you mend those cracks... but it seems like... your shards are jabbing my heart...? Maybe that's why I'm unconsciously bleeding...?" I asked dimly. Yangcha blinked away his tears in realization as I quietly hugged my knees with my swelling tears on his startled reaction. The alpha lowered his gaze to stare at his hands with his lips ajar while reflecting on his actions."N-Noona I-""I never left my broken soul in your hands to burden you because I've already found comfort in myself, but... you were clutching too hard onto my beating heart until... you bruised me," I whispered.Yangcha bit his trembling lips, suddenly softening his angered face- Thud! Thud! Thud! The alpha suddenly raced forward without a warning, slamming hard into me on the couch, making me lean back in surprise upon his crushing embrace. Sniffle. He aggressively sobbed while clutching my body and lowered his head to my shoulder as I encircled my arms around his back to comfort him."I'm sorry- Sora- I'm really sorry-""It's not a crack. Just a bruise. You don't have to worry. It'll fade once you ease your grip a little," I assured with an aching heart.Yangcha eventually released my soul from his crushing grips with a pained expression as he sat naked on the couch. He suddenly leaned forward to kiss me, so I deeply inhaled in defeat upon his tender strokes, wetting my lips with his flavor and warming my skin with his delicate touch. I wrapped my arms around his neck to draw him closer. Yangcha tilted his head to deepen the kiss as he carefully inserted his tongue between my lips."Touch me," He whispered, gently biting on my lower lips as he guided my hand down to his raw bulge.The alpha groaned and impatiently kissed my lips again as I jerked his hard shaft to stimulate his private part. He gently groped my breasts over the gown, causing me to shiver at his touch as he shifted his hungry lips to my neck, sensually licking and sucking onto my throat until I parted my lips in pleasure as he slowly climbed onto my body over the couch, slipping his hand under my gown to remove my panties from beneath the silk and tossed them aside.He was a little impatient with our bodies and shoved his strong hips forward while fumbling with his fingers to position his bulge between my thighs. I seethed in distress as he entered me... so I intensely gripped the headrest in a sitting position as Yangcha dug his knees onto the couch and trusted repeatedly with a difficult frown. I shakily panted and clutched onto his firm back muscles during the... unexpected makeup sex... right after the heated argument.Yangcha hooked his arms under my knees and drew my naked body downward to make me rest on the cushions as he knelt on the floor before the couch... and proceeded to penetrate me while sucking my breasts after he removed the silk strap off my shoulders... so I played with his earlobes with my legs open until I felt my body burning out of control at the presence of his heated crotch... repeatedly... slamming against mine. I pulled Yangcha down by his neck to hug his masculine trunk as he gripped my shoulders to stabilize my body while hovering his parted lips over mine."Hnngh~!" I moaned beneath him with a difficult frown as Yangcha intensely stared into my troubled gaze, repeatedly thrusting inside me until I lifted my legs to wrap them around his strong hips. Thump! Thump!I shivered at his taunting force and glanced downward to watch him shove his slippery bulge inside my throbbing groin before averting my difficult gaze back to his stern expression. He suddenly lowered his face to bite on my sensitive nipple, making me squirm in shock while arching my sore back over the couch. Hah~! I shamelessly moaned my pleasure and skidded my palms down his solid back to hold his firm buttcheeks as he relentlessly tormented my nerves with his addictive presence inside my soaked canal.
A moment later.
I sleepily sat naked on the couch with a satin blanket... draping loosely over my shoulder after returning from the bathroom. I had to pee out my lover's semen and wash my crotch earlier. Yangcha entered the kitchen to do whatever he was doing after our steamy moment together. Cling. Cling. I heard him stirring something as I wiped my sweaty neck with the wipes until Yangcha crawled onto the couch with a mug of hot chocolate. He's still naked. I thirstily drank the warm drink as he hugged my shoulder and gently kissed my head while combing his hand through my hair to untangle the wild knots."I hate you," I muttered, playfully glaring at him as he grabbed my hand that was clutched around the mug to take a sip as well."I love you too," He smiled, kissing my cheek, so I lifted the mug to drain it empty as Yangcha pulled the blanket over my feverish body to cover me."You could've just said you wanted to have sex instead of throwing a tantrum- Hah~ Yah- Pfft! Haha!" I tried to scold him when Yangcha suddenly yanked me backward by my throat to invade my mouth with his dirty tongue.I whined and tried to push him away... but he refused to release me and licked my lips while kneading my left breast, making me giggle at the ticklish sensation as he freely roamed his hands over my moist flesh. I moaned softly while rubbing his muscular pecs before lowering my hand to grope his soft bulge as he intensely twisted his slick tongue around mine, sensually slurping my spit from my mouth until I started suffocating against his lips."Sex feels a little intense during the heat of an argument," He grunted, carefully withdrawing his drenched lips from mine as I intensely swallowed his spit. I chuckled and kissed his cheek as he lifted my hips to make me sit over his crossed legs on the couch, so I leaned back against his warm chest as I sat between his strong arms with the blanket over my body. Yangcha slightly pulled the blanket off my shoulder and gently kissed my nape while rubbing my shoulder joint. I closed my eyes with a weak smile as he tenderly embraced my cold body from behind."Let's get married," Yangcha whispered."Hmm?" I turned to look at him unsurely with my head rested against his shoulder. Yangcha lowered his hand to rub my bare stomach."Let's sign the marriage certificate beforehand," He suggested. I stared at him without reacting to ponder his request."You don't trust me, huh?" I asked, weakly stroking his chin with my thumb."A woman with incredible beauty like you? No. I can't trust you fully. A jerk might snatch you right out of my grip," He joked, softly shaking his head. I snorted and tilted my head back in disbelief, so he briefly kissed my neck with a sweet smile as I rubbed his forearms."I wouldn't trust me either. Bring the contract!" I teased him. Yangcha smiled, kissed my cheek again, and left to search for the marriage license we requested from the court a while back. He returned with a pen and sat back down beside me."Do you want to wait until tomorrow? So you can think it through?" He asked."Why? Are you scared of marrying me now? Being my husband is a hell lot... of commitment," I wiggled my eyebrows."It's just that I don't want you to feel pressured because of our fight earlier," He mumbled."You'll try to fight with me over the same problem again if I don't do this, and I'll eventually have to sign it anyways... so it doesn't matter," I muttered, grabbing the marriage file to flip through the pages, quickly lowering the pen to sign my name on the blank section. Yangcha calmly sat beside me until I handed him the license."Are you for real? That simply...?" He chuckled, lifting his startled gaze to me."Sign away your soul to me. There's no turning back after this~!" I poked the file with a slight smirk. Yangcha chuckled while shaking his head and lowered the pen to sign his name as I hugged his waist with my head pressed against his firm chest. I gently kissed his jawline, deeply inhaling our secreted pheromones in relief. He smells so... sweet."There you go," He muttered, lifting the pen off the paper."Yay~ We're officially married! I'll ask my parents to be the witnesses after our wedding," I giggled. Yangcha lowered the pen and leaned forward to kiss me tenderly until we smiled against each other's lips. Why is there the need to throw wedding parties when we can simply bind our souls like this? Maybe because... I wanted to wear the pretty white gown once in my lifetime."Til death do us part...?" Yangcha whispered as he fondly stared at me. I nodded."Til death do us part," I agreed, leaning in to deepen our kiss. Yangcha gently grazed his fingers over my skin to ease my strained nerves, so I wrapped my arms around his neck to give him a warm hug."Jang Sora is officially my beautiful wife~!" He chuckled, breathily pressing his face against my cheek as I softly stroked his prickly head."I look forward to living the remainder of my life with you, seobang-nim~!" I giggled. Yangcha flushed red at my formal speech... so he squeezed my cheeks and pulled me against his bare body as I happily rocked him from side to side with a satisfied smile. Our naked flesh... chafing against each other with the damp moist as Yangcha tightly held my waist... within his strong arms... while combing his fingers through my hair.__________________________
Business Trip
Taehyung effortlessly grabbed my suitcase with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows and heaved it into the trunk of his jeep as I chatted with imo, who insisted that I bring the essential items she packed for our trip. She lost a bit of weight due to her illness. There were defined dark eyebags under her eyes.I patted her back with a weak smile until Yangcha strolled out of the mansion with my purse to place it over my shoulder. I won't be seeing him for a few days. Will he be okay? We completely made up after our fight a few nights before, and he's been much more cheerful. I guess he's not as worried now with the existence of our marriage license. We haven't told anyone yet because I figured it would cause unnecessary problems again."Call me when you're there, okay?" Yangcha smiled. I nodded, so he gave me a warm hug and gently rocked me from side to side, causing me to chuckle at his clinginess as he tightened his grip around my waist."Yah. She'll be back in a few days," Taehyung bitterly called as he stood by the trunk with his hands on his hips."We'll take care of him," Eomma bitterly watched Yangcha cling to me with her teacup as she stood in her silk robe. Imo chuckled at our cute interactions, so I shyly released him. He gave me a sweet peck and pulled away to examine my eyes with a bright beam."I'll be back," I smiled.Yangcha finally nodded after he kissed my forehead, so I released his hands and stepped inside the car. Taehyung shook his head and slammed the door closed before rounding the car to get in the driver's seat. Yangcha raised his hand to wave at me as Taehyung slowly drove forward, passing by my mother and imo. They were anxiously eyeing Yangcha. The household isn't fond of him yet.I waved back at him until he disappeared from my sight as Taehyung drove out of the mansion. Yangcha is residing with the elders until I return because his security is compromised at the penthouse. I'm afraid someone will break in and attack him again... if I leave him alone at the place. My mother agreed to let him stay in my room, so I'm at ease.
As long as he's not provoked or stressed... there shouldn't be a problem.
Taehyung didn't speak on our journey out of Seoul. He quietly steered the wheel with a blank expression, so I yawned and leaned back against the seat, finally drifting off to sleep with my arms crossed over my chest. We stopped by a few parking rest to grab snacks and drinks on the way and ultimately arrived in Gyeonggi Gwangju after a 3-hour drive."Oh? We're not at a hotel...?" I gasped as Taehyung drove into this private property's garage on an isolated hill. We came to a halt. I yawned sleepily and stepped out of the jeep as Taehyung seized our luggage from the trunk to place it on the ground. My mouth dropped open in astonishment once I turned to uncover the pinkish-violet tint in the afternoon sky. We're surrounded by mountains and the lake! What the heck?! Even the breeze is so light and refreshing!"Young master. Young Lady," A guard in formal attire appeared, greeting us with a courteous bow."Annyeonghaseyo~!" I greeted him as Taehyung seized my luggage and strolled away with it after nodding at the guard. I quickly followed Taehyung with a curious beam. Where are we? Did he rent this place? Or is it his property? This doesn't suit his style at all!"It's my first time seeing you. You're as beautiful as they say," The guard smiled as he escorted me up the concrete stairs leading to an ancient Hanok.[Hanok: Traditional Korean House]

"Do you live here alone?" I smiled at him. He nodded."The maids and gardeners come by often to maintain the property. I patrol the property with my team," He informed. I chuckled and briefly chatted with the man until the sun set behind the mountains and hills."Woah~! This is your place?!" I gasped while glancing around the wooden structures and brick-laid roofs, utterly stunned by the ancient architect as Taehyung wandered around the property to peek at the rooms.It might be a traditional Hanok property, but the interior is renovated to harbor a modern style. There are no tables or chairs. Only the wooden platform in the living room space to replace the coffee table and cushions on the floor, serving as seats. I sniffed the pacifying herbal scent within the room and glanced at the fragrance sticks on the shelves. This reminds me so much of the temples!"My grandma passed the property on to me before she passed. It's my first time visiting since she left my side," Taehyung replied, calmly observing the antique items on display with his hands in his trouser pockets. I pursed my lips. Taehyung used to live with his grandparents...?He dimly dragged the luggage away, so I peeked around the property before halting to stare at a bathtub in the bathroom. It was a circular pool with a view of the lake and mountain before the property. Oh my god... This place is gorgeous!- Why didn't Taehyung ever visit- Oh. He probably doesn't want to come back here after his grandma passed."Yah. Come here for a moment," Taehyung called from somewhere, so I quickly strolled down the wooden corridor until I found him standing in a spacious bedroom with a thin mattress on the floor.The windows were draped with beautiful bamboo blinds... and the yibul [blanket] on the mattress... appeared to be fine silks decorated with hand-sewn flowers embroidery. I gasped and walked toward a beautiful folding screen to examine the exquisite scenery of the waterfalls, peacocks, tigers, and the stunning sight of nature from a hilltop perspective. Waoh~! Everything is so breathtaking here!"Is this your heirloom?" I whispered, curiously examining the painting on the folding screen while standing in my white socks. The floor is heated. I wonder if it's ondol? Or if it's an electrical heating system? [Ondol: Traditional heating system]"Is that your concern? There's only one mattress here," He mumbled. I blinked and glanced down at the mattress and back at Taehyung... who was frowning at me with his arms crossed over his chest."Should we ask the guard to bring another one?" I asked. Taehyung sighed and left to speak with the guards, so I unpacked my luggage in the room before strolling out to find the alpha sitting cross-legged by the platform in the living room."The fresh ingredients are in the kitchen," Taehyung nodded, picking up the warm teacup to sip from it. Did the maid brew it for him?"So?" I blinked. He directed his dumbfounded face to me."Cook dinner. What are you standing there for?" He scoffed."C-Cook!? But we're on a trip-""We're not on a vacation. You're on work duties, and I've already sent the maids home, so it's either you cook... or we'll starve," Taehyung lifted his eyebrow with a smug expression. I scoffed at him in disbelief and stormed away with an annoyed frown. I should've read the contracts before I signed it! Business trip? So my business trip is to apparently prepare meals for him?! Hah!- How did I stoop this low?!"I'm not your mother!" I screamed as I entered the luxurious kitchen. There was a sleek black built-in fridge and the latest model of an automatic rice cooker. I glanced at the electric stove and at the wooden counter in surprise. Oh? This kitchen is so stylish and well-equipped...? I thought I'd have to cook in the traditional cooking house!"My mother never cooked me food," Taehyung replied. I turned to glare at him from the kitchen's doorway to find him skimming through the files on the table."I must be your personal maid then," I grimaced."The only people to cook for me are imo, my nanny... and my ex-girlfriend, you," Taehyung replied. I pursed my lips and glared at him again before turning to check the fresh ingredients in the fridge. What should I make...? I'm too sore from the exhausting trip to cook anything complex.
A moment later.
I settled the bowl of freshly made Japchae on the wooden table. This should be enough to keep us full for the night. Taehyung quickly placed his files aside to make space. I grabbed the bowl and chopsticks from the tray, carefully organizing it for him as Taehyung poured the cold tea into my cup."Do you want to drink wine?" Taehyung asked as I sat across from him."Do we have beer?" I asked. It's been a while since I drank liquor. Yangcha doesn't like alcohol so we never stocked it in our fridge. He shrugged, got up from the cushion, and entered a different room, which I assume is the wine cellar. He returned with a box of dusty-looking liquor."This is the only thing they have. How old is this thing?" Taehyung frowned as he sat back down on the cushion, hastily tearing the golden box apart to withdraw the small gourd. He popped the lid with ease before raising the bottle to his nostrils, unsurely sniffing the liquid."Are you sure it's edible-""It smells nice. Should be fine," Taehyung smiled, pouring the white liquor into his cup. He quickly lifted the drink to sip from it and frowned at the taste as I tensely watched him swallow the ancient liquor. What if he gets poisoned...?"I don't think we should drink-""It's nice. Try it," Taehyung shrugged, pouring for me while tasting his lips.I blinked at the clear liquor in my glass, then lifted my face to stare at Taehyung as he poured himself another cup. He seems alright. Sighing, I picked up the glass and raised it to my lips. I took a small sip to taste the liquor before emptying the cup and placing it back on the table. Oh~! I can feel the burn surging all the way to my stomach!"It's sweet," I burped out the foul alcoholic essence and lowered my face to eat the Japchae as Taehyung examined the packaging with a questioning look.

"Oh? This is a gift- Shouldn't I have opened it? Did halmeoni put it for display?" Taehyung muttered with a startled expression as he picked up an old letter from inside the liquor box."You shouldn't have touched her things-""Oh?- It's from your mother. Ga Aera. Isn't that your mother's name?" Taehyung asked, lifting his eyes to me with a startled expression. He handed the letter over to the table, so I cluelessly flipped the card over to find my mother's name... written on the card. My mother gifted the liquor to Taehyung's grandparents...?"Your grandma must've cherished the liquor," I pursed my lips and looked up at Taehyung. He awkwardly stared at the torn box and back at the liquor with a guilty expression. Maybe we shouldn't have opened an item his grandmother wished to preserve."Whatever. What's the point of keeping something so precious forever? It'll end up covered... in dust like this and thrown away. Halmeoni~! I'll finish the liquor for you~!" Taehyung shrugged and poured himself some more liquor.We ultimately emptied the liquor my mother gifted his grandma over our bowl of Japchae before taking turns to shower. I was the last to enter the bedroom... to find Taehyung sprawling face first on the thin mattress on the heated wooden floor with his slightly pink face. He's drunk."Hey! Move!- Didn't you ask for another mattress?!" I poked his butt with my feet as I stood in my long-sleeved gown. The liquor is roasting my system! Ah~ The elders probably drink it during winter to keep their bodies warm. Ah~ My face is numb~!"The guards claim this is the only mattress-""What?! Where am I supposed to sleep?!" I snapped in disbelief."Just gather the cushions in the living room and assemble a mattress~!" Taehyung dawdled while hugging the pillow under his head with his eyes closed."That's not fair! Move! I'm the supreme alpha! Give me the mattress!" I screamed, drunkenly grabbing the blanket, but Taehyung snatched the sheet from me and tugged back. I wailed in distress and tried to yank back while stumbling over the mattress- THUD."AH!" I gasped, toppling onto Taehyung when he suddenly towed the blanket back with all his might.The alpha grunted as I clumsily collapsed onto him with my entire weight, making me groan in discomfort. I shook my dazed mind, shoved him away, and sat up in irritation as he tugged the blanket over his body and turned to sleep on his side, facing away from me. How is he so heartless?! Isn't he guilty of treating me like shit?!I glared at his head, grabbed the spare pillow, and finally lay down on the hard floor in defeat as he sprawled over the mattress. He'd really make a terrible husband! I pray for whoever is going to be his wife! I cursed under my breath and turned to sleep on my side with my glowering eyes on the folding screen... until my eyelids dropped close... and I fell asleep on the floor in my thin gown and socks.
The Next Morning
I groggily opened my eyes at the disturbing snores behind my back,  softly grunting... I rubbed my sore back and turned on the hard floor to find Taehyung sprawling on the comfortable mattress under the blanket with his arms tucked under his head. His lips were wide open as he released the loud snores. I rubbed my face in frustration and finally sat up with my eyes half open. It's early morning.I can hear the harmonious bird chirping outside the dim window. I tossed my pillow at Taehyung's face to silence him and strolled out of the room to sit on the concrete stairs just outside the back door with my groggy gaze on the calm lake, beautifully manicured garden, and foggy mountains... sitting across the water's surface as the delicate wind... brushed my face with its subtle morning breeze.

"Noona~! Why didn't you call me yesterday!" Yangcha whined the instant he picked up my call as I sat on the stairs in my gown and bare feet."It was hectic yesterday. Sorry. Where are you?" I replied, lifting the phone to my face to find Yangcha beaming at me through the camera."On my way to work. Imo packed my lunch today!" He chuckled, cutely lifting his lunch box before the screen as he strode over the sidewalk."Did you bring your supplements?" I yawned, weakly smiling at his adorable smile."Oh! Where are you? Are you alone?" He asked, lowering the phone to examine me through the screen. I turned the camera around to show him the beautiful morning scenery."I'm at Taehyung's private Hanok. The view is lovely, isn't it? I'll send you some pictures later," I chuckled."Woah~! It's very pretty! I wish I was there!" He gasped, so I turned the phone back around to grin at his enthusiastic agreement. I miss him so much already..."I wish you were here with me," I smiled sadly. Yangcha chuckled as he strolled over the sidewalk."Did you sleep well last night? You look tired. Is he stressing you out? Should I go to you?" He asked worriedly."Don't even think of it!" Taehyung snapped out of nowhere, causing me to jerk in a panic. I wildly turned around to find him... standing behind my back with a grimace."Hey! You shouldn't overwork her-!" Yangcha complained once he noticed Taehyung through the camera. The alpha grunted at my lover, dismissively strolled down the stairs in his pajamas, and walked into the garden to approach the lake while ruffling his wild hair."He made me sleep on the floor last night. So annoying~!" I grumbled as Yangcha frowned at the screen."What?!- Is he crazy-""It's fine. I'll make sure to lock him out today," I chuckled. Yangcha appeared somewhat annoyed by Taehyung's insensitive treatment as we chatted about our days... but I assured him I was alright before ending the call and finally lifted my eyes to find Taehyung strolling back towards me."We'll be busy today, so get ready," Taehyung muttered, walking up the concrete stairs and headed back inside the house with his arms crossed over his chest. I sighed and got up to fold the messy mattress as Taehyung showered in the bathroom.I finally settled down at the table to eat chicken porridge prepared by a maid who arrived earlier to serve us the meal. Oh~ Even the meal is delicious~! I did the dishes before walking out to find Taehyung dressed in plain black trousers and a white button-up shirt as he stood by the door with a file in his arms."What's the agenda for today?" I cluelessly asked. He didn't tell me anything about the business trip. Taehyung handed me the thick file, so I flipped it open to find... a biography... of a woman. Huh? I flipped through the remaining files to find different women on the list."Are you selecting an employee-""No. My mother wants me to see them," Taehyung shook his head. I pursed my lips with a startled expression."You mean-""Yeah. Obviously. I broke up with Hwa-young, so my mother is asking me to consider them," Taehyung sorely shrugged."You brought me just so-""Help me select a suitable partner. I don't know what I want at this point. Just pick someone who can replace you," He muttered."Replace me?-""Yeah. Someone who can cook, clean, and perform all the duties you are capable of doing," Taehyung shrugged. I frowned at him with a funny look. Is he serious...? I can't tell if it's a joke. Did he think any woman with a high standard would let him mistreat them like he did to me...? The man is damn crazy."A woman that can cook and clean? You sound like an asshole. Seriously, you should learn to appreciate-""Yah. Fulfill your duties and stop complaining," Taehyung sideways glared at me. I gripped the file in annoyance and glanced at the front yard until I noticed a beautiful lady walking through the entrance in her ankle-length tweed dress... her glossy black hair... neatly tied back."Wait a minute- so the agenda for today is-"
Fast Forward
I awkwardly sat in the corner of the room with the file as Taehyung sat at the platform table with his blank gaze on the timid woman, who was tucking her hair strands behind her ears. They've been... silent for over ten minutes.
Lee Ah-young. She's a lower rank, and her parents are the founders of a renowned construction group. She's graceful... but... it seems like she's an introvert... and... with Taehyung's... seriousness... neither of them is initiating the conversation. They've only greeted each other and have been silent since.
The woman left afterward because of the unbearable atmosphere as a result of her muted nature and his stern stare. I sighed and flipped through the file to the next woman. And you guessed it... the candidates... arrived at the property every half an hour. One after another, women of different beauties and statuses would enter the property to speak with the second-rank alpha."You're really handsome!" Yerin giggled as she sat before Taehyung in her pretty floral dress. Taehyung glanced at the ribbon in her hair and back at the woman's glimmering doe eyes."How old are you?" Taehyung asked, unsurely staring at her youthful look."I'm eighteen!" She smiled cutely with her bunny teeth. Taehyung crossed his arms with a startled expression before darting me a look in disbelief. She's so young?! Why would his mother send a child to him?! This is illegal!"I heard you broke up twice with your previous fiancée? Why? Are you a player?" A woman in a black blazer interrogated Taehyung as she sternly stared at him.Yeong-suk, a well-known cosmetic founder of a famous brand, was too blunt. She kept questioning his personal affairs until he grew a bit irritated. The woman has been eyeing Taehyung with doubts. The alpha frowned at her assertive nature and glanced at me with a dark frown. Nope. They won't get along.One after another... women would enter and exit through the main door. I flipped through the files as he spoke to the random women until I reached the last candidate. She's a supermodel. Oh? It's the same candidate during his interview!"Annyeonghaseyo~!" The model smiled, sitting down before Taehyung."Have we met before?" Taehyung lifted his eyebrow at her."I applied to be your assistant. We've met," She confidently nodded as Taehyung eyed her bold makeup and revealing designer outfits with a blank face."I remember," Taehyung nodded. Harin suddenly shifted her fox eyes to me with a slight smile."Oh. Sora- shi. You're here too," Harin smiled."Hey..." I nodded at her. She smiled and glanced back at Taehyung."You're a model?" Taehyung asked."I work for X Agency. And I'm the ambassador for a top-grade jewelry brand. I graduated from a foreign university abroad and I am majoring in business management," She informed. Taehyung chatted with her for another boring half an hour until she got up to leave the house, so I handed her a bag of expensive perfume. Taehyung prepared the gifts for all the women he met. It's weird. It's probably his mother... who sent the gifts."So? Did anyone impress you?" I asked, bitterly standing by the door with Taehyung as we watched the model stride out of the gate."Did you assess everyone?" He asked, glancing at me bitterly."Yeah. But it seems like most of them are lacking-""Right? I'm too good for them," Taehyung chuckled and walked off with his hands in his pocket. I scoffed and glanced at his prideful smile in disbelief."No? I think most of them are way out of your league. They shouldn't be with a jerk like you," I muttered. Taehyung huffed at my offensive statement and turned to glare at me in annoyance."Yah! Watch your words!" He snapped. I sorely eyed his attitude."See? Who would want to be a fussy man like you~!" I rolled my eyes and walked off."YAH!" Taehyung snapped, making me smile upon provoking his frustration, so I quickly left to pee in the bathroom.
A moment later
"Hah~! I can't do this anymore!" I whined in frustration. I'm struggling to keep up with Taehyung! The alpha insisted on jogging over the hiking path along a beautiful lake at a park nearby."Stop whining! We barely made it halfway!" Taehyung snapped. He insisted on going for a jog, but he's been jogging nonstop for the past hour! I groaned and tumbled weakly onto the grass in defeat with my arms spread out as I struggled to catch my breath. A few passersby glanced at me with a startled expression... so I awkwardly smiled at them until Taehyung appeared over me with a slight frown. He placed his hands on his hips and glanced at the people around us in embarrassment."Get up-""No!" I refused, stubbornly lying on the grass. I'll suffer a stroke if I chase after him!"There's an ice cream truck-""Where!?" I gasped, quickly sitting up to find a truck on the side of the road. Grinning, I scrambled onto my feet and raced towards the vehicle in excitement. I need something to cool me down! Taehyung grimaced and followed me in his sportswear as I intensely stared at the menu."One double scoop of dark chocolate, please~!" I smiled at the cute ice cream man. He chuckled and gave me an extra scoop. Taehyung grimaced at my giddy smile as he paid for my ice cream with a banknote. "I don't remember you being this fleshy," Taehyung muttered as he walked back towards the park to check on one of the public bikes."Are you saying I'm fat?!" I snapped while licking the ice cream. Taehyung paid at the vending machine before walking forward to unlock the bike with the key."You definitely gained weight," He mumbled as he steered the bike from its parking space and got on to test it."That's because I'm happy with Yangcha! I'm eating and sleeping well around him! Unlike you! I was so skinny with you! I was a literal skeleton because you kept stressing me out!" I shrugged. Taehyung glared at me."Hop on, crazy woman," He grunted. I glared at Taehyung and sat on the back seat of the bike while clutching the ice cream cone. Taehyung tried to paddle forward... but wobbled to the side, so I unconsciously grabbed his waist in a panic."Hey! Be careful!" I snapped in shock as he lowered his legs to stabilize the bike.

"Why are you so heavy?!" He snapped as he struggled to paddle forward."I'm not that heavy! Are you crazy?!" I screamed in annoyance, releasing one arm from his waist to lick my ice cream again. Taehyung grunted and paddled through the path surrounded by the blooming trees along the glistering lake surface, warmly illuminated by the afternoon sun."Fuck- This fat pig is so heavy-""HEY!" I screeched, angrily pinching his stomach at his offensive statement."OW!" Taehyung yelped, suddenly steering from side to side as I tweaked his flesh between my fingers."How dare you call me a pig- ARGH!" I gritted but screamed in horror when Taehyung lost control of the bike, and we ended up rolling down a steep slope over the path.Taehyung screamed in horror as he struggled to navigate the wheel from a massive tree before us. We're going to hit it!- Bump! The bike jolted violently from hitting the curb, making me shriek in fear. THUMP! I thoughtlessly leaped off the back bench in a panic- leaving Taehyung alone on the crazy bike ride, causing him to yelp in fear as he chaotically rolled toward the tree."FUCK-" Taehyung immediately steered to the side, abruptly stopping a bike just before he collided as I tumbled onto the rough ground. SPLAT. My ice cream dropped to the dirty path after I fell to my knees and hands. No! My ice cream! I pouted at the ruined dark chocolate on the concrete road while sitting on the ground with a slight frown. "I hate you!" I screamed in distress, causing Taehyung to scoff in annoyance as he parked the bike on the side of the track."You pinched me! Fuck- I'm bruised!" He scoffed, lifting his shirt to examine the bruise on his abs. I wailed in distress as I knelt on the rough ground... but halted once I noticed both... my knees were bleeding... and so were my palms... from the harsh friction burn. Ouch.I dusted my hands and stood up with a grimace. Ah~ It's stinging so much! Taehyung froze once his eyes landed on my bloody knees. The alpha grunted in extreme irritation and crouched down to grab his hair in distress. Is he stressing me out, or am I stressing him out? I don't know, but I want to throw a tantrum and shove him into the lake!
A moment later.
Taehyung slowly walked over the dark street while carrying me over his back as I clung to his neck with my chin rested on his shoulder. He didn't complain about my weight anymore... so I curiously tilted my head to stare at his side profile as he strolled forward."Aren't I heavy? You said I was fat earlier," I mumbled. How is he carrying so effortlessly if I'm heavy?"I'll probably have back problems later," He grumbled. I glared at him in annoyance and wiggled my legs to irritate him until Taehyung screamed at me to stay still. I giggled as he entered through the gate and brought me up the stairs.I left to shower after he settled me down because of the nasty ice cream stains on my clothes. We later ate dinner prepared by the maids and finally headed to bed. Thump! Thump! Thump! I frantically rushed past Taehyung in the corridor, slightly shoving him aside- sending the man slamming hard into the wall."YAH!" Taehyung shouted in disbelief. I skipped into the room and- Thump! I dropped face-first to the mattress with my limbs spread out like a sugar glider in my nightgown. Taehyung sorely glared at me after I  successfully stole the mattress from him."Hey! What are you doing?!-" I gasped, sitting up in bewilderment when he suddenly lifted the gown off my legs."Stay still," He mumbled while sitting crossed legs on the mattress with a bag of essential items imo packed for us before the trip. He pushed the gown off my knees to reveal the swollen scratches. I pursed my lips as Taehyung squeezed the cream onto my knees and gently rubbed the cooling cream over the cuts.I gripped the blanket uncomfortably and glanced at him as he quietly dabbed the cream before moving to my other knee. We grew hushed until he flipped my palm over to study the fading scar from the knife incident with Yangcha and dimly applied the cream to treat the fresh scratches from falling off the bike. I quietly observed his blank expression. Is he bipolar? One moment he's insulting me... and another moment... he's treating my wounds?"Thank you," I whispered. Taehyung sighed, suddenly halting once he noticed the raised streak across my wrist. The alpha shifted his dim eyes to me as he gently stroked his thumb over my suicide scar."Did you hesitate?" He asked, lowering his gaze to the scar again."What?" I asked him unsurely."Our child. Did you hesitate... at all? Before you entered the abortion room?" He asked without looking at me. I grew hushed and glanced at the scar as Taehyung gloomily stared at the faint line across my wrist. Why is he bringing it up again? It's a sensitive topic for both of us."I'm sleepy!" I snapped to break the tense silence, quickly laid back down, and turned on the side with the blanket tugged all the way up to my neck. I  screwed my eyes shut to keep out the uncomfortable thoughts until Taehyung let out a heavy sigh and got up from the mattress to place the bag away. He turned off the lights and slowly crawled onto the sheet with me. What is he doing?!"Share the mattress with me," He muttered. I didn't answer and remained facing away from him without budging.Taehyung exhaled again at my muteness after I refused to make space for him and got back up to leave the room. He gathered the cushions, eventually returning to assemble them beside my mattress before laying with his single pillow. He deserves it and I'm not at all guilty. I turned to lay on my back with my eyes closed and deeply exhaled as the relieving sensation expanded over my sore back. Taehyung didn't speak and slept in silence until we both fell asleep.
Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung grunted in discontent while struggling to adjust his position as the cushions slipped and slid beneath his back. He frowned with his eyes closed as he fought to sleep comfortably but gave up and turned to lay on his back in annoyance. The alpha turned his head on the pillow to find Jang Sora sleeping peacefully on her back and glanced at the ceiling again when he heard the rain droplets... drumming over the brick ceiling. Rattle.The wooden windows slightly vibrated against the seal in the presence of the strong wind current... until the room grew a little chilly. Unlike their mansions, the Hanok house was not soundproof. Taehyung could hear the rain pounding and banging all over the property. Its sharp pallets... fiercely hitting the woods and windows repeatedly as the dim flickers of the lightning outside the property... lit up the ancient room with its blinding brightness. Smack."The fuck-" Taehyung groaned in pain when Jang Sora hastily swung her arm to the side, smacking him hard in the face with her hand.The alpha grabbed her wrist and yanked it off his face before turning to glare at her in annoyance... but pursed his lips once he found her sleeping on her side with the blanket tucked up to her chin. The dim lighting flickers... repeatedly illuminating her soft and rosy cheeks as she snuggles against the pillow with her plump lips... slightly parted. It's been a while since he last witnessed her adorable sleeping habits.The alpha slowly averted his dim eyes to his hand as he held onto her left wrist... over the mattress while resting on his back. He slowly turned on the cushions to face her without releasing her wrist and quietly stared at the thin... yet visible... scar across her flesh.Taehyung gently traced his thumb over the bump with a heavy heart as he remained awake in the dark room. Her bloody state after she slit her wrist... is still haunting him. He could've prevented it... if only he wasn't so determined to beat her in their heartbreak game. He could've ensured her body was free of painful scars, but he failed.
Because of his recklessness... the scar of his betrayal is forever carved on her flesh.
His heart ached intensely... causing him to frown at the painful surge, so he rubbed his chest with his other hand until he felt the scar over his flesh. Jang Sora had left a mark on him. The same mark to remind him of his cold-blooded treatments. Every time he showered... he'd be reminded of the time... he ruthlessly broke her heart.He hated it. The scar on his chest. It would swell and ache terribly, leaving him with the rotting guilt of his past offenses towards her. The alpha deeply inhaled and glanced back at his former lover's wrist in extreme remorse.Kim Taehyung carefully interlaced his fingers with her cold fingers to hold her with his subtle warmth until he felt a hot lump forming in his throat. The alpha felt the urge to cry once he finally... felt her familiar grip again. Taehyung... has been deprived of her touch... and he's been dying to... hold her.A surge of overwhelming emotions suddenly struck his vulnerable soul, causing the alpha to tighten his grip around her fingers as the rapid flashes of their past memories overfilled his head. All those moments he took for granted... turned out to be the most precious memories he had of her.His heart... throbbed intensely for their broken love... until the unconscious tear stream dripped down the side of his face. The alpha clenched his jaw as he averted his gaze to her precious face with his glassy pupils.
Why was she a threat to him? How is it that he never appreciated her until now? She had one of the brightest smiles. The most genuine laughter. The purest heart. The prettiest eyes. The cutest tantrum. Why did he treat her so poorly, and why was he so insensitive to her feelings? He hated himself. So much... he wanted to fall to his knees and apologize to her- but he couldn't. He knew... she'd never forgive him even if he crawled after her.
Taehyung blinked away his tears and lowered his face to press his soaked lashes against the silk pillow as he lightly rubbed her knuckles with his thumb.
How could he be so reckless with her heart...? A heart that only wanted to love him?
"Hmm~" Sora grumbled under her breath, suddenly tugging their interlaced hands to tuck it under her chin, causing Taehyung to suck in his breath. He lifted his face to stare at her in panic as Sora snuggled against the warmth of his hand in her sleep. The alpha pursed his lips and tried to draw his hand away without waking her... but she wouldn't release him."Ah~! Fuck!-" Taehyung cursed softly when she suddenly rolled over to sleep on the other side, pulling him with her as she held their interlaced hands against her chest.The alpha quickly scrambled onto his knees with his fingers entangled with hers. He grimaced and carefully crawled onto the mattress, quietly hovering his face over her body as she firmly held onto his hands under her body weight as she lay on her stomach.Taehyung grunted in discomfort as the painful throb surged all over his twisted wrist that was stuck beneath her chest. He carefully drew his hand away again... but she only stirred and fastened her grip, causing him to groan with his face screwed in pain. He cursed in distress at the throbbing pain over his wrist as she crushed his hand with her body... until he lowered his face to her head... and gently blew in her ear to tickle her."Hmmm~!" Sora twitched at the slight tickle, making Taehyung freeze over her. She didn't roll over. He sighed and blew again until she jerked her hand to scratch her ear and suddenly flopped onto her back. Taehyung quickly scooted backward as the painful strain lessened around his wrist. She almost cracked his wrist joint with her weight.Jang Sora softly tightened her grip around his fingers again as she held their interlaced hands over her chest with her face facing towards the ceiling. Taehyung pursed his lips and slowly opened his fingers to release her palm... but she wouldn't let go of him.Cautiously... he lowered his other hand to pick on her fingers... attempting to pry her grips open... but Jang Sora only frowned at the disturbance... and suddenly grabbed his hand with both her hands, possessively gripping his fingers with a slight frown. The alpha froze again after he failed to release himself."Ah~!" Taehyung groaned in distress.He gave up on trying to free himself without the risk of waking her and sat with his legs crossed on the mattress beside her with his right hand... trapped between hers. The alpha sighed in defeat and tucked his left hand under his chin to support his head with his elbow propelled against his thigh. He dimly watched the supreme alpha breathe softly through her nostrils... as his hand rose and fell... over her rising and sinking chest.The rainstorm drummed harder onto the roof... and the windows rattled violently with every sweep of the wind current until Jang Sora stirred under the blanket to seek more warmth. Taehyung gently tucked her, pulling the blanket over her exposed shins as he sat beside her until her lips parted a little. Her slimy drool... slowly trickling from the corner of her lips."You and your habits..." Taehyung grunted, gently wiping her lips with his free hand. He nudged her chin to close her mouth. The alpha suddenly halted once his eyes drifted to her pretty pink lips. He briefly glanced at her puffy eyelids and back to her vulnerable state with a muted temptation. With great tenderness... the man... caressed her lips with his thumb.The alpha sat unblinkingly... lost in his empty thoughts... and without thinking... he lowered his face toward hers... but halted with a conflicted feeling as he sternly stared at her lips to ponder his actions. He wanted to kiss her. His deprived soul... he could feel it gravitating towards hers as his heart thumped steadily against his ribs... begging him to seek comfort in her. Taehyung glanced at her obliviousness again and finally closed his eyes... lowering his face all the way... until... his lips landed on hers.
He gave in. He finally submitted to his feelings.
A spasm of abnormal warmth suddenly expanded across his chest as soon as he stroked her familiar lips. Her subtle scent... feeding his numbed system and awakening his soul as she panted softly against his face. Kim Taehyung gripped her fingers and slightly lifted his face with his eyes closed to savor the stolen kiss... until he felt his heart screeching against his ribs for more of her. He couldn't get enough of her.
He wanted more.
The alpha bit his lips, opening his torn eyes in difficulty to observe her unconscious state. He felt terrible for taking advantage of her... but he couldn't help it. The intense urge... overpowering his senses. He exhaled in defeat after failing to resist the temptation and lowered his face to kiss her again. Softly brushing... his parted lips over hers. He finally pulled away to snuggle against the side of her face, deeply inhaling.... her addictive scent with a slight frown.
Kissing her wasn't enough. He's aching for her response.
"I don't want to give you up. Not in this world. And not in any world," Taehyung whispered, slowly leaning over to hug her frail body with his face pressed against the crook of her neck. Jang Sora remained fast asleep in her position as her former lover embraced her body under the cold storm with his broken soul.
Kim Taehyung desperately tried to move forward... but it seemed like every path he took to stray away from her... ended up leading him back to Jang Sora. Why is it that their destiny is still clashing despite their separation?
Is this a sign? Kim Taehyung thought to himself, tightly gripping her shoulder with his eyes closed as her fragrance filled the hollow avoid within his chest."If I defied our destiny. Will you... let me in again?" He whispered. The alpha sighed deeply as he rested beside the supreme alpha on the mattress until he felt her... releasing his fingers. Taehyung lifted his face to stare at their hands and up to Sora's calm expression.The alpha carefully removed his fingers from her grip... but he didn't shift away and slipped his arm under her head to cushion her instead. He yielded to his desperate emotions and stubbornly rested beside her with his hand placed securely over her waist to hold her on his side.
She wasn't his to hold... but Kim Taehyung couldn't release her. He wanted her back. Badly.
"Give in to me. Just one more time, Sora," He whispered, softly kissing her forehead, and rested his head back onto their shared pillow with his possessive arms wrapped firmly around her unconscious body.
The lone wolf.

Had left his territorial mark... on the goddess.

And he... was determined... to win her over from the Black Jaguar, even if it meant clashing with death itself. 
___________________________Fast Forward: Next Day, noon.Sora's POVI woke up with an aching shoulder after the rainstorm. Did I sleep on the wrong side? I grunted in discomfort while rubbing my shoulder until Taehyung stepped out of the bedroom in a fitted suit. We have to attend a general meeting at a hotel venue."Fixed my tie," Taehyung walked over in his loose buttons with the tie over his collar. I sighed and lifted my hands to button his shirt over his exposed chest with a blank gaze as he stood over me and slipped the golden strip under his collar, quietly fixing the tie over his firm chest until he lifted his hand to push the loose hair strands behind my ear."Don't touch me," I muttered in annoyance."What's with the grumpiness?" He asked, shifting his curious smile to me."I don't know. I didn't have a good sleep last night. I think I had a nightmare again," I grunted while patting his suit to even out the crease. Taehyung lifted his hands for me. I sighed and clipped his cuffs for him."Nightmare? You were drooling," He bitterly shook his head."Maybe it's you then? I always slept well... but I've been... so sore since we shared the room. You've got an infectious energy~!" I shrugged, dismissively walking away to put on my heels, causing Taehyung to scoff at me in disbelief."Yah! How dare you complain about your soreness after leaving me to sleep on the floor when this is my house?!" He snapped, chasing after me to the front door."I'm seriously not in the mood right now! Can you be quiet for a moment!?" I snapped as I bent down to place the polished shoes on the floor. He scoffed and lifted his feet to slip his foot into the shoes as I adjusted it for him and finally stood up with a sore expression."Don't go walking around with that brooding face! Smile a little, will you!?" He snapped. I rolled my eyes and strode down the concrete stairs in my ankle-length formal long-sleeved dress. I wore it to hide my bandaged knees. Did I have to fall over like this? Ah~ Why am I aching all over...?
A moment later.
"Did I gain weight? Why is there a bump?" I grumbled while standing in the elevator. Taehyung briefly glanced at me as I rubbed the bump below my stomach in annoyance. Puff! I sucked in my breath in an attempt to flatten my belly."That's your uterus, woman," He muttered, sorely side-eyeing me. I pursed my lips and glanced at his annoyed expression."My uterus...?" I asked, glancing down at the bump again."Did you skip anatomy class? Aigo~! Do you wish to get rid of your uterus so you could have a perfectly flat abdomen?" He teased, blankly walking out of the elevator, so I grimaced and followed him from behind to stroll the corridor. Taehyung suddenly halted and turned to stare at me in confusion."What?" I asked as I paused five steps behind him."Why are you walking behind me?" He asked."Isn't an assistant supposed to walk behind their boss?" I blinked."Says who? Walk by my side- Someone might kidnap you right from behind my back. And I wouldn't know... so save me the trouble and stay within my sight," He nodded to the space beside him. I grimaced and walked up to him, so he walked forward again with matching pacing until we entered the general meeting venue for the fintech corporation. They're announcing the chosen independent auditor for the company.
The staff had prepared a separate seat for me by the corner of the room... but Taehyung demanded that I sit beside him because he wanted to keep his eyes on me. So I ended up... sitting amongst the other shareholders and board of directors.

Fast Forward
I grunted in difficulty as I frantically splashed the cold water on my fuming face over the sink to calm the burning sensation that was spreading all over my body. What's wrong with me..? I frowned at the mirror to examine my red cheeks while gripping the edge of the sink for support as I felt the uncomfortable sensation numbing my nerves. I feel... hot and... aroused...? I grabbed my phone from my purse and quickly strolled out of the hotel's bathroom with a dazed mind as the empty corridor distorted around me. What's wrong with me!? I feel so light-headed!"Where's Taehyung-? I need to contact him-" I grunted while fumbling with my phone to search for his contact."Sora!" Taehyung called, suddenly appearing before me with a confused look."I- I'm not feeling well- My body- it's burning so much!" I gasped while tugging my collar in discomfort."Really? Let's find a place for you to rest," Taehyung replied, grabbing my waist to steer me in the opposite direction."The venue is that way-""Forget it. You're not well. I'll find a room for you so you can rest," Taehyung replied as he dragged through the corridor. I grunted and rubbed my neck as my body burned intensely. He quickly scanned a key card and pulled me inside a suite, so I grumbled and weakly stumbled after him as he dragged me by my wrist."I'll wait here- you can... head back to the venue-" I mumbled, drowsily slumping onto the couch to snuggle against the cushion with a dizzy mind."Why would I leave your side? You're not feeling well," He muttered. I opened my sleepy eyes to find Taehyung sitting at the edge of the couch. He slipped the medium heels off my feet... so I exhaled and hugged the cushion in difficulty. I don't understand. I was fine earlier...?"What are you doing...?" I questioned, lifting my dazed head off the cushion once I felt Taehyung touching my inner thigh beneath my dress. I quickly pushed his hands away with my eyebrows furrowed as he blankly stared at me."You're pretty warm. Isn't the dress uncomfortable?" Taehyung chuckled as I tried to focus my blurry gaze on his smug smile."I'm fine- Ah!" I sat up uncomfortably. Gasp! Taehyung seized my upper arm and tugged me onto my feet, suddenly dragging me from the living room and shoved me inside the lavish bedroom. I staggered onto the mattress as my head swayed intensely- so I lowered my face and tried to shake off the dizziness. Fuck!? This is annoying! Why am I so weak?!"You should sleep on the bed instead," Taehyung muttered. I lifted my blurry vision to focus on him again as he slowly slipped off his outer suit and tossed it aside. The alpha smirked and walked up to me, carefully leaning over my body to reach behind my back... gently pulling the zipper down my spine."I'm fine-""You should change into a robe. It won't be as suffocating," Taehyung whispered beside my ear, causing the cold chills to sting my skin. I closed my eyes again... when I felt my mind spinning dizzily around me. Taehyung tugged the zipper down to my lower back before grabbing the dress and pulling it off my head."Can you give me some privacy...?- AH!?!- Taehyung!?" I stuttered, trying to cover my body as I remained in my undergarment- when he hastily grabbed my neck and slammed my body back onto the mattress. I shrieked in horror and tried to sit up... but he effortlessly held me down with his strong arms."Stop resisting?! What's with you!? You always spread your legs for me in private!" Taehyung snapped as he furiously crawled over me on the mattress. I cried in fear and tried to sit up again- but my limbs were numb. I can't move! My muscles are sore!"What are you doing?! This isn't right- Taehyung- AH!" I screamed in tears as I weakly smacked his chest, but he roughly grabbed my wrists, pinned me down, and shoved his face into the crook of my neck. I gasped, fearfully thrashing beneath him until he lifted his face to suck on my cleavage with his damp tongue."Fuck- you're so fucking sexy. Every part of you is perfect! I'm so fucking horny already~!" He laughed like a madman as he firmly held my wrists over my head with one hand while roaming his other hand over my curves to feel my flesh with his invasive fingers. I shrieked in distress, violently twisting and turning on the bed to free my body from his forceful grip- SMACK.I whimpered in shock when he suddenly struck my face with all his might, causing my cluttered mind to spin all over the place. I felt the stinging pain expanding all over my burning cheek until my head... flopped weakly to the side on the soft pillow. I'm scared. I helplessly wailed... as my vision distorted until I could barely make out anything... so I shifted my terrified eyes back to Taehyung in extreme fear, who was inappropriately groping my bra with a smug grin plastered on his face. "Stop- Stop!- Please!" I cried in distress but was immediately silenced when he suddenly rolled my body over. I desperately tried to sit up, but he snatched my nape and shoved my head into the pillow, forcing me face-first on the mattress in my undergarment."SHUT UP! Why are you screaming like a dying pig before I'm even fucking you?!" He bellowed. I tried to scream again- but he firmly held my face against the pillow... so I gripped the bedsheet in distress until the warm tears slid from my eyes... soaking the pillowcase.Taehyung suddenly slapped my buttcheeks, causing me to whimper in pain. I felt him shuffling around over me... and suddenly... I felt this weird... hard flesh between my buttcheeks as he aggressively humped me. Thud. Thud. Thud. The mattress started shaking at the force of his movement."No-! Tae- Stop! St-Stop it! TAEHYUNG!?" I cried in shock as he assaulted my vulnerable body with his hardened private part. I screamed in distress- suddenly muffling in shock once he thrust my face into the pillow to stifle my desperate cries. I reached backward to shove him off me... but Taehyung slapped my hands aside and aggressively humped me harder until I felt like gagging."You'll scream even louder when I fucking shove my dick inside you!" He laughed, aggressively seizing my pantie strap to yank it down my thighs as I thrashed under his heavy weight. I fearfully reached back to pull the thin fabric so he couldn't undress me while gagging against the pillow. I couldn't breathe properly- but I didn't care and clawed his forearm to stop him from escalating his inappropriate thirst for my body."STOP! PLEASE- TAEHYUNG-""Fucking bitch!" Taehyung roared in anger- roughly snatching my hair to yank my head backward. I choked in shock with my tears and snot... smudging messily over my sweaty face. What's wrong with him!? Why is he doing this to me?! I tried to turn my head... but he pulled my hair harder to restrain me while sitting over my buttcheeks in his loose trousers."Ah! HELP ME- SOMEONE PLEASE-""Do you want to die?!- You fucking whore- URGH!" Taehyung roared angrily, tugging on my hair until I felt my scalp throbbing in pain. Thump! The alpha abruptly released me, sending my heated body slamming face-first onto the mattress. He suddenly tumbled off my back... as I slumped over the pillow while sobbing in distress. I'm aching... so much. I tried to lift my head... but my body was paralyzed... so I whimpered in fear as the room distorted around me."Sora!?" Someone suddenly flipped my body over. I sobbed in fear once my eyes landed on Taehyung again as he hovered above me with a terrified look."DON'T TOUCH ME! YOU ASSHOLE- AH!- HAH!-" I screamed in distress, frantically forcing him away from me."Sora! Calm down!- Urgh!" Taehyung roughly grabbed my shoulders, so I punched him hard across the face. He tumbled to the side with his hand clasped over his jaw and fell off the bed. Thump! I rubbed my throbbing body aggressively and cried in distress as the unbearable heat burnt my skin to the point... I started hyperventilating... over the messy sheet."You bastard!-""Fuck-""YAH! LET ME GO-""HOW DARE YOU TOUCH HER?!-" "SHE'S THE BITCH FROM PHILANTHROPY!- DID YOU THINK I WOULDN'T NOTICE-""SHUT THE FUCK UP-""DID YOU THINK YOU COULD HIDE YOUR DARK PAST AFFAIR WITH HER FROM THE CORP- ARGH!"THUMP. THUD- CRASH. THUMP. THUMP. THUMP!  CRASH! I shakily gripped the bed sheet while sobbing in discomfort with my arms wrapped securely around my sensitive body. I can't feel my body anymore! Sora- You have to get out of here! I weakly sat up on the mattress with ugly tear streaks over my damp cheeks upon hearing the argument and loud crashing sound until my terrified gaze... landed on Taehyung... who was standing in his suit... drenched in blood. My heart thumped in horror as he stood at the foot of the bed with a broken metal lamp in his hand."I will sue you!" A man screeched, so I averted my tearful eyes to find another chubby man sitting on the floor with a bleeding head. Taehyung clenched the lamp and slowly walked forward. W-What's happening...? I blinked in confusion when my clouded mind suddenly returned to its senses - WHACK. WHACK. WHACK."Argh! ARGH! STO- STOP- I'M SORRY-" The man screamed in agony as Taehyung violently struck him with the metal in his grip, angrily bashing the man's skull... with his pitch-dark brown eyes stapled on the man's ugly whimper.The man groaned in extreme pain... weakly collapsing onto the floor... as more and more blood splattered onto Taehyung's face... soaking his suit with bright red blood. I remained frozen on the bed as the hot tears streams... rolled down my cheeks upon witnessing the horrifying manslaughter.
WHACK-!
I flinched in fear as I watched the solid metal smash into the man's forehead. He shrieked and rolled on the ground with a split-open wound on his skull. Taehyung panted heavily... and slowly straightened his body over the bed with a deadly blank expression- Thump! I gripped the bedsheet in horror as the man sprawled on the floor without his pants on."Do you have any idea... who you're... playing with? Hmm?!- The woman you placed your filthy fingers... on is the fucking... supreme alpha- you rotten piece of shit!" Taehyung angrily glared at the man who was weakly crawling away from Taehyung, leaving behind his bloody trails. Is it not Taehyung?- Huh? I stared at the man as Taehyung aggressively snatched the man's hair to haul him toward the balcony. The alpha roughly kicked the glass door open and heaved the man onto the exterior terrace as I remained stupefied on the bed."HELP!- SOMEONE HELP ME! HELLO?!" The man screamed in distress as the heavy blood gushed from the wound in his head. He desperately grabbed the railing... fearfully screaming at the neighboring balconies.Kim Taehyung darkly stepped over the pool of blood on the tile as the man clutched the cement railing in fear with his blood-soaked hands. He screamed at the alpha to back off and tried to dash past Taehyung, who darkly snatched his throat with his powerful grip and flung the man backward to shove him against the railings."Let me go! You bastard- ARK! Yah- Ah!" The chubby shareholder gasped in shock as Taehyung tightened his fingers around his throat to crush his windpipe... as a rush of blood flooded the man's face. The alpha clenched his jaw with his possessed pupils on the filthy average man while strangling him on the balcony."T- Taehyung- wait- stop! Tae!" I gasped, finally jerking off the bed in horror once I recollected my senses and rushed towards the glass door in an attempt to disrupt his darkness- but screamed in horror when the alpha roughly shoved the man backward with his veiny grip around the shareholder's throat, causing his back to tilt over the balcony."ARGH! STOP- PLEASE- EWHJGDAGEWUKDAG!?-" The man screamed in fear as the alpha thrust him over the railing by his neck. I froze in dread by the doorway as I watched the shareholder swing his arms wildly for support. His body dangerously... slanting backward... and he slipped... right off the railing. The man shifted his horrified eyes to me... just moments before his death as I stood behind Taehyung until... he plunged off the balcony and... disappeared from my sight. Whoosh!
Silence.
I couldn't hear anything but the soft afternoon wind... whistling ominously in my ears as I stood over the pool of thick blood. The lavish suite suddenly grew hushed as I remained... petrified... without budging... after Kim Taehyung flung the man off the top floor balcony.Dangerously... Kim Taehyung rotated his body in my direction.I sucked in my breath in fear as he stood on the balcony with his dilated black pupils, raging with the corrupted darkness. He panted unsteadily with his piercing glower... on my shaken condition... as I stared at his dark red shirt and... blood-soaked face with a pale expression.The thick blood... trickling steadily from his fingertips...
Drip... Drip... Drip...
"T-Taehyung-""I can kill too, you know? He's not the only... killer in disguise," Taehyung lowly muttered....
The freshly harvested blood of the average... further cursing the alpha's plagued soul with the ruthless evil of his lethal darkness.

The Lone Wolf... officially gesturing his devotion... to serve the supreme alpha with a dead man's soul.

.

.

.

A sacrificial divine offering... to seal the heathen's sinful fate with... the goddess.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
The hospital nurses scuttled actively into the shared emergency room to attend to the other patients on their respective beds as I sat against the pillow in the medical attire with my wrist hooked to the IV drip. I was immediately rushed to the hospital for a checkup after I collapsed at the hotel. I blinked out of my thoughts when Taehyung strolled into the room, calmly sitting by my bedside. He left earlier to handle the documentation and medical bills."No- Don't shut the curtain," I muttered as he attempted to draw the curtains around my bed for privacy.The alpha frowned at my instruction as he uneasily scanned the other beds, occupied by the averages. He sat down on the chair beside the bed in defeat as I listlessly stared at the bruise on the corner of his lips. I struck him out of fear when he tried to help me. Should I apologize...? He must be as startled as I am."Sora. We should move to a private suite. This environment isn't suitable for you-""I don't want to be alone... with you," I muttered, lowering my dim eyes to my fingers. Taehyung insisted that I rest in the VIP room, but I refused because I was afraid to be alone with him due to the distressing assault. He had already changed into a fresh set of casual clothes delivered by the guards."Why? I won't hurt you-""I saw you," I swallowed, lifting my tearful eyes to Taehyung's concerned frown. We're still in Gwangju... and I want to go home but given my current state... I doubt I'll make it home anytime soon."What?" Taehyung unsurely searched my grim expression."When he assaulted me... I saw you," I whispered.The alpha pursed his lips in dread... as if he didn't hear me right. He appeared... concerned yet baffled by my claim of perceiving him as the culprit. Taehyung let out a deep exhale after a moment of silence between us. The room hummed quietly as we listened to the other patient's and medical employees' low chatters. He glanced at a teenage kid on the bed across from mine, whose arms were bandaged. I feel safer here... around other people."You were drugged. It's not me. You know I wouldn't-""But I'm still uncomfortable," I shook my head. I saw him, and I'm still terrified. Why did my mind perceive the shareholder as the alpha? I didn't know, but everything was too graphic for me to feel comfortable around him. Taehyung pursed his lips, slightly frowning at my stubbornness again, eventually exhaling in defeat and lowered his face to his palms. He pulled the hotel bathrobe over my body and rushed me to the hospital right after he threw the shareholder off the top floor."Do you want me to contact Yangcha? I'll call him if you're uncomfortable," Taehyung asked. I pursed my lips to consider his offer."He won't be happy. Don't inform him," I shook my head. Taehyung sighed heavily."We'll return to Seoul tomorrow," Taehyung announced, bitterly eyeing my unfavorable condition. I dimly nodded while sitting on the bed until the nurse approached me again.The guards showed up at the hospital to escort us back to the Hanok, so I spent the entire afternoon resting on the mattress as Taehyung dealt with the commotion at the hotel with his security team.Knock. Knock. I shifted my attention from the folding screen while lying on my side at the sudden disturbance. Taehyung pushed open the door and strolled into the room with a small wooden table prepared with a bowl and glass of water."I'm not hungry," I muttered, pulling the blanket upward to hide my bruised cheek. Taehyung didn't respond to my refusal and placed the wooden table beside the mattress."Get up. I'll feed you if you can't lift the spoon," Taehyung muttered, effortlessly slipping his hands under my underarms to raise my feeble body off the mattress. I pouted as he made me sit up in my loose gown. Clatter. He settled by the wooden table and crossed his legs.Taehyung gently reached across the table to tuck my wild hair behind my ears, placed a cooling patch over my forehead, and gently dabbed on my forehead to compress it against my feverish skin. I closed my eyes sleepily while sitting in my nightgown as the coolness seeped over my forehead, slightly tingling the skull beneath my flesh."Did you cook it?" I asked while staring at the warm chicken porridge mixed with boiled vegetables. I shouldn't eat it if it's made by him."You think? I instructed the maids to brew it for you. Eat while it's warm," Taehyung muttered while blowing on the porridge to cool the paste before hovering the spoon over my dehydrated lips. I sighed heavily and opened my mouth to accept the thick rice porridge.Taehyung gently wiped my lips with a tissue and stirred the porridge as he sat in his pajamas. He's oddly calm. Did he tell the elders? About the incident? Is the media reporting on the murder? I feel restless."What will you do now? Your parents won't be happy," I whispered. He killed a man."Don't worry about it. No one will investigate the man's death, and the elders will not bother either, even if they're aware. I did it to protect the supreme alpha," He shrugged, lifting the spoon to my lips again. I accepted it and nodded as my dizzy mind swayed from side to side. I'm lightheaded."I'm sorry about my harsh reaction earlier," I muttered, wearily studying his bruised lips. Taehyung lifted his blank gaze to me without blinking."You were confused and frightened," He shrugged. I lowered my face to gulp in difficulty as my body... shivered with the chills of being groped and touched by the man until I felt my chest wrenching in discomfort.Sora... stop being so dramatic. I pursed my lips to stop myself from pouting... but failed miserably as the overwhelming feeling consumed my body with frightening emotions until unconscious tears dripped from my lashes. I ended up... sobbing with my head lowered while sitting on the mattress. Taehyung sighed heavily and reached over to brush my tear-soaked cheek with his thumb. He wouldn't stop feeding me the warm porridge, despite my inability to properly grind the rice... so I kept crying and sniffling while swallowing the paste without chewing."No more-""Yah! You'll end up swallowing your snot at this rate! Hold back your tears, will you?!" Taehyung snapped as he dabbed my runny nose for the tenth time. He appeared... somewhat... frustrated by the messy leakages from my lips and nose.I bit my lower lips to trap the porridge in difficulty, trying hard not to whimper until I ended with a quivering pout as I sat with porridge-inflated cheeks. Taehyung paused with the spoon... suspended over the warm bowl as he studied my bright red nose, watering doe eyes, puffy hamster cheeks, and pouty smudged lips with a disapproving frown. The alpha suddenly blinked out of his thoughts and quickly stirred the bowl again, so I rubbed my lips with my sleeves and quickly laid back down to avoid the food. I can't eat anymore! I feel like I'll vomit if I had anymore of it!"I'm full," I sniffled, burying my face into the pillow after forcing myself to swallow the remaining porridge in my mouth."You barely ate-""I said I'm full! Are you deaf?!" I screamed, angrily kicking the blanket, and hastily rolled over to glare at Taehyung, who flinched at my angry outburst. He gripped the spoon, attempting to snap back with his burning glare... but for some reason... he clenched his jaw and held back his spewing temper.The alpha emitted a hefty huff of discontentment and lowered the spoon in defeat as I glowered at him in tears. He sighed, grabbed the table, and strolled out of the room with the meals... without speaking another word. I heavily fumed while glaring at the door before laying back on my back with my forearm over my forehead. I desperately... need time alone to recover from the traumatic event! Can't he understand?!"Get up-""Ah! No- Stop touching me! AH~!" I whined in distress as Taehyung slipped his arms under my body to lift me off the mattress. The alpha effortlessly strolled out of the bedroom, making me whine in annoyance as I smacked his chest with my balled fists... until he settled me down in the bathroom by the sink."Brush your teeth and wash your face. Now," Taehyung ordered, quickly squeezing the toothpaste onto the brush and handed it to me. I glared at him intensely before snatching the toothbrush to aggressively brush my teeth, spit out the paste from my lips, and flush the foam out of my mouth until the water splattered messily all over my face and gown."Happy?!" I snapped, seething at his stern expression with my dripping wet face.Taehyung bitterly stared at me, so I shoved him backward and stormed out of the bathroom, heavily collapsing back onto the mattress. I will kill him if he bothers me again! I hastily pulled the blanket over my head and curled up into a ball to trap the warmth from leaving my body.
Taehyung did not bother me afterward. In fact, I didn't hear him entering the room that night.

A moment later.
I slowly sat up on the mattress with a dazed mind upon being awakened by the deafening downpour. It's raining...? I stared at the bright flickers through the window as the soft rain pallets struck the brick tiles over my head. Sighing, I got up from the mattress once I felt my bladder swelling from the pressure of retaining too much water and strolled out of the room to pee in the bathroom before stepping into the chilly house.I abruptly halted... once I found Taehyung... sleeping on the cushions in the spacious living room with a towel over his body. Why isn't he sleeping inside...? I glanced at the mild rain through the window, carefully crept to the back door, and pushed it open to step out into the cold night."Ah. This is nice," I muttered, leaving a gap in the door, and sat down on the concrete stairs as the rain dribbled from the roof edges, streaming lightly above my head and splattering... onto the stairs below. I unconsciously hugged my knees with an empty mind while drifting my lifeless gaze to the dimly lit garden before glancing at the dark scenery beyond the lake with nothing but a deep void in my chest.Sora. Are you going to keep up with this behavior? What will you gain from it? Hmm? You shouldn't drown yourself again... not after you've worked so hard to be better. I blinked and lowered my tearful eyes to my knees in frustration. I'm aching so much. My body. I want to scream. I want to peel off my skin, rub off the uncomfortable handprints, and burn my flesh to remove the tainted sensations.
I feel dirty. His touch... I can feel it all over my body no matter how painfully... I try to dismiss it. How is it that... a mere touch... over my skin... feels like someone had carved my flesh with a blade? Leaving behind... so many scars?

My lovers only left behind the invisible love traces... but the man... had scarred me deep beneath my flesh.

You might think I'm exaggerating. The man hadn't even penetrated me yet. What's with all the fuss? Fuss? Am I supposed to simply... wash off his hand prints from my body with soap and water? As if... I'm stained with the mere dirt? The physical wounds don't hurt as badly as the ones not visible to the eyes. Because if there's a cut... a bruise... a tear... a scratch... it can easily be spotted, treated with medication, or stitched back together with a bandage.

But the invisible scars? How am I supposed to treat them? It feels like I'll have to live with my sensitive skin forever. And I loathe the feeling. I hate it... so much. It makes me sick of my own body.
"You'll catch a cold," Taehyung muttered. I lifted my head off my knees to find him standing by the doorway with a sullen look. I shifted my vacant eyes to the dark mountain silhouettes again. Did I disturb him...?"You can have the mattress," I whispered. Taehyung sighed and sat on the concrete stair to watch the pouring rain in his pajamas... leaving just enough space between us so I wouldn't feel threatened by his presence."I'm sorry," Taehyung replied. I turned to look at him while hugging my knees."Why?" I asked."For not being sensitive to your needs earlier, but I hope you understand that... I'm trying. Sora, I'm trying my best for you. Just because you can't see or feel my efforts. It doesn't mean... it doesn't exist. I am trying desperately to... express my feelings," Taehyung turned to look at me with a slight frown, causing my chest to ache with an unexplainable emotion."Is it that you're insensitive... or am I just... a selfish person? I'm uncertain," I whispered. All those times, Taehyung showed me his efforts and affection. Why did I deny his genuine acts...?"We're all foolish. You and I... we are blinded by unattainable expectations," Taehyung muttered while gazing at the gentle shower over the garden.

"Ah-young, consider her," I whispered as the light drizzle fluttered with the rain current, soaking the leaves of the swaying trees, softly colliding with the surface tension of the calm lake and saturating... the soil beneath the grass. Taehyung turned to stare at me with one eyebrow raised."What?" He blinked. I pursed my lips and glanced at the dim light paths leading into the garden."She's a great cook. I inspected her social media account. She's well-educated. Ah-young achieved numerous... honored medals and trophies. As an academic achiever... she'll be a beneficial partner in your life. She also has a good sense of fashion... so she'll surely... suit your style," I muttered."The lower rank is also good at many other things... that I can't do. She can play the piano... ride horses... paint... draw... dance... sing beautifully. And... she is also a graceful ballerina. She takes great care of herself, so you don't have to worry about her appearance," I added."She's a bit shy... and timid... but I'm sure she'll open up and let you in if you treat her well. After all... it's not that hard to please a woman. Some women will settle for the bare minimum and be happy with the man they love... but don't treat her like you did with me. You can't keep ruining the good women around you," I shook my head."Try to be a little more gentle... with her soul. A person's soul... is not something you can carelessly break and mend together. You'll end up... living a life in solitude... if you keep... wrecking the pure souls," I quietly spoke, finally turning to face Taehyung as he observed me with a dim expression. The alpha swallowed Adam's apple and turned to stare at the dark lake with his hands clasped together."So she's the replacement?" Taehyung asked."No. Of course not. No one should be just a replacement for another person. Don't perceive her as a replacement. She has a heart and soul, too, you know? Please be respectful because... I'm sure there are other men... who worship her feet. Just because she's not the person you want doesn't mean you have the right to mistreat her," I sighed deeply. He can't keep doing this. Mistreating those who love him, only to apologize with his empty words and promises."You're right. A replacement is a delusional distraction," Taehyung nodded."I'll do more research on her, and you can discuss it with your parents-""You know what's strange?" Taehyung suddenly asked, turning to stare at me with his burning pupils. I pursed my lips while eyeing his worn-out expression. Why is he turning red?"What is...?" I asked as I watched him struggle to hold back his tears."I keep dreaming of you," He gulped, gripping his fists in discomfort."Me...?" I asked."Oh. You. But not just you. I keep seeing... Jang Sora... with her kids. Four kids. Your kids. You're always so happy around them... but the moment I- I show up... you disappear," He mumbled, shifting his gaze to the dark lake again. We remained hushed under the ancient roof... quietly listening to the soft pitter-patter of the cold droplets. Drip... Drip... Drip..."An older boy. Two twin boys... and a little baby girl...?" I asked while staring at my empty hands to break the silence. Taehyung frowned and turned to stare at me with his swelling tears."H-How-""I see them too. Often. It feels real. Doesn't it? Maybe... it was... our previous life? Or perhaps... a parallel universe?" I smiled. Everything is possible. We witnessed the same dream. The same people. So perhaps... it isn't a dream but a subconscious reality we're unaware of? Taehyung scoffed and lowered his head to rub away his tears."It's an endearing dream... but... it comes with a lot of grief. If there's an alternative universe... I don't think you survived it. Because... it seems like the kids... and I... were always mourning your presence," He whispered. I pursed my lips as an intense pain stirred in my chest. Did he feel grief in the dream? I felt guilt and remorse."Maybe she didn't make it. I saw her too. Me. Jang Sora, surrounded by mourning souls... lying peacefully in a casket... decorated with blooming flowers. How tragic," I nodded unblinkingly. Taehyung deeply inhaled and leaned back with his palms pressed on the concrete to support his slanted body as he blankly watched the soft drizzle before us."Do you think... this life... the current... universe.... is another chance? For you to survive?" Taehyung asked. I didn't answer right away and thought about his words."If I were to die in another universe... I think... I'd pray that I'll disappear forever. I don't want to revive the miseries and sorrows... all over again just to achieve a different ending. What's the point of changing my fate if I was born to die anyway?" I asked, turning to stare at him."I'll trade my life with yours. So you could live to see the end. Those kids... they're yours... and you'll raise them well. Don't you want to see them...?" Taehyung muttered. I sighed and lowered my head."I don't know. Life is quite tiring. I don't know if I'll live to see them someday," I shrugged. Taehyung chuckled while staring at the lake and glanced at me sadly. Having children in this society... is a scary thought. I'm afraid I won't be able to protect them from the evil of the cruel world."I'll let you live this life without my presence. Maybe you'll survive if I don't interfere. Maybe the dream is a foreshadow? The moment I touch you... you disappear, so I should maintain my distance," He sighed heavily."Maybe," I nodded, agreeing with him. Taehyung exhaled and shifted his dim stare to the dark lake again as we sat side by side without speaking for another ten minutes. I saw him too, Kim Taehyung. In the reoccurring dream. But every time he touches me... I wake up."I'm terrible at expressing my feelings..." Taehyung muttered without looking at me, snapping me out of my deep thoughts."No doubt," I nodded with my chin rested on my knees as I gently rocked from side to side with my arms wrapped around my legs. A gentle breeze suddenly brushed against us... softly prickling my skin with its faint chills."I can't seem to communicate my emotions... so I'll be frank," He muttered. I glanced at him with a questioning look."What is it that you want to say?" I asked. Taehyung blinked, turning to look at me with a slight frown."I love you." He replied. I blinked and stared at his stern expression as he sat beside me without budging. The wind... softly grazing our exposed skin... with its tender breeze as the light mist swirled all over us... before the dark scenery."It's okay. You may not feel it. You may not see it. You may not sense it. But it's there. My feelings... it exists. You don't have to believe me... but it's something... I don't want to deny anymore. I wanted to let you know... because... maybe I'll be a bit more at peace this way," He shrugged, awkwardly glancing away after I failed to respond to him.
He seemed a bit embarrassed. I am taken aback by his confession. I never believed him before, but why is that... his words seem believable now? The exact three words... eight letters with the same meaning to express love... but it feels weirdly... strange to hear it from him again.
"I loved you once too," I replied. Taehyung observed my face with a slight frown. He nodded and glanced away again, unable to respond to me, so we quietly admired the midnight rain... lost in deep thoughts.________________________
Third Person POV
Jae Yangcha steadily jogged on the treadmill shirtless with his eyes glued on the empty pavement through the mansion's window as the uplifting music in the headphones drummed against his ears. He sighed and glanced at the automated screen to switch the booming music to... a private file compiled with Sora's voice messages. The alpha weakly smiled as he listened to his lover's voice through the recordings."You better eat the tangerines!-" She cutely warned through the message. He smiled and lifted his face just in time to find... Sora stepping out of Kim Taehyung's car.The alpha's joyful heart leaped against his ribs as he watched her help Taehyung heave her suitcase from the trunk. He quickly yanked off his headset, grabbed his phone, and hurriedly sprinted out of the gym room with a bright smile."Noona!" Yangcha excitedly welcomed his lover while pulling on his shirt, halfway down the stairs."Yangcha!" Sora beamed, brightly waving at him after their temporary separation, so he quickly jogged down the remaining stairs as she hurried towards him. Thump! The lovebirds roughly collided into each other with their yearning hearts. It had only been a few days... but it felt as if... they hadn't seen each other in years."I miss you so much!" Yangcha gasped, pulling away to cup her cheeks- but halted almost immediately... when he noticed the faint bruise on her cheekbone. It wasn't visible, but the alpha detected it right away— a faded mark."You're all sweaty! Are you working out???" Sora innocently smiled while dabbing Yangcha's sweat from his chin."What happened to your face...?" Yangcha frowned, causing Sora's eyes to flash in a panic. She unconsciously rubbed her cheek."I-""What did you do to her?!" Yangcha snapped as soon as Taehyung strolled inside the mansion."Yangcha-""She was with you for a few days, and there's a bruise on her skin-""I fell off a bike! It's nothing, really!" Sora gasped, immediately hugging Yangcha's arm to stop him from marching... toward Kim Taehyung. The alpha stood motionless with his suitcase... too drained from the road trip to react."What-""I steered it into a tree~! I'm not the best with two wheels, you see~? Haha. How clumsy..." Sora nervously chuckled to divert Yangcha's fuming anger from Kim Taehyung. The alpha clenched his jaw and glanced at his lover's timid expression before shifting his deadly glare to her boss again, who was standing with a poker face."You heard her. It's not like I can stop the supreme alpha from... doing things she's terrible at," Taehyung shrugged, dismissively dragging his suitcase away.Yangcha sucked in his cheeks in extreme irritation and glanced at the light bruise on her rosy cheek again... still suspicious of her anxious gaze. He grabbed her suitcase and took Sora to her bedroom, quickly closing the door behind his back. Clack. The alpha flipped her hands over to uncover... faint scratches on her palms. He lifted his dark stare to her pale expression with a questioning frown."It's the bike- Seriously-""Can you undress for me?" Yangcha sighed, calmly interrupting her apparent excuses. The supreme alpha pursed her lips at her lover's request. She was anxious, and he saw it. The dread in her eyes. Jae Yangcha noticed it right away."Yangcha. I'm fine," Sora quickly drew her hands from his grip to hide them behind her back, attempting to assure her lover of her well-being."Just please... show me your... skin," Yangcha shook his head. The supreme alpha tensely gripped her fists as she observed his stubborn demand to examine her."Okay," Sora gulped, gently leading him to the bed and made Yangcha sit on the edge of the mattress. The alpha nervously gripped his hands as he watched his lover... reach behind her back to unzip her ankle-length dress... until the thin fabric slid to the floor. Flutter.Yangcha swiftly scoured her body in concern until his eyes... landed on her bruised knees. He pursed his lips and glanced at the light bruises on her waist, thighs, and upper arms. He frowned unsurely at the fresh marks and glanced at her pursed lips, stunned by the sight of her wounded flesh. She nervously stood before him, as stiff as a board."Are the scratches... on your knees due to the bike accident?" He asked."Yeah," Sora nodded as she stood in her undergarments.Yangcha closely inspected the fading bruises and slowly got up from the mattress to lift his lover's loose hair. Sora tilted her head in discomfort until he discovered... yet another alarming dark bruise on her nape. The most vital part of her body. The alpha clenched his jaw and glanced at Sora's troubled expression."Are you sure all the bruises... are caused by a mere bike crash?" He asked, drifting his dim eyes to her. The alpha knew... the bruises weren't the impact of a bike accident alone. The supreme alpha intensely stared at her lover until tears swelled in her eyes. She pursed her lips and glanced down to avoid his piercing gaze. She suddenly couldn't respond to him."Yangcha..." She tried to explain her unfavorable condition but couldn't voice her words, so she nervously gripped his forearm and lowered her head in defeat. Yangcha deeply inhaled upon her withdrawn behavior and gently hugged her body against his warm torso. The supreme alpha bit her trembling lips with her forehead pressed against his chest as he stroked her back with his fingers to soothe her restless soul."I do not wish to shed blood, but you know I can't control it either... so tell me. What did he do to you?" He asked, dangerously glaring at the closed bedroom  door with his pitch-black eyes. The supreme alpha fastened her arms around her lover's shoulders in fear and shook her head repeatedly until the jaguar shifted his dangerous pupils to the visible bruise on her nape."He killed a man," Sora whispered. Jae Yangcha frowned and glanced down at her head in confusion, quickly pulling away to narrow his suspicious eyes on her guilt-ridden face."What?" He asked while eyeing her soaked cheeks as she desperately held back her swelling tears."Will you listen to me this time? Just this once? I need you to listen to me," She whispered, lifting her pained eyes to plead for his sympathy.Jae Yangcha restlessly watched his lover's broken condition with dreadful feelings as they stood in her hushed room. He was upset, but he knew... she needed him. She needed him more than anything. He observed the anxiety in her watery pupils until he noticed her soul... begging for his help from behind her distressed pupils.
A moment later.
Sora's POV
Drip... drip... drip...
I sat quietly in the foaming bathtub, gently blowing on the light bubbles over my palm as the water droplets dripped into the water-filled tub. Why is he so quiet...? I curiously turned around to find Yangcha... leaning calmly against the headrest with his strong arms hooked over the rims as I sat between his thighs under the water's surface. Is he asleep...?I curiously rotated my bare body to face his, but he didn't budge and sat composedly with his eyes closed. I lightly dabbed the bubble over his mouth to form a mustache and gently lifted a massive foam to place it on his soaked hair. Still... The alpha didn't budge... so I giggled and smeared him with the foam."Are you asleep?" I curiously asked, poking his firm chest with my fingertip. Yangcha opened his eyes to scan my face, causing me to smile at the humorous bubbles mustache on his face."Didn't want to ruin the art," He muttered, blinking at me without budging his facial muscles."The art...?" I asked."The artist is crafting her work. I must remain motionless," He smiled. I chuckled, reaching over to rub the bubble off his face before turning away from him again. Yangcha lowered his arms to hold my waist and gently drew my body backward until I slid onto his naked thighs under the warm surface."I thought you were upset with me," I muttered while poking the bubbles to pop them.
Yangcha wanted to confront Taehyung earlier after I told him the truth about the assault... but I begged him to drop the subject because Taehyung had already dealt with the situation. And although he didn't seem pleased with my pleas... Yangcha agreed to remain sensible and joined me in the shower instead.
"Why would I be upset with you for being harassed by another man?" Yangcha asked as he held my hands over my lap, so I exhaled and leaned backward to rest my back against his exposed torso with my eyes closed."I don't know. My lovers usually get upset when another man shows interest or tries to interact with me, let alone being groped and touched all over my skin," I shrugged. Yangcha sighed as he slipped his palm upward to rub my shoulder joint, gently clutching onto my vulnerable body. He planted a soft kiss on my nape."Is your skin sensitive...? Should I give you space?" He asked."Your touch doesn't irritate me," I shook my head. He sighed and kissed the side of my head."How did he kill the man?" Yangcha asked. I blankly stared at the healing scabs over my knees. The tip of my joints... merely emerging above the foam."Taehyung struck his head a few times... with a lamp... and then... threw him off the balcony. It happened so quickly... I couldn't even make sense of the situation," I muttered, uneasily recalling the moment of the man's death. I still don't understand why I saw Taehyung in the man. Did I really think he's capable of... committing such hostile acts against me?"That's typical of him. Killing his victim instantly... I could've done better. Made sure... he suffered the agonizing pain... before dying," Yangcha scoffed. I pursed my lips and looked up at his grimace with a poker face. Yangcha glanced down at me as I leaned against his shoulder, quietly examining my startled reaction to his intrusive murder preferences."I never thought I'd have a conversation about how to properly murder someone," I muttered. Yangcha chuckled, gently kissing my moist cheek."I won't speak of it anymore," Yangcha smiled, kissing my head again.I blinked and lowered my eyes back to the bubbles. How can he speak of murder so comfortably? I understand that he's more than just upset with the man accountable for my harassment, but... it's a bit uncomfortable to speak of the matter so lightly.
I don't think I'd be able to sleep at all if I were to intentionally end someone's life... but Yangcha... he seems... unbothered.

As a matter of fact, he seems to enjoy plotting another person's death as a hobby.
________________________
A few days later.

Yangcha and I moved back to our penthouse after residing at the mansion for a couple of days because I needed to get my injuries treated by the medical team. The property was mildly calm and peaceful during our stay due to the elders' absence... and Jungkook was nowhere to be found. Even the society is muted.

The council never initiated a meeting again to oppose me... ever since Yangcha requested the Black Phoenix to reveal their cult leader. What's their next move? I'm uncertain. But I know for sure... the war isn't over. They will attack my households once they're ready, so I must be alert... at all times.

And Yuri? I couldn't contact her. She disappeared. What is she doing here in Korea? Why is she involved with the cult? I never thought she'd be tied up with my affairs, but Taehyung had warned me... since he first met her back in the States.
"Don't forget about your medication~!" Yangcha waved while walking backward over the sidewalk with his jacket's hood over his head. He insisted on escorting me to the corporate building on my first day back to work since the business trip to Gwangju. I nodded and waved back at him before entering the building, quickly hurrying to the elevator... and finally strolling into the spacious office to find Taehyung... standing by the glass wall with his hands in his pockets."Good morning, sir," I smiled, placing my handbag away."Come here," Taehyung muttered, dully keeping his blank gaze on the street below the building.

"Wae?" I blinked and walked up to his side."When does his work shift begin?" Taehyung asked."In about half an hour. Why?" I blinked. Taehyung raised his wrist to stare at his watch and glanced at the congested street again."He didn't take the bus to his workplace. He'll be late," Taehyung nodded. I turned to scan in his direction until I noticed... Yangcha's familiar black jacket and sweatpants. He crossed the street to enter a cafe across from the building. Why isn't he going to work...?"I should speak with him-""He'll leave after he orders food and drinks," Taehyung muttered."Huh?" I blinked as Taehyung dimly stared at the alpha."He does it all the time. The alpha shows up just before your lunch break to leave the drink and food at the front desk for you. I've been watching him from here," Taehyung muttered."But why didn't I receive-""Because food, drinks, and gifts are forbidden from being delivered to my office. I don't want the killer near my corporate... yet there he is... strolling carelessly inside the building every day... with his gifts," Taehyung muttered darkly. I pursed my lips as Yangcha strolled out of the cafe, crossed the street, and entered the building with a paper bag."But he never asked me-""Of course not. Jae Yangcha knows I'll never accept the deliveries, but he wants to make his presence known in the corporation. The receptionist has been speaking about the mysterious... handsome delivery man and his relation to you," Taehyung sighed, finally turning away to pull open his drawers as I quietly watched Yangcha jog out of the building. He raced to a nearby bus stop to catch the bus... eventually leaving for his workplace."Why would he wish to make his presence known?" I sighed heavily, turning around to find Taehyung strolling away to sit on the couch with a file."Because he wants to terrorize me. His presence and past crimes alone... can immensely affect my stability in the corporation. He's not pleased with our work relationship," Taehyung muttered. I sighed heavily and strolled toward Taehyung. Yangcha is stubborn. I've spoken to him numerous times, but it appears... He's still restless about my involvement with my former lover."What's this?" I asked as Taehyung pushed the file forward after I took a seat on the couch."The medical report. You were intoxicated by a powerful drug," Taehyung muttered. I stared at the certified seal on the document but didn't touch it. The man approached me during the event to offer me a sealed water bottle as an apology. I thought he was genuinely ashamed of his actions and thoughtlessly had the drink afterward. That's how... I ended up in the disturbing hotel suite with the shareholder."How are you handling his death?" I asked, worriedly staring at Taehyung."Don't worry about it. The media are hushed. The hotel signed an NDA contract... and the authorities have withdrawn their investigation warrant. They've already cleaned up the crime scene," Taehyung shrugged. I pursed my lips. It's easy to get away with murder when you're wealthy and powerful. All it takes is an order and money to seal the lips, blind the eyes, cover the ears, and bind the limbs of the witnesses or the victims to conceal the truth."What about you...?" I asked unsurely. Taehyung calmly stared at me from his seat as he sat with his arms folded over his chest."I'm not the type of person to recklessly make a kill. I do not regret killing the fucker. He deserves to die," Taehyung shrugged. I lowered my eyes to my fingers in guilt."Yangcha knows," I muttered."So you've told him," Taehyung bitterly frowned at me."It's not like I could lie to him," I shook my head in defeat. Yangcha saw right through me."I assume he's satisfied with my decision to deal with the case, given that he's quiet about it," Taehyung nodded and got up to work at his desk. I placed the medical file aside and quietly performed my tasks on the couch until it was time to head home.Yangcha picked me up from the building, so I left with him.
My work life was pretty much stable after I agreed to be Taehyung's assistant, and the assault incident... gradually left my mind as I spent time with my workload and lover. I didn't want Yangcha to feel agitated over the incident because of my misery... so I figured it was best if I dismissed the disturbing feelings. Of course. I can still vividly recall the awful memories... and it makes me sick to the stomach, but it's not as bad anymore. I'm getting better again.
"You didn't have to escort me," Taehyung muttered as we stood by the door leading to the shareholder's funeral venue where his family was grieving. A young child loudly mourned beside her mother as the woman conversed with the guests."He has a beautiful daughter," I bitterly stared at the teenage girl as she stood in her formal black funeral clothes with a white pin in her hair."And yet he harassed you. A woman. A young woman. He wouldn't have liked it if his daughter was in your position," Taehyung nodded, dismissively turning to leave the funeral hall just ten minutes after his arrival. He didn't want to stay long because he knew I was uncomfortable. I sadly stared at the young girl until she lifted her tearful eyes to meet mine from the door. She didn't blink as we passed her, so I lowered my head and walked beside Taehyung to leave the hall in my black outfit.
How is it so easy for a man... with a daughter he treasures and loves unconditionally... to commit such a crime against someone else's daughter..? I pray she'll never end up in my situation because of men like her father. I hope she lives happily without encountering such sick men... despite her father's horrific act towards me.
"Oh!-""I need you to prepare- Yah...? YAH!?" Taehyung muttered once we reached the parking lot but gasped in shock when he turned to find me crossing the street without his permission. I gripped my handbag and jogged towards the vendor with a wide smile."I haven't seen this around in so long!" I gasped as I raced over the park's path to approach the vendor near the public playground crowded with little kids and their parents."Annyeong~! Pretty lady!" The halmeoni greeted me as she handed the massive cotton candy to a mother... who was carrying her little son on the side of her hip."Can you make a cute flower for me~? I want it to be colorful~!" I gasped in excitement. Halmeoni chuckled at my glimmering eyes as I watched the other kids devour their fluffy sweets.

"Yah?! Are you serious!?- I have a meeting in an hour-!" Taehyung's irritated voice... echoed from somewhere behind my back with his usual frustrated tone. But I didn't care and intensely watched halmeoni spin the cotton candy with a stick. The last time I had cotton candy was during my elementary days in Busan!"One second! Do you want one too? I'll treat you~!" I smiled. Taehyung grimaced at the childish sweets as he stood beside me with his hands in his pockets, causing halmeoni to gawk at his tailored suit, stunned by his dashing visual."Do I look like I need-""A bit of flavorful sweetness to uplift your dark mood? Aigo~ Young man~! You definitely need a bit of color in your life~!" The halmeoni chuckled. Taehyung scoffed at the woman with an offended frown and suddenly stormed away to avoid her. He seemed embarrassed as the parents and kids eyed him weirdly. Taehyung sucked in his cheeks and glared at the busy streets, making me giggle at his snobbish attitude.

"Five minutes and we're leaving!" Taehyung snapped, darting me a warning glare."Don't mind him. My boss isn't fond of my childlike nature," I chuckled at the grandma. She shook her head with a weak smile while decorating my cotton candy."You're still young, darling. Of course, you should act your age. Don't be pressured by anyone to act beyond your age. Enjoy your youth while you still can. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be a happy child in this miserable world, right...? After all, we're all the happiest during our childhood. Don't let his harsh volume get to you. Loud people like him... are usually the weakest... emotionally... because it's a defensive mechanism to appear indestructible. Here. Share it with him. Everyone has an inner child," Halmeoni handed me a colorful daisy. I grinned widely at the cute sweet, paid for it and finally walked up to Taehyung with the massive cotton bouquet. He grimaced at me with his arms folded pridefully over his puffed-out chest as I hugged the flower with a faint smile."I bought it for you," I smiled, offering him the sweet. He scoffed, rudely walking off without accepting it, so I glared at his head and chased after him to cross the street, heading back to the funeral venue. Taehyung unlocked his car door with his remote in the parking lot, so I quickly stepped inside with him as he started the engine."Are you not eating it?" Taehyung muttered as he steered out of the property. I glanced at the pretty daisy with a slight pout."It's too pretty," I shrugged."The only purpose of pretty things is to be admired from afar? Never touched or used? It must be useless to be pretty then because there is no use to it but to be left untouched," Taehyung muttered. I pursed my lips at his grumpy attitude. Why is he so upset over cotton candy!? Can't we relax a little!? Does buying cotton candy make him less of a man or what?! Jeez!"Halmeoni said... loud and arrogant men like you are the weakest," I shrugged. Taehyung briefly fired me an offended glare as he steered the wheel at an intersection."Oh. So the woman with her soft- fluffy and colorful sugary sweet is the strongest? Sure," He mocked. I glared at him.He's so annoying, really! I don't remember him being this petty! Kim Taehyung is usually nonchalant and cold, but he's so freaking irritating now! It's better if he keeps his mouth shut because I feel like... I'll die from frustration around him! The car suddenly halted at a streetlight, so I huffed and glanced out the window. I can't stand looking at him because we keep bickering whenever we speak! It's not even funny anymore!"Yangcha will surely love this- Hey! HEY!? YAH- KIM TAEHYUNG?!- WHAT ARE YOU- NO!" I gasped when Taehyung suddenly snatched the fluffy cotton candy with his bare hands, crumbled it up with his fist to shrink its size, and hastily shoved the ball of colorful sugary sweets into his massive mouth. My jaw dropped in disbelief as he devoured my pretty flower in less than a second. IS HE CRAZY?!"I guess I'm a strong man now that I've consumed your pretty flower!" He nagged with his stuffed cheeks. I gripped the empty stick with a bewildered look. WHAT THE HECK?!"That's mine! AH!-!? This is so unfair-!?!!!!!""You said it's mine!-""You're so mean!" I screamed at his stupid face, angrily smacking his head with the stick, causing Taehyung to scoff at my violent outburst with his bulging irritated eyes. BEEP! We both flinched in fright when the car behind us honked loudly, so Taehyung cursed and quickly drove forward in the presence of a green light. I seethed and pinched his thigh until the stupid man screeched in pain while gripping the wheel to prevent the car from steering into another lane."I WILL FUCKING FLIP THE CAR OVER IF YOU DON'T STOP!" He screamed, angrily shoving my hand away. I huffed and crossed my arms in irritation. Taehyung glared at me until I kicked the compartment out of anger as he drove forward. He shouted at me to stop but I kept kicking his car to irritate him.The alpha gasped in disbelief, quickly grabbing my knees with his free hand to hold my legs down as he struggled to contain his boiling temper. He fired me a warning glare as I frowned at him in agitation... but eventually gave in and scooted closer to the window. Fortunately... the fight didn't escalate and we didn't end up yanking each other's hair... on the freeway.
Fast Forward
"Thank you for joining the company dinner. We hope the meal suits your taste~!" Secretary Yoon smiled beside the corporate assistants as I struggled to stay conscious after emptying two bottles of flavored soju."We enjoyed it~!" I nodded, drunkenly hugging my handbag as Taehyung chatted with the directors outside the restaurant. The tower employees had invited us to their company dinner again. Taehyung insisted that we reject their invitation... but I demanded to join them because I missed our enjoyable interactions. I like to drink with my employees! They're so fun to be around!"Do you want to visit the nearby karaoke room with us?" Assistant Ri chuckled as she hugged her colleague's arm."Noona!" Yangcha's voice suddenly echoed from the side as we stood on the sidewalk."Ah! You're here!" I giggled, swirling on my heels with my arms open. Yangcha jogged forward to grab my upper arm as I drunkenly stumbled to the side with a dazed mind. Oh~! The soju was so sweet! I didn't expect it to be this strong~?!"Oh? Is he-""My husband! Hehe~! He's handsome and cute, isn't he?" I giggled while clinging to Yangcha's arm, fighting hard to keep my heavy eyelids open. He grimaced at my drunken state and glanced at Taehyung, who was darkly frowning at the alpha as the employees curiously gazed at the young alpha.

"Oh! We've met him before! You said he was your fiancé the last time-""I'm her fiancé. She loves to call me her husband at home. Haha~! She's a bit drunk, so she's speaking nonsense again~!" Yangcha smiled at the assistants as he held my waist to keep me stable. The assistants chuckled and nudged each other in excitement as I clung to Yangcha's bicep."We'll be leaving now," Taehyung sighed, nodding at the staff, and strode off, so Yangcha grabbed my wrist and tugged me with him. We quickly strolled away from the crowd of curious people... until Taehyung reached his car."Why did you let her drink so much...?" Yangcha grimaced as he supported my shoulders."It's not like I can stop her-""Are you doing this on purpose... so you can take advantage of her?" Yangcha gritted. I pursed my lips nervously when Taehyung suddenly turned to face the alpha with a death stare. Oh no~ They shouldn't fight~!"Jagi~ Don't- Don't fight!-" I patted his chest while clinging to his arm.Taehyung glanced at my drunken state in annoyance before rounding the car and slipped into the driver's seat without initiating an argument with my lover, so Yangcha opened the back seat and helped me inside. I quickly kicked off my heels to free my aching feet and tilted over to rest on my lover's lap as my intoxicated mind spun all over the place. I couldn't concentrate my vision on anything... but the distorted street lights through the car window.
Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung directed the wheel with his boiling temper, intensely gripping the steering wheel before shifting his dark gaze to the mirror to find Jae Yangcha... glaring back at him from the back seat as he patted the supreme alpha's cheek, who was stirring over his lap with her messy hair dangling all over her face. Taehyung clenched his jaw in discontent and glanced at the road again as Sora softly snored within the muted vehicle."Why did you take her to the fucker's funeral?" Yangcha informally spoke. Taehyung steered the wheels with rolled-up sleeves without answering the alpha until he reached another intersection."I've never forced her to do anything against her will," Taehyung muttered."Why did you do it? The kill. Did you think you could win her over-""Why are you constantly pestering me if you're so secure? Did you expect me to set the asshole loose so you could make the kill and show it off to her?" Taehyung grunted in annoyance."He should've suffered," Yangcha gritted as Taehyung slowed down by the building entrance."You'll only leave a bloody mess if I don't handle it, and Sora will face the backlash again for your messy kills. Be grateful," Taehyung exhaled deeply. The alpha glared at the heir for the last time before pushing the door open and carefully carried his lover out of the backseat in his strong arms."Put me down~!" Sora mumbled, stirring in his arms over the sidewalk. Yangcha sighed and placed her down as demanded. She weakly rubbed her eyes and strode towards the building's door."Get her a hangover drink. And... some sour gummies. It's her favorite," Taehyung rolled down his window to inform the alpha, who grimaced at him."Mind your own business-""I'll be keeping my eyes on you. Don't try to be the savior in her life. You almost killed her once," Taehyung rudely interrupted. Yangcha quickly glanced at Sora... who was funnily hugging the building door as she waited for him to finish speaking with Kim Taehyung."What are you-""That intersection over there. Do you remember? You could've killed her that night if I didn't fucking flip your car over," Taehyung nodded at the empty intersection, causing Yangcha's face to grow pale."I wanted to kill Park Bogum so I could save her the trouble-""You initiate the problem between the alphas and the black phoenix first. It was you. You provoked the Black Phoenix and tried to hurt the heir... just enough so they'd seek revenge. Did you think I was stupid? Sora might be clueless, but I'm not. I can see right through your filthy curated plan to manipulate her into thinking you're the only person to truly care for her. You desperately wanted her back in your life... so you triggered a war between the cult and the society. Just so the cult could kidnap the supreme alpha for revenge, but you were the smart asshole, weren't you? You abducted Park Bogum beforehand... just so you could cooly trade him for her and present yourself... as her savior when it was you... who initiated the conflict between the cult and the society," Taehyung gritted, causing Yangcha to clench his jaw in discontent.Kim Taehyung hastily slammed on his accelerator and blasted forward without another word, leaving the alpha behind with the supreme alpha... who was swinging the door handle back and forth with a drunken mind. Jae Yangcha darkly glared at the alpha's car beam until it disappeared from his sight."I'm dizzy..." Sora cutely whined as she clung to the door with her handbag over her shoulder."Let's get you a hangover drink," Yangcha snapped out of his thoughts as he held out his hand. Sora nodded and drunkenly stumbled forward to place her fingers in his palm."I bought you a pretty cotton candy today... but my boss... he ruined it," She grumbled as they walked hand in hand over the sidewalk until they reached a mini-mart. Yangcha carefully made her sit on the exterior chair."Wait here. Okay? Don't go anywhere," Yangcha gripped her shoulders as he studied her rosy red cheeks. Sora nodded with her eyes half open, so he smiled and entered the mart to buy her the drinks. The supreme alpha yawned loudly, weakly slouching over the chair while waiting for her lover until her head flopped weakly to the side... and she accidentally dozed off in front of the mart.
Five minutes later.
Jae Yangcha thanked the cashier for their service before striding out of the mart with a bag full of snacks while uncapping a hangover drink... but halted once he found... Sora... snoring on the chair with her mouth half open."Jagiya~? Are you awake?" Yangcha sighed, carefully crouching before her chair. Sora grumbled at the disturbance and lifted her dazed head upward to squint at her lover's blurry face as he tried his best not to startle her."Hmm...?" She grunted while rubbing her sleepy eyes. Yangcha grabbed an empty chair to sit facing her as he carefully pressed the hangover drink against her lips."Drink it slowly," He smiled, gently feeding her the thick substance. She grimaced at the taste and gulped the liquid in difficulty until she emptied the bottle. Yangcha carefully disposed of the bottle in the bin and gently drew her back to her feet."Don't touch me~!" Sora mumbled, slightly drawing her fingers from his hands. The alpha frowned and glanced down at her rosy red cheeks as she sleepily rubbed her droopy eyelids."Why?" Yangcha questioned."I- I- have- a husband," The supreme alpha muttered, looking up at Yangcha with her innocent eyes. Yangcha pursed his lips at her statement."You can't recognize me...?" Yangcha scoffed, trying to grab her again, but she cutely yanked her arm away. She funnily tumbled into the chair but quickly straightened her body again with her suspicious gaze on her lover.  Wobble~! Yangcha gasped, swiftly reaching out to stabilize her when she suddenly staggered to the side."Don't touch me~! My husband- will be upset!" She grimaced, yanking her hands away, and strolled off on her mini steps, drunkenly leaving the mart on her own while clutching the strap over her shoulder. Yangcha scoffed at her attitude, unsurely following her as she aimlessly marched toward the building.

"Where is your husband? Why would he leave his beautiful wife alone at this hour?" Yangcha smiled as he walked behind her."Why are you following me?!- You creep! My husband will- kill- I mean! He'll fight you!" She snapped, suddenly spinning around to glare at her lover. Yangcha smiled faintly at her deadly stare and glanced at her adorable red cheeks."Is your husband more handsome than me? I bet not," He laughed. She furrowed her eyes at the alpha and stepped forward to inspect his face."You look familiar..." She grumbled, funnily poking his nose tip with her finger."You should consider me. I'm sure I'm hotter than your husband," Yangcha teased."Nope!- Shoo! So annoying! Aish~!" She stubbornly shook her head and walked off with her arms crossed. The alpha chuckled in disbelief as he trailed after her until they entered the building together. Beep. She tapped the screen while scratching her bum and took a step back to frown at the number on the display."Is this where you live?-""Ah!!?- Why are you still here?!- Go away-" Sora gasped, spinning around to face Yangcha in surprise as she waited by the elevator door. The receptionist quickly turned to stare at the drunk supreme alpha with a startled look so... Yangcha awkwardly greeted the man to assure him of the situation."Show me your husband! I don't believe he's better looking than me!" Yangcha demanded, smugly lowering his face to tease his cute lover. The supreme alpha scrunched her eyebrows at his abrupt demand and glanced at the elevator with a conflicted frown once it slid open."Araso. Come in," Sora nodded, strolling into the compartment, weakly beckoning him. Yangcha stepped inside with her and leaned against the wall as she pressed the screen and lowered her face to recollect her thoughts. She grumbled nonsense under her breath while clutching her handbag."Aigo~ How can she bring a stranger to her place...? When she's drunk like this?" Yangcha sorely muttered under his breath as she struggled to support her own weight."You're cute," She suddenly lifted her face to gaze at him with a weak smile."Didn't you say you had a husband earlier?" He asked, dumbfounded by her mischievous smile. Ding."You're about his height," The supreme alpha shrugged as she stepped out of the elevator, cluelessly striding toward the door and unlocked it to let the supposed stranger inside her home.The supreme alpha funnily kicked off her heels... sending them flying over Yangcha's head. Whip- Clack! Whip- Clack! The heels flew across the room after being hurled from her feet, colliding with the wall and dropping to the floor."Is he home...?" Yangcha smiled as he watched the drunk lady drag her sore feet through the dark living room. The alpha switched on the light, chuckling softly as he bent down to pick up her scattered heels, carefully placing them away on the shoe rack."JAGIYA~?" Sora yawned, turning to call for her lover while rubbing her itchy scalp."Are you sure your husband is home-""Oh? Where did he go...?" Sora muttered as she poked around the penthouse to search for her husband. Yangcha placed the snack bag on the coffee table as she cluelessly entered the bedroom to look for her man."It's dangerous to bring a stranger home, you know?" Yangcha followed her to the bedroom."My husband is crazy strong!- I'm not scared- I'm telling you he's got crazy big muscles!- JAGIYA~!?" Sora adorably entered the closet to search for her husband while screaming for him. She frowned and strolled back out to glare at the empty bed while scratching her head."My muscles are just as toned. Wanna see...?" Yangcha asked, lifting his shirt to show her his hard abs. The supreme alpha's face instantly flushed red once her blurry vision adjusted on the stranger's defined torso. Pause. She lifted her startled gaze to the alpha and back to his sexy packs... until her lips parted in astonishment."Oh?- You've got a really nice body-" She smiled, obviously distracted by his muscles, and gently poked it with her fingertip."You're a pervert!" Yangcha gasped, hastily pulling down his shirt to cover his body with a startled expression."Show it to me again," She demanded, cutely frowning at him."Ohoh?!- How can you ask another man to show you his abs when you've got a husband?! How unfaithful!" He shrieked. The supreme alpha frowned at his refusal as if... she were trying to process his words with her lagging mind."Whatever. He's hotter than you," Sora grumbled, turning away to enter the bathroom after dropping her handbag to the floor and closed the door behind her back. Yangcha chuckled at her vulnerable state of confusion and bent down to pick up her bag, carefully placing it away in the closet."Hey! You shouldn't let a stranger inside your house! Lead him to your bedroom and leave to shower in the bathroom?!!-" Yangcha scolded, quickly pushing the bathroom door open in disbelief- just as she finished undressing by the sink. The supreme eyes grew wide open upon his unexpected intrusion as she held her panties between her fingers."ARGH!?- BYUNTAE?!!" Sora screeched, unconsciously grabbing the hand soap and hurling it at the alpha in a panic. Whip! Yangcha gasped, swiftly dodging the soup in shock as she fearfully screamed with her arms clasped over her naked body."Babe! It's me-! Sora-?!- Stop!!!" Yangcha shrieked, quickly raising his hands to surrender when she suddenly snatched the toilet plunger from under the sink."PERVERTTTTT! JAGIYA?!- A CREEP FOLLOWED ME HOME- SJJDHQVH! AH!!! AH!- THERE'S A BYUNTAE- ARH?!- EJUWHUYG?!- &%#^$!?! AH! AH- AH! AH! AAAAAAAAH?!" She screamed in fright, frantically attempting to whack him with the plastic tool. Yangcha gasped and backed away in a panic as she chased him with the toilet plunger gripped firmly in her hands."ARH! I'M RIGHT HERE!?- URH-! SORA!-" Yangcha yelped, trying to calm her but was cut short when she boinked his forehead with the tip of the toilet plunger, sending him stumbling into the sink. The supreme alpha shrieked even louder and aggressively raced forward with the equipment raised over her head as Yangcha stood paralyzed with his hand clasped over his forehead in disbelief.
A moment later
Jang Sora softly stirred under the heated blanket on her side with her puffy face snuggled against the pillow in her usual silk gown, hands tucked under her cheeks as she deeply breathed through her slightly parted lips until she felt a disturbing movement behind her back. She sleepily opened her eyes as the warm breath brushed her nape, softly prickling her hairline with the steady pants.Jae Yangcha slowly withdrew his face from the faded bruise on the back of her neck and gently brushed his thumb over the mark of her past assault. He had successfully showered his drunk girlfriend and managed to put her to sleep after her frantic drunken episode. He had to wrestle the plunger out of her grip after she successfully smacked him with it a few times. The alpha exhaled and gently stroked her nape until the supreme alpha stirred again, rolling over on the mattress to face him... her weary eyes... barely open. She squinted her puffy eyelids while scratching the tingles on her neck."Why aren't you asleep?" Sora hoarsely muttered and closed her eyes again. Yangcha calmly stared at her pretty curled lashes, pouty pink lips, and rosy pink cheeks with a faint smile."How can you sleep with a stranger like this? I'm hurt," He muttered."Hmm...? Stranger? What stranger...?" She responded without opening her eyes. The supreme alpha is clearly still confused and a little tipsy."It's concerning. You bringing a stranger inside our home when you're drunk," Yangcha sighed. Sora didn't reply and breathed softly over the pillow as they slept facing each other in the dark room."But you're not a stranger," She finally replied just as he assumed she had fallen asleep again."You couldn't recognize me," Yangcha lightly stroked her cheek."Of course... I can recognize you..." She softly mumbled, pressing her face deeper into the pillow."Then who am I...? Who am I to you...?" Yangcha curiously asked the supreme alpha. She tasted her lips but didn't respond to him. The alpha stared at her muteness with a restless feeling. She's in her most vulnerable state. She will likely answer with the truth. He thought."My... husband," She whispered in her sleep, unconsciously raising her weak hand to hold his neck and scooted closer to press her body against his. Yangcha slid his arm under her head as she snuggled against his chest to savor his warmth."I'm your husband...?" He asked, gently patting her head."My... lovely husband," She agreed while grumbling under her breath. Yangcha pressed his nostrils against her scented hair, deeply inhaling against her scalp to absorb her soothing fragrance as he lowered his hand to stroke her shoulder."Lovely husband...? Despite the bad things I committed? I'm simply a lovely husband...?" He smiled, unsurely pulling away to scan her vulnerable state. The alpha knew she was still drunk, but he wanted to seek validation... so he repeatedly encouraged her to speak the truth about him."He's... lovely... nice and... very... good to... Sora," She nodded with her eyes closed."A lovely husband that's very good to you? How lucky? Who is the man...?" Yangcha chuckled. Sora grumbled and snuggled against the crook of his neck, so Yangcha hugged her close to his chest while running his fingers through her loose hair strands."Jae... Yangcha," Sora replied, opening her eyes to stare at him with her drowsy blinks."Jae Yangcha?" The alpha whispered, slightly shifting his head over the pillow to study her adorable pout."Oh. You. The lovely husband," She nodded, weakly poking his nose tip. Yangcha's chest suddenly ignited with so much warmth- He couldn't help but smother her breath with his lips. The supreme alpha sucked in her breath as Yangcha deeply kissed her while gripping his shirt with her cute little grips."How are you so adorable? Hmm?" He asked, pulling away to let her catch her breath. Sora groaned and tried to roll over the mattress to avoid him... but he drew her right back and kissed her again. She grunted and smacked his chest, weakly attempting to push him away again. She was too tired to make out with him."Cigarette... no..." She whispered, sleepily turning her face away to avoid his lips after detecting the strange scent. The alpha paused while hovering his lips over hers. He had only taken a few puffs of the stick and had repeatedly brushed and swirled his mouth with mouth solution... yet she could still smell the cigarette...?"You can smell it?" Yangcha asked while sniffing his shirt in confusion."I hate... burnt smell..." She mumbled with her eyes closed, pushed Yangcha aside, and turned to face away from him. Flop. The alpha pursed his lips and slowly laid back down beside her. He sighed at her refusal to kiss him, scooted closer to hug her from behind instead... and eventually dozed off with her frail body within his secure embrace.
The next morning
Sora's POV"Oh? What's wrong with your forehead...?" I gasped as I crawled onto Yangcha's lap on the couch. There was a bruised bump on the upper left corner of his head."You smacked me with the toilet plunger," He muttered while stroking my cheek. I froze. What? I smacked him with a what-"Oh?!-""My drunk wife couldn't recognize her husband. How disappointing~!" He chuckled as I gently caressed his faint bruise, worriedly inspecting the swollen bump."I must've been a nuisance," I apologetically shifted my gaze to his handsome face. Yangcha sleepily smiled as I sat facing him on the couch with a slight pout."You could even smell cigarette on my lips..." He muttered. I paused and leaned forward to sniff his face... and sure enough... there was a slight hint of burnt scent in his humid breath."You said you won't smoke-""I'm trying not to, but it'll take a while for me to eliminate the addiction completely. I only lit it up for three puffs and threw it away," Yangcha shrugged. I pursed my lips, eyeing him suspiciously."Don't kiss me until it fades-""Ah~! Why are you so mean~?" Yangcha pouted when I crawled off his lap to sit beside him. He leaned forward again to chase after my lips, but I firmly placed my palm over his face and pushed him away."I hate the burnt smell. It's traumatic because of the fire incident, and it's not healthy for you either," I grumbled. Yangcha interlaced our fingers over my lap instead as he sat beside me with his face turned in my direction."I promise I won't smoke again. Hmm...? But you have to let me kiss you because I'll be restless if I can't taste you~!" He smiled mischievously. I scoffed and shook my head to reject his request."I'll give you my cherry chapsticks so you can keep the familiar flavor on your lips. No kisses until the odor is gone," I giggled. Yangcha pouted as he held me against his side, so I exhaled and hugged his lower torso during our bonding session in the morning. It's nice to start my day with little hugs, small conversations, and sweet kisses without... needing to worry so much about my day because I know... I'll always have him by my side.
It's rather nice to live this way, although it's a little bland because we're engaged in a healthy relationship. Would I have preferred it if our love was wilder... or crazier? Like all my previous relationships?

No. I'm happier this way. I've always assumed... I thrive best in madness because that's the environment I grew up in. To live every day of my life... in the battle of the unpredictable society's affairs.

I was wrong. I was never flourishing within the chaos. I was dying.

But... ever since I settled with Yangcha, I've found so much peace in myself. I didn't cry as often. I spent more time doing things I've always wanted to do, even if it was just basic house chores... work... cooking... or romantic dates.

Such ordinary things might be insignificant to you. And you might find it rather boring because you're used to the luxury of attaining such... peaceful life. But for me? For a person... who grew up in a warfield...? A quiet and stable life is merely a dream.

I'm not asking you to sympathize with me because I'm aware we exist in different worlds... but I do hope... you're happy with your life. Even if... happiness doesn't last forever.

Pure happiness is a myth. Maybe that's why we're all so miserable. Because we're obsessed with the idea of being truly 'happy' all the time...? I don't believe in achieving the scarce sensation that is supposed to make me whole anymore because... it is never about being content with my sole existence.

Rather... I've learned to appreciate my company and to be grateful for the small things in my life. I've learned to create a safe and healthy space for my peace of mind instead of chasing the nonexisting 'purely happy' propaganda.

The truth is we can't be happy all the time. And being happy doesn't mean we're experiencing some sort of elevated euphoric sensation... that makes our soul levitate. Right...?

Our level of happiness may vary, depending on the circumstances. It may be brief. It may be overflowing... but it doesn't last, and that's okay too.

It's okay to be a little down, and it's okay to be a little happy in life.

There isn't a necessity to strain yourself with the pressure of being a 'happy' person.

You'll lose all hope in life if you keep pursuing the fluctuating sensation... because you can't seem to sustain a long-lasting level of happiness to fulfill your satisfaction. Naturally, you'll start questioning your faults and mistakes. Wondering why you aren't blessed with happiness.

Why am I not happy? Why is my life so miserable? Why can't I seem to acquire happiness?

It's not the happiness that you should seek. It is the comfort you find in yourself... that'll grant you the serenity you need. So, I've decided to stop chasing happiness. Instead. I'll assemble my own happiness with the little things in life because I've finally understood what happiness... truly is.

Happiness... isn't the beautiful things they show us... on the TV screen. A happy ending? It's misleading, really. That kind of fairytale... doesn't apply to reality.

There is no happy ending.

We simply live, and then we die. So it's best to make use of our lifetime and do the things we truly love because... I know for sure....

The present is the only moment... I'm able to fully... live in.

Once my soul fades and my body vessel withers... I'll lose my ability to do or say the things I've always wanted to express.

And then... I'll probably disappear forever from this... strange phenomena we call life.

I can't live in my past or the future, so what's the point of dwelling on something that's already happened or stressing my soul out over things... that I can't predict in the near future?

I have no control over my past and future... but I do have... control over my present moment.

This very second... very minute... very hour... is the only time I'm able to write my own story and pray that I'll write the best version of my life... even if I'm uncertain of the things that are bound to happen.

Maybe it isn't happiness that we should chase.

Perhaps... it is the present that we should live to our fullest... so we don't mourn the past and hope for better days.

Maybe. You and I... will be happier if we live now. Not yesterday. Or tomorrow.
________________________Fast Forward | Household MeetingI nervously stepped inside the luxurious private hotel suite reserved by the elders to arrange for a confidential household meeting. Do-hwan blankly stepped aside without acknowledging me, so I entered through the door to find appa waiting in the living room alone."We're here," I announced as I stood beside Yangcha. My father shifted his stern gaze to the alpha and back at me."He can wait outside-""Why? Yangcha-""Sora. This is a household meeting. He's not our official alliance, so please refrain from being headstrong and obey the household protocols," My father sternly stared at me. I gripped Yangcha's hand and lifted my face to frown at him."I'll wait in the living room," Yangcha smiled, removing his fingers from my grip and gently patted my back to assure me.My father inhaled deeply and strolled off. I followed him down a narrow hallway until we entered an enclosed space. My heart thumped uneasily once my eyes landed on the intimidating presence of senior players. The Kims. The Jeon. The Park. The Chul... were present. My mother was seated at the end of the table as the Kims took the other end.Jungkook kept his stony gaze on me as Jimin glanced at Sungho's dim expression. Taehyung was reviewing the stack of contracts... placed in front of him as the elders scrutinized me with their hawk-like gazes, chasing after me until I settled by the end of the table beside my father. It's the day of the contract negotiation. The elders will set and modify the terms and conditions today before the contract is renewed in a month."We have prepared the new contract terms. Please review thoroughly," Eomma finally initiated the meeting as she nodded at the copies of the documents before the household's leading heirs."The Jeon will not renew the contract," Jeon Jungkook announced. I glanced at Jungkook's poker face as his parents sat quietly beside him. He has absolute control of his household now. The Jeon had transferred their council authority to Jungkook last month."You're aware the household can only survive as a pack," My father dimmed his eyes on the half-blood."We won't survive if the supreme alpha marries a serial killer. The society is working with the cult to sabotage the Jang. It is the Jeon's legal right to withdraw from the dispute," Jungkook blankly shifted his blank stare to me. Really? He's still sore about my relationship with Yangcha...?"There isn't the need to make a hasty decision. You should review the terms on the files," My mother calmly exhaled."We will only consider the contract if the supreme alpha vows to never marry the killer and sentence him to the death penalty," Jungkook shook his head, causing me to grip my fist upon hearing his extreme terms. Taehyung immediately exchanged glances with Jimin and Sungho."Jae Yangcha shouldn't be a concern with the household contracts- ""No? Why not? The supreme alpha will marry him, and he will become the ultimate leader as her power partner. The Jeon certainly does not wish to be governed by a mentally dysfunctional orphan. Besides, siding with the supreme alpha is a suicide mission. The cult will challenge her power and the society is restless with her legitimacy on the power throne. The council will launch another elite council, and the cult leader will be present to contest Jang Sora and her household," Jungkook bitterly narrowed his gaze on my father."All three households are involved with the cult's accusation. Did you believe breaking up the alliance will prevent the council-""The person liable for Park Jihyun's death is the Jang and only... the Jang alone. Sora. You were young, and so was I... but I was aware of all the household affairs," Jungkook cut me short. I frowned at his arrogant behavior. What is he saying? We were both too young to even comprehend grown-up affairs."We were not responsible-""You killed my birth mother with hallucination drugs. And you were the reason Jihoon died (Taehyung's uncle). But you've kept the secret to yourself. You got rid of my mother so my father could form a stronger household with my stepmother after you sent your... death angel after her husband. How long do you plan on concealing the truth...?" Jungkook spoke up. My mother suddenly stiffened in her seat."We might not know the entire truth... but I've always suspected my late husband's death was the outcome of your power scheme," Mrs. Jeon shifted her deadly eyes to Kim Taehyung, who remained blank."Nonsense! Your mother tried to end your life that night! She took her own life!" Eomma snapped, angrily glaring at the half-blood."You intoxicated her that night. Sora, you were the witness, weren't you? You told me. Remember? How you were so sorry for your mother's sinful act...?" Jungkook smiled at me from across the table. I gripped my fingers over my lap. Why is he doing this?! Creating mistrust within his own households over my affair with Jae Yangcha? Taehyung clenched his jaw at his cousin's determination to shatter the alliance."I don't know. Why don't you chase your mother to the afterlife? And ask her?" I rudely replied, causing Jungkook's face to flash in anger upon hearing my mockery."Minhyuk. You should be the entity responsible for the contract renewal-""Aera and Beomseok-ah. I've always stood by your side since we were young. Whatever you wanted... I agreed without hesitation because you were my family, but... if what Jungkook claims is true. If my late wife passed due to your evil master plan to achieve greater power... then I am not the traitor. You are. You backstabbed your alliance," Mr. Jeon shifted his uptight frown to my mother's terrified expression."Why are you quiet? Speak up, boy," Mrs. Jeon nodded at Taehyung's grim expression.Jungkook's stepmother has always been suspicious of Taehyung's involvement with her husband's death. Jungkook darkened his expression as he fired his cousin a warning look. Jeon Jungkook didn't explicitly disclose the person behind Jihoon's murder to... threaten Taehyung. If he doesn't side with the Jeon... Jungkook will expose his cousin... and even the Kim alliance with the Jeon will shatter. Taehyung glanced at his nervous parents and back at my furious mother before glancing at me with a conflicted expression. He glanced at the files on the table and at Jimin with a hardened frown."The Park refuses to renew the contract with the Kim," Jimin announced, shifting his stern gaze away from his friend. My mother scoffed and glanced at the muted Park family. Kim Taehyung will not survive alone if Jungkook discloses his crime to his stepmother... and he will also lose Jimin to So-young because it has always been the alpha's plan to ditch Taehyung for his lover."It appears the households will withdraw their alliance from the Jang. The Kim will follow the mass," Taehyung exhaled, shifting his blank gaze to my mother's glowering pupils. Eomma suddenly laughed and leaned back against her seat in disbelief."Are you seriously... terrified of the scapegoat heir?" She chuckled."Park Bogum might not be a part of the society, but he has the council's support, and with the cult's resources... the households will unlikely win the case. It is only rational for the alliances to detach themselves from the Jang before the trial begins," Sungho backed Taehyung with a firm nod."Very well. The Jang will stand alone after the contract expires," I exhaled, standing up from my seat, causing Jungkook to huff at my unbothered reaction."Sora!" My mother snapped."Jae Yangcha alone is enough to tame the council. I never needed the cowards to side with me anyways," I rudely sneered as I strolled towards the door without looking back."Cowards?!-" Jungkook scoffed, but I pulled the door open and strode out, slamming the door shut to cut off his explosive outburst before strolling back towards the living room until I found Yangcha sitting on the couch with a curious expression."Is it over?" He asked."Oh. It's just you and me now," I smiled, placing out my hand as the loud footsteps stormed after me. Yangcha took my hand, so I tugged him onto his feet, and we turned just in time to find the households pouring inside the living room with their raging glares on us."You're seriously striding out of the meeting as if it's some mere conversation you can end?!" Jungkook snapped, glaring at me intensely. Why is he upset now?"What's the point of wasting my time? You and the households have made your intention known. You don't wish to side with me during the conflict, so hide your tail and scurry as far as you wish. I won't try to put a collar on a scared puppy because... you'll never defend me anyway. All you can do is bark... and bark at me with your baring fangs... but is the quickest to flee for your life upon a slight threat. So go. Save yourself.- Oh. I've bled enough for each... and everyone... of you inside this room. I don't care if you all die in vain, and I won't budge to your desperate pleas once the world... burns down. Don't come crying to me for forgiveness," I darkly sneered at Jeon Jungkook.
If he's so confident in breaking the alliances apart to resist me, then he should be prepared to fight the war her started.
______________________
Fast Forward
"Thank you for your assistance," The board of directors smiled after I helped them organize the meeting for Taehyung, seated at the end of the table with his gaze fixed on the file.I carefully closed the door once the men vacated the room, shut down the projector and opened the blinds to let the dim afternoon light inside the room while collecting the proposal documents from the desk. Taehyung lifted his face to watch me work while tapping his finger over the table. As if to contemplate his thoughts before he spoke."Sora," He muttered in an almost soft tone."Yes, sir?" I answered without looking at him. He's been bothering me with his loud silence... ever since the argument with my household alliance negotiation."About the alliance-""I understand. Jungkook threatened to expose the households, didn't he? You should save yourself," I shrugged. I'm not upset at Taehyung. He's caught up in the crossfire of the household conflicts. Jungkook is challenging me because he wants to win, but Taehyung? He's focused on corporations."Why are you purposely... freeing your alliances...?" Taehyung asked, dimming his eyes on me. I abruptly halted at his statement while checking the documents and shifted my uneasy gaze to him."Freeing the households? It's the households... that's fleeing from my parents," I calmly replied."It appears so. Though... you're usually possessive of your mother's power. But lately... you've been detaching yourself from everyone. Did you think I wouldn't notice?" Taehyung calmly questioned. I lowered my eyes to the files, startled by his attentive nature. Fuck. He's after me again."Yangcha is enough for me. I don't need anyone else," I shrugged. Taehyung grew quiet for a minute as he stared at me without looking away, so I pretended not to notice his skeptical gaze."You're isolating the alliances from Jae Yangcha and yourself to prevent the conflict from destroying the households," Taehyung muttered. I didn't look at him and quietly skimmed through the notes on my device."I don't know what you're talking about-""You wish to protect him without involving the alliances because you're afraid of bearing the burdens of the consequences. I understand. You're pushing the households away to protect Jae Yangcha on your own-""Can we not speak about-""You're a soul that treasures your family and friends. A person... willing to go to great lengths for your people. A child... who seeks solace in her inner circle. But you're straying far from your family and friends to wander in the unknown alone. Because you're frightened of bringing harm to them. Because... you're afraid... the wild Jaguar might... kill your people with its untamed bloodlust tendencies," Taehyung pressed. I blinked at the file and finally lifted my eyes to Taehyung."Kim Seokjin is still Yangcha's rightful ally. If I marry him while being in control of the alliances... Seokjin might attack all of us. I'll bear the consequences of my actions. Jungkook will solidify his alliance with the Chul. Jimin will side with the Ryu. And you? You should stick with the Jeon. Everyone will be stable," I muttered. Of course. Kim Taehyung saw right through me. Did I think I could hide my intentions from him...?"Is that why you keep upsetting Jeon Jungkook? Knowing he'll recklessly challenge you?" Taehyung questioned bitterly.
All those words... those harsh words. I spat them at Jungkook deliberately. I wanted to upset him. I wanted to hurt his feelings... so he'd despise me... and detach himself from me.

It worked. I knew Jungkook too well. He's easily upset once I poke at his weaknesses... and he'll do anything to make me regret my actions, given his competitive nature. He did. He convinced the alliances to back out of the contract consideration, but little did he know... he's walking right over the path I set for him... so he could safely exit the disorder without being harmed.
"Aren't you tired of working for my parents? I'm granting you a chance to free yourself from them," I muttered while closing the file before shifting my downcast gaze to Taehyung. He has a stable corporation now. I doubt he wants to waste his time and effort working at the tower to serve my greedy parents."Your mother will never rest," Taehyung shrugged. Right. My mother is upset. She'll probably visit me soon to humble my actions. I have to be prepared for her."I can't work overtime today. Yangcha isn't feeling well. Can you drop me off? I'll pack abalone porridge for you," I asked to drop the topic. Taehyung nodded. And so... we got up and left the corporation together.
A moment later.
Beep. I scanned my card and entered the penthouse but halted once I found my mother standing by the doorway with Yangcha, who was blankly standing with his hands clasped together. What is she doing here...?"Eomma?" I blinked in surprise."Ah. I came to drop off a few supplement packages I brought back from Japan. Had a nice chat with your boyfriend. I'll leave now," My mother smiled, striding off after glancing at Taehyung, who unsurely glanced back and forth between the woman and the muted alpha. She spoke with Yangcha...?"Noona," He smiled weakly."I'm in a hurry, so pack it quickly!" Taehyung snapped, startling me. I glared at him in annoyance, quickly racing into the kitchen to pour him a container of porridge. In a hurry?! His work hour is already over!"Ask imo to heat it for you," I pushed the soup container into his hand. Taehyung nodded and walked out of the penthouse without thanking me, so I closed the door and turned to find Yangcha standing beside the shoe rack with a grim expression."Do you... want to go for a walk...?" He asked."Aren't you sick....? The headache-""I don't want to be here," He shrugged. I pursed my lips."Okay," I nodded, opening the door again to let him out.Yangcha slipped his black slippers beneath his white socks as I quickly packed another bottle of abalone soup in the kitchen, and we left the penthouse together. He's wearing a plain white shirt and grey sweatpants... and even if it's... casual... people would still eye him from all directions. He's an effortless attractive magnet.
A moment later.
"Can I have ramen...?" He whispered, softly tugging my sleeve as I stared at the products in an aisle."No. I packed your porridge," I shook my head. He can't eat ramen. He collapsed before because he'd been eating nothing but the processed soggy strands. Yangcha pouted."Just this once? I've been eating healthy for so long. Oh~?" He cutely rubbed his hands together to beg me like a child. I glared at him as a passerby unsurely glanced at his silly behavior."The small size only," I sighed in defeat.Yangcha brightly grinned and grabbed his favorite spicy ramen, so I walked away to check the fridge... and we finally settled on the bench by the river crowded with people. There was a small show in the park, so a lot of people gathered over the field to enjoy the performance. We sat far from the crowd as Yangcha hungrily slurped from the steaming noodle cup."Ah...?" Yangcha offered me his ramen between his chopsticks. I shook my head to refuse it and quietly slurped the abalone porridge with a spoon. He pouted and slurped his artificial stew again."Why did my mother visit you?" I grumbled. Yangcha lifted his face to scan my blank expression while chewing the ramen with his spice-stained greasy red lips. He glanced back at the noodles and took a sip from the steaming broth before tilting his head back to sniffle softly."She asked me to transfer Seokjin's assets to you after marriage," Yangcha muttered. I gripped the porridge container. Wah~ How is my mother so shameless?"Is that all...?" I asked without looking at him."She asked me about our wedding date and preparations," Yangcha shrugged. I nodded and closed the metallic lid after finishing my porridge before handing Yangcha the wet wipes I packed in my handbag."The wedding is in two weeks," I muttered, lowering my gaze to the engagement ring on my finger."We can delay our wedding if you need to acquire your household alliance," Yangcha suggested. I pursed my lips and glanced up at him in surprise."You want to delay-""We already signed the marriage license, so I'm fine with a little delay," Yangcha muttered after emptying the ramen and leaned back against the bench."You're okay with the delay?" I nodded without blinking."We can wait until next year-" Yangcha nodded. Snatch!I seized the empty ramen cup from his grip, abruptly getting up from the bench to throw it away in the public bin before striding off to buy an orange juice, sold by a vendor near the performance stage. Eomma. What did you say to him...? I listlessly walked back toward the bench until I found Yangcha... smiling at a young woman as she strides away. He chuckled and drank from the juice in his hands, so I exhaled and sat back down."She gave it to you?" I asked while uncapping the bottle."She said she accidentally bought an extra bottle," Yangcha cluelessly nodded. I bitterly stared at my juice and sipped from it. What's with me...? Why am I suddenly sensitive...? Yangcha was extremely cheerful during the entire outing after a woman gifted him the juice. He chatted all by himself as I quietly listened to him. Maybe... I'm just overreacting because I'm tired from work..?
A moment later.
I stepped out of the closet with a towel over my damp hair and strolled into the living room to find Yangcha... stretching his arms before the television without his shirt on. Still. I weirdly didn't want to speak with him, but he didn't seem to notice my muted silence either."Noona. I already contacted the venue to reschedule our wedding day to summer next year," Yangcha smiled. I pursed my lips, abruptly halting to stare at his excited beam."Why didn't you ask me first...?" I stared at him unsurely."I told you on our way home- You didn't seem to object to the idea-" Yangcha shrugged, unsurely frowning at my blank expression. I rubbed the ring on my finger while staring at him until I felt a surge of anger... swelling inside my chest. The swelling discomfort... emerged out of nowhere until my body tensed up uncomfortably. Sora, stay calm."Whatever. Do as you wish," I muttered, turning around to enter the room with a heavy heart."N-Noona...? What's wrong???" Yangcha asked, quickly rounding the couch to enter the room after me. I opened the drawer to search for the file, quickly drew it out, and walked out of the room, slightly brushing past Yangcha just as he entered. He wildly turned after me in confusion as I strolled into the kitchen."If you're so keen on pushing the date- then let's not get married anymore-" I muttered as I switched on the stove and thoughtlessly tossed the file onto the dim fire without hesitation."Noona!?!- What are you doing?!" Yangcha gasped, swiftly snatching the paper in horror with his bare hands. The alpha frantically fanned file with a startled expression until the dense smoke filled the kitchen.Yangcha gasped in disbelief as he rapidly smacked the burned edge against the marble counter to put out the fire as I stood motionless on the side until the burnt smell filled my nostrils, further irritating me with its reeking odor. Yangcha lifted his face to stare at me with a dark frown, so I glanced at the slightly burnt document with a straight face."If you want to leave, then leave-""What are you talking about?!- Why would you burn our marriage license?!" Yangcha shrieked, angrily raising his voice at me until the strained veins bulged over his neck. I gripped my trembling fists while staring at his glowering red face as he clenched the burnt paper with a furious scowl, clearly upset with my thoughtless act."I'm going to sleep- Don't touch me!" I snapped when he suddenly seized my wrist, roughly tugging me back with a confused expression."What's the matter-""Let me go. Now," I seethed, slightly tugging my wrist back. Yangcha frowned at my tear-filled eyes before glancing at my shaking fingers. He quickly looked up at me with a startled expression."N-Noona- I didn't mean to upset you- but why-""My life is a curse! Alright?!" I snapped, fiercely glaring at him. Yangcha clenched his jaw while inspecting my fuming red face. He's taken aback by my outburst."If I release you. Will you speak with me?" He asked, stubbornly holding onto me."No," I replied shortly.Yangcha furrowed his eyebrows at my blunt response, so I yanked my wrist out of his grip, stormed inside my bedroom, and slammed the door shut. Thud! I heard his heavy footsteps approaching the door, so I locked the handle and backed away to sit on the floor at the foot of the bed... until the swelling tears... dripped from my burning eyes. I don't know! I don't know why I'm like this! I'm just frustrated!"Noona... open the door. Please. You can't do this," Yangcha spoke up behind the door as he tried to push the handle. I sobbed and lowered my head to cry in pain. Why is the cycle repeating itself!? I hate it! I don't know what I'm doing anymore!"N-Noona- Please just speak to me... I- I'm sorry- for upsetting you!- Open the door!" Yangcha impatiently knocked on the door until I heard his voice breaking. He suddenly whimpered and pounded harder on the door. Thump! Thump! Thump!"I SAID LEAVE ME ALONE!" I screamed at the top of my lungs when he wouldn't stop disturbing me. The alpha suddenly grew hushed upon my angered outburst... and he immediately stopped knocking. I coughed in pain, weakly crawled onto the bed and turned to sleep with my face pressed against the pillow.
What did my mother do again!? Can't she leave me alone?! I can easily challenge everyone, but not her! Not the woman I call my mother! She keeps abusing me emotionally to attend to her desires! It's unfair!
Yangcha stopped bothering me afterward, and the penthouse eventually grew noiseless. I sobbed and choked on my own tears for about an hour... but couldn't sleep... so I sat up on the bed in the darkroom to hug my knees... until I felt the aching discomfort subsiding from my chest. My ragged breath eventually grew steady again... as I struggled to breathe through my blocked nostrils.Creak. I heard the bedroom door opening. I didn't lift my face from my knees and gripped my fists while listening to the soft footsteps... steadily approaching the bedside. He unlocked the door...? How did he do that...?Yangcha cautiously settled beside me on the mattress and gently brushed his fingers through my dangling hair, thinking I was fast asleep... so I kept my eyes closed as he carefully adjusted my position to help me sleep comfortably. The alpha tucked the pillow under my head, gently extended my legs over the mattress and pulled the blanket over my chest."I'm sorry," Yangcha whispered, lowering his body to hug me over the blanket.He softly sniffled as he remained on the bedside while holding me in his warm embrace, causing my chest to swell in pain again. I pursed my lips... shakily raising my hand... to pat his prickly hair while biting down on my trembling lips. I feel terrible. The alpha abruptly sucked in his breath upon my touch, quickly lifting his face to stare at me in tears once he realized I wasn't asleep. I sadly... stared at him from the pillow. How is he so patient with me...?"Don't cry..." I whispered, gently wiping the warm tears from his cheeks."N-Noona... W-What did I do wrong? Can't you... tell me..? You're scaring me so much," Yangcha sniffled while searching my eyes with a torn expression. I lifted my left hand to stare at the ring on my finger. He glanced at the glimmering ring and back at me with an anxious frown."Why does it feel like... I'm cursed to be alone forever...?" I whispered."You have me. What are you talking about...?" Yangcha asked, gripping my left hand to assure me of his presence. I sobbed again and rubbed my swollen eyes in distress."Whenever I feel like I've got my life together... with the person I love... I can sense it... the cruel world... waiting to take everything away from me again," I whimpered. Yangcha clutched my hands tightly to remove them from my soaked lashes."Are you upset because I insisted on delaying the marriage?" He asked. I blinked the tears."What did my mother tell you? What poison did she spit for you... to insist on pushing our wedding back? You know my mother... She's not a good person. She's the reason- I'm trapped in this world... and it was her... too who took away my lovers. It was always her," I shook my head in tears. She made sure to separate Jungkook from me when we were young. She disapproved of Seokjin. And she... forced Taehyung to turn against me. Now Yangcha, too...? Why is she so cruel to me...?"She simply asked me to delay the marriage so you can sort out-""So she'd have enough time to plan a new scheme. Just enough... to poison my life again. Eomma- She doesn't like you, but I resisted her. And you know what happens? She'll never rest. She wants me to achieve power... and she's willing to ruin me to fulfill her desire," I sobbed. I'm scared of my mother. The way she talks people into... wrecking themselves."She said... even if we marry... our children will never be approved by the society. They'll be outcasted by the pack. She said... I'm a curse to you. Your mother claims... you'll die at my hands if I insist on making you the mother of my cursed children. She told me to make a sacrifice... if I truly loved you," Yangcha muttered, lowering his guilty eyes to his hands. I inhaled the pain in my chest... and turned on the mattress to face away from him. I knew it."She kills with her words," I sniffled. Yangcha hugged me from behind, firmly coiling his arms around my waist to hold me against his body. I weakly rested on the bed with my blank gaze on the plain wall as the warm tears slid over my cheekbones... and dripping on the pillow."I don't want to lose you. And I know... I can't give up on you either. That's why I insisted on postponing the wedding. So I can properly secure you and your safety. So you won't have to live in vain forever. I'm sorry if you're upset..." Yangcha begged, gripping my waist as I stared unblinking at the wall with my tearful eyes."There's only one thing I want in life. That is... to finally settle and live happily with a family. But it's extremely difficult... because they keep telling me I can't live that way. And whenever I'm close to fulfilling the dream... a problem occurs to wreck... whatever I've been working so hard to achieve," I hoarsely spoke."Sora. Will you look at me? Hmm? It's hard for me to speak when you're giving me a cold shoulder," Yangcha requested, gently snuggling his face against the crook of my neck. I took a deep inhale upon his request and finally forced my aching body off the mattress to sit against the headboard with my defeated gaze on the alpha as he remained at my bedside."Have you ever touched a snowflake before...?" I asked sadly."Of course," Yangcha nodded."It melts away the instant it lands on your palm. Doesn't it?" I asked. Yangcha pursed his lips."Yeah," He nodded. I reached for his warm hand and gently held his fingers in difficulty."It feels like I'm a snowflake... drifting from the dark and cold sky... towards a source of warmth. The kind of... warmth I've always yearned for, but just as we make contact... I melt away... and I'm already gone... even before you close your grip. Just as quickly as I entered your life... I disappeared. That's what it feels like for me. It seems like... I'm destined to slip from my lover's grip," I pursed my lips with throbbing nostrils. It's not their fault. It's mine. Why is it that... I have to melt and disappear whenever I'm close to them? A stream of tears dripped from Yangcha's eyes as he held onto my cold fingers."You're afraid of slipping from my grip?" He softly asked. I nodded with my lips pursed."I love you. I do... but... I'm afraid of slipping away before you can fully hold me," I whimpered. I'm tired of the cycle. Fluttering aimlessly to search for my source of warmth, only to disappear once I land... and before I know it... I'm already sailing with the chills of the dark night to search for another source. Yangcha sadly rubbed my fingers, lifted them to his face, and gently pressed my palm against his warm cheek."You're not going anywhere. I'll stand in the freezing winter storm for you... just so you won't melt away from me. I'd drop and lay on the snow even if I have to. I'll remain in the wilderness until my body becomes frosty so I can hold your beautiful soul without ruining your delicate beauty," He whispered."You'll die if your body loses its warmth-""Then I'll become another snowflake. I'll die and flutter with you to the unknown. You wouldn't feel lonely anymore," Yangcha smiled, desperately holding back his swelling tears. I pouted at his bittersweet words and cried harder until Yangcha pulled me into a crushing hug. I gripped his broad shoulders and hugged him tightly with my face buried against his neck."I love you," I whispered, shakily gripping his shirt as the endless tears streamed from my soaked lashes."I'm just as afraid of losing you.  And you're right. You can easily slip from my grip if I'm careless, so let's get married and live together for the rest of our lives," He muttered. I nodded in tears as he gently rocked from the side of the mattress, soothing me with his comforting embrace.
A moment later.
"Hah~! Noona!-" Yangcha grunted, weakly staring up at me with a flustered face as I grind my hips steadily over his crotch to intensify the pleasure between our bodies.The alpha flushed even redder and tilted his head on the pillow in distress as I pressed my hands over his firm chest for support, steadily humping him over the rocking mattress. Hah~! I drew his fingers off his bright red face and gently sucked his fingertips, causing the alpha to moan in difficulty as I stifled my voice with my soaked tongue wrapped around his fingers."What's wrong...? Are you okay? Why are you still so flustered and tense whenever we make love?" I chuckled, pausing to examine his burning face.Yangcha rubbed his face with one hand and pulled me down my arm, so I smiled and kissed his lips as he tenderly stroked my cheeks. I rocked my hips in a back-and-forth motion... steamily escalating the searing friction of our merging nerves until Yangcha whimpered beneath me. I chuckled and lifted my face to suck on his neck, hungrily nibbling on his bare skin as he groped my breasts while panting out of breath with his lips ajar."I don't know. It feels like you're sucking out my soul every time," He lowly grunted against my ear so I lifted my face to lock my heated gaze on his difficult frown. I moaned in pleasure and lowered my head to hover my nose... over his face... as Yangcha breathily fumed under me with his lips pursed. Thump. Thump. I lifted and lowered my wet crotch to swallow his swelling shaft until he lowered his hands to clutch my hips, making me groan in extreme pleasure.He firmly held onto my hips and tilted his face downward to suck on my breast, making me shudder at his wet strokes... so I leaned over his head with my palm pressed against the headboard as Yangcha adjusted his position under me to take control. I stopped moving my hips and pursed my lips as he steadily thrust his hard bulge under me until I felt my chest and face burning from the feverish flames inside my crotch."Y-Yangcha- B-Baby~!" I stuttered when I felt a weird surge inside my crotch as he repeatedly penetrated me."I'm almost done," He grunted, tugging me down. Thump! I weakly collapsed onto his sweaty body as he skated his arm downward to clutch my fleshy buttcheeks, forcing me to bounce over his crotch and rapidly pushing deeper inside me at a shocking pace... until I felt his stiff muscles tensing beneath me so I kissed him hard... to muffle his sexy moans, steamily swirling my tongue inside his mouth to suppress the urge to scream.I seethed in extreme satisfaction and gripped firmly onto his firm cheeks as he shakily panted against my face while speeding up the pace of his thrusts... until he hit the climax. SPLURGE! The alpha intensely jerked and twitched over the mattress as he squeezed my buttcheeks to finish off inside me, making me moan in difficulty as I sat over his crotch. I pursed my lips upon our successful love-making session... and weakly hugged his head as he struggled to catch his breath after he ejaculated deep inside me. Yangcha held firmly onto my head to hold my damp body over his pulsating chest."I have to- Hah~!" I gasped, trying to sit up, but he yanked me back down and rolled over to hold me captive under his heavy body, still keeping his throbbing hot bulge deep inside me. I exhaled deeply as he softly kissed my cheeks to inhale my reeking body scent."Can we cuddle for a bit? Why are you in a rush-""I think I'm on my period!" I smacked his back. Yangcha quickly lifted his face to stare at me with a startled look, so I pushed his sweaty abs to make him sit up."What- Suddenly?!-""Tissue! I don't think it's just your semen!" I smacked his bicep.The alpha frantically crawled over the mattress to grab the tissue box as I reached between my thighs to hold back the dripping paste. He quickly snatched a few sheets to press over my sore crotch, so I sat up in discomfort and crawled off the bed... frantically hurrying inside the bathroom like a penguin."Pfft! Why are you walking like that?!" He laughed, turning to watch me from the bed.I sorely grimaced as I carefully sat on the bowel... and as expected... the tissue was soaked with bright red substances as his semen dripped from inside me. I threw away the tissue and washed my private part over the toilet before glancing at Yangcha, who was wiping his raw tip on the mattress with a tissue. He eventually got up to replace the bedsheet, so I took a quick shower to rinse off the sweat from my body before grabbing a pad and entered the closet room to deal with my period. That's why I felt so moody today~!"Ah~ I'm getting cramps again," I grunted, walking out of the bedroom just as Yangcha exited the kitchen with a mug of hot chocolate. He effortlessly lifted me off the ground with one arm and carried me towards the couch as I hugged his shoulder for balance. I chuckled and kissed the scar on his head as he lifted his leg to nudge the cushions aside."You're a week early. I'll heat the blanket for you," Yangcha pushed the mug into my hands after placing me on the couch. I groaned and leaned back against the headrest as he strolled away in his boxers to find the electric heating pad.I took a sip of the flavorful drink and exhaled in relief. Yangcha eventually returned to place the warm blanket over my stomach, gave me a soft peck on my forehead, and left to shower before returning later in his pajamas as I tapped on his phone to look through his texts with the event manager."I sent the event manager a text to proceed with our initial date," I muttered, carefully sipping the hot chocolate as Yangcha sat beside me. He seized my waist to make me sit between his thighs, so I leaned backward to align my back against his heated torso as he adjusted the heated blanket over my lower stomach to ease the period pain."The photographer sent our pre-wedding photographs for selection," He muttered, taking his phone from my hand to click on the file as I held the mug between my palms while snuggling against his chest. Yangcha softly kissed the side of my head as he swiped through the soft copies of our wedding pictures."Aha~! Look at you! Can we keep the bloopers too?" I giggled, lifting my face to smile at him. Yangcha glanced at me as he swiped through his phone, softly pecking my lips with one hand over my stomach to hold the blanket in place."Not sulky anymore? You worried me for nothing. Aigo~! I really thought I was in big trouble, but it turns out... you're on your period. Boohoo~! All that loud bawling and runny nose for nothing? You'll give me a stroke if you keep up with the dramatic act," He teased, pinching my cheek. I grimaced."Hey! I didn't know I was on my period either!-""Boohooo~! Let's not get married! But you're giggling over our pictures now!" He mocked me with the pretentious weeping sound. I glared at him in annoyance."I can be a little... unstable before my period..." I muttered, shifting my gaze to the photographs again. Yangcha chuckled and hugged me tightly."That's okay. Whether you're on your period or not... your feelings are valid. Express your frustration instead of hiding it because that's the only way for me to understand your needs. It's dangerous to keep things to yourself," Yangcha shrugged. I smiled and glanced at him again with my heart-shaped eyes."Are you sure you're younger than me?" I smiled. Yangcha glanced at me again."I occasionally question your age too. You behave like a child sometimes... and it may be frustrating for others but... I find it adorable," He smiled, grabbed the empty mug from my hand, and leaned over the couch to place it on the coffee table."I try to be mature. My family hates it when I behave like a child," I shrugged. Everyone expected me to behave my age, but sometimes... I couldn't help but act on my impulse."That's because you didn't get to fully be a child when you were young. They sent you away... so your inner child is still stuck at the very age you lost your family affection. No one was there to help you grow into adulthood. Of course, people will get mad because they expect you to be your age after failing to understand why you're behaving the way you are," Yangcha explained as he calmly swiped through our photos on the phone."Are you diagnosing me again...?" I chuckled."I can actually take great care of myself. I'm not at all... forgetful. And I can easily learn to cook if I wanted to, but I didn't because I wanted to fulfill your missing piece," Yangcha muttered. I blinked and looked up at him unsurely as he patted the heated pack over my stomach."My missing piece?" I mumbled, gently lifting my hand to hold his cheek and tilted my face to peck his cheek."You grew up all alone, forced to care for yourself. Noona. That's why... you first approached me when you saw my pitiful state. You saw yourself in me. An outcast. A lonely soul. That's why you took me to the amusement park for the first time. That's why you always brought me small gifts... snacks... drinks... to feed me. That's why you always consoled me whenever I was down. All because... I'm a reflection of your childhood. A neglected child," He muttered."Oh," I pursed my lips. Yangcha looked down at me with his fond gaze, slightly rubbing his cheek against mine, making me smile at the ticklish sensation."It's your instinct to care for me because you wish you had received such love and affection. So I let you. I let you cook for me. I let you remind me of my medication. I let you take me to my workplace like a child. I let you do everything you've ever wanted to receive as the neglected soul you were. So you could be at peace with your inner child. Kim Taehyung claimed... I have mother issues because I let you treat me like a child... but it was never that. It's just that I saw beyond your explicit behavior. I saw deep into your soul. You're acting this way... because it's a way to heal your broken childhood by fulfilling it for another person," He smiled. I didn't know how to respond but stared speechlessly at Yangcha's weak smile until I felt my chest burning intensely."I would've never thought I'd be this deeply in love with a child I met back at the university," I smiled. Yangcha chuckled and leaned his head back with a bright beam."See? I was never a child, noona. I was much taller... than you. I was much bigger than you, too. But somehow... you saw me as a child. Someone weaker than you, even as I was towering over you. You'd reach out to ruffle my hair as if I were a young boy. The way you perceive me is... how you perceive yourself. I knew that. And I enjoyed seeing you smile... so I let you treat me that way," He smiled. He's right. Why did I see him as a child the first day we met? For some reason... I saw him as an innocent child and immediately grew attached, wanting to care for him even if he was physically bigger than me...? It makes sense now."Haerim didn't see you as a child, did she?" I asked curiously. Yangcha nodded."She saw me as a man. Everyone perceived me as a man, except for you. It's weirdly hilarious... but heartwarming," He muttered."Did you like her? You had a secret affair with her. I remember your... smudged lips," I smiled. Yangcha chuckled."I was young and a little naive... until my parents passed. The incident left me traumatized, and I think... The incident altered my brain chemistry afterward. I agreed to sleep with her because... I really needed to keep my mind off things and we... ended up sleeping together a few times," He nodded. I sighed while playing with his fingers."She was your first," I muttered. Yangcha tilted his head to examine my sulky pout."But I've always loved you and only you," He shrugged. I blinked at his weak smile. Yangcha chuckled and softly kissed me."You should've made your move and saved me all the trouble," I muttered. Yangcha scoffed and hugged me against his chest."Me? The outcast... competing with Kim Seokjin and Kim Taehyung? The most powerful alphas in the society? I wouldn't have stood a chance being the clueless and innocent person I was," He shook his head."But you did. See...?" I smiled, showing him the ring on my finger. Yangcha opened his palm, so I pressed my small hand against his. He gently interlaced our fingers to hold me... our rings... grazing each other between our firm grip."I'm the winner," He chuckled. I nodded and hugged his neck as he gently held my waist. Deeply... I inhaled his soothing scent and closed my eyes with a weak smile.___________________________Wedding Day | November 20th.
Yangcha and I were very busy during the last two weeks leading up to our wedding day. He'd requested to leave work early so he could meet the event manager to discuss our agenda and make adjustments with the team.

I had to frequently visit Designer Choi's studio to get my dresses fitted again... and again.

Eomma wasn't exactly happy with our decision to move forward with the wedding without delay. And the alliances were obviously very restless with my determination to marry the Silent Killer. Jungkook gave me the cold shoulder as usual, but Taehyung was somewhat... very helpful. He'd drive me to the studio after work and escorted me home afterward.

The elders weren't on good terms, obviously. But the mansion was still busy with the preparation. Imo would instruct the maids to do quality checks on the wedding gifts, and she is also responsible for selecting the menu for the event. Do-hwan had prepared and trained his team for the wedding to ensure the safety of the guests and the alphas.

Yangcha didn't invite any of his relatives, not even his grandparents... because he was afraid of putting them at risk. The alpha's remaining bloodline had fled Korea to live abroad after Seokjin announced his death. He couldn't risk bringing them back inside the alpha's territory, so we agreed to visit his grandparents after our wedding to receive their blessings.

Most of the guests at the wedding were my guests.

And unlike an ordinary wedding... Yangcha had arranged for the ceremony outdoors, near a beautiful lake... surrounded by mountains. I wasn't aware of our venue setting... until the day he took me to the hotel nearby a day before... for a quick tour.

And I absolutely love the site! Yangcha is pretty good at picking out the best things! Oh... and pretty much... No one really assisted us with the wedding because the elders weren't pleased with our marriage.

Eomma, however, did host a pre-wedding ceremony a week before our wedding day, and I had a lot of fun then. Yangcha and I passed out at the party after I invited the secretary, assistants, directors, and employees from the tower to attend the party at the mansion's ballroom.
"Does it still hurt...?" Yangcha asked, gently blowing into my eye after a lash fell into my eye. I nodded as he fanned my eyes, so I blinked a few times as the stylish fitted the wedding dress to my body in the setup tent."Have you taken the supplement?" I asked, turning to check on my makeup in the mirror."I left it in the car. I'll grab it later," Yangcha shrugged as he stood in a white suit. His hair was still a short buzz cut because he insisted on keeping it that way, claiming he wanted to look older than me. Which is sort of funny. He looks like a young boy with long hair and bangs... but a sexy man with short trims.
A moment later.
Yangcha carefully hovered his hand over my head to prevent the sunlight from beaming directly at my face as we sat in an outdoor photography zone for the wedding pictures as the guests flooded the gorgeous wedding site.
The alphas surprisingly showed up to congratulate me on my marriage. Minah. Hoseok. Namjoon. Hoseok. Yoongi. Sungho. Mira. So-young. Minho. Jimin and even Seokjin were present. They kept eyeing Yangcha weirdly, but they were nice enough to take the picture with me and the alpha. It was a tense and awkward interaction since no one wanted to speak with me in Yangcha's presence. They're restless around him.
The elders joined the photography session after the alphas left to settle at their seats as others enjoyed the appetizers before the beautiful lake. Yangcha nervously stood beside me as the elders surrounded us, so I held onto his hand to assure him."Aigo~! Picture! I need a picture, too!" Imo gasped, rushing up to the photo site in her cute silver hanbok with Do-hwan, who appeared very bitter. She probably dragged the man against his will."You're so beautiful~!" I chuckled at imo."No! You're the stunning one today! Hey- Mr. Photographer! Take a picture for us, please!" Imo squeezed my hand in excitement. I smiled and turned toward the camera. Flash."You two should take a picture together," Yangcha smiled, stepping aside. I placed my hand over Imo's shoulder as she cutely grinned at the camera like a proud grandma."Oh no~! I'm getting teary!" She pouted, turning to cup my cheeks after we took the photograph. She's so cute with the light makeup and pretty ornaments in her styled hair."Don't cry~! I'll still be around to bug you after this," I chuckled. Imo nodded and glanced at Do-hwan, who was coldly staring at the venue to monitor his men."Do-hwan! Hurry! What are you standing there for?!" Imo snapped, cutely hurrying over to grab the man's hand. He grimaced and followed her, so I cleared my throat and straightened my back as he bitterly stared at me."You. Stay out of the frame," Do-hwan coldly stared at Yangcha when he tried to approach us. Yangcha clenched his jaw and stepped back on demand, so I nervously gripped the flower bouquet. The man sternly stared at the camera as he stiffly stood beside me."Please move a little closer to each other- Sir, can you smile a little?" The photographer lifted his head to instruct the man.Do-hwan sideways eyed me, stepped closer with his chin held high, and awkwardly smiled for the camera. I pursed my lips at his stiff expression and beamed at the camera. Flash. The man quickly cleared his throat and strode off without speaking, causing imo to snap at his rude behavior. The woman chased after the chief guard to nag him again."Got energy for another picture?" Taehyung asked, strolling over the carpet in his golden suit."Of course, boss," I smiled. He chuckled and climbed the stairs to stand beside me."Am I allowed in the frame or not?" Yangcha bitterly asked from the side."Stay out of it. Please capture our moment well," Taehyung nodded at the cameraman. Yangcha rolled his eyes and crossed his arms in annoyance. I smiled at the camera as Taehyung stood beside me with his head slightly tilted toward me."Is Jungkook here...?" I whispered. I haven't seen him around."He's stubbornly sitting in his car at the parking lot, but he'll be here once he's hungry," Taehyung nodded, gently placing his hand on my waist to hold me. I smiled and glanced at the lenses again. Flash. Flash. Flash. The cameraman gave us a thumbs-up, and Yangcha was finally allowed into the frame. Taehyung agreed to take the picture with us and finally strolled away after speaking to me."He's here," Yangcha scoffed. I lifted my face to find Jungkook standing behind the cameraman with his neat pushed-back hair. My heart churned uneasily as he dimly stared at me. We argued... during the pre-wedding party. I really thought he wouldn't show up."Just one picture," He instructed the cameraman.Yangcha stepped aside again, so Jungkook stood beside me without sparing me a glance. I sighed and glanced at the camera as he firmly stared at the lenses. Flick. The flash captured the picture. He didn't utter a word... and coldly strolled off with his hands in his pocket. I sighed and lowered my face in defeat. We'll never make up, huh?
I didn't expect my wedding to be this... miserable.

A moment later.
Third Person POVThe live harmonious wedding music resonated beautifully over the outdoor venue before the clear lake as the team of hired musicians played with their instruments. Its soothing echoes... dancing along the base of the mountains to entertain the guests as they remained in their seats. The alphas firmly eyed Jae Yangcha as he stood proudly in his neat suit by the stage, waiting for his beautiful bride.Kim Seokjin sat without blinking until he noticed the crowd turning their heads, so he shifted his grim gaze to find... Jang Sora... in her exquisite off-shoulder sparkly gown. The supreme alpha had changed into her main wedding gown. The alpha couldn't help but stare at her enchanting smile as Kim Taehyung pursed his lips in anticipation. It was expected. Taehyung knew she'd pick the fairy-esque dress to suit her taste.
The sparkles. It's her signature look.

Jang Sora will never settle for a basic or plain dress because she loves to exaggerate the details whenever she has to select a gown for a special occasion. The more glitter... the better. The puffier... the better. The more feminine it is... the better.
[Dress Reference Link]

Kim Taehyung sadly stared at the bride as she stood at the end of the aisle with her arm hooked around her father's arm. She beamed at Yangcha from across the field until the music reached the climax, signaling the main event of the wedding. Slowly... she took a step forward as the groom gleefully gazed at her from afar."She could've been your bride. Aigo~" Imo muttered while sitting beside Taehyung. He shifted his eyes to Jungkook, who was darkly glaring at Yangcha. Mrs. Jang kept her chin high with a blank expression as her husband escorted their daughter over the aisle.Taehyung's heart grew heavier with every step the supreme alpha took to approach her groom, who was growing a little impatient as he waited for his goddess. Yangcha held back his tears and clasped his hands together to contain himself as Sora beamed at him. The light veil... fluttering beautifully with the delicate wind current.Jang Sora slowly strode over the carpet in her elegant gown and pretty crystal heels until she reached Jae Yangcha, who beamed even brighter upon her up close appearance. Taehyung tensed his body in his seat as she watched her stare at her lover... with so much affection. He was beyond envious of the groom's position, but he knew... the last thing he wanted was to... ruin her special day again.

The couple finally repeated their lines before the crowd of powerful households to seal their marriage with the vows. Taehyung glanced to the side again once he noticed Jungkook slipping his hand into his pocket.

The alpha glanced back at Sora as she held... onto Yangcha's hands with her pretty crystal-manicured nails. The couple didn't seem to care about the dirty looks they were receiving because... it appears as if... they were the only souls in each other's gaze. He only saw her, and she only saw him.
Their everlasting love... against the muted world.
"The groom may kiss the bride," The emcee announced with a bright smile.Yangcha grinned and tilted his face, slightly leaning forward to press his lips against Sora's lips as she tilted her face upward to meet him halfway until the crowd merrily cheered for the couple as imo dramatically cried beside Taehyung. The woman sniffled and smacked Taehyung's arm repeatedly until he grimaced at her unstable emotions. Do-hwan clapped bitterly with the guests as the secretary and assistants applauded the newlyweds.

"The bride will toss her bouquet~!" The emcee announced as Sora turned to face the crowd with the bundle of flowers and a flushed cheek.The secretary, assistants, lower ranks, and alphas quickly gathered before the stage in excitement to catch the bouquet. Taehyung, however, remained seated beside his cousin as he sorely watched the uproar of excited participants. Yangcha nodded at the supreme alpha as she slowly turned to face the lake and raised the flower above her head."THE FLOWER IS MINE!" Secretary Yoon shrieked as he squeezed between the assistants."No! Mine!" Mira snapped, causing Minho to widen his eyes at her determination to catch the bundle.The crowd intensely waited for the bride to toss her bouquet, so Taehyung folded his arms in anticipation with his eyes on the supreme alpha's back as Yangcha stood beside her to watch the crowd raise their arms over their heads. Swift-Taehyung sideway caught Jungkook pulling out something from his pocket. The alpha's heart thumped in horror before his head could process the situation. Kim Taehyung's eyes bulged open until his body muscles stiffened as he watched his cousin draw a... handgun... from his inner pocket."Yah!" Taehyung gasped, unconsciously grabbing Jungkook's forearm in a panic to push the barrel out of sight."STUPID FUCK-" Jungkook seethed in anger but was immediately cut short as Taehyung firmly clasped his hand over Jungkook's mouth to hush him. The alpha grabbed Jungkook's wrist and tried to disable him quietly without disrupting the event- but Jeon Jungkook effortlessly yanked his arms away and shoved Taehyung aside."Three!" Sora shouted in glee. Taehyung gasped in a panic, quickly tackling his cousin onto the ground as the crowd remained unaware of Jeon Jungkook's deadly intention."TWO!" The crowd roared intensely. Jungkook roughly shoved Taehyung off his body as he sat up on the grass with the loaded gun."You asshole!- Stop it!-" Taehyung quietly gripped his cousin's collar to hold him down, but Jungkook roughly headbutted his cousin- sending Taehyung toppling to the side."Taehyung!" Imo gasped when she tore her eyes from the crowd to find the alphas quarreling in the back row.Taehyung punched Jungkook across the face, but the alpha resisted the blinding impact and thrust his cousin aside, angrily kicking Taehyung's chest. Thump- Imo gasped, trying to help Taehyung onto his feet- but he frantically pushed the woman away and launched at his cousin again. Thump! Thump! Jungkook scrambled back onto his feet with his infuriated glower on the couple."THREE!" Yangcha cluelessly cheered with Sora as she flung the flower bouquet over her head."OH!? OH! OHHH!-" The crowd roared as they glanced upward with their bulging eyeballs. The flying flower bundle... sailing high above their heads. Sora shrieked and spun around in her beautiful dress in anticipation as the flower... flew over the crowd."MY LADY THIS ISN'T A BASKETBALL TORNAMENT!-" Assistant Ri gasped as the flower... flew farther than they expected. Sora brightly grinned... as the flower flung straight towards the back seat."ARGH!?!-" Taehyung grunted, wildly kicking the gun out of Jungkook's grip before staggering to the side. The two alphas tumbled over the chairs, causing imo to shriek in shock as Taehyung frantically tried to sit up again- SMACK.The alpha flinched in a panic once the flower bundle struck his chest- just as he lost his balance and tumbled onto the ground. Taehyung grabbed the bundle, unconsciously scrambling back onto his feet just as Jungkook snatched the gun off the grass with a bleeding lip.Jang Sora's bright smile suddenly neutralized as she watched Taehyung stand up with a bloody face. She shifted her startled gaze to find... Jeon Jungkook... fuming dangerously with a gun gripped in his hand. The crowd halted in shock once they found the alphas in a chaotic state.
BANG!
The loud gunfire went off, causing Sora to stiffen in horror. THUMP! THUMP! Do-hwan aggressively tackled Jeon Jungkook onto the ground right before he pulled the trigger.The entire venue suddenly grew silent upon the deafening explosion of the loud gunfire as Taehyung stood paralyzed beside the fallen chairs. Imo screamed with her hands over her ears.The guests widened their eyes in horror as the alpha clutched the bouquet in his hand. No one budged or spoke a word. They were entirely... petrified by the deadly disruption as Sora stood beside Yangcha with her mouth hanging open.
Kim Taehyung... screwed his face in pain... once he felt an uncomfortable ache and... glanced down at the bullet wound... on his... upper right chest in shock.
Jeon Jungkook's eyes widened in a panic with the gun raised at his cousin. Do-hwan roughly snatched the hot barrel from the alpha's shaky grip- Click- Click- Click!The man frantically disabled the weapon to tear the gun apart until the remaining bullets... scattered onto the grass. Mrs. Kim covered her mouth in shock as Taehyung grasped his bleeding wound over his firm chest... weakly sinking to the ground with his terrified eyes bulging open.
His once perfect golden suit... was suddenly... drenched in his own blood.
The bride and groom... stood paralyzed on the stage with their bewildered gaze on the shocking accident. The crowd remained stiff in their position... as Kim Taehyung slowly sank to his knees while Jungkook sat on the grass with a pale expression. Sweat... dripping heavily... from the side of his hairline as he watched his cousin struggle to stay conscious on the aisle."Fuck," Taehyung cursed, clenching his chest in pain as he held onto the flower bundle... until his dark blood soaked the petals and stems... with the oozing red paste. Jang Sora stood without blinking as she held onto Yangcha's hand, who was as stunned as she was."T-Taehyung!" Sora gasped, frantically lifting her dress, and leaped off the stage without hesitation."Sora!" Yangcha called, trying to stop her. The supreme alpha shoved the crowd aside as she hastily forced her way through the dense crowd with a pale expression."Argh!" Sora gasped, suddenly stumbling onto the ground after her ankle snapped over their high heel, causing her to whimper in pain. She scrambled back onto her feet as Yangcha grabbed her arm to support her."WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?!" Sora screamed at Jungkook with her raging tearful eyes... as Taehyung weakly flopped onto the carpet while coughing in extreme discomfort. Thump! Jungkook shifted his terrified eyes to the bride and back to his wounded cousin."Alarm the medics!" Do-hwan screamed at his men. Sora didn't storm toward Taehyung. Instead, she diverted her glowering glare to the startled half-blood."JEON JUNGKOOK!" The supreme alpha bellowed at the top of her lungs as she clutched her wedding dress with her shaking fingers, taking a step forward to confront him- but halted abruptly when she felt... her chest... wrenching with a sharp pain. She blinked in discomfort while rubbing her neck with a slight frown. Drip...Yangcha glanced at his bride when a droplet of blood dripped from her nose... staining her beautiful white gown with its dark red pigment."Sora?!" Yangcha gasped, pulling her back by her arm. Sora's face suddenly contorted in pain as she gripped Yangcha's forearm for support. The bride painfully clutched her stomach in confusion- as if someone had stabbed her with an invisible blade.
BLURP.
The crowd gasped in disbelief when... Jang Sora... suddenly puked out... blood from her lips. Her blood... splattering all over Jae Yangcha and her wedding dress. She violently coughed and lifted her fearful eyes to her lover as she struggled to speak. Yangcha's face grew pale as the supreme alpha shakily rubbed her slimy lips and lowered her trembling hands... to find blood all over her fingers. Warm tears... suddenly trickled from her cheeks... as she tried to support herself- but weakly wobbled to the side as her head spun... like a whirlpool. She gagged in distress... suddenly tumbling into the groom- so he quickly seized her body- but whimpered in fear... once he noticed her... bloodshot eyeballs."What's wrong with her?!" Mr. Jang gasped, quickly scrambling from his chair to reach his daughter. Jang Sora gripped her constricted chest in pain as heavy blood streamed from her nose and lips until she lost her balance."NOONA?!" Yangcha shouted, fastening his hold of her body in terror as she weakly slumped to the ground, drenched in her own blood. Her frail body... started shivering and jolting in distress as she struggled to retain control of her stiff limbs. Imo cried at the top of my lungs... as she watched her first lady twitch within the groom's arms... as if she was electrocuted."I- I can't breathe-" Sora whimpered in fright until her tearful eyes bulged open... due to the failure of her respiratory system. Mr. Jang collapsed onto the ground, quickly seizing his daughter's cheeks to stabilize her withered soul.
Cough! Cough!
Jang Sora violently jerked on the aisle... until heavy blood spilled from her opened mouth... dripping all over the carpet as Yangcha sat paralyzed in place with his terrified eyes on the supreme alpha... severe condition."P-poison..." Yangcha whispered while gawking at her blue face in extreme shock as he held her weak body in his arms until the warm tears dripped from his eyes... splattering onto her bloody cheeks. She whimpered and gripped Yangcha's white suit in despair while struggling to breathe with her mouth ajar. Yangcha's soul left his body.... upon the shocking realization of her fatal symptoms."NOONA?!- NO- NOONA STAY WITH ME- SORA- JEBAL!?-" Yangcha screeched, tightly gripping her head in a panic as his heart wrenched in pain. He screamed in distress... until he felt his soul ejecting out of his body.
The alpha shrieked in fright as he possessively hugged her cold body within the warmth of his grip- desperately fighting to stop the melting snowflake from... evaporating from his embrace.

Meanwhile
"Sora..." Taehyung whispered as he lay weakly on the carpet with his wounded chest. The alpha kept his dim gaze on the supreme alphas as her groom clutched her body in despair.
The bride... tragically... slumped... against her lover... her head flopping weakly against his chest. Her arms... suddenly slid to the sides... and her eyelids... unexpectedly dropping close... causing Taehyung to whimper in distress as he struggled to stay conscious on the aisle.
"N-no- take me- take me instead- I'll trade my life-" He tried to sit up, but his chest was aching too much for him to move his limbs. Thump.He gasped and slumped back onto the carpet in defeat as the unbearable pain seized control of his body. The wounded alpha desperately... lifted his bloody fingers to reach for her... one last time... as he tightly clutched the flowers over his pool of warm blood.

The alpha couldn't hear anything but the static silence in his ears... as his blurry vision... distorted around him... and unexpectedly... he was thrown... into a pitch-black abyss... left to drift into the unknown with the... blooming flowers.
The goddess's... red petals... saturated with the lone wolf's... golden blood.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Recommended Song for the 1st scene: The Way That We Started by Elijah Woods ;)
Third Person POV

Squawk. Squawk. Squawk.
Kim Taehyung gradually drifted from the dark abyss until his eyelids parted upon the warm brilliance... to greet the depressing gray canvas. Its gloomy clouds... drifting above his face as a pair of seagulls flapped its wings, soaring steadily over the early morning sky. The alpha blinked once and lifted his head to find himself sprawling on the calm seaside beach. Frowning unsurely... he sat up on the damp sand to stare at the vast view with a dazed mind."How'd I get here?" Taehyung muttered, turning his head from side to side to search the empty beach in confusion as he sat in his golden suit, baffled by his presence at the random coastline.

"Appa!" A cute voice shrieked behind his back.The alpha immediately turned to find... Jang Sora... sitting on the bench in her thin floral dress and messy put-up bun ornamented with a jade pin while cradling a young baby girl in her arms. Taehyung scrunched his eyebrows and glanced at the toddler in utter confusion. He recognized her voice. The child. Despite never meeting her, he felt this intense attachment to the young soul. He couldn't comprehend the situation and stared at the child and the mother in utter silence as the gentle waves softly washed the seashells onto the shore."Appa is awake~!" Sora chuckled. The baby girl excitedly beamed at the stiff alpha as he sat on the sand with a slight frown. Appa...? He didn't understand why the child called him her father, but the longer he stared at the innocent pupils... the more he saw himself in the child's features."What's happening...?" Taehyung blinked, unsurely scrambling to his feet, but halted again once he found himself clutching... the wedding bouquet in his left hand. The alpha glanced down at his chest... expecting to see a messy blood splatter... but there were no wounds. There wasn't a scratch on his body... and the pain he felt earlier... wasn't bothering him anymore."Took you long enough," Sora smiled, lifting her daughter to her chest and stood up from the bench. Taehyung shifted his confused gaze from the flowers to find the mother... strolling steadily by the shore on her bare feet. Her beach dress... lightly fluttering with the mild breeze as she held onto her daughter."Appa~!" The little girl waved at him as she gripped her mother's shoulder.Taehyung stood fixed in his place, unable to grasp the situation as the young soul repeatedly called for him. He had never been this conscious in a dream before. Is it a dream? Taehyung unsurely glanced at the bleak morning sky with a restless feeling. Is he dead..? Taehyung thought and glanced back at the supreme alpha as she carried her child against her shoulder, softly splashing her feet over the shallow end.

"S-Sora- What's happening?!" Taehyung called, jogging after Jang Sora as the cute child extended her arms for him. The alpha clutched tightly onto the bouquet and chased after his former lover over the morning seaside as the sun slowly emerged from the far horizon to ignite the peaceful world with its soothing warmth."You're so cute~!" Sora chuckled, lifting her daughter to give the child a breathy kiss on her plump cheeks as she splashed over the ankle-deep water in her white floral dress.Kim Taehyung briefly stopped chasing her once he realized... he was still far from her. He glanced down at the flowers with a dark frown and sprinted over the sand again, determined to reach Jang Sora... who was drifting farther... and farther away from him."SORA! CAN YOU HEAR ME!? WAIT-" Taehyung shouted for her attention, but Sora didn't turn and strode forward with her child.The alpha huffed in exhaustion, eventually stopping again to stabilize his unsteady breathing rhythm. Huff! He bent over his knees and closed his eyes, hoping he'd wake up from his delusional mind and return to reality... but even after a moment of trying to revive his consciousness... he was still stuck in the strange muted world. The supreme alpha didn't... seem to... notice his desperate calls and strolled forward with her steady steps.
No matter how fast he raced for her... he couldn't reach his lover.

The distance remained unchanging between them. Kim Taehyung felt... as if he was running on a stagnant treadmill.
Taehyung frowned when Sora turned toward the sea and strolled onto the concrete pier leading to the deep ocean. The alpha sucked in his breath to expand his deflated lung capacity and dashed over the seashore in determination, desperately racing after Jang Sora by the shore until he finally landed on the concrete dock with her as she strode towards the edge.
The delicate sea breeze... gusting softly against their bodies as the calm tides crash... lightly against the rocky barrier along the bridge.

"Appa~!" The baby suddenly cried while pouting at Taehyung as she blinked at him in tears. She was staring at the alpha with her small chin rested over her mother's shoulder."You want to go to appa...?" Sora smiled, lowering her daughter from her shoulder to examine the baby's glassy pupils.The baby glanced at Taehyung again, who halted just five feet away from Jang Sora as she stood on the edge of the dock, leading right into the deep end of the cold sea. Kim Taehyung panted heavily... too afraid to shift his eyes away as the woman dangerously stood by the rim with the weeping child."Sora," Taehyung called for her again, thinking she wouldn't hear her. But she did.His heart stopped pounding when the supreme alpha turned to face him as she held onto the child with a faint smile. Kim Taehyung gripped the bouquet in tears once she finally acknowledged his presence... but he didn't dare take a step forward because he was afraid... she'd drift farther away from him again."She wants to go to you," Sora chuckled weakly at her daughter as the baby girl sulked with her little pouty lips. Taehyung recognized it right away, the familiar pouts. It belonged to Jang Sora. The child adopted most of her mother's features... even her facial expressions."Appa~!" The baby whined, extending her small arms for the man as he stood in his golden suit and the flower bouquet. Kim Taehyung clenched his jaw and shifted his gaze warily to Jang Sora with a racing heart."Sora, step towards me. Can you do that...?" Taehyung shakily requested, lifting his free hand for her. The supreme alpha blinked in complete muteness and glanced at his open palm as she stood by the edge before the rising morning sun. Her wild strands... fluttering all over her face as she blankly gazed at the anxious man before her."Step forward...?" She asked, nervously glancing down at her child, who was desperately wiggling her tiny fingers for Kim Taehyung."Just a few steps. Please reach for me," Taehyung encouraged, anxiously studying her hesitation. Sora glanced at the tearful child and back at the alpha again with a conflicted frown."Okay," Sora nodded and stepped forward. Taehyung clenched his jaw as he impatiently stood in his position. The supreme alpha took another step forward... with her child and then another step... until... she stood... right before Kim Taehyung.

The gap had shortened as he anticipated... but he was still afraid of touching her. The alpha pursed his lips without blinking as the unconscious tear streams... spilled from his lower lashes. He desperately wanted to hold her. To protect their child. To comfort her and assure her of their safety... but he couldn't risk it. What if she disappears again? "Appa!" The child suddenly grabbed onto Taehyung's neck, causing him to gasp in a panic. He quickly wrapped his arms around the child to secure her lightweight mass as the young soul clung to him, impatiently leaving her mother's arms."She seems to love you," Sora smiled as he stood before him. Taehyung held onto his daughter's head as he supported her firmly against his right chest and glanced at Sora, who was staring fondly at her daughter."I need you to come back with me," Taehyung whispered. Sora blinked again and glanced at Taehyung before shifting her dim gaze to the rising sun behind her."It's almost time," She muttered, glancing back at Taehyung as he gently patted his daughter's back to console the restless soul."Sora, listen to me. She needs you," He begged, tearfully staring at her drained expression. The supreme alpha glanced back at the little child with an apologetic look."She's already asleep in your arms," Sora smiled, slightly tilting her head to admire the child's calmness with a hint of tears over her pupils. Taehyung pursed his lips and glanced down to find the child... snuggling peacefully against his chest with her eyes closed while clinging to his pocket."She'll cry for you once she wakes up," Taehyung replied, painfully frowning at his former lover's sullen expression."She doesn't exist in our world, Taehyung. She's long gone. You and I... we're stuck in a tragic daydream," Sora whispered, sadly smiling at Taehyung. He froze at her pained expression and glanced down at his daughter again... but... he was holding onto nothing.The alpha scoffed in disbelief, shakily lowering his hands to gawk at his empty palms with his lips ajar. The little girl had disappeared from his embrace. The alpha closed his empty fingers and glanced back at Sora in confusion as she stood with a pained smile. A flood of... mourning tears... streaming over her rosy red cheeks... dripping from her chin and onto the platform below. Taehyung felt his scar aching intensely upon her sorrowful gaze."We're in a daydream...?" He muttered, frowning at her. She nodded and glanced at the golden sun over the sea again."We should leave," She pursed her lips, glancing at the flower bouquet as the petals slowly detached themselves from the stems.Kim Taehyung lifted the dying bouquet in horror as the withered petals... fluttered with the wind current... swaying and swirling freely in the air... eventually... landing on the cold ocean to sail over the calm waves. He anxiously gripped the bouquet and glanced back at her with a troubled look. They were running out of time."I don't want to leave," He whispered. Sora frowned at him and glanced at the withering flowers again."This is the only exit to escape your suffering," She nodded at the rising sun. The alpha clenched his jaw."Come back with me," He shook his head, firmly raising the flowers before her. The supreme alpha sadly observed the dying petals and glanced back at him with a troubled look."Even if I return... our child is still gone. And our love is still broken. Nothing will change," She muttered."Trust me, just this once," He whispered, anxiously searching her ashen face. The supreme alpha deeply inhales as the last piece descends from the stem... leaving the bouquet scarce of blooming petals. Gradually... she lifted her hand... to wrap her slender fingers around his over the dead bundle and glanced at his tearful eyes."It's dead," She muttered. Taehyung didn't lower his gaze from the glistering tears in her eyes as she held onto the flower bouquet."Your hands are warm," He muttered.The supreme alpha glanced down again... and to her surprise... the brown stem suddenly turned green again... and the colorful petals unexpectedly swirled around them before the rising sun. Kim Taehyung lowered his gaze to the bouquet as the petals attached themselves back to the stems... and right before their eyes... the flowers unexpectedly bloomed back to life. It's as if time was reversing itself. Jang Sora blinked in disbelief as she stared at the lively flower and quickly looked back up at Kim Taehyung with her lips ajar. A cool breeze suddenly brushed by them again as he slowly released the bouquet and gently made her hold it. The supreme alpha couldn't budge but stare at the fresh petals... utterly shaken by the unexpected revival."It's alive," Sora whispered while staring at Kim Taehyung's sullen expression as he weakly scanned her face."Hold onto it," He whispered, lowering his dim gaze to the beautiful bouquet in her clutch. Blood... dripping from his fingertips. The supreme alpha glanced at Kim Taehyung's soaked sleeves with a startled look as the red substance... trickled from his wounded hands. "Taehyung-""You bled for me once. So I'll bleed for you now," Taehyung smiled in pain. The supreme alpha stared at his burning eyes in difficulty as she clutched onto the bouquet he revived for her.Jang Sora sniffled in pain, suddenly opening her arms to welcome him in her embrace. Kim Taehyung stood in place... without budging as she tightly drew him into her warm clutch. He remained blank upon her undeniable presence and unconsciously... he lifted his bloody fingers to secure her trembling body... until the warm tears flooded his saturated cheeks.
Kim Taehyung took a deep exhale... and closed his eyes as he fastened his arms around her soul... hoping... to forever... preserve her presence by his side.

For once... she didn't perish upon his touch.

End of Dream.____________________________
Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung abruptly opened his eyes to find a blinding light piercing his pupils. He squinted and shifted his eyes from side to side in discomfort until the soft murmurs died around him. The alpha grunted, painfully rubbing his wounded chest while resting on the pillow as the head doctor leaned over the bed to check his pupils' responsiveness."Welcome back," The head doctor smiled. Taehyung blinked and glanced at the nurses around the bed with his stained eyeballs."Where's Sora?" He grunted, quickly sitting up- but the doctor immediately held him down, causing Taehyung to seethe in pain once his shoulder contracted painfully. He gripped his broad shoulder, weakly slumping back onto the mattress in defeat. The alpha lowly groaned with a slight grimace."She's resting. Stay still," The head doctor assured the alpha. Kim Taehyung exhaled in relief and leaned back on the bed as he gripped the cotton over his shoulder. The head doctor undid the injury to treat it with the nurses and finally wrapped the bandage around the alpha's muscular chest to secure the wound again."How long was I out for...?" Taehyung sorely muttered between his chapped lips."Two weeks," Do-hwan replied as he sat beside the alpha in the warm medical room."And Sora...?" Taehyung muttered, anxiously glancing at the chief guard."Still unconscious," Do-hwan sighed. Taehyung clenched his jaw and took a shaky inhale."Jae Yangcha?" Taehyung asked."By her side. He won't let anyone near her," Do-hwan muttered, darkening his face. Taehyung exhaled and leaned back on the pillow as he remained shirtless on the bed."Where's Jungkook? That fucking asshole," Taehyung grunted in pain."He fled," Do-hwan grumbled."What?" Taehyung frowned, lifting his head to question the guard."He ran off after you collapsed. Can't find him. It's best if he stays in hiding now. I'm afraid the silent killer will finish him," Do-hwan muttered. Taehyung groaned with throbbing temples and tilted his head back with his eyes closed to expose his thick neck muscles."Fucking prick," Taehyung grunted while rubbing his face.
A moment later.
"Aigo~! You rascal! Why are you walking around?!- You barely recovered!" Imo whined as she supported Taehyung's arm."I'm fine. Just a little strained," Taehyung grunted as he limped through the mansion's corridor."Fine?!- You almost died from blood loss!" She shrieked, smacking his stomach, causing the alpha to groan in discomfort."Why else did you think I bulked my muscles? Hmm..? It's obviously to repel the bullets," Taehyung playfully nudged the old woman. She grimaced and glanced forward until Taehyung arrived at Jang Sora's bedroom. He wanted to see her."The alpha... is very... intimidating," Imo nervously stared at the door."He's only protecting her," Taehyung sighed.The woman grimaced and hurried off to leave the alpha alone because she didn't want to meet the silent killer. Taehyung glanced at the door, pushed it open, and entered the warm room with a heavy heart. The alpha paused the instant... he found... Jang Sora... resting on her mattress with the medical equipment beside the bed. The alpha glanced at the empty room.
Her lover is nowhere to be found.
Kim Taehyung exhaled deeply and limped inside the room until he reached her bedside. He pursed his lips while scanning her bloodless skin tone and glanced at the IV drip... hooked to her bandaged wrist. A small teddy bear... remains beside her pillow... and the room is scented with her favorite fragrance. Creak.Taehyung glanced toward the bathroom as Jae Yangcha cluelessly stepped out with a towel over his head. The alpha abruptly froze once he noticed Kim Taehyung standing by the supreme alpha's bedside. The two alphas intensely stared at each other... until Taehyung shifted his sullen gaze back to her sickly face."This is her home, not yours. You shouldn't terrorize the mansion," Taehyung exhaled. Yangcha dimly glanced at his lover and back at Taehyung as he slowly settled on the chair beside the bed with his stiff shoulder."A home filled with cold-blooded monsters? This isn't her home. It's hell," Yangcha replied, dismissively strolling inside the closet to pull on his clothes. Taehyung sighed while inspecting the supreme alpha's peeling lips with a heavy heart... dispirited by her unfavorable condition."Leave Jeon Jungkook alone. I already took the bullet for you," Taehyung spoke lowly just as Jae Yangcha strolled forward with his arms folded over his firm chest."I only kill those who want to hurt her," Yangcha shrugged while standing on the opposite side of the bed. Taehyung frowned and lifted his grim face to Yangcha."The poison. Did you figure it out?" Taehyung asked bitterly. Yangcha dimly stared at Sora with his arms crossed."Sora... drank my water that day. Right before the ceremony," Yangcha shrugged."What?" Taehyung frowned. Yangcha clenched his jaw."The poison was for me. But she took it," The alpha muttered. Taehyung gripped his hands and glanced at the supreme alpha again. "How is she so unfortunate?" Taehyung muttered, frowning at her soft pants. A typical person would die almost immediately... if they were to consume this sort of poison."Her mother gave her the antidote," Yangcha replied. Taehyung scoffed and glanced at the alpha with a questioning look."Her mother...?" Taehyung repeated as if he didn't hear the alpha right."She tried to poison me, but her daughter took it instead," Yangcha grimaced."She tried to kill you-""No. The poison is fatal... but the victim doesn't die right away. The woman tried to weaken me, just enough to keep me alive so Sora would have enough time to solidify the marriage. To seize Seokjin's power from me and then kill me off afterward," Yangcha muttered sorely. Taehyung bitterly exhaled and lowered his head in frustration upon hearing the alpha's statement.
Her mother's plan to acquire greater power has once again... backfired on her daughter.

Jang Sora.

The victim of her mother's... relentless thirst for power.
_____________________________
Fast Forward
The chairmen... board of directors... executives... and shareholders nervously remained in their seats within the tower's meeting room at their respective desks as Jae Yangcha blankly stared at the confidential documents with his arms crossed firmly over his chest to review the contents.

"Bring me the dividend declaration documents and the financial statements," Yangcha dully instructed, causing Secretary Yoon to stiffen in fear. He nodded and quickly left the room to retrieve the documents. The alpha darkly shifted his dull stare to the nervous men and women as they intensely eyed the visible scar on their new leader's scalp."I suspect there is collusion within the corporation across the departments," Jae Yangcha narrowed his eyes, causing the men within the room to straighten their backs uneasily.

"Sir, we've strictly established a strong internal control," The leading chairman spoke up."You've taken a loan from the tower for personal use below the preferred interest rate. Have you not?" Yangcha asked, lifting his thick eyebrow to interrogate the man.The chairman's face suddenly turned pale upon the direct inquiry. He quickly glanced at the board of directors for assistants but no one dared to speak. The secretary eventually returned with the requested files and placed them before Jae Yangcha, so he coldly shifted his gaze from the muted man and flipped through the records.
A moment later.
"What are you doing?!- How dare you seize control of the tower without my permission?!" Mrs. Jang angrily snapped as she stormed inside the private office to find Jae Yangcha seated behind the desk. He lifted his blank face to examine her fuming glower without reacting to her rude intrusion."I am the supreme alpha's spouse by legal laws. It is my duty to fulfill my work in her place," Yangcha lifted his eyebrow. The woman scoffed and stormed up to him with her jaw clenched."She has not signed the marriage license yet!" She snapped. Yangcha sighed and leaned back against the seat with hands clasped together."Sora had already signed our marriage contract before the marriage, mother-in-law," Yangcha smirked, smugly tilting his head to the side."Moh!?" Mrs. Jang glared at the alpha."You're getting old, mother. You should retire and live quietly. I'll oversee the corporation and council until she gets better," Yangcha smirked from the desk."Why did you call for me?-" Taehyung suddenly strolled inside the office but halted once he found Mrs. Jang seething at Jae Yangcha."Ah~! I need access to the company's confidential background of the influential entities. I suspect there are spies within the corporation," Yangcha smiled at Kim Taehyung."You gave up on your seat?!" Mrs. Jang furiously snapped at Taehyung."I'm quite busy these days at the corp, so it's best if I have someone else manage the tower while I'm away," Taehyung shrugged. The woman frowned at the alpha's unbothered reaction before glancing back at Jae Yangcha with her flaming pupils."You'll lose the tower if you don't-""I don't need the tower anymore. The Fintech Corp is a fast-growing firm. I'm aware... you've offered additional shares in the alliance contract to keep me seated as your ally, but... I've decided to reject the offer and solely focus on my corporation," Taehyung smiled at the woman, whose face turned pale in horror."So you're just going to let a killer overtake the society!?" Mrs. Jang blurted. She quickly pursed her lips in horror and glanced at Jae Yangcha's poker face, startled by her explosive blunders."All three of us in this room have killed to survive, mother. The most recent kill... is no... other than your daughter," Yangcha chuckled, causing the senior alpha to tense her body in anger.The woman scoffed at the alphas, fired Kim Taehyung a sharp glare before storming out of the office after failing to win the argument against the silent killer. Taehyung turned after her and closed the door before glancing at Jae Yangcha with a bitter look."You shouldn't provoke her. She's not someone you should taunt," Taehyung warned."The board of directors has to be replaced entirely. They're leaking the cooperation strategic plans to the competitors. Kim Seokjin and Kim Namjoon are paying high fees for the information," Yangcha sighed, calmly bringing out an evidence folder of the director's secret meetings with the representative from another firm."Do as you wish. Just don't disrupt the alliances and fulfill your duties. We need Sora back before the Black Phoenix returns," Taehyung shrugged and turned to leave the office with the files. Jae Yangcha exhaled heavily and glanced at the city view in his fitted suit.
A moment later.
The Jaguar eventually rose from his new seat after completing work for the day and dully strolled into the private lobby without greeting the staff. The assistants and secretaries immediately jerk from their seats in his alarming presence, stiffly lowering their heads as he strode through the lounge without acknowledging them... and left through the elevator, causing the staff to eye each other anxiously. The alpha always appeared outgoing and kind to everyone he met... whenever he was around Jang Sora. He'd fake a smile, laughter, or toss a joke... just to keep his lover comfortable, but without her presence—He's colder than ice.
And anyone within his path could almost feel his threatening darkness. A man... whose path should never be hindered by another person, unless they have a death wish.
"Ah!" A woman gasped after she accidentally ran into Yangcha in the lobby. He abruptly stopped and glanced down to find the young lady staring up at him with a startled expression."Are you okay?" He asked as he examined her familiar face."Are you Jang Sora's husband?" She asked, narrowing his eyes on him. Yangcha lifted his eyes to study the nosy staff as they anxiously stood in their position with their prying eyes on his interaction with the woman."I am," He nodded and walked off."Wait!" The woman suddenly grabbed his wrist, causing the alpha to pause unsurely. He glanced down at her daring firm grip and glanced at the woman's pretty almond eyes with a poker face. Yangcha inhaled, drew his wrist from her grip... and straightened his body as the woman nervously stared at him. She had something to say._________________________Fast Forward | Alliance ExpirationKim Taehyung rubbed his face in frustration while sitting in the office at the fintech corporation until he heard a soft knock on the door. The alpha lifted his face to frown at the disturbance, spun around in his chair, and fixed his suit with a slight grimace."You may enter," Taehyung cleared his throat. Min Yoongi appeared at the doorway. The secretary bowed at the alpha and closed the door."I figured I should speak with you before your work hour ends," Yoongi sighed, strolling inside the office to settle on the couch."Why? Do you wish to acquire more shares?" Taehyung asked, dully glancing at his desktop screen."No. It's regarding the alliance," Yoongi muttered. The alpha fintech founder frowned and shifted his questioning gaze to Min Yoongi."What about it?" Taehyung muttered, unsurely lifting his eyebrow. Min Yoongi leaned back against the couch and crossed his legs while maintaining a stern eye contact with the Kim's heir."The Jeon and The Kim's contract expired with the Jang. Park Jimin signed his alliance contract with Ryu So-young and The Chul is contracted with the Jeon. The Kim needs an alliance," Min Yoongi nodded. Taehyung blankly stared at the alpha without speaking."You want me to consider you?" Taehyung asked. Yoongi chuckled and shook his head."You're far less powerful without Jang Sora's sponsorship. I'll consider your household," Yoongi offered. Taehyung rolled his eyes and crossed his arms with pride."Why should I side with you when Jung Hoseok is obviously taming you in the council?" Taehyung asked. Yoongi dimmed his eyes."I need another powerful ally to resist Jung Hoseok's influence over my household," Yoongi shrugged. Taehyung smirked as he gently rotated the armchair from side to side."So you're afraid Jung Hoseok will backstab you?" Taehyung keenly leaned over the table with his hands clasped together."Hoseok is dating Minah at the moment... and she's Namjoon's alliance. If Yangcha's claim at the elite council is true... Then Hoseok might waver and eventually return to Namjoon to strengthen Kim Seokjin," Yoongi nodded."About Hyun Jiwoo's death. Did you investigate Kang Minah and Shin Minho? And their affairs?" Taehyung exhaled, composedly leaning back with his hands clasped together."Hyun Jiwoo took the order from Kim Namjoon to hurt me... but he messed up, so Minah went after the lower rank that night. She had an affair with Minho because he was drunk, and Jiwoo happened to be there too. Hiding in the storage room. She killed him... and Minho hid the body, thinking she wanted to conceal their affairs. And then she got together with Hoseok so he wouldn't reveal the forensic records to me. Jae Yangcha spoke the truth," Yoongi muttered. Taehyung nodded with his vacant gaze on the alpha."Jae Yangcha was on the island. In disguise as a staff. The alpha has been following the supreme alpha around as her shadow," Taehyung grunted."Although he's a serial killer... the alpha isn't a threat. Jae Yangcha seems to only defend the supreme alpha. So... as long as I stay clear of her affairs... I'm not a target," Yoongi agreed."You're afraid Hoseok will side with Seokjin again?" Taehyung questioned."If he can backstab his best friend. Then I better be prepared for the stab as well. Consider my offer. It's not about the supreme alpha's well-being. I'm skeptical of the entire cult and the orphan heir affair. It might just be another ruse to shuffle the power influence within the society, so if you wish to stay afloat... then lower your pride and join me," Yoongi sighed, rising from the couch.Taehyung blankly stared at Min Yoongi as he left through the doorway and finally glanced at the file on the table after the Min proposed their alliance offer. Deeply sighing, the founder eventually got up from his seat, left the building, and slowly drove over the congested evening street until he halted by an intersection near the funeral venue.The alpha glanced at the playground in the park, packed with little kids... screaming and chasing each other around as their parents waited on the bench in their puffer jackets to battle the winter season. It wasn't snowing yet... but the frost could numb their limbs if they didn't dress up warmly. Taehyung drove forward once the light turned green.
A moment later.
Halmeoni chuckled at a pair of siblings as they nagged each other by the bench over their cotton candy. The old lady reached inside her pocket to grip the warm hot pack as she puffed the fuming mist into the chilly air."Make me a daisy," A man demanded. The woman paused and glanced up at his familiar handsome face as he stood in a black puffer jacket with his hands in his pocket."Oh? Did you come alone today? Where's your assistant? Did she convince a cool man like you to buy her sweets?" She greeted the alpha. Taehyung grimaced and glanced at the kids on the swings with a bitter look."She's sick," He muttered. The woman unsurely examined his gloomy expression as she weaved the sugary threads over the stick."Sick people shouldn't eat cotton candy," Halmeoni frowned at him.

"She said the cotton candy is too pretty to be eaten," Taehyung replied. Halmeoni chuckled and shook her head as she carefully shaped the fluffy sweet."So you ate it?" She asked."Yeah. She doesn't like to ruin pretty things. But I like to irritate her, so I ate it," Taehyung nodded. The grandma smiled, briefly glancing up at him again."I thought you were a couple when she first showed up here," She smiled."We were together," He shrugged."Not anymore?" Halmeoni gasped, looking at him again."She's happily married now," He nodded. Halmeoni sadly eyed the alpha and glanced down at the cotton candy."You miss her. That's why you're here for this, despite being the manly man you are," Halmeoni nodded.Taehyung grimaced at the old lady and glanced at the playground again. He paid for the cotton candy, blankly crossed the street with it and got back into the car. The alpha didn't touch the cotton candy. He placed the carefully wrapped sweet on the passenger seat and drove all the way back to the mansion through the winter breeze.Taehyung blankly steered through the gate and drove over the pavement, driving straight into the garage. He carefully picked up the cotton candy from the seat before stepping out of his car... but halted once he noticed... little specs... fluttering outside the garage."Oh? It's snowing...?" Taehyung whispered as he unblinkingly stared at the light drizzle.The alpha unconsciously walked out of the garage with the cotton candy bouquet, curiously gazing at the dark sky as the light snowflakes... flutter and swirl freely above his head. It's the first snow. He stared at the dark sky while standing in the opening before glancing at the empty property, devoid of happiness. The mansion might be massive and splendid, but it's as dead as a graveyard. It's not a place for the living souls. Sighing heavily... he strode towards the front door."I'll just leave this by her bedside-" The alpha muttered to himself but halted abruptly once... he noticed... a person sitting before the front door in a wheelchair. Kim Taehyung froze as his eyes drifted to her pale expression and shrunken cheeks with a startled look.
Jang Sora was staring at the pretty flakes with her glimmering pupils.

Kim Taehyung didn't dare budge but stared at her without blinking as he hugged the cotton candy in his arms, unable to speak. She blinked and glanced at the alpha as he stood under the drizzle until the snowflakes landed on his neatly groomed hair. The supreme alpha shifted her gaze to the colorful daisy in his arm and back at Kim Taehyung's tense reaction to her presence."Did you bring the flower for me...?" She asked hoarsely, causing his heart to leap with relief. The alpha didn't respond and stared at her ill-looking dark circles. He blinked and glanced at the cotton candy in his arms and back to her."N-No! Of course not!- I bought it for myself!" He stuttered, quickly snatching the fluffy bouquet from the stick to crumble it up with his palms and hastily shoved the sweet inside his mouth to deny her claims. Pause. The alpha abruptly... stopped chewing once he noticed her eyes... dimming at his thoughtless excuse.Kim Taehyung cleared his throat, awkwardly turning away from her to hide his inflated cheeks as he intensely chewed the candy until it melted in his mouth. Cough. Cough. He screwed his face in discomfort due to the extreme sweetness but maintained a blank face.He eventually turned to face her again, with the means to speak with her... but pursed his lips once he realized... the supreme alpha had already steered her wheelchair away. He blinked, unconsciously parting his lips in an attempt to call for her... but nothing came out of his vocal cords. Instead, he watched her roll back inside the mansion with a discouraged frown. He did not have to courage to stop her.Kim Taehyung clenched his jaw and glanced at the stick in his hands before looking back at her, but she had already returned to her room. The alpha rubbed his stuffy chest and strolled inside the mansion with an uneasy feeling. Thud. He stopped in the corridor once she closed her bedroom door."Should I speak to her...?" He muttered to himself. Taehyung stood in silence to contemplate his thoughts. He eventually strode past her room and left to change in his room after making up his mind.
A moment later
The alpha restlessly paced back and forth in his bedroom with the urge to sprint out of the door... but he held himself back and grabbed his hair in distress."Fuck it-" He cursed, quickly yanking the door open, and attempted to walk out of his room but jerked backward in a panic once he found... Jang Sora... sitting in her wheelchair right... before his doorway. Her face flushed red upon his unexpected appearance. Taehyung glanced down at the box of freshly made sweet rice cake on her lap and back at her flustered face."I- Imo gave it to me earlier," She muttered, lowering her face to the packages."So?" Taehyung coldly stared at her and crossed his arms."I can't seem to open it... the packages..." She whispered, picking up the package to show him. She tried to rip it open... but it wouldn't tear. She's still too weak.Taehyung glanced at the sweet cake in the clear packages as the supreme alpha attempted to open it but failed miserably. He deeply sighed at her pitiful state... until she lifted her pretty doe eyes to stare at him with a slight pout. She had visited first with the intention to ask him for a favor... and that was to open her sweet rice cake packages.
A moment later.
Kim Taehyung awkwardly lifted his face to peek at the supreme alpha as she sat in the wheelchair with the half-eaten rice cake in her hand. He's sitting on the couch in his room to have his evening supper... delivered by the maids. The alpha stared at the white powder on the corner of her lips intensely until she lifted her eyes to meet his gaze. He blinked in a panic, quickly lowering his face to avoid looking at her and slurped the warm soup again."Does it hurt? The bullet..." She asked, curiously staring at him from the wheelchair."Better than gagging out blood," He replied. Sora grimaced at his rude statement and glanced at the red bean paste in her half-eaten rice cake."I'm sorry," She muttered. Taehyung stopped chewing and lifted his face to scan her sulky expression as she weakly pursed her lips with her sullen gaze on the soft rice cake."What for?" Taehyung frowned."You took the bullet for Yangcha," Sora muttered. Taehyung slowly chewed his food while staring at her apologetic expression."I didn't take it for him. It was an accidental shot," Taehyung shrugged. Sora nodded and ate the remaining rice cake. She didn't speak and quietly chewed as she sat in the silk gown with a blanket draped over her lap."I don't think I can ever walk again," Sora muttered. Taehyung clenched his jaw... just as he lifted his spoon from the warm stew. He glanced at her tearful eyes with a bitter look and glanced at her paralyzed lower body."The doctor says it's temporary. Your nervous system will repair itself," Taehyung assured. Sora pursed her lips and glanced at him in tears."Can I ask you something?" She whispered. Kim Taehyung didn't understand why she was on the verge of crying... but he didn't want to ask her either because he knew she'd burst out crying... the moment he questioned her overwhelming feelings.
He's being stony to her not because he wants to upset her but because he knows her too well.

The soul breaks easily upon the slightest sympathy. She holds back her tears well... until someone expresses their concern... and the flooding emotions instantly break loose. He was afraid of shattering her, so he chose not to acknowledge her emotions, just so she wouldn't break down. Not when she's this ill and weak. He didn't want to further strain her health.
"You never asked for my permission before," He shrugged."Am I hard to love?" She asked, nervously gripping the empty package. Taehyung stared at her with a baffled expression. Did she hurt her head...? He thought."What?" He frowned."Why is it that people want me to die so badly? Even when I'm living my life without bothering anyone? Why? Why is it that people don't like to see me happy?" She asked, blinking at him in difficulty until the warm tears slipped from her eyes. The supreme alpha sniffled and quickly rubbed her tears. Taehyung opened his mouth to speak but couldn't think of anything to say. He glanced at the hovering spoon, placed it down, and took a deep exhale... as his chest contracted uncomfortably."The poison wasn't for you, Sora," Taehyung muttered, sadly eyeing her unstable condition. She nodded."I know. Eomma wanted to hurt Yangcha," She replied. Taehyung quietly scanned her rosy red cheeks and puffy eyes in frustration."I don't think it's your fault. People are just greedy. Your mother wants... immunity. The society... wants... power. The cult wants... justice. And Kim Taehyung... wants love. We desire what we can't attain... and maybe... that's why we're... so envious of you. Because you have everything," Taehyung muttered. The supreme alpha stared at him with a broken expression. She nodded and lowered her face to rub away her tears as she chewed the remaining rice cakes in her stuffed cheeks.
Meanwhile
Jae Yangcha sorely massaged his aching temples after taking painkillers to numb the irritating pain and lowered his head to the meeting desk while processing his scattered thoughts after dismissing the executive directors. The tower is going through a major transformation as the alpha investigates the corporation to upheave the spies and frauds.He sighed and sat with his head rested over his arms until the secretary checked in on him. Yangcha dismissed the man and dozed off in the meeting room, eventually jerking awake to find himself resting in the same space. The alpha yawned and got up from his seat while cracking his stiff neck, collected his belongings from the office, and left the floor through the elevator.He dimly strolled out of the compartment once he landed in the dark lobby. Not a single soul was present at the corporate. 11:34 PM. Yangcha lowered his watch and strolled towards the patrolled entrance. The guard greeted the alpha as he strode through the doorway and walked out into a chilly night in his thin suit.It's snowing again. The alpha grimaced at the drifting flakes over the empty night street, and turned to steer toward his parked car... but halted once he noticed a familiar person sitting by the sidewalk in a wheelchair.

The alpha frowned, suddenly slowing down over the pavement with a stern gaze on the person before glancing at the familiar car... parked on the side of the road. Kim Taehyung sorely eyed the alpha, got back in his car, and drove off after dropping off the woman. Yangcha puffed his visible breath into the chilly air, unsurely approaching the person as she sat in her wheelchair with a faux fur coat over her body and a cute knitted hat over her head to keep her ears warm.

"Sora...?" Yangcha called, walking up to her with his mouth ajar and eyebrows furrowed. The supreme alpha quickly glanced in his direction upon hearing his soft voice. Her face instantly... lighting up in his presence... causing his heart to thump hard against his chest once he recognized her familiar pretty facial features."Yangcha!" She shrieked, happily getting up from the wheelchair without thinking- but weakly wobbled to the side."Noona!" Yangcha gasped, sprinting forward to grab her body- right before she fell to the ground. She softly shrieked and grabbed the alpha's forearm as he supported her frail limbs with a startled look."Taehyung said you've been working overtime- so I thought I should keep you company-""It's freaking cold out here! Are you out of your mind?!" Yangcha snapped at her in irritation. Sora pursed her lips at her lover's upset frown."I- I only wanted to bring you food..." She whispered while holding onto the packed meal. Yangcha scoffed in disbelief as he carefully settled her back into the wheelchair.The supreme alpha frowned at her lover's adverse reaction as he crouched before her over the pavement and lowered his face to process his thoughts. He clenched his jaw and lifted his disapproving gaze to scan her pale face again, causing her heart to drop heavily. He wasn't happy to see her."Is food more important than your health...?" Yangcha grunted. Sora glanced at the lunchbox and back to the alpha as they remained on the empty sidewalk.
The light snow... drizzling lightly over them.
She pursed her lips and before Yangcha could react... the tip of her nose turned bright red like a Rudolph... and the flooding tears came crashing from her lower lashes. Hic~!"You're not happy to see me?" She sobbed, cutely pouting in distress upon his unfavorable reaction to her presence. Yangcha opened his mouth to speak but couldn't utter a word but to watch her cry... until her cheeks burnt bright red."Noona-""I'll head home. Taehyung isn't far- so I'll go back home-""Noona- listen-""Go back to work-""Sora!" Yangcha attempted to hold her hands, but she hastily pushed him aside and tried to roll her wheelchair away until the alpha snapped at her attitude with his glowering glare... further upsetting her sensitive soul with his harsh tone. She helplessly sobbed while denying his touch as the messy tears dripped all over her puffy cheeks.The supreme alpha pouted her trembling lips at his angry glare, trying her best not to burst out crying like a child because she didn't want to frustrate him further. Hic~! She cutely hiccupped under him. Jae Yangcha took a deep exhale to calm his boiling temper as he held her mittens to keep her palms warm.She softly sniffled and lowered her sulky gaze to the lunchbox on her lap until Yangcha gently placed his palm against her warm cheek to make her look at him as he crouched before her wheelchair. He sighed and slightly leaned upward to press his lips against hers. Sora didn't respond and remained motionless in the wheelchair until the alpha drew his face from her adorable pout.

"Your hands are cold," She grumbled, pushing Yangcha's hand off her cheek and glanced away with her tearful pupils. Yangcha bitterly held her mittens again as he crouched before her, quietly examining her grumpy mood."You don't want to touch me now that I'm cold? Didn't you claim to be the pretty snowflake?" He smiled. Sora glanced at him with a slight frown until he noticed Yangcha's ears burning bright red. He's cold.The supreme alpha suddenly tugged her neatly tucked wool scarf and gently placed it around Yangcha's neck to keep him warm. The alpha didn't budge but stared at his lover with his affectionate gaze. Sora pulled her hands from his grip again, reached inside her pocket to grab a heat pack, and gently pressed it against his neck to keep him warm.

"You'll freeze to death, you fool," She muttered cutely. Yangcha chuckled at her cute pout while gripping her hands as she held the heat pack against his neck. Sora smiled in tears until Yangcha leaned forward to kiss her again."How can I not be happy when my wife is here to see me after being away for so long? I'm startled by your careless appearance under the freezing weather," Yangcha smiled after pulling away to smile at her. Sora chuckled and ruffled his prickly roots until he gave her a comforting hug, so she pressed her face against his shoulder and exhaled in relief.
They finally reunited again.

Meanwhile
Kim Taehyung dimly watched the couple from his car's rearview mirror as he parked by the sidewalk with his arms crossed over his chest. The supreme alpha insisted that he drive her to her lover just before midnight. And although he tried to talk her out of wandering around at night in the freezing weather... she stubbornly insisted on leaving on her own. So he had no choice but to bring her to the alpha to ensure her safety.The alpha was afraid to leave her alone under the winter frost because she had only woken up from her coma this morning. He sighed deeply once Jae Yangcha stood up and pushed her wheelchair toward his car. Taehyung started the engine and finally drove off after ensuring she was safe with her lover.
A moment later.
Sora's POVYangcha carefully slipped me into the backseat of his car after he arrived at a parking area over a hill with a view of the peaceful city. I blinked and adjusted my position on the seats but paused unsurely once I noticed the scattered... empty ramen cups and microwaved food packages in the lower compartment. He cluelessly slid beside me as I eyed the piles of processed food containers."Uh- I was busy, so I had to eat them-""No. I'll clean it. Eat the meal I brought while it's still warm," I grabbed Yangcha's wrist when he tried to collect the packages. Yangcha pursed his lips while staring at me as we remained in the backseat of the car."I didn't feel comfortable eating food at the mansion," He muttered, glancing at the lunchbox on his lap."I already tasted it. It's not poisoned," I shook my head. He's been eating the ramen again because he's afraid of getting poisoned by my household...? I sighed and bent over the seat to pick up the cups as Yangcha opened the lunch box on his lap, quietly eating beside me.I carefully placed the packages in the bags, neatly tied them, and finally leaned back against the seat to admire the night view through the window as the light snow drizzled outside the car. We're the only vehicle in the parking space."Are you feeling alright...? Should we head back quickly so you can get the treatment?" Yangcha asked, briefly looking up from the lunch box. I blinked and glanced at his gaunt cheekbones but didn't speak as we sat in the back seat."I'm feeling okay. Just a bit sore here and there," I shrugged, glancing down at my hands. Yangcha nodded and ate the meal hungrily as if he hadn't eaten in weeks. Did he eat at all? I frowned and glanced at the empty energy drinks and ramen cups in the bag with a bitter frown."Your mother... she's on a business trip," Yangcha muttered without looking at me. I blinked in silence."You didn't try to hurt her or Jungkook...?" I asked, curiously eyeing Yangcha."Who am I to butcher your mother and your first love? I doubt you'd want me to harm them regardless of their monstrous nature," He chewed, bitterly shoving a spoonful of food inside his stuffed mouth.Yangcha appeared almost disappointed. I fidgeted with my fingers, dimly staring at my hands as I recalled the moment... I took my last breath. I thought it was the end of me. How am I alive? I don't know, but the pain I felt that day... It was the cruelest thing a mother could do to her child. Is she pleased with her acts? I don't know. How far is she willing to go? I thought... I could challenge my mother, but ever since I woke up from almost drifting into the afterlife... I felt hopeless.
I desperately wanted to believe... my mother loved me, even just a little.

I wanted to believe that her love for me existed.

I thought there were valid reasons to justify her cold-blooded nature, thinking she was concealing her true feelings to protect me. But after I took the poison that was meant for my lover... I doubt she had ever loved me.

How can a mother be so heartless? Sure, the poison wasn't for me... but did she really think... it was appropriate to murder my groom at my wedding in cold blood...?

If that day... Jae Yangcha swallowed her poison... I'd be the one... weeping his death.

Either way... there were devastating consequences to her actions.

I almost died at her hands.
I blinked out of my thoughts and looked at Yangcha again, who was calmly staring out the window by his side while chewing the food. I glanced at his hand as he held the chopstick and glanced at my empty hand. Why does it feel like... something has changed about him? I can't seem to grasp it. Or am I just imagining things...? I didn't want to bother Yangcha as he sat blankly with his thoughts and remained by his side until he finished his meal. The alpha took us back to the mansion after he filled his stomach with the food I brought.
Yangcha has been strangely composed ever since I regained consciousness. He'd help me with the treatment processes, but unlike his usual radiant smiles... he appeared... very vacant. I tried desperately not to make a fuss, but day after day... ever since my recovery... he'd look at me with an empty gaze.

Where did the brightness and excitement go...? He said he wasn't upset... or anything... but I can sense it. The difference between his past and current self is very much transparent.

He was no longer excited to see me.

Yangcha would usually race up to me whenever I returned home from work to suffocate me with his overwhelming kisses and warm hugs. He'd follow me around the penthouse and he would innocently ask me questions about this and that, just so he could converse with me. He'd often bring me snacks and drinks from his work and he'd cling to me day and night... but he's not doing it anymore. It's strange.

He's still by my side to assist me whenever I need him. But his... enthusiasm... had simply faded.

Did something happen while I was unconscious? Did eomma speak to him again? What is he thinking? I'm curious, but it feels like... I'm the one overthinking the situation.

Yangcha would help me eat. He'd help me change into comfortable clothes. He brought me medication. Gave me massages to soothe my stiff legs. He'd even shower me every night after he returned from work.

And not once... have I heard him complain. Not once.

Who am I to doubt his feelings for me when he's always been so generous and patient with me? Sora, how much more do you need from him...?

A week later.
"You're home," I brightly smiled as I sat against the headboard as soon as Yangcha strolled inside my bedroom in his work attire. I've been waiting for him all day!"Have you eaten...?" He asked without looking at me as he took off his watch."Yeah. Have you eaten...?" I curiously asked."I ate at a restaurant," He dismissively nodded and strolled inside the bathroom. I pursed my lips after he closed the door and glanced at our wedding portrait on the wall.His bright smile and deep dimples... feels like a dream to me. I glanced down my hands in silence as I listened to the running shower in the bathroom. I asked him if he wanted to eat dinner with me at the mansion... but Yangcha sent a text to inform me he was working overtime. Sora. He's probably occupied with the work burden. Why are you so restless...?"I'll sleep first," I mumbled, scooting under the blanket to sleep on my side, facing away from him once he strolled out of the bathroom in his towel."Okay," He replied, switching off the lights for me. I heard him stroll inside the closet room to pull on his pajamas and he finally crawled into the bed with me.Yangcha lifted the blanket and laid down without touching me. I listened to his steady breath for about half an hour, finally lifting my head and turned to find him sleeping calmly beside me. I pursed my lips, sulkily lowering my head back to the pillow and glanced at the dim moonlight glow... beaming through the glass window with a blank expression. He's just tired. I keep convincing myself of his distant behavior... until the unconscious tears slip from my eyes."Hic-" I quickly covered my lips and lowered my face to press it against the pillow so I wouldn't make a sound to disturb him. My heart... Why is it hurting so much? I squeezed my eyes shut to stop the tears from swelling but failed miserably as the warm streams... stubbornly seeped through my soaked lashes and dripping endlessly onto the pillow. I sniffled and gripped the bedsheet in distress to stifle my shaky breath."What's the matter? Does your stomach hurt again...?" Yangcha suddenly asked from behind my back. I sucked in my breath and remained motionless on the mattress, fearfully pretending to be asleep. I don't want him to think I'm being dramatic. He's already drained from work, so I shouldn't bother him too much. Yangcha grew hushed as I bit my lips in the darkness to contain the throbbing discomfort within my restless chest. He sighed deeply after a minute of waiting for my response.Blurp. I suddenly gagged and violently barfed onto the pillow. Shit! I quickly shoved my body off the mattress as the rush of discharge expelled from my lips, splattering messily onto the sheet and the floor on the bedside, so I gripped my mouth in a panic, desperately holding back the urge to release my slimy discharge as the warm tears coursed over my damp cheeks.Yangcha frantically jerked from the mattress and scrambled off the bed to switch on the lights before rounding the mattress to gawk at me with his lips ajar as I firmly clasped my hands over my lips, apologetically staring at his bewildered frown... until the troubled tears swelled over my swollen eyes. I sat in absolute silence, too frightened to budge. He clenched his jaw and glanced at the wet discharge on the sheet."I'm sorry-""I asked if you were unwell. Why didn't you tell me?" He asked with a sore grimace.Yangcha looked almost upset, but he kept his tone stable. I blinked and lowered my eyes to the mess in guilt. Sighing deeply, he gently lifted me off the bed to place me on the couch before walking towards the bed to pull off the sheet. He hurriedly placed a towel over the puddle of foul vomit to stop it from seeping into the mattress.I bid my trembling lips and lowered my face in guilt to hold back my tears as the uncomfortable emotions swelled within me. What's wrong with me? I sniffled. I haven't been eating well lately because my stomach is still traumatized by the poison. Yangcha eventually summoned the maid to help him clean up the mess as I sat in my silk gown, quietly watching him bustle back and forth as the maids vacuumed the dirty mattress. My digestive system is still refusing the food I consume."What happened...?" Taehyung appeared through the opened doorway in his night robe with striking messy hair to watch the commotion. His face was puffy and his eyes were barely open. Did we disturb him...?"Our young lady vomited, sir," The maid informed. Taehyung glanced at me from the doorway as Yangcha handed me the pills to soothe my discomfort. The alpha helped me swallow the medication with lukewarm water and placed the mug away, so I glanced towards the doorway again... but Taehyung had disappeared."Do you need help with anything else, sir?" A maid nervously asked after she helped Yangcha place a new bed sheet over the bed."You're dismissed," Yangcha dawdled as he patted the blanket over the bed. The maids bowed and hurriedly left through the door as I sat on the couch with the teddy on my lap until Taehyung strolled inside the room with a tray."Imo made ginseng stew today. Finished it before going to bed," Taehyung sighed, placing the tray on the coffee table. Yangcha halted and glanced at Taehyung's sleepy face, but the alpha didn't seem bothered and strolled out of our room with his eyes half open. Thud. Taehyung closed the door and left us alone. I pursed my lips and glanced at the steaming stew. He heated it...?"Don't eat it. You'll puke again," Yangcha suddenly grabbed my hand... just as I reached for the spoon. I pursed my lips and glanced up at him, but he simply lifted the tray and strolled out of the bedroom to put the bowl of stew away on the cart. He eventually returned, lifted my feeble body off the couch, and settled me back onto the clean bed."Thank you," I sorely muttered as he tucked the pillow under my head."I'll keep the bowl next to the nightstand so you can vomit into it," He muttered, placing a plastic bowl by the nightstand. I nodded. Yangcha pecked my forehead, strolled away to switch off the lights... and slipped back into bed. Still, he didn't touch me and turned to sleep with his back facing me as I lay on my back, keeping my dim gaze... on the high ceiling.
Fast Forward

Yangcha's behavior persisted for another week.

I'd vomit often due to my weak immune system. He'd leave early in the morning and return home late every day. The mansion... is always empty... so I pretty much... had to spend time alone.

The elders... were never home after the Jeon and the Kims refused to renew their contracts with my parents. The Park household had already joined the Ryu... so Jimin is now So-young's official ally. And Jungkook? He's nowhere to be found. I don't want to see him either. I don't know how I'll react if he shows up before me.
"Thank you for the ride," I smiled at the taxi driver after he helped me onto the wheelchair over the sidewalk. The man chuckled, patted my back and left in his car, eventually leaving my side after I paid the taxi fare.I directed my automatic wheelchair... and drove over the pavement across from Taehyung's fintech building in my long white skirt. I got bored at the mansion from being alone all day, so I decided to sneak out in my wheelchair and take the taxi to the city center. No one seems to care about my existence anymore. Do-hwan doesn't follow me around... and the guard would agree to let me go anywhere I wanted upon my demand. Everyone had given up on me.

"Ah!" I gasped when someone suddenly bumped into the wheelchair from the side. A man stumbled over the sidewalk, sending a box flying onto the dirty pavement. He scoffed, furiously turning to glare at me in frustration."Yah! Watch it!" He snapped, hastily seizing the fallen box from the ground."I'm sorry-""How annoying! What's a cripple like you doing on the street?!" He snapped rudely. I pursed my lips at the man in his 30s as he glared at me in annoyance."Ahjussi! You walked into me!" I argued while frowning at his coarse statement. The man scoffed and glared at me."Woman! This is a sidewalk for walking! Is it even legal for you to drive your wheelchair around?! Do you even have a license?!" He snapped. I frowned at his disrespectful attitude in disbelief. Is he mad?!"Where am I supposed to drive it then?!!- On the road with the cars?!" I screamed back at him, causing the man to huff at me with an offended look."Yah! You disabled rascal! I'm older than you!- Show some respect, will you?!" He gritted, raising his hand as if to hit me."Disabled rascal?!- Hey!- How dare you call me that?!" I screamed at the man, thoughtlessly swinging my umbrella at him. Disabled rascal?!!- Wah~! How can he be so rude?!The man suddenly stiffened as he glanced past me with a startled look, so I grimaced, defensively aiming my pink umbrella at his face as he stood with his hand suspended in the air. The man clenched his jaw, suddenly glancing down at me with a terrified expression... and sprinted away with his loaded box... before I could beat him with my umbrella."Hey!?- Come back! Stupid man-  Hah?!- COME BACK!" I screeched, funnily forcing my wheelchair forward to chase the man with my umbrella until it suddenly stopped rolling. Thump. I gasped and gripped the handrest in a panic. Did I hit a brick again?! Or is it out of battery?!"Oh?!- Why isn't it moving anymore?!- Hey! Come back, you coward! Aigo~ Did he think he could beat me?!- I'm a former black belt!- I could've kicked him in the head with my leg if I weren't paralyzed! Jeez- Hey!!?- Move it! Why are you stuck?!!!- " I sneered at the man until he disappeared from my sight. Sighing, I repeatedly tapped the screen on the wheelchair while grumbling under my breath, but it wouldn't move forward... no matter what I did. I frowned and bent over to observe the wheels as it whirled over the pavement. Why isn't it moving if the wheels are spinning?!"What's wrong with this stupid thing-?! I could've chased him-""-Chase him on your 5km/hour electric wheelchair?" Taehyung sorely asked, causing me to jerk in a panic. I quickly turned around to find him gripping tightly onto the wheelchair. How did he find me?!"Why are you holding onto it?!- Let go- That man! He tried to pick a fight with me!" I snapped, hastily pushing his hands off the wheelchair. Why is he holding my wheelchair back?! Wah~! So that's why it isn't moving!"Keep up with the noisy screech, and you'll vomit out your intestine again," Taehyung mocked, suddenly switching off the wheelchair's automated system as I frantically pressed the button to drive it forward. I whined in annoyance as Taehyung manually steered the wheelchair in the opposite direction and pushed me toward the corporation."Hey! That man-""I will send you right back to the mansion if you don't stop complaining! Did you think he's afraid of you if I didn't glare at him from behind your back earlier?! Did you really think he's afraid of you stupid pink umbrella?!" Taehyung threatened as he pushed the wheelchair over the sidewalk. I glanced at the umbrella in my hand and glared at him with a grumpy pout.

"What's wrong with my pink umbrella?!- Oh?!- It'll still hurt if I hit you with it!" I scoffed. Taehyung rolled his eyes and pushed me into the building's lobby."I almost broke my neck sprinting from my office when I saw you arguing with a man twice your size on the street!" Taehyung glared at me. I gripped my umbrella, attempting to whack him with it... but immediately lowered my hand when I noticed someone racing up to us."Oh! Assistant Jang!" The receptionist greeted me in surprise once she noticed me in the wheelchair. I immediately stopped glaring at Taehyung and forcefully smiled at the woman. A few staff hurriedly approached me to express their concern. I chuckled and thanked them for the warm words before Taehyung took me to his office."You're aware there's a security camera on your wheelchair, right? Don't go chasing anyone next time. Just file your complaint to your mother's security team, and they'll send the lawyer to the man's door. Your pink umbrella isn't scary at all- OW?!-" Taehyung muttered as he crouched before my wheelchair to slip off my shoes, so I smacked his head with the umbrella, causing him to gasp in pain. Whack! The offended man looked up at me in bewilderment while gripping his throbbing head, appearing as if he wanted to fling my crippled ass off the building's top floor."Wanna try again...? To see if it hurts...?" I smiled, mischievously raising the umbrella upward."You crazy woman-""Ah! Ah!?!- What are you doing?!- ARGH!?!!!!" I screamed in shock when Taehyung violently jerked upward to shake my wheelchair back and forth. Rattle! Rattle! I gasped and gripped the handrest for balance as he wildly spun the wheelchair around, causing the room to swirl around me like madness."Apologize now!" Taehyung demanded."STOP! STOP- I'm dizzy!" I screeched. He abruptly stopped spinning me around as I shook in distress while gripping the handrest with my wild hair... dangling over my face."Don't try to mock me or- YAH?!" Taehyung warned but gasped in shock when I suddenly barfed. Blurp. I turned my head to the side and vomited onto the floor, causing Taehyung to jerk backward in horror. I coughed in difficulty before lifting my face to glare at him with my tearful eyes."I told you I'm dizzy!" I shrieked in annoyance. Imo made delicious food earlier to enhance my appetite and I ate well! But he turned my stomach upside down!!! Taehyung clenched his jaw in annoyance and glanced at the blob of vomit on the polished tiles in disgust.
A moment later.
I sat quietly beside Taehyung's armchair as he worked on the desktop at his desk. He had to clean up my puke earlier because he didn't want the staff to know I was severely unwell. Slurp. Slurp. Slurp. I loudly sipped the warm lemongrass tea from the mug with my eyes on his desktop screen... until Taehyung fired me an irritated look."What?" I blinked cluelessly. Sluuuurp~!"Can you be quiet?!" He snapped. I pursed my lips and glanced at the warm tea. SLURP. I loudly sipped the tea again."Ahah!" I giggled. Taehyung grunted and leaned back against his armchair to rub his face in frustration before averting his attention back to the screen."You really enjoy bugging me, don't you?" He grimaced while scrolling through the files with his mouse. I smiled and lowered the mug to his desk as he typed softly on the keyboard. He told me to nap on the couch but I'm fully awake so I insisted on sitting beside him to watch him work."Let me return to work. I'm bored at home," I suggested. Taehyung quietly read the files without glancing at me."How are you going to work in this condition? You can't even wiggle your toes," He bitterly frowned at the screen. I glanced down at my white socks and tried to wiggle my toes... but I couldn't move it.I pursed my lips and glared at my socks intensely. Why can't I move my toes?- Come on!- Wiggle-! Move it! Arghhh! Taehyung weirdly glanced at my constipated expression as I glowered at my own feet, furiously pursing my lips until I tensed up in the wheelchair. I abruptly froze at his 'Are you crazy?' glare... and awkwardly glanced away with a flustered face. He scoffed in disbelief at my dense behavior and glanced back at the screen again."I- I don't need my toes to work! Look- My fingers are moving just fine!" I stuttered, lifting my hands to wiggle my fingers before his face. Taehyung stared at my keen smile with an unimpressed look and sourly glanced at my fingers. "Ah~!" He whined, lowering his head to rest his forehead on the desk in defeat. I pursed my lips, quickly dropping my hands apologetically. Maybe I shouldn't bother him...?"I'll call Do-hwan and leave," I muttered, pulling out my phone to search for his contact."I'll take you to get cotton candy after work if you stay composed," Taehyung grunted without lifting his head. I froze and glanced at him until he turned his face, staring dimly at me with his head rested on the desk."Okay!" I agreed, happily grabbing the mug and sipped from it again.Taehyung deeply exhaled, sat up straight on his desk again, and resumed working on his tasks as I quietly sat beside his armchair in my wheelchair until I dozed off against the headrest with my neck pillow secured around my throat to prevent me from straining my muscles.
A moment later.
"Halmeoni remembered me!" I giggled while hugging the yellow daisy on my lap as Taehyung pushed the wheelchair towards the mansion. It wasn't snowing today, but the air is still very frigid."Anyone would remember a crazy woman like you," He muttered. I frowned and glared upward to find him smirking at me as he pushed the wheelchair through the front door."Hey! I'm probably just beautiful! That's why she remembered me-""Sure," Taehyung chuckled with a mocking smile. I gripped my fists in frustration."You're so annoying-""Noona," Yangcha suddenly spoke up, causing me to flinch in a panic. I quickly snapped my head in his direction as he stood in the living room in his casual clothes with his hands in his pockets. Yangcha dimly glanced at the untouched cotton candy on my lap and... back at Kim Taehyung."Oh? You're home early," I pursed my lips as I sat in the wheelchair."I sent you a text earlier to tell you I'll be home early so we can eat together," Yangcha blankly replied."My phone died..." I pursed my lips, drawing out the black screen from my jacket pocket. Yangcha dimmed his gaze but didn't say anything before shifting his gaze to Taehyung again."I'll leave," Taehyung cleared his throat and strode off.Yangcha sideways-eyed Taehyung as he passed him before glancing at me again. He didn't say anything and pushed my wheelchair back to the bedroom. I suddenly was too anxious to speak again. Why is he so cold...? Did I do something wrong? I can't figure it out. Yangcha carefully picked up the daisy from my lap to place it away on the couch and quietly took off my jacket. He entered the bathroom to fill the tub with warm water before returning to undress me. I gripped his firm shoulder as he carefully positioned me inside the tub."Is the water warm enough...?" Yangcha asked while adjusting the faucet."Yeah," I nodded.Yangcha grew quiet again as he washed my body with the scented soap. I pursed my lips and blinked at him with my soaked lashes... but he didn't seem to notice my curious stare and quietly rubbed my arms with the foam. Why is he... always lost in his chronic thoughts? I sighed and glanced at the bubbles to distract my wild thoughts as he rinsed my body until I was clean and finally took me back to the bedroom.
A moment later.
The maid brought us a tray of meals to share in my room, so I quietly ate the porridge as Yangcha sat on the couch. I glanced at the cotton candy beside him and glanced back at the bowl of porridge on my lap as I sat in the wheelchair with a blanket over my lap. I wanted to eat it but Yangcha said it's bad for my health."Are you full already? Have some more," Yangcha glanced at the full bowl on my lap. I remained motionless... without lifting the spoon until he looked at me again. The alpha sighed and grabbed the spoon in an attempt to feed me, but I gripped the silver handle to stop him. He glanced at me unsurely."I can feed myself. I don't need your help," I muttered, removing the spoon from his grip.Yangcha blankly stared at me upon my refusal, but I didn't look at him and lifted the spoon to feed myself. We didn't speak over our cold meals... until I scraped the bowl clean before lowering the spoon and placed the bowl back onto the tray. Clatter. I dabbed my lips with the wipes, steered the wheelchair away from the couch to grab the hairbrush and quietly sat in front of the vanity table to brush my tangled strands."Why did you visit him at the corporation today?" Yangcha asked after I rolled my wheelchair back towards the bed. I gripped the mattress and heaved my body onto the bed before bending down to lift my stiff legs and swung it over the mattress without his help."I want to return to work," I replied shortly. Yangcha unsurely stared at me from the couch without speaking."You're not ready-""I'll resume my normal work schedule from tomorrow onward," I replied.Yangcha frowned at my determination to work but I pretended not to notice his obvious disapproval and quietly patted my pillow. He shakily exhaled, lifted the tray, and strolled out of the room to place it on the cart. The alpha brushed his teeth in the bathroom and finally got on the bed with me.Is he upset again? Now that I insist on resuming work? Whatever. I'm done being patient with him. He didn't speak to me and placed the teddy bear on my lap, but I dismissively flung it to the floor. Yangcha halted abruptly as the teddy bear tumbled into the drawer and glanced at me as I pulled the blanket over my legs while sitting against the headboard.The alpha calmly slipped out of bed, rounded the mattress to pick up the teddy and carefully placed it on my lap again... but I shoved it aside to replace it with my tablet. Tap. Tap. I unblinkingly watched the movie on the device without looking at Yangcha as he stood by the bedside... darkly staring at my persistent refusal to hold the teddy he won for me at the amusement park."You should sleep. The blue lights will keep you awake if you stare at the screen now," Yangcha tried to take the tablet from my hands, but I gripped it and lifted my blank gaze to challenge his empty stare. The alpha uneasily monitored my resistance."If you're tired, then sleep. I'll do my own things until I feel like sleeping," I muttered. Yangcha shifted his gaze to scan my sour face and glanced at the device as I tightened my grip around it."Are you upset...?" He asked, trying to brush my hair, but I pushed his hand away and glanced back at the movie on the screen."No," I muttered while staring at the characters on the screen. Yangcha sighed, slowly drawing his hand from the device."You know I'm a light sleeper, right? I can't sleep when the device is flickering like this... but that's okay. You can watch it. I'll sleep in the living room," Yangcha muttered. I pursed my lips and looked up at him as he coldly strolled away and left the room. Thud. I gripped the device, finally tossing it aside on the bed, and slipped under the blanket to sleep on my side after he shut the door.
I ended up... bawling my eyes out again because Yangcha didn't return and slept outside the entire night. I felt terrible for pushing his buttons... but I was determined to beat him. Why is he nonchalant? Did he lose interest in me? I don't know. He's usually not like this, so why is he behaving this way?

Taehyung took me to work the next day, and I pretty much... spent most of my time beside the alpha. He made sure to avoid any schedules that required... us to move too far so I could rest comfortably at his office.

It was an effective distraction to work and keep my mind off my uncomfortable thoughts.

A few days later.
Third Person POV"What's happening?" Yangcha unsurely slowed down once he noticed the maid adjusting the mattress inside the supreme alpha's room. A pillow was missing... but the teddy bear was left on his bed."Our young lady moved to sleep in the medical room," The maid informed, politely backing away from the mattress."Why? Is she sick again?" Yangcha asked unsurely."She claims you're a light sleeper. She does not wish to disturb you with her illness. The nurse will care for her so you can rest properly," The maid bowed and left the room.Yangcha clenched his jaw and glanced at Sora's teddy bear on the bed. He swallowed in frustration and finally entered the bathroom to shower, unbothered by her decision to sleep in a separate room.
The alpha did not visit his wife in the medical room that night and went to bed without having dinner. And on the other side of the mansion... the supreme alpha sat listlessly on the couch in the medical room... quietly admiring the light snow from her window with an empty gaze.
The maids had changed the medical mattress and covered it with comfortable blankets so the supreme alpha could rest comfortably. It was a little past midnight when she heard the medical room door opening. Creak.
Sora's POV
"I was just watching the snowflakes. I'll head to bed-" I muttered with a faint smile, thinking the nurse had visited again to check on my well-being... but halted once I turned to find Yangcha standing in the doorway. Pause. I glanced at the teddy bear in his clutch and looked back up at him unsurely. Why is he not asleep yet? He usually sleeps before midnight."Do you want to go back to our room? It might be uncomfortable here," He muttered with a blank face."It's fine. The maid replaced the mattress-""Then do you want the teddy...?" He asked, lifting the teddy bear. I stared blankly at the brown bear and back at his restless expression. Seriously? Why is he bothering me now...?"I would've asked the maids to retrieve the teddy if I wanted it," I shrugged. Yangcha clenched his jaw, suddenly closing the door behind his back. I pursed my lips as he slowly leaned against the door and lowered his head. What is he doing? I'm trying my best not to clash with him at this rate, but here he is... showing me his displeasure again?"You didn't have to move out of our bedroom-""You said I was disturbing you. It's uncomfortable to sleep on the couch," I shrugged. I figured he was stressed over the workload at the tower and thought I should remove my bothersome presence from Yangcha's side so he could properly rest and recharge his energy."Are you doing this on purpose?" Yangcha frowned."Doing what on purpose?" I questioned while staring at him with a dumbfounded look. Yangcha gripped the teddy bear as he intensely scanned my face from the door."You don't want to hold the teddy bear I got for you anymore. You don't greet me anymore. You stopped texting me. You moved out of our room. And-""The lights in your eyes are also gone," I nodded. Yangcha pursed his lips, unsurely staring at me with a troubled look as he leaned against the doorway."N-Noona-""If you don't want to be with me anymore... then say it. I understand that you're upset with my mother and my first love... for ruining our wedding and... that must be frustrating because you're unable to do anything because I won't let you scratch them," I shrugged, dully eyeing him. Yangcha scoffed while staring at me with his tearful eyes."It's not-""Or perhaps. You don't want to be with a paralyzed woman like me anymore. I'm a nuisance. I understand. The maids will care for me from now on... so you can rest in my room and do as you please. I'll steer clear of your path if my presence bothers you-""Can you not make assumptions?!" Yangcha snapped, glaring at me in irritation as the tears streamed from his burning eyes."I regret marrying you, and I know you feel the same-""MOH?!" The alpha frowned at me in shock. I pursed my lips to stare at his shaken response. Yangcha's cheeks suddenly flushed red."It seems like I'm a burden in your life. If only I knew I'd ruin your happiness with the marriage... then I wouldn't have agreed- ""I love you! You know that!" Yangcha refuted, furiously glaring at me with his tearful eyes. My chest churned in pain, but I refused to express my emotions and sat with a blank face."Right. You love me," I agreed, too exhausted to argue with him."I feel terrible, alright?! I feel like I'm going crazy because you can't walk because of me! If only I had taken the poison- you wouldn't be struggling like this! And I'm losing my sanity because you have to live with the monsters! And I'm unable to do a damn thing but helplessly care for you and hope your mother won't attempt to take you away from me again!" Yangcha cried in distress. I gripped my fingers once I felt the painful surge tearing through my chest as he whimpered and lowered his face to rub away his tears while holding onto the teddy. Like a helpless child."I told you my family shouldn't be your concern. I'm happy with you, but it seems like-""How can I not be concerned when the woman I love can barely move her limbs?! When she's continuously puking and fainting like this!? For all I know- your mother is keeping you weak so I'd submit to her!- So I'd agree to hand over my power!" Yangcha snapped. I blinked and glanced down at my hands."No one knows we've signed the marriage contract yet. You can burn it and free yourself from me. Eomma won't be able to corner you if she doesn't have the marriage license. Besides, she'll never let me die, so you don't have to worry about my well-being," I muttered with little to no emotions. Yangcha groaned, weakly crouching down to rub his short hair in anguish as I watched him struggle to contain his emotions."So want to give up on our marriage...? That easily?" He scoffed with a beaten look."We were happily in love... but the marriage feels like a thorn in our hearts now. It's okay if you don't feel as attached anymore. I'm giving you the option to quit if you can't do it anymore," I muttered, blankly staring at Yangcha's shattered frown. He pursed his lips and rubbed his face in distress. He's still young. Marriage was probably a hasty decision for him."N-Noona- jebal-! Can you not run away from the problems whenever you're stuck?!" He begged, lifting his face to stare at me again. I sat in utter silence, dimly staring at his pitiful state without speaking or budging until Yangcha stood up and stormed forward with his fists clenched. If I keep provoking him like this... he might kill me. I sadly scanned his soaked face as he crouched before the couch and gently took my hands in his."I don't want to run from you. No matter... how scared I get. No matter... how afraid I am. I want to stay by your side... but I'm afraid... you won't survive if I hold you close," I whispered in exhaustion. Yangcha blinked away the tears from his lashes as he tightened his grip around my hands. I think he's going crazy because of the household's curse. The longer you stay trapped between the mansion walls... the more you are likely to lose your sanity and go mad.The alpha suddenly leaned upward to press his moist lips against mine... but I slightly tilted my body backward upon his tender stroke with my eyes closed, purposely avoiding him. Yangcha stubbornly held onto my head and shifted his face forward to shorten the gap between our bodies again. He lightly stroked his lips over mine as I held onto his hands until I inhaled deeply to ease the uncomfortable stuffiness within my chest. He finally pulled away with an apologetic look."Don't give up on me. Please," Yangcha whispered. I sadly stared at his pained frown."I thought you had given up on me," I replied, unconsciously tearing up until my lips trembled out of control. Yangcha rubbed his thumb over my lips and glanced right back at my eyes while shaking his head."What are you saying...? How can I give up on you?" He frowned."I thought you didn't want to be with a paralyzed woman like me anymore," I sobbed, lowering my head to squeeze out my tears once I lost control of my rotting emotions. Yangcha scoffed, firmly pulling me into a crushing hug, so I gripped his shirt and buried my face against his shoulder."I will love you endlessly in every form, noona. Even if you're a snowflake... I'll always love you until my last breath. I told you that, didn't I?" Yangcha shakily whispered. I nodded and hugged him tighter. He exhaled deeply as he crawled upward to sit on the couch while holding onto my waist."I thought I lost you," I whispered, pulling away to gaze at him with a pained frown. Yangcha rubbed the tear streaks from my cheeks while shaking his head to deny my foolish assumption."I didn't want to get too close to you because I didn't wish to bother you with my selfish hunger. How can I burden you with my foolish urges?" Yangcha sighed. I pursed my lips at his apologetic gaze as he lowered his hand to rest his warm palm under my jawline, gently grazing my cheek with his thumb."What?" I frowned, blinking at him with my soaked lashes."You've been in a coma for a month. I was severely lonely without you. A man has his needs, but how can I be so selfish and wish to relieve my horny bulge... when you're battling for your life? I was afraid I'd get distracted if I touched or looked at you too much... so I avoided you, thinking you needed space to heal properly. I'm sorry if I'm hurting your feelings. I swear it's not my intention to stress you out like this," He explained.I blinked at his statement while holding his shoulder, unsurely observing his red cheeks. He's always flustered when he's expressing his raw emotions. We stared at each other intensely in the warm room until I felt the pressure in my chest subsiding. It's a misunderstanding. I wanted his attention, but he was afraid to bother me."My legs might be paralyzed... but I'm sure my lady part is functioning fine," I chuckled in tears. Yangcha snorted and tilted his head backward before leaning forward to peck my lips."It's fine. This man will not burden you until you're ready. Don't feel too pressured. There are more important things to worry about," He assured. I smiled sadly and hugged him again, so Yangcha exhaled and held onto my back, gently rocking me from side to side."Can I tell you a secret...?" I whispered, carefully drawing away with an anxious look. He gently rubbed my back to soothe my discomfort while gazing at my sullen expression. Yangcha cupped my cheeks and pecked me softly."Since when did you have a secret to hide from me...?" He whispered, weakly smiling at me, so I glanced down at the teddy bear and took it from his hands."Does it look like me? Or you? The teddy bear?" I asked curiously. Yangcha blinked and glanced at the brown teddy before shifting his confused gaze back to my face without answering."I wouldn't compare you to a teddy bear-""Answer me~!" I whined. Yangcha glanced at the teddy bear and back at me again as I eagerly raised it before his face, impatiently waiting for his response."I think the teddy looks more like me. Why?" He smiled. I chuckled and lowered the teddy while admiring his perfect visual until Yangcha softly kissed my fingers. I pursed my lips again without speaking for a moment and quietly searched his curious gaze with a troubled expression. Sighing in defeat... I carefully... I took his hand in mine... and gently placed... his palm over... my stomach. He's oblivious."I think the teddy looks like you too," I agreed. Yangcha cluelessly blinked at me."You do...?" He asked as I firmly held his palm over my stomach. I didn't speak and sat in the muted room, waiting for him to grasp the situation. The alpha glanced down at his hand over my silk gown and back to me in confusion. He blinked once when I didn't respond to him- abruptly pursing his lips with a startled look once it struck him. Scoff.Yangcha quickly shifted his bulging eyes to my hand placement again as I firmly held him over my stomach, patiently waiting for him to make sense of the situation until he stiffened before me. He glanced at my stomach again and opened his mouth to speak but couldn't voice his words... utterly shaken by the shocking realization."Yeah. The teddy definitely looks like you," I nodded, weakly smiling at him while rubbing his knuckles. He stared at me in disbelief."Sora-" Yangcha gasped while frowning at me with his eyebrows furrowed."I'm pregnant," I whispered, sadly eyeing his flushed face. Yangcha's jaw dropped wide open in disbelief as he glanced at my stomach and backed up at me in bewilderment. I chuckled and patted his firm cheek."Are you serious?!" Yangcha gasped while searching my sickly face. He didn't seem too convinced by the unexpected announcement."I thought I was gaining weight," I shrugged. Yangcha gasped again as he grabbed onto my hips, funnily gawking at my stomach."H-How-""I think it's because I haven't been on the pills during my coma. We did get intimate... the night before our wedding... and I haven't touched the birth control pills since then," I shrugged. Yangcha's eyes widened in shock as he remained dumbfounded by the unexpected news. He looked almost scared for a second... It's hilarious."I must be dreaming! This can't be real!" He huffed, quickly tugging his hand away from my stomach in a panic to run his hand over his buzz-cut head."The head doctor didn't understand why I kept puking despite my favorable condition. I got suspicious and grabbed a kit from the nurse's drawers," I muttered, unzipping the teddy's small pocket to draw out the pregnancy test and handed it to Yangcha. He stared at the positive result in disbelief as he took it from my hand. I weakly watched him attempt to comprehend the situation until his eyes bulged even wider... upon the positive confirmation."This isn't a prank, is it?" He frowned, lifting his startled gaze to me again."It seems like your sperms are as strong as you are for it to impregnate me despite the medication I took before our intercourse," I giggled.Yangcha didn't laugh as he remained stiff for another moment with his unblinking gaze on the red stripes. Is he not ready to be a father? I don't blame him. He's still in his early twenties. The alpha eventually broke into a contented chuckle when I wouldn't stop smiling at his shaken reaction. He glanced at the kit with a faint smile before lifting his beaming gaze to me."I love you. You know that right?" He frowned in difficulty."I know," I nodded. Yangcha glanced down at the teddy bear and back at me with an emotional pout, so I chuckled and hugged him tightly. The alpha exhaled in relief as he tightened his arm around my body."Your secret nearly gave me a heart attack," He chuckled while rubbing my back."You'll have a stroke once I pop out your spawn from my womb," I chuckled.Yangcha laughed against my ear before pulling away to cup my cheeks with a proud smile. I grinned at his favorable reaction until he leaned forward to kiss me passionately... so I held onto his jawline and tilted my face to deepen our kiss. He eventually pulled away to rest his forehead on mine... our noses tips... barely brushing against each other as we sat before the beautiful snowflakes... beyond the mansion's arch window.
I suspected... that I was pregnant a week after I woke up from my coma, so I took the test to confirm it. I was frightened upon receiving the positive result... because I never planned to have children. At least... not this early.

To be frank. I wanted to conceal my pregnancy and get an abortion again because of the ongoing conflict between Yangcha and me... but after we made up and after... I heard his justifications... I couldn't help but want a family with him.

Why should I be scared? I've never been this close to achieving my dream.

A lovely husband and our adorable children...

A warm family filled with love and comfort...

I've finally achieved it all, so why should I cower away at the very last minute? Why should I run again...? All I've been doing was to flee from my problems... only to regret everything later... but I don't want to run anymore.

What if I stay and face the world?
...
What could possibly go wrong?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
Yangcha fumed his warm breath over my face as we tenderly kissed in the dim medical room with our hands entangled in each other's hair until I pursed my lips, slightly backing away from his moist lips. I drew my hands from his thick neck and glanced at the drifting snow with my forearm tucked under my chin while leaning over the couch's headrest with a faint smile. He quietly stared at the teddy on my lap while sitting beside me."Have you told anyone about the pregnancy?" He asked, lifting his curious gaze to study my composed behavior."Nope. Just you. I wanted to get an abortion," I shrugged. Yangcha frowned at my blunt statement. I wanted to conceal the pregnancy from everyone."Why would you want to abort our child?" He questioned, unsurely eyeing me. Because the world isn't a forgiving place for young souls like them. "I'm not ready to defend our child from this cruel world," I muttered. Yangcha dimmed his gaze upon hearing my response and gently leaned forward to hug me on my side, comforting me with his assurance. If he could hold me like this until the end of my life. Maybe there is nothing I should fear. Just him and I... and our little dumpling, together in our cozy home."I'll protect you and our baby. I promise," Yangcha whispered. I turned my head to inspect his tender gaze and gently caressed his cheek with my fingertip. I know he means it... protecting me and our baby. And I know he's capable of doing it. Why else did I make the decision to keep our baby?"I trust you," I nodded. Yangcha smiled and gently kissed my lips again while holding me in his secure embrace to assure me of his lifetime commitment."Do you want to return to our room? I'll carry you," He whispered, pulling away from my lips with a faint smile. Our fights might be extreme at times and it could easily ruin our relationship if we aren't cautious... but we resolve the issue just as quickly once we clash. Yangcha doesn't like to leave an argument unattended. He communicates well. He'd always address the problem directly and apologize once he acknowledged his fault."No. I'll sleep here tonight. Head to bed," I shook my head, slightly nodding at the door. He should be asleep by now. The alpha pouted at my refusal to return with him."Noona~ I'm sorry~!" He whined, cutely grabbing my arm. I chuckled and pushed his chest back when he tried to kiss me again. Ah. He's doing it again. Disabling me with his cuteness."It's your punishment," I teased. Yangcha grumbled and leaned forward to press his forehead against my shoulder, so I gently rubbed his back to comfort him."I know I'm foolish! Oh-? Stop being so upset with me~! I promise I'll make it up to you!" He lifted his flushed face, adorably rubbing his hands together to beg for forgiveness. I giggled at his pleas as we sat on the comfy couch."How are you going to do that? The cuteness isn't enough," I smiled at his pout. Yangcha suddenly lifted my hands to his lips, gently kissing my fingers with his puckered lips."Everything it takes to put a smile on your face and to warm that cold heart of yours," He muttered while snuggling against my palm. I quietly searched his stern gaze with a troubled expression as he firmly held onto me. Did he suddenly return to his old self... because he's guilty about my pregnancy?"I don't want you to treat me differently just because I'm pregnant with your child-""I was stressed. Okay? Believe me. I've remained composed even after the terrible things they did to us. I could've killed on impulse, but I didn't. Why? Because I didn't wish to burden you again with the aftermath of my recklessness. So I- I... distracted myself with work at the tower... but it's even more stressful because your mother is unbothered about your ailing health," He muttered, grimly lowering his gaze to our interlaced fingers. I'm surprised he didn't try to end my mother, but it's understandable. He's probably more worried about my dire state."You can sleep with me on the bed if you don't want to sleep alone," I nodded at the bed. I shouldn't dismiss him, or he might misunderstand my intentions again. After all, he's been sleeping with me for weeks and months- It's a bit uncomfortable to have the bed to myself.Yangcha suddenly beamed at my invitation and leaned forward to hug my waist after I agreed to let him remain by my side. The alpha slipped his arm under my thighs and effortlessly lifted me off the couch before settling me onto the medical bed. He carefully tucked the blanket over my exposed legs before rolling in beside me, quickly adjusting his position to extend his arm over my pillow."Let me hold my beloved wife~!" He smiled, inviting me to rest on his strong bicep. I giggled and lay down on his arm as the man clutched my hips and leaned over to kiss the side of my head."The next time you upset me... I will never forgive you again. You should've spoken to me if you're troubled. It isn't right for you to behave in such a manner," I muttered, closing my eyes in exhaustion as he scratched my scalp between the loose strands. Yangcha scooted closer over the mattress and snuggled his face against my cheek, softly inhaling my scent with a faint smile."I thought I could live without disturbing you... but I felt miserable after you moved out. It's not you that needs me... it is me that can't seem to live without you. So forgive me for my rather... ridiculous first mistake as your husband. It's my first time being a husband, you see. Please be lenient with this young man, just this once~!" He whispered, shifting his head backward to study my face. I smiled without replying to him."You are a terrible husband," I agreed, turning to sleep on the opposite side."Noona~!" Yangcha whined beside my ear as he tugged my shoulder to make me lay on my back again. The man funnily swung his leg over my stomach, firmly hooking his heavy limb over me and hugged my waist tightly with a slight pout."It feels weird. For you to call me noona even after our marriage," I muttered. I like it when Yangcha calls me noona, but I believe... we're beyond that stage. I want him to be my equal."Yeobo. I love you," Yangcha smiled. My cheeks flushed red at his sweetness. Yangcha pursed his lips as he gently rubbed my belly, trying his best not to laugh at my reaction and softly pressed his face against my cheek. He's such a tease."Go to sleep~!" I whined, shoving his face away when he wouldn't stop sniffing my cheek. Why is he sniffing me?! It's ticklish."I've held myself back for so long because I foolishly thought you wanted space. But since you claim- I'm not giving you enough attention- I'll cling to you like a puppy! Don't complain!" He teased, stubbornly shoving his nose against my cheek again. I groaned and hugged his head as he repeatedly kissed all over my face, leaving his love prints all over my skin until I felt my heart fluttering with every stroke.
We fell asleep in each other's embrace that night after we made up, and Yangcha didn't leave my side the next day because it was his day off. He returned my belongings to our room, and we spent time together at the mansion afterward.

The elders are still absent. I guess it's best for them to avoid each other because the alliance has completely fallen apart. It's only a matter of time before the society attacks me, but I don't want to deal with the issue yet. I'm too wearied.

Fast Forward
I steered out of the tower's elevator on the automatic wheelchair until I passed the lounge to find Yangcha speaking with a young woman... who was sitting across from him on the couch. The woman shyly smiled at him while tucking her loose black hair behind her ear as I paused to stare at Yangcha's neutral expression.

"First lady! Oh my~!- What are you doing here today?!" Assistant Cha gasped, scurrying towards me from the lobby with her usual welcoming beam."I brought lunch for my husband," I greeted her. She clasped her hands together with a slight pout upon witnessing my pitiful state in the wheelchair. I hate it when people pity me. I'm perfectly fine... so I don't want them to spare me their sympathy. It was rather embarrassing to choke on my blood and drop dead at the wedding ceremony."Are you feeling better? Does your feet ache? Aigo~! It's so cold out there!" She worriedly crouched down before my wheelchair to hold my hands. I giggled at her sincere concern before glancing to the side to find Yangcha strolling up to me in his neat attire."Yeobo~! What are you doing here?" He gasped, slightly jogging forward once I acknowledged his presence."I wanted to bring you lunch," I smiled, lifting the lunch box to show him.Yangcha lowered his face to kiss my cheek without hesitation, repeatedly smooching me all over until Assistant Cha flushed red at my husband's raw affection. Ehem. She cleared her throat and stood up with a weak smile. I giggled at his unbothered behavior and pecked his cheek in return. We shouldn't be ashamed to display our love for each other. Yangcha finally straightened his body as he interlaced his fingers with mine."Annyeonghaseyo. You must be the first lady," The woman spoke up, so I glanced to the side to... find her smiling at me. Oh..? She looks familiar."Anneonghaseyo," I greeted her as she stood in her formal blazer and black trousers. Is she an executive? Her bold fashion is very captivating."She's my beloved wife. I ask her not to bring me lunch, but being the sweetheart she is... she'll always come to me with her warm meal to ensure I'm not starving," Yangcha explained, gently patting my back with a proud smile.The woman unsurely lowered her gaze to our wedding rings as he firmly held my left hand and eventually excused herself from the lounge after the brief introduction. I chatted briefly with the assistant Cha until Yangcha took me inside his private office, so I could settle comfortably. "Ahah~!" I giggled as he carried me in his muscular arms and carefully settled me on the couch. The man gripped my shoulders and pressed his face against my loose hair, softly inhaling my scent with a satisfied beam to absorb my fragrance. He keeps sniffing me. Should I be concerned? "Why do you smell so good...? I was so drained a moment ago, but I'm fully charged again," The man chuckled, finally drawing his face away from my cheek."It's probably the cushion powder I used," I tilted my face to show him my light makeup. Yangcha quietly scanned my face and leaned forward to plant a sweet kiss on my lips. I shyly giggled with my eyes closed."Is it just me... or are you glowing? Your skin... it's so much brighter now and your scent... is oddly strong," He muttered, pulling away to inspect my face again. I glanced at my lip gloss on his lips and gently rubbed the stain with my thumb."Are you trying to cheer me up now that I've gained a little weight?" I asked. Yangcha laughed at my accusation, sat back on the couch, and reached for the lunch box in my hands.

"You barely gained any weight," He shook his head while unzipping the lunch box to place the packed meals on the table."My belly is a little tense," I blinked while rubbing my stomach. Yangcha glanced at me again and interlaced his fingers with mine as we sat side by side on the couch."Let's visit the hospital today. We should get a checkup," Yangcha suggested, gently kissing my hand before shoving a spoonful of the warm rice inside his mouth. My husband hungrily dug into the meal with his head lowered as I gently rubbed his knuckles over my lap until he fed me an eggroll. Nom. Nom. I happily sat beside him on the couch in my casual sweater... draped loosely over an ankle-length dress."Do you want a baby boy? Or a girl?" I curiously asked while patting my belly."A boy," He smiled, glancing at me with a slight smirk."Wae?" I questioned. He didn't even hesitate."Well. I'll have a difficult time protecting her because she'll be as beautiful as you are. Let's hope we have a baby boy instead, so you can be the only woman in my life," He shrugged. I smacked his shoulder in disbelief as Yangcha fed me the warm meal. How can he say such things! Smiling brightly, I turn to stare at his work desk.

"Are you adjusting well?" I asked, nodding at the workload."The corporation is a headache without proper leadership since Kim Taehyung wasn't fully available to oversee the organization for the past year due to the establishment of his fintech corp. But I'm accustomed to the workflow now. I always did your work for you, so it's not that complicated," He nodded. I gently wipe his greasy lips with a tissue. Yangcha tried to peck my cheek, but I pushed him away with a slight grimace."Your lips are too greasy. You'll give me a pimple," I shook my head. Yangcha laughed at my objection and tilted his head back in disbelief."What's that? Did you bring me a flower?" He nodded at a single sunflower sticking out from my purse. I grabbed the flower with a wide smile. Oh yeah!"A stranger gave it to me earlier... on my way to the tower. He's a young university kid. Very tall and handsome. He said I am really pretty," I giggled while stroking the bright yellow petals. Yangcha glared at my light chuckles, suddenly snatching the flower from my grip."Ohoh! How can you carelessly accept a flower from a stranger?!" He snapped, carelessly tossing the flower onto the opposite couch."Hey!- Give it back! You always accepted gifts from other women~!" I whined, lightly smacking his forearm with an annoyed grimace. Yangcha smugly shook his head, so I huffed and pointed at the flower while glaring at him... but my husband refused to return it and dismissively lowered his face to eat from the lunch box."Did you tell him you have a husband?" He confronted, eagerly turning his head to stare at me while chewing on his left cheek."No. I forgot-""Forgot!? Hah-! How can you forget an entire hot man!?- I'm hurt!" He gasped, dramatically clenching his chest, and collapsed to the side with the chopstick between his fingers. I chuckled at his playful reaction and smacked his solid thigh. Huff! Yangcha quickly sat back up again and suddenly scooted away from me with a big pout. Is he jealous?"It was a brief chat~!" I smiled while tugging his forearm. Yangcha pretended to be upset with me and whipped his face away with a slight grimace while poking the meal, briefly darted me an annoyed glare, and scooted back to shorten the gap. "You claim you are loyal to me, but your cheeks instantly flush red whenever you see a sexy man's torso! And in that very moment- you've already forgotten that I exist because you're so distracted!" He playfully scolded."Ah~ Feed me~!" I opened my mouth to distract him with my cuteness. Yangcha huffed in frustration and fed me on demand but didn't ease his scowl and cutely chewed his lower lips."You'll always be my number one~!" I teased. Yangcha smiled but immediately pursed his lips again. He frowned and jabbed the tomatoes with a pretentious grimace, making me giggle at his childish attitude."Until you're drunk and suddenly you're inviting a stranger inside our house-""Hey! That man was you! I thought you were very hot!" I complained."See! You'd let a hot man inside our house?-""But that man is you!" I whined while hugging his strong bicep."What if it's another man-""Wanna bet? Send a hot man to me when I'm drunk! See if I'll take him home with me!" I poked Yangcha's chest, keenly urging him to challenge my faithfulness. He paused to scan my face in annoyance."No. I don't trust my drunk wife. You might see him as me and take him with you. No way~! Don't even dream of a hot stranger!" Yangcha huffed. Hmmp! I shoved the man aside and folded my arms with an attitude until he chuckled at my angry brows.He eventually wrapped up the lunch box after emptying it and dabbed my lips with the wipes, but I rudely huffed again and glanced away with a slight grimace. Yangcha chuckled at my grumpy mood and leaned forward to peck my lips with the intent of softening my heart with his love strokes."Don't accept another man's gift. I should be enough for you," He smiled, gently caressing my cheek."Say that to yourself. You're the attractive one," I grumbled, lowering my gaze to my hands. I rarely get the attention- but him? Jae Yangcha?! He turns... heads wherever he goes!"Pff. Me? Are you that oblivious? Every man in the society has a crush on you, and every man you pass by will pause to admire you because they have never laid eyes upon a stunning beauty like you! We're all hypnotized by your visuals! Are you telling me you're unaware?!" He stared at me in disbelief."No? You're the one surrounded by women-""Ah~ Woman, you've got crazy hot ex-boyfriends and a sexy husband, and you're telling me... you're not beautiful? Should we switch souls for a moment? I'll show you just how freaking gorgeous you are in my eyes! Seriously!- You're a literal goddess in my pupils!" He whined, slightly bulging his eyes on me. Men are liars."Even when I can't walk...?" I asked, nodding at my stiff legs."It doesn't make a difference," He replied without hesitation."What if I can't walk forever? And you'll have to deal with me every day? Won't you get tired...?" I asked, unsurely searching his stern gaze."Tired of the woman... who made me the man I am today? Seriously? For one second... did you think I have ever put myself first? Sora, you choosing me as your life partner is a divine blessing," He smiled, gently taking my hands in his. I pursed my lips at his weirdly endearing words. Yangcha smiled and leaned forward to kiss my forehead... just as the door opened. Creak."Oh- Did I disturb-""It's fine. Have you been well?" I smiled at Secretary Yoon. The man nervously glanced at Yangcha and back at me. Why is he so timid? He's usually very cheerful."Of course, my lady," He bowed. The man informed Yangcha of his meeting schedule, so the alpha had to leave the office after his brief lunch break with me.Yangcha told me to wait for him because he wanted to take me for a health check-up at the hospital. Smiling, I rolled my wheelchair towards Yangcha's desk to organize the scattered files. He says he's used to the workload, but everything is all over the place...? I quietly read the documents he personally wrote with a proud smile. Yangcha... excels at whatever he does. His reports are perfect. I couldn't have executed half as much as he did.
Assistant Cha eventually visited the office to bring me appetizers and drinks as I waited for Yangcha's return. She chatted with me inside the office until the meeting was over... so I rolled out of the lobby to wait for him by the conference room.
"First lady!" The shareholders immediately bowed once they found me seated in the corridor."Annyeonghaseyo~!" I greeted the men and women as they greeted me.Yangcha strode out with a blank expression, but his face immediately lit up once he found me waiting for him in the corridor. The executives fearfully bowed at the alpha again as he approached me and gently pushed my wheelchair forward without acknowledging the shareholders' courtesy."Can you hold my suit for a moment? I'll collect my belongings from the office," Yangcha pecked my cheek. I nodded as he placed his suit on my lap and strolled off to enter the private lobby in his polished shoes.I patted the crease over the fabric with a weak smile until his phone slipped from the inner pocket. The lock screen switched on... and I found myself... staring at a selfie of us at the amusement park. I was grinning cheekily at the camera as Yangcha hugged my neck with a bright smile. I lifted his phone to scan my face. Unlocked.He seems intimidating at the tower, but the man has a cute lock screen of us? An adorable picture of me appeared on the phone's home screen wallpaper. I was pouting at him with cute pigtail hair as I sat in my nightgown. He took the picture of me at our penthouse while I was eating the sweet rice cakes. How silly. I curiously tapped his gallery and quietly swiped through the photographs... consisting of mostly... random pictures of me. When did he take the pictures of me? I wasn't even aware of the sneaky shots.I clicked a video. Yangcha softly chuckled as he crouched beside the couch I was napping on... with my head tilted backward over the cushion... and lips ajar. The alpha softly pecked my lips and gently kissed my cheek before turning to grin at the screen as he filmed my unconscious state. How many ugly pictures and videos did he take of me?!I chuckled lightly while staring at a picture of me standing before the sink with foaming lips after I brushed my teeth. Swipe. Yangcha had taken a picture of me posing on the yacht with the flower bouquet. Swipe. A video played again, and Yangcha was squishing my cheeks as I sleepily sat with him in the backseat of a car."Your storage will reach its capacity if you keep taking pictures of me," I chuckled as Yangcha strolled towards me with the lunchbox."I'll transfer it to a hard drive and take more pictures," He shrugged. Smiling, I closed the gallery and tapped on a game on his phone. Yangcha pushed my wheelchair inside the elevator as I quietly played the game with my active thumbs.He doesn't mind me using his phone. Yangcha gave me access to everything. Even his personal laptop. The alpha eventually steered me into the busy lobby after we landed- abruptly halting to tuck the loose shawl around my neck... so I handed back his phone as he adjusted the fabric to keep me warm.He gently slipped the mittens onto my fingers before pushing me out into the frosty weather as the employees eyed us from different directions. Why are they all so timid...? They used to be so lively! It feels like they're walking on eggshells now! Is Yangcha that scary to work for?"Why didn't you answer your grandma's call...?" I curiously asked him. I noticed there were a few missed calls from his family abroad. They must be worried about him."I've been busy these days. Halmeoni will only scold me. I'll call her later- Oh, by the way. I was researching the best-traveling places abroad," Yangcha shrugged as he opened the car door and gently transferred me into the passenger seat. Clip. He buckled the seatbelt for me while bending over me so I giggled and playfully smacked his bum. Thump.Yangcha closed the door to seal off the frosty gust and folded my wheelchair to place it in the back trunk. He finally rounded the car, got in beside me and gradually drove out of the parking space, finally leaning back against his seat with a stern gaze on the road."You should at least answer her. She must be worried. And what about the research?" I asked curiously."I want to plan our honeymoon," He smiled, freeing his right hand to hold my thigh as he sexily steered the wheel with his rolled-up sleeves. I interlaced my fingers with his hands."Honeymoon? That's unnecessary. You're busy these days," I chuckled. Yangcha lifted my hand off my lap to kiss my fingers as he drove steadily over the lane."Who are you to tell me to be a bare minimum man? Did you really expect less from me???- How humiliating. No way- My wife loves everything that's crazy sparkly and extra! You would never settle for anything basic- so I won't be basic. Not even after we're married," He smiled. I chuckled and patted his hand."Have I ever told you... you've got the best taste in everything you pick?" I smiled."Why else do you think I'm helplessly wagging my tails whenever I see you? I kid you not- I didn't even breathe when we first met. Had to ask for your contact immediately because I knew I wouldn't have the guts to approach you again," He replied, making me giggle at his words so I gripped his warm fingers and glanced at his handsome side profile."Were you ever this flirty?" I asked, lifting our interlaced fingers to snuggle against the back of his hand. Yangcha halted at the traffic light and turned his head to scan my face with a faint smile."You're the coach. I learned it from you," He smiled, leaning forward to peck my lips."A womanizer," I nodded, bitterly glancing out the window."Hey. The only woman I'll seduce is you," He nudged my shoulder. I chuckled weakly and shook my head."The woman... she looks familiar," I muttered, turning to look at him again. Yangcha's face suddenly darkened."Her father is a famous shareholder. The man... that harassed you," He muttered. Oh."He has another daughter?" I asked."Yeah. Two daughters. She was away when he passed," Yangcha nodded, slowly driving forward again."Oh," I pursed my lips."I knew her... before I was revealed as an alpha. We attended the same boarding school abroad," Yangcha muttered. I lifted my gaze to stare at his handsome side profile."Were you friends...?" I asked."No. Classmates, but we never talked. She likes me," Yangcha muttered. I pursed my lips and glanced at the ring on his left finger."Why did she visit you?" I asked curiously."I guess she wanted to see me again, but I told her I'm happily married to a beautiful woman," He smiled. I nodded and glanced at the road."Liar," I grinned. Yangcha fired me an offended look."I'm serious! I've told every woman to ever approach me that I already have a wife! Even while we're dating! If I could- I'd wear a collar with your name on it!" He frantically exclaimed, making me snort in disbelief. Yangcha funnily chuckled at my hysterical laughter."Ah~ I'm glad I married a younger man~! I'm aging in reverse because of you!" I laughed. He makes me laugh so much! I feel like I'm getting younger by the day!"Noona. I know I'm still immature and that... I don't always function like others... so please... gently remind me whenever I stray too far. I sometimes... can't control my behavior because of my dysfunctional mindset. I'm not a perfect man, and never will be. But I'll be my best for you, so under any circumstances... when I'm not behaving right and you're hurting because of me. Just please, let me know. I'll listen and I'll let you guide me," He muttered as he drove over the street. I pursed my lips and glanced at his apologetic frown."I know. I should've spoken to you earlier instead of letting it rot in me. I'll make sure to lightly remind you. You're still young... so I'll help you grow, and I know you'll do the same for me," I agreed. Yangcha beamed at me, slightly squeezing my fingers as we headed toward the hospital to get our baby checked up for the first time.______________________
Fast Forward
"Can I help you with anything else?" A waiter asked as he hugged the tray against his chest. I glanced at the warm drink and snack unsurely before looking back up at him."Can I have a glass of water?" I smiled. He nodded and strode off, so I glanced out the window as I sat at the cafe a little after noon."Are you here to wait for your boyfriend?" The waiter asked, carefully placing the glass before me after his return to my table. Is he interested in me...?"No. I'm here to wait for my boss," I chuckled, lifting my left hand to pick up the glass. The waiter glanced at the ring on my finger in surprise."You're married," He nodded."And I'm pregnant too," I giggled while rubbing my stomach. The man chuckled and nodded at me before striding off to standby at the counter."Ah. I'm about to get a frostbite!" Taehyung grunted as he strolled through the door while slipping off his leather gloves. He ordered a drink at the counter before striding forward... to sit across from me. The alpha took off his black coat and finally settled in his formal work attire. His black hair... slickly brushed back... to expose his dashing forehead."What's the schedule for today?" I asked curiously.Taehyung told me to rest at home today, but he claimed there was an urgent schedule after lunch, so I had to rush here on demand. The alpha glanced at me but didn't say anything. He unsurely scanned my face with his narrowed gaze. Why is he looking me up and down like that?"Did you put on makeup?" Taehyung asked while eyeing my face. I patted my cheeks uneasily."No? I wore sunscreen and lip gloss because my lips are peeling," I shook my head. He frowned and scanned my body again, slightly leaning back... as if to get a better look at me. He's making me uncomfortable."Something feels different about you," He shrugged, crossing his arms over his chest as I sat awkwardly in the wheelchair. Taehyung wouldn't drop his gaze and proceeded to harass me with his eyeballs."Is it because I dress up well these days?" I asked, showing him my cute dress. He shook his head as the waiter placed the drink for him and left."Wae? Did you bring a meal again so you can boss me around and make me escort you to your husband? Seriously. Are you my assistant or am I your personal slave?" He asked, bitterly nodding at the wrapped box on my lap. I clenched onto it while staring at him with a faint smile."You don't remember...?" I asked, unsurely frowning at him."What?" He asked as he cluelessly sipped from the straw."It's your birthday today," I smiled, placing the box on the table and pushed it towards him. Taehyung stared at the box... and glanced at me with a startled expression. He doesn't remember his birthday...?

"It's the 20th century. Is a birthday celebration necessary? I'm one year closer to dying. Yay," He muttered, sorely unpacking the box with an unimpressed expression. How ungrateful!"I baked the cake for you today with the maid's assistance," I smiled as Taehyung stared at the transparent box to gaze at the creamy cake and glanced up at me again. His cheeks... slightly turning red. The alpha rubbed his neck uneasily and straightened his back while avoiding my eyes with a blank face. Is he happy? He seems nervous. "You even bought a gift?" He asked, dismissively grabbing another box. Taehyung carelessly tore the sparkly wrappers over the gift I prepared for him and suddenly paused to stare at the present with his eyebrow raised... unsurely shifting his questioning gaze to me as I keenly perched on the chair."Not really. I was bored at home... so I picked up a new hobby. It's the first piece I made," I shrugged as he raised the hand-knitted maroon scarf with a funny expression.Taehyung shifted his gaze from the present to scan my face again and glanced back at the cloth with a poker face. He's quite skilled at concealing his emotions with his usual dead expression. Yangcha would normally shriek and express his gratitude... but Kim Taehyung? He'd rather choke to death than admit his gratitude. "It's alright..." He muttered, dully nodding at the scarf. See? No reaction. Nothing. Just a plain shrug. Does it hurt his manly pride to smile a little and appreciate the gift? Aigo~! He's so obsessed with being a resilient man, huh? I dimmed my eyes at his plain reaction."You don't like it...? Should I have gotten something more expensive?" I asked. Maybe he expected something of better quality? Taehyung placed the scarf back inside the box, wrapped up the gift and dismissively placed it aside. It's really difficult to please a man like him."I picked up something on the way for you," He shrugged, reaching inside his inner pocket to draw out a slender wooden box. He awkwardly placed it on the table."Wae? Why would you buy it for me?" I asked, unsurely opening the case to uncover a beautiful... jade hairpin. What the hell...? The jade is crafted in the shape of a blooming rose with a thread of dangling pearls and quartz stone. The hairpin is made of sleek black sandalwood.

"I picked it up from some random- vendor by the street-" Taehyung cleared his throat. I skeptically glanced at the expensive-looking box and back at him."You got something like this from the street...?" I asked, frowning at him. How is that possible? I grew up admiring high-quality gemstones all my life. And he's telling me this is sold on the street...?"Oh- Some old woman wouldn't stop bugging me- so I bought it for 5000 won," He shrugged. I blinked and glanced at the high-quality jade, suspiciously inspecting the piecework. He's lying, isn't he? I'm not convinced."Take me to the vendor. I should buy a few more," I smiled, looking at him. Taehyung frowned at me. Hah! I saw it! He's startled by my request."She probably left!" The man snapped, appearing somewhat very irritated as he crossed his arms over his chest again."I love it. It's stunning for something so valueless," I chuckled. Taehyung suddenly glanced at my loose bun and back at me. He definitely didn't buy this from the street."Do- Do you want to put it in your hair?" He nervously asked. I nodded, so Taehyung got up and rounded the table without hesitation. I uncomfortably sat at the table as he grabbed the hairpin from my hand and gently inserted it into my bun. Why did he buy me a gift on his birthday? How strange. "Is it pretty?" I asked, worriedly glancing up at him as he gently fixed my hair. Taehyung quickly strode away and sat back down to examine the pin, intensely inspecting the jade in my hair with a critical frown. What's with him...? He's acting as if he just placed a bomb in my hair. "Just like how I saw you," He firmly nodded."What?" I frowned at his bizarre statement while touching the pin in my hair. What is he saying?"Nothing," Taehyung blinked out his thoughts and lowered his face to sip from his cup again. I think he's flustered. Taehyung isn't the type to openly express his feelings, so I shouldn't pressure him. I smiled. This is a very thoughtful gift. I'd never expect him to buy something like this for me...?

"Anyways. What's our schedule today...?" I cleared my throat."We don't have a schedule today," Taehyung shrugged. I frowned."What? Then why did you call me?!-""It's my birthday. It's your duty to keep me company," Taehyung shrugged. So he remembers! Waaaah~! I glared at his smug smile and glanced at the drifting snow outside the window with a slight grimace.
A moment later.
"Oh? What are you doing?" I curiously asked, gently pushing open the kitchen door to find Yangcha settling the meals on the counter after returning from the brief outings with Taehyung. The maid smiled at me and left us alone as I rolled in on the wheelchair."Cooking for my beloved wife, of course," Yangcha smiled, briefly glancing at me as I gripped the edge of the high counter and leaned upward to peek at the savory dishes."Are you sure the food is edible? She shouldn't get poisoned again," Taehyung muttered, strolling after me to grab a water bottle from the built-in fridge. Yangcha sideways glared at the alpha and walked forward to heave me from the wheelchair. He placed me on the stool by the counter and gave me a soft peck as I stared at the warm meals with my lips ajar."I made enough portions for three. Eat it if you're so curious about my skills," Yangcha muttered, sitting beside me as he poured the water into a glass. Taehyung grimaced and walked out of the kitchen without touching the food."Who taught you the recipe?" I asked, keenly picking up a squid with my chopstick and took a bite of the flavorful texture before glancing at Yangcha with a startled look."I looked up the recipe online," He shrugged while eating from my rice bowl with a spoon."This is your first time cooking?" I frowned at him. How is it so well-flavored?"Anything is possible for my wife," He smirked, glancing at me as we shared the rice bowl."You're lying!- Were you pretending to be clueless this entire time- so I'd cook for you!?!" I gasped, smacking his bicep in disbelief. Yangcha chuckled, funnily pushing my hand away as he chewed the food. It's delicious! This is unbelievable!"It's seriously my first time cooking!" He insisted. I smiled at the warm meal and glanced back at him."My lovely husband is a great chef!" I giggled. Yangcha held my hand over the counter and carefully raised the rice to my lips, so I ate it with a delighted smile."I'll cook for you from now on," He nudged my arm."Wae?" I blinked at him. He's always so busy. How will he find the time to prepare the meals for me?"I'm afraid you might get poisoned again if your mother finds out about your pregnancy. She's not fond of me," Yangcha sadly glanced at my stomach. I pursed my lips and dimmed my eyes on the half-eaten rice in the bowl."I haven't told anyone yet. Let's keep it a secret for now," I nodded.He's right. My mother will not respond well to my pregnancy announcement so it's best to keep it a secret until we're ready. Yangcha released my hand and gently patted my head as we chatted over the warm meals in the vacant space. He left the dishes for the maids in the sink and took me back to our bedroom.
A moment later.
Yangcha bathed me first, dressed me in a comfortable gown and eventually left to care for himself. I happily hummed under my breath while sitting on the bed as I played the game on his phone with my back pressed against the bed board. I harvested the chicken's eggs to place them for sale until I noticed a notification from an unknown number.
Unknown: 
Yangcha. Should we meet again? I have a gift for you.
I blinked at the notification and proceeded to check my farm with an unbothered expression until Yangcha strolled out of the bathroom in his fresh pajamas while ruffling the excess water from his buzzcut. He applied the moisturizer to his face at my vanity table before grabbing a massive gift bag from the couch to place it on the mattress."What did you get?" I asked without looking away from the screen."Your maternity gowns," He replied while pulling out a stack of neatly folded expensive silk. I switched off his phone and sat up with a weak smile as he settled the gowns on the mattress."My stomach isn't that visible yet," I chuckled as I reached for the pretty pieces."Let's go shopping for our baby clothes together once we confirm our baby's gender," He smiled. I chuckled as I stared at the fine gowns. He's got good taste in everything!"Should we conceal it? The gender?" I suggested. Yangcha laughed and crawled over to hug me on my side while rubbing the little bump over my stomach, so I hugged his neck with a faint smile as he gently kissed my lips to smother me with his minty breath."That would be exciting," He agreed, pulling away to smile at me. Yangcha grabbed the gowns, scrambled off the bed, and neatly hung them in my closet as I combed my fingers through my hair until his phone started vibrating... just as he strolled back towards me."Oh. Someone sent you a text earlier," I muttered. Yangcha lifted the phone from the mattress with a slight frown while combing his fingers through my hair. Tap. Tap.My husband checked the text and finally answered the call from the unknown source as he settled by my side on the mattress with the phone pressed against his ear, tenderly lowering his hand to stroke my cheek as I quietly sat against the bedboard."Oh. Minhee-ah?" Yangcha answered, leaning forward to kiss my cheek. I giggled, shyly covering my mouth to stop myself from making any noise as he spoke on the phone."I can't. I'm busy these days. My wife isn't well either. I have to be with her- Okay," He briefly chatted with the person before hanging up on her and tossed his phone aside as I rubbed his thick forearms with a curious smile."Is she your secret mistress?" I teased as he circled his arms around my waist and gently snuggled against my neck to seek my comfort. He's so snuggly~!"She's the woman I told you about. The one you met at the tower," Yangcha mumbled as he straightened his back again and opened the drawer under the nightstand to bring out a fresh pair of cashmere socks. He carefully lifted the blanket off my legs and gently pulled the socks up to my ankles. The alpha suddenly kissed the base of my feet, causing me to giggle at his playful behavior."She wants to meet you again?" I curiously asked as my husband massaged my stiff shins."Yeah. But I'm not interested in her. I already told her many times that I'm married," He shrugged. I weakly smiled while sitting against the headboard."You're a very magnetic man. I should be worried about my husband attracting the women around him," I chuckled. Yangcha smiled and glanced at me as he gently rotated my ankle to ease my swift joints. I could barely feel his touch, but it was very relieving."I don't honestly care about anyone around me unless it's you. People in general... don't interest me. I actually have a really poor... reputation at the tower because I'm always too coarse and frigid," Yangcha shrugged. I quietly stared at him as I massaged my sore breasts."I'm grateful to have you," I smiled. Yangcha lifted his face to stare at me, so I held out my hand for him. The man smiled at my invitation and held onto my fingers before crawling over my body to hug me as I gently embraced his broad shoulders."Does your breasts hurt?" He asked, lifting his face to examine my cleavage, worriedly sitting up beside me again."It's a bit sore. I guess I'm starting to produce milk," I nodded. I've been feeling sore all over. Especially my breasts. Yangcha carefully pulled the strap off my shoulder and reached under the silk to feel my perky breast with his bare palm. I pursed my lips at his neutral face as he kneaded me until he noticed my flushed face and suddenly leaned forward to kiss me. Smooch. I kissed him back while playing with his earlobe."It's a bit firm. Does the pain bother you?" He asked, pulling face away to inspect my boobs as he massaged the bouncy flesh. I softly giggled at the ticklish sensation."I'm fine- Hah~! Hey! What are you doing!" I gasped when he suddenly lowered his face to nibble on my breast, making me tense my body in difficulty. Yangcha didn't answer me and sucked onto the sensitive tips while kneading my chest with his palm."Does it hurt when I do this...?" He asked, lifting his head to smile at my flushed cheeks before lowering his face to bite onto my breast again. I huffed and patted his head as he teased me with the pleasuring strokes."I don't think the milk is enough to feed a big baby like you," I chuckled. Yangcha lifted his head from my soaked breast, carefully pulling the strap back onto my shoulder and softly kissed me with his damp lips."Can you feel anything when I touch you like this?" He muttered, curiously slipping his fingers between my inner thighs. I pursed my lips and glanced at his hand placement... beneath my gown."Not really. I can feel your touch... but not much," I shrugged. Yangcha frowned and slid his hand higher until I felt him skimming his fingers over my panties."What about here...?" He asked, eagerly examining my face for a favorable reaction. I uneasily bit my lower lips while holding his shoulders as he pressed his thumb against my crotch to stimulate my sensitive spot."Yeah. I can feel everything there," I whispered, nervously nodding as he rubbed his thumb over my panties.Yangcha smiled at my troubled frown and leaned forward to kiss me again. He shouldn't tease me. I can barely make use of my lower body so how will I return the favor if I'm this useless? I tightly clung to his neck for support as he touched me between my legs until I muffled against his lips with a slight frown. He eventually broke our steamy kiss and scooted downward while positioning my stiff legs over the mattress to make me spread for him before lowering his face between my thighs. Oh? Is he seriously in the mood...?I nervously held onto his head as he pleased me with his face pressed against my bare groin... until my face burned with every movement of his arousing strokes. Yangcha held my thighs apart and gently gave me an oral favor until I whimpered in distress while sitting against the bedhead. Slurp. Slurp.I intensely squirmed at the friction of his raw tastebuds... rubbing and stroking my sensitive flesh until I felt the scalding warmth expanding inside my throbbing canal. I huffed in extreme difficulty and pulled my gown over his head as he repeatedly licked and sucked on me until I was dripping wet from the taunting activities of his skilled foreplay. "You're quite tense," He chuckled, lifting his face to examine my stiff body as I struggled to contain myself. I'm really horny because of him~! "My hormones aren't paralyzed," I chuckled, weakly grazing my hand over his damp lips.Yangcha chuckled at my lustful response and gently hooked my paralyzed legs over his muscular shoulders before lowering his parted lips to fit his nose over my crotch and ate me out until I squirmed helplessly with my lips pursed in difficulty. I can't even curl my toes! This is torture! I quickly reached downward to cup his face and lifted his head from my throbbing lady bits when I could no longer endure the sexual favor.My husband unsurely inspected my troubled frown as I sat against the headboard with the gown lifted to my waist... and legs spread apart like... a broken doll. I hyperventilated over the bed with a flushed face until he smiled at my timid behavior and softly pecked my crotch again, making me quiver in extreme pleasure. I'm very sensitive!"It's a bit... difficult because I can't move my lower body," I muttered, worriedly frowning at Yangcha as he softly kissed my inner thigh. I don't think I can properly please him. He shook his head with a weak smile and gently towed my body by my hips to make me lay on my back as he reached inside his pants to pull out his hard bulge. I nervously watched him beat his raw meat between his firm grip as he knelt between my paralyzed thighs with flustered cheeks."I'll do it myself if you're not comfortable," Yangcha dimmed his eyes in pleasure as he touched himself over my soaked groin.I bit my fingers with a burning red face as he sexily moaned, slightly tilting his head back to expose his godly physique. Should I help him? He's too tense. I gulped intensely while staring at his protruding Adam's apple before drifting my temped gaze to his deep collar bones and finally skimming my dilated pupils down to... the visible bulging veins... over his pelvis as he jerked his raw meat over my crotch. I unconsciously sucked my fingers until I felt my body vibrating intensely from his untamed behavior. "Just... the tip... is that okay?" I nervously whispered. I want to relieve his strain. Yangcha nodded and gently nudged his tip against my throbbing crotch. He didn't penetrate all the way and gently humped on me. Fuck- this is torture! I rubbed my face in distress while sprawling helplessly over the mattress as he chafed his warm tip against my soaked slit."This is sort of... pleasing," Yangcha chuckled, lifting his flushed face to stare at me as I watched him please our bodies with his steady thumps. He lowered his lips to kiss me, so I hugged his back and pulled him down until I felt our heated flesh grinding against one another. My heart is racing out of control. Why am I so aroused? I'm throbbing so much!"Put it in..." I whispered, reaching down to hold his wet bulge. Yangcha drew away from my lips with a startled expression as I clutched his strong hip to encourage him."All the way? But you-""It's fine. I'm comfortable. I want you inside me," I whispered, carefully lifting my hand to hold his warm cheek.He unsurely scanned my face for a brief moment before leaning downward to smother me with his steamy lips as he firmly inserted himself... all the way inside me. Ah~ I love his presence. I muffled against his lips and kissed him harder as I felt the tingling nerves in my body jolting in pleasure. Yangcha groaned in satisfaction and pecked my cheek as he steadily thrust between my legs to initiate the heated intercourse... so I reached downward to hold his back dimples and gently groped his butt cheeks."This is our first time sleeping together as wife and husband," Yangcha chuckled. I smiled and opened my eyes to observe his affectionate gaze as he hovered over me. He softly moaned and rested his forehead over mine to concentrate on the powerful thrusts with his lips ajar."How do you feel?" I whispered, uneasily tensing up beneath his heavy trunk as he steadily pounded between my legs. Yangcha kissed my cheek and lowered his head to snuggle his face against my hair as he firmly held my shoulders to stabilize my frail body over the rocking mattress."A proud husband... but I feel like I'm going to get a stroke because of my wife. She's clenching onto me like there's no tomorrow- urh. Why didn't you tell me you were this horny? Hmm...?- Are you trying to eat up my manly bulge with your hunger...?" He teased. I laughed and hugged his head until he entirely lowered his heavy body onto mine.I kissed the scar on his head as he interlaced our fingers on the mattress, gently pressing my hand against the pillow as our moist bodies ignited with unbearable pleasure. Yangcha almost suffocated me with his sturdy weight as he neared his climax... so I weakly whimpered and clutched onto his back with my sweaty face buried against his pulsating chest as he relentlessly beat the sticky juice out of my tight canal.
We had a very wild night. He ejaculated twice... and I was depleted of energy after he finished me off to ensure I was satisfied. Yangcha made sure to wash me, and we finally headed to bed after the tiring love-making session. Ah~ I feel so much better!
"Are you sore...?" Yangcha whispered as he sat crossed legs beside my body to pull the socks back onto my feet. I sleepily admired his hot torso while lying on the bed and calmly traced my gaze to his slightly pink nose until he lifted his face to stare at me after I failed to respond to him. He likes to be shirtless around me. And his muscles are obviously very distracting."It was probably the best time we had together," I smiled. Yangcha chuckled as he pulled the fine silk over my exposed shins before lifting the blanket to cover our bodies and slipped in beside me."I love you," He whispered, gently kissing my forehead as he slipped his strong bicep under my head to cushion me."Do you regret marrying me...?" I whispered while staring at his sleepy face. Yangcha lightly poked my nose with a weak smile."Is it a wife thing to ask me if I regret marrying her right after I told her I love her?" He chuckled. I smiled and patted his cheek until he leaned forward to press his lips against mine again. Smooch. He pulled away to admire my face while weaving his fingers through my hair."If I was a rock- would you love me-""Ah~ What the hell~?" Yangcha scoffed, funnily pressing his face against our pillow as I examined his rosy red cheeks."Answer me! If I was a rock-""Are you out of your mind!?- How would I know if you're a rock?" He frowned at me with a dumbfounded look."So you won't love me if I am a rock?-""I never said that! But- seriously- Why would you ask me that?-!?!- Sora! Hey!- Baby~! Don't try to pick a fight with me!" Yangcha burst out laughing when I whipped my face away with a sore grimace. He gently drew my face back, but I whined and pushed him away until he secured my wrist to stop me from resisting him."If you were a rock- I'd pick it up and fling it off a cliff!" I snapped, causing Yangcha to freeze in shock. He stared at me as if I was out of my mind."That's a bit too harsh, don't you think!?" He scoffed with an offended look as he held my wrist over his chest."I wouldn't know you're a rock, so why should I care- Ah! Hey- Ahahaha! Stop it!" I tried to bicker when he suddenly tickled my waist, causing me to screech in shock. I frantically shoved him away and tried to free myself from his grip, but my lower body wouldn't budge. Yangcha chuckled and pulled me back to hold my head firmly against his bare chest, intentionally suffocating me against his firm pecs."How dare you- Ah! Ouch!- Yeobo~!" He gasped, quickly cupping my cheeks to force me away after I bit his hard pecs. I glared at him as the man grunted and rubbed the bite mark on his chest in disbelief."This rock can bite!" I sneered. Yangcha laughed at my grumpy mood and pinched my cheek, making me frown even harder at his unbothered reaction. What's so funny?!"I don't know... why you're claiming to be a rock... but just like your current state... I'll still carry your paralyzed body with me and take you everywhere. I'd wash and feed you every day even if you can't raise your limbs," Yangcha smiled, gently brushing my cheek with a faint smile. I glanced at the bite mark on his chest and back at him. Sighing, I leaned forward to peck the wound as an apology and lifted my face to stare at him again."Even if you decide to abandon me one day... I won't have the ability to get up and chase after you," I dimly muttered. Yangcha smiled, gently interlaced our fingers, and held our hands between our faces over the pillow."I've already sold my soul to you. I'm your shadow. Remember? I can never separate from you," He whispered, gently squeezing my hand. I nodded at his assurance and hugged his chest in defeat."I love you. I love you so much I'm willing to carve out my heart and place it in your palms," Yangcha whispered with his eyes closed as he inhaled my scented hair. I gripped his shoulder with my nose pressed against his honey-tanned skin and calmly absorbed his soothing body warmth.
He's my solace.
_____________________
Fast Forward
I quietly typed on the touch screen while sitting in the wheelchair beside Taehyung's leather seat with a blanket over my lap. We're working in his bedroom. The alpha glanced at me and back to the screen on his laptop before glancing at me again as I chewed the crackers loudly.

"Did you gain weight?" He asked, finally voicing his curiosity. I stopped chewing and looked up at his concerned frown before glancing at the silk gown over my body with my lips pursed."A little. Why?" I shrugged, dismissively glancing away. Taehyung suddenly lowered his gaze to my plump cleavage with a suspicious look. I uneasily swallowed the cracker when he wouldn't stop staring at my breast."Did your boobs get bigger? They appear bigger than usual," He shrugged. Dumfounded. I froze in my seat. Taehyung stared at me with a poker face. What...?"W-Why- are you looking at my boobs!" I gasped, quickly covering my chest in disbelief. That's why he kept glancing at me?!"I told you it looks bigger-""Ah! So weird!" I whined, hastily yanking the silk to hide my cleavage. Is he crazy?!"I don't remember your breast being this plump...? You used to be this size...? Wait. A little bigger...? I'm sure they were smaller...?" He lowly muttered, lowering his intense gaze to his open palms with a slight frown. I scoffed at the crazy man as he tried to guess my breast size while pretending to grope the imaginary boobies with his bizarre clutching gesture. He's a pervert! Why is he pretending to grope my boobs so shamelessly?!

"I gained a little weight, so-""You're not pregnant, are you?" Taehyung suddenly asked, glancing at me again. I immediately pursed my lips with a flustered look. He frowned at my horrified expression... still clutching the imaginary boobies with his empty hands suspended in the air."What-""You're pregnant?!" He gasped, eyes bulging open in disbelief. Taehyung glanced down at my stomach and- back up at me with a terrified look."I didn't say-""The puking! Weight gain! Fatigue and plump breasts!- And your weird glowy energy-" He gasped, widening his eyes- but didn't finish his sentence when I launched forward to cover his mouth."Shhhh! It's a secret!" I snapped while glaring at him. Taehyung gawked at me with his bulging eyeballs and glanced down at my stomach again."You're pregnant?!" He lowered his voice. I uneasily lowered my hand from his mouth and turned to take a sip of water from the mug."Almost two months," I nodded. Taehyung scoffed without tearing his eyes away."Does he know?" Taehyung asked, keenly leaning forward to question me."Yeah. Yangcha took me to the hospital last week," I nodded. Taehyung funnily pulled his hair and turned to frown at the laptop screen. He's bewildered."And you're keeping the baby?" He asked, glancing at me again with his bulging eyeballs. Dumbfounded... I looked up at his startled expression with a grimace."Yeah...?" I replied. He scoffed again, suddenly glaring at the screen in resentment."But you didn't want to keep our baby!" He snapped, turning to glare at me. I pursed my lips as he cutely frowned at me."That's a different situation-""Your mother will go crazy if she knows-""That's why I'm asking you to be quiet!" I smacked his arm. Taehyung frowned at me and glared at his screen again, dramatically covering his mouth. The alpha suddenly rubbed his burning face and leaned back against the armchair in defeat."You're being unfair-""Hey! What do you mean it's unfair?! If you want to have a baby- then marry a woman! She'll give you a baby!" I whined. Taehyung sideway glared at me."That simply?!" He snapped."Oh! All it takes is an egg and a sperm-""You're so annoying!" He snapped, abruptly pushing my face away with his palm. I gasped at his harshness before firing him an offended look as Taehyung lifted his fingers to the keyboard. Click! Clack! Click! Clack! He angrily slapped the buttons in irritation.
The alpha became cranky after he found out about my pregnancy and would nag me about it until we ended up... bickering nonstop over the littlest thing. It's unfair?! We weren't in a position to have a child together! He wanted to marry another woman! And I knew I wasn't secure enough to raise my own child! 
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The Elite Council
Third Person POVThe massive oak door swung open as Jae Yangcha escorted the supreme alpha inside the power ring, finally making their first official appearance together after their marriage. The council shifted their prying eyes to the newlyweds as the automated wheelchair rolled steadily over the carpet floor. Kim Seokjin blankly stared at his former lover as Kim Taehyung strolled in after the couple in his formal suit.Jang Sora eventually shifted her eyes to her mother's blank expression as the cold-blooded ace sat in her seat with an emotionless gaze on her daughter. The supreme alpha tensed her grip on the handrest as she held the fierce eye contact with her blood mother. The culprit behind her tragic inability to move her lower body is no other than the woman she calls her mother.Kim Taehyung sternly strode up the staircase as Jae Yangcha lifted his wife out of the wheelchair and effortlessly carried her lightweight body up the platform to settle her on the first row with a straight face. He patted his suit and finally settled beside his wife. The first-rank alphas scanned the crowd below them with little to no emotions in their gaze.Kim Namjoon glanced at Jung Hoseok, who was tensely staring at their new leader. The alpha glanced at his girlfriend, Kang Minah, who was restlessly staring at the serial killer. Park Jimin dimmed his eyes on Kim Taehyung, who settled in his seat with Chul Sungho, but the Kim's heir didn't bat an eye at the Park's heir and shifted his stern gaze to Min Yoongi. A potential ally.Jang Sora finally shifted her gaze to Jeon Jungkook as he remained seated in his armchair with a stone-cold expression. She hadn't seen him in months... and today... was the half-blood's first appearance after he plunged a deadly bullet inside his cousin. Sora finally averted her blank gaze from the alpha once her husband interlaced his fingers with hers to assure her of his support. The supreme alpha glanced back at the council until the door flung open... and a familiar-looking man strolled inside the room. The supreme alpha immediately stiffened in her seat once she recognized his scruffy beard. The man responsible for her abduction. Yangcha briefly glanced at Sora's shaky fingers over the table and back at the man with a resentful glower as the leader halted by the podium at the base of the venue with his chin raised. The man smirked and glanced in the supreme alpha's direction, causing Ga Aera to freeze in her seat as she darkly anticipated the cult leader's threatening presence."Annyeonghaseyo. I'm Chung Manseok. The late first lady's brother," The man introduced himself to the council."The trial may begin," The moderator announced. The man smirked and switched on the extensive screen with a small remote to display the pictures of Park Bogum's injured state at the hospital."The heir was severely harmed at the hands of the alphas," Manseok nodded at Bogum's bandaged head and limbs in the picture."The society was never aware of Park Bogum's existence," Kim Namjoon calmly denied the society's involvement with Jihyun's secret heir."I initially wanted to attack the alphas from the shadows to seek revenge. But... I realized... there was only one household responsible for the legitimate heir's unfortunate condition. And that is... the supreme alpha and her household," The man shifted his dim eyes to the first rank."We didn't know he existed either," Appa calmly countered the man. He chuckled and glanced at Jae Yangcha."You wanted to see me. Right? Mr. Supreme alpha?" The man nodded at Yangcha, who was unblinkingly staring right back at the man without budging."The supreme alpha is innocent of the crimes. Jang Sora never intended to hurt Park Bogum. It is you... who abducted and tortured her," Yangcha narrowed his eyes on the man."After you abducted the heir-"
Sora's POV
"Park Bogum doesn't have an heir. Stop using the puppet boy to deceive us. The council will not tolerate your devious schemes," Eomma seethed at the man. He chuckled at my mother and clicked on the remote again. Click.I glanced at the screen to find street footage of an empty intersection. My heart thumped in horror once I noticed Park Bogum walking along the sidewalk and crossing the street... just as I chased him. I flinched in a panic... once the car slammed into the drunk man as he defenselessly stood over the crosswalk, sending him tumbling over the asphalt road. The memories... makes me uncomfortable."Jae Yangcha. You knew Park Bogum was the ultimate heir before the others. Am I correct? So you tried to kill the heir?" The man questioned, shifting his gaze to Yangcha again."Oh. I knew you were going to use the scapegoat to stir up disorder within the council, so I figured I should end him early so he wouldn't have a chance to initiate problems," Yangcha shrugged. What? I gripped his hand and looked up at him in surprise. He was the man behind the wheel that night!? He tried to end Park Bogum's life?! It was Yangcha?! Why didn't he ever tell me?! Eomma snapped her deadly glare at Jae Yangcha in irritation."You knew we'd rise one day to seek justice so you've married into the supreme alpha's bloodline to... flee from your crimes with Jang Sora's untouchable power. But did you think... her cold-blood family could save you from the dead supreme alpha's wrath? Park Jihyun and his wife were brutally murdered by the Jangs. You married into a bloodline of killers," The man chuckled, weakly shaking his head at the alpha."The Jang did not murder the supreme alpha! How many times did we-""Yes, you did. You planned a coup to overthrow the supreme alpha the night before he passed," Jungkook suddenly spoke up. My mother halted in horror and fired the third rank a startled look upon his shocking intervention to assist the cult."What are you saying-""It may be unclear how the fire started, but the supreme alpha's door was clamped shut. I was a witness. Someone locked them inside. Right, Sora? You saw it too. Taehyung? You were there," Jungkook smirked as he smugly averted his gaze toward Taehyung and me from across the room. Is he nuts?!"Jeon Jungkook!-""Mrs. Jang killed my birth mother with hallucinating drugs just like she poisoned her own daughter at the wedding. And she used Kim Taehyung to murder his average uncle so she could assemble a powerful alliance. She had everything planned out. The woman exploited her alliances to protect the young supreme alpha," Jeon Jungkook rudely disrupted my mother, causing her face to flash in extreme spite as the half-blood sided with the cult and the society."Aera. How long are you... going to... allow Park Jihyun's betrayal to dictate your greed to attain power? You never favored the first lady after Park Jihyun betrayed you to wed the average woman... and you have been convincing your alliance to abandon the supreme alpha because you claim Park Jihyun... isn't a worthy leader," Jeon Minhyuk, Mr. Jeon suddenly spoke up, causing the Kims to glance at their former ally unsurely. The Jeon is challenging my household!? Is this Jungkook's intention?!"It was the first lady who tried to kill us that night! The fire almost took away the precious lives of the anonymous heirs!" My mother snapped at Mr. Jeon in disbelief as he remained blank in his seat."No. It was the Jang's sole scheme to end the supreme alpha's life with the first lady. That's why you went after my wife and daughter that night and killed them in a staged accident because you were afraid... that they'd be the witnesses to your hot-blooded murder. My wife was your best friend... remember? Bora? You left her and my daughter to die under the winter storm," The man narrowed his eyes on my mother before switching the screen to reveal a completely wrecked truck... flipped on the side of the road by a hill. Eomma's eyes suddenly flashed in dread as she fearfully stared at the photograph. She looked... almost mortified by the accusation."What are you saying!? I d-didn't-""My daughter did not perish in the accident. She saw you that night. The woman... who left her mother and her to die in the car wreck after flipping their truck over. I had to send my daughter abroad and conceal her identity because I was afraid... you'd chase after her," The man smugly smiled at my mother, who was utterly shaken in her seat. What's going on...? Why is eomma suddenly losing herself?"The accident took place over a decade ago. You don't have any evidence to back your accusations," Yangcha defended my mother, who was too terrified to speak. She kept staring at the picture of her dead friend's corpse with a pale face. Did she really kill... her friend...?"But I have living witnesses and all the necessary documents to hold the Jang family accountable for their crimes," The man smirked as he shifted his evil stare to me. I intensely glared at his face without blinking. "The documents. Where is it, Aera? You hid Park Jihyun's asset contracts after the fire. How did you get your hands on his files...? We never knew his hidden safe... but you had the supreme alpha's seal on the document that night," Mr. Jeon questioned. My mother clenched her jaw and glanced at me with a dark frown. Why is she glaring at me?!"We never got our hands on the document! It burnt with the fire!" My father fired his friend a sharp glare."I saw it that night. Aera... hiding the documents with the seal after we returned to safety," Mr. Jeon pressed my mother, whose face turned even paler upon his unexpected confrontation. She nervously glanced at my father as he turned to question her with a restless look."It was your plan to end the supreme alpha and the first lady so you could seize his power. Why would you conceal all the documents... if the assets are legally yours?" Jungkook smirked. My mother clenched his jaw and glared at the half-blood before firing the man a deadly look again. She's muted. That's unlike her. Is it true? I frowned at eomma's strange behavior as she tensed her neck muscles."Bring the documents, Gae Aera. If the supreme alpha's power is rightfully yours... then disclose it to the society. What is there to hide?" Chung Manseok smirked at my mother. My father frowned at my mother's shaken behavior before glancing back at the council as they directed their deadly attention on her.
My mother. She's at a dead end.

How is that possible...? What really happened during the fire night...?

A moment later.
Yangcha steadily steered the wheelchair through the mansion's door after our return from the elite meeting. It didn't end well- My parents immediately rushed home after the Jeon accused my mother of withholding Park Jihyun's original contracts. Yangcha briefly exchanged glances with me as my mother furiously rubbed her face until her skin glowed bright red from the rough friction.It's strange. I've never seen my mother express such an unstable reaction before. Even appa appeared, taken aback by his wife's restlessness. The Jeons and Kims suddenly stormed in after me... so Yangcha quickly drew my wheelchair aside to make space for the households."You had Park Jihyun's asset all along?!" Mrs. Kim frowned at my mother as Taehyung strode in after his mother."Why didn't you disclose it to the society when they asked for evidence!" My father snapped at my mother. She glanced at me again as Jungkook intensely glared at Yangcha. Wait. Appa wasn't aware? Why did eomma keep the documents to herself? What's happening?!"Wae? Are you fools startled now after you refused to renew the contracts?!" Eomma snapped at the alliances."You could've told us-""Why is it my responsibility to ensure your loyalty?! You've chosen to betray my household!" Eomma snapped at Mr. Jeon when he tried to speak. Do-hwan unsurely strolled inside the tense room as the alliances disputed over Park Jihyun's lost contract."If Jang Sora is the rightful heir- then why are you concealing the contract?!" Jungkook impatiently seethed at my mother- SLAP!Taehyung widened his eyes at my mother's sudden outburst and glanced at me with a startled look as I gripped my hands over my lap after the woman struck the half-blood with all her might. Jungkook scoffed in disbelief upon receiving the harsh blow to his face."You ungrateful piece of shit! I should have left you to rot with your fucking mother that night! How dare you expose the household affairs to the council?! Did you think backstabbing the alliance would make you the best man in the game!? Outrageous!" She sneered, angrily glowering at the alpha with her face tilted upward. Jungkook shifted his burning pupils to glare at my mother as the bright handprint appeared on his cheek. I understand... that he's upset over my household affair, but why did he recklessly expose the households? It'll put us all in danger."You tried to kill me! You convinced my father to fucking run me over with a truck! You're the fucking devil!- What!? I should be grateful!? Because you spared my life?! When was my life ever yours to control!?" Jungkook bellowed at my mother's fuming face, causing her to glow bright red from the rising blood pressure in her face. Jungkook's temples pulsated intensely as he challenged my mother to fierce eye contact without dropping his deadly gaze."An average blood like you is born to curse the society! You bring destruction-""Stop it with your crazy obsession with Park Jihyun! Where is the contract, Aera!?! The society will seize the Jang's assets if you fail to deliver proof! The council will devour Park Chulseok's power because of your greed!" Mr. Jeon seethed, suddenly stepping toward my raging mother as Mrs. Jeon gently tugged her stepson backward."Hah! You fools fled-" My mother laughed like a madman but abruptly halted when Jungkook angrily jerked his hand from his stepmother's grip to snap something at my face. I froze in shock... as Jeon Jungkook... firmly directed... a gun barrel... at my head. He didn't look a me but glared at my mother as I remained... paralyzed by his shocking aggression."WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Yangcha roared, angrily stepping forward just as Do-hwan blocked the gun with his body to form a barrier between me and Jeon Jungkook."Bring the fucking contracts, or I'll fucking murder all four of the Jang- ARH?!-" Jungkook hastily shoved Do-hwan aside with his raging glare on me- Smack! The half-blood violently toppled backward when Jae Yangcha swiftly... pounced forward... with his sharpened claws and roughly kicked the gun out of Jungkook's wrist, causing me to flinch in shock. My husband furiously thrust the half-blood aside until Jungkook lost his balance- and stumbled over the polished tiles in bewilderment.Jeon Jungkook grunted in irritation while regaining his balance over the floor and suddenly bolted towards the wild Jarguar- who effortlessly seized Jungkook's aggressive punch and tried to strike Jungkook with his balled fists- Snatch! Taehyung unexpectedly yanked his cousin by his back collar and shoved Yangcha away to break the fight."ENOUGH!" Taehyung bellowed but the half-blood refused to back down and hastily shoved his cousin aside before dashing towards Yangcha with flaring nostrils... determined to challenge the wild beast with his egotistical pride. The elders gasped in a panic while backing away as Yangcha took the blinding kick to his jaw. Thump!"Yangcha!-" I shrieked and tried to roll my wheelchair forward as he weakly stumbled onto the couch, but Do-hwan firmly held me back. Jungkook sneered and stormed toward Yangcha, who snapped his furious glower at the half-blood and launched at him with his fists clenched. They'll kill each other at this rate!Jungkook swiftly dodged Yangcha's deadly strike and kicked the alpha square in the chest again, sending my husband crashing onto the couch. Gasp! I whimpered in distress as Do-hwan firmly held my forearm. Yangcha will lose himself to his darkness if Jungkook keeps provoking him like this! The silent killer fumed in extreme irritation upon the repeated blows to his body until Jungkook snatched Yangcha's collar and attempted to strike him again- SMACK."URGH!" Jungkook painfully groaned when Yangcha slammed his forehead into the half-head, sending him staggering to the side upon the deadly collision."The audacity to direct your gun at my fucking wife!" Yangcha growled, angrily towering over Jungkook with his baring fangs. Snatch! My mother gasped and stumbled to the side as Jungkook violently swung the flower vase at Yangcha, who immediately shielded himself with his rock-hard forearm- CRASH! The ceramic shattered all over the floor without scratching the Jarguar.Jeon Jungkook frantically snatched a shard from the ground and dashed forward... but Yangcha swiftly dodged to the side and tried to headlock Jungkook, who suddenly swept the Jaguar off his feet. Thump!Yangcha tumbled onto the floor just as Jungkook aggressively launched forward again- roughly stapling the silent killer with his knees as he angrily raised the deadly shard above his head- causing my heart to thump in fright. Yangcha grunted in discomfort. Swift! Taehyung immediately captured his cousin's arm just as Jungkook swung the pointy edge toward Yangcha's exposed throat."Fuck! What's the matter with you?!" Taehyung seethed, angrily beating his cousin with his clenched fist. Smack! Jungkook groaned and rolled to the side, so Yangcha quickly sat up and suddenly scrambled towards Jeon Jungkook with the shard he snatched from the floor. Taehyung gasped at the commotion- attempting to block the wild beast... but Yangcha effortlessly dodged Taehyung and swung his forearm with the piercing shard... aimed right at Jungkook's neck... just as the half-blood rose from the floor- THUMP!I covered my mouth in horror when Do-hwan suddenly swung his solid body between the alphas, causing the broken ceramic to sink deep... into his upper chest. Yangcha flinched in a panic after he accidentally stabbed the chief guard."FUCKING FOOLS!" Taehyung roughly punched Yangcha in the face, sending the alpha toppling backward. I shrieked in fear as my husband collapsed onto the floor with a bleeding nose.Do-hwan clutched the puncture wound over his chest with a stern scowl until he noticed Jungkook scrambling back onto his feet, so he roughly swung his elbow backward at half-blood's face- Thump! Jungkook gasped in shock upon receiving the blunt blow and suddenly dropped to the floor with his hands clasped over his broken nose as the elders stood on the sides with dreadful looks.My chief guard clenched his jaw in irritation, seized Jeon Jungkook by his collar, and roughly dragged the half-blood out of the mansion as Yangcha slowly regained his balance with his murderous glare on Jeon Jungkook's back, who was thrashing within the guard's clutch to free himself. I gripped my hands in fear as Yangcha glanced... at the handgun beneath the couch with a dark frown. No-! He suddenly jerked forward."YANGCHA!" I screamed, swiftly shoving my body off the wheelchair in an attempt to snatch the gun on the floor. Yangcha's eyes widened in shock as I fell off the seat- so he wildly jerked forward to grab my body instead. Thump!I slammed hard into his solid body, gripping his shoulder weakly as he supported me with a startled look, so I whimpered and clung to his neck with a racing heart. He'll kill with the gun! Taehyung glanced in my direction anxiously, so I signaled him toward the floor... until Taehyung noticed the barrel beneath the couch."Are you okay?!" Yangcha gasped, distracted by my collapse.The evil haze within his pupils suddenly subsided as he gently sat me back in the wheelchair while inspecting my body for signs of discomfort. Taehyung quickly strode forward to snatch the gun off the floor and intensely stared at the bloody trials on the reflective tiles. Do-hwan is mildly injured."Leave! Now!" Taehyung sneered at the Jeons, who remained frozen by the couch.The elders clenched their jaws at his demand and stormed off after Jeon Jungkook, who was being escorted out of the mansion. The Kims huffed at the commotion and stormed off toward their side of the property in discontent... leaving me with the heirs and my parents. Shit. The households can't fall apart like this!"Jae Yangcha!" My mother shrieked, making me flinch in a panic. Yangcha unsurely shifted his attention to eomma while crouching before my wheelchair."Eomma-""I need you to tame Kim Seokjin with his lost power," My mother narrowed her dark gaze on the alpha, causing Kim Taehyung to frown at her absurd request."What?-""I want you to form a dual power with the cult-""Eomma! You can't sacrifice-""He'll do it if he loves you!" She angrily snapped her flaming pupils at me until appa glanced at her with a concerned frown, so I gripped Yangcha's hand as he stared at my mother and glanced back at me with a conflicted look. Why is she hiding Park Jihyun's documents?! Yangcha shouldn't be involved with our past household affair- so why is she using him as a shield to oppose the council and the cult?!"Eomma! I don't need him to give up his power-""It's his sole decision to marry into our family! So he must fulfill his duty and protect the household with his life!" She snapped back, causing my lips to part in horror. Why is she like this...? How can she simply demand a sacrifice...? Just because I'm wedded to Yangcha? I blinked at Yangcha's darkened frown until a warm tear stream spilled from my eyes. How is she so greedy...?"He might die if you use his power to suppress the cult-""So!? He shouldn't hesitate to die for you-""THAT'S NONSENSE!- WHY WOULD ANYONE DIE IN THE NAME OF LOVE!? THAT'S FUCKING STUPID! EOMMA!- I KNOW YOU'RE HEARTBROKEN OVER YOUR PAST LOVER! I KNOW HE BETRAYED YOU FOR ANOTHER WOMAN- BUT JUST BECAUSE YOUR LOVE LIFE FAILED- IT DOESN'T MEAN ALL MEN SHOULD DIE FOR THEIR LOVERS! YOU'RE TOO GREEDY!" I screamed at her in pain.
Why?! Why?! Why is she unleashing her wrath on innocent people around her?! Why is she bleeding on everyone over a man who's not worth her concern!? My mother is a beautiful woman! I know she used to be a pure soul, and it was Park Jihyun's grave mistake to take her for granted- But do I really deserve to endure the expenses of her heartbreak as well!?
"Sora, it's fine. I'll handle the case-""No! Are you out of your mind!?- I won't let her exploit you! I've had enough of your bullshit, mother! My lover isn't a pawn in your game!- I might've been foolish before!- I might've let you exploit my past lovers as discardable pawns to shield your household! And I was a fucking stupid person for letting you ruin me and my relationships! But I won't let you have it your way anymore! I WILL NOT LET YOU PIERCE ME WITH YOUR PATHETIC BROKEN HEART!" I shrieked in distress when Yangcha tried to calm my erupting emotions.My mother fired me a sharp glare until appa took a deep breath and strolled away in frustration. She should be sorry for my father! He's been by her side all his life to support her- and yet she's stubbornly dwelling on Park Jihyun- A dead man?!- By allowing the cheater to dictate her soul?! Does it make sense?!-! For her to torment her friends and families over that fucking douchebag!? "He provoked the cult first! Jae Yangcha!- It was your plan to trigger the cult so they'd rise and attack us! It was your scheme so you could return as the hero in Jang Sora's life and marry the supreme alpha! You're the reason we're at risk of being devoured by the society and cult- so you must bear all the deadly outcomes of your fucking acts!" She demanded."And then what? If he makes the first move... to shield the household with his power... he will not survive," Taehyung calmly stared at my mother."And so... he will perish at the consequences of initiating a war he can't fight," Eomma sneered, glaring fiercely at Yangcha's ashen face. He clenched my hands and glanced at me in tears."N-Noona- I didn't mean-" Yangcha tried to explain himself, but I shoved him aside and slowly slid off the wheelchair. Thump. Yangcha gasped, attempting to support my frail body... but I pushed his hand away and weakly knelt on the floor in tears. I sobbed in pain as my mother frowned at me."I'm pregnant," I whispered while staring at my mother's fuming red face with a pleading look. The woman frowned at me... blood suddenly draining from her face. Maybe she'll soften for me if she knows I'm bearing her future bloodline. If she doesn't want me... at least... she'll have mercy on the innocent soul."W-what...?" She scoffed, darkening her expression on my pitiful condition as I knelt at her feet."I'm sure you loved me when I was in your womb. Right? Oh? Eomma- it's okay if you don't love me now- but you did love me when I was in your womb, right? That's why you carried me for nine months and gave birth to me? Because I was worthy of being brought to life-? Can't you spare me some sympathy? Just for once...? Oh? I'm in pain, eomma~! I know you love me!" I whimpered, weakly gripping her feet as the messy tears streamed over my face."Please- Just let me live for once! Just once! I'm carrying his child right now!- I'll give birth to the Jang's bloodline as you wished!- Eomma! I'm begging you! Please- spare me and Yangcha!- It doesn't matter if he provoked the war! It doesn't matter if he played dirty to return to me! I love him! And I want to live on with him and my- child! Nothing you say now will waver me from abandoning him! So- just this once!- Please- bless us! Please!- Eomma!" I cried in desperation until I felt my chest wrenching in anguish."I don't want to be a disappointment in your eyes! I'm trying desperately- and- I'm terribly sorry for being a burden in your life! I'm sorry for existing! And I'm sorry for wasting nine months of your life!- Jebal-! All I want is for you to have mercy on me! You don't have to love me! You don't have to cradle me! But- Please- just let me- live happily! Just this once! The child can't live without a father!" I begged, pathetically sobbing with an aching heart while rubbing my hands together until the slimy snot... dripped from my clogged nostrils.Taehyung stood by the side with a sullen look as I whimpered in distress and lowered my head to the floor... desperately begging my mother for mercy. Yangcha sat on the floor beside me with his swelling pupils upon witnessing my wretched state, so I shakily lifted my face to find my mother staring at me with her usual... stone-cold... gaze. How is it possible for her... to feel absolutely nothing at the sight of her own daughter's pitiful whimpers and desperate pleas? How is it possible for a mother to glare at her child without a hint of affection!?"Just like me... you'll regret bringing that child to life," She replied, coldly turning around and strode off. I whimpered and lowered my head in despair as she left without another word. Taehyung rubbed his face and walked off in defeat, leaving me alone with Yangcha, who stared at my unstable condition with a troubled expression."I'll beg her again-" I whispered, lifting my torn gaze to Yangcha's discouraged frown. Why did I let our love bloom when there were so many obstacles in our life...? I feel so sorry. Yangcha lowered his gaze to my stomach and backed up at me in tears."I'm sorry, noona. I'm so sorry for breaking your heart," He whispered while staring at me in difficulty until his lips trembled. He sniffled and quickly rubbed the tears from his eyes as I stared at the bruises on his face. How are we so helpless...?"Y- Yangcha- you can't- I don't want to raise a baby without a father- I'm begging you! I can't go through another depressing ending! I don't want to slit my wrist again! I don't want to bleed for love! I don't want to suffer from the agonizing heartbreak again! I'm too weak- Baby please- I'm begging you-" I choked in fear until my body vibrated out of control but was cut short when he suddenly pulled me into a crushing hug. I won't let my mother sacrifice him! I wailed in distress and gripped his shoulders as he firmly held onto my head."I won't leave you. I promise. We'll raise our child together. Okay? I'll live for you," Yangcha pulled away to stare at my tearful eyes, reassuring me with his promise. I whimpered and lowered my face in distress, so he gently took my hands until I lifted my puffy eyes to gaze at his pained expression."I'm scared- I'm really scared-""I'll be right here. Okay...? I need you to stay strong right now... because our baby won't feel well... if its mother is hurting like this," Yangcha firmly gripped my hands, causing the swelling tears to flood my numbed cheeks. I nodded in agreement and lowered my head to press my face against his chest as he tightened his clutch around my broken soul.
We have to live for each other. Only then... can we love.
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Third Person POV
Min Yoongi adjusted the cuffs on his sleeves as he stood at a high-end restaurant with his parents, who were busy speaking with the Kims until the alpha noticed a familiar face strolling into the dining hall. Jae Yangcha carried a pretty flower bouquet in his arms and disappeared into the hushed dining space. Yoongi curiously walked forward to peek inside the hushed room as the wealthy customers chatted over their fancy meals."Yangcha," A woman quickly stood up to greet the alpha. Yoongi unsurely frowned at the jaguar's involvement with the unfamiliar lady."How is Sora doing...?" Yoongi muttered, briefly glancing at Taehyung who was chatting with a secretary."She's fine. Why?" Taehyung replied, walking forward to stand in the doorway but halted once he found Yangcha drawing the chair back to sit at the dining table with a pretty lady. She brightly beamed at him, causing Taehyung to frown at the alpha.

"I didn't know... her husband would offer flowers to another woman?" Yoongi dimmed his eyes as the high-ranking alphas watched their suspicious interaction from the doorway. Taehyung glanced at his watch uneasily and lifted his face to stare at the alpha again. He didn't understand why the man was at the restaurant instead of being at home with pregnant his wife."She's home alone...?" Taehyung grunted, darting the alpha an uptight frown. Yoongi immediately grabbed Taehyung's arm to hold him back when the alpha tried to confront the silent killer."No-""Why would he see another woman while his pregnant wife is home-""She's here too," Yoongi shook his head and nodded to the corridor. Taehyung clenched his jaw and glanced to the side until he noticed Sora.. rolling in their direction in her wheelchair with neatly tied back hair. He frowned at her presence and glanced back at Jae Yangcha, who was cluelessly chatting with the waiter at the dining table."Oh-? Taehyung! Yoongi!" Sora brightly waved at them. Yoongi smiled at the supreme alpha after he released Taehyung's arm."What are you doing here?" Taehyung asked her unsurely."Yangcha is meeting a friend, so he asked me to come along since he didn't want me to stay home alone," Sora beamed at Taehyung. Yoongi glanced at the noticeable baby bump under her knee-length dress."How's the baby?" Yoongi smiled at her."The doctor claims my baby is very healthy~!" She giggled. Taehyung studied her joyful mood with unsettled feelings before glancing at her husband again."Yeobo," Yangcha suddenly called once he noticed her chatting with the alphas. Kim Taehyung clenched his jaw as Yangcha rose from his seat to approach her."You should've escorted her yourself. What were you thinking, letting her wander alone?" Taehyung lifted his thick eyebrow to disapprove of the alpha's carelessness."Aigo~! It's fine! Do-hwan dropped me off! He's still upset with me, but the man showed up himself... to bring me here~!" Sora assured Taehyung as she held onto Yangcha's hand. The Jaguar sorely glanced at Min Yoongi and steered his wife's wheelchair away without greeting the alphas."I thought their relationship was just another temporary game but... she's carrying his child...?" Yoongi sorely muttered with a dim gaze on the couple. Yangcha steered his wife's wheelchair towards their reserved table as she happily chatted with him while wiggling her body in extreme contentment."He might exhibit psychotic tendencies at times, but he takes great care of her," Taehyung shrugged, bitterly turning around to watch his parents speak in the corridor."I heard her mother expelled her from the mansion? How is she so lively?" Yoongi worriedly mumbled with his arms crossed over his chest."Her mother wants her to abort the child. Sora defied her order, so she's living without her mother's support. The heartless woman suspended the supreme alpha's financial support," Taehyung muttered."Jae Yangcha is a powerful alpha in the council. Sora will still survive with her husband's support. What about you? Jeon Jungkook isn't on good terms with her, and your household has broken off from the Jang. Why are you still by her side?" Yoongi questioned. Taehyung folded his arms and released a deep exhale with his vacant gaze on his former lover."I don't trust Jae Yangcha. Sora is most vulnerable when she's in love... so it's best if I stand by her side. Just in case the psycho loses his shit," Taehyung shrugged. Min Yoongi nodded and placed his hands in his pockets as he thought about the supreme alpha's complicated relationship with an allegedly past killer.
Meanwhile.
"I got the flowers for you on my way from work," Yangcha smiled, placing the pretty bouquet on his wife's lap as she beamed at Minhee, who was sorely eyeing the supreme alpha's cheeky grin."I didn't know you'd also invited your wife," Minhee glanced at Yangcha and at the baby bump under Sora's dress. The woman is dissatisfied with the supreme alpha's presence. "My wife gets sick easily because of her pregnancy, so I have to be by her side after work hours, but you insisted that we speak properly in person. I had no choice but to bring her with me. What is it that you want to speak about?" Yangcha asked, dismissively glancing at the woman as she intensely stared at the supreme alpha. The waiter placed a plate of grilled lamb chops before Yangcha, so he lifted the knife to slice the meat with the fork's assistance to prevent the chunk from sliding over the plate."Ah. I hoped to speak with you in private, so this is a bit unexpected-""My wife won't mind, so you can freely speak," Yangcha encouraged the woman when she insisted on speaking with him alone."Should I leave the room for a moment?" Sora unsurely glanced at her husband as she hugged the flower bouquet on her lap."No. I don't want you out of my sight," Yangcha shook his head and lifted the chewable piece of meat to his wife's lips. She opened her mouth to accept the food, so he gently fed her. The woman uneasily glanced back and forth between the couple... appearing somewhat agitated with their close bond.

"I guess... you'll have a difficult time caring for your wife... since she's unable to do much with her legs," The woman weakly smiled as she ate from her plate."She's not that difficult to care for. She's a precious soul. I wake up knowing I'm the luckiest man every day to have her by my side," Yangcha chuckled while chewing the juicy texture, causing his wife's face to flush red. Sora lightly smacked his forearm, causing the woman to grimace at the supreme alpha's childish behavior. Yangcha winked at his wife and sliced the meat again."The Jae Yangcha I know used to be a very shy and timid kid," Minhee nodded."He was! Really cute when we first met!" Sora cluelessly nodded. Minhee glanced at Yangcha and back at Sora."Anyways. Sora-shi. I heard you're working with Kim Taehyung, right? The fintech corp my father invested in before he passed," Minhee curiously asked."Oh. Neh. I'm his assistant," Sora nodded uneasily."He's your former lover, right? How generous of him to keep you by his side. I heard you get along well. The staff at the corporation actually thinks you're his secret lover," She teased. Yangcha suddenly stiffened and glanced at the woman with a questioning frown."They grew up together. Kim Taehyung is fond of her-""Right? That's why he chose her banana bread over all the other classic desserts. Everyone knows he favors her the most. He keeps her in his office all day and would ask the secretary to run the errands because he didn't want to trouble her," Minhee giggled. Yangcha straightened his back and gently fed his wife with a blank expression."Ah. It's because I can't walk these days-""He's a charming man, really. It's rare for a man to care for his former lover like this. He even took you to his private Hanok, right? How sweet~!" She giggled. Yangcha suddenly averted his dark gaze to Minhee, who wouldn't stop praising Kim Taehyung."Ah. Kim Taehyung was there to meet a few women because his mother wanted him to consider marriage," Sora explained with a faint smile."Right. But your boss didn't select anyone? Wae? Because they can't replace you? A woman like you is rare~!" She agreed. Yangcha suddenly swallowed the chunk in his mouth without chewing... sideways glancing at his wife... who was forcing a smile at his so-called friend. They were both uncomfortable with the woman."Why do you want to see me?" Yangcha cleared his throat to divert the topic with a dull stare at Minhee. She smiled and smugly drank from her wine glass."Well. I'm here to investigate my father's death because my younger sister and mother are incapable of handling the case. It would be helpful if Sora worked with me because she was there at the hotel too-""Why would my wife help you assist your investigation? The case is closed," Yangcha frowned at the woman, suddenly tensing up in his seat. Sora quickly glanced at his firm grip on the table knife with a restless feeling."There's something sketchy about the case. I suspect... my father was murdered to cover an affair," She shrugged, lowering her eyes to the plate."An affair?" Sora unsurely stared at the woman."I heard Kim Taehyung ordered to seal the crime scene. I suspect my father probably... witnessed... something he shouldn't have seen and was unfortunately silenced. Perhaps. Kim Taehyung had an affair with a woman? After all, he's a very private man and possessive as well. I don't quite believe in the reports regarding his suicide because no one really knows... what happened that day... and I don't in fact... believe the words of the witnesses because... anyone can tell lies to deceive others... to get away with their crimes," Minhee shrugged. Yangcha frowned at his friend's suspicion as Sora pursed her lips in fright. The couple didn't speak afterward... but watched the woman with a sore expression... as she happily ate from her plate.__________________________
Fast Forward
Sora's POV
I honestly expected a terrifying pregnancy journey because not everyone is pleased with my determination... to conceive a killer's spawn. The society fears Jae Yangcha. Therefore, no one had the guts to provoke him... and because of that... I was able to live for a while without being bothered. Yangcha told me he'd handle the council and the cult. He told me to rest... and unexpectedly... he managed to silence everyone without much effort.

Even my very own mother is muted on the matter.

Motherhood is the very... thing I feared the most because I thought I couldn't protect my children but with Yangcha's presence? I was more than safe by his side. I don't regret marrying him, even if there was a slight bump at the beginning of our marriage.

He's a good man. Still is and will always be the best to me.

Eomma had suspended her support because she's against the pregnancy, so I'm living off the monthly wages I earn from working with Taehyung. I prayed for her mercy, but being the heartless woman she is. My mother closed the mansion's door on me, and I was told to live separately because she couldn't handle seeing me anymore. My father tried to convince eomma to let me stay with them so I could get proper medical care from our personal medics, but she rejected his request and banished me and my baby.

Yangcha and I had no choice but to move back into my penthouse.

Kim Taehyung finally allied with Min Yoongi after he left our alliance, but he never left my side. We remained on good terms, and he was strangely considerate of my pregnancy. He'd pick me up and drop me off as always before and after my work hours to ensure my safety... so we spent about three days a week together... and I spent the remaining days resting at the penthouse.
I blinked out of my thoughts as I nervously directed my wheelchair through the mansion door. The once lively space is now dark and vacant. The maids weren't as busy anymore since most elders had left to deal with their personal household affairs.
The Kims and The Jeons are rarely home after they abandoned my mother, so my parents are the only ones behind the walls. I can feel it... eomma's coldness... plaguing the atmosphere within the mansion. The place is depressing... and I'm already beginning to suffocate from the invisible haze of evil that attaches itself to the cursed place. 
"Have I not made it clear... that I don't want to see you again?" Eomma asked as she strolled down the staircase in her golden silk robe with her arms crossed over her chest."I brought the marriage documents. I wish to discuss the inheritance files," I lifted the files on my lap. Eomma stopped at the base of the staircase and dimly stared at my unwelcoming presence."I'm not signing as a witness-""Eomma! All I'm asking is-""No. You have failed your own household. You chose the killer over your alliances, so bear the consequences," Eomma firmly cut me off. I pursed my lips while staring at her wrinkled smile lines before glancing down at my file with an aching heart."If you don't want to approve of my marriage- At least be lenient with your grandchildren. The child is innocent," I begged, lifting my tearful gaze to her again. Eomma shifted her dull gaze to my baby bump under my dress and back at me."The child is not my blood. I will never let a cursed child inherit the Jang's status even if you fall to your knees and beg for my sympathy," Eomma coldly stared at me. I gripped the file and glanced down at my baby bump in difficulty."Why do you despise me so much?" I whispered, weakly lifting my tearful gaze to my cold-blooded mother. The woman sorely scanned my pained expression without a hint of concern."Because you remind me of a person I despise. And that is me. I was once just like you. Gullible. I desperately tried to help you avoid walking on the path I took, but you're headstrong... so live the life you've always desired. I've given you everything... hoping you'd save yourself... but you stubbornly chose your failing fate. So live it and don't complain to me," Eomma dimmed her eyes."Can you at least secure my child's future? Just enough for the child to live well? I'm not asking for much," I requested with an aching heart."The only life I'm responsible for is yours. If you want your life back... then abort the child, and I'll consider helping you. Don't burden your fertilized egg and sperm on me. You should've thought it through when you welcomed that disgraceful psycho between your legs," Mother exhaled and coldly strode down the dark corridor without another word, leaving me alone in the living room.I rubbed away the warm tears from my cheeks and glanced at the gloomy sky through the high arch window with a discouraged frown. How can she be so insensitive to anyone's feelings but herself? She's the reason... I can't walk, but I never confront her about it! She wrecked my life. And yet I never complained and lived the life she always wanted me to live! The only thing I insisted on was to love a man I truly desired!
She couldn't have Park Jihyun! Is that why she's never pleased to see me happy with the man I love?!

A moment later.
Choi Do-hwan lifted his dark gaze to me from his desk as imo pushed the wheelchair inside his office. The man glanced at his men in the department and quickly tinted the office glass wall for privacy as I nervously gripped the handrest. Imo pushed me toward his desk. The woman sighed and sat on the chair beside mine before glancing at Do-hwan's stern expression."What do you want?" The man dawdled. Imo took the file from my hand and placed it before the man."She needs two witnesses on the marriage license," Imo nervously stared at Do-hwan. The man glanced at the imo's signature and at the other empty witness space on the file with a poker face."I'm a worthless peasant-""P-Please. I'm really sorry," I begged. The man intensely stared at my pink nose and glanced at the paper in frustration."Do-hwan. Our young lady is pregnant. You might not favor Yangcha, but he's been good to her... all these times. You and I... we both want the best for her so... let's... do this for her. Oh?" Imo frowned at the man. He clenched his jaw and leaned back against his chair with his disappointed gaze on me, so I gripped the file and stared at him apologetically until he released a deep sigh and signed as the witness to my marriage."Leave," Do-hwan ordered, coldly shoving the file toward me and spun his chair to work on his desktop. Imo grimaced at the man's rude behavior and collected the files to hand them back to me. I smiled at her as she warmly patted my hand with an encouraging smile."Bear a healthy baby, okay? Whatever you need. Just ask me. I'll send the guards and the maids to deliver everything you need. Okay?" Imo sadly rubbed the tear streaks on my cheeks. I pouted at the tender strokes and nodded at her heartwarming gesture until more tears flooded my face. The woman sadly pulled me into a warm hug, so I clenched onto her shirt with my face pressed against her shoulder.
I'm pregnant with my husband's child... yet they call me a disgrace... and label me as a traitor.

How can they call my baby a monster... when the child is made out of love between me and my lover? How can the world reject a young soul before it's even born...? Why is our existence... a crime?

The world is too cruel.
_______________________
Fast Forward

Days... weeks... and months... went by as I watched my flat stomach grow before the rising and setting sun until I was plumped with a fully grown fetus inside me. My morning sickness is frequent, but it is bearable. And my legs? Still helpless. Maybe I'll be paralyzed forever. I don't know. Yangcha promised he'd register me at the paralysis center to help me walk again after I delivered our baby. But in the meantime... he asked me to focus on caring for myself and our child.
"What is he doing...?" I grumbled, lowering his phone from my face as I lay in bed with the blanket over my baby bump.Yangcha took a day off today to stay home with me, but he's been doing god knows what outside the bedroom. I heard him walking back and forth and loud clatters... but had no idea what he was doing. Sighing, I grabbed a snack from the nightstand and chewed it with my gaze fixed on the ceiling. He prepared the snacks and drinks... so I don't have to move around when I'm hungry."Jagi~?" I called, unsurely turning my head toward the closed door. He didn't reply. Is he doing house chores again? Yangcha is in charge of everything inside the house. He vacuums the space. Mops the floor. Does the laundry. Cook meals for me. Fold the clothes. Wipe the windows, and he goes grocery shopping alone for fresh ingredients."Yeobo~!" I whined, slightly raising my voice to call for him as I remained on my stiff back over the mattress. Creak. The door immediately opened and Yangcha poked his head inside to check on me."What's the matter? Do you need to pee?" He asked unsurely. I pouted at him."I don't want to lay in bed all day," I whined. I've been very moody lately because of my pregnancy. Yangcha chuckled and strolled inside the room in his gray sweatpants and white shirt to lift me off the bed."I thought you were sleeping," He smiled, turning to carry me out of the room as I clutched onto his phone. The alpha settled me on the couch in the tidy living room before returning to our bedroom to grab my snacks and drink. He placed the bowl beside me as I tapped the phone screen to resume the game."What are you doing? You've got flour on your cheek," I glanced at the smudge on his cheek as he pulled a blanket over my lap and leaned forward to kiss my cheek. The alpha drew away, so I gently rubbed the flour from his face."I'm making your favorite honey sweet rice cake," He responded while crouching before the couch with a weak smile."You could've just bought it from the market," I pouted at him."You always complain the texture isn't chewy enough whenever I got it for you, so I purchased a recipe. I'll make it for you instead," He smiled. He's warming my heart again."It's just my pregnancy cravings," I shrugged. Yangcha took my hands in his and smiled warmly at my guilty pout."So? It's my duty as your husband to please my darling wife. Right? I have to feed my wife and our baby," He patted my baby bump.I giggled and smiled at him, so Yangcha stood up and kissed my forehead before strolling off to work in the kitchen as I played on his phone... but I eventually felt restless again... so I tossed his phone away, turned on the couch to rest my chin on the headrest and quietly watched my husband fan the steam over the pot. It's weird. The pregnancy makes me crave his presence twenty-four hours a week and I get easily grumpy if he doesn't offer me all of his attention."Baby!" I shrieked. He quickly snapped his head in my direction with a startled look."What's wrong?" Yangcha asked, carefully closing the lid to seal the steam."Can I sit in the kitchen?" I asked."It's a bit humid in here-""I don't want to sit alone!" I whined, pouting at him. Yangcha washed his hands and walked toward me with a faint smile."You're a bit whiny lately~ Aigo~! Let's go~! You precious thing~!" Yangcha chuckled, effortlessly picking me off the couch and carried me in his strong arms. I giggled and hugged his neck like a little child."Counter! I want to sit on the counter!" I demanded until he settled me on the kitchen counter. I brightly beamed as he helped me dangle my legs from the platform.

"I made the first batch. Taste it for me," Yangcha handed me a plate of colorful tteok. I quickly plopped the pink rice cake inside my mouth and chewed it with my eyebrows furrowed to scrutinize the flavor as Yangcha keenly anticipated my reaction."Hmmm...!" I nodded at him with an approving smile, slightly widening my eyes while tasting the burst of sweetness inside my mouth."So? Did I get it right?" He asked, unsurely watching me chew his cake."More honey. Sweeter," I finally replied after swallowing the first tteok before picking up a sage green rice cake to plop in my mouth again."Aigo~ Why are you making your mother eat so much sweets~?" Yangcha poked my belly and strode off with a smug smile. I giggled and ate the remaining rice cakes as he made the next batch over the stove."Did your friend contact you again?" I asked curiously."No. I told Minhee I didn't want to see her anymore," Yangcha shrugged with his back turned to me as I sat on the counter with the plate over my lap. I glanced down at my paralyzed legs and tried to wiggle my toes again... but they wouldn't budge... so I sighed and glanced at Yangcha again as he stirred the sugary honey syrup in the pan. I can't force myself to wiggle my toes or I'll get the urge to pee from the strain."Are you really not upset about what she said? It's understandable that she's still suspicious of her father's death, but I've really told you the entirety of the truth," I nervously muttered. Yangcha seemed a bit suspicious after he heard Minhee's claim... but he never confronted me about it."I believe you. She can say whatever. I don't care. I saw the bruises on your body, and I'm sure you won't feel comfortable around Kim Taehyung if he was the person to inflict the wounds on your body," Yangcha replied while adjusting the heat. I nodded."You're sensible. I thought you'd doubt me," I replied while munching on the sweet rice cakes. Yangcha chucked as he approached me again and pressed his hands on the marble counter to trap my body between his strong arms."I trust you. We're happily married and you're pregnant with our baby, so that's all that matters. Don't stress your mind over unnecessary things. You know I'm a reasonable man," He assured. I fed him a rice cake, so he chewed it and leaned forward to hold me in a comforting embrace. He's such a lovely gentleman. I gently grazed the scar on his scalp with my chin fitted over his shoulder until he kissed my ear and gently lowered his hand to rub my sore back.

"What about the cult?" I asked, pulling away from Yangcha with a worried look."I've offered dual power security with them to attain peace with the cult as your mother requested. Your mother did not respond to the case, so I'll handle it. Don't worry. They should be satisfied," Yangcha shrugged. I frowned at him."They might seize your power," I mumbled worriedly. Dual power isn't the best alternative to suppress the cult because the Black Phoenix might abuse his power. No one knows why eomma is refusing to address the issue despite possessing Park Jihyun's contract. Maybe... the cult was right. She seized the power from her former lover... and I was never the rightful heir...?"Kim Seokjin won't let me fall because my power is his power... so he'll never let the cult overtake the council," Yangcha replied as he turned to open the pot's lid again."Baby, can I borrow 100,000 won?" I muttered. Yangcha turned to look at me with a questioning look."Moh? Borrow?- Wae?" He asked, walking up to me again and gently tucked the loose strands behind my ears."I'm broke. Taehyung makes me pay for his coffee sometimes, so I need cash in my purse," I shyly explained while fidgeting with my fingers before looking up at Yangcha in embarrassment. He frowned at my flustered face, so I pursed my lips anxiously and pouted at his muteness. I didn't know money was this precious... until my mother suspended my credit cards."Is he not paying you? Why isn't he covering his own expenses?" Yangcha grimaced."It's just pocket money. I'll pay you back once I get my paycheck. Oh? Yeobo~!" I softly whine while gripping his forearm. He didn't respond and stared at my puppy gaze in silence so I pouted and pecked his lisp repeatedly to soften him. "And where did all your money go?" Yangcha asked, suspiciously narrowing his gaze on me. I swallowed and glanced away awkwardly."I saved all of it in a separate account," I muttered, lowering my gaze to my hands."Why?" He pressed, sternly staring at me with his hands pressed over the counter."Well... I wanted... to save some funds for our child," I shrugged, nervously looking at him again. Yangcha appeared a bit baffled and searched my face unsurely."Fund for our child...?- Sora, what?" He repeated, funnily scoffing at me. I flushed red and shrugged at his confusion. He doesn't approve...?"Ah~ I only need one hundred thousand won! Why are you questioning me so much~! Oh?-""It's not about the money you need, Sora. I'll give you as much as you need, but why would you save your wage for our child?" He asked. I pursed my lips unsurely as I held onto his forearm."You know my mother refuses to support me and she won't let our child inherit my assets either... so I thought I should save up and-""Who am I to you?" Yangch grimaced, suddenly folding his arms over his firm chest. I uneasily stared at his disappointed frown with my lips hanging open... taken aback by his grim reaction."My husband-""No. Who am I?" He shook his head. I gripped my fingers uneasily."Jae Yangcha...?" I cluelessly replied, slightly annoyed by his refusal to lend me money. Why is making a big deal out of nothing? He sorely scanned my face, pressed his hands on the counter again, and leaned forward to smirk at me."Sora. I'm a second-rank alpha. Did you really think I haven't thought of our child's future? I'll let our child succeed my assets. Our baby's future is secured. What are you overthinking about? Hmm? Our baby will still be a second rank even if your mother is against the inheritance," He chuckled, lightly pinching my cheeks."Oh. You're right," I nodded, abruptly pursing my lips in realization. Why didn't I think of that? Yangcha chuckled and briefly left to enter our bedroom before returning to the kitchen."It's kinda cute when my wife asks me for an allowance. It makes me proud. Here," Yangcha smiled, pushing his black card into my hand. I blinked and looked up at him with a startled look."Ani- I only need one hundred thousand won-""Spend as much as you want. Why did you even ask to borrow my money? My money is yours! Don't be afraid and demand my soul! Okay? Yangcha! Give me your money! That's what a wife should say! Take all of her husband's money because she's the boss in the house!" Yangcha funnily acted out a scenario of a wife demanding money from her husband. I chuckled at his playful behavior and smiled at the card."Do you really want me to be that bossy?" I weakly smiled."I'll let you walk me like a dog," He smirked."Ah!- No! Stop saying nonsense! Even if you're a dog- I'll love you like my own family. Pets should be a family too!" I shook my head. Yangcha smiled and hugged me again as I sat on the counter."God~! You're so sweet!" He chuckled, gently pecking my lips."Thank you for the fund, sabang-nim~!" I chuckled, lifting the card before his face."Anything for my wife," He winked, making me smile at his cuteness.
Yangcha spent his time making me sweet rice cakes during his day off as I sat in the kitchen to bother him with my presence. He didn't mind and would tease me to entertain himself.

Our days were pretty much relaxing and stable most of the days during my pregnancy.

I wonder if Jang Sora in a different universe is living as well as I am?

Fast Forward
I quietly rolled on my wheelchair beside Taehyung as he spoke with a few executives while touring a new high-end mall near the city center. The Chairman invited Taehyung over for an in-depth discussion about incorporating a new fintech technology to operate the mall.Taehyung entered a meeting room on a private floor to speak with the man, so I left the place to wander around the mall since I was feeling nauseous. I bought an overpriced ice cream at a store and finally paused to stare at the movie trailers on the cinema billboard while licking the ice cream. I stared at the funny cartoon on the display... softly chuckling by myself... until I noticed someone standing beside my wheelchair. I looked up to find Taehyung frowning at the cute bunny on the screen."Is the meeting over?" I asked while licking the ice cream as the people bustled in and out of the cinema."Where did you get the ice cream?" He asked, sitting down on the cushioned bench beside me."On the other end of the mall-""Get one for me," Taehyung muttered while scrolling through his phone in disinterest. I grimaced at his demand and drove away in my wheelchair to fetch him the ice cream before returning to the cinema with the carefully wrapped ice cream cup."Oh? Where did he go..?" I blinked in confusion once I noticed a couple sitting on the bench he was at earlier. I glanced around the place unsurely while holding the ice cream until a cinema clerk approached me."Are you here to deliver the ice cream? Please come this way," The man greeted me in his crimson uniform. I frowned and unsurely followed the man into the cinema venue. Huh? Why is he in there? The man pushed my wheelchair up an elevator until we landed on a narrow hallway scented with soothing herbs."Uh- I don't think I should be here. My boss-" I tried to speak with the employee as he led me into a room but halted once I found Taehyung sitting in a private movie lounge with a glass of champagne. The man steered my wheelchair forward, so Taehyung stood up and helped me onto the leather seat. He carefully positioned my stiff limbs over the stool to extend my legs before drawing a blanket over my lap."What's this?" I blinked, turning to look at the other empty seats."You've been staring at the cartoon for some time," He nodded at the cinema screen. Taehyung took the ice cream from my hand and scooped it from the cup with the wooden spoon, so I pursed my lips and glanced at the screen... until the lights in the private room dimmed."Ani wae-""Stop asking and watch it. Are you always this loud at a cinema?" Taehyung dart me an irritated look. I pursed my lips and glanced at the widescreen again, finally leaning back against the comfortable leather with a weak smile.We ended up watching the cartoon together... and we were the only people in the lounge. Did he rent out the entire place? I unsurely straightened my back after the movie ended with a weak smile as Taehyung sipped from the water bottle. He settled me back into the wheelchair before pushing me out of the room to find a few staff waiting to greet him. I nodded at them as they smiled at us until Taehyung steered me out of the cinema. That was enjoyable. I haven't had the time to see a movie since I returned to Korea."Thank you," I looked up at Taehyung with a weak smile. He wore a straight face and pretended not to hear me, so I grimaced and glanced forward... until the man steered me inside a luxurious store."Annyeonghaseyo~!" A woman dressed in white attire greeted us."We'll be looking around for a bit," Taehyung muttered, pushing me forward. My eyes widened in extreme astonishment once I realized the store was filled with... baby clothes and accessories. I gasped at the cute dolls in disbelief. Why is he here?!"Why are we here?!" I grinned at him as Taehyung stopped to inspect a baby crate."Look around," He shrugged, walking off in his black suit. I gripped my handrest in excitement and rolled forward to stare at the cute clothes on the racks with my glimmering pupils. Ahhhh~! This is the bright side of having a baby, huh!? So many adorable accessories!"So pretty!" I gasped while staring at a pair of sparkly shoes on the rack."Is it a boy or girl?" Taehyung asked, suddenly appearing beside me with his arms crossed, so I quickly looked up to find him frowning darkly at the shoes.

"No idea. We're waiting for the day," I shrugged, eagerly reaching over the racket to grab the sparkly silver heels with a fond gaze."How many months?" He muttered, glancing at my plump stomach with his eyebrow lifted."I'll give birth in two weeks," I shrugged. Taehyung nodded and walked off to inspect the maternity clothes."Get something you like," He muttered, nodding at the rack of fine silk. I rolled up to him with a weak smile. What's with him? Is he feeling generous today?!"It's alright-""It's a gift. Take it," Taehyung insisted. I pursed my lips, glanced at the maternity dress, and finally picked out a rose gold gown, so the staff politely took the silk from me and left. I eventually waited outside the store as Taehyung processed the payment at the counter. Plop. He dropped the bag onto my lap, so I quickly opened it with a keen smile but halted once I noticed another item."Huh-?- Ani- I didn't pick this-" I gasped, quickly picking up the sparkly shoes with a startled look."I got it," He muttered as we headed towards the parking lot."Wae?! But you don't have a child-""It's for you, obviously," He rolled his eyes as he opened the car door and lifted me into the passenger seat. Taehyung folded the wheelchair and put it in the trunk before entering the driver's seat."But I don't even know if my child is a boy or a girl! Refund it!" I gasped, tugging his sleeves with my eyes wide open. Taehyung buckled his seat belt and dismissively drove out of the mall without responding to me."I'm sure it's a girl," He muttered. I scoffed and glanced at the cute baby shoes with a slight pout."How are you so sure?" I asked, slightly frowning at him."I'm sure you'll produce an annoying clone of you. The baby made you pick the sparkles... so it's probably a girl. You and your habits... I can still hear the taunting click-clack of your small heels thumping all over the wooden mansion when we were young~! So loud and noisy~!" He bitterly responded. I glared at him. He's annoying, really. Did he have to buy it for me... only to nag me about it? Sighing, I placed the shoes back inside the paperback and leaned against the seat. A baby girl...? I rubbed my tummy with a weak smile while staring at the passing streets.
A moment later
Third Person POVKim Taehyung skimmed through the contents on the documents at the meeting table and briefly lifted his gaze to a marketing executive... who was reporting on his strategic approaches before the other board of directors. The alpha glanced to the side to find Sora... sitting on the chair beside him with her head lowered... so he frowned and lowered his face to check on her, thinking she had fallen asleep as she sat with her hands clasped over my baby bump."Yah..." Taehyung whispered, nudging her with his eyebrow lifted, causing Sora to look up at him with a startled look. She wasn't sleeping but was staring at something on the floor. Taehyung fired her a warning look, so she cleared her throat and glanced at the executive again. The alpha exhaled and scribbled something on his tablet as he listened to the man when-"AH! AH! AH!!!!!" Sora screeched out loud, causing Taehyung to jerk in his armchair at her frantic scream. She squealed at her feet while gripping the handrest as Taehyung gawked at her deranged behavior with a startled look."What?! What's wrong?!" Taehyung gasped when she wouldn't stop shrieking. The supreme alpha suddenly shifted her frightened doe eyes to him from her wheelchair."My feet!" She gasped, pointing at her sneakers beneath the desk. Taehyung quickly got off his chair and crouched down to pull the shoes off her feet in a panic when she wouldn't stop fussing over it... until he uncovered... her white socks."What's wrong?! Did you get a cramp?!" Taehyung snapped in confusion as she intensely stared at her feet."It's moving! I think my toes are moving!" She gasped, funnily bending over her belly to peek at her socks. Taehyung frowned at her frantic reaction and glanced at the frozen executives at the meeting table before looking down at her feet again. *wiggle* *wiggle*Kim Taehyung's eyes widened in disbelief as he watched her toes wiggle beneath the sock. He quickly yanked the wool off her feet in horror as the supreme alpha intensely bit her lower lips, desperately trying to regain control of her feet."What the-""Touch it! I think I can feel again!" She gasped, funnily smacking Taehyung's shoulder. The executive glanced at each other and back at their boss with an awkward look. The alpha unsurely tapped her toes as she repeatedly wiggled them."Can you-""Ah! Ah?!- Oppa! I can feel my feet!" She frantically gasped, grabbing onto Kim Taehyung's shoulder. The alpha widened his eyes in disbelief."Really?!" He snapped, widely smiling at her in extreme bewilderment. Sora shrieked in glee, unconsciously grabbing his shoulders... and shook him violently. Taehyung gasped at her aggressive reaction as he unconsciously held onto the table for balance and suddenly pulled her into a crushing hug as she screeched in pleasure.Sora grinned widely to flex her gums while smacking Taehyung's back out of excitement as the alpha happily rocked her from side to side. Pause. The both of them suddenly froze once they realized... they were being watched by the attentive eyes."Oops," Sora's face flushed red as the executive stared at her with a startled expression. She quickly yanked her arms away from Taehyung's shoulders, so he quickly stood up with a red face and turned away to rub his forehead. "Uh- Proceed with the meeting-" Taehyung awkwardly cleared his throat after he accidentally lost control of himself.The founder stiffly sat back down on the chair and pretended to look at his file with a stern frown... until he noticed... he was still clutching onto her sock. He quickly flung it out of sight with a red face as Sora rubbed her neck uneasily. The executives held back their smiles as a secretary stood by the door with his lips pursed as he fought to contain his laughter. The marketing executive began briefing the proposal again when- splat... splat... splat.Kim Taehyung frowned and glanced at the floor below the wheelchair as Jang Sora cluelessly typed on her device to document the meeting. The alpha stared at the leaking fluid... that was dripping from beneath her seat."Yah!" Taehyung quietly snapped at her. Sora cluelessly lifted her face to question him as the alpha stared at the leakage beneath the wheelchair."What?-""Did you lose your ability to pee too?!" He snapped, causing the secretary's eyes to bulge open when he too... noticed the liquid... trickling from beneath her."What- Huh-? Oh!" Sora asked, bending over the wheelchair to stare at the water."Go to the bathroom!" Taehyung snapped.The secretary immediately stepped forward to assist Sora, whose face turned even brighter as the executives unsurely eyed her again. She gripped the handrest with flushed cheeks as the secretary pushed her out of the room, so Taehyung nervously glanced back at the men and proceeded with the meeting.
Ten Minutes later.
"SIR!" The secretary suddenly barged inside the room as Taehyung gave his constructive feedback to the man. The alpha halted upon the abrupt disruption and looked up at the secretary's dreadful face."What?" Taehyung frowned."She's giving birth!" The secretary shrieked in a panic. Kim Taehyung's soul instantly floated out of his body as he remained frozen in his seat."W-What?!" Taehyung gasped, unable to comprehend the man's words."She's not peeing! Her water broke! We need to call an ambulance!" The secretary replied in fear. Taehyung gasped in horror, frantically dashing from his armchair with a pale face, and raced out of the room- only to hear Sora's loud wails... echoing all over the floor."Assistant Jang! Please hold on!- We're calling for help!" An employee gripped Sora's hand. Taehyung halted in shock once he found her crying in the wheelchair with heavy sweat beads on her forehead."Omo!- She's bleeding! Is the ambulance here?!" Another employee screeched as the secretary dashed after Taehyung. The alpha stared at the trickling blood in horror as it dripped from her legs... and onto the tiles below the wheelchair."Is she okay?!" The executives hurried out of the meeting room with the others."AH! AH! MY STOMACH- AHHHHH! AHGSDHWGD~!" Sora wailed in distress as she gripped the handrests with her legs spread apart under her bloody dress."Cancel the meeting!" Taehyung roared, fearfully sprinting forward to slip his arms under her shaking body. Sora screamed in pain and grabbed onto his shoulders as the employees stepped back with a drained expression."Sir- The ambulance is on the way- Sir!" The secretary informed, but Kim Taehyung didn't listen and raced down the hallway with Jang Sora in his arms. He quickly stepped inside the elevator as she cried in pain while clutching her throbbing baby bump.
Her blood... dripping all over his shoes and splattering onto the floor.

A moment later.
"My lady!" The nurse gasped as Sora screamed on the medical bed in the labor room."IT'S PAINFUL!" She cried, repeatedly slamming her head against the pillow as Taehyung sat beside the bed in a medical gown. He frowned at her hysterical reaction. Is she overreacting? He thought."Why is she screaming so much?!" Taehyung snapped at the nurse as he held onto her hand."She has a twin!" The head doctor snapped as he stood between Sora's legs. Taehyung's eyes widened in shock."A twin?!$%#^?!?- WHAT~? YOU NEVER TOLD ME I'M HAVING A TWIN!?" Sora whimpered, lifting her head to scream in distress as the medical staff attempted to help her deliver her children. Taehyung gripped her hands as she weakly slumped back onto the pillow."Something's not right..." The head doctor anxiously muttered as he examined Sora's alarming condition."What's not right!? Her womb?! Her vagina!? Is the baby missing?!- What's not right!? Why is it taking so long!? The vagina tunnel isn't that long- So why is the baby not out yet!? Can't you just reach inside and grab it!?" Taehyung snapped, impatiently tensing his body as his heart thumped in fear. Sora and the nurses flushed red upon Taehyung's absurd statements."She can't do natural childbirth! We need to perform a c-section!" The head doctor announced. The supreme alpha is losing too much blood. Taehyung's eyes widened in horror."YOU SAID YOU'RE ONLY NINE MONTHS PREGNANT! WHY ARE YOU IN LABOR NOW?!" Taehyung screamed at Sora in dread."HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW!? I CAN'T STOP MY FUCKING WOMB FROM POPPING OUT THE BABY!" Sora screamed back at him, causing Kim Taehyung to turn pale in his seat. The man glanced back at the doctor as they urgently discussed the situation."GET THE BABY OUT OF HER! NOW!" Taehyung demanded."SHUT UP WILL YOU!?- MY VAGINA IS TEARING OPEN!" Sora screamed while smacking Taehyung's forearm. The alpha restlessly clenched his jaw while gawking at her red face... and snotty nostrils until he felt his temples pulsating from the intensity of her dire condition."I'm dizzy- Why am I here?!- I should call the sperm donor to handle this madness-" Taehyung grunted, attempting to get up from his chair."SIR!" A nurse screeched from the other side of the bed.Sora quickly snapped her head over the pillow in shock when Kim Taehyung suddenly wobbled- tumbled over the chair and collapsed face-first- Thud. The man flopped weakly onto the cold tiles. And before Sora could scream... he was already out and cold. The supreme alpha stared at her boss from the bed with her eyes wide open... as the heavy sweat... dripped from her hairline.And for a moment... she completely forgot to scream.
Instead.

Jang Sora.... unblinkingly stared at Kim Taehyung... who was sprawling unconsciously... on the floor after he fainted from the intensity of her pregnancy labor.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Third Person POV
Jae Yangcha brightly chuckled with his usual enchanting beam as he stood in the private airport lounge to embrace his elderly grandparents. The alpha had visited them for the first time after he rose from the dead. He had left Korea for a week to visit his relatives to assure them of his well-being, and it was time to return home after the brief trip abroad due to his wife's labor schedule. He had to return to her."Make sure to call us after your wife gives birth, okay?" The elderly harabeoji patted Yangcha's shoulder."Of course. My wife will probably give birth in a week," Yangcha nodded while holding his grandmother's wrinkled hands."You rascal~! You better take care of her~! I wish we could visit in person... to bless her and your baby," Halmeoni whined cutely. Yangcha chuckled as he massaged his grandmother's shoulders. He couldn't bring his family back to Korea without the risk of being targeted by the society, so they're forced to reside abroad, away from the council's influence."Hopefully, we can visit with our baby once they're older. Please wait for us," Yangcha consoled his restless grandmother as she pouted and cupped his cheeks to examine his radiating smile. The alpha's cheeks were firm again, and his pupils were bright as always. His healthy relationship has healed his soul and body with his wife's endless nurturing and affection."Thank you for returning to us~ Aigo~! I can't believe you're a father now~!" She pinched his cheeks. Yangcha chuckled and turned to smile at his grandfather."You can send your baby to us if the society is unstable," The man worriedly stared at his grandchild."That's unnecessary. I'll take care of my wife and our baby," Yangcha assured, slightly shaking his head. The grandson chatted with his grandparents at the waiting lounge until his flight arrived. He finally bid farewell to the old souls before leaving the lounge and boarded the plane after his heartfelt interaction with his grandparents.
A moment later.
Jae Yangcha quietly ate his steak with a glass of champagne in his first-class seat on the airplane by the window. He smiled while scrolling through his wife's updated picture and finally texted her back, but weirdly... she didn't respond to him. He sighed and slipped his phone inside his pocket before glancing out the flight's window to stare at the complete darkness as he soared over the sea and glanced at the dim starlights with a slight smile. It reminded him so much of his wife— a twinkling light in his life.

"May I...?" A beautiful flight attendant reached for his empty plate."Thank you," Yangcha smiled as she lifted his plate, weakly smiled at him, and left the cubicle.Yangcha drew out his laptop to work on his tasks until the airplane dimmed its light so the other passengers could properly rest during their prolonged journey. The alpha pulled on his filter glasses and quietly typed on his device until he had the urge to use the restroom, so he placed his laptop aside and got up to use the private bathroom, finally striding out in his suit after he rinsed his hands clean."Oh-!" The same flight attendant gasped when he suddenly bumped into her. Yangcha unconsciously grabbed her waist to stabilize her weight."Sorry," He mumbled.The woman flushed red as she stared at his captivating visual before lowering her head in embarrassment. Yangcha released her waist and strode back to his seat without another glance. The alpha extended his legs over the stool and leaned back until he noticed the flight attendant approaching him again."I brought a blanket," She smiled, carefully spreading the blanket over his body."Thank you," Yangcha replied as she gently patted the blanket.The woman curiously scanned his neutral expression before walking off once he showed no sign of interest... so the alpha exhaled deeply and closed his eyes until he fell asleep. He's used to women approaching him, and although he loves to tease his wife by interacting with the women whenever he's around Sora... he couldn't care less when he's alone.
Afternoon Arrival
Jae Yangcha dragged his luggage through the bustling arrival zone while checking his phone at the airport's main exit... until he noticed a woman halting beside him with her silver suitcase. He turned to find the same fight attendant smiling at him.

"End of the shift?" He asked, smiling at her."Two days shift," She nodded, glancing at the passing cars as she stood in her flight attendant attire."Sounds exhausting," Yangcha nodded as he dimly stared at the text on his phone. Sora had asked him to return home alone because she was busy with work."Do you want to go for a drink?" The flight attendant suggested. The alpha smiled and glanced at her eager beam without responding until her cheeks flushed red.

"My wife expects me home today," He sternly stated. The woman blinked in surprise, appearing somewhat startled by his marital status."You're married?" She asked, unsurely glancing at Yangcha's empty ring finger."I left the ring with my wife because I promised to return home for it," The alpha nodded. The flight attendant pursed her lips and glanced at the gift bag in his hand before shifting her keen gaze back to him."You're quite young to be married-""My wife is a beautiful woman... so I had to marry her early because I didn't want to lose her," yangcha responded. The woman nodded at the alpha's claim and grew hushed, so she stood awkwardly... until a black car arrived.Yangcha nodded at her to bid his farewell and strolled toward his assigned driver, who helped the alpha place his luggage inside the trunk. The alpha then slipped into the back seat and sat back... calling his wife repeatedly... but she didn't answer his call. He sighed and glanced out the window with a grim frown as the driver drove through the highway until he dozed into a brief nap."Have a good evening, sir," The diver bowed at Yangcha after they arrived at the penthouse."Is she still at work? Should I pick her up?" Yangcha muttered as he strolled inside the building and stepped into the elevator with his luggage. He leaned back against the wall with his dull eyes fixed on the increasing digital number."Coming to think of it... she only answered my call once since I left," Yangcha frowned. He was gone for an entire week, and they had only called on the day he arrived at his grandparent's estate. Ding. The door slid open. He impatiently grabbed his luggage and strolled into the empty corridor. His heart beat fearfully as the negative thoughts consumed his mind."Maybe I shouldn't have left her alone? What if something happened...?" Yangcha grumbled while fumbling his fingers in his pocket for his key card, hurrying towards the penthouse with an uneasy feeling. Beep. He unlocked the handle and quickly shoved open the door to uncover a... vacant penthouse. Pause. Yangcha froze with an anxious frown as he frantically scanned the hushed space with a racing heart.

"Yeobo?! I'm home! Yeobo?!- What if she's at work!?- Should I go to her?-" Yangcha called as he placed the gift bag beside the luggage and quickly slipped off his shoes but halted once he noticed Sora's empty wheelchair."Huh? Is she home? Why is her wheelchair here-""Boo!""AH!" Yangcha screamed, wildly spinning around on his socks at the unexpected presence of his lovely wife. His eyes flung open when he found Sora standing behind the door with a bright beam."Did I scare you?!" She shrieked, gleefully embracing his waist in her cute fluffy gown. Yangcha unconsciously hugged her frail body while scanning her rosy pink cheeks, startled by her playful manner.

"How are you standing?! Are you okay?!-" Yangcha gasped, pulling away to grip her shoulders with a concerned frown as he funnily eyeballed her favorable condition to search for signs of abnormalities. He glanced down at his lively wife in disbelief... who was standing perfectly on her feet before him, so she wiggled her toes to show him her functioning limbs before lifting her face to grin at him again."I can walk again- Not really. But I can walk short distances before my knees go weak! I made a lot of progress, didn't I?" She chirped, slightly lifting her gown to show him her legs. Yangcha scoffed in bewilderment, abruptly drawing her into a crushing hug with his arms secured tightly around her precious body. He missed her so much.... he could barely think of anything... but to hold her in his suffocating grip until he felt the heavy weight lifting off in his chest. She's safe."I missed you so much! Why didn't you answer my call?! And why are you so skinny!?- You didn't have any eye bags before I left!" Yangcha whined, finally pulling away again to cup his wife's face with a worried pout.

"You don't notice anything different?" She asked, eagerly smiling at him. Yangcha frowned and scanned her face unsurely."You look ill, of course! Have you been eating well? Imo promised she'd make you the meals every day!" He exclaimed while holding onto her shoulders, causing Sora to chuckle cutely at his ongoing concerns regarding her health."Lower your voice!" She pressed her index finger against his lips to shush her husband."Wae...?" Yangcha blinked, instantly lowering his voice with a confused look. Sora smiled and slightly tugged his hands forward. The alpha frowned and followed his wife as she tiptoed on her socks toward their bedroom."Don't make a sound. Okay...?" Sora whispered, turning to warn Yangcha with a serious frown."Wae? Is someone sleeping- Jagi- What's happening?-" Yangcha whispered while gripping her hand.The alpha is beyond baffled by his wife's strange behavior... yet he unconsciously obeys her instructions and tiptoes after her. Sora gently pushed open the door and pulled him inside their bedroom, so he followed suit- but halted abruptly... when he noticed a single crib beside their bed. He paused, shifting his bewildered expression to her eager smile as she clutched his forearm."Stay hushed," She warned, carefully releasing Yangcha's hand, and limped towards the rocking crib. Yangcha furrowed his eyebrows and glanced at his wife as she peeked inside the wooden crib with a fond smile."S-Sora... Why did you buy a crib- I told you I'll handle-" Yangcha asked, unsurely walking forward but immediately pursed his lips once his gaze landed on the bundles in the crib. Pause. The alpha froze with his bulging eyeballs on the wiggly beings in extreme shock."Tadaa~ A healthy twin boy," She whispered, nudging her husband. Yangcha blinked and opened his mouth to speak but was too stunned, so he quickly glanced at his wife again. His face... turning pale in realization once the shocking reality struck him."Your stomach! It's gone!- Sora- How?!" He gasped, suddenly grabbing his wife by the waist. She giggled and hugged him on his side as he frantically patted the fluffy gown to search for his wife's baby bump. He gasped dramatically again once he realized her stomach was deflated."What are you searching for?- They're there!" She chuckled, nodding at the babies in the crib. Yangcha scoffed at her light mood before glancing back at the babies with his mouth half open."Why didn't you tell me?! Are you okay- When did it happen? Aren't you supposed to give birth this week?!-" Yangcha scoffed while gawking at his wife in a panic but was immediately hushed when she gripped his cheeks and gently kissed him. The alpha stiffly closed his eyes, eventually exhaling in relief upon her comforting love stroke as he clutched her waist beside their baby crib."I didn't want you to rush back during your visit. Don't worry. I'm completely healthy," Sora assured after drawing away to stare fondly at her husband's startled frown. He pouted and hugged her again so she happily clung to his neck as Yangcha lifted his wife off the ground, sweetly twirling her in his strong embrace until she released a soft giggle. He felt terrible for not being present when she needed him, but he was more thankful for her effort to complete their family. She had given him everything he needed.
A moment later.
Jang Sora strolled out of the bedroom in her silk gown to find her husband sitting on the carpet in the living room with his hand tucked under his chin as he fondly stared at the twin boys in their respective bundles on the couch.

"They're so cute~!" Yangcha whispered, pouting at the baby as he gently poked their tiny red hands. Sora chuckled and sat beside her husband, so Yangcha pulled her onto his lap as she circled her arms around his neck."I'm sure they'll grow up resembling you," Sora giggled. Yangcha lifted his troubled expression to his wife and gently pecked her lips."You should've told me. I'm upset. I should've been there with you," Yangcha softly whined as he rubbed her waist. Sora smiled, carefully reaching out to hold her baby's tiny hand."It was a C-Section because I couldn't birth them naturally," She muttered."Did the stitches heal?" Yangcha worriedly patted his wife's lower stomach. She smiled and turned to examine his sulky expression."I've earned another scar for you," She replied, softly pecking his lips. Yangcha chuckled and kissed her plump cheek while rubbing her waistline."Have you named them yet...?" He asked curiously."Not yet. But I do have the names in mind. Woojin and Kanghoon," She pointed at the first baby boy and then at the other one. Yangcha couldn't tell the identical faces apart."We'll settle with that then. Annyeong little dumplings~! I'm your father. I hope you wake up soon so I can properly introduce myself to you," Yangcha smiled at his children, causing Sora to chuckle happily with her head tilted against her husband's neck.
Sora's POV
"They'll love their father," I whispered, turning to smile at Yangcha as he held me over his lap. He glanced at me with a weak smile as I tenderly played with his earlobe."You think?" He worriedly shifted his dim gaze to our babies."Of course they will," I shrugged, glancing at our newborns while clinging to his neck. Yangcha chuckled and softly pressed his nose against my cheek to inhale my fragrance, making me wince at his ticklish breath."Oh! It's opening its eyes!- Hello!?- Woojin!?- Eh- Kanghoon!- Ani- Yeobo! Which one is which?!" Yangcha gasped, suddenly releasing my waist and leaned over the couch in excitement when one of the twins with a small puppy on his beanie sleepily opened his innocent eyes... but squinted at the lights above and turned its face away to snuggle against the pillow while licking his moist pink lips."The one with the cute puppy is Kanghoon. He's born thirty minutes before Woojin, the bear," I pointed at the marks on their beanie. I can't tell them apart either, so the head doctor suggested that I represent them as a puppy and a bear."Annyeong Kanghoonie~! I'm appa- Appa!" Yangcha excitedly waved over the child's sleepy gaze to catch his attention. Kanghoon shifted his face to Yangcha and groggily blinked as the father keenly hovered over the bundle while holding the baby's clutching fingers with a keen smile."Kanghoon-ah... appa is here. He's handsome, isn't he? You'll grow up to be as handsome as him!" I smiled, gently lifting the baby as Woojin remained asleep on the couch. Yangcha funnily gasped as I placed the baby in his arms. He's so timid around the babies! What is this behavior?! The overwhelmed father pouted as the baby stared unblinkingly at him while wiggling in its warm bundle."He's so cute~! Jagi~! Why is he so cute?!~!" Yangch whimpered, lifting his face to pout at me with tears in his eyes, causing Kanghoon to pout as well."Oh no! Babe! Stop pouting! You're making him nervous!" I gasped, smacking Yangcha's bicep. Kanghoon burst out crying at his father's unfavorable reaction to his existence."Hahah! Appa didn't mean to cry! Shhhh~! Ahahahah~!" Yangcha forcefully laughed in tears to distract his son, causing my heart to leap in joy once Kanghoon pursed his small pink lips and studied his father's expression with a curious smile."Kanghoon-ah!" I softly chortled while sitting beside my husband with my arms wrapped around his firm waist. Yangcha chuckled softly and gave our baby a breathy kiss on his plump cheeks, causing the child to coo cutely upon receiving his father's warmth for the first time."Should we make more babies? They're so adorable!" Yangcha grinned."What- No!- Are you crazy?!" I snapped, slightly pushing him away. More babies?! Yangcha smiled at my reaction and glanced down at Kanghoon again as he gently rocked the baby in his arms. I smiled and quietly filmed their father-and-son moment with my phone until Yangcha lifted Kanghoon to his face... adorably posing with a wide beam. The child is so tiny in his father's arms!_________________________
Fast Forward
I quietly arranged Taehyung's disorganized desk at his office and carefully opened his drawer to sort the folders before pushing his armchair forward just as the door opened and Taehyung strolled inside in his tailored navy blue suit. The man immediately halted once he noticed something inside his room."What's this...?" Taehyung frowned as he strode up to the twins' baby stroller by the couch and peeked inside with a baffled expression."Wah~!" One of the twins shrieked once they noticed the alpha frowning over them. Taehyung grimaced and turned to look at me for explanations.

"Yangcha is tired from work so I figured... I should bring them along. They're quite active during the day," I apologetically smiled at Taehyung's uptight expression."You said he'll watch over your kids during the weekend," He huffed, strolling towards the desk while loosening the buttons."Yangcha is a light sleeper, so-""Yangcha! Yangcha! Yangcha?!- Are you serious?! Can't he spend two days off to look after his children while his wife is at work!?" Taehyung scolded me in annoyance. I pursed my lips at his irritated outburst, so I gripped my hands and tried to speak when one of the twins suddenly burst out crying."Oh no!- Keep your voice down, will you!?- You keep startling them!" I gasped, limping toward the stroller to pick up Woojin, who was crying in distress. Taehyung whined and lowered his head to the desk in frustration."Why should I shut up in my own space!? This isn't a nursery! You've already breached the work contract by getting pregnant, but here you are! Babysitting your spawns in my office?!" Taehyung scolded, firing me a look of disappointment as I gently patted Woojin's back to soothe him.The alpha's voice must have startled Kanghoon too... because the puppy started shrieking inside the stroller... until the office vibrated with their frantic cries. I gasped, placed Woojin back into the stroller, and quickly picked up Kanghoon, whose face was burning bright red as he wept in distress."Keep your voice down! Aigo- Aigo~ Did ajusshi wake you~?" I gently rocked Kanghoon against my chest but froze again when Woojin wouldn't stop screaming his tiny lungs out. Taehyung stared at me with his mouth hanging open as I lowered my son back into the stroller and crouched before them with an uptight look."Growing up with you was enough trauma... did you really have to bring them here?" Taehyung whined, wildly gripping his hair with a frustrated frown. I didn't answer the alpha and tried to console my babies, but they wouldn't stop screaming until I felt really stuffy. Why are they crying so much?! They just ate! Blurp. I gasped when Woojin suddenly puked out his milk, so I quickly grabbed a towel from the bag to dab the child as I sat him up on the stroller."Can you look after them? I'll be right back," I sighed after undressing the baby and stood up with the dirty baby clothes.Taehyung frowned at me darkly from his desk. He eventually nodded and stood up from his armchair, so I quickly left the office to wash the puked-drenched towel in the sink, and before I knew it... unconscious tears began streaming down my face. I sobbed softly while rubbing the towel in the sink...and finally lowered my head in defeat.Sora! Pull it together! Did you expect less from having a baby?! I should get used to this because crying will not solve the problems! Sniffling repeatedly to soothe my runny nose... I finally lifted my face to rub away my warm tears, squeezed the excess water from the cloth and strolled back inside Taehyung's office, expecting to hear the twins' frantic hollers... but the space was strangely hushed. I paused unsurely when found the alpha standing by the glass wall with the twins in his arms. "Look! There's another passing car!" Taehyung smiled while rocking the children on either side of his arm."They stopped crying?" I sniffled, unsurely placing the wet cloth inside the bag under the stroller pocket."They grew hushed the instant I picked them up," Taehyung smirked, briefly glancing at me as he held the babies against his chest. Sighing, I walked up to Taehyung and took Woojin to dress him in fresh clothes before cradling the child to comfort him as Taehyung held onto Kanghoon.

"Do you like ahjussi that much?" I frowned at Woojin, who was giggling at my face... right after puking his organs out a while ago."Of course! Who wouldn't like a handsome man like me? Hmm?- I'm even more handsome than your father!" Taehyung pridefully chatted with the baby in his arms. I rolled my eyes and slumped on the couch with my child.
Well. Yeah. Raising a baby is far more difficult than I anticipated. Not just a baby but a twin? Once the puppy whimpers... the bear will also holler. It's a disaster... but lucky me, the twins aren't as fussy. They don't cry often... but it does take a while to hush them once they start screaming. I sometimes leave them at home with their father when he's free from work, but I bring the twins with me to work whenever Yangcha is too weary to care for them.

Of course. My mother didn't visit me, nor did appa. No one cares about me and my family, and the only person who seems to care enough to endure the children's frustrating tantrums is Kim Taehyung. I initially thought he wouldn't be good with kids, but the twins seem to love him. They instantly stop crying whenever Taehyung picks them up and would drink a lot of my pre-prepped breast milk whenever he feeds them.

Taehyung didn't like the idea of me bringing the twins to work at first because he claimed they're very distracting and that the corporation might detest the disruption... but somehow... even the employees were fond of the twins.

They would chase me or Taehyung... just to say hi or hello to the children.

Imo and Do-hwan visited me frequently to deliver health supplements or food after I birthed my children. The woman would stay over at the penthouse once or twice a week to help me look after the twins, and Do-hwan would do the house chores. We aren't exactly on good terms, but he hangs around me more often now after insisting imo had forced him to assist me.

The muscular man claimed... imo, the frail woman... had threatened to beat him with a broomstick if he didn't visit me. How believable.
"Are they asleep...?" Yangcha whispered as he tiptoed out of bed in his boxers without any shirts on while ruffling his hair."They should be okay for the night," I nodded at the crib by our bedside while sitting on the bed with the pumping machine clasped over my boob. I held the device over my left breast as the milk flowed through the tube, steadily dripping into a small plastic sealed bag. Imo had gifted it to me because I can't always feed the twins from my breast, especially when I'm away. The woman insisted that I pump the excess milk and save it for later... so Yangcha can feed the twins while I'm away.Yangcha tiptoed towards the crib to admire the twins with a faint smile and quietly adjusted their blankets before striding out of the bedroom. He left to get me warm milk. The alpha eventually returned with a mug and sat beside me on the edge of the mattress as I took a sip of the creamy milk. He finally placed the mug... on the nightstand and glanced at the breast pump over my chest.

"Does it hurt?" He whispered, gently tucking a hair strand behind my ear."It's fine. A bit sore," I whispered. Yangcha pursed his lips and gently caressed my other breast."Your nipple is swollen. Should we switch to baby formula?" He asked as he stroked my sensitive breast tip."The twins got diarrhea when we fed them the formula," I muttered, pulling the pump away from my breast, quickly grabbing a sanitizer wipe to swab my breast clean, and sealed the bag of fresh milk. Yangcha took the bag from me and left to place it in the fridge before returning to our bedroom as I sat against the head bed with a sore body."Are you sleepy?" He questioned, switching off the lights before sitting on the bedside as I adjusted the strap over my shoulder."Wae?" I smiled at him. He didn't answer and leaned forward to kiss my lips softly, making me giggle at his inviting strokes."I miss you," He whispered, pulling away to gaze at me with a slight frown."We're always together though...?" I blinked. Smooch. He pressed his lips against mine again. I held onto his arms as he gently drew my body downward to rest me beneath his shirtless torso."Just the two of us? Rarely," He smiled, lifting his face to scan my face. I chuckled and rubbed his cheeks."Did you buy the condoms?" I asked.Yangcha scoffed and lowered his face to shorten the gap between our lips again. He carefully rested his shirtless body onto mine... so I pulled him down by his neck until Yangcha rolled me over to make me sit on top of his nude torso. He lifted the gown off my head and tossed it aside, impatiently sitting up to kiss me while groping my breasts, making me moan softly upon his gentle strokes."You smell so nice," He whispered while kissing behind my ear. I tensed my aroused body as he skimmed his fingers over my spine to soothe my stiff muscles."Keep your voice down," I whispered as he nibbled on my neck. Yangcha panted heavily as I reached downward to slip out his hard bulge and gently jerked him while grinding over his thighs until I felt my crotch heating up. Yangcha moaned in pleasure and pressed his moist lips against mine again to silence his low grunts, making me smile as he thirstily sucked onto my neck with his moist tongue."Ah! WAAAAAH! WAAAAAH!" One of the twins suddenly screamed, causing me to jerk away from Yangcha in a panic."Oh no~!" I gasped, wildly scrambling off Yangcha's lap, and bent down to pull on my gown in a hurry. Yangcha groaned and slumped on the mattress in his boxers after our child disrupted our steamy moment."Is it Woojin again?" Yangcha whined, turning on his side to watch me lift our baby out of the crib."He hasn't burped yet. Get some sleep," I smiled, walking over to Yangcha and gave the father a soft peck on his forehead."Noooo~ I want to sleep with you~!" He whined, grabbing my wrist with a cute pout."I'll calm down Woojin first," I smiled at Yangcha and strolled out of the dark bedroom with the distressed bear.The baby whimpered in difficulty due to its bloated stomach as I sat on the couch with an anxious feeling and gently helped him sit up straight while stroking his back... until the child let out a small burp. The little being twitched in relief, so I deeply exhaled and held him against my chest, gently patting his arm until the Woojin's eyes dropped closed, yet I didn't dare move from the couch and cuddled the child for about half an hour before stepping back inside the room to find Yangcha sprawling over the bed with his arms spread over the pillows.Aigo~ He's already knocked out... yet... he wants to have sex with me? I gently pulled the blanket over his exposed torso before strolling out to sleep on the couch in the living room because he had already taken up the space on the bed. I yawned, pulled the spare blanket over my chest, and finally fell asleep after an exhausting day of nursing the twins.
Next Morning
I stirred in my sleep once I felt movement over my body, so I grunted sleepily and turned to lay on my back as the person hovered above me. I didn't open my eyes and unconsciously tilted my head over the cushions as Yangcha's familiar scent filled my nostrils. He's awake..?My crotch suddenly contracted with intense heat, so I groaned and opened my droopy eyelids to find Yangcha kissing my neck with his hands inside my panties. He gently inserted his fingers between my legs, causing me to gasp softly at the unexpected presence inside me. Barely awake... I fumbled with my fingers to hold his prickly head as he kissed me all over my face and neck."What are you doing-""Noona. I really want you. Please? Can we have sex? I'm so strained," Yangcha whispered, gently kissing my lips. I held onto his neck as he adjusted his position between my legs and removed the blanket from my body over the couch."In the morning...? Don't you have work~ Haaah~! Yangcha! Baby~!" I moaned in distress while rubbing my eyes when he suddenly penetrated me, making me gasp in shock. I moaned out loud and gripped the cushion in pleasure as he pushed his hardened meat all the way inside to fill me up... until I felt the hot spasm throbbing all over my crotch. Oh god~! He surely is hard!"It was painful to sleep with blue balls last night. I'll make it quick," Yangcha assured, steadily shoving his hips forward to pump inside my crotch. I closed my eyes and bit my lips in difficulty as he repeatedly penetrated me."I'm barely awake~!" I whispered, sleepily opening my eyes again as he thrust inside me until my body stiffened from the intense pleasure. Yangcha smiled and gently pecked my cheek as he slipped and slid the bulge between my legs, so I exhaled and rested my forearm over my forehead... still a bit drowsy from the brief night's sleep. I don't mind his presence... but I'm still half out of my mind. Hah~! How is he so energetic?Yangcha impatiently pulled the silk straps off my shoulder and lowered his face to suck on my breast, so I held onto his head as he pleasured our bodies for the next twenty minutes... or so... until he grunted in difficulty upon nearing his climax... and quickly pulled out to unload himself over my stomach. Splatter. I twitched in exhaustion while struggling to breathe over the cushions with my groggy gaze on his swollen penis.My husband held my bent knees apart as he emptied his thick semen over my moist groin, making me smile at the cute flush on his cheeks. The alpha quickly snatched the tissues from the coffee table to wipe the mess from my stomach, cleaned me up and finally pulled my panties back onto my hips. He sure is a responsible man. I remained motionless as he adjusted my gown straps over my shoulders again before lowering his sweaty body over mine to hold me."Still sleepy?" He curiously asked, gently kissing my cheek as I grazed my fingertips over his muscular back."I'm sore... down there..." I whispered, sleepily opening my eyes to stare at him."Oh? Did I hurt you?" He asked, anxiously sitting up again and lifted my gown to examine my panties."No. I think I'm just sore," I shook my head. Yangcha gently lifted my hand off my chest and kissed my fingers. We had a little morning chat on the couch after we had sex... but I was too sleepy to get up, so Yangcha got up to make breakfast for us. We had a nice meal together before he showered and headed off to work, leaving me alone at the penthouse with the kids.________________________
ELITE Council
I nervously stepped inside the ring of the powerful alphas with Kanghoon against my shoulder as Taehyung carried Woojin in his arms, causing the households to stare in our direction with their intimidating scowls. Chung Manseok. The cult leader... dimmed his eyes on the twins. I passed him and walked up the stairs as Yangcha stood by the podium with the man.Eomma intensely eyed the child in my arms as I sat beside my parents. Appa grew tensed as he glanced at the innocent soul, so I nervously clutched the bundle and pressed my child's face against my chest, afraid of exposing his innocent soul to the society."Congratulations," Chung Manseok smiled at me from the podium below with a smug smile, causing Yangcha to darken his gaze on the evil man. Taehyung sat with Woojin in his arms until his mother curiously leaned forward to peak at the heir."What's his name...?" Appa whispered, weakly nodding at the child in my arms."Kanghoon. Jae Kanghoon," I whispered. Appa smiled at my child and patted my back as eomma remained cold as ice with her blank stare on the podium below."The contract may be signed," The moderator announced. Seokjin tensed up in his place as Yangcha signed away his name to form a dual power alliance with the cult, who have agreed to accept their fair share."Come home after this. I want to see my grandchildren," Appa whispered in my ear.I blinked at my father's unexpected invitation before glancing at my heartless mother. She glared at the bundle in my arm with a fierce scowl, causing me to grip my child in fright. I lifted my gaze to Yangcha as he placed the pen down so the cult leader could sign the document. Yangcha intensely stared at the man after he looked up at the alpha and smirked at him."A peace treaty has been formed between the council and the cult. The Jae will bear all the costs of the cult affair," The moderator announced. Yangcha sternly stared at the man as Manseok proudly nodded at Park Bogum, who was seated with his empty gaze on me.I gulped and glanced down at my child before glancing at Taehyung, who was pulling Woojin's beanie over his head to keep him warm. Shouldn't I have brought the twins here? The piercing hawk eyes are trained on the young souls, hungrily waiting to prey on my children's flesh. Even my mother seems tempted to rip my child apart.The elite council eventually concluded after the official agreement to share power with the Black Phoenix, so Yangcha took Woojin from Taehyung's arms... and we left together to meet my parents at the mansion. Imo was the first to welcome us, and we were swarmed by the maids as we settled in the living room. They were excited to greet the young heirs until imo signaled them to leave once my father stepped inside the room."Can I hold him...?" Appa weakly smiled, reaching for Woojin, who was clinging to Yangcha's pocket. The alpha tensed his jaw and handed the child to my father. Appa beamed in excitement... as he cautiously cradled his grandson in his arms."They don't take after their mother," My father chuckled as he stood in the living room.I smiled and glanced at Yangcha, who seemed a bit anxious as my father fondly cradled our son. My mother suddenly appeared, strolling down the staircase and walked up to us without sparing the child a glance, causing me to tense up at her dark presence. I clutched onto Kanghoon as she tossed a file on the table."Sign the document and return it to me," Eomma nodded and strode off coldly without acknowledging my family. Appa frowned at my mother's coarse behavior."Grandma is feeling a bit unwell. Aigo~ You little thing~!" My father patted Woojin's shoulder before handing him back to Yangcha, who immediately seized his son and possessively clutched the bundle."We'll be leaving," I smiled at my father and collected the documents with my free hands."I wish we could prepare dinner to celebrate our grandson's birth, but your mother... she's been distant ever since we lost the alliances," My father apologetically smiled at me as I stood up from the couch."It's fine. It's best if we leave the mansion because eomma will only grow more restless if we stay," I shook my head. Appa glanced at the child and back at me with a sad expression."Can I hold my daughter for a moment?" My father suddenly asked. I pursed my lips, taken aback by my father's request.Yangcha adjusted Woojin in his left arm and reached out for Kanghoon, so I released my son to his father before turning to my father, who opened his arms for me. I wanted to speak... but there was a hot lump in my throat. Suddenly? Warm tears formed in my father's eyes as I stepped into his embrace... unsurely wrapping my arms around his body. He tightened his grip around me... and gently held my head as I rested my chin on his shoulder, finally receiving his firm embrace after over a decade of neglect."Thank you," I whispered, gripping tightly onto his shoulder while fighting the urge to burst out crying. My heart... it's weeping for more of my father's comfort."Do not sign your mother's document," He whispered. I frowned and tried to pull away, but the man tightened his grip and pulled back."W-Wae-""If you do... she will kill the father. The children shouldn't grow up without a father so... please... protect them," Appa whispered. I gripped onto my father's shoulder as he softly patted my back. I tried to pull away... but he wouldn't release me.... so I sobbed and lowered my face to cry against his chest. My heart aches so much. It's been so long since my father held me with so much love."Appa-""I love you, Sora. I've always loved you the most ever since you were born. I'm ashamed for abandoning you when you needed us, but that was for the best to ensure your survival. Eomma might be a little tough right now... but she loves you. She's afraid of losing her only daughter to the dark side. So hang on just a little longer. All I hope for is that... you'll be able to free yourself from you're mother's curse. Love beautifully. Don't let the past wound you as it did to your mother. Okay? If you really need help... call me. Appa will run to you even if it's against eomma's order. Appa will come to you," He whispered. I sobbed harder while hugging my father until my body shook from the intense swelling emotions, so he firmly gripped my shoulders to assure me of his support."I will leave a light on for you. Always," I whispered. Appa nodded and gently pulled away to stare at my soaked cheeks. The man gently wiped my tear streaks and patted my shoulder with a proud smile, so I rubbed away his tears and smiled as well."Let my grandchildren visit me, you punk~! You've already taken my daughter, but I want to see those little... dumplings... so bring them to me now and then," Appa nodded at the twins. Yangcha tensely glanced at my tearful eyes and back at my father."I will, father-in-law," Yangcha lowered his head with little to no emotions in his eyes."I'll ask imo to send you two some gifts. You both have my blessings," My father nodded, trying hard to hold back his tears. I chuckled and patted my father's hand. Yangcha finally smiled upon his approval, and we left the property together after the sentimental interaction with my father.________________________
Fast Forward
"Why didn't you bring the twins?" Taehyung asked as we sat at the corporate general meeting in our formal attire. I rubbed my upper arms and glanced at him as he studied my face with a questioning look."Yangcha is home today," I replied and lowered my gaze to my hands."What's wrong with your neck?" Taehyung asked, suddenly tugging the scarf loose, so I quickly jerked away in a panic at his slightest touch and gripped my neck with a startled look. Why did he suddenly touch me like that!?"H-Huh?-""There's a bruise. What's wrong?" Taehyung whispered as the moderator spoke on the stage. I pursed my lips as he intensely waited for an answer."Nothing. It's just a hickey," I whispered while adjusting the scarf over my neck again to cover it. Taehyung frowned and glanced at the stage to face the board of directors, so I sighed and glanced at my hands blankly until I dozed off and fell asleep at the venue... only to wake up in Taehyung's car seat... at a car rest."Did you even sleep?" He bitterly asked, handing me a cup of drink. I shook my dazed mind and drank from the cold smoothie before glancing at the scenery beyond us as Taehyung ate his sandwich."The twins cry frequently at night these days," I whispered. Taehyung grimaced and glanced at me while chewing his food."You should move back to the mansion if you're unable to handle them. Imo will look after the twins," Taehyung suggested."Eomma will never allow it," I shook my head and leaned back against the seat in defeat as we stared at the setting sun over the city. Eomma might hurt my children."He doesn't help you? At all?" Taehyung mumbled with his stuffed cheeks."No. Yangcha does the house chores, and I look after the kids. He's still a little impatient with children... so I try not to leave the twins in his care for too long," I shrugged."That's what you get for marrying a young boy," Taehyung mocked. I glared at him in annoyance."He's tired, and he can be a little sensitive when he's constantly bothered-""He's so tired he can't help you look after the twins, but he has the energy to have sex with you? And give you all those love marks?" Taehyung shook his head bitterly."I'm fine. Seriously," I shrugged. Taehyung nodded bitterly and placed the empty wrapper inside a bag before starting the engine. He took me back home."Jagi~ I'm home~!" I called while taking off my coat as Taehyung followed me inside the penthouse... but Yangcha didn't reply to my announcement. Pause. I sniffed the strange burnt scent with a slight frown. What's that smell?"What the fuck-" Taehyung suddenly gasped... so I quickly spun around just as Taehyung sprinted inside the kitchen to switch off the hot stove as the stew in the pot bubbled uncontrollably under the lid- splashing harshly onto Taehyung's fingers. "Are you okay?!" I shrieked, rushing towards Taehyung in a panic as he ran his burnt hand under the cold water in the sink."Where is he?!" Taehyung grunted, turning to frown at me. I frowned at the steaming pot and the mess on the stove before glancing at the empty living space."Yangcha?!-" I called, hurrying inside the bedroom... but it was empty, so I quickly picked up the twins from the crib in horror before strolling back into the living room. Where did he go?!"He's not home!? Why's the stove on with the kids inside the room!?" Taehyung snapped as he walked towards me with a glowering look. Beep."Appa's back home~! Oh- Jagi! You're back!" Yangcha smiled, suddenly halting by the door as I clutched onto my clueless sons. Taehyung clenched his jaw and glanced at the alpha as he held a plastic bag between his fingers in the doorway. Silence. The smile on Yangcha's face immediately faded once he noticed Kim Taehyung fuming at him in rage."WHY DID YOU LEAVE THE BURNING STOVE ON!?" Taehyung bellowed, causing Yangcha to tense his body upon the harsh confrontation."Keep your voice down!" Yangcha snapped, glaring fiercely at the alpha."The stove was burning! And the twins-""Tae-""HOW CAN YOU LEAVE YOUR SONS UNATTENDED WHILE THE FIRE IS FLAMING?!" Taehyung furiously bellowed. Yangcha clenched his jaw and glanced at me, but before he could speak... Woojin suddenly started crying, so I quickly patted his back and carried the twins back inside the bedroom to separate them from the infuriated alphas.
A moment later.
I quietly sprayed the cooling cream over Taehyung's mildly burnt fingers as Yangcha placed the warm meal on the coffee table in the living room. Taehyung shifted his deadly glare to my husband as Yangcha avoided his glower and settled down with a dismissive look."You-""Stop!- Taehyung, please!" I whined, raising my hand to hold back his chest when he tried to jerk off the couch. Taehyung clenched his jaw at my troubled expression and glared at Yangcha... who was blankly staring back at him with a poker face.The alpha suddenly scoffed, snatched his suit from the handrest, and stormed out of the living room without another word- angrily banging the penthouse door shut before I could stop him. I pursed my lips and glanced at Yangcha, who was blankly staring at the soup he brewed."Yangcha-""We didn't have garlic, so I thought I could make a quick dash for it. I'm sorry," Yangcha whispered, apologetically looking up at me. I frowned in difficulty and finally sat down beside him. Yangcha didn't argue with Taehyung because he was aware of his mistake. I shouldn't press him any further since he apologized."Please be careful. Okay? I'm not mad at you," I assured, gently taking his hands in mine. Yangcha nodded and leaned forward to hug me, so I welcomed his sturdy body and sighed deeply with my nose pressed against his shoulder. We enjoyed dinner together and chatted about our days as usual before Yangcha got up to feed our twins as I did the dishes and cleaned up the living room. He finally put our sons back to bed after playing with the little dumplings... and we ended up sharing the shower stall together."Ahah~!" I giggled, weakly pushing his hands off my waist when he tried to tickle me. Yangcha smiled and drew me in by my hips to plant a wet kiss on my lips while standing naked under the warm shower. I hugged his waist and chuckled softly as he swirled his tongue inside my mouth."Should we do a quickie?" He suggested, eagerly smiling at me as he held my buttcheeks under the downpour."I have to pump a fresh milk batch for the twins. Maybe next time?" I smiled, patting his cheek. Yangcha pouted at my rejection but released me, so I quickly showered and strolled out of the bathroom in my gown to pump my breast milk in the living room before placing the fresh batch in the fridge and finally stepped back inside my bedroom to find Yangcha sleeping soundly in the bed. I checked on the twins, adjusted their pillows before crawling into bed, and turned to sleep on my side.
The next day.
"I should get up and check on them," I whispered while playing with Yangcha's buzz-cut hair as he hugged me on his side with his feverish face pressed against the crook of my sweaty neck. 7:35 AM."I already fed them. Can't we stay in bed like this for a little longer?" He softly whined as he clung to my body. I exhaled and glanced down to find him snuggling against my beast, making me smile as I lay in my gown. Yangcha is... of course... naked. He insisted that we make love first thing in the morning because we're often too drained at night."Taking care of the big baby is much more difficult than the little ones," I whispered while grazing his earlobe. Yangcha slightly tilted his face to stare at me, so I smiled and rubbed his firm jaw as he laid over my upper arm. My skin is sticky from the sweat and semen."I used to be your favorite baby," He grumbled."You are my favorite-""Liar. The dumplings come before me now. I'm second in line," He shook his head. I laughed and dabbed his sweaty forehead. He's sweating so much because of the sex we had earlier."What are you talking about? Are you seriously jealous of your sons?" I whispered. Yangcha groaned and leaned upward to kiss me, so I stroked his cheek and gave him a moist smooch."I didn't want to get you pregnant this early because I knew we'd spend less time together," He grumbled, pulling away to kiss my cleavage and hugged me tightly on his side again."It's not like... we're both unemployed anymore," I shrugged. He has to work full-time at the tower and I have to work three days a week with Taehyung."You can quit work. I'll support you alone," Yangcha suggested. I smiled while staring at him fondly."So I can focus on caring for this big baby?" I teased, pinching his cheek."Yeah. This baby is very needy, you know?" He nodded as I grazed my fingers over the fresh scratches on his muscular back."Well. I froze a batch of milk in the fridge. You can feed yourself," I laughed. Yangcha pouted, suddenly clutching my breast possessively."I like fresh milk! From you! Like this!" He smirked, yanking down my strap, and suddenly sucked onto my tips, causing me to shriek in shock.The man quickly covered my mouth to prevent me from startling the kids, so I smacked his back as he ran his slick tongue over my sensitive nipple. I moaned and gripped his shoulders as he licked and sucked on my swollen tips with his devilish gaze glued to mine. We'll end up having sex again if he keeps doing this! I tried to shove his head away, but he effortlessly interlaced his fingers with mine to pin my hand over the pillow and proceeded to tease until I twisted my body in distress over the mattress as he clung to my breast like a leech. Hah~! He can't tease me like this~!"Stop it! I'm already sore from sex earlier!" I whined, pushing his face away. Yangcha chuckled, pulled the silk back over my breast, and slumped beside me with his head rested on my arm. I rubbed my breast in annoyance as he turned to lay on his back with his eyes fixed on the ceiling while licking his wet lips."Do you think it's weird if I actually pack your milk to work?" He asked, turning his head to stare at me."Don't be weird," I laughed, shoving his face away with my palm and turned on my side. Yangcha swung his muscular leg over my body and drew me back over the mattress. I groaned softly after failing to get out of bed as he trapped me against his humid body."What's wrong with bringing my wife's milk to work?" He asked. I whined and pressed my face into the pillow, making him chuckle at my defeated reaction."I won't have enough milk for the twins if you do that," I whispered as he softly kissed my sweaty nape. We ended-up... chit-chatting on the bed until mid-morning when I finally got up to shower with him and exited the room to feed the twins as Yangcha got dressed before the mirror. He took the twins out of my arms so I could get ready for the occasion."Eomma! Say it~! Eom-ma!" Yangcha cutely leaned over the twins as they lay on the bed with their curious gaze on their looming father."Can I wear this?" I asked, walking out of the closet as he hovered his face over the babies while sitting on the bed. The alpha looked up at the bikini piece on my body and glanced at me with a slight frown."Why are you asking me?" He blinked."It doesn't look good on me?-""I never said that. You can wear whatever you want," Yangcha shook his head."Really? You're okay with this?" I asked, unsurely twirling my body to show him the lacy golden two-piece with a weak smile. Yangcha picked up the twins to seat them on his lap."Look at eomma. Isn't she gorgeous~?" Yangcha funnily spoke to the twins, whose eyes lit up as they stared at me. They giggled and wiggled their fingers in delight. I smiled at their favorable reaction and strolled inside the closet again to pull on my ankle-length dress.

"You're very generous," I smiled, finally stepping back out while combing my tangled hair."What do you mean?" Yangcha smiled as he rocked the dumplings over his lap."Well. My past lovers never let me wear-""Pfft. Because they're insecure? They're afraid a hot man will snatch eomma away. Right, Hoonie? Jinnie?- But appa... appa can fight. Eomma can wear whatever she wants because appa has super big muscles! I'll fight every man if they dare approach her~! You two will help appa defend eomma once you grow up, right~?" Yangcha smiled at the twins and looked up at me as I fixed my hair before the mirror."Kanghoon-ah. Jinnie. Do you want to listen to a funny story? Why eomma agree to date appa?" I asked from the vanity table. The twins suddenly shrieked in glee, causing Yangcha to scoff at their excitement."Wae?" Yangcha curiously smiled as he hugged the twins against his chest while sitting on the bed."Because I liked your daddy's body muscles," I funnily snorted. Yangcha immediately glared at me and glanced down at the twins."You heard that? She only favors appa because appa is a strong man!" Yangcha frowned at the twins as they reached upward to graze his face with their tiny fingers."Of course, eomma must choose a strong man. Eomma is a very frail woman. A weak man won't be able to put up with eomma~!" I grinned and turned to pack our baby essentials. Yangcha finally stood up from the bed, and we strolled out of the penthouse together with our loaded bags.Chul Hwa-young is hosting a birthday at her vacation house near a pretty lake in a rural region, and she has invited almost everyone to the feast. I'm surprised she invited Yangcha and me to her event despite not being on good terms with us. I believe Sungho suggested our invitation to his sister. Yangcha secured our dumplings to the safety seats on the back bench. I placed the belongings in the trunk and finally stepped inside the passenger seat as Yangcha held the door open for me."Stay calm, okay? We're taking you on a trip," I turned to smile at the twins. They giggled in their seats and curiously glanced out the window as Yangcha stepped into the driver's seat to start the engine. I exhaled and leaned back in my seat with my eyes trained forward as the alpha carefully pulled out of the building's parking garage and rolled onto the street.
The twin didn't cry. They don't often throw a tantrum unless they hear loud noises or when their small stomach demands milk... so I'm able to rest on the brief trip to the vacation house.

A moment later.
"Omo! They're so adorable!" Minah gasped while studying the twins as if their some kind of unknown creatures. Yangcha clutched onto Kanghoon with a grim expression as I carried Woojin. We're sitting at a decorated picnic table on a vast emerald field with a view of the mountains and a beautiful lake.

"What's their name?" Hoseok asked as Minah clung to his arm."Kanghoon and Woojin," I replied as the alphas surrounded us with their curious gaze. It's funny. Why are they so eager?"They look nothing like their mother. How disappointing," Minho frowned as he inspected the twins' clueless stares. Yangcha nervously glanced at the alphas as he cradled his baby against his chest. He doesn't like to interact with anyone besides me. Yangcha is an extreme introvert, but he's deadly.

"Oppa. We should get married soon," So-young funnily nudged Jimin, who was smiling at the twins."You don't have to get married to make babies~" Minah turned to the couple, causing Jimin's face to flush red. So-young giggled and hugged Jimin's arm."You are in a hurry to produce the heirs, so they'd be older than the rest of their generation, huh," Mira grimaced. I smiled at her sour expression. The twins will be the oldest heirs in the society once the other alphas bear their children. I can train my children early, so that's a huge relief."What's with the crowd? Have you never seen human offspring before?" Taehyung dawdled, walking up to the crowd in his casual clothes. The alphas grimaced and suddenly separated their ways upon Taehyung's presence."You're here too?" I smiled. Taehyung darted Yangcha an annoyed glare before glancing at the glimmering lake to scan the beautiful scenery. They fought the last time they met... so I'm a bit edgy."It's a waste of time? Why is the birthday celebration lasting for an entire day?!" Taehyung shrugged, sitting beside me on the bench as I placed Woojin back into the stroller. Yangcha did the same to keep the babies out of the sun's glare.
Hwa-young eventually made her graceful appearance in a pretty yellow gown and crystal pins over her neat and long black hair to greet the guests, causing the alphas to turn heads after her radiating beauty. Even the elders seemed to favor her because Seokjin's mother kept nudging her son toward the Chul's daughter as she chatted with the lower ranks on the field.

We were served lunch at the vast opening, so I quietly ate with Yangcha as Taehyung sat across from us with Yoongi, who was too busy playing with the twins in their strollers. Hoseok and Minah were teasing each other at the table.
"So. Did it hurt?" Minah asked, curiously leaning over the table."What?" I blinked at her."You gave birth. Did it hurt? Did anything change down there? I'm trying to understand motherhood," Minah nodded at me curiously. We're definitely not on good terms, but the alphas usually interact freely during an occasion like this."She didn't give birth. The head doctor performed a C-section," Taehyung muttered. Hoseok glanced at me in surprise."Are you saying you've got a nasty scar on your lower belly?!" Minah dramatically covered her mouth."So? It's not nasty. That's the scar of her sacrifice and bravery to bear her children," Yangcha frowned at Minah. She eyed the scar on the side of his head and shrugged."I'm not fond of scars. I'll probably hire a surrogate to carry my child so my body will stay flawless forever," She chirped and sipped from her glass. Taehyung rolled his eyes."They don't look like either of you," Hoseok chuckled as Yoongi played with Woojin's small stuffed bear."They're still young~! I hope they take after their mother once they grow up~!" Yoongi chuckled, briefly glancing at Hoseok."Yah. Stop bothering the children. It's their nap time," Taehyung tugged Yoongi's arm, so the alpha cutely waved at the boys and turned to eat his food, leaving them to rest in the stroller."Oh. Yeah. I heard you babysit the supreme alpha's children at the corporation. People claim the child is yours," Minah keenly grinned at Taehyung, who frowned at her absurd claims."People will speak nonsense, and the fools will attend," Taehyung sorely replied. Minah glared at Taehyung and glanced at Yangcha."Aren't you upset? About the rumors?" Minah asked. Yangcha quietly chewed his food, finally looking up at the alpha."I'm too busy with work. Only unproductive people like you will have time to entertain yourself with such absurdity," Yangcha smiled. Minah's face immediately flushed red."Unproductive?! I work at Philanthropy!" She snapped, scoffing at Yangcha with an offended look. Taehyung smiled and ate his food as Minah huffed in annoyance and quickly stomped away from the picnic table."Minah! Babe!-" Hoseok gasped, chasing after her, causing Yoongi to dim his eyes."Your alliance is dating Kim Namjoon's ally. Are you comfortable with that?" Yangcha smirked at Yoongi."At least it's better than sharing your power with a sketchy cult," Yoongi dawdled. Yangcha tensed his body upon Min Yoongi's mockery."I only did it to prevent a conflict-""Why? Why didn't Mrs. Jang disclose the official documents to the council? Unless Jeon Jungkook was correct? Sora isn't the rightful heir?" Yoongi questioned, dully eyeing us."She might not possess the documents, and the Jeon is deliberately accusing her... so the cult would only target Sora. That coward. Jeon Jungkook is doing everything in his power... to challenge me. He knew I'd be forced to make a sacrifice to shield the supreme alpha," Yangcha lifted his eyebrow at Yoongi, who nodded as he chewed his food."I find the entire Park Bogum sensation very cynical. Why didn't the cult show up sooner? Why wait for the alphas to strike first? If they were on the right... then why didn't they call for a justified trial sooner? Why wait in the shadow and attack after they were struck?" Yoongi muttered, dimly glancing at the other alphas as they cheered on the picnic table beside the lake."So you believe us?" I asked, unsurely staring at Yoongi."I'm not siding with you. I'm only being prudent. I sense there's another motive," Yoongi shrugged. Taehyung glanced past us, so I turned to find Hwa-young walking up to me with Jungkook, who was glaring at Yangcha."Congratulations," I bitterly greeted her."No. Congratulations on your successful childbirth. They definitely look like their... so-called... father," Hwa-young nodded at Yangcha after taking a peek at the twins as they napped in their stroller."They look nothing like him," Jungkook scoffed, glancing away in annoyance."If you have nothing better to say but to spit dirt... then leave," Taehyung sorely nodded at his cousin."Lies?!-""The alliances have completely fallen apart because of you and I've taken your reckless bullet. I hope you're satisfied. Now remove your saint ass out of this table full of killers. You don't belong with us sinners," Taehyung mocked the half-blood. Jungkook tensed his body as Hwa-young clung to him and stormed away. The woman gasped at his attitude and raced after him on her heels."I heard she took your fiancée to the hotel every day?" Yoongi asked, uneasily glancing at Taehyung's dark frown."I'm not surprised. It's Jeon Jungkook's nature to think with his dick and not his brain," Taehyung grunted in discontent.
A moment later.
Third Person POVThe vacation house pool erupted with cheerful screeches and laughter as the birthday guests swam across the glass pool position before the lake view as the sunset sank over the distant mountains. Most of the alphas weren't in the water, and only a few had decided to swim as others judgementally watched participants from the pool bench."Minah! Join me!" Hoseok beckoned his girlfriend as she sat on the bench in her red piece and black glasses."Let go of me, you cheater!" Mira snapped when Minho tried to court her in the crowded pool."Jimin! Pass the ball!" So-young shrieked, leaping over the water to receive the ball from her boyfriend as he tossed the ball toward her. Kim Namjoon sat on a dry bench beside Kim Seokjin, who was bitterly eyeing the crowd until Hwa-young stepped out into the opening in her yellow one-piece with Jeon Jungkook, who stood shirtless to flex his sexy toned abs."Damn~! Your legs are so slender!" Minho complimented, earning a sharp glare from Mira. She aggressively splashed the water on her former lover's face and paddled away to avoid him.The men within the area eagerly shifted their mesmerized stares to Hwa-young's perfect body shape without blinking as Jungkook pridefully led her toward the pool. Jungkook smirked at the man's lustful gaze as he helped his lover into the pool... so she giggled and clung to his shoulder as he held her waist under the water."Oh? Who's that hot man?" A newly exposed alpha glanced to the side, causing Minah to turn in the direction as the man stepped out of the mansion with his swimming shorts on. Hoseok's slightly eyes widened as he stared at the man's god-crafted physique."Jae Yangcha? Are you serious? When was he this hot?" Minah scoffed as she eyed the alpha's glazed body. The women within the space suddenly held their breath as they studied his shockingly brawny trunk. He's massive. Much sturdier than Jeon Jungkook... who is known to have the best body shape among the alphas."His scars are hot. Don't you think?" Mira smiled after she hugged her sexy figure out of the pool. Minah fired her fellow alpha a disgusted look when the cold water splattered from Mira's body."The scars are hot?" Minah rolled her eyes as Yangcha cluelessly slipped into the pool without acknowledging their attentive stares."Men with flawless bodies like your boyfriend are boring. The battle scars are more interesting~" Mira smiled at Yangcha as he emerged from the water and sexily ruffled his short buzzcut. Minah gulped at his sturdy back muscles before glancing at Hoseok, who was uneasily observing the Jaguar's shocking body physique."Do you have a fetish for killers?" Minah frowned at Mira, who huffed and sat down on the bench beside hers with her dripping wet hair."Are you not a killer, Minah-shi? You killed Jiwoo after you fucked my boyfriend," Mira smirked, glancing at Minah, whose face flushed red."I didn't kill-""Minho- being the pathetic scumbag he is... confessed his crime to me. You fought with Jiwoo that night after he accidentally saw you sucking my boyfriend's dick. Minho claimed you struck Jiwoo with a nail gun and shot the nail... used to seal the wine barrels... into Jiwoo's skull. You panicked and fled, so Minho had to clean up the mess and shoved the fucker inside a barrel. Talk about being a killer. You're skilled at slaughtering dicks," Mira taunted Minah, whose face turned pale as she uneasily glanced at the awkward-looking lower ranks beside them."Who is he?" The clueless young alpha nudged Minah as she curiously observed Jae Yangcha while biting her lower lips."The silent killer. Jang Sora's wild card. Stay away from him if you don't want to increase his body count," Minah bitterly glanced at the innocent alpha woman. She pursed her lips and glanced at the alpha with a startled look."He's married to the supreme alpha and made her pop out two children from her womb. Search for another candidate," Mira advised the woman. She pursed her lips and glanced at the other men within the area."What about him?" Eunjung nodded at Kim Taehyung... who was pushing a baby stroller out of the mansion to sit on an empty bench, followed by the supreme alpha as she stood in her silk robe."Kim Taehyung? Pfft. You see how he looks after her children like a servant? Don't sniff the supreme alpha's used toys," Minah scoffed as they watched Sora hand Taehyung the baby bottle."Him?" Eunjung nodded at Min Yoongi, who was stroking around in the water."He's clean. You can try," Mira nodded as they eyed the second rank. The woman beamed in excitement as she fixed her determined gaze on Yoongi.
Meanwhile,
Jang Sora finally slipped off the silk robe from her body to reveal her golden bikini, causing Taehyung to frown at her revealing her body figure. He almost disapproved of her outfit but held back the urge once he realized he wasn't her husband. Instead, Taehyung cleared his throat and glanced at the twins in the stroller."Jagi~!" Yangcha waved as he hopped towards the edge of the pool. Sora smiled and tiptoed towards her husband as he held his arms out for her."Is it cold?" Sora smiled as she tested the water with her toes."Nope! Quite warm!" Yangcha beamed as she slowly crouched by the edge and slipped into the pool with him. Yangcha secured her waist and hopped backward, causing Sora to giggle as she desperately tried to keep her dry bun out of the water. The couple giggled as he playfully bounced around over the water.
Sora's POV
"Hey Kim Taehyung! Can I hire you to babysit my baby too?!" Minho shrieked, causing Taehyung to fire the alpha an irritated glare. I chuckled and hugged Yangcha as he held my buttcheeks under the water until I caught Jungkook frowning at us. Hwa-young quickly glanced in our direction- so I turned away and rested my chin on Yangcha's soaked shoulder.
We didn't swim long in the pool because I felt terrible for leaving the twins under Taehyung's care, so we eventually got dressed for the evening feast. Yangcha helped me zip my dress as he stood in plain black trousers and a black polo shirt.
"Taehyung! Can you take a picture of us?" I asked, grabbing Taehyung's forearm as we stood on a decorative wooden bridge leading into the lake."Sure," Taehyung nodded, so I took Kanghoon out of Yangcha's right arm and turned to pose for the camera as the sun set over the mountains.Yangcha brightly beamed as he held Woojin in his left arm while holding my waist with his free right arm. I slightly tilted my head with a pretty smile as Taehyung adjusted my phone to take a picture of us. My smile slightly dropped once I noticed Seokjin standing by the far shore, staring listlessly in my direction. I gulped and glanced at the camera again until Taehyung lowered the phone."Now. My turn. I want a picture with the twins," Taehyung insisted, handing me my phone."Why?" Yangcha frowned."So I can take credit for my babysitting session when they grow up! They'll have to repay their debts and return the favor! Did you think I wasted my time changing their diapers for free?!" Taehyung shrugged as he stormed up to Yangcha and hastily seized Woojin from his father's arms. Yangcha bitterly stepped aside, so I handed him the camera and stood beside Taehyung. The Jaguar grimaced and snapped a picture of us as Taehyung proudly beamed at the phone."Now move aside. Give me Kanghoon," Taehyung nudged me away as he grabbed onto Kanghoon. I glared at him as he demanded that I step out of the frame. Jeez. When did he become this possessive of my babies? I walked toward Yangcha to hold his waist as he captured the adorable moment of Kim Taehyung... holding our twins in either of his arms before the striking view.

"So adorable!" I shrieked. Yangcha smiled and lowered the camera."Aigo~ Let's get you back inside the stroller~! The mosquitos are trying to sip your sweet blood!" Taehyung funnily chuckled and walked away with the twins, causing Yangcha to grimace at the man."Why is he so fond of them?" Yangcha grunted as he interlaced his fingers with mine. I slipped my phone inside my purse and looked up at him with a weak smile."Should we let him babysit our baby? So we can spend time together?" I giggled."No way! I'm not leaving my children in his care!- Hey- Bring them back!-" Yangcha funnily called out for Taehyung as he climbed the stairs and headed back to the event center without looking back at us. I chuckled and tugged Yangcha back until he turned to me with a confused frown. I tip-toed on my short heels and tilted my face upward until Yangcha unconsciously lowered his face to mine. Smooch. We sweetly kissed over the bridge."I love you," I smiled, pulling away to stare fondly into his tender gaze."That's my phrase," He whispered, lowering his face to rest his nose over mine as he gently held onto my waist.The alpha softly rocked our bodies over the empty bridge before the lake view until the sun finally set behind the high mountains as the chilly air gusted around us. I patted Yangcha's solid back while staring at the peaceful dark lake- when he suddenly lifted me off the bridge and raced back onto the shore, causing me to shriek in shock as I gripped his shoulder for balance."Put me down!" I shrieked while beating his back.Yangcha chuckled and settled me on the grass after climbing the stairs, so I chuckled and playfully smacked his chest for startling me. The alpha abruptly froze in his position once his gaze landed on something over my shoulder and his radiant smile suddenly disappeared... replaced by dread... so I quickly turned around to find... eomma... cradling one of the twins as Taehyung uneasily frowned at the woman."What is she- Yangcha!" I gasped when he jerked forward."How dare you touch my child!" Yangcha snapped, furiously seizing the bundle from my mother's embrace. She glanced at the alpha with a slight grimace as he possessively held Kanghoon against his chest as Taehyung patted Woojin, who was already asleep over his shoulder."Your child? The baby... doesn't look like you though...? They awfully resemble a person I know... or is it just me...?" Eomma lifted her eyebrow to inspect Woojin and glanced back at Kanghoon before lifting her sly eyes to Yangcha's hardened expression."Let's have dinner. We should head back home soon," I patted Yangcha's waist to lead him from my mother. Taehyung sighed, placed Woojin in the stroller, and pushed the child away. Yangcha cradled Kanghoon with an upset frown as he followed me to our table, so I glanced back at eomma as she weirdly smiled at me. What's with her...?We settled down with Taehyung and Yoongi's households because they were the only neutral players in the game. Yangcha carefully placed Kanghoon back inside the stroller and released the protective net to keep out the bugs before turning to sit by my side. I patted his hand to ease his spewing temper as the staff served us warm meals on the table within the lit-up property.The Mins curiously chatted with us over the feast as the musicians recreated the classical music in the background to entertain the crowd of wealthy guests. We finally headed home after dinner before the event ended because the twins were starting to get irritated over the noisy laughter and chatter.Yangcha immediately collapsed onto the bed after he showered, so I quietly put the twins to bed- and spent another hour pumping breast milk before crawling into bed to sleep but was jerked awake when the twins burst out crying in the middle of the night. Yangcha grunted and lifted his head off the pillow with a sleepy gaze on the crib, so I quickly shoved the blanket off my body and hurriedly picked them up to leave the room."Why are you crying again? Appa has to work early tomorrow~!" I yawned as I rested the twins on the baby sofa on our couch and gave them each a pacifier.They eventually grew hushed... so I sleepily stared at their adorable innocent pupils as they intensely stared at me while sucking on the pacifiers. Smiling, I kissed their cheeks to console them until they fell asleep again... but I didn't want to wake Yangcha... so I slept in the living room with the twins.Kanghoon and Woojin were very calm during their early days, but once they started to sit up during their six months... they would frequently cry and throw tantrums. They would sit in the crib and scream for me at night... so I was often jerked awake to nurse them. It was alright for a few weeks, but Yangcha's health began to decline... over the rapid disturbance. He couldn't properly sleep and would head to work and return home entirely drained. "WAAH! WAAHAH! WAAAAAH!" I quickly shoved the blanket off my body for the 1000th time as Yangcha grumpily rolled over on the mattress to pull the pillow over his head in distress. I worriedly stared at him as I changed Kanghoon's diaper. The twins have been ill for the past weeks... so they're always warm."Babe?" I hoarsely whispered as I wiped Kanghoon's butt to swab off the greenish wet stool from his fleshy bum."Hmmm?" Yangcha grunted as he lay face-first on the bed with his face pressed against the pillow. I worriedly stared at his muscular back as the man remained shirtless on the mattress."Can you grab a new diaper pack real quick? It's in the storage room. The first row," I muttered. Yangcha grunted, weakly crawled out of bed, and left the room to get the diapers as I cleaned Kanghoon, who was whimpering in distress. I have to take them back to the hospital tomorrow. The fever won't go away because of the flu they caught."This one?" Yangcha whispered, causing me to jerk in panic upon his unannounced presence... I spun around to find him standing in his loose pajama pants with his eyes closed."Throw this in the black bag. It's used diapers," I whispered, handing Yangcha a securely sealed bag, so he nodded and strolled out of the room without opening his puffy eyelids."Appa will fall sick too... if you keep bothering him at night. Oh?" I muttered while changing the diaper. Kanghoon cutely cooed after I wrapped him up and gently picked up the puppy to pat his back as he sucked on the pacifier. I reached inside the crib to adjust the beanie over Woojin's head as he softly snored with his runny nose.Sighing heavily, I finally rested Kanghoon back inside the crib after he fell asleep and wiped Woojin's nose clean before turning toward the bed. Where did Yangcha go? He left to put the used diapers away... so why isn't he back yet??? I unsurely walked out of the bedroom in my slippers to find Yangcha standing by the sink with his palms pressed against the platform and head lowered."Hey... are you okay?" I whispered, worriedly reaching out for his forearm. Yangcha sniffled and tried to turn his face away. I frown at his strange withdrawal... so I gently cupped his cheeks and turned him towards me."I was- just making you warm milk-" He choked, trying to stabilize his voice... but it broke... and he ended up sobbing uncontrollably. I sighed and drew him into a firm embrace... until Yangcha lowered his head to rest on my shoulder while hugging me. My heart aches. He must have been frustrated yet never dared complain."I'm here. It's okay..." I whispered, gently patting his bare back in the dark kitchen. Yangcha's shoulders vibrated lightly, so I clutched his firm back harder to secure his soul as he broke into my arms. I finally released my husband... and slowly led him to the living room while holding the mug and sat down with him. Yangcha sniffled and rubbed his tearful eyes with his hand. Sleep and silence are very... valuable to Yangcha because it helps him retain control of his deranged mind. He's been sleep-deprived lately, so he's really sensitive and easily irritated."I'm sorry- I didn't mean to-""Drink the milk," I smiled, gently placing it between his palms. Yangcha unsurely stared at me and drank the milk he brewed as I rubbed his buzz cut while sitting beside him. He tilted his head backward to drain the mug empty and finally placed it away on the coffee table."I feel better now," He whispered, slightly exhaling to soothe his stuffy chest. I patted his hands sadly."Should I move out with the twin for a while?" I asked while gazing at his swollen eyes."What?" Yangcha asked, lifting his startled face to fire me a dark frown."I can move back to the mansion for a while. You can sleep peacefully at the penthouse-""No. Of course not. I don't want to be away from you," He shook his head. I sighed and gripped his hands in difficulty."Then. I'll move the crib to the guest room. Is that alright? Less disturbance. Yeah?" I asked, unsurely searching his downcast gaze.Yangcha finally nodded, so I leaned forward to embrace him as he sniffled and hugged me. He's been good to me and the kids for the past months, but the sudden shift in our lives is starting to bug him. I should give him some space and peace to recollect himself."I love you," He whispered. I nodded and hugged his neck tightly as he slowly leaned backward while holding onto my waist to rest against the cushions. I adjusted my position over his body... and we finally fell asleep on the couch.
Everything should be okay... as long as we communicate our difficulties.

Fast Forward
Third Person POVKim Taehyung worriedly glanced at Jang Sora as her head slowly dropped while they sat in the packed meeting room. He quickly nudged his assistant, causing her to jerk awake. The supreme alpha apologetically nodded at him and glanced at the board of directors again while rubbing her bloodshot eyes. Sighing heavily... Taehyung glanced at Sora's peeling fingers and glanced at her dark circles unsurely. The mother of two suddenly hugged her stomach with a look of discomfort as if she was having a stomach ache.Taehyung didn't think much of her condition and assumed she was just exhausted over her children... but her health deteriorated alarmingly over the next few months until he caught her crying now and then without any particular reason. Maybe it's postpartum depression? He thought.
The alpha grew restless and confronted her many times... but she claimed she was simply stressed over the twin's condition because they kept falling ill.

A few weeks later.
"Sir!" The secretary burst inside the meeting room with a pale face. Kim Taehyung shifted his dull stare from the shareholders as they sat in a hotel suite at about 10:00 PM."What's the matter?" Taehyung frowned, glancing at the secretary's horrified expression. The man hurried forward to whisper in Taehyung's ear, causing the alpha's face to drain in horror upon receiving the devastating news."Should I-""Everyone is dismissed!" Taehyung ordered, suddenly leaping from his leather armchair with a stern expression. He quickly stormed out of the reserved suite and raced out of the hotel in his black sportscars... until he tore through the hospital entrance."Is she okay?!" Taehyung snapped as Do-hwan raced towards him, but the alpha didn't wait and rushed inside the lobby."Sir-""Lead me to her!" Taehyung demanded once a nurse tried to greet him. The nurse fearfully spun on her heels and hurriedly led him toward the elevator until they ascended to a private floor. The alpha barged inside the private medical suite to find imo sitting on the couch with the gift bags."Taehyung!" Imo gasped as he raced towards Jang Sora, who was resting on the bed with the IV drip hooked to her wrist."Why aren't they treating her at the mansion?!" Taehyung snapped at Imo."Her mother turned her away, so her father ordered Do-hwan to bring her to the hospital instead. The head doctor did a full examination," Imo explained worriedly. Taehyung stared at the dark bruise under her left eye with a dark frown."The twins? Are they okay?" Taehyung grimaced, turning towards the baby crib."Your assistants called the ambulance and delivered the twins after the mother fainted in your office," Imo explained. Taehyung clenched his jaw and walked towards the crib to check on the twins as they lay with a cooling patch over their feverish foreheads. She had collapsed due to fatigue."Yeobo!-" Yangcha suddenly barged inside the room, followed by Do-hwan. Kim Taehyung wildly spun on his heels- WHACK! He roughly threw a hard punch against the alpha's face before he could finish his sentence... sending... Jae Yangcha... stumbling backward."Taehyung!" Imo gasped as Yangcha toppled to the floor after receiving the shocking force on his face."What did you do to her?!" Taehyung snapped while glaring at the Jaguar in extreme fury. The alpha angrily tugged his collar to release the steaming vapor from his strained neck as he scowled at the supreme alpha's injured spouse."I didn't do anything! She fainted-""The bruise under her eyes!? Where did it come from?!-""I slip and fell at the penthouse- Can you not scream? My headaches?" Sora hoarsely spoke up. Taehyung wildly snapped his bewildered glare at the supreme alpha as she sat up on the bed with a slight grimace. Do-hwan quickly closed the door to grant them privacy as imo rushed forward to help her young lady sit up on the mattress. The supreme alpha grunted and rubbed her upper arm in discomfort."How can you let her raise the children alone?! Are you the only one exhausted!? Is she a soldier?!" Taehyung scolded Yangcha as he rubbed his bleeding nose in annoyance."I asked her to rest! But you insisted she prepares a meal and brings it to your office because you're working overtime!" Yangcha bellowed at Taehyung and stomped forward to snatch the alpha's collar. Taehyung frowned at the Jarguar's claim and glanced at his former lover's fearful expression. She anxiously glanced back and forth between them."What are you talking about? I didn't ask her-""Taehyung- stop! Yangcha is clueless! He was working overtime too- I had to take care of the twins because he's tired-""And you're not tired?! The twins were sick for weeks! And it was me- who had to take them to the hospital repeatedly! I doubt you ever stayed up to check their fever or fed them the medication! Are you going to act like you're the victim when- Sora's the one to give birth to your children?! You could've helped her ease the burden!- But no! You'd rather complain on the bed as she sleeplessly comforts the twins every night!" Taehyung angrily sneered at Yangcha's angered face. The Jagaur roughly shoved Taehyung aside in tears."Fine! I'll take the twins home then! Jackass!- It's as if you're the one- dealing with the daily disturbance!" Yangcha hastily stormed towards the crib to pick up the twins. The children suddenly burst out crying after their father jerked them awake from their sleep."Yangcha!- It's fine! Leave them here! I can take care of them-""In this condition?! You will fucking die from exhaustion at this rate!" Taehyung snapped at Jang Sora when she attempted to stop her husband. Yangcha angrily stormed away with the twins and left the room, so Do-hwan exhaled heavily and closed the door again after opening it for him. Imo patted Sora's shoulder as she sobbed on the bed, torn by the shocking arguments between the alphas."No- I'm fine now!- Yangcha- wait for me!" Sora cried, abruptly snatching the IV drip from her wrist... desperately attempting to scramble out of the bed."What are you doing?!-""Yangcha has a meeting tomorrow! He'll be exhausted-""WHAT ABOUT YOU?! DOES EVERYTHING REVOLVE AROUND HIM?!!" Taehyung bellowed, angrily grabbing Sora's forearm... causing her to whimper in pain."Aigo! You're hurting her! Let go!" Imo snapped, trying to free Taehyung's grip from the supreme alpha."It's his first time being a father! You don't know what it's like-""OH?!- ISN'T IT YOUR FIRST TIME BEING A MOTHER TOO? IT'S YOUR FIRST TIME BEING A WIFE AND THE FIRST TIME RAISING CHILDREN! WHY IS HE THE ONLY ONE TO GET AWAY WITH IT?!! HOW ARE YOU SO SELFLESS?! THAT MOTHER FUCKER DID NOT BLEED THE BABIES OUT OF HIS WOMB, DID HE!? YOU WERE THE ONE TO BEAR ALL OF THE HARDSHIP- AND YET- HE CAN'T EVEN PERFORM HIS BASIC DUTY AS A FATHER?!" Taehyung screamed, causing Sora to whimper in tears."Get out of my way!-""If you leave- I'll fucking fire you, Sora! Run to him in this condition, and I'll never let you work for me again! If you desperately want to nurse that man child- Then stay with him forever! Die trying to please him!" Taehyung roared at her face in anger. The supreme alpha nervously stared at him with a hurtful frown. She roughly shoved Kim Taehyung aside... and raced out of the room on her bare feet, leaving him hanging. "Omo! What should we do!?" Imo gasped as she hurried towards the door in extreme anxiety. Taehyung scoffed and slumped on the couch in bewilderment as Jang Sora chased after her husband and her babies in the dead of the night."Should I follow her to the penthouse?" Do-hwan grunted sourly."No! Let her chase that fucking asshole! Maybe his addictive cum is enough to keep her alive!" Taehyung snapped."Taehyung! Don't say that! Aigo~! That poor thing~! I should visit her tomorrow~! I didn't know she was this weak~!" Imo whimpered as she walked out of the room. Do-hwan sighed and left with imo to escort her back to the mansion, so Taehyung shakily exhaled and leaned back against the couch with his face tilted toward the ceiling.

Knock. Knock.
Taehyung jerked awake after he accidentally fell asleep on the hospital couch. He cursed under his breath and lowered his face as the door opened... and the head doctor strolled inside the room with an anxious nurse. They both halted once they noticed the empty bed and the messy blood dripping all over the floor."Where's our young lady?!" The nurse gaped in horror."She left with her husband because it's her duty as his wife to please him," Taehyung grunted, standing up from the couch with his suit. His head... throbbing intensely from the surge of anger that erupted within him earlier."She left with him...?" The head doctor frowned as he gripped the report in his hand."Oh no! But she's badly injured! How did she walk around with a fractured rib?!" The nurse gasped. Taehyung froze in his place with a questioning frown on the pale nurse as she stood by the doctor."What did you say...?" Taehyung muttered, unsurely eyeing the man's dreadful expression."The nurse was cleaning her up after she arrived. And there were... old and fresh bruises on her trunk and thighs. We did a brief scan to confirm our suspicion. The supreme alpha suffers a fractured rib... spraint ankle... and even a bruise on her cheek due to a blunt impact. We suspect... it's a sign of abuse... and... her... lady part is... unfortunately... inflamed. She collapsed because she couldn't endure the pain she felt inside her lady part," The man informed. Taehyung frowned and glanced at the nurse as she worriedly rubbed her fingers together. The alpha couldn't process the information but stared unblinkingly at the medics."W-What- You must be joking-""Although... the bruises didn't seem like physical abuse... I fear... she's being assaulted sexually. Excessive intercourse may cause insufficient secretion of vaginal mucus. And therefore, the sex could be painful and result in inflammation... which could be extremely uncomfortable. She peed blood earlier," The head doctor nodded. Badum. Kim Taehyung's heart dropped and he was suddenly stiff in place, utterly shaken by the shocking realization.[Recommended song for the last scene: Leave a light on - Tom Walker]"Fucking bastard!" Taehyung gasped, frantically sprinting out of the room in horror. The alpha quickly clicked on the elevator and stepped inside the cubicle while pulling out his silent phone to find five missed calls from Sora. He quickly called her back... but her phone was unreachable."I need you back at the penthouse- I DON'T HAVE TIME TO EXPLAIN!" Taehyung screamed as he sent a voice text to Do-hwan. The alpha frantically hopped inside his car and tore out of the hospital parking lot with a stern frown. His heart... beating out of control as he recklessly drove toward his former lover."Fuck! Fuck!" Taehyung cursed in frustration as he impatiently honked the cars out of his lane and drove as fast as his engine could allow him. SCREECH! The alpha halted his car abruptly and quickly raced out of the seat to rush inside the looming building. He impatiently clicked the elevator button and stepped inside while tapping on his phone screen.Sora: Taehyung. I'll bring you dinner.Sora: Is it okay... if I leave the twins with you for the night?Sora: Are you at the office? I'm here with the twins.Sora: I really need to leave them with you for tonight.The alpha frowned at her unread texts in horror. Why didn't he see her texts... earlier? She has sent it to him since 7:00 PM. Taehyung slapped his forehead in disbelief as he impatiently leaned against the wall and wildly sprinted out of the elevator in a hurry.The alpha suddenly halted once he noticed her... key card... lying outside the door. Kim Taehyung paused in horror and quickly snatched the card to scan over the screen- BEEP. The door unlocked itself... so he shoved it open but froze... once he realized... the penthouse was dead quiet... and the lights were off."Sora?" Taehyung unsurely called."They aren't home?" The alpha frowned and was about to race away when he noticed... a baby blue blanket... lying by the shoe rack. It was the same blanket... the twins were wrapped in earlier. Kim Taehyung froze and glanced at the slightly opened bedroom door until he noticed a bloody handprint on the door handle."SORA?!" Taehyung shouted in fear, quickly dashing towards the door. THUMP!He roughly shoved the door open and raced inside the room, but his soul instantly left his body once he noticed the disturbing pool of red fluid... seeping over the tiles. The alpha stood... petrified... in his position as he stared at the bloody baby crib with a racing heart. He slowly shifted his terrified gaze to the bed... until he noticed the white mattress and bed sheets... soaked in blood.The alpha's blood suddenly ran cold as he gawked at the motionless mass on the mattress. His temples began pulsating intensely as the room distorted around him. It feels as if the world had stopped spinning and he was stuck in time. Kim Taehyung... could hear his loud heartbeat... pounding in his eardrums... as his shaken soul... drifted out of his body... until he felt super lightheaded."S-Sora?!-" Taehyung fearfully shouted, taking a step forward with his thumping heart. He glanced at the empty baby crib. The twins weren't there... but... the pillows and toys were covered in bloody handprints."SORA!" Taehyung gasped, snapping out of his petrified thoughts when the supreme alpha wouldn't respond to his call, and quickly launched onto the bloody bed in horror to grab her frail body. His heart almost slammed out of his chest once he realized... she was completely naked on the bloody sheet. Her stone... cold skin... covered in warm blood."No- No! Hey- Sora!?- Wake up!" Taehyung stuttered in fear while combing her blood-soaked hair with his trembling fingers but stiffened once again... when he noticed the deep slit over her slender neck.Taehyung gasped in terror and pressed on the gushing wound to block the blood flow as he frantically took off his jacket but slumped back on the bed in defeat... once he realized... there... were multiple stab wounds... all over her chest... her stomach and thighs.The puncture was so severe... he could see her muscles and tissues... swelling between the ripped-open gashes. Taehyung's body violently trembled as he averted his burning gaze to the deep slashes... scattered all over her limbs. Badum. Badum. Badum. The alpha couldn't budge... so he listlessly stared at her mutilated body with nothing but devoid hollowness in his chest... as the supreme alpha remained lifeless... before him."Sora!- I'm sorry!" Taehyung sobbed, suddenly lowering his head in distress as he gripped her bloody hands, causing his chest to churn and wretched in agonizing pain once he realized she was gone. Long dead. The alpha whimpered as he held her hand before lifting his tearful eyes to her blood-soaked face in despair. He wailed in pain as he shakily pushed her sticky black hair away from her beaten face.... until he was smeared with the goddess's warm blood. "WAAAH! WAHAAAH! WAAAAAH~!"Kim Taehyung suddenly sucked in his breath in horror once he heard the twins shrieking outside the bedroom. The alpha wildly turned around and sprinted off the mattress without thinking- THUMP! He violently slipped over Sora's blood and slammed hard onto the floor. Taehyung grunted in pain and gripped the crib to haul himself back onto his feet."Ahjussi is here~! Kanghoon!? Woojin!? Ahjussi is here!" Taehyung screamed at the top of his lungs as he frantically yanked open the bedroom door and dashed across the penthouse toward the children's cries... resonating eerily from the guest room.The deafening cries of the young souls' disturbing screams.... echoed louder the closer Kim Taehyung inched toward the room. The alpha roared in anger, roughly kicking closed the door with his shoes as pained tears dripped from his face. BANG!The door flew open and collided with the wall. Kim Taehyung fearfully braked in his place once he found... The Silent Killer... standing inside the room with a bloody kitchen knife gripped tightly between his shaky fingers. The alpha's mouth dropped open as he stood by the doorway... paralyzed by the evil's presence.... within the room.... as the twins wailed for their mother.Jae Yangcha... dangerously rotated his sturdy mass... toward Kim Taehyung as he stood in the center of the room with the bloody blade. The thick blood... freely dripping from the edge... and splattering viciously onto the floor.... beneath his feet. Kim Taehyung's eyes bulged open in fright upon the disturbing sight of the alpha... unstable state.The wild jaguar is soaked in dark blood. Yangcha only had his boxers on... and his muscular physique... glazed with his wife's dark blood. Taehyung glanced at the closed wardrobe in the corner and gulped as the twin screamed... from inside it and back at the untamed monster... who stood between the alpha and the children."Haha... Haha... Haha~!" Yangcha chuckled like a madman as he rubbed his blood-soaked face with his forearms. The alpha suddenly crouched over the floor while spinning the knife between his fingers... and lowered his head without releasing the blade. Pause. Taehyung sucked in his breath as he stood in the doorway with his burning gaze on the monster.The savage beast suddenly lifted his blood-drenched face... darkly staring up at Kim Taehyung with his sickening psychotic-possessed gaze... causing the alpha to tense his body.... as the silent killer's... white eyeball bulged creepily... upon the living soul before him.
Jae Yangcha's dreadful laughter... filled the room as he unleashed his darkest... most deadly... evil into... the world... after Jang Sora failed to tame him.

.

.

.

What... went... wrong?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Flashback: After giving birth.Sora's POV"Please alert me if you feel any discomfort. The bleeding will last a few weeks," A nurse smiled as she checked my medical record on her clipboard."Are you sure the twins are okay? It's premature birth," I hoarsely muttered while staring at her as she adjusted the IV drip. I feel restless. Why did I give birth so early?"They're resting well in the incubator. They were just a little impatient and chose to see their mother earlier than scheduled," The nurse assured, lightly patting my arm to comfort me. Smiling at her uplifting joke, I nodded in agreement while leaning back against the bed in exhaustion as the fresh stitches on my abdomen ached uncomfortably.

I shouldn't be worried. The head doctor and the nurses will care for the twins. Twins? I can't believe I'm going to raise identical baby boys!
"What about him?" I whispered, nodding at Taehyung. The alpha sprawled unconsciously on the couch with his mouth ajar. He fainted in the labor room, so the medics moved him to the suite and took me to the operating room to perform the C-section. He's been cold since. Why did he pass out like that? It must have been overwhelming."We treated the bump on his forehead. He should regain his consciousness soon," The nurse smiled, collected her tray, and strolled out of the room, leaving me in the hushed space to rest, so I exhaled heavily and glanced at Taehyung again. He's snoring.
Ah~ Why does it have to be my former lover, out of all people? He must've been very startled to find me screaming in the corporation with blood all over my clothes.

Should I call Yangcha? But he might hurry back from the trip if I inform him of my successful delivery. It's only been two days since he left... so I shouldn't disrupt his schedule. It had been years since he last saw his relatives.
Sighing, I nervously drew the blanket off my legs to expose the socks on my feet. Wiggle. I paused... unsurely staring at my toes. Wiggle. My toes wiggled again. Oh!Wiggle. Wiggle. Wiggle. I kept wiggling my toes in disbelief."I can move?!" I shrieked, unconsciously leaping off the medical bed without thinking. Thump.My jaw dropped in shock as I stared at my stable limbs while standing on the floor with my legs apart. I'm not sore or anything and I can effortlessly support my own weight! How is it possible!? I thought I'd be paralyzed forever, but this- this is a miracle! I miss my lovely legs~!"Hah!" I shrieked, excitedly hopping on my feet to test my strength in pure contentment. I can walk again!- Oh! My knees suddenly wobbled, so I quickly crouched on the floor with a startled expression when my legs suddenly grew weak. Okay. Maybe I'm not ready yet. Groaning, I rubbed the sore stitches over my lower stomach and slowly stood up again while gripping the IV stand for support."One... two... three! Hehe!-" I grinned as I hopped forward to test the stability of my legs.
First step...! Second step...! Third step...!
I beamed brightly with my hands rested on either side of my hips as I stood in my shin-length medical gown. Creak. I grabbed the IV stand and pulled it with me as I funnily walked with my legs apart like a penguin because I felt more stable in the specific position."Oppa! I can walk!" I informed Taehyung as I walked up to him, but he was still unconscious, so I crouched down to smile at the yellowish bump on his forehead. Poke. I nudged his nose tip with a slight smile, causing him to stir awake upon the disturbance, so I lowered my hands and fondly watched him squint in discomfort while struggling to regain his consciousness."Urgh-" Taehyung groaned, slightly touching the bump on his forehead as he remained on the couch. I softly chuckled as I crouched before him... patiently waiting for the man to return to his senses."I gave birth... but you're the one unconscious? Aigo~!" I giggled while covering my lips as Taehyung turned his head on the cushion to gaze at me. He frowned- and without moving... the alpha studied my bright facial expression in utter confusion.

"Wait- What are you doing here?!" He gasped, suddenly jerking into a sitting position. I blinked and looked up at him in surprise, baffled by his silly question."I woke up before you," I smiled. Taehyung scoffed, suddenly grabbing my shoulders and pulled me upward to make me sit on the couch with him. What's the matter with him?"Didn't they cut open your womb?!- How are you not hurting-?!" Taehyung snapped, frantically examining my condition with his wild eyes."I'm fine- Hey!- What are you doing?!-" I gasped when Taehyung suddenly yanked my gown upward and lifted the cloth to peek at my crotch, so I roughly shoved his face away in shock. Why the hell did he lift my gown like that?! He gasped, funnily collapsing back over the couch as I protectively pulled my gown down to cover my legs with an offended look."Let me see the stitches-""No!- Ah!- So weird!" I whined when he tried to lift my gown again, but I refused and clutched the thin fabric over my thighs to keep it down. Taehyung glared at me and attempted to pull it up again, making me whine in disbelief. Is he out of his mind?! Did his brain flip upside down when he fell?!"I've seen you naked more than I can count! Show me the stitches!" Taehyung demanded, frowning at me with his eyebrows furrowed. He gripped my gown with a stern glare."No! Are you crazy?!- I'm married!" I snapped, shoving his shoulder with all my might.Taehyung groaned at my harsh reaction, weakly collapsing backward again and lowered his head to rub the swollen bump in discomfort. Why would he demand a woman to lift her gown so he could examine her crotch?! That's the duty of the head doctor and the nurses! Did he really think the head doctor didn't stitch up my womb right!?"It seriously doesn't hurt?!" He shifted his startled expression to my face again. He appeared skeptical of my well-being and kept glancing at my deflated stomach."The anesthesia is probably still working. I'm just sore," I shrugged. Taehyung frowned at my dismissive response, but he eventually gave up on attempting to lift my gown and leaned back against the couch to recollect his cluttered mind."Did you call him? Why is no one here?" Taehyung grunted, closing his eyes in exhaustion."He's abroad right now. I don't want to disturb his trip. It's fine," I shrugged. Taehyung exhaled through his parted lips while pinching his nose bridge with his eyebrows furrowed."You care about him so much, but you don't seem to care about my efforts.... at all? I had to cancel a board meeting and rush you to the hospital... Ah. The employees must be gossiping about the nuisance you caused," Taehyung groaned. I apologetically stared at his handsome side profile as Kim Taehyung rubbed his nose bridge in annoyance."Oppa! Wanna see a trick?" I asked, tugging his sleeves eagerly. Taehyung opened his eyes, sideway glancing at me without turning his tilted head... and raised his thick eyebrows to question my bizarre behavior."What now...?" He grunted, unsurely eyeing me. I giggled and stood up from the couch, lightly lifting the medical gown up to my knees.

"Watch closely!" I grinned and hopped on my feet, bouncing steadily on my forefoot to show him my healthy joints. Taehyung glanced at me with a poker face and back at my feet, so I funnily rotated my body with my legs spread apart like a penguin.Still. Taehyung didn't react and looked me up and down... as if I was crazy. I giggled and raised my legs to kick in the air while bouncing around like a child with my gown lifted to flaunt my recovery and stomped the floor repeatedly.Kim Taehyung quietly remained on the couch... with an unimpressed poker face. I didn't stop and did a wild spin- sending my frail body wobbling to the side- but I quickly regained my balance and finally halted before him. Out of breath but excited as I anticipated his favorable reaction. Huff. Huff. Huff. My chest... pulsating in an inconsistent rhythm.

"Are you serious...?" Taehyung broke into a soft smile."Look! I can even dance~!" I insisted, gently skipping on my feet and wiggled my butt a little to show him the dance moves until I felt my postpartum diaper slipping from my hips due to its heaviness. Slip! I froze in horror as the soaked diaper skated down to my knees... causing Taehyung's eyes to widen in shock upon noticing... the lump of blood-soaked diaper between my knees."You- What the heck!?- AGHHHHH!- DID YOUR WOMB FALL OUT?!- &$!#%!?!!!- ARH!- HELP- DOCTOR!- YAH STOP MOVING-!" Taehyung suddenly screamed like a little girl until his face flushed red as he stared at the diaper with his bulging eyeballs."Be quiet! It's a diaper- Stop- oppa-""NURSE! DOCTOR!?!- ARGHJKWEJQ~! HER WOMB FELL OUT!" Taehyung frantically scrambled off the couch with his hands gripped in his wild hair and raced towards the door before I could stop him. BANG! The man squealed, wildly swinging the door open while screaming like a mental gorilla. I whined at his childish reaction, quickly bending down to lift my diaper... and adjusted the straps back onto my hips. "Sir?! Are you okay-""WHO STITCHED HER WOMB!? YAH- HOW CAN YOU BE SO CARELESS?!- ARGHHEJEHALWEJ! SHE BOUNCED- AND WIGGLED- UNTIL HER VAGINAL FELL OUT!" Taehyung ranted at the startled nurse, who happened to appear by the door- so she quickly pushed him aside and hurried inside as I awkwardly stood by the couch. She abruptly halted at my awkward posture as I stood with my legs apart."IT'S JUST MY DIAPER YOU STUPID MAN!" I screamed in frustration when a bunch of medics rushed inside our suite to attend to the commotion he caused."It was bloody!-""SIR!" A male nurse blurted, quickly grabbing Taehyung when he suddenly wobbled and almost collapsed to the floor again. I slapped my forehead in distress as Taehyung weakly gripped the man for support, utterly shaken by the extreme shock."My lady, please have a seat. I'll change you," The nurse smiled at Taehyung's idiotic behavior, so I grimaced and stiffly walked back to the bed while glaring at him in annoyance as the remaining nurses left through the door once they realized I was all right. Taehyung weakly slumped back onto the couch with a pale expression... still half out of his mind. The man gripped the cushion and glanced at me with a dark frown."I'll get you medication to soothe the swelling," The male nurse bowed at Taehyung and left through the door. The standby nurse took out a fresh diaper from the drawer and helped me change into it."It's just like a period pad. Just bigger... because our young lady is bleeding a lot more after birth," The nurse informed Taehyung, who was deeply inhaling and exhaling to calm his nerves. He intensely stared at the bloody diaper until the nurse disposed of it in a black sanitary bag."Won't she die from blood loss if she bleeds so much?" Taehyung grumbled sourly, causing the nurse to chuckle. She shook her head."Our young lady will be fine," The nurse replied as she placed the blanket over my lap to keep me warm. I thanked her service... so she left the room, leaving me alone with Taehyung again. I fired him an annoyed glare."What?" Taehyung glared back at me as he leaned on the couch."You're such an embarrassment," I sneered as I sat against the bedhead with my arms crossed."Should I have done nothing and let your womb fall out-""It's my diaper!" I whined, angrily kicking my legs under the blanket."Ohoh! Keep kicking! And your stitches will tear for real! And your organs will spill out! I won't call for help this time! And I'll let your womb rot outside your body!" Taehyung snapped at me. I grimaced at his attitude, scooted over the mattress, and pulled the blanket over my face to keep out his irritating voice. Why is he still here!? I'm so irritated by his dense exclaims!"You're so noisy!" I snapped."Cover your face and suffocate then! It's not like I want to be here and deal with all this overwhelming bullshit when I'm not even the father!" Taehyung bickered. I heard him storming out of the room and- Thud. He closed the door and left the room. I exhaled deeply after a minute of silence and carefully drew the blanket off my face to glare at the door."Finally..." I grumbled, closing my eyes to savor the peace I so needed.
Taehyung didn't leave as he insisted and eventually returned to my medical suite in fresh clothes after he changed out of the formal attire. Imo and Do-hwan arrived afterward to deliver the maternity essentials. The woman made me warm soup and even delivered extra gowns so I wouldn't feel uncomfortable in the medical attire.
"Aigo~! Are you sure? Don't you have work tomorrow?" Imo clutched onto Taehyung's arm as he stood by the doorway."I'll be fine. You take care of your feeble health," He patted the woman's shoulder. Imo bid me goodbye and left with Do-hwan right before midnight, so Taehyung closed the door and strolled back towards my bed."You can leave. I'll be fine here," I muttered while lying on the bed."I don't want to wake up early in the morning and rush back here for an emergency after your stitches tear," He grunted while standing by the bedside with his hands in his pocket. What's with him? I can't tell if he's joking or not at this rate. Why is he so concerned about the stitches?"I need to pee," I whispered, weakly reaching for the service button... when Taehyung suddenly caught my arm and lowered his body to slip his strong arms under my silk."Stop bothering the medics. You're not the only patient here," He muttered, lifting me off the bed. I grabbed the IV stand to take it with me. The alpha carefully carried me towards the private toilet."Give me some privacy," I grunted as he lowered me to the toilet bowl."I won't look. Jeez. You're acting as if-! I'm some sick pervert-! Who would want to peek at your swollen womb?!" He grumbled and glanced towards the ceiling in annoyance. I sighed at his stubbornness to leave my side, slipped the diaper from underneath the gown, and slowly sat on the warm bowl. Taehyung held onto the IV stand as he awkwardly stood over me."Ah..." I seethed in pain when I felt the aching contraction over the fresh stitches. Taehyung patted my head, so I looked up at him in surprise, but he was still staring upward. Sighing, I held onto his wrist for support and lowered my face to endure the uncomfortable stings before washing my lady part clean and pulled the diaper back on."Coming to think of it... I've seen you naked since we were young," Taehyung randomly muttered as he lowered his body to lift me off the ground again. I figured he was simply stressed over the situation because this is his first time dealing with childbirth. That's why he keeps speaking nonsense. I grabbed the IV stand again as he carried me back to bed."Stop being weird," I mumbled once he settled me back onto the mattress. I pulled the blanket over my lap."You always barged into my room with the cute towel around your plump body after showering and asked me to put the formal gown on for you. It's always the same puffy dress decorated with hot pink sequins," Taehyung smiled. I pursed my lips while recalling the time... I was obsessed with wearing formal gowns at the mansion because I couldn't wait to wear them at the main event.
Eomma would always scold me because I'd end up ruining the tailored dress before the occasion it was prepared for. I'd sometimes... insist on sleeping in the princess gown before my birthday but would whine and tear it off my body after struggling to fall asleep.
"You'd always tease me and say I'm too fat to fit in it!" I snapped, shoving him aside. Taehyung chuckled and walked back towards the couch."You were chubby! You always look like a strawberry in the pink gown," He chuckled while crawling onto the couch and slipped under the spare blanket. I glared at him in annoyance and turned to sleep on the other side, so Taehyung switched off the lights with the remote and kept me company at the hospital for the next three days.
Flash Back
Third Person POVThe Kim's sole heir softly whistled while skipping through the wooden corridor with his toy plane... heedlessly sprinting past the arched windows with the view of the extravagant property below... until he noticed the small gap between the door to the Jang's master bedroom. The young boy halted and lowered his toy plane as he listened to the suspicious noise from the room.Creak. Seven-year-old Kim Taehyung pushed open the door and poked his head inside to scan the empty room... until he found... Jang Sora... sitting in her mother's loose sparkly golden dress... surrounded by cosmetic tools.

"Yah. What are you up to...?" Taehyung muttered, causing the little child to jerk in a panic upon his unexpected presence. She gripped onto a massive fluffy brush and snapped her head around to gawk at the alpha while sitting with her short and chubby legs... spread apart on the floor."Oppa! Can you put this on for me?!" Sora's squeaky voice chirped. Taehyung froze by the door once he noticed the messy pink blush on her cheeks and dark red lipstick... smudged all over her pouty lips."Your mother will be upset! What are you doing?!" Taehyung gasped, quickly closed the door, and walked up to the little dumpling as she sat in the oversized golden dress. The thin strap... loosely hanging off her left shoulder as the young soul stared intensely at the small mirror.She grimaced and dabbed more blush onto her tomato-red cheeks. Clack. She dropped the blush and grabbed a palette. Taehyung sat down beside Jang Sora with a weak smile to watch her rub a green eyeshadow over her eyelids while holding his toy plane over his lap.

"SPARKLES!" Sora shrieked. Her pupils suddenly... lighting up when the glitter caught her eyes. She grabbed the nail powder, popped open the tube, and poured the glimmering specs onto her palms before lifting her hands to dab her cheeks... until her face was covered with the fine glitters."Aigo... you'll get into so much trouble. Let's get you washed before your parents return home-""No!- Put this on for me!" Sora snatched her arm back when Taehyung attempted to convince her to wash up. She handed him the box of false eyelashes."I don't think it'll fit your eyes though-""Eo- Eomma- she used this... clip like this... can you do it? She clipped her lashes- then she- put on that~!" Sora lifted an eyelash curler from the floor to show Taehyung before pointing at the eyelash box."Alright. Close your eyes," Taehyung chuckled, taking the curler from her tiny hands. He suddenly at a mischievous idea.Sora smiled approvingly with her glossy stained lips and leaned forward eagerly... so Kim Taehyung bit his lower lips and positioned the curler over her lid. The alpha frowned as he struggled to use the complicated beauty tool and leaned forward to adjust the curler again... carefully squeezing it close... to trap her thin lashes between the gap.

"Ah! OW-!" Sora suddenly shrieked, causing Taehyung to yank the curler in a panic without releasing her lashes. Gasp! The young alpha wailed at the top of her lungs while gripping her left eye in shock.... until her cheeks flushed red from the throbbing pain over her eyelids."Are you okay!? Don't cry! Beauty comes with pain!" Taehyung gasped, grabbing her cheeks with a startled look. Hic~! Sora pouted and blinked at him in difficulty as warm tears spilled from her stinging left eyelid."It hurts~!" She blinked in discomfort and lifted her finger to poke her lash line while pouting at him."You're pretty! Almost done- Let me draw your eyebrows. Okay?" Taehyung chuckled to distract the young child. Sora pursed her lips and nodded with a big pout as he grabbed an inked eyeliner tube... thinking it was for eyebrows. The older alpha scooted closer to Sora as she sniffled, sulkily rubbing her slimy snot against the back of her hand as he drew her eyebrow with the pitch-black liquid. Taehyung tried not to laugh as he intentionally layered the slanted eyebrows to make her appear super angry.

"Are you done~?" Sora whined as she sorely tilted her head upward. Taehyung chuckled again and scooted back to inspect her face as Sora innocently stared at him with her lifted dark eyebrows. She looked like an angry bird."Almost~! Aigo~! How pretty!" The alpha hysterically laughed at her face and lowered the pen to draw a mustache over her upper lips. And being the princess she was... Jang Sora remained composed with her itching eyelids as the older alpha... drew all over her face.
She wanted to be pretty. And she trusted him to make her pretty.
"Can I see~?-""No-! You look pretty! Trust me!" Taehyung chuckled, snatching the mirror from Sora's grip to stop her from inspecting her horrendous appearance."Okay. Thank you~!" Sora beamed, quickly getting up in her mother's loose dress before strolling out of the bedroom with a wide grin. Taehyung sniggered in satisfaction after fooling her... and quickly followed the child down the stairs."Careful, you might trip," Taehyung smiled. He watched Sora struggle to walk in her mother's dress as she dragged the excess fabric over the wood until she reached the stairs. The older alpha held her hand to stabilize her balance as she carefully stepped over the steps and finally hopped onto the floor at the base."Jungkook will like it," Sora grinned, eagerly looking up at Taehyung, who was fighting the urge to burst out laughing as he stared at her angry eyebrows and thick mustache."Sure he will!" Taehyung agreed as they stood at the staircase."Shora~! I'm home!" Jeon Jungkook cluelessly burst through the front door and slammed it shut. Sora excitedly bounced forward to greet him."HELLO!" Sora shrieked, happily stopping before Jungkook with a wide grin, causing the young boy to freeze in his place once he looked up to find the messy red lipstick on her lips, sparkly green eyelids, slanted dark eyebrows, hot pink blush, and a thick mustache over her creepy smile."ARGH! $!%^#?!- EOMMAAAA!-" Jungkook suddenly screeched in fear, wildly turning around to flee- BUMP. The young boy slammed right into the door and fell hard to his butt."Kookie~! Wae~?!-""ARGH! $%!$^*?!!!- Eomma! Eomma!-Argh- Don't touch me!" Jungkook screamed when Sora curiously crouched beside the half-blood to help him. The supreme alpha winced in shock when Jungkook smacked her forehead and scrambled to his feet again- but tripped on her loose gown and fell hard to the floor. Thump!"Why did you hit me?!" Sora cried, angrily grabbing Jungkook's arm. The alpha's fearful eyes bulged even wider. He screeched in terror- suddenly... spinning over the floor in fear like helicopter wings. He thrashed.. twisted... and wiggled... beside her until his huge doe eyes bulged out of his sockets."ARGH! Ouch!- OWWW!" Jungkook screamed when Sora suddenly attacked him, angrily smacking the alpha with her balled fists, causing Taehyung to gasp in shock as she scrambled over the half-blood to seize his collar."Hey! Stop-""OW!" Sora whined when Jungkook jerked upward, accidentally bumping his forehead into hers. Thump! She toppled off the half-blood and shrieked in annoyance... just as... the door opened... and the clueless elders came strolling inside the mansion."OMO!" Mrs. Jeon gasped, quickly bending down to grab Jungkook, who was squealing on the floor."What happened?!" Mrs. Jang snapped, crouching down to inspect her daughter, who was wailing on the floor with her tiny hand clasped over her aching forehead."She played with your makeup," Taehyung bitterly nodded at Sora's messy appearance."Where is your eyelashes?! Sora!- What did you do?!" Mrs. Jang gasped, taking a double look at her daughter's eyelid to search for her naturally curled lashes... but the entire row was missing."What do you mean her lashes are gone?!" Mr. Jang snapped, crouching down to cup his daughter's face in disbelief. Sora pouted cutely between her father's oversized palms while blinking the tears from her glassy doe eyes."The entire left lashes are missing! She has no lashes!" Mrs. Jang pointed out. The parents gasped in shock after they realized Sora's left lashes had disappeared, causing Taehyung's face to flush red. The oldest alpha... slowly stepped back to avoid the startled elders as Mr. Jeon took Jungkook out of his wife's arms to comfort his son."Taehyung oppa pinched my lashes-""Kim Taehyung!" Mrs. Kim gasped as Taehyung was about to climb the stairs. His face flushed even redder as Mr. Jang swept his daughter off the floor. She whimpered in distress and hugged his shoulder."SHE TOLD ME TO PINCH HER LASHES SO I DID-""KIM TAEHYUNG STOP RIGHT THERE!- I TOLD YOU TO LOOK AFTER HER! NOT PLUCK OUT HER LASHES!" Mrs. Kim screamed at her devious son- THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! Kim Taehyung funnily crawled up the stairs on his feet and hands and sprinted out of sight without looking back. The heir ran for his life and quickly hid in his bedroom to hide from his horrid crime after... plucking out all of... the supreme alpha's lashes.
A moment later.
"Is it coming off...?" Mr. Jang asked as he washed his hands by the sink. Mrs. Jang crouched beside the filled tub to rub off the stubborn ink from Sora's face."It's waterproof eyeliner..." Mrs. Jang grimaced and glanced at her husband, who shifted his gaze to his daughter's angry eyebrows. Sora nervously glanced back and forth between her parents as she sat in the foam with a slight pout."Pfft," Mr. Jang laughed and shook his head after failing to resist his daughter's cuteness. Mrs. Jang smiled and rinsed Sora's face again to rub off the dark smudge."Shora's not pretty? Why appa... eomma laughing~?" She pouted at her parents."Of course you're pretty. Aigo~ That rascal is so evil for this! How can he pluck out your precious lashes and put permanent ink on your face like this~?" Mrs. Jang laughed as she rubbed the baby soap over her child's cheeks to massage off the cosmetic substances. Sora blinked cluelessly.... and lowered her gaze to her duck toys in the foam and quietly played with them as her mother bathed her clean."Her lashes are here..." Mr. Jang laughed, lifting his wife's lash curler to show Sora's thin lashes stuck to the rubber. Mrs. Jang shook her head in disbelief as her husband cleaned her makeup tools in the sink. She smiled again, lightly pinching her daughter's rosy cheek.
End of the past.
Sora's POV"Oh? You live here? Alone?" I asked as I pushed the stroller inside the lavish apartment with my lips ajar. Taehyung tossed his keycard onto the golden plate over the shoe rack while carrying my bags."No one wants to reside at the mansion with your mother's spooky witchcraft activities. I figured I should stay here since it's close to the corporation. I don't have to drive home when I work overtime," Taehyung replied as he lowered the bags and essential items onto the couch. The interior is somewhat dark... so everything is very dim and sleek. It's definitely Taehyung's taste."I can stay at the penthouse. The twins might cry and disturb you," I muttered, unsurely sitting down as Taehyung turned off the blinds to let the afternoon light inside the apartment. The apartment wasn't big but spacious enough for a single man."Stay here until he's back. I don't have the time to drive you back and forth. We live on different sides of the city," Taehyung muttered, walking into the kitchen to check the ingredients. I nodded and settled with Taehyung for two days after I was discharged from the hospital.Flash Back: After the Eyelash Plucking IncidentThird Person POVKim Taehyung softly hummed as he stood before the elementary gate while poking his yellow umbrella tip against the damp pavement to wait for the youngest heir. The alpha eagerly scanned the crowd of young students as they poured through the entrance while searching for a pigtail head... but she was nowhere to be found.A few elementary students curiously stared at the older alpha as they waited for their parents' arrival at the gate, cutely blushing red once he looked at them. He was popular amongst the shy youngsters."Where is she? She's already twenty minutes late," Taehyung grumbled, glancing at the watch on his wrist. He slightly tiptoed beside the gate to search for the dumpling again... until he felt a soft tug on his shirt. The alpha frowned and glanced downward as the person gently poked him for attention again. Poke. Poke."Kamjagiya!" Taehyung flinched in a panic once he found Jang Sora standing behind him with... a paper bag... over her head. The alpha froze in place as he gawked at the uneven two holes until he recognized the supreme alpha's familiar pretty doe eyes... staring right at him from behind the paper bag.

"I'm here," Sora mumbled, taking Taehyung's hand as a few kids sniggered at the weird paper bag over her face."Why are you wearing that?! Are you an ugly duckling or something???" Taehyung scoffed, trying to snatch the bag off her head, but she whined and pulled the crumbled bag back over her head to hide from her fellow schoolmates as Taehyung walked her down the sidewalk."Everyone is laughing at shora because shora doesn't have any eyelashes~!" Sora whined as she stomped on her sparkly shoes, angrily splashing into the dirty puddle without hesitation. Taehyung scoffed at her attitude, gripped her underarms, and lifted her small body over the puddle before settling her back on the pavement. She cutely glared at Taehyung through the holes while gripping her tiny fists in resentment.

"Why would they laugh? You're pretty-""Bad person~! Oppa is a bad person! Even eomma and appa were laughing at shora! Now shora can't show shora's face to anyone because shora is so ugly~!" Sora angrily smacked Taehyung's stomach with her small fist. Taehyung smiled at her cuteness because he couldn't take her seriously with the paper bag over her head."Oh! Look-! There's a Bingsu (Korean shaved ice dessert) store~!" Taehyung gasped, suddenly walking forward to distract her. Sora shrieked and chased after the older alpha as he smugly strolled toward the store with his hands in his pocket."Mango! I want the mango flavor!" Sora grabbed Taehyung's arm, suddenly forgetting to sulk as she excitedly skipped over the damp pavement. The soft clicks and clacks... of her short heels... drumming monotonously in Kim Taehyung's ears.
A moment later
Taehyung bitterly frowned at Sora as she sat across the table from him with the spoon clutched tightly in her tiny palm. Nom. Nom. The little heir funnily lifted the brown paper bag off her face, just enough to expose her lips... and carefully fed herself a spoonful of the sweet shaved ice before lowering the bag again to cover her face."Oppa. Aren't you eating? The mango is so sweet!" She giggled, slightly waving the silver spoon before his face. Taehyung grimaced and glanced out of the store window with his hand tucked under his chin."Wait here. I'll be right back," Taehyung grumbled, getting up from the table to leave the store.Sora shrugged, lifted the bag to her nose level again, and scooped a spoonful of the cool dessert to stuff her cheeks until the sticky liquid streamed from the corner of her lips. The heir cutely wiggled her dangling legs and shivered in excitement with every flavorful bite she tasted until she emptied the bowl."She's adorable..." The elderly man smiled at Sora as she stood beside Taehyung with the paper bag over her head. Taehyung paid for the dessert."Oppa. You haven't eaten. Do you want to eat the ice cream~?" She grabbed his hand with her sticky fingers, causing Taehyung to groan in annoyance. The man chuckled and handed Taehyung a pack of wet wipes."One melon ice cream and one fruit punch popsicle," Taehyung muttered, paying for the ice creams.The man grabbed two packs from the fridge and handed it to the oldest alpha. Taehyung finally led Sora through the door to sit on a bench outside, so she quickly snatched the melon ice cream from his hand because it was much bigger than the fruit popsicle."Yum~!" She shrieked, wiggling her plump body again, overwhelmed by the delicious treats."Take off the bag," Taehyung sighed as she struggled to open the package."No-""Take it off. I got a hair clip for you. You don't want to look pretty? Look. It's sparkly... and it's pink," Taehyung lifted a pair of sparkly ribbons before the punctured holes in the bag. Sora immediately paused as she remained hypnotized by distracting sparkles... and glanced at Taehyung from behind the dirty bag with a troubled frown."Where did you get it~?" Sora blinked, intensely gripping the ice cream pack."From a vendor nearby," Taehyung smiled, cautiously reaching out to lift the bag off her face... but she slightly pulled away, so he paused and waved the ribbon before her eyes to distract her again.The alpha didn't resist this time as she intensely stared at the pretty sparkles with her dilated pupils. Taehyung carefully removed the paper bag from her face to reveal her mango-bingsu smudged lips and cheeks."It's pretty~!" Sora excitedly scooted closer to the older alpha without tearing her eyes away from the dazzling gems. The clueless child didn't realize... the bag had been removed from her head. Taehyung gently clipped the ribbons to her pigtails before wiping her stained face with the sanitizing wipes.

"See. You're not ugly," Taehyung patted her wild hair and tore open the ice cream stick for her. Sora beamed and licked her melon while shaking her head happily before twisting over the bench to check on her blurry reflection in the window. She giggled and poked her sparkly ribbons with her tiny fingertips. "Even without the lashes?" She pouted, glancing at him with her sparkly doe eyes as they sat side by side. Taehyung examined the sprouting roots over her bald waterline with a faint smile."It'll grow again. Don't worry," Taehyung nodded as he sucked his colorful fruit punch. Sora glanced at his popsicle while licking her sweet melon."What if it doesn't grow back~? I'll be ugly forever~! The boys kept making fun of shora~!" She sulked, unconsciously poking out her tongue and leaned forward to try... and lick Taehyung's popsicle. The older alpha quickly pushed her forehead back, grabbed her wrist, and shoved the melon ice cream back inside her mouth so she wouldn't try to lick his popsicle."Why are you so afraid of being ugly? Is that the only thing that matters?" Taehyung chuckled as he sucked on his colorful popsicle."Shora won't have a husband if shora doesn't have lashes," She grumbled."What?" Taehyung laughed, glancing at her rosy red cheeks, but she wasn't paying attention to him. The child intensely stared at his popsicle without blinking. She wanted it because of the rainbow mixture.

"Can we switch?" She asked, shifting her pleading puppy eyes to him with a slight pout."But I already licked it-""It's fine! Heh~!" Sora giggled, snatching the popsicle from Taehyung's hand to trade it with her melted melon. He grimaced as the child sucked onto the cold fruit punch without hesitation. The alpha glanced at the saliva-glazed melon ice cream in disgust as the young alpha repeatedly licked the colorful stick with a wide grin. She is satisfied with their trade."Who would marry a nasty girl like you...?" Taehyung rolled his eyes and bitterly ate her melon ice cream."Oppa must marry shora if no one wants shora," Sora muttered, glancing at the older alpha again, causing him to scoff in disbelief."You still cry for baby formula and are still wetting your pants every night- but you're already worried about not having a husband~?" Taehyung scoffed at her. She intensely frowned at his ironic phrase with her tongue sticking out... to lick the popsicle up and down... causing Taehyung to shiver in disgust."Oppa. If you're shora's husband... can oppa make yourself look like those handsome men? They have... really... big- big muscles~!" She curiously leaned against his shoulder with her sparkly pupils set on him."Pfft! I doubt your husband will be able to stay fit when his wife's appetite is this big," Taehyung laughed. Sora didn't seem to understand his words, so she gleefully wiggled her dangling legs and sucked the popsicle again."So can I call you my husband~?" Sora muttered, looking up at Taehyung again."Definitely not! Ah! What the heck is wrong with this child?! What was god thinking when they made her!?!" Taehyung whined, suddenly getting up from the bench to storm away."Ah! Oppa!- Why not?! You said you'd be my husband! HUSBAND! HUSBAND!!! STOP~!" Sora shrieked while climbing off the bench to chase Kim Taehyung with her half-eaten popsicle until the passerby glanced at the older boy with funny looks. Taehyung flushed red and sped up his pace."Aish~! Why is the stupid dumpling chasing me?!" Taehyung groaned once he turned to find Sora chasing him with a determined gaze."Sabang-nim! Wait- Shora is out of breath!- AH! Opppppa~!" She squealed in frustration as she skipped over the pavement on her tiny legs. Huff. Taehyung smiled and quickened his pace without looking back."Catch me, and I'll marry you!" Taehyung poked out his tongue at her. Jang Sora briefly stopped to catch her breath with a furious scowl on Taehyung's smug expression. He shrugged and jogged away to avoid her."YOU'RE MINE!" Sora screamed, violently hurling the popsicle aside and sprinted forward in determination.Taehyung gasped at her shocking speed and bolted over the pavement as the little dumpling's high-pitch squeals... echoed across the street while chasing him... until her cheeks flushed super red. Kim Taehyung quickly rounded a corner and ran up the slope but stopped in his tracks when he turned to find... an empty pavement. Pause. The alpha repeatedly patted his thumping chest... unsurely waiting for the crazy dumpling to appear around the corner."Sora...? Where did she go?- Sora!" Taehyung called, worriedly jogging back to the intersection and rounded the corner with an anxious frown."HAH~! Caught you!- Sabang-nim~!" She shrieked while hiding from the older alpha... who was too tall to notice her... crouching on the ground. Taehyung gasped in a panic when she leaped forward like a frog to hug his legs."Stop it! I'm out of breath!" Taehyung snapped, trying to push her off him, but she stubbornly wrapped her arms around his legs while sitting on her ground with her inflated red cheeks."Keep your promise~!" She shrieked. Taehyung rubbed the sweat off his forehead in defeat and lowered his face to contain his shaky breath."Kaja. Let's head home," He smiled, placing out his hand. Sora firmly grabbed onto him, so he effortlessly pulled the dumpling onto her feet and walked her over the pavement. The young alpha proudly beamed as she skipped over the gravel slope leading up the hill with her so-called husband. Taehyung scoffed at her vibrant energy as he adjusted her heavy bag over his shoulder and entered the gate with the child.End of flashback.__________________________
Sora's POV
I cheerfully strolled out of the elevator with a branded paper bag after dropping by a bakery to pick up Yangcha's favorite cinnamon roll and walked inside the private lobby, expecting to be greeted... but the assistant desks were empty. Oh? They're away..?"Jagi~!" I called, pushing the office door open but stopped dead... once I found a familiar woman arranging Yangcha's desk. Minhee looked up at me in surprise."Oh? Sora-shi," She smiled, straightening her body, and strolled forward in her formal attire."What are you doing here?" I unsurely smiled as she approached me."Didn't Yangcha tell you? I'm his new assistant. He's occupied at a board meeting at the moment," Minhee chuckled, causing me to purse my lips. Huh? Yangcha never told me anything about her working for him...?"You're working with him...?" I nodded, unsurely eyeing her bold red lipstick and wavy black hair."Oh. It's been a month since I started working," Minhee informed. I stared at her with a slight frown and left the office after leaving the bag at the desk. I didn't get to meet Yangcha that day because I had to rush back to the penthouse to look after the twins I left under imo's care. The woman had brought me abalone soup and fresh peaches to stock my fridge."Did you like the cinnamon?" I curiously asked as I sat across from Yangcha by the counter in the kitchen. Yangcha hungrily ate the meals I prepared and nodded."I loved it, but you didn't have to bring it to me," Yangcha beamed, lifting his face to smile at me as he sat shirtless at the table."You didn't tell me Minhee is your assistant," I uneasily stared at him. Yangcha didn't respond and lowered his face to slurp the soup from the spoon again."The board of directors hired her to assist the other assistants because they favored her late father," Yangcha shrugged. I narrowed my eyes while peeling the tangerine for him."Okay," I nodded. Sora! Why are you being so noisy with his work affairs? You shouldn't be meddling! Yangcha would've told you if he thought it was necessary. One of the twins started wailing from the guest bedroom, so quickly got up, washed my hands, and left to breastfeed Kanghoon.
A moment later.
I felt the mattress sinking as I slept on my side in the guest bedroom. Yangcha slipped his arms under my body and lifted me from the bed, so I grumbled and hugged his neck as he firmly carried me against the chest, leaving the twins in the guest room. The alpha took me back to our bedroom and rested me on the mattress before crawling in beside me. He hugged my waist on his side and snuggled against my neck. Aigo. My husband is more needy than the kids. I gently stroked his head to put him to sleep."I'll stay home with you tomorrow," Yangcha whispered.I nodded sleepily and turned away to sleep on my side with my arm tucked under my head. Yangcha drew my body over the mattress and pressed his body against my back to hold me in his sleep. He can't seem to sleep without me so I have to return to him every night after I put the kids to bed.
The Next Day
"WAAAAH~! WAAAAH~!" The twins shrieked from the guestrooms."Yangcha- Wait! Let me feed them first!" I gasped while laying face first on the mattress as Yangcha steadily thrust his hard bulge against my buttcheeks."I'm close," He whispered, lowering his body to kiss my sweaty nape.I screwed my face in distress and gripped the pillow as he penetrated from behind until I felt my entire body burning with the heat of his love strokes. The babies wouldn't stop screaming... so I groaned and lifted my head to stare at the open bedroom door worriedly but couldn't move because he was pinning me firmly onto the mattress. Yangcha moaned, gently grabbing my chin to lift my head upward, and pressed his lips against mine."Outside- Babe, do it outside!" I gasped as he grunted in distress- but he didn't pull out and shoved himself deeper... until his semen exploded inside me. I quickly pushed my body off the mattress after Yangcha tumbled onto the bed in exhaustion while struggling to catch his breath. I didn't have time to breathe as I pulled down my gown and hurried out of the room right after he pulled out of me." Aigo~! Are you hungry again~?" I chuckled while limping out of the bedroom in my nightgown to lift Woojin from the crate before pulling down my gown strap to feed him. My head suddenly spun like a whirlpool... so I huffed and leaned against the crate in exhaustion while cradling my baby boy. My husband's thick semen... messily dripping from my crotch... and trickling between my thighs. I slowly paced back and forth as Woojin clung to my breasts, intensely sucking my milk with his huge doe eyes trained on me.Woojin finally calmed down after I filled his little stomach, so I picked up Kanghoon and breastfed him next... before placing him back into the crate and finally strolled back inside the bedroom to find Yangcha changing the bedsheet in his boxer. I walked inside the bathroom to wash up and strode back out to brush my hair before the vanity table until Yangcha back-hugged me. He smiled and gently kissed my cheek while groping my breasts in front of the mirror."Can we do it again?" Yangcha whispered. I froze and glanced at him through the mirror."But you finished three times in a row," I worriedly stared at him. He woke me up this morning to have sex and I had to wait for him to finish... to feed the kids but he's still not satisfied?"I don't know. I've been feeling so restless these days, and you're the only comfort," He whispered. I pursed my lips and turned to face his flushed face to feel his feverish skin with my palm."I'm really sore," I whispered apologetically. Yangcha stared at me with a conflicted frown and nodded in defeat. He hugged me instead. We ended up having lunch together in the kitchen but he convinced me to make love a couple of more times throughout the day.
I couldn't say no... because I loved being around him, so I let him have it his way.

Fast Forward
I opened the car door and stepped inside the car as Yangcha placed the twins in the back seat. He's picking me up from work after his work hour because Yangcha wants to take the twins for a medical checkup at the hospital. They keep coughing and whimpering a lot so we suspect they're suffering from a sore throat. I unsurely frowned once I noticed the strange position of the car seat. Why is it tilted backward?I adjusted the seat to lift it upward before bending over to rub my throbbing ankles until I noticed... a broken golden manicure nail on the mat. I picked it up and glanced at my neatly trimmed fingers before glancing at Yangcha, who cluelessly stepped into the driver's seat and leaned forward to kiss my lips."Did you take someone on a ride?" I asked. Yangcha started the engine and drove forward with an unbothered look."Minhee asked me to drop her off after the company's dinner last night," Yangcha nodded. I glanced at the broken nail, wrapped it with a tissue, and placed it in the dustbin."Why didn't you tell me?" I asked while staring blankly at the street. Yangcha didn't tell me anything about her again."Should I have told you? I thought it wasn't necessary," Yangcha shrugged. I crossed my arms uneasily but didn't respond and stared at the street in exhaustion. I don't want to fight with him, so it's better to stay hushed. The twins are asleep. I might wake them up if we argue.
A moment later.
"They should feel much better after they take the medication to soothe their throats," The head doctor smiled as the nurse pushed the stroller inside the counseling room. Yangcha walked through the door after her and sat beside me as the nurse distracted the pouting kids."Oh? Why are they crying again?" I gasped as the young bear and puppy sobbed against their pillow... until I noticed their bandaged wrists. Wait? Did the head doctor give them an injection?"Young master asked us to perform a Paternity Test. So we extracted their blood sample," The nurse informed me. Huh? I blinked, unconsciously frowning at Yangcha with a questioning look. Why?The head doctor awkwardly glanced at Yangcha, who suddenly got up from the chair to crouch beside the stroller. He took the twin's bandaged wrists and softly spoke to them without acknowledging my puzzled expression. Why didn't he speak to me? I swallowed at his dismissive behavior and glanced at the head doctor again. The man initiated the counseling session regarding the twins' health report before providing me with prescribed syrup for their inflamed throats.I didn't speak with Yangcha until we arrived home with the medication bags. Yangcha was somewhat very easygoing and was pretty chatty. He kept talking by himself and joking with the twins. Am I being a little too sensitive...? There's nothing I should worry about, right...? But why didn't he speak to me first...?I carefully lifted the twins from the stroller to seat them on the couch as they actively wiggled their hands and feet. Yangcha made dinner for us that night. He placed the warm meals on the coffee table as I switched the TV screen to put on a cartoon for the twins before heading inside the bedroom to sort out our clothes in the wardrobe."Noona. Aren't you eating?" Yangcha asked, poking his head inside the bedroom to check on me. I didn't answer him and walked inside the bathroom to brush my teeth as the twins watched the cartoon on the TV. I spat out the foam and cleansed my mouth before attempting to stride out of the bathroom, but Yangcha firmly blocked my path. He frowned at my muteness until I lifted my empty gaze to stare at him."I'll sleep in the guestroom-""What is it now?" Yangcha sighed. Is he acting dumb or... do I really have to explain my attitude to him...? I shifted my sharp gaze to scan his neutral expression with a slight grimace."Why did you request Paternity testing without informing me?" I asked, sorely staring at him. Is it necessary for him to confirm our child's blood relation to him? This is too much, really."I just wanted to confirm-""Confirm what?! My faithfulness!?- My devotion!? Are you nuts!?" I finally snapped at him in anger. What is he thinking in that crazy mind of his!?"Yeobo- It's not like that-""Whatever! Why am I the suspicious one- When you're the one driving another woman home?!" I scoffed, hastily pushing him aside and tried to stomp away, but he firmly grabbed my waist and tugged me back, making me whine in frustration."I told you there's nothing between us! I only took her home-""Sure! Maybe I should drag her to the hospital and make the doctor search for your DNA inside her too?!" I shrieked, wildly turning to snap at him. Yangcha froze at my blunt statement. He eyed my fuming face unsurely while holding onto my waist."Are you seriously making a huge deal out of this? Aren't you being a little too unreasonable?! It's normal to perform a paternity test! And I've always been honest with you about Minhee!" Yangcha snapped right back. He appeared somewhat disappointed by my claim. I gripped my balled fist and glanced at the closed door as the cartoon played in the living to distract the twins from our fights. Why am I suddenly so restless?"Fire her," I instructed. Yangcha frowned at my demand."W-what-""I don't want her around you! I hate it! Alright?!-""So you don't trust me?! Noona!-""You won't do it?! Alright! Keep her then!-""I LET YOU WORK WITH YOUR EX-LOVER! WHY ARE YOU- NOONA!-" Yangcha raised his voice, so I scoffed and stormed towards the door, but he yanked my wrist right back to stop me.I don't know! Post-pregnancy depression is taking a toll on me! I don't want him around any woman, and I am definitely super irritated by the fact that he wanted to confirm the twin's relation to him after I endured the hardship of bearing his children! I sobbed in distress... shoved him backward with all my might and quickly tried to race away again when I suddenly tripped over the floor and slammed hard... into the door handle. THUMP!Yangcha gasped in shock and hauled me back onto my feet by my waist as I clasped my palm over my throbbing cheek. Fuck. I rubbed my cheek in frustration as my chest wretched in extreme discomfort."DON'T TOUCH ME!" I screamed, angrily pushing him aside again until he toppled to the floor. I angrily yanked my body back onto my feet and stormed out of the room without looking back. Everything is irritating me! I don't know why- and I don't care either!"Noona! You're hurt!-" I ignored his concern and picked up the twins from the couch before strolling into the guest bedroom. BANG.I rudely slammed the door shut in Yangcha's face, quickly locked the knob, and turned to rest the twin in the crate. The door handle suddenly rattled as Yangcha attempted to break in... but it was securely locked, so I exhaled... and sat down on the edge of the bed to press my hand over the painful throb on my left cheek. The unconscious warm tears... spilling from my lowered lashes to burn my already wounded cheek with its warmness.
My mind is all over the place! I don't know why I'm so sensitive and easily irritated, but maybe this is my intuition!? Yangcha claims he's not interested in the woman... but she's working with him now! And he even took her home after she got drunk at the company dinner party!

And now he's testing the twin's DNA?! What's the matter with him!? How can he ask the nurse to extract the twin's blood without informing me?! Am I the one doubting him, or is he the one suspicious of his own sons!? It doesn't make sense. Does it?

I understand he's needy! And I'm trying my best to balance myself between him and our sons due to his attachment issues but did he really have to do this?

I feel humiliated! He's the only man I've been sleeping with since we got together! And I have never ever touched another man aside from him!

What kind of trouble is he trying to stir between us?!

A moment later
I blankly stared at my hands while sitting against the headboard in the darkroom as the automatic crate gently rocked the kids to sleep. Yangcha sighed as he gently pressed the cold compress over my bruised cheek to soothe the swelling.
He somehow managed... to unlock the door and came inside to apologize when I was sulking alone. I knew... I couldn't argue with him again without waking the kids, and I definitely couldn't push his sturdy body out of the room. So... here am... forced to remain in his presence.
"I'm sorry. Noona..." Yangcha whispered, gently holding my hands. I didn't look at him and blinked at my hands until he lowered the cold compress and hugged my waist. Still. I didn't budge as he rubbed the side of my hips to express his remorse."I'm tired," I whispered, gently pushing his head away, and slipped under the blanket to sleep with my body facing away from him. Yangcha sat up on the bedside upon my persistent rejection. I don't want to talk to him right now because I can't seem to calm my boiling nerves so it's best I avoid him."You said you'd never abandon me, but it seems you're drifting further from me," Yangcha whispered. I closed my eyes without responding to him.
What's going on in that head of his? He's stressing me out so much lately. I'm too emotionally unstable to properly handle the conflict at this moment. My body is changing. My mind... is making up troubling thoughts and my emotions? It feels like I'm walking on eggshells.

I've been very cranky with every little inconvenience... and I've been feeling insecure because my body isn't as youthful and firm as it used to be. And he's definitely worsening my anxiety with his weirdly wired mindset.

And unlike our usual habits of instantly resolving our conflict... this one was left unattended for over a week because I chose not to address it. Why? I didn't feel like it. We'll likely argue over the nonsense again, and I'm probably just overreacting, so I'll avoid saying things I might regret later.

Yangcha tried speaking to me a couple of times after that night... but I was stubborn and avoided settling the matter with him since I was afraid of startling the twins with our arguments. I'll wait until I can contain my emotions. He didn't try to get intimate with me during our cold dispute but would still cook the meals and leave for work after he took charge of the house chores.

Until one night. At about 10 PM. He came home a mess. Drunk. Flustered. And burning.

Yangcha said he was staying at work overtime, so I told him I'd heat the meal and leave it on the counter.

He was hungry, but not for food. He was thirsting for... me.
"Noona! I need you!" Yangcha gasped, suddenly barging into the bathroom while I was showering. I poked my head out of the stall to find Yangcha staggering around on his feet while undoing his trousers. Cling. Cling. I blinked at his bizarre behavior as he pulled his pants to his ankles, yanked his white button-up shirt apart, and impatiently ripped off his underpants to expose his boner."What's wrong...?" I unsurely asked, uneasily staring at him as the shower streamed freely behind me. His cheeks were burning red... and his eyes were out of focus. He appeared dazed."Bear with me! Just this once! I'm begging you!" Yangcha whimpered, impatiently tugging his tie as heavy sweat beads swelled along his hairline.The alpha suddenly stumbled forward without taking off his white shirt... so I gasped with a startled look and stepped back upon his hasty intrusion as he possessively clutched onto my hips to draw me back towards him. Why is he so red? Is he drunk?Yangcha suddenly grabbed my chin and lowered his face to shove his impatient lips against mine. What the hell?! Yangcha tightened his grip around my waist while standing under the warm shower with his fingers entangled in my soaked hair as he inserted his tongue between my lips, ultimately stifling my voice with his desperate kisses.[ Warning: Sensitive Adult Content]"Y-Yangcha- Baby- Can we talk first- Hah~!" I stuttered, weakly pulling away to take a quick breath when he wouldn't stop invading my mouth.But Yangcha refused to speak and lowered his head to bite onto my sensitive nipple, still swollen from pumping milk earlier... making me quiver in distress. I pursed my lips and held his head as he sucked onto the tips and pinched my other side while fingering me between my crotch until I weakly leaned against the damp wall, trapped in his firm embrace."Bear with me. Please," Yangcha suddenly pulled away from my breast and knelt over the wet tiles.He quickly turned off the shower to cut off the water and shoved his face against my crotch to eat me out. I moaned in difficulty while holding onto his head as he rubbed his nose tip against my sensitive spot, sensually flicking his wet tongue between the throbbing entrance to stimulate my nerves until my body vibrated... with the pleasuring electric jolts of his lustful activities between my thighs. "Hah~! Please- Can we- pause for a minute? I don't understand- HAH!" I pleaded when he suddenly lifted my leg to hook it over his shoulder... creating more space... so he could fit his face right over my exposed genitals and shove his face deeper against my crotch.My body violently shuddered at the sexual activities of his oral favor as he licked and fingered me in an upward motion... until I felt my legs wobbling weakly from the intensity of the pleasure. Yangcha suddenly grabbed my hips and quickly pulled me down to make me sit on the built-in shower bench.My husband forcefully hooked my knee pits to yank my legs apart and proceeded to lick my raw slits until I moaned in difficulty with my hands pressed against his strong shoulders. He grunted lowly while sucking my clit... until I shuddered in distress with my head tilted against the damp wall. He quickly withdrew his lips and fingered my inside repeatedly as he firmly held open my thighs with a dark frown. I whimpered in fear while staring at him before glancing down at my exposed groin as he massaged my throbbing canal with the pressure of his fingertips."I'll make it quick-""Yangcha!" I screamed, angrily shoving him backward when he tried to penetrate me with his hard bulge.The alpha tumbled backward at my harsh reaction as he sat in his unbuttoned wet shirt, so I quickly covered my exposed crotch and closed my knees in tears. My body... shaking violently from the cold chills of the shower. And my crotch... burning with the arousing sensation. Yangcha lifted his burning red eyes to examine my trembling lips as we quietly stared at each other... until I felt my chest wrenching in extreme disappointment. What's the matter with him?!"N-Noona- Please- I'm begging you-""I'm willing to do anything for you, but this behavior is unacceptable! Jebal! Speak to me instead of trying to lick and suck on my vagina like some feral beast!" I cried in tears. Yangcha pursed his quivering lips and lowered his head in defeat while kneeling before the bench. He sniffled softly and rubbed away his tears. His skin... burning bright red the longer he knelt before me with his hard bulge."I THINK I'M DRUGGED, OKAY!? MY BODY IS LITERALLY ON FIRE RIGHT NOW! I WANT TO DIE! I'M SORRY! I'M TERRIBLY SORRY! I- I HAD TO RUSH HOME BECAUSE MY FUCKING DICK IS THROBBING IN PAIN! I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO! I TRIED TO JERK IT OFF AT WORK- BUT- BUT IT'S PAINFUL! I DIDN'T WANT TO CHEAT ON YOU- SO I CAME HOME! WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?! FIND A PROSITUTE AND FUCK HER?!- I'M DESPERATELY TRYING TO KEEP MYSELF TOGETHER! I THOUGHT IT'S ONLY APPROPRIATE TO LET MY WIFE HANDLE ME!" Yangcha roared until his chest pumped heavily from the lack of regulated airflow. My heart dropped when he lifted his torn eyes to beg me for help. W-What? I blinked and glanced at his feverish red skin and the bulging veins over his pelvis with a startled expression."Drugged...?" I whispered in bewilderment."I had coffee at the office! And suddenly I wanted to fuck so badly! It feels like my dick and testicles are going to burst open!" He shrieked, suddenly falling back onto the tiles in distress with his legs spread open. I sucked in my breath as I stared at his messy condition. I glanced at his manly bulge... swelling red at the tip and back as the hot streams... soaking his flustered face."H-Hey... Hey. Look at me. Yangcha, look at me," I stuttered, slowly crawling off the bench to kneel before him on the wet floor as he cried in misery. Yangcha lowered his torn face to avoid me, so I gently hugged his solid back to comfort him. He shakily shook against me with his snotty nose pressed against my shoulder."I'm sorry- I'm really sorry-" He cried, making my heart churn intensely upon hearing his broken voice."I know what it feels like. I'll help you, but will you let me feed our babies first? Hmm? Give me thirty minutes. Is that okay?" I asked, anxiously pulling away to study his bloodshot eyes with his cheeks cupped between my palms.Yangcha scanned my face with a troubled frown and finally nodded, so I gently pecked his lips and pulled him upward. He sniffled and stood up with me, so I led him out of the bathroom as he resisted the painful urge and slowly sat on the bed with a drained expression.I quickly pulled on my gown and left the room to breastfeed the twins. And after exactly thirty minutes... I returned to our bedroom as promised... to find my husband sitting naked against the headboard with his burning red face tilted upwards... and eyes closed. He panted heavily to stabilize his raging temptation."I think I can pull through this," He whispered, opening his troubled gaze to watch me in guilt as I sat on the edge of the bed and gently held his burning-hot hand. Sighing, I slipped the silk off my body and crawled between his muscular thighs to kneel before his crotch."It takes an entire day for it to completely cease. I'll help you. Okay?" I whispered, looking up at him with a reassuring nod.Yangcha pursed his lips in guilt as he stiffly sat against the bedboard, so I tucked my hair behind my ears and lowered my face to give him an oral favor. The alpha grunted in discomfort at the slightest touch over his rock-hard bulge. I carefully wrapped my fingers around his sensitive meat and started with a soft lick... causing Yangcha to seeth in pain at my gentle stroke. He's super hard. The dark pigments of his raw tip... turning slightly purple compared to his natural tone due to the blood pressure.   "I can bear it," Yangcha whispered, staring at me in exhaustion as he slumped against the headboard.I nodded and opened my mouth to take him inside my mouth, causing the alpha to tense his body muscles again, grunting lowly at the friction of his sensitive bulge against the soft flesh of my inner mouth.  I gently jerked him to stimulate the blood flow while sucking his tip until he emitted a sensual moan.Yangcha rubbed his face with his palms in extreme difficulty, so I gently bobbed my head over his crotch to take him deeper, carefully rubbing the tip against the roof of my mouth until I felt it tickling my throat. He kept on seething... but didn't dare touch me and chose to clutch onto the pillow as I performed my job. I drew his hard erection from between my lips and tilted my face to suck on his painful blue balls, gently massaging jiggly sacks with my lips and tongue."Hah~! I'm going crazy~!"Yangcha groaned, tilting his flushed face upwards as I slipped his hard cock back inside my mouth to suck the swollen tips- Splurge!I flinched at the explosive warmth of his semen over my face when he ejaculated without a warning. Yangcha jerked his hips upward to shove himself deeper inside my mouth and glanced down at me with his narrowed eyes as I carefully rubbed him... to unload the remaining discharge.The warm semen... splattering all over my face and filling my mouth. This should soothe him. He quickly snatched the tissue from the nightstand to wipe my face as I rubbed my thumb over his tip until the white paste seeped between my fingers and dripped messily... over his crotch."Better?" I whispered, unsurely looking up at his troubled expression as I sat with my legs tucked beneath my body. He came a lot."No," He shook his head with a stern frown. I glanced down at his bulge, and sure enough... he was still hard. Sighing, I slipped off my panties and slowly crawled onto his lap. It'll take a lot more to soothe the swelling. Yangcha lifted his hand to hold my waist as I adjusted his tip under me and slowly sat down to slip him inside my tight entrance. Hot tears... formed in my eyes as the warm spasm expanded all over my crotch."Okay. We'll try again," I whispered, leaning forward to shorten the gap between our bodies.Yangcha tilted his face to kiss me as he gently massaged my curves to relieve my tense muscles. We both moaned as I steadily humped him to intensify the hot tingles until I felt his arm muscles contracting with every wave of pleasuring sensation.The alpha suddenly straightened his back to deepen our steamy kiss, so I tilted my head to wrestle his tongue while playing with his earlobes to stimulate his excitement. He responded to my invitation by swirling and locking his tongue with mine until our spit dribbled messily from the corner of my mouth. Fuck. He's burning hot inside me."Can I take control?" Yangcha asked, finally pulling away to stare at my eyes with a slight frown as I bounced over his crotch. I nodded and slowed down the pace of my rocking hips. Yangcha gently pushed my shoulder to rest me on the mattress without slipping out as I spread my legs to welcome his lower trunk between my inner thighs.He lowered his head again to kiss my neck while interlacing our fingers over the bed sheet... steadily thrusting his strong hips forward... and gradually picking up the speed to enhance the friction until I felt my chest stirring with the flames of his arousing invasion between my legs. I curled my toes and tilted my head backward to moan in satisfaction until he sat up between my thighs, lustfully gazing at my vulnerable body as he railed me on the bed."Look at me, Sora," Yangcha pressed down on my lower stomach to increase the pressure, making me groan in extreme difficulty as he pounded his hard bulge through my soaked slit. Hmmp! I reached down to hold his strong hips with my lips pursed while eyeing his flushed cheeks."Finish inside if you want," I whispered.Yangcha nodded, gripped my hips to lift it off the mattress, and plowed his hard cock back inside me until my back arched like a stretching cat over the shaking mattress. I gripped the crumpled sheet with my lips ajar at how fast and aggressive he was with our bodies as he repeatedly lubricated my inside with his veiny bulge. Thump! Thump! Thump!The alpha lowly grunted again while clenching his jaw as he thrust roughly... until his chest burned bright red- Splurge. I gasped and slumped weakly onto the mattress again while struggling to breathe when I felt his semen filling my convulsing canal.Yangcha groaned, weakly pulling out of me to release the thick discharge as I sprawled on the mattress, desperately trying to catch my breath as my legs trembled from the intense pleasure. He wasn't breathing properly and so was I. Yangcha gently pushed my legs apart to check my sore lady part and rubbed the excess semen all over the entrance to saturate my crotch with his cum."Roll over," Yangcha whispered, effortlessly flipping my body over to make me lay face-first on the mattress.Is he still... not pleased? I didn't complain and did as he requested. Yangcha grabbed a pillow to position it under my head so I could hold onto it as he crawled over my upper back thighs, and gently rubbed his swelling lump between my buttcheeks without penetration. I took a deep inhale and closed my eyes as he granted me a short break... until I felt him... nudging his hard tip against my throbbing vaginal opening again.Sora. He'll be done soon. You're enjoying it too... so just help him out once and relax. I pressed my face against the pillow and tightly gripped it as he slowly penetrated me again. Squelch. He steadily beat over my buttcheeks with his strong hip thrusts until I felt him hitting my pleasure spot, so I gripped my mouth and shoved my face against the pillow to silence the desperate urge to moan."HAH~!" I suddenly gasped, failing to stifle my voice as the unbearable spasm seized control of my overly stimulated-nerves. I quickly reached backward to pat his hard abs in an attempt to stop him for a short break, but Yangcha dismissively interlaced his hand with mine and pressed me firmly against the mattress to hold me down.My husband leaned downward to rest his pulsating chest against my sweaty back, grabbed my chin, and tilted my face upward... so he could kiss me from above while thrusting over me with his powerful hip movement. I groaned against his lips as he suffocated me with his tongue-twisting game.The alpha finally pulled away from my dripping wet tongue to kiss my ear and smooched his way down to my nape while holding my fleshy hips down as he roughly plowed his dick in and out of me. I curled my toes in distress while squirming under him as Yangcha picked up his speed again and slammed harder until our wet flesh squelched... with the moistness of our mixed discharge.He suddenly slipped his arm under my body as I lay on my stomach to rub my clit while fucking me between my buttcheeks, causing me to cry in shock from the intense pleasure. I quickly grabbed his strong forearm, but he wouldn't stop rubbing the hot spot until I weakly slumped over the mattress in defeat."Urgh!- Fuck- I love you so much!" Yangcha grunted in pleasure, suddenly lowering his heavy body over my back to slump over me as his semen exploded inside me for the second time. I gasped and shakily gripped the pillow as the heavy sweat beads dripped from my hairline. My face and temples... pulsating with the numbing heat stroke.Yangcha slowly lifted his body off my back after half a minute, but he didn't pull out... instead... he slipped his hand under my stomach to lift my hips. I shakily pushed my body upward to support my frail weight with my elbows while perching my buttcheeks in a doggy style. My mind... too clouded for me to make sense of anything... but to obey his orders. SMACK.He suddenly spank my buttcheek, causing me to shriek in shock at the throbbing blow... but I didn't resist him as he slowly pumped his semen out of my womb again without pulling out. Drip. I felt the hot paste trickling from my crotch... streaming between my inner thighs and soaking the bed sheets once it reached my bent knees over the mattress. Still. I chose to bite down on my lowers lips and screwed my face in distress as he intensified the friction of his swelling cock inside me.Yangcha moaned in pleasure and proceed to fuck me in the doggy position until I lowered my face in exhaustion with my eyes closed as he steadily trusted his hips forward to reach deeper inside me. He'll be done soon. I lied to myself until the pleasure... I felt... gradually... turned into... an uncomfortable ache.
Again... and again... he shoved his hard dick inside my cum filled vagina until my crotch was soaked in the white discharge. Yet I didn't resist him and submit to his assertive dominance.

Again and again... he ejaculated inside me without pulling out to flood my womb with his sperms... until I was too weak to budge my strained body muscles.

One moment... I was numb, and the next moment... I felt my vagina stinging from the rough friction of his dick rubbing against my inflamed muscles. But I held in the discomfort because I loved him. My husband. I loved him.

I desperately wanted to please him. And I knew I was a fool for allowing him to abuse me sexually... but by the time I wanted him to stop... I was too weak to even... utter my discomfort.

I knew... even if I begged... he wouldn't stop. And even if I wanted to resist... I couldn't because I didn't even have the energy to keep my eyelids open.

He was patient with my body, but after countless ejaculations... he grew frustrated because his painful bulge wouldn't ease. And so... he started getting aggressive with me.

Just as much as I wanted it to end... he desperately wanted to relieve his discomfort. And so... he did not stop for a break. Not a single break.

He was determined to beat the drugs he had consumed at the cost of... straining my body.

Yangcha started chewing my nipples with his teeth until I screamed in pain to make him release me. He repeatedly beat my buttcheeks while fucking the soul out of me until his handprints appeared all over my swollen flesh.

The Jargaur... painfully dug his claws into my skin to squeeze the life out of me as he aggressively sought to ease his painful erection. And at one point. He pinned me on my back with his fingers wrapped firmly around my throat... until I started choking from the pressure of his grip.
"YANGCHA!- I CAN'T DO THIS ANYMORE!" I whimpered while gripping his forearm as he seethed over me, mercilessly pounding his dick between my spread-open legs. I fearfully glance down at his veiny cock as he slips and slides out of me. The bulging veins... forming all over his muscular biceps... throat... and even his sweating forehead... as he darkly concentrated on fucking my sore vagina with his gushing cum.I might bleed! It feels like my inside is ripping apart! He didn't seem to hear my pleas and lowered his face to silence my voice with his lips, making me whimper in distress as I felt his raw meat beating deeper inside me. I shrieked and pushed his sweat-drenched chest away when the hot splurge shot out of my crotch.Yangcha quickly pulled out to slip his fingers inside my aching entrance again, making me twitch in extreme difficulty as I squirted... for who knows how many times. Splat. The warm liquid blasted all over Yangcha's bleeding chest due to my hysterical scratches.
The dirty bed sheet... had entirely fallen off the mattress. The pillows... scattered all over the room. And the mattress... soaked with my discharge and his thick semen.
"One more-""I can't anymore! I'm sore! Please- Yangcha! Baby please!" I sobbed, desperately lifting my hands to hold back his fuming chest... but he didn't listen, shoved my knees apart again, and quickly slipped himself back inside me. I gasped while screwing my face in tears to endure the pain and smacked his strong arms as he roughly thrust his bulge inside me to stimulate the pleasure. His pleasure.I could no longer feel anything but the throbbing pain all over my groin. Yangcha gripped my cheeks and lowered his face to spit inside my mouth, causing me to choke and cough in desperation. He grabbed my hand and inserted my fingers inside his mouth to suck on my fingertips as I weakly lay beneath him.
Thump! Squelch! Thump! Squelch!
"I'm almost done. Bear with me... just a little longer. Hmm...?" Yangcha spoke in a deep voice as he lowered his face to whisper in my ears, causing my body to shiver from his thrilling tone.I nodded and hugged his neck in agreement so he kissed my cheek, firmly stapling my vulnerable body over the drenched mattress as he relentlessly inserted and withdrew his hard cock to juice his hot... cum... endlessly flowing out of me with every rough thrust.Yangcha started licking my face and neck... running his wild tongue along my collarbones... between my cleavage... down to my belly button... and all over the flesh to cover me with his split before rubbing my sensitive clitoris to trigger the pleasure. I wailed in distress as he scrubbed a handful of his reeking cum from my crotch to smear it all over my stomach and up to my chest before shoving his cum soaked fingers inside my mouth to hush my helpless whimpers.
I gripped his forearms in defeat as he made me suck on his fingers like a pacifier and... unfortunately... I passed out on the bed before he finished. I did not know how many times he had successfully cummed or how many times I orgasmed... because I woke up the next day... paralyzed.

I couldn't move my muscles nor turn my head on the pillow for a frustrating half an hour because every part of my body hurt so badly. My mind... spinning dizzily... and everything... distorting around me as I lay naked under the blanket... still covered in dried spit and semen.

The bedroom was a wild mess as Yangcha snored loudly beside me. He slept face first on the bed with his strong arm wrapped over my waist to hold me against him. I sniffled after I gathered the strength to budge and sorely reached down to touch my crotch.
"Ah~!" I seethed when it stung like hell, causing tears to swell in my eyes. He had cleaned my crotch... but... it hurt so bad... I knew I couldn't get out of bed."WAH! WAAAH! Waaaaah!" I heard a faint cry from the other side of the penthouse. Shit. I have to feet the twins."Ah~!" I whimpered, slowly thrusting my body upward with my elbows- Thump! I tumbled off the bed and collapsed hard onto the floor... after failing to stabilize my body weight with my feeble legs. I groaned and weakly crawled on my knees and hands to grab the drawers for support before hauling myself upward again, and pulled on my dirty gown while seething in pain due to the hot burn over my groin and inside my vagina."Fuck!" I cursed when my crotch charred and stung like hell. It feels as if I have been burned and seared with fire. Still. I resisted the pain and slowly limped toward the door, pulled it open, and carefully closed it behind my back to leave the bedroom."Eomma is here~ Are you hungry~?" I called as I struggled to walk... but limped anyway and pushed the door open to find the twins sitting in the crate with their adorable puppy pouts."Aigo~ Look at you too! Crying for eomma in the morning~!" I forcefully chuckled to cheer them up. My crotch stung like mad as I sat on the mattress with a contorted frown and adjusted my aching buttcheeks on the bed to wipe my nipples with a sanitary pat since it's still sticky from being sucked by their father. I made sure my breasts were clean before picking up Woojin to feed him first since he's the most fussy.
A moment later.
"Aaaaah~!" The twins giggled at me as I rested with them on the bed.They cutely reached out for me as I sadly stared at their innocent gazes. I wanted to cry, but crying in front of them... wasn't an option, so I smiled and played with them on the mattress. My body is... throbbing in so much pain. Should I wake Yangcha and go to the hospital..?I got up to take two painkillers instead and slowly walked back toward the twins when my mind wildly spun like a whirlpool. I gasped in shock, desperately trying to grab the crate for support... but my legs gave up on me- THUMP!I staggered to the side and slammed right into the wooden railing, causing my rib to hammer in extreme pain. Huff! I grabbed my lower left torso... slowly... slipping to the floor with my head lowered and lips ajar.
I collapsed weakly onto the... warm floor with an aching rib. A throbbing head. A burning crotch. A sore throat and... a beaten body.
"Y-Yangcha..." I whispered, attempting to call for help... but I was too depleted of energy. And so... darkness shortly consumed my senseless mind as I struggled to stay conscious. Thump. I blacked out in the guest room, leaving my babies unattended on the bed.
Fast Forward
I woke up a few hours later to find myself resting on the couch with a cooling patch over my forehead. I sniffled and glanced at the twins as they sat on the baby seat on the opposite couch to watch the cartoon on the television."Yangcha?" I hoarsely called."You're awake? Don't move. I've already bathed you," Yangcha answered, suddenly appearing with an apron around his body. I shook my swaying head and weakly looked up at him. He had changed me into a new gown... and my body... it wasn't as sore anymore... but my private part was still burning like crazy."Water," I muttered. Yangcha quickly poured me a glass of water, helped me sit up, and gently raised the water to my lips. I exhaled in relief and leaned against his shoulder after I took a few gulps. The painkiller... isn't working. He softly patted my back to console me."I already treated the bruises," Yangcha whispered. I nodded as he gently pecked my lips before laying me back on the couch. He left the living room again to cook the meals as I rested on the couch until late afternoon."Where are you going?" I glanced at Yangcha as he strolled out of the bedroom with a coat."I'm going to grab the DNA result from the lab. I'll be right back. Let's have dinner together," He smiled and pecked my forehead. I nodded as he walked away to collect his car key and left the penthouse. 6:00 PM. I glanced at the napping twins until I noticed their faces turning slightly red. Grunting softly... I shoved my body off the couch and slowly limped towards them."Why are they burning up again...?" I exhaled worriedly as I felt their tiny foreheads. The twins whimpered uncomfortably in their sleep, so I slowly made my way to the fridge to search for the cooling patch and gently placed it over their foreheads to disperse the heat."I can't care for them in this condition," I worriedly whispered while hugging my stomach. My body is too weak. The twins will cry again if they're sick like this. Sighing, I got dressed and placed the twins in the strollers. I packed a portion of the meal Yangcha cooked, grabbed the milk batch from the fridge... and left the penthouse to see Taehyung.
A moment later.
"Where is everyone?" I whispered, feeling a little light-headed as I entered Taehyung's office and pushed the twins inside the room. I sat down on the couch in exhaustion and lowered my hand to type on the chat box.

I shouldn't call him. He might be busy. Taehyung will surely agree to look after the twin until I recover. Sighing heavily, I stood up and limped inside Taehyung's private bathroom to pee... but ended up seething in pain as the warm urine induced a stinging contraction inside my lady part.I grunted, flushed the water, and walked out of the stall to wash my hands before looking up to stare at the bruise on my cheek from falling into the door handle before lowering my hand to grip my pelvis as it burned in discomfort.Wobble. The world started spinning wildly around me again. Urgh~!This is annoying~! I quickly grabbed the marble sink for support... but lost my balance as I felt my head rotating upside down until I lost control of my body. My vision started to distort again and- THUD. I slammed hard onto the cold floor and flopped weakly to the side.
Third Person POV
Jang Sora helplessly collapsed onto the floor after her body failed to heal its injuries... leaving the water running and the supreme alpha in critical condition. Shaaa~! She remained cold for an hour... until... the Fintech Assistant cluelessly strolled inside the office with a stack of files, abruptly halting... once she noticed the baby stroller by the couch."Oh? Annyeong, little bear and little puppy~! How did you get here? Did eomma visit the corprration~? It's her day off today though," The assistant lowered the files onto the crouch beside the stroller to admire the twins as they fondly giggled at her with their runny noses.

"Aigo~ Are you sick again?" The assistant pouted before glancing at the packed meal box on the coffee table."Where did eomma go?" The assistant unsurely stood up to scan the empty office space. The woman unsurely glanced at the private restroom as the faucet... flowed freely. Shaaaaaa~!"Assistant Jang?" The woman called, unsurely walking up to the door and knocked on it with her ear pressed against the wooden platform, but Sora didn not respond... so she pushed open the door to find... the supreme alpha... sprawling on the floor. Her face... drained of blood as she froze before the startling scene of Jang Sora's alarming state."Omo! Assistant Jang!- How long have you been here?!-" The assistant jerked forward to crouch before the woman to tap her ashen cheek... but she was unresponsive.The assistant immediately contacted the other employees with her phone to alert them of Sora's threatening condition until a few staff showed up to heave Sora's motionless body from the bathroom and settle her on the couch."The ambulance is here!" A staff member announced, frantically rushing inside the room.The employees immediately lifted her body and hurried out to meet the medics, so the assistant quickly grabbed the stroller and pushed it forward to take them with their mother to the hospital. And after half an hour of frantic calls and warnings... the hospital had finally received her withered body in the worst condition. The head doctor immediately alerted Dowhan, who came rushing to her with imo half an hour later."Call our boss!-""But he's at a meeting!""You know how much he cherishes assistant Jang! Call him!" The assistants argued, so they finally contacted the secretary to inform the corporate founder... of her dire condition. Imo eventually assured the employees and encouraged them to leave as the head doctor and the nurse treated Sora in the emergency room to resurrect her lifeless body with their intensive treatments.End of flashback.__________________________
Sora's POV
"Babe!" I gasped, quickly racing out of the hospital lobby to find Yangcha's car passing by the entrance. He immediately slammed the brake once he noticed me standing in the medical gown with a torn expression. Yangcha exhaled, pushed open the car door, and stepped out to retrieve me as I limped toward him with a troubled frown."Let's go home," Yangcha sighed, gently taking my hand. I nodded as he led me around the car and helped me inside before leaning over me to buckle my seatbelt. I glanced to the back seat to find the twins sulking with their tearful eyes as the father got back into the driver's seat."It's okay. Eomma will feed you at home. Okay...?" I smiled, reaching backward to hold their little hands, causing my lower rib to throb uncomfortably. I grunted and clenched my torso before turning to face the road. Yangcha definitely can't handle the twins alone... so I'll head home and ask the head doctor to bring the medication to me.The Jargaur grew muted and drove forward without sparing me a glance with his empty pupils on the night street as he steered into a different lane. I exhaled deeply and reached out to hold his free hand as he rested it on the gear lever. Yangcha flipped his hand beneath mine without hesitation to press his warm palm against mine and interlaced our fingers, so I pulled our hands over to place them on my lap and securely held onto him as he gently rubbed my knuckles."You should've rested at home. I was going to take you to the hospital after I returned from the laboratory," Yangcha muttered after a while. I glanced at the sealed Paternity Document on his lap and back up at him."I thought I could ask Taehyung to look after the twins for some time until I recover," I apologetically rubbed his hand. Yangcha took a deep inhale to inflate his stuffy chest and slowly released the tension with a calm exhale. He lightly squeezed my hand."I'll take care of them from now on. You can rest. I'll ask the head doctor to treat you at home," He replied. I nodded and leaned back against the seat to stare at the streets dimly until we arrived at the building. Yangcha opened the door to help me out first before pulling open the backseat door to lift the twins... who were sleepily staring at their father with their runny noses."I'll hold Woojin-""I'll carry them both," Yangcha calmly replied.I anxiously gripped the envelope he handed me, limped inside the building after him, and pressed the elevator button. Yangcha then stepped inside the elevator with me. We didn't talk on our way up the building and stood quietly by each other's side as he rocked the twins in his arms to console them before striding out into the corridor. He unlocked the door to the penthouse, so I sighed in relief and walked in after him."I'll breastfeed them-""No. There's another batch in the fridge. Go ahead and shower. I'll feed them," Yangcha assured and walked into the bedroom with our children. Is he upset? I exhaled and placed the file on the kitchen counter before entering the bedroom as he changed the baby's diapers.I limped forward and entered the stall to shower.... but didn't take long because I was beginning to feel nauseous again. My rib wouldn't stop aching. I carefully pulled the gown over my head and walked out of the bathroom with my sore lady part to check on the sleeping twins inside the crate. Yangcha was nowhere to be found, so I exhaled and limped toward the door. Creak.I pushed open the door, curiously poking my head out until I spotted... Yangcha sitting on the couch with his back turned to me. He lowered his face in exhaustion and gripped the side of his head. I couldn't tell what he was doing, but the man did not budge a muscle and remained motionless on the couch."Should I sleep in a different room with the twins?" I asked, unsurely leaning against the doorframe for support while hugging my aching stomach."Sleep with me. It's fine," Yangcha replied in an oddly plain tone as he stared at whatever was on the coffee table.I nodded before returning to the bedroom to place the cooling patch over the twins' heads and tuck them into bed. Creak. Yangcha slowly stepped inside the room with a dim expression. His face... strangely plastered with a grim frown... and his jaws... firmly clenched as he observed the rocking crate without blinking."Are you alright...?" I asked, unsurely staring at him from the crate.Yangcha uncomfortably tilted his head to stretch his strained neck muscles and walked up to me with his stern gaze on the twins. He halted to stare at the innocent faces as they peacefully slept in the cozy bundles with cute mittens over their balled fingers.He didn't blink for a solid minute so I unsurely raised my hand to pat his back, gently waking up my husband from his deep thoughts. Yangcha finally blinked and averted his attention to me, but it wasn't his usual... affectionate gaze. Instead. He appeared somewhat... confused and slightly bitter as he scanned my face without uttering a word."Do you love me?" He asked, furrowing his eyebrows."Of course-""Then let's have another baby," He whispered while holding onto the crate. My mind suddenly turned blank as I stared at him without blinking."What? But the twins are barely gown-""Noona. Give me a baby if you love me. Hmmm...?" Yangcha pressed, suddenly clasping his hands on either side of my waist to ground me in place. I unconsciously gripped onto his shoulders as he stepped forward, so I stiffly stepped backward with a concerned frown as he darkened his expression on me."I don't want to have that many children-" I was cut short when he leaned downward to kiss me. I felt his chest vibrating against my palms as he shakily fumed over my face. Why is he so tense???"But I want you to have my child," He whispered, slowing drawing away... just enough to focus his dark pupils on my frightened gaze. I opened my mouth to speak again... but couldn't utter a word upon his unsettling mood shift."The twins-""They aren't mine, noona. You knew right? They were never mine," Yangcha shook his head. I pursed my lips and frowned at his absurd claim as he firmly made me sit on the mattress. Thump."Yangcha. They're yours- What are you talking about-" I whispered in confusion when he suddenly shook his head and crouched by the bedside to hold my hands over my lap."They're not mine. It's printed clearly on the document," He replied. I searched his grim expression with an uneasy feeling. What? My mind couldn't seem to process anything. Not even his clear and simple words."The paternity test? But-""Who is it? Hmm? The father. Who is it noona? How long have you been hiding the truth from me?" He pressed with his piercing sharp stare trained on my pale face. I gripped his hands with a racing heart... opening and closing my mouth restlessly as I tried to make sense of his strange claims."What are you saying- I swear I've never been-""Which... man... had the audacity... to make you bear his child for nine months and left a lifetime commitment to raise them in your hands when you weren't ready....? Give me a name, Sora. I know you know... who it is," Yangcha pressed, lifting his palm to place it against my cheek. My eyes suddenly swelled with tears as I averted my gaze in confusion... to the crate and back at him in bewilderment. Dread loomed over me once I finally grasped the startling situation. "But- I never- I never- How is it possible- Yangcha- I swear-""Who did you cheat on me with?" Yangcha whispered while staring at me with a torn expression as he rubbed the hot tear stream from my cheek. My feeble body suddenly trembled out of control at the sight of his murderous glower."P-Please listen to me!- I love you! You know that! How could I ever possibly bear another man's children!?-" I whimpered in pain. My chest... wrenching his fear as he expressed his dissatisfaction with a slight grimace. This doesn't make any sense! I was always with him! Taehyung and I never did anything!"So it's a mystery... how the man impregnated you... right before our wedding? Hmm?" Yangcha lifted his eyebrow with a skeptical frown. What is he saying?! I sobbed in distress and lowered my shaky head to deny his accusations."I- I swear- I really didn't- Yangcha, please believe me-""You know my love for you is endless. Right? It's not like I can do anything now? Not after you've suffered the past nine months to raise the fetuses in your womb. And definitely not after you scarred your precious skin to bring them out into the world like this-""I'm sorry! I really didn't know! Yangcha!- Baby- I didn't know- How or what happened- I thought they were yours!" I cried in fear, quickly lifting my hands to rub my palms together in desperation. Yangcha halted to stare at my flushed face, suddenly lowering his head to rest his forehead on my lap and clutched tightly onto my hips as he struggled to ponder his thoughts. I whimpered and held his head as he quietly recollected himself in our hushed bedroom."Fuck I can't do this anymore..." He whispered."H-Huh?" I choked as the heavy tear streams dripped from my cheeks."Bear me child. I want you to bear me a child- now," He whispered, assertively tugging me down by the nape to press his lips against mine as he crouched under me. I gripped his shoulders in tears as he slowly rose to his feet and attempted to lay me over the mattress... until I shakily pressed my hands against his chest to stop him."I really can't do it right now! C-Can we talk...?" I begged, whimpering helplessly as the beast fumed over me with his eyebrows furrowed.Yangcha hovered over me with a defeated look as I ugly cried beneath his massive body. Even if he decided to fuck my womb out... I knew I'd be too weak to resist him. So I begged. I desperately held onto his forearm... hoping he'd soften at my pitiful state... but no.
I saw it... the thick haze... of darkness... slowly consuming his mind... as his dark pupils dilated with the untamed evil.
I tried to sit up out of fear... but he roughly shoved me back down while struggling to contain himself, so I bit my quivering lips and stared at his dark glower in extreme fright as silent tears trickled over the side of my face. Puff. The Jaguar flared his nostrils while rubbing his tense chest in extreme difficulty to resist his inner darkness... but he was evidently failing... to counter his evil."I have the urge to kill-""Yangcha! I'm sorry- Please!-" I cried, hastily pushing him off my body.He stumbled a few steps backward at my force and tilted his head upward uncomfortably until his fingers started twitching. I need to leave this place!- But how!? He'll never let me leave with the twins! Yangcha slowly lifted his stiff hand to rub his thick muscular neck as he shakily fumed through his flaring nostrils... until his dangerous eyes... landed on the sleeping children by the crate. He suddenly halted with a hostile gaze on the innocent bundles."Haha..." Yangcha lowly chuckled. His lips... curving upward eerily as the man... lowered his hands to grip the crate's railing. He darkly grinned at the twins with a forced smile until tears swelled in his burning eyes. His taunting empty laughter... filling the hushed room until severe goosebumps swept my skin with... the thrills of his menacing intents."YANGCHA! PLEASE- BABY WAKE UP! I- I'LL FIX THIS!- THEY'RE INNOCENT!- PLEASE- CALM DOWN! I'LL LET YOU DO ANYTHING TO ME! ANYTHING! OH!?- I'LL LET YOU HAVE SEX WITH ME! I'LL BEAR YOU ANOTHER CHILD! ANYTHING! I'LL DO IT FOR YOU!- I PROMISE- PLEASE!-" I shrieked, desperately launching off the bed- Thump! I slammed hard onto the floor and quickly crawled across the tiles to grip his legs in desperation.Yangcha shakily breathed through his lips while tilting his head from side to side to release the uncomfortable urge within his pulsating chest before lowering his dim pupils to me. I sobbed in despair and tightly hugged his legs at his feet to beg him for mercy... as the jaguar contemplated... its decisions... to suppress... or feed the powerful thirst... to kill.
Third Person POV
Instead of hearing his wife's desperate pleas... Jae Yangcha burst out laughing like a madman to unleash the overflowing darkness from his tainted soul. He furiously rubbed his face to shake off the evil blindfolds from his blurred sight... as the bewildering result of the twin's DNA provoked his deepest... and darkest craving... to mass murder every living soul upon his claw's grip and rip them apart with his unstoppable... corrupted temptation... to shed blood with his baring sharp fangs.The supreme alpha fearfully wailed and clutched helplessly onto his legs after she realized... the Jaguar had broken from its leash... causing the streams of tears to trickle messily from her swollen eyes and... seeping between the shattered ridges of her broken heart to sting her bleeding wound with its poisonous pricks.
Jae Yangcha lost control of himself that night. He couldn't hear his wife's frantic pleas.

He had completely lost control of himself to the painful truth of his beloved wife's betrayal.

The goddess... he so loved with his life.

The Jaguar... couldn't help but mourn her unfaithfulness. She had driven an invisible knife into his beating heart as it was overflowing with devotion and affection to serve her.

The wild beast... felt... it... the surge of the despairing pain... terrorizing his wounded heart until his temples... pulsated within the thick haze of red surges... and he was suddenly... sucked into a suffocating mass of his inner darkness.

The vicious... evil... relentlessly possessing his body and intoxicating his nerves with the urge to kill... and so... the man... ended up with a bloody blade within his grip.

The brutal splatter of warm blood... coating his spotted fur and the damped rotten smell of death... reeking from his skin as he blankly stared at the wardrobe. Listening... listlessly to the frantic cries of the young souls... hidden by their mother inside the closet.

Jae Yangcha emotionlessly stared at the closed door with his evil-infested mind... as the darkness aggressively jolted to infect his soul... poisoning his bulging veins to seize absolute control... of his senses and numbing his wretched heart... with the soothing scent of the sweet and fresh blood.

He made a choice to feed his hunger. And so, he killed. 
________________________
The Present
Third Person POVThe deafening horns of emergency alarms blared into the night sky as the turning wheels of red trucks raced onto the empty streets with equipped experts. The hospital ambulances... roaring to life... tearing out of the hospital to outrace death as they race toward the fading souls. The police siren... resonating throughout the empty streets with its clamorous frequencies as heavy footsteps marched the sidewalks... to secure the disastrous site.The entire city was suddenly awakened by the terrifying disturbance as a building within the city center... violently exploded into flames. It's dangerous glasses... shattering from the highest floor and showering over the streets below. The dense smoke... roaring into the night sky as the heavy debris... flutters along with the harsh wind, causing the fire to ignite fiercely into the darkness with its deathly grips to light up the city with its wrath.Do-hwan hurriedly raced between the firefighters to squeeze his way between the frantic medics on the street as the police blocked the roads surrounding the building with his terrified gaze on the orange flames... flaring from the penthouse level.Screams... shouts... and desperate cries... echoing from all directions as the residents raced out of the lobby in their nightwear to escape the deadly eruption. The bulky man turned his head from side to side to search for his young lady amongst the dense crowd, but she was nowhere to be found. He cursed and pushed through the mass- but stopped dead in his tracks... once he noticed a familiar face... on the other side of the street.
Kim Taehyung.
Do-hwan quickly shoved the passerby aside and raced towards the alpha.... who was standing by the sidewalk with his listless gaze on the burning floor at the top of the building without blinking. The chief guard suddenly froze in place... once he realized... Kim Taehyung was drenched in blood.
The alpha's face... smeared with dried stains. His clothes... drenched in foul blood. And in his arms... were... two bundles.

Kim Taehyung blinked tearfully at the blazing penthouse as the flames engulfed the floor with its raging flares... and slowly lowered his torn gaze to the wailing twins in his arms until his lips quivered. Do-hwan's lips parted in horror. The man lifted his face to stare at the thick smoke in the air again before turning to find Kim Taehyung sobbing in distress as he clutched onto the motherless puppy and bear.
Crack.
Do-hwan's heart suddenly shattered at the devastating realization as he watched the children weep for their mother's presence... yet no matter how loud they wailed for her... she could no longer reach for them with her soothing embrace.
The mother would sprint across the wasteland on her bare feet... crawl across the scorching desert on her knees... swim the vast ocean with her trauma... climb mountains with her bare hands... and even leap off a cliff to soar into the sky... with her shredded wings... just to reach her distressed children.

But she could no longer... comfort them with her presence because... her soul... had been captured by the Jarguar.

Her body... brutally devoured by the untamed beast... leaving behind no remains... for her weeping children to embrace.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Third Person POV
The clamorous thunders of a midnight storm drummed heavily over the dark city with its icy downpour, chilling the residents with the mild wind's gusts until a flicker of electrifying lightning illuminated the dense clouds with its blinding forked beam, pursued by another deafening rumble... relentlessly tearing the sky apart with its gloom.
Pitter Patter. Pitter Patter. Pitter Patter.
The freezing cold droplet pounded the glass wall with its frosty pallets as an alpha lay asleep on the mattress with a blanket loosely draped over his shirtless torso. He grunted, softly murmuring in his sleep as his active mind hypnotized him with the false delusion of his wearied mind. The man groaned- suddenly jerking awake with swelling sweat beads over his forehead as the infant's unceasing cries rang in his ears."Ugh..." Kim Taehyung grunted, sitting up on the bed with a dazed mind. He drew his shirt over his wild hair with his eyes half open and finally got up to hover over the crate. Kanghoon... quavered in distress until the child's face turned bloody red."Are you hungry...?" Taehyung whispered, groggily picking up the baby from the crate, held the bundle against his chest, and stepped out of his bedroom so he wouldn't wake his sleeping brother. The alpha strolled towards the couch and sat down before placing the child on his lap, carefully leaning over to brew a baby formula with one hand while clutching the baby in his other arm."Waaaah~!" Kanghoon rubbed his runny nose with a wimpy pout. Thump. Thump. Taehyung gently drummed his legs to soothe the child as he shook the baby bottle with one hand to mix up the formula and finally pushed the pacifier into the child's lips. The little boy immediately grew hushed and sucked on the milk. Taehyung took a deep exhale and leaned back against the couch with his eyes closed.

"Why are you always hungry? You sure got your mother's appetite," He muttered, sleepily glancing at the rainstorm in exhaustion to watch the violent raindrop... washing against the exterior glass with its dampness.The child only had a few sips of the baby formula until he screwed his face in discomfort and suddenly pushed the bottle away to reject the odd taste. It didn't taste like his mother's breast milk. Taehyung sighed, placed the bottle on the coffee table, and turned Kanghoon around to study the tear streaks on the child's cheeks."I don't have eomma's breast milk. You should stop being picky and be grateful for the formula," Taehyung muttered while dabbing the baby's soaked lashes.The little boy pouted while eyeing Kim Taehyung's exhausted expression. The alpha frowned at the child as he examined the baby's flushed cheeks and tearful doe eyes. The child's expression... resembled his mother's so much... it made Taehyung's heart ache at the thought of her."Ah- Ah~" Kanghoon made cute sounds as if to voice his frustration. Taehyung rubbed the tears from the child's cheeks, lifted the sulky baby to his chest, and rubbed his tiny back to comfort the young soul until little Kanghoon snuggled against the alpha's neck with a snotty nostril."You miss eomma, don't you? She'll come back. I'll search for her, so don't worry too much and focus on growing. Okay? You will see her again," Taehyung whispered as the child clutched his shirt's collar, softly snuggling against the man's heated flesh for comfort.The baby eventually fell asleep again after an hour of nonstop consolation. Taehyung carried the child back inside his single bedroom, placed the boy beside his sleeping brother, and crawled back into bed for another few hours of rest before his alarm went off to kick-start his hectic work day.
A week after the fire incident.
Kim Taehyung dully strolled up the stairs leading to his seat as the other alphas eyed his exhausted appearance in curiosity. Jimin glanced at his former friend as Jungkook sat with arms crossed firmly over his chest. The Kims worriedly glanced at their son as he dismissively sat at his second-rank seat with visible dark under circles beneath his eyes... until Park Bogum walked up to settle in the Jaguar's seat with his smug uncle.Kim Seokjin dimmed his gaze at Park Jihyun's heir in displeasure as Kim Namjoon chatted with his father. Yoongi nervously studied Kim Taehyung's depleted condition before glancing at Hoseok... who was too busy texting Kang Minah from across the room."Is it true? Jang Sora died?" Minho smirked, suddenly initiating the council meeting without the proper opening. The council abruptly grew noiseless as they anticipated Kim Taehyung's response, yet the alpha didn't seem to care and adjusted his armchair with a blank face."Jae Yangcha. Did he die in the fire too?" Mira asked curiously. Kim Taehyung lifted his razor-sharp eyes to the keen players as they hoped for the power couple's downfall."She's alive," Taehyung replied."So where is she? And Jae Yangcha? The source claims the penthouse was entirely devoured by the fire," Minah raised her eyebrows. The Jang wasn't at the meeting... leaving the entire first row vacant."You must disclose the truth regarding the incident. The Jang is independent. And therefore, the council has the right to take action if the supreme alpha has passed," Namjoon spoke up."I told you she's alive. Are you already desperate for her power? Underdogs," Taehyung scoffed, firmly crossing his arms with a blank stare."It is only appropriate to share her asset amongst the households-""I SAID SHE'S ALIVE!" Taehyung roared, angrily cutting Namjoon off with a fierce glare."Bring evidence. The first rank must be present at the council meetings, but their household is absent today. There is no alliance to represent them," Minah smiled at Kim Taehyung, who scoffed in frustration and glared at the alpha from across the room."Actually. I am here as the supreme alpha's representative on behalf of Jae Yangcha's absence," Park Bogum joined the discussion. Taehyung clenched his jaw and glared at the heir before shifting his dangerous eyes to the cult leader. And to Jeon Jungkook, who has been feeding the cult confidential information to attack the Jang."You have no right to speak at the council. Please refrain from meddling with the council's affair," Seokjin immediately warned Park Bogum. The alpha does not approve of the cult's intent to exploit his power through Jae Yangcha's dual alliance."Why not? We are also the stakeholders of Jae Yangcha's power. We have every right to make a stand in his name. And because... he's the supreme alpha's spouse... we are also the Jang's representative under the supreme alpha's authority," Manseok smirked to defend his nephew."Just because we permitted the dual power to occur... it doesn't grant you the right to possess ultimate power in the council," Hoseok scoffed at the man."It is only fair for the cult to claim our rightful position. We have been lenient with the supreme alpha and chose to settle with half of Jae Yangcha's power instead of overthrowing her to avoid a deadly conflict. Her power is mine by law," Bogum dully countered Jung Hoseok, causing the alphas within the room to dart the heir a bitter look."Kim Taehyung claims she's not dead. The cult has no right to claim her status," Yoongi shook his head to reject the cult's intentions."Jang Sora will return," Taehyung spoke in a deep voice, ultimately hushing the council with his assertion.The households exchanged restless looks before eyeing the cult on the top row with an uneasy feeling. The society prayed for Jang Sora's downfall in order to obtain her power. However... if Jang Sora perishes as they prayed... the cult might seize control of the council.
And Park Jihyun's heir will conquer the society with the Black Phoenix's corrupted influence.
_________________________Kim Taehyung grimly strolled through the bustling laboratory as the staff hustled back and forth within the department to attend to their tasks until he spotted Do-hwan guarding the door with his men. The doctor and professionals were speaking with the chief guard in their medical gowns."Sir," The woman lowered her head to greet Taehyung, who nodded at her. Do-hwan crossed his arms and entered the secured room as Taehyung blankly followed the man to inspect... a disfigured corpse... on the autopsy table."Is it her?" Taehyung stared at the heavily torched skeletons of a woman on the tray."Her body is completely charred so it's impossible to identify her," Do-hwan informed as the guard closed the door to isolate the high-rank alpha from the staff."Confirm her identity at all costs," Taehyung dimmed his eyes on the darkened bones with his hands in his coat's pockets."Her fingerprints aren't available for examination and the skin had entirely melted off her muscles due to the fire. The doctor tried to collect dental evidence but even her teeth... were missing," Do-hwan exhaled."What?" Taehyung asked, frowning at the man."We suspect... he had pulled out all of her teeth," Do-hwan nodded at the burnt corpse. Kim Taehyung clenched his jaw while frowning at the corpse in frustration."The camera footage?" Taehyung asked."Destroyed. Every footage from that day... is missing," Do-hwan shook his head. Kim Taehyung lowered his head in disbelief after he realized the Jaguar had destroyed all the evidence. No one can capture the silent killer unless he wishes to be caught at the expense of deadlier twists."Continue investigating the corpse. I need her identity-""But you saw her that night before the explosion. Can't you identify her?" Do-hwan frowned at Taehyung, who refused the admit her death."I saw her that night. But I will not believe my eyes unless I receive concrete evidence," Taehyung muttered. He refused to believe his disheveled senses. He was in too much shock... to make sense of the situation when he stumbled upon the bloody crime scene at the penthouse."What happened? Were you responsible for the explosion?" Do-hwan asked. Taehyung furrowed his eyebrows to recall the incident. The alpha kept the incident to himself because he was wary of the Jaguar's scheme."The twins aren't Jae Yangcha's children," Taehyung muttered. A glimpse of terror flashed across the guard's face as he stared at the alpha in disbelief."Are you the father?" Do-hwan asked the alpha with a startled look.Kim Taehyung listlessly stared at the corpsed with a sullen look- suddenly strolling out of the room without responding to the inquiry and left the busy floor. The alpha exhaled deeply as he stepped inside the elevator in his black coat, grimly staring at his reflection on the door until he landed on the ground floor.
Flashback

Jae Yangcha... dangerously rotated his sturdy mass... toward Kim Taehyung as he stood in the center of the room with the bloody blade. The thick blood... freely dripping from the edge... and splattering viciously onto the floor.... beneath his feet. Kim Taehyung's eyes bulged open in fright upon the disturbing sight of the alpha... unstable state.

The wild jaguar is soaked in dark blood. Yangcha only had his boxers on... and his muscular physique... glazed with his wife's dark blood. Taehyung glanced at the closed wardrobe in the corner and gulped as the twin screamed... from inside it and back at the untamed monster... who stood between the alpha and the children.
"Haha... Haha... Haha~!" Yangcha chuckled like a madman as he rubbed his blood-soaked face with his forearms. The alpha suddenly crouched over the floor while spinning the knife between his fingers... and lowered his head without releasing the blade.  Pause.  Taehyung sucked in his breath as he stood in the doorway with his burning gaze on the monster.
The savage beast suddenly lifted his blood-drenched face... darkly staring up at Kim Taehyung with his sickening psychotic-possessed gaze... causing the alpha to tense his body.... as the silent killer's... white eyeball bulged creepily... upon the living soul before him.

Jae Yangcha's dreadful laughter... filled the room as he unleashed his darkest... most deadly... evil into... the world... after Jang Sora failed to tame him.
"Why did you do it?!" Taehyung seethed... too frightened to launch forward because he was afraid... the wild beast... might wound him and put the children's lives at risk. He had to stay alive to save the children."They're your babies... aren't they...?" Yangcha laughed, nodding at the wardrobe."What!?" Taehyung snapped, unsurely staring at the killer.Yangcha scoffed and walked backward on his bare foot with the knife to draw open the wardrobe as the twins screeched in their bundles... until their frightened faces glowed bright red. Their harrowing cries... triggering Kim Taehyung's racing heart to convulse in fear as the killer stood over them with his lethal intentions. The risk of rescuing the twins is slim, but Kim Taehyung is determined to save them... regardless of the threatening situation."They're your filthy sperms. Am I correct?" Yangcha grunted, shifting his tearful gaze to Taehyung again. The Jaguar was in pain... but he was angrier. The killer's wrath had entirely consumed his mind and soul."What are you talking about?!" Taehyung shouted, fearfully shifting his gaze to the shrieking twins again."Tell me. How many times... did you fuck... my wife?" Yangcha muttered with his spiteful glower on the bundles."Leave the twins alone!-" Taehyung roared, abruptly jerking forward but halted in fear when Yangcha swiftly snapped the bloody blade at the weeping children."Whose fucking children are they?!" Yangcha screamed at Kim Taehyung in anger."YOURS! SHE LOVED YOU! HOW COULD SHE POSSIBLY BEAR ANOTHER MAN'S-""YOU TELL ME WHY MY WIFE GAVE BIRTH TO A TWIN WHOSE GENES DON'T FUCKING MATCH MINE?!" Yangcha bellowed, shakily lowering the knife towards the bundles in the wardrobe, causing Kim Taehyung's heart to plunge in dread as he watched the stained blade... hovering dangerously above the shrieking toddlers. The alpha knew he couldn't launch forward... without the risk of provoking the wild beast, so he stood in his place."Are you seriously going to murder them?! They might not be yours, but they're still Sora's blood- YAH!" Taehyung tried to convince the Jaguar when he suddenly turned toward the baby with the knife.Taehyung gasped and sprinted forward to seize the alpha's hand- right before he swung the bloody blade. Yangcha growled in anger, furiously resisting Kim Taehyung, who firmly head-locked the alpha to jerk him away from the wardrobe and tackled the beast onto the mattress. Taehyung twisted Yangcha's wrist- CLACK. The beast howled in pain as Taehyung aggressively disabled him, so the Jaguar angrily swung his elbow backward- slamming his joint into Taehyung's nose. THUMP!"Urgh!" Taehyung grunted, staggering to the side with the knife in his hand.Yangcha seethed with his sprained wrist and furiously attacked Taehyung onto the floor- who grunted in pain and tried to slash the serial killer with the blade- but Yangcha roughly smacked the knife out of Taehyung grip... and punched the Kim's heir with his steel fists. Thump! Thump! Thump! Taehyung's head slammed hard against the solid floor upon receiving the deadly blow to his face until heavy blood... gushed from his nostrils and split lips."You fucked her, didn't you!?- She's mine! I told you she's mine! How dare you stain her body with your filth!!!" Jae Yangcha angrily beat Kim Taehyung with his balled fists."Fucking get off me, you bastard!-""Minhee was right! That day!- You killed the shareholder because he saw you with my wife! You took advantage of her!-" Yangcha shrieked but gasped in pain when Taehyung roughly head butt him- sending the alpha tumbling onto the bed.Taehyung frantically tried to crawl towards the wailing twins as they helplessly stared at him from the opened wardrobe- but Yangcha flung his body off the mattress- wildly kicking Taehyung's lower left rib with all his might- sending the alpha slamming into the wooden baby crate by the door."YOU FUCKING PSYCHO! HOW CAN YOU LIFT YOUR FUCKING FINGERS TO MURDER HER FUCKING BLOOD!?-" Taehyung roared in frustration after he lost his patience. The alpha wanted to get the children out safely, but it appeared... he couldn't do so without killing the untamed beast. One of the two... had to die tonight. And Kim Taehyung knew... he had to live to protect the twins."ARGH!" Yangcha leaped at Taehyung, who was sitting on the floor with a bleeding nose.The alpha quickly scrambled to his feet and shoved the crate over, but Yangcha effortlessly hurled the heavy mass aside to free up the space between them. THUMP! The alpha grunted heavily as the Jarguar roughly pinned him against the glass wall with his grips clutched firmly around Taehyung's sweaty throat."She loved you! You fucking bastard-""But she fucked you!" Yangcha screeched, violently toppling backward after Taehyung angrily thrust him back with all his strength.The beast tried to pounce forward with his sharpened claws- just as Kim Taehyung swiftly hopped on his feet- and swung his powerful leg at the alpha- CRACK. Yangcha grunted in agony and slammed onto the bed in shock after Kim Taehyung high-kicked him in the jaw. The Kim's heir seized the opportunity and launched forward to pin the Jaguar down with his forearm pressed firmly over the beast's neck while pounding his solid fist over Yangcha's face to beat the fuck out of him with his teeth gritted. SMACK! SMACK! SMACK!The Jaguar grunted and tried to shove Taehyung off his body, but Taehyung refused to stop and struck the alpha's face with all his might until- Slump!- Jae Yangcha suddenly blacked out from the blinding blows. His arms weakly flopped to the sides, and he suddenly stopped resisting. Kim Taehyung halted with his balled fists in the air as he shakily panted over the untamed monster... until his blood dripped from his nostrils."Fuck!" Kim Taehyung immediately crawled off the Jaguar and quickly rounded the bed to yank open the wardrobe door again as the babies screeched at the top of their lungs."Ahjussi is here! I'll get you out~!" Taehyung gasped and grabbed the twins when- THUD!-Kim Taehyung wildly spun around to find Jae Yangcha sprinting out of the bedroom. The alpha's eyes widened in shock when the Jaguar slammed the bedroom shut. Baffled by the alpha's sudden escape... Kim Taehyung quickly picked up the twins and hurried towards the door- Click. The alpha tried to yank the handle... but it was securely locked."BURN IN HELL, YOU MOTHERFUCKER!" Yangcha shouted from outside the door, causing Taehyung's eyes to widen in disbelief. The twins screamed in fear, so the alpha quickly scurried away to settle them on the bed before rushing forward to yank the door again... but... it wouldn't budge."YAH! OPEN THE DAMN DOOR!" Taehyung screamed while pounding on the door as he angrily rattled the door handle. Kim Taehyung scoffed in horror and stepped backward with a terrified frown... as he shakily fumed in his sweat and blood-stained clothes."ARGH!" Taehyung ran forward to kick the door. THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!The alpha slammed his shoes against the platform with all his might until he staggered backward and collapsed weakly at the foot of the mattress. THUMP! The frightened twins winced at the violent vibration and screeched louder to express their severe discomfort. Their soaked faces... flushing bright red from the strains in their tiny throats.The alpha desperately attempted to break open the door with his body strength, yet it wouldn't budge. Pause. Kim Taehyung froze in place once he smelt... the burning odor... and to his horror... smoke began seeping from between the door gap. Kim Taehyung backed away in shock while gawking at the poisonous gas... filling the room with its suffocating haze."YAH! YOU FUCKER!" Taehyung cursed, quickly dropping to the floor to peek between the gap... but flinched in a panic.... when he found another pair of wide-opened eyes... staring right back at him from between the gap."Haha... Haha~! Why don't you and your cute family... rot in hell together...?" Yangcha creepily smiled like a possessed demon from between the gap, causing Kim Taehyung to swallow in fear as he stared at the alpha's dark pupils."Y-Yah! Open the door! YAH!" Taehyung frantically pounded on the door after Yangcha scrambled over the floor and fled the penthouse.Kim Taehyung huffed in discontent as the alarming smoke infested the room with its thick fog, so he quickly spun around to search for an exit... but there weren't any. Huff! He quickly raced towards the wardrobe to grab a few towels. The alpha quickly soaked the fabric with water from the bottle and sprinted forward to place the cool cloth over the twin's face, shakily filtering the smoke from their lungs as the dense haze filled the room."Don't cry!" Taehyung gasped while calming the shrieking twins.The alpha quickly hauled the fallen crate from the floor and drove it hard into the door. THUMP! Taehyung grunted and yanked the wooden crate backward before accelerating forward again to slam it against the door- but it wouldn't open. The alpha coughed in pain as the thick smoke clogged his burning lungs. Grunting heavily, Taehyung swung the crate aside and stepped back until he felt the intense darkness jolting up the back of his head to infect his body with deadly strength."ARGHHHHH!" Kim Taehyung bellowed at the top of his lungs with his flaring red pupils on the door and pounced forward... slamming the side of his body with all his power into the solid door- THUD!The door suddenly swung wide open... and he toppled violently out into the flaming living room. His eyes widened in shock as the kitchen's stove burned brightly, so Taehyung glanced at the couches... soaked with the substance that was lit on fire by the silent killer."FUCK!" The alpha frantically steered back inside the room.He snatched the bundles from the mattress and quickly escaped the room, sprinting through the raging flames and dashed out of the penthouse to flee the floor. The alpha ran through the smoke-filled corridor to approach the elevator... and hastily raised his leg to kick the button, but- ERROR. The screen flickered with the red glares to signal the breakdown of the lift. Taehyung scoffed in horror at the red signal and swiftly dashed towards the emergency route  in the opposite direction... suddenly halting in place... once he passed the penthouse's wide open door.

The alpha tearfully stared at the flaming living room, infested with the poisonous smoke, causing his heart to wrench in pain. Parts of him wanted to drop the infants and rush back inside to protect Jang Sora from the scorching blaze... but he knew... she was long gone.Kim Taehyung stared at the scorching orange flames for the last time... took a deep breath and ran toward the exit... hurriedly rushing down the stairs on his feet as the smoke rapidly filled the spiral of stairs. The twins shrieked at the top of their lungs with the soaked towels over their faces as Taehyung tightly cradled them and stormed down the endless stairs- KABOOM. The alpha gasped, suddenly stumbling to the side when the violent eruption set off from the floor above.He fearfully looked up the stair gaps to find fire blasting from the floors above him, so he cursed under his breath and raced down the remaining flights of stairs until the emergency exit of the different floors... flung open... and a flood of frantic residents came scurrying out onto the stairs.Taehyung securely gripped the twins as the mob pushed and bumped harshly into him until he lost his balance and toppled into the wall. Yet he didn't give up and fought his way through the dense crowd on his sore legs... finally reaching the ground floor."OUT OF MY WAY!" Taehyung roughly used his aching shoulders to steer the people out of his way as he pushed through the crammed lobby filled with horrified looks.The alpha managed to pass through the door and quickly raced across the road when- KABOOM! KABOOM! KABOOM. The deadly explosion went off repeatedly, causing the residents to scream in fear. Kim Taehyung immediately bent his body over to shield the twins from the shards of showering glasses... pouring from the sky as it mercilessly pierced into his back... like bullet rain.The alpha grunted in extreme pain while crouching on the sidewalk until someone suddenly ran over him- sending the man toppling sideway over the ragged ground yet he refused to lift his body and hugged the children tightly against his chest as people bumped and stomped over him. Thump! Thud! Thump! Thud!-Grunting in pain... Kim Taehyung finally shoved his body back up after the piercing fragments stopped showering from the building. He lifted the twins with a dazed mine as the shards... stung his injured back. The residents screamed and cried in fear as he turned his head from side to side... aimlessly stepping forward with unconscious tears on his dirty face. Lost, confused, and tired.The twins screeched even louder as Kim Taehyung crossed the streets just as the firefighters... ambulances and police vehicles arrived at the scene. Dreadfully... he turned around to stare at the commotion after he reached the other side of the road and glanced up at the flaming penthouse with a broken heart.
He desperately wanted to race back inside the building to retrieve her body... but he knew... she would never forgive him if he abandoned her children.

So.

Kim Taehyung securely held onto her twins and chose to mourn her passing from below as he helplessly watched the building burn with its deadly flames.
End of flashback.____________________________
Three Years Later
Third Person POVKim Taehyung slumped over the armchair in exhaustion after a tiring meeting scheduled with the board of directors and lowered his head to rub his aching temples when the office door swung open without a formal announcement and... Kim Seokjin... came storming inside the room... causing the wearied founder to lift his head unsurely at the man's unexpected presence."Sir-" The Secretary tried to stop Kim Seokjin after he barged inside the office without permission. Taehyung glanced at the timid secretary and back at the man's unwelcoming presence."You're dismissed," Taehyung waved his hand. The secretary bowed and quickly left the office before shutting the door to grant them privacy."The elite council will take place in a week," Seokjin bitterly stared at Kim Taehyung."So?" Taehyung lifted his eyebrow with a blank expression."The cult will seize Jang Sora's assets! I can't hold them back any longer!" Kim Seokjin stepped forward with his bright red face... burning with frustration."Why should I care? I'm not her ally-""The cult has been disrupting the council! Park Bogum took over the tower, and the cult leader has been terrorizing the households with excessive demands! He's operating illegal operations and exploiting Jae Yangcha's power-""Didn't you wish to seek revenge because Sora broke your heart?" Taehyung dimly stared at Seokjin."Seriously?! It isn't about her at this point! The council is in danger at the hands of the cult's unyielding influence! The weak alphas will be eliminated!" Seokjin snapped in annoyance,"You never cared for her, did you? You're simply frustrated because you can't claim your power back. After all, Jae Yangcha is still missing," Taehyung shrugged."The society will collapse if the leading households continue to neglect the cult's act! They've been slaughtering the alphas over petty crimes and have been stripping households of their power! You'll be their next target if you don't join forces with the council!" Kim Seokjin warned. Kim Taehyung leaned back against his armchair with a dim expression."The only way to end the dual contract power is for you to slaughter the Jaguar and seize your power back. Only then will the cult lose its position, but how do you plan to lure out the beast? He's been hiding for the past years," Taehyung scoffed with a slight grimace."We have to lure him out," Seokjin narrowed his gaze on Kim Taehyung."I can attempt a stunt. But what will you offer me in return? We have a common goal. And that is to slaughter the silent killer, but we can't capture him unless we work as a team, and it won't be easy," Taehyung sighed after a moment of contemplation."All I expect is my stolen power. I will support your stand in the council after we eliminate the cult and the silent killer," Kim Seokjin exhaled. Taehyung stared blankly at Kim Seokjin's dark stare without blinking to contemplate his thoughts."No. Jae Yangcha is married to Jang Sora. Once the killer falls... you'll also succeed in her power. I'll assist you if you pass me her assets," Kim Taehyung sighed. Seokjin narrowed his eyes to consider the proposal and finally took a deep exhale to conclude his decision."Deal," Seokjin agreed, staring firmly at Taehyung, who nodded in agreement from his work desk.
A moment later
Kim Taehyung listlessly strolled through the empty corridor leading to his private apartment with a slightly dizzy mind as he fumbled in his pocket for the keycard and finally pressed the card against the door. Beep. The alpha stepped inside his home- POOF! A blast of powder violently exploded against his face. Kim Taehyung froze in shock."HAHAHAHAH!" The little kids shrieked as Taehyung stood by the doorway with his eyes closed.The alpha slowly opened his dusty eyelids to find the identical twins laughing hysterically at his face as they stood before him with a bottle of baby powder. The alpha shifted his startled gaze from their cheerful smiles... and glanced at the apartment... littered with white powders."YOU RASCAL!" Taehyung snapped in terror."AH!-?!- AH! AHHH! ABORT MISSION! ABORT MISSION!" Woojin shrieked, grabbing Kanghoon's arm as they wildly spun around in fear- and attempted to sprint away... but they slipped over the powder and toppled into each other before collapsing onto the floor. Thud!"I WILL BEAT YOUR ASSES! COME HERE?!!- YAH!-" Taehyung angrily slammed the door shut, snatched his slipper from the rack and sprinted toward the twins with his spanking tool- causing the young boys to shriek in fear. Kanghoon grabbed Woojin's hair to pull his brother onto his feet, so they both screamed and frantically crawled away on their knees like baby crabs over the powdery floor. THUMP! Taehyung grunted in pain when he slipped over the tiles on his socks and slammed hard onto the floor."AHAHAHAHAHAAH~!" The twins burst out laughing funnily as they climbed the couch to watch Taehyung sit up in pain. They poked out their tongues and flung the cushion at the alpha as he rubbed his sore back."YOU'RE DEAD! HAH~! I'M SO DONE! YOU FREAKING PUNKS!" Taehyung hollered, scrambling back onto his feet, causing the twins to shriek again.They frantically jumped all over the couch to flee the alpha- but Taehyung effortlessly leaped forward to sweep the children off the couch with his strong arms. The twins screamed in fear once they were captured by the fuming alpha... entirely covered in baby powder.
A moment later.
"Appa~ We're hungry~" Kanghoon pouted as he knelt by the corner of the wall beside his brother, keeping their balled fists raised over their heads."How dare you complain?! I told you to behave- but you never listen! I should starve you both!" Taehyung snapped while vacuuming the apartment to get rid of the dusty powder."My stomach is hurting~!" Woojin lowered his hand to rub the center of his plump belly."Your stomach is on the left side!" Taehyung snapped.The bear whimpered at Taehyung's fierce glare and quickly raised his arms again. The twins cutely pouted as they sat in the corner of the room with their hands lifted over their heads as a punishment. Taehyung exhaled in annoyance as he cleaned the messy space before dragging the disobedient twins away to shower with him in the bathroom since they too... were smeared with white powder.A moment later.Woojin and Kanghoon pouted in tears as they sat on the carpet before the table. Taehyung placed the porridge bowls before the twins and finally sat across from them with his plate of food."What are you staring at? Eat!" Taehyung glared. The twins sniffled and glanced at the bland porridge."But- Woojinie don't like-""Are you eating or not? If not- I'll collect the bowls and put them away," Taehyung dimmed his eyes on the children. Kanghoon nudged his baby brother... until Woojin sniffled and clutched the plastic spoon in defeat, carefully picking up a spoonful of porridge. Taehyung exhaled in irritation and ate his food with a sore grimace as the twins slurped from their bowls with brooding pouts.

"Maybe that's why... eomma... left you," Kanghoon mumbled. Taehyung frowned and looked up at the sulky twins as they slurped the porridge."Stop talking and eat," Taehyung sighed, grabbed his plate, and left to eat in the kitchen alone because he couldn't stand the mischievous rascals. The twins sulked over their plain porridge but didn't complain and emptied their mini bowl."Finish your homework," Taehyung placed the books on the table before lifting the empty bowls from the table and strode away with it. Woojin pouted again and pulled the book to flip it open."Appa is so mean~! Where is eomma...? He's so mean to us," Kanghoon whispered, tearfully glaring at the alpha but immediately lowered his face in fear to scribble on his book when Taehyung fired them a stern gaze from the kitchen.
A moment later.
Kim Taehyung blankly watched the television while lying on the couch with his forearm tucked beneath his head. The man glanced to the side to find the twins... dozing off over the carpet. Kanghoon was leaning back against the couch with his lips ajar. Woojin's face was flat on the table... as his slimy drool dripped from his opened mouth... spilling messily onto the soaked pages of his book.Sighing deeply, Taehyung switched off the screen, got up to close the books and rounded the coffee table to pick up the puppy and bear with his strong arms. The alpha opened their bedroom door and gently laid them on the massive kingsize bed before pulling the blanket over their cold bodies to keep them warm."They don't adopt her features, but they're definitely clones of her," Taehyung whispered as he wiped the slimy drool from their parted lips. Taehyung closed their mouth and finally crawled into his bed, positioned beside the twin's bed. The alpha rolled over on the mattress to check his phone and slipped under the sheet before switching off the lights and turned on his side to sleep.
The next morning.
Kim Taehyung groggily opened his eyes while sprawling on the spacious bed with his forearm over his head. The alpha didn't budge and calmly breathed in exhaustion until he felt the mattress sinking... so he glanced to the side to find... Woojin crawling onto his bed."Appa. Can I sleep with you~?" Woojin grumbled as he climbed Taehyung's torso to rest on his chest. Taehyung grunted and hugged the tiny boy as the bear slumped face-first on the man's body and hugged Taehyung's neck tightly."Uh... How are you so much like her..." Taehyung grumbled, gently patting Woojin's back. The child slept over Taehyung's chest until his twin crawled into his bed and rolled in beside Taehyung as well. Kanghoon rested his head on Taehyung's bicep and turned on his side to hug Taehyung's chest with his short arms."Troublemakers..." Taehyung muttered, sleepily ruffling the puppy's head. Kim Taehyung didn't move and held the children as they slept on his chest and by his side. As much as it was uncomfortable... they were the only reminder of their late mother.
When they were young... he'd hold her like this too.

Fast Forward
Taehyung placed the plates of pancakes on the coffee table as the twins sat on the floor by the glass wall with the toy cars, but they weren't playing with them. Instead... they were curiously staring out the window to watch the busy street below them with their sparkling pupils."Have some snacks," Taehyung muttered, sitting on the couch in his casual clothes.Woojin and Kanghoon blinked out of their thoughts, got up from the floor, and walked forward to grab the pancake with their bare hands. Kanghoon crawled over the crouch to sit on Taehyung's lap as Woojin sat beside the alpha with his head tilted against the man's upper arm. The father lifted his arm to place it over the bear's shoulder as the three of them munch on the plain pancake during a peaceful weekend."Appa~ Why can't we go out~?" Kanghoon asked, lifting his innocent doe eyes to stare at Taehyung, who was also eating the pancake he made."Because you're too young," Taehyung replied as he fondly combed his fingers through Kanghoon's messy bowl cut.

"Is eomma out there, appa~?" Woojin asked, pointing at the city view as he chewed the snack on the side of his chubby cheek. Taehyung sighed heavily and glanced out at the buildings outside the glass wall."Yeah," Taehyung nodded."Why doesn't she come to see us~?" Kanghoon murmured. Taehyung chewed his pancake with an uneasy feeling."Because she's busy," Taehyung replied. He prayed... that she'd someday return for her children, but Jang Sora never returned. The alpha refused to believe that she had perished in the flames and assumed she had somehow safely fled the fire... but after three years passed... she never showed up. Not once."Appa. Why is the pancake so salty~?" Woojin muttered, lifting his half-eaten pancake to Taehyung's face. The alpha took a bite from the child's piece... and sure enough... it was super salty."Spit it out," Taehyung mumbled, lowering their hand to Woojin's mouth. Bleh! The child spat the slimy pancake onto his father's palm before crawling off the couch to grab another piece and cutely rolled onto the carpet. Taehyung wiped his hand with the wipes and tossed the pancake away in the dustbin."Eomma is really... really... pretty," Kanghoon muttered while chewing his pancake."How did you know?" Taehyung curiously stared at the child in his arms."We see her in our dreams," Woojin replied. Taehyung frowned and glanced at the bear as he munched on the snack."You don't remember her, but you dream of her?" Taehyung asked doubtfully."Her eyes... pretty..." Kanghoon nodded."Black hair..." Woojin nodded."Beautiful smile..." Kanghoon agreed."Pfft... It's probably just the pretty idol noona you see on the TV screen," Taehyung teased the twins."Ani. She has... a scar," Woojin shook his head as he cluelessly chewed the pancake while playing with his toy car over the carpet."What?" Taehyung frowned at the twins. Kanghoon turned to face Taehyung with a slight frown before lowering his gaze to his fingers. The child glanced at his left hand... and unsurely shifted his gaze to his right hand."Appa. Which one is my left hand~?" Kanghoon asked, innocently glancing up at the man again."The side with the pancake," Taehyung nodded as he picked the crumb from the child's cheek."Right! The scar... on her wrist... like this..." Kanghoon flipped his hand over to draw a line over the left wrist. Taehyung froze on the couch without blinking and glanced at the child uneasily as the little boy cluelessly chewed the half-eaten pancake. Nom. Nom."On her wrist?" Taehyung repeated, lowering his face to catch Kanghoon's eyes."Yup. The scar on her wrist... and a pretty... hairpin. Green!" Woojin chirped while playing over the carpet.Taehyung furrowed his eyebrows at the twins with a stunned expression. A scar on her left wrist and a green hairpin...? The jade he gave her. Taehyung quickly lifted Kanghoon off his lap and strolled inside the bedroom, causing the twins to glance at their father with questioning looks. The alpha frantically opened his drawers to search for something until he found it and finally walked back out."The hairpin. Does it look like this?" Taehyung asked, lifting the broken hairpin to show the twins."Oh!- Neh! Flower! And pearl~!" The twins shrieked, nodding at the hairpin. Taehyung scoffed and crouched down before them in bewilderment."Do you see her often?" Taehyung asked curiously."Every night~!" Kanghoon nodded brightly."Can you relay a message when you see eomma?" Taehyung smiled widely."Huh...?" Woojin stared at Taehyung in confusion."Come back, you stupid woman~! I'm going to die from raising your nut heads~! Make sure to tell your mother that!" Taehyung keenly stared at their innocent eyes."Okay...?" Kanghoon suddenly pouted."Do you hate us...? Wae~?" Woojin whimpered, lowering his pancake from his mouth with upside-down lips."What-" Taehyung blinked, abruptly freezing in place when the twins burst out crying for no apparent reason. The alpha gasped and tried to comfort them, but they both threw the pancake at his face and quickly got up to leave the living room with their adorable little stomps. Taehyung scoffed at the twin's rudeness and glanced at the soggy pancakes on the carpet with a dim expression.
They've inherited their mother's sensitive tantrums and sulky nature.
_____________________________
Fast Forward
ELITE COUNCILThe anxious households grimly trained their attention on the base of the circular venue as the guards escorted the Jang household inside the room. The Black Phoenix... ultimately took the first rank seat with Park Bogum. Kim Taehyung exchanged stern glances with Kim Seokjin as Ga Area glared at the council in resentment."Today is the last day of the trial," The moderator announced, causing the low murmurs to die down.Mr. Jang worriedly glanced at his wife's gaunt facial structures and sunken eyes due to the cult's extreme coercion over the past years. The Jang's power has been stripped entirely by the cult... and Aera is forced to remain locked up in her mansion... to await the prosecution day."Park Bogum will officially acquire Jang Sora's position in the council as of today-""That's absurd! She's not dead!" Jimin scoffed with a slight frown."Jang Sora was never the rightful owner of Park Jihyun's asset anyways," Manseok countered with a poker face."The supreme alpha's death was never confirmed after three years. The council will only become unstable without a leader. It's best if we accept the new supreme alpha," Mira chuckled, smugly leaning back in her seat. Namjoon fired her a sharp glare before directing his disapproving stare at the cult leader."The Jang does not have a pillar to sustain their household, so they must be banished from the council. The authorized duration for the seat's absence is three months... but it's been empty for three years," Minho agreed with his girlfriend. Kim Seokjin tensed up in his seat but didn't utter a word and darkly inspected the rising cult. Mira and Minho have joined hands... to side with the Black Phoenix to operate the illegal operations.
Lee Mira is in charge of the mafias... and Shin Minho is responsible for the drug supplies.
"What action do you wish to take?" Hoseok frowned at Park Bogum."I'll make it painless. The Jang must transfer their assets to me, and we'll settle the matter. I'll let you reside at your current mansion with proper security," Park Bogum nodded at the Jang as they sat on the uncomfortable steel chairs with dark frowns."Ahaha... you fools..." Aera suddenly laughed as she tilted her head back with a wide smile. Her husband glanced at her tearful red eyes and darkened his expression on the cult at the first row."We have prepared the documents. Please accept our generous offer," Manseok smirked at Aera. She giggled and lowered her face... slightly shaking her head in disbelief."Generous offer~? Why should I give up what's mine by law?!" Aera sneered at the cult in anger."Aera- Let's just accept-""No! Shut it!" The woman snapped at her husband when he tried to convince her."You have no records to prove the rightful ownership of Park Jihyun's asset-""BUT I HAVE JANG SORA!" Aera bellowed, slowly rising to her feet with her glowering red pupils."Jang Sora is dead-""Can you prove her death?" Seokjin shot down the cult with a grimace. Manseok scoffed and eagerly leaned forward to snigger at Aera's pitiful condition with his yellow teeth."Fine. You won't accept our offer...? Do you wish to challenge Park Bogum's legitimacy then? What can you possibly do in this situation..?" Manseok laughed to insult the woman.Gae Aera glanced at her clueless husband and back at the man before shifting her tearful gaze to Jeon Jungkook, who had been turning a blind eye to the Jang... heartlessly leaving them to crumble under the cult's grip. The Jeon is still siding with the cult to oppose the Jang."Park Jihyun transferred all of his power to Jang Sora before his death," Aera confessed as she sternly glared at Chung Manseok."Why would he do that? He has an heir of his own bloodline-""JANG SORA IS PARK JIHYUN'S DAUGHTER!" Aera screamed in anger. The council snapped their heads toward her in surprise as she fiercely glared at the man in the top row."What?" Sungho glanced at Taehyung, who was also taken aback by her confession."Aera! Stop speaking nonsense-""WE HAD AN AFFAIR. JIHYUN AND I HAD AN AFFAIR! JANG SORA IS HIS BIOLOGICAL DAUGHTER!" Aera snapped, interrupting her husband, whose face drained of blood... upon his wife's shocking confession.A stream of warm tears... trickled her face as she furiously fixed her raging glower on the cult leader because she couldn't face her husband... who slowly sank back to his seat with a dreadful look... upon uncovering his wife's shocking ties... with the late supreme alpha.
Ga Aera had no choice... but to defend her household with the unavoidable truth... that would devastate her family... and break their trust in her.

The truth she's been hiding for the past decades.... to protect her husband's pure heart... and to safeguard... her daughter's welfare.

Flash Back
Park Jihyun x Ga AeraPark Jihyun sternly strolled inside the Seoul Mansion in his work attire upon his return from work to find a maid with a bleeding hand scurrying past him with a tray of broken glasses. He frowned and glanced up the wooden stairs as a few more maids hurried down the wooden steps to greet him."What happened?" Jihyun questioned."Lady Aera is upset with one of our maids," The maid fearfully lowered her head. Jihyun clenched his jaw and glanced up at the stairs."Bring the first lady her medication," Jihyun nodded, dismissively instructing the maid to attend to his wife's illness. The staff bowed at the supreme alpha and left his side without another word. Thud... Thud... Thud... Jihyun gradually walked up the stairs and turned towards the room to the left as he listened to the heavy thuds and thumps... echoing all over the corridor. Sighing heavily... he walked toward the source of the sound... until he found himself standing before... Ga Aera's bedroom.Creak. Jihyun softly opened her bedroom door to find Aera shoving her clothes into a suitcase by the wardrobe. The supreme alpha dimmed his eyes and carefully stepped inside the room. Click. He closed the door, causing Aera to freeze in her place. She snapped her glowering glare towards the door as Jihyun sorely stared at the dried tear stains on her youthful cheeks."You should stop terrorizing the maids," He sighed. She gripped her hands while glaring at him."GET OUT OF MY ROOM!" Aera shrieked at the top of her lungs."Aera! You must behave-""Who are you to tell me what to do?! You deserve to rot in hell because you're nothing but a filthy cursed blood! You have no fucking right to imprison me here!" Aera screamed at Jihyun in anger."You're safe with me-""BULLSHIT! I WILL NOT LIVE IN YOUR SHADOW! DID YOU THINK YOU COULD KEEP ME BY YOUR SIDE FOREVER JUST BECAUSE YOU'RE THE SUPREME ALPHA!?-" Aera roared, furiously storming up to Jihyun with her fists clenched."I love you. You know that," Jihyun frowned at her tearful streams. The supreme alpha lifted his hand to graze her tears- but she shoved him back in frustration."No! You don't love me! I'm so fucking done with you! You only need me by your side- so you can fuck me while your wife is resting! I'm fucking disgusted by your greed!" Aera screamed in his face. Jihyun sadly stared at her flustered face and stepped forward to hold her hands, making her whimper at his slightest touch."I'll give you everything. Everything you need-""No. Beomseok... said he'll marry me, so I'm moving out. I don't want to stay with you anymore," Aera yanked her hand out of Jihyun's grip. The man dimmed his eyes on her."You've been seeing him...? I told you not to meet him," Jihyun frowned at her in disappointment."Am I not allowed to see another man?!" Aera glared at Jihyun."BUT I LOVE YOU! WHY CAN'T YOU UNDERSTAND?!- I'VE ALWAYS LOVED YOU-" Jihyun seethed at her face in anger but- SLAP! She hastily slapped him hard across his face"Don't claim to love me after you fucked another woman behind my back! Don't tell me it was a mistake- because it was a choice, Jihyun! It was your fucking choice, so don't chain me down with your greed! I'm fucking ashamed of myself to let you fool me into having an affair with you- because I was heartbroken and desperate! All you want from me is to shove your dick inside my womb whenever your wife can't please you!" Aera sneered at the supreme alpha. Jihyun clenched his jaw in tears as he studied her dark frown."I won't let you leave with that asshole-""The asshole is you! Beomseok was always caring- Ah! Jihyun! What are you?!- Let me go!" Aera gasped in shock when the supreme alpha launched forward to seize her body with his strong arms.He aggressively shoved his lips against hers, causing Aera to whimper in distress. Hmph! The alpha weakly attempted to thrust her former lover away but he refused to back off, forcefully lifting her off the floor and climbed onto the mattress with her body as she frantically thrashed to free herself from his invasive clutch."Don't leave me-""Let go! Ah!- Stop it! Don't touch me! Don't touch me!!!" Aera cried in fear as he pinned her down by her shoulders, but Jihyun didn't hear her plead and lowered his face to kiss her neck while groping her breast with his palm. He roughly snatched her cheeks and lifted his face to suffocate her with his poisonous tongue. Aera whimpered in distress as he interlaced his fingers with hers while holding her vulnerable body captive over the mattress."I love you. Aera... I love you. Don't do this to me..." Jihyun shakily whispered between his soft pants and proceeded to rub his moist lips against hers.The supreme alpha impatiently yanked down her panties from under her gown and quickly sat up to unbuckle his trousers. Aera gasped, quickly sitting up in shock- but he seized her shoulder and pinned her back down with his jaw clenched. She helplessly whimpered in extreme displeasure as the man positioned his hips between her legs and shoved his way inside her."I hate you!" Aera whimpered while smacking his chest after she failed to resist him. She reached downward in desperation and attempted to push the supreme alpha's naked crotch away... but he firmly grabbed her wrist to restrain her.Jihyun steadily thrusts between Aera's parted thighs... causing her to twist and turn her body in extreme difficulty as he slips the gown off her body... before leaning back down to eat her lips while roaming his fingers over her sensitive flesh. He roughly pinched her hard nipples before lowering his face to suck on her youthful breast until her vulnerable body vibrated from the intensity of his invasive touches. Ga Aera sniffled in defeat after failing to resist him as her former lover took over her quivering body and finally gave in to his... love strokes.
There was nothing she could do... because her body was numb from the heated penetration between her moist thighs.

Her voice... stifled by his assertive tongue inside her mouth.

And her mind... hushed by the aches of her throbbing heart.

She didn't resist him anymore... and wrapped her arms around his neck to bear the pain of his poisonous love as he sucked onto her breasts until she moaned in pleasure.
"Stay with me. I promise I'll give you everything," Jihyun whispered, lifting his flushed face to study her troubled expression while stroking her red cheeks to soothe her aching heart. The alpha couldn't answer him due to the tormenting sorrow... and cried softly... until warm tear streams... leaked from her soaked lashes.Aera didn't respond to the man's pleas as she resentfully glared at his face in tears, so he lowered his lips to kiss her again as he steadily forced his hard bulge deep inside her. Aera bit her lips and tilted her head over the pillow as he stimulated her nerves until... the man achieved a satisfactory climax after exploiting her youthful body with his lustful desire.
A moment later.
Ga Aera listlessly slept on her side to face the massive portrait of herself on the wall, quietly gazing at the beautiful silver gown on her body and glanced at her radiant smile as she posed on the chaise lounge.
She was the most beautiful alpha in society with the most prestigious title. Her parents had raised her as an anonymous alpha, and she was always spoiled with their prospering wealth. She had everything she wanted in life. A family that loved her dearly. Men... chasing her with gifts and flowers. She was the top student in the academy. And she had a lover she purely loved until... he backstabbed her.

She was beyond heartbroken on the day he married another woman without explaining his actions to her. And due to her desperation... she sank to her knees to beg him. She had completely lost all her pride and became a fool for love.

Park Jihyun took advantage of her vulnerable state... and agreed to keep their affair hidden from his wife because he couldn't let go of her.

And after time passed... Aera began to grow more and more restless.

He claimed to love her the most, but it was the first lady... who he pridefully held onto whenever he was around other people. The average fisherman's daughter wore the most expensive jewels... she had the prettiest gown at the event... and she was always the one he'd proudly introduce to society.

And Aera?

She remained... hidden in the shadows. No one paid attention to her as she sorely watched the couple from afar.

And on a cold and dark night like this... when the maids and the first lady are asleep. Her door would open, and Park Jihyun would appear before her.

Again. He'd claim to love her as he undresses her body.

And again... he'd gently poison her skin with his love strokes as he laid her down until she was too weak to resist him.

Park Jihyun promised he'd give her everything, but Aera never wanted anything from him. She only wanted to be loved and to be happy... but she had lost everything because of him.
Aera blinked out of her thoughts and slowly lifted her head off the pillow to find Park Jihyun resting beside her with his arm wrapped around her naked body. She sighed, pushed his arm off her stomach, and got up from the bed. The alpha bent down to pull on her nightgown and quietly walked up to her scattered suitcase.She dimmed her eyes on her belongings after a minute of intense pondering, strode out of her bedroom without collecting anything, and strolled down the stairs on her bare feet before stepping out onto the jagged gravel. She took a deep breath and raced through the dark mansion in her thin nightgown. She ran to the back gate, quickly climbing the piles of cardboard, grabbed the barrier to haul her lightweight mass upward, and slipped over the high walls.
Thump!
"Ah!" Aera dropped hard onto the slanted side of the hill.The alpha weakly tumbled over the dirty ground in difficulty but didn't whimper her discomfort. She pushed herself upward with a determined frown and sprinted through the wood on her bare feet with nothing on her but her light silk. The alpha finally made it out... onto a small street at the base of the isolated hill with twigs in her hair... scratches on her feet... and torn tears on her precious nightgown. Aera panted heavily while scanning the empty night street with a slight frown as she searched for a person... but there was no one in sight."Ah. It's cold~!" Aera whispered, crouching down to hug her knees by the side of the dim road. She softly sniffled while poking the dirt with her finger... until she felt something warm landing on her shoulders. Whip! The alpha lifted her head with a startled expression while crouching on the ground to find... Jang Beomseok... standing above her. He had placed a coat over her frail body."Why are your eyes swollen? Did you cry?" He asked, crouching down beside her with a weak smile to examine her shabby condition."I thought you left because I took too long," She sniffled until her nose turned bright pink. Beomseok stared at her torn face unsurely as he watched her shiver under his coat."I told you to meet me at the east gate, but you came to the west gate. Aigo~ I had to walk around the property to search for you," He bitterly stared at her, softly brushing the dirt smudge from her cheek."Do you still want to marry me?" Aera unsurely asked as she stared at Beomseok's handsome face. He smiled and leaned forward to kiss her chapped lips before pulling away to stare fondly at her pretty almond eyes. They weren't lovers... but Beomseok had always made his intention clear around her."I've always... wanted to marry you since the first day we met at the mansion. You were sprawling under a tree shade in your puffy floral dress. Bright red cheeks... and cute pigtails," He chuckled, making Aera smile at his vivid first impression of her. The alpha quickly pulled Beomseok into a crushing hug, so he wrapped her arms around her waist and drew her closer.[ Young Ga Aera x Jang Beomseok Official Picture Reference ]

"I'll marry you," She smiled. Beomseok pulled away and slowly drew her onto her feet."I'll give you our future," He nodded. Aera smiled as he took her hand and slowly walked over the sidewalk... until he noticed she wasn't wearing her shoes... so he lifted her off the ground and carried her... all the way to his household's mansion.
A moment later.
"Thank you," Beomseok smiled at an elderly maid after she delivered the medical kit. Aera unsurely greeted the woman until Beomseok closed the door and strolled toward her as she sat on his bed in a fresh silk gown. She glanced around the books-filled room with a slight smile."You're a nerd," She whispered while observing his organized interior. Beomseok knelt before her feet and quietly treated the scratches on her toes."My father brought me the books, so I keep them," Beomseok smiled, looking up at her as he placed the bandage on her right toe. She stared at his affectionate gaze and glanced at his neatly brushed hair with her lips pursed. Beomseok... is a well-mannered alpha with high respect for her. She has never seen him lose control once. He always appeared calm and composed."My father will be furious with me for fleeing the supreme alpha's place," Aera anxiously sighed while staring at her injured feet.
Aera's parents had left her in Korea to operate their international headquarters abroad... and had temporarily left Aera under Jihyun's care. Aera insisted on living by herself, but Jihyun was a greedy man. He insisted that she stay with him and his wife at the mansion so he could secretly exploit her body whenever... he desired.

The supreme alpha asked Aera to sneak drugs inside his wife's meals and drinks so she'd fall ill... and being the naive and gullible person she was... Aera agreed to obey her lover's order.
"Don't worry about it. I'll speak to your parents regarding our marriage," Beomseok assured. He finally stood up to place the kit away before sitting beside Aera with a weak smile to admire her beautiful almond eyes until his cheeks flushed red. He wanted to touch her so badly... but he didn't want to frighten her either... so he held back his urge."I really like you," Aera whispered while gazing at Beomseok. He smiled and leaned forward to softly kiss her, so she nervously gripped his hands and tilted her face to properly fit her lips over his. Beomseok smiled against her lips as his chest burned with affection for Ga Aera, so he gently drew her in by her waist to savor her sweet taste as she wrapped her arms around his back to hold him close.
The Next Morning
"I'm going to marry Aera," Beomseok stiffly stood before his parents with his lover as he held her hand in the hushed living room. The Jang glanced at Aera's pale face... and back at their son's firm frown... until Aera felt a little intimidated by their narrowed gaze.
The alpha woke up his parents first thing in the morning to announce his intention to wed Gae Aera... who was still standing in her nightgown with striking messy hair. Beomseok, on the other hand, was neatly dressed and groomed like he always appeared as he possessively clutched onto his lover. Aera is the exact opposite of him. She was a mess.
"Did you ask Park Jihyun for his permission-""Why should I ask him for permission when she already agreed to be my wife?" Beomseok lifted his eyebrow to question his father."Of course we treasure Aera, but her parents left her under Park Jihyun's care-""I will marry her. I'm only informing you so you won't be startled, so please look forward to our marriage," Beomseok smiled at his parents."Aigo~! Why are you in such a rush? We should speak to the Ga first!" His father scolded. Beomseok frowned."We already made love last night!" Aera blurted, causing Beomseok to stiffen in place. He gripped her hand and glanced down at his lover with a startled look."W-What?" Mrs. Jang gasped, widening her eyes in shock. Beomseok's face flushed red as he awkwardly cleared his throat, suddenly stiffening in his position. Aera shyly smiled at his parents as she clung to his arm."Aera- finally agreed to be my wife- last night after rejecting my proposal countless times in the past- so I got excited and- and she- she- she was too beautiful... so we- uh- we had sex without protection. I didn't pull out- she might be pregnant so- uh- I'll be a father soon- so- we should quickly get married," Beomseok funnily stuttered as he struggled to speak properly, causing his parents to blush from secondhand embarrassment. Aera awkwardly smiled at their startled looks and glanced at Beomseok, who turned bright red like a tomato. They immediately got intimate the moment Aera agreed to be his lover."Araso! Aigo~! Young adults these days are surely quick! Your mother wouldn't let me touch her hand for an entire two months after we married!" Mr. Jang laughed at his son and shook his head lightly."You rascal! I told you to never be reckless! Is Aera's well-being a joke to you?! She's still young! How can you recklessly love her without proper precautions!" Mrs. Jang whined at her son, causing Aera to chuckle at the Jang's cuteness."I will contact her parents and kneel for forgiveness," Beomseok smiled at his parents. The Jangs shook their head after they approved of their son's marriage.
The Ga were eventually informed of their daughter's unexpected marriage announcement. Both households agreed to grant their children permission to tie the knot a week after they got together. And so... Aera married Beomseok.

They didn't wait. Not because they were impatient but because Beomseok wanted to save Aera from Park Jihyun's grip.

Aera prayed and prayed.

She prayed to bear Beomseok's heir because she had finally freed herself from Park Jihyun's toxic grasp... but fate wasn't so forgiving. Jang Sora... delivered the half-blood's bloodline instead of Jang Beomseok's heir. And because of that... Aera remained trapped with Park Jihyun. She resented him for ruining her life.

She loved Beomseok with all her life, but how could she have a man so perfect...? While she's raising the half-blood's child? Aera felt nothing but remorse towards Beomseok after she received the result of the paternity test. She had no choice but to... fabricate the truth and conceal Jang Sora's bloodline from her husband.

Aera chose to raise her daughter with another man, Beomseok, forcing herself to be the dirty liar in their relationship because she couldn't admit the truth to him out of fear of breaking his pure heart. Beomseok was a great father. He loved the child as his own and never suspected his wife's loyalty. Not once.

Gae Aera bore all the pain herself to protect her husband and daughter... because she unconditionally loved them both.

And so... she remained trapped in a nightmare of Park Jihyun's curse on her soul.

End of Flashback
Fast Forward"Kanghoonie~ Woojin-ah!" Taehyung called as he placed the cake on the coffee table. Thud! Thud! Thud! The twins came sprinting out of the bedroom in their pajamas in excitement."OH! CAKE!" They gasped, excitedly surrounding the table with bright beams."Sit down," Taehyung smiled as he poked the candle in the teddy bear cake before lighting it up for the excited duo."How old are we~?!" The twins shrieked."Four!" Taehyung smiled. The alpha happily sang the happy birth song for the twins as they clapped with their small palms."WOOOOH~!" The twins blew the candle with their inflated cheeks to put out the twinkling lights."No! Don't eat yet! Make a wish!" Taehyung smacked Woojin's hand when the child tried to poke the teddy's nose. The twins giggled and clasped their hands under their chins with their eyes closed."WE WISH TO SEE EOMMA AGAIN~!" They shrieked, quickly opening their eyes. Taehyung dimmed his eyes at the twins as they grabbed the spoons from the side and dug right into the cake in delight."It's the same wish for three years..." Taehyung dimly muttered while staring at their naturally flushed cheeks."Appa~! Say ah~! Woojinie will feed appa~!" Woojin picked up a spoonful of cream from the cake and hovered it over Taehyung's mouth. The alpha smiled and opened his mouth to accept the child's sweet gesture."I got you birthday gifts," Taehyung muttered while chewing the cake and handed the twins a gift, which they immediately tore apart."Oh. It's another toy car..." The twins muttered as Taehyung keenly waited for their reaction. They briefly glanced at Taehyung with a sore expression and placed the toy aside before snatching the spoon to dig the cake again."You don't like it...? Wae? You love toy cars," Taehyung blinked at Kanghoon, who was sulkily chewing the cake in his puffy cheeks."Thank you, appa," Kanghoon forced a smile. Woojin sighed heavily and jabbed the cake in disinterest with the brown cream... smudged all over his lips. Taehyung sadly glanced at the torn gifts and back at the twins before glancing at the afternoon sky with a troubled feeling."Why don't we get changed? Hmm?" Taehyung suddenly asked the twins."Why?" Woojin asked unsurely."I'll take you outside for the first time as a birthday gift. Deal~?" Taehyung smiled. The twin's eyes suddenly bulged open in extreme shock."JINJA~?! HAHAHAH! YAY! YAY! YAY~!" The twins shrieked, suddenly leaping to their feet, and raced away to get changed inside their room. Taehyung chuckled at their radiant smiles, placed the cake in the fridge, and strolled toward the door to put on his coat."TADAH~!" The twins shrieked, appearing before Taehyung in a pair of teddy bear jumper suits with comfy hoods over their heads. Taehyung smiled at their cuteness and opened the door. Thump! Thump! The twins quickly plopped down on the floor to put on their brand-new sneakers... and scrambled to their feet again."Kaja~!" The man stepped aside while holding the door open. The twins skipped forward on their tiny feet to stroll down the corridor. Taehyung smiled and followed them to the elevator.
A moment later.
"HELLO~! HELLO!- ANNYEONGHASEYO!- OH!? TREE- CAR!- BIRD- WOMAN- MAN- STREET- UMBRELLA- BUS- TRASHCAN~!" The twins waved to everyone they saw on the street as they strode before Taehyung with their gleaming doe eyes."They're so cute!""Aw!""How adorable!"The passerby stopped to swoon over the pair of cute teddies as they funnily wandered over the sidewalk, gawking at everything within their view with their lips ajar. It's their first time seeing everything in real life.[Reference Link ONE & TWO]"Leaf! Appa! Leaf!- Oh! Look! A rock! Appa~! Can I take it home~?!" Woojin shrieked while crouching over the pavement in an attempt to lift a brick, but it was too heavy. The child didn't give in and spread his tiny legs apart while struggling to haul the brick with both his hands as he lifted it to show his appa."Put it down! It's dirty!" Taehyung scolded. Woojin pouted and dropped the brick, slightly stumbling to the side, but quickly regained his balance and skipped forward again."Appa! This is so cool~! Can I take it home~?!" Kanghoon shrieked at the top of his lungs as he towed a red fire hydrant on the side of the road with his arms wrapped firmly around the thick steel. Taehyung gasped and hurried forward to lift Kanghoon from the ground, but the child wailed loudly until his father settled him back onto the pavement."Stop being a nuisance, or I'll take you back home!" Taehyung threatened. The twins giggled and skipped forward in excitement again."I should put a leash on them..." Taehyung sorely stopped by a pet store to examine the colorful leashes on display but quickly walked forward when the twins drifted further from him."Appa~! Snack!- Snack~!" Woojin suddenly sprinted towards the alpha, grabbed his hand, and dragged his father forward. Taehyung groaned as the twins pulled him toward a mart, so he sighed and pushed the door open. They shrieked and scurried chaotically between Taehyung's legs to enter the mart."One snack and one drink each!" Taehyung reminded."FOOD HEAVEN~! AHAHAH~! SO HAPPY~! SO HAPPY~!!!" The twins squealed while hopping on the floor with their hands clasped over their mouths at the startling sight of the towering racks. The colorful snack bags of all sizes... and the rows of flavorful candies... triggered an extreme... exhilarating joy in their souls until they felt themselves elevating off the floor. Taehyung awkwardly glanced at the cashier as he walked toward the fridge to search for an ice cream."Woojinie~! I can't get the snack~!" Kanghoon pointed at a snack at the top rack."I'll help you~!" Woojin quickly circled his arms around his brother's legs and lifted Kanghoon up in difficulty."More~! Higher~! Almost there~!-""Got it yet~!?! You're so heavy~!" Woojin shrieked, cutely inflating his hamster cheeks until he turned bright red while holding his breath to support his brother. Kanghoon extended his arm for the snack... desperately wiggling his short fingers for the yellow bag above his head."AH!" Kanghoon screamed in shock when Woojin suddenly lost his strength, abruptly dropping his brother, who wildly grabbed the rack in shock. CRASH!"YAH!" Taehyung gasped, quickly rushing forward to support the tilted rack as the snack bags spilled from the shelves. Dropping on Woojin... who was whining on the floor after he tumbled to the side."APPA~! HELP~! AH-" Kanghoon screamed in fear while clinging to the rack with his wiggling shoes hovering over the tiles- until he accidentally kicked his brother- Smack!"Ah!" Woojin groaned with his hand clasped over his forehead as he sat up on the floor."You're almost on the floor! Just let go~!" Taehyung snapped while struggling to support the heavy rack."I'M GONNA DIE! APPA~! HELP ME~!" Kanghoon screamed in distress while wiggling his dangling feet, stubbornly gripping the rack with his small grips. Huff! Taehyung grabbed the back of the child's teddy hood with one hand while cushioning the slanted shelves with his shoulder."LET GO OF THE RACK!" Taehyung snapped in shock as the rack tilted forward again. The child refuses to let go out of fear of freefalling from the rack."I'M SCARED~! IT'S SO HIGH~!!!- Oh." Kanghoon shrieked dramatically until his dangling barely shoes grazed the tiles. The child stopped screaming abruptly... when he realized he was just an inch from the floor... and quickly released the shelves to stand on the ground with a flustered face. Taehyung screwed his face in annoyance."Sir! Are the kids alright?!" A staff hurried forward to help Taehyung push the rack back into place."Thank you," Taehyung muttered in embarrassment as the staff stared at the scattered snack bags on the floor. The twins stood under their father with nervous flushed red cheeks and puppy-doe eyes while clutching the alpha's trousers with an apologetic look.
A moment later.
Woojin happily wiggled his body due to the overwhelming excitement as he sat by Kanghoon at a table until Taehyung placed a tray of fried chicken before the hungry children."Woah~ What is this~? It looks like eomma's boobies~!" Kanghoon shrieked, poking the steamed buns Taehyung had ordered for himself."MOH!?" Taehyung snapped at the child."Eomma's boobies~!" Woojin shrieked in agreement as they stared at the white buns with the pointed tips. They curiously reached over to grope the buns with their open palms... causing the other parents inside the store to turn in their direction with weird looks."I swear to god- sip the juice and be quiet! You can't remember your mother's face! But you can remember her boobies?!" Taehyung scolded, handing them the juice boxes. The twins giggled and drank from the straw."Appa~ It looks like boobies~!" Kanghoon whispered, causing Taehyung's face to flush red."You little pervert! It's called a steamed bun!" Taehyung snapped while unwrapping the burgers for the kids."Woah! Looks cool~!" They shrieked again once they noticed the greasy burgers in the wrapper. Taehyung shook his head in disbelief and handed them each the burger. The alpha enjoyed his time out with the twins despite their chaotic nature and took them all over the city to enjoy the street for the first time."Ice cream~!" Woojin screamed, frantically grabbing Taehyung's arm to stop the alpha from walking forward. He groaned and walked toward the vendor as the twins dragged him off the sidewalk."Two chocolate cones," Taehyung muttered."Are they yours?" The ice cream man smiled at the teddy bears."Yeah," Taehyung nodded."How adorable," The man smiled.Taehyung paid for the ice cream and handed the cones to the twins, so they grabbed it and skipped over the sidewalk again. The father weakly smiled while drawing out his phone to film his children from behind as they licked their ice cream... energetically zigzagging over the street with their limitless energy. The alpha sighed and lowered his phone as he carried the massive bags filled with snacks and toys. He told them to take one each, but they were indecisive and insisted on getting everything."AH! AH! AH!- ARH?! %@&%$%!#?!-""WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!"Taehyung lifted his face in horror to find the twins screaming in fright as a loose golden puppy raced towards them. Bark! Bark! Bark! The puppy barked at the twins as they fearfully retreated with their frightened doe eyes on the scary creature."Hey!- Yah! It won't bite!" Taehyung called, quickly picking up his pace."AHHHHH?!- EWJQFGQGF!!! &!*!^%&-!?!?!-" The Kanghoon snatched his brother's hair and ran for his life. WHIP! Woojin shrieked in pain as he stumbled after his brother, causing the puppy to chase them over the sidewalk."Oh no! Kids!- Hey! Bamie! Stop chasing them~!" A store owner gasped, quickly chasing her puppy over the street. The woman frantically picked up the puppy, but the twins kept shrieking without looking back and sprinted on their mini legs."YAH!- THE DOG IS GONE! YAH!!?- Fuck!" Taehyung shouted while chasing after the twins on the sidewalk as they fled over the sidewalk. The teddies suddenly rounded the corner and disappeared from sight... so Taehyung picked up his speed and circled the intersection with a racing heart... out of fear of losing them."Ow!-" The twins suddenly slammed into a person. Taehyung gasped and raced forward with his hand full of bags to grab the kids."I'm sorry! Are you okay?!-" Taehyung quickly yanked the twins backward and lifted his face to check on the person whose clothes were stained with the ice cream. The man halted in horror once he recognized the familiar pretty eyes and curled lashes.The twins intensely gripped their melted ice cream cone after their wild run to escape the puppy as their father gawked unblinkingly at the woman... whose reaction was just as stunned as he was. She blinked and lowered her startled gaze to the twins. Their chubby cheeks... smudged with dark stains. She glanced back up at Taehyung with her lips ajar."Oh!-" Woojin suddenly smacked Kanghoon's head, who was too busy licking his melting ice cream to notice her."What?!" Kanghoon snapped, firing his brother a sharp glare."Oh!-" Woojin pointed his melted ice cream at the woman before them. Kanghoon tilted his face upward to stare at the woman again."OH!" Kanghoon gasped in shock."Oh~! Oh~! Oh! Oooooooh!-" The twins suddenly smacked each other. They turned to grab Taehyung's hand... and quickly pointed at the woman with their bulging doe eyes as Taehyung stared at her pale expression with his lips ajar."Eo- EOMMA- APPA- EOMMA!-" Kanghoon screamed while pointing at the woman. Taehyung frowned and looked her up and down as she stood with a hood over her head."CAN YOU SEE HER!?- APPA! APPA!- CAN YOU SEE HER~!!?" Woojin smacked Taehyung's stomach to wake his father from his frozen state."The woman in your dream... is it her?" Taehyung whispered, glancing down at the twins' bulging doe eyes as they stared at her with their startled sparkly pupils."EOMMA!" They shrieked, unexpectedly dropping their ice creams, and sprinted forward to grab her legs, causing the woman to step backward in a panic. Taehyung's lips fell open... so he lifted his shaken gaze to her frightened expression again.Jang Sora remained paralyzed in her place as she stared at the little boys. They screamed in distress while clinging to her knees until a hot tear stream... spilled messily from her eyes. Kim Taehyung scoffed and dropped the bags in shock as his heart thumped and churned in pain."Hey..." Sora smiled at the little children as they wailed for their mother."What are you doing here?!" Taehyung asked with a stern frown. Sora pursed her lips and lifted her darkened face to stare at him in tears. Thump! Thump! Thump!Taehyung suddenly stormed forward... and before Sora could react- he pulled her into a crushing hug. The twins stepped aside in surprise as their father drew their mother into his firm embrace.Jang Sora sobbed and gripped his shoulders in pain as he shakily tightened his arms around her frail body to hold her. Kim Taehyung clenched his jaw and turned his face to press it against her head with a pained frown upon their unexpected reunion.
The birthday wish came true.
____________________
Present
Third Person POVThe monotonous tone of a distant whistle resonated between the swaying branches as Jae Yangcha calmly wandered through the woods with a bag of groceries... until he found himself standing before a wall of thick tall grass. He sighed and stepped through the dense barrier, eventually emerging into the clear opening of a property surrounded by wild plants and flowers. He stepped over a small stream and walked toward the villa. Beep.Yangcha scanned the card and strolled inside the house. The alpha took off his shoes to place them neatly on the rack before striding into the lavish kitchen to rest the bag on the counter. He pulled off his shirt and then strolled inside the spacious bedroom to find his wife... resting calmly on the bed with the IV drip hooked to her wrist. He entered the bathroom to shower without waking her.
A moment later.
Yangcha eventually stepped out of the closet room while pulling a white shirt over his toned body, grabbed the kit from the counter, and walked towards the bed to sit on a chair... beside the nightstand. Sora stared blankly at the waterfall outside the window.She glanced at him but didn't move as he gently lifted her hand to place it over his lap. The alpha popped open a bottle of drugs he retrieved from the fridge earlier and pushed the needle inside the clear vial, carefully withdrawing the substance before... injecting it into the tube taped securely over Sora's wrist."Do you still feel pain over your ribs?" He asked calmly."No," She whispered. Yangcha smiled as he injected the medication into her bloodstream to cure the illness before pulling out the needle and disposing it in the trash can."You should be healed soon," Yangcha sighed as he placed the materials back inside the kit and got up to put it away. Sora didn't reply and stared sleepily at the calm waterfall. They were residing in a villa built in the wilderness, surrounded by thick forests and a small waterfall that flows outside the glass enclosure."Are the kids safe...?" Sora whispered. Yangcha didn't reply as he arranged the folded laundry inside the closet."What do you want to eat today? I'll cook whatever you want," Yangcha replied. Sora dimmed her eyes and took a deep exhale."I'm not hungry," She whispered in exhaustion."I'll make abalone porridge then," Yangcha answered and stepped out of the bedroom without closing the door. Sora didn't budge and stayed in her position with her downcast gaze on the calm water stream.
Jae Yangcha had moved with his wife into a hidden property owned by his parents in the deep woods on a hill... decorated with artificial waterfalls that flow into a pool... acting as a stream to surround the glass property with high ceilings. There were plenty of openings within the property, so the refreshing air could fill the villa and cleanse the room with its purity.

The modern villa was so massive... they'd have to walk across the property to reach the other side. The place had everything. One bedroom. An office. A spacious living room. An extensive kitchen and many other technical rooms... Sora has yet to explore because she couldn't walk due to her injuries. There were no maids or guards to maintain the place, so Yangcha had to do the chores and set up additional automated tools to keep the property tidy.
[Reference Pictures]

He'd spent his day cleaning and maintaining the property while caring for his sick wife. And would leave the property once in a while... to get ingredients and supplies for her. It's been a month since they fled from the fire at the penthouse... and Sora has been unresponsive to her husband because she was ill from the aftermath of their fights.

Fast Forward.
Sora's POV"Why? Is the food not delicious?" Yangcha questioned as I stirred the bowl with an empty gaze. I'm seated beside him at the dining table with the IV stand beside me. Yangcha sighed when I wouldn't respond and gently lifted the spoon to feed me. I quietly ate with a blank face as he dabbed my stained lips with a tissue.
It's been months. I've been here for months... and I've completely lost track of time. Although I savored the peace when Yangcha first brought me here... I am starting to suffocate from the lack of activities. All I do is eat and sleep.

My body is completely healed from the rib pain, and my lady part is alright, but I still feel very sick. I suspect my mental health is spiraling because I can't seem to keep my mind off the twins. How are they? What had happened? I wasn't sure. I don't recall any memories from that night except for the fact... that Yangcha confronted me about the twin's biological father.
"I'm not hungry," I muttered, pushing the bowl away and got up from the table."Noona- Noona!" Yangcha snapped when I suddenly yanked the needle out of my vein."I don't want to be here anymore! Where are my children?!" I snapped in anger. Yangcha lowered his head in frustration- SCRAP. He suddenly jolted from the dining table, angrily hurling his chair aside to tower over me with a dark stare."Why do you care more about another man's children?! What about me?!" Yangcha seethed over me."They're your children! Stop saying nonsense-""Are you still going to deny it?! The result clearly shows their DNA result and it doesn't match mine!" Yangcha snapped. Ah! This is driving me nuts."But I've never slept with another man aside from you!" I argued, slowly backing away from him while rubbing the warm tears from my cheeks."Fine! I believe you! Let's say you weren't aware, but does it change the fact that you were with another man? And that the children aren't mine-""WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO?! HUH!? I DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW I WAS FERTILIZED BY ANOTHER MAN'S SPERM! I HAVE NO FUCKING CLUE!- DO YOU WANT ME TO MURDER THEM JUST BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT YOURS?!" I cried in distress. Yangcha glared at me, suddenly stomping away, so I sniffled and marched back to the bedroom. My chest is aching with pain! It's swelling so much it feels like I'm going to explode from the tense pressure!
I care about him! And I love him! But he's slowly driving me insane!

Fast Forward

Yangcha was super upset with me after our fight at his villa and didn't speak to me, so I was somewhat left alone to do my own things. He chose to sleep in the living room and left the bedroom to me. We shared the space... but he didn't speak to me for an entire month... and as the stubborn person I was... I challenged him. How long can he do it?

Anyways. You're probably asking me why I haven't fled the place... by this time. How? I inspected the property. The door leading out into the forest didn't even have a handle. It's a plain block with a fingerprint touch screen on the door.

I obviously do not have access to the door.

The waterfall outside the villa is artificial, and we're somehow living on the lower ground surrounded by steep rocky mountain bases. How am I supposed to get out? I can't. Phone? There's no signal in the area. Yangcha had taken the sim card away from my phone... so I only have access to his restricted internet. I can't access the texts... or any media platform since he had blocked the web... so I can't contact anyone.

This is his punishment for me. For bearing the children that aren't his, and I know he's deeply wounded by the devastating truth... but there's absolutely nothing I could do. I genuinely thought they were our children.

How am I alive, you may ask? He didn't hurt me. Never did. But he killed another person. I can't quite recall her identity, but that night... Yangcha lost himself to his thirst. He called over a person... who came to him and he killed the person while I was unconscious because he was afraid of hurting me.
Sighing deeply, I blinked out of my congested thoughts... only to realize... I was staring blankly at the unknown by the glowing pool edge. It's already night...? I glanced at the glass walls to search for Yangcha, but he was nowhere to be found. I had dinner earlier but didn't eat much and chose to sit by the pool so I could take a refreshing breath. I picked up my knitting tools and headed back into the living room."Where did he go? Did he leave again?" I muttered. I carefully poked around the kitchen to search for his presence before glancing at the looming black door at the end of the corridor with a restless feeling. I'll try again. I quickly walked toward the door and halted before it with a clueless mind. There's no handle. There's no keyhole. Only... a single fingerprint scan and... a barcode scanner. Beep.
Access Denied.
The word appeared on the screen and disappeared after flicking the red lights at me. Did I tell you Yangcha is a tech-savvy person? Everything in the villa is automated. Even the faucets have a sensor, so I don't have to turn it on or off. Even the bin is automated. Yangcha installed self-cleaning window mists that scrap the debris to ensure a smooth surface. For all I know... he develops most of the systems himself.
There is a backroom filled with technical supplies, and he often spends his time there to work on his tools. And it's shocking how he also operates a medical supply room stocked with necessary medications. He's good at everything. And the design of the place...? I'm sure it was the product of his visionary mind too. How can anyone build a property in the middle of nowhere like this? With a fully functioning electricity and water supply?
I sighed and strolled back inside our bedroom until I noticed the slightly open... bathroom door. Is he showering? I blinked and walked toward the door, gently pushing it open to find Yangcha sitting motionless in the tub with a glass view of the forest and the glowing water streams. His strong arms were extended over the curves of the water-filled tub... and he was leaning against the headrest with a white face towel placed over his face.Is he asleep? I unsurely watched him from the doorway until I noticed his steady breathing rhythm. I couldn't tell if he was awake... or asleep. Yangcha sat motionlessly in the clear water. The ridges of his defined six-packs... soaked with water... and the tiny sweat beads... glazing his hard pecs. I stared at his thick neck muscles and defined collarbones with an uneasy feeling.

"I know you're by the door," Yangcha muttered without budging. I flinched and glanced at the towel over his tilted face in surprise. How did he know?"I thought you passed out," I muttered, stepping inside the bathroom. Yangcha grew hushed again, so I walked up to the wooden stool by the tub and sat down to watch him lean against the headrest with his legs extended below the clear water. He didn't add soap. Only the herbal scents to soothe his mind."The master key card is on the sink. You may leave if you want. I won't stop you," Yangcha spoke from beneath the towel. I blinked and glanced at the black key card on the sink unsurely.

Should I leave? Sora, you should leave- That easily? Jae Yangcha will never let me off. If I grab that keycard and flee... where will I go? I'm pretty sure... I'll be stuck in the wilderness. What if this is a trap to test my loyalty? Wherever I go... he'll always find me.

If I run back to my children... I will only lead the Jaguar... back to them.

He won't stop me, but he'll find me.
Sighing, I slowly grabbed my gown to pull it off my head and stood up, carefully placing my feet inside the warm water. Yangcha didn't move, so I settled into the tub with him... but I didn't touch his body and sat on the opposite end with my arms wrapped around my knees."You want me gone?" I asked while staring at the sweat beads on his firm chest."I can't keep you if you don't want to stay by my side. You'll only grow restless and try to flee, and I don't want to hurt you with my explosive anger. So take the chance and leave while my eyes are covered," He replied. I sat quietly with my face rested on my kneecaps and glanced at the small stream outside the bathroom with a troubled mind.We didn't speak for about ten minutes. Yangcha remained unmoving in the tub as I sat in the dull silence of his coldness to reflect on the past... until tears filled my eyes. How did it happen? How did I end up with another man's semen inside my body? I don't know. I still can't recall anything. I've run down memory lane to search for possible loopholes, but no... I'm sure I got pregnant right before our wedding.Sighing restlessly, I lifted my face to stare at Yangcha again... and slowly scooted under the water, causing my light body weight to float forward. Yangcha didn't stir as I adjusted my position to sit facing him on his muscular thighs, carefully leaning forward to rest my naked body over his sturdy trunk and wrapped my arms around his neck with my face pressed against his soaked neck."I'm sorry," I whispered as a hot lump formed in my throat. Whatever happened... Yangcha must be hurt by my recklessness to bear another man's child. I would never betray him. And I know he didn't mean to lash out at me either. A person is bound to assume the worst in a situation like this."If you keep crying... you'll fall ill again," He murmured without touching me as he calmly rested his arms over the tub. I clenched onto his shoulder in distress and sobbed softly."I know you're upset with me, and you have every right to be," I sniffled, lifting my head to gaze at the wet towel over his eyes."I don't know. I wish you'd give me a proper answer, but it seems like... you're oblivious to it. I thought I could be a little at rest if only you had known how it happened... but you claim you're clueless. And as your husband... I can only believe my wife's words and pray that it's the truth," He replied. I pursed my lips in tears as my heart ached with pain. I feel terrible. How did I let it happen? I don't know what I've done to put us in this position...?"I'm telling you the truth. I know your trust in me is frail-""My trust in you had always been frail, Sora," Yangcha sighed, lifting his arm to remove the towel from his tired eyes. He darkly stared at me without moving his tilted head."I'm sorry. Yangcha!- Please- I never meant to ruin our relationship like this! I swear I've never been with another man, and my heart- have never wavered! Not once! I've always loved you- and it feels like I will die without you- so believe me! I'm lost- I'm just as lost and heartbroken! I'm sorry-" I whimpered in extreme misery while rubbing my palms together to beg for his forgiveness.He has never once raised his fingers to hurt me... not intentionally! But it is me! It's me... who shattered everything between us when he was the most patient with me. Yangcha weakly stared at the streams on my face as I choked on my warm tears. I couldn't stop the gushing flow... so I helplessly lowered my head in defeat and cried with a wrenching heart. What is wrong with me?! Why do I keep ruining the people I love?!"It's not your fault that my trust in you is frail. I knew from the beginning... you weren't an easy person to defend. You're perfect. A beautiful goddess. A bright light that attracts the souls within the darkness because people find comfort in you. I know you love me. And I know... my heart will keep beating for you... so I chose to pursue you with confidence... but I also knew... the chances of losing you was never zero," He whispered. I pouted and grabbed his hand to hold it firmly as the hot tears dripped from my chin."I wanted a happy life with you. I've told a millionth time, didn't I? I wanted to have a family with you, and I want to live my remaining life with you- and I've tried so- so hard to achieve that dream- You know I love you! And I don't know how else to express my feelings aside from the fact that my heart is breaking for you! I never meant to hurt you and I never meant to carry another man's child either!" I shook my head in distress until the heavy tears soaked my face. Yangcha stared at me in exhaustion. He suddenly drew me forward to make me rest over his naked torso and tightly clutched onto my soaked body, so I whimpered and hugged his chest in desperation.

"I believe you. Sora, I believe you. I'll believe you even if my heart is bleeding because that's how pitiful I am for you. I'd let you rip me into shreds and I know... I can only fall to my knees and beg you if you were to ever leave my side. Because... I know... without you... I will be lost again in the darkness, so even with a wounded heart... I'll pathetically put the pieces back together and place them in your palms," He whispered while grazing my back.I sobbed and tried to lift my face again, but Yangcha placed his palm firmly against the back of my head, gently tugging me forward to rest my burning face against his moist neck. I gripped his shoulders and cried in guilt as he rubbed my back to soothe my aching heart. Nothing makes sense at this rate. I love him. I love him more than anything... and I'm drowning in the guilt of wrecking our relationship. How can I fix this? I don't know. I've already given birth, so I can't get rid of my children. But I can't seem to give up on him either. 
A moment later.
Yangcha gently dabbed my runny nose with a tissue before placing the cooling patch over my forehead to calm my fever as I gloomily stared at his neutral expression. He smiled and leaned forward to kiss my lips... until I closed my eyes to savor his comforting touch."Do you want to sleep alone?" He asked. I pouted and held onto his hands in difficulty."Do you want to lay with me? Or do you still need time to think it through?" I whispered as he played with my fingers."Why wouldn't I want to rest with my wife? I've already made up my mind, since the day I brought you to this place," Yangcha sadly stared at me."You made up your mind..?" I asked unsurely while searching his dim eyes."You claim it was a mistake and that it... wasn't your intention... so I'll believe your words. I definitely don't want to give up on you, so let's start over," He whispered, gently raising his hand to stroke my cheek with his thumb."Start over...?" I asked, uneasily staring at him."Just you and I. No one else. Can you do that? It's also your call," He whispered."And the twins...?" I unsurely stared at him. Yangcha glanced down at my hands and back at me with a stern gaze."I won't hurt the twins if you choose me. Sora, I can't raise them... so don't force me. I'll only lose myself... if I ever see them again. I don't want to hurt you or them, so don't make me choose them too. I can only choose you," He shook his head. My heart sank as I stared at him.
He's right. Yangcha is only patient with me. But not the kids. He'll have to live his life... reminded of my betrayal if I choose to keep the twins. And I saw... the blood he shed that night. It could've been me. The one to die in his grip, and it could've been the twins to perish at his hands. Jae Yangcha has confessed his intention. And that is... he will hurt the twins if I leave his side.
"Okay," I whispered, snapping out of my thoughts."Okay...?" Yangcha unsurely searched my eyes. I blinked and gripped his hand."Let's start over," I nodded. The kids are safer without me. If I run back to them... The Jaguar will follow, so I must keep him in his cave for now. I'm sure... I can figure out a way to protect my children but at this moment... I have no choice but to be a bad mother and stay captured by the untamed beast.
Yangcha and I made up after that night, and he returned to sleep with me and would spend most of his days by my side. Just the two of us. Me and him. In our isolated villa. He kept me entertained... and we'd spent our days doing things I'd always wanted to do with my lover as an ordinary person.

Fast Forward
"What are you doing?" Yangcha smiled while crawling onto the couch as I knitted a maroon scarf with my tools."Winter is coming. I should keep you warm," I muttered and gently tugged the yarn. Yangcha chuckled as he picked me off the couch to make me sit on his lap and firmly hugged me from behind."I made something for you," He whispered, opening his palm to show me a golden bracelet. It's a plain loop... but it's really pretty."You made it?" I asked, glancing to the side in surprise."Oh. I've been working on it for months. It has our initials on it. It comes in a pair," Yangcha smiled, lifting his wrist to show me his bracelet. I smiled at the S&Y engraving on the bracelet as he slipped it onto my left hand and screwed the lock shut with a screwdriver."It doesn't have a GPS, does it?" I joked, turning to smile at him. Yangcha scoffed and softly kissed my lips."Why do I need to track you when you're always with me?" He asked. I nodded and glanced at the bracelet again as he interlaced his hand with mine. He's also wearing it on his left hand."I've been thinking about my pregnancy," I whispered, finally shifting my position to face him on the couch. Yangcha leaned back against the headrest with his eyebrow lifted."It still doesn't make sense," I replied, sadly looking down at the scarf in defeat. No matter how many times I try to make sense of the situation... I couldn't recall any memories."You gave birth two weeks early, Sora," Yangcha muttered."What about it?" I unsurely stared at his calm expression."What if... it wasn't premature? Maybe... you gave birth at the right time? You might've gotten pregnant before we had sex the night before our wedding," Yangcha muttered. I frowned to contemplate the possibilities. Oh yeah. That makes a lot of sense."But I was always with you two weeks before the wedding," I muttered."Except for one night," Yangcha stared at me as he held onto my hand."Which night? We were always busy preparing for the wedding-""The night... of the pre-wedding party. Remember? The party your mother hosted at the mansion? The corporation was invited because you didn't want to be around the alphas," Yangcha muttered. I frowned to recall the party with a baffled mind."But you were also there with me that night," I blinked. We had fun together."I was. But we got super drunk that night. I woke up on the mansion's couch... and you... were sleeping in your room. That is the only loophole, Sora," Yangcha whispered. I frowned and looked up at him with a startled look."That night- you were with me too! In my room!" I gasped in bewilderment."No. I was sending the guests home after you puked. You never returned after you left to change your dress and remained in your room. And I was too drunk that night... so I collapsed on the couch," Yangcha shook his head. I frowned intensely to recall the memories in disbelief."But I saw you that night! You came to my room!-" I huffed."It wasn't me. Imo woke me up the next morning on the couch with a glass of honey tea to soothe my hangover," Yangcha shook his head. I scoffed in disbelief."Someone came inside my room?" I frowned."No alphas were at the mansion that night. Kim Taehyung was away. And so was Jeon Jungkook... it was just us," Yangcha shrugged. I scratched my head. What? Then who came to me?! And why did I see the person as Yangcha...?"Oh," I pursed my lips."Don't stress over it. I'm sure... we'll figure it out once the twins grow up a little. Their features will mold into his... and once... I find the culprit that took advantage of you that night... I will kill him," Yangcha smiled, gently kissing my cheek. I uneasily stared at him as he hugged me tightly, so I encircled my arm around his neck as he gently rocked me on the couch.
Who came to me that night...?

Fast Forward
"Woohooh! Civilization~!" I shrieked, happily hopping out of Yangcha's car with my arms in the air after he agreed to let me leave the villa."You miss the city, huh," He smiled, rounding the car to take my hand. I giggled as he placed our hands in his coat pocket... warmed with a heat pack."Of course! I wasn't born in the wilderness! Did you know I hated walking on grass when I was young?! I hated dirt and the rain!" I nudged his shoulder. Yangcha smiled as he walked me over the slippery sidewalk."We're in Daegu," He informed. I nodded and glanced at the street vendor with a weak smile. The passing cars and loud chatter of the people on the street are beginning to scare me a little because I got so used to the quietness of flowing waterfalls and insect cries in the wilderness. I've been stuck there for a year? I can't believe it!"Can we have hotteok!" I gasped, pulling Yangcha toward the stall. Yangcha smiled and walked me toward the old lady as she made the fresh hotteok."One Honey Hotteok, please," Yangcha smiled at the woman."Aigo~! You're a beautiful couple!" She grinned, briefly glancing at us. I smiled at Yangcha, who stood in his black coat with the maroon scarf I knitted tucked securely around his neck."She's beautiful, isn't she?" Yangcha nodded at the woman."Of course! Youngsters these days are pretty! Are you guys married?" The woman smiled."Neh. It's our second year," Yangcha smiled. The woman handed me the hotteok, so Yangcha paid for it with cash, and we strolled down the street again as I hungrily munched the snack."Should I send a message home? So they wouldn't worry about me?" I curiously looked up at my husband."No," Yangcha lowered his head to take a bite from my half-eaten hotteok. I carefully fed him with a weak smile."Why not?" I asked uneasily. My parents must be worried."I want your mother to suffer without you," Yangcha shrugged. I pursed my lips as he gently rubbed my knuckle in his pocket. He resents my mother for what she did to us during our wedding. I should make a call, but he won't let me off alone, and I don't have my phone with me."You can't leave your seat vacant for long though. The cult might seize control," I muttered as Yangcha chewed the warm bread in his mouth."The cult will weaken the council. We'll return once the time is right, and I'll eliminate Park Bogum, so you can freely settle without the anxiety of being challenged by the Black Phoenix," He smiled and glanced down at me. I frowned at Yangcha but didn't dare express my disagreement. He shouldn't gamble our position like this. The council will be unstable without my presence... and they will attack my parents. I need to get back to them, but whatever I do... Yangcha will tail me.We entered the supermarket together after I finished my snack. Yangcha picked up a bag of tangerines as I stared at the milk on the shelf. I took out two cartons to place it in the cart. Should I ask a passerby to borrow their phone? I glanced at Yangcha, who was inspecting a pack of yogurt."Yeobo. Can I use the restroom?" I asked. Yangcha glanced at me."Sure. I'll take you," He nodded. Ah. Shit. I nodded and strolled away, so he pushed the cart after me and took me to the restroom. Yangcha smiled and placed his arm over my shoulder once I strode out of the restroom... and we headed back to the aisles. He won't let me walk behind him and firmly held onto my shoulder to ensure we're walking at the same pace. Sighing heavily... I glanced at the other customers as they cluelessly wandered around the space."Aigo~! Why do they have to place the tissue so high~?" A halmeoni whined as she tiptoed for a tissue box on the top shelves."Help her~!" I nudged Yangcha. He chuckled and walked forward to reach for the tissue with ease."Aigo~! Thank you handsome man! Can you grab two more boxes for me?" Halmeoni asked."Of course," Yangcha beamed, reaching for another roll. Sora! Now! I quickly released the cart and turned to walk in a different aisle. Shit! Shit! I have to be quick! I sprinted through the supermarket to run as far as I could from Yangcha... until I noticed an elderly man... inspecting a row of shampoo in a vacant aisle."Excuse me!" I quickly approached him."Oh. Young lady," He smiled."My phone ran out of battery. Is it okay if I can borrow your phone for a moment? My mother is sick at the hospital. She told me to get her favorite snack, but I have forgotten the brand name," I nervously asked."Aigo~! Of course!- Here! Your mother shouldn't be upset-" The man chuckled, reaching inside his pocket for his phone as I nervously glanced from side to side with a racing heart- BADUM! Yangcha suddenly passed by the opposite end of the aisle. He cluelessly turned his head in the other direction to search for me. Shit! Why is he so fast!?"Oh, I remember now!-" I quickly rushed away before the man could hand me his phone. Sprint! I quickly dashed into the opposite aisle without accepting his offer. Fuck~! I quickly rounded a corner until I noticed... the supermarket's exit. Should I sprint and run? If I leave- It'll take him longer to find me. I quickened my pace and jogged towards the door with a racing heart. Thump!"Oh! I'm sorry!" A teenage boy suddenly gasped when he bumped into me."It's okay-" I tried to reassure him when my head suddenly swayed for no apparent reason. Oh no."Oh! Noona~! Are you okay?!" The boy gasped, quickly gripping my arm to stop me from losing my balance.My body suddenly wobbled for no apparent reason... so I gripped the boy's arm for support as he held my forearm until my legs went weak... and I ended up... collapsing onto the floor. Fuck? What just happened?!- I quickly shook my dizzy head as my head violently rocked from side to side. It's as if... I'm seasick on a rocking boat. The worried boy dropped his things to the floor as he patted my back with an anxious frown."Jagi! Are you okay?!-" Yangcha gasped, pushing the cart toward me in a hurry once he spotted me kneeling on the floor."Are you-""I'm her husband! Thank you for helping her!" Yangcha smiled at the boy, who got back on his feet after collecting his things and unsurely walked away."My head... it's dizzy..." I grunted as Yangcha lowered his body to crouch beside me."You must be exhausted again. I was worried about you! Why did you disappear like that~?" Yangcha whined, gently lifting me back onto my feet. I shook my head again as I gripped the toothpaste the young boy had dropped."I was looking for toothpaste," I lied. Yangcha sighed, took the toothpaste, and placed it in the cart. My head wouldn't stop swaying afterward... so Yangcha quickly paid for our groceries and eventually carried me home after I passed out in the car.
A moment later.
I sat up on the bed with a dazed mind and glanced at the empty mattress with my heavy eyelids. Where did he go...? I scratched my head sleepily and glanced at the glowering streams outside the glass wall before crawling off the bed. I need water. I didn't eat much during dinner because I felt super drowsy after the bizarre incident at the market. I almost made it! Why did I have to collapse so suddenly???"Uh... so sore," I whispered, groggily walking into the dark kitchen to pour myself a glass of water. Gulp. Gulp. I thirstily swallowed the cool fluid with my eyes closed.I eventually strolled toward our bedroom again when I noticed blue lights... emitting from the far right corridor leading to one of the technical rooms. Why isn't he sleeping? Softly yawning, I scratched my head and walked towards the room in my loose gown. The door was left wide open... and Yangcha was seated at the armchair before the desk arranged with monitor screens. He's coding something on the black screen.[Reference Pictures]

"Do you feel any discomfort?" Yangcha asked without turning around. I froze by the doorway unsurely until he spun on the armchair to stare at me through his clear black frame glasses. How did he know...? I didn't make a sound when I walked here."My throat is sore," I muttered. Yangcha nodded."Why are you standing there? Come in," He smiled, spinning around to type on the keyboard again."Isn't this your private room...?" I asked, unsurely stepping inside. Yangcha slightly pushed the chair away from the desk and opened his arms to welcome me on his lap. I smiled."Why would I leave a private room's door open like this? We share everything here. There's nothing to hide from you because everything that belongs to me is yours," Yangcha pulled me down my waist to make me sit on his lap, gently giving me a soft peck on my cheek. I sleepily glanced at the codes on the screen. He usually sleeps at night so why is he up at this hour?"Why aren't you sleeping?" I asked, unsurely turning my head to inspect my lively husband as I sat facing the computer over his lap. He smiled and gently kissed me before rolling the chair forward to type on the keyboard with my body trapped between his forearms and his desk."I'm working on a new program... so I can power a better solar panel," He muttered, resting his chin on my shoulder while typing on the keyboard. I didn't understand what he was saying... so I glanced back at the lines of codes again. I can't comprehend anything.Why is he so skilled? He's typing so fast... in a language that isn't even spoken by humans. I sighed and rotated my position to sit on my side instead so I could lean against his torso with my knees bent between his thighs. I yawned and rested my head against his shoulder until Yangcha glanced down at me with a weak smile. I held onto his jaw as he lowered his face to kiss me. Smooch. Smooch. He sweetly caressed my lips with his before shifting his gaze back to the screen, so I quietly coiled against his chest on my side as he typed on the computer. Thump... Thump... Thump... I calmly listened to his pulsating heartbeat."Can I read... the webtoon?" I asked curiously. Yangcha grabbed his phone from the table without hesitating and handed it to me."Use my account. I have unused coins, so you can purchase the chapters," He muttered. I smiled and quietly opened the application to read the stories with his unlimited coin access. Did he buy it for me...?"I want to go home," I whispered, finally looking up at him after half an hour of drowning myself in the addictive storyline."Our home is destroyed. This is our home, Sora," He replied as he rendered his code. I sighed and glanced down at the webtoon with a gloomy expression. I can't return home. Not when he's constantly after me like this. What should I do? I've tried to convince him to return to Seoul... but he refused and insisted that we stay in this place together. Even if I run out into the wilderness... I will never find my way out. Only Yangcha knows the route out of the forest... and it's a twenty-minute walk through the confusing woods with specific turns."How did you manage to build a property here?" I curiously asked."It's my treehouse," He replied."What?" I looked up at him in confusion. A treehouse? So this is his hideout?"My parents were never available to spend their time with me, so I decided to build a property. Just so I could come here to escape from the world and have fun in my own space," He replied."You built this place???" I asked, lifting my head from his chest in surprise. Yangcha chuckled, freeing one of his hands to knead my breast over the silk before lowering his face to make out with me. I fumed at his face with a weak smile until he lifted his gaze back to the bright screen."I drew the structure from scratch. My father sent his builders to construct the place for me, and I have been innovating it. I code the entire automated system for the place," He muttered. I scoffed."So you weren't exactly helpless when I met you again in Daegu, were you? Was it a scheme to get me pitying you?" I asked, slightly glaring at him. Yangcha smiled."I lost my motivation to live, so I chose to live that way. Plus... I didn't have money to cover my daily necessities since Kim Seokjin seized my household assets. I couldn't operate this place, so I lived in the run-down place. I was broke," He smiled, glancing down at me again. I narrowed my suspicious eyes at him until Yangcha lowered his hands from the desk to hug my body and gently lowered his face to press his lips against mine."You're good at everything. Even at seducing me," I whispered. Yangcha drew his lips away and breathed softly over my flushed face while maintaining eye contact with me. He smiled and gently brushed his thumb over my lips as I intensely stared at his alluring gaze."I'm sorry. I'm greedy... and I want you for myself," Yangcha whispered, gently kissing me again. I shakily lowered his phone to my lap and circled my arms around his neck instead as he deepened our passionate kiss.My husband carefully removed his glasses from his high nose bridge to place it aside since it was poking our faces, making me smile at his thoughtfulness. I pulled away from his lips and gently kissed the side of his jaw, slowly trailing my lips down to his neck as Yangcha massaged my hips. I slipped my hands under his shirt to feel his firm torso with my curious fingertips... making him groan softly at my arousing touch. He leaned back to expose his defined Adam's apple. I smiled and sucked his throat... until he let out a shaky exhale while running his wild fingers through my hair to soothe my scalp.___________________________
Present
Third Person POVThe explosive arguments suddenly ceased upon an unexpected disruption. THUD. The enormous door swung open as the households argued over The Jang's elimination from the game. The society snapped their piercing gaze at the shocking presence of another player. The alphas froze in their respective seats once they found... Jae Yangcha... storming inside the room with a fuming red face."You're alive?!" Minah gasped in shock as the alpha marched inside the room. But he didn't bat her an eye and stormed up the staircase with his dark pupils glued on a target. The room grew tense as the untamed Jaguar... pounced towards... Kim Taehyung... with its vicious claws."Where is JANG SORA?!" Yangcha snapped, fiercely slamming his hands over Taehyung's desk, who dully looked up at the beast with an unimpressed gaze."How am I supposed to know...? Didn't you murder her at the penthouse?" Taehyung asked unsurely. Yangcha scoffed and darkened his glare on the stern alpha."Is this a joke?! Give her back to me!" Yangcha demanded."Jang Sora is alive!?" Seokjin wildly stood up from his seat. Kim Taehyung smirked and glanced up at Yangcha's furious scowl."So... it took... the goddess's absence... to lure you out, huh?" Kim Taehyung smirked at Yangcha's fuming face."How dare you hold her captive against her will!-""I have no idea what you're talking about," Taehyung smiled at Yangcha, whose face turned even redder from being provoked."SHE'S MINE! JANG SORA IS MY WIFE BY LAW!" Yangcha bellowed, angrily seething at Kim Taehyung with his baring fangs."No. Jang Sora was never yours. If Sora is alive... I'm sure... she'll choose her children over your monstrous delusional ass," Taehyung chuckled.Yangcha's face immediately flushed in extreme anger, causing his neck muscles to strain from the offensive insult. The room gasped in shock when the Jaguar violently snatched Kim Taehyung's collar to yank the alpha out of his seat until his raging eyes pierced into Kim Taehyung's blank pupils. The beast snarled viciously at the alpha... who remained composed in his position as he challenged the feral monster to a deadly staring contest without a hint of fear."She will never leave my side. Did you think... you could win her over... just because the children are yours...?!" Yangcha sneered, causing the council's jaw to gasp in disbelief."What?! The twins are Kim Taehyung's-""You fucking raped her, didn't you!? When she was unconscious!" Jae Yangcha seethed in anger until his grip around Kim Taehyung's collar shook from immense rage."Me..? How ridiculous. Why don't you... ask... Jeon Jungkook the question...?" Kim Taehyung laughed and shifted his evil gaze to the clueless half-blood. Jae Yangcha's glowering glare suddenly flashed in bafflement upon Taehyung's blunt claim. Snap. The Jaguar... fiercely diverted his darkness... at Jeon Jungkook... who remained frozen in his seat... on the opposite side of the room. "W-What are you talking about-""Jae Yangcha. I'm not your target. I've always taken care of Sora. You know that. The person you should... be upset with is... Jeon Jungkook. It was always his deliberate intention... to ruin the supreme alpha's household. He went as far as... forcing her to bear his children without consent... to ruin your marriage. Why are you attacking me when I'm on Jang Sora's side...?" Taehyung smiled at the Jaguar."Jungkook! What did you do?!-" Mr. Jeon gasped, snapping his head at Jungkook's pale expression. The Jaguar clenched his jaw, dangerously turning on its hind legs as the beast directed his possessed pupils on the half-blood. Kim Taehyung glanced at Mrs. Jang's shaken state with a smug smile."You raped my wife?!" Jae Yangcha bellowed at Jeon Jungkook with his raging darkness.The half-blood clenched his jaw at the silent killer as he remained stiff in his seat.
Kim Taehyung softly scoffed under his breath.... and lowered his head with a sly smirk after... he successfully sent the untamed beast... after Jeon Jungkook.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Third Person POV
The translucent blue tint of the artificial streams coursed brilliantly along the curved route as the subtle ripples sailed through the waterway surrounding the villa hidden deep in the remote wilderness. Isolated from the active city noises and light pollution... lay the lost goddess... soundly asleep within the Jagaur's soothing embrace.
The bruises on her delicate skin were healed by the consistent grooming as the beast licked her wounds clean with his love strokes. Her active mind... eventually hushing the static noises of her subconsciousness as the wilderness appeased her broken soul with its therapeutic breeze and melodious insect calls.

And her heart? At peace and whole again.

The Jaguar had taken her away from the misery of her life to thrive with him in a place... carefully curated to suit her needs. The beast would rise every morning to bring her warm meals. He spends the day keeping her company... and on nights he can't seem to fall asleep... he sits under the moonlight to guard the cave.

So she can peacefully rest without being disturbed by the evil curse of her power burden.

The first time they met... he was just a young cub... loaded with vigorous ambition to explore the boundless territory of the extensive world. The cub met the goddess for the first time in a foreign land. And instead of neglecting him like the others, she paused to appreciate his existence. He was beyond elated by her attention.... as the beauty crouched down to pet him with her graceful gestures.

And at that very moment, he couldn't help... but fall in love with her selfless soul.

The young cub desired to protect her from the vicious wolves she calls a family.

He wanted to love her regardless of her platonic feelings for him.

The beast hoped to shield her from the deadliest storm with his little paws.

The Jaguar was never a greedy monster. In fact, he was happy for her. He never dared to hope for more than what she could give him. He'd follow her through the wilderness, lurking behind the tall grass and hiding within the shadows, silently moving along her side without disrupting her path.

He loved to admire her from afar because he knew... he didn't harbor the capacity to hold her to himself. He was never greedy. Never. So he followed her path, worshiping her every footstep and lingering within her space to keep its eyes on her, without ever actually... invading her space.

The young cub led a peaceful life until it was attacked by an aggressive hunter, and brutally beaten to a pulp during a power play orchestrated by the vicious wolves. His entire bloodline... mercilessly slaughtered by the players of the corrupted society. And so, he was left to thrive alone.

An orphan, they'd call him. A sheep, they mocked. A cripple, they'd crack a laughter.

The innocence and uprightness consequently vanished from his pure soul as the blood from his wounds.... bathed him like water. Yet no one seemed to pity him. No one seemed to care. Not a soul... spared a glimpse of sympathy for the vulnerable cub. They mercilessly expelled him from the pack, left to rot and die in the wilderness infested with sticky mud and flesh-eating insects.

It felt like... he was being sucked into a dark abyss upon witnessing his parent's mutilated corpses... left in the filth by the cold-blooded pack. No one mourned his family's passing. They simply rejected him and moved forward, and he was left behind to fend for himself.

He was stuck. He had no idea where he was... or how he'd get out of the sinkhole. So he sank.

His mind began to spoil as a consequence of the injury in his heart. His soul grew rusted from the lack of care he often received from his family. He was all alone... in the darkness... until he slowly lost his sanity to the twisted gloom of his mind.

He was born a predator with a tender heart, never ejecting his claws to hurt the prey, yet he was hunted by the others. By his own kind... for being weak and worthless.

He was left with nothing but his bleeding soul, exhausted of the will to survive until... the hidden claws... began to grow from his fingers. His teeth... turning into baring fangs. His warm heart... thirsting hungrily for blood and vengeance. His mind... contaminated with the deepest and darkest sorceries.

He became a monster. A monster born within the darkness.
Twinkle.
The evil-infested soul suddenly noticed a tiny firefly within the darkness, dimly hovering above its head. It did not leave his side, and so... he followed the little sparkle out of curiosity. He did not know where he was heading, but he didn't care and followed the creature's lead.

And gradually, he realized. He was chasing a star.

The brightest light source in his miserable world. The only entity to keep him running on his feet... eventually leading him out of the dense haze... and into a heavenly wilderness.

And there she was. The beautiful goddess.

Waiting... for him on the emerald glass in her plain white dress with a comforting smile plastered on her face. The beast had realized... he was once again... stepping over the green field with its injured paws, warmed by the sun's comforting radiant. It could finally breathe the light air... that filtered his system... to purify his clogged mind.

And without realizing it... the flowers began to bloom... from between the cracks of his broken heart.

So he pounced forward on his paws, racing straight towards her in his mature form. He was no longer a young cub... but a grown beast with battle scars... all over his patched skin. He reeked of blood... covered in rotting wounds... and yet the goddess... opened her arms for him.

She didn't flinch at the sight of his hideous appearance.

Thump.

The goddess tightly embraced the Jaguar in her arms as it tackled her onto the vast field with its heavy mass. Instead of screaming in fright. She giggled and patted its gaunt cheek as she remained beneath him.

He saw it... the genuine admiration in her eyes... gazing so lovingly at his ruined appearance. She smiled and sat up to embrace his disheveled form with so much warmth... and love... his rotten wounds... began to heal itself.

He had only dreamed of being her hidden shadow. But little did he know... all those times he's been tailing her... the goddess was always conscious of his presence. She'd smile and walk forward, knowing she wasn't alone.

She had a companion by her side.

Only after he disappeared... did she turn around to search for him, endlessly worrying about his welfare after she noticed the trail of blood covering the path the Jaguar had limped over. And so... she searched for him in the darkness. The goddess never gave up on the cub and entered the dangerous cave to find him. So she could lead him out... into a world... where she could properly care for him.

They finally reunited again after he trusted her lead. The goddess asked the Jarguar to stride by her side.

No more hiding. No more lurking. No more stalking.

She wanted him to walk at her pace so they could keep an eye on each other as they advanced forward into the unknown. He agreed to her request and strolled by her side as she asked. They got along well and even formed an unbreakable bond.

Until... the evil of society found them again.

Constantly... striking the goddess with its greed and thirst. The Jaguar knew... he had to protect her at all costs, and so he did.

He pounced. He bared his fangs. He tore. He bit. He fought. He attacked. For her. Just for her. He'd chase off the evil and return... soaked in blood.

Although the goddess was terrified of his monstrous form... she'd welcome the beast and give him a bath to wash the filth from his thick fur because she understood... his intention to defend her from the cruel world.

She never regarded him as a bad soul. Rather, she loved him more. No matter how many times he returned to her drenched in the odor of death... she'd still reach out for him. Again and again. She would hold onto the beast with her unwavering affection.

They were happy. They were in love. They were the perfect match.

Until... she delivered her children to the world and the Jaguar's heart suddenly sank because... how is it that she has conceived his cubs in the form of a bear and puppy?

When he's Jaguar? A predator.

She brought home the souls... that weren't meant to be raised by the deadly beast. The Jaguar loved her immensely... but the sight of the young prey... had unfortunately stirred an unbearable blood thirst in the depth of his soul.

He wanted to devour them. He was a danger to her children. He knew.

The beast knew... if the goddess turned her back on him to protect the prey... he'd lose control of himself and attack her without the intention to do so.

So... he frightened her... until she collapsed and took her with him. He captured the goddess, leaving behind the young souls... and took her far away... to a place no one could ever find them again.

The Jaguar took her to his cave where he'd stand guard so she wouldn't run back to the bear and puppy... hoping desperately... she wouldn't betray him. Praying to the full moon... that she'd forever remain by his side as she promised.

Only then can he stay at peace. Only then can he... battle his inner darkness because if one day... she had decided to leave his side... he knew... his blooming heart would wither. And he will be poisoned... once again... by the... darkness of his mind.

And he was afraid... he'd never forgive her if she had left him to drown in the cold abyss after all the scars he earned to secure her.
Blinking out of his deep thoughts... Jae Yangcha... shifted his wearied eyes from the full moon in the sky and glanced at his lover as she rested soundly by his side. He remained on his side with his tired gaze on her delicate skin as she lay naked under the silk sheet. The alpha quietly examined her pretty pink lips and glanced at the light flush on her cheeks... to her waist-length... wavy black hair... scattering loosely over the pillow.He didn't touch her. Instead, he adjusted his position and tucked his arm under the side of his head while lying naked beside her. He calmly breathed through his nostrils, quietly admiring her captivating beauty with his dilated pupils... until his chest burned intensely.
He loved her so much. So much... he feels like he's going to suffocate from helplessly yearning for her... despite being so close to her.
The alpha gently took her hand in his to examine their matching rings and glanced at the bracelet he had handcrafted for her. Smiling, he gently rubbed her slender fingers while observing her luminous pale skin under the dim moonlight."Stay with me. Stay with me until my last breath. Only then can I let go of you," Yangcha whispered, sadly eyeing her in tears. His heart ached painfully, so he gripped her fingers and held tightly onto her."Hmmm...?" Sora suddenly frowned, answering him in her sleep. She turned her head on the pillow and squinted at her lover in confusion after he accidentally woke her from her sleep."I love you," He whispered. Sora blinked at him with her barely opened eyes as she struggled to process his words with her clouded mind."You're hungry?" She muttered, turning on her side and gently scooted over the mattress to hold his bare torso."You're sleep talking," Yangcha smiled as she aligned her naked body against his under the sheet and snuggled against the warmth of his chest. Sora softly grazed her fingers over the bullet scar on his back... still dazed from the sudden disturbance."I love you too," She whispered, snuggling her ticklish face against his neck as she securely clung to his muscular body. Yangcha smiled, lowering his hand to clasp the back of her head and gently combed his fingers through her hair.Sora unconsciously lifted her face to peck his lips and immediately dropped her head back to his bicep until she descended back into a deep sleep. Yangcha closed his eyes and smiled with the warm sensation in his pulsing heart as he slipped his hand from her scalp to trace his fingertips over the arch of her spine, gently kissing her forehead... until he too... sank into a deep sleep upon receiving her love assurance.
The next morning
Sora's POVI groggily blinked while strolling through the corridor at sunrise to search for my missing husband, but he wasn't in the kitchen or the living room. Where did he go? I scratched my head as I strolled in the white fluffy slippers he got for me from the market... until I noticed the slightly opened door leading to the medical room. I pushed it open to find Yangcha sitting on a stool beside a desk with a tray of medical kits.

"What's wrong?" I mumbled, stepping inside the chilly room. He keeps the room cold to preserve the medication. I sat across from him on the stool as he rubbed his inner forearm joint with a sanitizing pad while sitting shirtless in his loose sweatpants."I'm feeling a little unwell," He smiled, carefully lifting the syringe to his flesh. I sleepily watched him push the pointed needle against his bulging veins until it pierced through his honey-tanned skin. Yangcha carefully injected himself with the medication as I frowned at him with an uneasy feeling."Where did you learn all this from?" I asked."Halabeoji is a retired doctor. He taught me medicine back when I was living abroad until I moved to Seoul. I did a lot of practical performances with him at the lab. He'd let me inject him with his daily health supplements and taught me courses during my free time. Halmeoni is as frail as you... so I sometimes help her with her dose when my grandfather is busy," Yangcha smiled, drawing out the needle to place it on the tray, so I grabbed the bandage and leaned over to plaster it over the tiny blood spot until my husband weakly chuckled at my attentive assistance. I kissed his bandage and lifted my face to kiss his lips. Smooch. Smooch. He smiled at my love strokes, lowering his strong arm to hold my waist as I hugged his neck with a bright beam.

"Educated men like you... turns me on," I giggled. Yangcha had single-handedly... cured all of my injuries without the assistance of a doctor. He's pretty impressive."And sweetheart like you... got me praying for a forever," Yangcha replied, sweetly kissing my lips. I hugged his firm waist as he fondly admired me with his dilated pupils. I don't ever want to lose you from this life."Ahah~!" I giggled when he suddenly picked me up with his arms locked beneath my bum and carried me out of the medical room. I tightly hugged his shoulders as he strolled inside the kitchen to place me on the counter."So. What do you want to eat today...?" He asked, keenly pressing his arms against the counter. I bit my lips and softly planted my lips over his again. Yangcha steadily breathed against my face as I clasped my hands over his cheeks to absorb his morning sweetness from the tip of his tongue."You," I giggled. Yangcha chuckled and lowered his head with a weak smile."Are you serious? Because I'll-""No- No! I'm just joking!" I gasped when he tried to pull down his sweatpants, but I grabbed his waistband just in time to keep it hooked to his hips. Yangcha grinned and breathily kissed me before turning to heat the pan on the stove as I sat on the counter."You told me you love me in your sleep," Yangcha muttered as he checked the fridge to search for ingredients."I did?" I smiled and lifted my legs to cross it over the counter."You talk a lot in your sleep," He nodded, turning to take out a bowl from the cabinet. I weakly stared at his muscular back and glanced at the scars on his body. How is he so... attractive? Every part of his body is covered with flaws... yet... I'm drooling helplessly for him."You got a new scar," I whispered, nodding at the burnt mark on the side of his lower right hip. Just above... his back dimple. It's where I usually hold... when we make love."I couldn't wear pants for weeks because it stung so much," Yangcha chuckled. He got it while carrying me through the fire at the penthouse."Really? So you walked around naked?" I asked. Yangcha smiled."I wore your nightgown," He muttered, making me snort in disbelief."I should've woken up sooner to witness that," I chuckled. He smiled while adding ingredients to the bowl."Is it ugly? The scar," He mumbled. I stared at the reddish bumpy texture on his lower hips while chewing on my lips."It looks like a claw mark," I replied."Really?" Yangcha asked, reaching behind his back to feel the scar with his fingers."I like it. It's very pretty," I nodded, hoping off the counter to back hug him as he marinated the meat in the bowl with a plastic glove on.Yangcha pretended to gasp upon my approval as he poured oil into the pan, making me giggle at his cuteness. I groped his hard pecs from behind and kissed the bullet scar on his shoulder wing... before shifting my lip to his nape. My husband chuckled softly at my obsessive behavior. Smiling mischievously, I kissed him all over his back and bent down to kiss his new scar... over his hip. Hah~ He smells so nice~!"Stop teasing me," He muttered, briefly glancing to the side as I held him from behind."I like every part of you," I smacked his firm butt and walked away to heave my body back onto the counter. Yangcha shook his head at my playfulness."Oh. Yeah. I got you birth control pills," He informed."Why? I'm fine with the condoms," I curiously stared at him."There's still a risk of impregnating you, so make sure to take it," He muttered."Didn't you want to have a baby?" I asked. He demanded that I conceive our child during our fight."I was upset then. You're not in the position to carry another child yet," Yangcha shook his head. I glanced down at my hands. How are the twins doing? I want to see them. Should I ask him? To leave the place? But he might get upset again.
Fast Forward

I lived with Yangcha for almost two years in the villa, with little to no contact with outsiders. He'd take me out now and then to visit the city, so I wouldn't feel trapped at our new home. And obviously, I've attempted to send a message home multiple times but failed miserably each time.

Yangcha is always by my side... no matter the time of the day. Even if he's not right beside me... he'd be somewhere... within my view so he could keep an eye on me. He kept all the doors at home open so he could see me wherever I went.
"Ah~ You're such a bad person!" Yangcha drunkenly complained as I dragged him to the bed. He released my shoulder and tumbled face-first onto the mattress in our matching pajamas."Hey! You lost!" I grinned while tucking him under the blanket.We had a drink over a board game earlier, and he wouldn't stop complaining after I won all of the games. He grumbled and rolled on his stomach to sleep, so I turned off the lights and slipped in beside him. Yangcha gently pulled me into a warm hug as I slipped my arm under his head to cushion him and gently patted his shoulder until he plunged into a deep sleep.
One hour later.
I opened my eyes to stare at the dark ceiling above my head for a solid minute before glancing at Yangcha, who was snoring loudly. He's sleeping shirtless with his back turned on me. Sighing, I slowly sat up on the bed and carefully lifted the blanket off my legs. I'm leaving. I have to return to my children. That's why I got him drunk on purpose. I carefully got up from the bed, entered the closet without turning on the lights to change into black jeans, pulled on a shirt and a jacket before tiptoeing back inside the bedroom with my hair placed into a neat bun.Yangcha suddenly stirred over the mattress and turned to lay on his back. Pause. I halted at the foot of the bed with a dim gaze on his unconscious state. I love you. I do. But I don't belong here. Wait for me. I left the handwritten note on the bed and quietly exited the bedroom without making a sound... quietly tiptoeing... towards the looming door.The black master key card... was left inside the ceramic plate on the shoe rack... as promised by Yangcha. I gripped my bag with an uneasy feeling while staring at the card as I stood in the empty corridor. The spontaneous lightning flickers... illuminating the villa every few minutes with its blinding glare as the rain drummed over the transparent glasses.Sora. Can you do this...? Are you going to leave him like this? I blinked. My baby needs me. I have to return. I won't force him to return... with me because he's already made it clear that he can't care for my children. But that doesn't mean... I should abandon the twins. They're mine, and I'm still their blood mother regardless of their father's identity.I took a deep breath to ease the heaviness in my chest as I reached for the card on the plate, and turned to stare at the scanner on the door with a racing heart. Even if I'll get lost in the wilderness... I'll still leave. I have to return to the society for my family. I shakily lifted the card to hover it before the scanner. Beep. A green light flicked and- Click.The door unlocked itself... causing me to freeze in place with my lips ajar. Yangcha didn't lie when he said... the master card could open all the locks within the villa. It's not a trap. I gripped the black card intensely and slowly raised my hand to push the door... until it slowly slid open... exposing me to the freezing wind gust... as the soft drizzle... showered over the damped soil. I closed my eyes... took a deep inhale... and took a step forward."Noona," A voice spoke behind me just as I was about to step out of the villa. Badum. My heart suddenly leaped into my throat as the terrorizing fear seized control of my body at the tone of his broken voice. I gripped my bag in tears without turning around... knowing... he was standing right behind me."Don't stop me-""Aren't you going to at least... say your farewell...?" Yangcha asked softly, causing my chest to stir in extreme discomfort. I pursed my lips while staring at the water droplets... dripping freely from the soaked leaves over the ancient branches. Why is it suddenly so difficult? I slowly turned around to face my lover with swelling tears in my eyes. Yangcha stood about ten feet away from me with an empty gaze. A flood of tears suddenly spilled over my cheeks as I watched him... stand listlessly before me in his pajamas."Y-Yangcha- I- I love you, but-""Say it. The farewell," Yangcha swallowed the lump in his throat as heavy tears coursed from his lower lashes. My heart wretched in pain again at the sight of his torn expression as he stood in the empty corridor, discouraged by my determination to leave his side. Sora. You must leave. Now."I'll be back," I whispered, frowning at him in difficulty while fighting the painful emotions within my heart. Yangcha stared at me in defeat as the wind whistled through the opened door... causing my loose hair strands to flutter with the gentle current as we stood... staring at each other without blinking. He's hurting. I can sense it. His heartbreak."I can't promise you I'll still be here. Even if you search every corner of the world for Jae Yangcha... I'm sure he'll be gone by the time you return. So say your farewell," Yangcha urged. I stared at him without blinking as my jaws burned intensely from the emotionally wrecking departure."Why won't you be here?" I asked, unsurely staring at him."I'd rather die than live to hurt you," He replied. I bit my lips and lowered my face to stare at the master keycard in my hand. What should I do? My heart... it's throbbing with so much pain. My mind... it's yelling different thoughts in my head... yet my chest... is yearning helplessly for him."Don't be like this. Yangcha, they're my children, and I love you too- but-""You know the consequences if I follow you back to them," He shook his head. I suddenly couldn't voice out my words anymore with a hot lump... lodged in my throat."I'm not abandoning you-""You are. I'll be lost the moment you leave my side, so stop lying to yourself and admit it. I'm begging you. Say your farewell," Yangcha shook his head, slowly sinking to his knees before me. I bit my trembling lips as he lowered his head to beg me for a proper closure. Why am I so greedy? Why can't I say it? Why can't I say goodbye to him? What's happening to me...?"I don't want to," I stubbornly shook my head as the hot tears trickled from my glassy pupils. Yangcha suddenly surrendered to the heartbreak... until his shoulders shook intensely from the pain he endured... causing me to whimper with a wrenching heart as he lifted his pleading gaze to me while kneeling on the floor."All I want to hear... is your farewell so I can be at peace with myself. Noona, it's the only way for me to disappear from this world in peace, or I'll be left shattered... and I'm afraid... I'll once again transform into a monster," He shook his head as the heavy tears flowed from his cheeks... dripping messily from his chin as he remained helpless on the floor. I'm throbbing in despair, and the discomfort is beginning to paralyze my limbs."You're not a monster-""I am, and you're in denial. So tell me. Tell me you're abandoning me from this moment onward. Tell me that I've failed to be enough. Tell me... I am no longer your priority. Tell me... you don't love me enough to remain by my side. Tell me... you are tired of me. Tell me, noona. Tell me I'm a failure, so I'd have enough courage to accept my defeat and disappear as you wish," He whispered while gazing at me with his pleading bloodshot eyes."Break my heart. Do it. You know I'll let you break me. So... pick up that blade and kill me with your farewell. I don't want to live my life... with a wounded heart... so plunge it deep inside my chest until I bleed from the sorrow of failing you. Do it for me, noona. End me. You're the only person with the power to do so. Consider this as my last wish.... and say your farewell," Yangcha wept, pitifully lifting his hands to rub his palms together until I felt my chest aching with every thump of my beating heart. I could hardly breathe anymore... as I stared at his desperation to be broken by me. Sora... You have to let go of him. I glanced at the wilderness behind me and back at his pitiful stage.
He was never greedy for our love. It was me... who wanted more of us. It is me who is greedy for our love.
"You'll let me break your heart? Just like this?" I asked, tearfully staring at him with my trembling lips. The warm tears... soaking my face as I fought the urge to succumb to his desperate pleas."You don't have to shed my blood because your words are enough to poison me," He nodded while kneeling on the ground. I tightly gripped the card to my freedom. Thump. Thump. My throat burned painfully with every beat of my aching heart."Okay," I whispered, nodding in agreement, and lowered my head to let the tears stream drip from my soaked lashes. I feel like... I'm going to collapse from the heartbreak. My chest... it's tearing my soul apart with its agonizing churns and twists."Do it. I won't make a sound, so don't be scared," He sniffled. The wall of sorrows... breaking loose from his lash line."Come closer. I want to look at you for the last time," I whispered, fighting to keep my voice stable.Yangcha softly whimpered as he rose to his feet and stepped towards me with a troubled frown. His face... burning red from the discomfort he was enduring and my heart... bleeding from the guilt of wounding his soul. I gripped my fists tightly as he towered over me, so I lifted my face to gaze at his bloodshot eyes until a hot lump burned my throat again. He's shaking like a puppy, and it's breaking my heart."I'm ready," He whispered, forcing a weak smile but screwed his face in distress until a flood of tear streams dripped from his chin.I let out a shaky exhale while gazing at him with my swelling tear walls... as I lifted my cold fingers to wipe the warm streaks from his cheeks until my heart wept in silence grief. How can I do this to him? I sobbed in defeat and slowly lowered my hands to hold his trembling fingers. Why does it have to be this way? I tightly gripped his warmth while pondering my wild thoughts to seek the appropriate justification for the both of us."I'm sure there's another universe... where you and I... exist together. Are we happy there? I don't know. Whether or not... there's another world for us... I know for a fact... that we exist here. In this world. Together. Happy. And in love. It would be foolish of me to tell you I'll love you in the next life... when I don't even know... if we'll ever be reborn into the same world with the same fate to fall in love with each other. It'll only be an excuse if I told you I'll choose you in our next life because I don't think I'll want to live another lifetime to suffer the same misery. So I'll tell you now," I deep inhaled as he studied my face with his eyebrows furrowed."If for whatever reason... we parted in the other worlds... and if for whatever reasons... I chose to walk away from you with a broken heart... I won't let it happen in this world. I don't think I can wait for another life... wait through all the eternal reincarnation to meet you again... so I'll do it now... in this world. I'll love you. I'll love you, and I'll choose you because I'm sure... whatever happens... this is the only moment I can fully... embrace you," I whispered while staring at his burning tears. Yangcha blinked, slightly frowning at my words in confusion."What?" He asked hoarsely as the gliding tears slipped from his eyes."You claim you'd rather die than hurt me. So what makes you think I'd harm you to thrive?" I sobbed, tightly gripping his fingers with a torn expression. Yangcha sniffled and lowered his head as his lips quivered from the distressing emotions."I really don't want to force you-""What makes you think... I can simply... break your heart without scratching mine? The moment I stab you with a blade... my heart... will also bleed. And we'll both... perish in the name of love. It's a suicide," I whispered. Yangcha pursed his lips while searching my eyes with his pained pupils, so I wiped his tears and reached upward to hold onto his neck as he gripped tightly onto my waist."But it'll hurt less for you once I disappear," He whispered against my ear as I firmly hugged him."No. My soul will perish the instant you vanish from my world, so don't ever tell me to end you," I shook my head.

Yangcha clutched my back tightly and lowered his head to press his nose against my shoulder. I shouldn't take his love for granted. After all, I was always happy with him. How can I choose to ruin us all over again and blame fate for punishing me with its cruelty... when I'm the one writing our love story?"So you won't give me a farewell?" He asked. I gripped his neck tightly and closed my eyes to squeeze out my tears."A farewell... is a death sentence for our souls," I whispered. Yangcha sniffled and pulled me close by my head."So you're holding onto me?" He whispered in a broken tone."I'll grant us a life sentence instead," I nodded. Yangcha exhaled in relief and tightened his grasp around my body, so I pressed my burning nose against his chest and inhaled deeply to soothe the aching pain within my chest."Thank you," He muttered. I nodded and clung to him tightly because I was afraid... if I ever let go of him again... I'd turn around and sprint far... to flee from his comforting grip. Just like I always did. Running away isn't an option for me anymore because... I am tired of restarting my life... just to suffer the same fate of losing my loved ones.
And so. I never stepped out of the villa and chose to stay with him. At this point... I knew... I had failed my children due to my selfish greed to preserve my relationship with the man I loved.

What kind of a mother chooses not to see their children? I'm an awful mother, I'm aware. Even if I meet them one day... I knew... they wouldn't remember me because I chose to be absent from their life. No one would want to meet a mother... who intentionally abandoned their children for a man.

At least. I thought so. Until I found... Their familiar doe eyes... staring up at me with bewildered looks.

They recognized me.

They were stunned by my unexpected presence. I saw it... the reflection of excitement in their innocent pupils.

I wanted to step back and run from the guilt of leaving them behind, but... the young souls... they stepped forward to embrace a bad mother. They held onto me. There wasn't a hint of anger... or hatred in their innocent eyes... as they screamed for me... clearly overwhelmed by our reunion.

How can they love a bad person like me?

It broke my heart.

They don't deserve this.
__________________________
Present
Third Person POVThe twins stood on the side of the pavement with their bulging curious doe eyes as they watched their father clutch tightly onto their mother's frail body, who was crying softly against his shoulder as he held her in his strong embrace. They glanced at each other and smiled before looking up at their parents with relief... despite being clueless about the situation. The children assumed... their family was whole again."S-Sora- Sora...?" Taehyung whispered, slowly pulling away with a confused expression when he felt her body growing heavier by the passing second. The alpha gripped onto her body with a startled expression as she slowly sunk to her knees- so he immediately seized her waist to support her."What's wrong with eomma...?" Woojin muttered with a slight pout as his mother's head flopped lifelessly to the side."Shit?- Eomma isn't feeling well," Taehyung grunted, slightly lowering his body to slip his arms under her legs and lifted her off the ground. The twins unsurely examined their mother's lifeless condition and gripped tightly onto Taehyung's long coat."Is eomma okay~?" Kanghoon blinked while pouting at his father. Taehyung glanced at Sora's pale expression and down at the two innocent children as they stared up at their mother's unfavorable state in dread."Hold onto appa's coat. Let's head home with eomma," Taehyung assured. The twins gripped the man's coat on either side and followed their father with an anxious expression. Strut. Strut. The alpha adjusted the supreme alpha against his chest and strode forward, briefly glancing down at the duo on his side... but the twins were nowhere to be found. He halted in a panic."H-Huh?! Where did they go?!-" Taehyung gasped, wildly spinning around with Sora's unmoving body in his arms to find... the bear and the puppy... hauling their heavy snack bags over the pavement."Appa!- Wait-""Leave it there!" Taehyung snapped in shock."No~! Appa's food is nasty~! We'll starve without snacks~!" Woonjin shrieked, funnily heaving the giant bag with his small arms, and tumbled forward as Kanghoon dragged their toy bag over the pavement."Your mother is sick, and you're more worried about your food supply?!" Taehyung scoffed in shock, but the twins refused to leave behind their livestock and stumbled towards Taehyung in their teddy jumpers.

"Eomma can't eat appa's food! So this will help her~!" Kanghoon grinned. Taehyung bitterly waited for the kids before walking forward again as the duo struggled to haul their bags over the pavement.
A moment later
Kim Taehyung quickly hurried towards the living room to rest Jang Sora's body on the couch as the twins dragged the giant bags inside the apartment, finally dropping the heavy weight to the floor and- Thump! They both fell to their butts, entirely out of breath. Puff! Puff! They panted unsteadily while kicking off their shoes before getting up to slam the door shut... and quickly raced on their colorful socks to climb the couch in curiosity.The alpha cautiously compressed Sora's neck with his fingers... until he located her steady pulse. Thump... Thump... Thump... He frowned and glanced at the twins as they sat on the opposite couch with their concerned gaze on their unconscious mother. They appear somewhat... timid in her presence and choose to maintain their distance.They nervously glanced at their father's dark frown and back at their mother's weak condition while chewing their thumbs to relieve the uncomfortable feelings within their pulsating chests.
Sora's POV
The soft murmurs beside my ears gently woke me up from the darkness of my numbed mind, so I blinked sleepily to clear up my foggy vision until I noticed... two... figures sitting by my side. I cleared my throat as I struggled to focus my gaze on their plump cheeks."She's pretty-""Are you sure this is eomma-""Yeah-""Oh! Eomma~!" The twins shrieked when they noticed me staring at them. I smiled and opened my arms to welcome them. Fwip! They quickly crawled onto my chest without hesitation to embrace my sore body, making me pout at their comforting presence."You can remember me...?" I hoarsely asked, slowly sitting up in difficulty as they clung to my neck and shoulders. I patted their backs as they clutched onto me."You're so pretty~!" Woojin shrieked, pulling away to peck my cheek. Kanghoon giggled and kissed the other side of my face, making me blush at their heartwarming love strokes. They don't resent me...? I snuggled my face against their familiar light scent with a relieved feeling. I missed them so much it makes my heart ache."Aigo~ You're going to suffocate her at this rate," Taehyung appeared in casual clothes with a tray of warm porridge. I gulped and looked up at him unsurely. Isn't he upset with me...? I thought he'd lash out at me for burdening him with the twins... but Kim Taehyung pulled me into a crushing hug the instant we met.

"I have to leave," I whispered. Taehyung halted with a baffled look as he settled the utensils on the table. The twins gripped my hands uneasily and glanced at me with a slight frown."No. You must stay- Sora!" Taehyung snapped when I quickly launched to my feet and hurried towards the door, but he caught my arm and yanked me right back. I gasped at his harsh reaction."You don't understand! He'll- He'll find me-""I'll protect you! Running will not solve anything! You should know that by now!" Taehyung glared at me as he firmly gripped my hand before the door. The twins slowly climbed off the couch and walked towards us with a slight pout. They glanced back and forth between us with their tearful doe eyes... causing my heart to churn in despair."Eomma... are you leaving again~?" They asked, sadly staring up at me with their hands clasped together."I can't s-stay- or they'll be in danger-""Yah-?!" Taehyung shrieked in shock when my head violently swayed like a whirlpool until my limbs grew weak again- Thump. I plunged right back... into the pitch-black darkness before I could finish my words.
A moment later.
"Her body is fine," The head doctor whispered while sitting by the twin's bedside as the supreme alpha remained unconscious under the sheet with an IV drip hooked to her wrist."Appa... is eomma sick~?" Woojin whispered, nervously tugging Taehyung's shirt as their father stood by the bedroom doorway with his arms crossed."What's the matter with her then?" Taehyung asked, frowning at her weak condition as he lowered his hands to ruffle the twin's bowl-cut heads to assure them of her welfare. They pouted and glanced at their resting mother as they clung to their father's hands."I'll have to test her blood sample," The man shook his head.Taehyung nodded and escorted the man out of the apartment before returning to the bedroom to find the twins... placing their stuffed animals around their mother's body to keep her safe from the bad energy. They climbed their bed to slip in beside her and turned to hug her waist on either side."Don't bother her. Come here. Share the bed with appa," Taehyung sighed, walking forward to pick up the twins before placing them on his bed instead. They pouted but didn't complain, so Taehyung sighed and sat down by Sora's bedside to tuck her wild hair strands behind her ears. He glanced at the bracelet around her wrist and backed up at her with a bitter expression.
The next day
"Eomma~! Look~!- We drew you~!" Kanghoon showed his mother their cute scribbles on the paper as she sat against the bedhead in her silk gown, weakly smiling at the compilation of their cute artwork."You guys are very talented," She chuckled, glancing at their rosy cheeks as they intensely waited for her approval.

Woojin suddenly shivered at the sight of her pretty smile as Kanghoon shyly covered his mouth to suppress the urge to scream his flooding excitement. They were both... enchanted by their mother's beauty. Because every time they witness her pretty smiles and attentive gaze... their small body would vibrate in glee. Taehyung pushed open the door and stepped inside the room."Still feeling nauseous?" Taehyung asked, carefully handing a warm mug to the supreme alpha before settling on the edge of his mattress with a sore gaze on her pale face as the twins lay on their mother's lap with bright beams. They couldn't help but admire her."Where's my bracelet...?" Sora mumbled, glancing at her empty wrist in confusion."I took it off," Taehyung dimmed his eyes. The twins blinked and sat up on the mattress as Sora stared at their colorful drawings with a weak smile. She softly kissed their cheeks... causing the twins to quiver with happiness. Every time... they're super happy... they wiggle their body... just like their mother's young habits."He's not tracking me-""But he's injecting you with drugs," Taehyung replied blankly."What?" Sora frowned, looking up at Taehyung with a dark frown. He sighed."The head doctor sent back the reports. Your body is plagued with a drug substance," Taehyung whispered, pulling out the golden bracelet sealed in a bag from the drawer. It was... smashed into pieces."What are you talking about?" She mumbled as she stared at the fractured vial in the bag."He made it for you?" Taehyung asked."Yeah," Sora nodded.
Sora's POV
"The bracelet has a small vial containing a powerful drug. There's also a microneedle... automated to pierce your skin. It's as small as a mosquito's mouth... so it wouldn't cause you pain, but... with just a prick... it'll put you out in seconds. I broke it," Taehyung sorely stared at me. I blinked and glanced down at the bracelet with a heavy heart. Yangcha never changed. Why did he have to do this to me...? That's why I kept fainting whenever I tried to flee from him."I shouldn't be here for long," I sighed, anxiously glancing at the kids again as they keenly stared at me with innocent smiles.
Third Person POV
Woojin immediately turned red the instant she looked at him, so he smacked Kanghoon's shoulder, who hugged his twin brother while giggling at her with their cute bunny teeth. Sora smiled at their reaction and poked their noses with her finger, causing the twins to shriek and collapse onto the blanket... love-struck... by their mother's slightest touch."So happy~!" Kanghoon wiggled his tiny body and quickly sat up to chew his lower lips while eyeballing his mother's pretty face again. Woojin giggled and sat up to tuck his small hands under his chin, cutely scanning his mother's face with his sparkling doe eyes. They couldn't get enough of her because with every gesture... their hearts would thump against their small ribs, and they'd immediately collapse from the overwhelming sensation.
Sora's POV
"Do you plan on leaving your seat empty? For how long? The cult is pressed on eliminating your household. If you don't care about your power, at least care for the kids. They've been missing you every day," Taehyung glanced at the clueless twins as they pulled my hair and poked my body randomly... as if to confirm my existence. I sadly stared at their curious pupils."You don't know how far he's willing to go," I whispered, lifting my dim gaze to Taehyung. I desperately want to hold them close to me, but I'm afraid of endangering their innocent souls. They kept hugging and kissing me without a hint of resentment. How are they so forgiving...? Even after three years of separation... they're holding onto me so... affectionately."If he's the reason you're so afraid to hold your own children, then I will wield the sword to protect you... but will you allow me to shed his blood?" Taehyung asked, frowning at me. I didn't reply and smiled at the twins as they cutely muttered random things while showing me their art collections.
A moment later.
"They're asleep," Taehyung muttered, carefully closing the door as I sat in the living room with a drained expression. I'm feeling better now after the head doctor treated me. How did I escape? It's a long story, but I'm feeling restless because Yangcha might barge inside the apartment at any given moment."Can I ask you something?" I whispered, lifting my eyes to meet his as he sat across from me."What?" Taehyung blinked while rubbing his lower lips."Did anything happen between us? That I'm not aware of?" I asked. Taehyung stared at me with a wearied look. He sighed and crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned back against the couch."We both know... we've never done anything over the boundaries," He replied. I sighed and lowered my head to rub my nose bridge with a troubled feeling. He's right. We've been platonic ever since I got together with Yangcha."I don't understand," I muttered."Are you blind?" He asked. I unsurely lifted my eyes to study his sore expression."What?" I muttered."They've got his face. Jeon Jungkook. You tell me how you got involved with that asshole," Taehyung frowned. I pursed my lips in realization before glancing at the closed door. He's right. They've got Jungkook's doe eyes and bunny teeth."Wait-""So you seriously don't know... how you got yourself in this position?" Taehyung asked dimly. I nodded. I'm clueless."Yangcha insisted that it happened when I was drunk during our pre-wedding party at the mansion," I shrugged. Taehyung frowned to process his thoughts."I saw Jungkook that night. He was at the mansion before I left, but the asshole was drinking his life away on the mansion's rooftop," Taehyung exhaled."We did argue before the party," I grimaced. How did Jungkook end up in my room, and how did I sleep with him without realizing it? The memories are foggy. I can't seem to remember anything. Ah~! How was I so careless?!"Let's say he's their father. What does Jae Yangcha want from you, and where have you been all these times?" Taehyung questioned me from across the couch with an uptight grimace."Yangcha... he took me to this hidden place of his... in the wilderness. We live there. I did convince him to return... but he insisted on taunting my mother with my absence. He doesn't wish to see the twins again and asked me to remain... by his side. He'd hurt the twins if I returned without his permission, so I stayed as he demanded. I tried to contact you many times... but he would always stop me," I muttered, glancing at my hands in guilt. Taehyung quietly watched me."I thought he killed you," Taehyung muttered. I lifted my dim eyes to him again."No. Yangcha never raised his hands to hurt me," I shook my head."But you were wounded. I doubt you caused the injury yourself-""He was drugged. Just like I was drugged by the shareholder. He lost control... so I suffered from his lust, but he took care of me afterward.... and he happened to receive the paternity result the same night and... got upset. Another person showed up... at the wrong time... so he took out his rage on the person," I guiltily stared at Taehyung."How long are you going to let him kill in your name? Sora, I get that you're attached to him, but he's been encouraging the worst in you. Your family is on the verge of collapsing and he manipulated you into abandoning your children. Are you really happy with him...? Because you're gaslighting yourself to accept his obsession as a form of love," Taehyung shook his head. I quietly stared at my hands."You don't know what he's capable of committing. Taehyung, I've seen him... in his cave, and he's... he's... an immortal being. Anything you're the best at... he can do it better. He's been monitoring the council even while we were in the wilderness. You saw the technology he mastered- He will find a way to destroy everything within his sight if I don't return to him," I shook my head."It's hard to attack a lurking shadow. But once... he's out in a vast field without a hiding spot... I can take him down. A shadow can't exist without a light source," Taehyung spoke with confidence. I'm not sure. I don't think... Taehyung alone can stop Jae Yangcha. He's too powerful."You want to eliminate him?" I asked, nervously raising my eyebrows. Taehyung quietly stared at me."No. I want to use him as a weapon. Jae Yangcha might be a ruthless killer... but he's sensible. He doesn't attack just anyone. The Jaguar only pounces at those who deserve his wrath," Taehyung dimmed his eyes."So what do you wish to do?" I blinked."I don't think I should be fighting with him. Instead... I will use him to take down the Jeons," Taehyung smiled with arms crossed."Jungkook?" I frowned."He purposely tore the alliance apart and is now wrecking your relationship. We have a common enemy, Sora," Taehyung directed his dead stare at me. I uneasily glanced at the bedroom door again. If Jungkook is their father... then... it'll be a complicated issue to resolve.Flashback: Fire NightJang Sora suddenly lost consciousness on the mattress due to her internal injuries while being pinned down by the Jaguar... who abruptly halted with a startled expression. He gripped her cheeks to examine her pale face as her head... flopped lifelessly... to the side.The alpha took a deep breath and slowly crawled off his wife to loom over the baby crate as the twins... peacefully cooed in their sleep. He intensely watched them with his dark pupils. Ring. Ring. The alpha snapped out of his thoughts when he heard the doorbell to his penthouse... ringing.The raging alpha suppressed his anger and blankly walked out of the bedroom to open the door... only to find... a familiar face standing before him. The woman's face was bright red... and she was gripping her dangling designer purse as he unsurely eyed her unstable state."Where is she?!" Minhee snapped, pushing Yangcha aside, and stormed inside the penthouse. The alpha turned after the woman with a poker face as she stormed inside his living space without an invitation."Are you drunk?" Yangcha muttered."Your wife! Where is she!? Bring out that bitch!- She murdered my father!" Minhee screamed, angrily hurling her purse to the floor. The Jaguar sorely observed her unstable state and slowly closed the penthouse door. Click. His eyes darkened as he directed his distorted vision on the clueless woman before his gaze. The darkness... relentless... pounding against his soul to seize control of his mind."Your father harassed my wife-""Bullshit! She killed my father with Kim Taehyung because he saw them having an affair!" Minhee screeched. Yangcha glanced at the pill bottle that rolled from her purse and crouched down to pick up her bag."Just like your father... you drugged me. What were you hoping for...?" Yangcha calmly asked, tossing the pill bottle and the purse onto the couch as Minhee slumped down to rub her flushed face, still dazed from the liquor she consumed before visiting him."You said you'd return to me after we parted! But you never did, and I was left waiting for you abroad! You heartless jerk!- I waited for you endlessly only to find out you're happily married to the bitch who killed my father!" Minhee sneered at Yangcha. He blankly stared at the woman. Tick Tock... Tick Tock...
Little did she know... she was in danger of being devoured by the hungry beast.
"I never asked you to wait for me," Yangcha sighed, turning around to enter the kitchen. He poured a drink into a mug and strolled back towards Minhee, who furiously fired him a sharp glare. The woman had confessed her feelings to him when they were young, but Yangcha never responded and left with his parents to reside in Korea after they were exposed as the new anonymous alpha. Minhee glanced at the paternity tests on the coffee table and frowned."What's this-? They're not your kids?- Hah! I told you! They're Kim Taehyung's! Why else would he babysit them?!- I'm telling you my father died at their hands to conceal the truth!" Minhee snatched the report with a slight smirk. Yangcha walked up to her with the mug and lowered his hand to place it in her palms. Minhee frowned as he grabbed the pill bottle and poured a handful onto his palm."This is what you used... to get my dick hard...?" He asked, dimly staring at the pills in his palm. She frowned."Wae? Do you want me now that you realized she's an unfaithful bitch...?" Minhee smirked. The alpha glanced at her flushed cheeks and slowly crouched down before her with a weak smile."Take it. The pill," He whispered, carefully picking up a pill to press it against her bold red lipstick. Minhee stared at Yangcha intensely and opened her mouth as he pushed the drug... between her lips. He didn't pull his finger out and shoved... the pill deep inside her throat with his finger."Ark-" Minhee coughed in distress. Yangcha withdrew his saliva-coated fingers from her mouth as she frantically swallowed the pills with the water in the mug. Yangcha smirked."Your father... he's known... as a regular at a famous... orgy house. Right? That's how he got his hands on such... powerful pills? I lost my mind... because of you," Yangcha chuckled while crouching before Minhee, who was staring lustfully at his alluring visual."Why...? Do you wish to revive the sensation? You should've submitted to me when I gave it to you," She smiled, lifting her hand to graze his cheek. Yangcha smiled as Minhee slowly undid her dress's buttons to reveal her plump cleavage. The alpha smirked and lowered his head before lifting his seductive eyes to meet her tempting gaze. She gently brushed his cheek... until he turned his face aside to avoid her touch."I enjoyed it. The sex. My wife... she's very generous when it comes to me. But she almost collapsed due to my greed to soothe my dick. She's ill because of you," He whispered, slightly shaking his head while holding an intense eye contact with the woman."I can handle you. You should be sorry for leaving me hanging-""Take a few more," Yangcha encouraged, grabbing her jaw to squeeze her cheeks and shoved the remaining pills in his palm inside her mouth. Minhee grimaced as he forced her to swallow the drugs with the water in the mug until it messily spilled from the corner of her lips. Yangcha chuckled after the drunk woman swallowed all the pills with one gulp."Are you sure you can handle me...?" Minhee asked, smugly staring at him as he rose to his feet to tower over her. Her cheeks began to flush red... and the woman started tugging on her collar in discomfort as the drugs seeped into her system."You asked for this," Yangcha smiled, walking away... leaving Minhee confused, so she got up after him as he opened the bedroom door and strolled inside to find his wife lying motionless on the bed. He slipped his arms under her body and gently lifted her upward to settle her on the couch at the end of their bed. Minhee drunkenly stumbled inside the bedroom and walked over to the crate."Ah... I'd fucking kill them if I was you..." She giggled at the sleeping twins. Yangcha strolled towards the woman, suddenly grabbing a handful of her hair and dragged her with all his might to shove her onto the bed. She gasped and slumped onto the mattress with a dazed mind... but instead of crying in pain... she moaned and chuckled at his aggression."Your father. He loved to abuse you, didn't he? That's why you enjoy the pain so much?" Yangcha sneered while gripping her cheeks as her face flushed super red due to the heavy drug influence."Do you want to fuck in front of your wife? Like this? You must feel super betrayed by her unfaithful acts~? Hmm..? Does it anger you... knowing she willingly... let another man's dick slip inside her? Until he impregnated her womb with his sperms...? You poor thing~!" Minhee giggled, quickly taking off her clothes and tossed them aside. Yangcha stood staring at her without blinking as she took off her bra and panties until she was fully naked."I am taking my revenge," Yangcha replied. Minhee drunkenly chuckled as her body burned from the heat of her aroused nerves, so she grabbed Yangcha's sweatpants to strip him to his ankle and quickly took off his shirt to expose his flaming hot body. He stood in his boxer, smugly tilting his head to watch her desperate attempt to get his dick inside her."Sure. I'll help you seek revenge. It's a win-win for the both of us," Minhee smiled, trying to kiss him on her toes when he snatched her throat and slammed her right back onto the bed. Minhee chuckled madly at his forceful nature as she gagged on the mattress."Oh~ You're so hot for this~ You're regretting it, aren't you? We should've fucked earlier~ Hmm- AH?!" She screamed in shock when he roughly struck her hard across the face, but Yangcha immediately covered her mouth to keep her voice down."Shhh... I know you're a masochist... don't wake the babies," He devilishly smiled at her. Minhee glared at him as he firmly clasped his palm over her lips. She reached out to feel his hard abs, but the alpha roughly grabbed her wrist and pinned her down with all his strength until she whimpered from his painful grip.SLAP. Minhee groaned again when he beat her hard across the face until her cheek burned bright red with his handprint. She laughed and looked up at him with a dazed mind- SMACK! Minhee suddenly grunted in annoyance when Yangcha struck her hard across her jaw, causing her head to spin wildly from being slapped repeatedly. He released her body and straightened his toned torso as the woman huffed in irritation before sitting up to fire him a sharp glare with a bruised face."Aren't you being a little too heavy-handed?!" Minhee snapped but was again- greeted by a rough blow to her face. SMACK. The woman scoffed and slumped weakly onto the mattress, slowly lifting her face to find blood... dripping from her nose... and staining the bed sheet."Enjoying it...? Still?" Yangcha grunted. She snapped her head towards him in anger as the heavy blood trickled over her philtrum."You asshole!" She screeched, trying to smack him- but Yangcha effortlessly shoved her back with his firm grip around her vulnerable throat, causing the blood to smear her cheeks.Minhee tried to scream, but he roughly stapled her sensitive body onto the mattress until her eyes bulged open from the alarming pressure of his clutch. She whimpered and tried to wriggle free, but he refused to release her and roughly squeezed her windpipe. SLAP. Yangcha angrily struck her face again... sending a tooth flying out of her mouth."How dare you show up before me again?! I was going to let you off because of our past, but you had to repeatedly turn up like this?!!- Did you ever think I ever liked you?!- I only befriended you at the boarding school because you were so pathetic! And you only chased me because you wanted me to complete all of your schoolwork!" He seethed, angrily releasing her neck.Minhee coughed in distress as she rolled on the bed with her hands gripped over her aching throat. She tried to sit up but suddenly collapsed backward as she clutched onto her overdosed body in distress. The powerful drugs... beginning to torment her system... with the searing warmth until her eyeballs burned from the severe heat as her body struggled to contain her lustful hunger."I'm burning! Fuck me already- You asshole!-" Minhee screamed- but was cut short again when Yangcha punched her hard in the face. SMACK! She whimpered and sprawled weakly on the mattress after the shocking blow. She coughed out blood to find... a few more of her teeth... slipping out from between her lips. Her eyes widened in horror at the shocking damage.Yangcha seethed in anger, suddenly storming out of the room and disappeared... so she weakly pushed her body off the bed and Thud!- She suddenly wobbled to the floor as her body... succumbed to the agonizing heat of the lustful curse. She whimpered in distress and tried to get up when Jae Yangcha stormed back inside the bedroom with a dark frown."Did you think I was unaware of your intention to accuse my wife for a crime she didn't commit?!-""Yangcha! I'm sorry!- ARGH-" Minhee tried to beg him when he grabbed a handful of her hair to haul her back onto the bed, but before she could finish speaking... she felt the sharpness of the solid steel plunging into her chest. STAB! The woman's eyes widened in horror as Yangcha covered her mouth with one hand, roughly shoving the kitchen knife between her ribcage."You planned on exposing my wife, didn't you..? To ruin her? You told lies to the media! And the journalists! Saying filthy things about her!- How Jang Sora... fucked her boss and then threw your fucking father's wimpy dick off the balcony?!!- You funded the media to prepare for my wife's exposure! You entered the corporation to seduce me so you could seek revenge for your father! So you drugged me, thinking I'd want to fuck your rotting ass?!!- Did you think I was clueless?- You should've left when I was being lenient with you!-" Yangcha seethed under his breath until his eyes turned pitch black. Minhee gasped in distress when he suddenly snatched the blade out of her chest and- STAB! STAB! STAB! STAB!Yangcha repeatedly lifted the knife and violently stabbed her body with the pointy tip of the blade. He was so swift with the slaughter... Minhee couldn't voice out her pain and stared up at him in absolute shock as he dug the knife inside her body- viciously tearing it out to release the gushing blood. The young lady let out an excruciating groan as she helplessly sprawled beneath him. Her warm blood... soaking his face and body with every puncture. Splat. Splat. More and more blood sprayed onto his face as he chuckled in a psychotic tone."Y-Yangcha- ARH!-" She tried to beg him when he ruthlessly slashed the blade across her throat to tear open her vocal cords, immediately silencing her voice."Do you want to know the truth that badly?!- I'll send you straight to your father! Ask him yourself!" Yangcha angrily gritted, lifting the knife to stab her body repeatedly until... Minhee... stopped resisting him. She twitched and gurgled on her thick blood with her terrified eyes wide open as she stared up at him. Petrified by his brutal act. The sharp blade... sinking endlessly... through her flesh to rip her organs and chipping her bones with its sharp edge."Y-Yangcha!?!- Baby!-" Sora gasped, suddenly grabbing Yangcha's forearm, so he snapped his head towards his wife's petrified condition after she had woken up to find her husband... stabbing the woman. The supreme alpha gripped his arm and covered her mouth in shock as she stared at the corpse on their soaked bed.Sora's POV"She drugged me! You're hurt because of her!- Let go!- Argh! Argh! Argh!" Yangcha tugged his arm from my grip, causing me to stumble back in horror as I watched him drive the soaked blade into the woman's torn flesh. Sora! The twins! I quickly spun around to grab the bundles with my blood-soaked arms and limped out of the bedroom as Yangcha hovered over the body to murder the victim."I have to leave!- Argh...?!-" I whispered shakily, but my chest was aching too much... so I quickly raced across the penthouse and entered the guest bedroom. Thud. I banged the door shut, locked the handle, and frantically turned around to search the room. Shit! Shit! Shit! I'm scared!"Sh-Shhh... D-Don't cry, okay? Eomma will- get you out of here!" I whimpered, quickly drawing the wardrobe open to place the sleeping babies between the piles of neatly folded clothes. I need to distract him. I wiped away my tears and quickly snatched my phone from the nightstand."Taehyung!- Pick up the call!" I sobbed in fear as I shakily tapped on his contact. Yet... he didn't pick up the call,... so I cried in distress while wiping the bloody screen with my blood-soaked thumbs. I can't get the twins out in this condition- Click.I froze in fear as I hugged my knees by the nightstand when I heard the door lock clicking. My body... trembled uncontrollably as I watched the dark shadow glide dangerously... beneath the gap. It's as if there was a wild animal... waiting just outside the door... to murder me with its bloody claws."Noona, open the door," Yangcha spoke up from the other side. I gripped my mouth shakily with my terrified gaze on the door gap as he rattled the door handle. The call suddenly cut off against my ear, so I lowered my dead phone in fear to stare at the black screen. I sniffled and tossed it aside- Beep. The door suddenly unlocked."Yangcha! Stop!-" I cried, leaping onto my feet- sprinting forward just as the door opened and the bloody Jaguar appeared... murderously towering over me with his blood-soaked fur. I ran right into his solid body and shoved him out of the room."I won't hurt you... but where are the twins?" He calmly asked. The warm tears spilled from my eyes as my heart... thumped in fear. Thud! Thud! Thud! My temples... pulsating intensely as I stood between him and the door."L-Listen to me! Y-Yangcha listened to me!- You have to stop! I'm sorry-""Why are you crying? I won't hurt you," He repeated, lifting his hand to caress my tears. I whimpered and gripped his thick forearm as he clutched onto the soaked blade."I will bear you our baby!- Ok- Okay?!- P-please!- I'll make it up to you! Yangcha!-" I whimpered, trying to keep him out of the room- when he suddenly shoved me aside and stormed inside the muted space with the knife. I gasped in pain while clutching onto my throbbing ribs."Where are they?!" Yangcha shrieked. I whimpered and rushed back inside the guest room to grab his sticky hand."They're innocent!- Oh!?-! Kill me! Yangcha!- I'm the person at fault- Please! If you're upset- just kill me!" I begged in tears as I shakily stood before him in tears to block him from the wardrobe. Yangcha lowered his gaze to my pitiful state as I stared at his blood-soaked face with a pale expression."You should rest... noona. You'll fall ill... if you cry too much," Yangcha whispered, gently grabbing my shoulders, causing me to stiffen at the sight of the bloody... knife near my cheek as he gently made me sit on the mattress."Yangcha! Please-" I tried to beg when he suddenly struck the side of my neck with his hand- Thump! I collapsed weakly onto the bed- just as I heard someone calling for my name. Yangcha quickly slammed the door shut before I blacked out.
Third Person POV
Jang Sora weakly collapsed onto the bed as Jae Yangcha glanced at the closed door, attentively listening to the marching footsteps. He quickly lifted Sora's body and carried her into the bathroom to settle her on the floor, stepped back into the guest room... and closed the door to keep her out of sight before bending down to pick up the blade from the floor- THUD.The door suddenly swung open.The Jaguar paused... gradually... turning to find face... The Lone Wolf... with his raging darkness.
The Jaguar knew... he had to keep the goddess by his side at all costs, so he lifted the blade to threaten the wolf, who viciously attacked him to save the bear and the puppy as they wailed for their mother.

Jae Yangcha fled the room to set the place on fire... to cover up the murder.
"Fuck!" Yangcha quickly knocked out the dead woman's teeth in a hurry and collected the dental evidence as the smoke filled the room. BANG. He heard the door opening and frantic footsteps marching out of the guest room, so the Jaguar waited until Kim Taehyung left the floor before barging out of the bedroom to race through the burning flame.He quickly dashed inside the guest bedroom and barged inside the bathroom to retrieve Sora's body with a soaked towel over her face. The Jaguar clutched tightly onto her body and raced out of the penthouse. Beep. He clicked a remote on his phone, causing the elevator door to slide open. He quickly sprang inside the metallic compartment and closed it to seal off the dense spoke. Beep. Yangcha clicked the control button again... and the elevator descended to the ground floor without stopping as the residents... frantically tried to access the lift but were denied... because the system had already been hijacked by the alpha.Yangcha sprinted into the empty lobby with his wife before everyone else- BEEP. He clicked the remote and- KABOOM. The penthouse suddenly exploded. The alpha quickly raced out of the building with the supreme alpha's unconscious body and ran to a dark alley near the building to settle her in his parked car."Fuck!" Yangcha gripped his burnt hips before limping around the vehicle to hop inside the driver's seat. Beep. He clicked the remote again until the repetitive explosion set off to the wreck of the penthouse with its deadly flames as the headlight roared to life and- ZOOM! The alpha... blasted out of the area in his car as his lover remained lifeless in her seat. He didn't stop and drove straight to Daegu with her.End of flashback._______________________
After the failure to depart from the villa.
Sora's POVI sat calmly on the bed with my arms wrapped around my knees as Yangcha sat behind me with his back pressed against the headboard. We quietly watched the rainstorm, tearing the swaying trees apart with its strong wind current as he bound his arms around my waist, gently tugging me back, so I exhaled and leaned against his bare torso with my head rested against his shoulder. Yangcha softly kissed the side of my head while holding me over the light silk in the dim room, illuminated by the dim glow from the flowing streams outside the glass enclosure."You should get some sleep," I whispered with my eyes on the soft ripples over the artificial pool streams as he interlaced our fingers over my stomach.
I tried to flee from the villa, but here I am... trapped within his embrace... again. Yangcha had been sulking for the past hours after he caught me leaving the property, so I returned and settled in bed with him. He's been holding me since. Not uttering a single word... and gently held me in his arms while inhaling my scent every now and then.
"I'm afraid you'll be gone when I wake up," He shook his head while tightening his arms around me. I blinked and tilted my head upward as he held me from behind. Yangcha lowered his bloodshot eyes to me, so I lifted my hand to hold his cheek as I tenderly kissed him. He gently rocked me over the bed as we made out inside our dark room."I'll be here at sunrise. I promise," I whispered.Yangcha sadly gazed at me before the rainstorm, so I tilted my face again to kiss his lips again until he released a deep exhale. He didn't stop me. But it is me... who can't seem to depart from him. Maybe. It's not him but me. I'm the one clutching too tightly onto him because I did not have the courage to leave him behind. Yangcha lifted his hands to hold my shoulders across my chest, gently drawing me back so I patted his forearms while staring at the rain with a heavy heart.
I did not know I was able to love someone this deeply.

Everywhere I go and whoever I meet has told me... the love I seek is a false illusion.

A dream. A fairytale.

They told me I was too much. That I was irrational... and I was demanding too much from them. So I blamed myself, assuming I was the one at fault for pressuring my lovers to love me the way I wanted.

The love I crave doesn't exist. And I am simply living a delusional life. I believed their words.

Yet. Yangcha answered my call. How? I don't know. Everything I wanted. Yangcha gave it all to me. Never has he ever complained that I was too much. He never once... told me... the love I seek is the outcome of my delusional mind. Rather. He showed me the love he had to offer. He effortlessly delivered it to me until... I was drowning in his undying affection.

It's strange. How he's the only person to fulfill my needs... and I find myself falling deeper and deeper for him until I start to worry for myself. How long will I stay in love with him? Here. In his embrace? Is it right to dismiss the world and simply love? He turned my harsh reality into a fairytale, and I don't ever want to wake from my daydream. Is it a good thing? Or is it bad? To neglect reality and live like the lovers in a magical fairytale? I don't know. But I'm getting greedy.

Despite all the sweet kisses, delicate touches, and warm embraces. Deep down... I knew... This isn't the forever... I'm fated to encounter. I'm destined to suffer from the ruthless reality, and I am simply using Yangcha as an excuse to escape from it. How long can he keep up with my delusions? I wasn't sure. But I know for sure... that I'll make the most out of our peace and love while it lasts. Because at this point in life... I know... him and I... we'll one day... clash for the last time.

And one of us... will walk away, leaving the other stranded in the sinkhole.
"Does your head ache?" I asked, carefully feeding warm Yangcha chicken porridge as he sat on the bed with his dark circles and a cool patch over his forehead. He finally fell asleep the night before after I assured him I wouldn't leave his side."Better," He sadly stared at me with a tissue stuck in his left nostril. He got a nosebleed the instant he woke up from his sleep and he was burning up."I shouldn't have made you drink," I whispered. Yangcha doesn't respond well to liquor because he gets super sick if he consumes too much alcohol. He quietly ate from the spoon, so I wiped his lips and placed the bowl away."Noona... I feel like I'm slowly dying..." He whispered, dimming his eyes on me. I examined his pale expression with a slight frown."I didn't kill you. Your heart, it's intact," I smiled. Yangcha nodded, so I pulled him into a crushing hug. I felt this heaviness looming over me... yet... I didn't know what it was.
A moment later.
I twisted before the mirror to examine the delicate silk gown on my body with a bright beam in the fluffy bunny slippers to check the perfect trims with a weak smile. Yangcha smiled as he calmly leaned against the bathroom doorway with his arms crossed over his hard pecs... head tilted against the frame to watch me try on his new gift. He smiled as he stood shirtless, quietly admiring me from the doorway."It's very light~!" I giggled, turning to stretch the loose gown with a wide smile."I made it. Of course, it'll perfectly suit you," He smiled in exhaustion."You're good at everything~ How can you tailor such a fine piece~?" I scoffed. Yangcha strolled out of the bathroom to pull a drawer open and walked toward me with a thick album."I finished decorating our wedding album," He smiled, placing it on the carpet by the foot of the bed, and sat down. I gasped, quickly walking forward to sit beside him as he opened the album to reveal our stunning photographs."You designed this too?" I smiled, looking up at him in surprise as he flipped through the carefully crafted pages of our moments together."Yeah. I thought it would be more meaningful if I designed everything myself," Yangcha shrugged. I pursed my lips and stared at him sadly before glancing at his radiant smile in the picture as I clung to his arms with a bright smile.Is this our happy life? In this world? Or is it just... another faded memory of us? My heart churned with unease as he flipped through the pages. I fondly stared at my pretty beams and the way he'd fondly stare at me in the photographs."It's unfair," I whispered. Yangcha looked up at me with a questioning look."What is?" He asked."You outshined me in everything pictured. Look at you... such... perfect smiles and bright pupils," I pointed at his handsome face. Yangcha chuckled and shook his head."I'm humbled next to you. You're the beauty. See? Glowing so brightly with your pretty smile," He shook his head. I chuckled and hugged his waist as we sat on the floor to flip through our memories.The album... wasn't just a picture of our wedding... but a compilation... of all our moments. He had printed out photographs of us. Our first selfie together when we first met. Our first amusement park date. Throughout our relationship. During my pregnancy. On our trips and personal moments. I smiled at the heartwarming memories of us as Yangcha flipped through the thick album until unconscious tears slipped from my eyes. I sniffled and quickly wiped my cheeks... so he unsurely glanced at me with a confused look as I struggled to hold back my tears."Why am I getting emotional...?" I whispered, briefly glancing at his concerned frown as he halted with the half-turned page."It's endearing, isn't it?" He asked. I nodded, repeatedly dabbing my face as my cheeks and eyes burned from the emotional stir within my aching chest.
Why is the world so unfair? I want this happiness to last forever between us. Can't I live happily ever after? Why? Why is it that I am torn between him and my children? Why can't we live together? Why is it that things have to unfold this way? Why am I forced to abandon one path to walk on the other...? Why...? How many more twists and painful turns do I have to endure to finally achieve a happy ending...?
I blinked out of my thoughts and glanced up at Yangcha as he softly brushed his pinky over mine on the carpet. He smiled, so I pursed my lips and glanced at the photograph as I pouted in one of the selfies of Yangcha sitting on the floor with a white face mask over his face. I sighed and interlaced our hands over the carpet.
Our love... I'm scared of losing it.
_________________________[Reccomended Song: The Archer - Taylor Swift]
A Future Event.
"Noona! P-Please- I'm sorry! Noona- I love you-" Yangcha screamed in distress as he sat in the puddle of cold water. I stood staring at his burning pupils with an aching heart, coldly staring at the fresh scratches on his cheekbones before glancing at his bloody lips."I- I have to do this-" I muttered as I stood over him with my fists clenched.Yangcha howled in anguish and slowly crawled forward on his aching body to hug my legs, causing my dazed head to sway from his pleading voice. I gripped my fists and glanced at another man... standing by the car as he held the umbrella over the twins... who were staring at me with their tearful eyes."You said you won't leave me! I trusted you! H-How could you be so cruel to me?!- Like this!?- You know I- I always- gave you everything you needed! Wae!?-" He screamed in distress, causing the unconscious tears to stream from my cheeks. The man sighed heavily, picked up the twins, and placed them in the back seat of the car. The thunder cracked above our heads... drumming loudly over us as the sharp pallets... struck Yangcha's pale face with its frost."You were right when you said... you couldn't trust me. You should've never trusted me," I whispered, crouching down to stare at his tear-soaked gaze. Yangcha whimpered, frantically gripping my wrists as his lips trembled helplessly."How can you betray me from the beginning?! Noona- How could you do this to me?! Was I always a tool to you and never a lover?! Argh!- You lied to me! I loved you- but you lied to me! You lied to me! You made me a fool! How could you be this cruel?!- How could you effortlessly say all those words when- it was never your intention- to love me!? Wae?! WAE?!- Why did you save me if you're going to leave like this?!" He sobbed, aggressively clutching my hands for mercy. I gripped my aching heart in distress... as I stared at his desperate whimpers."I'm sorry-""This is unfair! Was it all planned?! From the beginning!?- How could you- Ah!?-" Yangcha tried to scream but halted in shock as the hot tears rolled from his terrified bloodshot eyes. I bit my trembling lips as he stiffly glanced down at my hand... gripping tightly onto... a knife.Yangcha scoffed and gripped my hand as the blade sunk into his chest. He whimpered and lifted his tearful eyes again. A flash of heartbreaking realization swept across his face."They will kill you if I let you live. You said you'd only die at my hands, right? So I'll fulfill your wish," I whispered. Yangcha opened his trembling purple lips to speak while searching my torn expression in shock as he firmly held onto my hand with his cold fingers."N-Noona-" Yangcha opened his mouth to speak but ended up coughing out blood as I clenched my jaw with my tearful eyes on him. Yangcha pursed his lips, weakly lowering his head to sob in anguish as I held the blade to his heart... until his blood... soaked my fingers."You'll be at peace, right?" I sobbed, tearfully staring at him. Yangcha shakily lifted his beaten face upward to stare at me with his pained gaze before glancing at the headlights... around us in defeat. The men stood with their guns aimed at Yangcha. He coughed in pain and nodded while holding onto my hand."Deeper. This isn't... enough to kill me. Baby... you have to push deeper," Yangcha whispered, shakingly pulling my hand to force the blade deeper. My chest suddenly throbbed in agony. He winced and lowered his face as he made me shove the knife... deeper into his chest. A flicker of lightning suddenly tore the sky apart."I'm really sorry-" I cried, suddenly breaking down before him. Yangcha slowly sunk to the ground as he weakly knelt before me under the heavy shower. He lifted his torn gaze to me as a flood of tear streams... dripped from his eyes... only to be washed away by the cold droplets."You- should leave. I'll- I'll be- O-Okay-" Yangcha whispered, gently pushing my hand from the knife, but I gripped the handle firmly as more blood spilled from his lips. He coughed in pain until the bulging veins formed over his forehead."I'm sorry for... waking us from our fairytale," I nodded, slowly withdrawing my shaky hand from the handle... that was punctured inside his pulsing chest.Yangcha clenched his jaw and slowly sat over the damp concrete as I slowly stood up with my torn gaze before shifting my pained gaze... to Kim Seokjin as he stood beside his armed men. Kim Namjoon signaled his men, so they quickly bowed and hurried inside their cars. Hoseok lowered his head and turned around to enter his vehicle.Jungkook dimly watched us before turning to leave with Sungho. Jimin took So-young's hand, and they left together. Yoongi exhaled and strolled away with his men. Seokjin stared at me through the heavy rain as I stood over the dying alpha. He too... turned his back and left with his men. One by one... the headlights... left the wilderness until a single car remained.Kim Taehyung calmly sat in the car with the kids, who were firmly instructed not to look in our direction. I glanced back at Yangcha, who was still sitting in the cold storm... wounded and bleeding. I couldn't save him.I glanced down at the ring on my finger as he pitifully lifted his face to stare at me from below. I slipped the cold loop off my finger- Cling. The silver dropped onto the pavement... flooded with his bright red blood. Yangcha lowered his gaze to stare at the ring as I slowly retreated from him.The Jaguar sobbed in anguish while clutching his wounded chest... tearfully watching me drift further from him. I took a deep inhale to counter the wrenching pain and finally turned... away from him. I walked toward the car, pulled open and door, and slipped inside without looking back. The engine roared to life... and the vehicle slowly reversed... so I kept my eyes on the man as he sat... alone in the middle of nowhere.
Severely wounded by my betrayal.

Third Person POV
Jae Yangcha dimly watched the last car reverse backward until the wheels steered over the thick mud and disappeared before his swelling pupils. The cub... sobbed in grief and lowered his face to grip the handle... slowly... he withdrew the knife from his torn chest. The alpha winced in agony... as the blade brutally sliced open his wounded heart. Clatter. The knife dropped to the pavement as Jae Yangcha shuddered from the coldness.
Thump.
The wounded beast collapsed onto the damp floor, desperately reaching for his lover's ring on the wet ground. Sobbing... he gripped onto the cold steel and tightly clutched onto her ring. Thump. His remaining energy entirely... left his body as he rolled onto his back... listlessly staring up at the harsh downpour from the dark sky. He searched desperately for the brightest stars... but the vast opening beyond his gaze was pitch black. There was no light source in sight.He was alone in the darkness... covered in battle scars... to prove his devotion to the goddess.The beast's soul gradually faded from his body as he gazed at the gloomy cloud while suffering the most tragic betrayal.
She didn't kill him with her words.

Instead. She plunged a blade deep into his beating heart.
Jae Yangcha shivered from the cold downpour as he remained motionless on the bloody field with his pained eyes fixed on the darkness above him until his eyes slowly dropped closed.
Not a single star was in sight. Not even... warmth was available to comfort him. Just the... icy cold dampness... of the cruel showers... drowning him with sorrows of his bleeding soul.

.

.

.
The beast allowed the goddess to determine his fate.And so, she did.From the very beginning...
She had sentenced him to death.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Present
Sora's POVMy heavy eyelids gradually parted from being awakened by thunderous footsteps outside the bedroom door. Did I oversleep? I stared at the plain ceiling above my head, patiently waiting for my quiet mind to function. Where am I? I glanced at a pile of stuffed animals by my side. Right. This isn't a dream.I slowly rose from the mattress while rubbing my forehead before glancing at Taehyung's neatly made bed and shifted my eyes to the random drawings pasted to the wall with cute tapes. I stared at the colorful toys... scattered on the bedroom floor before glancing at the small desks near the doorway piled with books and school accessories. They don't go to school. Taehyung personally teaches them at home. Thud! Thud! Thud! The sound of their little stomps drummed outside the door as they zoomed back and forth with their loaded morning energy.Half of the room is littered with the twin's belongings... colorful and messy while the other half of Taehyung's side.... neatly organized and plain. I sighed while crawling off the mattress to make the bed, placed the stuffed animals against the pillows before bending down to pick up the toys, and sorted them into the crates by the wall. I folded their clothes to place them back inside the closet before strolling out of the bedroom to find... the twins crouching in front of the fridge to search for something in the lower drawer."Where's appa?" I asked as they reached for something from the freezer."Appa is at work~!" Woojin replied, standing up with a yogurt cup. Kanghoon climbed the kid's stool to grab a plastic plate from the cabinet before hopping back onto the floor."At work? You guys stay home alone?" I frowned, unsurely sitting on the couch as they walked towards me in the living room. Woojin tore open the yogurt cup with his front bunny teeth as Kanghoon placed a plastic teddy bowl on the coffee table."Neh~ Appa comes back at 3:00 PM~!" Kanghoon nodded as Woojin squeezed the flexible plastic cup until a chunk of frozen yogurt popped into the empty bowl. I frowned as Kanghoon dropped a few grapefruits onto the yogurt, added a bit of oatmeal from his palm, and pushed a plastic spoon into the yogurt."He leaves you two alone?" I repeated while frowning at the twins as they occupied themselves with the bowl and yogurt. Woojin didn't answer me and walked away to put the empty yogurt pack away. He opened the fridge again to pour the milk into a small teddy bear cup before strolling back inside the living room. Clatter. He placed the milk cup on the coffee table as Kanghoon jabbed the bowl to scramble the yogurt with the fruits."Tada~! Breakfast~!" They smiled, suddenly pushing the bowl and milk towards me. I frowned at them and glanced down at the messy bowl and the cup of milk as they keenly sat on the opposite side with bright beams."You make your own breakfast?" I asked, unsurely reaching for the bowl they made for me."Ani. Appa makes us breakfast. Pancake~! But mostly- Porridge~ with eggs!" Kanghoon shrugged."Eomma~ Don't tell appa, okay~? We don't like appa's porridge~! Soooo bland~! We make our food after appa leaves~!" Woojin cutely leaned over the coffee table to whisper behind his hand, even if it was just the three of us in the apartment. How can he leave the children alone for the entire day like this? To fend for themselves?"What about lunch?" I asked, frowning at them."Porridge~!" Kanghoon pointed at the two bowl sets on the counter. I scoffed. So Taehyung leaves the cold porridge for them and leaves? That simply? This is how they're surviving? My heart stirred restlessly."And dinner?" I asked."Porridge~!" Woojin beamed, smiling at me. I glanced down at the melted yogurt and back their innocent smile. How are they still alive with so much porridge in them?"Don't you starve?" I asked, glancing back and forth between their adorable doe eyes."Appa buys us a lot of snacks~! And he brings home food too~!" Kanghoon shrugged. I pursed my lips and ate the yogurt with a heavy heart. They've been living like this? Alone at the apartment until he returns?"Eomma~! Is it good?!" Woojin beamed as he eagerly leaned over the coffee table. I slowly chewed the cold mixture while scanning their brilliant smiles."Of course it's good~!" I chuckled, shoving a mouthful of yogurt inside my mouth. Woojin and Kanghoon suddenly shrieked and wiggled their bodies in delight as they attentively watched me ingest their bowl of handmade breakfast."Milk~! Milk~!- Appa says milk will help us grow strong~!" Kanghoon carefully lifted the milk cup toward me. I smiled and accepted his offer."Wah~! How delicious~!" I beamed. They shrieked again, funnily tilting backward over the carpet until their legs flung into the air. The twins giggled and rolled over the floor before sitting up to stare at me again. They're so adorable.
A moment later.
I quietly washed the vegetables in the sink to rinse the dirt under the flowing water as the twins played with their toys while sitting on the stools by the kitchen counter to watch me cook. They wouldn't leave me alone and insist on remaining within my view."Wah~! What is this?!" Kanghoon shrieked, curiously leaning over the counter as I placed warm Seotteok in front of them. The twins' mouths dropped open as they eagerly eyeballed the rice cake and mini sausage skewers... as if it was their first time seeing such things."It's rice cake and sausages. Try it," I encouraged.Woojin quickly grabbed the skewer and bit into the savory snack without hesitating as Kanghoon licked the glazed paste. I nervously waited for their reaction as they chewed with an intense frown while tasting the strange flavor with their wild tongues. Whip! The twins snapped their heads and gawked at each other, suddenly freezing over the stool. Their eyes... bulging open as they clutched the skewers between their tiny fingers."WOOOOAH~! Eomma! Jjang!!!" They screeched, wildly turning to give me a thumbs up, causing my heart to stir with a warm sensation upon their favorable reaction. They hungrily crunched onto the snack until the greasy paste coated their lips and cheeks with the sticky sauce.

"Eat slowly~!" I chuckled, pouring them a cup of fresh orange juice. Woojin and Kanghoon suddenly shivered in their seats as they struggled to digest the tasty flavor on their taste buds. Aigo~ Their tongues must be numbed from the bland porridge they had over the past years~!"WOOOOOW~!" Kanghoon gasped after he sipped the refreshing juice and jerked his head from side to side in delight before munching the sausage again."Nom! Nom! Nom!" They cutely ate with their mouths open. I shook my head with a weak smile and turned to wash the ingredients again as they chattered cutely behind my back. I don't want to leave ever again. This is too heartbreaking."Eomma! Appa likes your boobies~!" Woojin suddenly spoke up. I frowned and turned to stare at his bunny smile as he happily chewed the seotteok on the side of his chubby cheeks. The child licked his lips and sipped the orange juice again."What do you mean?" I frowned."He eats boobies everyday~!" Kanghoon shrieked. What? Taehyung? Eating boobies???"You mean he has a girlfriend-""Boobies~! Appa loves to eat eomma's boobies~!" The twins sang as they cluelessly munched their food, causing my face to flush bright red at their statements. What did he do for the kids to say such inappropriate things?! I scoffed and turned to peel the onion in the sink with a slight grimace. Men will be men!
Fast Forward
"Appa~!" The twins shrieked as soon as the door opened. Taehyung stepped inside the apartment to greet the eager boys in his fitted work attire as they happily hugged his legs. They were sitting on the stools a moment ago but immediately raced to the door just before 3:00 PM to wait for their father's return. And I've been making side dishes in the kitchen, so I've only had lunch with them and have been busy since."Aigo~!" Taehyung ruffled their bowl-cut heads. They gripped their father's trousers to welcome him with their eager faces tilted upward as the man slipped off his shoes. The alpha bent down to sweep the twins in his strong arms and strolled through the corridor as they clung to his neck with cheerful smiles.It's strange. How are the twins so calm and composed like this? I can't imagine their tiny souls... left all alone at the apartment, patiently waiting for their father to walk through the door like little puppies. The man suddenly halted once he noticed me in the kitchen with an apron over my gown. I unsurely marinated the radish in the bowl with the chili powder. Taehyung examined the disorganized space with a startled look.

"Where did you get the ingredients?" Taehyung frowned at me. The twins kissed his cheeks and glanced at me with their bright smiles as he firmly carried them on either side of his hips."I ordered the fresh ingredients online using your card on their device," I shrugged. Taehyung glanced at the pile of fresh food on the kitchen stove and walked away to place the twins on the couch, so I glanced at the clock. 3:00 PM. He leaves work early every day? His usual work hour ends at 6:00 PM and sometimes... midnight on his busy days.
A moment later.
"Woah~! Woah~!" The twins gasped while leaning over the coffee table as I placed the meals on the table. They studied each dish with their mouth ajar... until their slimy drool dripped from their hungry lips as they knelt in their matching pajamas.The young boys quickly wiped their salivating lips and looked up at me in admiration. I smiled and sat between them as Taehyung strolled out of the bedroom to sit across from me in the living room. The cartoon on the television... running in the background as we prepared for dinner."Why did you have to cook so much? They won't be able to finish it," Taehyung grimaced at us from across the coffee table. I turned to place the spoons for the twins on either side of me as they grinned at the food in excitement."Why wouldn't they finish it? They've been eating since they woke up," I muttered as Taehyung jabbed the rice in his bowl."They don't eat that much food at night-""That's because you keep feeding them porridge!" I snapped at Taehyung... just as he lifted the spoon to his mouth. The alpha paused and glanced at the kids, hungrily digging out a spoonful of the food to fill their bowl, and chewed loudly with a satisfied smile. Nom! Nom! Nom! They funnily gasped with every delicious bite and shoved more food into their inflated mouths while wiggling in delight to express their obvious contentment.

"Plain porridge is the safest option! Do you want me to poison them with my terrible cooking skills?!" Taehyung fired back. The twins suddenly stopped eating and glanced at us as I glared at Taehyung, who widened his irritated glare at me."Appa~! Eomma said this is your favorite~ Taehyungie~ loves Ja- Jap- Japchae~! Eomma said so~!" Woojin pushed a small bowl of japchae towards Taehyung, who glanced down at the glass noodle and backed up at me with a startled look. I cleared my throat in embarrassment as the child cluelessly repeated my words and glanced down at my bowl to eat from my bowl. Taehyung cleared his throat and ate the noodles."Dip it in the sauce," I smiled at the kids. They nodded and dipped the chicken as I instructed... Their inflated cheeks are cutely stuffed... with food. How adorable.Taehyung didn't talk and quietly ate his japchae as I dabbed the twin's lips to wipe the glossy grease with the tissues. I shouldn't be upset with Taehyung for making porridge for the twins when I was absent the entire time. He's trying his best to raise them. I should be grateful.

The twins kept wiggling their heads and bodies with every bite and drummed the spoon over the table in joy as they chewed and slurped the soup. Kanghoon lifted his rice bowl, poked out his tongue, and licked the rice clean as Woojin pushed the spoon inside his mouth to suck off the tasty sauce. I patted their back until they burped and finally slumped back against the couch with their plump bellies... poking out from beneath their shirts."Eomma jjang~!" They cutely lifted their small thumbs to approve of my cooking skills. I smiled and kissed their cheeks until they giggled and hugged me on my sides.Taehyung quietly watched our interaction from across the table. And somehow... The alpha cleared all the leftover dishes on the table. He's hungry. Not a single... rice grain was left. Taehyung awkwardly placed his chopsticks down. He glanced at the empty plates and bowls in embarrassment while licking his lips, so I smiled and patted the twins as they watched the television while clinging to my body.I spent time with the kids in the living room while Taehyung did the dishes in the kitchen. The twins brought me all of their toys so I could sit and play with them. I chuckled and tickled them until they screeched and rolled over the carpet with flushed cheeks. They insisted on putting stickers on my face... so I let them. The twins funnily giggled as I opened my eyes to grin at them with a face plastered with cute stickers.The young children eventually burned out of energy after an exhausting day of trying to impress me... so I carried them to bed and settled their unconscious bodies on the mattress. Woojin turned to hug his stuffed puppy as Kanghoon hugged the teddy against his chest. I exhaled deeply and pulled the blanket over their bodies to keep them warm until Taehyung strolled inside the bathroom."There's a spare toothbrush," He muttered, handing me a new pack he drew from the drawers. I nodded, quietly brushing my teeth beside him as he washed his hands over the sink before splashing the cool water at his face to rub his mouth clean."You should be cautious around them," I muttered, lowering my face to spit out the paste and rinse my mouth."What are you talking about?" Taehyung asked, frowning at me through the mirror while dabbing his soaked chin with a towel."Why would you bring a woman home when you share the same room with them? Reserve a hotel room," I frowned at the man. Taehyung paused to stare at me with a questioning look."What?- What woman???" He blinked cluelessly. I glared at him and closed the bathroom door to keep our voice out of the dark bedroom."They know you're doing inappropriate things in the bedroom with your lover!" I snapped while glaring at him. Is he out of his mind?! Why would you bring a woman home when the twins sleep in the same room?!"What lover?-""They keep saying you like boobies! And that you eat them all the time! Are you crazy?! They might be clueless now! But it doesn't mean you can sleep with another woman like this! Kids- They watch and they learn quickly!!!" I snapped at him in frustration. Taehyung paused to search my burning face with a questioning frown as he lowered the face towel from his chin. He didn't react and stared at me with a dumbfounded look."Let me guess. They claim... I enjoy eating eomma's boobies... right?" Taehyung asked, turning to toss the towel into the basket before placing his hand on his hips. He took a step forward, so I quickly backed away until my back collided with the door."You should be careful with your words and actions-""So they told you I like to eat your boobies?" Taehyung nodded smugly. I frowned at his mocking smile, unsurely opening my mouth to speak, but paused when he shook his head in disbelief.The crazy man suddenly lowered his face to fume over mine as I nervously searched his cocky gaze with an uncomfortable feeling. The man gradually glanced down at my cleavage while biting on his lower lips before shifting his tempted gaze back to my flushed face. Whip! I quickly clutched my neckline to cover my breasts."What's so funny!?- I know you're a man with needs, so-""Ah~ Those rascals~! They're the perverts~! But I'm the one getting humiliated like this~! Ah~! They sure take after their father-" Taehyung shook his head, suddenly swinging the door open, and strolled out of the bathroom. I stumbled to the side with my eyes wide open... confused by his unexpected withdrawal. I wildly spun around to glare at him."Hey! I'm not done talking-" I snapped as Taehyung chuckled and walked toward his bed.The alpha dismissively slipped under his blanket and turned to sleep... facing away from the twin's bed. I glared at his head in annoyance as I stepped out of the bathroom to crawl between the twins. He's so annoying! I huffed and pulled the blanket up to my chest before turning to kiss the twin's foreheads and finally closed my eyes with my eyebrows furrowed.
The next morning.
I eventually woke up from my fulfilling night's sleep but didn't stir and quietly took my time to collect my sluggish mind until I felt a soft stir on my sides, so I glanced down to find both the twins hugging me on their sides with their pretty doe eyes locked on my face.They grinned at my acknowledgment and giggled as they clutched my chest tightly, so I ruffled their hair and pushed my body upward to sit against the bedhead. They wake up early. Taehyung was still sleeping on the bed with his arms above his head. It's his day off."Eomma~ Are you awake~?" Kanghoon giggled, curiously smiling at me with his head rested on my lap."I am. Did you have a good sleep~?" I smiled, gently grazing their soft cheeks. The twins nodded. They rolled over the bed to hug my waist while clutching their stuffed animals against their chests."Boobies..." Woojin whispered, suddenly reaching upward to grope my boobs over the silk, making me freeze in place. The child smiled widely as he squeezed my breast with his palm... curiously tilting his head to the side."Eomma's boobies~!" Kanghoon giggled... reaching upward to squeeze my breast as well. Oh? What's with their behavior....? I softly chuckled as the duo sat up on the mattress and gently kneaded my breasts with their palms like tiny kittens to feel the bouncy textures. This is ticklish!"Oh~! Why are you touching eomma like this...?" I chuckled. The twins grinned and leaned forward to kiss my cleavage."Eomma's boobies are pretty~!" They giggled and squeezed my boobs again, making me smile at their perverted acts. Did they learn this from Taehyung? Ah~! That stupid man! How can he touch a woman in front of the children like this!?"You shouldn't touch another woman's breast," I whispered as they sat on either side of my body to play with my breasts."Boobies~ Yummy~! Eomma's boobies! The best~!" Woojin giggled while pecking my boobs over the silk. I sadly frowned while running my fingers through their soft hair strands."We like your boobies~ pretty~ and delicious~!" Kanghoon smiled. They are still attached to my breasts because I've been breastfeeding them. I sighed and kissed their cheeks while holding their tiny bodies."Am I the pervert... or are they the perverts now?" Taehyung grunted. I turned to the side to find him lying on his side with his sleepy eyes on me and the twins. I glanced down at the children as they curiously fondled my breasts."They talk to you about my breasts?" I asked. Taehyung chuckled and pressed his puffy face against the pillow. The man grew hushed so I assumed he had fallen asleep again... until Taehyung grumbled and lifted his face upward to squint at me from his bed"They're shameless," Taehyung finally replied, pushing his body off the bed. He brushed back his wild hair, got up from the mattress to extend his arms, and yawned loudly."Boobies~ Boobies~!" The twins giggled, finally releasing me, and crawled off the bed to scurry inside the bathroom. I sighed and got up to make the bed."You should've scolded them," I muttered as Taehyung checked his phone."They're referring to steamed buns," Taehyung replied. I frowned."Steamed buns?" I asked."It reminds them of your breasts... they keep calling it your boobs," Taehyung shrugged.I smiled and glanced inside the bathroom to find the twins... standing on the baby stool to brush their teeth before the mirror. The twins must've been... very curious and confused about my absence. The last thing they remember is my breasts because... they were too young. I sighed and glanced at Taehyung... who was dimly staring at me with his hands on his hips.
Fast Forward
Kim Taehyung happily whistled as he strolled inside the apartment with a gift bag and slipped off his shoes. The twins... were watching the cartoon on the screen while eating sweet rice cakes. He glanced at the empty kitchen to find... a few plates of meals on the counter and glanced back at the children."I got you guys steamed buns," Taehyung called, placing the package on the table."Eomma's boobies!" They shrieked, turning around to grab the package as Taehyung tossed the gift bag on the couch."Sora?" Taehyung called, but she did not reply to his call."Eomma isn't home," Woojin munched the steam bun with his eyes glued on the television screen."Wae?" Taehyung froze."She said... she has work and will be back in a few days~!" Kanghoon nodded as he picked out the warm bun from the paper bag. Kim Taehyung suddenly froze in place and glanced at the gift bag with a bewildered look."She left?!- When did she leave?!" Taehyung asked, shaken by her unexpected departure."A moment ago. Eomma said you're home... so she left-" Woojin replied but was cut short when Taehyung suddenly spun on his heels and bolted out of the apartment with a terrified face. BANG. The children flinched, quickly glancing at the closed door with the bun pressed against their lips. Their father had left to chase their departing mother. They shrugged and glanced back at the cartoon on the screen... clueless of the situation... because their mother had assured them of her return.MeanwhileKim Taehyung hurriedly raced out of the elevator to enter the lobby and turned in every direction to search for the supreme alpha, but she was gone. He scoffed and dashed onto the street, racing down the left side with a slight frown to search for her presence... but no matter... how hard he searched... she had once again... disappeared.
Without a goodbye.

A moment later.
Kim Taehyung blinked out of his deep thoughts and lifted his dim gaze to the twins as they cluelessly ate their mother's last meal on the table. The kids cheerfully chattered and laughed with their stuffed cheeks before lowering their stained faces to devour the delicious food again. Taehyung gulped the hot lump in his throat and glanced down at his bowl of rice with a hollow feeling. He didn't touch his food and got up from the carpet to place the leftovers in the fridge.The alpha abruptly paused once he noticed the side dish containers, stacked neatly in the fridge, clearly labeled with her familiar handwriting. Taehyung glanced at the fresh juice jars on the side of the fridge before eyeing the fresh ingredients with a heavy heart. The alpha sighed, closed the door, and finally put the children to bed.Kim Taehyung eventually woke up in the middle of the night with an uncomfortable stir in his guts, crawled off his bed, and walked into the bathroom. He pulled down his boxer and sat down on the toilet bowl to take a dump with his head lowered and hands pressed against his face as he thought about his former lover."How foolish..." Taehyung muttered. The alpha sniffled and pinched his nose bridge as he sat on the toilet bowl. He thought she returned to stay... but she had left him with the children again. The alpha... is dead worried about her... because he knew... she's walking right back into the Jaguar's cave... and he's afraid... that she won't make it out again."Appa~" A soft whisper suddenly spoke up... out of nowhere."Kamjagiya!" Taehyung flinched in a panic when he lifted his head to find the twins... crouching before the toilet at his feet... with their innocent pupils on the alpha... who had to unconsciously clench his butthole out of fright- sending the lump of poop back inside his anal tunnels."Haha~ Are you pooping~?" Kanghoon giggled, sleepily staring at their father as he sat beside Woojin in their night pajamas."Do you want to pee?" Taehyung muttered while rubbing his chest to calm his beating heart. The twins shook their heads."We can't sleep," Woojin replied. Taehyung fondly stared at their sparkly doe eyes until the twins released a heavy exhale and sat directly on the bathroom floor with their legs crossed to watch their father take a dump."Do you feel sick? Indigestion?" Taehyung asked worriedly. They sadly stared at their hands and shook their bowl-cut heads."We miss eomma," Kanghoon muttered without looking up. Taehyung frowned as he stared at their fluffy black hair with a heavy feeling."Eomma will be back," Taehyung assured."We know," Woojin nodded. Taehyung pressed his palm against his nose while eyeing their sulky expression."You miss her boobies, don't you?" Taehyung asked."Yes~ Boobies... and Eomma. Both~!" The twins nodded. Taehyung smiled and ruffled their hair."Go back to bed... doesn't the poop stink?" Taehyung encouraged them."It smells bad, but we wanna stay with appa~" Kanghoon shrugged, innocently looking up at their father. Taehyung dimmed his eyes, finally washed his butt, and got up to rinse his hands before carrying the children back to bed."Sleep with appa then," Taehyung muttered, tossing them onto the bed.The twins shrieked in excitement, quickly crawled off the bed to snatch their stuffed toys from their bed, and climbed back onto the mattress as Taehyung settled on his back. They hugged Taehyung's chest on each side and snuggled their face against his neck, so the man deeply exhaled and patted their backs as they lifted their tiny legs to hook them over his torso._________________________
Sora's POV
"Thank you for the ride~!" I smiled at the truck driver after he dropped me off at an intersection."Aigo~! Have a safe trip home!" He smiled, waving at me as I thanked him through the truck's window. I bowed and nodded at him as he drove forward.I took the train back to Daegu but didn't have enough money to hail a taxi... so I hitched a ride to the area around the supermarket where Yangcha used to take me. I nervously turned to stare at the street as a few people walked back and forth and glanced at the dark sky. Should I call him? It's getting late.I nervously walked up to the phone booth and entered the digits to dial Yangcha. I gripped my shirt nervously as I waited for him to pick up the call... but he never answered. My heart sank, so I slowly placed the phone back and turned to leave the street. He's upset. Maybe I shouldn't have run away like this?Sighing in defeat... I glanced back and forth to scan the busy streets as the cars and locals commuted through the busy neighborhood. Should I stay at my apartment? But that's another hour's walk from this area. I sorely glanced at the bustling sidewalk before turning to walk down the road with my hands in my pockets. I should find my way back to the villa. I'm sure I can remember the track. If I can run from him without a notice... I should also return and apologize.My steady footsteps gradually ceased until I stopped dead on the pavement once I looked up to find a familiar person... stepping out of a mart's door with a bag. He turned in my direction, abruptly halting in place when his dark gaze landed on my unexpected presence. I didn't dare breathe as Yangcha stood by the mart, so I glanced at his dark eyebags and back up at his cold expression. A hot lump burned in my throat as he stared at me without reacting.

"H-Hey-" I tried to speak when he suddenly walked forward, roughly bumping into my shoulder, and stormed off. I blinked, wildly turning to frown at him. Did he just-?!-"Yangcha!" I called, turning to sprint after him, but he didn't stop and crossed the street without looking back."Oh! Be careful, eonni~!" A young woman gasped, yanking my arm back when the lights abruptly turned red. Zoom! The cars suddenly rolled past me as I stumbled backward... so I pursed my lips and glanced at Yangcha anxiously, who was already on the other side of the street. I cursed and raced over the parallel sidewalk to chase him, but he turned and walked off into a different street until I lost him."Fuck!" I cursed, weakly crouching down to catch my breath. Is he seriously going to leave me here!?- Whatever! Why should I chase him?! I scoffed at his attitude, angrily storming toward the busy street in irritation and aimlessly wandered all over the area... until I ended up sitting inside a food tent.I drunkenly stared at the shot glass in tears as the loud chatter and laughter filled the packed tents... yet I couldn't feel anything but the bugging emotions... churning relentlessly in my chest. My heart... it's so heavy. I sighed deeply to ease the swelling discomfort... and lifted the glass to chug from it with a slight grimace before lowering my cup to the table again... until the burning sensation expanded... all over my chest. I poured myself another shot.
I'll just drink to drown my misery! Why should I care?! I came back to him- yet he's still not satisfied?!- Did he think I'd abandon my children- just to be with him!?!- If he truly loved me- Then he wouldn't ask me to choose between him and the twins! Why can't we coexist together?!
I scoffed and shoved the food inside my mouth in annoyance. Stupid man! Stupid husband! They only love you when you're young and healthy! Forever?! A forever doesn't exist anymore the instant they start to grow tired of you! I chewed the cold meals until a teardrop dripped from my eyes... but I refused to cry and swallowed the chunk of chewy meat to fill up the hollow void in my chest. I drank... and ate... until I could no longer stuff my stomach.
And yet... my chest remained painfully empty.

A moment later.
I drunkenly stumbled over the sidewalk with a dazed mind after I paid for my food and strolled over the bustling streets as young people strode back and forth, entering different alleys to enter the shady nightclubs that suited their preference. I glanced at the sketchy karaoke rooms and at the alluring motel signs with a heavy heart.Should I stay at a motel tonight? I reached inside my pocket to search for spare cash, but my pockets were empty. Ah~ That's right. I'm fucking unemployed! Empty heart! Empty mind! Empty pocket! Everything is empty~! The streets were crowded with intoxicated men and women as they packed the area to seek temporary entertainment. All my life! I've been crying! Sulking! Hurting! And beating myself over men! It's pathetic how I let them toy me like a puppet!
My first love cheated on me! My boyfriends are all problematic! And even my husband is giving me a headache!- What are these jerks made of?!- Why can't god craft hopeless romantic men and flood them with actual working brains and faithful hearts?! Wae?- Why do they have to be so complicated!!! Argh! I'm frustrated!!! Aren't humans created to love each other?! So why are couples killing each other with poison instead of loving each other!?!?!?
"Hey there, pretty face~!" A man catcalled me. Halt. I looked up to find a short and skinny man approaching me with a cigarette between his lips. Ah. See? When I whine about men... they send me more dicks to stress over. Fucking hell!!! My life is a fucking joke!"Not interested," I muttered, pushing him aside, causing his friends to laugh at him."Come on~! Where are you going~? I'll pay for your drink~!" He chuckled suddenly tugging my shoulder."I said I'm not interested!" I snapped in annoyance."We'll have fun together! Let's have a drink~!" He chuckled, effortlessly grabbing my hand and dragged me with him. I whined and stumbled after the man as he towed me into a narrow alley."Let- Let go~!" I shook my dizzy head... but my mind... wouldn't stop swaying with the alcoholic influence... until I could barely focus my gaze on the dim surroundings."Have you tried the red room before? It's popular these days!" His guy friend laughed as they walked ahead of us.The man placed his arm around my shoulder... and dragged me through an alley where men and women in shabby clothes eyed me weirdly as they stood before the suspicious red entrances. I grunted and tried to shove the man's arm off my shoulder, but he tightly clutched onto me and drew me with him. He smells like cheap cigars!"I'm leaving!" I snapped, shoving him aside, and tried to dash away, but he yanked my hair, causing me to gasp in shock. I stumbled backward, wildly turning around to glare at his ugly face.
Men in this society are just disgustingly filthy!

Where are all the lover boys with flowers and gifts? The guys that hold the door open for you! The man that carries an umbrella over your head when it's raining! The ones that appear at your doorstep just so he could see your face! The ones that are delighted to hold your hands without the intention to shove their hard dicks inside you!

Chivary is fucking dead in this century! All they have is the audacity to invade my body as if I'm an object to abuse!
"Stop being stubborn, you pretty bitch!" He gritted, tugging me with him."I will fucking kill you!" I screeched, angrily throwing a wild punch, sending the man tumbling into a metallic door. BANG!He grunted in shock and snapped his head to glare at me. This is why women are so aggressive these days! Because of filthy men like them! How can we expose our vulnerable side and safely remain in your feminine energy when they're all jackasses with the intention to fuck me for pleasure?!"Should we just fuck her here?" His friend dawdled, causing the others to snigger at me. I gripped my fists and glared at them as the man cracked his neck from side to side and slowly walked up to me with an ill-intended grin. We're in an empty alley, and I have no idea where I'm at! The man sneered as he took a step closer... ready to attack me- but abruptly halted without an apparent reason. I uneasily stiffened in alarm as the noticeable dread flashed over his ugly face... making me frown at him."O-Oh! Let's grab a drink! Let's go, hyung!" His friend suddenly stuttered, grabbing each other, and raced off in the opposite direction. The man gulped at me... unexpectedly... backing away- Oh?- He sprinted off after his friends... leaving me alone under the flickering red motel sign. I blinked in confusion after they fled before I could attack. The fuck...?"Assholes..." I grunted, quickly spinning around to flee the alley- Thump! I walked right into a solid body."Oh!" I gasped, stumbling to the side as the man firmly grabbed my forearm to stabilize me."Don't touch me!" I snapped, roughly shoving him away- but halted in horror when I found... Jae Yangcha... looming dangerously over me with his pitch-black pupils. The intimidating... red glow of the sign above his head... casting a dark shadow over his grim scowl. I remained cemented in place with the inability to budge or breathe for a terrific moment. Well. It's easy to resist men... unless you're standing before the asshole you're in love with. Suddenly... you can't seem to speak or defy him anymore. Fuck."Get out of my way," I mumbled, trying to walk past him, but the alpha stepped to the side, firmly blocking my path without uttering a word. Halt. I frowned and glared at him in annoyance. What's with him...? Yangcha suddenly grabbed my wrist and pulled me with him."Stop!- No!-" I screamed, yanking back with all my might. Yangcha seethed and roughly towed me forward again, but I resisted his force and thrashed within his strong grip to make him release me until he huffed in frustration."Do you wish to be raped by the fuckers?!!-" Yangcha angrily snapped his baring fangs at my face. I flinched at his aggressive tone and froze in fear as he furiously fumed over me... under the dim red lights. My chest... suddenly throbbed in pain upon his explosive reaction to my resistance."Why do you care?!- Didn't you walk off earlier?- Go on! Leave! I'm not stopping you!- If your heart is made of steel- It shouldn't bother you if your freaking wife is in danger on the night street! It doesn't matter, right?!! GO! LEAVE!" I screamed at his face. Yangcha scoffed in disbelief."Are you seriously going to guilt-trip me when it was you who ran off!?" Yangcha snapped. I yanked my hand out of his tight grip, furiously glaring at him until tears filled my eyes."I told you I'll return! Did you expect me to abandon my children as if they didn't exist?-" I cried, angrily stomping my feet in frustration with my fists clenched. Yangcha glowered at my attitude with an uptight frown before spinning around to rub his face in frustration."TWO WEEKS!- NOTHING? YOU DID NOT CONTACT ME FOR TWO WEEKS!-""YOU WOULD'VE COME RUNNING TO ME AND PUT THE TWINS AT RISK!" I screamed, shoving him backward. Yangcha clenched his jaw at my harshness and angrily turned to kick the trash can- sending it crashing to the side. CRASH. I winced in fright as the garbage spilled messily over the marrow path."YOU BETRAYED ME!-""I TOLD YOU! I TOLD YOU I'D RETURN- BUT YOU'LL NEVER LISTEN TO ME!- FINE!- IF YOU'RE UPSET OVER MY DECISION TO VISIT MY CHILDREN- THEN HOLD ONTO YOUR GRUDGE! I'M TIRED OF CRADLING YOU LIKE A CHILD! I'M FUCKING TIRED! IF YOU CAN'T FORGIVE ME FOR RAISING ANOTHER MAN'S CHILD- THEN KILL ME THIS INSTANT! KILL ME! WHY ARE YOU KEEPING ME ALIVE TO FRUSTRATE YOUR HEART LIKE THIS?!-" I screamed at his stupid face as the gliding tears dripped from my chin. The Jaguar clenched his jaw at my outburst."IF YOU LOVE THEM SO MUCH THEN WHY DID YOU RETURN TO ME-""ARH!- AH! WHATEVER!- FINE!- I'LL LEAVE! IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE ME ANYMORE! I'LL LEAVE ALRIGHT! THERE'S NO POINT IN APOLOGIZING! AFTER ALL- YOU NEVER FUCKING TRUSTED ME! I'LL LEAVE! SO DON'T CHASE ME!- GO! GO!- WALK IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION LIKE YOU DID AND STOP LURKING IN THE SHADOWS IF YOU CAN'T STAND ME! I'LL FUCKING DISAPPEAR!-" I shrieked, angrily shoving him aside- sending Yangcha staggering into the trashcan and stomped towards the main street with my boiling nerves. Snatch! The alpha roughly yanked me right back by my upper arm."Did you think you could return and leave as you wish-""DON'T TOUCH ME! I DON'T WANT TO BE TOUCH BY YOU ANYMORE!-""WHY ARE YOU SCREAMING AT ME WHEN YOU'RE THE PROBLEM-""I'M THE PROBLEM!?- YOU INJECTED DRUGS INTO MY SYSTEM! AND I'M THE PROBLEM?!!- HAH! VERY FUNNY YANGCHA! VERY FUNNY! I TRUSTED YOU- BUT YOU PLACED A COLLAR AROUND MY LIMBS AND DARED TO CALL IT AN ACT OF LOVE! YOUR DEVOTION!? BULLSHIT!!!" I shrieked at the top of my lungs until angry tears trickled from my burning eyeballs."You were with another man! How do you expect me to raise them?!" Yangcha snapped at me with his flaring nostrils, causing my rotting chest to ache terribly with the guilt of bearing another man's children. I suddenly grew hushed as I quietly glared at his... resentful glower. Right. I'm the one at fault."Give me cash," I whispered, placing out my hand."What?" Yangcha blinked, frowning at me in confusion."Give me cash! I'm taking the bus back to the city!" I snapped, stepping forward to slip my hand inside his sweatpants pocket. Yangcha scoffed and shoved my hand away, but I whimpered and forcefully snatched the bank notes from his pocket."Noona! Are you out of your mind?!- Noona!" Yangcha tried to hold me back, but I hastily slapped his hands away and seized the change from him... until a few coins clattered onto the damp ground. Yangcha stared at my hasty behavior with a dumbfounded look... as I shamelessly robbed his money."Don't follow me!" I sneered at his shaken expression, angrily spinning around to storm over the alley with the crumpled cash I seized from him. I'm done! I can't do this anymore! I only returned because I wanted to speak with him, but being the childish prick he is- he'd never accept my request to reconcile and would force me to abandon my children again!- I gasped when I felt his strong arms encircling my body from behind."I'm sorry! Noona! I'm sorry-" Yangcha whimpered, suddenly pulling me back. I screamed and tried to turn around, but he only tightened his grip and clutched me tightly against his trembling chest."What are you doing?!!- Didn't you tell me to leave?!!- Argh!- Let! Me! Go!" I thrashed over the dirty path and twisted my shoulders in extreme anger as he clung to me like a leech."D-Don't leave me! Please- I'm sorry! I'm sorry!- Baby! I'm sorry! Please- Noona! I'm so sorry!" Yangcha whimpered, lowering his face to cry against my shoulder. My chest violently wrenched in extreme pain at desperate his pleas... causing my body to instantly... yield to his broken voice... and I suddenly couldn't resist him anymore. I aggressively sobbed and glanced up at the glowing motel's light above my head with trembling lips as I remained trapped in his strong arms."I hate you! I hate you for doing this to me! You claim to love me- but you aren't willing to love my children too!?- Why is their existence a crime?!- You knew- I was never aware of their identity either because I thought they were ours! But you- you're so fucking heartless! You force me to choose between them and you! Knowing I can't let go of either of you! You're a fucking asshole! So let go of me!- If I'm a traitor! Then I'll fucking betray you and leave!" I screamed, angrily fighting to break from his clutch, but Yangcha stubbornly shook his head and firmly secured his arms around me. Ah~! I want to die! I sniffled and lowered my head helplessly to release the burning tears from my eyes as my husband begged me to stay by his side in the dim alley."I won't let you leave- No-" He choked, shakily digging his face against my shoulder.I whimpered in distress as we stood in the empty alley. My heart is breaking into pieces! It feels like I'm going to lose my sanity because of him! Yangcha refused to release me no matter how desperately I fought to flee from him and held me firmly in his possessive grip. I stopped thrashing and stood against his quivering chest... weeping helplessly... until I felt like fainting from the overwhelming emotional torture I was experiencing.
A moment later.
I listlessly stood in the dim alley with my back pressed against the moldy wall.. too exhausted to move or even speak as my mind spun dizzily from the alcohol influence. Yangcha... was crouching at my feet with his head rested against my thighs. I glanced down at the visible scar on his head with a downcast gaze as he quietly sniffled beneath me. He wouldn't let me leave... and we've been stuck in the same alley for the past hour. A few couples passed by and glanced at us weirdly as he crouched before me to recollect himself.

The alpha finally took a deep inhale... and slowly stood up to tower over me again. I blinked out of my numbed thoughts and stared up at Yangcha's bloodshot eyes as he quietly searched my face for a hint of sympathy... but I glared right back at his puffy eyes without blinking. Did he expect me to fold for him just because... he's ugly crying like this?Yangcha pursed his trembling lips, gently taking my hand in his, and leaned forward to kiss me, but I turned my face away to avoid his lips. He sniffled at my rejection and raised his hands to hold my hips, gently pulling me into his embrace. Still, I didn't respond to him as he tightly hugged me with his runny nose pressed against the crook of my neck. Yangcha softly rubbed my back to soothe my flaming heart as I stood stiffly under the glowing red lights with a poker face.
I won't submit to him! I'm done! I swear I'm done!
"Come home with me. Please," Yangcha whispered. I blinked at the glowering red lights with a heavy heart as he clutched onto me, quietly begging me to listen to his desperate pleas. I didn't respond and stubbornly leaned against the wall until he broke down against me again.
I won't move! I won't let him weaken me! I'll stand here until morning if I have to!

A moment later.

Strut... Strut... Strut...
I deeply exhaled, listlessly walking over the broken branches in the dark woods while stepping on the crusty leaves beneath my shoes as Yangcha held onto my hand, carefully leading me through the confusing paths. I didn't speak and let him guide me.Yeah... Yeah. I did say I won't follow him. Why are my legs moving...? I don't know. Yangcha gloomily glanced to the side to stare at me, but I kept my eyes on my muddy sneakers without speaking as we stepped over the small stream. I exhaled again as he pulled me through a wall of tall grass until we stepped out into the opening.Before us... stood the hidden villa. I paused to stare at the tall black door. Yangcha tightened his grip around my fingers and tugged me forward, so I followed and entered the villa with him as I clung to his hand. My mind strictly instructed me to resist his pleas... but my stupid heart... can't seem to beat right without him. I might suffer a stroke from the dilemma, so I'll get some rest first- Hey! It's not an excuse! I won't fold for him again!
Sora, you're a fucking dumbass.
Yangcha released my hand after he closed the door, so I exhaled and strolled through the dark corridor without waiting for him... until I entered the disorganized living room... littered with snack bags and empty ramen cups. I paused to stare at the liquor bottles as Yangcha slowly walked up to me with a gloomy expression. I glanced at his pouty lips as he clutched the plastic bag with his head lowered like a guilt-ridden child. Sighing, I crouched down to pick up the empty chips package and grabbed a beer can- when Yangcha suddenly grabbed my hand."I'll clean up the mess-" Yangcha tried to stop me, but I yanked my wrist out of his grip and picked up another package. I don't want to speak with him. He exhaled in defeat and turned to leave the living room.We didn't exchange conversations for the next hours as I placed the dirty ramen cups in the bags before strolling away to dispose of them. Yangcha eventually returned to the living room in his causal clothes as I vacuumed and mopped the floor until the space was squeaky clean again. I'm afraid I'll chase him with the mop if I spoke to him... so I'll unleash my stress on the mess he made. He followed me to the storage room... to the kitchen... and then to the bedroom without uttering a word. Pause. I halted again at the messy bed and clothes... scattered all over the floor.I released a disappointed exhale and cleaned up the bedroom without uttering a complaint. I can't sleep when the place is disorganized. I folded the clothes and placed them back into the wardrobe before putting his dirty clothes into the washing machine. I finally entered the bathroom to shower and walked out to pull on the first silk gown I saw... and after what felt like a lifetime of intensive labor work... I exited the closet room to find the guilt-ridden man... perching anxiously on the edge of the bed. The alpha lowered his downcast gaze to his hands as I strode up to him, abruptly stopping just before the bed.Yangcha looked up at me uneasily after I stood over him for a minute without speaking. I dimly stared at the bruises on his knuckles. What did he do while I was away? I glanced at his burning red eyes and sighed heavily before stepping forward to hug his head against my chest. Yangcha sniffled and wrapped his arms around my waist as I patted his head to soothe him. He softly cried and dug his face against my chest."We should sleep first," I muttered, eventually releasing him from my clutch and crawled into bed.Yangcha nodded and did as I instructed. He calmly rested beside me as I rolled onto my back and closed my eyes with my hands placed over the blanket. Poke. Poke. Yangcha gently... grazed his pinky against mine but I didn't budge and remained motionless, so he slipped his hand under mine to interlace our fingers. He gently rubbed my knuckles... until I gave him a reassuring squeeze. He eventually exhaled in relief as we lay side by side with our fingers interlaced over the warm blanket.
The next morning
Yangcha slept soundly on the pillow without stirring as I lay on my side over the warm mattress, quietly staring at his perfect side profile. The sun had risen above the mountains to illuminate the room with its bright radiant. I didn't move and calmly watched his pulsing chest as he remained shirtless under the blanket. Yangcha doesn't often snore. He sleeps like a baby most of the time.My lingering gaze... gradually drifted to his opened palm... beside my face, so I lifted my hand to hold his... gently turning his wrist to examine the healed wounds on his knuckles. I claim... I will never submit to him again. But you're right. It was a lie. I woke up from my sleep earlier feeling super sorry for him, so here I am... patiently waiting for him to wake up so I can settle our problems."What have you been punching...?" I dimly stared at the rough scabs while grazing my thumb over his knuckle. Sighing, I held onto his hand and shifted my eyes back to his face... only to find Yangcha... staring at the ceiling with his eyes half-opened. He sleepily blinked and turned on his side to face me.I didn't look away as he rested his gaze... on mine and quietly stared at his worn-out expression without speaking. Yangcha scanned my face curiously as I watched him with an empty stare. I'm afraid to speak. What if we end up spitting hurtful words at each other again? Thump... Thump... Thump... I calmly listened to my steady heartbeat over the warm pillow as Yangcha glanced at our interlaced hands."Did you take off the bracelet?" He muttered hoarsely with his gaze on my empty wrist. I didn't answer his question as I gently grazed his fingers to ponder my restless thoughts."I would've kept it on if... it didn't harm my health," I whispered. Yangcha lifted his torn gaze to me."I'm sorry," He muttered in guilt. I gulped and lifted my head off the pillow to lean over his face.Yangcha closed his eyes as I tenderly kissed his chapped lips until I felt my chest stirring with an aching sensation. The heaviness in my chest suddenly ceased once he lifted his free hand to hold my cheek, so I turned my face to deepen our kiss as he remained beneath me. Smooch. I withdrew my lips from his and opened my pained eyes, fondly gazing at his puffy eyelids as he stared up at me with an apologetic frown. Yangcha softly stroked my cheeks as the warm sunlight... beamed between our faces to illuminate his... golden honey-tanned skin."I love you," I whispered, unconsciously averting my gaze back to his peeling lips and lowered my face to kiss him again. Yangcha steadily breathed beneath me with his hands on my hips as I crawled over his body to sit up on his bare torso."Sora, let us fix this," He whispered. I pursed my lips and glanced at our interlaced hands.
Is it worth it? How is it that I was able to walk away from my past lover with ease... and shut them out without hesitation... but I can't do the same with him? Why can't I turn my back on him? My usual icy cold pricks... don't work on him. Because whenever I look at him... my chest... burns with warmth. And whenever I hold him... it feels like I can never let go. And my soul... is constantly drifting closer... and closer to him.
He's a strong magnet... that I can't tear from. I lowered my body to shorten the gap between us again. Yangcha held onto my face as we passionately kissed before the bright morning glow. I don't want to speak yet, so it's best to soothe my restless soul with his addictive flavor.
It's the problem against us. Not Jae Yangcha against Jang Sora.
We shouldn't have fought each other last night. Yangcha deeply exhaled once I tilted my face to nibble his neck as he slid his hands over my waistline to lift the light silk off my body. He tossed my gown aside as I carefully drew his pants from his strong hips and sat over his warm crotch with my lips pursed. Both of us... vulnerable and naked.
There isn't the need to wound or hurt each other because... by the end of the day... we're still two human beings with a heart and a soul. We care for and love each other... so why did I believe it was best to spit hurtful things... just so I could break his heart and win a battle? How can I take pride in my victory as I watch him bleed? It isn't right. We shouldn't be at war with each other. He's not my enemy. He's my lover, and I shouldn't forget that.
"I have a request," I whispered. Yangcha sadly looked up at me as I remained naked over his body."Whatever it takes to keep me by your side," He whispered. We were lost last night. And so... we turned and attacked each other in the heat of our anger instead of addressing the problem. If we keep this up... I'm afraid we'll end up... wounding each other to an extent that can't be repaired."I don't have an answer to your request. You asked... me to choose between my children and Jae Yangcha. I can't. There's no answer to it. I love my children, but I also love you. So I can't make a choice. I'm willing to remain by your side... but I can't abandon my children either. They need a mother, and you can resent me for carrying another man's child. I am at fault for being careless, but it doesn't mean I should give up on the innocent souls to choose you," I shook my head. Yangcha blinked and stared at me in silence."Don't make me choose between you and them. Let me see my children. Yangcha, there's a solution. And that solution isn't about abandoning you or my children. Let me choose both. Don't bound me in your embrace. If you let me love them... then I'll return to you. Just like last night. I'll run back and forth to them... and to you. If you can't accept this request. Then I have no choice but to leave your side because... sooner or later... I will eventually grow restless. And you'll only hurt more with my indecisiveness... so make up your mind. If you can't stand... the fact that I was with another man... then it's best to push me away now," I whispered.Yangcha gently grazed my forearm as he stared up at me with a torn expression. I know Yangcha's mind is rather... much more complicated than an average person's way of thinking. He doesn't respond well to threats, especially when he thinks he's being replaced or abandoned... because it makes him feel worthless. His first instinct is to trap me so I won't leave his side because he believes... if I leave... I'll never return. But it doesn't have to be that way. I can be with him and the twins. I can choose both. And I'm willing to commit to them both, so why should I abandon one of the two...? We can live happily.
I can offer my children and him... just the same amount of love.

Why is there the need to fight over me?
"I promised to remain by your side forever," He whispered. I sadly eyed him. Yangcha pushed his body upward, so I held onto his strong shoulder as he stroked my face with a dejected frown."I don't want to give up on you. I know you're scared of losing me, and I am too. Yangcha, it doesn't have to be this way. I love you as my lifelong companion and I love the twins with my motherly devotion. The love isn't the same, but both are equally powerful. Just because I'm with them. Doesn't mean I'll love you less... and just because I'm with you. It doesn't mean I don't love them. My love for you and my love for them doesn't outweigh each other, and you are definitely not receiving less just because I'm caring for them. You have to understand that... I'm trying desperately to make it work between us, so have mercy on me. Hmm...? Let me hold my children... so I can be at peace and love you too," I whispered with a difficult frown.Yangcha sadly stared at me as I grazed his firm cheeks with my thumbs. He nodded in agreement after he finally accepted the proposal to save our relationship, so I tenderly kissed him again, gently stroking his lips as he roamed his fingers over my sensitive skin to soothe my wounded soul. I gradually withdrew my lips from his... sensually stretching the saliva between our lips. Yangcha caressed my cheeks with a flushed face, so I scooted off his lap and lowered my face to kiss his hard bulge. He stiffly looked down at me while sitting on the mattress with his legs apart."You're saying... you won't love me less?" He asked, slightly wincing at the wet stroke as I licked his tip and sucked onto the swollen bulge."Love can't be measured. It simply exists... or it doesn't," I whispered, lustfully gliding my damp tongue down to the root of his hard cock and sucked onto the jiggly sacks, causing Yangcha to seeth in pleasure. He moaned and held onto my head as I carefully lifted my head to smooch his swollen tip again until he tilted his face backward with his arms pressed against the mattress."My body... It's still very sensitive to your touch," Yangcha whispered with a troubled frown.I smiled at his stiff body muscles as I leaned upward to kiss the bulging veins over his pelvis and stuck out my tongue to swirl it over his nipple until Yangcha groaned in extreme satisfaction, weakly slumping back onto the bed. The man deeply inhaled with his forearm rested over his forehead. Squelch. Squelch. I gently jerked his shaft while licking his sensitive chest before scooting upward to nibble his neck as he ran his fingers down my back to clutch my buttcheeks.The alpha's face burned bright red as I pleasured him over the mattress until he grew stiff from the overwhelming sensation, softly grunting and twitching with every stroke- SPLURT! I felt his thick semen... spilling between my fingers... so I lowered my face again to lick off the warm discharge from his sensitive tip, lustfully sucking all over the glazed tip to clean up the sticky mess as he grunted in extreme difficulty.
A moment later.
I released a breathy moan from my parted lips and lowered my numbed face with an intense frown while bouncing my buttcheeks steadily over his crotch to intensify the heated friction as Yangcha sprawled under me with his dim gaze on my untamed thirst. His cheeks... flushing red as he held onto my fleshy hips to support my weight. He grunted, suddenly drawing me down by my neck to stifle my voice with his wet tongue until I was out of breath."I'm begging you... please don't make me choose between you and them," I shakily whispered, pulling away to stare at his face with a pleading look."Okay. I promise I won't make you choose," Yangcha nodded while grazing my cheeks, so I bit his lower lips and moaned softly as he firmly thrust inside me until the taunting pleasure stiffened my body muscles."You have no idea... how deeply in love I am with you. I've never told you, but Yangcha... I'm scared of losing you too. And believe me when I say... I'm scared of hurting you the most because I know... for a fact that... the instant you bleed because of me. I too... will die from the pain," I whispered, shakily lifting my face to stare at his tearful eyes as we made love on the bed. Yangcha stiffly nodded as he gazed at my rosy red cheeks, so I hugged his sweaty neck and pressed my nose against his skin to inhale his addictive scent."I believe you- Ah- Fuck! Hah~! Sora- Hngh~!" Yangcha shakily moaned as he tightened his grip around my body with his head tilted over the soaked pillow. Thump! Thump! I gasped and clutched tightly onto his shoulders as he sped up the pace of his hip thrusts... until the warm spasm expanded all over my crotch. SPLURT! He rammed his swollen tip back inside my tight canal to ejaculate inside me as I shakily received his hot semen with sweat beads all over my naked skin.Yangcha grunted in discomfort as he intensely twitched under me, making me moan in extreme pleasure with my eyes screwed shut. He weakly slumped over the dirty mattress but didn't release my feverish body and clutched tightly onto my back as I panted unsteadily against his pulsing chest.My overstimulated buttcheeks... slightly convulsing from the intensity of the pleasure as his warm semen... exploded all over my throbbing inside. Huff.  I exhaled in exhaustion and turned to press my nose against his burning face as he fastened his arms around my back. Yangcha kissed my numbed cheek and snuggled against my face to savor the reeking sex odor as we shakily hyperventilated against each other's vibrating chests."I'm not on pills," I whispered. Yangcha's jerky chest suddenly stopped pulsating. Pause. He gripped my head, so I lifted my face to gaze at his startled expression with my lips pursed. Yangcha frowned while searching my eyes in bewilderment."W-What?" He whispered. I bit my lips in tears and glanced down at his lips. Smooch. I delicately kissed his lips again as my chest swelled with an uncomfortable ache."Remember when I said I wanted our baby to take after you?" I asked while rubbing his damp cheek. Yangcha's eyes suddenly flushed with warm tears."But you aren't ready-""No- No. Shhh. It's okay. I'll make sure to have our baby this time. Okay?" I whispered, gently pressing my finger over his lips to hush him. Sniffle. Yangcha rested his forearm over his tearful eyes and cried in distress, so I kissed his lips and sat up over his solid trunk, gently pulling his body upward. The Jaguar hugged my bare body tightly as I grazed the scars on his back with my fingers.Yangcha weakly sobbed as I sat over his wet thighs and gently rocked his body from side to side while kissing the side of his head to ease his stiff muscles. He whimpered and gripped tightly onto my back as I pressed my nose against his shoulder with a weak smile, deeply inhaling his pacifying scent. We remained on the messy bed before the beautiful view of the wilderness... securely holding each other close with nothing... but our undying affection for each other.
He will never rest regardless of my assurance so... I will secure him with our baby. I'll offer him our family so he'd agree to let me see the twins. Because... even if the twins weren't born from love between me and their father... I will still treasure them more than my life.

For the twin's welfare... I am willing to sacrifice everything because... as a mother... I can never... never... abandon them. Even if they weren't born from love... my love for them will be unmatched. Nothing will ever separate me from their innocent souls because they're mine.

And I will do anything to keep them safe and happy.
_____________________
Fast Forward
Yangcha quietly ate the meal I prepared for him while sitting on the carpet in the living room as I wrapped the cotton bandage around his injured knuckles. He punched the wall out of anger after I fled from his side when he least expected me to. Sighs.

"Is it spicy?" I asked as he thirstily gulped the cool water from the cup."Yeah. But it's fine," Yangcha nodded while watching  a wildlife documentary on the television screen. I gently kissed his hand and got up to pour myself some juice."I'll visit the twins for four days a week. You're okay with that?" I asked, sitting down with the orange juice as my husband chewed the food on his right cheek. I smiled and kissed the bite mark on his muscular shoulder."Three," He replied without tearing his eyes from the screen."What?" I blinked."Three days a week. Four with me," He shook his head. I scoffed and smacked his arm in disbelief.

"Are you seriously bargaining with me?" I glared at him. Yangcha frowned and turned to grimace at me."Three for them!" He snapped."They're kids! They can't cook or care for themselves-""No! Four with me! I'm your husband!" He insisted. I pursed my lips in frustration. Yangcha whined and leaned forward to hug my waist, so I lifted my hand to pat his head as he pressed his face against my cleavage."Fine," I sighed in defeat. Yangcha grinned at my agreement and kissed my cheek before sitting up to eat his meal again. I shook my head and sat beside him to watch the documentary.
See? It's not that hard to deal with him. We simply have to compromise.
_____________________
A few days later
"Eomma~!!!" The twins shrieked, rushing up to me in extreme excitement as Taehyung grimly stood by the door with his arms crossed over his chest."Aigo~! Have you been well?!" I crouched down to lift them off the floor. Woojin shrieked and hugged my neck as Kanghoon kissed me repeatedly. Taehyung closed the door and strolled away to sit in the living room without greeting me."Can you make us Seotteok Seotteok?!" Kanghoon grinned once I placed them down."Of course! Look- I got you fish buns on the way here," I smiled, handing them the package. The twins gasped in shock as they stared at the fish-shaped bun."Thank you~! Eomma jjang~!" Woojin smiled, quickly climbing the stools to eat the warm snack as I washed my hands over the sink. Taehyung was somewhat muted as he watched the television screen with a poker face. He didn't even greet me."Give one to appa~!" I smiled at the kids. Woojin snatched a fish bun, hopped off the stool, and ran to Taehyung. The child placed the bun in his father's hand before racing back to remain by my side. Taehyung sorely ate the snack while watching the TV without sparing me a glance."Eomma~! Are you going to make delicious food for us?!" Kanghoon asked as he munched the fish bun with his bunny teeth."Prepare your stomach~! I'll fill you two up with so so so much tasty food~!" I teased. The twins happily shrieked, so I opened the fridge- suddenly pausing once I noticed... most of the containers were almost empty. Taehyung is eating my food...? That's a relief. Smiling, I took out the empty side dish containers and turned to prepare the meals.Taehyung was upset with me for no apparent reason and refused to speak, so I shrugged it off and spent time with the twins at his apartment. Him and his silent treatment... is the reason our relationship failed and burnt to ashes. I should speak with him. I'm not young and naive anymore, so I shouldn't preserve my pride and neglect the problem between us. Taehyung left to work during most of the days that I was there because I chose to visit the twins during his work days so I could care for them while he was away.
Fast Forward
"Careful!" I called as Kanghoon slipped from the short slide in the park. Woojin giggled and pulled his brother to his feet once Kanghoon reached the bottom. The twins held each other's hands and jogged towards the other kids as they screamed and chased each other over the park.

I glanced to the side in surprise when Taehyung suddenly appeared out of nowhere to sit beside me. Doesn't he have work? I glanced at my phone. It's only 4:00 PM..... though? I thought he'd stay overtime since I'm available to look after the boys. He dimmed his eyes on the twins as they mingled with the average children."They shouldn't be around other kids," He muttered. I quietly observed the kids as the other parents watched over their children. Woojin shrieked and ran on his tiny feet to outrace his friends."They shouldn't be separated from the world," I shook my head. The kids should be allowed to interact with other children their age. Kanghoon screeched, quickly ducking under the playground to avoid the chaser."It's easy for you to say when you're not the one raising them," Taehyung dimmed his eyes. I sighed heavily and glanced at his sore expression."I'm trying-""They've been whining a lot... after you left because they want food. No porridge. They demanded. And now...? You're letting them run wild like this. I'll have to listen to them complain later because- Why won't appa let them have fun with their friends~? Appa is the mean person~! It's me. I'm always the one to blame," Taehyung muttered in discontent. I gripped my hands and glanced at him. I feel terrible for burdening him."I'll stay with them whenever you're busy, so just give me a call-""You're still choosing that fucker over your children? How disappointing," Taehyung grunted in extreme disappointment. I pursed my lips and glanced at the shrieking twins again.

"He agreed to let me stay with the twins three days a week-""Oh? So he's the boss now?" Taehyung turned to glare at me. I glanced at the twins as Kanghoon chased his baby brother, who was screeching in fright as they sprinted across the playground."He's my husband. And he has the right to reject the twins because they aren't his-""And what makes you think I don't have the right to speak for myself? I'm not the father. But why am I burdened with them?" Taehyung frowned. I glanced away from Taehyung's stern gaze in irritation."I'm sorry, okay?-""You should be sorry. Did you know how much I suffered after you disappeared? I embraced you when you returned, thinking you'd stay with them and be a proper mother- but- hah~! You left them for that asshole again-""What am I supposed to do?!- I'm trying to protect them!-""Oh! So you think you can make me raise them forever just because I used to be your personal caretaker?!! It's very selfish of you, Sora!" Taehyung angrily snapped at my face. I teared up at his glowering expression, so I sniffled and glanced away with a swelling chest. I won't cry! Taehyung shakily exhaled and got up from the seat to march away with an upset frown, leaving me alone on the bench. I rubbed away my tears while watching the twins chase each other."Ah!" Kanghoon gasped, suddenly bumping into Woojin- Thump! They both collapsed onto the ground."Oh! Are you okay?!-" I gasped, quickly racing off the bench to crouch by them. The twins pouted while rubbing their swollen foreheads and burst out crying, so I pulled them onto their feet and led them back to the bench."Don't you have eyes?!" Woojin snapped at his brother."Hey! You ran into me!- Ah!!!" Kanghoon snapped back- but screamed in shock when Woojin grabbed his brother's hair."Woojin! Stop- Don't hurt your brother! Hey- Kanghoon!" I gasped when Kanghoon suddenly grabbed Woojin's hair as well. The twins screamed in distress as they aggressively yanked each other's hair."S-stop-!" I tried to gently pull them apart, but they only screamed louder, causing my heart to race in a panic. How do I stop them?!"YAH!" Taehyung roared, causing the twins to flinch in fright at his booming voice. They immediately released each other's hair with a fearful pout, so I glared at Taehyung, who was fuming in anger. Did you have to yell at them?!He angrily swept Kanghoon off the bench and strode away, so I lifted Woojin and followed the man over the pavement as the other parents eyed us uneasily. The child sniffled and gripped my neck as I watched Kanghoon glare at his brother... from over Taehyung's shoulder.
A moment later.
"I won't let you two sleep if you don't don't apologize to each other!" Taehyung scolded the children as they stiffly perched on the couch with interlaced fingers. Woojin glared at Kanghoon, who grimaced and glanced away stubbornly.
Taehyung forced them to hold hands because they kept nagging each other during dinner. Kanghoon spat rice at Woojin's face... who then threw the spoon at his brother's head. We had to tackle the twins to stop them from flipping the coffee table over.

So now... Taehyung is on the verge of exploding.
"Appa~ I'm sleepy-""No!" Taehyung snapped. Woojin pursed his pouty lips and glanced at me for help as I washed the cups in the sink."Why don't you two apologize to each other? It was an accident... so don't hurt each other over something so trivial," I sighed, walking into the living room to sit on the opposite couch as Taehyung glared at them from beside me. Why is he so harsh? Kids don't understand... angry voices... so it's best to talk... not yell."No!" The twins shrieked, stubbornly glaring at the opposite wall again."Then don't sleep! And swallow your anger!" Taehyung snapped. He got up to switch off the living room lights, grabbed my hand to pull me upward, and dragged me inside the bedroom. Thud. He slammed the door shut to lock the twins out in the darkness."You shouldn't be harsh with them-""They'll never learn if I don't punish them," Taehyung grumbled, strolling to his bed with a sore grimace.
Meanwhile.
Third Person POVWoojin fearfully stared at the dim living room before glancing at his twin brother, who was just as terrified of the darkness. Kanghoon nervously swallowed as he glanced at the dark shadows within the room. They tightly gripped each other's hands on the couch... until their small hearts hammered against their chest with fright. The twins pouted as they struggled to remain in the scary living room. Their hefty breath... vibrating unsteadily as they fought the urge to burst out crying... out of fear... of being scolded by their father.

"Ah! Ah! AH! AHHH!- Appa! We're sorry!" They shrieked, frantically scrambling off the couch together. Woojin ran to the left as Kanghoon sprinted to the right- Thump! The twins gasped as they towed each other in the opposite direction."AH! AH! APPA!" Woojin screamed, hastily yanking his brother with all his might, causing Kanghoon to stumble after his twin."APPA! APPA! WE'RE SCARED- AHHHHH~! LET US IN! EOMMA~?!!!" The twins squealed while drumming on the bedroom door with their balled fists- Creak! The door swung open, and Sora appeared. The children shrieked and rushed inside the room to embrace their mother."We're sorry!" The twins cried in fear."It's okay! You're okay! Eomma is here!" Sora gasped while embracing them against her chest. Taehyung dimly stared at the twins as he sternly sat at the foot of his bed. They cried in distress and hugged their mother, who was kneeling on the floor to console their racing hearts. She quickly lifted the twins and settled them on the bed as they sniffled and wailed until their slimy snot... trickled all over their lips and chin.
A moment later.
Sora gently patted the twins' heads as they tightly clutched each other's hands over the sheet while sleeping on the bed. They had finally stopped crying and fell asleep from exhaustion. She smiled and kissed their foreheads before glancing at the empty bed beside hers. Taehyung had left the room. Sora exhaled, slowly getting off the bed, and strolled out of the bedroom to find Kim Taehyung sitting under the yolky light with his head lowered and hands pressed against his face. Sora glanced at the whisky bottle and cautiously approached him.
Sora's POV
"I'll buy a new apartment and take them there when it's my turn to look after them," I whispered. Taehyung exhaled deeply and looked up at me with a tired gaze."And then what? Jae Yangcha will show up at your door and slaughter them," Taehyung grimaced. I stared at my hands before looking up at Taehyung again."I'll transfer my entire household assets to them. And I'll give you control over my power," I proposed. Taehyung lifted the glass to sip the whisky."Do you think money and power are enough to keep them happy? They need a mother. A proper family," Taehyung shook his head, sorely eyeing me with his arms folded over his chest."My power will keep them safe. I know you shouldn't be burdened by their existence over my personal problems... so I'm willing to hand over my assets to you. Everything," I whispered."The cult is trying to exterminate your parents. And you're staying silent? I'm sure the cult will seize control of your power through Jae Yangcha. Can't you see it, Sora? Yangcha is allowing the cult to do as they please so he can assert his dominance and eliminate your household from the game. So he'd have full access to your power," Taehyung shook his head."They can't do that. I'll make sure of it," I replied shortly. Taehyung rubbed his sore forehead."What is it that he can give you... that I can't? Hmm?" Taehyung asked. I blinked and glanced down at my hands again."He's already given me everything... so I don't need anything anymore," I shrugged. Taehyung scoffed, bitterly pressing his tongue against the side of his inner cheek."Fine. I'll raise the kids, but you have to secure their welfare with your power. And I'll place them under my first name. Not yours or the asshole's name," Taehyung muttered, shifting his dark gaze to me."Okay. I'll give you everything once you eliminate the cult from the council," I nodded."I can't do that. Sora, you're the only person with the power to resist them. The Mins won't allow my involvement with your household affair. I'm telling you... Yangcha... is using the cult to break the other households. Over twenty lower-ranking households had perished at the hands of the cult. And Jae Yangcha is growing stronger by the day. If we don't stop him... the cult will only grow more powerful," Taehyung muttered. I dimmed my eyes at his words.
I've resolved my personal issues, but this isn't the end. I've got to play the power game. And it's deadly. Because if I'm not careful... I might perish or worse... I might lose the person I love to the dispute.
_______________________
Fast Forward
I sleepily sat up on the empty mattress to search for Yangcha, but he was nowhere to be found. Where did he go again...? I slipped out of bed and stepped out of the bedroom to check the living room... but it was empty. I checked every room inside the villa... but couldn't find him. Did he leave the property?I unsurely scratched my head inside the kitchen and poured myself a cup of water before glancing at the dark pool outside the glass enclosure to find... a person... lying over the hammock bed over the pool. I frowned as Yangcha lay alone with his arms tucked under his head."Oh? You're awake?" Yangcha asked as I slid open the door with the satin blanket in my arms. I stepped into the cool opening as he sat up on the spacious hammock to watch me approach him."Why are you laying out here?" I asked, crawling over the stretching band to slide onto the hammock with him."Stargazing," Yangcha nodded at the sky. I settled down over his extended arm as I turned to rest on my back with the blanket over our bodies. The mild wind... grazing our skin with its gentle breeze as the tree branches faintly swayed... from side to side."It's beautiful," I whispered while gazing at the pitch-black sky... dotted with shimmering stars."The stars are clear here because there are no city lights," He smiled. I quietly stared at the beautiful galaxy above our heads as the soft ripple of the streams flowed beneath the hammock."Which one is your favorite?" I asked, glancing up at Yangcha as I turned on my side to hug his waist. Yangcha scanned the sky with a weak smile."My favorite star isn't up there," He whispered."Why? Did the cloud block it?" I asked while grazing my finger over his chin. Yangcha chuckled and glanced down at me."She's right beside me. Here. In my arms," He whispered. My heart warmly burned as he turned on his side... to gaze fondly at my face. I softly scoffed while patting his cheek with a weak smile."I'm your favorite... but you're gazing at the other stars? Searching for a replacement?" I teased. Yangcha chuckled, leaning forward to kiss my lips while tucking my hair behind my ear."No matter how hard I search the sky... no one can outshine you," He smiled. I shook my head and shifted on his bicep to position my face close to his.

Yangcha gently grazed his nose tip against mine with a faint smile. I stared at him in silence... while rubbing my thumb over his firm skin. We didn't have to speak to convey our love. His eyes and smile were enough... to assure me of our lasting love. Yangcha softly breathed and snuggled his face against mine, making me smile at the ticklish sensation."Can I ask you for a favor?" I asked. Yangcha blinked, slightly shifting his head away to gaze at me."What is it?" He muttered."Stay... hidden. Don't return to the council," I whispered. Yangcha unsurely stared at me."The cult is doing all the work-""No. Look at me," I whispered, drawing his cheek back when he tried to look away."What's the matter?" Yangcha frowned."Why are you eliminating my parents?" I whispered. Yangcha blankly stared at me as I searched his eyes with a troubled expression."I want them to suffer-""But they're my family," I shook my head. Yangcha firmly held my hand over his cheek and gave me a gentle squeeze."They're not your family, Sora. Not since they soaked you in your blood," Yangcha whispered. I sadly stared at him."I want you to stay out of my household affairs. The council will overthrow the cult... so don't return to the society. You're safe here. I'll handle the conflict. Can you do that for me?" I asked. Yangcha unsurely stared at me."It's too risky-""Yangcha. You're powerful. I know you are, but you're outnumbered. If you return... the council will attack you to eliminate the cult. Please, trust me. You can't defeat them. They're waiting for you to show up so they can fire the arrow at your beating heart to toss you out of the game. And once you fall... Kim Seokjin will seize his lost power from you. The cult will lose its stability and collapse," I whispered. Yangcha dimly stared at me without replying. I softly kissed his lips and pulled away to await his response."So you're going to shield me? Like that? Why else did you think I integrated the cult into the council? So they'd be a distraction. So the household will avert their attention to the cult and avoid attacking you. Your household is independent. The cult's existence will suppress the council, so the alphas won't withhold the capability to strike you," Yangcha shook his head."But you're putting your life at risk to achieve temporary distraction. I don't want you... to put your life in danger for me. The council is restless and will do anything to put down the cult. And they can't do it unless you perish. And I can't let that happen. Not to you, so I'll handle the matter and challenge the cult with my power. I'll pluck them out without you needing to involve your presence in the council," I shook my head. Yangcha sleepily stared at me before glancing at the stars again, so I shifted my head to lay over his chest as he rubbed my upper arm to soothe me."Okay. I'll trust you," Yangcha whispered. I smiled and looked up at him, so he briefly glanced down to observe my approving smile. The alpha suddenly clasped his palm over my nose just as I inhaled the air to inflate my lungs- Hmmp!"Hah~! Hey!" I shrieked, shoving his palm off my face as he held his stinky fart over my nostrils. Yangcha chuckled, firmly holding the foul odor over my nose as I smacked his chest in disbelief."Does it smell nice?" He asked, grinning at me. I quickly shoved his hand off my face and sat up to glare at him."You're a jerk!" I snapped, smacking his firm chest, causing Yangcha to groan and rub his chest. He smiled and pulled me back down, so I giggled and climbed his body to lay over him with my arms wrapped around his neck."You'll miss my fart when you're away," He chuckled while patting my back. I snuggled against his prickly roots with a weak smile."Bad person-""Ah! Ouch- Noona! AH! AH! AH!" He screamed, trying to shove me off him, but I refused to lift my head and bit his earlobe. Yangcha wailed in distress as he tightened his arms around me until I smiled and lifted my face to beam at his pouty expression."You're going to wake up the sleeping birds~ Shhh~!" I pecked his lips to hush him.The alpha suddenly grabbed the back of my head and yanked me down to slam his lips against mine. I chuckled against his lips as he possessively encircled his arms around my body. He seized my cheeks and kissed me all over my face with his ticklish lips until I weakly collapsed to his side and swung my leg over his body with my arms hooked over his bare chest.
I'm glad I dodged the bullet and properly settled our conflict before it worsened.

It could've torn us apart if I wasn't so patient with him.

The next morning
I sleepily blinked my heavy eyelids as the warm sunlight brilliantly beamed at my face through the swaying leaves. We fell asleep on the hammock? I yawned and turned to pat the empty space beside me. He's gone again? I groggily sat up with the blanket to find Yangcha... stroking back and forth in the pool by the artificial waterfall. I smiled as I watched his shoulder blade move beneath his thick muscles. He's so hot.Yangcha didn't notice I was awake yet, so I got up from the hammock and entered the villa to search for food in the fridge before returning to the rim... with a plate of toast spread with butter and jams. Clatter. I placed the dish by the pool edge as Yangcha sexily emerged from the water and ruffled his buzz cut to shake off the excess water. I can't believe he's swimming naked."Did you ever have a girlfriend before?" I curiously smile while eyeing his buff physique. Yangcha softly paddled towards me until he reached the rim and placed his soaked arms on the concrete beside my body as I lifted the plate to settle it on my lap."You're my first girlfriend," He chuckled."Liar," I shook my head. He opened his mouth, so I carefully fed him the toast."Haerim wasn't my girlfriend. I've never dated anyone publicly before," He shrugged, looking up at me with his innocent pupils as I skeptically chewed the crunchy toast."You're too handsome to miss," I poked his nose. Yangcha chuckled."No one wants an introvert like me. I'm socially awkward," He shrugged."That's good. I don't like my husband interacting with another woman. I like him a little timid like this, so he'd cutely hold onto my dress out in public because he's nervous," I chuckled. Yangcha smiled and shook his head as he stood in the water, so I fed him again.

"So. When are you going to surprise me with the news?" Yangcha asked, curiously staring at me, and lowered his face to kiss my thigh. I gently rubbed the water from his lashes."News?" I blinked, unsurely scanning his eager smile."I saw the pregnancy kit in the bin. You tried to cover it with a few tissues," Yangcha smiled. I paused to stare at him with a startled expression until my face blushed red."You go through my trash too?! Isn't that too much!?" I snapped. Yangcha chuckled, grabbing my wrist when I tried to smack him."I sort the trash so I can properly dispose of it!" He whined. I playfully glared at him."I missed my period last week, so I had to check," I shrugged. Yangcha chuckled as he keenly bounced over the calm surface."So? What's the result?" He keenly lifted his thick eyebrows. I faintly smiled at his damp face."Did you expect a negative result when you have a habit of ejaculating so much?" I asked. He laughed, so I placed the plate aside and got up to stroll inside our bedroom before returning with the kit and sat down as he ate my remaining toast. I handed him the kit."Hah!?- I'm going to be a father~!" Yangcha screeched in the water while staring at the positive result. The man gripped the kit as he funnily bounced before me."You better be a proper father this time! I'm not caring for the kid alone!" I snapped. Yangcha happily hopped through the water and reached out to hug my waist."I'll do everything! I'll change their diapers! I'll feed them! I'll calm them when they cry! You can rest! I promise!" Yangcha grinned, lifting his pinky with a wide grin. I chuckled and wrapped my pinky around his to seal our deal with our thumbs."AH!" I gasped in shock when he suddenly yanked me forward out of excitement- SPLASH. I fell into the pool in a split second. Yangcha chuckled as I emerged from the surface with a startled look as the water soaked my hair and clothes. I screamed in frustration, causing Yangcha to laugh at my wet gown in delight. He pulled me into a crushing hug as I rubbed the water from my face."I love you so much," He stroked my wet hair. I exhaled in defeat and hugged his firm body muscles with a weak smile.A pair of birds suddenly landed by the side of the pool to peck our bread crumbs on the plate, so I chuckled and watched them as Yangcha lifted my hips to carry me under the water. We watched the pair of lovebirds as they hopped back and forth to peck from the plate. Yangcha playfully bit my breast over the soaked silk, making me shriek in distress... so I shoved his head away... but he didn't release my body and kissed my cheeks as I clung to his thick neck in our private pool.________________________
Flashback
Pre-Wedding Night"Woooh! Woooh! Woooh~!" Secretary Yoon twerked stiffly on the dance floor as Assistant Cha and Assistant Ri hyped him up, causing the other employees to burst out laughing at the sight of his inappropriate moves as the DJ dropped the booming climax."Join me!" Secretary Yoon screeched, suddenly grabbing my hand to tug me under the spotlight. The finance director and the staff howled at the top of their lungs, causing me to blush from their enthusiastic encouragement."Spin for me!" I shrieked, lifting Secretary Yoon's hand above his head, so he grinned and twirled like a ballerina, causing me to snort at his cuteness. He grinned... gently holding onto my hands as I bopped to the music with him. The assistants screamed the lyrics to the song, so I opened my arms to welcome them. The women quickly embraced me as I danced with them in my light pink thin strapped knee-length dress."This is the wildest party I've been to since I got married!" The director screamed, drunkenly joining our circle. His face was blood red, and a few of his upper shirt buttons were loose. I shrieked and grabbed the man's hand to swing him from side to side. The staff cackled in tears as they laughed at our wild interactions."You're the best first lady!" They screamed, tossing their glasses into the air. I grinned and drank from a glass as Yangcha shyly stood behind me to watch my drunken behavior with the employees."Babe! Join us~!" I grinned, turning to grab Yangcha's hand after swallowing the strong liquor."Ah- It's alright. You have fun- I'm not good at dancing~!" Yangcha shyly shook his head. I placed the glass aside, grabbed his hand, and pulled him under the spotlight, causing the employees to screech in excitement. Yangcha grinned at my flushed face before glancing stiffly at the amount of attention he was receiving. The music boomed again... so I raised his hands to make him bounce with me."Move your hips! Come on! Show me your sexy grooves, young man~!" I grinned, smacking his chest. Yangcha shyly rocked with me, awkwardly glancing at the finance director who was twerking with Secretary Yoon. Assistant Cha and Assistant Ri kept spanking their butts, causing Yangcha to chuckle at their hilarious drunken behavior."You guys seem close," He smiled, glancing back at me as he stood in his white suit."We are! They're fun! Better than the alphas! Don't you think?!" I shrugged, lifting my hand upward as he held onto my fingers and spun me under his arms. Yangcha smiled and back-hugged me, so I bopped and shouted at the crowd through the blaring music as they danced and screamed to the beat.The crowd suddenly cleared away from the center, leaving me and Yangcha on the dance floor. The employees placed their arms around each other's necks until... they formed a circle as they hopped counterclockwise to spin around us. Yangcha blushed bright red as we stood at the center of attention."Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" They chanted as the employees rotated around us. Smiling, I turned around to hug Yangcha's waist. He pursed his lips intensely while fighting to contain his wide grin. His blood... rushing to his cheeks as the mass encouraged us to kiss each other, so I grabbed Yangcha's cheeks and tiptoed on my heels to slam my lips against his.Yangcha beamed proudly against my lips as he held onto my waist and tilted his head to fit his lips over mine, so I clung to his neck as he slightly lifted me off the floor to twirl me under the spotlight, causing the corporate employees to squeal and cringe funnily. They frantically smacked each other. The finance director suddenly choked Secretary Yoon, causing the man to stumble back and forth. The assistants shrieked at each other as they funnily slapped each other's hands.Yangcha chuckled, finally pulling away to gaze fondly into my eyes, so I pursed my lips while grazing my thumb over his flushed cheek. He lowered his parted lips to invite me into a deeper kiss until my body grew warm from the hot spasm within my chest. Yangcha interlaced our fingers as we kissed and swayed with the music... surrounded by people... who genuinely cared for us."I WANT TO GET MARRIED TOO!" Assistant Cha pouted as she clung to Assistant Ri."Marry me!" Secretary Yoon drunkenly nudged her. She glared and shoved him aside, sending the secretary stumbling into one of the directors, who unconsciously caught his waist. The director dramatically spun the secretary as he tilted backward in the man's arm while clinging to the director's neck."AHHHHH!" I screamed with the others as they reenacted a cringey drama scene."Ah! My wife will kill me!" The director shoved the secretary aside, who burst out laughing in tears. Secretary Yoon grinned and tried to flirt with the director again until the man gasped and raced away."Oppa~! Mr. Prince Charming~! Wait for me~!" The secretary pretended to shriek in a feminine voice while chasing the man, who screamed and ran from the young man, causing the employees to shriek in distress at their playful manner.
A moment later
Blurp. I puked into the toilet bowl as Yangcha held my hair to help me discharge the liquor from my organs. He patted my back as I gripped his free hand, finally stood up and turned to wash my hands before rinsing my lips as the music boomed loudly in the ballroom."Should we call off the party?" Yangcha worriedly asked. He gently dapped my soaked lips with his sleeves."No- They're having fun. The dress is a bit tight... so I'll change into a new one," I muttered, strolling out of the bathroom to step back into the crowded ballroom as the employees danced and drank endlessly to celebrate our love."Should I escort you-""Stay with them. I'll be right back," I smiled and walked off, so Yangcha nodded and turned around... just in time to find Secretary Yoon hopping funnily towards him with flushed cheeks."Hey there, sexy man!" The secretary shrieked, grabbed Yangcha's arm, and dragged my groom-to-be onto the dance floor. I weakly shook my head with a faint smile and walked out of the ballroom to find the guards patrolling the property as the guests wandered around the garden."Imo. Please bring me warm tea," I mumbled, passing her as she was instructing the maid. The woman nodded. I drunkenly stumbled through the corridor but gasped in shock when someone suddenly seized my wrist... and yanked me inside a room. I blinked and looked up to find Jungkook frowning at me."Are you seriously going to marry him?!-" Jungkook snapped at my face. I blinked, slightly dazed from the liquor."I love him-""Are you stupid?! How can you love a killer?!-" Jungkook scoffed. I pursed my lips."It's none of your business. Why do you care?-""Of course, I care about you! You know I've always loved you!" Jungkook snapped, yanking me back by my wrist when I tried to leave his bedroom."If you loved me- Then you wouldn't have dated another woman! Alright?!- Stop it with the nonsense!-""I LOVED YOU BEFORE! I LOVE YOU NOW! AND I'LL LOVE YOU TOMORROW!" Jungkook snapped, fuming at me in rage. I grew hushed as I stared at his torn expression."Jungkook...""I suppressed my feelings because I thought you were going to marry Taehyung! I'm fucking dying right now! You have no idea how much I yearn for you! I was always guilty- so I never dared to burden you with my feelings due to my foolish mistakes!" Jungkook seethed. I dimmed my eyes on the angry alpha and rubbed my forehead in exhaustion."You're right. You don't deserve my forgiveness... so don't ever bother me with your feelings. It's over between us... since the day I saw you holding another woman. You... should be glad I was generous and chose to prioritize your happiness. I never complained about your relationship... so please... don't make me deal with this madness again. I don't love you anymore," I exhaled, pulling my wrist free from his grip."I'll make it up to you. I promise. Sora, please- Don't marry him! I'll fulfill whatever you need. Oh? I'm sorry for cheating on you-""You do realize... you sound... pathetic and desperate right now...? Why don't you look at yourself in the mirror and reflect on your actions? I'll never love a man like you again because... you've already... left me broken, so don't expect to reclaim me again after another man put in the effort to mend me back together. You and your habits... of demanding another person's precious prized possession because you can't bear it... when someone is better than you," I shook my head, coldly turned around and strolled out of the room... leaving Jungkook... frozen in his bedroom.Sighing heavily, I walked up to my room and entered to find a single teacup on the coffee table. He's giving me a headache. Ah~! I sighed, stepped inside the closet to unzip my dress, and pulled on a loose ankle-length yellow dress before strolling back inside my room to sit on the couch.

"Oh? This smells nice," I whispered while inhaling the delicate peppermint fragrance.I carefully sipped from the teacup and leaned back on the couch to soothe my sore throat with its calming essence. Clack. I placed the empty porcelain tea cup on the coffee table and got up to pat my dress. I fixed my wild hair strands before walking back towards the door- when my head suddenly spun like crazy... so I quickly lowered my head to shake off the dizziness."Uh..." I murmured while pinching my nose bridge. I couldn't walk forward, so I returned to slump on my bed in exhaustion. I'll just sleep. I gripped the pillow while laying face first over the mattress until I dozed off into a brief nap.
An hour later.
"Noona," Yangcha shook me awake, so I lifted my face to find my lover standing drunkenly by the bedside."Hmm? Uh- Oh! Sorry- I passed out-""The party is over. I'll escort the guests. You should rest," Yangcha patted my cheek as I sat up on the bed. I nodded with my eyes closed. He strolled away with a red face to leave the room, so I yawned, got up to wash off my makeup, and changed into the thin nightgown until the bedroom door opened again and Yangcha returned with a bright red face."Sora..." Yangcha sadly stared at me as I stood before the vanity table."What's wrong? Do you feel unwell because of the liquor?" I asked, turning to smile at his flushed face. Yangcha closed the door behind his back and stepped forward with his intense gaze on me."I'm sorry. I'm really... sorry," He whispered, gently pulling me in by my waist. I gripped his shoulder... still dazed from the liquor."Why....?" I frowned. He didn't answer and lowered his face to kiss me softly."Forgive me," He whispered, gently caressing his lips over me, so I hugged his neck as he slowly led me towards the bed. Yangcha lifted my lightweight body in my gown, gently settled me down on the mattress, and lowered his body to rest on mine while kissing me. I smiled and answered his love invitation as he slipped his fingers under the fine silk to roam my bare flesh. He lightly stroked my hair as he tilted his face to kiss me deeply... so I exhaled and held onto his... warm body.
Third Person POV
Jang Sora... softly panted in her sleep as she remained in her nightgown with her arms hooked over her lover's chest. The man... finally stirred awake... and sat up on the bed with a clouded mind.Jeon Jungkook frowned when he realized... he was on the same bed as his first love. He glanced at the silk over her body in confusion and glanced down at his shirtless torso. The alpha jerked in shock, quickly scrambling off the bed to gawk at her pale expression as he wildly... combed his fingers through his hair with his lips ajar."What happened?!" Jungkook frowned, trying to recall his drunk memories, but he couldn't remember anything... so he blinked and glanced at Sora... who was still dressed in her nightgown. Her translucent porcelain skin... glowing luminously under the dim moonlight. The alpha hastily picked up his shirt from the floor and left the room, assuming he had drunkenly entered the wrong room after he got drunk by himself. The half-blood... left to rest in his room without much thought.And on the other side of the mansion... Jae Yangcha... snored unconsciously on the couch with his arms over his head after the liquor numbed his senses.
And by the staircase... a shadow stood... gazing at the Jaguar with an evil smile.
Ga Aera chuckled... softly humming... as she strolled up the staircase with a teacup before disappearing into her dark lair with her... ancient porcelain teacup decorated with lily patterns.

The soothing fragrance... of the rare herb... filling her nostrils as she slowly sat on the burgundy armchair in her dim bedroom to sip the calming flavor from the rim.The woman smiled... smugly tilting her head back against the headrest with her eyes closed... as the powerful illusion hypnotized... her tainted mind with a false... fantasy of her deepest desire.
A drug... she often uses to escape the brutal reality.

A weapon the witch uses... to mislead... her victims... into a fairytale of their... imaginary world.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora x Yangcha |Stargazing Unreleased Picture References

Psss. Sora is definitely NOT skinny.Our baby is much fleshier. XD Haha~!____________________________
The Elite Council
Third Person POVThe ring of powerful households immediately grew hushed as they listened to the tedious chuckles of an ace player within the elite venue. Chung Manseok tensed up in his seat as Park Bogum stiffly straightened his back with a dark frown while eyeing Ga Area, who was laughing like a maniac. She scoffed and rubbed the pretentious tear stream from her cheeks before shifting her piercing gaze to the top row.

"Jang Sora is Park Jihyun's blood daughter, and I will expose the necessary documents to prove her illegitimacy," Mrs. Jang beamed at the man as her husband sat beside her, still devastated by the shocking announcement. The man... assumed... Jang Sora was his blood daughter all his life."The documents aren't necessary. Park Bogum is older-""But Jang Sora carries more of the alpha blood than Park Bogum," Aera smiled at the cult leader, who suddenly darkened his face. Taehyung stared at the woman without shifting his startled gaze away as Sungho pressed his hands against his face to process the shocking news. Jungkook uneasily glanced at his tense parents, who appeared just as shaken by Jang Sora's direct relation to the late supreme alpha."Jang Sora is a disgraceful creation of your affair! She has no right to inherit Park Jihyun's asset!" The man argued, tensing up in his seat."I won't argue with you. I'll present the documents you desperately want to claim. The supreme alpha's golden seal, signature, and fingerprints... evidently stamped on all the documents under Jang Sora's name," The woman smirked, glancing at the Jeons with a smug expression."Please present the documents at the next council meeting," Seokjin backed the Jang, causing the cult to uneasily stiffen in their seats. The council nervously glanced at Ga Aera again, who was eyeing Jeon Jungkook with a vengeful smile.
Ga Aera no longer appeared shattered. In fact, she was overflowing with pride.
Her determined... almond eyes... narrowing dangerously upon the cult and the Jeon household.
A moment later.
Jang Beomseok blankly strolled up the staircase without greeting imo. The man left to reside in his room, still shaken by the news of his wife's betrayal. He did not confront her. He did not snap at her. He did not react to her harshly. The man was numbed all over by the heartbreaking truth, and so... he left to avoid conflict with his wife.Ga Aera closely followed her husband, listlessly dragging her feet over the ground as she entered the cold property through the looming doorway. She glanced at the staircase but chose not to follow her husband and slumped on the couch, slowly lowering her face to her palms with her eyes closed. Imo nudged the maids until they hurriedly bustled away to grant the senior alpha solitude.Sniffle. Ga Area rubbed her tears, eventually rising from the couch in her formal attire, and strolled down the dim corridor until she ended up in front of her daughter's bedroom. The woman pursed her lips, opened the door, and stepped into the vacant room to inspect the empty space.The bed was neatly made, and a few picture frames were left behind on the shelves. The woman dimly glanced at the supreme alpha's gigantic portrait, mounted on the wall. She was ashamed of the failure to keep her family whole after losing herself to the addictive power play. Aera pursed her lips and entered the bathroom to shower before stepping out in Sora's nightgown. The woman stared at her downcast gaze in the mirror as she examined the lustrous silk over her body... until she was reminded of her youthful days.
The woman was just like a daughter. Always wandering about the property in her loose gown. Maybe that's why Park Jihyun couldn't keep his poisonous touch off her body? The slight silk... that settles over the alluring curves... of her youthful body... is the culprit to blame.
Sighing, she stepped out of the closet and slowly walked up to the bed, dimly sitting by the nightstand to graze her slender fingers over the unoccupied bedsheet with a blank expression until an aching emotion seized control of her soul as she blankly stared at the bed to recall her early memories with her late family. The woman blinked, lowering her torn gaze to her fingers in tears as she reflected on her past affair with her former lover.She softly sniffled, rubbed away the warm streaks from her damp cheeks, and slipped under the blanket to rest on her daughter's bed because she couldn't face her husband. Ga Aera knew she'd only upset him more if she tried to explain her situation now. After over two decades of claiming to love him... she finally disclosed the unfortunate truth... and she knew... she had broken his heart.The woman sobbed in remorse and gripped the pillow once her nostrils picked up her daughter's faint lily scent. The alpha gripped her aching chest and curled up on the bed as she beat herself for ruining her daughter and husband's life with the grudge she held against Park Jihyun.
Even decades after his death... Park Jihyun is still haunting her life... and because of his sinful actions... Aera had lost everything.

Her child. Her lover. And herself.

Flashback
Ga Aera calmly sat at her school desk with a blank gaze on the transparent window as she watched Minhyuk... her close friend... bounce a basketball over the concrete court. The alpha swiftly raced across the field and skillfully tossed the ball inside the hoop as he competed with his classmates, causing the school girls on the bleachers to cheer for him.

Minhyuk smirked at his shrieking admirers as he rubbed away the dripping sweat beads on his forehead with his arm. He enjoyed the attention he was receiving from the crowd... until he noticed Aera... sitting by the window on the upper floor with a gloomy expression. The athletic alpha flashed his middle finger at the anonymous alpha, who grimaced in annoyance until Minhyuk chuckled and raced across the field to resume the friendly match with his schoolmates.

"Does your ankle still hurt?" Beomseok asked, suddenly settling in front of her desk. Aera shifted her gaze to his handsome face as he placed a juice box beside her palm."It's healed," Aera shrugged, glancing at her bandaged ankle. Beomseok glanced at the lively school field and back at her sulky expression. Everyone was out on the field to enjoy their last period of school hour... yet Aera... was sulking alone. In the empty classroom."You shouldn't pause the world and isolate yourself from everyone just because he's not treating you right," Beomseok dimmed his eyes on her. Aera sighed, lowering her head to rest her face on her arm, and closed her eyes. Park Chulseok had grounded Jihyun after he was caught partying at an average's house with the anonymous alpha."Why won't you leave us alone? You snitched on us," Aera lifted her gaze resentfully. Beomseok clenched his jaw but remained composed."Is it wrong to worry about your welfare? I know you don't need me to spare my concerns, but I can't seem to rest knowing... you're drunk at a party. You got hurt," Beomseok replied, nodding at her bandaged hand.

"Stay out of my business," Aera rudely stood up from the desk and strolled out of the empty classroom, leaving Beomseok alone. The alpha sorely dimmed his eyes and glanced at Minhyuk through the window again. The popular alpha was surrounded by girls as they cheered and offered him snacks and drinks. Beomseok sighed and got up to stroll out of the classroom.
Quietly... he'd follow Aera around. Wherever she went, Beomseok would maintain his steady pace with a book in his hands and eyes glued to the texts on the paper. At the library, he'd sit at the far corner of the room to work on his assignment, briefly looking up now and then... to admire Aera from afar, who was anxiously chewing her pencil with a slight frown on her workbook.

He'd smile and lowered his face back to the opened pages. And once she got up to leave, he'd pack his things and stroll behind her, not too close but just enough so she wouldn't notice him. He'd walk along the glimmering golden lake on the path to the supreme alpha's mansion while gazing at the breathtaking scenery with a weak smile... until she paused to pick a flower from the ground.

The alpha would immediately halt as well... to watch her crouch by the lake, plucking the blooming flower from the grass and walking forward with her face tilted toward the clear sky above their heads until she safely entered the gate. Beomseok would calmly walk past the property and head back to his mansion with the book... still glued to his gaze.

Through all the changing weather... Beomseok has always been beside Ga Aera's side.

Under the blossoming trees of the spring call. Under the heatwave of the summer glare. Under the baked brown flutters of the fallen autumn leaves. And under the drifting snowflakes of the frosty chills.

Beomseok would always remain a few steps behind her.

Until one night... he noticed Aera taking a different path home after their late school hour. She had accidentally fallen asleep in the school's library earlier... so Beomseook was forced to remain with her until she woke up from her nap with her puffy red eyes.
The alpha glanced at the empty street unsurely as she walked over the frozen sidewalk in her white faux fur coat. The straps of her bag... loosely dangling from her shoulder. The alpha exhaled and quietly followed her to the dark lake as his heavy boots sunk into the thick snow... creating the soft crunching sounds of his steady footsteps.Ga Aera suddenly crouched down by the edge of the frozen surface with her head lowered and softly wept her misery until her shoulders shook intensely. She could no longer walk forward because her chest was aching so much. Jang Beomseok sighed as he stood under a tree with his brown scarf wrapped securely around his neck. Park Jihyun had married an average without her knowledge a few months back... and Ga Aera is still hurting over his betrayal. The alpha dimmed his gaze on the young lady as she helplessly clutched her bleeding heart, whimpering softly through her visible breaths.Beomseok blinked out of his thoughts when Aera suddenly stood up and stepped onto the frozen lake. Strut. She walked over the thin ice... causing the alpha's heart to leap in fear as she limped on the icy surface. He frowned, unconsciously strolling down the snowy hill to the edge of the lake as Aera stared darkly at the frail ice sheet beneath her shoes. The ice didn't break because of her lightweight mass... but with just a little stomp... the frost would shatter and sink into the freezing water.

"Why are you following me?" Aera muttered, gradually turning to stare at Beomseok, who stood with a blank expression. The light snow... softly fluttering above their heads. The area was dim, but he could still see her pale face under the brilliant moonlight. They were the only two souls... at the park by the lake... because most people had chosen to remain home due to the cold snowstorm."You shouldn't walk on thin ice," Beomseok replied. Aera glanced down at the ice beneath her shoes with a dim expression and back at him with a sore frown."I wanted to disappear quietly, but you're ruining my moment again," Aera muttered, lowering her gaze to the ice beneath her again."I'm tempted to run over the ice, but if I do so... the lake will collapse," Beomseok replied as he watched her stand under the winter snow."Then don't run to me," Aera muttered, lifting her watery eyes to him. She had lost the will to live because of her aching heartbreak."I have never invaded your space, so I'll wait here. Right here for you," Beomseok replied, sternly standing in his long black coat. Aera glanced at the vast lake in despair before averting her beautiful almond eyes to him again."Why would you want to be with me? Another man is holding a piece of me captive," Aera whispered. Beomseok lowered his head to ponder his thoughts and glanced back up at her with a worn-out expression."If you're broken... and if your piece is missing. Then I'll fill it for you. We can be whole together," Beomseok replied. Aera sniffled while staring at him with a conflicted look."You'll be my missing piece?" Aera asked."Only if you're willing to safely cross the ice to me. Don't make me run to you, or we'll collapse into the frozen water together," Beomseok nodded."And what will you do? If I reach for you?" Aera asked."You came here to end your life. That's your purpose, but if you walk to me. Then you've made a choice to live. That's what I'll do for you. Help you live again," He answered.Aera stared at Beomseok with a troubled expression... and after another minute of contemplating his proposal... she slowly stepped forward... over the thin ice. Beomseok calmly watches her stroll towards him... praying desperately that the ice will support her weight until she reaches him. She finally stepped back onto the solid ground without his help and stood under his nose with a stern expression."Then marry me. Take me away with you," Aera firmly stared at him."Meet me tomorrow at midnight. East Gate. I'll wait for you there," He nodded. Aera stared at him without blinking."If we meet again tomorrow at the determined time and location. I'll follow you wherever you go," Aera spoke softly."I'll be waiting," Beomseok nodded as they stood under the fluttering snowflakes. Aera sighed heavily and strolled away, carefully making her way back to the supreme alpha's mansion as Beomseok stood alone by the lake. He exhaled and walked in the opposite direction after he convinced Ga Aera to live with him.
And at midnight the next day...

Beomseok showed up before the looming mansion as he promised.. ready to escort his bride home. And so she ran for him. Aera... ran on her barefoot over the cold ground in her thin nightgown... until she met her savior.

Jang Beomseok.
___________________________
Present
Third Person POVJae Yangcha weakly smiled as he leaned over the railing by a small flowing water path along the concrete track in his gray hoodie, loose sweatpants and white sneakers with a black beanie over his buzzcut head. The alpha stared at the pair of ducks as they floated over the shallow stream before the setting sun in the deep orange sky while munching on the warm egg bread as he waited for his wife to return from the city. He had promised to pick her up upon her arrival.

"Boo!" Someone suddenly back-hugged him. Whip! Yangcha wildly spun around to find his wife beaming at him as she wore a cute rainbow sweater over her ankle-length white dress.

"Oh? I was waiting for your call," Yangcha smiled while gazing at her as she happily hugged his waist with her cute knitted bag strapped over her shoulder."I saw you on the bus when it passed this street, so I walked here from the bus stop," She shrugged while leaning over the railing. Yangcha chuckled and lifted the sweet bun to her lips. Sora took a bite of her husband's snack as she cautiously peaked over the railing to study her blurry reflection on the calm surface beneath the path."The ducks are cute," Yangcha nodded. She shifted her gaze to the pair of ducks while standing beside him."Did you miss me? Oh~! Your abs are still here~! Hehe~!" She asked, weirdly back hugging her husband again with the side of her head pressed against his shoulder blade. He was much taller than her... so Yangcha glanced down at the top of her head as she slipped her cold fingers under his hoodie to feel his defined abs."Of course I did. But it seems like you miss my abs more," Yangcha chuckled with his forearms rested on the railing to admire the flowing water as she gently rocked him from side to side."I'm just checking," Sora giggled as she groped his hard pecs under his hoodie."Ohoh! What's with this behavior?! Why don't you check my penis too then?!" Yangcha playfully yanked her hand out of his hoodie in disbelief."Okay! Oh-! It's still here too~! You're intact!- Can I touch it~?" Sora funnily tugged her husband's waistband to peek inside his underwear with a devious smile. Gasp! Yangcha immediately shoved her face away when she tried to reach inside his pants.The supreme alpha cutely whined as her husband hastily tugged his hoodie down and quickly adjusted his sweatpants with an embarrassed look. The timid man cleared his throat and glanced at the empty track uneasily after his wife shamelessly pulled his waistband to peek at his crotch and even tried to grope his manly bulge.

"Don't tease me! Or I'll drag you inside the bush!" He warned. Sora giggled while hugging his waist. She lifted his hoodie again and leaned down to kiss the burnt scar on his lower back hips, making Yangcha whine in embarrassment. Peck! Peck! She teased her shy husband with repeated kisses on his pretty scars."That's not true~! I miss you more. Look~ I saved a sausage for you- but I got hungry on the way here... so... there's only one piece left," Sora giggled, straightening her body beside him and opened her handmade purse to show her husband the blood sausage in the paper bag.He laughed at the single piece that survived his wife's hunger and glanced at her flushed cheeks as she picked out the single sausage with her fingers and lifted it to his mouth. Nom! Yangcha accepted the food from his wife like a little puppy and glanced at the duck again, so she quickly zipped up her handmade bag and rested her elbows on the railing with a delighted smile. Yangcha sideway glanced at her cutely braided pigtails before eyeing the pretty flower clips in her hair."If I didn't have abs... would you still love me?" He muttered. She lifted her face to scan his curious expression unsurely as Jae Yangcha examined her beautiful curled eyelashes in admiration."Why are you asking that?" She shrugged, dismissively walking away without answering her husband. He smiled and hurried after her until Sora slowed down to match his pace and linked her arm around his as she strode over the fallen leaves on the trail."If I was a man with a plump belly. Would you have loved me? I'm convinced... you're only in love with my body," He nudged her shoulder. Sora giggled and looked up at him with a mischievous grin."I've always liked muscles. Since I was young," She shrugged."So you wouldn't date me if I wasn't fit?" He scoffed."Does it matter? Even if you have a belly now... I'm still in love with you," She shrugged. Yangcha smiled at her words and lifted his arm to place it over her shoulder as she strode on her black boots. Sora securely hugged his waist with her head slanted against his chest as her husband gently rubbed her upper arm.

"Aigo. You really wouldn't have granted me a chance if that night... our first night... you lifted my shirt to find a plump belly...?" He playfully tugged her pigtail to tease her."Hey! Stop saying nonsense~! I wanted to sleep with you even before you lifted the shirt off your body!" Sora smacked his firm butt as they strode over the dark path. The sun had set and they were slow walking... over the trail along the dark flowing water."Wae? What did you find attractive in me then? If it's not my muscles?" He asked, skeptically glancing down at his wife while playing with the end of her pigtail over her shoulder."Your eyes? I don't know. It's something about your gentle gaze that makes me want to hold you. Oh-! And your scar. The one on your head. I found it... quite sexy," Sora shrugged and glanced up at her husband again. He chuckled at her sparkly pupils, pulled off his beanie, and tilted his head to show her his surgical scar."This one? Why don't you give it a kiss?" He asked. Sora abruptly halted without hesitation and tiptoed on her boots with puckered lips. Smooch. She gripped his head and kissed the scar, causing the alpha to chuckle from the ticklish sensation.

"Hah~ My heart~! It'll never stop beating for you~ I'm so hopeless!" He scoffed while adjusting his loose beanie over his wife's head. It was getting a little chilly. Sora grinned cutely under her husband... until Yangcha kissed her forehead before lowering his hand to warm her fingers within his firm grip. The couple walked forward again."You know I love every part of you," She shrugged while staring at the dark path ahead of them."I've always hated my scars, you know? My mother would never let a scar form on my skin because she wanted me to be perfect. She'd immediately treat my wounds and care for my skin. I was really insecure with the scars over my skin... until you kissed them. It tickles," Yangcha smiled. Sora patted his hand."I've never thought I'd like it either until I saw the marks on your skin. It's very striking. You're very manly with those scars on your body," She chuckled. Yangcha nodded and looked forward as they strolled off the dark path to enter the street... bustling with the locals.
A moment later.
Sora's POV"Ah," Yangcha lifted the shrimp to my mouth, so I parted my lips as he pushed the peeled shrimp inside my stuffed cheeks. I gasped and groaned in extreme satisfaction while tasting the delicious flavor and bopped my head excitedly as we sat crossed legs in an empty seafood restaurant. He's been peeling the seafood for me with the plastic gloves."You're a beautiful couple," The lady smiled as she settled the grilled rockfish on the table beside the plate of spicy squid. The woman didn't leave our table and sat on the cushion across from ours with a faint smile."You're too kind," I smiled at her. She glanced at Yangcha, who immediately lowered his head with a flushed look."He's a shy one, isn't he?" She nodded at me."Not so shy at home," I nudged Yangcha's shoulder. The woman chuckled."Are you guys dating? I've never seen a couple this adorable," She curiously asked."Married. She's my wife," Yangcha replied as he placed the clam in my rice bowl."Really~?! You're quite young! Do you have children?" She gasped, keenly leaning over the table to examine us."I'm pregnant. We'll be expecting our child next year," I chuckled. The woman gasped again as I rubbed my belly with a wide grin."I hope you bear a beautiful child!- Oh! Welcome~!" She smiled at us when a few guests entered the store, so she quickly got up to serve them. I smiled and glanced at Yangcha as he chewed the rice on his left cheek."Do you get morning sickness?" He muttered while snapping a steamed crab. I nodded."Yeah. At night... but it's not bad yet," I shrugged. Yangcha dipped the crab meat in the sauce before raising it to my lips. He gently pushed it inside my mouth, so I happily chewed as he lowered his face to sip from the straw inside my juice cup. I've been craving seafood since I got pregnant... so I've been eating it often."Does anyone know? Did you tell him?" Yangcha asked. I shook my head. I didn't tell Taehyung I was pregnant during my visits."I want to keep it between us because I'm afraid of putting our child at risk," I muttered. Yangcha nodded and fed me the shrimp again as I ate from the bowl. He finally pulled off his gloves and tried to lick the grease on his fingers, but I caught his wrist and sucked the flavor from his fingertips, causing him to chuckle at my dirty behavior."Don't tease me, woman~!" He lightly shoved my shoulder. I laughed and sipped my juice again.
A moment later.
Yangcha cluelessly walked forward with the grocery bags over the busy night street while eyeing the stores on his side until I halted before a bright room with an ice cream cone gripped in my hand. He suddenly stopped in his tracks, unsurely turning around to search for me, and walked backward to stand by my side before lifting his face to stare at the store sign."Have you ever tried it with your girlfriend before?" I asked, blinking at the store curiously."I told you, you're my only girlfriend," Yangcha grimaced. Smiling, I shoved the remaining ice cream inside my mouth, grabbed his wrist, and dragged him inside the place. Yangcha whined because of the heavy bags... but I insisted on trying out the photo booth for the first time. I turned to stare at the variety of headbands with my mouth hanging open. How cute~!"It's my first time too. You've got cash, right?" I asked while picking out a furry angel halo to place it on my head."Yeah," Yangcha nodded as I fitted the tiger ears hairband over his scalp."Come on. Drop the groceries," I chuckled. Yangcha smiled and followed me inside the photo booth. I funnily gasped as Yangcha closed the curtain, so I sat down on the bench as he slipped the cash inside the machine. He picked out the theme and sat down beside me as I fixed my loose hair. I've only seen couples do it in dramas!"This is ridiculous," He smiled, turning toward the screen where I could see our live movement through the camera lens. I giggled at the silly hairbands on our heads and scooted closer to him.Yangcha grinned as I hugged his waist with a wide smile. Flick. Yangcha placed his arm over my shoulder, so I tilted my head for another shot. Flick. I lifted my face to poke out my tongue at my husband, causing Yangcha to smile at me cutely. Flick. We turned to stare at the screen again as he pinched my cheek. Flick. Yangcha laughed and kissed my cheek. Flick. I hugged his neck and pressed my lips against his. Flick. We quickly glanced at the machine and got up to select the pictures before printing the theme after decorating the frame. Virr~! The photobooth finally ejected two copies of our shoot together."Again~! Let's do it again~!" I grabbed his arm in excitement. We quickly pulled on funny accessories and rushed back inside the room to take a couple more shots."Ahah!" Yangcha laughed as we strolled out of the store together with a few copies of our photographs."We should do this more often~!" I smiled as we walked side by side while examining our cute pictures.

"I thought I'd never get to do things like this in my life~ But... I guess everything is achievable when you're with the right person," He chuckled. I nodded in agreement.Yangcha carried the groceries in his hand as we happily strolled through the dark woods. I quickly took a bath once we arrived home as he sorted the groceries in the kitchen before grabbing the photographs to decorate them over the vanity mirror with a wide smile.My husband eventually entered the room and left to shower as I placed the stickers over our pictures and chuckled by myself... until he stepped out with a towel over his head. He sat down on the bed in his loose pajamas, picked up my knitted purse from the nightstand to take out the empty sausage package, and tossed it in the bin.
Fast Forward
"What's happening?" Yangcha smiled while sitting with his eyes closed. I chuckled as he cluelessly sat on the carpet in the dark living room and carefully settled the birthday cake before him on the coffee table."Open your eyes~!" I grinned. Yangcha beamed, impatiently opening his eyes to gaze at the cute yellow lemon cake with his glimmering pupils. He gasped and looked up at me in surprise."Did you bake it?!" He scoffed."Yeah. You were too busy in the back room, so I baked it this afternoon~!" I nodded. Yangcha chuckled in excitement with his hands clasped together, so I grinned and sang the birthday song for him. He cutely clapped his hands with the melody and rocked from side to side while nodding his head with a brilliant smile."I'm going to cry~!" He pouted, making me chuckle while filming him with my phone camera."Happy birthday to my dearest husband, Jae Yangcha~!" I giggled.The alpha gleefully clapped his hands in appreciation and lowered his face with his eyes closed to make a wish as I fondly stared at him from across the table. He slowly opened his eyes again and blew on the sparkling candle, so I clapped in excitement and crawled onto my feet to switch on the lights as Yangcha eagerly poked the cream to taste the flavor from his fingertip."Thank you, my precious wife~!" He grinned as I sat on his lap. He hugged me from behind with one hand as I lifted the phone to wave at the video."I love you," I grinned, twisting my head to face him with puckered lips. Yangcha chuckled softly and kissed my lips. Smooch. I giggled at his tender love stroke and kissed his cheek before lowering my phone to save the footage. He grabbed the spoon, dug into the cake, and lifted it to my lips, so I opened my mouth to accept his offer."You really are the best~!" He chuckled while feeding himself as I turned to grab something from behind the cushion."I made it for you," I smiled, handing him a colorful knitted hat with dangling straps. Yangcha chuckled as I pulled it over his head."So that's what you've been working on?" He laughed. I nodded. He grinned and kissed me softly while rubbing my belly, so I hugged his neck as we caressed the creamy flavor between our lips. He finally pulled away and gave me a crushing hug."Can you print a few photographs? I want to add it to our album," I asked."Sure. Send them to me," Yangcha nodded, leaning forward to eat the cake I made while holding me over his lap... so I leaned against his chest to look through the compilation of our photographs with a weak smile and opened my mouth to let Yangcha feed me the tasty cake.
It doesn't take much to be happy and to remain in love... if we can compromise.

Fast Forward
"Make sure to finish the bun before tomorrow? Okay?" I asked as I stood by the bus terminal with Yangcha, who insisted on wearing the hat I knitted for him even if it was not cold."Of course," He nodded. I tiptoed and gave him a soft peck as he held onto my waist."I'll get going now~!" I smiled and tried to walk away, but he gripped my purse and gently drew me back. I unsurely turn to find him pulling out something from his pocket."How can you leave with an empty purse?" He asked, opening my knitted purse to place a bundle of cash inside."Oh? You're giving me an allowance?" I grinned as he safely zipped my purse again."Stop hitching a ride here. It's dangerous," Yangcha sighed. I giggled and gave him a soft kiss on his cheek."Neh, seobang-nim~! Thank you for the allowance~! I'll spend it well!" I chuckled. Yangcha patted my cheek warmly while gazing at me, so I released his hand and strolled away. He waved at me from the entrance until I got on the bus.I quickly sat beside the window in an empty seat and waved at him again. He chuckled and waved back until the bus departed from the station, so I happily exhaled and leaned back against my seat to count the cash he gave me. That's more than enough! Why did he give me so much? Chuckling happily, I leaned back against the seat while rubbing my small baby bump.The bus finally arrived in Seoul a little before dusk... so I quickly caught a taxi and got out at Taehyung's private building when someone... grabbed my arm just before I entered through the door. I spun around in a panic to find... Do-hwan looming over me with a dim expression.The man didn't explain his behavior and dragged me away... so I stumbled after him, confused but didn't resist his lead. He quickly helped me inside the car, so I nervously gripped the seat belt as he started the engine... and before I could process the situation... I found the car... pulling inside the cursed mansion. W-Wae?! I'm not ready to see my parents again!"Sora!? Honey!" Imo gasped, rushing up to me in shock once I stepped out with an ashen look. No one knows I'm alive except for Kim Taehyung. So how did they find out?!I blinked uneasily as the woman slammed into me, so I unconsciously gripped her shoulder before lifting my eyes to find... Kim Taehyung... dimly staring at me from the opened doorway. Did he...? Wae...? I asked him to keep my welfare hidden... so I could safely move back and forth to care for the twins without bringing harm to Yangcha."What's happening?" I muttered, unsurely walking up to him as imo worriedly scanned my body up and down to examine my physical appearance. He promised he wouldn't tell anyone about my existence, so why am I at the mansion???"We need to talk-""What are you doing?! Where are the twins-""Where's Jae Yangcha?" Taehyung suddenly turned to frown at me just as I entered the living room to find my mother sitting dimly beside appa, who was sorely eyeing me."W-What-""Sora! Where is Jae Yangcha?!" Taehyung impatiently snapped at me. I blinked and glanced at my mother's blank face."W-Why-""The twins are missing!" Taehyung snapped. I blinked in horror. Badum! My heart suddenly stopped beating for a solid second as I stared at Taehyung with my mouth ajar. What did he just-"W-What do you mean-""He took them! Where is that fucking asshole!?" Taehyung snapped. I frowned at his accusation while gripping the strap over my chest. What is he talking about?!"Y-Yangcha was just with me this afternoon-""Sora! He's the only culprit, so tell me! Where is that fucker!?!- Why did he take the kids?! I thought you settled the matter?!-" Taehyung seethed as he gripped my shoulders... yet I couldn't seem to focus on anything but the terrifying thoughts of the twins... being with Yangcha. Sora! Don't make assumptions!"Why are you accusing him?! Where are the twins?- You lost them?!- How?!-" I snapped while glaring at him in disbelief. How did he even lose the twins?!?"Someone abducted them! If it's not Jae Yangcha- then who else could it be?!-" Taehyung huffed with his eyebrows furrowed. I scoffed in bewilderment."Fuck-" I spun around in fear, but Taehyung firmly yanked me right back."You're not going anywhere!" Taehyung seethed."I have to go back! If Yangcha is behind the abduction- then I have to-""No. That's enough, Sora! I've had enough! The fucker will never rest as long as the twins are alive! Did you think you could tame him with your words?! What are you going to do? Calm his nerves with your body!? Yeah?!" Taehyung gritted his teeth. I widened my eyes at Taehyung's forceful assertion as he clutched tightly onto my wrist."What are you trying to say?! The twins are missing! And you're accusing Yangha when he was always with me?!!-""He sent people after the twins! Tell me why?! Why would he want to finish off the kids so suddenly?!" Taehyung sneered at my face. I blinked, frightened and confused by the unexpected commotion."I don't know!-""Are you... perhaps... pregnant... with his child?" Eomma asked, darkly staring at me from the couch. I suddenly froze in place and glanced at her as imo stood by the corner of the room, pale as a ghost."Wh- What does that have to do-""You're pregnant?!" Taehyung frowned, glancing down at my stomach with a terrified look. I pursed my trembling lips and clutched my stomach in fear as the prying eyes snapped at me from every direction."Why are you cornering me when you're the one to lose the twins?!-""Don't you get it? The Jaguar... is getting rid of the illegitimate heirs. So his baby... the one in your stomach... can strive alone," Eomma dimmed her eyes. Taehyung scoffed, suddenly turning to rub his face in frustration."Did you tell him about our deal?! The agreement to establish your power under the twin's name!" Taehyung furiously glared at me. I pursed my lips and glanced at my stomach with my lips ajar as the thoughts in my mind... spun wildly at the possibilities of Jae Yangcha's involvement with the twins's disappearance."I- I did. But Yangcha said- It didn't matter because he's powerful enough to support our child-""Bullshit! He's after your power! Your child will not stand a chance against the twins because they'll be the future supreme alphas!" Taehyung snapped at me. I pursed my lips and gripped my stomach in tears."I- I'll speak to him! Don't accuse him of such nonsense!-""No! You're not leaving!" Taehyung snapped, yanking me back with all his might... causing me to gasp in shock at his harsh force and stumble weakly into him."Let me go! I have to return! The twins-""Jae Yangcha will bring the twins back to you. If he can take them away... then he must return them at all costs. The asshole has to step out of the shadow," Taehyung firmly glared at me. A surge of hot tears suddenly... swelled in my eyes as my mind ran wild... at the alarming thoughts of the twins being haunted by... the Jaguar."He can't do that! The council will eliminate him-""IS HE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE TWINS LIFE?!" Taehyung angrily bellowed at my face. I whimpered and lowered my head in distress."Please! Just let me talk to him! Yangcha will listen!-""How long are you going to let him fool you? He'll listen! But he'll also kill behind your back! The twins are in danger! If you run to him- he will slaughter the kids- and I won't allow that to happen! He will come for you!-""Taehyung, please! Just let me speak to him first!-" I screamed, trying to rush away, but Do-hwan suddenly slammed the door shut to lock me in. THUD! My eyes widened in horror as I tearfully stared at the buff man before glancing at Taehyung again, who was darkly fuming over me. I sniffled and glanced at my cold parents, who remained blank on the couch.Slowly... I sank to my knees and lowered my head before Taehyung in tears. This doesn't make any sense! Yangcha and I have come to an agreement, and we're happy! So why would he risk breaking our vows to harm my children!?- He wouldn't commit such crimes... knowing it would wreck our marriage!"P- Please- Just this once- Listen to me! Taehyung! It's not him! He would never hurt the twins-""Yeah? But have you seen him raise his knife at the twins?! I did, Sora! I did! You weren't aware, but Yangcha detests the children! If it weren't for me- they would be dead by now! You're a fool for him! I let you do as you wish to nurse his pathetic childish needs- but- but I won't- let this slide! Not at the cost of the twin's welfare!" Taehyung angrily sneered at me. I whimpered at his harshness and lowered my head in extreme fright. This doesn't make any sense! Who do I trust?!"You can't lure him out! He won't survive the society! Please!-" I cried aloud while gripping his trousers to beg the man for mercy. Huff! Taehyung scoffed at my stubbornness in disbelief."Lock her up. No visitors are allowed unless Jae Yangcha brings me the twins. Alive," Taehyung ordered, suddenly strolling away with his cold shoulders. I sobbed in anguish with my head lowered while kneeling on the floor and shakily gripped my baby bump. It doesn't make sense! Yangcha was with me! He's at rest- so why...? Why would he abduct the twins to seek my power?! 
Fast Forward
I anxiously stared at the gloomy night sky through the high arch windows while sitting on my bed in my silk gown. Yangcha will find me if I don't return today. I fidgeted with my fingers and got up to peek through the window, but the guards were on standby below my balcony.Creak. I quickly rushed back to sit on the bed as the door opened. Do-hwan is guarding my bedroom door... and I've been stuck here for over a week! Imo strode inside the cold room with a tray of warm meals. She worriedly glanced at the untouched food with a dim expression before looking back up at me."My lady, you have to eat for the baby," Imo sighed, walking forward to settle the tray on the nightstand instead. I glared at her intensely as she settled on by my bedside."I'm not eating anything made by you anymore!" I snapped. The woman glanced at me bitterly before taking my hands in hers, but I quickly yanked my fingers out of her grip with a dark glower."I prepared the meals myself. You don't have to worry-""You made me that tea during the pre-wedding night! You're the reason I'm stuck in this madness! You drugged me!" I seethed at her in anger. I wouldn't have bore another man's children if she didn't deliver me that fucking poisonous tea! The woman took a deep exhale and glanced at her steaming food in defeat."I did attempt to brew you tea that night... but your mother... she was already brewing herself tea. She asked me to give you the remains in the teapot," Imo apologetically stared at me as I glared at her. Eomma...? Eomma made the tea...?"She asked you to give me the tea?" I scoffed at the woman in disbelief. So she gave me her tea? The hallucination drug?!"Will you eat? I promise you it's safe for your child," Imo nodded at her food. I gripped my hands intensely before glancing at the tray again. My baby will not survive if I keep this up. Sora, you must stay conscious. Imo stayed by my side to feed me the meal she prepared... but I didn't speak to her and ate calmly. My mother?... Why would she want to get me pregnant with Jeon Jungkook's children? So it was a setup...?"My lady!-" Imo gasped when I suddenly shoved the bowl away and scrambled off the bed. Thud! I shoved the door open, angrily storming out of the room in extreme anger, but Do-hwan immediately blocked my path with a dead stare on my fuming face."You're forbidden-""Where is she? The fucking witch?! Where is she!?" I screeched at the man, angrily shoving him aside before storming through the corridor to search for my cold-blood mother until I found her lounging on the couch with a cup of tea in her hand. How can she do this to me?!"What's with the fuss?" Eomma dawdled. I hastily snatched the teapot from the coffee table- SMASH. Imo gasped in shock as the porcelain shattered over the floor... sending the steaming hot tea all over my mother... who gasped and shot up in bewilderment."You ruined my life! It's you! You're the fucking culprit behind this madness!" I screamed at her in rage. My mother scoffed at the broken shards before shifting her flaming pupils to me while gripping her teacup."Did I ruin your life, or did you ruin mine?! Three years, Jang Sora! Three fucking years! You chose to remain dead with that fucking disgraceful killer instead of protecting your family! You abandoned your children so you could fuck that jerk's dirty cock! Did you think- I'd sit still and let the society mass murder the household?!" Eomma angrily hurled her teacup aside, sending it smashing onto the floor. I gripped my fists in tears as my body intensely vibrated with the surging anger."Things wouldn't have turned out this way if you didn't drug me with your fucking poison! That's why you hosted the wedding party for us! So you could get us drunk! So you could bring Jeon Jungkook to me because you needed a chain to secure his power! You got me pregnant with his child to secure Jeon Jungkook's assets! It was your fucking plan from the beginning! That's why you tried to poison Yangcha at my wedding afterward- so I have no choice but to bear Jungkook's sons!" I screamed in tears. Eomma furiously glared at me without glancing away."Did you think you could simply live an ordinary life without power?! You're only alive because of me!" Eomma snapped. I scoffed and turned to rub my forehead in disbelief. Fuck! How did I fall into her trap this foolishly?!"So that's why you're targeting Taehyung now?! What did you say to him for him to react this way?!" I snapped. Eomma glared at me in fury."Isn't it obvious, Sora? Why Kim Taehyung... is so keen on adopting the twins? They have Jeon Jungkook's... blood running through them... and... if Jeon Jungkook falls... The Jeon will lose their entire assets to the Kim's heir," Eomma smirked as she folded her arms. My eyes widened in horror."You manipulated him into playing your games again!? Eomma!-""Did I? Kim Taehyung is a wise man. He wouldn't play if he knew he was going to lose but given the situation... I'm sure... Jae Yangcha is powerful enough to defeat Jeon Jungkook. And once the Jeon falls... The cult will redirect their attention to your so-called... lover. They'll never rest until Jae Yangcha dies," Eomma evilly smiled at me. I screamed at her in tears and tried to rush forward, but Do-hwan firmly tugged me backward as I wildly kicked and thrashed within his arms to reach my evil mother."I HATE YOU! I FUCKING HATE YOU! WHO ARE YOU TO WRECK MY FUCKING LIFE LIKE THIS! ARGH! YOU'RE- A FUCKING WITCH! HOW CAN YOU DO THIS TO ME!?- ARGH!!!" I screamed in pain as Do-hwan firmly supported my body weight to restrain me. Eomma rolled her eyes at my mad tantrum and strolled away... leaving me... with my violent outburst until I ran out of energy and collapsed onto the floor... weakly crying in despair.
I was simply a tool to achieve her power! She couldn't tame me, so she planted the half-blood sperms inside my womb to secure his power!

I'm so disgusted! I'm so disgusted by her fucking greed!
__________________________
Elite Council
Third Person POVThe explosive arguments suddenly ceased upon an unexpected disruption.  THUD.  The enormous door swung open as the households argued over The Jang's elimination from the game. The society snapped their piercing gaze at the shocking presence of another player. The alphas froze in their respective seats once they found... Jae Yangcha... storming inside the room with a fuming red face.
"You're alive?!" Minah gasped in shock as the alpha marched inside the room. But he didn't bat her an eye and stormed up the staircase with his dark pupils glued on a target. The room grew tense as the untamed Jaguar... pounced towards... Kim Taehyung... with its vicious claws.

"Where is JANG SORA?!" Yangcha snapped, fiercely slamming his hands over Taehyung's desk, who dully looked up at the beast with an unimpressed gaze.

"How am I supposed to know...? Didn't you murder her at the penthouse?" Taehyung asked unsurely. Yangcha scoffed and darkened his glare on the stern alpha.

"Is this a joke?! Give her back to me!" Yangcha demanded.

"Jang Sora is alive!?" Seokjin wildly stood up from his seat. Kim Taehyung smirked and glanced up at Yangcha's furious scowl.

"So... it took... the goddess's absence... to lure you out, huh?" Kim Taehyung smirked at Yangcha's fuming face.

"How dare you hold her captive against her will!-"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Taehyung smiled at Yangcha, whose face turned even redder from being provoked.

"SHE'S MINE! JANG SORA IS MY WIFE BY LAW!" Yangcha bellowed, angrily seething at Kim Taehyung with his baring fangs.

"No. Jang Sora was never yours. If Sora is alive... I'm sure... she'll choose her children over your monstrous delusional ass," Taehyung chuckled.

Yangcha's face immediately flushed in extreme anger, causing his neck muscles to strain from the offensive insult. The room gasped in shock when the Jaguar violently snatched Kim Taehyung's collar to yank the alpha out of his seat until his raging eyes pierced into Kim Taehyung's blank pupils. The beast snarled viciously at the alpha... who remained composed in his position as he challenged the feral monster to a deadly staring contest without a hint of fear.

"She will never leave my side. Did you think... you could win her over... just because the children are yours...?!" Yangcha sneered, causing the council's jaw to gasp in disbelief.

"What?! The twins are Kim Taehyung's-"

"You fucking raped her, didn't you!? When she was unconscious!" Jae Yangcha seethed in anger until his grip around Kim Taehyung's collar shook from immense rage.
"Me..? How ridiculous. Why don't you... ask... Jeon Jungkook the question...?" Kim Taehyung laughed and shifted his evil gaze to the clueless half-blood. Jae Yangcha's glowering glare suddenly flashed in bafflement upon Taehyung's blunt claim.  Snap . The Jaguar... fiercely averted his darkness... to Jeon Jungkook... who remained frozen in his seat... on the opposite side of the room.
"W-What are you talking about-"

"Jae Yangcha. I'm not your target. I've always taken care of Sora. You know that. The person you should... be upset with is... Jeon Jungkook. It was always his deliberate intention... to ruin the supreme alpha's household. He went as far as... forcing her to bear his children without consent... to ruin your marriage. Why are you attacking me when I'm on Jang Sora's side...?" Taehyung smiled at the Jaguar.

"Jungkook! What did you do?!-" Mr. Jeon gasped, snapping his head at Jungkook's pale expression. The Jaguar clenched his jaw, dangerously turning on its hind legs as the beast directed his possessed pupils on the half-blood. Kim Taehyung glanced at Mrs. Jang's shaken state with a smug smile.

"You raped my wife?!" Jae Yangcha bellowed at Jeon Jungkook with his raging darkness.

The half-blood clenched his jaw at the silent killer as he remained stiff in his seat.

Kim Taehyung softly scoffed under his breath.... and lowered his head with a sly smirk after... he successfully sent the untamed beast... after Jeon Jungkook.
Jae Yangcha suddenly marched away from Kim Taehyung's desk and stormed straight toward Jeon Jungkook, who perched nervously at his desk, causing the households to hold their breath. Mrs. Jang glanced at Kim Taehyung from the base of the room as they waited for the Jaguar to attack Jeon Jungkook. Thud.The alpha abruptly halted by Mrs. Jang's side with a deadly glower on Jeon Jungkook... who was glaring straight at the beast with a dark scowl. The Jaguar clenched his jaw... and suddenly shifted his resentful gaze to Ga Aera... who was eyeing the alpha with a smug expression.The silent killer slowly averted his sharp gaze to the eager council as the players intensely observed him from every direction... waiting for him to attack... so they would have the excuse to kill him. The Jaguar suddenly shifted his stern gaze back to Jeon Jungkook while struggling to suppress the tempting urge to shed blood at the council.
One wrong move. And... he's swarmed by the wolves.
You're outnumbered. Jang Sora's voice softly reminded him.Thud. Thud. Thud. Jae Yangcha suddenly spun on his heels and stormed straight towards the door, unexpectedly retreating without attacking the Jeon's heir. Mrs. Jang straightened her body in irritation and exchanged glances with Kim Taehyung again after the Jaguar stepped out of their bear trap... right before it snared the wild beast with its deadly claws. The untamed beast fled the venue instead of attacking Jeon Jungkook... leaving Aera and Kim Taehyung stunned in their position."Jang Sora!" Taehyung gasped, suddenly leaping to his feet in realization.The council suddenly erupted into chaos as they watched Kim Taehyung race from his seat to chase the Jaguar. Jeon Jungkook clenched his jaw and quickly got up from his desk to leave the room after being accused of raping the supreme alpha. Thump! Mrs. Jang hastily exited through the door with her husband to avoid the disorder.
A moment later.
The supreme alpha blankly strolled through the manicured garden in her fluttering silk gown to admire the blooming flowers with her downcast gaze. Her mind... overflowing with spewing thoughts. The mother is dead worried for her children, yet she can't escape to search for them because of the high mansion walls around her. She paused by the fountain to stare at the floating petals when she suddenly... noticed a swift movement by her side... so she quickly turned to find... a man marching towards her with his raging dark energy.Jang Sora's heart stopped beating for a moment as the... Jaguar... stormed towards her with blood all over his clothes. She unconsciously backed away after she noticed he was once again... reeking of another person's death. The beast kept his determined gaze glued on her.She blinked at him with a startled look as he marched up to her, immediately drawing her into a crushing hug before she could part her lips to greet him. Thump! The supreme alpha gripped his back with a slight frown... utterly startled by his unexpected appearance. The Jaguar had forced his way through the back gate... and had slaughtered those within his path... to reach his captured wife."Follow me," Yangcha whispered, pulling away to stare at her pale face. She frowned at him as she gripped his dirty hand."The twins-" She tried to speak- Whip! The Jaguar tugged his imprisoned wife forward and yanked her with him... causing her to gasp in a panic.The goddess gripped her silk and ran by her lover's side until they reached the mansion's exit... securely patrolled by the guards. The gate suddenly slid open and a few cars came rolling inside the pavement, causing the Jaguar to tense his body as he held Jang Sora by his side. She nervously stared at the flock of armed men as Kim Taehyung stepped out of the car with his grim gaze on the Jaguar."You're not taking her anywhere-" Kim Taehyung calmly spoke but halted when the Jaguar roughly seized Sora's shoulder to hold her against his body as a protective shield with a knife at her throat. Sora sucked in her breath as her husband firmly pressed the blade against her neck."Clear the path," Yangcha snarled at Kim Taehyung."If she dies... you'll drop dead too," Kim Taehyung darkly stared at Yangcha as the guards surrounded the couple. Sora nervously glanced at the gun barrels and up at her husband's shocking aggression while gripping his forearm. She felt the blade... piercing her skin... yet she didn't dare whimper and stood fearfully against his pulsating chest."And you'll never find... the twins. The Black Phoenix will inherit my power after I die... and all of you will suffer their savage dominance," Yangcha sneered. Sora intensely gripped her silk... too scared to bulge as the blade stung her flesh. Kim Taehyung dimmed his eyes... and glanced at Ga Aera... who had stepped out of the car with black faux fur around her slender neck."Clear the path," Jang Beomseok suddenly spoke up."Beomseok!" Aera snapped at her husband in disbelief."Sora is bleeding. Are you blind?" Beomseok averted his stern gaze to his wife.Aera frowned at her husband in disbelief as the guard cleared the path for Jae Yangcha, who cautiously walked forward with the knife held at Sora's throat. She fearfully stared at Kim Taehyung as the Jaguar led her out of the gate. A car suddenly arrived, so yangcha immediately pushed Sora inside and got in after her. ZOOM! The car blasted forward... leaving the guards dumbfounded at the door after the Jaguar abducted the supreme alpha... right from their doorstep.
Sora's POV
I swallowed the hard lump tears, too afraid to budge as Yangcha sat in the backseat of the car with me. He lowered the knife from my throat and tried to touch the wound, but I shifted away from him. He took the twin? I thought he'd never betray me like this, but he took the twins?!Yangcha sighed at my withdrawn behavior and roughly tilted my neck with his hand clasped firmly over my mouth, causing me to wince in pain as he gently placed a bandage on the cut. The man softly kissed the bandage before pulling away to examine my face, so I quickly screwed my eyes shut... too afraid to resist him as we drove out of the city... until the car grew a little bumpy from racing over the coarse dusty road.SLASH! I flinched in horror when a splatter of blood sprayed all over the steering wheel, so I quickly snapped my face upward.... to find Yangcha holding a towel over the driver's neck from the back seat... after he slit the man's throat open with the blade."Hold onto the towel," Yangcha grabbed my hand.I winced in fright as he made me secure the man who was tearfully staring at me through the rearview mirror. I sobbed and lowered my head in extreme fear as I compressed the towel over his torn throat to stop the blood from flowing as Yangcha climbed into the front seat and safely steered the vehicle to the side of the empty road. He quickly parked the car, shoved the driver's door open, and kicked the man- making me wince in fright as the injured driver... tumbled out of the seat."Yangcha!-" I whimpered, shoving the back door open and tried to help the injured man, but he firmly held me back.The Jaguar lowered his body to heave the man's underarms as I stood by the car... helplessly watching the beast... drag the man off the jagged road... until they disappeared into the tall grass. I sniffled and glanced at the bloody mess in the driver seat, so I quickly grabbed the towel to wipe the windshield- BANG! I flinched at a single gunshot. Freezing in place... I slowly stood up and rounded the car to stare at the thick barriers in tears as the wind subtly blew... between the tall grass... until I felt my chest swelling in discomfort. Why did he have to kill an innocent man?
A moment later.
Third Person POVJae Yangcha finally strolled out... onto the side of the road... through the tall glass with his face and hands soaked with blood as Sora anxiously waited by the parked car on the side of the dusty road. The sun had already set... so it was getting dark.The alpha deeply exhaled, tossing... a GPS tracker... onto the gravel and stomped on the device to crush it as his terrified wife stiffly stood with her hands clasped together. He snatched the towel from her grip and rubbed his hands clean with the cloth to wipe off the blood as she intensely stood by the car to watch her husband yank off his stained shirt and pants.He changed into a new set of clothes, stripping naked without shame... before tossing his clothes into the grass field. The alpha opened the car trunk to grab a bottle of gasoline, stuffed the bloody towel in the opened lid, and lit the towel on fire before hurling the metallic bottle over the tall grass."Get in," Yangcha opened the car door after he had set the field on fire. Sora sniffled and did as he instructed, so he slammed the car door shut and rounded the car to get inside after he killed the driver to tie up the loose ends. Sora pursed her lips and glanced at the man in tears as he blankly drove her through a vast field to avoid the security footage.
Sora's POV
Yangcha took me to a sketchy motel in an isolated town... that's definitely outside the city center because we couldn't check into a proper hotel without identifying ourselves. He quickly locked the old door. I unsurely sat down on the cheap mattress with my hands clasped together as I watched him lock the windows. He spun around to examine the place with his eyes... narrowed... as if to search for suspicious devices."Let's shower. I'll bathe you-" Yangcha tried to pull my hand, but I tugged back and glanced up at him in tears. He glanced at the bandage on my neck and lifted his dim gaze to me again."Where are the twins?" I asked while staring at him in tears."That's not important-""WHERE ARE THEY!?" I screamed, launching to my feet with my bloodshot glare directed at him. Yangcha clenched his jaw as he calmly stared at my raging pupils. I can't do this anymore!"Noona- Calm down. Our baby-""You stupid jerk! I trusted you! Wae?! Why do you have to do it?! They're innocent!-" I screamed, angrily smacking his chest with my balled fists."I did not kidnap them! Alright?!- Why would I kidnap them!? I promised you, didn't I!" Yangcha shrieked at my face in frustration, so I pursed my lips as the hot tears dripped from my eyes... until I felt my chest aching in extreme discomfort."Th- Then who took them-""Obviously- Someone who wishes to initiate mistrust between us! Now- Will you calm down?!- I'll fix this for you!" He snapped. I bit my trembling lips as Yangcha glared at me for accusing him of the abduction. The alpha sighed and pulled me into a comforting hug, so I sobbed and hugged him tightly. What's happening?! If it's not Yangcha- Then who is doing this?! Why would they target innocent children!?!"I'm- worried about them! Yangcha, I'm so scared!" I cried in distress.What if they torture the twins!? How can anyone be so cruel? The children shouldn't be involved in the council's power play! So why are they using children as a shield!? Yangcha deeply exhaled as he clutched onto my body to assure me of his support as I weakly broke down in his arms... sobbing and whimpering in anguish while holding onto his sturdy torso.
We stood in... the shabby motel room... helplessly holding each other... in dread... as the deadly apocalypse... threatens our... lives with its menacing chaos.

The next day.BLURP! I frantically shot off the bed first thing in the morning and raced towards the bathroom, causing Yangcha to jerk in a panic as he sat on the floor with a cup of ramen. Blurp! I frantically puked into the toilet bowl. Yangcha quickly sprinted inside to hold up my tangled hair as I gagged and barfed out my intestines. I sniffled in tears while rubbing my moist lips with my head lowered over the dirty toilet bowl."Is it the morning sickness?" He asked as I stood up and turned to wash my lips in the sink before pressing my arms against the sink to take a deep inhale with my eyes closed... calmly recollecting my swaying mind."The ramen..." I whispered."What about it?" Yangcha asked."The smell is making me sick," I whispered, slightly screwing my face in discomfort. Yangcha released my hair and quickly strolled out of the bathroom to dispose of the ramen without finishing it before stepping back inside the room to open the window so the morning air could purify the odor from the room.He must've woken up early and left to buy ramen for himself. I rubbed my runny nose and slowly walked back out to sit on the mattress in exhaustion as Yangcha adjusted the cranky fan... so it could blow the contaminated air out of the room. Yangcha exhaled, walked back toward me, and crouched down to brush his thumb over the bandage on my neck."Does it hurt?" He asked, looking up at me worriedly. I nauseously nodded. He tried to kiss me, but I clasped my hand over his lips to stop him. He paused and looked up at me with a questioning frown."You reek of ramen," I muttered. Yangcha scoffed, lowering his head to sniff his shirt."Araso. I'll shower," He smiled, gently patting my cheek, and got up to enter the bathroom... but he didn't shut the door and left it wide open, so I sighed and crawled onto the bed to lay on my side with my dim gaze on the opened window while rubbing my baby bump. How are the twins? I hope they're not in pain. I have to save them. No matter what it takes...Yangcha finally stepped out of the bathroom... pulled on his spare shirt and boxer before climbing the bed to rest beside me. I blinked out of my thoughts and glanced at his sunken eyes as he tucked his forearm under his head to gaze at me."Did you brush your teeth?" I asked."Yeah. Do I smell? Still?-" He asked while sniffing his shirt, so I leaned forward to softly peck his lips. He paused. I slowly pulled away to search his eyes with troubled feelings."It's gone. The scent," I whispered. Yangcha smiled and tucked my hair behind my ear before brushing his thumb over my cheek."We'll leave tomorrow once I get my hands on the bus tickets," He whispered."The car?" I asked."I drove it into a lake last night," He whispered. I nodded as he rubbed my upper arm to soothe me."How'd you know I was at the mansion?" I asked without opening my eyes. Yangcha sighed and scooted closer to hug me against his warm chest, so I held his back with my face pressed against his shoulder."We made a promise. You'll only be away for three days. And you'll be back at the latest... a week late. Two weeks. Remember? If you don't return after two weeks... I'll find you," He whispered. I nodded."You should've stayed home," I whispered."And let them hold you captive over the twins?" He asked sorely. I opened my eyes to stare at his face."What if this is a scheme? I suspect my mother is behind this commotion," I whispered."Your mother?" Yangcha repeated. I suddenly teared up again, but I swallowed the hot lump and stared at the leaking stains on the motel's ceiling with restless feelings."The night... I got pregnant. Eomma... she gave me and Jungkook... her hallucinating tea. I saw Jungkook as you and consented to the intercourse. I doubt Jungkook is aware either," I muttered. Yangcha sighed, gently placing his hand over my belly."So she wishes to secure the Jeon's power?" Yangcha asked. I nodded without looking away from the leakage on the ceiling."She knew the Jeon would detach themselves from the alliance. My mother couldn't bear to let him split Park Chulseok's power so she... used me... as a puppet... to bear his children. The twin's existence is... simply to chain Jeon Jungkook because no matter who he marries or... how many children he produces... they will be illegitimate... because the twins are the rightful heir to their father's position since they are the firstborns," I whispered. How could my mother play so dirty? How far is she willing to go...? To secure her power?"And Kim Taehyung lured me out... so I'd attack Jeon Jungkook? If Jeon Jungkook dies... the twins will automatically inherit his assets, and your mother will bear Park Chulseok's whole power again?" Yangcha asked. I nodded."She knows I'm pregnant with your child. You're in more danger now because... if you die... your assets will become mine by law. Even the cult... and Kim Seokjin can't attain your power from me. My mother will try to kill you," I whispered, sadly staring at him. Yangcha turned to lie on his back with his arm rested over his head."The Black Phoenix," He whispered."What?" I asked. Yangcha exhaled and slowly sat up to rub his face in disbelief."The twins. It's the Black Phoenix's ruse," Yangcha muttered. I frowned and slowly sat up to stare at him. What is he talking about?"The cult took the twins? For what purpose?" I frowned. Yangcha clenched his jaw as he thought about the deadly power play."Sora. You're Park Jihyun's blood daughter. Didn't they tell you? The society is aware of your bloodline," Yangcha shifted his gaze to me. My mind suddenly turned blank as I stared at him, unable to make sense of his words."W-What? How-""Your mother confessed at the trial when the cult tried to seize your household power. Park Jihyun had an affair with your mother, and you're his blood daughter," He whispered. I felt my heart dropping at his words and my head spinning wildly as the shocking realization swept my soul like a hurricane."So that's why... eomma... hated me... so much?" I whispered, slowly lifting my bewildered pupils to stare at Yangcha without blinking."She saw Park Jihyun in you. Your mother is messing with your life as revenge for what he did to her in the past. She's indirectly channeling her vengeance on you," Yangcha nodded. I scoffed and glanced down at my hands with my lips ajar. What about appa? Is he aware? All these years... was he fooled too? I gripped my hands in irritation."It doesn't matter. I have to get the twins back no matter what," I shook my head."The Black Phoenix can't defy your mother once she discloses the official documents to the council. They took the twins to threaten you, I assume. I'm sure... they won't give up easily on your power because Park Bogum is older than you," Yangcha nodded. I exhaled in frustration as I frowned at the mirror on the wall."Yangcha. I need you to stay out of this conflict," I whispered, looking up at him in dread."Noona... we've spoken...""And you promised me to stay out of this conflict. This isn't merely a family affair but an entangled power play. You won't survive if you enter the chessboard, so please- stay hidden. It's not about my power but yours as well. My mother forced you to form a dual alliance with the cult, knowing they'd somehow try to overthrow me... but she was confident because she had the official documents," I shook my head, gently lifting my hand to caress his firm cheek."The witch always possessed the authorized contracts... but she was growing restless because the Jeon was wavering... so she let Jungkook break the alliance, knowing I was bearing his children. Now she has a reason to eliminate him from the game, and Taehyung is using you to hunt the half-blood. My mother knows the council is against the cult, so after Jeon Jungkook falls... the council will snap at the Black Phoenix... and she will toss you out of the game as well. Ultimately... claiming your assets to combine it... with mine," I whispered. Yangcha darkened his gaze as we intensely stared at each other."And Kim Taehyung? What's the trade? Why is he aiding your mother?" Yangcha frowned."Power. My mother will transfer Jeon Jungkook's assets to Kim Taehyung. In return... he will tame the Mins and the Jungs in the council so my mother could stabilize her position in the council and once again... assert her dominance," I replied. Yangcha clenched his jaw and lowered his head to process his thoughts."No. The deal is you, Sora. Once I'm eliminated... he gets you. Why else is he so determined?" Yangcha muttered. I pursed my lips as Yangcha bitterly lifted his head to search my face with a conflicted look. I rubbed my belly anxiously before leaning forward to kiss him deeply."I have a plan. Please- don't interfere," I whispered. Yangcha frowned at me but nodded and kissed me back. I exhaled and hugged him tightly as he rubbed my lower back to comfort my hurting soul.
Usually... I'd break down and cry and weep over my lost children, but shedding an ocean of tears would not bring them back to me.

I've always desired to live a peaceful life without disturbance but I can't do so when the players are constantly attacking me. If they want to play the power of the game... so be it. I will not back down until I hold the twins in my embrace again... and those who... hinder me shall perish.

And I will... give up everything to secure my children. Even if I have to face death.
_________________________
Elite Council
Third Person POV"You have no right to succeed Jang Sora's position! The documents are clearly authentic!" Aera snapped at Park Bogum, who was sorely eyeing her from the first row."Did you think... we'd give in that easily? Park Bogum is older than Jang Sora! He has every right to secure her power-""BUT PARK JIHYUN LEFT ALL OF HIS ASSETS UNDER JANG SORA'S NAME!" Seokjin fired at the man. The cult's people glanced at each other, suddenly erupting from their seats to leave the council."Stop them! You're not leaving today! I've had enough of your bullshit!" Aera snapped, storming up the stairs with the paper documents until a young woman stepped forward to block the senior alpha from attacking Park Bogum, who stood on the stairs with a poker face."Long time no see... ajumma...?" Yuri smirked at Ga Aera, whose face flushed in horror once she recognized her best friend's daughter."Get out of my way- Ah!" Aera tried to shove Yuri aside but was caught off guard when the young woman violently slashed a blade across the woman's neck."AERA!" Beomseok gasped, racing up the stairs in horror.Kim Taehyung immediately launched to his feet to catch the injured woman- whose face turned pale as she gripped her torn neck in shock. Yuri emotionlessly glanced at the bloody blade and lifted her face to glare at the council... who suddenly froze in place... upon witnessing her murderous tendencies."YAH! WEAPONS AREN'T ALLOWED INSIDE THE ROOM!" Hoseok shouted in disbelief. Snap. Snap. Snap.The council suddenly froze in place when the cult's people drew out their guns to aim them at the alphas, defying the council's regulation and breaking all the terms and conditions to overthrow the ace players with their dirty schemes.Jimin quickly leaped from his seat to tear off his suit and firmly compressed it over Ga Aera's neck as her husband positioned her body upward to prevent the blood from gushing out of the open wound. Kim Taehyung seethed and snapped his burning glare toward the cult leader, who stood with a blank gaze on Mrs. Jang."Park Bogum is the rightful heir. Keep your pretty mouth shut, or I will make sure to end you for good," Yuri sneered at Aera, whose eyes were bulging in pain as the heavy blood gushed from her throat."Did you think we'd let you abuse your power in the council!? You're not leaving the room!" Seokjin bellowed, angrily slamming his hands on the desk. A flood of guards suddenly stormed inside the council with their guns aimed upward to oppose the cult, who quickly surrounded Bogum to shield him from the threatening tension within the venue."And so... we shall slaughter. It's either... the supreme alpha... hands over her power... to the legitimate heir... or the entire council... drops dead this instant at the wrath of the Black Phoenix. We can settle the conflict in a civilized manner... or we can use the old-school method to achieve victory with bloodshed. It's your call," Manseok chuckled as he stood pridefully beside Park Bogum."Kim Taehyung. Bring Jang Sora power to me and I'll free the twins," Park Bogum lowly spoke up... causing Taehyung to snap his deadly glare at the heir in resentment before glancing at Ga Aera's dire situation."The kids are innocent!-""We won't harm them if the mother turns herself in," Manseok chuckled, slowly strolling down the stairs with an unbothered look. They stepped over Ga Aera's wounded body and strolled down the remaining steps.The cult leader smirked at the stiff guards as they directed the guns at the flock of armed men, yet didn't dare to pull the trigger... at the risk of initiating a deadly dispute that could possibly wipe out the entire council. Yuri sneered at Aera in spite before strolling after her father as Park Bogum made his way out of the petrified venue. The council remained paralyzed... unable to counter the cult's wild strike as Ga Aera struggled to stay conscious with an open neck wound."Call the medics!" Jimin roared, causing everyone to snap out of their thoughts. The guards immediately secured the door after the cult people exited the room, leaving the alphas in utter chaos."You and your household must deal with this madness!" Namjoon snapped, storming towards the injured alpha. Beomseok suddenly lifted his wife and sprinted out of the room as Kim Taehyung clenched his jaw and lowered his blood-soaked hands to lean over the desk with his head lowered."The Kim will not be involved! They've already ended their alliance contract with the Jang!" Min Yoongi snapped, firing Kim Taehyung a warning glare."Is Jang Sora really alive!? Where the fuck is she?!" Minah snapped as Minho and Mira's household got up to leave the council since they were on the Black Phoenix's side."Yah! You better stay out of this! The Jang isn't our concern!" Hoseok snapped at Taehyung, who was struggling to collect his clouded mind."And then what?! Stay hushed?! And allow the cult to seize control of the council with Jang Sora's power?! You saw them! They violated the council's law! The Black Phoenix will destroy all of us if we don't team up to resist them! Jang Sora alone won't be able to withstand them!" Seokjin snapped at Hoseok with a furious glower."Where are you going...? The twins... they're your... sons... yet you won't speak a word and leave?" Taehyung finally spoke up, angrily shifting his dark pupils to the base of the venue as Jeon Jungkook... casually strolled toward the exit with his parents. The tense alphas turned to stare at Jungkook's blank face as he halted by the door with his hands in his pocket."Why should I be concerned? Ga Aera manipulated me into giving the supreme alpha, my heirs. Did you think I was a fool to involve myself in the conflict and fall into her trap? Deal with it if you are so pressed on wanting to be their father," Jungkook sneered at Taehyung and strolled out of the room."Wah~! That jerk?!- Is he seriously leaving his children to die so they can't inherit his assets?!" Jimin scoffed. Sungho deeply exhaled and left the room after Jungkook... to follow his ally. Kim Taehyung gripped his bloody fingers and lowered his head to process his wild thoughts as the alphas noisily argued around him.
Most of the households... were reluctant to resist the Black Phoenix out of fear of being targeted. While others... are determined to stop the apocalypse... before it evolves into a deadlier warfare.
______________________
Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung exhaled deeply... to expel the swelling pressure from his stuffy chest as he stood by the doorway with his arms crossed. His eyes... dimmed on the senior alpha as she rested on the medical bed with a bandage around her throat. Jang Beomseok sat listlessly by her side to hold her hand as the nurses attended to her wounds. Imo sniffled and left with the maids, so Do-hwan walked out after her, leaving Kim Taehyung alone with the man and his unconscious wife."Did you find Sora?" Beomseok asked, dimly staring at his wife."She ran off with the fucker," Taehyung exhaled. The alpha clenched his jaw and strolled away, leaving the man alone with Aera."Come with me," Do-hwan beckoned Taehyung as he leaned against the wall by the medical room. The alpha unsurely followed the man into the security department... where the staff were searching for the twin's whereabouts."What's this?" Taehyung asked as Do-hwan led him inside his office and closed the door."They have the twins. The Black Phoenix," Do-hwan muttered, rounding the table to access his desktop before rotating the screen to Kim Taehyung, who frowned behind the man's armchair as a video popped up."Where's appa~?" Woojin pouted in tears as he huddled on a dirty mattress on the floor in a dark room."They're quite adorable. Aren't they~?" A man chuckled, reaching out to ruffle Kanghoon's hair.The twins trembled in fear while leaning against the moldy wall in their dirty clothes. Kim Taehyung clenched his fists in anger as he stared at their bony cheeks. Do-hwan pinched his nose bridge as the twins cried and hugged each other while eyeing the men behind the camera with their fearful bulging... doe eyes."Eat up, boys!" Someone laughed, tossing a dog bowl filled with soggy rice on the mattress.The twins whimpered and hurriedly grabbed the filthy food with their bare hands to shove it inside their mouths in tears. The young souls were starving. Taehyung scoffed, suddenly turning his face away from the screen to frown at the wall as he listened to the twin's pitiful sobs while eating the filth that was given to them."Aigo~ They're such good boys~!" Kim Taehyung tried to calm his nerves... but his blood began boiling the longer he listened to the twin's familiar whining voices."Are you not going to do anything?" Do-hwan asked, finally switching off the video that was uploaded on the society's community platform."The Min will be furious if I get involved," Taehyung folded his arms."Their mother is in hiding... and the father... is neglecting the child..." Do-hwan exhaled deeply. Taehyung suddenly stormed out of the office. BANG! He slammed the door shut, startling the staff within the department. The alpha got in his car and tore straight toward the Chul's mansion... roughly braking his spinning wheels in the driveway and barged inside the Chul's property."What are you doing here...?" Hwa-young appeared in bewilderment as the alpha angrily marched inside her home."Where is that fucker?!" Taehyung snapped, roughly pushing past her. She wildly spun around as Taehyung stormed inside the mansion until Sungho strolled down the staircase with a baffled look."Yah-""JEON JUNGKOOK! BRING HIM HERE THIS INSTANT!" Taehyung roared, furiously firing Sungho a deadly glare."What do you want?! How dare you barge inside the Chul's property?!" Jungkook snapped, jogging down the stairs without his shirt on. He was sweating heavily from his workout session."YOU SONS ARE IN DANGER, AND YET- YOU'RE DOING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING?!-" Taehyung snarled at his cousin in rage."Why should Jungkook be involved?! And how are you so sure it's his kids?!" Hwa-young snapped in annoyance. Taehyung scoffed."WATCH THE FUCKING VIDEO! AND TELL ME IF IT'S NOT HIS FUCKING SPERMS?!" Taehyung yelled at her. Sungho frowned at Taehyung and glanced at Jungkook, whose face was burning red."So? The child is born outside of wedlock. They're illegitimate heirs," Jungkook shrugged. Taehyung gritted his teeth, suddenly launching forward to attack his cousin- but Sungho quickly grabbed Taehyung's collar just as he threw a rough punch against Jungkook's jaw. SMACK."THEN WHY DID YOU FUCK HER? WHY DID YOU FUCK HER THAT NIGHT?! YOU WERE AWARE!- SHE MIGHT'VE BEEN DRUGGED BUT YOU!- YOU WERE FUCKING AWARE!" Taehyung bellowed at Jeon Jungkook, who was covering his bleeding nose in disbelief."SHE CHOSE TO LEAVE ME! I'M NOT TAKING THE FALL FOR HER! I HAVE A FIANCÉE AND A BABY TO RAISE AS WELL!" Jungkook snapped at Taehyung, who froze and glanced at Hwa-young with a startled look. She backed away with her hands clasped over her stomach."You're pregnant?" Sungho whispered, staring at his sister in horror. She pursed her lips and glanced at Jungkook, who was rubbing off the fresh blood from his nostril with the back of his hand."So... you're not going to do anything and let the twins perish? Yeah? Just because... They weren't born with love between you two? So you'll leave them... to die...? Just so the baby in her womb can flourish?!" Taehyung snapped, averting his disappointed gaze to his cousin for neglecting the children as he shakily pointed at Chul Hwa-young."I won't... be involved. They're not my family," Jungkook sternly glared at Taehyung. The alpha suddenly snatched Hwa-young's wrist and pulled her with him... leaving Sungho standing awkwardly in the room. Taehyung huffed and lowered his face to rub his nose bridge in frustration."If you wish to overthrow the cult... lure out the Jaguar. That is the only way to resist Park Bogum," Sungho sighed, strolling back up the stairs. Kim Taehyung swallowed the hard lump in his throat and stormed out of the mansion with his fists clenched after he failed to convince his cousin to rescue the twins.________________________
Fast Forward
On a gloomy afternoon... right before dawn... a flood of black cars entered the Jang's mansion. The Jang dreadfully stared at the intrusion from behind their mansion's door as the cult leader stepped out of the car... followed by Park Bogum and Chung Yuri. Jang Beomseok glanced at his wife... who was sitting in her wheelchair with a frightened expression.
THUMP.
Imo backed away against the maid as the hooded men forced their way inside the property, causing the maid to retreat against the wall. Do-hwan clenched his forearm as Chung Manseok stormed inside the living room to sit on the couch across from Ga Aera's wheelchair. His muddy... footsteps... staining the marble tiles and soaking the carpet with filth."I'll give you until midnight to hand over the contract, or I'll slaughter the entire household. No one will be spared," Chung Manseok smiled at Aera as she gripped her wheelchair. Jang Beomseok exhaled and glanced at the innocent maids, imo and the guards on standby.
Jang Beomseok had ordered all of his people to back down because he did not wish to waste their lives over his household affairs.

Meanwhile.
"I HAVE TO HELP THEM!" Taehyung snapped at Yoongi, who was glaring at the alpha's determination to rescue the Jangs as they remained at the fintech corporation."You're aware it's against the contract agreements to be involved with another household's affair!" Min Yoongi snapped. Kim Taehyung rubbed his face in distress."It's not the Jang that I'm trying to save! It's the twins! They're innocent!" Taehyung argued. Min Yoongi scoffed and turned away to rub his forehead."If the mother and the father aren't willing to do anything! Then why are you involved?! Stay out of the conflict! We'll chase Jae Yangcha down after the cult ends the Jang!" Yoongi snapped. Taehyung clenched his jaw and lowered his face in frustration when the rainstorm suddenly drummed the glass wall with its harsh downpour."Are you really going to remain on the sideline like a coward... just because the parents are muted? And watch them murder those children? You're a fucking monster if you're unbothered by the children's sacrifice to fuel a war in the power game!" Taehyung scoffed, lifting his angered expression to Min Yoongi. [Edited]"Just because the parents are muted... Are you really going to stay on the sideline? And watch them murder those children? You're a fucking monster if you're unbothered by the children's sacrifice to fuel a war in the power game!" Taehyung asked, lifting his angered expression to Yoongi."Sometimes... the sideline is the only boundary to ensure our survival," Yoongi dimmed his eyes before strolling out of the office. Slump. Kim Taehyung gripped his wild hair and lowered his face to the desk in defeat.
Fast Forward
"Please! Stop-! No- Hit me instead!" Imo begged, desperately kneeling beside Jang Beomseok, who was coughing out blood on the carpet. Yuri rubbed her aching knuckles- THUMP! She kicked him hard in the chest, sending the man flying backward. Imo screamed, quickly grabbing Beomseok as he sat up with black eyes, swollen lips, and a bleeding nose."You're quite heartless. Why did you marry her?" Manseok laughed while eyeing Aera, who sat stiffly in her seat with her burning glare on the cult leader. She couldn't speak, but her spiteful pupils were enough to set anything upon her gaze... on fire with her wrath."Should I beat her up too? Maybe she'll speak?" Yuri asked, nodding at Aera as she sat in the wheelchair."N-No! I'll take it all! Leave her alone!" Beomseok grunted as he kneeled before Yuri. Imo sobbed in pain as she held onto the man's arm to support his injured body. The maids were crying by the walls as Do-hwan stood stiffly behind Ga Aera. He too... was ordered to remain in his position."Aigo~ Are you seriously going to let your husband... suffer until his last breath? You're a very heartless woman, aren't you~! Ah- That's right! You never loved him! It's Park Jihyun! Your lover boy~!" Manseok mocked Aera's dark frown. She had the official documents, but the cult wasn't going to let her win the case... so the Black Phoenix is using their manpower to corner the Jang since the council is unwilling to interfere with their household affair."Time is running out," Park Bogum sighed, glancing out the mansion's arch window to stare at the violent rainstorm... splashing forcefully against the transparent glass. The strong wind gust... suddenly blasting through the doors, causing Beomseok and Imo to shiver from the cold. Still. Ga Area maintained a firm expression as she stubbornly sat in her wheelchair."We should kill them now. It won't make any difference," Yuri grunted, crouching down to smirk at Beomseok's deep cut over his cheekbone. Imo whimpered and hugged the man in distress."Wah~ I thought... the mother and father would come running for their children and family. But it seems like... you're all hopeless here. Ga Aera. This is the outcome of your greed. I heard you drugged your daughter so she could be fucked by the half-blood because you desperately wanted to reclaim your lost power? Hah~! The twin's life is worthless after all~ How disappointing~!" Beomseok smirked. Aera intensely gripped her wheelchair but didn't bulge.SMACK. Imo gasped when Yuri shoved her aside and slapped Beomseok, hard across his face. The man groaned and slumped to the floor as Yuri drew out her blade to spin in between her fingers."Love is a myth. A lie. A weakness. Beomseok-ah~! You should've married a faithful woman who dearly loved you when you had the chance. Did you think you could win over a heart... that's already been torn to shreds by another man? How foolish~!" The cult leader chuckled at Mr. Jang... whose bloody drool... dripped messily onto the dirty floor."R-Release the maids... and the guards," Beomseok grunted in pain while struggling to sit up with an aching rib."Master! Don't say such absurd things!" Imo sobbed in distress. Beomseok shook his head and looked up at Yuri for mercy with his bloodshot eyes."Would you take the kill for him then? If you're so loyal?" Manseok laughed. Imo sobbed and lifted her palms to beg the cult."Pl-Please spare the Jang! Please- I'll do anything- Ugh!" Imo tried to beg when Yuri slapped the woman hard across her face, causing the maids to whimper in shock.They rushed forward to lift the old woman... who sat up with a dazed frown as the thick blood oozed from her nostrils due to the blunt impact. Beomseok pursed his lips and glanced at imo... who had... fainted from a single blow to her face. The maids softly whimpered and hugged the motionless woman to shield her from Yuri's deadly strikes."Ah~! Enough~! Time's up! Kill the man first and everyone else... leave Ga Aera to witness the whole circus show. I'll let her uphold her pride until her last breath," Manseok ordered. STAB. Do-hwan's mouth fell open when Yuri plunged the knife right into Beomseok's chest before her father could finish talking. The maids screamed in horror as their master coughed and lowered his face to stare at the blade... that was lodged deep inside his chest."I'll let you bear the punishments of your wife's crimes. You'll do it for her right? In the name of love?" Yuri smirked, aggressively yanking the blade out of Beomseok's chest. Snatch! The man weakly collapsed to the side... so the maids shrieked and grabbed their wounded master while weeping in despair as he choked in pain."End him," Manseok's smile suddenly dropped. Yuri quickly raised the knife over Beomseok again- THUMP! Yuri gasped when Aera suddenly shot off the wheelchair to tackle her off Jang Beomseok."Hhmmp! Hmmp!" Aera tried to speak as she tearfully held Yuri down- but she was too weak. Smack! Yuri punched Aera in the face... sending the wounded woman... rolling over the floor."YAH!-" Do-hwan bellowed."DOHWAN! I SAID STOP- Y-YOU NEED TO PROTECT- SO- SORA!" Beomseok roared, sitting up with his hand clasped over his bleeding chest.The chief guard halted with a troubled frown as Beomseok turned to crawl toward his wife as she sprawled on the floor... too weak to lift her limbs... so she cried helplessly while staring at the glimmering chandelier above her as the heavy tear streams dripped from the corner of her eyes. She whimpered in pain as her husband... grabbed her hand with his bloody fingers."Beom- Beomseo-" Aera whispered hoarsely as the man drew her into a sitting position, gently holding her against his punctured wound."Don't talk- It's okay. I know-" Beomseok sniffled while holding his wife against his shoulder. Aera whimpered with her torn eyes on his beaten face... weakly sobbing in despair as she clutched onto her husband."Ah! I'm so frustrated! Why are you crying when you are the culprit behind so many deaths!? Die, you fucking evil fuckers! Die!" Yuri angrily raised her knife to stab Beomseok- but Aera unexpectedly swung her body over his to pin him down.Beomseok's eyes flung open in horror as Yuri sunk her knife into Aera's back. STAB! STAB! STAB! Aera grasped tightly onto Beomseok, who remained frozen under her. Do-hwan gripped his fists and glanced at the group of maids, who were left in utter shock upon witnessing the cruelty of the Phoenix's wrath.
As much as he wanted to launch forward... the chief guard knew... he had to save the others.
"Aera!- No! S-Stop! Please!- PLEASE!" Beomseok howled in devastation as Yuri snatched the blade out of Aera's back and stumbled backward with the soaked knife.The man quickly pushed his wife off his body and sat up to hold her as she whimpered in pain while enduring the painful wounds all over her back. Jang Beomseok wailed in extreme anguish and tightly hugged her dying body against him until her white gown turned dark red from being drenched in her own blood."I- love- you- Beomseok- I'm sorry- for everything- I've always- loved you since- the day- we got- together- ah- I'm so sorry-" Aera cried in pain as she struggled to vocalize her aching throat. Beomseok cried with an aching heart as he hugged his severely injured wife in desperation."Disgusting! I wanna puke! ARGH!" Yuri screamed, trying to stab Aera again-"STOP!" Someone screamed.Yuri halted and spun around to stare at the cold downpour as... a person... tumbled through the front door... soaked in the cold shower. Do-hwan quickly averted his startled gaze to the supreme alpha as she whimpered and crawled over the slippery tiles on her soaked shoes."S-Sora! No- You shouldn't be here!" Beomseok gasped while cradling his wife on the floor. Sora lifted her bloodshot eyes to stare at her parents' dreadful state and quickly scrambled to her feet."Ah... You're finally here...? We were just having a little bit of fun here," Manseok chuckled. Sora fired Park Bogum a deadly glare as she limped inside the living room with a resentful glower."I'll hand you my power! All of it!- So leave my family alone and bring back the twins!" Sora shrieked in anger."Sora! It's a trap! They'll kill you after you sign the contract- so leave!" Beomseok warned in tears as he struggled to breathe with his aching chest. Aera sniffled and hugged her husband in pain as the maids crawled forward to surround the wounded alphas.
They refused to leave their masters' side and chose to form a barrier to protect the elders.
"Bring the contracts," Manseok grinned wickedly with his yellowish crooked teeth."Do-hwan, bring the contract," Sora shifted her stern gaze to the man. He clenched his jaw and strolled away. Jang Sora glanced at imo, who was unconscious beside the maids... and at her severely wounded mother."Aigo~ You should've arrived earlier and spared your parents the pain~!" The cult leader apologetically stood up to face Sora. She glanced at Park Bogum again, who was sitting blankly on the side of the couch before shifting her resentful gaze to Yuri, who gripped her bloody knife uneasily upon Sora's presence. Do-hwan eventually returned with the folder with a golden seal on it."Get it over quickly and leave!" Sora snapped, snatching the file and pen from Do-hwan. She flipped open the folder, signed the document, and hurled it at Manseok, causing the files to flutter to the floor. The man chuckled and lowered his body to collect the document."That was very hasty..." He chuckled while flipping through the thin pages with a smug expression. The man closed the folder and looked up at Sora, who was intensely glaring at him."Leave, you fucker!" Sora screamed, angrily pointing at the opened door. The man smirked and glanced at the wounded alphas before shifting his eyes back to her."Kill everyone," Manseok ordered. Sora's eyes widened in horror. Yuri violently spun around with the blade as the cult's people lifted their guns at the maids."ARGH!" Yuri screamed, attempting to finish off Gae Aera- THUMP!Do-hwan violently tackled the woman onto the floor. He quickly disabled the knife from her grip, grabbed her face and slammed her head hard against the floor. THUD! THUD! THUD! Yuri groaned in pain as the man smashed her head against the marble tiles, causing Bogum's eyes to widen in fear. Sora screamed and rushed towards Park Bogum, causing Beomseok to howl in fear as he watched the cult shift their gun barrels at his daughter."YOU FUCKER!" Sora screamed, launching at Park Bogum- BOOM. Something zoomed right through the mansion's opened door and exploded. CRACK!
Sora's POV
I spun around in horror as the smoke bomb went off inside the living room. My eyes immediately started tearing up as Yuri fanned her face in horror. Thump!- She kicked Do-hwan off her body and scrambled to her feet with a smashed head. Someone suddenly dropped to the floor. THUMP! THUMP!! THUMP!!! A few more men tumbled to the ground before they could make sense of the situation. I sucked in my breath as the white smoke filled the entire mansion with its suffocating haze."SHIT! Don't inhale the gas!" Yuri screamed, suddenly dashing towards me. I toppled to the side as she grabbed Bogum from the couch and raced away before I could stop her. Thump! Thump! Thump!"Sora!-Leave now!" Do-hwan snapped as the smoke bombs fired inside the mansion repeatedly until I couldn't see anyone but the dense fog.The cult frantically fled the property as the maids and guards tried to assist my parents... but they too... began to wobble and collapsed to the side. I coughed and quickly rushed towards the opened door through the thick haze until my mind... started spinning dizzily. Who's doing this?!"S-STOP! YAH!" I screamed as the cult leader hopped in his car with Bogum and Yuri. Zoom! The cars blasted out of the mansion as the frantic guards raced inside the smoke-filled room to rescue the survivors.Thump! I collapsed onto the wet pavement as the cold shower drummed relentlessly over my numbed face. Shit! I shook my head and lifted my face to crawl after the cars as they shot through the mansion's opened gate... when my limbs... suddenly grew weak from being intoxicated by the gas."The twins! Where are they!? ARGH!-" I screamed while crawling helplessly on the wet pavement."AMBULANCE! CONTACT THE HEAD DOCTOR!"The frantic shouts echoed... all over the property... after the cult fled with my contract... and without returning the twins. I whimpered and tried to get back up as the guards raced back and forth to help the maids and my parents.Someone suddenly grabbed my upper arm to yank me onto my feet, causing my mind to spin like a whirlpool, so I coughed and gripped his neck for support as he bent down to lift my weak body... under the harsh downpour. My head flopped weakly to the side as my blurry vision gradually concentrated on his familiar face... distorting and splitting into multiple frames.Kim Taehyung darkly frowned as I listened to my laborious breathing in my ears. He stormed forward with my frail body in his arms, so... I shakily panted as my head swayed and spun all over the place. Coughing hysterically... I gripped his shoulder and glanced at the looming mansion as a flood of ambulances entered the property... followed by a squad of armed guards."I'll take charge of the medics! Send out the ambulance!" Jung Hoseok roared."Secure the mansion and capture the fallen cult!" Min Yoongi ordered.I gripped Taehyung's shoulder as I tried to focus my gaze on the alphas, who stepped out of their respective cars to handle the commotion as... Kim Taehyung raced me through the cold thunderstorm... until my head flopped backward. My hands suddenly dropped to my sides after the gas fully numbed my nerves... to put me out of my misery.
The last thing I remembered... was the warmth of the... Lone Wolf... as it carried my lifeless body through the drumming icy droplets of the relentless shower.
Crack. The sky suddenly lit up to blind my sight with its brightness.
And suddenly... I couldn't hear the chaotic calls... move my weak muscles... or sense the rotting pain within my chest anymore... defeated by... the ravaging disorder... of the deadly apocalypse.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Third Person POV
Before AbductionKim Taehyung repeatedly coughed in discomfort as he slumped on the couch after his morning wake and tilted his head backward while sniffing his runny nostrils. The father unfortunately contracted the bothersome flu from the twin. They carried the cold for the past few days and somehow transmitted the illness to their father, who is now suffering from a sore throat and a dull headache."APPA!" Woojin shrieked, suddenly hopping onto Taehyung's thighs as the man remained drowsy from being crushed by the sickness. He had suffered their mother's stab to his chest, severe bone fractures... and even endured a heartbreak... yet the flu is the worst of them all. It felt like someone was scraping his throat with sandpaper.

"Outside~! Appa outside~!" Kanghoon demanded as he hugged Taehyung's neck, who groaned and opened his burning eyelids to stare at the cool patch on the twin's foreheads. They were very energetic for someone... who is also suffering from the illness. "No-""OUTSIDE! WE WANT TO PLAY WITH CHINGU~!" The twins screeched while smacking their father's chest to grab his attention. Taehyung grunted and closed his eyes again as they screamed in his ears, hoping they'd eventually give up and leave him alone. But their voices only got louder until the father's blood boiled in extreme irritation. "BE QUIET!" Taehyung snapped, angrily sitting up to glare at the twins.The child immediately pouted as they froze in place upon his harsh outburst. They suddenly crawled off his lap and started squealing like dying pigs to express their discontentment. Kanghoon wildly kicked his legs in the air as Woojin spun on his back like a helicopter wing. Kim Taehyung's threats didn't work on the twins anymore. They became more greedy and daring after their mother spoiled them with her giving nature."OUTSIDE~! OUTSIDE~! WANNA PLAY WITH CHINGU~!" They squealed on the floor, causing Taehyung to frown at the twins' stubbornness. The alpha hastily rose from the couch and stormed back inside the bedroom- BANG! The twins suddenly stopped throwing a tantrum and quickly sat up to stare at the closed door... until tears filled their eyes."APPA IS SO MEAN~! WAAAAAAH~! WE WANT EOMMA~ EOMMAAAA~!" They screamed even louder from outside the door as Taehyung slipped back under his blanket and pulled the pillow over his ears to keep out their deafening whiney noises. He groaned and pressed his burning face into the pillow... panting heavily until his temples throbbed in pain from their high-pitched screams.
A moment later.
Kim Taehyung suddenly jerked awake from his drool-drenched pillow and turned his head to scan the dark afternoon sky. He grunted and sat up to rub his dazed face, slightly furrowing his eyebrows at the muted silence outside the door. The television wasn't on... and even the footsteps had ceased. Sighing heavily... he crawled off the messy bed-"Ah!- Fuck!" Taehyung painfully hopped on one foot when he accidentally stepped on a block of their scattered toys. The alpha seethed in annoyance as he furiously flung open the door, and marched out of the bedroom... intending to scold them... only to find the twins... sprawling on both couches with their legs spread apart and their snots... dripping from their nostrils.Hic... Hic... They quietly sulked in their sleep.The father had forgotten to feed them lunch. Kim Taehyung glanced at the half-eaten banana on the coffee table and at the milk in the mug with a slight frown before shifting his eyes back to his brooding children as they lay a mess with snots and tears all over their faces.Taehyung sorely rounded the couch to grab the tissues and crouch before the couch to dab their slimy snot. Hic! Kanghoon faintly whimpered, hastily forcing his father's hand away from his face and turned to hug the cushion. Taehyung grimaced as the kid screwed his swollen eyelids shut, causing warm tears to spill between his soaked lashes.The alpha exhaled heavily as the child sniffled against the cushion before glancing at Woojin... who was sprawling on the other couch with a resentful frown on the heartless man. The bear glared at his father, hastily turning away to hug his mother's scarf with an upset pout, causing Kim Taehyung to lower his head in exhaustion.He got up to collect the toys from the carpet and placed them back inside the crates before entering the kitchen to warm the japchae Sora had made for them before she left. The alpha separated it into the two baby bowls before strolling back inside the living room to place it on the table with a mug of water."It's time to take your medication," Taehyung hoarsely spoke, gently lifting Kanghoon from the couch to place the child on the carpet before turning to lift Woojin and attempted to make the child sit... but they quickly climbed back onto the couch and turned away from their father again. Taehyung paused in his position as he watched the young boys sulk with their dramatic hics... until their shoulders vibrated from the unfair treatment they were receiving."I'll take you out after you finish the food and medication," Taehyung muttered, slumping on the couch at Woojin's feet in defeat.Kanghoon suddenly lifted his head and turned to stare at Taehyung with his puffy eyes.... slowly sliding off the couch to sit on the floor with a snotty nose as Woojin crawled onto the carpet without their father having to force them. They quietly grabbed the baby chopsticks and lowered their faces to eat the food as their father calmly watched them munch the glass noodles with their pouty lips.Kim Taehyung dimmed his eyes while rubbing his runny nostrils with the tissues, too exhausted to challenge the twins due to his fatigued energy. The twins eventually finished their bow and gulped a mouthful of water, so Taehyung finally got up to grab their medication.Woojin shivered in distress as he sat beside Kanghoon on the carpet, who was sitting with his mouth open as Taehyung forced the medication inside the child's mouth with a spoon. The children pouted while struggling to swallow the bitter substance.Taehyung handed them the mug again, so they quickly gulped the medication with warm water to rinse the unpleasant taste from their lips and tongues. The alpha then grabbed a wet wipe to rub their flushed faces clean before getting up to collect the empty dishes and strolled into the kitchen.
A moment later.
Kim Taehyung slowed down by the dim park as the twins happily jogged toward the empty playground on their tiny feet. The alpha exhaled and sat on the bench with a stuffy nose and burning eyes to watch the kids climb the swings. He kept his promise and brought them out afterward, but it was already dark, so the park was empty."There's no one here~!" Woojin whined, skipping back towards Taehyung with a grumpy pout."Appa! Call chingu~! Where are they~?!" Kanghoon demanded as he seized Taehyung's arm, and tried to tug his father but failed and stumbled to the side. The sun had already set... so the parents had taken their children home to prepare for dinner. The twins were the only souls present... in the empty space under the yolky pole light.

"Will you listen to appa for a moment?" Taehyung grumbled, lowering his dim eye to the furious twins as they taunted him with their mother's distinct glare. Kim Taehyung couldn't raise his voice because he knew... if he upset them again. They will scream... drop... and roll over the ground to unleash their displeasure. "Appa is so mean~! Chingu left already! Mean! Mean! Mean!" They shrieked, suddenly dropping onto their butts and kicked their legs in extreme agitation.

"Get up! Now! I will not tolerate your problematic behavior anymore!" Taehyung snapped, firing them an angry glare, causing the twins to flinch at his harsh tone. They quickly got up as he instructed and lowered their faces to cry miserably after failing to meet their chingus."We don't like you~! Eomma! We want eomma~! She always took us to see chingus~!" Woojin sobbed, lifting his watery doe eyes to Taehyung."Do you wish to infect your chingus!? Look at the both of you!- Snotty nose and a cool patch on your forehead! Do you wish to give your friend the cold?! Is appa the bad person, or are you two inconsiderate of your friend's welfare?! Look at appa! Do you wish to see your friends with a nose stuffed with snot?! And burning red eyes?! If you infect your chingus- Their parents will never bring them back!" Taehyung scolded, causing the twins to flinch at his harsh tone. They pursed their lips and guiltily looked up at their father with their tearful eyes... hands clasped together."Eomma said... we must be kind and share... with chingus..." Kanghoon muttered, cutely blinking at Taehyung."You can't share your sickness! Only a bad friend will do that!" Taehyung scoffed. The twins grew hushed as they struggled to breathe through their stuffy noses. A small snotty bubble suddenly... inflated over Woojin's nose and popping out of sight as Kanghoon sucked in his flowing snot."We're sorry..." The twins finally pouted. Taehyung bitterly eyed their apologetic expression before opening his arms to embrace them, so the twins stepped forward to hug his warm body."It's okay to infect appa... but you can't transmit the sickness to other kids. You have to properly heal before you meet them again. Go and play," Taehyung ruffled their hair to console them. The twins nodded in agreement and pulled away before racing back to the empty playground.Taehyung sighed and leaned back on the bench to watch them climb the small steps. The twins stopped sulking and shrieked at each other as they slid over the slide and chased each other over the empty playground... until Taehyung felt his stomach growling. He forgot to eat.The alpha cleared his sore throat and glanced around the park until he spotted a small vendor by the street. He got up and strolled off to buy fish cakes from the ahjussi before returning to the bench... but halted once he noticed... The twins had disappeared from the dim space."Kanghoon...? Woojin?!" Taehyung unsurely called, quickening his pace toward the playground with the plastic bag. The father raced forward to peek over the platform before checking under the slides in bewilderment."Yah! It's not funny! Come out! I got fishcake~!" Taehyung snapped while rounding the playground until he noticed... one of the twin's unattended sneakers... on the ground by the slide. The father picked up the yellow sneaker and wildly turned to scan the empty park. His heart... racing out of control over their unexpected disappearance. "AH! APPA!?-" A distant shriek echoed to the right. Kim Taehyung quickly turned just in time to find one of the twins grabbing hold of a black van's door as a few men carried the other twin, who was thrashing in distress with his socks."YAH!?- H-HEY!- STOP!" Kim Taehyung immediately dropped the fishcake bag and sprinted toward the side of the road. A man suddenly hurled the boy inside the van and hopped in. SLAM. VROOM!- The van blasted forward at full speed, causing Kim Taehyung's eyes to widen in horror.The alpha shouted in distress as he raced after the van to save his kids from the shocking abduction... eventually crouching down to calm his shaky breath... after the van shot out of the street and steered into a different intersection. Taehyung cursed, wildly turning around to brush back his hair as he dialed Do-hwan to track the van... but... no matter how hard they searched. The kids had disappeared with the anonymous men.
They were snatched... right from... the lone wolf's claws.

Fast Forward
"APPA! APPAAAA~! AH! Hiya! Hiyah!!!" The twins screeched while banging on a rusty metallic door inside a dark and cold room. Woojin screamed, funnily racing toward the door, and kicked the platform with his sock as Kanghoon performed martial arts gestures with his hands- Thud! Thud! Thud!The child smacked the door with a concentrated frown as he pretended to be the kung fu master in their cartoons. Woojin coolly did a wild spin and kicked the door again but ended up toppling backward after losing his balance and collapsing to the side. Kanghoon wailed and cried for his father once he couldn't open the door with his martial arts punches.Thud. The twins froze in place when the door suddenly opened... and a few men dressed in black cloaks came strolling inside the room with creepy skull masks over their faces."Ah!" The twins shrieked, retreating away from the man to back against the damp corner of the room. The men darkly loomed over their frightened faces as they sobbed against the wall, trembling in fear at the sight of the scary figures."Scream one more time... and I'll carve out your tongues. Got it...?" The man lowly growled, causing the twins to quiver in distress. They pursed their lips and hugged each other as the man slowly crouched before them with a shiny blade until the children... screwed their frightened eyes shut and turned to face the moldy wall... not daring to make a sound.And so, the two young souls remained trapped in the dark and cold basement flocked with shadow men, who only appeared to bring them soggy rice in a metallic dog bowl. The children refused to eat the smelly food at first... but hunger eventually gnawed their tiny stomachs with discomforting aches... until they were forced to eat whatever was thrown at them.
Days and nights... they would huddle on the dirty mattress, not knowing why they were abused by the frightening strangers.

They were left to pee in their pants out of fright and poop all over the concrete floor until their sensitive skin burnt from the filth.

And unlike being the mischievous souls... they used to be... the children remained silent... too scared to use their voices... out of fear of being harmed by the bad men.
End of Flashback__________________________
Present
WHACK. Kim Taehyung kicked a man right in the chest as they held the cult's people captured inside a dim torture room. The man grunted, spitting out blood from his mouth before lifting his swollen eyes to the second-rank alpha as Min Yoongi leaned against the wall with his arms crossed."Where are they...? The twins," Taehyung repeated, lowering his razor-sharp to the wounded man. The man sorely blinked at the alpha with a bleeding swollen eyeball and bloody nose while struggling to contain his ragged breath."Dead," The man grunted, chuckling at Taehyung to frustrate the alpha. BANG!The other captured men flinched in a panic at the spark of the unexpected gunfire. A splash of blood... spattered all over Kim Taehyung's face as he held the gun barrel against the man's opened mouth, causing the other men to cower away against the wall with their cuffed hands in fear as they watched the man in chair twitch and gurgle intensely as the bullet fired through his brain... causing a stream of dark blood to ooze from his damaged skull.
Kim Taehung had shot down yet another... man during his interrogation.
"Did you think you're the only fucker who can kill...?" Taehyung sneered at the captive men as they fearfully stared at him. The alpha rubbed his bloody hands with the dead man's shirt and strode away, leaving Min Yoongi and his men to question the remaining men.Kim Taehyung exited the room and entered the corridor before stepping inside the elevator with a blood-soaked face to ascend upward to the private hotel floors reserved for the alphas. The man sternly strolled out of the compartment, causing the guards to lower their heads in fear as he entered his private suite to shower... finally strolling back into the corridor and entered the medical center."How are they?" Kim Taehyung asked as he stepped into the hushed room to find Jung Hoseok sitting on the private lobby's couch. The doctors and the nurses quickly bowed and left the room, so Hoseok got up from the armchair and pushed open the door to reveal the medical beds."Her mother might not make it. But there's hope for her father," Hoseok dimmed his eyes as Kim Taehyung stood in casual clothes, blankly studying the oxygen tubes... lodged inside the elder's nostrils as they lay side by side on the medical bed."Keep them alive," Taehyung instructed, strolling out of the medical room. He blankly exited the center and headed toward the hotel's royal suite at the far end of the corridor. Beep. The guard quickly opened the door, so the man entered to find Do-hwan... sitting on the couch with his head lowered."Is she awake?" Taehyung questioned, turning toward the master bedroom where imo... stood by the doorway to watch the head doctor inspect Jang Sora's frail condition."She woke up earlier but ended up... falling unconscious again," Imo muttered as Taehyung paused by her side to inspect the supreme alpha. He lowered his face to the bandage on Imo's cheek before glancing at the head doctor with a stern look."She's alright. I'm only supporting her child," The head doctor sighed. Kim Taehyung dimmed his eyes on her stomach with a restless feeling."What about the maid? And the guards?" Taehyung stared at the head doctor as he adjusted Jang Sora's pillow to prevent her from straining her neck."No one is hurt. Only the elders," Do-hwan responded. Kim Taehyung exhaled and lowered his face to recollect his mind. The Jang lost their power to the cult... and the society is on edge now that the Black Phoenix has successfully acquired the ultimate supreme alpha's power to dominate the council with their destructive force."She signed the contract?" Taehyung asked, turning to frown at Do-hwan, who was sitting on the couch."Yes. Park Bogum is now the ultimate supreme alpha," Do-hwan nodded. Kim Taehyung dimmed his eyes on the man and glanced at Sora with a dark frown."Find Jae Yangcha," Taehyung muttered, strolling out of the room and left the suite with his hands in his pockets. The head doctor sighed deeply as he rose from the supreme alpha's side to adjust her loose hair strands. Imo darkened her gaze, closed the door, and strolled into the living room to settle with Do-hwan.
Jang Sora was the sole barrier to hinder the Black Phoenix from demolishing the council with its raging wrath.

And without her presence... the society will burn to ashes... with the curse of the Phoenix's flame.
__________________________
Fast Forward
Sora's POVI listlessly stared at the vast view from the top floor hotel suite with a cup of warm tea brewed by imo, who had been by my side to serve me with Do-hwan. Kim Taehyung wouldn't let me leave the hotel, so I'm held captive here. How did I end up at the mansion to save the household? I ran away again... from Yangcha.
He asked me to remain composed and promised me he'd do everything to rescue the twins... but I grew restless and ran from the hidden villa, got lost in the wilderness for two days before finding my way out into the opening. If I hadn't shown up that night to stop the Black Phoenix... my parents would've perished at their hands.
Yangcha was waiting for the Black Phoenix to slaughter my parents before stepping out from the shadow because he resented my mother for her cold-blooded crimes. And the twins? I still have no idea how they're doing. Where are they? Are they alive? I don't know. I gripped my hands and glanced at my baby bump. All I can do now is avoid losing the baby in my stomach."Sora. There's an emergency," Do-hwan suddenly barged inside the room, snapping me out of my deep thoughts. I blinked as I stared at his pale expression, causing imo to tense up as she wiped the coffee table before me.A moment later.
Beep. Beeeeeeeeep.
I listened to the monotonous flatlining sound as I stood in the hushed room with Do-hwan. Imo was sobbing by my mother's side as my father... sat by her bedside, tightly clenching her cold hands. I couldn't cry. I was weirdly numb as I stared at the woman... blankly... watching her heart line... descend on the health monitor until... she finally... stopped breathing. The head doctor and the nurses quietly stood on the side after doing their best to save my mother... but she had suffered too many severe stab wounds. And so, death took her. Right from her husband's grip.My father wept over her loss and lowered his head to mourn his wife's passing as imo wiped her trickling tears while holding onto eomma's skinny wrist. The woman I called my mother. The woman I grew up admiring... until she abandoned me. Is dead.
All those years... I spent resenting her.

All those times... I suffered from her greed.

All the pain... I endured because of her.

I thought... I'd feel relieved after she passed because that's what I've been praying for. For her to perish. Yet at this very moment... as I watch her soul fade from her wounded vessel... I couldn't feel anything. I did not feel relieved. I did not feel better. I didn't feel anything for her. Am I in pain? Or am I unbothered? I can't tell.

Is she satisfied? Is she happy? Or is she still restless? Did you live a fulfilling life, eomma? After everything you've done to your husband and to your daughter? Did you anticipate this ending...? If only you were honest with us, would you have met a different fate? Would we live a happier life? Would we be in pain? And would you still die in vain?

I prayed and hoped desperately for your affection, but you were stubborn. You chose to raise me with tough love, so are you happy now, eomma? You could've shown me a hint of your affection, but you did not. Until your very last breath... you left me devoid of your love. I hope you're... leaving without regret because I'm sure... if there's the guilt of treating your daughter poorly... you'd be stuck here forever. Weeping your mistakes. So don't regret hurting me. Move on.

If there's another life... let's never meet again.

It must've been difficult to love a soul that is a spawn of your past abusive lover. When you look at me... you saw him. When I look at you... you were threatened by his resemblance. You couldn't defy him when he was alive... so you unleash your wrath on me.

If only you had gotten rid of me before I was born... you'd be happier and free from Park Jihyun's curse. But you probably felt the same way I did with the twins. Maybe you did attempt to love me. Maybe... you did love me. But as I grew up... you began to regret your decision to raise me because... you didn't see Jang Sora.

You saw Park Jihyun. The dead man. In me.
Sighing heavily, I turned around and left the room before the others. I won't mourn my mother's death. The nurses and medical staff stepped aside as I strolled out of the center and entered the corridor to find a flood of men entering the space.Seokjin immediately halted with Namjoon and Jimin, who were eyeing me with startled looks... as if they didn't expect me to walk on my feet. I blinked and paused to stare at their unexpected presence with a restless feeling. They're here for me. I might've given up my power... but they'll never free me from the power burden.
Why? Because I triggered an apocalypse.

A moment later.
"Sora! Where is he?!" Seokjin impatiently loomed over me as I sat on the couch with a blank expression."What do you want?" I grimaced."The cult is too powerful with your power! We need to join forces to resist them. Jae Yangcha can't stay in the shadows and put the power to waste," Namjoon explained. I glanced at Jimin, who had recently joined forces with Seokjin as an alliance after So-young convinced him to side with my former lover."If you feared the cult... then where were you when my household needed assistance? Why did you sit and wait for the cult to eliminate my household? Cowards," I asked, darkly staring at Namjoon."Sora. We can help you retrieve your power from the cult," Jimin frowned at me.
They wish to lure Yangcha out of his cave? So they can slaughter him and seize the power from the Jaguar to resist the cult? Why is it that I have to make a sacrifice? For them when no one bothered to help me? And if they did... they saved me with the same motive to bait out my lover.

Kim Taehyung did not rescue me because he cared... it's a trap to lure... Jae Yangcha out of the shadows.
"I don't care. I'm powerless now... so stop bothering me. I owe you nothing," I muttered, getting up from the couch and strolled inside the room, quickly closing the door and leaned against the door with my eyes closed. I can't let the others find out about my pregnancy, or they'll come after my baby. If they succeed in killing Yangcha... all his assets will automatically become my child's possession.
The alphas will attack me and my baby if I disclose my pregnancy.
_______________________
Fast Forward
I stood dimly before Kim Taehyung's work desk at the hotel's suite before the night view as he dismissively skimmed through the documents without acknowledging my presence for the past ten minutes. I gripped my hands and frowned at him."Free me," I muttered. Still... Taehyung did not budge as he reviewed the documents with a blank expression. Another five minutes passed, yet I refused to leave his personal space."Bring me the Jaguar, and I'll free you," He replied."Taehyung... I'm powerless. What else do you need from me-""So? You did this to yourself. What made you think it's rationally appropriate to grant the cult your power to protect your lover...? The twins are still missing! For all I know, Jae Yangcha is the mastermind behind this madness!" Kim Taehyung suddenly slammed the file on the desk, causing me to clench my jaw in irritation."You lost the twins, and I did everything in my power to save them. Why are you blaming him?!" I scoffed. Taehyung frowned."Exactly. I'm always the bad guy in your eyes! He's the good guy despite fucking out your womb until it bleeds! And I'm the bad guy for simply wanting to have sex with you out of love! He's the good guy even though he raised a bloody knife at your children! And I'm the bad guy despite sparing my time and effort to raise your children! He's the good guy for hiding in the shadows! And I'm the bad guy for exposing my household to the cult by opposing my alliance in order to save you! He's the good guy- even if he's got blood on his hand! Sure! And I'm the fucking bad guy with the same blood on my hands! Yeah! He's always good, and I'm a fucking evil monster! He's the good guy for earning the battle scars for you?!- I'm the bad guy for the same scars on my body! Whatever I do- You'll never fucking appreciate me!" Taehyung slammed his hands on the desk and suddenly shot up from his seat. A hot lump formed in my throat at his bitter exclaims."So I'll remove myself from your life. I'm powerless. You don't need me anymore, and we aren't sure if the twins are still alive. You don't have to take care of them from this moment onward... and I have no reason to see you anymore. Let's part ways here so I won't continue to hurt your feelings if that's what you're trying to hold me accountable for," I whispered. Kim Taehyung glared at me intensely until his eyes swelled with tears. Is this the first time...? His tears."I might have wronged you in the beginning! But I am desperately trying to mend everything I've broken. You do realize... you're being heartless right now? How many regrets do I have to voice out? And how many times do I have to bleed for you to believe me?" He gritted. I stared at him without blinking."You don't have to try. I'm already healed with the love of another man. I won't blame you for our past, so free yourself. Search for someone who will understand you better than I can. I'm sure she exists somewhere. And I'm sure she can comfort you," I replied. Kim Taehyung searched my eyes in tears as I darkly stared at him."Fine. Whatever I say... you'll never believe me. So be it. Go. Go to him. I won't stop you," Kim Taehyung nodded at the door. I stared at his swelling tear wall in silence."Don't follow me," I nodded, coldly turning away. I gripped my hand and returned to my suite to get dressed before strolling back out to leave the hotel. I don't belong here. I don't want to be here! I've fulfilled my duties, so I shouldn't be accountable for the cult's intervention in the council anymore! I'm so sick and tired of this endless warfare!"Sora~! Honey! Where are you going at this time?" Imo gasped, following me out of the door. If I don't leave now... I'm afraid they'll make me sacrifice the Jaguar and my child. And I won't allow it to happen! I will not kill my family to save the fucking world!"Home," I muttered as I zipped up my jacket, causing Do-hwan to frown by the door as he spoke to a guard."Your mother's funeral is tomorrow," Do-hwan blocked my path as I stood in the doorway."My mother died since the day she poisoned me," I muttered, sidestepping to avoid the man and strolled toward the elevator. "Aigo~! You're not safe out there!" Imo cried, chasing after me just as Yoongi appeared with Hoseok. The alphas unsurely eyed me as I walked towards them."Sora. We need you at the council," Hoseok requested. See? They'll never leave me alone even if I'm powerless because I'm an effective bait to orchestrate their schemes."No, you don't. I do not wish to thrive in the society anymore," I muttered."Are you going to leave? This simply? After you placed your power into the devil's hands?" Yoongi sternly glowered at me. I stared at him in exhaustion. Would he have allowed the cult to slaughter his parents if he were in my shoes?"No one. Not one person reached out to me in the past when I was suffering. Not until my disappearance threatened your security. Am I the one to blame?" I stared right back at Min Yoongi.  I'm not a hero. I never claimed to be one... so I don't fucking care about anyone but my family."Sora- Listen-""No. You desperately believed Park Bogum was the true heir and allowed the cult to assert its dominance in the council. You've underestimated the Black Phoenix. Just like my mother did. She perished, so I'll be a coward because I'm done taking the blame for crimes I didn't commit. My only mistake is to be born as Park Jihyun's illegitimate heir from an affair that triggered a power warfare. So I'll back down. Maybe Park Bogum will be a better leader. The society got what it wanted, and that was to eliminate me, so don't try to use my name as a shield to play your power game. I won't fight a war with backstabbers like you. Don't play the hero in my life when you're hiding a knife behind your back. I will not let you slaughter my lover," I darkly stared at them."Let her go," Kim Taehyung suddenly stormed out of his suite, enclosed by his darkness."Yah. Are you out of your mind-""Leave. Now. I forbid anyone from chasing her. If she desperately wants to leave... then go. You're useless anyways. Just don't come running back to me when you're at a dead end," Taehyung fumed, coldly nodding at the elevator when Hoseok tried to interfere."I never ran back to you. It is you who followed me to the dead end. So stay soiled in your place... and don't race after me. I don't need you to thrive. I never did. Don't pretend to be the savior in my life when you're the one to ruin everything I have. How dare you face me after losing my children and even attain the audacity to attempt a murder scheme against my husband?" I glared at Taehyung before turning to leave, causing imo to whimper in distress. Yoongi turned to watch me press the elevator as Hoseok rubbed his face in frustration. Kim Taehyung darkly fumed at me... but didn't budge, so I ignored him and waited for the lift.Ding. I stepped inside the elevator and descended to the ground floor with my hands clasped together as I watched the number decline on the screen. I lowered my face to my hands with a hollow chest.
I have to find the twins. I won't give up on them.

Third Person POV
MeanwhileMin Yoongi placed his hands on his hips and glanced at Kim Taehyung bitterly after the man freed the supreme alpha from their grip. The Kim's heir intensely glared at the elevator with a dark frown. Hoseok shook his head in disbelief before striding off to leave the place as Imo sniffled beside Do-hwan... who was glaring at Kim Taehyung as the alpha clenched his fists in irritation."How can you dismiss her like this?!" Imo snapped, suddenly smacking Taehyung's forearm."What am I supposed to do!? She can't seem to live without that fucker-""She lost her children to the cult, Kim Taehyung! The person she can't live without is not him! But you! How are you so blind?! You grew up with her!- You know! You know she can't thrive alone! Look at her! She's pregnant! She's powerless! Her mother just passed, and her father is injured! And you're forcing her to lure out her lover so you can slaughter him?! Of course, you're the bad guy to her! Aigo~! Anyone is bound to lose their sanity with so many tragedies! The poor thing~!" Imo cried in distress, causing Taehyung to tense his jaw in annoyance."She told me not to be her savior. You heard her-""So!? What about your heart!? Can you stand it if she dies?! In cold blood?! Why don't you listen to your heart for once?! Why do you always have to use your brain against her!?!! Are you going to polish your ego!? And then what!? Regret everything later!?!- The colder you are! The further she'll drift!" Imo sobbed, angrily turning to storm away. Do-hwan bitterly glanced at the woman... just as a guard entered the corridor with a drained expression."Sir," The guard greeted Do-hwan before bowing to Kim Taehyung."What is it?" Do-hwan sighed."The twins," The guard lifted his face nervously. Kim Taehyung snapped his attention to guard, suddenly tensing his muscles."Are they alive?" Do-hwan frowned at the guard."It appears... the cult has lost the twins during the conflict. Our spy reported their absence," The guard worriedly grimaced. Kim Taehyung frowned at the guard before glancing at the elevator again."What do you mean-""They're captured by another party," The guard lowered his head. Kim Taehyung scoffed, suddenly jerking towards the elevator."Fuck!" The alpha angrily kicked the elevator door. Do-hwan uneasily stared at Kim Taehyung as he impatiently waited for the lift."Find her! Jang Sora! Find her now!" Do-hwan huffed when he suddenly grasped the situation. Ding. Kim Taehyung quickly sprinted inside the lift and entered the compartment as Do-hwan raced off with the guard. The alpha glared at the number on the screen as he nervously paced back and forth with his hand clasped over his lips."SORA?!" Taehyung bellowed, rushing out into the hotel's lobby, causing the guests to flinch in a panic as the alpha dashed towards the exit in bewilderment."JANG SORA!" Taehyung shouted her name over the night street, aimlessly turning down the sidewalk to search for her as a flock of guards immediately dispatched from the hotel to chase the supreme alpha."What's the matter?" Jungkook suddenly appeared... coming face-to-face with Kim Taehyung."Jae Yangcha took the twins! Sora is after the twins!" Kim Taehyung snapped, roughly shoving his cousin aside. Jungkook blinked... wildly turning to watch the commotion as Do-hwan stepped inside a car with his men and shot off over the busy street. Kim Taehyung sprinted towards his car, got in to start the engine, and raced out of the hotel with his determined gaze on the night street to search for Jang Sora.... as the past trauma replayed in his head.
The predatory must not reunite with the prey... or he'll murder them in cold blood.

Kim Taehyung knew... Jang Sora will never allow the beast to devour her children... which could provoke her lover to harm her... at the cost of her motherly instinct to defend her children.
____________________________
Sora's POV

Squelch. Squelch. Squelch.
I heaved my sore legs over the thick mud while panting heavily to wander the confusing woods in the dark as the soft drizzle sprinkled over me. Thump! I groaned after tripping over a rock and tumbled into the gooey soil... causing the dark mud to soak my clothes."Ah!" I whined, lifting my burning eyes to scan the dark wilderness around me in frustration. I've been walking for hours! I'm sure this is the right path!- So why can't I find the villa?! I sobbed, pushed my body back up and stomped over the mud as the creepy leaves rustled around me. I refused to stop and wandered the woods in tears.

"Yangcha!? Yangcha! I'm home!" I cried in distress. I'm so dumb! What if I get lost here?! I gripped my head and lowered my hands to rub the baby bump."I'm sorry! I won't leave your side again! Baby?!-" I sniffled as I limped over the mud with an aching heart. I yanked my feet from the sticky mud and strolled aimlessly through the wood, dodging branches, swatting away insects, and stepping over the tree roots while crying for his presence as the chills numbed my soaked body.Rustle. I snapped my head to the right side at the sound of strange rustling noises, halting in fear as I scanned the dark woods, but everything appeared like a shadow to me. I pursed my lips and turned in the opposite direction... attentively listening to the bizarre sound... until my muscles tensed up at the alarming situation."What are you!? A tiger!?- A bear?!- A monster!?- Fucking scare me again, and I'll kill you!" I screamed, attempting to chase off whatever it was by limping in the direction. If I run- It'll hunt me."Ah!" I screeched in a panic when a shadow stepped out from a tree in the far left corner, so I quickly backed away to snatch a fist-size rock from the soggy mud."I'M NOT SCARED!- COME AT ME YOU FUCKER!" I screamed, angrily lifting the rock within my slippery grip while glaring at the looming shadow. Flick. I flinched at the blinding beam and squinted my eyes to shield my face.I quickly glanced at the distorted shadow... to find... Yangcha... staring at me with the flashlight in his hand. He glanced at the rock in my palm and back at my dirt-smudged face as I panted heavily under the dripping wet leaves with my eyes wide open in shock.

"Where have you been?!- I've been screaming your name for hours!" I shrieked, furiously stomping over the mud with the rock and angrily smacked his chest as the warm tears coated my burning cheeks. I know he's upset with me! But did he have to leave me and our baby in the wilderness like this?! He's a terrible husband! Yangcha suddenly tugged me into a crushing hug, causing me to drop the rock from my hand, so I wailed and hugged his back in frustration. I was so scared!"Hey," Yangcha whispered as he gripped the back of my soaked hair, so I cried and buried my face against his shoulder as he held me firmly under the swaying tree branches. The dim flashlight... barely... illuminating the dark wilderness as the cold shower poured over our heads."I thought I'd get lost and die here! Did you think you could get away and let me raise the child alone without child support?! You bad person!- I'm freaking broke!- So don't even think about ditching me to marry a new woman!" I sobbed in distress. Yangcha tightened his grip around my waist, so I hugged him tightly as he pressed his face against the side of my head.

"I thought you'd never return to me," He whispered."How could I not!?! They wouldn't let me leave!" I sniffled. He patted my back to console me, so I pulled away to stare at his troubled expression. I miss him! He gently brushed my hair strands from my face as I pouted at him."You're not far from home. It's pretty impressive," Yangcha smiled, gently rubbing the dirt from my cheeks. He took my hand and drew me to the left path... and to my disbelief... we ended up in front of a villa just five minutes later. Oh! I was close to home!
A moment later.
I quietly sat on the built-in bench in the shower stall with my lips pursed. My cold body vibrating... now and then as Yangcha crouched before me to scrub my legs and feet with a soft body sponge. He didn't speak and gently rubbed the excess dirt off my skin as I gripped the edge of the tiles with a tearful gaze on his exhausted face. The alpha took my hand to stroke the sponge all over my forearm and stood up to scrub my back. I rested my forehead against his solid torso for support as he slid the material down to my buttcheeks. He's... dressed in his usual short boxer with a plain white shirt over his torso.Yangcha grabbed the shower head to stream the warm water over my face... so I closed my eyes to let him wash my cheeks and slid his fingers down to my neck to wash off the slippery soap. He was very delicate with my skin as we remained muted in the bathroom until he was done showering me. The alpha quickly showered himself as I sat on the bench, guiltily eyeing his toned body as he turned his back on me. He then... grabbed the towel to dry my body.Is he still upset...? I pursed my lips as he pulled the gown over my head after helping me out of the stall... so I lifted my arms through the long silk sleeves. He made me sit at the vanity table, plugged the hair dryer... and virr~! I closed my eyes. He gently combed his fingers through my hair to loosen the tangled strands as the warm heat blew against my wet scalp.I finally stood up from the chair to sit on the neatly made bed after Yangcha strolled inside our closet to pull a shirt over his shirtless body. He finally made eye contact with me, so I gripped my hands nervously as he ruffled his buzz cut with the clean towel, and tossed it aside before strolling forward to crouch at my feet. He took my hands as I tearfully searched his stern expression. I failed him. Again."Are you feeling unwell? I'll get you medication," He asked, gently lifting his hand to caress my cheek."Are you upset...?" I whispered, pursing my lips in guilt. Yangcha clenched his jaw as he studied my face before lowering his head to rest his forehead against my baby bump. My throat suddenly burned intensely, so I gripped his hands as he calmly leaned against me."I am," Yangcha admitted, lifting his face to stare at me with an apologetic frown."I'm sorry- I know you're concerned about my safety... but my household- eomma passed. Please forgive me, oh? I promise I won't run away again and make sure to keep our baby safe," I sobbed. Yangcha frowned at me as I broke down and lowered my face to cry in distress. He rubbed my knuckles to soothe my flooding emotions as I sniffled in pain. Her death is hitting me. I don't know. But I feel so lost. I should've shown up earlier at the mansion.
Maybe I could've saved her from death.
"I'm not mad at you for running away. I know you'll return because where will you go with our baby in your belly like this? I'm upset because... your health is frail. You get sick easily... and you don't often take great care of yourself in a situation like this," He whispered. I pursed my lips apologetically."I yielded my power. The cult seized control of my assets... and the council... they're after you. I'm afraid... we're not safe here anymore," I whispered, fearfully staring at Yangcha. The alpha frowned as he examined the dread... on my face."That's why I didn't race to you. You told me to stay in the shadows, so I did," Yangcha patted my hands."What if they find us?" I whispered."If they find us... I'll let you kill me. Remember our promise?" He whispered. I sobbed while shaking my head and lowered my face in extreme discomfort. "I've lost everything in my life. My children. My family. My power. I can't lose you too," I whispered. The warm tear streams... trickling from my lower lashes. Yangcha sighed heavily and lifted his fingers to brush my tears with his thumb."Whatever you lose. I'll reclaim it all back for you. Except... for your mother. She deserves to be dead," He muttered, dimming his eyes on me. I sniffled and glanced at our wedding ring on his finger and at my empty hand. Yangcha took off my ring from the necklace thread around his neck and gently slid it back onto my finger."I have no power to protect you," I apologetically muttered. Yangcha shook his head and leaned upward to kiss my cheek before standing up to tower over me."Don't worry about me. I'll protect you. Can I show you something?" He smiled. I unsurely stared at his sudden mood shift and stood up with him... slightly wary... of his request. Yangcha smiled, leading me out of our bedroom and into the dark corridor... so I nervously followed him into the living room.My heart dropped to the ground when I found... two bodies lying on the couch with the cushions on their sides. My mind suddenly failed to process the scene as I stood with my startled... gaze on the familiar faces as Yangcha slipped his arms around my waist to hold me with his chin rested on my shoulder. He gently rubbed my belly while back-hugging me in the dark space as I stood... cemented in place... too startled to react. I blinked at their cute pajamas before glancing at their peaceful faces... until the flooding tears formed in my eyes.

"What the-" I scoffed, quickly rushing forward to kneel on the carpet in the dark room with an aching heart as the twins remained on the couch. They were both... soundly asleep. I scoffed in shock as my chest stirred with an uncomfortable ache... so I quickly lifted my hand... in an attempt to touch them... but I halted with my fingers... suspended over their soft mochi cheeks. I shouldn't wake them. I watched them breathe at a steady rhythm... deeply asleep beside the cozy cushions.A stream of unconscious tears dripped from my eyes as Yangcha sat on the opposite couch to watch me admire my lost children. I sniffled and lowered my head to grip my aching chest in relief after I realized... my children... were safely... resting on the couch. Sobbing softly... I lifted my arms to hug their warm bodies... until I ended up breaking down in the living room while kneeling on the floor."I brought them back for you... as promised," Yangcha whispered.I nodded and hugged the twins tightly, causing them to grumble in their sleep as my chest throbbed in pain. My heart is breaking into pieces. I have failed to save them. Why is a mother so powerless when it comes to defending her child?I sobbed and choked weakly on my tears before lifting my gaze to scan their pale faces... gently placing my shaky palms against their soft cheeks... to stroke their flushed skin with my thumb. Ah~! I thought I lost them to the devil! I sniffled and lowered my head again, tightly gripping their pajamas until I felt the swelling pain in my ribs... subsiding to the relief of being able to hold their innocent souls... within my embrace again.
I won't lose them. Not again!

Fast Forward
Woojin sniffed in his sleep once his nostrils picked up a savory scent in the air. The child stirred beside his twin but didn't open his eyes. Sniff. Sniff. He flared his small nostrils while patting the cushion... aimlessly searching for his brother until his hand fumbled upon Kanghoon's nostrils."Can- you smell it~? Kanghoonie- Wake up..." Woojin muttered, sleepily opening his eyes but was too sleepy, so he rolled over with his legs hooked over Kanghoon's belly. His twin brother grumbled, forced Woojin's hand off his face, and pushed his small body upward to sit up on the couch with his striking messy hair."Oh...? The smell...?" Kanghoon cutely sniffed the air like a little bunny with his eyes closed as Woojin rolled on the couch with his butt sticking upward before sitting up... unable to make sense of their surroundings. I smiled and placed the dish on the table as they both sat with their eyes closed... hair striking messily... and faces puffy from the good night's sleep.

"Aigo~! My little dumplings~! Eomma made you seotteok seotteok~!" I ruffled their hair, eagerly sitting down on the carpet and lifted the plate to their flaring nostrils. Sniff. Sniff. The twins funnily leaned forward to sniff the steaming snack with a slight frown while scratching their heads with their half-open eyes."Eomma~?" Kanghoon opened one of his eyes to examine the warm skewers, unsurely grabbing the stick with his small fingers. Woojin did the same without acknowledging me. They exhaled and slumped against the couch to chew on the snack... still oblivious to my presence. I grinned and placed the plate away to watch them lick and munch the skewer with their eyes half open."Is it delicious~?" I curiously tucked my arms under my chin while admiring their cute puffy cheeks."Eomma made it~?" Woojin muttered while chewing the sausage."Of course~! Anything for my babies~!" I grinned.Kanghoon softly chuckled and shifted his sleepy eyes to me. The child suddenly flinched, halting to stare at me with his startled doe eyes. He glanced at Woojin... who was cluelessly wiggling beside him while chewing the snack. The puppy quickly averted his bewildered gaze to me again... as if he were staring at a ghost. I lifted my eyebrow to question his adorable reaction."OH!" Kanghoon shrieked, smacking Woojin's head."Ow!" Woojin whined, glaring at his brother while gripping the skewer."You seeing what I'm seeing~?!" Kanghoon averted his shaken gaze to me again. Woojin rolled his eyes and glanced at me but flinched in a panic once he recognized my face. Ah~! How adorable~! The twins stared at me with their wide-opened eyes as they intensely clutched the warm skewer. They didn't dare move but gawked at me with the sausage left unchewed in their stuffed mouth."Wae~? Is there something on eomma's face~?" I teased while smiling at their stunned reaction."OH!" The twins shrieked, suddenly scrambling onto their feet to stand on the couch without averting their gaze away from me. Woojin shook his dazed head and quickly crouched down to inspect my face with his lips ajar as I held in my laughter. The child glanced me up and down... like a little monkey... as if to verify his visions weren't deceiving him."What's the matter?" I chuckled. Woojin gasped, dramatically collapsing backward, but didn't let go of his skewer. Kanghoon suddenly lifted his tiny feet to boop my nose with his wiggling toe under the warm sock. I closed my eyes as the child repeatedly nudged my face with his feet to check my solid form."Oh!" Kanghoon gasped, suddenly yanking my hair with a startled look. Ouch! He gasped louder when he realized it was real hair."Ah~! Hey!- That's not nice~!" I whined, gently holding his hand to make him ease his grip on my hair."Ah!" Kanghoon shrieked, toppling backward in horror as I rubbed my sore sculpt. The twins quickly glanced at one another in horror before glancing back at me with their stunned expressions."Aigo~ You can't recognize eomma~?" I bitterly frowned at them. The twin's eyeballs suddenly bulged open when their small brains finally processed my actual existence."EOMMA!? EOMMA! EOMMAAAAA~!" They screeched, suddenly launching forward. Thump! I scoffed in shock once their force slammed against my body. The child screeched in distress while hugging my body with their possessive grips, so I clutched their small bodies with a big pout. Oh~! I miss their comforting hugs~!"Hey~! How are you doing~?" I chuckled in tears. The twins quickly pulled away to kiss my cheeks, lips, and all over my face, making me giggle at the ticklish sensation."You're real~! Oh~! Boobies~! Real~! Eomma~!" Woojin shrieked as he groped my breast to confirm my identity. I laughed and kissed his sweetly scented cheeks before turning to kiss Kanghoon, who was hugging my neck tightly as I sat cross-legs on the floor."We miss you~! Eomma! Bad men-! Bad men! Darkroom~! Scary faces! Kanghoonie is scared!" Kanghoon sobbed in distress."Woojinie is scared too~! Eomma~! They- Bad men- Playground~! Scary~! Very scary~!" Woojin cried, pulling away to pout at me with his puckered lips, causing my heart to break into pieces... at the sight of their terrified faces."It's okay~! You're safe now. Hmm~? I won't let anyone hurt you anymore~! Okay?" I pouted at them while fighting the urge to burst out crying. The twins cried in relief and hugged me again, so I patted their backs while holding their squirmy bodies tightly in my arms. They wouldn't release me and cried for a while... so I gently consoled them until they... finally got distracted by the snack in their hand and sat on the carpet with me to munch the sausage.
A moment later.
"Where's ahjussi~?" Woojin asked, curiously resting his head on my lap as I sat on the couch in my gown. Kanghoon tightly hugged my waist by my side while staring at the television screen with his attentive doe eyes. They seem... unbothered by the abduction. Are they alright?"He's outside doing his work," I nodded at the pool as Yangcha trimmed his plank by the pool."Eomma. Where is appa~?" Kanghoon muttered. I blinked and glanced down at them."He's busy," I whispered. They exhaled and glanced at the television screen."Okay," The twins replied. I softly patted their soft head before kissing their vanilla-scented hair. I thought I'd lose them forever... but I'm at peace now. I'll never let them out of sight again."Was he nice to you? Ahjussi~?" I curiously asked. The twins didn't answer and stared at the cartoon with their unblinking glassy pupils. Woojin was playing with my fingers as Kanghoon balanced a bundle of my hair strands over his mouth."Yes. Ahjussi... can cook. No porridge~! Good food~! But- The bad men- gave us bad food~! belly~ ouchie~!" Kanghoon nodded after a while. I stroked his soft cheek."He didn't scare you?" I curiously asked. Yangcha really didn't hurt them?"He saved us from bad men~! Ahjusshi said... eomma will come to find us~!" Woojin nodded. That's a relief. I glanced at Yangcha as he strolled inside the villa, so I smiled at him as he passed by the couch from behind. He leaned down to kiss my forehead before walking off in his sweat-drenched shirt. The twins curiously glanced at Yangcha and back at me as I smiled at them but they didn't say anything and glanced back at the television.
Dinner
Yangcha softly kissed my cheek as he sat beside me on the carpet. The twins sat across from us with their confused yet curious gaze as they glanced back and forth between us. Yangcha poured them each a cup of water as I reached over the table to place the food on their warm rice."Eomma~ Why is ahjussi kissing you~?" Woojin whispered behind his hand, nervously glancing at Yangcha, who smiled at the child's loud whisper."I'm her husband," Yangcha replied. Kanghoon's mouth fell open in shock."But what about appa~?" Woojin blinked, curiously staring at us from across the table. I frowned at the young souls and glanced at Yangcha."Eomma~ And appa~ Aren't together anymore, but we both love you. Okay~?" I smiled. They nodded... but they were somewhat... still baffled as they lowered their faces to eat from their bowl."So- Appa isn't your husband~?" Kanghoon asked, lifting his curious eyes to me."No. Ahjussi is my husband. Eomma loves ahjussi~!" I explained."You don't love appa~? Wae? Because he's mean~?" Woojin questioned. Yangcha glanced at me, so I cleared my throat awkwardly."We just don't love each other anymore," I shrugged. They nodded again."So what do we call ahjussi~?" Kanghoon asked, blinking at the alpha while chewing on one side of his cheek. I exchanged awkward glances with Yangcha."Call me whatever you're comfortable with," Yangcha smiled."Eomma's husband~?" The twins giggle cutely. I chuckled and shook my head."My name is Jae Yangcha~!" Yangcha smiled. They cutely giggled again and nodded as I nervously stared at them. They must be confused. The twins don't even know their real father.... and their adopted father isn't even here anymore because of my relationship with Yangcha.
A moment later.
"Ah~! I'm scared~ Ouchie!" Woojin pouted while sitting on my lap. I hugged him tightly on the stool as Yangcha rubbed his small wrist with a sanitizer pad to prepare the child for injection."Are you sure it's safe?" I asked, nervously staring at Yangcha."You don't trust me?" He asked, lifting his dim gaze to mine with a bitter look."No, it's just-" I tried to speak when Yangcha suddenly pressed the needle against his own vein to inject himself with the substance. I pursed my lips and looked at him apologetically as Woojin wiggled on my lap."I'm only boosting their immune system so they can recover quickly," Yangcha muttered, throwing away the used syringe. I nervously stared at the blood spot on his forearm as he prepared a new kit for the child.

Woojin clenched tightly onto my hand as I clasped my hand over his eyes to prevent the child from looking, causing the bear to groan and pout anxiously. Yangcha pushed the needle under the child's skin to inject the drug... causing the bear to whimper in distress... but before he could cry out loud- Yangcha pulled out the needle... and placed a cute bandage on the blood spot."Not so bad~! See~? So proud of you!" I grinned, lifting Woojin's face upward to distract him as he pouted at me. I couldn't resist his cuteness, so I gave him a soft peck on his lips."Hehe~ Not bad~!" He agreed with tears in his eyes. I kissed his cheek again and placed him down. Kanghoon nervously gripped my gown as I lifted him upward to place him on my lap."That's a badge for your achievement~!" Yangcha smiled at Woojin as the child examined the cute bandage on his wrist."I don't like it~!" Kanghoon whined, pouting at me, so I kissed his lips and tugged his head against my chest to hold him still."I know you're a superman~! Hmm~? It's only a little prick! I promise~!" I assured.Kanghoon whimpered and pressed his cutely screwed face against my cleavage as Yangcha sanitized his wrist to search for the veins and gently lifted the new needle to inject the medication. Kanghoon winced in pain but didn't scream as I rubbed his back, so Yangcha quickly placed the bandage on his blood spot to seal the opening."See~! Not so bad~" I grinned while running my fingers through his soft hair. Kanghoon sniffled and lifted his wrist to stare at the puppy bandage."So cool~!" Woojin grinned, showing Kanghoon his bear bandage. I placed the children down as they glanced at each other's stickers in their pajamas. I weakly smiled at Yangcha as he packed the used kit in the disposable bin. He then... carried the kids to bed as they giggled over their cute bandages.____________________
Fast Forward
I stirred softly on the mattress while staring at the twins as they slept on the spare mattress beside my bed under the dim moonlight... beaming brightly through the see-through glass wall. Yangcha stirred behind me as he unconsciously placed his arm over my waist. He gently rubbed my belly with his nose pressed against my nape, so I patted his fingers while staring at the twins from our bed. Woojin was sleeping with his legs rested over his pillow and his head on... Kanghoon's thigh. They stir and murmur a lot in their sleep. It must be the nightmare.I blinked out of my thoughts when Yangcha shifted his hand from my baby bump to grope my breasts, gently kneading me, making me exhale in relief at his soothing touch. He does it often. Touching me here and there in his sleep. Carefully... I lifted his forearm to place it over his chest, causing Yangcha to turn and lay on his back... but he shifted onto his side again to back-hug me... gently pulling me closer to his body.A chill of goosebumps... swept across my skin as he panted steadily against the side of my ear with his humid breath... so I turned to lay on my back and gently pushed his shoulder to make him lay on the mattress. The alpha unconsciously tasted his lips and turned his head away."What's wrong...?" Yangcha hoarsely spoke up, suddenly turning to squint his eyes at me over the pillow. He scratched my scalp as I pulled the blanket over my nose to cover my red cheeks. The alpha gently tugged the blanket down and lowered his face to kiss my lips, so I quickly pulled the sheet back up to cover my face again."Nothing. Sleep," I assured, pulling his hand off my head to place it over his bare chest.Yangcha sleepily scratched his chest and closed his eyes again, so I sighed in relief when he suddenly jerked upward to sit on the mattress. I blinked at him as he rubbed his face and turned to study me with a confused look. His eyes... were barely opened. Yangcha crawled off the bed to enter the bathroom without speaking. I heard him peeing and the sink running for a brief moment. He strolled out of the bathroom in his boxer while scratching his head."What's wrong? Hmm...? Do you feel unwell?" Yangcha grumbled as he sat at the foot of the bed, sleepily glancing at the sleeping twins with his puffy face as he rubbed the base of my feet that were poking out from under the blanket."Nothing. I'm okay~!" I smiled, still covering my face. I quickly slipped my feet under the blanket to stop him from touching me. Yangcha paused and stared at me with a questioning look as he struggled to stay awake."You don't want me to touch you...?" He grumbled while scratching his head."I'm fine. Don't worry. Get some sleep," I assured, gently patting the empty space beside me. Yangcha narrowed his eyes suspiciously as I gripped the blanket over my nose."You're acting weird-""Hey!- What are you doing?!" I whispered in a panic when he suddenly yanked the blanket off my body. I tried to tug it back, but he tossed it aside and crawled over my body with his hands pressed beside my head... until I was trapped beneath his shirtless body. I nervously twisted my legs while staring at him as he studied my face with one eyebrow raised."Your cheeks are flushed," He frowned while hovering above me. I softly whined and hugged my chest."I'm fine-""Legs apart, woman. How are you going to sleep in this condition?" Yangcha grunted, suddenly lifting my legs to make me bend my knees over the mattress."W-What-? Hey~!" I gasped when he crawled down my body and slipped his head under my nightgown, so I quickly grabbed his head as he pressed his face against my thin panty, causing my body to vibrate intensely from the thrills of his nose tip's friction."You're in heat. Are you going to suppress it~?" Yangcha asked, drawing his head from under the gown to stare at me with a mischievous smile. I bit my fingers and glanced at the twins on the lower mattress."But they're asleep," I pointed at the kids. Yangcha glanced at the pair of bowl cuts before crawling over my body again to slip his strong arms under my body. I clung to his thick neck as he effortlessly lifted me off the mattress, crawled out of the bed, and strolled out of the bedroom."You should've woken me up earlier," He muttered as he gently rested me on the couch and softly kissed my lips. It wasn't necessary.My hormones can skyrocket at times... but it usually subsides after I sleep. My husband sleepily walked away to grab a spare towel and blanket from our cabinet as I adjusted my position over the cushions. Yangcha spread the towel over the couch and lifted my body onto the clean sheet before lifting my gown off my body and hurled it aside. I twisted my legs and hugged my sensitive breasts as he crawled between my legs again and lowered his head to my panties."Sorry..." I whispered. He chuckled and gently pressed his lips against my groin, causing me to tense my body. He slipped the loose straps from my hipbones and slid the panties down my thighs before tossing them aside."The husband is always on duty to please his wife," He smiled, sticking out his tongue to lick me upwards. I shivered and covered my mouth as he lowered his face to eat me out until my body trembled from the arousing activities of his tongue. I grabbed the cushion to tuck it under my head so I could watch him play with my sensitive area until my face grew numb from the arousing sensation."Isn't it weird?" I whispered, reaching downward to stroke the scar over his head while moaning in satisfaction as he gently slurped my sensitive lady part."What is?" Yangcha asked, lifting his eyes to stare at me from between my legs while licking me. I panted at the arousing strokes until I felt the heat expanding within my throbbing crotch."To do this? Don't you feel dirty?" I smiled. Yangcha chuckled and sat up between my legs. He gently pressed the pad of his fingers against my crotch... and slid his fingers inside me, making me moan in pressure as he gently stroked my inside in an upward motion until my lady part throbbed with extreme pleasure."How's anything related to you dirty~?" He smiled while teasing me with his fingers. I gasped and tilted my head backward as he slipped his fingers in and out of me before lowering his head to suck on the sensitive spot again. My sore body... squirming in distress... the more satisfied I was with his pleasuring massage."Did you ever... consider our relationship as only sexual...?" I whispered in difficulty. Yangcha stared at me with a slight frown before crawling upward to kiss my lips. Smooch. Smooch. He produced a wet kissing sound between our lips until I opened my mouth to accept his thirsty tongue while playing with his earlobes."What is my wife saying again~? Are you sure you're okay~? What's wrong with lusting for your body if you feel the same way towards me? There's nothing wrong with lovemaking between a husband and a wife as long as we have each other's consent, right? It would be weird if I claim to love you but aren't sexually aroused by the sight of your sacred body," He chuckled, lifting his flustered face to gaze at me. I chuckled and hugged his back before letting out another breathy moan, only to be suffocated by his lips again. I pulled him down to deepen the kiss as he adjusted his hips between my thighs to rub his bulge over my crotch, causing my body to tense up as he slowly inserted himself.He was very patient and started slow to ensure I wasn't too stiff. I gripped his forearm as he steadily thrust his crotch forward to pump inside me until I took a deep exhale to resist the blazing-hot pleasure. Yangcha smiled at me as I stared at his sexy body, so I grabbed his palm to place it on my boobs."Touch me. I like it when you touch me," I sensually whispered while biting my fingers. He chuckled, lowering his face to lick the tips, making me giggle at the ticklish sensation. I pursed my lips in pleasure when he kneaded my breasts and sucked onto it intensely before sitting up again to focus on his deep thrusts. We moaned softly... every now and then but made sure to keep our voices down because we didn't want to wake the twins."Are you okay? Does it hurt?" Yangcha whispered while studying my face as I bit my fingers with a flushed face... eyes... glued to his red cheeks."Why don't you often ask to have sex lately?" I asked. Yangcha chuckled and pressed his palm over my moist groin to stimulate my pleasure spot with his thumb, making me moan his name in distress as he thrust repeatedly to weaken my body with the hot jolts."I was traumatized... after what I did to your body under the drug influence. Didn't want to hurt your body again, so I chose to suppress my urge and wait for your consent. Wae?" Yangcha replied as he sat between my legs. I nodded and rubbed my fuming face with a faint smile."I really love it when you handle me like this," I whispered."You're pregnant anyways. I figured you're not always in the mood," Yangcha shrugged."Does it feel good? Still?" I asked curiously. Yangcha moaned in satisfaction before lowering his face to hover his parted lips above mine but didn't kiss me."Look at my cheeks. Is it red? And feel my heartbeat," He whispered, lifting my palm to press it against his left chest. I felt his heart vibrating against the base of my palm as he intensely stared at me with a flustered face. Smiling, I pulled him down to deepen our kiss as he clutched onto my shoulder while shoving his hips forward to please our heated bodies with his manly movements. He moaned in pleasure and shifted his face to nibble my neck while fondling my breast so I bit my lower lips and gripped onto his toned back with my eyes closed.
A moment later.
Yangcha returned to the couch after putting the dirty towel away and pulled the spare blanket over my body. He sat down on the carpet to stare at me as I held the sheet over my naked body. He lifted the blanket... and gently kissed my baby bump... making me smile at his sweet gesture."Can I ask you a question? It might be a little personal," I whispered while grazing his cheek with my finger."There's nothing personal between us," He shrugged, pecking my lips as he interlaced our hands. I lay sideways on the couch with my upper naked body exposed to his view as Yangcha sat on the carpet to admire me. He gently kissed my breast tips... making me chuckle at the ticklish sensation as the man nibbled my nipples and gently tweaked them between his fingers."Do you still want to hurt the twins...?" I asked, unsurely gazing at him. I've been feeling very restless since I returned to find the twins sitting under the same roof as him."No," Yangcha shook his head without hesitating."Are you sure?" I uneasily stared at him as he kissed my hand."You know... my brain... is a bit... defective. I'm sure you're aware... and I'm aware too. During our early days... I tend to harbor... dysfunctional thoughts. I thought... you can only love one person. I didn't... like the fact that you were sharing your affection with the twins. It made me uneasy because I was afraid you'd leave me for them.... which is understandable... because of your motherly instinct," He softly whispered as I stroked his firm cheek."I was terrified. That you'll someday replace me with them. And for some reason... my mind convinced me to overcomplicate the matter. I was even more restless when I realized they weren't mine because I thought you cheated on me... I was upset. Angry. Very angry. But then... after everything unfolded... I realized... you're not at fault. There's nothing we can do because we still love each other... even during the most difficult times of our relationship... I know we love each other. I found it rather... difficult to trust you because I wake up every day with this chronic fear... of being abandoned by you," He sighed, gently tracing his fingers over my cleavage."That's why... I made you the bracelet to keep you close. And that's why I thought... keeping you captive is the only way for you to remain by my side forever. I was stupid. And I can be... deadly when I'm mad... that's why I wanted to... hurt the twins. During those times... I have no control of my mind. It's defection I can't seem to restrain. I won't make up excuses for the messed up things I did to you. Like when I... strayed too far with your body... I was at fault. And because of all the mistakes I made... I felt frightened that you'd somehow gather enough of my faults to leave my side," He muttered as I lowered my hand to caress his thick neck. Yangcha gently leaned forward to brush his lips over mine, so I closed my eyes to savor his sweet strokes before opening my eyes to gaze... sleepily at his troubled expression."But you also proved your patience and love for me. You left me when you needed to, even if I was against it. And... as always... you'd return. So I'm assured now. That... just because you bore another man's children... it doesn't mean I'm being loved less by you. It was an accident... and I definitely do not wish to hurt your feelings or mine over the matter anymore," Yangcha quietly spoke as I listened to his justifications."So you're okay with the twins? Living with us?" I asked."Oh. You said you can't give up on me or the twins. I understand. How can I possibly force you to pick between food and water? You'd perish without one... whichever you pick. You need both to thrive. We can live together, you don't have to return to the city anymore. We could've avoided this trouble if only... I had accepted the situation earlier. I was foolish, but I've learned to compromise for the sake of your happiness," He whispered."I believe you, Yangcha. I believe every word of yours. But... I still feel a bit uneasy. You understand, right?" I sadly stared at him."Yeah. I do. Of course, you're still frightened. But I promise you... I will not hurt them. Okay? We can live together. I'm happy. You're happy. So this should work out between us," Yangcha nodded. I stared at him in silence to contemplate my thoughts. Can I trust him with the twins...?"Okay," I whispered. Yangcha smiled and pecked my lips again."Plus... our child would be lonely. It's nice to have siblings. I don't want our baby to be the only child. I was really lonely growing up," Yangcha chuckled. I smiled as he snuggled his face against mine, so I closed my eyes and squeezed his hand.
Fast Forward

It wasn't so bad after all.

We got along really well. By that, I meant Yangcha and the twins. They were like friends, and he was somewhat very comfortable around them, unlike our early rough patch. I thought I'd have to live the rest of my life torn in half because I couldn't give up on the twins or my lover, but somehow... we were able to reconcile and become whole again. Do the twins love the Jaguar? Yes. They're not as tense around him as they are around Kim Taehyung. Yangcha is still a child by heart... so he's usually very sympathetic... and he has never once raised his voice at the twins.

During the day, the twins would follow Yangcha around the house to help him with the chores or whatever the alpha was doing. Some days, they'd sit outside by the poolside with him as Yangcha built a new bed for the twins with the wood planks he stored at the back house.

On other days, the twins would drive around in their mini cars that Yangcha had bought as gifts to keep them entertained. Some days... the twins would sit in the technical room to help Yangcha build whatever he was crafting. They'd bring him the tools and ask plenty of questions out of curiosity... and every time... Yangcha would answer them.

He even teaches the kids to craft the devices.

The twins loved it when Yangcha allowed their involvement in whatever he was doing. Unlike Taehyung... he'd rather sit on the side to watch the twins do their own things. Some days... they'd rush up to me with the new toys Yangcha helped them build. One time... they were obsessed with this small robotic duck that Yangcha had assembled and would make it walk all over the villa.

And me? I was happy. I finally didn't have to care about my duty in the society anymore because I was finally free from the power burden. The place that felt like a prison to me... became my forever home... filled with my children's soothing laughter... and my partner's love and warmth. I was at peace and happy with our close-knit family.
"Why are you bothering him early in the morning...?" I mumbled, rolling on the mattress to find Woojin sitting on the jaguar's chest. Kanghoon funnily wiggled his finger inside the alpha's nostril as my husband sleepily stared at them from the pillow."Play with us~!" Kanghoon giggled as he hugged Yangcha's neck, who lifted his hand to ruffle the child's hair."Why do they always wake up so early? Is it a habit?" Yangcha muttered, glancing at me in confusion."Yeah. Taehyung often wakes up early for work. They get up with him," I nodded."Ah! Hey!" Yangcha gasped when Woojin pinched his nipple. The child giggled and tilted backward until he lost balance and fell into me. I smiled and hugged Woojin as Yangcha rubbed his sore chest. Kanghoon smiled and kissed Yangcha's cheek while poking the scar on his head in curiosity."How to get- muscles~? Like this~?" Woojin asked, sitting up to trace his fingers over the alpha's defined pecs."Love a woman like eomma... and you'll have this kind of body," Yangcha teased the child. Woojin chuckled without understanding his words."Let's play~!" Kanghoon tugged Yangcha's arm until the man sat up to cradle the child as Woojin hugged my waist and gave me a soft peck on my lips. I brushed his rosy red cheeks before sitting up with striking messy hair."Go and shower. Eomma will make breakfast for us," I smiled. The twins shrieked at the thought of food, scrambled off the mattress, and rushed inside the bathroom with their blue towels. Yangcha smiled, suddenly snatching me by my waist, and slammed my body back onto the bed. I gasped and smacked his firm bicep as he aggressively sniffed my scent with his nose pressed against my face."Ah~ They keep disturbing us~!" Yangcha groaned, gently kissing my cheeks, causing me to giggle at the ticklish sensation. We kissed softly, so I hugged his head until he lifted his face to smother himself with my cleavage while kneading my breast like a kitten. I chuckled and patted his shoulder before pecking the scar on his head, making Yangcha exhale in relief as he clung to my body."I'm so lucky. I'm so lucky to have you as my wife. Ah~! So lucky~!" Yangcha muttered, sleepily kissing my cleavage, and lifted his face to peck my lips again. I giggled and cupped his cheeks while gazing fondly at his handsome face. We softly exchanged heartfelt chuckles and sealed our lips again as Yangcha gently leaned over my upper body to hold me under him.
A moment later.
"Yeobo. Have some fruits," I muttered, strolling through the glass door to place a plate of fruits on the table before settling on the pool bench as Yangcha drilled the wood in the opening. I picked up a sliced apple and fed him, so Yangcha opened his mouth to accept the offer before turning to inspect the plank again.

"Where are they?" Yangcha asked, lifting his sweaty face to stare at me as I munch on the carrot."Napping on the couch," I shrugged and gently wiped the swelling beads on his forehead.Yangcha nodded and turned to examine the rim of the wood as I watched him assemble the bed frame on the ground when- Whoosh! Kanghoon came strolling out of the villa... in his white underwear without any clothes on. Yangcha cluelessly lifted his face and glanced at the child as I watched the boy skip over the pavement with his plump belly. His eyes were half open. Is he sleepwalking...?- Plop!I froze in horror as I watched my child hop into the deep pool... without a warning and disappear from sight. Yangcha stared at the soft ripple with a startled look at how.... peacefully the child disappeared under the surface without stirring the water. Just like a droplet of water... plopping into the pool. WHAT THE FUCK!?"Omo! Kanghoon-ah!" I gasped, quickly getting up from the bench. Yangcha cursed in disbelief, quickly scrambling from the floor and- SPLASH!The alpha dived into the pool as I raced to the edge in shock. How can he run and leap into the pool like that!? He can't swim! Yangcha seized the sinking child and quickly pulled the boy out onto the surface- causing Kanghoon to gasp in a panic. His sleepy eyes... were now... bulging open in a horror as the pool water trickled from his flooded nostrils and mouth."Why did you jump like that!?!" Yangcha scoffed, quickly rubbing the water off Kanghoon's pale face as the child gasped and shivered in fear."Eomma! Ah~ Waaaah~!" Kanghoon finally shrieked when he found his voice. His face turned bright red as Yangcha carried the boy towards me. "WEEEEE~!" Woojin shrieked. I snapped my head just in time to find the other twin racing toward the pool in his superman underpants."NO- WOOJIN!" I screamed in fear as the boy leaped off the edge with his right arm extended like a flying Superman- PLOP! The child sank right beneath the surface... like a waterdrop... and disappeared beneath the surface."What the fuck!? YAH!" Yangcha gasped, hastily pushing Kanghoon into my arms, and swam towards the other twin as he wiggled helplessly under the surface. Kanghoon whimpered and hugged my body with his slimy snot as I watched Yangcha grab Woojin to hurl him out of the deep end."AH! AH! CAN'T BREATHE-" Woojin shrieked the instant he was out of the water with a terrified look. Yangcha quickly paddled toward the pull edge to place the child on the concrete floor before hurling himself out as Woojin cried in distress."Aigo~! I told you not to go near the pool!" Yangcha snapped as he lifted the twin to hold the child against his chest, so I glanced down at Kanghoon... who was shivering from the cold water with a big pout.
A moment later.
The twins sat crossed legs on the couch with a towel over their heads in a fresh set of clothes as I placed the cool patch over their feverish heads. Sniffle. They shuddered with runny noses as I sat in front of them to check their body temperature. They are obviously traumatized by their first pool encounter. I still have no idea why they thought it was a good idea to hop into a deep pool in their panties right after they woke up from their nap."Why did you jump like that...? You should've informed eomma or ahjussi first. It's very dangerous~!" I grimaced while pulling the colorful sock over their small feet to keep them warm."The pool looks shallow~!" Woojin pouted."We wanted to swim~ Like the fish in movies~!" Kanghoon muttered."The pool is deep. It's five times your height. It might look shallow... but it's not... so don't try to jump like that again. Okay? You might drown if eomma or ahjussi isn't around," I shook my head. They sniffled and nodded, so I kissed their cheeks before glancing at Yangcha, who had resumed working on the bed in his drenched clothes after he saved the kids."We want to swim!!! Like Nemo~!" Woojin shrieked, pointing at the television screen, so I turned to stare at the orange-striped clownfish with a slight grimace. So that's what inspired them to hop into a pool...?"I'll find time to teach you guys. Okay? But for now... don't go near the pool," I smiled, turning to them. They nodded, cutely huddling under the towel, making me smile at their cuteness.
What were they thinking? How can they scurry just like that and

plop!

- Disappearing right into the pool without even splashing? Like a sinking rock! It's hilarious but scary at the same time!

Fast Forward
"Woah~! Can we get this too?!" Kanghoon turned to look at me with the stylish blue goggles strapped over his eyes as I inspected the swimsuits in the supermarket aisle."Sure. Get one each," I smiled. Yangcha appeared with Kanghoon with a bunch of snacks.

"Kanghoonie~ Which color do you want? Yellow~? You like yellow~!" Woojin asked as he crouched by the rack to look through the colorful goggles."Yellow is pretty~!" Kanghoon gasped, quickly racing toward his baby brother and crouched before the accessories on the lower rack. Yangcha placed the snacks in the cart and carefully organized our items. It shouldn't suffocate them. I stretched the elastic swimwear to test its durability until my husband tugged the dangling strapped purse over my belly to slip his phone inside the spare pocket. He smiled and stole a kiss from my lips, making me chuckle at his sneaky gesture as I turned the elastic material inside out to examine its quality."This is nice," I smiled, lifting the blue kid's swimwear to show Yangcha."Get it in different colors," He smiled, reaching over my head to grab the kid's kid-size arm floaties from the rack above. I smiled and placed the stack of swimwear in the cart."Superman~!" Kanghoon grinned while wearing the yellow goggles. Woojin giggled and lifted his arms, pretending to fly around the aisle."Aigo~ You could've been a sinking superman if I wasn't looking," Yangcha sorely shook his head, causing me to chuckle at his words. The twins shrieked and zoomed back and forth over the aisle with their lively energy."Don't run~!" I called. The twins giggled and hopped back towards us as Yangcha pushed the cart forward. We ended up shopping at the supermarket for an entire two hours before leaving with our bags to eat at an outdoor restaurant... located on a wide terrace. We settled on the cushioned seats before the relaxing city streets, packed with the locals. The twins shrieked and waved at the people below us as I prepared the utensils for them."Eomma~! Is your baby a boy or a girl~?" Kanghoon asked as he sat across from us beside Woojin, who was wiggling his head from side to side while munching the fried chicken."You'll have a baby brother~!" I replied. They shrieked in glee."Yay~! Baby brother! What's his name!?" Woojin curiously asked. Yangcha placed the food in their bowls."Why don't you guys come up with a cool name?" Yangcha smiled. The twins funnily giggled as they dug into their food. Yangcha gently hugged my waist and rubbed my belly as I chewed the tofu with a bright beam. We visited the clinic earlier to monitor our baby's health, and the doctor confirmed... we'll be having a baby boy."Aigo~ Eomma is surrounded by boys~!" I chuckled."That's fine. You can be the only pretty girl~!" Woojin shrieked, causing Yangcha to snort at their statement. He rubbed my upper arm as I reached across the table to feed the twins. We had a really warm family outing that night. The twins didn't whine or cry like they used to, so I didn't have to spend my time trying to break a fight... as often as I did at Taehyung's apartment."Eomma~ Can we have ice cream~?" Kanghoon whined as I held his hand over the sidewalk."You've eaten so much though~!" I shook my head."Ahjussi~! Can we have ice cream~?" Woojin pouted at Yangcha, who was carrying the child over his hips. Yangcha glanced at me and back at the bear in his arm."You do realize... I have to ask eomma for permission too? If eomma says no... ahjussi can't do anything because she'll get super mad at me if I don't listen to her~!" Yangcha pinched Woojin's cheek."But ahjussi has muscles! Why is ahjussi afraid of eomma~?" Kanghoon giggled as we strolled over the sidewalk."Ahjussi might be a big man~! But eomma is much scarier than ahjussi~! This muscle? Ahjussi can only use it to protect eomma and you guys~! Muscles are useless when eomma says no~!" Yangcha smiled. Woojin giggled with his tilted back... revealing his cute bunny teeth."Eomma~ One more ice cream~! Oh? Pweaaaaase~?" Kanghoon tugged my hand. I glanced down at the child and back at Yangcha, who stopped to stare at me."Let's just get it for them... and then leave?" Yangcha asked as he held the bags with his free hands."But they've been coughing so much lately~!" I grimaced as Woojin coughed at Yangcha. The alpha screwed his eyes shut as the child's saliva... splattered all over his face."I'll give them the medication later," Yangcha mumbled."Araso. Put him down~ I'll look after the bags," I sighed deeply. Yangcha nodded before bending down to place Woojin on the pavement."I'll be right back~! Behave okay~?" Yangcha smiled at the twins before strolling off to enter the mart, so I carried the bag to place it by an empty bench as people bustled over the streets."Rock! Paper- scissor!" The twins giggled before me. Woojin threw a rock as Kanghoon threw a paper, causing the bear to whine in distress. They chuckled as I fondly watched them from the bench while rubbing my belly until I noticed... a man... approaching us. I looked up at him with a startled expression as he kept his stern gaze... on the energic twins.My heart suddenly dropped at his unexpected presence as he stood over the twins... who suddenly shrieked in shock when they looked up to find... Kim Taehyung... staring at them. I froze in my seat as the twins gasped at their father, quickly rushing forward to hug his legs before I could properly react. Taehyung lowered his hands to ruffle their heads and averted... his gloomy gaze to me."Appa! APPA! Hello~! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!? WE MISSED YOU~ APPPAAAA~!" The twins hopped excitedly on their sneakers with their arms extended upward, so Taehyung bent down to lift the children, who happily clung to his neck in extreme delight.They repeatedly kissed his cheeks as the alphas cradled the child against his chest with a relieved expression. I remain paralyzed on the bench with a dark frown. Kim Taehyung suddenly spun around and walked away with my children without a warning."Hey- Hey!?- What are you doing?!" I gasped, quickly launching off the bench to chase the man as he stormed away. I grabbed Taehyung's forearm... but he yanked his arm out of my grip and spun around to glare at me in tears."How long have you been planning this?!" He snapped in anger, causing the smiles on the twin's face to drop at his harsh tone. I uneasily stared at their innocent faces before glancing back at Taehyung... who was towering over me with a deadly glare."I got the ice cream~!" Yangcha chirped, cluelessly appearing with the cones but halted in his tracks once he found Kim Taehyung... holding tightly onto the children. I gripped my fist and glanced back and forth between the alphas... who were glaring at each other. Yangcha clenched the two ice creams in his hands without blinking at the presence of the alpha until Kim Taehyung hardened his expression on the Jaguar... as he possessively clutched the twins.
A moment later.
Kim Taehyung darted Yangcha a piercing glare from our position. The twins sat on either side of my husband on the bench by the bags as we stood at a distance, far enough so they wouldn't overhear our argument. I crossed my arms and glanced at the man again as he averted his uptight glower to my face."Give them to me," Taehyung demanded."No. They're mine," I refused, frowning at him."They're living with a killer! The same man who tried to slaughter them!-""Yangcha promised not to hurt them!" I snapped. Taehyung pressed his tongue against his inner mouth and clenched his jaw in annoyance."I spent the last two months searching endlessly for them! Did you know how worried I was?! You could've at least told me they're safe!" Taehyung glared. I exhaled deeply."Well, now you know. So leave us alone. Your presence will bring them trouble," I muttered. Kim Taehyung frowned in disbelief."You've agreed to place them in the custody of my household-""I changed my mind. Yangcha has agreed to raise them," I shrugged."So what about me!? Am I just a caretaker you can effortlessly discard?!" Taehyung snapped. I dimmed my gaze on his bulging veins over his neck with a heavy feeling. He never changed. Always... straining his anger whenever we meet. How am I supposed to long for him... when he's always... this... harsh with me?"Do you wish to bring them back to the society? You lost them to the cult once! They're safer here! Why would you want to expose the children to the society?!" I argued. Taehyung clenched his jaw while glaring at me."Is it any better than allowing them to live under the same roof as that psychopath?!" Taehyung nodded at Yangcha, who was chatting with the twins on the bench."They're not leaving, alright!? I trusted them under your care- but I can't leave them with you anymore! Yangcha was the one to save them from the cult! You couldn't protect them! So don't bother wasting your time and effort anymore! If you're angry- then I'm sorry! You said you didn't want to waste your time on me, so why are you here again!?! How many times did I freaking tell you not to follow me?!- You'll only bring danger to my family!" I snapped at Kim Taehyung. He gritted his jaw and glanced at the twins as they chatted with the Jaguar."Am I not your family?" Taehyung grunted, averting his disappointed glare to me again. I took a deep exhale and rubbed my face in disbelief. He appeared a bit hurt by my claim."Leave. We have absolutely no reason to see each other anymore," I muttered, nodding at the opposite side of the road. I'm not going to argue with him! It's pointless!"All it took was one mistake. Just one! And you chose to discard me like- Like I'm a disposable piece of shit. But him? No matter how many mistakes he commits- You'd always forgive him. Why is that? I can't rest because I can't understand why you chose to give up on me! But not him!? Why?- What makes me worse than him!?" Taehyung glared, lowering his uptight face to search my eyes with his eyebrows furrowed. I stared at him without blinking."If that day... If that day... after we bled... If only you had softened and held me in your arms when I apologized for hurting you. If only you weren't so stubborn... and if only... you had chosen me. If only you kept the ring on my finger and chose to fight the war for me. If only you had wiped my tears and forgave me when I desperately needed you... you have no idea how far I'll go to fight for you. If only you hadn't been so cold and coarse with me for being foolish... you'd be the one I love most... and you'd probably be the father to my children too," I tensely glare at him."Is it I? Who discarded you, or is it... Kim Taehyung... who chose to leave me in the darkness? You desperately wanted to claim victory in our love war, so I let you have it your way. Just so you could be the man. And I never... ever... pestered you about our breakup after I had my closure. But you're whining about it now...? That I'm finally happy with another person? I never blamed you for the scar on my wrist. I never did, Taehyung. I loved you more than anything to bleed... cry... and break for you. You thought I'd return to you like I always did after sulking... but I found someone else while you neglected me," I poked his chest with a stern expression."Sora- Please-" Taehyung tried to hold my hand but I yanked my fingers out of his grip."So what... more are you hoping for? Why is everything about how you're feeling? Why is everything always about you? Why is he better than you? Why don't I choose you? What do you lack? Everything is about you and never about what I needed. You say... you were forced to raise the twins all alone. But did it ever occur to you how desperately I wanted to see them again? Did you think it was easy for me? But it doesn't matter... right? Because at the end of the day... it is I... Jang Sora... who has to constantly worry about your feelings. It is my duty to protect your pride," I muttered, dimly staring at him.Kim Taehyung intensely at me with a worn-out gaze. He didn't speak as angry tears swelled in his eyes. I understand... he wants the kids back for all his past efforts... but he will only endanger the twins... if he returns with them to the unstable society.
I cannot allow him to put my children at risk. Never again.

A moment later.
"Eomma~ Why can't we see appa~?" Kanghoon asked as he sat on the mattress with a slight pout as Yangcha showered in the bathroom."He's busy," I smiled while sitting on the thick mattress on the floor with Woojin over my lap."We miss him," Woojin pouted while holding onto me. I sadly stared at their innocent gaze."Do you want to live with appa?" I asked."We love appa~ But we want to be with you, eomma~!" Kanghoon shook his head."Then you'll stay with me until you're grown," I smiled as the child crawled towards me. I held the twins in my arms as they softly kissed my cheeks on their messy mattress until Yangcha walked out of the bathroom in a plain white shirt and boxers. He gave the twins their cough medication and I ended up sleeping with them on the mattress... leaving Yangcha to sleep alone on the bed.
A moment later.
I blankly stared at the moonlight reflection over the soft ripples on the flowing stream while patting the twins in their sleep as I rested on my side with my arm tucked under my head. Should I tell them Taehyung isn't their father? They'd be confused though. They're too young to understand the complications at such a young age. What should I do? I can't keep them here with me forever because I'll have to send them to school so they can interact and socialize with their peers. Sighing deeply, I turned to lay on my back but paused when I glanced at the bed... to find Yangcha resting on his side... quietly watching me sleep with the twins. Oh? He's not asleep?"You can't sleep...?" I asked him. He blinked out of his thoughts."Is he here to take the twins?" Yangcha asked. I sadly stared at him from the mattress below."They're staying with us," I shook my head.Yangcha lowered his arm from the bed to hold my hand, so I smiled and turned on the lower mattress to gaze at his troubled face as he sadly watched me from the bed. We didn't speak and held hands in silence while staring at one another in the dark room.
A few days later.
"Can we swim now~?" Woojin whined as he sat on the bench under the umbrella shade with me. I smiled and smeared the sunscreen over his plump cheeks as Kanghoon strapped his yellow goggles over his eyes on the other bench in his cute swimsuit."Let me protect your skin first~!" I smiled, gently pecking his forehead. Yangcha strolled out of the villa through the glass door with a plate of tangerine and grapes for me. Woojin shrieked, hopping off the bench to sit with his twin after I finished rubbing the paste into his sensitive skin.

"You should sit inside. The heat is fierce today," Yangcha smiled at me as he sat in his swim shorts. I pumped a handful of sunscreen onto my palm to smudge the paste over his chest and rubbed it into his sun-tanned skin with a weak smile."The shade is enough," I muttered, tapping his shoulder to make him turn, so Yangcha did as I instructed. I rubbed the substance all over his back. He eventually turned around to face me... so I could apply the sunscreen to his face as he cutely sat with his eyes closed."Superman~! Weeee~!" The twins chased each other along the pool with their goggles secured over their eyes and floaties strapped to either side of their upper arms. Yangcha pecked my lips before getting up to slip inside the pool. I smiled from the pool bench while munching the fruit as the twins stood by the edge with wide grins... eager to take their first swimming lesson. "Jump~!" Yangcha beckoned."Jump? But it's deep~!" Kanghoon gasped, fearfully backing away."You'll float," I chuckled. The twins scratch their heads with doubts."Okay. On the count of three~!" Woojin backed away from the edge with a determined gaze. Kanghoon giggled and backed away with a bright beam as Yangcha held his arms open for the kids."One! Two~!... Three!" Yangcha counted excitedly."AHHHHH!" Woojin and Kanghoon screamed with their cute balled fists, but they didn't budge an inch. I laughed and leaned back against the headrest as the twins stood cemented in their place... screaming in determination to fuel their courage."Hey! You're still on the concrete! Are you swimming in your imagination~?!" Yangcha scoffed."Count again~!" Kanghoon snapped. The alpha scoffed at the kid's demand."Okay~! One~!... Two-! Three!-""ARGHHHHHH!" Woojin and Kanghoon screamed again while holding each other's hands. They fiercely raced forward on their tiny feet, so I sucked in my breath to anticipate the wet splash when- Whip! They suddenly did a u-turn before reaching the edge and ran back to their initial spot. Yangcha scoffed at their frantic bluff in disbelief.

"What the heck! Yah!" Yangcha snapped, paddling forward to rest his arms over the rim as the kids shakily wheezed with timid looks."If we jump! We'll sink~!" Woojin whined, crouching down with a sore expression."Wah~! Superman?!- You're a chicken!" Yangcha snapped at them."Chickens can't swim!" Kanghoon whined."Exactly!" Yangcha argued, making me laugh hysterically under the shade."Count again! For real! For real~!" The twins shrieked. Yangcha bitterly stared at their red cheeks and stepped aside to clear the path."One~! Two~! Three~!" Yangcha counted sorely."AHHHHHH!!!!" The twins dashed forward with a dark frown- but frantically aborted their mission at the last second and separated their path to sprint along the pool edge in the opposite direction. Yangcha scoffed at their repeated surrender as they giggled and tumbled to the concrete with a wide smile."Too scary~!" They whined, sitting up to complain at the alpha. I laughed and smacked my head at their overloading cuteness."Come here! You little rascal~!" Yangcha snapped, suddenly heaving his sturdy body out of the pool. I giggled in distress as the twins screamed in horror and tried to flee the poolside... but Yangcha grabbed Woojin by his back collar and turned to sweep Kanghoon... who attempted to sprint for me with his doe eyes bulging open in fear."Eomma~! Help-! Eomma! No- AHHH~! WAAAAHHHH~! SUPERMAN CAN'T SWIM! HE CAN ONLY FLY~!" They screamed as Yangcha dragged Woojin by the collar while hugging Kanghoon's waist as the child screeched and thrashed in horror."Don't scare them~!" I called, smiling at Yangcha as he placed Kanghoon down... and lifted Woojin by his underarms to hover the child over the surface, causing Woojin to wiggle his feet in horror."AHHHH! AH!!! SCARY! AHJUSSSIIIII~!" Woojin screamed at the water beneath his dangling feet. Kanghoon screeched, attempting to tow Yangcha's legs to stop him from tossing his twin into the pool. I laughed and rubbed my tummy in distress."YAH!" Yangcha shrieked when Kanghoon suddenly grabbed his waistband and pulled down the alpha's pants, causing me to widen my eyes at my husband's bare buttcheeks. I screeched out loud at the shocking commotion as Yangcha turned to glare at Kanghoon, who sprinted toward me with a wide grin. Woojin shrieked even louder as Yangcha carefully lowered the child until half of his plump body sank under the water."Oh no~! Oh no~! AHHHHHH! I'm going to sink! Ajusshi! My belly is too heavy~! I'm going to sink~! I ate too much~! Not ready~!!!" Woojin screamed in fear as Yangcha carefully released the child, leaving him floating helplessly with the floaties on either side of his upper arms. Yangcha quickly pulled his pants back to his hips and turned to glare at Kanghoon... who was hugging my waist with a wide grin."Eomma~! Eomma! Scold him! Eommaaaaaa~!" Kanghoo squealed as Yangcha approached him with a disapproving glare."WHERE AM I GOING~?! AH~! AHJUSSI! HELP~!" Woojin screeched as he floated aimlessly over the surface with his bright red cheeks. Kanghoon screeched in desperation as Yangcha lifted his small body and turned to walk toward the edge."No! No! Put hoonie down~! Eomma~! I'm not a fish~! I can't float~!!!" Kanghoon shrieked, trying to push Yangcha's grip off his body, but the alpha quickly slipped into the water with the child."Stop screaming! You're disturbing the wild animals!" Yangcha snapped, gently releasing the child into the water. Kanghoon screamed in a panic and tried to paddle toward Yangcha, who smiled and pushed the child away, sending my baby floating in the opposite direction. I chuckled in tears as Woojin clung to the opposite side of the pool wall... screaming and screeching for help. Kanghoon sailed over the soft ripples with a pale expression as he helplessly kicked his shorts legs beneath the water.
A moment later.
The twins finally grew comfortable with the pool depth after realizing they were floating fine... so Yangcha taught them basic swimming skills. They paddled back and forth with their supportive floaties as I lay on the bench with a thin blanket over my body, quietly watching my sons struggle to stay afloat with soaking wet hair and runny nose.

Yangcha suddenly got out of the pool to grab something from inside the villa, so I sat up to watch over the twins as they held hands over the water while floating around. They splashed at each other and kicked freely to navigate over the surface until Yangcha returned with a duck toy. He placed the yellow duck on the unstable surface before walking up to me, so I made space for him and scooted aside. Yangcha sat beside me."Oh!? So cool!" The twins shrieked when Yangcha clicked the button on the remote, causing the duck to zoom over the surface."Catch the duck!" Yangcha shouted.The twins shrieked and paddled towards the duck toy with a bright beam. Zoom! Zoom! Yangcha teased them and made the duck skate over the surface right before the twins reached them. They screamed in frustration and spun around in determination to chase the yellow duck as I placed a fresh towel over Yangcha's shoulder. His skin is burning red again. He leaned against the bench with me and placed his arm over my shoulder while controlling the duck with the remote... so I hugged his torso and rested my head against his chest while watching the twins swim all over the pool to pursue the toy."Did you build it?" I asked as I watched him play with the remote. Woojin leaped for the duck but missed and dived head-first into the pool. The child gasped and rubbed the water from his face as Kanghoon kicked his legs to swim after the duck, screaming gibberish while pretending to be a superman. "Yeah. I made it when I was in high school," Yangcha smiled, lowering his face to kiss my forehead. I chuckled and rubbed his moist abs.The alpha finally got to grab another duck and gave the twins the remote so they could play with the duck in the pool. The twins shouted in extreme excitement as they made the duck zoom all over the surface while floating around as Yangcha rested with me under the umbrella shade. He smiled at me as I fondly stared at my children."You'd have to make another one for our baby," I chuckled. Yangcha laughed and patted my head."Of course I will," He smiled while rubbing my upper arms to soothe me, so I took a deep exhale and held onto his toned body. ________________________"Ahahahah~ What is this~?!" Woojin giggled while sitting on the carpet with his legs tucked under his body. Yangcha sprawled on the carpet with his arms raised above his head as I gently spread the melted wax over his armpit with a stick."Eomma is keeping ahjussi clean~!" Yangcha smiled."Don't touch it. It's hot," I smiled at Kanghoon, who tried to poke the wax pot. The twins giggled, curiously poking the hardened wax on Yangcha's armpit."Can we do it too~?" Kanghoon asked."What is there to wax? Your hair? Do you want to be bald?" Yangcha teased. The twins laughed as they sat by the alpha's side."OW!" Yangcha gasped when I swiftly tore the paste off his armpit. I quickly pressed down on his smooth underarm before applying baby powder to his sensitive skin, causing the twins to giggle and slump back on the carpet. I tore the other side of Yangha's armpit until the grown man pouted at me with tears in his eyes. The twins giggled... chaotically laughing at the alpha's reaction."Eomma~! Me too~!" Kanghoon smiled, lifting his arm upward to show his smooth armpit as he sat in a thin strap loose shirt."Okay~ Hold on for a second," I smiled, gently dabbing the powder onto Yangcha's underarm. The twins shrieked happily and rested their heads on Yangcha's stomach with their arms raised over their heads to copy the alpha's posture. I turn to grab their cute decoration tapes."It's going to hurt a lot~!" Yangcha chuckled as I cut the tape into small sizes and placed it on the twin's armpit, causing them to laugh from the ticklish sensation."Eomma will wax you okay~!" I smiled, quickly pretending to pull the decorative tapes from Woojin's armpits as Yangcha tore them off Kanghoon's armpit. They faked a scream to copy Yangcha and screeched funnily with their hand over their armpit. I laughed and patted the baby powder on their underarms. They happily sat up again and lifted their arms to sniff the fragrance with a bright beam."Wow~! So smooth~!" They funnily rubbed their armpit, so I kissed Kanghoon's underarm, causing the child to wiggle in distress from the ticklish sensation."Kiss me too! Eomma~!" Woojin lifted his arm. I chuckled and kissed his armpit. The child screeched and rolled back on the carpet until his feet swung over his head."What about me? Aren't you going to kiss me too~?" Yangcha smirked. I laughed and smacked his thigh as I placed the kit away. He pulled me into his arms as the twins turned to watch the cartoon on the television... still giggling as they rubbed the fine powder over their armpits. Yangcha smiled and kissed my lips as we kept the twins company in the living room.
A moment later.
I stirred on the mattress and turned to pat the sheet, fumbling my fingers aimlessly to search for my husband... but his side of the bed was empty. Blinking sleepily, I lifted my head to scan the dim room for Yangcha... but he was nowhere to be found. Is he not sleeping again...? I rubbed my eyes and sat up to examine the twins as they slept on their new bed beside ours. Kanghoon is hugging Woojin on his side... and they are fast asleep."I'm thirsty," I muttered, crawling off the bed to stroll out of the bedroom and enter the kitchen to pour myself a cool drink.I placed the jar back inside the fridge and entered the living room to search for Yangcha, but he was nowhere to be found. Yawning, I scratched my head and walked up to the glass door to scan the dim exterior. Huh? Where did he go? I spun around and walked down the corridor to check the rooms... but he was absent in all of the spaces. Did he leave the villa...? Maybe he's outside?I slid the glass door open and stepped out into the calm opening to search the pool for his presence... but couldn't spot him anywhere... so I wandered toward the backyard... until I noticed... the small storage house at the end of the property... surrounded by the trees. Yangcha usually stores his unused tools there. Sighing, I walked over the neatly laid pebbled path to approach the small concrete house where the lights were on. Creak. I pushed open the door and poked my head inside to scan the stack of equipment neatly layered in the space."Oh? He has paintings too?" I smiled, entering the space to stare at a few antique paintings slanted against the wall. Shrugging, I turned to gaze at the wooden planks covered with cardboard and the technical tools on the rack."Yangcha?" I yawned, sleepily strolling through the storage house... to search for him. Creak. I halted once I heard a door to my right swinging open... so I glanced in the direction of the strange... low grunts... and heavy footsteps... from behind the steel door. Is he heaving something...?"Are you okay?" I asked, quickly rushing forward to open the door but halted in shock when he suddenly slumped to the floor at my feet."Yangcha?! Jagi!" I quickly crouched down to support his arms as he crawled over the floor- but my heart... thumped in fear as soon as he lifted his beaten face to stare at me. My mind suddenly turned blank as I stared at his... swollen eyes... bleeding lips... broken nose... and bruised face... with a terrified look... until I felt my chest convulsing in extreme fear.
I wasn't staring at Yangcha...

But... Kim Taehyung.
The alpha grunted in pain and lowered his hand to grip his ribs as I remained frozen before him, unable to utter a single word as I glanced through the opened door to find a spiral of stairs leading down to who knows where. What is he doing here!? I glanced back at Kim Taehyung's unfavorable condition.
His clothes... were drenched in dried blood stains... and he was covered in sweat and dirt.
"Jagi~?" Yangcha's voice suddenly echoed from outside the storage house, causing Kim Taehyung's eyes to widen in horror."Leave!" Taehyung seethed, suddenly pushing me away, so I stood up in bewilderment as Taehyung scrambled back inside the door- Creak. He swiftly... closed the door... just as Yangcha strolled inside the storage house. I blinked and turned wildly to find him walking between the racks."Oh!" I gasped, quickly rushing in his direction just as Yangcha appeared with a suspicious look."What are you doing here?" Yangcha asked, uneasily glancing at the door behind my back."I was searching for you. Why did you have to disappear like that~?" I pouted to distract him. Yangcha smiled."I was just... searching for tools to work on something," He smiled, walking past me to grab a lock from the rack. I blinked as I anxiously watched him lock the door... until I felt my heart racing out of control. What is Kim Taehyung doing here!? He shouldn't be here!"Do you... need help?" I gulped, nervously staring at him."No. Let's head back to bed," Yangcha smiled, slightly kicking a bloody wooden stick under the rack, and turned to smile at me. The alpha walked forward and gently drew my body into a comforting hug, so I hugged his neck with my nose buried against his shoulder and my intense gaze... on the green door."Okay," I whispered, darkly staring at the lock on the door as he pulled away. He gently took my hand and led me out of the storage room, so I followed without looking back out of fear of provoking the Jaguar.
Meanwhile.
Kim Taehyung lowly grunted as he limped back down the dim metallic staircase to slump on the ground before lifting his stained shirt to check the swollen gash on his lower stomach.
The alpha seethed in pain and thumped his head softly against the brick wall... to resist the aching pain as he remained... captured inside... the Jaguar's... hidden bunker.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Third Person POV
"Where's Kim Taehyung?!" Seokjin appeared, rudely barging inside the Min's suite without an invitation, accompanied by Namjoon and Jimin... as Jung Hoseok paced back and forth with his hand clasped over his mouth."I can't reach him," Yoongi shook his head as he remained seated on the couch with his legs crossed."We need him at the council, or the cult will attempt to butcher the lower ranks during the upcoming meeting," Jimin bitterly sat down. Seokjin clenched his jaw in irritation. The alphas must all be present at meetings to prevent the Black Phoenix from eliminating the lower ranks."I suspect he went to find Sora," Hoseok stated, worriedly rubbing his lips."Jang Sora?" Jimin asked, cluelessly staring at Hoseok."Kim Taehyung is attempting to lure out the Jaguar," Yoongi informed the alphas."Alone? Jae Yangcha isn't an easy player to overpower. Whether it's physical strength or mind games... The Jaguar is an ace," Seokjin scoffed doubtfully. The alphas exchanged anxious glances. What are the chances of Kim Taehyung... beating the untamed beast? They weren't sure. No one would dare attack the Jaguar alone... due to the high fatality rate.
It's a guaranteed death once the beast pounces at the target.
"But it's Kim Taehyung... there might be hope," Namjoon shrugged. Seokjin glared at his friend's optimism before glancing at Min Yoongi again."If Kim Taehyung dies at the hand of the Jaguar... It's the end of the council. We should send out people to search for him," Jimin shook his head. Hoseok rubbed his face in frustration after his alliance left without a notice and had not been in contact with the households for the past week."The cult is protecting Jae Yangcha because they know... we're after the silent killer for his power. That's probably why the cult freed the twins to settle the tension with Jae Yangcha," Yoongi darkened his eyes."What?" Seokjin frowned at the second-rank alpha."The cult claimed to lose... the twins after Jang Sora transferred her assets to the Black Phoenix. But for some unknown reason... The twins were never harmed. The cult never lifted a finger to abuse the children. And suddenly...? They disappeared after the cult acquired the supreme alpha's power...? It's too cynical," Yoongi exhaled, crossing his arms over his chest."Are you saying... The Jaguar negotiated with the cult to free the twins so he could present himself as the savior? So Jang Sora will remain by his side forever?" Namjoon asked, frowning at Yoongi."I assumed he wanted Jang Sora for her power... but since... he's still protective of her after she became powerless... it's probably a personal attachment. And the twins? They're Jeon Jungkook's firstborn, whether they are illegitimate or not. Their existence will forever threaten the Jeon's household. Firstborns have the right to seize their parent's power once they're off age," Hoseok explained."So... Jae Yangcha is seeking revenge for Sora? He's after Jeon Jungkook? He held Sora captive until her mother died. And now... he's snapping his baring fangs at Jeon Jungkook?" Namjoon frowned."Highly possible. The twins can't thrive in the society without legitimate power. Jae Yangcha resents Jeon Jungkook for impregnating his wife... and probably blames the alpha for staying muted when the twins were kidnapped... so he will attack Jeon Jungkook to reclaim power for Jang Sora. He's going to war for her," Min Yoongi nodded. The alpha grew hushed and glanced at one another with an uptight look."And... Kim Taehyung is using himself as bait...? To lure out the Jaguar because... Sora will never put Jae Yangcha at risk? If he's the bait... then we should be ready to attack the beast once he's out in the opening," Jimin muttered."He's in Daegu. Kim Taehyung might send us a signal once he uncovers the hidden bunker," Hoseok informed. The alpha grew tense within the room as they pondered the possibilities of Kim Taehyung's whereabouts."There might be a spy amongst our people. That's why Kim Taehyung left without a word to avoid alerting Jae Yangcha's people," Min Yoongi sorely glanced at Seokjin."You and Sungho are the only standing second rank after Jang Sora's collapse. Convince the Chul to join the council. We have to defend the society while Kim Taehyung is away and pray he'll somehow uncover Jaguar's lair," Seokjin instructed, turning to leave the suite without another word. Namjoon and Jimin followed the alpha out of the room. Min Yoongi dimmed his eyes and glanced at Hoseok after the guests left their private space."Why is the Jeon hushed on the matter?" Yoongi sorely asked."No idea. I will investigate the matter," Hoseok nodded. The Mins instructed Jung Hoseok to deploy their men to Daegu... to provide urgent assistance to Kim Taehyung... who is trapped at the lair... buried deep beneath the surface of the wilderness.
He found the Jaguar... at the cost of his own life.
_____________________
Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung sat sluggishly with his head lowered as he slumped on the uncomfortable seat. His sprained ankles... tied to the chair legs. And his forearms... strapped securely to the handrest. His temples... aching in pain from the blunt blow to his head... and the gash on his lower stomach... throbbing nonstop due to the swollen tissues that had been ripped open during an aggressive battle with the wild beast.The alpha squinted his blurry eyes once his ringing eardrums... picked up the faint echoes of footsteps... thumping steadily over the metallic base. The dull whistle of the Silent Killer... resonating within the enclosed walls of the freezing basement... to taunt the captured alpha with... its tedious rhythm.

Thud. Thud. Thud.
The wounded alpha lifted his dizzy head to glare at the Jaguar from between his greasy black bangs as the beast inched closer to him. Standing shirtless... to flex his toned muscles. Yangcha halted before Kim Taehyung as he pridefully stood with his hands... rested on his strong hips. The Kim's heir shifted his bitter gaze to the alpha's torso... covered in Jang Sora's love marks... before averting his sharp glare back to the killer's cocky smile."You bastard... at least have the decency to cover yourself," Taehyung grunted in discontent, averting his eyes away in disgust. Yangcha chuckled and crouched before the chair to admire Kim Taehyung's beaten face, widely grinning at the alpha's pitiful state."She likes me this way though. You're aware, right? You used to show off her marks to the world with pride too," Yangcha chuckled. Kim Taehyung scoffed under his breath as his mind spun like a whirlpool, yet he refused to let his guard down and remained alarmed in the chair. "Fuck you and your pretentious ass. Did you think Sora actually trusts you with her children?" Taehyung snarled. Yangcha smiled and sat directly on the ground with his legs crossed."She does trust me with them because, unlike the manipulative liar you are... I am a man of my word. I have never disappointed her," Yangcha chuckled while shaking his head. Kim Taehyung gripped his fists in irritation after failing to provoke the Jaguar."Did you think she'd still love you if she saw you raising the knife at her children? Don't pretend to be the good guy when it was your intention to murder the twins-""I never intended to kill her children. It was merely a distraction so you could flee with them without saving her. I couldn't save everyone from the bloodshed... so I decided to only rescue my wife. I started the fire not to kill you or her children... but to cover up my crime. If I wanted you to die... Did you think I'd be this sloppy and let you live to see another day? If I wanted to kill you and the twins... Did you think I'd let you leave the penthouse before the explosion? Ani. I let you flee the place and ran back through the fire to save Sora... after you departed with her children. But I guess you're deeming yourself as some... kind of hero? Just because I let you save the twins?" Yangcha smugly stared at Kim Taehyung, who clenched his jaw and lowered his head to shake off the blurriness from his vision."If you're so confident about her affection... Then why are you hiding me here? Hmm...? Show her my condition and watch her react. Did you actually think... Jang Sora... has completely removed me from her life? She's still attached to me," Taehyung seethed."She knows you're here," Yangcha replied. Kim Taehyung suddenly turned pale as he struggled to read the Jaguar's poker face."W-What-""You met her last night. Didn't you? I left the door open on purpose. I never hide anything from her. She knows you're here... but did she bother to help you? No. She's reading stories with the kids right now... and she's going to bake us dessert later. Did you honestly believe... you're still special to Jang Sora? After the awful things... you did to her?" Yangcha asked. Taehyung gulped and glanced at the leather straps around his wrists."I might not know what the fuck you have up your sleeves, but I can assure you I'm the only person to truly care for her wellbeing-""Yeah? If you truly cared for her... then why did you break her heart? Because you see her as a possession? An object you can foolishly break and fix? I love you, Sora. So I'll use my power to hurt you because I know... you love me. The consequences...? There are no consequences because Kim Taehyung will mend the crack he formed... and Sora will surely forgive Kim Taehyung because- Hey. He might be careless with her feelings... but that's all because he loves her. It's absolutely normal to let the man hurt you... because he'll eventually apologize and beg for forgiveness. Yeah? What kind of delusional bullshit is that?" Yangcha sneered."Why are you addressing me as the bad guy...? She's obviously broken because of you. I'll give you credit for managing to fuck over a soul you claim to love. Hah~ I'll never beat Kim Taehyung to it because... I don't think I'll ever be cruel enough to tear her open like you did with your bare hands. Sure. You can be her deepest scar. If that's what you take pride in-? I'll never be as good as you because... despite being a ruthless killer... the one thing I can't do is to purposely hurt her," Yangcha smiled. Taehyung tensed up in his place with his piercing sharp glare on the Jaguar."So that's how you convince her? So you could be- the so-called good guy-""No. I never attempted to manipulate my lover in any way. We don't even speak about you. I don't compare myself to a sucker like you. Why would I waste my time telling her I'm better than you? Sora... He's a jerk. Sora... I'm better than him. Sora... can't you see? He's manipulating you. I've never once initiated that kind of conversation to make her doubt you. She trusts the actions she witnesses, not the meaningless words I say to her. You're an insecure bastard. That's what you are. Pain is the confirmation of love. That's what you live upon. If she loves you... then she should be able to endure the pain for you, so you constantly hurt her to verify... her affection. It's disgusting, really. How you take so much pride in breaking her soul... just to claim victory over your love game," Yangcha chuckled as he sat composedly on the ground."Hand the twins over," Taehyung grunted, sorely staring at the Jaguar."Why should I? Sora wants to keep them by my side," Yangcha shrugged."You're using them to tame Sora-""I'm quite fond of them, actually. The only reason I was restless was because I thought Sora cheated on me. But she didn't... and they're innocent. The twins favor me nowadays... because I'm not as strict as appa. It's funny how they always compare everything I do to you. Oh? Ahjussi is so nice. Appa will never let us bother him when he's busy. Oh? Ahjussi can cook delicious food~? Appa always feeds us bland porridge every day. Oh? Ahjussi is so talented! Appa only sleeps at home!" Yangcha scoffed."The audacity to guilt trip Jang Sora... over your bare minimum effort to raise the twins? What...? You deserve them? Just because you changed their diapers? Just because you fed them medication...? Just because you wash their buttcracks? Sure. You did have the heart to care for them and to keep them alive. But you've also left them to fend for themselves throughout the day. You've never had the heart to learn new ingredients for them- or even tried hard enough to properly attend to their needs," The alpha chuckled while shaking his head to disapprove of Kim Taehyung's authoritarian parenting style."You've never granted them the freedom to be kids because you're so busy with work, so it was only rational to lock them inside. That's how you love. And you question why people doubt your affection? You only act after you've lost the person you desire. Sure. You'll kill for the twins... and you'd definitely slaughter for Sora... but only after you've lost them. Did you think your nice acts could somehow... overshadow all your past neglect when they were begging to be loved and heard by you?" Yangcha sighed, pushing himself upward and stood up to dust his sweatpants."Jang Sora is the only person to determine your fate and mine... so don't waste your time attempting to gaslight me," Taehyung grunted while glaring at the alpha."Ah... I wonder... how she'll react... knowing you followed us here with a GPS tracker? If I hadn't caught you... you could've sent a troop to slaughter her family and called it an act of love. Wah~! Kim Taehyung is the man. Indeed," Yangcha mocked Kim Taehyung and strolled away, leaving the wounded alpha deprived of food and water. Kim Taehyung clenched his jaw and lowered his face again as he listened to the door... slamming shut against the frame above the spiral staircase... to isolate him from the outside world.
Sora's POV
Yangcha cheerfully chatted with the twins in the living room as the sun disappeared behind the clustered trees until darkness loomed over the property. The insects began to cry from within the thick grass barrier as the night temperature dropped to invite the chilliness inside our home. I turned from the kitchen stove to find the twins studying at the coffee table with the opened books as Yangcha taught them the alphabet. Smiling, I turned to mix the batter and quietly made dessert after I prepared dinner. Should I visit the back house? I feel restless."You're done?" Yangcha asked, suddenly back hugging me. I slightly flinched and glanced up at him in surprise as he kissed my shoulder."I'm waiting for the dough to rise," I nodded at the oven while stirring the cream in the bowl. Yangcha poked the creamy fluff and licked it off his finger. He chuckled while tasting the flavor between his lips, grabbed the milk carton to add it to the mixture and carefully reached forward to stir the bowl with my body... trapped between his forearms."Did they give up on studying?" I asked."No. The twins can read almost every alphabet now. They're quick learners," Yangcha shook his head as he stirred the whipped cream. He finally pulled away from my back to place the bowl in the fridge before turning to hug me again."Wae...?" I smiled, looking up at him unsurely as he clung to me."Do you want to go to our bedroom for a moment...? It'll take a while for the dough to fully rise," He whispered in my ear, causing me to chuckle from the ticklish sensation. I glanced at the twins while holding his waist in the kitchen. The children... were cluelessly watching the cartoon on the wide screen while sitting on the couch."Maybe when they're asleep?" I replied with flushed cheeks as we faintly rocked from side to side in each other's embrace. Yangcha smiled and lifted me by my waist to settle my body on the counter."I'll make it quick," He devilishly smiled. I bit my lower lips with a conflicted look before glancing at the twins again as Yangcha softly nibbled my neck. Here...? That's very dangerous~! He gently reached inside my panties to touch me under my gown, so I tensed my body and glanced back at him with a slight frown."This is too risky~!" I whine, softly chuckling until he kisses my lips again to hush my complaints. Yangcha gently tugged my pantie aside while jerking himself and gently pushed his bulge against my dripping wet crotch, so I gripped his shoulder... as he carefully entered between my thighs."But it's thrilling~ Isn't it fun~?" He teased, slowly penetrating me on the counter. I gripped his shoulder with my nose pressed against his shirt until my body stiffened at his throbbing presence."You're so naughty~!" I whined, lifting my flushed face to glare at him in annoyance, but ended up chuckling at his mischievous expression and shook my head in disbelief.Yangcha huffed in difficulty and lowered his face to press his lips against mine, so I gripped onto his back as he swirled his tongue inside my mouth to tease me with his lustful strokes. I quietly moaned as he thrust forward to reach deeper while holding my waist to keep me in place.This is thrilling, but I'm afraid the twins might notice our inappropriate acts! I lifted my legs to circle my shins around his hips and kissed his cheek as he ran his fingers through my hair while admiring my red cheeks. Smooch. He sweetly kissed my lips, so I panted against his chin and clutched tighter onto his bicep to stop myself from making too much noise as he repeatedly penetrated me."Eomma~? Is the cake ready~?" Kanghoon chirped, glancing at us from the living room."Oh- Oh! Yeah! Almost~!" I smiled, turning to smile at him as Yangcha hugged my body against his. I grew stiff as the children averted their eyes in our direction out of curiosity. "Ahjussi~ Come sit with us~" Woojin cutely beckoned as Yangcha paused with his hard bulge inside me. My insides wouldn't stop pulsating... so I bit my lower lips and clung to his shoulder for dear life. It's torture to have him lodged inside me without movement like this~! Hah~!"I'll be there~ Let me help eomma out first~!" Yangcha teased as I nervously frowned at his smug expression. I lowered my head with a weak smile while gripping his broad shoulder as he rubbed my back to soothe my arched spine."Okay~" The twins smiled and glanced back at the screen. Yangcha carefully resumed thrusting inside me again. I gasped and smacked his chest in annoyance."Let's resume later~ Oh?" I pouted. He smiled, suddenly lifting me off the counter without pulling out, so I gasped and clung to his neck as he walked us out of the kitchen and strolled toward the bedroom. He quietly closed the door before turning to sit down on the couch.I giggled while perching over him, so he quickly yanked off his shirt as I lowered my face to make out with him, gently sucking on his lips while playing with his red earlobe. Yangcha steadily rocked my hips to make me ride him on the couch, making me shiver from the pleasuring surges inside my heated crotch. I bounced over him steadily as he kneaded my breast, lowering his face to nibble my sensitive tips until my body jolted with the burning sensation."Every time you're pregnant... there's this alluring pheromone that you secrete. You smell so freaking good... and your skin is oddly glowy~!" He chuckled, pulling away to cup my face. I softly moaned his name while holding his shoulder with my eyebrows furrowed in difficulty."I'm only this radiant because my husband is so good to me~!" I teased while stroking his moist lips with my thumb. Yangcha chuckled and hugged my body again as I steadily rocked my crotch over his to intensify the pleasure until he grunted and tilted his head backward to savor our intimate moment together.I smiled at his troubled frown... tucked my loose hair strand behind my ear... and lowered my face to suck on his hard nipple, causing him to tense up beneath me as I kissed his chest and lifted my face to suck on his throat. Yangcha massaged my waist to ease my body muscles as we made love on the couch in our empty bedroom to avoid the suspicion of the young souls.
A moment later.
I giggled by the kitchen counter as Yangcha playfully kissed my earlobe, causing my hand to shake while squeezing the cream over the cupcakes. He pecked my cheek and turned to wash the trays in the sink. We had quick sex earlier and took a bath together before resuming... our dinner preparation."Eomma~ Do you need help~?" Woojin asked, tugging my gown after he showered."Bring this to the coffee table~!" I smiled, handing the child the bowls, so he smiled and carefully walked away as Kanghoon peaked at the sink beside Yangcha."Help your brother set the table," Yangcha nudged the child.Kanghoon giggled and approached me, so I handed him the bundle of utensils. He quickly skipped away with the chopsticks and spoons. Yangcha playfully smacked my butt and lifted the plates to place them in the living room as Woojin placed the rice bowl on each side of the table. Smiling, I arranged the cupcakes on a plate before lifting it and settled with the kids in the living room. They gasped at the yellow and blue theme decoration with a wide grin. It's their favorite color."Can we eat it?!" They shrieked."Finish dinner first~!" I shook my head as I pushed the warm meal towards them."I'll take you guys for a school tour tomorrow," Yangcha announced."School!? We're going to school~?" Kanghoon gasped with the rice left unchewed in his mouth."Not yet. We're just going to inspect the premises," I smiled. They gasped and nudged one another in excitement."Ahjussi-! Ah~!" Woojin lifted his spoon to hover over Yangcha's face. The alpha smiled and accepted generous the offer. I chuckled, reaching across the table to wipe Kanghoon's lips. They happily ate the warm meals before devouring the cupcakes on the plate. Yangcha insisted on doing the dishes, so I let him handle the mess in the kitchen."I'll take out the trash..." I informed as I lifted the black bag and strolled out of the villa, anxiously walking towards the back house with my lips pursed until I reached the dumpster and carefully placed the bag on the pile. I nervously glanced at the single light source in the storage house and glanced at the villa with a troubled feeling. Should I make a quick run to check on Taehyung?-"Noona. Are you done?" Yangcha called from my left, so I quickly turned to find Yangcha carrying another bag. He smiled and walked over to place the trash bag on the pile."We should take out the trash," I whispered, nodding at the pile."I'll do it. Get ready for bed," Yangcha assured, transferring the trash bags onto the cart. I nodded and walked off, briefly glancing at the back house with an unsettled feeling. I should help Taehyung if he's stuck-? Is he even alive? I pursed my lips and strolled back inside to wash my hands before entering the bedroom to find the twins hopping over my bed."Don't jump~! You'll fall," I smiled at them. They giggled and ran inside the bathroom to brush their teeth, so I prepared their bed until the twins climbed the mattress and rolled over with bright beams.I kissed their lips and patted their head with a fond smile as they cradled their stuffed animals in their tiny arms. I'm glad they're not too bothered by the abduction incident. Yangcha told me they were mildly starved by the cult, but there was no injury on their body. However, their skins were inflamed due to their rotting filth."Eomma~ You're so so so so pretty~!" Kanghoon chuckled while playing with my loose hair. I've examined their bodies... and they're fully healed. There's nothing to worry about."Pfft. You'll change your mind when you grow up," I smiled, gently patting his cheek as I sat by their bedside."Waeyo~?" Woojin curiously stared at me."Your wife will be the most beautiful woman in your eyes. Not your old mother~!" I teased."Aniyo~! You're the prettiest! Nice hair~ Pretty boobies~ And you smell soooo good~!" The twins giggled. I laughed and ruffled their hair. They didn't ask for Taehyung after our last encounter... so I assumed they didn't mind living with me permanently.I stayed by their side until they fell asleep before switching off the night light and crawled onto my bed. Yangcha came strolling inside the room in his sweaty shirt after he disposed of the trash... so I exhaled and turned to sleep on my side as he entered the bathroom to shower.
A moment later.
I suddenly stirred awake from a wild dream but didn't budge and released a deep exhale to collect my numbed senses. Yangcha was sleeping on his back with his arm rested over his head. Should I creep to the back house again...? I'm hesitant because I don't want to upset Yangcha because... he might lose control... and hurt the twins. I nervously lifted my head off the pillow, trying my best not to wake the sleeping Jaguar.Carefully... very cautiously... I lifted the blanket and slipped out of bed, quietly tiptoeing out of the room and into the dim corridor. I halted in the living room to scan the dark exterior with a restless feeling. Is it safe...? What if he comes after me? Gulping, I turned to enter the kitchen, opened the fridge, and poured myself a cold drink in the mug before closing the door while drinking the water with my eyes closed. Should I make a quick dash and return? To confirm his well-being...? I'm sure Yangcha won't notice-"Ah!" I gasped, flinching in a panic... when I turned to find Yangcha sitting on the stool by the counter with his eyes barely open. Hah! I'm sure I'll suffer a heart attack one day because of his sneaky habits!"Did I startle you?" He sleepily smiled. His body is massive! How is it possible for him to walk without making a sound?"You need to stop sneaking up on me~!" I whined, handing him the mug. Yangcha took it from my grip and drank the cool water as I caressed his cheek. He placed the mug aside, grabbed my waist, and hugged me with a weak smile... so I patted his head as he snuggled against my chest."Let's go back to bed," He whispered while sitting on the stool. I nodded, took his hand, and headed back to our bedroom. Yangcha lifted the blanket as I scooted beside him and turned to hug his waist with my head rested over his bicep. He kissed my forehead and lowered his head to the pillow before dozing off again... so I exhaled through my lips in defeat with my nose pressed against his chest and decided to sleep through the night.
This isn't the right time. I have to be cautious.

Next Day
"Thank you for visiting us," The principal greeted, slightly bowing at me and Yangcha, who was carrying the twins in his arms."Annyeonghaseyo~!" The twins politely bowed at the woman."How adorable~!" She chuckled at the twins. Yangcha eventually settled them down as they excitedly admired the spacious academy with their curious gaze. I smiled as Yangcha took my hand, and we followed the woman inside the main office to discuss the twin's academic background."Hey~ You're not supposed to eat everything~!" I tugged Woojin in embarrassment, who kept grabbing the snack from the plate. The principal laughed at the child as he climbed back onto the couch and wiggled his body as Kanghoon gawked at the drawing books with his bulging doe eyes."We'll show you around," The principal got up to lead us, so we followed her out of the office. The assistant chatted with the twins as they strolled ahead of us while swinging each other's hands back and forth."Why is the door white~?""Yellow is pretty~!""Why is the school so quiet~?""Where are chingus~?""How many chingus are there~?""Where is the kitchen~?""Are there free snacks~?"Yangcha securely held my waist as the principal opened a door to a classroom packed with kids at their desks. The twins shrieked in excitement and poked their heads inside to stare at the unfamiliar faces.

"Annyeong chingus~! I'm Kim Woojin and my brother- Kim Kanghoon~!" Woojin shrieked, hopping inside the classroom with his twin to greet the children."Annyeong~!" The children waved at them from their desks, causing the twins to giggle hysterically as a teacher smiled at the lively duo."They're extroverts," I smiled at the principal."Well. They can stay with their classmates... for today and get to know everyone~!" The teacher chuckled, showing the twins to their spare seats."Can we sit together~?" Kanghoon requested. The twins climbed a chair at the center of the room and shared the seat because they didn't want to separate, causing the principal to chuckle again. She shook her head, closed the door, and showed us different spaces designed for the students.We entered a music room filled with instruments and then... visited an art room. The principal took us to the spacious school auditorium and then to the swimming pool before visiting the spotless canteen. Yangcha held onto my waist as we entered the playroom and finally returned to the office to discuss their enrollment terms.We lounged at the academy for the entire day so the twins could attempt their study trial at the academy. I insisted on enrolling the twins at the local public school, but Yangcha claimed it would be best... if we sent them to a private institute. The tuition fee is twenty times the average fee of ordinary schools."Ah~ Today is the parents and teacher conference. The parents of our precious students will be present to speak with the teacher regarding their child's academic outcomes. You may meet and speak with the guardians," The assistant led us inside a spacious lounge filled with older women and men in formal attire. They glanced in our direction... so I smiled and greeted them."I need to use the bathroom," I whispered. Yangcha nodded as I turned to leave the space, entered the stall to care for my business, and stepped out just as a flood of students exited their classroom."Eomma~!" The twins shrieked, rushing towards me. I smiled and reached out to hold their hands as they clutched cute sticker books. We returned to the lounge as the kids searched for their parents until I spotted Yangcha chatting with a group of wealthy-looking mothers."You're so young~!" A woman in a white dress smacked Yangcha's shoulder as I approached him."Oh. This is my wife and my children," He smiled, pulling me forward. The woman glanced at me with a bright smile before glancing back at Yangcha in admiration."They're so handsome! Just like you~!" Another woman chuckled at the twins as they clung to the alpha's hands. I smiled at the guardians before turning to sit in an empty lounge with Yangcha."Oh!" A slender and pretty woman suddenly appeared, halting before our section to stare at Yangcha, who immediately widened his eyes in surprise."What are you doing here?" Yangcha beamed, quickly rising from the couch as she stepped forward to give him a friendly hug."Ah! My sister is busy today, so I'm attending the conference for my niece~!" She beamed. Yangcha awkwardly scratched his head while gazing at her pretty smile. Why was he suddenly so shy around her...?"Oh- My wife! You should meet her! Sora, this is a flight attendant I met on my trip abroad~!" Yangcha turned to introduce me, so I got up to greet her. The woman smiled at me."Ah! He told me about his beloved wife! Nice to meet you~!" She giggled, holding out her hand to shake mine. I smiled and glanced at Yangcha, who was smiling at her nonstop. She eventually excused herself and left to find her niece."Do you want to play at the playground...?" Yangcha turned to ask the twins. They nodded with wide grins and left together to play at the outdoor playground with the other kids. I sorely dimmed my eyes and glanced at the pretty woman again.He never looks at anyone with interest, but his eyes immediately lit up at her presence? Tsk. I folded my arms and got up to stroll toward the wide window... where I could view the playground packed with kids and parents. The twins were riding on the swing as Yangcha chatted with the group of swooning mothers... clearly hypnotized... by his charming visual."Are you a guest?" A man appeared by my side. I glanced at his neatly groomed hair as he stood in a formal suit."Yes. We're considering the academy," I smiled."It's the best academy in this region," He nodded, glancing at the playground with a steaming paper cup in his hand."Do you have kids?" I asked curiously. He chuckled."No. My stepbrother is studying here. My dad married a young woman... so I'm babysitting my brother," The man nodded at the chubby boy... who was chasing a girl in the playground. I smiled warmly."He's adorable," I nodded."I'm an attorney. Jung Gyeongsoo," He smiled, placing out his hand, so I took it."Jang Sora," I smiled. He stared at my face fondly without releasing my hand. He's so handsome~! Ah~! Why am I suddenly flustered~!?"You're really pretty," He chuckled, causing my cheeks to burn bright red. Knock. Knock. We quickly glanced at the window to find my husband narrowing his suspicious gaze on me from outside the glass, so I snatched my hand from the man's grip with a startled look."Uh- Oh! He's my husband. We have a twin... and I'm currently bearing- another son," I nervously chuckled at the man while rubbing my neck. Yangcha smiled at the man and walked toward the door to enter the lounge."Annyeonghaseyo," The man greeted the alpha, who suspiciously glanced at me. "She's married," Yangcha smiled at the man, causing my cheeks to flush even redder."I'm aware. I saw the ring," He nodded at my ring finger. I chuckled at the man, causing Yangcha to narrow his eyes on me, so I quickly cleared my throat before glancing away to avoid his disapproving frown.
A moment later.
Yangcha settled over the cushions beside me at the table again after leaving earlier to feed the twins their medication. They were staring at the living shrimp in the glass container positioned in the corner of the restaurant as I grumpily ate the blood sausage. Yangcha tried to take a bite, but I shoved his head away and forced the remaining snack inside my mouth, causing him to scoff with an offended look. The alpha stared at me as I sat crossed legs in the restaurant with my dim eyes on the twins.

"What's wrong...?" Yangcha asked with a slight frown."Nothing," I grumbled, glancing out the store window to stare at the passing cars. He scoffed and tried to hold my waist... so I shoved him away again."Hey! Why are you acting like this?! Are you perhaps upset because I won't let you chat with a handsome man?" Yangcha scoffed. I snapped my head to glare at him while chewing the remaining sausage in my mouth until my nose tip turned bright red."You never told me about the pretty flight attendant!" I pushed his bicep in annoyance. Yangcha widened his eyes in disbelief."Jagi-""Whatever! You don't have to explain anything! I saw the way you smiled at her with my own eyes! Don't even try to make up excuses~!" I glared. Yangcha sorely studied my attitude."Well... she did ask me out when we met..." Yangcha shrugged, turning to set the plates. I glared at him intensely. Why is he so dismissive?! I sniffled and glanced down at the empty paper bag in my hands."Terrible husband!" I shrieked, suddenly bursting into tears. Yangcha wildly turned his head at my tantrum and tried to cover my mouth but I hastily kicked his butt to make him scoot away from me."Noona~! We're out in public!" Yangcha scoffed, trying to crawl back, but I stubbornly whined and shoved him aside. My emotions are all over the place! He glanced at the ajumma in embarrassment as she glanced at us from the kitchen."Don't touch me!" I warned, angrily shoving his hand away. Yangcha paused to stare at the tear stain on my cheeks with a dumbfounded expression. I sniffled and lowered my face to rub my tears as the store owner approached us to place the dishes on the table."Aigo~ Pregnancy can mess with your emotions~ Don't sulk too much, or you'll upset the child in your womb~!" She smiled at me. I pursed my lips and looked up at her with my glassy pupils."He hugged a woman earlier, ajumma! How am I supposed to react?!" I pouted at her. The woman froze and scoffed at Yangcha with an offended look."Young man~! That's not appropriate-""She was just someone I know~! Ajumma~! She's being unreasonable right now, and you're taking her side?!" Yangcha whined in annoyance."Aigo~! You should be upset! How can you embrace another woman in front of your wife~!?" Ahjumma scolded Yangcha. I sobbed in distress while pouting at her... causing the twins to turn in our direction in confusion."It was nothing~!" Yangcha groaned."Men are so clueless! Would you have liked it if another man hugged your wife!?" Ajumma scolded the alpha."Eomma~! Why are you crying?!" The twins shrieked as they climbed the platform to sit on the cushions with startled expressions."Your father is being mean to her~!" Ajumma teased and strolled away. The twins gasped and glared at Yangcha, who scoffed in bewilderment."Ahjussi! Why would you upset eomma!-""Ohoh! Not you too?!-" Yangcha bickered with the twins. They screeched, suddenly rounding the table to push Yangcha off the cushion, who stumbled to the side after being kicked out by the little bowl cuts. They protectively sat on either side of me to keep Yangcha away."Ahjussi, bad boy! Bad! Bad~!" They snapped, lifting the spoon to threaten the alpha with it. Yangcha scoffed in disbelief as he sat across from me with an annoyed look. I sniffled and hugged the twins on my sides and we quietly ate our warm meal.The twins glared at Yangcha, who quickly lowered his head to eat after they caught him glaring at me. I sniffled and fed the kids until I felt... Yangcha nudging my sock under the table with his feet. I glared at him from across the table... until he drew his feet away and ate his food with an upset pout.We returned to the hidden villa after our dinner at the restaurant. I entered the shower to bathe with the kids, leaving Yangcha to sort the ingredients in the kitchen before crawling into bed to sleep without waiting for him. Yangcha finally entered the bedroom and strolled away to shower as I watched the twins snore on their bed. He then... climbed onto the mattress and tried to hug me... but I shoved him away and grumpily turned to glare at the ceiling."I'm sorry~" He whispered, lifting his head to rest on my pillow. I glared at him with my muted silence until Yangcha lifted his face to kiss me softly. I didn't respond and pushed his face away with my palm."So annoying~" I muttered. Yangcha smiled, drawing me in by my waist."You know you're the only sweetheart I love~!" He whispered while patting my head. Pfft! Men and their deceptive lies! He grabbed my hand to make me hold his hips, so I exhaled in defeat and pressed my face against his warm chest. Maybe I'm just a little too moody~!"Liar-""Ah! Noona! Ow!- Argh!" Yangcha winced in shock when I bit his nipple, causing him to jerk on the bed. I pulled away with a devious smirk as he rubbed his chest in disbelief."Wae? How dare you look at me like that?!" I whispered with a dark frown as he grimaced at me in annoyance. I glanced at the bitemark over his chest and tried to bite him again, but he quickly shoved my face away."I'm not whining~! Why would I whine?! It's my wife's love mark!" He suddenly grinned, slamming his lips against mine to disable me. I gasped in shock as he gripped my head and leaned over my chest to stifle my voice with his assertive strokes. Yangcha tilted his face and interlaced our fingers until I stopped resisting him. Smooch. He smiled, pulling away to study the glazing saliva on my lips. I glared at him in annoyance until he lowered his face to kiss my eyelids."I love you~!" He whispered, gently pecking me all over my face. I eventually broke into a soft smile and hugged his head after the frustration subsided from my chest. Yangcha chuckled and lifted his face to stare fondly at me while stroking my cheeks- SMACK. He gasped and slumped backward when a pillow... hurled across the room... slamming right into his face."What are you doing to eomma?!" Woojin shrieked, suddenly scrambling off his bed to storm towards us."Woojin!" I chuckled as he leaped onto my bed and tried to tackle Yangcha."Ohoh! How dare you stop me?!" Yangcha gasped, effortlessly pinning the child to the mattress as Kanghoon sat up with a dazed expression from being awoken by his twin's frantic shrieks."Ah! Ah! Stop!!!" Woojin screamed in distress as Yangcha tickled the child until he twisted and turned on the mattress. The child screeched and smacked Yangcha's face, so he chuckled and sat up with a grimace. Woojin cutely punched Yangcha's chest with his tiny fist again and turned to hug me possessively."This isn't your bed!" Yangcha whined."Eomma is mine! Ahjusshi made eomma cry~!" Woojin shrieked. Kanghoon rubbed his eyelids and slumped back onto his bed without a bother.Yangcha grimaced and lay down beside Woojin as the child slept between us. I smiled and turned to hold his body, gently kissing his scented hair. Ah~ I'm assured now~! My babies will protect me when I'm too old to care for myself~! Yangcha huffed in annoyance and turned his back on us with his arms crossed to sulk after the child stole me from him."I will protect you, eomma~!" Woojin giggled. I smiled and kissed his forehead as he firmly held onto my waist. Smiling widely, I closed my eyes with my nose pressed against his soft hair strands.
The child refused to release me and remained as a barrier between me and my husband until he fell asleep in my arms. Yangcha instantly snatched the sleeping baby from my grip and carried the child back to his bed before rolling over the mattress to hug me with his possessive grip, making me chuckle at his upset pout.
_______________________I restlessly watched Yancha connect the wires on the table in his workshop room. He's been keeping me by his side... and my mind would constantly wander to the storage house. If I do nothing... Taehyung might not survive, but how will I help him without provoking Yangcha?The alpha smiled at me as I stared at the robotic toy he was assembling until I noticed the twins chasing each other through the corridor with a cushion. I glanced at the time.  It's been five days since I last saw Taehyung in the storage room. He will definitely die from starvation if not from the injuries..."Eomma~! Wanna play~?" Kanghoon asked, jogging inside the room to grab my hand. I smiled and glanced at Yangcha, who pursed his lips with a concentrated frown as he soldered the wire to the chips. "What about hide and seek...?" I suggested."Oh! Okay! Let's play~!" Woojin nodded in excitement."Ahjussi! Join us~!" They giggled, grabbing Yangcha's hand. The alpha shook his dazed mind after spending hours on his toy and finally nodded in agreement."Who's the seeker?" Yangcha smiled."Eomma!" They shrieked."Okay. I'll count to twenty!" I agreed, lowering my head to the desk and closed my eyes. The twins shrieked, suddenly scurrying out of the room. Maybe... I can distract Yangcha with the game...? I slowly counted to twenty and lifted my face in excitement... expecting Yangcha to be gone... but he was still... seated beside me. Fuck."Oh! I caught you!" I smiled, grabbing his forearm. Yangcha chuckled."I don't want to play~!" He muttered while observing the wires."But you didn't tell me earlier!" I snapped."Araso~ I'll count until twenty then?" He smiled, putting his wires away, and finally averted his attention to me. "No! Make it thirty~!" I patted his arm, quickly racing out of the room after shutting the door, and hurried down the hallway."Eomma~!" Woojin gasped when I found him hiding behind the couch with Kanghoon. They shrieked, trying to run away but I caught them by their arms and drew them right back. "Ahjusshi is the seeker! Eomma caught him~! Let's hide together!" I chuckled. They gasped with cute grins, quickly getting up from the floor, so I held their hands and led them out of the glass house. We rushed around the villa together."You two wait here, okay? Crouch down- and scream out loud when Ahjusshi appears. Got it~?" I asked, making the twins crouch behind the fertilizer sacks by the villa's wall."Okay! Eomma hide~!" They agreed. I smiled and hurried down the pebbled path, leaving the twins to watch out for Yangcha by the corner of the villa. I quickly shoved the storage room open and raced towards the door to yank the handle... but it was securely locked."Taehyung?! Are you there?!- Taehyung!" I called while banging on the metallic door. No answer. I gasped, wildly turning around to search for the key over the racks with a racing heart... but it was nowhere to be found. He wouldn't leave the key here! What should I do!? This is the only chance!

"Tae!? Do you need help?- I'm here-""Keep your voice down-" Taehyung grunted from behind the door. His voice... was very faint... but I could clearly hear the echoes. Shit!? Is he downstairs?! My heart dropped in horror at his presence."How-? How did you end up here-?" I gasped with my ear pressed against the steel door."Sora- I need you to send a signal... to the alphas..." His voice echoed up the hollow stairs."I can't do that! They'll come for him!" I replied. Taehyung grew hushed for a moment."Sora... I won't survive if I remain here. Take the twins and call for help- Yoongi will find you-" Taehyung replied. I pursed my lips with a conflicted frown. How did he end up here!? Did Yangcha capture him?!"AHHHHHH! AHAHAHAH!" My heart suddenly leaped into my throat when I heard the twins laughing loudly outside the storage house. Oh shit!"I have to go!" I snapped, hastily sprinting towards the door, and raced over the pebbled path to find Yangcha chasing the twins. They giggled and ran towards me."Ahjussi caught Woojin~!" Kanghoon squealed as Yangcha hugged the child against his chest. I smiled and walked up to the alpha. He briefly glanced at the storage house and back at me so I cleared my throat and ruffled Kanghoon's hair."Okay. Count to thirty! Eomma will hide~!" I laughed, quickly grabbed Kanghoon's arm, and hurried away to avoid Yangcha's suspicion."One! Two! Three! Four!... Five!-" Woojin started counting as soon as Yangcha placed him down and hurried after me. We quickly entered the villa to hide behind the couch as Kanghoon rushed away to hide behind the curtain. Thud. Thud. Thud."AH!" Kanghoon screamed when his brother yanked the curtain to spook him. Woojin chuckled and grabbed his twins as I peeked out from behind the couch with Yangcha. Kanghoon whined in annoyance after he got caught. We ended up... playing the game for a few rounds before preparing for bed.
Taehyung is alive! Ah- fuck! How will I get him out safely?!

A moment later.
I quickly poured the cough syrup onto the floor by the foot of the bed as Yangcha was showering in the bathroom- Clatter. I pretended to drop the bottle and gasped in shock once Yangcha stepped out in his towel."Oh no~!" Woojin blinked at the red syrup while lying on his stomach over the mattress. Kanghoon repeatedly coughed as he sat on the bed with his stuffed toys."I'll clean it up. Get another bottle," Yangcha smiled, calmly walking inside the closet, so I got up from the bed to search the drawer."We're out of it..." I mumbled while digging through the cabinets. I have to send my husband away! Yangcha crouched over the floor to wipe syrup with a towel as Woojin coughed in distress."They'll wake up with a fever... without the medication," Yangcha mumbled, placing the dirty towel away with a slight frown."What should we do? I made them french fries today. Should we head to the city..?" I muttered, turning to frown at Yangcha anxiously."I'll visit the pharmacy real quick. Get ready for bed," He assured, softly kissing my cheek. I sighed and walked out of the bedroom to grab the cool patch from the fridge, carefully placing the gel over the twins' forehead as Yangcha gave them a cup of water each before leaving the villa."Take care!" I called."I'll be back!" He replied. Smiling, I turned to stare at the twins as they slipped under the blanket... coughing every now and then... causing my chest to swell intensely. They keep getting sick~!I quietly sat on their bed to put them to sleep as they coughed and sniffled with their blocked nostrils. I nervously glanced at the digital clock on the wall. Yangcha will be back in less than twenty minutes. Should I do this? What if he gets upset again? I quickly got up from the bed and hurried out of the room to search Yangcha's drawers for the key to the storage house... but I couldn't find it anywhere. He doesn't use keys! I stepped out into the dim exterior with a slight frown on the glowing pool and hurriedly rushed toward the storage house."Taehyung...? Are you still there?!" I called while banging on the door... but he didn't respond. I paused and stared at the looming door with a pale expression. Is he dead...? Why isn't he responding?!"Are you alright!? I'll get you out!" I shrieked. Still. The place remained hushed. He sounded fine earlier! I huffed, wildly spinning around to search for the key. Where would he hide it!? I abruptly paused when something struck me, so I quickly raced back to the poolside and bent over the transparent ripples with my eyes narrowed.Flashback | Earlier"Eomma! Look! There's a treasure in the pool!" Kanghoon shrieked, pointing at the pool as he peeked over the edge."Don't go near the pool~!" I warned. Woojin giggled and jogged inside the living room."There's a sparkly treasure in the pool~!" Woojin sang, sitting down on the couch as Kanghoon strolled in after his twin. I dismissively vacuumed the floor until Yangcha walked out of the medical room with a pack of expired medication to dispose of. He smiled and walked off.End of flashback.I anxiously gripped my hand while concentrating my gaze on the deep pool water to search for the sparkly treasure. Badum! My heart leaped in shock when I spotted the golden-framed key lying at the base of the pool. Drip... Drip... I blinked and looked up at the sky with my lips ajar as the gloomy clouds released the soft drizzle onto me. I have to hurry!I cursed, quickly leaping into the pool, and paddled towards the key. Yangcha is insane! He tossed it in the pool because he knew I'd get wet if I attempted to retrieve the key! And he'd know immediately, but whatever! I have to save Taehyung! I picked up the key with my toes, grabbed the cold metal and swam back to the stairs before scrambling out in my soaked gown to race barefoot over the pebbled bath."I'm here! Taehyung!- We have to hurry!" I called, shakily rushing towards the door with the key. Click. It slid open... so I swung the door open- immediately halting at the dark staircase... leading down into the cold and dark room. Thump... Thump... I can hear my racing heartbeat... pounding in my ears."T-Taehyung!?" I called again while grabbing the railing as my voice bounced off the wall. I carefully strolled down the cold stairs in my drenched gown, nervously gripping my silk until I landed on the plain concrete.My body instantly grew stiff when I found the second-rank alpha... restrained to the chair. Kim Taehyung slouched under the dim light with his head lowered... not budging an inch. I wasn't sure if he was breathing, so I shakily glanced around the basement in fear. Yangcha has a hidden bunker...? I opened my mouth to speak but halted in horror when I noticed... the two rusted bowls at the base of his bare feet... filled with blood.My lips started trembling as I averted my terrified gaze to the needle on each side of Taehyung's wrist. The syringes were connected to the dangling IV tubes hooked over the chair. Drip. Drip. Taehyung's blood flowed freely through the clear tube as the needles pumped... blood from his raw veins. I stared at the disturbing sight with a drained expression until my lips parted in fright... as the pool water flowed down my legs... forming a wet puddle beneath my feet.

"Noona. Why don't you take a seat...?" Yangcha's low voice spoke up out of nowhere. Paused. I shifted my fearful gaze to the looming silhouette behind Taehyung as the untamed beast... stepped out of the shadow. I clenched my fists and glanced back at Taehyung, who weakly lifted his gaze to me as his blood flowed freely from the clear tube... and dripping into the bowls."Y-Yangcha-""You wanted to see him. Right? I'll let you see him. Don't be scared. You can watch him bleed. It's a painless procedure," Yangcha chuckled, pushing a chair forward. He grabbed my hand to make me sit down, so I intensely stared at Taehyung, who shifted his droopy eyes to Yangcha."How long...?" I whispered, unable to tear my eyes from the needles on either side of the alpha's wrist."I just hooked him on the death drip after I left our bedroom. He won't die too quickly, don't worry. We've got hours to spare," Yangcha calmly stood behind my chair, gently squeezing my shoulders to assure me. I gulped and stared at Kim Taehyung. What do I do...? Should I surrender for the sake of the kids... or... do I save Kim Taehyung and put my life at risk?"Fucking psychopath!" Taehyung sneered, angrily tensing in his chair, causing the blood to trickle faster from the tube. I nervously stared at the alpha and glanced at Yangcha's evil-infested energy."Why is he here? You may be wondering. Why don't you ask him, jagi~? Why... he followed us to our home... with a GPS tracker...?" Yangcha smiled, placing a small tracker into my palm. I stared at the device and backed up at Taehyung with my lips ajar. He followed us here...?"You followed me?" I asked, frowning at Taehyung. He took a deep exhale and clenched his jaw, refusing to answer me, so I gripped the tracker and waited for his reply with an aching chest. "The society will not last, Sora! The Black Phoenix will slaughter the households-""And why should it be her concern? She had already done her best to fulfill her role for the society," Yangcha scoffed. I stared at Kim Taehyung in tears."You're a fucking second rank, yet you're putting your power to waste! You bargained with the Black Phoenix in exchange for the twins! You granted them absolute political dominance in the council!" Taehyung seethed, angrily glaring at Yangcha."That's because my wife loves her kid. Did you think I'd leave her children to die when I have the power to bargain for their lives? I don't care if the Black Phoenix is killing off the society. As long as I can protect my family... I'll stay out of their affair," Yangcha chuckled. I gripped the tracker and lifted my torn gaze to Taehyung."Did you... plan on tracking our place so you could- plot an attack?" I whispered, sorely staring at Taehyung. He stared at me with a pained expression but didn't answer me... so I scoffed and lowered my head in disbelief."Resign your power if you wish to stay alive!" Taehyung sneered at Yangcha."But I need power to secure my family. I'm not a fool. You'll end me even after I agree to transfer my power," Yangcha shook his head. Taehyung scoffed in frustration before averting his apologetic gaze to me. I told him... not to follow me... but he lurked in the shadow with the intention of backstabbing me? My heart churned uncomfortably. I wanted to save him... but at what cost? It was his intention... to expose my family and to wreck our home."The cult will never rest! Did you think they would spare you and your family? They will-""That's enough, Taehyung. He's not wrong for choosing to protect his family from harm. I asked you not to bring trouble, but here you are... attempting to take away whatever I have left. How are you so greedy? I don't care if you wish to be the hero of the council... you can be the man... alright? But I won't let you ruin my family!- You're taking this too far! Do you not understand that I don't fucking wish to be associated with you anymore!? You and your fucking hero mentality bullshit will be the death of me!" I screamed at him in tears. Taehyung flinched when I hurled the tracker at his chest, hastily shot up from the chair, and stormed up the stairs without looking back."Sora! Listen to me! The twins!-" Taehyung called, but I didn't listen and marched up the stairs in tears.I can't do this anymore! I thought Yangcha captured him- but it was Kim Taehyung who attempted to attack us! Of course, the Jaguar will respond to his threat! How can he throw himself inside the beast's cave and expect me to save him like this?! I sobbed while strolling through the dark wilderness until I ended up undressing in the bathroom with puffy red eyes. Sora. You have to let this go. If you save Kim Taehyung... He will return with an army to slaughter your family. I sniffled and walked out of the bathroom to stare dimly at my sleeping children.
If Kim Taehyung returns the kids to ruthless the society... they will become a power subject. Chul Hwa-young will never allow Jungkook's firstborn to thrive in society. The cult will surely pounce after the twins again... to threaten Yangcha... because... if Yangcha neglects their demand... they will harm the twins to wreck our relationship.

A moment later.
Third Person POVJae Yangcha quietly entered through the opened bedroom door to find Jang Sora sitting in a fresh nightgown, gently stroking her twins with her fingers. He unsurely monitored her composed behavior from the doorway."Did you give them sleeping pills?" She asked, lifting her exhausted eyes to her lover, who froze as he stood in his soaking wet clothes from walking through the rain."It won't hurt them. I'll get them the medication tomorrow to soothe their coughs," Yangcha assured. Sora glanced at her motionless children as they slept without stirring... unconscious from consuming the diluted sleeping pills."Okay..." She nodded while caressing her child's cheek."Noona. I'm sorry if you're upset-" Yangcha circled the bed to approach her. Sora lifted her gaze to him again as he stood over her with his soaking wet clothes. She sighed, tucked her child under the blanket, and stood up to hold his hand. The alpha frowned as she tilted her face upward to plant a soft peck on his lips."I'm not upset. I understand your intention," Sora whispered, opening her dim eyes to gaze at him with a pained expression. Yangcha searched her face unsurely but was distracted by yet another sweet kiss, so he tilted his face to answer her love call as she carefully lifted his soaked shirt off his toned body."I love you," He panted between their steamy kisses.The former supreme alpha nodded and hugged her husband's strong hips as he massaged the curves of his wife's waist. Sora gently pushed Yangcha downward to make him rest on their mattress before climbing onto his torso. She smiled, tenderly tracing her fingers over his defined abs as he held onto her waist until she lowered her face again to kiss his chest, softly nibbling on his skin, causing Yangcha to moan through his parted lips as he clutched her shoulders with his head tilted backward.The supreme alpha hovered her face over her lover's flushed cheeks before lowering her parted lips to insert her tongue inside his mouth while rubbing his jawline as he reached under her gown to feel her feverish flesh. She interlaced both of his hands with her fingers, pinning Yangcha against the pillow as she steadily humped his bulge without penetration, causing him to groan in pleasure with her lustful behavior.
Click.
Jae Yangcha froze, unsurely opening his starstruck gaze to find Sora pursing her lips over him as she gripped tightly onto his right fingers. The alpha quickly glanced over the pillow... until he noticed... his wrist... securely restrained by a handcuff. Sora glanced at the steel around his hand and back at her lover with a dreadful look."Noona!?-" Yangcha scoffed, quickly sitting up in horror and tugged his arm... but the cuff was locked to the bed head. Thud! Thud! The alpha gasped and snapped his face at Jang Sora in bewilderment."I'm sorry-" She cried, lowering her face to kiss him again, but he hastily snapped his face away to glare at the cuff in disbelief."Free me- Noona!" Yangcha snapped, suddenly grabbing hold of her waist with his free arm. Sora sniffled and hugged him tightly while rubbing his bare back to comfort his agitated soul."I'll get him out... and then I'll return-""Are you out of your mind?! He will fucking bring his people- NOONA!" Yangcha shouted at her when Sora suddenly shoved him backward and quickly scrambled out of bed, so Yangcha wildly snatched her gown to tug her back. She whimpered and pushed his hand off her silk.Yangcha roared in frustration- attempting to seize her wrist... but she quickly stepped back... out of his reach. The alpha fumed in horror with tears in his glowering eyes... as he resentfully stared at his wife for restraining him without his approval."I'll leave the twins with you as collateral. Okay? I'll return-""If you do this- they will fucking come after me! Kim Taehyung will fucking bring his men! Are you seriously risking our lives for him?!" Yangcha screamed in tears as he angrily towed his wrist. Sora gripped her gown and glanced at the twins in difficulty while struggling to make up her overflowing mind."I have to do this!-""Noona!- Please think it through! Oh? If you do this- I will not survive! Are you seriously- going to save him at the cost of losing me!? I'm your husband!" He cried, desperately scrambling over the mattress to chase her as she circled the bed to avoid him."I will be back! Alright?!-""No! You don't understand! This is my only home! If they come for us- It'll be hard for me to find a safer place-" Yangcha begged until his voice broke into a weak whimper.Sora paused to stare at the flooding tear streams... flowing over her husband's cheeks as she stood at the doorway. She deeply exhaled, suddenly turning away from him... causing the Jaguar to roar at the top of his laugh as he repeatedly yanked his wrist from the bedboard. Thump! Thump! He thrashed and grabbed the steel with a raging glare as his wife sprinted out of the villa to save her former lover from his demise.
Sora's POV
I quickly raced down the dim staircase in a hurry until I found Taehyung slouching with his head lowered. Shit! Is he dead?! I kicked the bowl of blood aside, quickly kneeling on the floor to cut the rope loose from his ankle before releasing his hands from the leather straps. I snatched the needles out of his wrists and cupped his cheeks to support his heavy head."Taehyung?! Wake up!- Hey!" I shouted, lightly slapping his cheek, causing him to avert his weary gaze to me. Taehyung frowned at my presence, so I yanked him off the chair. Thud! He grunted, rolling on the floor in pain. I quickly knelt down to seize his upper arm."How- did you-""I can't heave you out of here! Get up!- We don't have much time!- So get up! NOW!!" I screamed while hauling him to his feet. Taehyung groaned, grabbing onto my arm for support as I yanked him with all my might until he stood up on his numbed legs. We quickly limped forward... but Taehyung was too feeble from the blood loss."Will you hurry up?!" I snapped, glaring at him in frustration until tears formed in my eyes.Taehyung clenched his jaw, grabbed the railing, and hurled himself upward, so I pushed his back to support his weight. He collapsed onto the ground in the storage room, making me whimper in fear. I frantically towed him back to his feet. The alpha weakly stood up again... and let me guide him out of the storage house before rushing into the pouring rain. We didn't use the front exit... so I dragged him to the back path and rounded the villa until we crossed over the shallow stream."The twins-""No! You have to leave before it's too late!" I screamed at him as the harsh downpour drummed relentlessly over our heads.Taehyung screwed his face in discomfort and staggered forward as I supported his arm. Thump! Thump! We stepped over the muddy path and stumbled through the darkness, forcing our way through the swaying branches. Taehyung grunted, suddenly stopping to clutch his lower stomach, but I roughly yanked him forward again. We don't have time for a fucking break! Yangcha will find a way to flee from the cuff- so I must get him out of the damn forest before he kills Kim Taehyung!

"Fuck!" Taehyung cursed as he limped forward with a dark frown... so I pulled him in the direction that I thought was the right path. We spend about half an hour... stumbling through the darkness of confusing routes. Taehyung stomped over the mud until it splattered all over our clothes. I sobbed and heaved him forward while shoving the branches aside to prevent the wet leaves from slapping our faces. Taehyung gasped, suddenly tripping over a thick root and slamming hard into the thick mud."Get up!- Get up! You asshole!- Why would you follow me here?!" I shrieked, angrily towing him back up. Taehyung seethed in pain and stood up again on his weak legs, drenched in sticky mud. He held onto my hand and stepped forward again... limping helplessly between the thick tree trunks and storming over the wild bushes to escape the wilderness. What if this is the wrong path!? I glanced around the confusing woods with a racing heart."No- This way!" Taehyung suddenly grabbed my hand to steer me to the left. I stumbled after him until he crouched by a fallen log to brush away the leaves. He grabbed a plastic-sealed bag... that was hidden beneath the trunk and limped over the muddy soil again.My jaw dropped in shock when we stumbled out onto the side path of the dark road. I glanced at the moonlight above our heads with a pale expression... as the cold downpour showered over us. Kim Taehyung quickly tore the bag apart and tapped on his phone with a slight frown. SNATCH! I quickly seized the phone as it switched on, causing Taehyung to turn in my direction in bewilderment."What are you doing?! You can't-""Sora! We have to leave! Give it back!" Taehyung snapped, limping forward, but I backed away in tears."I'm not leaving! Alright?!- This is the last time I'm fucking saving you! Don't ever show up before me again! I fucking hate you!- Why did you have to show up in my life repeatedly!?!- Knowing I don't wish to see you anymore!" I cried in distress until my chest swelled with distressing emotions. Kim Taehyung weakly stared at me with his bloodshot eyes as the harsh shower poured over his greasy bangs... until it washed away the blood stains from his face."I love you! Alright?! You can spit all the brutal words and my heart will still helplessly yearn for you! I'm fucking losing my mind because of you! Just let me end that fucker- and I'll fucking marry you! I'll raise your kids! I'll complete our family! I'll grant you happiness if that's what you need! I'll give you everything! So let me end this madness so we can settle! I promise I'll fix everything!" Taehyung hastily grabbed my arm and roughly tugged me forward. I whimpered and lowered my head in distress. Why is he so headstrong?!

"L-Listen to me - Taehyung! Listen to me! I don't love you! Okay?!- I can't love you- and I will never love you again! ALRIGHT!? I'm only helping you because society needs you! So go! Leave now! I know you'll never take a no for an answer!- But my answer will never!- Ever-! Change! Please- J-Just free me from this madness!" I shrieked while smacking his stubborn chest with my fists. Taehyung sniffled and lowered his hand to hold mine, firmly rubbing my cold fingers to console my shattered soul. AH! He's driving me nuts!"Sora- Please just listen to me- I'm begging you! You have no future with that asshole!" Taehyung gripped my hands, suddenly kneeling on the pavement at my feet, causing me to stiffen over the empty road. I pursed my trembling lip at his pleading gaze with a torn heart. Why won't he listen to me!? I don't know what to say anymore!"The only future I see... is with him. I'm sorry," I whispered, drawing my fingers from his grip but he refused to let go of me. Taehyung gripped my hand and lowered his face to sob in anguish while shaking his head.

"I'm sorry! Sora- I'm sorry for hurting your feelings! I'm sorry for not loving you right! I'm sorry for taking you for granted! I'm sorry you had to suffer the abortion alone! I'm sorry you felt like I've never loved you enough! I'm terribly sorry for turning my back on you! I tried- I tried desperately to walk away from you! But it is you that I long for at the end of the day! You have no idea how much I love you! And I'm sorry that you can't seem to feel my love! I'm trying! Desperately- to show you everything in my ability!" Taehyung shouted through the pouring rain. I gripped his fingers and glanced at the empty street with an aching head."You can place as many bandages with the word sorry written on a shattered glass, and it will definitely hold the shards together... but the instant you pour water inside... the blood will leak from the cracks. Stop trying to put the broken pieces together... you'll only cut yourself and bleed... and the glass will never be whole again. Alright...? You have to stop," I shook my head, shakily removing my hand from his desperate grip.Taehyung looked up at me with his pleading gaze, so I sniffled and glanced at the woods when I noticed a looming shadow... pouncing in our direction at a deadly speed. My eyes widened in horror. THUMP! Yangcha slammed Kim Taehyung hard onto the pavement, sending the injured alpha rolling onto the damp road as the harsh droplets struck the asphalt with its frost."ARGH!" Taehyung roared as Jae Yangcha slashed the sharp blade over his left wrist, causing my heart to drop in shock."Yangcha! No! Stop!-" I cried, rushing forward to grab his wrist when he tried to stab Kim Taehyung in the heart. Yangcha seethed and glared at me as I stared at the broken cuff around his bleeding wrist."You can't rest because of the scar you gave her?! Araso! I'll fucking give you one! I'll give you a fucking nasty scar!" Yangcha snarled dangerously as the blood spilled from Taehyung's opened wrist... causing more blood to flow from his already-drained system. I firmly seized Yangcha's neck and hauled him off Taehyung as the injured alpha grunted on the ground... too weak to resist the blunt force... after the beast pounded him onto the ground with its violent darkness."Yangcha-""No! He will never let us live because he's a jealous prick! So I'll fucking kill him so he won't bother us anymore!" Yangcha roared, attempting to race forward again, but I tightly hugged his torso and forced him back as the cold droplet numbed my body with its frosty chills. Yangcha tried to force me away, but I hugged him tightly until I noticed a flood of headlights appearing along the curves of the hill... steering in our location."We have to leave! Yangcha!- We have to leave!" I screamed in horror as a flood of black cars raced over the empty road. The Jaguar snapped its raging darkness at the vehicles in shock as a squad of men stepped out of the road. The blinding headlights... illuminating... Kim Taehyung... who sprawled unconsciously on the wet road after being knocked out by the angry beast. His blood... spreading... all over the road with its dark pigment. Yangcha suddenly dropped the knife, grabbed my hand, and yanked me with him- I gasped and stumbled after my lover as the guards chased the untamed beast into the forest. I screamed in fear as we raced through the woods to escape the armed men. The alpha suddenly leaped down a slope- yanking me with him until I lost my balance and staggered over the slanted path... but he firmly hugged my body as we rolled into a muddy pit. Slump! I groaned softly while clutching onto his firm shoulders as he hyperventilated beneath me.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
The heavy footsteps violently rampaged through the wilderness, making me whimper in fright as I gripped my husband. This is my fault! He's in danger because of me! Yangcha quickly sat up behind the thick bush with me. I sniffled and crawled with him over the wet dirt- but we quickly dodged behind a massive rock as the guards approached our direction. I sniffled while holding Yangcha's hands as we sat against the rock."Baby..." I stuttered, glancing at him as he glared at the shadows within the darkness with his dark hunter eyes."Stop talking!-""Will you keep our promise...?" I whispered. Yangcha frowned and glanced at me with a troubled expression."What?-""Go back home. Take care of the twins," I cried as I gripped his hand. Yangcha glowered at me in tears and glanced at our interlaced fingers... smudged with mud."I won't leave you-""I don't remember the way home... so only you can find the twins. We can't leave them there alone. Oh? Listen to me- Go back and wait for me there. I'll distract them for you," I choked, gently pulling my hand from his grip to rub his firm cheek. Yangcha stared at me in tears as we remained hidden behind the rock. The alarming footsteps... gradually... inching closer to us."I can't- Sora- You said you won't leave me-""If we sprint home together... They will follow our footprints. Hmm?- I'll come back to you. Will you return home? Yangcha... I know you can fight them off... but you're still human. A mortal. And you will not... stand... against their bullets," I begged as I smeared the mud on his cheek. Yangcha sniffled while staring at me with his pained pupils before leaning forward to kiss me, so I cried and kissed him back under the rainstorm."Promise you'll return to me?" He shakily whispered while hovering his moist lips over mine. I nodded, fearfully squeezing the warm teardrops out of my eyes."I promise. We'll see each other again. The alphas won't hurt me... but they will kill you... once spotted," I whimpered. Yangcha sniffled, lowering his forehead to rest it on mine while nodding with his eyes closed. We held each other's hands tightly as the cold gust bled through the swaying branches, causing my body to shudder from the uncomfortable chills."Noona!-" Yangcha cried when I pushed him aside and sprinted onto my feet. I bit my lower lips and dashed in the opposite direction as fast as I could... leaving the Jaguar hidden in the shadow... until the pained tears... streamed from my burning eyes. And so... I ran into the field to save my lover."There!- EAST!" Someone shouted. I didn't stop, hopped over the roots, and sprinted through the dark woods as the flood of men chased me between the ancient trunks. Thump!"Ah!" I screamed in fear when someone caught me by my arm.The man roughly seized my upper arm- so I frantically pushed him away- but he firmly gripped onto me. My heart suddenly stopped beating once... I looked up... to find... Jung Hoseok... staring at me from under his black safety gear. He frowned at my messy condition and glanced at his men as they raced towards me... before glancing at the dark wilderness with a suspicious frown."Sir!-""Retreat! Alert the other men. We found the target," Hoseok ordered, sternly keeping his eyes trained on me. I cried in fear and tried to free myself, but he refused to release me... so I screamed and thrashed as he forcefully dragged me through the woods. SMACK. I suddenly blacked out from the blunt blow to my neck... and my feet suddenly wobbled until I lost all my senses and slumped weakly into the darkness._______________________
Third Person POV
The council grew tense as they stared at the cult leader, seated sternly in the first rank row beside... Park Bogum and Chung Yuri. The alphas sorely remained in their positions as Jeon Jungkook took his seat with an unbothered look before shifting his dull gaze to the tyrants."What's the purpose of casting a meeting at this hour?" Min Yoongi questioned, narrowing his gaze on the cult."I've received insider news. The council is devising a coup against the supreme alpha," The man spoke up. The alphas grew stiff in their places. Hoseok frowned at Namjoon, who glanced at Jimin and So-young."Aren't you just paranoid?" Seokjin questioned the cult. The man chuckled while shaking his head."I heard... you're leading the pack. Kim Seokjin?" The cult nodded to the alpha."Are you picking on the households because you've run out of the lower ranks to slaughter?!" Jimin snapped at the man."Is the supreme alpha's welfare a joke to you? The council is planning to slaughter Park Bogum- so it is my rightful duty to protect the heir at all costs! Kim Seokjin's household will be investigated- and if found guilty... You will be sentenced to death!" Chung Manseok sneered at the council."How can you falsely accuse me of treason without valid evidence?! Are you asserting your dominance now that Kim Taehyung is absent?!-" Seokjin seethed at the cult leader."False? I have a witness. The insider is from your petty team of... alphas... spewing troubles with the hostile intent to eliminate Park Bogum," The man smirked at the alphas. Seokjin's eyes widened at the man's claim... so he snapped his head at his alliance, who were just bewildered."Don't try to gaslight-""Kang Minah. Why don't you repeat what you told me... earlier this morning?" Park Bogum suddenly spoke up. The alphas snapped their heads in her direction in shock as Minah sat at her seat with her parents."Kim Seokjin asked me to seduce Park Bogum and poison him," Minah confessed. Seokjin's face suddenly flushed red, so he turned to glare at Hoseok... who sat stiffly in his seat upon his lover's unexpected betrayal."Minah!" Hoseok scoffed in shock, but she didn't look at him and averted her gaze to the cult leader with a smug smile.Kim Seokjin gripped his fists until his body started shaking from the wrath of being backstabbed by his own people. He lifted his deadly glare at Kang Minah as angry tears swelled in his eyes. Hoseok scoffed in disbelief while frowning at his girlfriend, who had turned her back on the council to aid the cult."Kim Seokjin and his household must cooperate with the investigation. And anyone... involved... will be severely punished," The man darkened his eyes on Kim Seokjin, whose face was steaming with boiling blood. The alpha shifted his deadly gaze to Kang Minah again as she stared... right at him with a devious smirk... arms... crossed firmly over her chest.__________________________
Present
Sora's POVI squinted at the bright light above my head once I opened my eyes to greet the blurry figures before me. I blinked repeatedly and tried to tug my arms free... but it was firmly restrained, so I lowered my swaying head to focus my gaze on the straps. I paused to stare at my arm before lifting my face to find... the composed alphas... sitting before me in the dark room.
The only light source was the light bulb above my head.
The room is freezing cold... and I am secured to a wheelchair. I blinked uneasily and glanced to the side... until I found... Kim Taehyung... sitting in a wheelchair with a drained expression. His left hand... securely bandaged to seal the gash on his wrist.

My heart sank in his presence... so I blinked and glanced at Yoongi... who was sitting on the chair with his hands clasped together. Hoseok was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Namjoon sat beside Jimin on the far right side. I blinked and glanced at the man... standing directly before me with his arms folded over his solid chest.
Kim Seokjin.
I uneasily stared at the muted alphas as they waited for me to return to my senses after I collapsed in the wilderness. I can never escape... can I...?No matter how far I attempt to run. No matter how desperately... I begged to be free. No matter how deep... I hide in the shadows... they'll always drag me back onto the chessboard... even without my power... they will exploit me until my last breath."The baby in your stomach. It's his?" Seokjin questioned, coldly lifting his eyebrow. I gripped the handrest and glanced down at my baby bump as I sat in the medical gown."Let go of me! You jerk!" I seethed at him in anger. Seokjin blankly monitored my fiesty reaction without budging."Bring me Jae Yangcha... or... I'll abort your child," Seokjin stated, causing my body to grow stiff. I stared at him in shock. What did he-...?"What...?" I scoffed, tensely my sore muscles in tears. Thud. Thud. The head doctor suddenly stepped into the room with a medical cart, causing me to stiffen in place as he pushed the tray of drugs towards me. I pursed my lips and glanced at Kim Seokjin with nothing... but pure resentment."It's your call, Sora. Jae Yangcha will die either way, but I'll give you a choice to save your child. Once I abort the child from your womb... I will set the forest on fire to burn the Jaguar... and the twins. They won't be able to escape," Seokjin spoke with a poker face. I fumed in extreme irritation as I glowered at the cold-blooded alpha before shifting my deadly glare to the other players. They claim Jae Yangcha is a menace but the Jaguar has never lifted his claws to hurt anyone of them! They're the bloodthirsty monsters determined to slaughter him!- Even after he retreated to his cave! Argh!"You fucking heartless prick!- How dare you threaten me?!-""Jang Sora. You triggered an apocalypse by passing your power to the cult. You must... bear the consequences of your actions. I was lenient with you before... but you took our mercy for granted. I will restore balance in the power game with my lost power. So make a choice. I am not threatening you. It's the fate you can't evade. Lose your children and your lover or... save your children and council," Seokjin lowered his stern expression to my teary pupils. I sniffled and glanced at the head doctor's troubled expression before glancing at the needle with a heavy heart.

"The day you harm my children is the day I'll put your fucking head on a stake and scorch your skull on fire!" I sneered at Kim Seokjin until I felt my body shaking from the intensity of my darkness."Put her... on the phone," Seokjin muttered, suddenly straightening his body again. Do-hwan stepped inside with a phone and rested it on my lap. I glanced down to stare at the unknown contact on the call."N-Noona...?" Yangcha's voice spoke up, causing my chest to swell in pain. I pursed my lips."Hey," I sniffled as the warm tears slid from my cheeks."Noona- Are you okay-""Y-Yangcha... I need you... to bring the twins to me," I whispered. Yangcha paused for a moment... so I nervously gripped the handrest with my lips pursed."Haha....? Isn't it a bit much? Kim Seokjin...? For you to terrorize a defenseless woman... like this?" Yangcha suddenly chuckled. I glanced at Seokjin in fear as the alpha narrowed his gaze on the phone on my lap."Yangcha- Listen-""The hero... is now using a pregnant woman... and innocent children as human shields... to win the war? How pathetic," Yangcha snarled."Reveal yourself with the twins... or I'll kill Jang Sora and your child," Kim Seokjin warned, suddenly hanging up on the phone before Yangcha could respond. I blinked away the tears and looked up in fear as the alpha snatched the phone and stormed away... to leave the room.I pursed my trembling lips as Yoongi exhaled and got up from the chair to leave the room after Seokjin... prompting the others to follow him. No one spared their glances... and coldly left my side... as I sat helplessly in the room until my eyes landed on Kim Taehyung, who was sitting in the wheelchair.
His lips were chapped with distinct dark circles under his eyes... and his skin... awfully gray.
The head doctor exhaled in relief, pushed the medical cart out of the room, and closed the door after Do-hwan left through the door. Kim Taehyung pressed the screen on the handrest... causing his wheelchair to roll forward. Virr. He halted before me to examine my ashen face as I desperately held in my swelling tears. The alpha sorely glanced at the straps on my forearms and back at me."I never meant to start a war with you, Sora," He sighed in exhaustion. I sniffled and lowered my head."You're the reason we're exposed," I glared at him. He dimmed his eyes."You can resent me. Alright. I'll accept your hatred. But you have to understand... the cult will never rest until... they slaughter all of us. Not just the council... but you and him. They will attack everyone. Your neglect is a death sentence for all of us. You... me... him and your children. We'll all perish. Your children will never grow old enough to thrive because the cursed flame... will consume us. So... please... sentence us to life because... only then... will you children attain the chance to survive the apocalypse," Taehyung sadly eyed me."So you want me to sentence him to death? To save everyone else...?" I whispered while frowning at his dejected expression."Once Jae Yangcha falls... you'll be utterly powerless. Your children will need a household to reside in. I'll shelter you with my power. Sora... if you wish for your children's survival... please... save yourself and everyone else. The flames will devour us sooner or later... so it's best to put out the Phoenix's Flame before it's too late. I will protect your children. I promise. I'll grant them my power and ensure they grow up to lead the society. It's the most I can offer... to compensate for the pain I caused you," Taehyung muttered. I stared at him in tears until my chest pulsated in discomfort with every beat of my rotten heart.
I am at a dead end.

And here he is... waiting for me to return to him.

Fast Forward
Kim Taehyung slowly drove onto the empty pavement in the middle of nowhere... so I pushed the door open and stepped out into the freezing thunderstorm with a black umbrella as the headlight... illuminated a few figures at the center of the pavement.My heart... pounded rapidly as Yangcha stood with the twins. The young souls... stood cluelessly in a yellow raincoat... clinging nervously to the Jaguar's hands. I pursed my lips in difficulty as I slowly approached Yangcha with a troubled feeling. They're safe. He kept his promise.

"Eomma~!" The twins shrieked, racing forward to hug me, so I crouched down to welcome them in my arms. I have to protect my children. Whatever it takes... I'll go through hell to keep them safe in my arms."Have you been well?" I asked, pulling away to inspect their puppy-doe eyes as they grinned at me."Yes~! We have been studying hard with ahjussi to prepare for school~!" They nodded. I smiled and patted their shoulders as they huddled under their raincoats."Woojin-ah~ Kanghoonie~!" Taehyung suddenly called through the gusting wind."Oh! Appa~?!" They shrieked in excitement as Taehyung stood beside the car door."Take the umbrella and go to appa. Okay~?" I smiled at the children."Okay~!" They nodded. I handed them the umbrella.The twins happily jogged towards Taehyung, so he took the umbrella from them to shield himself as I slowly rose to my feet and turned to face Yangcha... who was dimly staring at me. I walked forward... through the pouring rain... until my legs grew heavier with every step I took. He stared at me without blinking. I saw it. The misery in his torn gaze. A flash of lightning suddenly tore through the sky... to brighten our dreadful expressions."Our baby-...?" Yangcha muttered anxiously. I pursed my lips once I reached him and gently held onto his hand. He stared at me unsurely as I placed his hand on my baby bump."Safe," I answered, forcefully smiling at him. Yangcha nodded, suddenly pulling me into a crushing hug under the cold shower. I gripped his shoulders and buried my face against his chest with an aching heart as he clutched onto me until I felt my head spinning from the intensity of the pressure I was under."Should we leave? I'll take you to a safe place- Urgh-?" Yangcha tried to speak when I stabbed his lower hips with a modern syringe. He quickly pulled away from me in horror, so I swiftly stepped back with the empty tube in my palm... dreadfully lifting my eyes... to meet his started frown. The alpha's lips fell apart at the sight of the needle in my grip. "No. I have to return with the twins. I can't leave them-""Noona! What about me?!- You said you'd return to me!" He gasped, suddenly grabbing hold of my hand. I winced and tried to tug my hand free... causing Yangcha to scoff at my withdrawal."The twins have no future with you! I'm sorry!" I snapped as the fierce wind blasted against our soaked bodies. The lightning... suddenly forking the sky into fractures... lighting up... Jae Yangcha's horrified face."What-? Noona!?" Yangcha tried to speak when a flood of vehicles tore into the wilderness. Yangcha swiftly glared at the blinding beams with his eyebrows furrowed as the alphas surrounded the area to trap the... Silent Killer... within the vast opening.
There is no place for him to hide... but to stand in his own shadow.
"I'm sorry-""No- NO! Argh!?! What the!?- Noona!? What did you do to me!? ARGH!?!!-" Yangcha tried to walk forward when he suddenly staggered to the ground. THUMP! He tried to get back up... but his muscles- contracted painfully... so he gasped in shock and collapsed onto the wet pavement beneath us.I stared at the alpha in fright as he clutched onto his aching thighs... after the chemical seized control of his nervous system. I gripped the empty tube intensely as I watched Yangcha wail at my feet. He bellowed in agony while clutching his paralyzed legs... until he started jerking uncontrollably on the ground... causing my heart to twist in extreme remorse.Thump. I stepped back in tears as he slumped weakly to the soaked ground. And suddenly... The alpha could no longer move his paralyzed legs. Yangcha sobbed in shock before lifting his damp face to glare at me with his burning red eyes. Whimper. I nervously glanced at the vehicles... as the top alphas stepped out of their cars.A flock of men suddenly surrounded the pavement with their guns aimed at the untamed beast who had been disabled by... his lover. Me, Jang Sora. My heart started aching in grief as Yangcha tried to stand up again... but wobbled weakly and tumbled to the ground again. They told me... the only way to stop the beast from fleeing... into the shadows... is to disable his hindlimbs."ARGH!" Yangcha bellowed in frustration as he struggled to crawl back on his feet- but failed and stumbled to the side. He seethed in pain as he clutched his cramping muscles- SMACK! I flinched in shock as Seokjin kicked the Jaguar right in the face. Yangcha groaned at the rough impact and flopped on the ground with his hand clasped over his nose. The cold downpour... showering harder over us as I froze in place to watch my lover bleed before my eyes."Where are the contracts?!" Seokjin seethed, angrily kicking Yangcha across the face again. I flinched but didn't dare budge as I watched my lover roll helplessly on the ground with a fearful frown."Hah! You can't beat me! So you played dirty to get me crawling!- You fucking loser- ARGH!" Yangchafurious sneered at Seokjin- only to receive a harsh blow to his face again. WHACK!I stiffly stepped back to watch Kim Seokjin beat the beast until my heart stopped racing for a solid second. I was numb. My feet and hands... were frozen by the frost as the harsh downpour drummed relentlessly over my frail body. The sky... rumbling and fracturing into shreds... with every booming thunder that shook my soul... until I felt like fainting."It's your skill to lurk in the shadows, right?- Why don't you try running off to hide with your poisoned limbs?!" Seokjin spat at Yangcha, furiously spinning his heels and stormed away.Yangcha groaned and lifted his bloodshot eyes to me with a pleading gaze. He whimpered, helplessly... trying to crawl forward... so I immediately took a step back. The man paused to watch me through the harsh downpour while struggling to support his body with his elbows over the soaked pavement. He pitifully... attempted to inch towards me again... but I took... yet... another step back... to maintain the distance between us."Stop. Don't chase me," I firmly warned. Yangcha whimpered and lowered his head as he punched his aching legs in distress."You said you would remain with me! Why are you doing this?!- How can you heartlessly leave me to die like this after promising to love me!" He shrieked."You will only put my children in danger if I stay with you. I have to choose them," I muttered, backing away again.
"Noona! P-Please- I'm sorry! Noona- I love you-" Yangcha screamed in distress as he sat in the puddle of cold water. I stood staring at his burning pupils with an aching heart, coldly staring at the fresh scratches on his cheekbones before glancing at his bloody lips.

"I- I have to do this-" I muttered as I stood over him with my fists clenched.

Yangcha howled in anguish and slowly crawled forward on his aching body to hug my legs, causing my dazed head to sway from his pleading voice. I gripped my fists and glanced at another man... standing by the car as he held the umbrella over the twins... who were staring at me with their tearful eyes.

"You said you won't leave me! I trusted you! H-How could you be so cruel to me?!- Like this!?- You know I- I always- gave you everything you needed! Wae!?-" He screamed in distress, causing the unconscious tears to stream from my cheeks. The man sighed heavily, picked up the twins, and placed them in the back seat of the car. The thunder cracked above our heads... drumming loudly over us as the sharp pallets... struck Yangcha's pale face with its frost.

"You were right when you said... you couldn't trust me. You should've never trusted me," I whispered, crouching down to stare at his tear-soaked gaze. Yangcha whimpered, frantically gripping my wrists as his lips trembled helplessly.

"How can you betray me from the beginning?! Noona- How could you do this to me?! Was I always a tool to you and never a lover?! Argh!- You lied to me! I loved you- but you lied to me! You lied to me! You made me a fool! How could you be this cruel?!- How could you effortlessly say all those words when- it was never your intention- to love me!? Wae?! WAE?!- Why did you save me if you're going to leave like this?!" He sobbed, aggressively clutching my hands for mercy. I gripped my aching heart in distress... as I stared at his desperate whimpers.

"I'm sorry-"

"This is unfair! Was it all planned?! From the beginning!?- How could you- Ah!?-" Yangcha tried to scream but halted in shock as the hot tears rolled from his terrified bloodshot eyes. I bit my trembling lips as he stiffly glanced down at my hand... gripping tightly onto... a knife.

Yangcha scoffed and gripped my hand as the blade sunk into his chest. He whimpered and lifted his tearful eyes again. A flash of heartbreaking realization swept across his face.

"They will kill you if I let you live. You said you'd only die at my hands, right? So I'll fulfill your wish," I whispered. Yangcha opened his trembling purple lips to speak while searching my torn expression in shock as he firmly held onto my hand with his cold fingers.

"N-Noona-" Yangcha opened his mouth to speak but ended up coughing out blood as I clenched my jaw with my tearful eyes on him. Yangcha pursed his lips, weakly lowering his head to sob in anguish as I held the blade to his heart... until his blood... soaked my fingers.

"You'll be at peace, right?" I sobbed, tearfully staring at him. Yangcha shakily lifted his beaten face upward to stare at me with his pained gaze before glancing at the headlights... around us in defeat. The men stood with their guns aimed at Yangcha. He coughed in pain and nodded while holding onto my hand.

"Deeper. This isn't... enough to kill me. Baby... you have to push deeper," Yangcha whispered, shakingly pulling my hand to force the blade deeper. My chest suddenly throbbed in agony. He winced and lowered his face as he made me shove the knife... deeper into his chest. A flicker of lightning suddenly tore the sky apart.

"I'm really sorry-" I cried, suddenly breaking down before him. Yangcha slowly sunk to the ground as he weakly knelt before me under the heavy shower. He lifted his torn gaze to me as a flood of tear streams... dripped from his eyes... only to be washed away by the cold droplets.

"You- should leave. I'll- I'll be- O-Okay-" Yangcha whispered, gently pushing my hand from the knife, but I gripped the handle firmly as more blood spilled from his lips. He coughed in pain until the bulging veins formed over his forehead.

"I'm sorry for... waking us from our fairytale," I nodded, slowly withdrawing my shaky hand from the handle... that was punctured inside his pulsing chest.

Yangcha clenched his jaw and slowly sat over the damp concrete as I slowly stood up with my torn gaze before shifting my pained gaze... to Kim Seokjin as he stood beside his armed men. Kim Namjoon signaled his men, so they quickly bowed and hurried inside their cars. Hoseok lowered his head and turned around to enter his vehicle.

Jungkook dimly watched us before turning to leave with Sungho. Jimin took So-young's hand, and they left together. Yoongi exhaled and strolled away with his men. Seokjin stared at me through the heavy rain as I stood over the dying alpha. He too... turned his back and left with his men. One by one... the headlights... left the wilderness until a single car remained.

Kim Taehyung calmly sat in the car with the kids, who were firmly instructed not to look in our direction. I glanced back at Yangcha, who was still sitting in the cold storm... wounded and bleeding. I couldn't save him.
I glanced down at the ring on my finger as he pitifully lifted his face to stare at me from below. I slipped the cold loop off my finger-  Cling . The silver dropped onto the pavement... flooded with his bright red blood. Yangcha lowered his gaze to stare at the ring as I slowly retreated from him.
The Jaguar sobbed in anguish while clutching his wounded chest... tearfully watching me drift further from him. I took a deep inhale to counter the wrenching pain and finally turned... away from him. I walked toward the car, pulled open and door, and slipped inside without looking back. The engine roared to life... and the vehicle slowly reversed... so I kept my eyes on the man as he sat... alone in the middle of nowhere.

Severely wounded by my betrayal.

Third Person POV
Jae Yangcha dimly watched the last car reverse backward until the wheels steered over the thick mud and disappeared before his swelling pupils. The cub... sobbed in grief and lowered his face to grip the handle... slowly... he withdrew the knife from his torn chest. The alpha winced in agony... as the blade brutally sliced open his wounded heart.  Clatter . The knife dropped to the pavement as Jae Yangcha shuddered from the coldness.
Thump.
The wounded beast collapsed onto the damp floor, desperately reaching for his lover's ring on the wet ground. Sobbing... he gripped onto the cold steel and tightly clutched onto her ring.  Thump.  His remaining energy entirely... left his body as he rolled onto his back... listlessly staring up at the harsh downpour from the dark sky. He searched desperately for the brightest stars... but the vast opening beyond his gaze was pitch black. There was no light source in sight.
He was alone in the darkness... covered in battle scars... to prove his devotion to the goddess.

The beast's soul gradually faded from his body as he gazed at the gloomy cloud while suffering the most tragic betrayal.

She didn't kill him with her words.

Instead. She plunged a blade deep into his beating heart.
Jae Yangcha shivered from the cold downpour as he remained motionless on the bloody field with his pained eyes fixed on the darkness above him until his eyes slowly dropped closed.
Not a single star was in sight. Not even... warmth was available to comfort him. Just the... icy cold dampness... of the cruel showers... drowning him with sorrows of his bleeding soul.

The beast allowed the goddess to determine his fate.

And so, she did.

From the very beginning...

She had sentenced him to death.
_____________________________
A month later
Jung Hoseok stormed out of his car, slammed the door shut, and marched inside Kang Minah's mansion to find her stepping out of her front door in a fancy strapless dress. She halted to stare at her former lover as he darkly glared at her."How long are you going to avoid me?!" Hoseok snapped, angrily marching up to her, but immediately she stepped back to avoid him. Hoseok's eyes flashed in horror when the cult leader stepped through the door with Park Bogum and Chung Yuri. Minah glanced at her guests and back at Jung Hoseok, who frowned at the cult's presence in bewilderment."Oh. What brought you here?" Park Bogum smiled at the alpha. Minah suddenly linked her arm around Bogum's arm, causing Hoseok's heart to drop to the pit of his soul."What is this? Minah!" Hoseok snapped, furiously averting his glare to his lover."We should stop seeing each other. I've found a competent man that matches my standard," Minah spoke with a poker face. Hoseok's scoffed in disbelief... as Park Bogum smugly smiled and walked off with Jung Hoseok's lover... leaving the alpha in a blunt shock.
Fast Forward
"What are you talking about?!" Seokjin snapped, rising to his feet at his private villa."Kang Minah has announced her engagement to Park Bogum," Jimin sorely nodded at his ally."The cult is wedding Minah to the supreme alpha to solidify their power in the council because you reclaimed your lost power from Jae Yangcha," Namjoon sorely grimaced."Is she nuts!?-" Seokjin scoffed in disbelief."What if Jung Hoseok pulls out of the council because he's afraid of harming Minah... during the process of opposing the cult with your power?" Jimin dimmed his eyes. Seokjin rubbed his face in frustration and turned to glare at the setting sun."I don't care. I will slaughter everyone within my path! The cult must collapse at all costs!" Seokjin seethed in determination. Namjoon exchanged glances with Jimin before glancing at Kim Seokjin in dread.
The council... has lost its balance again... as the surrendered households... joined the ruthless cult... to survive the deadly warfare. 
___________________________
A few months later.
Jang Sora stared at the calm lake before her view without a glimpse of emotions in her unblinking gaze. The sun had set over the mountains as she cradled a small bundle against her pulsating chest. The baby cooed and snuggled against her warmth as she listlessly stared at the manicured garden while sitting on the concrete stairs until she noticed a person settling beside her. She glanced to the side to find... Jang Beomseok... sitting by her side. He smiled at his daughter and reached for the baby, so she handed the fetus to her stepfather before shifting her gaze to the dark lake again.

"Have you decided on his name?" The father asked as he gently rocked the newborn with a fond smile."Jae Beom," I muttered."Like mine? Beomseok?" The father chuckled at his daughter."Beom... for Pyobeom. The Jaguar," Sora muttered while staring at the lake. The man sadly held the child's tiny fingers as the little boy stirred in his sleep."He looks a lot like his father. How disappointing... my daughter is so beautiful... yet her children don't even take after her?" The man grumbled while admiring the little boy. Sora smiled and glanced at her father."Don't you resent me? I'm not your blood daughter," Sora muttered."I always thought of you as my own. Your blood doesn't bother me because it's not Park Jihyun who raised you. I did," Beomseok shook his head. Sora suddenly scooted closer to her father and rested her head on his shoulder."You're right. You raised me well. I will never replace your first name with his name. I'm proud to be Jang Sora," Sora nodded. Beomseok chuckled and rested his head against hers as he cradled his grandchild."You're the last person to carry The Jang's name," Beomseok muttered. Sora hugged her father's shoulder while staring at her child as they sat at the ancient Hanok house."Every one of my children will carry your legacy. Don't worry," Sora assured her father. He chuckled and glanced down at the little boy again."I have faith in this one," He smiled at Beom."Wae?" Sora asked, lifting her curious gaze to her father."I'm sure he fostered his father's determination to protect his family. The Jaguar... The predatory hunter. He will definitely grow up to be a clone of his father. Jae Yangcha might've been infamous for his crimes... but he was undeniably the ace in the power game... until he was hunted by the wolves," Beomseok smiled fondly. Sora chuckled and nodded in agreement."Eomma~! We're home~!" A familiar voice shrieked behind them, so the daughter and father turned around... just in time to find the twins racing up the stairs in their school uniforms."Ah! My lovely dumplings~! I missed you~!" Sora gasped, quickly scrambling to her feet.The twins slammed right into her feeble body, almost toppling their mother over as they gave her a crushing hug. They shrieked and smiled at their mother with their missing baby teeth... leaving a small gap in their front teeth. Sora chuckled and knelt down to kiss her children. Jang Beomseok stood up from the stairs and strolled inside the living room to settle on the cushion since the breeze was too chilly for the newborn."Hello Beomie~? How have you been?!" Woojin shrieked, racing over to peak at his little brother. Sora smiled as Kanghoon curiously peaked at the sleeping toddler."Aigo~! You can't touch little Beom yet! Go and shower first~! So dirty~!" Beomseok scolded his grandsons when they tried to touch the baby. The twins chuckled and raced to the bathroom as instructed.
Sora's POV
"Dinner is a bit late today~!" Imo chuckled, entering the room to place the steaming plates on the table, so I took Beom out of appa's arms and strolled toward the crate to place the child over the warm mattress."Oh! You're here! Are you staying for the night?" Beomseok looked up in surprise as another person strolled inside the hanok."Neh. I'm staying tonight with my fiancée," Kim Taehyung smiled, stepping inside the room with Ah-young. She shyly greeted appa and then lowered her head to me. I smiled at her while sitting beside appa as Taehyung patted the cushion for her. The woman greeted imo as she placed the dishes on the wooden table, so I poured a glass of water and handed it to her."Thank you. Have you been well~?" Ah-young warmly smiled as she accepted my cup."Beom is a very calm child! He doesn't cry often- because he knows his mother is frail!" Imo chuckled while sitting beside Taehyung with a bright beam."Do-hwan! Hurry up! Everyone is waiting for you! Ah~! I'm starving~!" Appa waved at the man as he strolled up the stairs to join us for dinner at the main Hanok house."Oh. Annyeonghaseyo~!" Ah-young greeted the chief guard. He smiled at her and sat across from imo... beside appa."Woojin-ah! Kanghoonie! Time for dinner~!" I called. Thud! Thud! Thud! Their footsteps echoed throughout the hanok as they raced towards the living room."Don't run~! The Hanok will fall apart because of you two!" Beomseok scolded the twins. They giggled and skated across the polished wood on their socks... skidding straight toward the dining table."Oh!" The twins shrieked, losing their balance after they failed to stop themselves, causing my eyes to widen in horror."Careful!- You two! Aigo~! Do you wish to flip the table over?!" I snapped, grabbing the twins to prevent them from toppling over the table. They giggled and stood up straight after regaining their balance."Thank you for the food!" They bowed at imo before plopping down beside me to grab their bowl, causing Ah-young to chuckle at their cuteness."Oh! Noona is here today!" Kanghoon smiled at her."I brought gifts for you two~!" She beamed."Really!? Thank you!" Woojin shrieked."You didn't have to bring them gifts! Their toys are flooding the place!" Imo chuckled at the young woman. She smiled and glanced at Taehyung as he placed a slice of grilled fish in her bowl. I chuckled and handed the twins their tissues.
Yes. We're residing in Gwangju at Taehyung's Hanok with the remaining survivors of the Jang Households. Taehyung had constructed a new mansion on the property. We usually gather at the traditional Hanok to have dinner and lounge around since it's close to the lake and the mountains. All the guards and maids had moved in with us.

Taehyung doesn't stay with the household because he has work to handle in Seoul. And also... because the council requires his leadership. The cult is still dictating the council... but the society has achieved stability after Kim Seokjin reclaimed his position with Jae Yangcha's power.

There are three leading second-rank alphas... withstanding the cult... so their combined power is enough to repress the cult from unleashing their greed on the council. Sungho, on the other hand, had chosen to remain neutral because Jeon Jungkook had agreed to stay out of the conflict.

I do not know the reason... but the cult must've bargained with him.

Jungkook never visited the twins, so I never bothered to introduce them to their biological father. The twins are under Kim Taehyung's custody. They're bearing his family name instead of the Jeons. They attend a private school in Gwangju... and Taehyung sometimes picks them up from school whenever he decides to visit us.

Oh. And Ah-young? Taehyung has agreed with his parents to see her. I do not know much of the details... but he somehow agreed to marry her... so they're engaged now. Ah-young is a shy woman, but she is a warm person... and her family background is very prestigious.

Her great-grandmother is a distant royal blood of Korea's royalty. She's beautiful and graceful... so she's a perfect match for him. Taehyung has never bothered me about our past anymore... after I agreed to hand over my husband to the council to save the pack from the cult.

I gave birth to Beom a few weeks ago and have been residing with my father and imo... so they could help me care for my newborn. The twins have agreed to sleep in a separate room beside mine at the newly constructed mansion within the property so I can properly rest without being disturbed.
"I'm full. I'll head to the mansion first. Do you guys want to come along~? Or do you want to play here~?" I asked the twins after placing the chopsticks down."Play~! Appa will play with us, right?!" The twins smiled at Taehyung as he ate quietly at the table."Sure. Bring me your homework first," Taehyung nodded. The twins grinned at his approval and nodded, so I got up from the table with my empty bowl and entered the kitchen to wash the dishes before turning to lift a tray from the counter."Appa. Can you bring Beom when you return to your room?" I asked as I walked out of the Hanok."Sure. I'll be there in a moment," Appa nodded at me as I slipped on my slipper and walked down the stairs to stroll across the mansion until I found the huddle of guards sitting on the Korean traditional resting building to enjoy their dinner with the maids.They greeted me, so I nodded at them and entered the mansion. Appa has permitted our people to freely interact within the property... so the household isn't as strict as it used to be under eomma's control. Everyone is a family to us now.Anyways. Taehyung chose a very stylish interior for the mansion... but it's not a glass house because he dislikes transparency. The structure... somewhat... resembled our ancient mansions in Seoul but with a renovated interior. I climbed the staircase in my slippers and strolled towards the central room before pushing the door open and entering to place the tray on the table. I strode into the bathroom to shower, changed into a new gown, and stepped out while loosening my waist-length wavy black hair."How are you feeling?" I asked, walking up to the Yangcha... who was sitting by the window in his wheelchair. He blinked out of his thoughts and looked up at me, so I lowered my face to peck his lips. He smiled as I steered the wheelchair around and pushed him towards the couch."Have you eaten?" He asked, gently taking my hand. I grabbed his underarms to help him sit on the couch. He can walk... but he still limps around a lot since his legs aren't fully healed yet."I saved stomach space for sweet rice cake. Wanted to enjoy it with you," I chuckled, grabbing the bowl to place it on his lap. Yangcha smiled and ate the dish I prepared as I munched on the rice cake while sitting beside him."Beom? Where is he?" Yangcha asked."Appa will bring him," I shrugged. Yangcha nodded, so I placed the rice cake box away and hugged his arm with my eyes trained on the peaceful property through the high arch windows."He's here again, isn't he?" Yangcha asked, referring to Taehyung. I nodded. He quietly ate his food, so I lifted my head off his shoulder and carefully unbuttoned his shirt... to examine the healed wound over his chest."Does it hurt?" I asked while observing the scar."No. But there's an uncomfortable ache there," Yangcha smiled. I nodded and kissed the scar to apologize for driving the blade into his chest."Thank you for bearing with me... I really thought you had left my side for good," I whispered, sadly staring at him. Yangcha smiled and glanced at me with a fond smile."I could've died if the blade was a millimeter deeper, but I couldn't die because... I knew you'd return to me," He whispered, booping his nose tip against mine. I chuckled while massaging his shoulder to comfort him."You knew?" I smiled."Of course. You were in pain. I saw it too. I trusted you because... we made a promise, remember? Once we part... the person leaving must leave their ring behind and return to reclaim it," He chuckled, lowering his spoon to hold my hand. I smiled at the ring on my finger as he warmly held me."I did leave the ring behind for you that night," I nodded as he rubbed my finger."So I kept my heart beating for you," He whispered. I chuckled and lifted my face to press my lips against his. Yangcha tilted his head to kiss me sweetly as we sat on the couch in our cozy home."I love you," I whispered. Yangcha smiled against my lips and pulled away to gaze at my face, gently stroking my cheeks with his fingers."Did you eat taro-flavored rice cake...?" He asked, suddenly pursing his lips. I blinked and glanced at the rice cake on the tray."Oh! Oh no! Shit-" I gasped, scrambling onto my feet in horror as Yangcha rubbed his swollen lips. He's allergic to taro! I quickly opened the drawer before racing back towards him as the rashes formed on his face. Yangcha quickly took the medication as I hurried inside the bathroom to wash my face frantically. Oh no~! How can I be so careless?!"Ah~! This is unbelievable!" Yangcha rubbed his red face in distress."I'm sorry! I forgot!" I apologized, stepping out of the bathroom to find him sitting with a swollen upper lip. I laughed at his hilarious appearance and lowered my face to peck his lips. Knock. Knock. Yangcha chuckled, carefully drawing me onto his lap as I clung to his thick neck."My lady. You have visitors in the living room," A maid informed. I broke our kiss with my fond gaze on his handsome features and gently rubbed his firm cheek with my thumb. Smooch. Yangcha softly pecked my lips again as I lifted my hand to caress his earlobe."I'll be right there," I announced, shifting my attention to the closed door as my husband softly kissed the crook of my neck, so I exhaled and turned to kiss him again.The maid left after I dismissed her. I patted Yangcha's cheek as he placed the empty bowl aside and helped him back onto his wheelchair before rolling him out of the room. We used the installed elevator to descend to the ground floor. Yangcha rubbed his sore lips as I steered him out of the compartment and strolled into the living room... suddenly slowing down once I noticed... Taehyung sitting on a velvet armchair with his legs crossed.Kim Seokjin lifted his face to stare at me before glancing at Jae Yangcha as Hoseok and Yoongi sat by the alpha's side. Namjoon turned to look at the Jaguar as Jimin entered through the door. Yangcha suddenly tensed up in his seat as I stared at the alphas with a drained expression. Why are they here...? They said they'd never bother us again. I sternly pushed my husband forward as Taehyung darkened his gaze on Yangcha. I halted to stare at the red envelopes on the table and lowered my hand to hold my lover's shoulders as I stood behind his back."Kang Minah will wed the supreme alpha next week. She's sent the invitations," Do-hwan informed as he stood by the door. I stared at the marriage invitation letter unsurely and glanced at the alphas."What do you need?" I asked, uneasily studying their stern gaze. I know... they're after something."We need to eliminate Jeon Jungkook," Kim Taehyung requested. I gripped the wheelchair uneasily as I stared at him. He sat with a blank space."Eomma~! Oh!- Ahjussi~! Annyeonghaseyo~!" The twins wildly burst inside the property. They paused to greet the players before chasing each other up the stairs. I swallowed and glanced back at the men within the room while listening to the frantic thumps of the children's footsteps."You promised-""We need the twins' involvement in the council to claim Jeon Jungkook's power. He's supporting the cult with his financial resources, so we must interfere," Seokjin sternly stared at me. I tensed my body uneasily as I drifted my restless gaze to their cold... pupils.
The alphas have requested to use the twins as a power subject in the council warfare.
An order I can't defy because... I am powerless.Greed.
They're driven by boundless greed to achieve power.
Once again... the players are exploiting a weak woman like me... and my innocent children... to fight the deadly war.... because... I'm the culprit to blame... for triggering an apocalypse. 
They have held me forever... liable for igniting the... Phoenix's Flame.

And so... it is me... Jang Sora... who has to make endless sacrifices... for the greater good of the pack.

With or without power... I am forever cursed with the power burden.

.

.

.

First... they were after my lover.

Now... they're after my cubs.
...You have reached the end of ALPHA PART 2 | The Apocalypse.Stay tuned for ALPHAPART 3 | The End of a New Beginning.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

________________________________

ALPHA | PART 3
The End of a New Beginning 
________________________________

Sora's POV

Chirp... Chirp... Chirp...

The cool morning breeze subtly flowed through the small gap between the opened windows, blowing against the sheer curtain, causing the white material to flutter delicately as the morning birds waked before the glorious sunrise to stretch their sore wings over the sturdy branches, ready for their routine voyage. I quietly stared at the morning sky while tracing my gaze after the flock of birds... soaring high across the vast opening to glide over the steep hills and deep lakes.
I gently stroke the prickly hair roots over my husband's scalp with my fingers without blinking as he steadily breathed against my chest. His head... resting over my upper arm and legs entangled with mine under the comforter blanket, made from a material... specifically designed to trap my body warmth. Yangcha doesn't like thick blankets because his body is packed with natural warmth... but I usually freeze under thin blankets, so he compromised and allowed me to use a thicker material. He often wakes up sweating due to accumulated heat under the blanket... and that's why I leave the window open... to balance his body temperature.
I finally blinked out my empty thoughts and glanced down to find Yangcha... resting on his side, comfortably snuggled up against my body under the warm blanket. He's fast asleep. Smiling, I gazed at the light freckles over his cheeks and nose. The faint brownish specks... forming all over his skin... due to the frequent sun exposure during his day out. I quietly admired each of the blemishes... mesmerized by every little detail of his spots... each of them... uniquely presenting itself over his honey-tanned skin... as his signature marks.

How is he alive? I don't know. I thought I killed him during the rainstorm. I was afraid the council would brutally murder him in cold blood, so I gambled and stabbed him to appease the hungry wolves. Yangcha was left to bleed in the middle of nowhere. I couldn't save him because if I did... the wolves would return to finish him off.

But I had a plan. A bad one.

I wasn't sure if my strategy would unfold just as I had envisioned... but Do-hwan... agreed to come to the rescue... once the Jaguar fell at the hands of the council.

The chief guard waited for everyone to clear the area before arriving with his men to save the wounded beast. The head doctor took care of Yangcha at his private home, and he was unconscious for roughly two weeks due to severe blood loss. Well. I never intended to plunge the blade too deep... but Yangcha somehow forced the stainless steel into his flesh... until it almost scratched his beating heart.

Taehyung was... of course... upset once he realized Jae Yangcha was still breathing and insisted on ending him... but- I begged. I begged him on my knees. I begged Kim Taehyung to free the injured beast. As expected... he's against Yangcha's existence... so I met with the top alphas and confessed Yangcha's stable condition to the pack.

Seokjin was skeptical at first, but I promised... to convince Yangcha to cooperate with the council. He did. Yangcha agreed to return Seokjin's power after waking up because he was afraid... they'd harm me and our child if he defied the council. And as a result... Seokjin and the alphas... agreed to let the powerless alpha thrive within the society... closely monitored by the pack.

That's why we're living under Kim Taehyung's roof. Yangcha isn't allowed to contact his people, and he's forbidden from leaving the property in Gwangju. The guards are stationed to watch over the Jaguar days and nights. Each of his moves... is regulated by the security team. Although he lost all his freedom... Yangcha didn't mind as long as he had me by his side.

He focused on healing his wounds as I was handling my pregnancy.

He couldn't walk at all for months after I injected him with the chemical that was given to me by Yoongi... but he started walking again once I neared my delivery day because I needed his assistance. My tummy didn't grow to be as big... but that's because... I was carrying a single fetus. I gave birth naturally after my water broke while I was eating lunch with imo at the main property. I gave birth at the Hanok house. The head doctor was summoned to attend my delivery... so yeah... Beom's birthplace is at the ancient property, surrounded by peaceful nature on a clear and sunny day.

Yangcha stirred in his sleep and turned to lay on his back. I glanced at the new scar on his chest and gently traced my finger over the pink bump until he opened his droopy eyelids and glanced at me over the pillow. I smiled to greet my husband as he cutely blinked and closed his eyes again. Unlike his usual... light sleep habits... Yangcha falls into a much deeper sleep now. It's quite difficult to wake him at times, probably due to his chest surgery, so I tend to let him wake at his own will without bothering him.
"I think... I know why... the blade didn't... pierce your heart," I whispered. Yangcha squinted his eyes and glanced at me with his puffy face, unsurely searching my face as I grazed the scar over his chest.
"Why...?" He hoarsely grunted. I smiled.
"Because you've got hard pecs. The blade... almost didn't pierce your muscles when I stabbed you," I whispered. Yangcha huffed with a weak smile and turned to hold my waist, so I held his head against my chest. If it weren't for his solid muscles... the depth could've been fatal.
"Then I should be thankful for my wife... for motivating me to stay fit," He muttered. I kissed his forehead with a faint smile before resting my chin over his head with my arms wrapped firmly around his bare back. I'm so grateful. I smiled and dozed off to sleep again as he shared his soothing body warmth with me.

A moment later

I strolled out of the mansion mid-morning in a casual ankle-length dress to cross the field toward the Hanok and climb the stairs. I accidentally fell asleep and woke up to an empty bed. I sat down by the platform table to open the dishes and quietly slurp the chicken soup with a few side dishes... as I watched the twins chase each other along the edge of the lake. How are they always loaded with energy? I could sleep the entire day and still... wake up tired.

Yangcha sat on the bench with Beom in his arms as he watched over the vibrant twin brothers. He didn't notice my presence, so I ate my breakfast, placed the dirty place away, and walked down the back stairs to stroll the garden.
"Not too close to the water!" I warned, stopping by the bench to watch the twins as they crouched near the surface to play with their toy boat.
"They can swim," Yangcha muttered.

"It's too dangerous," I shook my head and sat beside him. Beom is awake in the bundle... with his curious eyes on the clear blue sky above our heads. Yangcha fondly stared at his son. I smiled while kicking off my slippers and sat crossed legs on the bench to watch the twins race the boat over the lake with a remote control.
"He's so light," Yangcha muttered, worriedly staring at Beom.
"Beom is underweight, but the head doctor claims he's healthy," I smiled, lowering my face to kiss the child's smooth cheek. Ah~! He smells just like his father~! Beom giggled at my tender stroke and gleamed at me with his pretty curled lashes. That's the only feature he adopted from me. The thick and curled lashes.
"I was underweight too when I was born. Had to stay in the incubator for a month," Yangcha chuckled. I kissed Yangcha's cheek and placed my arm over his shoulder while monitoring the chortling twins. Beom will probably outgrow his older brothers with his father's gifted genes. I softly sniffed my husband's shoulder while rubbing his bicep.

"It's unfair..." I mumbled.
"What is...?" Yangcha smiled, glancing at me curiously. I glanced at Beom.
"The father promised he'd take care of the baby once he's born... but Beom doesn't even cry unless... he's hungry. He sleeps all the time and doesn't throw a tantrum. Your father got it easy again," I chuckled. How can I child be so calm? It's weird. He doesn't freaking cry until I pinched his cheek. I thought there was something wrong with my son- like a defect?... So I kept pinching him here and there... until he cried. I guess... he's simply... a drama-free baby.

"He takes after me. I never really cried too... when I was young. Eomma said I was rather easy to care for because I would sleep all day and would eat everything. Not a picky eater," Yangcha grinned proudly.
"Aigo~ This one is an introvert then~?" I smiled while holding Beom's tiny hand. The baby cutely made adorable cooing noises and grinned at me with his toothless gums. Yangcha scoffed and lifted our child upward to kiss his chubby cheek.

"Oh no~!" The twins shrieked, so I quickly looked up to find them crouching by the edge as the boat got entangled with the plant in the water.
"Don't get in the water! Hey~! You two~!" I gasped, quickly getting up from the bench. The twins whined as they attempted to save their boat, so I walked up to them as they frantically clicked the remote... but the automated toy had stopped functioning due to the disruption.
"Eomma~! It's stuck~!" Kanghoon whimpered, pointing at the boat with his pouty pink lips.
"I'll get it for you," I assured, carefully stepping into the cold water and bent over to grab the boat. The twins nervously watch me detangle their toy. Splash. Splash. I handed it back to them. They shrieked and thanked me as I stepped back onto the shore. They quickly placed the boat back onto the water.

"Oh!? What's wrong with this?!" They whined when the boat wouldn't respond to the signal.
"I think it's broken. Did you put on sunscreen? Your cheeks are burning red!" I whined, worriedly crouching down to cup Woojin's red face as he rubbed the sweat beads off his forehead. They shook their head while inspecting their broken toy until I convinced them to enter the shade with me.
"Ahjussi~! It's broken~!" Kanghoon whined as he walked towards Yangcha. The child lifted the boat before the alpha's face with a sulky expression.
"Leave it here. I'll fix it for you," Yangcha smiled.
"You're the best~!!!" They grinned, carefully lowering their dripping wet boat to the grass, and tiptoed to kiss Yangcha's cheeks, making him smile at their affectionate gesture. The kids chuckled at their little brother and kissed Beom, causing the baby to chortle in delight upon receiving his older brother's affection.
"Don't touch Beom~! Your hands are dirty~!" I grabbed the twins to pull them away from their baby brother. The children laughed and sat on either side of me while wiggling their bodies as I placed my arms over their shoulders to hold them.
"Eomma~! Tomorrow is family day at school! Can you come?" The twins asked.
"Sure," I nodded. The twins shrieked happily and kissed my cheeks before hopping off the bench to scurry away. A maid gasped in shock when Woojin playfully poked her waist as she carried a tray. The twins grinned at the woman and raced inside the hanok, causing the maid to chuckle at their playfulness and stroll away to perform her duties.
________________________

School Fair

"They've outdone most of their assignments," A young teacher smiled as she showed me the twin's favorable school report. Wow~! Their school reports are way better than mine~! I smiled at the A grades and proudly glanced at Woojin and Kanghoon as they drank orange juice on the couch with bright beams.
"Good job," I smiled at them. They nodded cutely and leaned back with prideful smiles.
"But there's a slight issue with the content of their work. It's not serious. But did you help them with their work?" The teacher politely smiled at me.
"Oh-? Their father usually helps them with the homework," I answered. The teacher chuckled and placed a full-graded essay on the table.
"I don't think this was something a child would say... it's a bit too... well structured? Even the vocabulary is above their level," She chuckled. I unsurely read the essay about their background. And sure enough... instead of the basic vocabulary... the kids wrote in a very mature and formal tone.

We reside on the border of a breathtakingly beautiful lake... garnished with blooming lotus flowers...? The ancient bricks of the Hanok house... sheltering us through the changing seasons...? That's not something a child their age could write.

And suddenly... My father... is a very handsome man?- Oh?- The best gentleman amongst men his age...? I frowned, pursing my lips to read through the strange phrases. He turns women's gaze as he passes by like a divine entity... roaming the humble realm of the average people...?- What the fuck? Ah~ Kim Taehyung is insane for this!
"Haha... I think their father took the assignment too personally..." I awkwardly scratched my head and looked up at the woman in embarrassment. She giggled and smiled at the twins.
"I'm sure he wasn't lying, but I do hope... he'd allow the twins to express their creativity," She reassuringly patted my hand over the table.
"I'll speak to him," I smiled at her. Hah!?!- How can he make them write such things!? He's basically boasting himself! How is he so shameless?!
"Oh- and there's another concerning habit I'd like to address," The teacher pursed her lips. I blinked at her unsurely.
"Did they cause trouble...?" I asked, eagerly studying her awkward facial expression.
"No- No! They're very well-mannered- but I think they might be... a little too attached to you?" She explained.
"To me? Did they throw a tantrum...?" I cluelessly blinked.
"The twins tend to mumble... while concentrating on a task," The woman chuckled.
"Did they curse?" I questioned.
The woman shook her head and leaned forward to whisper in my ear. My eyes widened in shock- I scoffed, suddenly flushing red before turning to frown at the twins with a questioning look. They stared at me with an innocent smile. What the hell?!- I scoffed again and glanced at the teacher as she giggled funnily behind her hand. Ah! These rascals~!

Flashback

Third Person POV
The elementary class grew hushed as the kids lowered their faces to complete their assigned tasks in the textbook. The twins sat in the same row as they firmly gripped the pencils to scribble the answers on paper while murmuring under their breath. A young child suddenly raised her hand with a slight frown... until the teacher stood up from her seat and strolled forward to approach the cute ponytail girl.
"Ssaem... Can you tell Kanghoonie and Woojinie to be quiet? I can't focus on my work~" The child softly complained. The teacher smiled at her request, patted her student's shoulder, and walked into the middle row. She paused by Woojin... who was loudly... murmuring under his breath as he frowned at the paper in concentration.
"Woojin-ah~?" The teacher gently tapped his forearm. He snapped out of thought and glanced at the teacher with a questioning look. His worn-down pencil... suspended over the blank space on the book.
"Neh?" The child cutely blinked.
"Can you not mutter too loudly? Haesoo is having a difficult time completing her work because you keep talking," The teacher patted his hair.
"Sorry," Woojin muttered, lowering his face to the paper again so she turned to inform Kanghoon as well. But somehow... the twins kept muttering nonstop. The teacher curiously stared at the scribbles on the book while crouching by the twins until she noticed... they were repeating the same... short phrase.
"Boobies-"
"Eomma's boobies~"
"Boobies~"
"Pretty boobies~!"
The young woman flushed red once she made sense of their murmurs. The child didn't seem to notice her unease as they intensely scribbled on the paper. She pursed her lips and glanced at the other child, quickly got up to her feet while scratching her head and strolled away to sit at her desk. She shook her head... thinking... she had misheard the twins and glanced back at her computer screen.

Another event.

The enthusiastic students noisily chattered as they bustled out of the classroom for a lunch break at the canteen. A few students laughed and teased each other as they carried their lunch boxes. Chatter. Chatter. The homeroom teacher eventually glanced up from her checklist to find the twins... picking up their lunch boxes with bright beams.
"Ssaem! Can we eat with you today?!" Kanghoon asked, cheerfully skipping over with his lunch bag.
"Wae? Why are you not eating with your chingus?" The woman smiled fondly as the cute children grinned at her with their missing front teeth.
"You always eat alone!- Let's eat together~!" The twins giggled. They were popular amongst their peers and would always get dragged around to join the crowded table for lunch. But today... they wanted to accompany their homeroom teacher.
"Okay~ Let's eat together," The teacher chuckled, grabbed her lunch box, and strolled out of the classroom with the twins. They giggled and jogged by her side until they exited the school building to sit on an empty picnic bench under the tree shade near the school field. The twins sat together to unbox their lunch as the woman sat across from them with a weak smile.
"Do you want to eat eomma's boobies~?" Kanghoon asked, opening a sealed paper bag to offer his teacher a steamed bun.
"Huh?" The teacher stared at them with a puzzled expression.
"Eomma's boobies~! It's delicious~!" Woojin repeated, placing the bun on his teacher's lunch box. The woman stared at the white bun and glanced at the twins with a confused look, taken aback by their innocent yet inappropriate statement.
"This is... called... a steamed bun..." She unsurely informed the twins.
"Yup! Eomma's boobies- because it looks like eomma's boobies! But- Eomma's boobies are bigger~! Like this big~? Eomma has really nice boobies~!!!" The twins shrieked, causing their teacher's face to flush red as she watched the twins lift their palms to grope an invisible breast in an attempt to show their teacher the size of their mother's boobs.
"Ahah~ That's not appropriate~! You shouldn't talk about her- boobies. Okay?" The woman awkwardly shook her head.
"Oh. Right-! Only appa is okay with it," Woojin scratched his head apologetically.
"Huh?-" The teacher paused with her eyes wide open in disbelief.
"Appa really likes eomma's boobies~ He eats it almost everyday~! Hehe~ Because it reminds him of eomma~!" The twins whispered behind their hands, causing the woman's face... to flush even redder.
"Hah! Don't stay stuff like that, alright?! You'll make many people uncomfortable~!" She gasped while waving her hands before their innocent faces.
"Oh- Okay~! We're sorry!" The twins smiled and lowered their heads to munch the steamed buns. The teacher scoffed, glanced at the bun on her lunch box with a slight frown, and ate with the kids.

Another event.

"ARGHHHHHHH!" Woojin screamed while kicking the ball over the field and passed it to Kanghoon until his twins received the ball and slammed his sneaker against it- sending it toward the goalkeeper- who leaped forward to block the ball but failed to block it and toppled to the side.

"SCORE!" Their coach blew the whistle to end the friendly match.
The winning team screamed in triumph as they cheered and rushed forward to hug the twins. They giggled and hopped in a circle until the coach dismissed them from their sports session, so the twins quickly sprinted through the hallway and raced inside the classroom before their peers to grab their bags.
"Are you heading home?" The teacher asked from her desk.
"Yes! Goodbye, ssaem!" They nodded while flinging their bags over their shoulders, snatched their lunch box, and skipped toward the door.
"Can't wait to touch eomma's boobies~! Weeee~!" They shrieked and sprinted out of the class. The woman scoffed and glanced at the sweaty twins as they raced through the corridor with their flushed cheeks. She rubbed her forehead in disbelief as the other students collected their belongings from their seats.
"Ji-ah. Can I have a word with you?" A teacher appeared with a stack of sketchbooks.
"Oh. Sure..." The homeroom teacher smiled, getting up from her seat to follow her colleague.
"I asked the children to draw the most beautiful thing in the world yesterday," The art teacher stopped by an empty hallway.
"Oh? Wae-"
"The twins... they... drew their mother," The art teacher chuckled.
"Oh! How sweet!" The homeroom teacher gasped.
"You should see their work..." The art teacher anxiously pursed her lips. The homeroom teacher's smile suddenly faded. She quickly glanced at the sketch... gripped tightly between her colleague's arms with a startled expression.
"No- They did not!- Did they?!-" The homeroom teacher suddenly covered her mouth in shock. The art teacher nodded with a funny expression as the students poured through the hallway without a clue.

End of Flashback

"Wah~! How can you be so naughty~!?!- Oh?! How can you draw me like this!?" I whined while sitting on the school bench with the twins on either side of me.
"Wae~? You're pretty~!" Woojin pouted.
"Ssaem said to draw the most beautiful thing we've seen! And that's you!" Kanghoon giggled. I scoffed at their wide grin and glanced at the sketch of me. The artwork is beautiful... but they might have added... a little too much detail. My boobies... of course... plump breasts right over my chest! Ah~! I'm so embarrassed~! Well- At least they didn't draw my nipples~!

"You shouldn't draw eomma's boobies," I pouted at them.
"Wae~? Eomma... don't like it? We'll throw it away-"
"No- No! It's fine. I love it, but please... don't talk about my boobies at school! Not to your teacher and not to your friends!" I shook my head, firmly grabbing their small hands with a slight frown.
"What about appa? We can still talk to him about it, right?" Kanghoon asked. I grimaced at his innocent doe eyes.
"I don't think appa is comfortable either. You're grown up, okay~? People don't feel comfortable when you speak of boobies~!" I explain. The twins nodded and glanced at their friends on the field.
"Anyways... can we eat that~?" Woojin asked, pointing at a corndog stall. I stared at the children with a dumbfounded look as they hungrily stared at the corndogs. Did they even hear me?!
"Okay~! Let's get corndogs~!" I sighed in defeat. They shrieked and raced away, so I slipped the artwork into the envelope and walked towards the stall as they chatted with the man. The school was packed with students, parents, and teachers as they wandered the premises to enjoy the school fair.
"Two potato-cheese corndogs, please," I smiled at the man.
"Woah~!" The twin's eyes glimmered in awe as they stared at the steaming hot corndog. The man chuckled and handed it to them as I paid for the snack.
"Eomma~! Doesn't this look like appa's willy?!" Kanghoon shrieked while tugging my dress to grab my attention. The smile on my face immediately grew stiff as the man handed me the change. He paused and glanced at the twins' oblivious beams.
"Mo-Moh?!" I snapped, looking down at them in shock.
"APPA'S WEEWEE IS BIG-" Woojin shrieked, but I quickly covered his mouth in shock, causing the man to scoff and laugh in distress.
I lowered my head in embarrassment and dragged the twins away with my hands clasped firmly over their mouths. Ah~! I'm going crazy!!!- What's with them!?! I screwed my face in disbelief and led them to the empty bench again. The twins didn't seem to care about their unfiltered exclamations... and giggled happily as they sat on the bench to munch the corndog while stretching the cheese between their teeth with a wide grin.

A few days later.

Knock. Knock. I quietly stood outside the hanok main bedroom with my hands clasped together.
"Come in," Taehyung spoke up. I slid the door open and stepped inside to find him sitting on the hardwood floor in his pajamas and black frame glass... fitted over his high nose bridge to read a file on the small wooden table. He refused to use a bed and insisted on sleeping on the silk mattress.
"I spoke to their teacher at the conference," I muttered, unsurely sitting down before Taehyung with my legs tucked under me.
"And?" Taehyung asked without looking up.
"The teacher knows... you're... helping them with their work," I whispered. Taehyung blinked and looked at me with a questioning look.
"And?" He asked cluelessly.
"She asked you to stop helping them," I muttered. Taehyung stared at me blankly.
"Wae? Who is she to disapprove of my qualified work?- I should speak to the principal-"
"Ani~ Why would you make them write about you?" I frowned.
"Why not? I'm a very handsome father. Am I not? Look at me- You used to swoon over my dashing visual too. They should be proud of their father, and who is the teacher to say otherwise?!- I'm very offended!" Taehyung huffed with a dumbfounded look. I gripped my hands over my lap as I sorely observed Taehyung's dark frown. What the heck..? Is he seriously in his right mind...?
"Dinner is ready," I shrugged, quickly got up, and left the room. What is wrong with him!? Ah~! I strode into the living room. The twins sat on either side of me as Taehyung strolled out to sit at the head of the table with his legs crossed over the cushion.

"Thank you for the meal!" The twins beamed at imo. She chuckled and placed the roasted ribs in the twin's bowl.
"Did you have fun at the fair?" Appa asked the twins. They nodded in glee.
"Very fun!- We had a lot of snacks!" Woojin answered.
"What did you eat~? You might cough again if it's greasy food," Imo asked anxiously.
"Appa's willy~!" Kanghoon replied. I immediately halted in my seat with the chopstick in my mouth.
"What?-"
"We ate appa's willy! It has tasty cheese inside and is very crunchy! It's this big!- It's just as big as your willy appa~!" The twins shrieked, causing me to choke on the food. I quickly snapped my head to find Taehyung staring at the twins with the food left unchewed in his opened mouth. Imo froze in her seat as appa frowned at the giggling twins.
"What did you say-"
"Appa~! I swear it's as big as your- Hmph!" Woojin tried to speak, but I wildly clasped my palm over his lips to stop him from speaking. Taehyung shifted his startled gaze to me- until my cheeks flushed red in embarrassment.
"As big as your penis! HAHAHAHA!" Kanghoon screeched, finishing his twin's words.
"YAH!" Taehyung snapped in disbelief, quickly slamming his bowl on the table with the rice left unchewed in his stuffed mouth. Appa started choking on his food as imo giggled funnily and smacked Kim Taehyung's shoulder. The twins grinned at their father with their gap teeth, causing me to lower my head in defeat. They'll be the death of me~! Ah...! I shook my head. Woojin wiggled his eyebrows at Taehyung, who was turning red from being exposed by the kids.
"Eomma doesn't want us to draw her boobies, so we'll draw appa next time!" Woojin chuckled. I screwed my eyes closed and rubbed my face as I struggled to swallow the food. Kim Taehyung scoffed at their inappropriate exclaims and scolded the kids, so they chuckled at his face and squirmed on the cushion to irritate their father. They will get expelled, for sure. If they keep up with this behavior.

A moment later.

I strolled out of the bathroom with the towel wrapped around my body to find Yangcha sitting on the couch with the toy boat on his lap. He carefully unscrewed the plate with a screwdriver.
"Did you feed him yet?" I asked while checking the baby crate.
"Yeah. I changed Beomie's diaper already," Yangcha nodded without looking up as I adjusted the pillow under Beom's head. The child... is strangely not picky at all. He can switch between my breast milk and baby formula with ease. Smiling, I glanced at Yangcha again and walked toward the door to lock it before strolling toward the couch. He didn't look up as he inspected the wires over the chips with a slight frown to search for a defect.
"What do you think is beautiful about me?" I curiously asked as I stood in the towel before him.
"Everything," He answered without hesitating while tugging a loose wire. I undid my towel and dropped it to the floor. Pause. Yangcha sideways glanced at the towel at my feet with his eyebrow raised and slowly... lifted his head to look up at me as I stood naked before him with a faint smile.
"But which part do you like?" I curiously asked. He stared at my face, clearly confused by my inquiry, but didn't react and glanced down to scan my naked body while holding the screwdriver.
"Wae...? What's with this behavior?" He smiled. I chuckled, grabbed the boat from his hands, and placed it on the coffee table before turning to climb his lap. I adjusted my position to sit facing him with a keen expression.
"We haven't done anything... since I gave birth to Beom," I whispered, breathily rubbing my nose against his firm cheek to absorb his addictive pheromones. Yangcha chuckled at my strange behavior as he unsurely searched my face with a weak smile. He didn't roam his fingers over my body and held onto my fleshy hips until his cheeks flushed red at the sight of my nude body.
"So you're going to sit on me naked like this?" He asked. I nodded and leaned forward to gently press my lips against his until my bare flesh rubbed against his clothes. He caressed my back with a weak smile until I pulled my face away to bite my lower lips and gazed at him in temptation.
"I really don't mind having another baby," I whispered. Yangcha snorted and tilted his head back over the headrest, making me giggle at his cute laughter. I claimed I didn't want to have children before but that's all in the past. I desperately want to have my husband's children because he's such a good lover and father! The alpha lifted his flushed face to smooch my lips as I hugged his neck to secure my balance over his lap.
"Beom is barely a few weeks old," He muttered. Exhaling deeply... I leaned forward to hug his body... with my chin fitted over his shoulder. He's been very mindful of my health and wellbeing. My husband doesn't bother me with his manly urges and would often deal with it by himself after I gave birth to our son. Yangcha calmly held onto my body, gently kissing my ear, making me smile at his teasing strokes.
"Can I tell you something?" I asked, shifting my face to snuggle against his neck... so I could inhale his pacifying scent.
"You're making me anxious," He whispered. I smiled and rubbed his nape before pulling away to gaze at his face with my found pupils. I pecked his lips again and lowered my hands to hold his. Yangcha lifted his eyebrow to question my odd behavior as I sat naked on him.
"I often say I love you, don't I?" I smiled.
"Yeah," He nodded.
"I don't think those words are enough to explain my feelings for you," I whispered.
"I know. Sora, I can sense your affection even if it's not a solid form I can touch or see," He replied. I nodded and glanced down at our interlaced fingers.
"I'm very thankful to have you as my companion in life. That's what I'm trying to say. People claim you bring out the worst in me... but I think you're the only one to help me achieve peace within myself. I know... everyone is disappointed with our relationship because they believe I'm better off on a different path. But they're not me. They don't understand how I feel. And, of course... they won't feel what I feel whenever we're together. So it's only natural for them to disapprove of us. But that doesn't bother me, really. I hope... it's not bothering you. I know... you've made mistakes... of course, you did. You're only human, after all. But you never avoided your faults. You've always admitted to your wrongdoings and have always been a better person for me. So... just because... they're not happy about us... it doesn't mean we don't deserve to love each other. Okay?" I smiled. Yangcha stared at me with a tender gaze.
"Okay," He nodded while rubbing my knuckles with his thumbs.
"I would have never thought... We'd go through so much together. And although... you were only a side character in my life in the beginning... right now... you're the center of my story. A story... that only I cherish. It's not a plot... desired by others around us... but that's okay. That's totally fine. I'll keep writing our love story until our last breath, even if no one wants to read about us," I smiled.
"Ohh~ My wife is getting a little sentimental~!" He teased, gently pecking my lips. I smiled at his flushed cheeks.
"Listen to me-"
"I'm trying~!" He whined.
"Wae-"
"Wae?!- I'm hard! You're sitting naked on me! I'm trying to stay focused, woman!" He complained. I flushed red and glanced at the hump under his boxer shorts.
"Oh," I smiled, gently tugging his waistband to peek at his erection. Yangcha shook his head and rubbed his face in distress. I chuckled and hugged his chest, so he secured my waist tightly and stood up, limping towards the bed... making me laugh at his wobbly legs until he placed me on the mattress.
"Let me sober up my mind first! And then you can keep expressing your love for me!" He teased while crawling over my body... so I chuckled and pulled him down to close the gap between our bodies. Yangcha smiled against my lips and stroked my cheek with his thumb until I released a deep exhale as he gently handled our bodies in the dim bedroom.

I've always feared a miserable marriage life due to my traumatic past relationships... but not with him. He made it so easy for me to live and love.

He's my wildest dream. My comfort. My home.

_______________________

Third Person POV

Kim Taehyung strolled out of the master bedroom in the hanok house while ruffling his wild hair upon waking from his afternoon nap until he found the twins sitting by the opened front door to admire the pouring rain. The identical brothers giggled while sitting side by side as they munched on their warm hotteok.
Taehyung glanced at Beom, who was resting in the crate and reached over to pull the blanket over the child's chest before walking forward to stand behind the twins. The alpha bent his body over between them, causing the twins to shriek in a panic when their father shoved his face between their heads to bite the hotteok in Woojin's hand.
"Where did you get this?" Taehyung smiled while crouching behind the twins, sleepily gazing at the pouring rain with them. The twins giggled and turned to face him.
"Appa~! Ah~~~!" Kanghoon cutely made the hotteok fly in different directions before shoving the snack inside his father's mouth. Taehyung chuckled as he took a big bite and sat on the wooden floor behind his children.
"Isn't it delicious~? Ahjusshi made it for us!" Woojin shrieked. Kim Taehyung immediately stopped chewing. He glanced down at the snack and back up at the twin's bright beam, unsurely swallowing the warm snack that made his children smile and cuddle each other during the cold afternoon.
Kim Taehyung cleared his throat uneasily before glancing to the left side of the living room and peeked into the kitchen... until he spotted Sora... strolling back and forth in the kitchen. He stared at her and glanced at Jae Yangcha, who was frying the snack in the pan as she organized the snack on a plate. The alpha rubbed his aching chest without blinking as he watched Jae Yangcha feed his former lover the warm hotteok. She smiled and gave him a cute thumbs up, so he kissed her cheek and turned to fry the snack again.
The second rank alpha... slowly averted his attention back to the twins as they happily ate their food, unconsciously dimming his eyes on their innocent beams. He sorely glanced at the harsh downpour again... too numb to feel anything but feel like a complete failure for failing to put a smile... on his lover's and children's lips. Now that he's recalling the past... he's seen their tears and broken expressions more than he saw the smiles on their faces.

He was happy to see them smiling like this... but what broke him the most was... the fact... that... he was not the reason for their happiness.

He's succeeded with his career and status... yet he's failing to nurture his family... so miserably.

"Oppa. Have some hotteok~!" Sora smiled, strolling out of the kitchen with the plate. Taehyung glanced at the warm snack as she placed it on the table. It's his favorite snack... but he didn't want to touch it due to his prideful ego.
"Can we have one more?!" The twins shrieked while crawling over the polished floor to kneel by the steaming plate piled with hotteoks.
"Just one more~!" Sora smiled, ruffling their hair, and walked across the living to pick up Beom. Kim Taehyung quietly watched his former lover carry her youngest child as she faintly smiled at the innocent soul until Jae Yangcha limped out of the kitchen. If only he had chosen her... the child in her arms would be his and they'd be a happy family.
"I'll head back to the mansion," Yangcha informed as he walked towards the door. Taehyung got up with a blank expression as the alpha limped past him and down the concrete stairs to sit in his wheelchair. He activated the umbrella over his head.
"Ahjussi! Wait- Let us come with you!" Kanghoon called, quickly racing towards the door to slip on his slippers and hopped down the stairs.
"Hey~! Stop bothering him! You two~!" Sora whined as Woojin and Kanghoon climbed onto the Jaguar's lap.
"It's fine," Yangcha assured his wife and pressed the button on his handrest.
"We'll steer the wheelchair for you. Okay~?" Kanghoon smiled as he munched the fresh Hotteok. Yangcha nodded, so the child clicked on the control pad while sitting on his lap until the automated wheels rolled forward. Virr~! The jaguar and the twins slowly steered onto the vast grass field in the wheelchair.
"Weeee~!" Woojin happily shrieked as their ahjussi held the umbrella over their heads to shield them from the harsh rain. Yangcha let the twins navigate the wheels as they pleased while clutching their tiny bodies with his free arm to hold them over his lap. Sora smiled at the trio from the doorway while rocking Beom against her chest as the slow wheelchair... aimlessly cruised onto the middle of the plain grass field.

"Oh!?- What are they doing! Those rascals~!" Sora gasped once she noticed the twins zigzagging the wheelchair all over the property. They funnily reversed the wheelchair as Yangcha held the umbrella over his head. The twins shrieked and suddenly made the wheelchair spin, causing Yangcha to snap at them... but they refused to let him touch the control pad and spun the wheelchair round and round under the harsh downpour.
Taehyung smiled at the twins as they tortured the alpha with their silly mischief, who was gripping the wheelchair in distress as it spun round and round without a break. Sora scoffed at their devious stunts... suddenly stomping forward with a fierce scowl.

Sora's POV

"Can you hold him?" I asked, carefully placing Beom into Taehyung's arms. He took the child with a startled expression but held onto the bundle, so I screeched and raced down the staircase with my hand raised above my face to shield myself from the cold pallets.
"Weeee~! Weeee~!" The twins shrieked while spinning the wheelchair counterclockwise as Yangcha struggled to hold the umbrella against the strong wind current.
"HEY! YOU TWO!" I snapped, racing over to the grass field to grab the twins. They shrieked, suddenly hopping off the wheelchair and sprinted away when I tried to smack their butts for misbehaving.
"OH!" Yangcha gasped when the wind suddenly snatched the umbrella from his grip. I tried to grab the handle, but it tumbled away and rolled over the field.
"Ahahahahah~! Eomma~! Isn't it fun?! Waaaah~!" Woojin chuckled while bouncing in the opening with his arms raised toward the sky to welcome the raindrops. Kanghoon screamed in delight as he zoomed over the wet grass field to play under the rainstorm.
"You'll get sick~!" I whined while shielding Yangcha's face from the cold droplets with my hands as he squinted under the rain. The twins wouldn't listen and suddenly flopped on the wet grass, funnily rolling over like a pig. I gasped and rushed forward to grab them, but they screamed and scrambled away before I snatched their arms.
"We want to play~!" Kanghoon poked out his tongue, grabbed Woojin's wrist, and raced away to avoid me.
I scoffed in disbelief before glancing down at the wet soil... splattered all over my feet and dress. Yangcha... weakly smiled at me as he sat under the rain. I shook my head in defeat after failing to tame the crackheads and walked back toward my husband, carefully steering his wheelchair toward the mansion after the twins bullied him with their playful pranks.
Yangcha suddenly whistled loudly as soon as we got to the entrance of the mansion... causing the twins to snap in our direction. And to my disbelief... they came running to us with their soaked hair and clothes... stained with dirt. What are they? Birds?! They didn't listen to me- but all it took was a fierce whistle to get them running toward Yangcha? I shook my head and bent down to slip off Yangcha's wet slippers.
"SHOES OFF!" I snapped as the twins frantically rushed past us to race inside the mansion. WHIP! WHIP! They carelessly kicked off their shoes, sending the elastic rubbers flying all over the living room before scrambling up the staircase on their hands and feet. Flop! Flop! A maid smiled at me, so I apologetically nodded at her as she picked up the twin's dirty shoes.

A moment later.

Yangcha grunted under his breath as I supported his solid trunk to help him settle in the water-filled jacuzzi, scented with his favorite body oil. He carefully settled under the clear surface, so I released his underarms and turned to grab the basket of shower essentials from the sink.
"Is it warm enough?" I asked while washing my hands.
"Yeah. Do you want to join me-"
"WEEEEEEE~!" The twins suddenly burst inside the bathroom with an arms full of bath toys. I scoffed in disbelief as Woojin skipped inside with a blue towel wrapped around his waist, just below his plump belly. Kanghoon carried their baby essentials in his bright yellow towel.
"What are you doing here? I'll shower you after ahjussi-"
"No! We want to shower with ahjussi~! Look ahjussi~! We've brought toys!" Woojin giggled, dumping his floating rubber ducks into the jacuzzi. They slipped off their towel and hopped inside the jacuzzi, splashing and screeching wildly until Yangcha shielded his face with his forearm.
"Wah~! You're so naughty-"
"It's alright. Let them bathe with me," Yangcha assured. I shook my head and sat on the edge of the jacuzzi in my gown to pump the shower gel from the bottle and gently rub it over my husband's bare body as he fondly smiled at my children.
"Look~! Ahjussi~! You should try this shampoo~! Smells like bubblegum!" Kanghoon showed the alpha his colorful shampoo bottle. The alpha smiled, took it from the kid's hand, and poured it onto his palms before rubbing it into Kanghoon's scalp.
"Quack! Quack!" Woojin played with toys as I bathed Yangcha, who was washing Kanghoon's hair. I smiled and gently cleansed his muscular back to scrub the sweat and dirt before rinsing off the gel as the twins played in the jacuzzi until the water started foaming from their baby soaps and shampoos.

A moment later.

Yangcha smiled while sitting on the couch to help Kanghoon slip into his pajama pants and pull on the shirt as Woojin stood in his towel. The three of them... freshly bathed by Jang Sora... who was washing alone in the bathroom. Yangcha buttoned up Woojin's shirt afterward... until Kanghoon tried to remove the towel off the man's firm hips.
"Oh!? What are you doing?!" Yangcha gasped, quickly grabbing the towel before the child could pull it off him.
"Can we see... your... thingy?" Woojin giggled, pointing at the alpha's crotch.
"W-What?! That's not appropriate!" Yangcha frowned. They giggled.
"Just want to see so we can decide who we like best..." Kanghoon giggled while dabbing baby powder on his cheeks with his tiny palms.
"Moh!?" Yangcha scoffed.
"We saw appa's thing... but not yours. Forgot to check earlier..." Woojin shrugged. Yangcha gripped the towel with a startled expression as the twins eagerly crouched down to peek between his legs, so the alpha quickly closed his knees and perched on the couch awkwardly.
"I fixed your boat! There-! Take it!" Yangcha stuttered, pointing at the boat on the other couch to distract the twins. They suddenly shrieked and raced forward to grab their toy.
"Thank you, ahjussi! Muah~!" The twins grinned, climbing the couch to kiss Yangcha's cheeks before scurrying away, swung open the door, and rushed out of their mother's bedroom with the boat toy. Yangcha shook his head in disbelief after pushing himself onto his feet and limped toward the closet to pull on his pajamas.
"I'll put them to bed," Sora muttered, strolling out in her gown and left to care for the twins in the room beside hers. Yangcha limped back out of the closet room to draw open the drawer, grabbed an item from it, and limped toward the bed to settle on the mattress.

Sora's POV

I entered my bedroom after failing to keep the twins in bed. They insisted on visiting the Hanok house to play with Taehyung and appa, so I let them go and returned to find Yangcha sitting against the bedhead with our album on his lap as he glued the pile of photographs to the blank pages. I smiled, loosened my hair, and crawled onto the bed with a weak smile.
"Do you want to eat dessert?" I asked.
"No. I'm full because of the hotteok," Yangcha shook his head as he pressed Beom's baby picture to the page. I smiled and hugged his waist on his side with my head rested on his shoulder. Yangcha spent time pasting the photographs I printed to our album... before placing it aside, so I got up to grab sanitary wipes and crawled onto his lap. He smiled as I rubbed his hands clean before tossing the wipes away and cupped his cheeks between my palms.
"You're cute," I giggled at his weak smile.
"Wae?- Suddenly?" He laughed. I chuckled and leaned forward, tightly hugging his sturdy body before lifting my face to kiss him all over his face with a satisfied beam.
"Ah~! You smell like a baby~! Hah~! My human teddy bear~! So adorable and warm~!" I breathily pressed my face against his cheeks to inhale his addictive scent. He chuckled at my smothering love gesture and hugged me tightly, so I giggled and patted his back with a weak smile. We went to bed early that night because of the cold and chilly weather. I love cuddling him! We spooned each other on the mattress until we fell asleep.
JOLT! I suddenly jerked awake early in the morning and scoffed in disbelief once something struck me.

A moment later.

"Oh no~!" I gasped, hurriedly rushing toward the Hanok house over the plain grass. It's almost dawn, and I have forgotten Beom with Taehyung! The child must be hungry!
I quickly climbed the concrete stairs until I entered the heated Hanok and crept toward the baby crate... expecting to see Beom... but he was nowhere to be found. Oh? Where is he...? Did appa take him? I blinked and strolled down the wooden corridor on my socks, carefully sliding the door open and peeked inside to find Taehyung... sprawling on his back with his arms extended... and beside him was... little Beom. The child was soundly asleep, warmly snuggled against Kim Taehyung's body.

I carefully closed the door and walked forward to sit on the floor with my fond gaze on the child until Taehyung grumbled and turned on his side to hug the bundle. He unconsciously rubbed Beom's head and lowered his face to snuggle against the baby's cheek, causing the child to stir and grip Taehyung's face with his tiny palm.

He's so good with children. I smiled and sat quietly... not knowing how to retrieve Beom without waking Taehyung, who appeared super exhausted from his endless workload. He only visits once or twice a week.
_______________________

Present

Kim Seokjin lifted his face to stare at me before glancing at Jae Yangcha as Hoseok and Yoongi sat by the alpha's side. Namjoon turned to look at the Jaguar as Jimin entered through the door. Yangcha suddenly tensed up in his seat as I stared at the alphas with a drained expression. Why are they here...? They said they'd never bother us again. I sternly pushed my husband forward as Taehyung darkened his gaze on Yangcha. I halted to stare at the red envelopes on the table and lowered my hand to hold my lover's shoulders as I stood behind his back.

"Kang Minah will wed the supreme alpha next week. She's sent the invitations," Do-hwan informed as he stood by the door. I stared at the marriage invitation letter unsurely and glanced at the alphas.

"What do you need?" I asked, uneasily studying their stern gaze. I know... they're after something.

"We need to eliminate Jeon Jungkook," Kim Taehyung requested. I gripped the wheelchair uneasily as I stared at him. He sat with a blank space.

"Eomma~! Oh!- Ahjussi~! Annyeonghaseyo~!" The twins wildly burst inside the property. They paused to greet the players before chasing each other up the stairs. I swallowed and glanced back at the men within the room while listening to the frantic thumps of the children's footsteps.

"You promised-"

"We need the twins' involvement in the council to claim Jeon Jungkook's power. He's supporting the cult with his financial resources, so we must interfere," Seokjin sternly stared at me. I tensed my body uneasily as I drifted my restless gaze to their cold... pupils.

The alphas have requested to use the twins as a power subject in the council warfare.

An order I can't defy because... I am powerless.

Greed.

They're driven by boundless greed to achieve power.

Once again... the players are exploiting a weak woman like me... and my innocent children... to fight the deadly war.... because... I'm the culprit to blame... for triggering an apocalypse.

They have held me forever... liable for igniting the... Phoenix's Flame.

And so... it is me... Jang Sora... who has to make endless sacrifices... for the greater good of the pack.

With or without power... I am forever cursed with the power burden.

Third Person's POV

The former supreme alpha stared blankly at the greedy alphas for a solid minute without reacting to their outrageous request to exploit her children as weapons in the power game to fuel the warfare. Yangcha unsurely glanced upward to study his motionless wife and gently touched her finger... over his shoulder to wake her from her thoughts. Sora blinked, suddenly shifting her empty gaze to Kim Taehyung and back at Kim Seokjin.
"Honey, do you want to go back to bed~?" Sora smiled, suddenly glancing down at Yangcha as she stood behind his wheelchair with her hands placed firmly on his shoulders.
"Wae...?" Yangcha blinked at her in confusion.
"I have to speak with our guests. But we'll head back to our room if you're feeling unwell," She shrugged before glancing at the awkward alphas when she completely dismissed their concerns to prioritize her husband's well-being with little to no care for the world.
"I'm fine," Yangcha shrugged, uneasily staring at her.
"Okay," Sora nodded, patting his shoulder before shifting her attention to the alphas again, seated within the room. She smiled and stepped from behind the wheelchair with her hands clasped together before lifting her eyes to the top of the staircase.
"Do-hwan. Can you put the twins to bed?" Sora requested.
The chief guard glanced at the staircase to find the twins peeking from between the railings while sitting on the upper landing to eavesdrop on the conversation. Do-hwan exhaled and strode forward, causing them to shriek and scramble up the stairs after getting caught. Sora weakly smiled at their cuteness before shifting her blank gaze back to Kim Seokjin.
"This is not a request. You must obey the council's order," Seokjin sternly stared at her from the couch.
"Which one of you proposed this idea? Is it Kim Taehyung or Kim Seokjin? Which one?" Sora asked, glancing between the Kims for an answer. The powerful men unsurely studied her intimidating gaze and exchanged glances from their seats.
"It's the council's wish-"
"Kim Taehyung is well-informed of the consequences of putting his sons... at risk. So it's you. Kim Seokjin," Sora interrupted him and stepped forward, gradually strolling toward Seokjin as he leaned back with a firm expression without yielding to her assertion.
"It's not like I have a choice. Jang Sora, you're accountable-" Seokjin tried to speak with his arms crossed firmly over his chest- but abruptly froze when Sora reached out to hold his chin.
The alpha stiffened at her touch, completely taken aback by her gesture. Jang Sora smiled, gently lifting his chin to make him tilt his face upward. Jimin and Namjoon darted each other uneasy glances as Taehyung glanced at Yoongi and Hoseok, who were just as stunned by her action.
"Answer me. Why must I take responsibility for your failure to be a man?" Sora asked while staring at Seokjin, who sternly glowered at her without blinking. The former supreme alpha glances at his red ears and back to the alpha- knowing he's shaken by her touch.
"This matter isn't merely about me-"
"Why must I... and my children... fight on the frontline because every dicks inside this room has failed to protect the society? Hmm...? The confident posture... sitting with your legs crossed and a boasting pride plastered... on your handsome face- only to threaten a powerless woman like me... to aid you in your war? Ah. How disappointing. I guess the only time you fuckers were useful was when you tried to ram your tongue inside my mouth and hard cocks inside my vagina. Yeah? Because fucking is all you're good at...?" Jang Sora darkly averted her intimidating stare at the high-rank alphas with her eyebrow raised. Yoongi and Hoseok immediately lower their faces. Taehyung clasped his hands together and cleared his throat as Jimin and Namjoon awkwardly glanced at Kim Seokjin, who was grimacing at Jang Sora, stubbornly refusing to surrender to her insult.
"We're not here to beg you-"
"Of course not. You only beg for my love. Right, Seokjin? Haha... It's funny how you swore to never harm me and claim to never bruise my skin while you're laying naked under my sheets... only to backstab me with a blade and shove me forward as bait in your power scheme. Moh?- I took your mercy for granted...? How ridiculous. You're the one taking my mercy for granted," Sora scoffed while shaking her head at him.
"Did you think I'd kneel before your feet and beg you not to hurt my children? How dare you step inside my home and demand to sacrifice my children?! I must cooperate-? Pfft! Who do you think you are- mister arrogant asshole? Did you think I actually... feared you just because I submitted your requests before?! Look at me in the eyes Kim Seokjin... have I... or Jae Yangcha... ever lifted a finger to fucking harm a strand of your hair? Hmm?" She sternly pressed, lowering her grim scowl at Kim Seokjin.
"Wasn't it you who put a bullet inside my husband's back? Wasn't it you who... forced me to stab my husband so you could be a powerful figure? But wasn't it you too- Who begged to fuck me while sitting helplessly with a hard bulge? Don't act all harsh with me when I know... you're the type of man... who shamelessly begs to be fucked," Jang sneered, lowering her furious face toward Kim Seokjin as she pressed her hand on the backrest of the couch to trap Kim Seokjin between her arms. The alpha's face flushed red in embarrassment as she fiercely challenged him to a deadly eye contact.
"That's enough, Sora. We won't let the cult hurt the twins," Taehyung exhaled to break the tension. Sora didn't pull away as she hovered over Kim Seokjin, who had sunken back into the couch. She slowly averted her razor-sharp eyes to Kim Taehyung, who was clearly uncomfortable with her darkness... but he wore a stern expression and remained composed in his armchair.
"I might've given the twins your first name... but you have absolutely no rights... to use them as you please. So don't ever... bring these fucking clowns inside my home again, especially not during my bedtime. You have no fucking right, Kim Taehyung... to threaten me before my innocent children with your team of coward assholes. Even if the twins will have to somehow participate in the power game... it is me... who will represent their stand in the council. Not you," Sora sneered at Taehyung as she dangerously straightened her back to glower at the alpha.
The room grew hushed as the alphas glanced at one another without uttering a word. Silence. Jang Sora stood in her place with her arms crossed as the men stared at her in agitation. She glared at Kim Seokjin, who glanced away in annoyance before shifting her gaze back to Kim Taehyung. He tensed his body after the mother refused to let the cult declare its dominance over her life and family.
"Ah- Kim Seokjin. I expect you to return my husband's contract by tomorrow morning," Sora suddenly spoke up again.
"What?" Seokjin frowned at her.
"Jae Yangcha's fifth rank power. You only survived because you seized his assets. Yangcha never bothered to reclaim his assets from you because he was grateful to you for freeing his life. And he has returned your lost power that was initially stolen by your best friends... so don't be a tightfisted fucker and return his power. You borrowed it from him to keep your fucking pretty face afloat. So send back all the legal documents. Jae Yangcha is still an alpha in the council," Sora coldly stared at Kim Seokjin with a poker face. The alpha clenched his jaw at her demand before glancing at the Jaguar, who remained composed in his wheelchair with a neutral expression.

Kim Seokjin came to threaten Jang Sora... but she had turned the table on him and alliances.... ruthlessly forcing the alpha to return her lover's lost power.

_______________________

Wedding Ceremony

Kang Minah brightly grinned as she tossed her glass of bubbling champagne in the festive air to cling it with Park Bogum, who was holding onto her snatched waist as she stood in her flaming red phoenix feather dress with a narcissistic beam. The other alphas sourly eyed her power-driven greed after she successfully became the first rank in the council through her marriage with the heir.
[Reference Pictures of Kang Minah]

Kim Taehyung blankly stared at the smug woman in his formal as she turned to kiss Bogum on his lip, causing the cult leader and his daughter... Yuri... to applaud their marriage at the grand venue with proud smiles.
Hoseok suddenly shoved the crowd aside and stormed out of the packed space with his eyebrow furrowed... but halted almost immediately when the door swung open... and a person came striding inside the hall. The guests immediately turned around in curiosity as a woman... stepped into the room in her golden fitted gown... with the rare pearls clasped... around her slender neck. Her glossy black hair... tucked into a neat bun.
Park Bogum's smile suddenly faded once he recognized his step-sister, gracefully strolling inside the venue in her golden high heels with her bold gaze... sternly set on him. The cult and alphas froze in their places at her shocking presence inside the hall. It has been years since Jang Sora last made a public appearance... at a formal event. Kang Minah frowned at her former friend as the alpha walked up to the massive castle-themed cake in the center of the venue.
The cult leader frowned at her unexpected appearance and glanced at Bogum, who refused to shift his spiteful eyes away as Jang Sora confidently strode through the crowd until the mass... unconsciously cleared the path with every step she took on her sparkly high heels to part way for the former goddess as she approached the newlyweds. Kang Minah tensed her body once Sora halted right before her with a faint smile.
"Congratulations," Sora smiled, causing bustling chatters to die down with a single utterance. All attention was abruptly fixated on Jang Sora... as people gawked at her up and down in extreme bewilderment.
"What is she doing here?!- Didn't you tell her to stay hidden?!" Seokjin furiously glared at Kim Taehyung, who stood with a blank expression.
"With or without power... Jang Sora... will never heed anyone's order once she's determined to achieve something," Taehyung shrugged with his hand in his pocket as Ah-young clung to his arm. Seokjin sorely glanced at the previous first rank with his jaw clenched.
"You're well," Park Bogum lifted his eyebrow to eyeball Sora's healthy complexion in surprise.
"Why would I not be? I've got to take care of the society's future heirs," Sora chuckled, causing Minah to tense up beside her groom.
"But their parents don't possess power. How unfortunate," Minah smiled at Sora.
"I am here today to represent my husband's household. Haven't you heard? Kim Seokjin agreed to establish the Jae household to enhance the society's influence in the council," Sora smiled at Minah and glanced at the golden crown on the bride's hair.
"Make yourself comfortable," Bogum coldly nodded at his step-sister.
"Actually. I'm here to retrieve my family's heirloom. A household heirloom is not a possession to be confiscated. Take it off. The crown on your head. It belongs to my late mother as a gift from the Jang's household," Sora smiled at Minah. The bride glared at the former supreme alpha in disbelief before glancing at the guests in embarrassment.
"Are you seriously disrupting my wedding-"
"I do not intend to disrupt the ceremony, but you should not desire to possess another person's possession. You might be cursed with the weight of a crown... that isn't meant for you," Sora shook her head, reaching forward to snatch the crown right from Minah's head, causing the bride to scoff in disbelief. Sora smiled at the golden ornament and turned to leave the venue with it, leaving the cult and society in utter shock after she showed up to reclaim her possession with little to no security... yet no one dared to oppose her request.

A moment later.

Jang Beomseok smiled from ear to ear as he gazed at the golden crown, sealed securely inside the glass box while sitting in the hanok house with Sora, who was fondly smiling at her father. He had lost everything... so the heirloom was the only item she could at least return to him.
"Is it the one?" Sora asked curiously.

Sora's POV

"Yes. I remember it so vividly... The day your mother wore it at our wedding, and the day you wore it at the alpha ceremony as the Jang's sole heir," Appa proudly smiled from across the table. I chuckled at him until I heard hasty footsteps storming up the stairs. Thump! Thump! We turned just in time to find Kim Taehyung marching inside the property with a dark frown.
"Why would you show up at the wedding?! You know the cult will grow restless in your presence! They will stir up trouble again!" Taehyung scolded in his formal suit. Appa pursed his lips at the alpha after he ruined our good mood. I exhaled deeply and stood up to face Kim Taehyung.
"I will not let you use the twins in the council, so I'll sustain the Jae household. Alright? I'll shield the council if you desperately need me to bait the cult," I firmly stared at him.
"The council is divided on Jae Yangcha's involvement! Your presence will prompt the lower ranks to side with the cult!" Taehyung argued.
"Why would you wish to keep unfaithful underdogs by your side?" I frowned.
"Did you think Jae Yangcha's weak power is enough to stun the power game in the council's favor?!- It's a hassle because the cult will target the lowest ranks! And you can't stand alone as husband and wife to support a household. You need the presence of senior alpha to secure your seat in the council!" Taehyung refuted while flaring his nostrils.
"Don't argue inside your late grandma's most cherished residence. I'm still alive, aren't I? I'll represent the Jae household on behalf of Yangcha's dead parents," Appa suddenly spoke up from behind me. Taehyung scoffed and fired my father a sharp glare.
"Are you seriously going to support that scumbag-"
"Don't call him by another term but his full name. I don't mind supporting my daughter and her husband because Jae Yangcha... has proven his sincere devotion to Jang Sora. You might disapprove of their relationship, but I approve of them. If not for him... the council might've already sacrificed me and my daughter to the cult to save the pack. He's proven enough of his effort... so don't raise your voice at him or my daughter because the disrespectful tone of your voice will never dethrone the cult," Appa shook his head.
"You must focus on the strategy and seek an alternative solution... if you wish to overthrow Park Bogum. The sole reason the Jang household fell was because the alliance chose to dismiss the contracts. If only the households banded together... the cult would've never dared to provoke the council, but you were stubborn and parted with the Jeons. This conflict isn't Sora's fault but the household's failure to reconcile for the future survival of the society's welfare," Beomseok shook his head as he held the glass enclosure. Kim Taehyung clenched his jaw and glanced at Sora with an uptight expression.
"You might've fallen... but it is me... who is endlessly supporting your household-"
"But it's not the alpha's way to do so. A fallen household is usually eliminated... so your support will not keep us safe for long unless we establish our stand in the council. And we can do that with Jae Yangcha's power. Even if he's a fifth rank... his family is beyond the low-tier rank," Appa grimaced.
"The Jae possesses significant influence abroad, and if Yangcha were to give his grandparents a call... to request assistance... Jae Yangcha would immediately stand as a high rank in the council... but he was never greedy enough to involve his grandparents in the power scheme. The alpha only managed what his parents had left for him," Beomseok shook his head. Kim Taehyung suddenly grew hushed as he glanced back and forth between the father and the daughter before spinning on his heels to leave the Hanok house with his fists gripped tightly.

A moment later.

Sora's POV
"Aigo~! Why are you laughing at appa~?" Yangcha chuckled while smiling at Beom... who was resting on his father's lap. The child giggled in joy as Yangcha made funny faces at his son. The twins were watching television in the living room on the upper first floor of the mansion with toys scattered around them.
"Kanghoon-ah~ Woojinie~ Time for bed," I called.
They blinked at the screen and got up to follow my lead... so I took their hands and led them to bed. The twins might be mischievous at times, but they're very obedient. I tucked them into bed on their shared kingsize bed and stayed with them for about half an hour to chat with them until they agreed to let me go. I strolled back out of their room and walked toward the living room to find appa sitting quietly with his dim gaze on Yangcha, who was cradling Beom against his chest with an anxious expression.
"Have you spoken to him?" I asked appa as I settled beside Yangcha.
"Yes," Appa nodded. I glanced at Yangcha as he worriedly stared at me.
"I understand your intention... but the cult will deem me as a threat once I return to the council," Yangcha exhaled, glancing briefly at Beom, who was cluelessly smiling at his father.
"Sora and I will represent your household. The society still sees us as leading figures in the game, so all you have to do is to secure sufficient power for us to play the game," Appa assured. Yangcha worriedly glanced at me.
"We'll be fine. Don't worry. The alphas will attempt to threaten us again if we remain powerless, so it's best to establish our household and assert our dominance before they sacrifice us," I smiled. Yangcha pursed his lips and glanced down at Beom with a slight frown, clearly conflicted by our intent to play the power game with his lacking power.
"Beom needs a stable household to survive. Do it for the child- I'm too old to thirst for power, so I'll do my best to secure the future for my grandchild," Appa warmly smiled at Yangcha.
"Don't you disapprove of me?" Yangcha unsurely stared at my father.
"My wife wasn't fond of you, but that's because most women... don't trust us men... because we keep hurting them. But I never doubted your potential. Since the day you returned from the dead with my daughter clasped firmly in your embrace. You've gone the farthest compared to her previous lovers to secure her. And you've proven your commitment countless times. I saw all of that. Why else did I convince my wife to let you wed my daughter? She disagreed... but I did my best to keep you both alive anyways," Appa sighed. 
"When you were shot by Kim Seokjin... it was me who begged the head doctor to keep you breathing. And when Sora was accidentally poisoned by my wife... it was also me... who forced the medical team to save her at all costs. I approve of you, but... coming from senior alpha... I am telling you... alphas don't hide. Do you understand? I know retreat is the safest option to secure your family and assets... but... it's not in our nature to behave in such a way," The man sorely stared at Yangcha.
"We're hunters. We must prey on the weaker victims to secure immunity. That's the rule of the game. You must survive... and to do so... you have to shed blood if it's necessary. Hiding is a sign of weakness... and it will lure the hungry predators to your doorstep, so you must not remain in the shadows and rise to defend your household from the pack. You're an alpha, Jae Yangcha. So be one," Appa clasped his hands together. I gripped Yangcha's thigh to assure him as he rocked baby Beom in his arms and glanced at me, clearly troubled by the conversation.
_____________________________

Fast Forward

"Do I look okay...?" Yangcha nervously muttered while limping beside me in casual clothes.
"You're handsome~! Don't worry~!" I chuckled, nudging my husband's shoulder as he anxiously patted his hair. I carried Beom in my arms in excitement as we waited by the mansion's door.
"Yangcha, sweetheart~!" An elderly woman cried, suddenly dropping her designer bag once she appeared in the mansion's wide doorway with her husband and appa.
"Halmeoni~!" Yangcha gasped, happily limping forward to hug his grandmother.
"What's wrong with your legs?!" His grandpa gasped in shock.
"It's nothing~! Don't worry~!" Yangcha assured, turning to embrace his grandpa. Halmeoni suddenly froze once she turned to find me smiling at her.
"Omo! You're so beautiful in person! Aigo! Aigo~! You're a beauty!" Halmeoni rushed forward to admire my face with her gawking eyes, causing Yangcha to chuckle at her cuteness... so he turned to massage his grandma's shoulders as she funnily rounded me to scrutinize my body up and down as if to check for visible flaws.
"You have never seen me before?" I chuckled.
"Of course I have! But only through the pictures he sent! You're much prettier in person~!" Halmeoni suddenly cupped my cheeks to squish me until her glimmering pupils... dropped to the bundle in my arms.
"Omo!- Why is your child still small!? Didn't she give birth years ago!?" She gasped, lowering her hand to poke Beom's cheek in surprise.
"She just gave birth to him a few months back," Yangcha smiled.
"HUH!?- Why didn't you tell us you're having another child!?!" Harabeoji gasped, racing forward to peek at Beom, who was curiously staring at his grandparents.
"Yaaaah~! You're a bad child! He never informs us of anything!- Can I hold him!?" Halmeoni immediately seized Beom and took the bundle out of my arm before I could stop her. Yangcha chuckled as his grandma kissed Beom repeatedly, leaving a fresh lip stain on his cheeks, and funnily hugged the child against her chest. Appa chuckled as he warmly instructed the guards to deliver his in-law's luggage to the guest room.

A moment later.

Halmeoni and Harabeoji frowned at the chatty twins as they sat across from the elders at the long table... set up in the plain field so we could dine outdoors. The couple glanced back and forth between the twins and Yangcha and back to me with a confused look. They must be questioning... the twins' features because... they don't resemble either of us.
"Yangcha, come to my room later. I'll examine your legs," His grandfather spoke up as we ate dinner at the table.
"It's not necessary. I'm fine," Yangcha shook his head as he placed the sliced meat in my bowl. Imo beamed at the in-laws as she fed the twins on the side.
"I heard you're an esteemed neurologist! I am always sore! Perhaps... you can perform a check-up on me?" Appa funnily joked, causing harabeoji to chuckle proudly while stroking his gray beard.
"Of course! I'll provide free treatments for you~!" Harabeoji chuckled. The twins coughed repeatedly as imo covered their mouths with a napkin.
"Harabeoji... can you treat the twins? Their coughs are chronic," Yangcha asked.
"Aigo~! Children their age will suffer sore throats because they love to eat everything~! But it's okay~! Harabeoji will give Kanghoonie and Woojinie a check-up, okay? I even brought gummy supplements for them!" Halabeoji beamed.
"Thank you~!" The twins grinned at their harabeoji with their half-grown teeth, causing the man to chuckle at their cuteness.
"Does he treat you well~? My grandson!" Halmeoni curiously asked me while chewing her food. I smiled and patted Yangcha's back with a proud smile.
"What kind of food did you feed him...? For him to be this flawless? He's not a divine entity is he~?! Because he's so perfect!" I loudly whispered behind my hand, causing my father and my husband's grandparents to burst out laughing at my playful comment. Yangcha scoffed and shyly lowered his head while chewing his food. I softly kissed his cheek... causing Halmeoni to shriek in her seat until her face flushed red.
"Aigo~! He grew up with his grandmother! She always scolds him for not being attentive to her needs- so Yangcha has been well-trained to handle his halmeoni and mother since he was born! He should be good with women! I'm not surprised!" Harabeoji chuckled. Yangcha shyly smiled at his grandparents.
"You must be bored though...? He doesn't speak often and is very timid. I wonder... how he even snatched a beauty like you~!" Halmeoni shook her head at Yangcha.
"I showed her my body," Yangcha replied, causing my eyes to widen at his blunt statement.
"Moh?!" Appa gasped, turning to look at me in surprise.
"I stripped naked for her... that's how I captured her attention," Yangcha chuckled. I smacked his arm in disbelief.
"Yeobo!" I shrieked.
"Are you serious?!- Hey! Don't embarrass your wife like that!" Harabeoji playfully scolded the alpha.
"I'm not lying. She likes men with big muscles... so I... I took off my shirt and pulled down my pants for her. I showed her everything I've got to offer," Yangcha bit his lips to contain his laughter. I scoffed and covered Kanghoon's ears as imo covered Woojin to prevent them from overhearing the inappropriate conversation.
"Well... That's true. My daughter has always fancied men with toned bodies since she was a child," Appa smugly winked at me. I flushed red and glared at Yangcha for exposing my rather profane preference for men.
"So that's how you dated? After you saw his body? I'm so proud of my bloodline!" Harabeoji proudly beamed after sipping his wine.
"Yup! She really liked my body... so we got down to business... and she insisted on being my girlfriend since then!" Yangcha chuckled, causing appa, harabeoji, and imo to shriek in distress.
"Yah! Jae Yangcha! I told you to be respectful and never do anything inappropriate unless you're married!" Halmeoni scolded the alpha.
"Kids these days... they grow up fast~! It's a similar situation for me and my late wife. She was so beautiful I couldn't resist the temptation and slept with her right away! I didn't even wait and stripped naked even before she could process the situation~! Men can be hasty- and it doesn't mean we don't respect our partner~! It's just that- it's- our natural response to reproduce with the woman we're attracted to!- I only informed my parents the very next day that I wanted to marry her mother," Appa chuckled. I smiled and glanced at Yangcha as he placed his arm over my shoulder to hold me.
"There's no way the beauty asked you out first~!" Halmeoni chuckled as she beamed at us from across the table.
"I did. I couldn't neglect a fine man with such body proportions~! So I claimed him as my boyfriend~! How could I not want a solid man like him!? He's packed with energy!" I joked and smacked his chest, causing Yangcha to groan in discomfort. He rubbed his chest and pulled me against him, so I hugged his waist with a bright smile as the elders fondly gazed at us.
"Aigo~ You two should be respectful toward the woman you love, okay~?" Halmeoni smiled at the twins. They nodded without understanding her words and wiggled in their seat... so I ruffled their hair with a bright smile.
"I'm truly happy for the both of you~! That's why we're here! To give our blessings~!" Harabeoji smiled at us. I lowered my head shyly. Yangcha squeezed my shoulder and kissed my head as we bonded over our meals.

Not all rich people are snobbish.

_______________________

Elite Council

Jeon Jungkook stared at the documents on his desk with a slight frown to read the supreme alpha's new terms and conditions, mainly centered upon the absurd demand to have all confidential household projects approved by the cult. The first rank must hold a 10% stake in the household's annual net income from the next month onward.
The council grew tense as they reviewed the proposal before glancing at Kang Minah... seated in the first row with Park Bogum. Mira and Minho smirked at the terms with an unbothered expression since the cult had agreed to release their households from the new provisions in exchange for their faithfulness.
"Are they going to pass this?" Mr. Jeon anxiously asked his son.
"I've already spoken with Chung Manseok. He won't let it affect our household and the Chul if we continue supplying them with our resources and support," Jungkook muttered, glancing at Sungho, who was staring darkly at the document. Mr. Jeon exhaled in relief. All of the cult people will not be affected... by the demand... because the proposal was primarily drafted to weaken the opposing party.

Meanwhile.

Kim Taehyung glanced at Seokjin... who was sitting in the same row, and at Min Yoongi as he slammed the leather folder shut and lowered his head in disbelief. Jimin turned to discuss with Hoseok, who was just as stunned by the cult's greedy demand.
"We don't have enough voice in the council to reject this proposal," Seokjin sorely stared at Kang Minah as she dismissively admired her pretty manicured nails.
"Jang Sora? Didn't she say she will represent the fifth rank?" Yoongi frowned, crossing his arms over his chest, and leaned against the armchair with a dim expression.
"Her husband's fifth-rank power isn't enough to assist the council," Taehyung muttered, sorely eyeing Jeon Jungkook.
"That asshole will surely vote to pass the proposal on behalf of the cult," Seokjin glared at the Jeons with spite before glancing at Mira and Minho... as they chatted without a bother.
"Well. Has everyone reviewed our proposal? Shall we cast our votes?" Chung Manseok suddenly spoke up, causing the room to grow hushed. The alphas bitterly stared at the man, knowing they'd lose on the poll with their inadequate power and influence in the council. The moderator launched the poll once he received the signal from Park Bogum.
"I'm going to fucking kill Jeon Jungkook if he passes the proposal," Seokjin gritted, clicking on his screen to reject the cult's proposal. The alphas nervously stared at the large screen after casting their votes until the moderator ended the poll... and the result popped up on the digital screen.
Pass: 54%
Reject: 46%
The council remained defeated in their seat as anticipated... once the poll results were exposed. Seokjin glanced at Jeon Jungkook's name written beneath the passing vote in extreme frustration. If only the council had Jeon Jungkook on their side... The cult wouldn't have exerted so much of their influence. Min Yoongi lowered his head in exhaustion, knowing he was going to lose his assets to the supreme alpha after the statute took effect.
"Very well," Chung Manseok chuckled while clapping alone... causing the tedious noise to bounce within the room as everyone remained muted in their seat. The man smiled proudly- but halted once the door opened... and another person came strolling inside the room.
"Sorry~! I'm a bit late today~!" Jang Sora suddenly chirped as she rushed inside the room with a set of legal files in her arms. The cult leader bitterly monitored her presence as she clumsily jogged toward the podium with her household documents.
"What are you doing here?" Minah dawdles.
"I'm here to vote, of course! The Jae Household hasn't voted yet~!" Sora smiled at her former friend as she keenly approached the timid moderator in her formal dress.
"Sure. Cast your vote as you please... it's not like your husband's power will make a difference," Manseok laughed, nodding at the moderator to let the former supreme alpha cast her vote with her insignificant power.
"Ah... she never listens..." Kim Taehyung rubbed his nose bridge in distress after he failed to convince her to stay out of the household affairs.
Jeon Jungkook blankly stared at Jang Sora as she hovered her hand over the screen at the moderator's side to select her option as the alphas watched her with an unimpressed look. Tap. Jang Sora beamed and glanced up at the screen after casting her vote, causing the system to reload the live poll. The council sorely monitored the widescreen as they dully waited for the result on the screen without much expectation.

Loading...

Poll Loading...

Calculating the real-time impact of voting strength...

Evaluating voting influence with regards to the household's proportion...

Poll Completed.
Pass: 48%
Reject: 52%
The alphas suddenly froze in their seat with their eyes wide open on the drastic change in the result. Kim Taehyung frowned, immediately shifting his eyes to Jang Sora as she beamed from the base of the room beside the moderator... who was staring at the result with his mouth hanging open. Kim Seokjin scoffed and straightened his body in disbelief as Min Yoongi covered his wide-opened mouth without shifting his gaze away from the screen.
"How is that possible?! Jae Yangcha is a fifth rank!" Minah snapped, firing Sora a furious glare as the cult leader remained paralyzed by the outcome.
"What is this bullshit?!" Bogum roared, angrily slamming his hands on his desk as the cult and council remained shaken by the shocking result.
"Ah~! I forgot to inform you~! Jae Yangcha's grandparents have agreed to integrate their wealth abroad to assist their grandson," Sora chuckled, walking back toward the podium to collect the files. Thud. The door opened again to reveal... Jang Beomseok... and the senior representatives of the Jae family. They calmly strolled inside the room in formal attires, causing every soul within the room to withhold their breath.
Chung Manseok snapped his head towards the senior players with his eyebrow furrowed until he grew tense in his seat. Jang Sora smiled and strolled up the stairs to approach her seat... but... she did not settle in the fifth rank. Thud... Thud... Thud...
The cult watched the former supreme alpha strolled past the fourth and up to the third row. Jeon Jungkook frowned at Jang Sora as she smiled at him and entered the third rank with her documents. The Jeon's eyes widened in disbelief as Beomseok led Yangcha's grandparents to their seats. Sora placed the files down and sat... right beside Jeon Jungkook... whose face was as pale as a ghost.
"The third rank...?!" Mira scoffed in shock as the Jang claimed their seat on the higher row. The council wildly glanced at the two elderly players, shaken by their unexpected appearance.
"We could've climbed to Second-Rank... but the row is a bit too crowded.... with four leading alphas, so we'll settle here, for now," Sora chuckled, causing Park Bogum to stiffen in his seat. Minah scoffed in disbelief at the former supreme alpha's shocking return to her power seat.
"Annyeonghaseyo. We are Jae Yangcha's legal guardian. From today onward... Jang Sora... our grandson's spouse will represent our household in the council," Harabeoji spoke into the microphone.
"And I, Jang Beomseok... will stand as a senior alpha to assist the Jae's household in the council affairs," Beomseok smiled at the pale-looking cult.
"Is Jae Yangcha alive or dead?!" Minho asked, frowning at Sora.
"Whether he's alive or not... I will take charge of his household affairs as his wife," Sora replied in a composed manner. The cult grew muted as the former supreme alpha played her wild card to assert her dominance in the council.
"Tsk! Did you think you could threaten the supreme alpha with your husband's power?!" Minah scoffed at Jang Sora with her flaming pupils.
"The Jae will remain as a neutral party in the council. We are aware... that our presence has caused a substantial imbalance in the power game. Therefore... if you wish to gain our support... the society and the cult... must offer us security. From now onward... The Jae will determine the household's fate in the council. We can side with the council... but we can also choose to side with the cult... depends... on how each party... will benefit us," Jang Sora chuckled while nodding at the two parties with an eager smile.
Kang Minah widened her eyes in frustration once Jang Sora entered the game with an invisible shield around her household, causing Park Bogum to glare at her from across the room. Kim Taehyung remained blank in his seat as Kim Seokjin clenched his jaw at the former supreme alpha for indirectly threatening the council to side with the cult in the game.
And on the side of the room... Chul Sungho... weakly smirked with his head lowered and arms crossed over his chest. The alpha glanced at Jang Sora with a smug smile until she shifted her gaze toward him to lock their eyes. They both held an intense eye contact in the council... after successfully... forming a powerful stand on the chessboard.
"Oh. Congratulations on your wife's delivery," Jang Sora muttered to Jeon Jungkook, whose eyes flashed in horror. He frowned at her intensely.
"What are you trying to-"
"I guess your daughter will have to live an ordinary life like her mother, huh? Don't worry, the twins will be ready to replace the Jeon once you're ready to retire," Sora darkly smiled at the half-blood, whose face drained in horror. She chuckled and glanced at the Jae, who was proudly beaming at her as the cult leader sat stiffly in his seat... utterly disabled by her unexpected counterattack in the game.
_________________________

Fast Forward

Jang Sora's POV
"Eonni~ Does this look good?" Ah-young smiled as she tried on her wedding dress in the studio.
"I think the slim-fitted dress suits you the best," I chuckled. She giggled and did a twirl for me until I gave her a thumbs-up.
"You think oppa will love it?" Ah-young asked shyly.
"Of course. Taehyung likes to fit the dress to his lover's curves," I nodded. She smiled brightly as designer Choi chuckled at us.

Ah-young and I get along very well. She's modest and easygoing. The woman used to be super shy and would rarely speak... but she's a lot more open with me now... so we spend time together a lot. She'd visit us at the hanok and she'd always bring us gifts whenever she came by.

Taehyung's marrying Ah-young next year, but she wanted to get her dress tailored early so Designer Choi would have enough time to perfect her piece. She asked me to help her pick the gown, to which I agreed and accompanied her to the studio... whenever she had an appointment. We often hang out together afterward, which makes it a lot more fun because this is my first time actually having a female friend... who doesn't intend to hurt me or my family.

"Do I add more cream...?" Ah-young asked as I stood in the kitchen with her.
"No. He doesn't like cream that much. Keep the sweetness at a moderate level," I replied as we baked in the kitchen. Ah-young beamed and lowered her face to scrape off the excess cream as I decorated the cupcakes for the twins.
"I hope he likes it," She chuckled.

A moment later.

Third Person POV

Knock. Knock.

Ah-young slid the wooden door open and entered the bed chamber to find Taehyung lying on the mattress with his eyes glued to his phone. The young lady smiled as she placed the plate on the small wooden table and lifted it to settle the table beside the thin silk mattress. Taehyung blinked out of his thoughts, placed away his phone, and sat up to find the woman staring at him with her eager pupils.
"You should have some dessert," Ah-young smiled. Taehyung ruffled his hair and picked up the spoon.
"Thank you," Taehyung muttered, calmly digging into the cake and stuffed it inside his mouth. He blankly chewed as Ah-young keenly waited for his approval with her hands clasped over her lap.
"Do you like it?" She asked, unsurely smiling at him. Taehyung nodded without much reaction. He ate the cake before placing the spoon down and dabbed his mouth with the napkin.
"You should eat as well," Taehyung muttered, lifting his eyes to her bright smile.
"I will," Ah-young nodded, collected the plate, and left the room. Taehyung sighed and slumped back onto the mattress before turning to sleep on his side.

Meanwhile.

Ah-young placed the empty dish in the sink as Jang Sora prepared the evening meal on the tray.
"He doesn't seem to like it," Ah-young sighed. Sora glanced at the empty plate.
"He likes it," Sora replied. Ah-young paused and looked up at the supreme alpha with a questioning frown.
"He only nodded," Ah-young turned to face the supreme alpha as she arranged the rice bowl on the tray.
"If the plate is empty- He likes it. Kim Taehyung isn't expressive of his feelings," Sora chuckled, lifting the tray and strolled out of the hanok house, leaving Ah-young alone in the kitchen. The woman beamed in contentment and happily turned to wash the dish in the sink after she succeeded... in pleasing her nonchalant fiancé.

Sora's POV

I carefully set the tray on the coffee table before looking up to find Yangcha sleeping face-first on the bed without his shirt on. I smiled, crawled onto the bed to sit over his bare back, and lowered my face to kiss the bullet scar on his shoulder wing while tracing my fingers over the fire scars on his lower hips.
"Wake up," I whispered, gently kissing his ear. Yangcha sleepily grumbled, so I lowered my face to kiss his cheek before getting off him to sit on the mattress. He lifted his head to stare at me with one eye open, making me chuckle at his cuteness.
"You're back?" He muttered, pushing himself upward, so I nodded while holding his hand. He griggily rubbed his eyes.
"How can you fall asleep while your son is awake?" I chuckled, nodding at Beom... who was sitting by the bedhead. The baby grinned at me.
"Oops. Appa accidentally fell asleep," Yangcha chuckled. I shook my head and reached for Beom, who clung to my sleeve as I lifted him to my chest. The child chuckled as Yangcha got off the mattress, limped toward the couch, and sat down to consume his meal. I smiled and remained on the bed to breastfeed my son.
"Did you have fun with your grandfather?" I asked. Yangcha was out with his grandfather today. He appears exhausted from the day out.
"He took me to a golf field... and then we visited a hospital," Yangcha shrugged.
"A hospital?" I laughed.
"Yeah. Harabeoji wanted to get Beom checked and even forced me to get a check-up," Yangcha smiled.
"Well. Your grandpa is a doctor, after all. He loves to keep his family healthy," I laughed. Yangcha chuckled and shook his head. Knock. Knock.
"Oh! Halmeoni~!" I greeted the woman as she pushed the door open to invade our space.
"Can I borrow Beom? I'll bring him back before bedtime~!" She keenly asked. I laughed, pulled my sleeves over my shoulder, and crawled off the mattress to hand her my son. The woman giggled before turning to stroll away with our baby. His grandparents are fond of baby Beom and would insist on caring for the young child day and night.
"Your grandma claims Beom reminds her of you," I smiled as Yangcha picked up the tray and walked out of the room to place it on the cart so the maids could collect it. He then entered the bathroom to brush his teeth as I crawled back onto the bed with a sanitary kit.
"You produced an exact clone of me," Yangcha smiled as he out of the bathroom and slumped on the bed in exhaustion. I patted my lap. He lifted his head to rest on my thighs, so I gently wiped his earlobe with cotton pads. Brush. Brush. I smiled and quietly cleaned his ears as he napped on my lap until I sealed the used cotton in a bag and gently stroked his cheek.
"Do you wish to return to the council?" I asked. Yangcha opened his eyes and looked up at me with a slight smile.
"My wife is the girl boss. I trust you," He chuckled, gently fondling my breast. I smiled while admiring his face.
"Don't you get bored? Spending your time here every day?" I asked, bitterly frowning at him.
"I'm never the type to enjoy being a part of a crowd. I prefer to be by myself... and Beom keeps me company most of the time. The twins always visit me to play... so it's not as boring as you think," He chuckled. I laughed, lifted his head off my lap to place him on the pillow, and carefully lay down by his side. Yangcha extended his arm to me.
"Is your neck sore?" I asked while massaging his nape.
"Yeah. I keep straining it, but it's fine," Yangcha chuckled. I smiled and shifted my head over his bicep to lean closer until our nose tips were barely grazing.
"Take care of your health, okay? I'll take care of you from now on, so make sure to recover well," I smiled. Yangcha weakly gazed at me and gently pecked my lips before pulling away to examine my face.
"This still feels like a dream to me," He whispered. I laughed, hugged his neck, and buried my face against his chest.
"Your hard pecs are a dream to me too~!" I teased, gently smooching his nipple. Yangcha chuckled and pushed my head away, so I grinned and pinched his cheeks.
"I assumed you were joking when you said you only liked me because of my body, but I'm convinced it's the truth now!" He cutely complained.
"It was my crazy hormones and your hot body at first. But I fell afterward~! You~ Your soul~ Everything~ about you~! I love it all~!" I wiggled my eyebrow. He chuckled and pecked my lips again as we cuddled on the mattress.
"All yours~ I'm all yours," He agreed.
"Want to make another baby?" I blinked. He smiled.
"Are you serious? You keep asking. Are you horny... or do really want to make another baby?" He chuckled with a baffled look.
"Another baby. I want to have your child. Again," I muttered. Yangcha pursed his lips with a weak smile.
"Okay, but let's... wait for Beom to grow up first. You should have a good break before conceiving another child," He chuckled. I pouted at his polite refusal to make another baby with me. I eventually agreed with his justification to prioritize my health, so he pulled me into a warm hug instead of impregnating me.
________________________
"Ah~!" I patted Yangcha's shoulder as he sat in the hanok house with Beom in his arms. He opened his mouth, so I carefully pushed the freshly peeled sweet potato into his mouth. Yangcha smiled as imo sat across from us with the basket of potatoes.
"Imo ah~!" I chuckled, feeding the woman, who laughed and accepted my offer as well.
"Ah~ Baby Beom~ Ah~!" Yangcha smiled as Beom wiggled and sat up on his father's lap. Yangcha blew on the sweet chunk and fed Beom, who beamed in glee and munched on the potato. His upper front teeth have grown a little since he's now... roughly six months old.
"He looks awfully like you," Imo chuckled at Yangcha with a weak smile as she ate the steaming potato.
"It's not awful~! He'll grow up handsome!" I whined while sitting behind Yangcha to massage his strained neck. Yangcha chuckled and wiped Beom's lip with a napkin until imo darted her gaze past us with a startled expression, so I quickly turned around to find someone walking up the stairs. My eyes widened in surprise as... Jeon Jungkook... stood at the opened doorway.
He dimly glanced at the child in Yangcha's arms before glancing at me with a slight frown until Yangcha turned around to stare at the half-blood with his mouth hanging open. I unsurely lowered my hands from Yangcha's neck as Jungkook... stood grimly by the doorway.

Why did he appear out of nowhere?

A moment later.

I blankly stood by the lake with my arms crossed over my chest as Jungkook bitterly glanced through the backdoor to watch Yangcha and Imo care for Beom.
"Where are the twins?" Jungkook muttered.
"School," I replied, sorely staring at the orange afternoon sky.
"Do they know me? Are they aware?" He asked. I glanced at Jungkook with a questioning look.
"Of course not. Why would they want to know you? You're no one to them," I answered. Jungkook clenched his jaw.
"I'm here to speak regarding their association with my household-"
"You can neglect them all you want. That's fine. But once... they're old enough... you have to transfer your assets to your firstborns," I replied. Jungkook frowned at my demand.
"But my daughter with Hwa-young-"
"I don't care, alright? You never cared either... or even bothered to check on them after you knew they were yours. So don't expect me to show you empathy. Hwa-young is powerless, so her child should remain an ordinary child. The twins are the firstborns. And they have every right to claim your assets once they're off age," I shrugged.
"Sora. The twins were a mistake. You know neither of us is at fault! They can't inherit my assets-"
"No, they weren't a mistake. We were both aware that night. I saw you as someone else... but you? Jeon Jungkook, you knew you were fucking me. Imo did not give you the hallucination tea, so you were fully aware of everything you did to me that night! You willingly came to me!- I only let you off because I was confused with the situation!- How dare you show up here to try and remove the twins from your life after taking advantage of me that night?!" I frowned at him in disbelief. Jeon Jungkook clenched his jaw and glanced away in discontent. The audacity! He got me pregnant, blamed it on the liquor, and then excused himself from being liable for his acts! Fucking asshole!

Third Person's POV

"I offered you a choice, Sora. I asked you to marry me, but you didn't-"
"Oh? So... you think you have all the excuses to neglect the twins? You can do that. I won't nag you for it. Raise your daughter with Chul Hwa-young... but remember... I will do everything... in my power to seek justice for the twins. You may refuse to bear responsibility- but I will never allow you to dismiss the twin's welfare. They will become the Jeon's future heirs once they're of age... and Kim Taehyung will protect them until they're ready. Now, carry your pathetic ass out of here before they return home," Jang Sora seethed as she sternly pointed at the opened door. Jeon Jungkook dimmed his eyes on her.
The alpha scoffed at her rude attitude... and stormed away to stride up the stairs without glancing at imo or Yangcha... and strolled out of the front door to leave the Hanok house. He gripped his fingers and marched across the grass field to approach the front gate... just as it opened... Kim Taehyung came strolling inside with the twins.
The half-blood immediately halted once the boys skipped through the gate while clinging to Kim Taehyung's hands. The second rank abruptly halted in shock once he looked up to find his cousin frowning at the clueless twins, who also paused to stare at their biological father with cotton candy sticks... clutched in their hands.
Jeon Jungkook's mind suddenly turned blank as he stared at their identical features. His face... clearly carved on theirs. The twins gasped, quickly bowing at the unknown guest, and grinned to show off their growing bunny teeth. The half-blood blinked with an uneasy feeling at how awfully they resembled him before lifting his startled gaze to Kim Taehyung... who was dully staring at the father in resentment.

It was his first encounter... with the children... and for some reason... he couldn't budge an inch but stared at them without blinking... too shaken by their presence to react nor utter a word.

"Share the cotton candy with eomma. Okay~? Appa will be with you in a moment," Taehyung ruffled the twin's heads.
"Neh!" They shrieked, quickly scurrying away with their school bags and lunch boxes. Jeon Jungkook glanced down at their bowl-cut hair and turned to watch them race over the field with his mouth ajar before glancing back at Kim Taehyung, who was blankly staring at him.
The two alphas stood staring at each other as the sunset sunk behind the mountains. The birds... soaring over the golden sky to seek a resting place as dusk looms over the area.
"So this is why you sided with Jang Sora?" Jeon Jungkook finally spoke up.
"It is Park Chulseok's wish to keep his power whole. Ga Aera did not die in vain to fail the late supreme alpha. She died to honor his wish... and I shall uphold the ultimate power, so no matter... what you do... the twins will become the future rulers of the society. And if you resist... I have no choice but to wield the sword against my own blood to protect the future heirs," Kim Taehyung dimmed his eyes.
"And what about your children?" Jungkook scoffed.
"Obviously. If I have a daughter... she will be wedded to one of the twins. If I have a son- he will be Jang Sora's ally. The Jang, The Kim, and The Jeon will become whole again as Ga Aera had determined. It is a fate we can't evade. And no matter how desperately you stray away... I will chase you down... and with Jae Yangcha's additional power... the twins and my children will be untouchable in the council. After all, Jae Yangcha isn't my enemy. He's the catalyst of the power game. The entity... whose purpose is to solidify Park Chulseok's power, so a traitor like you can't... sabotage his everlasting legacy. We'll be untouchable once the twins succeed the Jeon's assets," Taehyung smirked. Jeon Jungkook clenched his jaw restlessly before glaring at the Hanok house. He glanced back at his cousin, stormed forward, and left through the gate to depart from the property without another word.
__________________________

Fast Forward

Sora's POV
I stood outside the school's gate with Do-hwan to wait for the twins while glancing around the ordinary street as people walked back and forth over the pavement.
"Do-hwan. Take the twins to the bakery across the street after they exit the school gate," I nodded at the bakery by the corner of the street.
"Where are you going?" He asked.
"There's something I need to handle. Don't worry about me," I smiled and strolled off in my long beige coat paired with medium black heels. I entered a mart to grab a few beer cans and snacks before steering into a street until I noticed an empty alley. Sighing, I strolled forward and approached the massive dumpster until I found a person crouching behind it with a cigarette stick between her lips. She looked up at me with a startled expression as I stood over her.

I can smell her cheap cigarette from a mile away.

A moment later.

Yuri narrowed her eyes on me suspiciously as I sat down at a public picnic table at the park in the area. I popped the beer and placed it in front of her before opening mine and swallowed a mouthful of the cheap liquor as she pressed her cigarette ember against the wooden platform to put it out.
"I noticed you have been following me and stalking my children for the past weeks," I exhaled. Yuri glanced at the untouched beer before her and back at me with a stern expression.
[ Chung Yuri Official Picture Reference ]

"It's an order," She shrugged, sorely glancing away.
"Stay out of my business. Murdering my mother should be enough," I coldly stared at her. Yuri snapped her sharp glare at me with her eyebrows furrowed.
"She killed my mother!" Yuri sneered. I didn't react and stared at her until she softened her expression and cleared her throat.
"And so you killed my mother. A soul for a soul. We're equal now. My mother killed your mother, so you killed mine. Are you not satisfied?" I asked, lifting my eyebrow.
"I work for my father. You can't waver me," Yuri sternly stated.
"I won't waver you. I don't have to. You can work with your father, if that's what you wish to do... but do not touch my family. That includes my children, my husband, and my households," I blankly stared at her. Yuri glowered at me and glanced at a passerby with her arms crossed.
"Your family is the reason my family-"
"Seriously...? Are you going to blame my family for an incident we're unaware of? Is the household as evil as the cult's claim, or are you brainwashed by your father? Hmm? Neither you nor I were old enough to make sense of the disaster... yet you're... blindly believing his words...?" I asked, unsurely staring at her.
"I was a witness at the flaming mansion that night! The elders were outside except for Park Jihyun and my aunt!" Yuri argued.
"And I was there too. But do you know what's odd? Your father was there too, was he not?" I asked. Yuri frowned with a restless feeling.
"He was there to save my aunt! But she didn't make it out!" Yuri tensed her body. I dimmed my eyes.

"I was in the corridor that night, barely escaping the fire. Your father was in the same hallway. Right at the supreme alpha's bed chamber. And do you know what's strange? Park Jihyun's door was clamped shut. If he wanted to save your aunt that night...? Then why did he not disable the clamp to free his sister? Did the households plot a scheme to slaughter your uncle... or is there something suspicious about... your father that you're not aware of?" I asked. Yuri stiffened in her seat.
"Don't try to gaslight me-"
"I am only telling you the truth. Yuri. I know you never wanted to be involved with your father because you used to tell me you were severely abused by him back when we lived together in the States. If revenge for your mother is the reason you are shedding blood for your father... then you have fulfilled your desire. My mother is dead. And you shouldn't further involve yourself in the society's affair, or you'll perish in the crossfire between the cult and the council," I calmly warned her.
"Park Bogum promised me security if I remain faithful by his side. I'm sick and tired of being involved with the mafias in the States. So... I'd rather accept this offer and live a pleasant life. I don't have to stay at motels, go homeless, or worry about my daily meals. I stay in your central room at the mansion... and servants are available to serve me food. And you're telling me to give up on that life?" Yuri scoffed.
"The cult will not last. I'm only warning you so you won't become a corpse once I overtake the society by storm," I dimmed my gaze. Yuri huffed, funnily mocking me with her sniggers before lifting her gaze to me with a skeptical smile.
"How are you going to do that...?" She asked. I smiled and glanced at the calm lake with a relieved feeling.
"You wouldn't know... because once I strike... the cult will collapse... and I have every reason to do so. Because do you want to know a secret...? I will tell you a secret," I chuckled, keenly leaning over the picnic table. Yuri frowned at me with her eyebrows furrowed as I smugly sipped from the beer can.

Third Person POV

Chung Yuri remained paralyzed in her seat with a pale expression, unable to utter a word as the former supreme alpha rose from her seat and strolled away, leaving the bag of untouched beer and snacks for the woman. Sora slid her hands into her pocket and walked away with a weak smile until she entered the familiar street... and stepped inside the bakery to find Do-hwan chatting with the twins... as they sat in their school uniform.
Jang Sora smiled and approached her children.
__________________________

A FUTURE EVENT.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Jang Sora sluggishly dragged her heavy legs over the vast field... through the pouring rain in her black raincoat and loose hair... dangling messily over her face as she weakly strode over the freshly trimmed lawn beneath her feet with her burning gaze fixed on the tombstone... Thump! She heavily slumped onto the ground as the wall of tears swelled over her stinging eyeballs. She listlessly stared at the name... carved deep on the stone and glanced at the soil beneath her with her lips ajar as her heart... wrenched in extreme despair.
The former supreme alpha screwed her eyes shut to unleash the bleeding emotions from her shattered heart as she shakily lifted her trembling fingers to touch the cold stone while clutching her aching chest with another hand. She whimpered and lowered her head to the grass, weeping desperately for the soul she had failed to save from death's grip.
"I'm sorry!- No-! This can't be-!" Sora cried as she clutched the tombstone... desperately rubbing her thumbs over the cold and damp surface in extreme pain... until she felt like fainting from the distressing emotions that were brutally devouring her rotten soul.
"You can't do this to me!" She screamed, frantically digging her fingers into the soil to claw soaked dirt... in an attempt to reach the person... who had unfortunately... parted from her grasp... to remain deep beneath the surface.
"Sora! Don't be like this!" Imo cried, rushing forward to grab the woman as she screamed and wailed in despair, frantically yanking the grass with her grips. She angrily shoved the old lady aside and crawled forward to hug the cold stone with a broken heart until her body trembled violently from the excruciating pain... she was experiencing.
"ARGH!- YOU- YOU PROMISED- ARGH! YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME! WAE!?-" Jang Sora screamed and smacked the tombstone in frustration. She whimpered and lowered her head to the dark soil as she felt her heartstrings tugging on every one of her nerves to torment her with chronic heartache... until she was too weak to support her shaking body.
"Come... back to me... please-... you can't- you can't leave like this! This is too cruel!" Jang Sora whimpered while pressing her face against the damp soil. Her saliva and snot... stretching from her face to saturate the dirt beneath her. The former supreme alpha weakly gripped the damp grass she had plucked and pounded her fist in anger to unleash her grief as she helplessly... mourned the death of the person she lost.
She suddenly gagged in pain and gripped her stomach until a surge of vomit expelled up her throat. Blurp! The woman violently barfed out her rotten emotions from her stomach after her body failed to digest the distressing pain she was enduring. Jang Sora wailed in desperation as she remained on her knees and hands with her head... hovering... over the foul puddle of vomit.
"Ugh!" She whimpered, weakly collapsing over her own discharge, and rolled over to stare at the gray sky with her burning pupils, unable to budge her sore muscles as her heart mourned the unexpected departure of a soul she loved... from the living realm. She pouted and sobbed in tears as the cold droplets drummed relentlessly onto her body... numbing her skin with its chills... but no matter... how desperately she begged to be paralyzed... by the frost... she couldn't stop her heart... from bleeding for the person's absence.
Imo cried in despair as she sat beside Jang Sora to watch the fallen... goddess... remain on the muddy soil with her lifeless gaze on the cruel... flickers above her eyes as unconscious tears spilled from her lashes to drain her soul empty of its remaining happiness.
Flick. The sky lit up brightly... flashing before her broken pupils... yet she didn't blink and soullessly stared at the weeping clouds as the violent lightning spiked across the sky... fracturing the vast opening into shards as it unleashed the deafening rumbles... causing the clamorous vibration to... hammer her aching heart... with extreme sorrows.
Jang Sora helplessly... tilted her head over the soil to stare at the name... written on the tombstone until her lips trembled out of control... and heavy tears trickled out from her bloodshot eyes. She whimpered weakly and clenched her fists in distress while lying in her own pool of vomit... unable to do anything... but to... accept her tragic fate.

Who did she lose to her predetermined destiny...?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

THE FUTURE EVENT.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Jang Sora sluggishly dragged her heavy legs over the vast field... through the pouring rain in her black raincoat and loose hair... dangling messily over her face as she weakly strode over the freshly trimmed lawn beneath her feet with her burning gaze fixed on the tombstone...

Thump!

She heavily slumped onto the ground as the wall of tears swelled over her stinging eyeballs. She listlessly stared at the name... carved deep on the stone and glanced at the soil beneath her with her lips ajar as her heart... wrenched in extreme despair.

The former supreme alpha screwed her eyes shut to unleash the bleeding emotions from her shattered heart as she shakily lifted her trembling fingers to touch the cold stone while clutching her aching chest with another hand. She whimpered and lowered her head to the grass, weeping desperately for the soul she had failed to save from death's grip.

"I'm sorry!- No-! This can't be-!" Sora cried as she clutched the tombstone... desperately rubbing her thumbs over the cold and damp surface in extreme pain... until she felt like fainting from the distressing emotions that were brutally devouring her rotten soul.

"You can't do this to me!" She screamed, frantically digging her fingers into the soil to claw soaked dirt... in an attempt to reach the person... who had unfortunately... parted from her grasp... to remain deep beneath the surface.

"Sora! Don't be like this!" Imo cried, rushing forward to grab the woman as she screamed and wailed in despair, frantically yanking the grass with her grips. She angrily shoved the old lady aside and crawled forward to hug the cold stone with a broken heart until her body trembled violently from the excruciating pain... she was experiencing.

"ARGH!- YOU- YOU PROMISED- ARGH! YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME! WAE!?-" Jang Sora screamed and smacked the tombstone in frustration. She whimpered and lowered her head to the dark soil as she felt her heartstrings tugging on every one of her nerves to torment her with chronic heartache... until she was too weak to support her shaking body.

"Come... back to me... please-... you can't- you can't leave like this! This is too cruel!" Jang Sora whimpered while pressing her face against the damp soil. Her saliva and snot... stretching from her face to saturate the dirt beneath her. The former supreme alpha weakly gripped the damp grass she had plucked and pounded her fist in anger to unleash her grief as she helplessly... mourned the death of the person she lost.

She suddenly gagged in pain and gripped her stomach until a surge of vomit expelled up her throat.

Blurp!

The woman violently barfed out her rotten emotions from her stomach after her body failed to digest the distressing pain she was enduring. Jang Sora wailed in desperation as she remained on her knees and hands with her head... hovering... over the foul puddle of vomit.

"Ugh!" She whimpered, weakly collapsing over her own discharge, and rolled over to stare at the gray sky with her burning pupils, unable to budge her sore muscles as her heart mourned the unexpected departure of a soul she loved... from the living realm. She pouted and sobbed in tears as the cold droplets drummed relentlessly onto her body... numbing her skin with its chills... but no matter... how desperately she begged to be paralyzed... by the frost... she couldn't stop her heart... from bleeding for the person's absence.

Imo cried in despair as she sat beside Jang Sora to watch the fallen... goddess... remain on the muddy soil with her lifeless gaze on the cruel... flickers above her eyes as unconscious tears spilled from her lashes to drain her soul empty of its remaining happiness.

Flick.

The sky lit up brightly... flashing before her broken pupils... yet she didn't blink and soullessly stared at the weeping clouds as the violent lightning spiked across the sky... fracturing the vast opening into shards as it unleashed the deafening rumbles... causing the clamorous vibration to... hammer her aching heart... with extreme sorrows.

Jang Sora helplessly... tilted her head over the soil to stare at the name... written on the tombstone until her lips trembled out of control... and heavy tears trickled out from her bloodshot eyes. She whimpered weakly and clenched her fists in distress while lying in her own pool of vomit... unable to do anything... but to... accept her tragic fate.

Who did she lose to her predetermined destiny...?
"SORA?!-" A voice called loudly, jerking her awake from the frightening dream. The alpha sat up with sweat beads... glazing over her forehead and eyes... wide open as her chest pulsated violently from the vivid nightmare she foresaw.Jang Sora blinked and glanced at Yangcha, who was gripping her shaken shoulders in bewilderment after his wife started screaming and thrashing beside him on the mattress during their peaceful night's sleep. Sora sniffled, utterly devastated by the dream she had. Her tear streaks... glistering over her rosy red cheeks as she struggled to stabilize her hitching breath. She gripped her aching heart with a terrified frown.
The uncomfortable... despair... still plaguing her soul... even after... she had returned to reality.
"Night- Nightmare- I had a nightmare!" She wept, shakily turning to stare at her husband. He worriedly rubbed her cheeks before drawing her into a comforting hug. Yangcha patted her head, so she sniffled against his shoulder and clutched onto his waist, sobbing in fear as she trembled like a lost puppy."What did you dream of...?" Yangcha whispered while running his fingers through her loose hair to ease her racing mind. She fastened her arms around his body and lowered her head to press her face against his shoulder... too... petrified to speak."Graveyard... tombstone... death..." She whimpered as she broke down in his arms."Who was it...?" Yangcha asked. Sora shook her head and pulled away to examine his worried frown... trying to recall her dream... but it had already faded from her memories. All there's left is the aching emotions."I don't remember..." She whispered. And despite claiming not to remember what she witnessed during her sleep... Sora couldn't stop bawling and lowered her face to cry in distress. Yangcha rubbed away her tears and pulled his wife back into a comforting hug. She often talks in her sleep... but this is the first time... she had screamed and cried over a dream- a nightmare.
A dire foreshadow... of a tragedy...

An unforeseen betrayal.

A deadly heartbreak.

A grievous loss.

.

.

.

A moment later.
Sora's POVI quietly leaned against the bedhead while sniffling my runny nose with a tissue lodged inside my left nostril to stop the snot from trickling messily over my lips. Flip. I turned the pages of the album in silence to observe the fetus photographs of my husband in the old photo book. Creak. Yangcha limped inside our bedroom with a mug of hot chocolate in his right hand as he held Beom against his left shoulder."Is he asleep?" I asked, apologetically watching Yangcha walk toward me with our child. I woke up screaming and crying earlier... startling Beom in his crate... until he burst out crying from the disturbance."Yeah. Beom fell asleep while I brewed the hot chocolate," Yangcha handed me the mug. I took it from his grip as he held onto Beom with both arms and turned to place the child back inside the crate. I clasped my palms against the subtle warmth of the ceramic mug with a guilty frown.Yangcha tucked our son back to sleep and eventually crawled onto the mattress in his night pajamas. He lifted the blanket and slipped in beside me, carefully removing the soaked tissue from my nose and tossed it in the small bin. He grabbed a few sanitary sheets to wipe my snotty nostrils before extending his arms over my shoulder to hold me against him. I smiled as he rubbed my upper arm to soothe my troubled soul. He's such a sweetheart. I sipped the well-flavored dark chocolate and leaned against his chest for support while skimming through the picture album on my lap."You were a really chubby kid," I smiled, pointing at a picture of Yangcha sitting on the trimmed grass in his yellow underpants beside a calm lake with plump cheeks and belly. He was far chubbier than me."I was. Lost weight after puberty struck me," Yangcha nodded at his middle school picture. He was a chubby kit, plump like a pumpkin, which made him very adorable."Your family is really wealthy. You never told me you're an old money bloodline," I smiled, glancing up at him in surprise. Yangcha lived his early days in the cold northern part of Europe... in an ancient castle built by one of the greatest ruling European monarchs.
Yes, he literally lives in a castle! My husband is a prince charming~!
"My paternal grandparents are acquaintances with the royal bloodline. The Jae is known to be the best liquor manufacturer. My great-grandparents exclusively produced red grape wine for the royal family. And maternal grandparents? They were suppliers of rare gemstones. My mother's family crafts the finest jewels in the area- only sold to entitled individuals. Eomma almost became the prince's mistress... but she didn't want to live that way, so she married appa and had me. The prince wouldn't stop pursuing her... so appa decided to move to Korea after I graduated high school," Yangcha muttered, gently rubbing my shoulder. I stared at their family picture with the royals.

The chubby boy... clinging to his father's hand with a bright beam and chocolate smudges... on his formal attire. He looks exactly the same. Sparkly dark brown eyes and glossy black hair. Was it the spark.... in his gaze... that attracted me to him? I love everything that sparkles.
"How'd your parents got involved with the society? Your family has no relation to anyone in the council," I curiously asked while sipping the hot chocolate. Yangcha left our bedroom earlier with Beom to comfort our son. He must've visited the Hanok house to brew the chocolate... before returning to me."We were approached by the council after my parents brought excessive capital to invest in Korea. The middleman advised us to join the so-called high society of the wealthiest families and form friendly alliances with the incentive to smoothly operate our business. So my parents agreed. They met with the council and discussed our integration... but appa didn't want to disclose our entire wealth since he thought it would threaten the higher ranks and put me at risk... so we chose to be the lowest rank. The fifth rank and I was sent to this... bizarre elite university... filled with rich alphas. I did a little research before I attended the academy. And thought... Jeon Jungkook is a pretty cool dude... because he's so popular and even had a pretty girlfriend. He owned the rarest car collections- I was naive... wanted to be like him because I was never noticed by anyone," Yangcha sorely muttered. I chuckled while skimming the collection of photos. His grandparents brought all of their family photo albums to share with me. I guess... Yangcha inherited his obsession with photo albums from his grandparents.

"I noticed you during the ceremony day. I thought you were kind of cute and timid~!" I teased. I remember seeing him eyeing Jeon Jungkook from the corner of the room."I was mesmerized by your beauty that very same night. You looked... so gorgeous in the racy satin gown, and I thought- damn. I am such a loser! Because how can I exist in the shadow like this when the literal goddess is standing on the stage as the most powerful alpha? You had a boyfriend... and he also happened to be a second rank with insane visual- I knew I'd never capture your attention with my average appearance," Yangcha mumbled, slightly pouting at me as I stared at the pictures of a chubby boy standing proudly with his martial arts trophies."Loser? I'm married to that loser now. So I'm a loser too, huh?" I chuckled, lifting my face to smile at him. Yangcha beamed and booped his nose with mine, so I gently kissed his lips as he tugged me closer to him."Losers? We're lovers," He whispered. I chuckled and glanced down at the photographs of all his achievements."You might think you're a loser... but I believe... no alphas can beat you in the game. You're an academic achiever. And you were also well trained to defend yourself since you were young. You are the best amongst the best, but you were humble and kept quiet about your capabilities. That's why everyone underestimated an ace like you. The quiet ones are always the deadliest," I chuckled. Yangcha grabbed the empty mug from my hand and placed it away as I closed the album. He lifted the heavy stack and placed it on the nightstand before lowering his gaze to my face while holding onto my waist as we sat in the dim room."I desire nothing but happiness for us. You. Me and our family," He whispered. I weakly smiled until he softly kissed me while grazing my cheek with his thumb, making me exhale in relief. As long as I have him by my side... there's nothing... I should be worried about.
He'll take care of me and our children.

Fast Forward
The hanok house hummed with cheerful laughter as appa chatted with Do-hwan and imo over dinner at the platform wooden table in the living room. The twins were sitting on the mat to entertain baby Beom, who has recently learned to sit up and crawl, so he's finally joining his older brothers' mischievous cult.Woojin repeatedly pecked Beom's plump cheek while showing him the drawings on the sketchbook as Kanghoon lay on his stomach with robotics toys in his hands. Yangcha also joined the table to dine with my father after appa asked him to stop having dinner alone... and I was eating from a separate tray in the corner of the room. Why...? Because I caught the flu. I don't want to risk infecting the children or anyone within the household.

"Why are you eating alone?" Taehyung suddenly halted once he exited his bedroom to find me sitting alone."Her nose is snotty!" Kanghoon shrieked. Taehyung frowned at the cool patch on my forehead and glanced at the warm stew before me before striding away to sit beside imo, across from Yangcha with a stern expression."Why didn't you invite Ah-young? It's been a while since she last visited us," Imo asked curiously."She's busy preparing for her competition abroad. I shouldn't distract her," Taehyung shrugged.

Yangcha briefly looked up at the alpha from across the table before glancing at appa, who kept patting his son-in-law's back while chatting with Do-hwan. His grandparents had left the property for a romantic date in the city together. Halmeoni bought imo a designer bag the other day and even brought a set of tailored suits for Do-hwan. They're very generous."Can I have a word with appa and oppa... later?" I asked from my table."Sure," Taehyung nodded and lowered his face to eat. Yangcha glanced at me with a weak smile. He suddenly got up and strolled toward me as Beom giggled at the twins. The older brothers made funny faces to tease their younger brother until he wiggled in delight."Don't come too close," I warned as Yangcha settled in front of me. I've been staying in a separate room to avoid infecting him because he could spread my sickness to baby Beom and the twins if I'm not cautious."I brought the medication. My grandfather asked me to bring it to you- It'll help with the fever," Yangcha smiled, placing the prescribed pills on the table. I smiled as he sat crossed legs before me and lowered my head to slurp the soup again. I'll thank harabeoji once he returns home.
A moment later.
"Don't come near eomma~!" I warned the twins while sitting on the couch in the living room on the first floor of the mansion with a glass view of the plain grass field as Yangcha sat on the carpet to play with little Beom, who kept glancing at me and tried to crawl forward only to be captured by his father. The twins pouted and backed off to play with Beom on the carpet as appa strolled down the opposite corridor in his pajamas to join us in the brightly lit space."I'll put the kids to bed," Yangcha informed, picking up Beom from the floor. The twins rushed across to the living room to give appa a good night kiss before racing after Yangcha, who entered the twin's room to put older heirs to bed while carrying Beom in his strong arm."What is it that you wish to speak about?" Taehyung dawdled as he climbed the stairs and sat beside appa in his silk robe after strolling from the main hanok to visit me."There's something suspicious about the cult leader," I muttered while frowning at my father and Taehyung. They glanced at each other and darted me a questioning look as I dabbed my nostril with the tissue."They're nothing but bloodsuckers-""No- Their past. I confirmed the information with Chung Yuri. Manseok... was at the mansion when it burned. I saw him too... that night... in the flaming corridor by the supreme alpha's bed chamber," I shook my head."You met with that killer? Sweetie, she's dangerous-""She didn't harm me. We used to live together," I shook my head when appa suddenly perched on the couch with a concerned frown."What about him in the flaming mansion?" Taehyung dully raised his eyebrow."He was there to save his sister. The First Lady. Yuri told me her father made an unscheduled trip to the flaming mansion to save her aunt," I shrugged. Appa frowned."If he was there... to save the first lady. Then why did she perish in the flames?" Taehyung skeptically muttered with his eyes trained on me."Exactly. Chung Manseok left the mansion without her! He was there when we were in the supreme alpha's corridor. He had enough time to rescue the first lady- but... strangely... the man left without his sister. You saw it... the clamps on the door. We were too young and frightened to do anything... so we left without knowing," I stared at Taehyung with a slight frown. Yangcha eventually returned to the living room and sat on the other end of the couch to maintain his distance from me."So he was there..." Appa suspiciously rubbed his lower lips with his eyebrows furrowed."Appa. I need you to be honest with us. What happened that night? Did eomma and the households plan the fire? To kill Park Jihyun and the first lady?" I glanced at my father. He lowered his face to rub his aching head, sorely recalling his memories before lifting his face with his hands pressed against his lips."No. Your mother never attempted to kill Park Jihyun or the first lady. You, Taehyung, and Jungkook were attacked at the mansion during the first lady's birthday. Remember? Minhyuk returned home that night because he wasn't feeling well- just in time to save the heirs. That's why your mother insisted on moving to the Busan mansion... to separate the anonymous alphas from Park Jihyun because she suspected it was a scheme plotted by the first lady to terminate the young heirs. Park Jihyun did not fancy the idea of your mother being away from him so... he tried to convince us to return to him. We did return to the Seoul mansion that night for a household meeting... but it turns out... Jihyun... wanted us to reside with him again. The Kims... knew... so they took Taehyung and left the property early to avoid the trap. Park Jihyun agreed to free the Kims because they exposed Aera's plan to detach the households from Jihyun's influence. Am I correct...? Your parents planned on fleeing the country, but somehow... you got into an accident... and Taehyung came running back to the mansion?" Appa turned to question the alpha beside him. Taehyung nodded."I returned to bid farewell after realizing my parents wanted to flee the country," Taehyung nodded again. Yangcha crossed his arms over his chest with a slight frown."So Park Jihyun wished to trap the Jang and The Jeon within the mansion because he was afraid eomma would leave his side and detach herself from his household?" I asked appa. My father nodded with a bitter expression. Why did Park Jihyun betray my mother if he was so in love with her?"He wanted to keep her close. The supreme alpha demanded that all the household move in with him. So... I followed Aera back to the mansion after we married. She wasn't as frightened of him anymore... since I was by her side. The first lady must've gotten upset with his possessiveness over your mother and attempted to eliminate all of us," Appa nodded again."The fire... you suspect it's the first lady's scheme?" Taehyung asked while frowning at my father."Well. Sora... claims she saw Manseok at the mansion in the same corridor while you were fleeing the burning corridor. He had enough time to free the trapped supreme alpha and the first lady... but he left without them," Appa shrugged."What if he's the man behind the fire?" I frowned at my father."He was there before the fire. The delivery truck. I saw it while rushing toward the mansion to search for Jungkook and Sora. The mansion only exploded into flames after I entered Ga Aera's bedroom to wake the young alphas," Taehyung nodded at me. What really happened that night...?"Sungho... he informed me... the Black Phoenix was established... during Jihyun's reign. He claims it's the First Lady's people, governed by her stepbrother, Chung Manseok. The first lady might've despised her life since she was imprisoned behind the walls... and operated a cult to destroy the society so Jihyun could give up on leading the society to be with her," I muttered. We must correlate the missing pieces to resist the Black Phoenix."Sungho?- Chul Sungho?" Taehyung asked in surprise."He... visited me at the twin's school to suggest the Jae establishment. Sungho assured me it was legal to integrate foreign wealth to ascend the rank. Jeon Jungkook might be supporting the cult... but Sungho... he's against it. He couldn't do much since the Jeons instructed him to obey the cult... but he claimed he couldn't sit still, so he advised me to play the wild card and climb the rank to restore balance in the power game," I muttered."If Chung Manseok and the first lady collaborated to destroy the society... Then why did Manseok leave her to perish in the flames?" Appa frowned. That's the question. Why did he leave his sister to burn in the raging flame when he could've saved her...?"Power. Chung Manseok knew Park Bogum was alive at an orphanage. Maybe, he left the supreme alpha to die in the flames so he could brainwash the heir and wait for the opportunity... to use Park Bogum as a scapegoat...? To achieve power in the council. If he loathed the society... then why is he seated on the first rank instead of demolishing the council? Maybe... greed consumed him until he strayed from his initial plan and chose to pursue power?" Taehyung suggests. I nodded while processing the information. That makes a lot of sense. If the man truly desired to eliminate the alphas... he wouldn't seek the council's power."The first lady was determined to drive the society to extinction because... she resented Park Bogum for separating her from her son. He abandoned her child, so the only way for her to reunite with her son was to establish a cult to ruin the society. And Chung Manseok assisted her with the scheme... but he had... a different motive. The man... wanted to achieve the alpha's power so... he left her to die with Park Jihyun...? So he could use Park Bogum as a weapon to acquire the seat of immunity," I nodded in agreement. Park Bogum is a puppet king.
The real mastermind is Chung Manseok... forcing the heir to play the game... with puppet strings tied to Park Bogum's limbs.
"It was never... Park Jihyun's wish to have his firstborn son succeed in his power. That's why he signed the contracts and handed them to Ga Aera because he knew you're his blood daughter. The cult leader was the entity responsible for the fire incident. He agreed to help the first lady end the anonymous alphas... but the plan backfired... and he betrayed her to chase power," Appa sighed. I sat quietly in my seat with my hands clasped over my lap."Or perhaps... there's another reason," Yangcha muttered. We quickly glanced at him with baffled frowns."What?" I blinked."Park Jihyun... everything is centered on him. His obsession with your mother. If he loved her so much. Then why did he wed another woman? He could've... just abandoned the average woman and married Ga Aera... but he didn't. Because the first lady was pregnant with his child," Yangcha dimmed his eyes. We thought about his words in utter silence when we suddenly heard laughter echoing from the staircase below. Oh! His grandparents are back~!"Aigo~! That was fun~!" Halmeoni giggled as she strolled up the staircase with Harabeoji. The two were clinging to each other with bright red cheeks as they swayed from side to side."Oh- Anneonghaseyo~ Did you have a great time-""Honey~! How long has it been since we... since we... had a sexy time~?" Halmeoni giggled at harabeoji, who was clutching her waist.I immediately paused to stare at the drunk couple. Smooch! Smooch! Appa and Taehyung's eyes widened in shock when Harabeoji grabbed Halmeoni's face to french kissed her by the staircase without being aware of our presence. My mouth dropped open in shock when halmeoni grabbed her husband's crotch, so he playfully slapped her bum to tease his wife."HAH~! YOU'RE HOME-" Yangcha intentionally shouted to interrupt their inappropriate intimacy and tried to stomp forward, but appa suddenly grabbed the alpha's wrist, hastily tugging my husband back."Shhh!" Appa snapped at Yangcha as his grandparents got a little too touchy before our bulging eyes."Wae?! This is embarrassing!" Yangcha snapped in confusion. The couple didn't notice us and stumbled down the corridor while clinging to each other with their lips locked together."Let them have their moment~!" Appa scolded Yangcha, who snapped his head at his grandparents with his eyes wide open. I pursed my lips as I watched Halmeoni cling to Harabeoji's shoulder with her lips glued to his face as he groped her buttcheeks. SMACK!-Kim Taehyung remained stiff in his seat when Halmeoni yanked out her bra from beneath her dress and flung it... right at the alpha. Whip! The flaming red bra landed right on Kim Taehyung's head... so he quickly yanked it off his face and gawked at the... racy material with a flushed face.[ Halmeoni X Harabeoji Official Picture Reference ]

Yangcha scoffed and crouched down in disbelief to rub his buzz-cut hair as the elderly couple drunkenly inched away from us. Their soft giggles... resonating all over the corridor and creak- Thud. The door to their room finally slammed shut, so I burst out laughing as I watched Taehyung remain petrified on the couch with his bulging eyeballs on Halmeoni's racy red bra."Bring it back to her," Appa chuckled, patting Taehyung's shoulder, and got up from the couch to leave the living room."Give it back to her!" Taehyung snapped at Yangcha."She gave it to you. You bring it back to her," Yangcha shrugged, quickly straightening his body and strode away with a sore expression. I giggled and stood up as Taehyung sat stiffly on the couch with the bra in his hands."Ah~! Yah!- This isn't funny!" Taehyung whined. I shook my head and strolled away to follow my husband, leaving Kim Taehyung to deal with the gift he received from halmeoni."Do we have a spare condom?" Yangcha asked as he anxiously rummaged through the drawers."We used it up last week. Why?" I smiled while changing in the closet."Should I bring it to them?" Yangcha asked, turning to me with a condom pack in his hand."What!?- Haha! Are you crazy?!" I shrieked, funnily giggling, but Yangcha didn't react and only frowned at me."What if they accidentally make another baby?! That's embarrassing! They're too old~!" Yangcha whined."What are you going to do~? Barge inside their room and force your grandpa to use protection? He'll chase you in his underwear~!" I laughed while shaking my head. Yangcha whined and cutely slumped on the bed with a worried look."Can you sleep with me?" He asked, suddenly looking up at me."What?-""No. Not sex. I meant... just share the bed with me. You don't have to sleep in a separate room," He patted the neatly made bed."I don't want to infect you," I pouted while standing by the closet's doorway."I don't get sick that easily. I won't touch you- I promise," He assured. I sorely glanced at Beom in the crate and finally nodded before rounding the bed to slip onto the mattress."You're not the problem. I'm afraid... I'll touch you," I chuckled while loosening my hair and scooted downward to rest on my side as Yangcha rolled in next to me with a wide smile."That's fine. Touch me if you can't resist my charm," He teased while maintaining the distance between us. I chuckled and stared at his eager face in temptation. I want to kiss him~!"Good night, my lovely husband~!" I whispered, blowing him a kiss instead. Yangcha suddenly clutched his heart and collapsed back onto the mattress with a lovestruck expression, causing me to chuckle at his cuteness."I'll suck the life out of you after you recover! Good night, my lovely wife~!" He grinned, winking at me, and turned away to sleep on the other side so he wouldn't lose himself to the urge to touch me. I smiled and turned to lie on my back with a satisfied smile.
A happy life with endless love like halmeoni and harabeoji... is all... I desire. Loving until old age.

They really are the winners in life, huh? I'm so jealous of them.
_________________________
Council Meeting
The atmosphere within the reserved private meeting room was plagued with absolute muteness as the top alphas remained at their seats with their hands clasped together. Kim Seokjin stared at Jang Sora as she sat in her seat with her fingers interlaced with Jae Yangcha, who had agreed to follow her to the meeting. Kim Taehyung sat beside Sora, who glanced at Yoongi with a weak smile as he sat beside Hoseok. Jimin uneasily glanced at Sungho... who had... made an unexpected appearance at the private meeting."How can you invite him without our knowledge?" Namjoon sorely eyed Sungho... who was seated beside Taehyung."Rest assured. I am a pro council player," Sungho smiled at the doubtful alphas."I find it rather difficult to believe when your name is clearly written on all the approval documents regarding the cult's ruthless demands," Jimin sorely eyed the Chul's heir."You're aware I am suppressed by Jeon Jungkook's authority, and I do not wish to upset my sister since she has just given birth to her daughter. I might not be much help in terms of power strength... but I can offer you my guidance," Sungho smiled at Seokjin and his squad of alliances."Do you retain insider information? Regarding the cult's affair?" Seokjin asked dully."No- but-""Then you're useless," Seokjin rudely interrupted. Sungho pursed his lips with a slight smile after being rejected by the council."Sungho has performed in-depth research on a matter we've overlooked. The information... could help the council overthrow the cult. We must understand the Black Phoenix and their hidden past to accurately target their weakness," Taehyung finally spoke up. The alphas stiffly intimidated Chul Sungho with their intense gaze, so I sighed and gently stroked Yangcha's knuckle under the desk. He smiled at me as we sat by side.
A moment later.
Seokjin frowned at me with his arms crossed over his chest as Namjoon tapped the marble table with a hardened expression. Hoseok was uneasily leaning back in his seat as Jimin stared fired Taehyung a skeptical grimace after we explained the past household affairs to the council."So you're saying... Chung Manseok... is responsible for the burning mansion? He killed the supreme alpha and the first lady so he could foster the orphan and use him as a scapegoat to attain power?" Namjoon repeated."My household never intended to harm Park Jihyun," I nodded firmly. Seokjin clenched his jaw and glanced at me before shifting his uptight attention to Jae Yangcha."Your nose... is bleeding..." Seokjin awkwardly muttered with his unblinking eyes on Jaguar. I snapped my head to the side to find blood dripping from Yangcha's nose. He gasped and quickly pulled out a handkerchief to block his nostrils."Oh no~! You're dehydrated again! Did you drink the juice I brought~?" I whined."I'll use the bathroom for a moment," Yangcha smiled, quickly getting up and left the room. His blood vessels are fragile... so he often bleeds from the nose whenever his body temperature is too warm. That's why I always bring him cool drinks to contain his body temperature."Anyways. We can't attack the cult with insufficient information. We'd have to properly investigate their dirt until we achieve concrete evidence to back our claims and curate an effective scheme with prudence to ensure a successful strike on their weak spot," Taehyung cleared his throat."The process will take months... if not... years. Can we resist the cult for that long?" Jimin sorely muttered."As long as Jang Sora agrees to aid the council... I'm sure we can oppose the cult until we're ready to overthrow them," Kim Seokjin fired me a bitter look."I will aid the council. If the council agrees to safeguard my children's lives at all costs," I shrugged."What?" Hoseok frowned."That's my only condition. The council must prioritize my children during the warfare. No one is allowed to harm them nor attempt to use them as a tool in the game," I shrugged. The council grew hushed again."I will protect the twins and your youngest child if you agree to seize Jeon Jungkook's power once they're of age," Seokjin dimly replied."The twins will succeed the Jeon's power. I'll take care of it," Taehyung muttered. I nodded, so Seokjin glanced at Namjoon to await his friend's approval."We're settled then. The council will discourage the cult from passing their proposals as we investigate the Black Phoenix," Hoseok concluded the meeting. I got from the seat and strolled out of the room to find Yangcha waiting outside with a soaked face. He smiled while sipping my herbal drink from the straw, so I dabbed his face, took his hand, and strolled down the corridor with a weak smile."You should ask your grandfather to examine your nose," I muttered in annoyance."It can't be cured. Harabeoji has witnessed me bleed since I was born," Yangcha chuckled. I smiled as he took a pill to soothe his discomfort and we left the building to return home to our children._________________________
Third Person POV
Chung Yuri restlessly tossed and turned on the spacious mattress with her forearm over her forehead and finally sat up to face the portrait on the wall with an agitated feeling as she stared at Jang Sora's pretty smile. The woman dimly scanned the previous supreme alpha's suffocating bed chamber and finally got up to stroll the vacant corridor in her loose t-shirt and shorts.Yuri strode out of the mansion through the front door and entered the wine cellar... leading into an underground basement. She snatched an expensive liquor and climbed the cellar to sit on the bench in the garden with the bottle. The woman chugged the wine with an expressionless face... as she thought about the words... Sora had told her... months ago.

The woman blinked out of her thoughts after catching herself... contemplating the uncertainties and finally strolled back inside the mansion with the half-empty wine bottle but didn't return to her room. She strode towards the kitchen to grab snacks from the cabinet and was about to leave when the second door to the kitchen opened... and a couple came stumbling inside the room. Yuri froze as she watched the woman kiss the man with her arms around his waist. She quickly stepped out through the other door in bewilderment at the sight of the shocking affair."Oppa~ I'm not feeling well because of the child~!" Minah whined as the man kissed her slender neck. Yuri scoffed in disbelief before hurrying down the corridor without looking back until she entered her bedroom and banged the door shut. She grunted and slumped on the couch, took another mouthful gulp of her wine, and shoved the chips inside her mouth in frustration.
Next Morning
"Where's the supreme alpha?" Yuri questioned a maid as she served her breakfast in the bright dining room."He left earlier with the first lady for a private outing," The maid informed, referring to Park Bogum and Kang Minah. Yuri sorely chewed her food, pushed the plate away, and stormed out of the room with a stern expression, causing the maid to back away in fear. The woman hastily climbed the mansion's stairs and stomped to the master bedroom- THUD. She roughly shoved the door open to find her father sprawling shirtless on his bed."I need to speak with you. Get up!" Yuri snatched a pillow from the floor and hurled it right at her father's face. The man grunted in disbelief... groggily sitting up with his eyes half open and fired her a sharp glare with his bloodshot eyes."How dare you disturb me-""What's the matter with you?! Why are you fucking your nephew's wife?!" Yuri screamed in frustration. The man blinked and looked up at her... suddenly neutralizing his face."You saw?" He grunted while pushing the blanket aside and crawled off the master bed to pour himself a whiskey from the half-empty bottle. The man gulped the liquor like water and slumped back onto the bed to rub his swollen face."How long has it been!?" Yuri snapped. The man lowered the empty glass and seethed in satisfaction as the liquor burned his chest."Lower your fucking voice before I make you swallow the broken shards after I smash it in your head," The man snarled, turning to glare at his daughter, who was fuming at him."Park Bogum will be infuriated if he knows-""He won't know unless you tell him. She's beautiful. How can I keep my hands off her?" He grunted as he stood up from the mattress to stretch his arms before the opened window."So this is why eomma hated you so much?" Yuri gripped her fists. Manseok paused at the mention of his dead wife."How many times have I told you to never speak of that bitch?" He sneered, firing Yuri a deadly glare."You never loved her!- You fucking love your step-sister! The first lady!- Eomma knew-! She knew you loved Yoona! You never loved my mother, but you married her! Abused her and fucked her until she bore me! You were angry that your sister loved Jihyun more than you- so you fucking left her to die in the fire!" Yuri seethed at her father. The man clenched his jaw, angrily hurling the glass in his hand at her. Yuri gasped and flinched in shock as it struck her head- CRASH. The shards shattered to bits after the harsh impact, so Yuri quickly gripped her bleeding forehead in shock... before snapping her resentful gaze to the man."How dare you speak of such nonsense!- Get the fuck out of my room, or I'll make you swallow the shards!" He sneered. Yuri clenched her fist in anger- furiously storming out of the room with her injured forehead. Her blood... dripping messily between her fingers as she marched down the staircase with her jaw clenched.
Yuri couldn't raise her hands to resist her father... but let him abuse her. Just like... how she cowardly let him beat... her dead mother... because she was too frightened... of the man's violent nature.

Fast Forward
"B- Bogum-""Shut up! The child in your stomach!- Is it mine or my fucking uncle's child?!" Bogum seethed as he clutched Minah's jaw with his flaming eyes."Don't touch me- AH!!?-" Minah screamed in shock when Yuri grabbed a handful of her hair and yanked her backward until the alpha weakly collapsed onto the floor."Answer him, you bitch!" Yuri sneered, clutching firmly onto the alpha's hair root to stop Minah from resisting her force. Minah whimpered in pain as she sat with bruised cheeks. Shakily... she lifted her hand to hold Bogum's legs with a pleading gaze."The child is yours, of course! Please- I only slept with your uncle much later! I was pregnant with your child before the affair!" Minah cried. Park Bogum scoffed at her confession, suddenly yanking his leg out of her grip and turned away to rub his face in extreme frustration. Thump! Yuri furiously shoved Minah aside in disgust, causing her to whimper in pain."Should we perform a paternity test? I'll abort the child myself if it's not yours," Yuri darkly stared at her cousin. Bogum exhaled deeply and turned to stare at Minah as she fearfully sat with the baby bump under her dress."You may leave. I'll deal with the matter myself," Bogum muttered, darkening his gaze on his wife. Yuri frowned at her cousin's instruction but didn't dare resist him and stormed out of the bedroom. Park Bogum exhaled deeply to contain his boiling temper and... slowly crouched... before Minah with a deadly gaze on her fearful pupils."I'm sorry- Please- I won't do it again-""I guess you only married me because you desired the first lady status. I always thought it was suspicious when you suddenly dumped your boyfriend to aid us... but my uncle insisted on... wedding me to you so we could properly integrate into the society. You wanted my power... so my uncle made you his sex toy. If that's what you want to be... then so be it. A fucking whore," Bogum sneered at her face and stormed out of the room after Yuri exposed his wife's affair to the heir.Minah sniffled resentfully and got up to slump on the bed in tears. She had never... desired to be pregnant because she wanted to preserve her youth... but... her husband had forced her to bear an heir right after marriage because... it wasn't her that they needed... but a child to secure the first rank assets.
Kang Minah... was only a womb... they needed to birth Park Bogum's offspring.
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Fast Forward
"Oppa. Do you wish to attend my competition? I'll arrange for your flight," Ah-young offered as she hugged Taehyung's bare torso on her bed. He smiled and kissed her forehead while grazing her naked shoulder as they lay on the comfortable bed."I can't- I've got an important matter tomorrow... so have a safe trip. I'll send you and your team gifts," Taehyung smiled, suddenly sitting up on the bed and reached toward the floor to grab his scattered clothes. Ah-young sadly watched her fiancé get dressed as she hugged his pillow with a slight pout."Are you not staying tonight?" She asked him, sitting up unsurely."I have to visit the twins," He muttered while pulling the shirt over his head."But it's... already late..." Ah-young muttered, briefly glancing at the time—10:30 PM."I'm taking a private plane to Gwangju in half an hour. Have a good rest since you have to board the plane tomorrow," Taehyung exhaled as he clasped a limited edition watch over his wrist, pulled on his coat, and strolled out of the bedroom... leaving his fiancée on her bed. She sighed and slumped down to hug his pillow again before pressing her face against the fabric to inhale his familiar scent. He never stayed over at her place. Kim Taehyung would always leave after they got intimate.The alpha took his personal car and tore out of the property to leave the mansion, arrived at the airport, immediately boarded the private jet, and eventually landed in Gwangju again... all in the span of two hours after he got intimate with his fiancée.Kim Taehyung quickly took the car to his private hanok after stopping by a shop to grab a flower bouquet he had ordered in advance... and finally strolled through the dark property littered with freshly fallen snow. It's a little past midnight... so the property is dead empty.The alpha glanced at the Hanok house as he strode toward the distant mansion but halted with a slight frown when he noticed the loud chatter from the main property by the lake. Why is the household still awake...? He steered towards the bustling hanok house... thinking they were celebrating the event... until he noticed... Jang Sora... racing down the concrete stairs in her thin nightgown. She didn't bother to put on her slippers and sprinted over the snow on her bare feet... causing him to stop dead in his tracks.

"Hey- Happy Birthday- I got you flowers-" Taehyung smiled, trying to speak as she sprinted towards him- THUMP!Jang Sora slammed straight into him, almost toppling the grown man over the fresh snow with her shocking force. Taehyung quickly grabbed her arm to support her weight as she lifted her terrified face to gawk at the alpha in fright. The alpha pursed his lips at the visible tear streams on her cheeks with a concerned frown."Call the head doctor!- Please! We need him-!" Sora begged, shakily gripping his forearm in desperation. Taehyung couldn't process her shaken behavior... and glanced at the blooming flowers with his lips apart. She did not acknowledge... the gift he brought her in the dead... of the winter night."What-? What happened-""JUST CALL HIM! CALL THE HEAD DOCTOR!" Sora screamed, roughly pounding his chest with her balled fists.Taehyung blinked at the heavy tears on her face before glancing at the hanok house until he heard... the twins screaming in distress. His heart suddenly dropped when he found Do-hwan dragging the wailing twins through the door. Beomseok was carrying Beom... who was also wailing in his grandfather's embrace. Why is everyone... crying? Taehyung remained dumbfounded in his place."Sora!- What happened?!-" Taehyung gasped when she suddenly sprinted off over the snowy field and dashed on her bare feet... to enter the dark mansion. The alpha unconsciously gripped the flower bouquet he had brought for her as the twins cried and thrashed within Do-hwan's strong arms."They're fine- I'll take them to their rooms," Do-hwan assured the father, who attempted to snatch his sons out of worry. The twins shrieked louder and bawled out their lungs... leaving the alpha baffled by the commotion as Beomseok comforted Beom outside the hanok house."Aigo!- Where are the medics!?" Imo complained from inside the living room. Thump! Thump! Taehyung quickly climbed the concrete stairs until... he found a person... sprawling on the floor. His eyes suddenly widened in shock as... Jae... Yangcha... jerked in distress... on the heated ground... until his mouth started foaming with white substances."What happened?!-" Taehyung gasped, quickly placing the bouquet on the table but halted again- once he noticed the fallen cake on the floor."He suddenly had a seizure while celebrating Sora's Birthday!" Imo cried while holding Yangcha's head to stop the man from hurting himself. Kim Taehyung scoffed in disbelief and glanced at the alpha in bewilderment as Yangcha's eyes rolled to the back of his sockets."Fuck hell!-" Taehyung cursed, seizing the alpha's arm, and slipped his arm under his legs. Imo sobbed in pain as Taehyung heaved the sturdy alpha off the ground and rushed down the stairs in a hurry to find Sora racing over the field with Harabeoji, whose face was drained of blood after she had awakened him for the emergency."Bring him to my room!" Harabeoji instructed, quickly sprinting back to the mansion. Taehyung grunted in discomfort as he carried Yangcha's heavy mass. Sora sobbed, fearfully clutching her chest as she hurried towards her husband, so Taehyung quickened his pace and ran over the snow field with his jaws clenched. "Urgh!" Taehyung panted, finally dropping the alpha on the mattress as Harabeoji rummaged through his luggage to search for his medical equipment."Omo! My darling~!" Halmeoni cried in horror as she leaned over the mattress to rub the foam from Yangcha's lips."What's wrong with him!?-" Sora shrieked, fearfully slumping onto the bed to hug his chest as Yangcha jerked and twitched like a possessed soul."Clear the room!- Bring the medical team to me once they arrive!-" Harabeoji nudged Taehyung, who stood frozen at the edge of the bed. He blinked at Sora... who was whimpering and wailing at her husband while slapping his cheek to wake him from the alarming seizure."Sora... we need to leave-" Taehyung muttered, gently grabbing her hand."NO!-" Sora snapped, wildly shoving him aside and turned to hold Yangcha's stiff hands."Sora!" Taehyung snapped, seizing her body again- but she wouldn't release him and clung stubbornly to her husband. SMACK.Taehyung forcefully disabled the former supreme alpha by striking her vital spot... causing halmeoni to flinch in shock at his aggressiveness. Sora immediately stopped screaming and slumped on the bed... cold... so Taehyung shifted his gaze to find harabeoji staring at him with a startled look."Leave the room," Harabeoji assured Halmeoni, gently nudging his worried wife. Taehyung carefully slipped his arms under Jang Sora's lifeless body to lift her from her husband's chest and turned to leave the room with her frail soul. Halmeoni sniffled in tears as she followed Taehyung out of the room."My poor thing~" She whimpered, carefully closing the door behind their backs. Thump! Thump! Thump! A guard appeared to guide the medics and the head doctor up the staircase. Taehyung firmly gripped Jang Sora in his arms and strolled down the opposite corridor to enter her bedroom."Did she faint?" Beomseok asked when he noticed Taehyung... carrying his daughter's motionless body."I knocked her out," Taehyung grimaced, carefully placing her on the pillow.Beomseok anxiously glanced at Beom... who was sniffling in the baby crate. Taehyung wiped Jang Sora's warm tears from her face and pulled the blanket over her body to keep her warm. The alpha exhaled deeply and lifted his dreadful face to Jang Beomseok... who sorely rubbed his face and lowered his arms to rest against the crate in exhaustion.
Kim Taehyung and Jang Beomseok didn't exchange conversations... and kept Sora company in the room... as the mansion bustled... with frenzied medics.... to assist the fallen alpha.
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Sora's POV
I sat listlessly in the dim room, illuminated by the yolky lamp light without blinking. My empty gaze... trained on his pretty freckles as I endured the discomfiting hollowness inside my chest. I felt nothing. Nothing at all but the uncomfortable void of nothingness. I helplessly remained by my lover's side in my plain silk gown with ankle-length socks secured over my feet to trap the heat within my body as the snowstorm terrorized the world with its unbearable frost.
His once... healthy golden skin... had turned awfully bloodless and dull. His healthy cherry lips color... replaced with... peeling dead skin cells. And his natural inner warmth... had faded from his system.

He was now like an ember... on the brink of burning out as he battled his... terminal illness.
How can the world be so cruel to me? To the person I love? Why do we have to suffer like this? What sins have we committed in our past lives... for us to endure this unfortunate karma? I sighed and gently tucked the blanket over his chest to keep his vulnerable body warm beneath the sheet while sitting on the armchair, positioned beside the bed... so I could watch him rest through the unyielding winter storm.
Flashback
"Jagi...?" I sleepily grunted with my face lifted off the pillow, aimlessly patting the mattress to search for my husband, but the sheets were cold. I frowned and opened my eyes to scan the empty room. Where did he go at this hour? I scratched my head and sat up, still groggy from being awakened by his absence, and stood up from the bed to use the bathroom."Huh...? Did Beom... cry?" I whispered while staring at the empty crate and glanced at the door. Sighing deeply... I strolled out of my room to check the living room, but Yangcha wasn't there either. I strode down the staircase to check the guest living room on the ground floor... but it was also empty."Did he take Beom outside?" I muttered, unsurely approaching the tall arch window to examine the vast field covered in snow sheet until I noticed... the fresh footprints on the white plain... leading to the main house. Is he out of his mind...? How can he take Beom out in the freezing cold weather?I pushed the mansion's door open... stepped into the icy cold atmosphere in my thin silk... and strolled onto the scrunchy snow in my fluffy slippers with my arms wrapped securely around my body. Maybe he's hungry...? I'll cook for him. I shrugged and made my way toward the hanok house, slipped off the slippers, and stepped onto the heated floor but halted by the doorway... once I noticed... the dark space."What are you doing here?" I frowned as Yangcha sat alone at the wooden platform table."Come here," He whispered, patting the cushion next to his."Where's Beom?" I asked, curiously kneeling beside my husband and gave him a soft peck on his cheek as he turned to lift something from the floor. Click. I blinked at the brief fire spark and glanced down at the tiny flame... igniting from the lighter with a startled expression. Yangcha carefully lit the candle... on a cake... leaving me stiff in place as I stared at the twinkling... flame without... budging."I made it. The cake. The filling is honey and red bean... baked with sweet rice cakes. It's a receipt I invented... so give it a try... tell me if it suits your taste buds," Yangcha muttered, weakly smiling at my startled expression as I sat with my striking messy hair. I blinked again and lifted my sparkling pupils to meet his fond gaze as he held the cake before my face.

"It's my birthday...?" I whispered... glancing at the chilly night through the window with a dumbfounded look. I've lost track of time."Make a wish before the candle burns out," Yangcha urged. I smiled, closed my eyes, and made a single wish with my hands clasped together before blowing out the candle.

BREEEEEEEP!- POP! POP!! POP!!!- Clatter! The lights suddenly flicked on- and a loud noise popped repeatedly as frantic footsteps drummed over the wooden floor, startling me in my seat at the shocking disturbance."HAPPY BIRTHDAY EOMMA~!" The twins shrieked, rushing towards me with their frantic stomps. I gasped and welcomed them with my jaw wide open as Do-hwan stepped out from the corridor with a weak smile."What's this?!" I chuckled as appa hugged Beom in his arms."A birthday surprise, of course!" Imo chuckled as the twins popped the confetti all over the hanok house, causing my heart to stir with an unexplainable warmth. I smiled in tears and glanced at Yangcha again... who was still... holding the cake with a weak smile."Ah~!This is so heartwarming~!" I complained while rubbing my husband's thighs. Appa chuckled and patted Beom's back as the children giggled at the commotion within the space. Do-hwan shook his head while leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest."Eomma~! What did you wish for~?" Woojin curiously asked as he pecked my cheeks."Hmm. I wished... for all of your wishes to come true," I replied."Our wishes~?" Kanghoon asked, curiously staring at me in bewilderment."Yup. Everyone I love. My family. Whether we're bound by blood or not... I wish everyone's wishes to come true," I nodded at the twins. They giggled and hugged my body as imo pouted at me from across the table- SPLAT. I quickly turned around to find Yangcha gripping the wooden table with his head lowered... and the cake... splattered on the ground. Drip... I grew stiff as a single blood... trickled from his left nostril. Yangcha's eyes widened in shock."Oh!- The cake~ I want to eat it~!" Woojin whined as he pulled out a spoon from his pajama pocket with a big pout."Yeobo! Are you okay?!-" I gasped, grabbing his upper arm to support him when he suddenly screwed his face in discomfort."I'm fine- Just a little dizzy-" Yangcha muttered, lifting his face to wipe away his blood as the twins knelt beside the ruined cake with the spoons gripped tightly in their hands."Aigo~ Maybe it's the weather? I should keep the Hanok house warm," Imo shook her head as the twins dug the ruined cake with their spoons to eat from the floor."Hey~! Don't eat it~!" Appa whined. Do-hwan sighed and walked forward to grab the twins.They complained in annoyance as the guard dragged them aside so they wouldn't eat the cake on the floor. I dabbed Yangcha's face as he shook his head to regain consciousness- He tried to smile... but groaned and gripped the table in pain before lowering his head again... causing me to tense my body uneasily. What's the matter with him? Yangcha suddenly clutched his head with a pained frown... until I felt his body shaking for no apparent reason."Should I call the head doctor-""I'm fine-""YANGCHA!" I gasped in shock when he violently jerked to the side- slamming right onto the table. Imo flinched in a panic as the alpha flopped onto the floor, causing the twins to freeze in place. I quickly crawled over to grab his arm- but he couldn't hold him still as his body... shuddered violently. What's the matter with him?!"Urgh!" Yangcha grunted, trying to seize control of his body, but failed and curled into the ball on the floor with his hands clasped over his head. I quickly grabbed onto his head to stop him from banging against the floor and lifted him upward with a racing heart and mouth hanging open in disbelief. Yangcha painfully gripped my silk... jerking and twitching in despair... until his muscles stiffened... and his face turning... awfully... pale."What's the matter?! Why are you like this?! Jagi!-" I cried while rubbing his cheeks as sweat beads formed over his forehead during the dead of a winter night."I- Urgh!" Yangcha tried to speak- but he couldn't utter the words- rolled over the floor and grunted in pain until his muscles strained itself, causing him to whimper... with bulging veins all over his forehead and neck. Imo quickly got up and hurried over to stop the alpha from thrashing over the floor... until the twins burst out crying at the terrifying sight of the alpha's... disturbing seizure. Yangcha's chest shakily rose and sank as he dangerously hyperventilated... so I quickly scrambled onto my feet and dashed out of the entrance. Shit!?!- I HAVE TO CALL FOR HELP!"I'll call his grandfather!" I cried, hurrying down the stairs without my slipper... until I spotted another... person approaching me with a flower bouquet. Kim Taehyung paused over the snowy field... to watch me sprint toward him... baffled by my shaken condition... as he held the colored petals under the winter breeze.
End of flashback
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Sora's POV
Harabeoji leaned over Yangcha's body on the mattress to inspect his condition as the health monitor beeped within the room to support the alpha's unstable system. I sat nervously by the bed without moving. They have not explained... his condition to me. The head doctor entered the room after he spoke to a nurse, so I glanced at Taehyung... who was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed and his dark frown on... the unconscious alpha."Did he ever inform you of his discomfort?" Harabeoji asked as he sat by Yangcha's bedside."No," I shook my head. The elderly man exchanged dim glances with the doctor."Did you notice his discomfort?" Harabeoji asked again. I gripped my fingers and glanced at Yangcha, who had been lifeless for two days since he had the violent seizure."He often gets the headache... and would bleed from his nose frequently," I whispered in a defeated tone. Harabeoji nodded, suddenly lowering his head to press his palms against his wrinkled face. What's wrong...? Why is he so beaten? It's making me restless. Taehyung glanced at the head doctor for an explanation."I suspect... he's been... hiding his discomfort from you," The head doctor sighed."What's wrong with him?" Taehyung asked, tensing his body in annoyance because he couldn't stand the taunting suspense."There's a tumor in Yangcha's brain," The head doctor sighed as he stood at the foot of the bed with his arms crossed. My heart suddenly dropped... and my lips unconsciously parted. I stared at the man with a horrified expression."A- What?" I scoffed, glancing at Yangcha with a dumbfounded look."A tumor. I suspect... he's in the last stage. That's probably why... he never... told you because he didn't want to worry you... and has been... injecting himself with numbing drugs to temporarily soothe the discomfort without seeking professional treatment," The head doctor bitterly shifted his gaze to me. I blinked... unable to make sense of his words and tried to speak but couldn't utter a sound as I stared at Yangcha... until I felt the hollow void in my chest... expanding across my soul. It felt like... I was being sucked into a whirlpool of suffocating vapor. I did not know how to react or respond to the situation... so I stood... cemented in place with my frightened gaze on Yangcha's pale face."Is there a cure?" Taehyung asked, lifting his eyebrow to question the head doctor.The man swallowed in difficulty and glanced at Harabeoji... who suddenly sniffled. He started crying with his palms pressed against his face while sitting beside his grandson, making my heart ache in discomfort at the sight of his emotional breakdown. Taehyung frowned at the elderly man and glanced at me with his eyebrow furrowed. I gulped the hot lump in my throat... still... in much too shock to express my feelings.
Fast Forward
A week later."Wah~?" Beom cutely poked his father's nose as I sat on the mattress with the child, who was curiously nudging the alpha for his response. The baby innocently looked up at me with a questioning look... as if to ask why... his father... wasn't responding to his call."Why don't you try calling for appa? Hmm~? Say appa~!" I encouraged as I smiled at Beom... who was sitting beside Yangcha's pillow. The child giggled, suddenly slumping beside Yangcha's head to clasp his tiny arm over the alpha's face.The child snuggled against his father's face... causing my heart to churn painfully at his unresponsive state. I've cried more than my body can handle the pain. Ever since I found out... Yangcha has been concealing his illness to protect my feelings and after... the head doctor confirmed... there was no cure... I couldn't help but break to pieces... upon the tragic disclosure.
Every inch of my nerves was so sore... I could barely keep my mind sane at this point... but I couldn't lose myself to the sorrow. Why? Because... his grandparents are having a difficult time coping with the news as well. And the kids...? They're also anxious. I couldn't bring myself to shed my tears and bawl in front of the children or his grandparents. So, I often cry myself to sleep every night and suppress my feelings during the day.

I only need Yangcha to wake up, so we can probably talk this through, but he's been unresponsive for a while. I'd bring Beom to visit him every day as he rests alone in a separate room... set up by the medical team to sustain his weak health.

A medical staff is always on standby to watch over him and the head doctor visits once every few days since Harabeoji insists on treating his grandson. And the twins...? They come by often to tell Yangcha their school time stories, and they'd leave with anxiety because of his dire condition.

Usually... I'd whine and whimper... and cry in this situation, but I can't do so... not when I'm aware my well-being will directly impact my children's welfare and the entire household. I had to attend the elite meeting on demand and work if I had to. I had to take the twins to school, pick them up, help imo manage the household, feed Beom, teach the twins at home, and wash Yangcha every day with a damp and warm towel.

I couldn't halt my own world to mourn his sickness because... if I stopped the world from spinning for my sick husband... everyone else would suffer the consequences. Hence... I have no choice but to live my life with a bleeding heart and pray that it was all a nightmare.

The nightmare I had... maybe it was an omen.

The grave... the death... the heartbreak.

Is it him that I will mourn...? It terrifies me.
Creak. I pushed open the door at night while cradling Beom and carefully rested the sleeping child in the spare crate by the bed before turning to observe... Yangcha... as he rested on his back... still unresponsive. I sighed, lifted the sheet, and slipped in beside him."I can't sleep... so let me stay for the night," I muttered, turning to hug his chest as I rested on the same pillow. Yangcha calmly breathed with the IV drip hooked to his wrist, so I sighed, lifted my face to peck his cheek, snuggled against his body, and closed my eyes to savor his soothing scent. Maybe he'll wake up if I remind him of my presence. He'll surely return to me and our son... right?I stirred awake from the brief sleep when I thought I felt movements on the mattress, so I quickly lifted my head to stare at Yangcha, who was still in the exact same position. Grumbling softly, I slumped back down and hugged his chest until I realized... I was sleeping on his bicep. Huh...? I lifted my head again to stare at his extended arm under my head with a slight frown. Did I make him position his arm this way?"Are you awake?" I whispered, curiously scanning his pale face, but he didn't respond. Why am I imagining things again...? I sighed heavily and slumped over his chest, quietly listening to his steady heartbeat while rubbing his cheek with my palm to comfort him."I have a meeting today, so I won't be home," I muttered, tilting my head upwards to softly peck his lips before sitting up on the mattress. I grabbed his heavy arm and positioned it on his side before slipping out of bed to peek in the crate."Wah~!" Beom cutely chortled as soon as he saw me peeking over him. The child extended his arms for me, so I reached down to pick him up."You're up early today~! Are you hungry~? You should've woken eomma if you're hungry~! Eomma won't get mad... so cry if you want to~ Okay~?" I chuckled as I pushed the door open while holding baby Beom against my chest. He poked my nose tip... so I chuckled at his adorable smile and softly kissed his cheek until he giggled at me. I strode through the empty corridor and entered the twin's bedroom to find them sprawling on the king-size bed with the stuffed animals scattered everywhere."Time for school~ Wake up~!" I gently combed Kanghoon's hair backward and pulled the blanket off Woojin. They grumbled and rolled over the mattress with their lips ajar... so I softly smacked their butts before sitting down on the couch, pulled down my sleeve, and breastfed Beom the fresh milk from my swollen nipple."So sleepy~!" Woojin whined while perching his butt upward with his face pressed against the mattress as Kanghoon lifted his head to stare at me with his eyes half open. He grumbled and rolled over to lay on his back... still too sleepy to process my morning call. "Get ready for school. Eomma will escort you two to school," I smiled. Woojin loudly yawned, eventually sitting up on the bed to watch me feed Beom, who was intensely sucking on my nipple while clutching my fleshy breast."Eomma... can we drink your breast milk too~?" Kanghoon mumbled while hugging his stuffed toy on the mattress. Cutely blinking his puffy eyes at me."You're both too old for milk~ Beom can't chew because he doesn't have enough teeth, so save the milk for your baby brother~!" I smiled. Woojin pouted while climbing off the bed in his pajamas and striking messy hair.The child walked up to Beom and pecked his baby brother's small fist before kissing my cleavage and turned around to enter the bathroom. Kanghoon rolled off the bed and hopped toward me. He lifted Beom's shirt to kiss the baby's plump belly- causing little Beom to cutely shriek from the ticklish sensation. I smiled at Kanghoon while patting his head before kissing the child on his lips. Kanghoon pinched my cheek and strolled away, so I exhaled and patted Beom's back... who was smiling at me as he drank the milk.I got ready for the day after dressing the twins in their school uniform and left to eat breakfast at the Hanok house. I carried Beom to my father at the ancient space and sat down to have warm porridge with the twins before leaving the property to drop them off at school. They bid me goodbye and strolled inside the school gate with their lunch boxes... so I exhaled... took off to the airport... and got on Taehyung's private jet to fly over to Seoul.Ring. I waited by the door with a small insulated thermal bag until the door opened, and Taehyung appeared in his neat white shirt and trousers. His slick black hair... neatly brushed back to explode his dashing visual. He stepped aside to let me enter his apartment... so I slipped off my heels and went to sit on the couch."Have you eaten?" Taehyung asked."I packed porridge for you," I muttered, placing the soup container on the coffee table. He nodded and sat down to unscrew the tight lid, so I blankly glanced at the picture frame on the wall. It's a picture of Ah-young at one of her ballerina performances. They're well. I am glad he finally found comfort in her."Oppa~?" Ah-young suddenly called as she strolled out of his bedroom with a dazed expression."Oh! You're here too! Have you eaten? I brought porridge from home~!" I greeted her."Oh- Eonni~! Did you just arrive in Seoul?" Ah-young asked, quickly rounding the table to sit by my side. I nodded, so she giggled and grabbed the spare container as Taehyung quietly ate from his container with the spoon. He placed the bottle down as I chatted with Ah-young and left to brush his teeth before strolling out of the room with a suit on."Let's go," Taehyung announced, strolling past the living room to put on his shoes. Ah-young bid me goodbye. I left with Taehyung in his personal car to attend the elite meeting... but we were early... so Taehyung and I waited in the empty parking lot by the elite building.We sat in absolute silence... to watch the gloomy sky as the light snow fluttered around the car. I didn't feel like speaking and quietly stared at the vacant space as Taehyung scrolled through his phone. He briefly glanced at me as he slipped his phone away and drew out something from his pocket. I blinked when he handed me a velvet box."What's this?" I asked, unsurely accepting the box, and opened it to uncover a... jade hairpin."I'm a bit hurt... that you didn't take care of my gift," He muttered, dully glancing out of the window. I stared at the pin in surprise. It was the same one he gifted me... except... the broken hairpin had been pieced together with the gold lining. The sandalwood and the broken jade... attached together with thin gold streaks."You had it all along...?" I smiled at the beautiful piece he had mended together for me."It broke when you collapsed at my office. The assistants brought me the broken pieces... but I didn't want to discard them so... I got it repaired," He shrugged while leaning against the steering wheel. I smiled, flipped open the car mirror, and inserted the pin into my hair with a weak smile as Taehyung watched me from his seat."Thank you again," I smiled at him. Taehyung didn't blink and stared at me with a neutral expression."Have you spoken to him?" Taehyung asked. I blinked."Who?" I asked."Jae Yangcha. The head doctor told me his condition is stable," Taehyung mumbled. I pursed my lips. Why is he suddenly curious about Yangcha's welfare?"He's still unconscious," I muttered, gloomily staring at my hands. Taehyung exhaled deeply."You should invite him to the council when he's awake," Taehyung suggested."Why would he want to represent the society after the council tried to end him?" I mumbled. It doesn't make sense for the victim to present himself as a supporter of the people who had attempted to murder him."No one wants to shed blood in the council, Sora. We only did it because we were at a dead end, and the council desperately needed his power to resist the Black Phoenix. We could've used our armed force to end him that night... but we didn't and let you do it... knowing... he probably wouldn't die at your hands. We only wished for him to cooperate with us, but he was stubborn and chose to hide like a fool," Taehyung shook his head."I'm honestly very tired of living this life. If I were to hand over all of my power to you... would you let me live quietly as an average?" I asked, sadly eyeing Taehyung. He unsurely stared at me from his seat."You should be aware by now... that an ordinary life is a fairytale for people like us. You will perish without power because the curse will torture you, regardless of your involvement in the power game. All you can do is to protect your children from the cruel acts of the society. You can't run because there's no escape out of this world," He responded, straightening his body to lean against the seat. I exhaled heavily."I will quit my position once Jae Yangcha passes and leave everything in your care," I muttered. I simply do not have the energy to thrive in this life anymore. I can't live through the same loops and cycle of endless tragedies. I'll take my children and live a quiet life... somewhere far from all this madness."If Jae Yangcha bears little to no chance of surviving... Sora... do not burden me with your well-being as well," Taehyung clenched his jaw in irritation. I blinked and looked up at him unsurely."You don't have to-""Do you understand that I can't let you live alone? If you wish to stay out of my reach... then... I will never rest because I will endlessly worry for your well-being. Do me... a favor. No matter what happens... stay within my reach. So I can be at peace with myself. It isn't solely a mere attachment but because I must protect your children. So let me do my job properly and stay close to me," Taehyung lightly shook his head. I pursed my lips and glanced out the window in difficulty. I can never free myself... can I?
A moment later
"Kim Seokjin is found guilty of devising a plot against the supreme alpha. Do you wish to justify your act?" Manseok smirked at Seokjin, who remained composed in his seat."The society is free to form alliances in the council, old man. There's no such thing as the act of treachery... against the supreme alpha because... the council has every right to oppose a powerful entity if deemed a threat to the overall households," Jimin defended Seokjin. Manseok rudely scoffed and shook his head to disapprove of the alpha's statement."The old ways of the society are long dead. The supreme alpha has every right to run the council as he pleases," The man refuted, causing Seokjin to roll his eyes."You're not king just because you belong to the supreme alpha's household," Hoseok muttered, sorely eyeing the first rank.Kang Minah sat in absolute silence with her empty gaze on her hands. She has been blank during the entire meeting... and I have been observing her since she entered. Rumor says... she's already bearing Park Bogum's child against her will. She wasn't as smug as she used to be. And she somehow... appeared exhausted.
The curse of the mansion wall shall never be underestimated. The property will exhaust your soul... the longer you thrive within the corrupted walls.
"We shouldn't waste time arguing over a case with concrete evidence. Let's vote and determine Kim Seokjin's fate. Shall we... Hoseok... shi?" Bogum smirked at the alpha. Hoseok tensed up in his seat and glanced at Minah, who was lost in her thoughts. I glanced at the screen on my table when the poll popped up and cast my vote before glancing at the screen to anticipate the outcome.

Result

Pass: 50%Reject: 50%Kim Seokjin suddenly frowned at the figures with a baffled look as Jimin's jaw dropped at the shocking draw. What? How is that possible?! I pursed my lips as the moderator disclosed the list of voters... so I quickly scanned the list on the supreme alpha's side with an uneasy feeling. Who the fuck switched sides again!!?"YAH!" Jimin suddenly snapped at Hoseok in disbelief, startled by the alpha's decision to support the cult. Kim Seokjin scoffed and glanced at Hoseok, causing Yoongi to glare at his ally in extreme disappointment.Kim Taehyung rubbed his forehead in defeat as the cult smirked at the bewildered players within the room. Hoseok sternly stared at Minah and glanced down at his hands without acknowledging the looks of displeasure from the households. Why did he side with Park Bogum? Is it because of Minah?- Did they threaten him with her well-being??? I tensed my body in annoyance. Ah~!"We will gather again next week for another vote call. If... it's still a tie... the supreme alpha has the right to make the final decision," Manseok smirked at Seokjin."If you're going to accuse me of devising a coup against the supreme alpha- then maybe you should clarify your decision to leave the first lady and Park Jihyun to die in the fire!" Seokjin sneered in irritation. I tensed my muscles and glanced at the second rank after he thoughtlessly brought out the man's past without informing the other households."Moh?- What nonsense-""You were at the mansion that very night! In the burning corridor of the supreme alpha's chamber! Why didn't you save the first lady and the supreme alpha!? You left the property empty-handed!" Seokjin snapped. The man's eyes widened in disbelief as he fired me an agitated glare."What kind of foul conspiracies did you circulate?-""I saw you that night. You saw me... too. Chung Manseok... you were present before the flaming corridor. I wasn't the only witness. Chung Yuri... you were there too. Weren't you? On the back of the pickup truck?" I asked, dully staring at Yuri, whose face turned pale as she sat with a bandage over her forehead. The bitter man darted his daughter a sharp glare before firing his glowering scowl at the council in irritation."I would have saved my sister if I could-""But you didn't. I couldn't save the supreme alpha because I was young and too weak to undo the clamps on the door to trap the supreme alpha. But why... did you not attempt to help your sister when you're a grown man with the strength to remove the clamps?" I asked calmly. Park Bogum frowned at my inquiry and glanced at his uncle with a startled look."YAH!- How dare you accuse me-""Careful... Park Bogum... the person to devise your parent's death... might just be the person you trust most," Taehyung interrupted the man with a blank face. The heir frowned at the council and shifted his suspicious gaze to the man, who suddenly turned pale in his armchair."The Black Phoenix was assembled by the first lady, Chung Yoona... because she resented her husband for abandoning her son, Park Bogum. She wished to destroy the society and asked for your help to operate the cult. Park Jihyun was aware of his wife's intention... but he stayed hushed to appease her... but that wasn't enough. You started slaughtering the lower ranks and households because you resented Park Jihyun for trapping your sister within the high walls. And perhaps... you were aware of his affair with my mother? That's why you chose to murder him in his own house and left your sister to die with him because she refused to leave her unfaithful husband? Ah. You had a different motive. That is to brainwash Park Bogum so you can use him as a scapegoat to achieve ultimate power in the council... using the lame... excuses of the Supreme Alpha's demise to mislead the heir when you're the culprit behind their deaths?" I smirked at the man. He scoffed again, briefly glancing at Park Bogum with a nervous look. The man tugged his collar with a tense expression. Yuri clenched her jaw and glared at her father as I smiled at her from across the room."Was it ever your intention... to serve the council to seek revenge for your sister... or did you kill her as a long-term scheme to achieve power in the council...?" Seokjin asked smugly. The culprit is in disguise... as a savior. The man grew stiff as his daughter and nephew eyed him in suspicion from their seats."Bring me evidence if you're so keen on accusing me of the crime," He sneered. Kim Seokjin glared at Hoseok, who quickly lowered his gaze again. The cult leader was the first to rise from his seat and hastily left the venue without addressing the matter with his household, leaving Park Bogum restless in his seat as Minah slowly stood up and listlessly walked out after the man without acknowledging the council.
A moment later.
"Are you out of your damn mind?!- Why would you side with the cult?!" Yoongi snapped at Hoseok as he sat on the couch with arms crossed... firmly over his chest."Didn't you see Minah's condition!?! She's not okay-""Are you seriously worried about a woman who fucking backstabbed you to conceive another man's child!?" Jimin roared, angrily storming inside the suite with Namjoon and Seokjin. Taehyung gently tugged me out of their way... so I stepped aside as Jimin stormed up to Hoseok, who quickly stood up to glare right back at the fuming alpha."I can convince her to help us-""Convince her?! Are you that foolish?!- She will snitch on us again! Kang Minah bore the child for Park Bogum to solidify his power in the council! If we can't eliminate the cult from the council by the time she gives birth- No one can ever seize the assets from Park Bogum! Not even the dead supreme alpha!" Seokjin bellowed, furiously shoving Hoseok backward, who fiercely glared at the second rank. I gripped my hands intensely and glanced at Taehyung's neutral expression. He didn't bother intervening with their dispute and calmly watched the players argue within the private space."Did she beg you?- Be honest with us! Why would you risk the council's welfare for her?!" Jimin snapped in annoyance. Hoseok clenched his jaw and glanced at the alphas within the room in guilt."She did- Minah came to me the night before. She said... they were abusing her... and she claimed... if I don't divert my power to the cult's side... Chung Manseok will beat her," Hoseok stiffly admitted. Yoongi scoffed in frustration and slumped onto the armchair."It was her choice to side with them. This is the outcome, so why should you bear the consequences of her betrayal?!- They never needed her!- The cult desires to solidify their dominance!- They only accepted her proposal- so she could lend her womb to conceive an heir!" Jimin huffed, firing Hoseok a disappointed look."She's still one of us! I can speak to her- please- just let me speak to her-""The next time you betray me. I will fucking pluck you out of the council!" Seokjin seethed at Jung Hoseok with his burning red face before storming out of the suite with an infuriated scowl. BANG. The door slammed shut... leaving the remaining alphas... conflicted... within the heavy atmosphere.____________________________I aimlessly strolled through the corridor after arriving late at the property and entered the twin's room to check on them. They were fast asleep on their beds... so I sighed and entered appa's room to retrieve Beom from the crate before taking the sleeping child to my room. I rested the baby on my bed, entered the bathroom to shower before strolling out in my nightgown, and walked out of the bedroom... just in time... to find the head doctor leaving Yangcha's resting room. He stays over at the mansion for a night every time he visits."Can I have a few minutes of your time?" I asked in exhaustion. He must be drained, but I really want to verify something with him."Of course, my lady," The head doctor muttered, walking toward me in casual clothes. I took him out of the mansion to the Hanok house and brewed warm tea for the man as he sat on the cushion in the living room. The man sipped the tea with a blank expression as I stared at my steaming tea cup while sitting cross-legs with my hands clasped over my thighs. Where should I start? I don't know."I haven't been home lately... so... I wonder if Yangcha is awake?" I asked dimly. The head doctor stared at me unsurely."His condition is stable-""I'm asking if he's conscious. I suspect... he's pretending to be unconscious," I dimmed my eyes. The head doctor examined my face without speaking and slowly lowered his cup to the table."He's been awake since the third day after he collapsed. Your husband asked me not to inform anyone of his consciousness. I assumed he needed time to process the situation, so I abided by his order. My apologies," The head doctor nodded. I gripped my fists and glanced out the window with a restless feeling."How long... does he have left if there's no cure for it?" I asked, blankly staring at the head doctor."It's uncertain. I cannot make an accurate estimate. Instead, I think you should... live... normally with your husband. It won't be much help... for you and your husband to remain separated like this. He's having a difficult time too... so I hope you can comfort each other to avoid parting with unwanted regrets," The head doctor dimly stared at me. I blankly gazed at the cold tea in my cup without budging."Thank you for always caring for me and my family. I owe you my life," I whispered, finally looking up at the man. He nodded with a sympathetic smile, so we chatted a little, and he finally headed to bed. I walked straight to my room and did not visit Yangcha... knowing he was awake in his room. I crawled onto the bed with Beom and drifted off to sleep after the tiring day... of arguing at the elite council.
Three days later.
I sat quietly in the living room as the twins played with Beom on the carpet while flipping through the household financial reports to skim the disclosures. Beom giggled loudly and crawled after Woojin, who was fishing his little brother with a toy car, causing the youngest child to scurry after the wheels on his hands and knees. Kanghoon chuckled and kissed Beom's cheek before pulling his brother onto his lap. I smiled at their heartwarming interactions until I heard faint footsteps walking up the stairs. Taehyung appeared in his casual pajamas. We ate dinner together... earlier at the Hanok house."Do you want to sleep over with appa today?" Taehyung asked as he settled on the couch across from mine."Nope!" The twins shook their heads, causing their father to frown at their blunt rejection."Why not? That's very mean of you two," Taehyung playfully glared. Beom suddenly crawled towards Taehyung, so the alpha smiled and lifted the child to sit the baby on his lap."Your mattress is not comfortable! And appa snores very loud~!" Woojin shrugged."And appa takes the blanket all for himself at night~" Kanghoon added. I smiled at their ironic tones as Taehyung grimaced at their complaints. Beom softly chortled and poked Taehyung's cheek with his tiny fingers until the alpha lowered his head to kiss the child. The quality trait of Kim Taehyung is... he doesn't resent the kids... regardless of their bloodline with another man. He doesn't drag them into the adult's affair and would always treat them with tenderness. "Can I sleep over in your room then? I'll sleep on the couch," Taehyung suggested."Okay~!" The twins agreed while assembling the train tracks on the floor."Beom, let's sleep~!" I exhaled, placing the files away, and got up to pick my child from the man when he suddenly whimpered and clung tightly to Taehyung's shirt."Oh~? You don't want to go to eomma~?" Taehyung chuckled. The child cutely pouted and dug his face against Taehyung's chest to refuse me."Aigo~! You're being naughty too~?" I chuckled at his cute refusal to leave with me."You head to bed first. I'll bring Beom to your room after he falls asleep," Taehyung assured. I nodded and strolled away to enter my room as the twins played on the carpet in the living room with their father and baby brother. The night was cold... so I made sure to seal.... the windows and slipped in on the empty bed to sleep. I have not visited Yangcha in the past three days. Nor did the children. I told them to avoid disturbing him.
A moment later.
Cling... Cling... I sleepily stirred the warm tea in the mansion's dark kitchen with my eyes half open. I have a sore throat and was awoken by the discomfort, so I decided to have herbal tea. I steadily emptied the teacup and placed it in the sink. We don't use the mansion's kitchen... but the maid stores the drinks and snacks... in the cabinets... so we don't have to visit the hanok house for it. I yawned, strolled back up the staircase in my light gown, and steered down the hallway... but halted when I found a person standing by the railing of the upper staircase.Yangcha glanced at me with a startled expression as he stood in his pajamas... pale as a ghost. I stared at him unsurely as he eyed me up and down until I climbed the remaining steps... but I didn't approach him. Thud... Thud... I quietly walked past him and left to sleep in my room. I locked the door and headed straight to bed without a bother. I heard the door knob rattling for a moment... but whoever was outside couldn't enter because I locked it. He left.
Two days later.
Third Person POV"Ahjussi~! Are you feeling better?!" The twins shrieked, racing over the stair landing to hug Yangcha... who sat on the living room's couch with a dull complexion.Jang Sora halted by the stair landing once she found her husband cradling Beom in his arms after her return from the city. She had a brief meeting with the household at the Min's hotel. The Jaguar nervously stared at his cold wife with a tense expression... but she simply averted her eyes away and strolled off to enter her room without greeting him. Yangcha gripped his son at her neglect and glanced down as the child innocently smiled at his father's dispirited gaze. The twins eventually left the living room as well... to complete their homework before dinner time."Aigo~ Let's have dinner with Harabeoji~!" Sora chuckled, abruptly seizing Beom from Yangcha's arms as the father cradled his child on the couch and strolled after the twins, who were skipping down the stairs. And so... she left with her children to eat at the hanok house. Yangcha gripped his empty palms and got up from the couch to peek through the window. His wife happily strolled over the snowy field with her baby as the twins cutely traced her footpath from behind.The alpha didn't dare follow her and slumped back onto the couch, quietly sitting with a downcast expression, unable to voice his sorrows. He waited for her return. Hoping to speak with his wife... but she didn't return to the mansion that night. Sora... the twins... and Beom... remained at the hanok house. Yangcha... ended up... dozing off on the couch until early morning when he was awoken by the twin's loud chatter.He rubbed his eyes and quickly sat up to find them chasing each other to their bedroom, followed by his wife. Sora strolled past him without a glance and disappeared into her bedroom without Beom, who was left behind with imo at the Hanok house. Yangcha gripped his fists to counter the uncomfortable ache in his heart. He had expected her to welcome him with love and comfort... but she didn't. Instead... she pricked him with her coldness.
Sora's POV
I softly hummed before the vanity mirror while putting on my earrings as I sat in my casual dress when the door to my room suddenly opened, and Jae Yangcha stepped inside with his face lowered. He glanced at me with a guilty expression, so I glanced away and grabbed the comb to brush my hair without acknowledging his presence. The man didn't utter a word and closed the door before walking across the room to sit on the edge of the bed... quietly watching me from behind with a troubled expression."Can we talk...?" Yangcha asked hoarsely. I didn't answer him and quietly put my hair into a neat bun. He frowned at the muted silence as I got up to select my shoes from the closet. Thud. I closed the door and strolled out of the room without responding, leaving him alone inside the room without a response. He didn't want to face me when I desperately wished to console him... so I'll let him have it his way.
I left with the twins to take them to school and stayed at the nearby bakery to perform my tasks while chatting with Do-hwan, who kept me company. We went grocery shopping together, and I got everything I needed before picking up the twins after the school hours ended and headed back to the property.
I did not return to the mansion and ate dinner at the hanok until late at night before returning to the dark property. The Jae had taken a short vacation to Busan because Halmeoni wasn't feeling too well since she had been worrying too much about her grandson's well-being. Taehyung visited us with snacks... so the twins and Beom are staying with the alpha for the night.
A moment later.
I pulled on my nightgown after a long shower and slipped on my socks to prevent my toes from freezing off before strolling out of the closet to find... Yangcha... perching at the foot of my bed. He glanced at me in irritation when I wouldn't acknowledge his presence. I dismissively attempted to leave the room when he hastily sprinted forward to block the door.Thud! He roughly shoved the door shut with his arms extended over my head and quickly slid in against the platform to block my path. I halted at his hasty reaction and looked up at his burning red eyes. He fumed in anger while towering over me with a dark gaze."Noona. What's the matter with you?" He questioned with his eyebrows furrowed. I stared at him without a hint of emotion."Didn't you want to avoid me? I'm not complaining, so do as you wish," I exhaled. Yangcha clenched his jaw at my harsh statement."I wasn't avoiding you-""Oh? So you were- merely pretending to be asleep?" I asked coldly. Yangcha exhaled in frustration as he leaned against the door to stop me from leaving the room. He grabbed my hand, but I quickly pulled away before he could secure me."I just didn't know how to face you-""I don't mind. If you don't know how to properly address the situation... then step aside and return to your room," I nodded with a poker face. Yangcha pouted... trying to hug me... so I effortlessly stepped backward to avoid his clutches. He stiffened at my repeated withdrawal to his desperation."I'm sorry. Okay...? I know you are deeply hurt by my actions-""There's no need to be sorry-""I thought I'd only worry you more if I woke up!" Yangcha snapped in frustration. The glistering warm tears... dripping from his eyes to express his remorse... yet... I didn't react and sternly stared at him with a blank face."Then don't worry about me. Stay in your room. Pretend to be asleep while I'm hurting over you. That's my duty as a wife. Neglect me all you want. Detach yourself if that's what you need to grant yourself peace. I won't stop you. It'll be easier for me too... so I can learn to forget your existence before you pass. I'm sure... it won't hurt as bad once you're buried under the dirt... if that's what you're doing. Preparing me for your death by neglecting me like this," I calmly stared at him. Yangcha pouted and shakily reached out for me... but I coldly stepped backward again... causing him to whimper in distress. He huffed and slightly smacked his forehead until heavy tear streams gushed over his flushed cheeks."I'm sorry!- Noona! I'm sorry!- Please!?!- Let me hold you~! I'm dying to touch you right now-""No. Stay... in your position and don't touch me. You got it? Don't even dare cry before me after I begged you to speak to me... yet you never had the heart to answer me. It's easier for me to accept your death if you don't leave any more memories for me to yearn for," I firmly shook my head. Yangcha sobbed, suddenly lowering his body to kneel before me. He cried in distress and lowered his head while rubbing his palms together... pitifully pleading me for forgiveness. Still. I stood dimly without a hint of sympathy."I was wrong! I'm sorry for deceiving you! I thought you'd be happier if you weren't aware!- I'm terribly sorry- I really am! Please- Sora- I love you- I didn't want to trouble you- and I- I was ashamed to face you! I can endure anything for you- but please- Please don't stop loving me! I can't stand it!" Yangcha whimpered while staring up at me with his ugly tears. I couldn't feel anything for him... but the numbing emotions in my chest."Why would I love a person... who will soon leave my side after promising me a forever? You're no different from everyone else. A liar. So don't expect more of my affection. I will not waste it on a man who will leave my life. You shouldn't be greedy either... and accept your fate," I muttered, stepping to the side, drew the door open and strolled out without looking back. I heard Yangcha bawling in despair after I spat the hurtful words at him and dismissively strolled down the dark mansion staircase to leave the property. I can't stand being in the same space with him. He'll only infect me with his whimpers and cries.Sighing deeply... I slumped on the bench in the garden beside the Hanok's house to gaze at the dark lake under the ancient tree. I don't want to see his face anymore. If he wishes to die with the cold war left unattended between us... then I'll fulfill it. I was dead worried for him... but he dared to avoid me when I was dying to hold myself together? I blinked out of my thoughts when someone... pulled a warm coat over my shoulder... so I looked up to find appa... circling the bench to sit beside me."You can't sleep?" Appa smiled as he sat in his pajamas with a jacket over his body. I blinked and glanced at the dark mountains with a vacant gaze."Do you resent eomma for hiding the truth from you?" I asked. Appa glanced at me."No. But I was upset that she couldn't trust me. If only she had told me the truth... I would've still loved her and you the same. I wished... she hadn't kept the secret to herself and suffered these past years with the guilt of her actions... to protect my feelings. I don't blame her... I only wished... she had the courage to rely on me," Appa sighed. I nodded with a dim gaze while staring at my hands. Would things have unfolded differently... if eomma admitted my existence to appa...?"He lied to me. I don't know whether I should be grateful for his determination to protect my feelings or be upset for not being trusted," I whispered. Appa exhaled and looked up at the dark sky."No one has the courage to hurt the person they love, Sora. But sometimes... we do not wish to curse them with the kind of truth that will forever crush them. You can be grateful. And you can be upset... but at the end of the day... you have to remember... it's done in the name of love. I'm sure he never intended to give you a hard time. But fate can be... brutal sometimes. Not everyone will have a happy ending. Instead of being upset with the people we love... for misleading us with such deception to keep us sane and happy... maybe we should... be a little appreciative of their efforts? It's difficult for you... I know. And it's also difficult for him. It's not something within your control... so instead of sulking. Why don't you reconcile and try to live your life as usual? You'll have a lot of regrets if you go to war with each other in the remaining chapters of your relationship. I don't have as many regrets now because I've always loved your mother, and I have spent most of my time... expressing my affection to her. She left my side unexpectedly... but I'm glad I wasn't cold or upset with her when she passed. At least she knows... she's forgiven... and that appa will love her regardless of her deception. I'm sure eomma is at peace now. She knows her husband still loves her, and he's still taking care of our precious daughter and her children," Appa smiled at me. I nodded and smiled at his words. Appa patted my back."You're a hopeless romantic," I chuckled. If it's anyone... appa is the only good-hearted alpha in this society. My father has never harmed or hurt a soul... but cares for his family."Go back to bed. Don't freeze yourself to death just because you're upset," Appa grabbed my hand to pull me with him. I smiled and got up from the bench. We headed back inside the hanok, so he left to rest as I hung his coat on the rack and turned to stare at the mansion from the opened hanok house.Sighing... I took a deep breath and mustered up the courage to walk forward... listlessly striding over the thick snow... that had accumulated over the night in my bunny slippers. My every step... crunching the frail surface to form the visible footsteps. I paused midway over the snow when I noticed... Yangcha... limping over the field.... before the looming mansion.He paused to look at me as he stood on the snow... frozen by my sudden appearance. I sorely examined his puffy eyes and flushed cheeks from crying while standing at a distance.Yangcha clenched his jaw as the freezing wind swirled the chills around us, causing my loose hair to flutter all over my face... but I didn't blink and stared at him with a slight grimace. The alpha pursed his lips.... too afraid to step forward and glanced at the empty property like a lost child as he clutched his thin pajamas with his stiff fingers."N-Noona-""I TOLD YOU NOT TO FOLLOW ME!" I screamed in frustration. He flinched and pouted at my violent outburst."You didn't tell me- Ah! I'm sorry!- AH! I'LL HEAD BACK- ARGH!??!!" Yangcha immediately stumbled backward in fear when I screeched and marched toward him in anger... so he tried to spin around but clumsily toppled over the snow. I quickly slipped off my thick slipper and hurled with all my might- SMACK. Yangcha gasped at the harsh impact on the back of his head. He wildly turned to stare at me in disbelief as I raced towards him with my fists clenched. I'm going to kill him!"You never listen, do you!? I told not to follow- me-""ARGH! Ah! Ah! Ah-?!!!" Yangcha tried to hurry away over the chunky snow to avoid my wrath- but I leaped over to lock my arm around his neck and yanked him backward. He gasped in shock while tugging my arm from his throat... but I seethed and wrestled his sturdy figure... until he staggered... onto the thick snow."How dare you hurt me!?- How dare you do this to me!?!- You bad man! You freaking bad!- Bad!- Bad man! I hate you!!! I freaking hate you!!!!- I hate you so much! Argh!-" I screamed in distress as I shoved his broad shoulders onto the snow while sitting over his body.Yangcha grunted in pain as I struck his chest with all my might until my chest wrenched sorely, causing my body to vibrate in extreme anguish- but I didn't give in to my discomfort and struck him with all my strength. THUD! THUD! THUD! I thumped my fists over his chest to beat him without mercy. HE DESERVES MY ANGER!"I'm sorry! Sora, I'm so sorry~! Baby~!" He cried, hastily grabbing my wrists to stop me from beating him. Pause. I abruptly halted to examine the swelling tears in his eyes. I want to tear him to shreds for ruining my life like this! This is so unfair!The world suddenly stopped spinning around me as I felt my soul... shattering into bits at the sight of his pained expression. I suddenly sobbed and lowered my hand in defeat once the overwhelming emotions... seized control of my steel heart to torment me with the shocking reality of losing him. Why does it have to be this way?! Wae?!!"You're a liar- A terrible- person! I hate you- Why- did you come to me- When- you're going to drift away like this-!? Hah~! You fucking punk! You made me stay with you! You robbed me of my heart! You took my soul! You made yourself my world- but you're the one to betray me!? How can you- tear down the world- you assembled for me like this!? Maybe- I should've stabbed you to death when I had the chance!- Maybe you should have died long ago! Why did you have to return- just to torture me like this!? Ah!- You fucking asshole!" I screamed in tears until my body shook in extreme despair.

I gripped my aching chest and bawled at the top of my lungs until I choked on my spits and coughed in frustration. Yangcha firmly pushed his body off the snow and pulled me into a crushing hug. He sniffled and drew my head against his shoulder to comfort my rotting soul, making me bawl even harder upon his relieving embrace.How can I let him go like this!?- I hate it when things don't go my way! I tightly hugged his neck and buried my face against his neck to muffle my heartbreaking whimpers. Yangcha shakily exhaled and rubbed my back to numb the gnawing emotions that were eating me out alive until I felt my temples throbbing... and eyeballs.... stinging in pain... from flushing out the unbearable misery.

"Do you know what I wished for on my birthday...?" He whispered. I cried harder until my frail body vibrated from the cruel emotions."I hate you," I gritted but refused to release him and tightened my arms around his neck as we sat on the freezing snow."I wished... to bear all of your hardship... your miseries... your sorrows. I wished for your welfare so you could live happily until the very end. And Sora... you wished for my wishes to come true. Maybe they heard our prayers," He whispered, softly patting my back. I wailed and shoved his shoulder to glare at his tearful eyes.
Is he seriously trying to lighten my mood in this situation!? The fucking man is crazy! I don't want to be comforted! I want to throw a tantrum and make him guilty for putting me through this misery! I don't need his fucking comfort!- It's a pathetic distraction!
"How can you wish to bear another person's tragedies~?!" I cried, breaking down helplessly. If he really bore my tragedies- then I'm the person to blame for his passing! Yangcha smiled and gently rubbed my damp cheeks."You deserve to live happily. A fairytale? No... I'll make it a reality for you. Hmm....? Will you live for me...?" Yangcha whispered, causing a flood of tears to trickle from my lower lashes. My heart... is tearing itself apart because of him. Can't he understand...? How does he expect me to be grateful for his fucking illness?! I don't want to drown myself in the fairytale bullshit to avoid the harsh reality of losing him!

"Why are you smiling...? Are you enjoying this...?" I glared at his stupid smile."This is the last... battle... I can fight to save you. Please... be proud of me," He chuckled, clearly in pain but he fucking smiled anyways! I whimpered at his words and shoved him backward in distress. Does he know how fucking badly his words are piercing me?! He's driving a blade into my heart- and his fucking pathetic smile is driving me out of my mind!"You've really lost your mind! Ah!- I'm leaving! Don't follow me!" I snapped, quickly scrambling off his body in frustration. I refuse to be comforted! Yangcha sadly watched me sniffle as he remained on the cold snow."I'll freeze to death if you don't want me to get up... but that's fine," He smiled. I glared at him while staring at his stupid fucking smile. Is he fucking crazy!? Why is he so fucking unbothered in this situation?!"Whatever! Freeze to death!" I snapped, turning around to storm toward the mansion, leaving him behind- when my brain suddenly ordered my legs to spin around... and I ended up... marching back towards him. Yangcha smiled as he watched me stomp towards him."I know you won't leave me~ AH?! ARGH! OW-" Yangcha attempted to tease me but was cut short when I snatched his ear- causing him to shriek in shock."Get up! You fucking asshole!-" I sneered, yanking him onto his feet by his ear. He whined in pain, quickly scrambled to his feet, and followed me over the snow. The alpha grunted and grabbed my hand, but I didn't release him and dragged him all the way inside the mansion.Yangcha loudly whimpered as I stormed the staircase and through the corridor while dragging him by his ear... until I shoved my door open and threw him inside my room. He pouted at my harsh release and clasped his hand over his red ear with heavy tear streams over his flushed cheeks. I flared my nose while glaring at his sulky expression. What should I do with him!?! I suddenly don't know what to do- but resent him for putting me in this pitiful position! I let him be my happiness- but he's now a fucking thorn in my heart, and I can't seem to remove him from my infested heart without ripping my soul apart!"Let's make another baby," I demanded, stepping forward with a firm frown. Yangcha clenched his jaw as he unsurely stared into my burning pupils, shaken by the ridiculous request."I can't do that," He shook his head. I glared at him in annoyance."Why not?!" I snapped in irritation."I don't think I can live long enough to help you through your pregnancy. A child shouldn't be born without seeing its father. You'll have a tough time without me," He sorely explained. I pouted at him and rubbed my tears with my sleeves while sucking in my runny nose to stop the aching emotions from spilling out of me. Ah~! Why is he so stubborn?!- Should I bang my head against the wall!? Or should I throw myself off a cliff?!"I don't- I don't know what to do- I'm so lost- Yangcha- I'm trying desperately to stay sane for you- for my children- for appa- for imo- for the household. I'm trying so hard to be a good person! A good mother! A good wife! A good soul- I don't understand- I don't understand why I'm always suffering like this! Why is it that I can't live happily with my partner?! I don't understand! I've done so much! I've changed for love! I've done everything I could- to save our relationship because I wanted to settle- but- but you're going to leave like this!?!- What am I supposed to do after you disappear from my life!? Restart!? Fuck it- I can't do that- I really don't have the energy to live like this anymore! I can't live without you!" I cried helplessly until my shoulders shook from the intensity of my throbbing soul.Yangcha sighed and stepped forward to hold my cheeks, making me whimper in discomfort at his touch. He gently rubbed his thumb over my cheek to soothe me. I don't want him to touch me anymore! How will I live after he exits my life!? I'll be left aching all over for her presence!"I know. I know you've had it the toughest. Okay...? But Sora... you're a strong soul. I know you'll live just fine without me. Hmm...? You'll be okay once I'm gone. Let's... try to... deal with this... in a healthy way. Okay? I'm just as scared... but I know for a fact... I won't feel anything after I pass. It is you... who will grieve my absence. And I'm truly sorry... for hurting you like this. But for now... let's just be happy. Can we please do that? I don't want to ruin us- or I'll die in vain," He whispered. I bit my trembling lower lips and closed my eyes to squeeze out the burning tears from my eyes. Why do I feel so hopeless...? Yangcha exhaled deeply and kissed my lips, so I sucked in my breath and gripped onto his forearm, desperately refusing to respond to his invitation."I've... lived most of my winter alone... without my family or a lover. But- you've provided me so much warmth and comfort through the coldest and darkest nights... I really thought I'd be safe forever. But right now... this is the coldest winter storm in my life. I'm afraid... I'll be alone again during the next winter and for the rest of my life," I whispered hoarsely as the hot flow dripped messily from my chin. Yangcha smiled in tears and shook his head."You've got a family, Sora. Your children. Your father. Imo. Do-hwan. They'll be there for you," He whispered."But not you. My comfort. I need you the most. You know that- baby- you know- I'm helpless without you- I- I don't think I can breathe because- the moment you vanish... you'll take what's left of me with you. How can I live on with nothing...? Please don't leave my side. Oh? Baby- You can't leave me in this cruel world," I whispered while staring at him in difficulty, tightly gripping his hands to beg him. Yangcha pursed his trembling lips and lowered his head before looking back up at me with a guilt-ridden frown."If I could... I'd swim over the river of death and flee from the afterlife for you. Sora... you know I'll do anything for you... but I am only mortal... and this is all I can do for you. I can only offer you trivial love and comfort. As much as I wish to be your strongest warrior... I am not capable of beating death. I wish I could give you more. If I could... I would. You know that. So please... please... baby... listen to me... hmm? You will be okay without me. Beom will be with you. He'll keep you company. A piece of me will be in our son. I'll be here. With you until you're truly happy, okay? Please... I know it's a traumatic turning point in our lives... but I really want to see you smile until my last breath. Please. I'll smile for you too. That's all I'm asking," He whimpered while cupping my cheeks. I blinked in tears... too weak to voice out my aching pain... as I helplessly listened to his desperation. Why am I whining like this? How can I be so childish...?"I love you," I sobbed and pulled him into a crushing hug.Yangcha tightly hugged my head and gently rocked me from side to side, so I exhaled deeply and closed my eyes to release the soaked tear while clutching onto his depleting body warmth. How can I be so insensitive to his needs right now? Why the fuck am I asking him to do more when it is he... who needs me more than I'll ever need him? Why am I so greedy like this? I'm such a terrible person!
The winter storm may... be harsh and deadly... but the sun will rise... and the frost will thaw once spring arrives to brighten my world.

But will my frozen heart... ever bloom again... after his departure?

I wasn't sure.

After all, I have loved him more than anyone.

Possibly... more than my own life.
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Fast Forward
Jang Beomseok greeted the guests on a cloudy day on the vast opening of the Hanok house as the staff led individuals to their seats. Imo sniffled as she stood beside Do-hwan, who was sharply scanning the property to observe the crowd of alphas and lower ranks. Kim Seokjin sternly strode inside the ancient property with Jimin, So-young, and Namjoon in their formal attire... so the Jae greeted the leading alphas... who lowered their heads to pay their respect to the elders."Our condolences for your loss," Ah-young appeared with Taehyung in a black dress. The Jae nodded at her, so Taehyung led her into the crowd as he searched the area for... Jang Sora... but she was nowhere to be found. Beomseok paused when he noticed Jeon Jungkook strolling through the property with Hwa-young and their newborn daughter.The Jeon awkwardly greeted Beomseok and quickly strode away. Sungho stopped by to chat with Beomseok and the Jae before excusing himself to his seat until Mira and Minho showed up,  followed by Yoongi and Hoseok in black suits... and were warmly greeted by the elders...Do-hwan instructed his men to arrange the massive grieving flower wreath by the entrance as the guests flooded the space. Imo left to instruct the maids to serve the guests... in the clear opening before the massive flower platform filled with all kinds of blooming white flowers.Kim Taehyung glanced at Jeon Jungkook from his seat, who settled beside Hwa-young and his daughter... before glancing around the property again to find Seokjin, Namjoon, and Jimin sitting in the same row on the far left side. The guests chattered quietly in respect of the bereaved family until a woman suddenly strolled from behind the casket decoration with a child in her arm... and the twins on either side of her.Jeon Jungkook tensed his body as the two children strolled beside their mother in black shorts and button-up shirts. Their eyes were puffy... but they weren't crying. Taehyung waved at the twins as they lifted their faces to stare at their father but didn't smile. They released their mother's black dress and slowly dragged their sluggish feet towards their father, passing by Jeon Jungkook, who was intensely eyeing the young children.They didn't run and scream like they usually did. Instead, they sulkily stepped into their father's embrace. Woojin pouted and hugged Taehyung, who drew Kanghoon onto his lap. The twins sat on each side of Taehyung's lap as Ah-young sadly stared at the child's torn condition. They clutched onto two yellow toy ducks and buried their face against Taehyung's chest with gloomy expressions to watch the strange eyes... pry at them from every direction.

Kim Taehyung stared at Jang Sora as she stood with a black hat over her head, encased with transparent fabric nets to blur her face. She stood in an ankle-length dress with transparent long sleeves in a pair of medium heels and hair styled in a neat bun. She lowered her head to greet the crowd as they paused to stare at her. Strut. Strut. She composedly walked down the white aisle to approach the elders as they spoke to the guests by the entrance.Jeon Jungkook turned after her to sneak a glimpse of her face... and to his surprise... she was slightly smiling behind the black net. The former supreme alpha approached her father to chat with him until he took the child from her arms as she turned to speak with Yangcha's grandparents.Kim Seokjin slowly averted his eyes away from her to gaze at Jae Yangcha's bright smile in the photograph as he proudly beamed at the crowd with his charming smile... and the scar... visible over his scalp. The alphas unsurely eyed the flower wreath... not believing he had passed away after the countless battles he won... against death to remain by the goddess's side.The guests grew hushed as Jang Sora returned to Jae Yangcha's funeral casket to stand before his flower wreath with her hands clasped together. She was the first to pay her respect. The entire field grew hushed to grant her the peace she needed. No one uttered a word as Jang Sora stared at her late husband's picture to mourn his passing.All Taehyung could hear... was the soothing melody of nature... that surrounded the property... and the soft whistles of the wind... delicately brushing against the souls within the property. It was a calm and peaceful day. The vast sky was covered by clouds... shielding the grieving souls with its shaded comfort. Jang Sora finally exhaled and turned to face the crowd, causing Taehyung to tense up as she took off her hat and lifted her beautiful smile to the face guests. Seokjin gulped uneasily at how radiant she appeared. She quietly scanned the crowd and let out a soft chuckle... causing the guests to stare at her cheerful mood with an uncomfortable feeling.
Jang Sora... knew... Jae Yangcha died a hero.

An ace... unmatched by others... so death took him away to... restore the power balance... on the chessboard.
__________________________
Third Person POV
Sora's POV"Appa~!" Beom shrieked while pointing at a picture of his father as he sat on my lap by the arch window."That's right. Appa~!" I nodded as I held my baby on the chaise lounge. The child giggled, so I kissed his head until I heard the door opening. I looked up to find Taehyung stepping inside my bedroom.

"Have you eaten?" He asked, unsurely closing the door behind his back. Beom glanced at the alpha and grinned with his two front teeth while wiggling in my arms."Yeah. I eat early these days," I nodded while hugging Beom on the armchair with my legs crossed under him. Taehyung nodded and glanced around the room to avoid making direct eye contact with me."Well- Are you attending my wedding?" He curiously asked. I smiled and lifted my eyebrow."Wae? You don't want me to be there?" I asked, weakly chuckling at him. Taehyung froze and rubbed his palms unsurely."I'll reserve designer Choi for you if you need to tailor your dress," Taehyung suggested. I blinked at his tense behavior. He's been away ever since Yangcha passed and has always been busy with his wedding preparation... so I haven't seen him in months."That isn't necessary... I have spare gowns," I shrugged and glanced at Beom as he flipped through the photo album. Taehyung nodded but didn't leave and awkwardly peeked at the drawer."Well... uh- Ah-young will move into the mansion after our marriage. You're okay with that?" He asked unsurely."It's your place. Why are you asking me...?" I replied while frowning at him. What's with him...?"Oh. Yeah. Well- I thought you wouldn't want anyone inside the place besides your family," He shrugged."Ah-young can move in. I don't mind her presence," I shrugged. Taehyung nodded again."Do you still wish to move out of the mansion?" Taehyung asked, eagerly walking over to sit on the edge of my bed. I pinched Beom's cheek before looking up at him again."I will. After I'm ready," I nodded. Taehyung pursed his lips, dimly averting his gaze to the child in my arms and back up at me. He cleared his throat and glanced out the window to gaze at the afternoon sky as the maid and guards bustled over the property to prepare for the event.

"Today... is Ah-young's... birthday party," Taehyung nodded at the setup in the space below as the guests flooded the mansion. I blinked and glanced at the field with a straight face."I got a gift for her, but I'll give it to her after the party," I shrugged."Sora... you've been locked up in here for months. You can't keep this up," He muttered, frowning at me. I smiled as Beom giggled at Taehyung again. The alpha weakly responded to the adorable child with a weak smile."I stroll around the property... after everyone goes to bed. No worries. I keep the window open for a refreshing breeze," I smiled, nodding at an opened window. Taehyung didn't seem assured and glanced at Beom again."I want you at the party," Taehyung shook his head. I exhaled and looked up at his concerned frown... before taking a deep breath to make up my mind."I'll be there," I agreed.Taehyung stared at me with a concerned expression and quickly got up to leave without uttering another word. I waited for him to close the door before sighing heavily. How am I doing...? Obviously... I'm still grieving. Somedays... I bawl my eyes out from the intense yearning for Yangcha, but other days? I feel nothing at all. I don't cry in front of my children, of course. I do it alone. It was very tough during the first few weeks... but I'm starting to feel... slightly calmer now.
I miss him... of course... but... there's nothing I can do. I promised him to live well, so I will.
Appa dropped by my bedroom to pick up Beom and left to join the guests on the field below... so I got changed and sat at the vanity table to cover up my dark under circles before taking my pills to stop my mind from hallucinating. I see him often. Yangcha. He's everywhere. And to keep my mind sane... I've been on prescribed pills to properly function in the harsh reality.Sighing heavily, I stood up from the stool to watch the guests cheer on the ground before the window. I'll head down once... she's done cutting her cake to give her the gift and return for bed. I pulled on Yangcha's old headphones and placed them over my ears to mute the noisy world from my mind. I played his music and sat against the head bed, calmly breathing with the peaceful melody. He doesn't listen to upbeat songs.
Yangcha has an entire playlist of random sounds. It could be the sound of drumming rain... or the crashing waves on the seaside beach. He even records the sound of wilderness in the woods filled with insects cries and bird chirps. And if he listens to music... it's often plain piano chords or traditional flute music.

And he owns a compilation of my voice too. He records our voice messages or our calls and compiles them. Luckily... I can still hear his voice since he often records our conversations. It's heart-warming really... how he... collects our little moments as his prized possession. My laughter... might not mean anything to anyone... but it means everything to Yangcha.

He gave me all of his personal belongings before he passed... and I have been... holding on to everything I have left of him.
I paused the soothing waterfall sound and placed the headset away before strolling out of my room... but unsurely paused in place when I noticed the dark corridor. Right. Everyone is having fun outside. It is my world... that is tinted with a gray tone... entirely stripped of colors.I shrugged and strode down the stairs to enter the dark living room as the loud music boomed over the field and... was about to approach the door when... a man appeared from the left corridor leading to the kitchen. I thought he was guard but halted and realized he was.. strolling straight toward me... with a blade gripped tightly in his hand. I blinked and stood frozen in position as I watched him stride toward me with a mask over his face.I couldn't budge and glanced at the clueless guest outside the glass door before glancing back at his dark eyes with a racing heart. I could've run... I could've sprinted... but I didn't and stood in place... too numb to feel anything."Eomma~!" Woojin shrieked, suddenly bursting through the door with glowing LED glasses over his eyes. The child cluelessly skipped towards me, causing the man to wildly turn toward the child. My heart sank when he suddenly gripped the blade and pounced toward the innocent child."YAH!-" I screamed, launching forward to seize his right arm in horror, causing Woojin to flinch and stumble backward at the shocking attack."Eomma?!-""Woojin!- Run!- ARGH!" I screamed in horror as the man thrashed and leaped for the child, who freaked out and sprinted away with his glowing black glasses to shove the door open and raced back into the crowded field. Whip! The man wildly spun toward me again. He violently grabbed a handful of my hair and yanked me backward, making me seethe in pain."URGH!" He gasped in shock when I threw a rough punch in his face, sending him stumbling into the wall. I quickly regained my balance and turned to glare at him as he bolted towards me again with a murderous intention- THUD. The front door suddenly opened... and Taehyung came stumbling inside with his eyes bulging open."YAH!?-" Kim Taehyung screamed, furiously dashing towards the man as he swiftly swung the blade at me- but the alpha swiftly caught his arm just in time to disable the blade and shoved the man away with all his might. Taehyung quickly grabbed my arm to yank me behind his back while glaring at the intruder with his tensed muscles.The man grunted as he backed away from us- and hastily sprinted from the living room, causing Taehyung to scoff in disbelief at his unexpected retreat. The alpha quickly chased after the man as the door flung open again... and a flood of people... came pouring inside with bewildered looks. Seokjin frowned in shock as he watched Kim Taehyung race after the culprit down the left corridor- so I blinked with a startled feeling as appa came rushing inside with Woojin, who wailed in fear. Flick! The entire mansion glowed brightly after someone switched on the lights, causing me to squint in discomfort."Eomma!~! Are you hurt?!" Woojin shrieked, rushing towards me with a terrified look. I opened my arm to hug the child as Hoseok and Jimin poured inside with Yoongi and Namjoon in confusion. "I'm fine~! I'm totally fine! Aigo~! Don't cry~!" I smiled to comfort the child as Kanghoon... came running with a blinking alien hair band over his head."What happened?! Eomma~! Woojin said- Bad man- bad tried to hurt you?!-" The child shrieked in concern. I gripped their small bodies while crouching on the floor as the elders and the alphas crowded the room. Aish~! I didn't want to attract their attention! But what the fuck was that?~- The person... wasn't skilled. Why would he attack me? No- he went for the twins. I blinked and looked up to find Jungkook frowning at me. He's here too...?"Eonni~! Are you alright?!" Ah-young pushed through the crowd in confusion, rushed forward to grab my arms, and quickly scanned my body for signs of injuries with a pale expression. I nodded and straightened my back as Woojin gripped my dress with tears all over his cheeks."Dismiss the party!" Kim Seokjin demanded, causing Do-hwan to alert his men, and before I knew it... everyone had disappeared from the property... leaving only the top alphas and my family on the ground floor. Woojin sniffled as he clung to my waist, so I asked Do-hwan to take the kids to bed and instructed him to stand guard in their room. The intruder might return to harm my children.Kim Taehyung suddenly stormed through the opened door of the living room with scratches on his face as appa patted Beom's back to comfort the child by the staircase. Hoseok's eyes widened in shock as Kim Taehyung dragged the man by his hair to hurl him inside the mansion. His trail of blood... splattering all over the ground. Taehyung captured the culprit...? Alone?!The man seethed in pain after Taehyung roughly shoved the culprit to the floor- SMACK. Imo flinched as Kim Taehyung kicked the bastard in his face. So-young gripped Jimin's arm in fear as Jungkook bitterly stared at the man with his hands in his pockets."Who sent you?!" Taehyung gritted, crouching down to snatch the man's hair, and roughly yanked his head back... causing my eyes to widen in shock."Shin Minho?!!" Jimin gasped, shooting up from the couch with his mouth hanging open. Minho grunted in pain as he sat helplessly on the floor with a swollen right eye. The alpha spat out blood and glared at Kim Taehyung in resentment."Fuck-""Why did they send you?!" Taehyung scoffed in disbelief."To fucking kill Jang Sora and her children, of course!" Minho sneered. Taehyung frowned and glanced at me with a confused look."Why would the cult wish to kill Jang Sora?! She surrendered her power to the cult!" Hoseok snapped. Minho huffed in annoyance as he spat out blood from his bleeding lips. Spst! Appa walked up the stairs to take Beom to bed since he didn't want the child to witness the disturbing sight. I signaled the guards to patrol appa, so they bowed and hurried up the stairs after him."I don't know!- It's an order! The cult will fucking kill me if I don't obey them!" Minho snapped. SMACK! The alpha groaned in shock when Taehyung punched him hard across the face, causing his blood to splatter all over the carpet. "I'll give you another chance to spill the truth- or I'll fucking put a bullet in your head-""Argh!!?- !%$#^*%!?!- Help me!!!- ARGH!-" Someone suddenly came crashing through the mansion's front door in a ruined dress- causing imo to flinch in a panic as the person weakly collapsed onto the floor with her striking messy hair. Ah-young took a step back in fright in her purple birthday gown at the appearance of another uninvited guest. Taehyung wildly snapped his startled gaze at the presence of the woman with his eyebrows furrowed in disbelief."KANG MINAH!?" So-young gasped, covering her mouth in shock as the alpha crawled over the floor on her dirty hands. Taehyung frowned as Seokjin stood up from the couch with his mouth hanging open- BLURP. She suddenly spat out blood while clutching her chest in pain. What the fuck...?"Minah!" Hoseok gasped, quickly rushing forward to seize her arms in bewilderment. Minah cried in distress while clinging to Jung Hoseok... as the heavy blood trickled from her lips.My mouth parted in horror as she sat with a beaten face. Her eyes were swollen... and her lips were bleeding. There were dark bruises... all over her neck and face. Jungkook clenched his jaw at her alarming condition with an uneasy feeling and glanced at Minho... who appeared to be as taken aback by her messy appearance. "Shit... What did they do to you...?" Minho muttered while gawking at Kang Minah with a terrified look. She suddenly gagged out blood again and glared at Shin Minho while clenching her fists in tears."PARK BOGUM ISN'T THE LEGITIMATE HEIR!" Minah cried- suddenly collapsing to the side- so Hoseok grabbed her body in a panic... as heavy sweat dripped from her face. What's the matter with her? I intensely gripped the cushion on the couch... unable to process the bewildering scene before my eyes."What are you talking about!?" Min Yoongi frowned at her. Minah sobbed and rubbed her aching belly in distress as the disturbing... blood gushed from her lips."Chung Manseok- He- Urgh-""Call the medics! She can't speak in this condition!" Hoseok roared until imo whimpered and quickly hurried away with a maid to alarm the head doctor. Minah screwed her face in pain and tried to speak again but failed miserably. She suddenly flopped and weakly slumped against Hoseok's chest, who gripped onto her cold body with a startled expression."Minah!?- Minah!?- HEY!?" Hoseok gasped, fearfully slapping his ex-lover's face as we gawked at her beaten condition in dread. First- Minho tried to kill me and my children!? Now- Minah is vomiting blood inside my house?! Can it get any worse!?"WHERE IS SHE!?-" Another person came storming through the door. My eyes widened in extreme shock... when... Chung Yuri... appeared with a blade in her hand. Kim Taehyung immediately released Shin Minho and snapped his gun at the woman as she panted at the entrance... with heavy sweat beads all over her pale face."What fuck are you doing here- DON'T MOVE!" Taehyung seethed, hastily handling the gun at the cult's daughter. She froze and glared at Kim Taehyung in annoyance."Put the fucking gun down. Kang Minah... is fucking poisoned by the cult. We need to get the child out at all costs," She seethed. Kim Taehyung frowned and glanced at Minah... who was bleeding from her nose."Why would I let you-""IT'S NOT PARK BOGUM'S CHILD FOR GOODNESS SAKE! IF YOU WON'T STOP BITCHING- THE CHILD WILL FUCKING DIE BECAUSE OF THE POISON IN HER SYSTEM!" Yuri seethed, dismissively slapping the gun barrel from her face. She suddenly crouched down- STAB. Yuri stabbed Minah's belly with her dagger- causing Hoseok to flinch in a panic."WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?-" Hoseok shouted, hastily grabbing hold of Yuri's arm in extreme shock."WOAH! WOAH!??!- WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?!-" Jimin shrieked as Yuri shoved Hoseok aside and forced the blade into Minah's lower stomach... causing my eyes to widen at her brutal act. What the fuck-!? Ah-young quickly turned away in horror as the heavy blood... gushed out from the alpha's torn belly. STAB! STAB!"STOP!- I SAID STOP- WHAT THE FUCK-""IT'S YOUR CHILD ISN'T IT?! DID YOU FUCK HER BEFORE THE WEDDING!?" Yuri screamed at Hoseok, who tried to stop her. The alphas widened their eyes and glanced at Hoseok's ashen face as he trembled on the floor. They glanced at Minah... who was lifelessly sprawling on the ground with her bulging baby bump."We- we only made love-""Park Bogum got his blood sample tested! It's not his! Do you want to save the mother or the child!? The mother will not survive with the poison in her fucking bloodstream- so you can only save your fucking child!" Yuri screamed at Hoseok's pale face as he remained petrified on the floor.Taehyung lowered his gun with a baffled look as Seokjin rubbed his chin with an uptight frown. I slowly stood up from the couch as Yuri mercilessly slashed open Minah's flesh. Slash! Slash! I grimaced as Yuri repeatedly plunged the blade deeper into the torn muscles and tissues before shoving her bare hand inside the woman's open flesh... to search for the baby.BARF! Minho suddenly puked, causing Seokjin to flinch at the filth that ejected from the alpha's mouth and quickly stepped aside to avoid the disgusting discharge. So-young fearfully buried her face into Jimin's shoulder as he hugged her head. Thump! Hoseok weakly collapsed to the side... trembling out of control with his burning pupils on his lover's raw organs. Yoongi pressed his palms over his face as we listened to the disgusting squelching... Snatch!Jungkook flinched in shock at Yuri's brutal act as she snatched the small lump from between the torn flesh and tissues... causing more blood to flow from Minah's opened wound. I clasped my hand over my mouth in terror... as the woman drew out the blood-soaked fetus and quickly slashed the umbilical cord to cut off its mother's nutritious supply to prevent the poison from seeping into the child."ARGH!?!-" Imo screamed in fright when she rushed back inside the mansion to uncover the bloody mess.The woman suddenly fainted at the door after she witnessed Minah's opened stomach, so Jungkook quickly launched forward to stabilize the chief maid. Minho screwed his face in disgust as the head doctor and his team rushed inside the living to attend to the injured victims but- immediately froze at the sight of the bloody madness in extreme dread as they gawked at Minah's raw organs... spilling from her shredded stomach.Yuri shakily inhaled while rubbing her nose with her hand after she brutally ripped open Kang Minah's belly before lifting her blood-soaked face to stare dangerously at the... head doctor... as he gawked at the lifeless alpha and glanced at the bloody fetus in Yuri's arm with his mouth hanging open."Sorry doc... we were in a bit of a rush..." Yuri joked and tossed her blade aside, sending it clattering beneath the couch."Seize her! Take her to the medical center and attend the child!" The head doctor snapped out of thought- so the nurses and medics frantically rushed inside to heave Minah's body as Hoseok remained... petrified on the floor. The head doctor carefully took the bloody baby out of Yuri's arm and hurried out of the mansion... leaving all of us in utter shock. No one budged or uttered a word but stared at Yuri... who was cracking her neck... from side to side to relieve her strained muscles."You... contact Lee Mira. She has to pull out of the cult. Now..." Yuri instructed Minho, who was staring at her with a terrified face. Yuri wiped her sticky hands against her soaked clothes and lifted her bloody face to stare right at me."What's this madness?!" Taehyung snapped while glaring at her in frustration."That fucking bastard fucked my aunt! Park Bogum isn't Park Jihyun's child! He's my father's fucking biological son!" Yuri scoffed while combing her blood-soaked hair backward."What?" I scoffed at her absurd statement. Jungkook widened his eyes in disbelief."You were right about his suspicious relationship with my aunt. My father fucked his sister until she gave birth to the bastard. He cheated on my mother!" Yuri sneered, slumping on the couch beside Yoongi, who quickly scooted aside with a startled look. The alphas glanced at each other with a dreadful expression."P-Park Bogum is what... now?-" Namjoon stuttered, too taken aback to process her confession."Park Bogum is Chung Manseok's biological son! My father fucked the bastard out of the first lady's womb! Use your fucking brain, god dammit!- Park Jihyun knew Bogum wasn't his child! That's why- he abandoned the fucking orphan! Chung Yoona accused Park Jihyun of getting her pregnant because she fucking wanted to marry him! That's the reason Jihyun was restless and had an affair with Ga Aera! He always loved his former lover- not my fucking average aunt! But he was forced to marry her because she claimed to be pregnant with his child!" Yuri snapped. My jaw dropped in horror. WHAT."So that explains why... he suddenly sent me... to kill Sora and her children...? But what does that have to do with Minah...?" Shin Minho frowned in disbelief."Minah- she fucking performed a secret DNA test between Park Bogum and the cult leader- and the result came out positive! Park Bogum coincidentally tested her bloodstream to confirm the child's identity in her womb because she fucked my father- and surprise mother fucker!- The DNA in her blood does not match Park Bogum's or my father's!- They know she's carrying your fucking child!" Yuri glared at Hoseok, whose lips quivered in fright. Jungkook scoffed and glared at the woman in disbelief as we remained frozen in our places. I glanced at the violent pool of blood on the floor with a dark frown."Secure the property. The cult will come after Jang Sora and her heirs," Seokjin sternly nodded to the guards on standby. They bowed at his order and quickly hurried off to request additional manpower."Anyways. I've completely switched teams. Can I... borrow a room in your lavish mansion....? My father will fucking kill me. And you too... Shin Minho. You won't survive... if you step out of here... so make sure to warn your girlfriend. The bastard will slaughter everyone now that he's exposed for his crime- so giddy up- you stupid alphas... do whatever you do best- to strip that madman of his power before he goes berserk and kills everyone," Yuri exhaled as she leaned back with her eyes closed in exhaustion.
Park Jihyun... never... got the first lady pregnant? She was carrying her adopted brother's child...? She couldn't stand the disgrace... so she accused Jihyun of impregnating her... so he could marry her...? But the supreme alpha suspected her pregnancy... and chose to abandon Park Bogum after he was born...?

And Chung Manseok knew all along... that Bogum was his child...? That's why Park Jihyun... cheated on his wife with eomma? Because he never loved the average...? And chose... to make my mother carry his blood... so he could transfer his assets to me...?

So this is the entire truth...?

A deadly truth... that will put me and my children at risk because now... I am once... again exposed to the Black Phoenix's wrath... due to my existence as the legitimate heir.

The war never ceased.

They are coming for me... and my cubs.

This is a war... I have to fight... without my Jaguar.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Third Person POV
On the secluded land of the resting souls... amongst the scattered gray headstones with deep engravings of the deceased titles... stood a distinct white marble grave. Do-hwan folded his arms and leaned against the car with his legs crossed as he watched the twins chase each other through the quiet site as Jang Sora kneeled on the grass by her late husband's grave with a baby stroller. The man bitterly watched her from afar before glancing up at the cloudy sky... shading the living souls from the scorching sun's glare with its dense haze."Appa~?" Beom cooed from the stroller, curiously leaning over the rubber railing to watch his mother organize Jae Yangcha's memorial on her knees."Oh. Appa is resting here. Say hello~!" Sora smiled without glancing up as she positioned the flower bouquet by his marble tombstone. She refused the old-fashioned stone because... she thought it was too plain and dull for her husband. Instead, she picked the highest quality marble, polished with a glossy surface.

"Weeee~!" Kanghoon raced past his mother as Woojin circled a tree and dashed in the right direction to pursue a dragonfly above his head."Don't scream~! This is a graveyard, so be respectful!" Sora whined at the twins. They giggled and jogged over the grass, mischievously zigzagging between the tombstones to chase the insects."Wah~!" Beom chortled, cutely chuckling at his mother with his plump mochi cheeks. Sora briefly glanced at the baby as he opened and closed his tiny palms to reach for her while licking his glossy pink lips."Isn't appa's place pretty~?" Sora smiled, sitting directly on the grass in a loose dress. The alpha admired the colorful petals as she placed away the withered flowers in a bag, carefully wiping the tombstone with a silk napkin to brush the accumulated dust of her husband's name."Ahhhh~!" Beom giggled at his mother, causing her to smile at his cuteness. She glanced at Jae Yangcha's tombstone again. Her heart wasn't as heavy as it used to be. The mother of three children exhaled deeply with a relieved feeling as she sat in absolute silence to savor the tranquil atmosphere.
Jae Yangcha did not leave his wife with regrets. He's done everything to comfort her before his departure, and Sora has accepted his final offering with her whole heart. She missed him dearly, but... she was also satisfied with their peaceful ending.

The mother would visit the graveyard every weekend with her children to see her husband. Sometimes... she'd have a picnic with her children. On other days... she'd sit and stare at his grave for an hour. And often... she'd speak with the stone to converse with her dead lover. One might call her crazy... but it was her only solution to cope with the unfortunate loss.
"Ahjussi~! Are you thirsty~? Pew! Pew~!" Kanghoon shrieked, suddenly shooting water from his toy gun at Yangcha's grave with a bright beam."You'll never stop harassing him, huh~?" Sora smiled at the twins as they sprinkled water on Yangcha's grave to disturb his resting place."He must be bored all alone~! Ahjussi- Do you want our toy gun~? I'll leave it for you!" Woojin giggled, placing the blue toy before the tombstone. Sora shook her head, turned to stare at Do-hwan, who was busy tapping on his phone and glanced back at her children again until she noticed another car... pulling into the graveyard.
Sora's POV
My father quietly stood before Yangcha's grave with his head lowered to pay his respect as I crouched by Beom's stroller to zip the net so the insects wouldn't bother the little Jaguar. The child intensely sucked on the pacifier I gave him while resting against his pillow. Appa sighed heavily and glanced at us."How was the meeting?" I asked. My father insisted... that I remain at the property during the next council meeting because he feared... the cult might pull a dirty stunt to murder me after they were exposed for cheating their way onto the power throne."The cult will strike Kim Seokjin. Chung Manseok refused to let the council vote and demanded Seokjin to accept his crime. It was a nuisance," Appa bitterly stared at Yangcha's tombstone."Did they use force against the council?" I asked and stood up beside the stroller."No. The cult leader didn't dare attack the council due to Chung Yuri's absence, but the man will not remain composed for long. I'm sure the cult leader will attempt to attack you and your children again... so we must stay alert at all times," Appa exhaled. I blinked at the twins as they sat under tree shade to take a break from their explosive feral playtime."Should I flee the country with my children? I've already signed away our assets to Park Bogum. It's impractical to seize it back without triggering another deadly conflict," I shrugged. I don't want to live here anymore. The Jae has offered to foster me and my children if I agree to leave with them... to begin a new life at their castle in Europe. Yangcha was safe there... so I'm sure the twins will live well if I place them under their paternal grandparent's care."Your safety can't be guaranteed even if you leave Korea. It's best if you remain under Kim Taehyung's care- For now. Until... you find a suitable partner," Appa muttered. I blinked and glanced at my father with a questioning look."Partner?" I raised my eyebrow. Appa glanced at me with a dim expression."A household must be whole, Sora. That's the rule of the game. You can't stand alone with your children. You need a new partner to complete the household," He muttered. I grimaced and glanced at my dead husband's tombstone."I won't remarry. It's not like any man... would want to raise children that aren't theirs. You can represent our household," I shrugged. How can I marry another man? Yangcha took my heart with him. My father shook his head to disapprove of my statement."How long will I live for Sora? Perhaps... I can only live for another decade. You'll need a partner after I pass and in a decade...? You'll be much older than you are now. It will be difficult... to acquire a suitable candidate to help you sustain your household once you're older. You're still young and beautiful despite bearing many children, so you must not waste your limited opportunities and select a new partner," Appa calmly explained, causing me to grip my hands with an uneasy feeling."I can sustain the household alone," I shrugged with confidence. I don't need a man to support me. Appa exhaled heavily at my stubbornness. I might've been active in my early love life with many men... but not since I settled with Yangcha. I don't need another man in my life."The concern is... you're sustaining your dead husband's household, Sora. We're representing the Jae. Not appa's household. The council requires direct blood of the Jae family to possess the power, and Beom is way too young to lead in the council. Jae Yangcha could not solidify his child's inheritance record because it can only be signed when Beom is of age... about two decades from now. And as far as I know... Kim Seokjin is still Jae Yangcha's direct ally. If the cult threatens the second rank's household... Kim Seokjin will attempt to seize Yangcha's power to resist the cult... and this will place Beom in great danger of being eliminated. You must consider uniting with other households... so your new spouse can integrate your power with his assets and secure your family under his name. Only then... can you avoid Kim Seokjin's thirst for Jae Yangcha's power," Appa muttered. I narrowed my eyes in frustration."Should I kill Kim Seokjin? And Seize his assets to protect Beom?" I replied. Appa chuckled while staring at the tombstone."The society will collapse if we squabble amongst ourselves, Sora. The cult is the main villain, and we can't afford to murder our own kind anymore if we wish to survive. Your children's welfare depends on the cards you'll play on the chessboard. I believe... any man will desire you in their life... only if you're willing to grant them a chance because... they're not burdened by your children's power security. The twins will inherit Jeon Jungkook's power, and Beom will inherit Jae Yangcha's power. This indicates... your new partner may freely have a family with you and can provide for his blood child without... having to support your older children," Appa nodded. I didn't respond and stared blankly at the tombstone to ponder my flooding thoughts."No. I refuse," I firmly objected and turned to push Beom's stroller away. I will not marry another man no matter what appa says. I do not wish to start a new family.
How many more innocent souls must I birth into this cruel world...? I don't want to burden them with the council affairs. The twins... were born by accident... so I have to care for them. Beom? I had him with Yangcha because I truly loved his father. And that should be enough. Another child? With another man? My children will have different fathers at this rate.
I called for the twins until they came sprinting after me as I steered the stroller toward Do-hwan, who opened the car door and helped me inside before folding Beom's stroller to place it in the trunk. The twins hop into the back seat with me as appa sorely walked toward his car. We returned home after visiting Yangcha's grave, and he did not speak to me about the matter since._____________________
Fast Forward
Imo cheerfully chatted with halmeoni as she helped the Jae pack their things in the Hanok house. Harabeoji was cradling Beom by the lake as the twins chattered with him. Appa had left the property again to attend the council meeting, so I decided to help Halmeoni pack her belongings to distract my mind from endlessly yearning for my deceased husband.
Halmeoni packed plenty of our native necessities so she could stock them at her remote castle because she claimed... they lacked the Korean essentials in Europe. I got her limited edition skincare to keep her skin youthful... and packed an entire luggage of medical herbs to sustain her health.
"Yah- YAH!" Taehyung's voice echoed out of nowhere, so I glanced at the opened doorway with a startled look to find Kim Seokjin storming up the concrete stairs. My lips fell apart once I noticed tricking blood... rolling from his hairline. There were mild scratches... on his face as Taehyung chased him from behind to stop the man from invading our space."I need to speak with you!- GET UP!" Seokjin hastily snatched my wrist, causing me to flinch in a panic... as he effortlessly towed me onto my feet. I gasped and stumbled after the man... causing Taehyung to glare at the alpha's hasty behavior."What's the matter-""Let go of her! Are you mad-?!" Taehyung seethed, grabbing hold of my hand to tug me back. Seokjin snapped toward Kim Taehyung with an angry glare as I observed the trickling blood stream on the side of his face. What happened to him...?"You know the consequences if-""I think we should treat your wound first. And don't drag me around like a trash bag," I muttered, sorely removing Seokjin's grip from my hand. The man clenched his jaw and glared at Kim Taehyung, who was fuming at the alpha in discontent. I sighed, slipped on my slipper, and walked toward the mansion. Whip! Seokjin hastily spun on his heel and followed me over the path. Taehyung scoffed in irritation.
A moment later.
The nurse secured the bandage over Seokjin's forehead before lowering her head and stepped aside to leave us in the ground-floor living room. Kim Taehyung sat beside me with his legs and arms crossed, keeping his deadly glare on Kim Seokjin as the alpha lightly touched the bandage. Apparently... he got into a car accident... which is likely plotted by the cult. An attempted homicide? In broad daylight? The cult is very careless."What is it that you want... for you to barge inside my personal space with such aggression?" I raised my eyebrow to question Seokjin."The council isn't powerful enough. I need you to integrate Jae Yangcha's remaining wealth to climb the rank," Seokjin instructed. How can he... demand me to abide by his order without being mindful of my feelings? What has he become? My husband had recently passed, but he's already pursuing my power without shame?"I do not wish to burden the Jae anymore. They've already provided me with most of their assets to sustain the household. I can climb to the second rank overnight... but the Jae will be left with nothing for them... to thrive abroad," I muttered."I don't care. The cult will strike the council, Sora-""Yah! Aren't you being too fucking selfish!?- The cult disregarded the households' voices in the council! So what's the point of forcing Sora to seize the Jae's remaining assets?!" Taehyung argued. Seokjin wore a stern expression and glared at me from his seat."I've always assisted you when you desperately needed help. It's the least you can do to return the favor. I will not fall alone... because the cult will certainly hunt the households involved in the scheme until we're all gone!" Seokjin refuted."And what if I refuse to aid you? You're overstepping the boundaries, Seokjin-shi. I'm not sure how many people... let you off with your heedless demands... but I will not let you exploit my husband's household again. He's already returned your power, but here you are... still holding me accountable for your troubles?" I questioned in irritation."I am the one bearing the cult's punishment for the sake of the other households! If I fall- The cult will exterminate the remaining households. You may choose to protect your family- but I will choose to protect the society because only then- can my household survive the cult! Did you think I'm asking you for a favor? Jae Yangcha signed a permanent alliance contract with me, and he's dead. Your son is too young to inherit his assets... so if you refuse my order... I will seize your household assets as Jae Yangcha's guardian!- Do you understand? I'm offering you a choice to step up in the game because if you cower away- I will go above and beyond to protect the council- even if it means being the villain in your story!" Seokjin sneered, suddenly jerking from his seat with an attitude, and stormed out of the mansion before I could argue. My mouth fell open at his rudeness as I watched him march over the field before glancing at Taehyung with a concerned frown... who was rubbing his nose bridge in frustration."Fucking asshole..." Kim Taehyung grunted, lowering his head to process his jumbled thoughts."Should I just... marry Kim Seokjin and let him... handle Jae Yangcha's power?" I muttered, blankly staring at the couch. Taehyung frowned and lifted his face to glare at me. He'll never stop nagging me for my power. He believes... I'm incapable of wielding power because I only use it to secure my family... and not to defend the household's welfare."If you associate yourself with Kim Seokjin while he's guilty of treachery- The cult will use your involvement as an opportunity to strip Seokjin of his title. You'll fall with him in a snap," Kim Taehyung shook his head, got up from his seat, and stormed off. I closed my eyes and slumped back on the couch in defeat. I can't burden the Jae anymore. I must help them leave the country safely because if they stay longer- The alphas will thirst for their power... so I must send them away as soon as possible.________________________
Sora's POV
I stared at my hands blankly while sitting in the private dining room without blinking to make sense of my thoughts until Sungho returned from the bathroom to sit across from me. I glanced at him and straightened my back as he sipped from his wine glass with his attentive gaze locked on mine. I asked to see Chul Sungho... and he agreed to meet in private... so we could discuss the issue."You should consider your intent with caution. It's not something you can hastily decide because it is a lifelong commitment... so be wary of your decision," Sungho smiled warmly. I stared at him with my lips pursed."Thank you for agreeing to see me today," I replied. Sungho chuckled and shook his head with a faint smile."I'm always honored to assist you. After all... you're the rightful leader, and we ought to work together to eliminate the cult from the council," He nodded at me. I exhaled heavily and nodded in agreement. Which card should I play? I can't run... so I must play the game and ensure a successful counter-attack. And to make an effective strike... I must choose the right card to wield.
Sora, you can end this war. Stop being stubborn. Yangcha would want you to live a happy and secure life. Why are you choosing to torment yourself like this...? Your children will face the consequences... if you avoid your duties.
Sungho was nice enough to escort me back home after our extended dinner meeting, so I listlessly strolled through the dark corridor and entered my room to slump on the couch in exhaustion. I blinked and glanced at the empty bed to find... Yangcha... sleeping soundly under the sheet. I didn't blink and stared at his composed breathing rhythm until tears formed in my eyes. Blink.I snapped out of my gloomy thoughts to scan the empty bed again. Every time I see him... I desperately wish for the world to spin in the reverse direction... so I could revive all our moments together. Sometimes... I refused to blink... to prevent him from disappearing from my sight... until my eyeballs stung from the dryness."Noona. From the moment... I depart... please... don't live for me anymore. Please... live for yourself and our children. Whatever decision you make... don't do it for me. If you must walk forward to secure your life and the children's welfare... please do it without guilt. Never let me... restrict you from achieving your happiness. Okay...? I'll be long dead by then... so nothing you do will hurt me anymore. What's important is you, the twins, and Beom. Please... free yourself from me and choose to thrive for yourself. Don't let me... ruin you," Yangcha's voice whispered. I tearfully stared at his ghostly appearance as he crouched before me, gently squeezing my hands. I sobbed in pain and tilted my head back to rub my throbbing head as the aching pain tore through my chest. I can't- This is too difficult for me. 
He asked me not to live for him... but I still am... living for him with every beat of my rotting heart. I try... I try desperately to live for myself and my children, but... during a time like this... I can't help but blame myself for his passing. I don't want to disappoint him... but the guilt of moving on from what we had in the past... is holding me captured with its painful thorns.

How can I simply... forget his existence? And choose to live as if he was nothing to me? I'm uncomfortable with his request because... everything I did in the past... was always in consideration of his welfare and feelings. I've grown used to compromising with him... to the point- I can't seem to do anything without thinking of him.

Even if he's dead and gone like this... I'm still sorry for hurting a dead man's feelings.
_________________________
Sora's POV
"Woah~!" The twins gasped as they strolled inside the grand venue in their cute tuxedos as I held each of their hands. Appa carried Beom, followed by imo... who is dressed in a silver hanbok, and Do-hwan in a navy blue tailored suit."Appa~! Where is appa~?! Can we see him?!!" Woojin impatiently tugged my dress to grab my attention until I glanced at this curious doe's eyes."Listen to me, you little dumplings~! Today... is appa's special day, so be on your best behavior. Okay~? No running. No screaming. No fighting. No arguments. Do you understand?" I sighed, crouching before the twins to hold their hands firmly in my grasp. The twins stared at the flower decoration with an awe-struck gaze... obviously... failing to hear my instructions... so I gripped their palms until they shifted their innocent eyes back to me."Neh~!" They grinned. I smiled, patted Kanghoon's gelled hair, and then fixed Woojin's tie. They held each other's hands, so I stood up to smile at Beom, who was cooing in this baby suit. Appa chuckled at the child's lively reaction and kissed his cheek as imo nervously patted her gray hair, neatly placed in a bun."If you want food... speak to Do-hwan. Okay?" I patted the twin's shoulders, took their hands, and led them forward. They strolled in their glossy black Oxford shoes with cheeky beams until we passed the aisle."Oh! Annyeonghaseyo~!" The Yoon family suddenly greeted us. I smiled and lowered my head. The twins cutely greeted the elders, causing them to chuckle at their endearing manner. Mrs. Kim awkwardly glanced at my father, so I smiled and lowered my head at her and her husband."The bride and groom are inside the room. You may enter to take pictures with them~!" Mr. Yoon chuckled, nodding at the private room. We briefly chatted with Ah-young's parents before entering the room to find Taehyung fixing his bride's hair as she stood in her elegant yet simple... off-shoulder bridal dress."Eonni~!" Ah-young gasped, widely smiling at me."Woah~! Appa is marrying our lovely noona~!" The twins giggled, hopping forward in excitement to examine their father's dashing appearance."You're so handsome today~! That's unfair~! It's my wedding- so why are you two.... outshining appa like this~?!" Taehyung gasped, crouching down to embrace the twins. I smiled at their wholesome interactions as Ah-young chuckled at Taehyung, who patted the twin's heads with a boxy smile."Let's take pictures together!" Imo happily chirped, so I stepped forward to join the picture. Taehyung and Ah-young stood in the center with the twins in front of them. I clung to Ah-young's arm as imo proudly stood beside Taehyung. Do-hwan cleared his throat and stood beside me. I beamed at the camera."Cheese!" The twins shrieked to show off their newly grown front bunny teeth, causing the cameraman to smile at their cuteness. Flick."Just you and me!" Imo insisted as she gripped Taehyung's hand. Ah-young and I stepped aside to grant the woman the spotlight with the groom. He smiled warmly with his arm around her shoulder as I stood on the side to admire his charming visual. Flick."Us! Us! And appa~!" Kanghoon shrieked, enviously rushing forward. Imo playful glared at the little dumplings and stepped aside, so Taehyung chuckled and stood with the twins on either side of him. Flick."Appa!- Crouch down!" Woojin tugged Taehyung's arm, who crouched down by the twins without hesitation. They grinned and kissed each side of his cheek- Flick. The flash flickered, causing my heart to spasm with warmness upon witnessing their precious moment."Eomma~! Join us!" Kanghoon beckoned."It's fine- that's enough- guests are waiting-""Join us for a picture," Taehyung smiled at me. I pursed my lips and glanced at Ah-young, so she happily nodded to encourage me. Smiling, I stepped forward to stand beside Taehyung. He slightly stepped closer to me as I held onto Kanghoon's shoulders with a weak smile while staring at the lenses. Flick."Yay~!" The twins giggled, skipping toward imo- so I chuckled and was about to stride away when Taehyung suddenly tugged my wrist and gently drew me back."Another photograph of us," He informed the cameraman. I pursed my lips and stood beside him tensely as the twins watched us from the side with adorable cheeky grins."You're so beautiful~!" Imo praised Ah-young, who turned to compliment imo and chatted with her.Taehyung adjusted his tie again and straightened his body to prepare for the shoot as he held onto my wrist until... I felt him... interlacing his fingers with mine. I glanced down with a startled look... but he didn't look at me and stared straight at the camera with a stern expression.I swallowed and glanced at the cameraman.He gently squeezed my hand, causing me to frown at his strange behavior... but didn't dare glance away. Flick. I blinked at the blinding lights, quickly drawing my hand from his grip, and awkwardly strode away. Taehyung cleared his throat and smiled at Ah-young again... just as she turned to beam at me."Congratulations," I smiled at her. She grinned and gave me a warm hug. I left without looking back and took the twins to their seats... but they insisted on eating snacks... so Taehyung had to ask the staff to serve them early appetizers."Can I sit next to you?" Sungho questioned, suddenly appearing next to me. I glanced at Hwa-young... who was cradling her daughter beside Jungkook in the opposite row."Actually, you can take my seat. I have to help Ah-young with her dress," I smiled, standing up from the seat. Sungho nodded and patted my back as he sat beside Woojin, whose cheeks were stuffed with cupcakes."Ahjussi~! Do you want some?" Kanghoon offered his plate. Sungho chuckled and took a small croissant from the plate, so the twins smiled and glanced at the stage eagerly as the guests filled the venue."Oh! Eonni~! How do I look?" Ah-young grinned through the mirror as the stylist fitted the gown to her slender body. I closed the door and walked up to her with an approving smile."Stunning, of course," I chuckled. Designer Choi smiled at us as I stayed in the room to assist the staff... just in case... Ah-young needed an extra hand."Please walk me to the door~" Ah-young requested, so I nodded with a weak smile.
Third Person POV
Imo gently tapped the twins in their seats to stop them from chattering once the warm light slightly brightened the venue, causing the noise in the room to die down. Sungho shifted his eyes from the kids to the platform as Kim Taehyung stepped onto the stage in his black tuxedo and slick black hair brushed back... to expose his handsome visual. Imo funnily smacked Do-hwan's arm, who was staring at the alpha with an unimpressed look."Appa~!" Woojin whispered loudly from behind his hand, thinking the guests wouldn't hear him. Taehyung glanced at his children to find them wiggling their eyebrows cutely to tease him from their seats. The groom pursed his lips and lifted his thumb at them. "Handsome~?" Taehyung mouthed the twins from the platform."Very handsome! You're so cool~!" The twins replied loudly and cutely lifted their thumbs to respond to their father while biting the bread between their lips. Taehyung chuckled at their cuteness as the guests prepared for the ceremony.Kim Seokjin stared at Kim Taehyung with a dull gaze before glancing to the side... to find Jeon Jungkook sitting with a dark frown. Hwa-young didn't look too happy either, so the alpha assumed the couple had fought before they attended the wedding. Hoseok, on the other hand, sat blankly beside Yoongi without a hint of emotions in his eyes as he thought about his former lover, Kang Minah.Meanwhile, Jimin nudged So-young to tease his lover in her seat, causing her to blush bright red as she inspected the decorative interior. Namjoon softly chatted with his parents in his seat with an unbothered look. Mira sat beside Minho, whose nose was still bandaged from being struck by Kim Taehyung during their dispute at the mansion."Whooh~! I'm late~! Sorry~!" Yuri suddenly rushed inside the venue, causing Kim Taehyung to frown at her uninvited presence. Yoongi glanced at the woman with a startled expression as she patted her black dress and slumped beside him with a pack of gummies. Yuri cluelessly chewed the jelly... until she noticed... Min Yoongi... frowning at her in annoyance. "What?- Do you want some?" Yuri asked, offering the snack. Yoongi scoffed, funnily rolled his eyes, and glanced away with his arms folded. Yuri sorely clicked her tongue at his attitude before plopping the gummy inside her mouth and crossed her slender legs to anticipate the wedding.The live choir on the side of the room started singing along with the instruments as the vocalists opened the ceremony, and the hall gradually dimmed to leave the spotlight over the aisle. Taehyung tensed his body as he shifted his enchanting brown eyes to the entrance until the staff opened the door, revealing his beautiful bride in her elegant gown as she stood at the doorway with Mr. Yoon. He proudly puffed his chest as his daughter clutched his arm.Woojin impatiently giggled while gripping Kanghoon's hand in excitement as they turned to gaze at the woman with wide grins. Sungho ruffled their hair and smiled at Ah-young as she slowly stepped forward with a veil over her face and a small flower bouquet between her grips.The Kims straightened their bodies in their seats and smiled proudly as their daughter-in-law walked the aisle with her father, who slowly guided her over the path, passing by the attentive alphas. Ah-young carefully stepped over the stairs while holding her silk dress and finally halted in front of Kim Taehyung. He gulped uneasily and glanced at the crowd to sweep the venue before glancing back at his gorgeous bride. The marriage officiant stood between the couple and initiated the opening, causing Ah-young to lower her face under the veil as she held Taehyung's hand before the honored guests."You may lift the veil," The officiant smiled. Taehyung cleared his throat and lifted the thin silk off Ah-young's face as the guests cheerfully anticipated the ring exchange.The groom weakly smiled as he lifted the cloth to rest it behind her neat bun before lowering his tender gaze to his bride's pretty curled lashes and dark brown eyes. The man unconsciously smiled at her captivating beauty as he gripped her smooth fingers in excitement. However, he slightly paused- once something unusual struck him.The alpha suddenly froze with a bright smile on Ah-young's face to scan the familiar features... and for a moment... he couldn't register who he was staring at. Kim Taehyung tensed his body. The groom abruptly stopped breathing... once he found himself staring right at... Jang Sora's... bright facial expression.The man blinked once... and then again... before glancing at the eager crowd with a startled look. He slightly shook his head and glanced back at the bride... but for some reason... his mind refused to see his bride as Yoon Ah-young... but as Jang Sora. Kim Taehyung nervously glanced at the officiant... who was smiling at him... and frowned at his former lover... again. Am I hallucinating...? The alpha swallowed intensely without blinking. He assumed his mind... was playing tricks on his sights... so he cleared his throat and pretended to smile at her. The bride placed her hand forward for the wedding ring... so Taehyung lowered his eyes to her fingers and back at her familiar face unsurely as he slipped off her left glove. He briefly glanced at the twins, who were eagerly perching on the chairs to sneak a peek at the bride's face... since she was partly hidden by the veil. Kim Taehyung reached out to hold her hand again and hovered the jewel... over her ring finger with his shaky hand- Flip. The alpha turned her left hand over- abruptly... stiffening in place with a dark frown... when he found... a thin scar... over her wrist.The alpha's eyes bulged open at the visible mark- so he quickly lifted his face back to stare at Ah-young's face... only to realize... he was still staring at Jang Sora. He scoffed in disbelief- swiftly snatching the veil off her face and tossed it aside to take a double look... causing the bride to tense up in her position. The guests suddenly straightened their bodies in confusion once they noticed Kim Taehyung's uptight facial expression... as he glowered at the bride without blinking. He was too stunned... to speak."EOMMA!?" The twins suddenly shrieked, stiffening in their seats in bewilderment once they recognized their mother.Kim Seokjin furrowed his eyebrows. So-young's lips fell apart. Jimin scoffed and glanced at Namjoon, who frowned at the former supreme alpha's unmistakable presence before Kim Taehyung as he wildly scanned her familiar face and the wedding dress in extreme bafflement. The marriage officiant suddenly turned pale as Jang Sora... sternly stared at Kim Taehyung without blinking."What is this-""Put on the ring!" Sora sharply gritted, grabbing hold of Taehyung's hand when he tried to pull away. The alpha scoffed in shock and yanked his hand free with a startled frown. "What are you doing?!- Where's Ah-young?!-" Taehyung snapped once he realized his mind wasn't playing tricks on him. Jang Beomseok stared at his daughter in disbelief as he held Beom against his chest. Imo covered her mouth with her eyes... bulging open as Do-hwan sat up with lips apart. 
Every soul within the room was... shaken by her unexpected presence... as Kim Taehyung's bride. 
The grand venue... unexpectedly grew hushed for a moment once the choir ceased their delicate vocals... as the guests gawked at the former supreme alpha's surprising presence in the bride's gown. Yuri's lips fell open with the melted gummies on her tongue... dumbfounded by the bride's shocking identity. She stiffly nudged Yoongi... who was also... frozen in his seat."Yah...? Are you seeing what I'm seeing...?" Yuri whispered, eagerly nodding at the stage as she repeatedly nudged the second rank."I'm not blind!" Yoongi glared at her."WHAT IS THIS MADNESS?!" Mr. Kim suddenly launched to his feet, causing the room to burst into noisy chatter- sending a shockwave across the grand venue until the deafening scandals... circulated the space to disrupt the ceremony."Where's my dear Ah-young!?-" Mrs. Yoon shrieked as she jolted off her seat while gripping her hanbok with a pale expression. Taehyung glanced at the commotion in the crowd before snapping his dark gaze back at Jang Sora's flustered face."Sora! What are you-""Isn't it obvious?!- I need you to protect my children!- Put on the ring! Tae- Taehyung!-" Sora snapped, roughly grabbing Taehyung's hand to snatch the ring, but he hastily shoved her aside, sending her stumbling backward. Gasp! The twins shrieked in shock as they watched their mother topple over the stage- but were immediately caught by the officiant, who glanced at the groom's fuming face in fear."WHERE IS YOON AH-YOUNG!?- WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?!" Taehyung bellowed, angrily raising his voice at Jang Sora until his neck bulged with swelling veins. She gripped her fists and tried to speak when he aggressively shoved her aside again and raced over the platform to storm out of the venue with a firm frown, causing the Kims to gasp in disbelief as they wildly turned after their son. Thump! Thump! Thump! Taehyung furiously stormed the aisle with a deadly frown. The parents glared at... Jang Sora... who stood paralyzed... on the stage... humiliated by Kim Taehyung's blunt rejection.Thud! Kim Taehyung angrily forced the venue door open... but halted in horror when he found... Ah-young... standing outside the door in a casual dress. The woman was on the verge of tears as she pouted her lips with her fists clenched. The groom frowned at his bride's unstable condition with his lips ajar... and slowly turned to stare at Jang Sora from across the room with his burning pupils... as she nervously stared at the crowd of shaken guests from the stage."Oppa-""Are you okay?!- What did she do to you?!" Taehyung snapped, strolling forward to grab Ah-young's wrist until she burst out crying with her head lowered. "Eonni didn't do anything-""Why did you switch with her?!" Taehyung scolded while glaring at Ah-young in confusion. He glanced back at Jang Sora with a piercing glare as she stood in tears but couldn't utter a word because... she felt terribly ashamed of her acts."She- Eonni- said- she claims- she's the rightful bride-" Ah-young choked between her laborious sobs, causing her tear streaks to mess up her perfect makeup. Taehyung's mouth dropped open as his bride wept helplessly with her hand clasped over her aching chest."WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" Taehyung furiously bellowed, suddenly releasing Ah-young, and spun on his heel to march toward Jang Sora with a murderous glare.
The evil infest... darkness dangerously... consuming his soul as he pounced towards his former lover in resentment for wrecking his wedding... when another player... suddenly stepped out from the aisle to block the groom's... boiling rage.
The crowd gasped again as the twins remained petrified by their father's aggressive nature. Kim Taehyung flared his fuming nostrils with an intimidating scowl at the bold alpha... who dared barricade his path... yet the man didn't budge... and challenged the provoked groom to deadly eye contact. [Taehyung's cover picture of this book]Chul Sungho... blankly stared at the second rank without blinking... causing Jeon Jungkook to straighten his back uneasily at this ally's unexpected involvement with the supreme alpha's affair."Oppa! What are you doing?!" Hwa-young frowned at her brother's unyielding courage to defy the mighty Kim Taehyung."Give the ring to Jang Sora," Chul Sungho demanded with a firm frown. Kim Taehyung furrowed his eyebrow and glared at the man with his jaw clenched."What did you say to her for her to humiliate herself like this?!" Taehyung seethed, angrily snatching Chul Sungho's collar, causing the guests to gasp in shock. Still... Chul Sungho didn't blink and stared right back at the groom without a hint of fear."You may not wed the Yoon's daughter," Sungho calmly informed. Hoseok glanced at Yoongi in confusion and back at the tense alphas on the aisle. Yuri scoffed and chewed her gummies loudly, causing Yoongi to glare at her in annoyance... but she didn't seem to care... and keenly rested her hand under her chin to anticipate the spewing drama."WHAT FUCKING BULLSHIT DID YOU-" Taehyung shakily clenched his jaw until his body shook in extreme anger... but he didn't dare punch the alpha... knowing... the twins were watching him from their seats. Sungho sighed without shifting his stern gaze away and slipped his hand under his suit to draw out... a document. Pause. Kim Taehyung frowned at the folded paper- slightly baffled... but he kept on the dark frown and glanced back the Chul's heir for explanations."The Marriage Certificate," Chul Sungho announced, raising the paper before Kim Taehyung's face.The groom's face abruptly flashed in horror at Sungho's ridiculous claim, so he quickly read the bold title with a dumbfounded look. He couldn't budge his stiff muscles... and glared at the document in shock... utterly paralyzed by the absurd statement. "What!?-" Mrs. Kim scoffed as Sungho waved the document before startled guests."You signed this document... over five years ago, Kim Taehyung-shi. Did you not...? Isn't this your signature and thumbprint...?" Sungho asked as he raised the license before Kim Taehyung again, whose mouth slowly parted as he frowned at the undeniable signature on the document... sealed in a transparent folder."I never signed- What!?-""I ran a DNA test on the fingerprints left on this paper. It's your identity... and the other hand print... is Jang Sora's. You two were the only people to touch this document," Sungho smirked at Kim Taehyung, who suddenly stepped back- shakily releasing the alpha in bewilderment. Scoff. He blinked and shook his clouded mind to recall his memories... before lifting his pitch-black eyes back to Jang Sora in realization... as she... stood on the stage with a crushed expression. The streaming hot tears... dripping messily from her glassy pupils."Jang Sora- is married to Kim Taehyung?!" Minho scoffed as Mira sat with her lips ajar. "YOU'VE BEEN MARRIED FOR OVER FIVE YEARS?!" Yuri gasped, bolting up from her seat with her mouth wide open. The Kims and the Yoons... remained petrified in their places as Do-hwan unconsciously gripped Imo's hanbok... too stunned to react to the shocking truth."She's married to Jae Yangcha-""Nope. This marriage certificate was signed by you before Jang Sora married Jae Yangcha... and there is a witness signature on the file. The official license... has already been passed in the court to confirm your marriage with her," Sungho smiled smugly. Kim Taehyung balled his hands into tight fists once he realized... Jang Sora... had... exploited him to secure her power. He glanced at Ah-young again... who was weakly leaning against the door... before shifting his resentful glare... back at his former lover."Are you saying... Jang Sora married Kim Taehyung... before the cult rose to power...?" Kim Seokjin slowly stood up from his seat in realization."That's right. Jang Sora merged her assets with Kim Taehyung before she transferred her power to the cult. The signed contract is ineligible... because... she had already passed her assets to the Kims through marriage. The supreme alpha contract is... therefore... invalid. Thus, the cult has no right to possess the supreme alpha's throne. After all... we do not require evidence to pluck the Black Phoenix from the chessboard... because our... supreme alpha... has already established a backup plan to shield the society from... the deadly curse... of the apocalypse. And it is you... Kim Taehyung... whom she chose to crown... as King of the council," Sungho sternly stared at Kim Taehyung, who stood cemented in his place with his unblinking burning glower fixed on Chul Sungho."Bravo!?!- Sora! You're an ace!" Yuri loudly shrieked in genuine disbelief while clapping hard to celebrate her triumph. The woman funnily shoved the gummies at Yoongi and quickly stood up to applaud the supreme alpha for... wieldiing the wildest stunt... ever played in history."The cult- does that mean- we... won the war...?" Jimin unsurely frowned at Sungho."Yes. We never lost. Jang Sora has sentenced every one of us to life. She is the rightful heir... and she will reclaim her absolute first-rank power from this day onward. We fought a war... that we had already won... from the very beginning," Sungho firmly nodded with pride."Hah!" Seokjin scoffed, breaking into a wide smile.The entire venue suddenly erupted into noisy cheers- and applause as the guests rose from their seats to praise Jang Sora... who stood blankly on the platform... startled by the approving reaction from the mass... leaving Kim Taehyung... frozen in place. Defeated by her mad stunt. He blinked in disbelief and glanced at the alphas as they rushed from their seats to gather around Jang Sora, who glanced at the crowd with a restless feeling as they honored her triumphant scheme to effectively... exterminate the cult from the council... with a lethal strike. "Appa!" The twins called when Taehyung suddenly clenched his fists and stormed toward Ah-young. He grabbed her wrist and marched out of the venue... leaving Jang Sora... trapped in the crowd of grateful survivors."She's a legend," Hoseok smiled, weakly approaching Chul Sungho. Jungkook exhaled in relief and lowered his head as Hwa-young intensely glared at the supreme alpha in discontent. Do-hwan suddenly smiled at imo as she worriedly stared at the exit after Taehyung left through the wide open arch door."She's a fucking genius~!" Yuri smacked Yoongi's back, causing him to wince in pain. He glared at her again- so she snatched the gummies from his hand and poured the remaining jelly inside her mouth. Yoongi clicked his tongue and glanced away in irritation._____________________________
Fast Forward
Sora's POVI stood listlessly before Yangcha's grave under the gloomy sky as Do-hwan waited for me by the car after I fled the wedding venue in the white bridal gown. There was nothing I could do to ease my misery but to endure the distressing guilt in my wretched heart. Sniffling... I adjusted my legs over the grass to kneel before his tombstone until a rush of hot tears flooded my eyes... so I lowered my face and bit my trembling lips in discomfort.

"I- I'm sorry," I whimpered, shakily lifting my face to his engraved name on the wet stone."I'm sorry... for deceiving you like this," I apologized as the poisonous guilt tore my soul apart."I blamed you for... concealing the illness- but it was me- I was the evil person to make you live your entire life in a white lie. I- I'm sorry- I'm sorry- Yangcha- If you can hear me- Please- I never meant to betray you during your remaining lifeline," I sobbed while gripping the grass in pain."I loved you- I did- I loved you the most- but I was greedy and chose to betray you to secure power. I'm sorry- I never meant to expose my crime like this- and I know- I know- you can't hear me but I'm so- sorry- baby- I'm sorry for making you live in a lie- I'm sorry for not being honest with you when you were alive because I did not dare to tell you the truth. I thought- we could live happily together for the rest of our lives- but it seems... I've altered our fate with the reckless decision I made. Please- forgive me- Yangcha- I'm so- sorry! I wished I told you before you passed, but I thought- you'd die in vain knowing I wasn't fully yours throughout our relationship- but I love you! I did! And I still do!" I confessed, painfully clenching my chest as the icy droplets... drummed mercilessly over my head... yet I refused to seek shelter... and slumped my body over the damp soil with my forehead pressed over the ground until I quivered out of control. 
I betrayed Jae Yangcha during our relationship and chose to secure my power with another man. How could I? I thought I was doing the right thing... but... during this very moment... I'm shattering into bits from the brutal crimes I committed against my lover- I never dared to confess my unfaithful actions- so I chose- to let him live in a fairytale filled with deception and lies.

He was the most endearing soul... but I betrayed him.
I gambled our love for power... and this is the outcome of my action. I've lost him... and I'm stuck with the aching remorse... for being a manipulative liar. He only wanted a family and a wife. He trusted me with his life... yet this entire time... I was married to another man. I gripped the saturated grass under my trembling palms... as the heavy downpour soaked my clothes... yet I refused to budge and apologize repeatedly under the cold storm to... beg for Jae Yangcha's forgiveness until... my vision grew blurry from the unbearable anguish I was enduring and- Flop.I slumped onto the ground without a warning.
Fast Forward
The head doctor inspected my sore throat with a small flashlight as I sat at the Hanok house with a fever patch over my forehead. The man sighed and backed away to pull off his medical gloves as imo watched me in concern. The twins were playing in the corner of the room as appa took Beom for a walk in the garden."The fever should subside after you take the pills," The head doctor assured."Aigo~ Why would you stay at his grave until you faint under the rain? And you-! You should've convinced her to return home!" Imo snapped at Do-hwan in annoyance. The man didn't talk back at her and stared at the device on the table with an unbothered look. I mourned at Yangcha's grave until I collapsed under the rainstorm... and woke up with a terrible headache."Please have a good rest," The head doctor smiled and got up from the floor to leave the Hanok house. I sniffled and glanced at the twins as they worriedly peaked at me."Aigo~! You poor thing~!" Imo pouted."Don't comfort her... or she'll burst out crying again..." Do-hwan muttered when imo tried to pat me. I pursed my lips in tears... so the woman sadly frowned and withdrew her arm to avoid touching me. He's right. I shouldn't be comforted by others, or I'll break again at their slightest touch."I'll rest in my room," I whispered, got up from the cushion, and strolled out of the main house to reside in my bedroom and dozed off into a deep sleep. Maybe... everything will be better soon. I just have to sleep through... this inevitable heartache.
Thud- Clatter- Thud! Thump!
I squinted at the noisy disturbance while stirring under the blanket until my vision adjusted... on the moving silhouettes... within my room. I blinked and lifted my head off the pillow in confusion as I watched the maids and guards scurry back and forth to heave my belongings out of the bedroom."What's happening...?" I hoarsely asked, sitting up to rub my swollen eyes on the mattress."Our young master instructed us to move your belongings, my lady," The maid apologetically smiled as she hugged a basket of my belongings. I blinked and glanced at the guards as they removed my clothes out of the wardrobe."Leave the box. I'll carry it," I muttered when a maid tried to lift the small cardboard box. She bowed and turned to lift my shoe boxes instead. Sighing, I lifted Yangcha's personal trunk and strolled out of the room after the guards to find the twins... peeking from between the door gap."Eomma. What's going on~? Are you leaving~?" They nervously asked while standing by their doorway to watch the bustling households."No. Don't worry," I assured and strolled down the staircase until I entered the living room to find imo rushing through the mansion's door with Do-hwan to gawk at the commotion."Yah, Kim Taehyung! What are you doing?!" Imo snapped in disbelief as she watched the staff carry my belongings out of the mansion. I glanced at Ah-young... who was nervously sitting on the couch as Taehyung stood in the living room with his hands on his hips. I didn't dare look at him and lowered my head to hide under my messy hair."Ah-young is moving into the mansion. She deserves the master bedroom," Taehyung responded blankly. Do-hwan frowned at the alpha."We don't have a spare room at the Hanok house! Why won't you let Sora stay in the guest bedroom?" Imo frowned."I promised Ah-young a peaceful life. I do not wish for her to reside with a person... who will hurt her feelings," Taehyung replied in a dull tone."Oppa- It's fine. Eonni can live with us-""No. You won't feel comfortable if I allow you to reside with the supreme alpha," Taehyung sternly turned to stare at Ah-young. She pursed her lips and glanced at me apologetically as I gripped the box against my chest."Where is she supposed to reside then?!" Imo whined at the alpha, but he rudely grimaced at the woman's interference and strolled away with his arms crossed to dismiss her complaints."It's fine. Ah-young should live comfortably," I shrugged and strolled past imo to follow the maid with my box and crossed the field unsurely to wherever they were leading me.
A moment later.
I stood before the two-by-two-meter storage shed near the lake with a blank expression as the maid intensely mopped the moldy concrete to scrub off the stubborn dust. She worriedly glanced at me... so I exhaled and entered the cramped space with the box as a guard struggled to fit my belongings inside the shed."Bring me a thin mattress and my nightgown. I don't need anything else," I muttered."My lady... I don't think this space is habitable. The wall is too thin... you'll freeze-""It's fine. Don't upset our young master. Bring me my comforter," I assured. The maids glanced at each other worriedly as I placed Yangcha's box in the dark corner and turned to stare at the rusted door. The guards sadly sighed and exited the space as I instructed.
A moment later.
"Aren't you being a bit too much...? How can you move her into a run-down shed house?!" Do-hwan frowned at Kim Taehyung, who was... having a warm meal with Ah-young at the platform table. The alpha dully chewed his food and glanced up at the chief guard as Imo stood beside the man with her hands clasped together."Are you not satisfied? Leave the household. I won't stop you if you don't wish to serve my order," Taehyung rudely nodded at the door. Do-hwan frowned at the second rank's harshness and glanced at Ah-young, who was clearly... uncomfortable with Kim Taehyung's brutal treatment."Taehyung-ah... winter will arrive soon. Please be mindful of her health. You know she freezes easily. How can you order her to live in such a tight- and unheated space?" Imo anxiously knelt across the table to beg the alpha for mercy."You should worry for your own welfare. I will not hear any more complaints... so you're both dismissed. Make sure to prepare the bed chamber before Ah-young returns," Taehyung instructed, lifting a piece of grilled fish with his chopsticks to place on Ah-young's plate. Imo gripped her fists at his stubborn neglect and glanced at the young woman... as she frowned at the chief maid in guilt. Do-hwan scoffed and... stomped away in discontent."Aigo..." Imo muttered under her breath and slowly stood up with a defeated look."Also. Make sure... she dines inside her room. I don't want Ah-young to see her around the property. She might lose her appetite," Taehyung coldly spoke up. The elderly woman dimmed her eyes on her young master... and walked away without a fuss.___________________________
Fast Forward
Jang Sora sat on the thin mattress inside the dark room without any windows to illuminate her new living space... and stared unblinkingly at the small air vent in the cracked wall with her arms wrapped around her knees. She sighed and quietly remained in the room with the headset clasped over her ears as she listened to the calming music on her lover's playlist. Creak."My lady. I've brought your meals," A maid announced. The supreme alpha quickly slipped off her headphones and smiled at the maid as she placed the tray on the crooked table by the moldy brick wall."Thank you," Sora smiled and lifted the spoon to stir her warm soup. The maid suddenly sniffled with her head lowered while kneeling beside her young lady, who unsurely glanced at her with a startled look. The supreme alpha stared at the woman's unexpected breakdown with a dumbfounded look."You must be having a difficult time. How can he be so cruel?" The maid whimpered."I'm fine. Don't worry about me, and make sure to serve Ah-young well," Sora patted the heartbroken maid, who nodded and got up to leave the place after she closed the rusted door. The supreme alpha switched on a cheap lamp to illuminate her meal. Do-hwan had brought her the lamp earlier... to brighten her room. She quietly ate her meal from the plate without complaining until she emptied the bowls.
Sora's POV
I finally placed the tray outside the shed for it to be collected and stepped back inside to get ready for bed when it suddenly started pouring... so I exhaled and quietly sat by the small table on the floor to flip through Yangcha's photo album. I blinked and smiled at my lover's photographs as I took a trip down memory lane with an aching heart. I miss him. Drip. A droplet of water landed on the album... so I quickly wiped the wet bead and looked up at the leaking roof with a startled look."Oh no!" I gasped, quickly snatching the album off the table to seal it in a plastic bag, and made sure to cover the cardboard box before placing a small cup on the table to capture the leaking water. Sighing deeply, I switched off the dim lamp and sat against the wall on the thin mattress... placed directly on the cement ground.
Pitter... Patter... Pitter... Patter...
The sound of the pouring rain droplets... eventually soothing my racing mind until I descended into a deep sleep. I ended up dozing off in a sitting position and woke up to a flooding floor... due to the severe leakage... so I quickly scrambled to my feet with a dazed mind to lift the wet mattress and shoved the rusty door open to greet the morning breeze- but immediately- spun around when I noticed Taehyung... sitting beside Ah-young on the bench before the calm lake. I gulped and hurried back inside the space with the mattress to avoid them and stayed in the flooded room... until they left the garden.
A moment later.
"Eomma... Are you sure you're okay?" Woojin asked as I watched Do-hwan patch the cracks on the roof."I'm fine. Don't worry about eomma. Have you guys been sleeping well in your room...?" I smiled, crouching down to smile at their sulky expression."We miss you. Why won't appa let you play with us at the mansion?" Kanghoon pouted. I smiled."Eomma is sick. Appa doesn't want eomma to infect you two and baby Beom~!" I chuckled while crouching beside them. They pouted and hugged my shoulder, so I patted their back before glancing at imo... who was drying my mattress near the garden with a grimace. I guess... I'll have to sleep on the cold floor tonight since my mattress... and blanket are all soaked. 
A few weeks later.

I stayed inside the shed house most of my days because I wasn't allowed to wander the property... so I had to wait for the twins to find me or for appa to bring Beom to me. Imo and Do-hwan would often visit me to check on my condition... but I assured them I was alright and stayed out of Taehyung's sight as he demanded.

Thump! Thump! Thump!
I jolted into a sitting position on the mattress to stare at the rusted door with a startled look. Am I hallucinating? Is it the rain- or did someone knock on my door?! I concentrated on the drumming sound of the rain pallets unsurely."EOMMA!" The twins shrieked. I gasped, quickly scrambling over the mattress to unlock the door- CREAK. The twins came bursting inside my room with the cold wind gust and took off their muddy slippers to place them aside."What are you doing here?! You're soaked! Did you run through the rain!?" I gasped in shock as Woojin flopped on my bed with a bag."Can't sleep~! So we snuck out!" Kanghoon giggled while kneeling beside me with damp hair."It's too cold in here~! You'll get sick! Go back to your room~!" I whined as Woojin sat up with his stuffed animal to rummage through the bag he brought with him."Snacks! We save one snack from school every day! You're sick, right!? Eomma should eat more to stay healthy~!" Woojin placed a pack of chocolate snacks in my hand. Kanghoon smiled as he drew out an apple- then a few grapes... and a cup of melted Yogurt."You're so nice~!" I chuckled at them."Eat it, eomma~!" The twins urged eagerly. I chuckled as I ate the snack they brought me... and spent the night chatting with them. They eventually snuck out of the shed at dawn and left to reside in their room before Taehyung woke up... so I placed the empty snacks aside and went to sleep.
Later that afternoon.
"How can you keep them inside the shed with you all night?! They both collapsed at school without proper sleep!" Taehyung harshly snapped at me as I stood by the wall in the Hanok house. I lowered my face to take his scolding as he sat at the platform table with a fierce glare."I'm sorry-""Was I too lenient with you? How can you not prioritize their well-being and be so greedy!?- Ah. That's right. You're greedy by nature! You don't care about another person's well-being because Jang Sora always gets what she wants!" Taehyung seethed. I clenched my jaw but didn't raise my head and stood gloomily in my gown."I'm sorry-""I'll only let you see the kids ten minutes a day. You're dismissed," Taehyung rudely interrupted. I exhaled deeply and strolled away to leave through the back door but halted once I found appa cradling Beom behind the door to eavesdrop on our conversation. I slightly shook my head to prevent appa from lashing out at Taehyung and left to reside in my room again. He grimaced and glared at the alpha from the doorway.
And as he declared... Kim Taehyung only permitted the twins to visit me for ten minutes every day. I couldn't often see Beom either because Beom doesn't like dark places... so I can't bring him inside the shed. And I can't stay outside for too long without being scolded by Taehyung, so I spend my time alone in the darkness.
I asked imo and Do-hwan not to visit me anymore because I didn't want them to be punished for the crimes I committed. I slightly shivered and pulled the blanket to my neck while snuggling under the sheet as the heavy snow drifted over the property. Sora. You'll be fine. I got up to drink the warm water and quickly slipped under the blanket again... until I noticed my fuming breath in the dark room. It's too cold... I gripped my freezing fists and drew the blanket over my head. Keep it together, Sora! You'll be fine!Days after day... and night after night... I remained inside the shed... alone. It was bearable at first... but during a winter night like this... it gets more... and more difficult to endure. I shuddered intensely until my teeth helplessly chattered... but I refused to submit to the chills... and remained numbed in the tight space.
Third Person's POV
"There...?" Seokjin asked, unsurely following the twins to the backyard."We haven't seen eomma for three days. Appa says she's very ill~!" Woojin pouted while dragging Seokjin over the property as the rest of the alphas celebrated the twin's birthday in the mansion. It was already dark outside... but the twins kept asking the alpha to visit their mother... so Seokjin agreed and followed them."She's ill? Then why is she-""Right? Ahjussi. Can you take her to the doctor? Eomma is so skinny~! We're worried~!" Kanghoon whined and finally halted before the small shed that could barely fit two grown men. Seokjin frowned at the rusted door."She's... in there?" Seokjin glanced down at the twins with a doubtful frown."Oh~!" Woojin nodded while scratching his head as they stood over the thick snow. Seokjin puffed the misty fumes between his lips and glanced at the frozen lake with a restless feeling as they stood in the dark backyard."Eomma~? Ahjussi is here to visit you~! Eomma~? Are you awake~?" Kanghoon softly knocked on the rusted door. Seokjin sighed when she wouldn't answer her children and drew open the door- creak. It wasn't locked. The door swung open... letting the dim light source inside the small shed... and... on the mattress was the supreme alpha's curled-up body. Kim Seokjin couldn't budge for a moment but stared at her motionless body under the blanket. The twins hurried inside the room and crawled over the mattress to poke their unresponsive mother as Kim Seokjin watched the anxious heirs from the doorway with a blank mind."Eomma~! We're here~! Eomma~?" The twins innocently pulled the blanket to peek at their mother's face, but she did not stir. Kim Seokjin blinked and stared at her from the doorway with restless feelings."When... I mean- How long... has eomma... been here?" Seokjin asked unsurely."Since appa married noona," Kanghoon pouted as he patted his mother's cheek to wake her up."He... I mean- appa... makes her... sleep here...?" Seokjin frowned as he shivered from the cold in his warm coat."Oh. Eomma eats in here too. And when she has to pee... she uses the small urine pot over there..." Woojin pouted at the old pot in the corner of the room. Seokjin's heart sank as he shifted his dim gaze to the supreme alpha's vulnerable condition."Is she awake?" Seokjin asked from the doorway."Nope. Eomma must be tired," Kanghoon pouted as he sadly watched his sleeping mother with a defeated look."Then let's not disturb her. Let's return before appa scolds you two," Seokjin sighed.The twins sadly glanced at their motionless mother, gave her a peck each, and strolled out of the shed to slip on their sneakers. Seokjin closed the rusted door and led the twins back to the main Hanok house. The alpha exhaled deeply after witnessing her miserable living conditions. He stared at the chunky snow beneath his feet without blinking as the alpha walked behind the twins and... strutted forward without looking back... leaving her alone... inside the dark shed.
A moment later.
Kim Taehyung glanced at Ah-young as he sat at his wooden desk to complete his work in the dim room after the guests left the property. The woman rounded the desk to give him a soft kiss on his lips. He smiled and lowered his gaze to the document again- when he heard frantic shouts from the field below."Oh? Did something happen?" Ah-young frowned, getting up to peek through the curtain. Taehyung slipped off his glasses and got up in his night robe to find... a few maids and guards rushing out of the main house."Stay here. I'll check on them," Taehyung assured Ah-young and strolled out of his bedroom, headed downstairs and stepped... into the dead of the night to approach the chaotic Hanok house."I DON'T KNOW-""SHE WAS THERE EARLIER!" Imo snapped at Do-hwan, who was gripping his hair in distress."Can't you keep your voice down? Ah-young is sleeping- UGH?!-" Kim Taehyung seethed in annoyance as he entered the Hanok house but was immediately greeted with a blunt blow to his face. SMACK! Taehyung gripped his jaw in shock and snapped his offended glower to... Jang Beomseok... who was fuming at the alpha."I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF YOUR BULLSHIT!" The man bellowed the Kim Taehyung."How dare you strike me-""CARRY YOUR ROTTEN ASS BACK TO YOUR WOMAN!- I DON'T WANT TO EVER FUCKING SEE YOUR SICK FACE AGAIN YOU SCUMBAG!" Beomseok angrily roared at Kim Taehyung. Imo pursed her lips in tears as Taehyung stared at the elderly alpha with a burning red face."This is my fucking house! Do not speak to me as if-""Do-hwan. Pack your things. Bring the guards and maids if they're willing to leave," Imo gritted with her tearful glare on Kim Taehyung."Moh?" The alpha scoffed at her order. Do-hwan clenched his jaw and stormed out of the room, roughly bumping into Taehuung's shoulder."I hope you- and your fucking woman are warm inside your room! And I hope you're at peace with your sickening acts!" Beomseok resentfully sneered at Taehyung and stormed down the stairs to leave the hanok in extreme fury."Araso! Leave then!- Take her- and leave! And see if you'll survive out there without me!" Taehyung shouted as the man stormed out of the main house. Imo hastily snatched the necklace that was gifted to her by Kim Taehyung and hurled it aside... causing the jewel piece to shatter over the floor. Clatter!"She already left. Did you believe... Jang Sora would tolerate your fucked up actions forever? She's gone, Kim Taehyung. I pitied you because I thought you truly cared for her... but no... you're the worst kind of evil to exist in this world. If only I could beg the divine entity to bring Jae Yangcha back- I would because- It should've been you!- Buried deep under the grave!- Not that genuine soul! It's you, Kim Taehyung! You should be fucking dead- You fucking evil piece of shit!" Imo snarled at the alpha and stormed inside the Hanok room to collect her belongings."SHE RUINED MY LIFE- BUT YOU'RE SIDING WITH HER!? WHY AM I THE ONE AT FAULT-""DON'T FUCKING BEG HER ONCE YOU START REGRETTING! I WILL NEVER ALLOW YOU TO TOUCH AN INCH OF HER SOUL AGAIN! ROT IN HELL, YOU ASSHOLE!" Imo screamed at the top of her lungs, angrily storming out of her room with nothing but her jacket. Kim Taehyung clenched his jaw as the woman left behind everything he brought her... and to the alpha's disbelief... the maids... and guards... poured out of their dormitory and strolled after the chief guard without taking anything with them.Choi Do-hwan darkly stared at Kim Taehyung as the chief guard stood by the wide-opened hanok gate. Beomseok cradled Beom in his arms as the twins sadly glanced at their father and held tightly onto a maid's hand to vacate the property in the dead of the night... after... Jang Sora... vanished from the shed.Kim Taehyung gripped his fists in frustration as he watched his people evacuate the property... and after ten minutes... the entire place was... dead quiet.
Every soul... had left Kim Taehyung's roof... in the winter storm to search... for their missing... first lady.
__________________________
Sora's POV
Thump. I softly stirred and rolled over the warm mattress to press my face against the cushy pillow and softly inhale the familiar fragrance. It doesn't smell like plain cement and moldy bricks...? I opened my blurry eyes to scan a shelf... decorated with trophies and glanced at the strange... white interior with a slight frown. Huh?! I quickly lifted my head to inspect the room in bewilderment once I regained control of my consciousness- Flop! I wildly... sat up to gawk at the silk pajamas on my body with my mouth hanging open."Why am I hallucinating again?!" I gasped, smacking my head repeatedly to shake off the delusions. I keep seeing things in the past! And it's scary because I haven't been taking the medication for a while! I huffed and scrambled out of bed and rushed towards the door in confusion before strolling out... over the pearly white tiles on my bare feet until... the savory scent of freshly cooked meals struck my senses. I halted in horror and glanced at the steaming dishes on the coffee table."You're awake?" Seokjin asked as he strolled past me with the plate of side dishes. I stared at him with a dumbfounded look as he dismissively set the cups and plate on the table."Have I gone crazy?! Why- am I here?! Are you real?!-" I gasped, aggressively rubbing my eyelids before averting my terrified gaze to Seokjin again, who straightened his body and turned to examine my startled reaction with a slight grimace. He walked forward to tower over me... so I unconsciously stepped backward with my face tilted upward to gaze at his undeniably handsome visual. What the fuck-?"He must have driven you insane..." Seokjin smiled. I gawked at the alpha without budging and repeatedly blinked to erase his presence from my sight. Flick! "Ah!-" I gasped when Seokjin suddenly flicked my forehead, causing me to gasp in shock."Eat up, you pitiful little thing," Seokjin teased, slightly bumping into my shoulder and strolled back into the living room- so I scoffed and rubbed my forehead in disbelief."What am I doing here?! Where are my kids?!" I frantically turn to follow him in confusion."Do you remember the rules of my place? I don't like loud noises," Seokjin muttered as he opened the fridge to search for something. I gripped my fists while glaring at him before glancing around the villa in frustration. What happened?!
A moment later.
Scrape. Scrape. I hungrily devoured the delicious meal until I had difficulty swallowing the unchewed rice inside my stuffed cheeks. Seokjin frowned and looked up at me for making the loud scraping noises with my spoon. I stopped chewing for a brief second, lifted the spoon from the plate to avoid scraping the base... and lowered my eyes to the food in embarrassment as we sat opposite each other on the carpet to have our meal."I have to return to the property," I muttered, looking up at him again."You'll still return to him after your children begged me to help you? They'll be disappointed in their mother," Seokjin frowned with a weak smile. I blinked at his gentle gaze and gulped uneasily. Seokjin handed me a wet napkin... so I cleared my throat and wiped my greasy lips."I can't leave their side-""They're residing with Min Yoongi," Seokjin sighed. I frowned and looked up... with the food left unchewed in my mouth."What? Did something happen-""You happened. The entire household vacated Kim Taehyung's property the night I took you out of the shed during the twin's birthday party," Seokjin dimmed his eyes. I blinked and tried to recall the blurry moments but couldn't remember anything in particular... but the fact that I was shivering to death."They left the property? But that's risky-""Yoongi and Hoseok took in your people and allowed them to rest at the hotel. Don't worry too much. Focus on recovering your health," Seokjin smiled at me. I didn't shift my gaze away and stared at the man with a restless feeling."Why did you meddle in my affair?" I frowned. I suffered severe hypothermia due to the excessive exposure to the cold and passed out in the shed."Because the twins appeared desperate. And did you expect me to leave... knowing you were unconscious in a space... that isn't meant to shelter a life? You're a supreme alpha- I might not understand why you allowed Kim Taehyung to mistreat you so harshly... but you should pity your children more. They're worried about you... so what made you think... you deserve to live that way?" Seokjin sorely asked. I swallowed the food in my mouth and glanced at the soup in the bowl with a hot lump in my throat."I forced him into the marriage he never wanted and... ruined his relationship. He has every right to be upset," I muttered. Seokjin deeply exhaled at my statement and lowered his face to recollect his thoughts."If he's upset... then... he should send you away. Why would he intentionally choose to make you suffer like this...? Right under his nose. He's going to war with you again, even if it's not your intention to challenge him. Kim Taehyung thinks he's winning because you're not defying him," Seokjin calmly spoke."You asked me to save the society. So I did. I can't run from him... because we're legally married by law. The household must serve him," I muttered."Yes. You saved the society, Sora. I might have been arrogant during the conflict, but now that the cult had fled from the council... and you're finally the reigning supreme alpha again... The surviving households must return the favor and assist you. Kim Taehyung did not make the sacrifice. It is you... who had to play the queen card in the game. He has absolutely no right to abuse you. If he's not satisfied with your decision- then he could've appropriately dealt with the issue- but he didn't and chose to torture you. That's what he does best. Hurting the victim to present himself as a superior entity. You won the war for us, Sora... but you're surrendering to Kim Taehyung without an effort to save yourself. We need you strong and healthy to dominate the council... so do me a favor... return to that asshole after you recover... and put him in his place. Do you understand? The Jang Sora I know... will never let any man disrespect her," Seokjin firmly stared at me. I sighed and glanced down at the half-empty bowl with a discouraged look."I do not wish to be involved anymore. Not with the council and not with Kim Taehyung," I muttered. I've won the war for them... isn't that enough?"So you'll hand over all your power to Kim Taehyung? So he can hand your assets to his child if he were to have an heir with Yoon Ah-young? What about the twins? You depend on Jungkook to secure their future, but will the Jeon allow the illegitimate heirs to snatch their power... simply? Jae Beom is secured because Jae Yangcha made sure to establish his household under your name for his child before he passed. But Jeon Jungkook? That selfish bastard... will never lift a finger to protect the twins. Don't be foolish, Sora. The first-rank power must be preserved to protect the twins," Seokjin firmly shook his head to disapprove of my submission."I don't know... how to detangle... the mess," I gulped. I'm lost... and I do not have the energy to fight or argue with anyone."You can take your children and live far away... now that you've fulfilled your duties. The council will take charge and hunt down the Black Phoenix. We only needed you to expel... them from the throne. If you want to live far- then I can arrange that for you... but you can't leave Korea. We need your presence in the territory to prevent the Black Phoenix from spreading their fiery wings again. You may live as you wish now that you're secured... but... do not... allow yourself to be punished in that inhabitable shed," Seokjin sternly stared at me. I nodded and glanced down at my messy rice bowl in defeat.
Fast Forward
"Waaaah~!" Woojin shrieked as he paddled over the surface without the floaties' support as Kanghoon played with Yangcha's automated toy duck. I blinked and sat on the pool bench inside the Min's hotel to watch the twins paddle back and forth as Do-hwan swam in the pool with them."They're pretty impressive," Yoongi smiled while sitting on the bench beside mine."Right? They mastered swimming in only a week," I nodded weakly."Did you teach them? In the lake?" Yoongi chuckled as Kanghoon skillfully dived into the pool and swam under the surface."No. Yangcha taught them to swim at his hidden villa," I muttered. Yoongi nodded."Do you wish to return to his hidden place?" Yoongi asked."I don't remember the path there... and the place can only be operated by Yangcha," I shrugged. Should I go back to the wilderness? I can't find my way back. And the twins are already in school... so I can't hide them from the world."You can stay at the hotel for as long as you want. I'll bear the expense," Yoongi shrugged. I blinked and glanced at the alpha's considerate offer."You're too kind. Anyways... did Taehyung... contact you about the household's evacuation? He's okay with you housing my people?" I asked restlessly."You've eliminated the cult for us... so this is the least I can do for you. And... I heard he took a vacation break... from the fintech corp to take Ah-young on a trip. Didn't contact me about your household... so I suppose... he doesn't care," Yoongi nodded. I sighed and glanced at the twins as they clung to Do-hwan's muscular back. The man chuckled and suddenly dived under the water, causing the twins to shriek in shock after the man submerged them under the water.
A moment later.
"Eomma~! Seokjin ahjussi is so cool~!" Kanghoon giggled in the hotel's bedroom as I slipped the pants over his legs after they bathed together."He is?" I smiled as Woojin pulled on his shirt, so I grabbed the comb to brush their hair."Oh! He saved you~! Ahjusshi told us not to worry and took you out of the small house~!" Woojin giggled while dabbing baby powder on his cheeks. I chuckled and hugged their tiny bodies until they showered me with their ticklish kisses. I lifted them both off the floor and crawled into bed with the children."Let's sleep," I smiled as I rested between the twins.They agreed... so we laid on the comfortable mattress with my arms under their heads to cushion them. They turned on their sides to hug my waist... so I patted their back until they fell asleep... before crawling out of bed to stroll out of the room. I opened the door to check on imo, who was also asleep in her room... before checking on appa. Beom was sleeping on the bed with my father. Smiling, I closed the door and stepped out of the suite to find Do-hwan chatting with Yoongi's chief guard in the corridor."Can I visit Hoseok?" I asked the bulky man with a weak smile."Of course, my lady," The man greeted me. Do-hwan left to sleep in our suite... so I entered Hoseok's suite on the same floor to find him sitting on the couch with a small bundle in his arms."Oh? What are you doing here at this time-""Don't get up. It's okay. How is she...?" I smiled, sitting beside him to peek at the newborn with a downcast smile."She's ill but... doing better," Hoseok smiled. I gently grazed the child's cheek with a fond gaze. She's so tiny~!"Minah?" I asked, sadly looking up at Hoseok as he cradled his daughter."Still unresponsive," He sighed. I nodded and glanced down at the sleeping child.
Minah is... in a coma after she was poisoned by her husband to abort the child. The head doctor did everything he could to save her... and she's on life support... but he claims... she might never wake up again. Hoseok didn't want to give up on her... so we transferred the injured mother to place her under the Min's care.

Hoseok has been residing in the hotel since to stay close to Minah while looking after his daughter. I heard... they had to support the infant's feeble health in the incubator for over a month because she was born prematurely.
"Name? Have you named her yet?" I smiled, gently reaching for the child. Hoseok handed me the baby... so I held her against my chest with a fond smile."Mirae. Jung Mirae," Hoseok smiled. I chuckled and gently brushed my thumb against her pale cheeks."I can babysit Mirae for you. You have work at the council anyways, so you should focus on your tasks," I offered. Hoseok frowned and glanced at me."How can I burden you? After all the awful things you endured to save the pack?" He shook his head."I'm free now. Return to work. I did my best to eject the cult from the council... so make sure to work hard... and chase down the bastard," I chuckled. Hoseok smiled and stared at his daughter with a dim gaze."I'm afraid... Minah will pass away while I'm away," He muttered, suddenly darkening his face."She resembles Minah a lot," I whispered while gazing at the child's face in awe. Hoseok chuckled again and leaned back against the couch. We chatted briefly in his suite before I left to sleep with the twins after Hoseok went to bed with his daughter.
We remained at the Min's hotel for a month because our household did not possess a secure site to foster the staff. Appa did not wish to return to the Seoul mansion after the Black Phoenix fled the city... so Do-hwan and his team are actively searching for a new residence to accommodate the households.

I was able to heal and spent time with my children at the hotel... but I wasn't free all the time. I joined the alphas in their private meeting room to discuss their schemes to capture the heir and the cult leader, who are now in hiding. Minho and Mira had fled with the cult after the alphas released Minho. The alpha... foolishly followed his girlfriend... because she refused to lose her mafia operation to the cult.

What happened to the Black Phoenix?

They lost all of their power overnight after I exposed my marriage with Kim Taehyung. So they fled the Seoul mansion to hide in their secret lairs before the society could curate a plan to capture them. The cult might've retreated from the council... but the war isn't over because they're far too powerful with the resources they acquired during their stand in the council. Their illegal operations have tripled in size... because they have been seizing the fallen lower-rank assets for themselves.
"Aigo~! You've grown so big~!" Halmeoni gasped as she hugged baby Beom against her chest. The child was now over a year old."He's so chunky~! Just like our darling, Yangcha~!" Harabeoji chuckled as he examined Beom's cheerful expression. Beom... is very a heavy child. He was underweight after birth... but now? His fists are bigger... than the twins'. The baby... is beginning to take after his late father... who was built with heavy bone structures."You must be exhausted because of the trip~!" I chuckled at the Jae. They returned to Seoul from abroad after they heard about my household's departure from the Kim's property."Of course, we came back! We heard the news! It's unbelievable, really~! Yeobo! You should perform a checkup on Sora~! How can he leave her in a storage shed?! Aigo~! My Yangcha would never lift his fingers to hurt his wife like this~!" Halmeoni grimaced as she teased Beom, causing the child to giggle in delight. I sadly smiled at the elders as Do-hwan moved their belongings to separate suites with the maids and the guards.
A moment later
The living room bustled loudly as the elders chattered over their warm tea cups, so I closed the door to appa's room after putting Beom to sleep and entered the space to find imo sitting beside appa, who was discussing with the Jae. Do-hwan perched on an armchair by the glass wall to skim through his security device. I exhaled and sat down beside appa in my nightgown."-That's unnecessary. We are currently in discussion with an estate agent to seek a suitable property," Appa chuckled at the Jae."It's not safe here~! The cult is on the loose~! We really don't mind offering you an estate. It's just me and my wife alone in the gigantic castle. The twins and Beom will love our massive playfield," Harabeoji warmly smiled at us."I'm sure they'll love the castle but... they're pretty attached to their mother. The kids will sulk and cry for her," Appa chuckled."Sora. Why don't you take your children and leave with us? We'll look after you, I promise. You do not wish to reside at an old castle?- There are other options! A tropical beach? A beautiful hill? A congested city center? A snowy mountain? A desert plain? Deep in the wilderness~? You make a pick, honey~! And we'll immediately hand you the key to your new home. Anywhere you desire on the map... we can offer~!" Halmeoni smiled. I chuckled. They're so generous."The council needs my presence. I cannot step out of the territory, or my absence will jeopardize the power game. Thank you for always... being so supportive of me and my household," I sadly stared at the elders."Aigo~! We love you as our own~! We'd love to help you in any way possible because Yangcha cherishes you and your family so much~! It's the least we can do," Harabeoji shook his head to assure us."We'll visit your castle one day. But for now... the society is unstable... so I must not vacate my seat and stand as the supreme alpha... to lead the council," I smiled at the elders.________________________
Fast Forward
I stared unblinkingly through the car's window as we passed the suburb region until the wheel halted by a familiar street, so I got out of the car as Do-hwan stepped out of his seat and turned to scan the ancient brick wall with a somber expression. I rounded the car in my ankle-length floral dress and long white coat to approach the securely sealed wooden door. "Should I escort you?" Do-hwan asked, worriedly eyeing me."No. I'll quickly pick up my things and leave," I smiled and pushed the door open to enter the dead property. Not a single soul was in sight... and only a few standby guards were there to greet me. I glanced at the looming mansion to the right side... but the property was dark. Sighing, I averted my eyes to the main Hanok house.Kim Taehyung is away on a trip... so I've decided to drop by to pick up my belongings. I slipped off my shoes and strolled up into the Hanok house, slipped on a slipper, and headed out of the back door to stroll into the garden... calmly inspecting the frail ice over the surface as I walked along the lake. The ice is melting. Spring will arrive soon.
Creak.
I pushed open the rusted door and entered the shed to approach my unattended cardboard box. Everything is untouched. I carefully stacked the photo albums... strolled out of the shed... and headed back to the Hanok house as the deep shadow loomed over the dead property after the sun had set behind the distant mountains. I paused to admire the purple sky before the lake without blinking before entering the hanok... and left the main house as Do-hwan waited for me by the exit in his long black coat."Can you hold it for a bit? It was dark inside the room... so I couldn't check the things," I asked. Do-hwan took the box from my hands and lifted the heavy albums... so I could open the box to rummage through my essential belongings. I frowned and pushed the headphones aside to search inside the box as Do-hwan firmly held it."Is something missing?" Do-hwan muttered."The hard disk. It contains Yangcha's music- files and videos," I mumbled."Maybe you misplaced it somewhere- I'll check-""Wait here. I'll quickly visit the shed again," I closed the box and hurriedly raced toward the Hanok house again. I didn't take off my shoes this time and ran into the backyard in a hurry to outrace the dimming skylights."Oh no~!" I whispered, quickly entering the shed to search the dusty mattress. I sneezed repeatedly upon inhaling the debris but refused to stop searching and lifted the blanket with a dark frown before crawling over the floor to pat the cold concrete. Did I lose it~?I grumbled in annoyance while searching every part of the shed until the sun had completely disappeared... and I could no longer see in the dense darkness. Sighing heavily, I stood up with a restless feeling while scratching my head before turning around to slip on my shoes and walked out of the shed to stroll back into the garden - but abruptly halted once I noticed... a person standing by the edge of the lake... with his blank gaze on the frozen lake.Kim Taehyung... blinked and glanced in my direction as I slowed down before him... with an uneasy feeling as he stood in his plain pajamas in the cold winter. I gripped my fists without tearing my eyes away as we maintained eye contact in the dark garden. I thought he's on vacation...?"H- Have you seen a hard disk? I can't find it," I spoke up first. Taehyung did not answer me and blankly eyed my health complexion as I stood ten feet from him. "This...?" He finally replied, drawing out something from his pocket and lifted the black capsule to show me the hard drive."Thank you-" I nodded, walking forward to reach for it. Kim Taehyung clasped his fingers firmly around the disk, making me halt- so I quickly looked up at his dead stare with a slight frown."You came back... for this?" He asked, staring directly at me without a hint of emotion."Give it to me," I muttered, trying to pry his fingers open... but he simply lowered his arm, making me huff in disbelief. He bitterly stared at the lake before shifting his intimidating gaze back to me."Do you want it that badly?" He asked while searching my irritated face."Give it back to me!- I have to leave- HEY- YAH!?!-" I tried to seize it from his grasp again- when he unexpectedly flung the hard drive with all his might- causing my heart... to leap in horror as I watched the capsule soar through the cold air... and- CLATTER!The disk collided with the icy surface of the frozen lake and skidded over the thin sheet, leaving me in utter shock. I stood with my eyes wide open and lips ajar as I stared at the disk... lying on the thin surface without budging after it halted... near the center of the vast lake. I blinked and lifted my startled expression to find... Kim Taehyung... staring at me with a poker face."What's wrong with you?!" I snapped, shoving him with all my might, sending Kim Taehyung stumbling to the side. He didn't respond and straightened his body again."That's the price you have to pay for... ruining my life," He sneered, darkly staring at me and suddenly stomped away in his slippers. I scoffed in frustration as I watched him stroll up the stairs and disappear into the Hanok house."I FUCKING HATE YOU!" I screech in tears before glancing at the disk at the center of the frozen lake. It was already dark... so I could hardly see anything but the silhouette of the dark mountains... surrounding the lake.
A moment later.
Do-hwan remained composed in his car seat after placing the cardboard box in the back trunk to wait for his first lady... but... she never returned. The man frowned at his watch in confusion... after he waited for over half an hour. Sighing, he shoved the car door open again and stormed back inside the dark property to search for... Jang Sora... only to find Kim Taehyung... strolling out of the mansion with his hands in his pockets.The chief guard waited for the alpha to approach him."Where is she?" Do-hwan asked."I don't know. I thought you left with her earlier?" Taehyung shrugged after he left the Hanok house to rest in his room at the mansion."Sora?!-" Do-hwan glared at the alpha and turned to storm inside the hanok to search for her... but Jang Sora was nowhere to be found.The man stumbled down the back stairs and raced into the garden to steer toward the storage shed but halted in his tracks... once he caught a glimpse of something on the ground... so he quickly turned around... to find Sora's white coat by the edge of the frozen lake. The man paused and glanced at her neat pair of medium heels decorated with a small crystal ribbon before glancing at her... floral dress. The man frowned at her abandoned attire before shifting his startled eyes to the icy dark lake with his mouth ajar."S-Sora!?- SORA!? YAH- JANG SORA! Where are you!?-" Do-hwan shouted for the supreme alpha and tried to step onto the frozen ice- CRACK. The man quickly withdrew his shoes in shock as the melting surface fractured under his heavy mass."JANG SORA!?" The man bellowed in disbelief as he stood at the shore. His mouth fell open in fear as he scanned the dark surface for her presence... but she was nowhere to be found. The man wildly gripped his hair before turning around to find Kim Taehyung standing behind him... with a dumbfounded look on the supreme alpha's belongings on the ground."She didn't leave?" Taehyung asked, lifting his pale face to the chief guard with a slight frown."WHAT DID YOU DO!? WHERE IS SHE?!" The man roared at his face. Kim Taehyung blinked and shifted his horrified gaze to the icy sheet in disbelief."I- I threw the hard disk- What the fuck!? Did she just?!-" Taehyung gasped, suddenly jerking forward- CRACK. CRACK. The alpha stumbled backward in a panic once his weight fractured the frail surface, causing Do-hwan's eyes to widen in horror."YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE!-" Do-hwan angrily seized Kim Taehyung's collar. "I DIDN'T KNOW SHE WOULD- CROSS THE FUCKING-""YOU KNOW SHE WILL FUCKING DO ANYTHING FOR JAE YANGCHA! YOU FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT- ARGH! ARGH! ARGH!-" Do-hwan bellowed, angrily striking the alpha's face until his eyes blazed with raging flame. Kim Taehyung grunted and toppled backward upon receiving the deadly blows to his face."FUCK- DO YOU HAVE A DEATH WISH!?-" Taehyung angrily swung his fist to smash Do-hwan's jaw- sending the man staggering to the side. The man bellowed in extreme anger and launched to his feet to tackle Kim Taehyung on the damp soil, so the alpha punched the guard hard in the face again and wrestled Choi Do-hwan until his nose bled severely."Do-hwan?-" The chief guard abruptly halted once he heard her faint voice echoing from somewhere.  Kim Taehyung snapped his head toward the lake until he spotted... a faint silhouette... of a woman at the center of the ice."S-Sora! Are you okay- DON'T MOVE!" Do-hwan roughly shoved Kim Taehyung aside and quickly scrambled to his feet to gawk at his young lady in a panic. Sora sniffled as she stood on the thin ice in her... thin-strap lingerie dress... with nothing on but her socks and panties under the transparent undergarment.

Taehyung quickly wiped the blood from his nose and sat up to stare at her with a racing heart as she remained exposed on the ice. Do-hwan anxiously stepped onto the sheet again- but- CRACK. The ice shattered at the slightest touch of the man's pressure, so he quickly surrendered and lifted his terrified face at Jang Sora in extreme anxiety.
Earlier
Sora's POVI nervously stepped over the thin ice in my undergarment dress while gripping the silky fabric and slowly... inch... my way over the surface toward the center. The ice sheet... rocking unsteadily under me as the numbing frost pricked the base of my socks with its chills. I aimlessly stepped over the frail surface with my determined gaze... on the center of the lake."Where did it go...?" I whispered, worriedly turning in all directions to search the ice sheet for the black capsule... but it was too dark for me to see anything. I can't lose it. Yangcha's voice. I sniffled in tears and inched forward as the cold gust blasted against my bare body until I spotted a small item a few feet away... so I cautiously walked toward it and knelt on the thin ice to retrieve the capsule in relief with my flaming red fingers... from being stung by the piercing frost."You're okay. I've got you," I whispered, slowly turning around and carefully made my way back.I took off all my clothes and shoes to weigh less so I could easily walk over the thin surface- but... it seemed... the ice was thinning by the second. The ice sheet beneath my feet started getting wetter the more I crept forward- suddenly- Crack... crack... crack. I halted in fear and glanced down as the water seeped beneath my feet. The frail surface... drifting dangerously over the unstable deep water below my body. I gripped the capsule in fright and finally glanced at the shore to find... Do-hwan... wrestling with Taehyung by the edge."Do-hwan?-" I called. Too nervous to step forward. The man snapped his head toward the source of my voice with a startled look."S-Sora! Are you okay- DON'T MOVE!" Do-hwan roughly shoved Kim Taehyung aside and quickly scrambled to his feet to stare at me in a panic. I glanced down at the melting ice around me and back at his dark shadow from the shore. I'm roughly... 20 meters... from the man. And the outer ring of the ice is completely melted."C- Can you... take this first?" I asked, shakily lifting the capsule to show him. The man frowned at me."Okay. Just stay still. Throw it to me... and don't move. Okay?- Do it gently!" Do-hwan shouted in response. I nervously gripped the capsule and flung it over the surface- CLATTER. My eyes widened in horror when a strong wind gust swept through the deep troughs between the steep mountains... causing the hard drive to fall short and slam into the melted ice. The chief guard scoffed in horror as I watched the capsule... sink into the cracked ice with a racing heart."No- no- no!" I gasped, unconsciously lifting my legs in horror as the capsule slid under the surface. I can't lose him!
Third Person POV
"JANG SORA!" Do-hwan bellowed with a pounding heart when the supreme alpha hastily lifted her feet to race over the melting ice with a drained expression. CRACK-! Kim Taehyung's face flashed with terror when the thin ice shattered beneath her weight. The supreme alpha screamed in fear as she plunged into the sinkhole and- SPLASH! She suddenly disappeared beneath the surface... and her voice was immediately cut short. "FUCK-" Do-hwan cursed, quickly scrambling over the thin sheet... causing it to crack beneath his crushing footsteps but he didn't care and splashed aggressively into the shallow end. The man hastily climbed onto the ice sheet- CRACK- CRACK- CRACK! The ice shattered with the slightest movement, causing the man to struggle and splash back into the cold water- so he cursed in anger and pounded on the solid surface to break the ice- furiously paving a path toward the supreme alpha who had disappeared from his sight."NO! SORA!- YOU FOOL-!" Do-hwan roared in frustration as he tore through the ice sheet while hammering his fists on the frail frost... but he was too slow... and she was too far. THUD- THUD- THUD-! Do-hwan snapped his head to the side to find Kim Taehyung racing on his bare feet over the thin ice, causing it to crack beneath him... but the alpha suddenly stopped running and slid his body over the ice to prevent it from breaking. SWIFT!The alpha swiftly zoomed past Do-hwan and skidded over the massive ice sheet. The guard seethed in pain once he felt the stinging frost pricking his soaked skin as he pounded the ice until Taehyung lost his velocity and came to a halt over the stable surface. He quickly scrambled on his knees and palms to crawl toward the broken ice near the center... but Jang Sora had completely disappeared beneath the surface. SPLASH!Kim Taehyung dove right into the freezing water and disappeared to search for her. Do-hwan halted in horror before scrambling back toward the shore... because he knew he wouldn't make it on time if he wasted his time trying to break the ice. "GUARDS! YAH- EMERGENCY! THE SUPREME ALPHA IS TRAPPED IN THE FROZEN LAKE!" Do-hwan hollered for help until a few guards came rushing towards the Hanok house.The chief sprinted as fast as he could to burst inside the technical room. He grabbed a bundle of rope before racing back to the lake shore to glare at the complete darkness as the other guards scrambled into the lake. Do-hwan sucked in his breath as he intensely stared at the sinkhole... impatiently waiting for the souls to emerge from the surface.
Kim Taehyung had disappeared with Jang Sora.
"SIR!" A guard gasped when Taehyung suddenly burst through the thin ice on the far left side with... Jang Sora's lifeless body. Do-hwan's eyes widened in horror- so he swung the rope with all his might. The guards quickly hammered the ice to pave a liquid path as Taehyung hysterically coughed and scrambled for the rope to tie it around Jang Sora's chest. Her head... flopping weakly to the side as he supported her body above the freezing surface.

"HELP ME HURL HER!" Do-hwan commanded. A guard raced out of the freezing water and tugged the rope... so Taehyung clung to Jang Sora's body as the men towed the alphas out of the deep water."Alarm the medics! Now!" Taehyung ordered once a guard retrieved Sora's frozen body from his arms and dragged her onto the shore.Do-hwan gasped and hurled her weak body onto the grass to compress her lungs with his swift movement before lowering his face to breathe inside her mouth. Kim Taehyung scrambled onto the grass and quickly grabbed her white coat to flung it over her soaked... white undergarment dress as Do-hwan performed CPR to expel the water from her flooded lungs- SPLURGE.The water violently exploded from her mouth and dripped messily from her lips... so Do-hwan clenched his jaw and proceeded to pump her clogged lungs to force out the remaining water as the guards scurried away to alarm the medics of her dire condition.Kim Taehyung shivered in distress while kneeling beside the supreme alpha to examine her bloodless skin and entangled soaked hair... covering her face with its wild strands.
She remained lifeless and flopped weakly on the grass.

A moment later.
Do-hwan gently tucked the heated blanket around Jang Sora's body to keep her warm as the head doctor examined her condition. Her pale... skin... entirely drained of blood... and her lips... were purple. The chief guard lowered his face in exhaustion while gripping Sora's cold fingers to ensure her of his presence."She's stable," The head doctor whispered as he studied her stable body temperature."Can I transfer her to the city?" Do-hwan asked unsurely."She needs to sustain her body temperature first. Keep her warm for a day or two before transporting her," The head doctor shook his head. The man sighed and lowered his head to rub his face while sitting by her bedside."That fucking... asshole," Do-hwan grunted under his breath."It's best for her to part from our young master. She will never heal if she doesn't leave his side," The head doctor muttered. Do-hwa dimly lifted his face to stare at the somber elderly man."You're the only person to stay behind instead of leaving with her," Do-hwan sorely stared at the head doctor. The man sighed as he organized his medical case to sort his items."I might not have followed our young lady... but you know... I'll run to her through all the disasters whenever she summons me. If she wishes to leave young master's side... then I can arrange a new doctor for her. He's very skilled and will succeed in my position once I pass," The head doctor muttered. Do-hwan sighed and glanced back at Jang Sora's ashen face with a dark frown.____________________________
Fast Forward
Jang Sora's POV"I'll be okay. You'll be back tomorrow," I assured Do-hwan. He dimly stared at me with a worried expression as I sat on the thin mattress in the Hanok house."Why don't you stay at the mansion?" He sorely asked."I do not wish to invade their space. I'm fine here. The space is warm... and the floor is heated," I assured. The man exhaled, nodded in defeat, and slowly walked out of the bed chamber before shutting the door to grant me privacy. I sighed, gloomily glancing at the evening sky through the window gap.My body is still sore after I drowned in the frozen lake... but I'm okay. I blinked and stared at the capsule in my hand. Do-hwan retrieved it from the lake and delivered it after I woke up. I sighed, pushed myself off the mattress, limped toward the window, and peeked through the gap to watch Do-hwan leave through the main gate. Sighing, I closed the window and strolled out of the hanok house to find a new maid wiping the table."Is young master home?" I asked weakly."He's dining with his wife in the mansion, my lady," The maid bowed at me."I'll be back," I smiled at her and limped down the stairs to stroll over the field in a fresh gown, pushed the mansion door open, and entered the warm mansion to stroll brightly lit corridor... until I heard soft giggles from the dining space."My lady," A guard lowered his head as he guarded the door and opened it for me.Kim Taehyung suddenly shifted his dull gaze to me as I stood at the doorway... so I averted my eyes to Ah-young's bright smile. She immediately cleared her throat in my presence and quickly stood up to greet me... but Taehyung firmly gripped her wrist and pulled her back down. The woman glanced at the alpha with an anxious frown.

"Who gave you permission to disturb our private time?" Taehyung muttered coldly. Ah-young grimaced at his coarse manner and apologetically fired me an anxious look. I blinked and stood at the doorway without stepping inside."I'll speak from the doorway if you do not wish for me to invade your space," I responded. Taehyung blankly eyed me without a hint of remorse- Clatter. He rudely dropped the fork with an annoyed expression."Eonni- Please have a seat-""No. I'm fine. I'm only here to inform you both... of my departure," I smiled. Ah-young frowned at my words with a baffled look as Taehyung sat in his seat without reacting."Departure...?" Ah-young asked, innocently blinking at me."My household has found a new property to shelter our people. We will move to the new property within this week. The guards will arrive tomorrow morning to move out the family's belongings. I wanted to inform you in advance and apologize for the disturbance," I smiled at her. Ah-young frowned at my announcement. She appeared devastated."Eonni~! You can reside with us- I'm sure we can resolve the conflict!" Ah-young shook her head in concern."I'm sorry for putting you in a difficult position, but I believe it is time... for me to leave. I'll root for your happiness. This is all I have to say. Enjoy your meal. I'll head back to the main house," I smiled at the couple and turned to leave without another word. Sighing heavily, I left the mansion and returned to rest in my room.
The Next Morning
Ah-young worriedly watched the guards and maids as they entered the mansion to carry my father's and the twins' belongings out of the doorway. The household staff have also returned to collect their belongings from the dormitory."Sora! Do you have anything else to remove?" Seokjin waved while walking up to me as I spoke with a guard. Taehyung blankly glanced at the entrance from the living room. He has been sitting on the couch with his eyes trained on a newspaper the entire morning.

"Why are you here? You didn't have to come," I smiled at Seokjin."The twins asked me to fetch their homework. So I'll briefly check their belongings," Seokjin smiled and strolled inside the mansion. He greeted Ah-young, who lowered her head at the alpha while rubbing her palms together and glanced at me worriedly. I exhaled and sat down on the couch."About the twins-""You may withdraw everything you need aside from their belongings," Taehyung muttered without looking at me. He dully flipped the newspaper. "I will be taking my children with me," I sternly replied. Taehyung clenched the newspaper and lifted his dark stare with his eyebrows raised to question my demand."I'm their legal father," Taehyung replied."I will let the twins decide. If they wish to remain by your side... then I'll respect their decision," I exhaled. Taehyung didn't blink and stared at me with a blank look."Eomma~! Have you seen ahjussi~? Oh- Annyeong, noona~!" The twins bowed at Ah-young by the door."Come here. Appa wishes to speak with you two," I beckoned. Woojin and Kanghoon restlessly glanced at their father upon my invitation. Their smiles... abruptly fading from their radiant faces. Taehyung uneasily stared at the children as they lowered their heads and walked up to me. They didn't approach Taehyung and sat on the couch with their yellow toy ducks. "Do you want to sit with appa?" I asked, nudging them. The twins lifted their fearful eyes to stare at their father and shook their heads with a look of discomfort. Kanghoon dismissively patted his duck... as Woojin pretentiously scanned the mansion... to avoid looking at the man."Eomma wishes to live separately. Your school is nearby so if you leave with her... you won't see your friends again," Taehyung spoke up. The twins blinked and glanced at Taehyung."That's fine. We'll make new friends," Woojin replied. Taehyung glanced at Kanghoon, who simply shrugged and glanced at his cute socks without responding. The child wiggled his toes under the fabric in disinterest."Do you wish to stay with appa or eomma?" Taehyung frowned at their neglect."Eomma," They responded without hesitation. Taehyung uneasily glanced at me."Why? Appa has always taken care of you," He muttered. Woojin scratched his head and glanced at Kanghoon with a troubled look."Eomma cries a lot lately. Ahjussi... passed away... so... no one is there to make her smile or laugh anymore. Only Woojinie, Kanghoonie, and Beomie can make eomma happy," Kanghoon replied. Taehyung briefly glanced at me again."You have to pick for yourself. Not for eomma or appa," Taehyung sternly frowned at them."Eomma. We will always choose eomma," Woojin nodded, bitterly glancing at his father."So you don't want to stay with appa? Even if it means you'll never see appa again?" Taehyung lifted his eyebrow in disappointment. Woojin gulped in difficulty and glanced at me while gripping his toys."Yes. Appa... is not nice to eomma," Kanghoon whispered."What?" Taehyung scoffed."Appa makes eomma cry all the time. Unlike Ahjussi... he makes her laugh. Appa... always raise your voice at eomma. Ahjussi never does it-""Stop comparing me to a dead man," Taehyung grunted, suddenly interrupting the twins in annoyance. They gripped their toy ducks with an upset frown."You're a bad person. Only a bad person will hurt another person's feelings. That's why eomma never stayed with us when we were younger. You keep hurting her. That's why eomma always stayed with ahjussi because he's a good person to her," Woojin muttered without shifting his stern gaze away from his father and chose to challenge the man with a resentful grimace."You are the bad man... who made eomma's life difficult when she's already suffering. So even if... we can't see you again... Woojinie and Kanghoonie will follow eomma. She takes better care of us," Kanghoon nodded in agreement. Kim Taehyung blankly stared at the child as Seokjin carried a pile of books down the stairs with a guard."Ahjussi~!" The twins suddenly beamed, brightly waving at the alpha, and hopped off the couch to hurry toward Seokjin. He smiled and led the twins out of the mansion. Ah-young sighed deeply as she settled beside Taehyung while staring at me with a troubled expression."Eonni. Where are you moving to? Perhaps I can visit you and the twins," Ah-young smiled warmly."There's no need for you to see us. Our family wishes to reside in peace in a new place. Don't bother wasting your time on us anymore. I'd like to apologize to you... Ah-young... for being insensitive to your feelings. I do not resent you... so please rest assured. I believe we should part ways so you can properly build a new family with our young master," I smiled at her. She glanced down at her hands in guilt."You're his legal wife," She muttered, sadly shaking her head."No. I destroyed your relationship. Kim Taehyung may treat you as his wife and his first lady. I will remain a nobody to him. If you need me for approval on the documentation for work affairs- send the document over... and I'll sign it. From today onward... I will not bother either of you anymore," I shook my head. Ah-young glanced at Kim Taehyung's expressionless face, expecting him to persuade me... but he didn't and chose to remain muted with his dead gaze on me."Does it have to be this way? Eonni, we should stay in contact-""It'll only hurt your feelings and put young master in an uncomfortable position if we continue seeing each other. Please live happily together. I never meant to wreck your life... but it was a duty I had to fulfill for the sake of the society. Now that my duty as the supreme alpha... is over... you two shall live together with happiness. Oh- and don't worry about our legal marriage. It is merely a document to sustain the society. You may have your own family because I will not seek your husband's assets to stabilize my children. Consider it a false marriage for power play. Nothing else. Nothing more... or less. The twins will either succeed Jeon Jungkook's power or mine... and Beom will take over Jae Yangcha's household. So your children... may safely... inherit Kim Taehyung's assets. I will allow you to secure your future heirs... so don't feel too burdened. It's working out for all of us," I smiled at Ah-young and glanced at Kim Taehyung... who had been hushed in his seat with his vacant gaze... glued on the coffee table.They both failed to respond to me and sat in absolute silence. And so. I left the mansion... after bidding my farewell to the couple and finally... escaped from Kim Taehyung's grasp with my people.
A new beginning.

It is what I yearn for.

A new home. A new family. A new life.

For me... my children and my household.

I made a sacrifice to rescue the council from the raging Phoenix flame... so I must now... focus on protecting my family.
________________________________Fast Forward | New HomeThe twins shrieked in delight as they poked their heads out the car windows to admire the glimmering blue sea by the side of the steep hill as the van rolled over the slope. I smiled and kissed Beom's cheeks as Do-hwan steered the wheel up the slanted road with the windows down until he pulled into a vast emerald field... over a hill with a sea view in all directions. I smiled and stepped out with baby Beom, who was clinging to my neck. The property isn't too big... but enough to shelter our small family."WOAH~! THIS PLACE IS BEAUTIFUL~!" Kanghoon screeched as he raced over the grass in his shorts and yellow shirt to gawk at the massive property on the hilltop. The twins shrieked and climbed the pebbled path, impatiently racing towards their new home."Is the space large enough for the staff?" I asked as Do-hwan heaved our luggage from the back trunk."We built a separate department for the maids and the guards on the far side of the hill," Do-hwan pointed at the building... so I nodded and glanced down at baby Beom, who was squinting at the sun's glare. I pulled the cap over his head and patted his cheek.I carefully walked up the pebbled path to enter the mansion through the wooden door... but halted once I realized... the front door faced right toward... the back door... and beyond the back door... was an ancient tree... sitting before the vast blue sea."DAEBAK! DAEBAK! THIS PLACE IS SO COOL!" The twins screamed from the floor above... so I glanced up to find them exploring the first floor with their frantic thumps."This is a dream~! I love the view! Even the maids are in love with the property~!" Imo chuckled as she entered the space. She arrived at the property a few days prior to manage the mansion. I smiled at her as I walked through the massive arch back door, strolled out onto the tip of the hill and strode over the grass to approach the tree... where appa was standing with his arms crossed to observe the distant blue sea.

"How did you find this place?" I chuckled. Appa smiled and took Beom from my arm as I stood beside him under the cool shade to gaze at sailing boats and ships in the distance."This will be our forever home. Do you like it, Beomie~? Your father personally picked this property for you and your mother," Appa asked, turning the child towards the stunning view as the gentle spring breeze grazed us with its soothing current. Beom's eyes lid up in glee as he scanned the beautiful scenery. I smiled and hugged my father's waist with my head tilted against his shoulder."Let's be happy together," I smiled. Appa chuckled as he freed his left arm to place it over my shoulder and rubbed my upper arm as he carried Beom in his right arm. We admired the view together.
We made it. The fairytale... I yearned for... is now... a reality.

Yangcha. Thank you for everything you've done for us.
_____________________________
Three months later.
The afternoon backyard echoed with loud cheers as the maids and the guards played soccer on the grass field before the sea view. The twins shrieked as they raced their bicycles over the field. Imo sat under the ancient tree with appa to peel tangerines. I smiled at the distant yolky afternoon sun and glanced at the guards as they screamed at each other to steer the ball while teasing the maids. They're all off duty in the afternoon... so they often bond in the field during their free time."Ah~!" Beom cooed as he wandered over the grass to approach me."Come on~! You're almost here~!" I clapped my hands while crouching over the grass. Beom whined- suddenly slumping down on the grass to pout at me."Eomma~!" He cutely pouted with his arms extended- wanting me to pick him up... but I refused and remained in my position."A few more steps~! Get up~! Come to eomma~!" I opened my arms while crouching in my dress. Beom grimaced and pushed his body upward again... so I grinned and encouraged him to walk on his unstable baby steps. The child cutely trotted forward in his sneakers with his determined eyes trained on me."Almost there~! One more step~!" I chuckled, reaching for his hands to stabilize his body. Beom funnily squirmed in delight once he got to me... so I pulled him into a crushing embrace and kissed his cheek with pride. He's walking so well~!"Wee!" Kanghoon shot past us on his bike.

"Careful~!" I shouted as the twins zoomed back and forth on the wheels. The twins crashed their bikes on the grass, hopped onto the wooden platform under the tree and tried to grab the freshly peeled tangerine- but were immediately caught by appa."Wash your hands~! You rascals~!" Appa scolded them. The twins shook their sweaty heads and opened their mouths instead... so imo chuckled and fed them as they sat on the bench with the elders to have their refreshing snacks."Ah- jusssssi~!" Beom shrieked, suddenly pointing behind my back- so I quickly turned around to find... Seokjin strolling through the back door with Do-hwan in his casual clothes."Your mansion is surely very noisy~!" Seokjin chuckled as he strode towards us. "You made it before dinner," I smiled."For you," Seokjin smiled, handing me a flower bouquet, and gently drew me into a comforting embrace. I smiled and glanced down at Beom... to find him hiding behind my dress."Annyeong, baby beom~!" Seokjin chuckled, crouching down to greet the child- but Beom funnily yanked my dress to cover his face while clinging to my leg."Oh~? Why are you suddenly shy? You called ahjussi earlier~!" I chuckled. Seokjin poked the child's hand until Beom cutely peeked from behind my legs to smile at the alpha. He giggled and hid behind my dress again."Give me a hug~! I know you think I'm a charming man~!" Seokjin teased. Beom bit his lips and stepped out with flushed cheeks."AH~!" The child shrieked when Seokjin suddenly swept the boy off the ground and tossed him into the air. Beom funnily squealed as he clung to Seokjin's neck with a bright smile."Ahjussi~! Did you bring us the kites?!" The twins shrieked as they raced over the field to greet Seokjin, who was patting Beom's back."Yup! Let's fly it in the morning~!" Seokjin smiled. Woojin grabbed the alpha's sleeve and tugged him toward the tree... so Seokjin carried Beom and walked over to greet my father and imo.
A moment later.
I sat quietly against the head bed to skim the files that Seokjin had brought for me until I heard a faint knock on the door. Do-hwan opened the door and stepped inside in his casual clothes. He walked across the room to close the door... leading out onto the terrace to keep out the cold wind... and finally sat on the couch to face my bed."What's the matter? Are you here for a pay raise?" I teased the man. He smiled and shook his head."I have a request," Do-hwan exhaled."A request?" I blinked unsurely. The man nodded and glanced at his hands before looking back at me. I frowned at his muted silence and placed the files away while straightening my back on the bed.__________________________
Next Morning
Seokjin sleepily slumped on the couch in the living room... which was located between the front and the back door with his eyes half open as I ate the peaches mixed with milk and oatmeal. He rubbed his puffy eyelids and glanced at the twins as they chased each other over the field... before the rising morning sun."How are they so energetic?" Seokjin questioned, nodding at the children."Did they wake you?" I chuckled."They're so noisy. Who the hell wakes up at 4:00 AM sharp every day? You don't need an alarm at this rate," Seokjin grumbled with a swollen face. I laughed and glanced at Beom... who was still asleep on the couch. He stirred and hugged his pillow as I ate my morning meal."I signed the documents. Did you uncover any leads on the cult?" I asked curiously."No. But we're investigating the northern areas. I suspect the cult has shifted into a new operation," Seokjin muttered as he skimmed through the documents he brought to me."I will host a small birthday party for Beom on the seaside beach... so please invite the alphas," I muttered. Seokjin nodded and got up to stroll through the back door to approach the twins as they attempted to fly the kites."Are you still feeling dizzy, my lady?" A maid asked as she placed a tray of water bottles on the coffee table."Yes. Can you contact the head doctor? Send a guard to escort him from the airport if he's available for an appointment," I smiled. She bowed and left the living room... so I turned to adjust the blanket over Beom's chubby body. 
How did appa find this property? He didn't. But Yangcha did. He had a list of estates he wanted to acquire for our family written in his journal. Appa coincidentally found the lists and noticed Yangcha had circled a resident with bright yellow stars... so he decided to check out the place in Busan. My father fell in love with the property and purchased it immediately. It's a brand-new mansion built by an investor... but apparently... the person did not wish to live in the place and placed it on the market to be sold.

This is the dream house... Yangcha wanted us to reside in... and everyone is finally happy here. The kids are enrolled in their new school... and Do-hwan would personally escort them every day. Imo resides with us in the mansion with me and appa.

Do-hwan chose to build a small cabin for himself, isolated from the staff and the maids. I asked him to reside with us since we had free rooms... but he insisted on staying alone in the one-room space on the far right side of the property.
"Annyeonghaseyo~!" I greeted the head doctor as he strolled inside the mansion with his suitcase. The man smiled and greeted me... so I invited him to lunch in our dining room. We chatted over our meal. I asked the man to perform a check-up on all the children, imo and my father. The maids and the guards were also allowed to receive treatments for any discomforts... and I was the last to get the treatment."You have been feeling nauseous lately?" He asked while sitting on the armchair in the living room. I glanced out the back door to find the twins playing on the platform under the dim pole light beneath the ancient tree. It's already dark out."Yes. I get this sore back ache... and... I pee very frequently. I've been craving a lot of food too and have been eating well... but I don't understand why I still feel so sick," I shrugged. The man exhaled and scribbled on the paper with the thick-framed glass hooked over the tip of his nose."Maybe you lack some sort of nutrients?" Seokjin suggested as he sat across from me while looking through his phone. The man tapped his clipboard with a slight frown to piece together my symptoms."I'll try to cook healthier meals," Imo suggested as Do-hwan sat on the stairs by the back door to monitor the twins. Appa was patting Beom on the upper floor to watch us from the railing, so I waved at Beom with a weak smile."When did you last have your period?" The head doctor asked, suddenly looking up at me. I opened my mouth to reply but paused with a slight frown."Why? I don't think I'm-""There's a strong indicator," The man stared at me anxiously. I blinked and glanced at Seokjin with an awkward look. "I- I actually don't remember when I had my last period-" I muttered, frowning in disbelief. Wait a minute?!- I haven't gotten my period in a while!? How did I not notice?!"But our lady has never been with anyone!" Imo gasped, frowning at the head doctor."I was too occupied with the new changes after we moved in- I didn't notice..." I muttered. Do-hwan turned to frown at me from the stairs... and then glanced at Seokjin suspiciously... who was unsurely narrowing his eyes at me from across the living room."Please perform a pregnancy test. I will draw your blood sample for now and run a test," The head doctor smiled, digging inside his suitcase, and handed me two packs of pregnancy kits. I took it with a startled expression, causing my father and imo to exchange awkward glances."Hah- Haha~! No way she's pregnant- This must be a misunderstanding~!" Imo nervously chuckled. I sighed and stood up from the couch to use the kit in the bathroom before strolling back out to find everyone waiting for me with eager looks. I placed the kit on the coffee table and slumped down... to anticipate the result."This is sort of... scary..." Seokjin muttered, eagerly perching on the couch to stare at the kit. Appa strolled down the stairs with Beom to stand beside the couch... so Do-hwan quickly got up from the stairs and strolled inside to peek at the result.I intensely stared at the red stripe... on the kit while chewing my thumb with an uneasy feeling. No one uttered a word as we waited in absolute silence. The head doctor tensed his body and frowned at the red strip in anticipation... so imo cleared her throat and leaned forward to concentrate on the kit. We huddled over the coffee table without blinking-"BOO!""AH!- KAMJAKIYA!" We wildly shrieked when the twins popped out of nowhere, causing everyone to flinch in panic. Seokjin gripped his racing heart as Do-hwan covered his lips and glared at the mischievous duo, causing them to burst out laughing at our pale expression. Imo groaned... while rubbing her startled chest as the head doctor fixed his glasses over his nose bridge after it slid off as a result of his jerky movement. Appa cleared his throat and patted Beom again as the twins scrambled up the stairs and raced away."Those rascals~!" I whined in annoyance and glanced back at the kit again- but froze in horror when the second stripe... suddenly... appeared. My mind immediately stopped functioning... and I sucked in my breath with my dilated pupils... nailed on the shocking result.The head doctor's eyes widened in shock. Imo stopped rubbing her chest and quickly looked up at me- Do-hwan scoffed and snapped in my direction- so I quickly looked up at my father's bulging eyes. Seokjin slowly... averted his startled gaze to me and back to the kit in utter shock as I gripped my sweaty palms... while staring at the result without blinking.
Pregnant.

The result finally loaded on the device.
I froze in place... with my unblinking gaze glued on the word... with an utterly blank mind. Everyone abruptly shifted their bulging eyes to me for explanations... until I became stiff on the couch and my cheeks... flushing bright red."Ani- Who- Sora- Who did you-?!-" Imo chuckled uneasily with a dreadful expression but halted once she made eye contact with Kim Seokjin... whose face flushed red at the death stare he was receiving from my father. He quickly snapped at Do-hwan- who slowly folded his arms over his buff chest and inhaled in annoyance as appa scoffed and fired me an uptight frown- so I quickly glanced away in embarrassment."Do you not know how to use a condom...?" The head doctor grunted as he glanced at the flustered alpha."Ani- Wae- WHY ARE YOU LOOKING AT ME- WAIT A MINUTE- Are you accusing me of getting her pregnant!?" Seokjin raised his hands in disbelief until his ears flushed red."IF IT'S NOT YOU THEN WHO ELSE?! YOU'RE THE ONLY OUTSIDER IN THIS HOUSE!" Imo snapped, causing the alpha to flinch at her aggression. "HEY- HAH-! I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS-" Seokjin scoffed, flushing evening redder while glancing around the room to find everyone glaring at him with an irritated expression. The alpha gulped in a panic... and glanced at me with a dumbfounded... yet dreadful face.
I'm pregnant...? Again..?

Fuck...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Third Person POV
Ah-young sleepily sat on the edge of the bed in her knee-length silk gown to gaze at the gloomy morning sky through the tall arch windows. She glanced at the empty mattress in silence before rising to her feet and strode out of her bedroom- Creak. She pushed the twin's previous room open. The space was empty.The woman scratched her head as she carefully strolled down the empty staircase to exit the mansion and headed toward the Hanok house. Her lover often disappears in the dead of the night to reside at the main house. He sometimes leaves her to rest alone in the master bedroom, claiming he has work to complete. She yawned, climbed the steps, and entered the Hanok master bedroom to search for her lover... but he was nowhere to be found. Strange. She thought.Sighing deeply... she closed the door... thinking he had left the property early to fulfill his work without informing her. Ah-young walked out of the back door, strode down the concrete steps, and strolled toward the calm lake to stretch her arms over her head until she noticed... a slight movement to her left side... so she glanced in the direction to find... Kim Taehyung... stepping out of the abandoned shed. He closed the rusted door and walked forward in his pajamas but halted once he noticed Ah-young staring at him."Did you wake up early?" She asked, weakly greeting Taehyung as he approached her."Yeah. I was just wandering around," The alpha shrugged."Should we have breakfast together?" She asked while staring at his dazed expression. It appears... he had only woken up... but why did he enter the shed? She didn't have a clue."I've got an urgent meeting- You have breakfast. Oh- and I'll head directly to your family's place after work, so leave the property without me," He informed her while gazing at the calm lake. The Yoon had invited the couple to a family dinner."Have a great day," Ah-young smiled at Kim Taehyung. He nodded and strolled off while rubbing his swollen face... so Ah-young sighed and glanced at the old shed in curiosity. She briefly glanced at Taehyung as he climbed the stairs to enter the main house... and waited until he disappeared. The woman clasped her hands together and slowly walked toward the moldy bricks. Creak.Ah-young pulled open the rusty door to let the morning light inside the dark shed... pausing to scan the old mattress... and neatly folded blanket before glancing at the dusty space. She stared at the pile of old silk gowns on the crooked wooden table to inspect the untouched fabrics before closing the door and strolled back to the Hanok house. There was nothing to be suspicious of.
Funeral Venue
Kim Taehyung adjusted the buttons of his fitted suit as he sternly strode inside the somber venue, filled with guests and family members. He glanced at the group of alphas, chattering on the front row before glancing at Jung Hoseok, who was greeting the guests by the opened door in his mourning attire.The alpha greeted the bereaved family before entering the hall to sit alone on the opposite aisle without approaching his fellow alphas. Taehyung stared at Kang Minah's portrait without blinking and raised his right leg... to hook it over his left kneecap. He glanced down at his hands... to stare at the faint scar on his left wrist with... nothing but a vacant mind. The man gently grazed his thumb over the raised bump that will forever scar his skin.
A permanent mark the Jaguar left... on the lone wolf for... hurting his goddess.
Kim Taehyung snapped out of his thoughts and glanced upward again but paused when he noticed a familiar figure standing before the casket with her head lowered. The man unsurely frowned as he studied her neatly tucked bun and shifted his empty gaze to her black heels without moving his head. He blinked and kept his dull eyes on her because... she appeared somewhat... too familiar."Sora!" Jimin whispered while waving at her until she lifted her head and turned in the direction of the alpha. Kim Taehyung stiffened in his seat once he caught a glimpse... of her side profile and quickly glanced away with an uneasy feeling. It's been months... since he last saw her."When did you arrive?" Yoongi asked the supreme alpha, so Taehyung briefly glanced at her again as she chuckled and approached the packed row."This morning. I returned with Seokjin," Sora spoke up, causing Kim Taehyung to tense up in his seat. The longer he resisted the temptation to look at her... the more his body strained itself... to spare her his restrained attention. He gripped his hands in frustration, suddenly rising from his seat, and walked away to use the bathroom with a poker face."How are your households?" So-young asked, weakly smiling at Sora as she sat beside Yoongi on the bench."We're thriving well. Everyone is occupied with personal tasks," Sora chuckled."I heard your mansion sits before the ocean view. It must be a therapeutic sight," Sungho muttered. Sora smiled at him and nodded in agreement.Jung Hoseok and the Kang finally entered the hall to host the funeral, so the alphas grew hushed as they adjusted in their seats to pay their respects. Sora glanced around the hall to search for Jeon Jungkook... but he was nowhere to be found. The alpha did not attend his ex-lover's funeral. The supreme alpha carefully rose from her feet after listening to Hoseok's final farewell to his lover and excused herself to the restroom.
Sora's POV
"I peed five times already~!" I grumbled while washing her hands in the sink and strolled out of the bathroom to steer toward the venue when the oak door suddenly opened... and Kim Taehyung slipped out between the gap to leave the event.He immediately halted once his eyes landed on mine. I slowed down before him, unsurely glancing at the guards as they patrolled the corridor. He's here too? I gulped and walked forward without acknowledging his presence. There's nothing to speak about... so it's best to avoid him."Can we... speak for a moment?" Taehyung suddenly muttered behind my back... just as I strolled past him. I paused at his request before the looming door and turned to find him staring at me with his usual... blank gaze. Nodding, I spun around on my medium heels and followed him to an empty corridor crammed with flower wreaths."I only visited the city because Seokjin requested my presence at the council today," I muttered as Taehyung leaned against the wall with his arms crossed to examine me."Did you not bring the twins?" Taehyung asked, unsurely searching my face."They're studying for their exams," I shrugged. The alpha glanced at the white flowers in the vacant corridor before shifting his cold gaze back at me. The twins are too occupied with their upcoming exams, so they've been studying days and nights at the mansion to ace their exam papers."Are you not going to invite me to Beom's birthday party?" Taehyung dimly muttered."If you want to see the kids... then you may visit them at the party. I won't stop you," I shrugged, turned to leave the corridor, and headed back to the venue without another word. I don't feel too comfortable speaking to him. He makes my heart heavy.
_________________________

Fast Forward
I sat quietly in the first row, seated right beside Kim Taehyung at the elite council conference hall... but we didn't exchange conversations and stared at the representatives below as Sungho discussed the cult's unknown operations. The entity behind the operation is not confirmed yet... but there have been suspicious flows of illegal weapons trafficking along the coasts near the Northern borders. The alphas are investigating the case."There's an event... at the alpha tower this week," Taehyung suddenly whispered without looking up from the document. I blinked and glanced at him from my seat."Are you talking to me?" I asked. Taehyung turned his head to face me with a sore grimace. How can he speak so suddenly without looking at me?"You heard me," He muttered. I glanced back at the council as they discussed a resolution."You may take her with you as you please," I shrugged. I do not wish to appear at the tower. Not since the cult seized control of the building. I've already trusted my household power in The Kim's care so he can do whatever he sees fit.Taehyung glanced back at the document, released a deep exhale, and straightened his back to fold his arms over his chest with his annoyed gaze at the resolutions on the file. He appeared irritated for no apparent reason... but that's his habit... being bitter over petty things.
If I speak too much- he gets mad. If I whine too much- he'd tell me to shut up. If I appeared before him too often- he'd instruct me to stay out of his sight. And even now... he's still upset because I'm not bothered by anything he utters. I don't know how to please him, and I simply do not wish to fight this pointless... war with him... so I'll retreat and maintain the space between us.

As long as he respects our boundaries... we'll never clash again.
_________________________
The Hill
"I can't remember the definition~!" Kanghoon whined, repeatedly smacking his head to recall a specific vocabulary while standing by the car door. I smiled and crouched before the twins to hold their hands as they prepared to leave for school."Don't worry too much. Okay? Eomma will be proud of you two regardless of your achievements~!" I assured. The twins pouted and hugged me... so I lifted them into the back seat as Do-hwan carried their lunch boxes to place them in the trunk.
They're taking their final exam today... and they've been anxious for the past week. Woojin and Kanghoon have lost their appetite and have been staying up late to revise for the exam. Why are they so determined to attain perfection? I've never pressured them to achieve anything beyond their limits.
"Eomma~! Sweet rice cake!" Woojin waved at me from the window as the car steered out of the property."It'll be ready by the time you return! Hwaiting~!" I nodded and waved at them. The twins grinned as the car rolled out of the gate... so I sighed and returned to the mansion to help imo make the sweet rice cakes in the kitchen.It wasn't until a little past noon when I was finally free from my routine duties and slumped down on the couch to take a short nap... but was awakened by a maid half an hour later. I rubbed my heavy eyelids- and quickly stood up to pat my dress as the door opened, and a young child strolled into the mansion with a small suitcase. He nervously glanced at me as a maid escorted him forward, making me smile at his familiar presence.

"Woobin-ah! How was the trip!?" I shrieked, hurriedly racing toward the young boy. He froze and glanced at me with a startled look as if to recall my existence. Maybe he doesn't remember me? He was barely three years old when we first met!"N-Noona?!-" Woobin gasped in shock. He's startled by my appearance."Aigo~! You're so big now! How old are you?!" I chuckled, pulling the child into a warm hug."I'm ten," Woobin grinned, pulling away to admire me. He's so adorable! I never thought I'd get to see him again!"Welcome home," I faintly patted his soft cheek. Woobin chuckled while gazing at the mansion with his bright pupils and lips ajar to admire the luxurious interior."I get to live here? Really?!" He asked, glancing at me in astonishment."Of course! I'll show you to your room!" I snatched his suitcase and signaled the maid to attend to her task because I didn't want to disrupt her workflow."But you're not my adoptive mother... though...?" Woobin chuckled as he followed me up the staircase with a bright beam."You're a part of our family. Come on," I ruffled his hair. Woobin grinned and followed me down the right corridor to the last room. Creak. I entered the lavish bedroom to reveal a single king-size bed with a view of the mansion's front gate... and beyond it... is the sea. His room is facing the front yard."This is my room?!" Woobin gasped, quickly racing onto the terrace in disbelief to peek at the guards and maids as they hustled over a grass field. The hill is surrounded by the sea... so any room within the mansion has a sea view."All yours. Don't feel burdened, okay? This is your private space, and no one in the household has the right to intrude without your permission," I nodded as I placed his suitcase down by a wooden desk.Woobin scoffed in shock and glanced at me with a slight frown. He suddenly pouted... so I held my arms open again. The child must be overwhelmed by his new home and my warm treatment because he's been residing at the orphanage for so long. Woobin quickly jogged forward to give me a crushing hug, making me chuckle at his gratifying appreciation."Thank you, noona," He whispered, tearing up against me... so I cupped his cheeks and softly kissed his forehead."Your father will be home in the afternoon. So settle down for now and come down if you're hungry. Okay? The maids will serve you anything you need," I stroked his cheek with a weak smile. Woobin nodded in excitement and hugged me again. He's so adorable! I helped him unpack his belongings and spent time... conversing with the boy in his room to get him comfortable with my presence because I didn't want him to feel like an outsider.
He didn't bring much. Only a few sets of clothes and a book.

Afternoon.
"What's his name?" Woobin asked in curiosity as he sat beside me on the platform under the ancient tree before the glistering afternoon ocean."Beomie~! Jae Beom~! Say hi~! This is your brother~! Woobinie~!" I chuckled, lifting Beom's hand to wave at Woobin. The older child grinned and shook Beom's hand, causing the baby to squeal shyly and turn to press his face against my chest with his rosy red cheeks."He's a little shy~! But he'll grow used to you in no time," I smiled at Woobin, who was admiring the little boy with a fond gaze."He takes after his father," Woobin nodded."How did you know?" I laughed unsurely."He doesn't look like you. So he obviously looks like your husband? Right? Where is he, by the way? I should greet him," Woobin cluelessly asked."Ah. Beom's appa sadly passed away... over a year ago," I smiled at Woobin, whose smile instantly dropped at my words."Oh," Woobin blinked and glanced down at the child with a sad frown."It's okay," I assured Woobin because he appeared a little guilty for reminding me of my dead lover."EOMMA~!" The twins suddenly shrieked, causing Woobin to flinch at their deafening screams. Thump! Thump! Thump! I quickly turn on the platform to find the twins racing towards me with their school bags. WHIP! WHIP!Woobin jerked in a panic as Woojin and Kanghoon hastily swung off their bags- kicked off their sneakers- and threw their materials onto the wooden platform before scrambling toward me on their hands and knees. They're still loaded with energy... after their exhausting exam day...?"Be gentle~!" I gasped when they snatched Beom from my arms to smother the child with suffocating kisses. Beom chuckled in glee as his twin brothers clutched the child's body, repeatedly pressing their lips against the baby's cheeks and hands to shower the youngest heir with affection."Oh-! Who is this?!- Annyeong Chingu~!" Kanghoon froze when he looked up to find... the older boy smiling at him."Anneong," Woobin greeted them."He's not chingu! He's your hyung~!" I chuckled. The twins gasped- suddenly launching forward to inspect Woobin with their curious gaze.Woobin flinched in a panic and glanced at me unsurely as the twins sniffed his clothes and poked his cheek to confirm his existence. Kanghoon lightly yanked on the boy's hair- and gasped in shock with his hands clasped over his mouth."Who did you make him with!?" Woojin snapped at me in disbelief, causing my face to flush red. What?!-"He's Do-hwan's son! Not mine- but he's our family! Your older brother!" I chuckled at their startled reaction. The twins glowered at my claims with a doubtful look and grimaced at Woobin. I thought they'd welcome the older boy... so why are they reacting so harshly?

"I'm Choi Woobin," The older boy introduced himself."Kangoon and Woojin~!" The twins firmly stared at the boy with an intense frown. Woobin uneasily glances at me again and back to the twin's grim scowl."Why are you giving hyung that look? Don't be mean~!" I nudged the twins. They grimaced and crossed their arms in annoyance."He's more handsome than us! Hmph~!" Kanghoon huffed, cutely glaring at Woobin."Moh!?" I scoffed at the sulky child."Hyung is very handsome! And tall!" Woojin shrieked, funnily pointing at Woobin, who flushed red at their passive-aggressive compliment, making me laugh at their envious reaction. Seriously?! They're just like Jeon Jungkook! How is this possible?! They can't stand being inferior to anyone!"But you two are very adorable and cute. Cuter than me," Woobin smiled. The twins flushed red at the older boy's words... suddenly breaking into shy laughter as Beom giggled, attentively watching his older brothers chat with a curious gaze. They're easily wavered by flattery..."Okay~! Hyung can be the most handsome~! We'll be the cuties~! And- Beom will be the loveliest~! That makes four of us now! And oh-! One more on the way~! But the baby is still fermenting inside eomma's stomach!" Kanghoon grinned at Woobin while patting my raised baby bump."You're pregnant?!" Woobin gasped in shock. I nodded and patted the twins' heads as they admired Woobin with their glimmering doe eyes. And to my relief... Woobin got along really well with the twins and Beomie. They immediately clicked without a fuss despite having a five to ten-year-old age gap."Woobin-ah," Do-hwan suddenly called. Woobin giggled at the twins and glanced to the side... until his gaze landed on the chief guard. His mouth suddenly parted at the sight of his father's surprising presence."Appa...?" Woobin suddenly pouted, eyes immediately flushing with tears. Do-hwan smiled and waved at his son with a slight pout."Come here," Do-hwan beckoned. The boy suddenly burst into tears, scrambled off the platform, and hurried towards his father.The man smiled and drew his son into a crushing heart, causing my chest to stir at the sight of their wholesome reunion. The child clung tightly to his father as the man lifted his child off the ground to hold the boy's precious soul in his firm embrace... so I smiled and glanced at my children as they watched the man clutch his ten-year-old son.
The twins and Beom... must miss their fathers too.

Do-hwan asked me to support him with the legal documents process so he could adopt his biological son from the orphanage... and it turned out to be the snotty boy I've cared for during my break in Daegu. I agreed right away... and offered to support his son under my household security.

We're finally safe in our home... so I'm willing to foster the child since his father works tirelessly to sustain our household. Do-hwan was afraid to raise his child under my mother's authority because he was scared of putting Woobin at risk due to the deadly missions she assigned him, but... the war has ceased... so he should reunite with his son and live peacefully under my household immunity.

I will protect them at all costs.
__________________________
Fast Forward
Knock. Knock. I turned the doorknob and stepped inside the bedroom in my gown to find Woobin sitting against the bed head with a book in his hands. The child smiled, quickly placing the book aside, and tried to get up... but I told him to stay in position."What brought you here, noona~?" Woobin unsurely asked as I placed the paper bag on the mattress."You must be bored behind the high walls," I chuckled."What? No! Absolutely not!- I have so much fun with the twins and Beom! Imo asked me to run errands too- and I get to train with the guards. This is a paradise~!" Woobin grinned cutely. I smiled and patted his soft cheek."You're not supposed to babysit my children or perform labor work for the household," I shook my head."Then what am I supposed to do?" Woobin pursed his lips. Smiling, I drew out a few sets of uniforms from the bag to place them on his lap."School. Study. Interact with other kids your age. Be a child. Be happy. Do whatever you want to do," I chuckled. Woobin glanced down at the folded school uniform with a startled look."You're sending me to school?" Woobin's jaw dropped."I noticed your passion," I nodded at the book on his bed. Woobin smiled and looked up at me with a slight pout."But this... isn't an ordinary uniform-""Right. I've enrolled you in a private middle school. The twins will graduate from their elementary school soon... so they'll be there with you once they're ready," I nodded. Woobin gasped in disbelief."But the tuition must be crazy expensive-""Your father works hard to protect my family. This is the least I can do to repay my life debt to your father," I chuckled. Woobin weakly smiled at me."You're so kind, noona," He frowned. I chuckled and shook my head."Whatever you need... I'll give it to you... so don't hesitate to ask. Okay?" I assured."Can I call you eomma?" He asked. I blinked, startled by his unexpected request."Moh?" I scoffed."You take such great care of me. But if you don't feel comfortable then-""You should ask Do-hwan for his permission first. If he's okay with it... then do as you wish," I laughed while patting his hair.Woobin broke into a bright beam and hugged me tightly... so I patted his back to comfort him. I see myself in this child. An abandoned soul. But he's still young... so it's not too late to mend him now. I'll do everything I can to make him feel appreciated because we deserve to be loved... by the people we call our family."Oh. I have another request," Woobin gasped, quickly pulling away."What is it...?" I asked while sitting with the child on the mattress."Can you ask the twins not to scream at night? They're a bit too loud," Woobin apologetically smiled at me. I chuckled and covered my mouth at his cute request."They are loud. I'll speak with them. Thank god I didn't place you next to their room. Imo often chases them with a broomstick because they keep on waking her up since she resides directly below their room," I grinned. Woobin laughed hysterically. He nodded, so we chatted for another moment before I left to sleep in my room, leaving him alone to prepare for his studies at the new school.___________________________
Third Person POV
Choi Woobin carried his textbooks in his arms and strode out of class in a maroon-coded uniform with a leather bag strapped over his shoulder to make his way down the stairs and finally halted by the front gate to wait for his father to pick him up from school on his first day... until a young girl his age appeared beside him... her long black hair... clipped neatly to the side.

"You're the new kid...?" She smiled."Choi Woobin," The kid nodded."Go Hera. My father is an assemblyman," She introduced herself. Woobin nodded at her and glanced at the gate when a beautiful woman appeared in a formal lilac dress. The students, teachers, and parents immediately diverted their attention to chase her captivating beauty as she strolled through the gate with a silver purse clutched in her hands.

"Woah~! She's so pretty~!" A few young boys nudged each other in excitement."Woobin-ah!" Sora waved, beckoning the child forward, causing the girl beside him to glance at the boy in surprise."Eomma~!" Woobin grinned and skipped toward her, so Sora grabbed his heavy bag to lift the weight off his shoulders.

"How was the first day?" She curiously asked, gently brushing his wild hair with a weak smile."Pleasant~!" Woobin nodded as they stepped out of the gate together."Your father is busy preparing for Beom's birthday, so I came to fetch you," Sora smiled warmly. Woobin nodded and followed her into the black car... and they left the school premises together.
A moment later
Jang Sora and the oldest child eventually arrived at the reserved private resort by the beach to attend the youngest child's birthday event. Woobin was instructed to bathe in a private villa, so the child left to change out of his school uniform.The twins were sitting on the dry sand to build sand castles in their casual clothes because they refused to wear formal suits. They sprinted away every time imo tried to approach them with appropriate attires, so the woman gave up on convincing them... and left the troublemakers unattended on the sand. Sora was chatting with staff to instruct them until Woobin strolled out onto the seaside in a black suit."Eomma. Do I look okay?" The child asked, slightly tugging her dress to grab her attention. She briefly glanced at the child and dismissed the staff before sitting on a chair by the table to examine the tangled knot around his collar."Did you do the tie yourself?" Sora chuckled as she undid the tangled knot."Yup," Woobin nodded in embarrassment."Come to me if you need help," She chuckled and fixed the tie for the child, causing him to blush cutely."Why aren't they dressed up...?" Woobin nodded at the twins as they ran over the beach without their shirts on.
The bear and puppy had flung their shirts onto the sand... bouncing all over the opening with their exposed... plump bellies. They tackled each other onto the sand... shrieked out loud... and rolled all over the beach until they were covered in tiny grains.
"No one can catch the wild monkeys... so we'll leave them like that until they burn out," Sora smiled. Woobin laughed as Woojin tripped and fell onto the sand but quickly sat up as Kanghoon did a cartwheel until he flopped on his belly."I'll sit with Beom since he's the calmest," Woobin glanced at the youngest child. Sora patted his hair and gave the child a soft peck on his cheek, so Woobin walked away with pride in his suit to sit on a swing... facing the sea beside Beom and Jang Beomseok.
Soar's POV
"Sora~!" A familiar voice spoke up... so I turned to find Hoseok strolling onto the beach with Yoongi."You're here!" I gasped, quickly getting up to greet the alphas. Hoseok gave me a warm hug. I giggled and held onto Yoongi's hand. I didn't think Hoseok would visit me because he was still mourning Minah's death... but he showed up anyway to attend my child's trivial birthday party. I feel terrible. Maybe I shouldn't have invited him to celebrate with a grieving heart?"Are the others not here yet?" Yoongi asked, unsurely observing the empty space."Probably on their way," I shrugged. Yoongi chuckled and walked away to greet my father as imo spoke with the chefs to prepare them for the feast."Ahjussi~!" The twins suddenly shrieked, so I quickly looked up and as expected... Seokjin appeared with gift bags in his hands. They ran over to him on their bare feet."Yah! Are you at your brother's birthday party!? Or are you on a beach vacation?!" Seokjin scoffed at the sand in their hair. The twins grinned and hugged his legs as the guards took the bags from the alpha's hands."We passed our exam with straight As!" Woojin pridefully beamed."Really?! Ah~! How annoying~! I'll have to get you two gifts again!" Seokjin playfully groaned. They chuckled at the alphas and rushed away to roll on the sand again. Seokjin smiled at their playfulness and walked forward to give me a warm hug."Sora~!" Jimin and So-young appeared with Namjoon, so I released Seokjin and greeted them but halted once I noticed... Kim Taehyung... standing behind the couple with a blank face."You came," I nodded after the couple strolled off.Taehyung nodded and walked toward the beach without speaking as Namjoon entered with Sungho. I led them to the extensive dining table on the beach... until I noticed Taehyung staring at the twins from afar as they chased each other over the shallow end... splashing into the cold waves and throwing wet piles of sand into the ocean.Another guest suddenly appeared... so I quickly turned... to find Jungkook walking through the door. He unsurely glanced around until he spotted me staring at him with a startled look. I didn't expect him to show up...? Why is he here? Did Seokjin invite him???"I was curious about your new home," Jungkook spoke up."We don't live here," I shrugged. Jungkook sternly nodded and strode off with his hands in his pockets to sit at the dining table beside Jimin, who was chatting with Woojin. Kanghoon took a picture with Yoongi before scurrying off again to kick his sand castle.
A moment later.
"Woobin-ah! Join us for dinner~!" I beckoned as I sat beside my father. The child hopped off the rocking swing and walked forward in his suit to sit on the empty seat beside mine as Seokjin sat by Woobin with the child between us."Who is this handsome young man?" Jimin nodded at the boy with a curious smile."He's Do-hwan's son. I'm his legal guardian," I patted Woobin's head. The alphas glanced at the boy with a fond gaze. Do-hwan has agreed to let Woobin address me as his mother."I'm Choi Woobin," The child stood up to greet the guests. Imo handed Beom to me, so I held the child over my lap, causing everyone to glance at Yangcha's son."He looks awfully like his father," Hoseok grimaced. I chuckled and patted his mochi cheeks. That's not a bad thing~! I'm sure Beom will be as handsome as his late father once he's fully grown~!Taehyung blinked out of his thoughts... and glanced at the twins as they climbed the chairs beside Seokjin after Imo dragged them away to wash their hands. They were sitting in their blue and yellow stripe underwear with sweaty hairlines, causing Seokjin to chuckle at their nasty appearance... but they didn't care and lifted their spoon to anticipate their meals.The alphas started chattering over the wine glasses once the warm meals were served at the table, so I fed Beom mashed potatoes as appa laughed with Jimin and So-young. Imo reached across the table to place the food for the twins as I helped Woobin cut his steaks while chatting with Sungho, who was complimenting Woobin's visual."Ahjussi~! AH!" Kanghoon fed Seokjin a piece of chicken breast. The man smiled and ate it, making me chuckle at their adorable interactions."Sora! Allow me to stay at your place! I heard your property is on a beautiful hill!" Hoseok smiled. I chuckled."Did you not book a hotel?" I playfully grimaced. Hoseok smiled at my disapproving glare and ate his food until it was time to celebrate Beom's birthday.A staff member brought a yellow-themed cake with twinkling flames to place before baby Beom, so I chuckled and made the young boy wave his hands as the alphas clapped for the child. Beom giggled at the flooding attention and shyly clung to my waist with his dazzling gaze on the glimmering sparkles. I smiled at the child's starstruck expression and finally glanced at the hyped alphas until I noticed... Taehyung rising from his seat... and disappeared into the villa without a word. Is he leaving?I snapped out of my thoughts and encouraged Beom to blow the candle. Puff! The child made his first attempt- but it didn't burn out, causing the alphas to shriek at his adorable pout. Puff! Beom wheezed again, funnily inflating his cheeks like a puffer fish- but failed miserably... leaving the single candle sparkling before his irritated frown. He whined and turned to hug my breast in defeat, making me giggle at his cuteness.
PUFF!
The twins suddenly squeezed in between Appa and Woobin on either side of my chair to blow out the candle for their baby brother, causing the alphas to roar loudly at the successful attempt. Beom giggled at their cheerful reaction and glanced at me with his cute baby teeth, so I lifted him upward and gave him a breathy kiss.
A moment later.
BLURP. I violently vomited into the toilet in distress while pounding on my chest to expel the remaining discharge from my throbbing windpipe. Ah~! Not again! Sniffling, I rubbed my lips, exited the restroom to wash my hands in the sink and stepped into the bedroom... to find Seokjin sitting on the couch with a slight frown."Is it the baby?" He asked worriedly. I nodded and wiped my lips."I can't get a hold of the head doctor right now," I whispered."Why?" Seokjin frowned."He left for a mission abroad. He won't be back until next month," I shrugged. The man told me to wait for his return.Kim Seokjin glanced at the cheering alphas outside the window. Hoseok drunkenly smacked Yoongi's back while sipping from his wine glass as Woojin and Kanghoon danced with Jimin on the beach. Beom laughed in tears beside Woobin, who was watching the silly dance battle between the Park's heir and the identical boys.Jimin funnily shoved the twins back- so they beat their plump bellies like gorillas and jumped forward to shake their bodies, causing the alphas to shriek at their hilarious belly-bouncing moves. Jimin laughed hysterically and collapsed onto the sand in defeat until his stomach ached from laughing nonstop."Are you sure about your decision?" Seokjin asked, frowning at me as I leaned against the wall with my arms crossed."Should I visit a clinic? I'm restless," I sighed heavily. Seokjin dimmed his eyes."You don't have to do this, you know?" Seokjin furrowed his eyebrows."I don't want to deliver another baby," I shook my head. Seokjin gripped his fingers and glanced down at his hands."Well. It is your choice," The alpha sighed, nodding at me in agreement. I will abort my child. Again. And I won't let anyone convince me otherwise. I nodded, turned to stroll out of the room, and walked into the opening to join the alphas again."Ahjussi~! You're so handsome! Like us!" Woojin nudged Jungkook, who froze and glanced at the twin's identical faces. They innocently grinned at him, causing the alphas to awkwardly exchange glances as the twins praised their biological father... without being aware of their blood relation."Can I speak with you two for a moment?" Taehyung suddenly appeared, walking up to the twins with gift bags. Jungkook glanced at his cousin from his seat as the twins nervously stared at their father with sand on their cheeks. They briefly glanced at me and back at the alpha with an uneasy expression."Waeyo?" They asked unsurely."I got... gifts for... you," Taehyung muttered, showing them the bag... expecting them to cheer in excitement... but the twins displayed little to no reaction."What is it?" Woojin asked while clinging to Jungkook's arm. Taehyung gulped and glanced at the muted guests before drifting his eyes back to them."I got you toy cars-""We don't like it anymore. Ahjussi got us an electric scooter. We like it better," Kanghoon shrugged, dismissively spinning away from his father. Woojin sighed and skipped over the beach with his twin... leaving... Kim Taehyung... with his unwanted gift bags. Imo sideways glared at the alpha and strolled after the twins... as appa gently rocked Beom in his arms and strode after the twins as well. Jimin loudly cleared his throat as he settled beside So-young to sip from his wine glass.Everyone suddenly grew hushed as they stared at the... lone wolf... who had been rejected by his children. Kim Taehyung glanced at me as I unsurely stood behind Seokjin's chair. Jimin glanced at his girlfriend before looking at Jungkook, who cleared his throat and drank the champagne to avoid the awkward atmosphere.No one uttered a word and sat in absolute silence to listen to the crashing waves when- Hoseok suddenly burst out crying... startling Yoongi... who quickly covered his friend's mouth to stop the alpha from mourning Kang Minah's death at my son's birthday event. Woobin unsurely looked up at me when the atmosphere grew super heavy... and suddenly... no one... was speaking anymore. Namjoon quietly ate his food... to avoid making uncomfortable eye contact with the guests."I'll speak with you. For a moment," I spoke up to break the silence. Everyone looked up at me in surprise."Woobin... can you collect Beom's gifts to place them inside the villa?" I asked, gently squeezing his shoulder. The child nodded and quickly got up to collect the gift bags.
A moment later.
I waved at Yoongi... who was forcing Hoseok into the backseat as the alpha balled out his eyes while muttering nonsense about Kang Minah. Jimin and So-young invited me to their engagement party before parting from the resort with Namjoon. Sungho left with Jungkook as well... and only Seokjin remained at the property to help my household wrap up the birthday event. Well... it wasn't as fun as I anticipated. Everyone was tense... and no one wanted to speak with each other. Even my household... was agitated because of Kim Taehyung's presence."Have you seen Taehyung?" I asked Do-hwan, who was standing beside me with his arms crossed."I saw him strolling the beach after the twins... but they avoided him," Do-hwan shrugged. I glanced at the villa we rented to find the twins unpacking Beom's gift with Woobin in the living room as imo watched them with appa."You can take the children home first and pick me up last. I'll speak to him," I exhaled. Do-hwan nodded and entered the villa, so I made my way back onto the dark beach to scan the shore until... I spotted a man... standing alone on the distant dock. I sighed and walked over to the beach to approach Kim Taehyung as he gazed at the calm ocean before us."Is Ah-young doing well?" I asked while tucking my wild hair strands behind my ear."Did you convince the twins to... loathe me?" Taehyung asked, turning around with a slight frown. I stared at his beaten expression without blinking."It was you," I muttered."What?" Taehyung frowned."You convinced them to despise you. They witnessed your actions themselves," I muttered. Taehyung stood darkly in his black button-up shirt with his hands in his trouser pockets."Sora, you had no right to drag Ah-young into this mess. She was innocent, and yet-""I know. I was at fault for hurting your lover. I'm not claiming to be a saint, but I had to do it to save the society. You can blame me as much as you want," I sorely eyed him. Taehyung stared at me without blinking as he stood motionless on the dock to examine my blank face."Are you seeing Kim Seokjin?" He asked. I blinked and glanced at the sea with a bitter grimace."I'm pregnant again," I nodded.Taehyung clenched his jaw and turned away in discontent. He suddenly exhaled and stormed past me to depart without a warning... so I stared at the dark sea without turning after him and slowly sat down on the cold concrete with a dim expression. See? Every time we speak... he shows his displeasure by storming off without disclosing his intentions... and I'm left to figure out his unknown demands.I don't know what he wants from me at this rate. I'm allowing the twins to see him, but is it really my fault? That they refuse to see him? They've witnessed his cruelty with their own eyes, so how does he expect me to convince the children otherwise? I blinked out of my thoughts and glanced to the side when I noticed someone sitting beside me. Woobin smiled as he crossed his legs to watch the night beach."Why are you here?" I asked, weakly smiling at him."The car is too crowded. I'll wait for appa to pick us up," Woobin smiled. I softly chuckled and held his warm hand."Your mother must be a warm soul," I smiled at the child."I don't know... she passed while birthing me... but I do know... you're a really... kind person," Woobin shrugged while gazing at the distant twinkling ships."I'm not at all... that kind," I shook my head to deny his claim. I'm going to abort my child again. How can I ever be... a good person?"You're kind to others. But not to yourself," Woobin muttered. I pursed my lips and glanced at the child as he sadly stared at me. We sat in silence... in the dim harbor. So I exhaled deeply and watched the gentle waves with the child... until Do-hwan returned to fetch us from the resort._________________________
Abortion Day
I slowly entered the dim operation room in a loose medical gown to sit on the leather bench as the head doctor entered with a certified gynecologist. The man had finally returned to Korea, so I immediately scheduled an appointment to deal with my overdue pregnancy. The nurse checked up on me for the last time as they positioned my legs over the stool to spread my thighs apart. I gripped my hands anxiously while fighting to hold in my tears."Sora... are you sure about this?" The head doctor muttered, unsurely staring at me from the corner of the room. I blinked and rubbed my belly in difficulty before leaning back to stare at the bright light over my face."I can raise the child for you. You don't have to do this," Imo whispered in tears as she stood on the side of the room with her hands clasped together."You're aging too well. How long can you endure the hardship for? You should rest," I smiled at the woman. She sniffled and rubbed her tears in difficulty.The head doctor sighed and nodded at the specialist to proceed with the procedure as he stood by to oversee the operation. Imo sniffled and walked towards the door in defeat... so I gripped my fists and lifted my head with a racing heart to resist the overwhelming anxiety. I did this before... so this shouldn't be hard- It'll be over in no time-"Halt the operation," A booming voice commanded, causing imo to stop dead by the doorway as she was about to leave the room. The elderly chief maid quickly looked up to find... a man towering over her before the opened door."What are you-""I said halt the procedure!" Kim Taehyung roared, glaring fiercely at the staff within the room to disrupt the abortion procedure. I stared at his shocking intrusion with a startled look as I gripped the handrest with a slight frown. What is he doing here?!"Back off!" Imo sneered, hastily shoving Kim Taehyung with all her strength- but he didn't budge and glared at me from the doorway, so I scoffed and slumped back in defeat as the doctor remained petrified by his intimidating presence. Fuck!"Evacuate the room this instant! Except for the head doctor," Taehyung dangerously sneered. I gripped the chair in distress as the nurses lowered their heads and quickly strolled out of the room after they lifted my legs off the stool to help me rest in a comfortable position. I sighed and sat up in the medical gown as the staff guided imo out of the room and closed the door to isolate us from the medical team."What do you need? I told you to never bother me and my family again," I frowned at Kim Taehyung. The head doctor sighed deeply with a dim expression as the alpha glared at me in resentment. What's the matter with him? I seriously can't deal with his forceful nature anymore! I'm trying my best to live on... so why is he- constantly raiding my boundaries again to meddle with my life affairs!?"The child in your stomach is mine! You know that!" Taehyung insisted while flaring his nostrils at me."I told you I'm seeing Seokjin-""Bullshit! You're using that asshole as a cover-up! The head doctor informed me you're over four months pregnant! And that's before you moved out of my place!" Taehyung sneered. I swallowed the hot lump in my throat, quickly firing a dark frown at the head doctor in disbelief."You told him-""I forced him to run the paternity test... and the DNA in your body is mine! The child is mine!" Taehyung snapped in irritation, angrily tensing his body while glaring at me with his raging pupils. My chest churned in discomfort as I stared at the guilty man in the corner of the room... before shifting my spiteful gaze back... to Kim Taehyung."So? I do not wish to bear your child," I sternly replied with a blank face. Taehyung frowned at my statement."Sora-""Don't call me by my name. I do not need you in my life anymore. Do you understand? I will never let you be the father of my children," I fired him an uptight look. The alpha clenched his jaw until tears filled his eyes."I'm sorry, alright-""No. You have to stop. Whatever it is with your toxic obsession... I do not wish to hear your justifications anymore. Please return to Ah-young and focus on your family. You've hurt me and my family enough with your so-called act of love... so you must stop now. Don't raise your voice at me because it doesn't scare me anymore- and whatever you say will be dismissed, so leave me alone! I do not wish to be entangled with your affairs anymore- because you're cursed to ruin me!" I shook my head, angrily seething at the alpha until I was panting in extreme anger. Taehyung clenched his jaw at my harsh statements before glancing at the head doctor again... who was sitting with his head lowered... as he helplessly listened to our heated arguments.Flash Back | Hanok House after the drowning incidentI strolled through the vacant Hanok house with my eyes closed to enter the dim kitchen in search of water... but there was none in the fridge. I frowned and opened the cabinet to check the storage. Ah... no one lives here anymore besides the couple. I scratched my head in annoyance and glanced at the bottle of half-empty liquor. Should I drink that?I scratched my head, popped open the bottle to sniff the liquor before taking a sip but screwed my face in distress. Gah! So bitter! I placed the bottle aside and quickly switched on the faucet over the sink to sip the cold water. I'll just drink the tap water and head back to bed- I abruptly halted in place once I turned to find... Kim Taehyung... standing between the dark door frame... as the water beads... dripped messily from my chin."You scared me..." I muttered, unsurely staring at his narrowed gaze. Why is he glaring at me in the dead of the night? Did he simply jerk awake at his mansion and decide to nag me again?"Are you seriously leaving tomorrow?" He asked while searching eyes with a dark frown."Yeah...? The households will arrive tomorrow to collect my belongings," I nodded. Taehyung didn't answer me and stood cemented by the doorway as I remained against the sink without budging."Why are you standing motionless like that?" He asked. Is he drunk? He seems dazed."You told me not to invade your personal space... so I can't leave the room unless you step back to clear the path for me," I muttered. He's blocking the doorway.

Kim Taehyung glanced at the narrow door frame, completely blocked by his sturdy body, and shifted his dark gaze to me again. The man suddenly strolled forward instead of stepping back... so I tensed my body with a restless feeling. He suddenly stopped right before me with his hand placed outward- so I glanced down... at his opened palm... and stared unblinkingly at the sparkling jewel... with an uncertain feeling. What's with his behavior...?"Take it," Taehyung muttered. I froze and glanced up at him again. He reeks... of liquor. Did he immerse himself in wine or something? The strong alcohol odor is pricking my nostrils."You're drunk. Go to bed," I whispered, stepping aside to avoid the man and tried to walk away when I felt his arms circling around my waist from behind to draw me back. Thump. I sucked in my breath in shock as he snuggled his face against my shoulder... so I glanced down to find his arms clasped firmly around my waist to hold me against the warmth of his intoxicated body."I want you by my side," The alpha whispered as he tightened his possessive grip around my waist. I blinked and tried to free myself from his clutch... but he shook his head and firmly hugged my body against his pulsating chest."You're seriously out of your mind- Let go-""My mind is drunk- but my heart is sober... Sora. My soul... is rotting," He muttered, emitting yet another puff of foul liquor. I unsurely glance to the side to find him pressing his face against my shoulder with his eyes closed... to absorb my body scent. Is he crazy?"I don't care," I whispered. Taehyung sniffled and dug his face against my neck as he held me captive under his strong arms, causing goosebumps to sweep across my skin."I'm sorry-""S-Stop-! Whatever you're trying to do- You must stop!" I shrieked, frantically yanking his arms from my waist, and spun around to glare at him.Taehyung blinked at me in tears as the ring slipped from his hand and clattered dully onto the floor between us. Cling. I know him! He can't treat me right when he's sober! The only time he's willing to apologize is when he's drunk and half out of his mind like this! So anything he says now is meaningless because he will act as if nothing has happened once he's sober again!"Why are you blaming me for everything when it was you... who fucked me up this badly? Are you the only one with the right to express your discomfort?" Taehyung grunted with a pained frown. Why can't he speak to me when he's sober?"I will not speak to a drunk-""YOU MARRIED ME OVER FIVE YEARS AGO, JANG SORA! FIVE- FUCKING YEARS! BUT- BUT YOU CHOSE THAT FUCKER! WHAT AM I TO YOU?! HUH!? WAE- WHY AM YOUR FUCKING LAST OPTION?!- YOU KNOW HOW FUCKING BROKEN I WAS AFTER I LOST YOU! I BEGGED YOU ON MY KNEES TO FORGIVE ME AFTER I UNCOVERED YOUR ABORTION! I DID EVERYTHING TO EXPRESS MY REMORSE- BUT YOU REFUSED ACCEPT MY APOLOGIES! SO- BEING THE FOOL I WAS- I KEPT YOU CLOSE AND DID EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO GET ON GOOD TERMS WITH YOU-!" He suddenly raised his voice and stepped forward with his raging glower."I TRIED- SO FUCKING HARD TO APPEASE YOU!- BUT I WAS MERELY A BACKUP PLAN TO SECURE YOUR POWER?!- A FUCKING BACKUP PLAN!? YOU MADE ME SIGN THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT- AND THEN CHOSE TO EMBRACE ANOTHER MAN! LOOK AT ME, SORA!- LOOK AT ME- FROM THE DAY WE MET- WAS I EVER YOUR PRIORITY?! WAS ANYONE EVER YOUR PRIORITY- EVEN JAE YANGCHA IS THE VICTIM OF YOUR SCHEME! HE LIVED HIS ENTIRE LIFE IN YOUR LIES AND DECEPTION! YOU'RE THE ONLY PERSON BENEFITING FROM THIS!-" The man screamed at my face until his face flushed bright red."FIVE YEARS!- I LIVED MY LIFE AS A BACKUP PLAN! AND- NOW THAT HE'S GONE- YOU FOUND THE COURAGE TO SAVE THE SOCIETY- WHY? BECAUSE- YOU WERE AFRAID OF BREAKING HIS HEART WHEN HE WAS ALIVE AND BREATHING?! WHY IS IT THAT YOU CARE SO MUCH FOR HIM- YET- IT'S COMPLETELY FINE FOR YOU TO EXPLOIT ME!? WHY!?- HOW CAN YOU BE SO HEARTLESS?! HOW CAN YOU HUMILIATE ME LIKE THIS-?! MAKING ME A DISPOSABLE BACKUP PLAN SO YOU CAN LIVE HAPPILY WITH YOUR FAMILY- WHILE I'M LEFT TO ENDURE THE WEIGHT OF THE SOCIETY'S BURDENS!" Taehyung bellowed at my face in tears until his throat strained from the distressing emotions. I refused to break at his confrontation and firmly stared at his pained gaze with a straight face."Aren't you happy with the power I granted you? I loved him, but I made you king-""You didn't make me a king! You made me your fucking power slave! An object to secure your power so it can't be stolen! I'm a fucking piece of shit to everyone because you're the pitiful soul! I'm always the arrogant bad guy! And you're always the fucking victim in every situation!" Taehyung snarled, slightly shaking from the steaming anger."The household is upset with me for treating you harshly without being aware of your- wicked intention to imprison me in this marriage without an escape route! You don't want me, but you needed me- so you tricked me into signing the marriage contract and- shamelessly lived with another man as I'm stuck with all the fucking duties in my hands! How do you expect me to love another woman when you've got me in a chokehold- endlessly exploiting me like this?!" Kim Taehyung sneered with his agitated glower lowered toward my startled face."How can you expect Ah-young to be my lover when everyone knows I belong to Jang Sora under the bold title of the marriage contract?! It isn't only me who will live with the humiliation! She will suffer just as much because of you! How can you expect me to be okay with your bullshit and embrace another woman as we're being bitched about by the society?! So you could live freely without being held accountable for your evil deeds!" Taehyung snapped, angrily fuming at me with his piercing glare. I sighed and closed my eyes in defeat."Just live a happy life with Ah-young. You're fond of her-""I'm not fond of her. I simply do not wish to drag another person into our problems! But you did it anyway! Dragging her into all this mess without her consent! It's not that care- for her- but you- Jang Sora should quit exploiting everyone to serve your desire!" Taehyung furiously argued. I glanced at the ring on the floor, crouched down to pick it up, and stood up again to place the jewel in his trembling palm."And that's why I never complained when you unleash your anger to punish me in the shed. I don't resent you. I know I've taken you for granted. Let's call it a draw between us. Let's part ways from now on," I sighed. Taehyung bit his trembling lips and lowered his face to shake his head. The man suddenly placed his hands on my shoulders to hold me in place... before looking up at me with a torn expression."I won't allow you to avoid the consequences of your actions, Jang Sora," He whispered with a determined gaze. I flinched when he forcefully leaned forward to kiss me and drew away before I could react, causing my heart to thump so hard... it almost exploded through my ribs."You can't do this to Ah-young-""I thought I could force myself to despise you- so I punished you- I wanted to give you enough reasons to leave my side- but everything is backfiring on me. You're leaving my side... and I'm shattering into bits. Sora- you're the only family I have left- if you leave me- I'll be left with nothing. So to change your mind... I'll let you have everything- your way. I'll let you use me all you want... only if you choose to remain by my side-" Taehyung shook his head. I sadly stared at his unstable condition. He's drunk. I can't take his words seriously."I can't-""I'm only asking you to make me your first choice! For once- can you not- treat me as a backup plan!? He's dead- so why is it still difficult for you to spare me your affection!?!" Taehyung snapped in tears. I blinked at him in exhaustion."I did not simply marry you without a thought. I did everything to ensure we were properly married. Remember when we first came here together? We drank the liquor made by my mother from the gourd. That was our marriage seal. I shared it with you," I whispered."Share it with me again. Your heart. I'm willing to settle the issue... only if you're willing to take responsibility for the damage you've induced on us. Do not run away. Sora... you have to face your problems and address it- so don't try to flee... after wrecking everything. This is your blunder... so don't leave me to bear the misery alone- I refuse to clean up your mess!" He shakily whispered as he tightened his grip on my shoulders."Taehyung, you should be mindful of Ah-young-""It's too late. She's already humiliated... and I don't think either of us... will live comfortably in this... four-person marriage. I want to be with you... but I don't wish for you to treat me as a backup plan. If we're married... please... love me. I don't want to live in a marriage without love... so... consider my proposal. Don't make me a puppet in our relationship to serve your power. I can't live that way. If you choose me... I'll speak to Ah-young to end our relationship so I can properly be with you... but I can't hurt her... if you're not willing to commit to me," Taehyung whispered, suddenly cupping my cheeks with a slight frown. I stared at him in exhaustion, unable to feel anything but the infectious hollowness within me."If you resent me so much... why won't you set me free...? It'll be easy for me to leave knowing you finally gave up- but why do you have to caress my skin like this? You know the damage is beyond repairable... and it's best if... we live separately. Only then... can you free yourself from my greed," I whispered, unsurely staring at him."Spend the night with me. Just this once. I'll allow you to make up your mind," Taehyung insisted, gradually lowering his head to press his lips against mine again. I nervously gripped his forearm upon receiving his tender strokes as Taehyung tilted his face to deepen our kiss... causing my skin to crawl at his awfully familiar presence."And if I make up my mind after this... will you respect my decision?" I whispered, pulling away to gaze at him with a troubled frown. Taehyung nodded and kissed me again, gently drawing me closer by my waist to hold me against his body. He parted his lips and softly nudged it against mine while clutching onto my hips to secure my body so I couldn't pull away. The alpha thirstily drifted his lips to my cheek, then traced his tender strokes down to my exposed neck... until I exhaled anxiously at his invasive touch.And before I could process the entire situation... I was already lying on the silk mattress inside the master bedroom at the main hanok... and he was already... hovering over my sensitive body... with his bulge inside me. Taehyung moaned aloud as he impatiently tore his buttons apart and pushed deeper into me... until I helplessly arched my back over the thin mattress."No," I whispered, quickly gripping his forearms when he tried to lift the silk gown off my body. Taehyung frowned unsurely with his throbbing manly bulge lodged deep... inside me."Sora-""I don't want to be touched," I whispered. Taehyung unsurely scanned my face after I insisted on staying dressed."Okay," He agreed and lowered his face to kiss me instead. I didn't hold him and kept my hands gripped over my chest until he pulled my hand aside and interlaced our fingers while thrusting between my legs to set my body on fire with the pleasuring surges... causing me to pant softly with my lips ajar.I pursed my lips to stifle my voice as he lifted his face to observe my flushed face before kissing my forehead under the dim moonlight glow... until I fumed in distress and turned my head to the side on the pillow to resist the suffocating pleasure. Taehyung freed one of my hands and lowered his heavy trunk over mine to hug my head with his face buried deep against my neck. He moaned softly against my ear and steadily sped up the pace of his hips against my crotch... causing me to curl my toes beneath my socks to resist his addictive presence."Outside- Do it outside-" I tapped his bicep as soon as I noticed him stiffening over me, so Taehyung grunted in distress, quickly forcing his body upward- and SPLURGE.The man quickly slipped out of me and turned to jerk off... on the side to avoid staining me until his semen fired onto the wooden floor. Splat! Splat! I shakily pulled down my gown to cover my sore crotch in exhaustion and adjusted my panties that he didn't remove. Taehyung gasped, lowering his flushed face to recollect his scattered mind while stroking his bulge to squeeze out the remaining discharge... and took a deep exhale while kneeling beside my sensitive body on the thin mattress.The alpha slowly lifted his dark gaze to stare at me again as I struggled to contain my unstable breath during the brief intercourse... that ended earlier than anticipated. Swallowing in extreme guilt... I quickly turned to sleep on the opposite side and pulled the blanket up to my nose to avoid looking at him with my soaked thighs. Taehyung grabbed the tissue box and quietly wiped himself clean before dabbing his discharge from the floor."No-""Lay still. I'll clean you," He whispered, swiftly yanking the blanket off my body. I gulped at his assertion and tensed up my muscles uneasily as he spread my legs apart to wipe the stickiness with a wet napkin."I can do it myself," I huffed, snatching the napkin from his grip, and sat up to wipe my crotch beneath the thin panty before tossing the dirty cloth aside. Slump. I yanked the blanket and laid back down without looking at him. What is he doing?! Taehyung suddenly slid under the blanket with me to align his sweaty torso against my back... securely hugging my waist from behind."I'll stay with you-""You said just for tonight! Go back to your room!" I gasped, turning over the mattress to glare at him in the dark. He quietly stared at me without responding with his arm tucked under his head as he remained on his side."The night isn't over yet," He muttered from under his wild bangs.I scoffed, shoved his face away and turned to face the opposite side in extreme agitation. Taehyung stubbornly scooted closer to press his face against my head. I'm guilty! I feel terrible! How can I do this to Ah-young?! Sora!- Why did you let your peaking hormones weaken you like this?! I gripped the blanket in annoyance and forced myself to dismiss his presence... until... I eventually fell asleep on the stuffy mattress.
Third Person POV
Jang Sora suddenly flopped onto her back with her lips ajar and legs spread apart under the blanket. The alpha glanced at his former lover's pale face and lifted his hand to nudge her chin... sealing her lips before the drool slipped from her mouth. She unconsciously tasted her lips and shifted again to lay on her side... facing him with her hands curled up against her chest like a little baby. Kim Taehyung carefully slipped his arm under her head, scooted forward to press his nose against her soothing hair fragrance and deeply inhaled her familiar scent until he felt the aching emotions... subsiding from his pain-infested chest.

"If you stay with me... I'll give you everything," He whispered, tightening his arms around her shoulder as he hugged her against his pulsing chest before pulling away to examine her pale face with a tense feeling. The alpha lifted his face off their shared pillow to gently peck her lips... but he couldn't get enough of her and repeatedly kissed Sora all over her face. Smooch. Smooch. He kissed her cheeks... her lips... her eyelids... her forehead and her nose before slumping weakly on the pillow with an aching heart.

The alpha deeply exhaled and held onto her body with his possessive grip to hold her for the last time because he knew... the chances of her leaving his side were higher than the odds of her choosing to stay with an abusive person like him. He couldn't sleep the entire night because he didn't want to waste their remaining time together and chose to embrace her body... repeatedly planting her delicate skin... with his gentle kisses throughout the night."Uh~!" Sora suddenly groaned, opening her sleepy eyes at dawn to stare at Kim Taehyung, who quietly examined her dazed expression."You're awake?" He whispered while stroking her rosy red cheek with his thumb. Sora blinked, suddenly jerking upward to press her hands against her face in bewilderment. Taehyung sighed and sat up to examine her groggy expression before taking her hand... in his... so she frowned and glanced at him in annoyance."Are you still drunk?" She asked unsurely."Mind and heart is... sober," Taehyung replied with dark under circles. The man remained awake the entire night. She glanced at his firm grip and back up at him. Taehyung reached inside his pocket and opened his palm to show her the ring again. The supreme alpha pursed her lips at the jewel with a somber expression."Do you not feel guilty for cheating on her like this?" She hoarsely asked. Taehyung lowered his gaze to Sora's faint scar with a dim expression."I'll confess our affair to her and end the relationship if you agree with my proposal," He muttered, lifting his pleading gaze to search her bitter expression."I don't think... our situation can be fixed. Let's stop here. You and I... we were only horny last night," Sora sighed, getting up from the thin mattress to pat her gown, leaving Kim Taehyung blank in his position."So... after you leave... I'll only exist as a power figure in your life to secure your assets. Nothing else?" Taehyung asked as he shifted his torn gaze to her."Thank you for the sacrifice," Sora nodded, slid the door open, and left through the corridor to get ready for her household. Kim Taehyung blinked and glanced down the ring with an aching chest. He exhaled heavily and glanced at the empty silk sheet in defeat after she rejected his proposal to save their relationship._______________________
Sora's POV
I dimly stood on the high terrace as the flood of blinding headlights tore through the mansion's gate while holding Woobin's hand. The child nervously glanced up at me as the men in black suits intruded my territory right after dusk to invade our peaceful property. It's scary to live in a world run by men. They'd never take no for an answer and would force their way through the high walls I built to protect myself. Again and again.
I can only pray they won't lift their fingers to hurt me and my defenseless family.
"Woobin. Can you stay with the twins tonight?" I asked, glancing down with a faint smile."Will you be okay?" The child asked worriedly."I'll be fine. I want you to look after your younger brothers," I assured. He nodded, so I gently pulled him with me until we exited his room and entered the corridor.

The young boy nervously released my hand and walked away to reside with the twins as I carefully strolled toward the staircase in my nightgown. Do-hwan is arguing with someone downstairs. I paused by the railing as my faithful chief guard glared at... Kim Taehyung... who had barged inside my home without permission. If he simply wants to speak... then why did he bring armed men?"Get the fuck out before I-""I refuse. Jang Sora is my wife-""Can you not argue? It's dead of the night... and the kids are asleep," I spoke up to interrupt their explosive arguments. Taehyung and Do-hwan quickly looked up at me as I stood on the first floor with a sore expression. Thump. Thump. Thump."What's happening?! Did something happen- What are you doing here?!" Imo gasped as she scurried out of her room on the ground floor- but halted in shock when she found the second rank fuming at the chief guard in the center of our living room."I will not leave unless you speak to me," Taehyung darkened his gaze on me, causing Do-hwan to tense his arms in annoyance. Will he lift the gun barrels at the innocent maids and children if I refuse him?"Order your people to leave the property and come up when you're calm. I do not wish for you to raise your voice inside my house," I ordered and turned to leave with a straight face. He'll never leave me alone now that he knows... I'm bearing his blood child.Sighing, I entered my bedroom to sit on the bed edge with my face lowered while rubbing my baby bump. Was it really worth it, Sora? Submitting to him for that split moment because of your raging hormones? Now you're dealing with the aftermath again. Creak. I lifted my face to find Kim Taehyung standing at the doorway... followed by Do-hwan... who was fuming at the alpha with a deadly glare"You're dismissed. Get some rest," I smiled at Do-hwan. The man clenched his jaw and glared at Taehyung in discontent before stomping away. The alpha closed the door behind his back. Clack."Sora-""You said you'd respect my decision," I whispered while staring at him in disappointment. I shouldn't have believed his words."I've informed Ah-young of the situation. We've parted," Taehyung firmly replied. I stared at him without blinking and glanced at my socks as I sat on the edge of the bed with my hands pressed on the mattress."You claim you didn't want to live in a marriage without love," I whispered without looking up at him as he slowly approached me. I wanted to run the closer he got to me but this is my home. I can't run. The man slowly slid to his knees until I lifted my dim face to search his apologetic frown. I searched his stubborn gaze unsurely."Grant me one more chance. I'll fix everything-""You'll fix us and then break it again? Because you're confident you can mend all the broken pieces together?" I blankly asked. Taehyung pursed his lips with a slight frown."We're married... and as long as we're alive... we can never part. I was a fool, I admit. I thought I could gradually fall for another woman... but no matter how hard I try... my heart keeps yearning for you. I give up- Sora- I don't want to neglect my feelings anymore. I want to be with you... and I will do anything to earn your trust back," Taehyung whispered. I dimmed my eyes on the alpha and glanced away to stare at the luminous full moon through the terrace."You're willing to raise a child... born out of conflicts between us?" I muttered, sadly glancing at the man as he knelt at my feet."Until- until- you deliver our child- let me mend everything. Please. I'll make it right for us. Hmm? I can't have another child out of wedlock and you're my legal wife. Sora, I need a legitimate heir. Oh? Please protect our child," Taehyung pleaded, gently taking my hands in his. He interrupted the abortion procedure with such aggression... now he's on his knees... begging me for a new beginning. And I'm once against pressured... to hear his pleas."And then what? Do you wish to raise the child without love too?" I dimmed my eyes. He pursed his lips and lowered his head to my lap."Grant me another chance... I'll properly love you. Five months. Five months is all I'm asking," He firmly nodded. I lowered my head and closed my eyes to ponder my conflicting thoughts. We've been at war with each other for almost a decade. Is five months really enough to mend us?"You'll fix me... but you'll break Ah-young's heart?" I asked bitterly."There's no point in seeing her when I'm married to you. I'll free her... so she can properly thrive with a man who will genuinely love her," Taehyung whispered. I frowned at his pleading gaze with an unsettled feeling."You know what's difficult for me? You, claiming you can fix everything for me and my family... when I know you're capable of wrecking everything I've assembled from my bare hands. I don't know... where this will lead. The household does not favor your presence. I've finally established a peaceful life... yet here you are... putting everyone in a difficult position again. I'd trust you with my life... but Taehyung... you have to understand that... the damage you've induced... is beyond... repairable. You'll only exert yourself to please me at this rate," I shook my head."I know... I'm not as good as he is. Fine. I admit. He was better than me in every aspect. He was better at loving you. He was better at expressing his feelings. He understood your needs better. He was more patient. He worshiped you... and I didn't. He was your prized possession... and I'm a thorn in your heart. I will never reach his level... but... I'm doing my best. Sora... I'm doing my best. And it's driving me nuts because I can't seem to satisfy you-""But he's dead. And you're alive. At the end of the day... it is your heart that's beating. Not his. It is you... that's holding my hands at this moment. Not Jae Yangcha... but Kim Taehyung," I whispered. Taehyung blinked in tears. How can he claim to be the loser? When he's alive and well?"Our fates are meant to clash. You altered our destiny... the night you made me sign our prophecy... so don't... dismiss me because every path I take... will lead right back to you," Taehyung stubbornly whispered. I sniffled and lowered my head in defeat.
I can't escape... our fate... can I?
___________________________
Fast Forward.
Fwip. I spread the comforter over the mattress and crawled over it to pat the creases flat before positioning the pillow against the bedboard... when I heard soft thumping noises in the corridor... but assumed it was the twins- Thud. I quickly turned around to find Kim Taehyung hauling a massive luggage inside my room."Hey!?- Who told you to move in?!-" Imo shrieked while chasing the alpha triple her size to grab his luggage and tried to yank it back out of my bedroom."Stop pulling!" Taehyung snapped at her in annoyance as he effortlessly held the handle to stop the woman from heaving his suitcase out of the room. Thud. Thud. Do-hwan appeared with a piercing glare on the high-rank alpha."Help me throw out this trash bag!" Imo snapped, causing Taehyung's eyes to widen in shock."Trash?!- How dare you call me a trash bag!- Yah! Hey!-!? No!-" Taehyung jerked forward to grab the suitcase when Do-hwan roughly snatched the handle to help imo haul the suitcase. The alpha cursed in annoyance, frantically towing his suitcase in distress as imo pulled Do-hwan's waist to help the man drag the suitcase out of my room."You're not moving in!- AH!- *CRASH*" Imo shrieked. My eyes widened in horror when Do-hwan lost his grip, sending Taehyung staggering backward with his arms in the air. The alpha gasped and collided hard into my drawer before tumbling to the floor, causing the suitcase to collapse to the side."OUT!" Do-hwan seethed, angrily storming inside my room- but I quickly blocked his path. The chief guard immediately glared down at me as Taehyung sat up with his hand clasped over his lower hips."I agreed to let him move in-""Sora!" Imo whined, firing me a disapproving look as Taehyung pushed his body off the floor in pain."How dare you prevent me from moving in with my wife-""WIFE!?- HAH! SHUT UP YOU STINKY ASS SCUMBAG!" Do-hwan cutely glared at the alpha, causing Taehyung to jerk forward in an attempt to beat my chief guard- but I fired him a deadly glare... so he halted and clenched his jaw instead."You're not moving inside my room. There's a spare room down the other corridor," I muttered, grabbing the handle to haul the suitcase back up."Wae?! I'm sleeping in a separate room?!-""You shouldn't be here at all, so be grateful!" I snapped at his fussy attitude in irritation. Taehyung pursed his lips at my harshness and glanced at imo and Dowhan, who were firing him a spiteful glare. The alpha huffed, grabbed the handle, and hurled it out of my room, so I rubbed my forehead and slumped on the edge of the bed."Sora! Why would you let that dirtbag inside our home-""What am I supposed to do?! He'll never stop barging inside our home at this point!" I whined, weakly collapsing onto the mattress. Do-hwan fired me an uptight frown."I can't believe you agreed to bear his child after what he did to you!" Do-hwan scolded me."He won't let me abort it!" I snapped, sitting up to glare at the man. Imo huffed at me and rudely walked out- BANG. Do-hwan slammed my door shut and left with the woman, so I glared at the door and slumped back onto the mattress. Ahhhhh~! I'm going crazy~! He's so freaking stubborn- and I do not want to freaking fight with him anymore!
A moment later.
I sat on the couch with Beom in the living room during noon with a bowl of fresh grapes to watch Do-hwan train his men in the backyard until I heard soft thumps from the upper floor... and Taehyung appeared... strolling down the stairs in casual clothes and slumped right next to me. He grabbed the bowl from my hand to plop the grape inside his mouth without a bother. I weirdly side-eye the man in annoyance. It hasn't been a day since he moved in but his presence is already getting me on my nerves. Sighing, I picked up Beom from the couch and strolled out of the living room to enter the spacious kitchen... until I found imo chatting with a few maids as they made side dishes on the counter."Imo~!" Beom chortled at the elderly woman."Aigo~! Hello Beomie- Ah-?!- What is the stinky trash bag doing here!? It'll pollute my kitchen! Shoo! Shoo!" Imo suddenly glanced past me while swatting her hands in the air, so I frowned and turned to find Taehyung chewing the grape on one side of his mouth. He glared at the woman in irritation and was about to scream at her for the insult when I firmly clasped my hand over his lips and shoved him out of the kitchen."How dare she call me-""Don't raise your voice at anyone in the house?! Got it!? Or I'll make you stay in your room all day- like what you did to me!" I threatened the stupid man while carrying my son against the side of my hip. Taehyung pursed his lips at my threats and glanced at Beom, who was cluelessly smiling at the man."Araso~! Tsk!" Taehyung sneered with an attitude and stormed away while plopping another grape fruit inside his mouth. I sighed, shook my head, and took Beom to the playroom at the end of the corridor... and you guessed it... Kim Taehyung followed me everywhere.
I thought... he'd... stop after a while if I neglected him... but no... that asshole... is a load of shit to deal with. He wasn't on good terms with anyone inside the house. Not even the twins... and would bicker with everyone wherever he went. I'm convinced he's here to cause trouble.
"Eat your carrots!" Taehyung snapped at the twins over the dinner table, making me flinch at his loud voice. The two bowl cuts glared right back at the man, suddenly snatched their bowls, and stormed away to eat in the living room with imo, my father and Do-hwan... leaving me alone at the table with him. Beom dismissively munched a slice of orange as Taehyung clenched his jaw in annoyance."Rascals..." Taehyung muttered under his breath as he grumpily stuffed the spoon inside his puffy cheeks... so I sighed, picked up my plate, and left to join the others, leaving the man alone inside the dining hall.
Maybe he'll leave the mansion after we stress him out.
_______________________
Fast Forward
I sleepily yawned while strolling up their stairs at midnight after I finished reviewing the files for the council and turned to check on the twins in their room. They were softly snoring on the mattress, so I closed the door... walked down the far end of the corridor and pushed the door open to check on Woobin- but halted once I found... Taehyung organizing the child's books. Woobin was fast asleep with his head slanted on the desk."What are you doing?" I blinked. Taehyung slipped his arm under the child, lifted him from the chair to settle the boy on the bed, and pulled the blanket over his body."He asked me to help him with an assignment," Taehyung muttered, carefully picking up a small cardboard car and left the room without another word. I frowned and closed the door as Taehyung dismissively entered his room and disappeared... so I sighed and headed to my room.
Next morning
"Oh! Thank you ahjussi~!" Woobin grinned while examining the handmade cardboard toy car with a wide grin as Taehyung sat on the couch with a sleepy expression."The wheel was stuck because you added too much hot glue... so I replaced it with bottle caps," Taehyung muttered as the boy eagerly examined the well-assembled components with an approving smile."I'll surely receive a full score for this~!" Woobin smiled at Taehyung before jogging out of the living room to snatch his bag from the stairs."Lunch box~!" I reminded.Woobin spun around to pick up his lunch before racing toward me for a kiss and jogged away to join the twins with Do-hwan in the front yard. They left together and headed to school. I sighed and sat on the opposite couch to watch Taehyung... manspreading with his head tilted back against the headrest and eyes closed. Did he stay up all night to fix the car for Woobin?"I want to speak with Ah-young," I muttered, dimly glancing at the bright view to find appa playing with Beom on the platform bench."Why?" Taehyung asked without budging. I sighed."I'm restless. You suddenly demanded to move in with me. I should speak to her-""I've already told her everything. About our affairs too. I told her I got you pregnant and that I wish to look after you and our baby," Taehyung replied, finally opening his eyes to stare at me without moving his head."I don't understand why you would give up on a good person like her-""She's too... perfect," Taehyung muttered. I frowned."What's wrong with being perfect?" I asked."I don't like the peace. I like trouble. I like you. Because you keep me on my toes," Taehyung shrugged. He's a masochist."Are you mad?" I blinked in disbelief."I'm used to being bothered by you. So I get bored when no one irritates me," Taehyung shrugged."Is that why you were so harsh with me!? Because you like troubles?" I rolled my eyes."I was upset because my legal wife had been cheating on me with another man for over five years and even bore him a child. Of course, I'm upset," Taehyung grunted in annoyance. The fuck...? How can he speak so casually?"You won't last here if you keep irritating everyone," I glared. Taehyung chuckled and shook his head."I know everyone is behaving this way to get me on my nerves, so I'll give up and leave. Not so easy. I'll wait until you give birth and irritate everyone until they go crazy and run from this place so we can be alone together," He smiled, smugly crossing his arms. Ah... I'm going to get a stroke because of him. He's worse than Jeon Jungkook at this rate.
.

.

.
Well. Not everyone in the house hates Kim Taehyung. There's a person who seems to adore him very much... and that is Choi Woobin. Do-hwan warned his son to never associate with Kim Taehyung... but the boy didn't listen and would spend time chatting with the alpha. I blinked out of my thoughts and glanced at the alpha from under the tree as he taught the boy to throw a proper punch."Left hook!- Like this- Make sure to crush their jaw with your knuckles! Whip! Whip!" Taehyung explained as he demonstrated the movements with his arm extended in slow motion. Woobin nodded and attentively followed the motion."Why are you teaching him to fight?" I bitterly asked. Taehyung grimaced and glanced at me as Woobin punched the air with his balled fists."His bullies, obviously. Don't let anyone hurt you! Hit them twice as hard if they strike you first! Bam! Bam!" Taehyung patted Woobin's back, causing the child to chuckle and punch the air repeatedly. Taehyung exhaled and strode over the plain grass to sit on the platform as Beom played with his scattered toys beside me."Ahjussi~!" Beom grinned at the man and crawled over, so Taehyung lifted the baby and placed him on his lap."I have two friends in this house. That's you and that kid over there~!" Taehyung pointed at Woobin, who was practicing his punches alone."How pitiful..." I grimaced and lay down on the platform to stare at the thick branches over my head. Taehyung suddenly slumped beside me as well with Beom over his stomach... so I glared at him and sat up in annoyance."Your mother played dirty with me... but I'm the bad guy- AH! Ow~!" Taehyung smiled at Beom but shrieked in shock when I smacked his forehead in annoyance. The alpha glared at me in disbelief... causing the little boy to giggle at his offended reaction."Annoying jerk~!" I grumbled. Taehyung sat up with Beom and grabbed the child's hands."Annoying woman~! Punch her! Hiyah! Hiyah! Punch her for being so fussy!" Taehyung playfully lifted the child's hands to make Beom hit me with his tiny fists. Beom shrieked in distress as Taehyung urged the child to poke my waist. I smiled at his bright laughter before glancing at Taehyung, who was fondly staring at the baby- PAUSE. I abruptly stopped smiling and cleared my throat awkwardly.
NO! I will not let him weaken me!
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Fast Forward
"Ah~!" I softly groaned while striding through the elite building with Taehyung. He briefly glanced at my aching heels and strode forward without a bother, so I followed him and entered the venue to climb the stairs in difficulty- FWIP! He effortlessly sweeps my body off the floor, causing me to gasp in shock."What are you doing?! Put me down!" I shrieked, frantically smacking his chest in disbelief as he strolled up the stairs with a poke face, causing the households to fire us funny looks... so I glared at Taehyung's evil smirk as he carried me to our seats. Wah~! This man! He's getting on my nerves! He's doing this to embarrass me on purpose!"Don't lose your composure~!" The alpha teased as he carefully settled me on the armchair, so I pinched his waist, making him gasp in shock. Taehyung slapped my hand away and sat down beside me as I reached down to rub my bleeding back heel in discomfort."Do that again- and I'll never attend the meeting with you-" I glared but was cut short when he spun my armchair to make me face him and crouch down to slip the heels off my feet. I pursed my lips and glanced at the alphas as they keenly observed our interactions from their seats... until my cheeks flushed red. Taehyung slipped out his napkin to insert it between the leather and my inflamed heel before slipping my feet back into the shoes."Don't wear heels," He muttered, gently adjusting my other heel to ensure it wouldn't give me a friction burn before straightening his body in his armchair again. I pursed my lips, cleared my throat, and glanced at the council again as the moderator stepped into the room to initiate the meeting. He's being too nice. That's suspicious.We remain seated as the supreme alpha household... side by side with a dull stare to attend the mission proposal concerning a planned attack on the Black Phoenix base in Gwangju led by Jung Hoseok. He's well. I hope his daughter is doing better. I blinked and glanced down at my desk when Taehyung slipped a small paper before me. I frowned at him... but he wasn't looking in my direction. He kept his eyes on Jung Hoseok.
Dinner...?
I stared at the word on the paper. What? I pushed the paper back without responding, so Taehyung scribbled on the paper again before sliding it back.
Let's have dinner together.
Taehyung lifted his eyebrow at me, but I shook my head and pushed the paper back. He grimaced and glared at Hoseok before lowering his pen to scribble on the note again.
Agree, or you'll face the consequences.
I scoffed at the threat on the written paper... and rudely swiped it off the desk in annoyance. Taehyung tensed up in his seat upon my dismissal and suddenly snatched my hand to interlace our fingers over the desk. My eyes widened in a panic and I tried to pull away- but he only tightened his grip and firmly held onto me."Stop it!" I mouthed him with a dark glare. He smirked at my frustration, didn't look at me, and firmly held my hand over the table, so I scoffed and kicked his shin under the table."OW!" Taehyung pretentiously shouted, startling the council with his loud voice. They glanced at us in confusion, causing me to stiffen in shock. Hoseok pursed his lips with a concerned expression until my cheeks flushed bright red. This man?!"Is something wrong-""Oh~! Nothing! Our baby kicked my wife's womb- so she accidentally kicked me as well~!" Taehyung chuckled, funnily waving our interlaced hands before the crowd- Smooch. He shamelessly kissed the back of my head. I remained paralyzed as the alphas frowned at Taehyung's playful behavior to tease me. I fired him a deadly side-eye. He's really crazy! I fumed in annoyance, frowned at the council, and stopped resisting Taehyung. If I defy him- he'll cause more trouble! This man lacks decency!
A moment later.
"You're so annoying!- Do you want me to suffer a heart attack because of you?!" I screamed inside the car as Taehyung smugly smiled at my fuming red face. He glanced at the passing car as the alphas left the elite building."Let's have dinner together, my dear wife," He teased, reaching over to pull my seatbelt."You asshole-""Ow! Hey! Yah! Stop it!" Taehyung gasped in shock when I pinched his ear."How dare you embarrass me like this!?" I snapped.Taehyung screamed at the top of his lungs... until my eardrums almost bled from his loud frequency- so I huffed in a panic and shoved him away after he buckled my seat belt. The man gripped his red ear and glared at me in irritation. I thought he was going to raise his voice at me again- when he unexpectedly burst into a soft chuckle and lowered his face to shake his head... leaving me baffled by his reaction."Pregnancy can cause emotional instability. That's okay. My wife can be as dramatic as she wants," Taehyung briefly patted my cheek, causing my face to flush even redder. I whined and shoved his hand off me before turning to glare out the window until tears filled my eyes. He's stressing me out so much!
A moment later.
"Yah...? Are you crying?" Taehyung lowered his face to study me as I sat beside him in the restaurant with my head lowered. I rubbed my tears and glared at him."Are you- doing this on purpose? This isn't funny at all," I sniffled while glaring at Taehyung as he frowned at my tearful cheeks. Did he think teasing me all day would make me feel better? I'm about to pull out my hair because of him!"You don't cry when I treat you harshly... but you cry when I'm nice to you?" Taehyung scoffed.I whined and lowered my head to slam my head against the table... but he swiftly cushioned the impact with his palm and pushed my head back up to expose my puffy eyes... just as the waiter placed the meal for us. I flushed red in embarrassment with my head tilted back. The man stared at me with a concerned look, so I shoved Taehyung's hand off my head and lowered my face to brush my tears."Can I help you with-""No. My wife is hungry- She's pregnant... so everything is bugging her. Thank you for the meal," Taehyung smiled at the man. He nodded unsurely and strolled away. I bit my lips and lifted my face to dart him an irritated look. Should I murder him in his sleep?"I hate you," I sneered. Taehyung eyed my sharp glare with a weak smile and dismissively patted my head to comfort me."Should we get cotton candy after dinner? I'll buy you a daisy," He shrugged, turning to place the spoon on my plate with a smug smile. I sniffled and turned to eat my food. We did not speak during our brief dinner at the high-class restaurant he reserved for me.
A moment later.
I sat unblinkingly by Taehyung's side on the local bench with an empty stare on the yellow daisy cotton candy until placed his arm over my shoulder and tugged me closer to him... but I didn't react and blankly stared at the fluffy sweet in silence as people passed us in the dim park. The psycho punk actually drove over the city to get me cotton candy... to soothe my strained emotions."I'll forgive you for pulling the marriage stunt... so stop being so coarse with me. I want you to be happy just as much as you wish for it. If you keep up with this act... you'll never be happy, and we'll never be on good terms," Taehyung muttered, gently squeezing my shoulder. I blinked at the daisy with a red nose."Why would you want to be on good terms? What's the reason behind all this effort?" I muttered in exhaustion."Love. I told you... I love you but you won't believe me, and I won't force you to. I was wrong for punishing you after I found out about our marriage... but you have to understand... that during those past five years... I was aching so much for you. I raised your twins... and I was always patient with you... only to realize... you were my wife all along... but you never once embraced me... and chose to be with another man. It's a lot for me to take in, Sora," Taehyung exhaled. I blinked at the cotton candy and gripped the stick in discomfort."I understand your pain. But this... all your efforts to make me favor you... feels superficial to me. If love... is what you're seeking... then I'm afraid... you'll never receive it," I grumbled. Taehyung chuckled."Do you want to bet?" Taehyung asked, glancing at me with a weak smile."What?" I frowned."I'll make you fall for me again. But you have to remain open for me. I can do it. It isn't only me who is yearning for love and affection. You do too. Why else did you consent to kissing and making love with me back at the main house? You're a soul that thrives on affection, Sora, and you have been deprived for over a year. We both crave affection... so... instead of claiming to never fall in love again... give it another shot. I will do it right this time. You have my words," Taehyung smiled at me. I blinked at his confident smile unsurely. Why is he so smug? This man is fucking mad!"You're willing to love... a person... who exploited you?" I asked while searching his easygoing smile."We're both crazy and fucked up. Neither of us is a saint. And I enjoy your company a lot. I never really expressed my feelings before... so from now on... I'll show every little emotion I'm feeling... so you can read me like an open book," Taehyung replied."What are you feeling now?" I asked."Hopeless. But I'm making progress," Taehyung shrugged."Progress?" I asked."This will work out, Sora. You and I. We'll work out as long as you don't refuse your feelings," Taehyung shrugged. I glanced at the daisy in exhaustion."I don't know," I whispered."Look at me," Taehyung muttered, gently tapping my shoulder. I blinked and looked up at him again with my glassy pupils. He smiled and leaned forward to shorten the gap between us, but I slightly pulled back with a startled frown."What are you doing?" I whispered. He smiled."I propose a deal between us... to save this marriage. If you're willing to achieve love again... then agree to it," Taehyung whispered, keenly lifting his tempted gaze to examine my baffled expression."What proposal...?" I whispered as he securely clutched my body to prevent me from tilting backward."Not much. Allow me to kiss you," Taehyung whispered, lowering his tempted gaze to my lips. I frowned and stared at him unsurely."That's it?" I asked. He nodded."One kiss... every day until our child is born," Taehyung muttered.I blinked uneasily and glanced at his lips. Taehyung leaned forward again, so I closed my eyes as he gently pressed his lips against mine... until I felt his soft breath fuming over my face. When will he pull away...? I screwed my face in annoyance as he kept his unmoving lips on mine. Did he think this is romantic like the movies?! So awkward!"That's enough," I muttered against his lips. He chuckled and drew away to gaze at me again."Did you feel anything?" He asked."No! Of course not!" I denied."Then why are you gripping so tightly onto my thigh?" He smirked. I blinked in horror and glanced down to find myself grasping onto his solid inner thigh."Ah! I was just startled!" I snapped, quickly yanking my hand away from the area near his crotch, and stood up with the cotton candy to avoid him."See? You're in denial-""I'm not!" I snapped, turning to glare at him."Your cheeks are red," He smirked."Ah! I want to go home!" I whined. Taehyung chuckled as I stomped away in annoyance. What is he doing to me!? He keeps messing around!"We're staying in Seoul tonight. There will be a storm during our boarding time... so I rescheduled our flight," Taehyung called loudly. I whined in annoyance."LIAR!" I screamed. He's doing everything he can to keep me isolated so he can tease me like this! I know him too well!- He knows I'm defenseless when I'm alone!
A moment later
I grumbled softly under my breath while crouching in the closet room to search through the drawers for the smallest size clothes... but most of his pants and shirts were three times bigger than my body. I grimaced, slipped on a white t-shirt, and pulled on his fresh boxer before tying the waistband to keep it secured around my hips."What are you doing?" Taehyung halted once he entered the closet with a loose towel around his defined hips."Didn't Ah-young leave her clothes behind in your apartment?" I grumbled, pushing past him to sit on the twin's empty bed in his oversized clothes."I never let her leave her belongings," Taehyung shrugged while pulling on his silk pajamas. I sighed and slumped on the bed to hug the twin's old stuffed animals. He still keeps their belongings in his room. I sleepily yawned while rolling over on the bed and slept without speaking to him so the night could pass quickly. I'll be back home tomorrow in no time. Taehyung and I slept separately.
He slept on his bed and I stepped on my children's bed... but... my night was disrupted as usual.
Blurp. I tensely puked into the toilet bowl in exhaustion, flushed the toilet, and rinsed my lips over the sink. I don't get as much morning sickness, but once I get it... I feel really awful. How are all my children so different? The twin's morning sickness was frequent, but I don't feel as drained after I vomit. And Beom? He doesn't make me sick at all. And my fourth child? I get morning sickness from time to time... but every time I get it... I usually empty my entire stomach until I feel like fainting on the spot.I settled on the heated floor beside the twins' bed to face the glass wall and quietly sipped the warm water from the mug while rubbing my baby bump. Pitter... Patter... Pitter... Patter. I blankly stared at the wet beads... as it collided against the solid surface... splattering all over the glass. He didn't lie. There is a harsh rainstorm. I blinked and glanced down at the plain water in my mug. Yangcha would immediately wake up if I puked because he's a light sleeper... and he'd race to the Hanok house to brew me hot chocolate. I should've asked him for his secret receipt.
Do I miss him? I do. But he's sort of... faded from my memories now. The emotional yearning is still strong... but I don't feel as hurt anymore. I've grown used to his absence, so I live most of my days... occupied with other tasks. He's right... I'll slowly forget his presence the longer we part. One day... he'll only be a good memory for me.

That's his last wish. To be my good memory in life.

Life is a tragedy... it's very tragic... and I feel like giving up most of the time... but because of people like him... I get to live a little better. I used to be impulsive and reckless... always whining and throwing mad tantrums whenever things didn't go my way... until Yangcha helped me recover my inner peace.

I realized... I get nothing done... and I'll only worsen the situation if I use my tears and screams to handle my problems. Just like what I did to Taehyung... I blindly tricked him into signing our marriage contract... thinking I could get away with my crime without being caught. I was a fool. Now... I'm facing the consequences of my actions. Not just me... but Taehyung is struggling as well because of my reckless acts.

Maybe he was ready to move on from me when he chose to settle with Ah-young. Maybe... he was confident... he could properly provide her with the love and comfort she needed. Maybe... he was ready to leave our past behind as he waited for his bride to approach him... but because of my greed... he's now swept up in the mess I've initiated without an escape route.

And being the selfish person I am... I tried to flee again... leaving him to deal with the aftermath.

A sand castle. Kim Taehyung tried desperately to build a new life from scratch... but I was the ruthless waves... constantly eroding the castle he was working so hard to assemble... again and again... I'd ruin whatever he created... until he was left with... nothing in his hands.

Because of the guilt of ruining Kim Taehyung's life... I chose to let him hurt me... believing I'd relieve his misery by accepting his brutal punishment. But he never felt better. My submission to his raging wrath has again... formed a deeper rift between us.

He has every right to be upset... and I know his harsh acts towards me aren't a valid justification to compensate his sorrows... but... if he were to force me into a marriage... without informing me and chose to embrace another woman for five years... leaving me to look after his children... all alone until his lover passes... and he finally announces... that he's actually married to me and not to his lover... because... my existence is simply... a backup plan...?

If I was in his shoes... I'd feel crushed as well.

Because after so many years of working tirelessly to mend the broken cracks... to appease our broken relationship... he was nothing... but a power subject to me. Why? Because I simply wished to protect my lover.

Kim Taehyung was the shield I used to protect my lover.

Of course, he's upset. I'm a fucked up person... and I've... realized... my mistake only after he unleashed his cruelty on me. Did I think he'd always forgive me because I used the same excuses to push him away? Because he betrayed me during our early relationship stage? I kept gaslighting him into believing everything was his fault when I was... the primary root of our problems.

So... I chose to leave his side. Not because I resented him for keeping him hidden in a shed. I'm used to being alone in the dark without company. Being in the dark space doesn't hurt me. In fact, it offers me peace. I was heartbroken over Yangcha's death anyway... so I used the solitude to heal and recover in the moldy space.

I parted from Taehyung because I did not wish to hurt him anymore. I thought Ah-young could heal him and somehow... provide him with a decent life. I truly wanted him to live happily after the damage I've caused... but here he is... remaining right by my side... once again.

He's right. The marriage is a dead end for both of us. There's no escape unless one of us dies. But neither of us can part at this rate. We've got too many children... under our roof to protect from the brutal world. We both must remain alive to protect them... and that is why... I chose to let him back in.

I will take responsibility... for the damage I've caused on Kim Taehyung. He's not wrong for holding me liable for my reckless acts. I shouldn't run away and expect to be forgiven again.
"Yah? Can you hear me-" A voice suddenly spoke from the side. I felt a soft nudge on my head."What?" I blinked at Kim Taehyung, who was crouching on the floor with his half-open eyes to frown at me in confusion."I asked why you're not sleeping," He mumbled, glancing at the dark city view in confusion."I had morning sickness earlier," I shrugged and glanced back at the view. Taehyung sighed and sat beside me to watch the rainstorm as the sky lit up with a violent lightning strike to tear the weeping storm apart."Do you want to see a doctor? I'll summon the man," He muttered. I shook my head."That's not necessary," I whispered. Taehyung sighed and quietly stared at the view. He reached inside his shirt's pocket, grabbed my hand, and placed something cold onto my palm... so I blinked and glanced down to stare at the ring with a blank face."I've refused to put it on you twice. I won't force you... so... give it back to me... when you're ready," Taehyung muttered. I stared at the ring with a sore look. Sighing... I closed my palm and glanced back at the view without responding to him.
I've barely lived half of my lifeline... there's still a long way to go... so I might as well remain optimistic... if I wish to achieve happiness.
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Fast Forward
I patted my dress in the mirror to flatten the crease and slightly turned to check the piece with a weak smile until the door to my bedroom creaked open... and Taehyung appeared in a neat suit with his hair brushed back. I glanced at his tidy appearance."Do you think they'll like it?" The man cleared his throat as he anxiously stood by the doorway."Why don't you ask them?" I smiled. Taehyung scratched his head uneasily as I picked up my purse and strolled out of the room. He followed me through the corridor and down the stairs until we stopped at the front door... to find the twins... standing in their neat school uniforms with their hair combed to the side."Aigo~! You're so handsome!" Imo gasped while patting the twin's uniform as appa held Beom's hand. The young child giggled at his older brother's appearance and strolled forward to hug Kanghoon, who smiled and patted the baby's back."Are you guys ready?" I asked. The twins are attending their year-end school ceremony to receive their honor certificates for being the highest achievers."Yup! Kaja~!" Woojin replied in excitement."Is appa going to...?" Kanghoon's smile suddenly dropped once he noticed Taehyung standing behind my back. Imo glanced at the alpha as my father sorely crossed his arms and bitterly glanced away."Yeah- I'll attend the event-""But we don't want you there. Only Eomma and harabeoji," Woojin pointed at my father with a slight frown. Taehyung awkwardly smiled at the twins... unsurely freezing in place as if he didn't hear them right."Kids-""The teacher said we can only bring two people," Kanghoon firmly shook his head to reject Taehyung. I scratched my head and glanced at appa as he held Beom's hand."Harabeoji will stay home-""NO! WE DON'T WANT APPA AT THE CEREMONY!" The twins suddenly screamed until their faces flushed red in extreme anger. I paused in horror as they fiercely glared at Taehyung, who stood frozen by the doorway."A-Araso! Harabeoji will join us! Let's go~!" I quickly crouched down to calm the twins... but they wouldn't shift their dark gaze from Kim Taehyung, who was too stunned to speak. The father cleared his throat in embarrassment."We'll be late- Let's go," Appa sighed, leading Beom forward so the toddler strutted beside his grandfather as I stood up with the twins. They huffed in annoyance before turning to march away with their arms crossed.Taehyung stood listlessly at the door... in his neat suit and turned to stroll back inside the mansion without another word. I sighed with a heavy feeling. The twins have my grudge. They don't easily forgive people and can get aggressive once irritated.
I attended the ceremony with the twins as they proudly held their certificates on the stage and spent the day conversing with the teachers and the parents there. My father took care of Beom... and we left the school to eat at a fast food restaurant since the twins wanted to eat fried chicken... so we hung out with Do-hwan before... leaving to pick up Woobin from school and return home.
"Wow! So perfect~!" Imo gasped as she placed the framed certificates on the wall in the living room. The twins proudly puffed their chests with smug smiles as Woobin clapped for them."Woobin-ah~! If you earn an achievement... we'll put you on the wall of honor too," I chuckled."I'll do my best!" Woobin grinned. I glanced to the side as Taehyung strolled down the stairs with a gloomy expression to enter the dining room as I carried Beom over my shoulders, who's been obsessed with climbing my back to make me piggyback him."Time for bed~!" Appa chuckled as he carefully lifted baby Beom from my back... and turned to climb the staircase as the twins frantically stomped over the tiles and galloped after their grandfather. Woobin gave me a soft peck on my cheek and calmly walked up the stairs behind the two little monkeys."I left a bowl of Yaksik for you [Sweet rice dessert with chestnuts, dried jujubes, and pine nuts]. Have them before bed," Imo smiled as she adjusted the frames on the wall. I nodded and entered the kitchen to find Taehyung sitting alone on the stool to eat the cold... leftover dish. I grabbed the dessert bowl and sat beside him without speaking... so he briefly glanced at me and looked away with a sulky expression.

"Is this the only bowl left?" I asked imo as she entered the kitchen to sort out the dried dishes."Yeah. I made enough for everyone. Asked Do-hwan to deliver the remaining dessert to the guards," Imo nodded, dismissively walking out of the kitchen again. I blinked and glanced down at the sticky sweet rice in the clear crystal bowl while jabbing it with a sore expression. Imo... never... leave her food or snacks for Taehyung. He often eats separately from the household... with whatever is left. Sometimes... I find him eating plain porridge with soy sauce because imo did not make enough for him."You can have it," I whispered, pushing the bowl toward him after imo left. He stared at the bowl and nudged it back toward me."Have it for the baby," Taehyung muttered. He slurped the clear seaweed soup, collected his dishes to place them in the sink, and left to reside in his room. I sighed and quietly ate alone in the kitchen. He must be upset because the twins... refused his presence this morning. He's been doing everything to win them over... but the twins are stubborn.
They'd refused everything he offered them.

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Fast Forward
Knock. Knock. I pushed the door open during an early morning to find Taehyung sitting at his work desk with his head rested over his arms. The man suddenly jerked upward to wipe his face, so I paused... once I noticed his burning red eyes. He sniffled and glanced away to hide his swollen face as I unsurely closed the door behind my back."What's the matter?" Taehyung asked, briefly glancing at me... and quickly lowered his head again to hide his face behind his messy black bangs."I'm here to ask... if you can personally coach Woobin in his studies. Be his tutor," I muttered while pretending to scan his plain room. Taehyung sniffled and rubbed his face."Sure," He nodded. I blinked uneasily at the stuffed animals on his bed. It's the twin's old toys. He must be super hurt by their rejection."Do you want to visit the hospital with me?" I cleared my throat awkwardly."Why? Are you unwell?" Taehyung blinked, looking up at me with a startled expression."I want to verify the gender of... our baby," I shrugged. He stared at me without blinking."Our baby?" He repeated, slightly widening his bloodshot eyes."Oh. Is it not ours...?" I replied unsurely. Taehyung pursed his lips, suddenly launching to his feet, and hurried inside his closet."Let's go!" He nodded, quickly grabbing his car key. I exhaled and followed him out of the mansion to stroll down the stairs until he held the front door open for me. He smiled and was about to stride forward when I grabbed his wrist to stop him from jogging down the pebbled path. The man turned to look at me with a questioning frown."Can you clip my shoes? I can't bend down," I muttered while holding my baby bump."Sure," Taehyung smiled, kneeling down to clip the strap around my ankle. I glanced at the front yard to find the guards and Do-hwan watching us from afar until Taehyung straightened his body with a faint smile."Sora, are you leaving-" Smooch. Imo froze before the door when I suddenly tiptoed to plant a soft peck on his lips. Taehyung stiffened and glanced down at me with a startled expression. The woman's eyes widened in disbelief upon witnessing my affectionate act towards the alpha."I'm going to get a check-up with my husband. We won't have dinner at home today, so don't wait for us," I smiled at the woman, who fired Taehyung an annoyed look before storming away with a cute grimace."What was that?" Taehyung glanced at me, clearly dumbfounded by my unexpected kiss."A kiss... a day... remember?" I shrugged. The alpha slightly furrowed his thick eyebrows to scan my bright expression."You're opening up now?" He asked. I rubbed my belly."I think the child is making me favor you," I shrugged and held out my hand for his support. Taehyung glanced down at my suspended fingers with a faint smile."You're blaming the child?" He scoffed."It seems to favor you a lot," I nodded, grabbing his hand. Taehyung huffed at my statement before turning to lead me down the pebbled path as Do-hwan narrowed his eyes from afar on the alpha. I smiled at the chief guard as Taehyung glanced at me with flushed cheeks, opened the car door and helped me inside before rounding the car to slip into his seat.
A moment later.
I nervously stared at the monitor screen as the doctor gently pressed the scanner over the cold gel on my bulging stomach as Taehyung sat on the side of the room with his hands clasped together. I blinked restlessly while staring at the blurry appearance of our child.

"Do you wish to know the gender of the child?" The woman smiled at me."Is it a girl?" Taehyung curiously asked."You think? I've had three boys already," I rolled my eyes. I won't be surprised if it's another boy."You'll have a daughter," The doctor informed. Taehyung's eyes widened in disbelief as I remained frozen on the hospital bed."Are you serious?!" I gasped, widely grinning at her. She nodded."A healthy baby girl," She nodded while wiping the cold gel from my stomach with a sanitary pad. I sat up with a joyful smile and slipped on my heels before walking forward to sit by the woman's desk."You will deliver in two months... so please be cautious. Do not reach over your head or bend too low," She reminded. I nodded with a wide grin and rubbed my belly in excitement. A baby girl?! I finally have a female company! That's so nice!"No wonder... she's all... fussy like a child," Taehyung grumbled. I frowned at his sore expression."Are you not happy? You told me to keep the baby!" I glared at him. Taehyung huffed."I'm sure she'll take after you. Ah~! I'm so doomed!" Taehyung scoffed and smacked his forehead in disbelief, causing the doctor to laugh at our bickering. We chatted with the doctor as she prescribed me medication to sustain my health... and we finally left the hospital to visit a local mart. I should bring snacks for the kids."Ice cream," I nudged Taehyung."Which one?" He asked."Every flavor," I replied. He scoffed and glanced at my belly."You sure love sweets," The man mumbled as he pulled open the freezer door and reached inside. I left Taehyung to collect the ice cream and placed my basket of snacks on the counter. The cashier greeted me... so I glanced at the colorful packs on the rack and back at Taehyung... who was cluelessly picking out the ice cream.

"Excuse me... which of these is the best seller?" I whispered behind my hand in curiosity. The cashier blinked and glanced at the small packs unsurely."Uh- Do you know his size...?" The cashier funnily whispered back. I frowned and glanced at Taehyung again."He's that big," I pointed at the alpha as he cluelessly read the ingredients on the package by the freezer."I mean- how big is he?" The cashier lowered his voice. I frowned at the young man. Why is he asking me the same question?"That big," I pointed back at Taehyung. The man pursed his lips awkwardly."Like- How big is his... sausage? Not his body size," The man frowned at me. My face flushed red when I suddenly understood his words. Oh!"Ah... Well- I haven't seen it in a while so-""If he's big- then you should take the larger size. This one is a strawberry scent. Pretty... popular," The cashier cautiously whispered while eyeing Taehyung. I blushed and stared at the various condom packs."He's as big as a corndog," I muttered, frowning unsurely."What?!- A corndog!? That's massive- How are you alive!?" The man shrieked, causing Taehyung to glance at us from the fridge. I flushed red and smiled at Taehyung before glancing back at the startled cashier.

"Not- that big- my kids- claim it's big... but they were eating mini corndogs," I blinked. The cashier snorted and covered his mouth to stifle his laughter."I'm sure he's not a small size. You can try the strawberry scent," The cashier nodded."Okay. One pack, please- but don't let him see it!" I nodded.The man giggled at my sneaky purchase and grabbed a pack to scan it before handing it to me... so I quickly shoved it inside my pocket in a hurry to put it out of sight... as Taehyung walked forward with a handful of ice creams. The cashier greeted the alpha with a weak smile as he scanned the snacks, so I scratched my head and avoided Taehyung's questioning frown. I'm only buying for precautions! Nothing else!- I'm afraid we might end up doing things unprepared again!"Do you have a fever?" He asked while scanning my flushed face."N-No," I shrugged. The cashier grinned at me and shook his head... so I cleared my throat and glanced away again. Taehyung glanced back and forth between the man and me with a suspicious gaze."Were you flirting with him?" Taehyung asked after we entered the car."No," I shrugged and hugged my coat with a weak smile. Taehyung narrowed his eyes on me and drove forward as I rubbed my neck and glanced out the window to avoid his gaze.I fell asleep on our way to the mansion... so Taehyung carried me to his room without waking me until I sat up on his bed with a confused look. Why didn't he bring me to my room? I groggily grumbled and walked out of his bedroom to stroll down the stairs... until I heard loud popping noises and halted- once I found the twins... sitting on the stairs by the back door to watch the small fireworks pop in the dark sky.Woobin shrieked in shock as he ran after Taehyung before the firecrackers exploded. Pop! Pop! I halted by the doorway as the alpha lit up another firework stick- and handed it to Woobin, who screeched in delight as the colorful flares burst over his head."Woah~!" Woojin gasped while staring at the glimmering lights with his dilated doe eyes."Eomma- Can you get one for us?" Kanghoon pouted while tugging my dress. I smiled at the child and glanced at Taehyung as he lit the stick and aimed it at the sky."Why don't you ask appa?" I encouraged. The twins stubbornly shook their heads and cutely crossed their arms while glaring at the fireworks."No! He's a mean person!" They snapped. I sighed and sat by their side to watch the beautiful fireworks with a weak smile."Eomma is not mad appa anymore," I muttered. They blinked and glanced at me."He forced eomma to stay in the small shed-""Appa... apologized to eomma. And he's been... sad because of you two. He was mean to eomma... but he's always been nice to you two," I shook my head."So? We don't like him-""It's okay to be upset. It's natural, but you must understand... that we cannot dislike someone for too long. It's not good for you. If possible... we must learn to forgive... only then... can we be happy. People make mistakes... and no one is perfect. If the person is... genuinely sorry... then we should be nice and allow them to change for the better," I smiled at their dark frowns. The twins blinked at me before glancing back at Taehyung."Did he apologize to eomma?" Kanghoon asked. I nodded."Appa cried. He begged eomma to forgive him. And he cried again... because you were mean to him. We don't want to become the person we don't like. If you treat him the same... as he treats eomma... you'll become just like him. A mean person. So instead... choose to be nice and show him... being nice is better than hurting other people's feelings," I nodded. The twins sighed and frowned at their father with a skeptical grimace."Can you take us to him?" Woojin muttered. I chuckled and stood up, so they held onto each side of my hand as I slowly led them across the field."Eomma! Join us! So fun~!" Woobin beckoned. The twins intensely stared at the fireworks before glancing at their father. Kim Taehyung's smile suddenly dropped when he noticed the two bowl cuts... scowling at him with their cute glares."Didn't you want to speak with appa?" I nudged the frozen twins. They pursed their lips with their uptight gaze on Taehyung, who unsurely glanced at me."Firework- Give it," Kanghoon bluntly placed out his palm. Taehyung blinked at the twin's rude demand."Be nice. Remember?" I reminded them. The twins exhaled intensely before frowning at their father again."C- Can we- have the fireworks...? Please," Woojin huffed under his breath with a bitter look. Taehyung lifted his eyebrow to examine the sulky children as they tilted their puppy-doe eyes at him."No," Taehyung replied, causing the twins to pout at his objection. The father quickly turned away to pop his fireworks with a smug smile."EOMMA! HE'S SO MEAN!" The twins scream, suddenly dropping onto the grass to throw a tantrum. My eyes widened in shock as Kanghoon wildly kicked his legs in the air. Woojin aggressively pulled out the grass with his fists... until they burst out crying at my feet."KIM TAEHYUNG!" I screamed at the heartless man. He glared at the twins in annoyance as they squealed at the top of their lungs, causing Woobin to flinch at their hysterical behavior."SO MEAN! WAAAHAAAA~! APPA- MEAN! AH! AH! UNFAIR!" They shrieked while rolling on the grass."Get up now and wipe your tears, or I'll never let you play with it! UP!" Taehyung sternly scolded, causing the twins to flinch in shock at his harsh tone. They quickly rubbed their tears and stood up with their hands clasped together as the messy streaks... soaked their red cheeks."Mean man-""What did you say?!" Taehyung scoffed while frowning at their resentful glare. The twins looked up at me for help... so I shook my head with a sad frown. They pursed their pouty lips and glanced back at their father as the tear wall swelled in their eyes."Sorry. We're sorry for making appa cry," Kanghoon sniffled with his bright red nose. Taehyung froze as the twins held back their tears while eyeing him in guilt. The alpha finally released a deep exhale, defeated by their apologetic pouts... and placed down the empty stick to signal his surrender."Come here," Taehyung beckoned as he crouched before his upset children. The twins blinked their soaked lashes, so I nudged them forward. They sniffled and walked toward the man with their heads lowered. Taehyung exhaled and lifted his shirt to rub their snotty nose before pulling them into a crushing hug."We're sorry," Woojin pouted while clinging to Taehyung's neck. I sadly stared at them as Taehyung patted Kanghoon's back to console their troubled souls."It's okay. Appa is more sorry for hurting your tiny hearts. Forgive appa. Hmm~? Appa won't disappoint you two again," Taehyung whispered, gently pressing his nose against Woojin's hair. The twins pulled away to pout at his face... so Taehyung smiled and kissed their foreheads."Anyways- can we play now~?" Kanghoon rubbed his tears and pointed at the fireworks without a bother. Woobin giggled with his attentive gaze on the stick, causing Taehyung to grimace at how easily they dismissed his apology because they were... more keen on playing with the fireworks."You rascals..." Taehyung grumbled as he snatched the sticks and lit them up. They grinned with their soaked lashes... so I exhaled and sat on the bench to watch Taehyung hold the stick as the twins excitedly gripped the base- POP! POP! POP! The colorful flare burst brightly in the sky."Woah~! So cool!" The twins squealed while hopping over the grass in excitement as Taehyung supported the stick to position it upward.
A moment later
Third Person POVKim Taehyung leaned against the bed head with a book in his hand as the twins sat on either of him with their arms clasped hooked around his waist. The father quietly read the story to his children... but halted mid-way through the sentence when he noticed they... were eagerly staring at him without blinking instead of listening to the story. The twins blinked at his unexpected attention and quickly glanced at the pages with startled expressions... so Taehyung closed the book and placed his arms over their shoulders to hold them against his chest."What's the matter? Is the story boring?" Taehyung muttered while smiling at the troubled-looking twins. It's been almost a year since he last held them in his arms. They blinked at each other and lifted their face to eye their father again."Appa. Why were you... so mean to eomma? Is it because you don't love her?" Kanghoon curiously asked while poking Taehyung's shirt. The alpha stared at the kids with a gloomy expression."I wronged eomma. There are no explanations to justify my acts. Are you still upset?" Taehyung apologetically admired their innocent pupils."Are you going to hurt her feelings again?" Woojin mumbled, slightly pouting at his father. Taehyung sighed and patted their bowl-cut heads."No. I promise I won't hurt eomma again," Taehyung muttered. The twins smiled and tightened their grasp around his sturdy body."Promise?" The twins lifted their pinkies."I promise," Taehyung nodded, hooking his pinkies with the twins. They giggled and kissed his cheeks."If you misbehave again- I'll shave your head!" Kanghoon threatened."Moh!?" Taehyung scoffed at the child."And I'll shave your eyebrows!" Woojin cutely glared at his father. Taehyung chuckled at their scowls... but they were too cute, so he nodded in agreement."Okay. I'll let you punish me if I misbehave," Taehyung agreed.The twins shrieked happily and hugged his waist... so Taehyung ruffled their hair and laid down between his children in relief after they forgave him for his past wrongdoings. The twins randomly chatted with their father until they fell asleep in his warm embrace. The father eventually put them to bed and walked out of the room to check on Woobin... who was fast asleep as well. The alpha closed the window for the oldest child and strolled to his bedroom- Creak.The man abruptly halted by the doorway once he noticed... his unattended coat on the floor. Sighing, he closed the door and picked up the coat to hang it on the rack again before glancing toward the window- suddenly jerking in a panic once he noticed... a pair of pale feet... beneath the fluttering curtain. Taehyung frowned at the unknown presence in the dim room with a racing heart as the woman... hid behind the transparent drapes.

"What are you doing? You almost gave me a panic attack!" Taehyung scoffed, storming forward to yank the curtain aside. Sora whimpered and stood stiffly against the window in her nightgown... so Taehyung sniffed the strange odor as she stared at him with a startled look."I- I was just searching for my coat-""Were you drinking...?" Taehyung whispered while eyeing her flushed cheeks. Sora funnily grinned at his face and tapped the window to show him the crowd of guards... walking over to the front yard to approach their dormitory."They invited me to a small feast..." She giggled. Taehyung scoffed."You're pregnant! Why would you drink liquor?!" He whined, carefully drawing her from behind the curtain."I only had one can of beer~!" She whined. Kim Taehyung frowned at her flushed face."I can't believe you! The liquor is harmful for the baby~!" He complained. She drunkenly chuckled while covering her lips with her hand as he darkly frowned at her unstable condition- Clatter. Taehyung shifted his questioning gaze to... a pink wrapper... on the tile after it slipped from her gown."Oh~!" Sora whispered, trying to bend down, but Taehyung quickly snatched it from the floor with a startled expression."What is this?!" He asked, unsurely shifting his dumbfounded gaze to her flushed cheeks."Can't you read~? It says... CONDOM- Size Large..." Sora scratched her head. The alpha stared at the condom with his lips ajar and glanced back at her in bewilderment."Why would you-""The cashier said- the strawberry scent is- the best seller~! Haha~! Ultra-thin too~!" She cutely covered her mouth. Kim Taehyung frowned at her red cheeks and glanced down at the condom again. He seized her shoulder, cautiously steering his drunk wife around to make her sit on the bed after realizing she was completely out of her mind."Why did you buy it?" He frowned while crouching before her. The supreme alpha laughed and tilted her head back."Because a man like you... is very careless~!" She giggled, lightly poking his nose. Taehyung blinked at her playful behavior with a sore frown."This is for me?" Taehyung asked. She smiled while scanning his confused expression."Is strawberry not your favorite fruit~? Should I have gotten a banana scent-""Sora! You're not making any sense!" Taehyung cupped her face to keep her attention on him, so she closed her heavy eyelids with her squished cheeks."Heh," Sora suddenly snorted, collapsing backward without a warning and slumped over his mattress with her arms extended above her head. Taehyung quickly shot up to frown at her ridiculous posture over his bed as Sora giggled with her eyes closed. She dismissively turned on her side... until she descended into a deep sleep... knocked out by the liquor. The alpha blinked at her drunken state and glanced down at the wrapper in his palm with a slight grimace."You fool," He muttered, tossing the package on the nightstand, crawled onto the mattress to rotate her body, and positioned her head on his pillow. The alpha pulled the blanket over her chest to tuck her in. Sora scratched her head repeatedly and turned on her side again to sleep with her arms tucked under her head. Taehyung restlessly sat by her side while rubbing her baby bump over the blanket and gently brushed her loose hair strands away from her face.Instead of sleeping with her... he sprawled over a spare blanket on the floor and slept with his arms tucked under his head. He sighed heavily and glanced at his wife's pale face as she softly breathed on his bed before rolling over to sleep on his side without a pillow....Kim Taehyung ultimately stirred awake in the middle of the night when he felt the unbearable urge to use the restroom, so he sat up with a stiff back and glanced at the bed to find Sora sprawling... with her lips ajar. He carefully closed her mouth by nudging her chin and stepped inside the bathroom with his eyes half open.The man pulled down his pants from his strong hips and sat on the toilet bowl before lowering his head to press his hands against his face as he waited for the stool to slip out of his butthole. He grunted and hugged his aching stomach with his eyes closed to focus on delivering a smooth poop until he frowned in satisfaction as the uncomfortable discharge exited his body... so he rubbed his face in distress and finally opened his eyes... to find another... pair of sleepy pupils staring... right back at him."KAMJAGIYA!" Taehyung shrieked, jerking backward with a startled look when he found Sora sitting with her legs crossed before him with her eyes half open."Do you have diarrhea?- And can I see your thingy~? Maybe I bought the wrong size???-" She mumbled, sleepily opening one of her eyes to squint between his thighs. The man quickly pulled down his shirt to cover his crotch as he stiffly perched on the bowl, but he couldn't get up because he wasn't done pooping."N-No! What are you doing here?!" Taehyung scoffed, flustered by her request to see his private part. The supreme alpha blinked at her husband... clearly still... intoxicated by the liquor."Pee... Sora... wants to pee," She muttered, suddenly pushing herself upward, but lost her balance and staggered to the side, so Taehyung gasped in shock and reached out to support her... but she shoved his hands away and straightened her body."Give me a moment- You're not stable- Yah?- YAH?" Taehyung muttered when she suddenly lifted her gown off her head and carelessly tossed it to the floor. The man's eyes bulged open at the sight of her naked body... so he quickly lowered his gaze to the floor in a panic."My scalp is itchy~! I will wash my hair-" Sora scratched her scalp and strolled inside the shower stall. SHAAAA~!Kim Taehyung lifted his flustered face to stare at his drunk wife through the glass wall as she stood under the warm downpour with her back turned on him. The man quickly glanced away with a flushed look because he didn't want to stare at her body... but... he was afraid she'd black out... so he glanced back at her... and traced his eyes... down to her fleshy buttcheeks."Aish~!" Taehyung grunted, quickly covering his boner in discomfort. The man hastily washed his butt and got up from the bowl to flush the toilet... and washed his hands in the sink."Which one is the shampoo?" Sora grumbled. The man pulled on his sweatpants and slowly approached the shower stall to find her squinting at the bold labels... on the bottles."Can't you wait until tomorrow? Imo will wash your hair," Taehyung frowned at her. Sora blinked and turned to face him with her soaked black hair... barely covering her naked body."Itchy scalp... can't sleep," She pouted. Taehyung scanned her annoyed frown as she repeatedly scratched her head. He sighed."Sit down. I'll wash you. You shouldn't shampoo yourself. The baby is almost due," Taehyung stepped onto the soaked tiles and gently made her sit on the built-in bench.Jang Sora closed her eyes sleepily as he rinsed her head again with water before pumping a handful of shampoo onto his palm. He rubbed his hands together to create bumbling foam and lowered his fingers to comb her soaked hair. The alpha kept himself focused on her long black hair to avoid looking at her vulnerable body."Massage... give me a massage," She grumbled.Taehyung gently kneaded her head as he stood over her until she gripped his shirt and leaned her head forward to rest her forehead on his stomach in exhaustion. The man exhaled as he weaved his fingers through her hair to rub her scalp with the pad of his fingers. He grabbed the removable shower head again and streamed the water over her hair to wash off the shampoo as she quietly sat with her eyes closed."I'll have to wash your body too... or it'll be sticky because of the shampoo. Do you want to do it yourself?" Taehyung asked, unsurely crouching down before her."Too lazy," She mumbled while staring at him with her red nose tip."I'll have to touch you all over if I wash you," Taehyung reminded her. Sora blinked to process his words."You don't want to touch me?-""No- You're still out of your mind. I don't want to do anything that will upset you once you're sober," Taehyung stared at her."It's okay for husband... to touch... wife," She giggled.Taehyung smiled at her cuteness and nodded before getting up to rub the shower gel against his palms and lowered his body to run his fingers over her soaked flesh. Sora didn't close her eyes and quietly stared at him with a fond smile. Boop. Taehyung stiffened at he touch and looked up when she suddenly poked his nose tip with her finger. The man swallowed as she drunkenly smiled at him."You sure are playful when you're drunk," He muttered, slightly shaking his head as he crouched before her to rub her shin with the slippery gel."I'm sorry..." Sora muttered. Taehyung rubbed the base of her feet without looking up at her."What for?" Taehyung mumbled, dismissively lifting his hand to rub her baby bump."For... betraying you. I cheated on you... for over five years," She whispered. Taehyung halted and glanced at her slight frown... taken aback by her apologies."Well- You considered him your husband. Not me. We weren't in a formal relationship anyway," Taehyung shrugged."I feel so sorry... you must be... super hurt by my actions," She mumbled with her arms pressed on the bench. Taehyung exhaled in difficulty and looked up at her with a slight frown."We've already talked about this. You've agreed to conceive our daughter and is willing to restart your life with me... so keep your promise. I'll take care of you. Don't sulk too much... you'll only feel sick if you do and it'll affect the baby in your womb," Taehyung smiled while patting her cheek softly to comfort the drunk supreme alpha. She nodded and lowered her eyes to the baby bump with a slight pout."I want to keep her too... because she's a girl. I won't be so lonely anymore," Sora smiled weakly. Taehyung scoffed."You're quite cute with the belly," He chuckled."Cute?" Sora lifted her face to stare at him with a weak smile."Yeah. Like a chubby pig. No curves... just a plump belly," He nodded and scrubbed her arms when Sora suddenly sniffled for no apparent reason... so he quickly looked up to find her sobbing with pouty lips."You're so mean-""What?!- Hey! Why are you suddenly crying!?" Taehyung scoffed."You called me a fat pig!" Sora snapped, angrily shoving him backward, sending the alpha flat onto his butt. He scoffed on the wet tiles. [Edited]"You called me a fat pig!" Sora snapped, angrily shoving him backward, causing the alpha to fall onto his butt. He scoffed on the wet tiles."I didn't mean literally! I said cute-""You're a terrible person! How can you call me a pig after forcing me to carry your child?!" She whimpered, cutely pouting her lips in distress. Taehyung slapped his face with his hand in disbelief as she glared at him from the bench."Okay- Okay! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to upset you! Alright? Don't cry~!" Taehyung chuckled as he grabbed her hands. Sora frowned at his funny smirk- SMACK. She suddenly slapped his face with the foam... sending Taehyung flopping to the side again. Pause. Taehyung scoffed in shock as he gripped his burning cheek over the slippery tiles."Ungrateful husband!" She screeched. Taehyung glared at her attitude in extreme annoyance... but recollected himself and quickly kneeled before her again."Let's get you washed... and we can argue later. Okay? Sit still for now! You're shivering!" Taehyung scolded her and stood up to hover the shower head over her slippery flesh. Sora glared at him in tears and sniffled in resentment as he gently washed her the soap of her body."The twins ate mini corn dogs, for your information!" She grumbled. Taehyung halted while rinsing her shoulder and lowered his baffled gaze to her glare."What?" He asked, dumbfounded by her random statement."If you think you're a man with a big corn dog- then you're wrong! They ate mini-sized corndogs!" She sneered at him. Kim Taehyung's scoffed at her insulting mockery."Hey! Why are you mocking me now?! I said sorry-""Your ego shouldn't be bigger than you tiny corndog!" She shrieked. The alpha funnily scoffed at his upset wife while staring at her flustered face. He shut off the shower and placed his hands on his hips before tilting his head back to preserve his composure when his wife wouldn't stop offending him."Don't state false comments to make me feel bad!- Just because you're upset!" He snapped at her."Tiny corndog! Saggy ball sacks! Yuck~!" She poked out her tongue. Kim Taehyung stiffened at her childish attitude."Do you want to see it? I'll show you! Look-""AH! You perverted freak! Stop-!" Sora frantically screamed and covered her eyes in shock when he tried to pull down his pants."Have a good look and-""AH! Go away!" She shrieked, shoving him aside, and shot off the bench to scurry out of the stall with her soaked body.Kim Taehyung wildly turned to glare at his wife as she quickly wrapped a fresh towel around her body and hurried out of the bathroom without looking back. The alpha scoffed and glanced down at his soaked pajamas. He quickly undressed and showered himself before glancing down at his crotch with a dim expression while standing under the shower."Mini corndogs? Wah~! She seriously knows how to increase my blood pressure!" Taehyung funnily grumbled under his breath, shut off the shower, and stepped out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his hips to pull on his clothes in the closet and strolled back inside his bedroom- Creak. The door opened again... and Jang Sora appeared at the doorway in her fresh gown. Thud. Thud. Taehyung paused at her blank face as she strolled past him on her bare feet but she didn't look at him and crawled onto the bed- Flop. She slumped face-first on the mattress."The baby makes me want to sleep here," She grumbled, rolling over to pull the blanket up to her chin."It's the baby again, huh?" Taehyung smirked at her as she rested on his pillow with her eyes closed."Yup," She nodded as Taehyung crawled onto the bed and slipped in beside her."Did the baby make you buy a condom too~? A strawberry scent~? Hmm~?" Taehyung teased as he turned to face her with a smug smile. Sora flung open her eyes and snapped her head on the pillow to glare at him in extreme irritation."You-" The supreme alpha was cut short when her husband suddenly lowered his face to kiss her lips. She froze and stared intensely at his smug expression. And even under the dim lighting... he knew... her cheeks were burning bright red."Stop accusing an innocent child and admit to your desire," Taehyung chuckled while grazing her warm cheek. Sora frowned at him but didn't say anything- so he lowered his face again... but she quickly clasped his lips with her palm to hold him back."One kiss a day!" She snapped, firmly holding her hand over his lips. Taehyung smiled, drew her palm from his lips and gently pecked her cheek instead. She stiffened beside him but didn't tear her intense gaze away from his cocky smile."If I can't kiss your lips... can taste... your other parts?" He smirked. Her eyes widened in horror. Fwip! The supreme alpha scoffed at his inappropriate request, quickly turned away from him and yanked the blanket up to her flustered face.Kim Taehyung chuckled at her startled reaction, carefully scooting forward to align his body against hers... and placed his arm over her belly to pat the baby bump before slipping his free arm under her head to cushion her and pressed his nose against her slightly damp hair. He gently interlaced their fingers under the sheet... but she didn't resist him this time... so he exhaled and closed his eyes when Sora suddenly turned over to hug his chest. The alpha froze and glanced down as she firmly pressed her face against his pulsating chest. She screwed her eyes shut in embarrassment and clutched tightly onto his muscular back."It's the baby! Don't get the wrong idea!" She denied. Kim Taehyung laughed at her cuteness and hugged her head with a weak smile. He lowered his face to kiss her forehead again... causing Sora to tighten her grip with her face buried against his pecs. Taehyung gently rubbed her back to comfort her while gazing at the darkness beyond the arch windows."It's the baby... I believe you," He whispered, smiling softly at her adorable behavior. The man tightened his grasp around his wife's shoulder and held her securely against his body.
Kim Taehyung... knew it was the baby's doing... but not... the fetus in her womb.

Rather. It's the soul... in his arms.

The big baby.

.

.

.

Their fates... has finally clashed for... the last time... to trigger the start... of a new beginning.

Their beginning.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
I dimly sat on the bed edge in a maroon pleated long-sleeved dress while rubbing my bulging baby bump as Taehyung strolled out of the closet room in his formal attire. The man brushed back his slick black hair with a comb and tilted his head before the mirror to inspect his freshly shaved chin. How does he always look so effortlessly charming? It's unfair. A man ages like fine wine the older they get! And the women?!- Look at me! My beauty is deteriorating the older I get! Sighing, I lowered my eyes to his fitted button-up shirt... tucked neatly beneath the waistline of his trousers... securely clasped with a leather belt to show off his perfect body proportion."Where is your chapstick?" Taehyung asked while opening my drawers and searched my makeup bag for the mini tube before looking up at me in confusion."Here," I muttered, digging inside my dress's pocket and handed it to him. He took the cylinder tube from my hand to rub the chapstick over his lips before placing it back inside my purse as I quietly observed his dashing visual."Why the long face? Do you feel unwell?" Taehyung unsurely questioned my grumpiness. He straightened his back with a slight frown while cuffing his sleeves. I blinked at the man and glanced down at my massive belly. Why is our daughter so heavy?"I don't want to attend the event," I grumbled. Taehyung frowned, so I lowered my head with a slight pout. I keep getting crazy mood swings... and these past few days... I've been feeling under the weather."Why?" He asked, suddenly crouching down to catch my eyes."I look like a balloon," I muttered, grumpily hugging my baby bump. Taehyung chuckled at my blunt statement, gently taking my hand in his to assure me, but I didn't look at him and exhaled deeply. I don't wish to walk around looking like this. My back aches so much, and I feel so ill- even a slight inconvenience will stir the spoiled unrest within me.

"You don't want to head out because you think you don't look good?" He lifted his thick eyebrow to question me while studying my sulky pout. I might ruin the moment and embarrass him at the event."Can't I just stay home?" I mumbled while playing with my fingers. Taehyung asked me to attend the tower's event with him... I agreed immediately without thinking, but right now... I'm regretting my decision.  My face is swollen... I can barely walk... and my muscles are aching all over."Don't you want to make an appearance as a couple? Together? You've been hibernating behind this wall all day," Taehyung asked while rubbing my knuckles. He probably has plans for us... after the event... but I really... do not wish to be surrounded by people. "My belly is heavy~!" I whined, slumping back onto the mattress in defeat. Taehyung scoffed and stood up in his neat suit with a slight frown on my grumpy attitude."Araso. You can stay home," Taehyung exhaled. I nodded and turned to hug the pillow instead."Shoo," I waved without looking at him."I'll be back," He sighed, bending over the bed to plant soft a kiss on my forehead with his minty breath and strolled out of the room. Clack. I grumpily gripped the pillow after he closed the door and snuggled against it before sitting up again to take off my dress and slip back into my silk gown. I won't look good next to him... so it's best if he attends the event alone."Where is everyone?" I asked, unsurely sitting on the couch in the living room as a maid dusted the door frames."The kids went out with our chief guard and imo," The maid informed."My father and Beom too?" I blinked in surprise."I heard they're visiting a nearby beach," The maid nodded and strolled away to leave the room. Why didn't they invite me? I'd love to visit the beach too. I sighed and switched on the television to watch a movie on the screen with the thin wool blanket extended over my lap."I'm home," Taehyung suddenly spoke up. I blinked at the screen in surprise and glanced to the side to find him... strolling inside the house with a large convenience store bag. Why is he still here...? He left to enter the kitchen before returning with a medium chocolate ice cream container."Why are you back so early?" I frowned as he slipped off his suit and sat next to me in his black fitted vest to tear open the package. He left thirty minutes ago... but he's back? He has to fly to Seoul for the ceremony.

"Is the event more important than my wife's cravings?" He asked, nudging the ice cream cup against my lips. I licked the sweet chocolate unsurely."You went to get ice cream?" I smiled. Taehyung scooped the ice cream with a spoon and fed me, so I opened my mouth to welcome the cool cream while waiting for his response. Did he leave the mansion? To get me ice cream...? Hah~! When was he so thoughtful of my needs?!"The kids finished your ice cream again. And you get sulky when I don't satisfy your taste buds," The man shrugged. I smiled at Taehyung and took the cup from his hand to lick the ice cream in appreciation."So you're not attending the ceremony?" I eagerly asked as I lifted the spoon to his lips. Taehyung opened his mouth to take a bite and nodded with his arm extended over the couch."I only wanted to attend the event because you said you'd accompany me," He shrugged. I giggled and glanced at the movie on the screen. Why am I suddenly happy?! Sora! Don't swoon over a man just because he got you ice cream! "I didn't know you were such a gentleman," I blinked at the main character on the screen as she hugged her lover in a snow field after he proposed to her."You're almost due. I should remain by your side at all times," Taehyung exhaled as he lowered his arms from the headrest to hold my shoulder and gently drew me closer to him. I chuckled when the female lead tackled the man onto the snow until he lost his balance and tumbled backward at her unexpected attack. The couple cutely hugged each other on the vast field, making me smile at their endearing love story. If only we could love... this simply."I guess you're only worried about the baby," I muttered without tearing my eyes away."Of course. Only the baby loves me in this household... I should favor it. Isn't that right? The mother doesn't like me at all... everything is the baby's doing," Taehyung nodded. I frowned at his sarcastic tone and glared at him in annoyance."If you're here to nag me... then get up and board your plane," I grumbled, shoving him away and stood up with my ice cream to stroll out into the windy afternoon field. Huff! I grumpily slumped on the platform bench under the ancient tree, kicked off my slippers and slouched over my belly before the distant sea while munching on my melting chocolate. He kept teasing me after I accused our baby of making me favor him~! I'm telling you- it's really the baby! "You should be grateful! Oh?- I'm trying so hard to please you~!" Taehyung whined, suddenly appearing in a hoodie and loose sweatpants. I glared at his annoyance presence and glanced back at the distant island while licking the stickiness off my lips."All you do is tease me..." I grumbled. Taehyung sat on the platform beside me and gently drew my feet from under the silk gown to slip the warm socks over my bare feet. I quietly watched him rub the base of my sole as he gently massaged the sore spots with his thumbs to ease my strain."Still not happy?" He muttered, unsurely lifting his face to search my neutral expression."Kiss my feet- and I'll favor you~!" I scoffed, lifting my leg to shove my feet at his face... expecting him to shout at me, but- Smooch. Taehyung grabbed my ankle and firmly pressed his face against the sock to kiss the base of my feet, causing me to freeze in place. The man smiled at my shaken reaction as he held the soles of my feet against his smug face. My cheeks flushed red when he kissed my feet again- so I quickly dropped my leg from his lips and glanced at the sea awkwardly. "So? Did I earn your favor now? Where else do you want me to kiss you? I'll kiss every part of you if that's what you desire," Taehyung grinned, keenly leaning his face forward with a smug expression. I fired him a playful glare."Not so easy," I shrugged, dismissively licking the ice cream with a weak smile. Taehyung groaned and slumped backward over the platform with his arms tucked under his head. I placed the empty ice cream cup aside and laid down as well to rest my head over his bicep and turn to hug his heated torso with a faint smile."You don't favor me... but you... keep holding me like this?" He scoffed, glancing down to scan my face as we lay on the platform. I giggled, swung my heavy leg over his thighs, and pressed my belly against his abs to hold him close."I need child support- so I need a human pillow~! Like this~!" I grinned with my limbs hooked over his trunk. Taehyung slightly pushed his body upward with his elbows and turned on his side to face me with one hand tucked under his head and gently patted the side of my baby bump."This human pillow... is super useful, you know? There are other practical benefits to it," He smirked, gently wiping the ice cream stain from the corner of my lips, and licked the flavor off his thumb. I pursed my lips when I felt warm blood rushing up to my cheeks.

Taehyung smiled at my silence and lowered his face to press his lips against mine, so I grabbed his hoodie and screwed my eyes shut in a panic as he leaned over me, holding my body captive under his pulsating chest while caressing his soft lips against mine as he skimmed his fingers through my hair to soothe my scalp.The alpha deepened our kiss before the afternoon sea and slowly inserted his tongue inside my mouth until I lifted my hands to hold his jaw as he held me over the platform with my head rested on his strong bicep. He drew his hand from my hair and lowered it to rub my upper arm before... roaming his curious fingers over my chest... until he... found my plump breast."Hey- Stop-" I whispered, slightly pushing his face away to break the kiss as he attempted to fondle my bosoms. Taehyung didn't glance away, sternly keeping his gaze on mine... so I gulped and glanced down to find him... clutching firmly onto my breast. Is this why... the twins are so obsessed with my boobs? He never changed. I swallowed and looked back at him."I'll help you prepare your breastmilk for our daughter," He whispered in my ear before lowering his face to stroke my lips again so I exhaled and gave in to his determination, helplessly hugging his neck as he kneaded my breasts under his palms until I felt my body heating up at his teasing touch. He smiled against my lips and lowered his hand from my breast to hold my butt cheek... gently caressing my upper thighs to get me familiar with his touch again... until I giggled and tugged his face downward to seal the gap between our bodies as we remain on the wooden platform. "Ehem," Someone suddenly cleared his throat, causing me to jerk from Taehyung's parted lips in a panic. I quickly whipped my head to the side until I found... Woobin... standing awkwardly by the bench with a weak smile. Oh shit~! Taehyung lifted his face with his eyebrow raised at the child, shamelessly keeping his hand clasped over my bum... so I quickly slapped his hand off my body and sat up with a flushed face to fix my gown."You shouldn't disturb adults!" Taehyung scolded. Woobin giggled as he sat on the bench to examine my red face, so I quickly rubbed my moist lips and fired Taehyung an irritated glare. "Is that how adults kiss? I thought you were eating eomma's face! Can you even breathe when he's suffocating you like that?" Woobin curiously asked. I chuckled and pressed my hands against my face in embarrassment."You'll understand when you eat your girlfriend's face!" Taehyung huffed."Don't say that!" I whined, smacking his arm as Taehyung glared at the kid in annoyance for disturbing our moment. "We just returned from the beach- Imo asked me to inform eomma dinner is ready," Woobin smiled with his burning red cheeks."You should've applied sunscreen. Your cheeks are burning," I pouted while cupping the child's face to examine the painful-looking rashes."I forgot! But it's fine~!" Woobin smiled. I chuckled and kissed his forehead, causing Taehyung to huff in annoyance. He slumped back down on the platform with his arms crossed firmly over his chest."We'll be there in a bit. Okay? Go and shower," I patted the boy's sticky hair from playing in the salt water. Woobin nodded and hurried over the field to enter the mansion, so I exhaled and glanced at Taehyung, who was lying on his back with his eyes closed. The sun had set... so the property is getting dark... and the distant island had disappeared from sight."When are you going to use the strawberry condom?" He asked, smugly smiling at me. I frowned."Get up... we should have dinner," I muttered while tugging his hoodie."I want strawberries," He chuckled. I glared at the man and smacked his chest until Taehyung sat up to smirk at me as I crawled off the platform to put on my fluffy slippers and placed out my wiggling my fingers for his acceptance."Let's eat, my dear husband~" I chirped. Taehyung's smile dropped at my words... and his face suddenly flushed red."Are you teasing me?!" Taehyung scoffed at my playfulness as he snatched my hand, so I tugged him onto his feet. He smiled and put on his flip-flop before leading me around the platform to stroll over the grass field. We walked hand in hand into the mansion and entered the bustling dining room together as the maids set the table for the kids.
A moment later
Taehyung tenderly rubbed the scented oil between his palms while sitting on the bedside and gently rubbed my plump belly with the soothing essence to give me a massage. I stared intensely at his concentrated frown until he lifted his eye to meet my gaze- so I quickly glanced away and cleared my throat."What?" He asked."Do you think I'm ugly?" I asked. Taehyung suddenly snorted and tilted his face upward, making me frown at his baffling reaction."You'd cry if I agree," He smiled at me. I frowned at him."I just don't understand..." I mumbled as he rubbed the oil over my baby bump to keep my skin hydrated."What is confusing my wife?" He smiled."Why did you choose... my overweight appearance over Ah-young's flawless body figure?" I grumbled, skeptically narrowing my gaze on the man. Taehyung paused and lifted his eyes to stare at me... as if I was nuts."Seriously, Sora?-""I'm just curious-""I'm the reason you're carrying your heavy body every day. Did you expect me to abandon you... after putting a human offspring inside your womb?" He scoffed, firing me an uptight look as he pressed on my belly to relieve the soreness."So you're guilty-""Ah~! Sora, jebal~! I'm not sitting here to rub oil over your belly just because I'm guilty! Alright? I don't know what you see in the mirror- but I find you really attractive! You're a mother of four children now! Did you expect your body to remain in the same shape? Chubby or toned- my dick will still get hard for you," He glared at me in frustration. I pursed my lips."You're hard?" I asked in curiosity."I was! When I was showering you! I was so hard because I wanted to have sex with you so badly!" He confessed, cutely glaring at me."Do you have a fetish for pregnant ladies-""You are my fetish!" He argued. I pursed my lips while staring at his annoyed expression with a faint smile. Taehyung pulled the loose gown over my belly to cover it and quickly got up to wash his hands before strolling back into our bedroom. "Did I buy the right size?" I innocently blinked. The man frowned at me and glanced at the condom pack on the nightstand."You slept with me countless times... but you don't remember?" He narrowed his eyes."Well- The last time we did it- you were impatient... and we were both clothed... so I couldn't see-""If you're so curious... why don't you put it on for me..?" Taehyung smirked, walking forward to snatch the condom pack and tore it open, causing my eyes to widen in shock."Hey- I'm just curious!" I gasped as he clipped the wrapper between his slender fingers."Go on. Put it on me... and see... if you've picked the right size... for my so-called... mini corndog," Taehyung handed me the ringed pack. I gripped the wrapper with a flushed face as he placed it in my palm... so I nervously glanced up at his smug expression again. Taehyung lifted his shirt to expose his ripe torso and thrust his crotch forward to present his hump before my bulging eyes. I glanced at the waistband around his defined hips with a startled look."Ah!- Don't try to be funny! Leave!" I whined, hastily throwing the condom pack at him and slipped under the blanket with an annoyed grimace. I yanked the cover up to my nose and turned the other way to avoid his cocky smile."You don't need a human pillow tonight? Araso. I'll leave-""Turn off the light and get in bed! I'm sleepy!" I shrieked, quickly lifting my head to glare at him when he tried to stroll away.Taehyung chuckled at my demand, switched off the lights, and rounded the bed to slip in beside me... so I huffed and turned to lay on my back in annoyance. He keeps getting on my nerves~! If it weren't for the child in my stomach- I'd get into a physical fight with him countless times already!"Aigo~! I'm scared of our daughter at this rate. I don't remember my dumpling wife being this fussy before? She used to be so obedient~!" Taehyung exhaled, causing me to glare at him with my head turned on the pillow. The man smiled, dismissively brushing my hair from my face."Do you have a death wish?" I seethed at his smug expression."It's the baby, right? Aigo~! Don't be so mean to appa~! Your mother won't feel well if you make her hate appa like this~! My poor wife~! Aigo~! Look at you~! You'll suffer a stroke if you keep getting upset over little things like this~!" Taehyung teased, gently patting my cheek, and leaned forward to kiss my nose. I blinked and attempted to glare at him again- but he repeatedly kissed my eyelids to stop me from expelling my dissatisfaction."Arm," I grumbled while patting the pillow until he lowered his arm for me. I scooted forward to rest my head on his bicep."I'll wait for the day... you demand for something else," He whispered while rubbing my back to comfort me. "What?" I asked, lifting my face to stare at his stupid smirk."If you ever find yourself... in heat... just say... Taehyung... strip," He whispered. My eyes flung open in shock- so I tried to shove him away- but he hugged my head tightly against his buff pecs while chuckling under his ragged breath."Are you nuts!-""Strip... and my clothes will immediately leave my body. Lay down, Taehyung. I'll immediately allow you to use my body... to your desire. Hmm? Don't forget, okay? I'm waiting for the day," He patted my head. I whined and smacked his chest- but he refused to release me... so I huffed and gripped his silk pajamas in annoyance as he hugged my head with his muscular arms."You sick pervert!" I whispered under my breath."I'm a sick pervert for you," He agreed, softly kissing the top of my head and clutched tightly onto my body... making me groan in frustration... but I eventually gave in and plunged into a deep sleep in his arms. This man exhausts me from morning until night because I always use up my energy to bicker with him. __________________________
Well, the impossible happened again in my life... and for some unknown reason... I chose to forgive my former lover, Kim Taehyung. Is it me who has forgiven him? Or is it he... who... forgave me for exploiting his existence? It's a complicated compromise between us. I could no longer neglect the undesirable marriage I single-handedly initiated... and he can't settle with another woman unless I die... so here we are stuck... in a very... silly situation.

There were constant kisses... touches... and sweet conversations... here and there at random times of the day... but we weren't entirely in love yet. Would I call it love? Maybe. I'm not sure. He flusters me often with his sugary tongue... but for some reason... I still felt a little unsettled around him.

Maybe this relationship reconciliation was too sudden? I never intended to have his child... but he pleaded me for a new start... so here I am... awaiting the day to deliver his daughter. I do not wish to live on bad terms with him anymore, not especially... when the kids... look up to him as a father figure.

The twins... specifically... were upset with Taehyung for his harsh treatment, and they have every right to feel the way they did after witnessing my misery... but... these kids... don't fully understand the complexity of our relationship affairs. It's a bit unfair for Taehyung to be resented by their young souls without proper knowledge of our conflict... so I've decided not to involve the children in our dispute.

They should focus on growing... and achieving their young dreams... instead of stressing over unresolved adult dramas.

It's not like I can... avoid Taehyung anyways. I've chosen to marry him at my own will. It is either... I choose to live the remaining lifeline... refusing to accept my blunder, or I face my crime and accept the consequences.

I chose peace.

Yangcha will never return... no matter how desperately I yearn for him.

He pleaded me not to hold on to everything that's dead and gone... so I must move forward, or I'll never free myself from the grief of losing him. I don't intend on erasing Jae Yangcha from my life either because he's a soul... I'll always cherish... close to my heart, but... to enable my children to live a wholesome life... filled with happiness... I must first... prioritize my own welfare and heal... to provide proper care for them.
"Come to hyung~!" Woobin clapped while extending his arms for Beom on the field under the peaceful morning sky. The youngest child giggled in glee and strutted forward to approach the older boy, who chuckled and encouraged him over the trimmed grass."Hyung~!" Beom giggled, trying to grab Woobin... but the boy chuckled and ran backward to tease the child. Beom whined at his brother's retreat but didn't give up and hopped forward on his sneakers as I stood on the twins' terrace to watch them race over the field on their bikes."You're so noisy~!" Taehyung shouted, suddenly strolling from the back door to stretch his arms over his head. He smiled once he noticed me standing on the upper terrace... so I waved at him and glanced at the twins as they drifted their bicycles wildly and raced their wheels down the short slope."AH!?- Out of the way! OUT!" Woojin screamed when his bike suddenly hit a rock, causing the wheels to steer at a shocking speed toward Beom... who was cluelessly standing with his back turned on his brother. Woobin's eyes widened in horror as the twin boy raced toward the youngest child. My heart shook in fear as Beom chuckled and turned around to face the approaching bicycle-"YAH-!" Kim Taehyung sprinted forward to seize Beom just in time and pushed the baby aside, causing Woojin's eyes to flung wide open as he slammed into his father- CRASH! Woobin rushed forward to cushion baby Beom after he lost his balance from the unexpected force.Woojin's painful holler suddenly echoed over the vast hilltop as he tumbled off the bike and slammed into Taehyung, who grabbed the kid by the collar and- THUMP!- Thump! The man rolled onto the grass after the wheels violently collided right into his back. The alpha gripped tightly onto Woojin with his palm secured under the child's head to cushion the impact."OH NO! MY BABY~!" I gasped, quickly spinning around to race out of the twin's room and hurried down the stairs before dashing out onto the front yard to find Taehyung sitting up with twigs in his hair. Woojin whined and rubbed his injured arm as Woobin hugged Beom on the side, who was staring at the alpha's disheveled condition with a startled expression."Are you okay?!" I gasped, quickly racing toward Woojin, who was sitting on the ground with a bleeding elbow. Kanghoon crashed his bike onto the grass and hurried forward to crouch by his twin brother."Ow~!" Woojin pouted at me."Get up~! You should've been careful! You could've hurt yourself and Beom!" I scolded while helping the child to his feet, and dusted his clothes before dragging him inside the mansion.
A moment later. 
Woojin pouted while sitting on the couch as I disinfected his bleeding scratch with a cotton pad... until Taehyung limped inside the mansion with Beom in his arms. How can he be so careless? Beom could've been hurt by the accident~!"Ahjussi... are you okay?" Woobin worriedly glanced at Taehyung."I'm fine," Taehyung replied as he settled Beom on the carpet... so the child curiously walked forward to watch me bandage Woojin's arm."No more bike riding without supervision," I pinched Woojin's cheek. He groaned and slumped back on the couch as Kanghoon worriedly observed his brother's injured arm."Eomma~! Milk~!" Beom cutely spoke, attempting to climb the couch, so I lifted him onto my lap and breastfed the child as Woobin followed Taehyung up the stairs, chasing the alpha to chat with him. Beom intensely sucked onto my nipple as I patted his wild black hair and glanced at Woojin... who was cutely pouting... over his little scratch... making me chuckle at his whiney attitude."Eomma kiss~!" Woojin whimpered, funnily raising his arm toward me. I smiled and kissed the bandage, causing the child to immediately grin in delight."Better now! Let's go play~!" He shrieked, grabbed Kanghoon's hand, and leaped off the couch together to hang out in the playroom. I chuckled and glanced down at Beom as he chewed my nipple with his sprouting baby teeth. I finally pulled my sleeve over to my shoulder and placed him back on the couch.
Fast Forward
I blankly watched the television in the dark living room with a blanket over my baby bump. Everyone has gone to sleep except for me. Thud... Thud... I glanced up the stairs to find Taehyung strolling down the wooden steps in his pajamas... eyes half open with his hand on his stiff back."Aren't you sleeping?" He asked, briefly glancing at the bright screen while scratching his head."I'll head to bed after I'm done with this episode," I shrugged. The alpha sighed, walked into the dark corridor, and disappeared from sight, so I glanced back at the show... until he returned with a bowl."I added vanilla ice cream," He muttered while placing the yogurt bowl on my belly so I glanced down to find a cut-up grape, cherry, and oatmeal mixed inside the bowl."You taught them this recipe?" I smiled as I stirred the bowl, unsurely licking the spoon to taste the flavor. Taehyung kissed my cheek as he slumped down to hug me on my side before glancing at the television screen with his sleepy gaze."You've tried it before?" He asked."Yup. The twins made me a yogurt bowl while you were away," I nodded. Taehyung sighed and lowered his body to press his face against my baby bump. He smiled and kissed my belly while rubbing the silk, making me smile at his affection for our child while licking the yogurt off the spoon."OH?!-" Taehyung suddenly jerked upward in fright once he felt the shocking movement. "The baby is kicking again," I chuckled, grabbing his hand to place it over the movement under my flesh. The man's sleepy eyes grew wide open as he witnessed the baby's activity in my womb."Hey! Appa is here! How are you~?!" Taehyung gasped, lowering his face to press his ear against my stomach. I chuckled while combing my fingers through his hair, fondly watching him chat with his daughter."She can hear you," I muttered. Taehyung kissed my belly repeatedly and lifted his face to kiss me... but I shoved him away and ate a spoonful of yogurt instead. Smiling, he hugged me on his side and rested his head on my shoulder to watch the show on the screen while rubbing my belly with his arms extended over my shoulder.

"You're so mean," He muttered. Why? Because I rejected his love stroke? I smiled and fed him the ice cream... but he firmly shook his head with a slight pout."Mean?" I smiled."Are you okay~? She ran straight to the kids- after watching the bike collide with me! Tsk!- I'm the injured person! Not them!" He grumbled in annoyance."You're seriously jealous of your children? I didn't think a trivial accident could hurt a strong man like you," I giggled. Taehyung playfully huffed and tightened his arms around my belly, so I grabbed his hand to place it on my breast."What's this...? Compensation...?" He scoffed, lifting his head to question me with his eyebrows raised."Compensation," I nodded. Taehyung chuckled as he pressed his face against my face to peck my cheek while fondling my breast... so I happily ate the yogurt while eyeing the flickering screen. Nom... nom... nom. I softly shrieked when he suddenly sucked on my cheek like a baby."Your cheeks are chubby again~! I like it so much~!" He whispered, repeatedly nibbling my cheek while kneading my breast with his palm... so I giggled at the ticklish sensation and shyly glanced at him."Aigo~! You're a perverted freak~!" Another voice suddenly spoke up, so I snapped my head to the side to find... my father standing at the base of the stairs in his pajamas. Taehyung froze at the man's disapproving grimace but didn't draw his hand away from my boobs."She's not complaining~!" Taehyung huffed, turning his face to kiss me again and groped my breast over the silk. "How shameless..." Appa grunted, walking away to enter the kitchen. I laughed and pushed his face away when he wouldn't stop sniffing my cheek."Have some decency, will you?" I mumbled, playfully glaring at him."You made me touch you first~! You know I freaking love your steamed buns!" He teased. I shrieked at his statement and tilted my head backward as he lowered his head to bite my breast, causing my cheeks to flush red upon witnessing... his perverted behavior. Taehyung chuckled, suddenly tugging my neckline with his finger to peek at my breasts beneath the silk and lowered his face to snuggle his face against the deep ridge of my plump cleavage as I intensely gripped onto his shoulder. 
Next Day
"Ah- Ah~! How troubling~!" Taehyung groaned as he stiffly lowered his bum to the armchair with his hand clasped over his back. "Are you alright? Should we visit the hospital after the meeting?" I frowned while rubbing his aching back. Yoongi and Sungho glanced up at us from the second row with a funny smile."The father is already... in pain? Even before the baby is due?" Yoongi chuckled. Seokjin briefly glanced at me and Kim Taehyung, who lowered his head to rest his forehead on the desk as I rubbed his sore back to soothe his discomfort. I'm concerned. He's been limping around with a stiff back..."Try fathering four kids... you won't last a day," Taehyung grumbled, causing Sungho to chuckle and shake his head with a weak smile. He's right. Children are a lifetime liability~! Taehyung straightened his back again with a pained expression to prepare himself for the meeting."Five kids soon. I never thought you'd have so many children," Sungho smiled. I chuckled and glanced at Taehyung as he bitterly flipped the file to skim the expected content on the document. The alphas cleared their throat when the moderator entered the room to begin the meeting... so I quietly listened to the alpha speak on the Black Phoenix's matter while rubbing my super tense belly.
The alphas have failed to track the cult's whereabouts because they've established many dummy operations to mislead the troops. I still feel uneasy with their presence because I'm afraid they'll attack my children when I least expect it.
I blinked out of my thoughts when Taehyung lowered his hand to hold my lap... so I straightened my slouching posture and glanced at the file on the desk as he rubbed my inner thighs while frowning darkly at the alphas below. He didn't seem to notice his actions and lifted his arm to hold my waist, causing me to tense my body uneasily upon his touch over my sensitive skin. I blinked and tried to focus on Jimin as he updated the council on the new operation posts."I have to use the bathroom. Be right back," I whispered, quickly drawing Taehyung's hand off my waist and got up from the armchair to vacate my seat."Should I escort-""I'll be fine," I shook my head, patted his shoulder, and walked toward the platform stairs.The alphas unsurely glanced at me as I held my almost due belly and strolled down the stairs to exit the room. The guard smiled and held the door open... so I walked out into the patrolled corridor before entering the bathroom to pee and finally stepped out to wash my hands and face. I'm feeling strange~!"What's wrong with me...?" I muttered and lifted my face to stare at my bright red cheeks in the mirror. I'm heating up so much! So suddenly?! Is it because of his touch? I sorely rubbed my belly when I felt a slight ache in my lower stomach-"Are you okay???" Taehyung suddenly pushed the door open and entered the lady's room."I'm fine~! Why are you here?" I muttered, turning to face him while drying my hands."Can you check my back? It's bugging me so much," Taehyung grunted while tugging his shirt from under his trousers, and turned his back so I lifted his shirt to examine the dark bruise on his lower hips."It's bruised. Let's get it checked when we visit the hospital to check up on our baby," I muttered, gently grazing his back. Taehyung pressed his hands against the sink while rubbing his back in discomfort. I should've invited the head doctor over to inspect him. How can I be so careless? He might suffer severe complications from this~!"Is it bad?" He grunted while staring at me through the mirror."Does it hurt?" I asked, gently pressing on the bruise, causing him to moan by accident. Oh?! Taehyung quickly pursed his lips and glanced at me with a startled look until my cheeks flushed bright red. Why did he moan like that?!"Anyways- Why are you burning up?" He quickly pulled down his shirt and spun around to feel my forehead. I flushed bright red at his touch and stepped back in a panic- slightly jerking at his touch."I- uh- I'm a bit uncomfortable..." I answered. He frowned as he loomed over me... so I eyed his defined hairline and glanced at his lips... until I felt my cheeks heating up again."Uncomfortable? Your belly?" He cluelessly asked. Why is he suddenly so attractive? I can't keep my eyes off him. I tiptoed, grabbed his nape, and tugged his face downward to press my lips against his. Smooch. The man froze and lifted his startled gaze to scan my flushed cheeks."I think it's the baby again..." I whispered, worriedly staring at him as my heart pounded repeatedly against my ribs. I want to touch him so badly! What's wrong with me!?!"The baby...?" Taehyung questioned my bizarre statement while holding my waist. I gripped his shoulder and tiptoed to press my lips against his ear."Did you bring a condom?" I whispered. Taehyung frowned, awkwardly shifting his eyes to me in the muted bathroom."Why are you whispering...? We're the only people inside the restroom," He frowned. I blinked and gripped my hand in embarrassment."Ah! Never mind-""Hah~? Where are you going, pretty lady...?" Taehyung chuckled, effortlessly grabbing my waist to tug me back when I tried to leave the space."It's nothing-""Nothing~? Look at your reflection, Sora," He suddenly gripped my chin and lifted my face while standing behind me with his solid body pressed firmly against my back. I blinked at my red face and up at his sly smirk as he lowered his head to fume his hot breath... over my neck. My body suddenly grew tense... upon the presence of his steady pants... on my sensitive flesh."Oppa- I'm seriously fine-" But was abruptly cut short when he inserted his index finger between my lips, causing me to grip his forearm with a startled look. He chuckled and lifted his sensual gaze to watch me in the reflection as he gently stroked my wet tongue with his finger... to hush my excuses. My body suddenly steamed in heat as he smiled and kissed my cheek from behind."Don't be embarrassed. Are you aroused~? Hmm...? How long are you going to hold back...?" He asked while staring at me through the mirror with his thick eyebrow raised. I gulped intensely without blinking... until Taehyung drew his hand from my mouth and- Slurp. He sexily sucked my saliva off his fingertip."I'm fine..." I whispered and leaned back against his shoulder for support. I'm in heat. Taehyung chuckled, suddenly raising his hand from my baby bump to undo my upper dress's buttons.... causing my body muscles to stiffen against... his pulsating chest as he slowly... undid the buttons."Where do you want me to touch you...? Hmm..? Here...? Do you like it when I touch you like this...?" He sensually whispered in my ear without shifting his devious smirk away as he plopped my dress's buttons before the mirror to expose my white bra. I shakily breathed and closed my eyes as he reached under the fabric to caress my breast. Fuck- I'm throbbing all over! This doesn't make sense- Why am I in so much heat?!"Should we wait...?" I whispered in difficulty. This is not an appropriate place to escalate our intimacy."You're in so much... discomfort... yet you wish to wait? Can you endure it? Your body is feverish. Your nipples are hard. Your cheeks are red. And I'm sure... your panty is soaked too. Can you endure it...?" He chuckled and slipped his fingers under my bra to knead my bare flesh with his palm, slightly pinching my hard nipple until I moaned and gripped his forearm in difficulty as the surging pleasure jolted all over my nerves. Taehyung supported my heavy belly with his free arm and gently pressed me forward to make me lean over the sink."Can we- do it later? The alphas might-""Shhh... baby... let me relieve your strained nerves. Hmm...? Oh?- You're so soaked already? How adorable," Taehyung softly kissed the crook of my neck, causing my body to quiver intensely... so he smiled at my favorable reaction and lowered his hand from beneath my belly to lift my dress and slip his hand inside my panties, making me groan in pleasure as he gently rubbed my throbbing spot between my legs. I huffed and bent forward with my arms pressed over the sink as he played between my legs until... my legs wobbled from the naughty presence of his fingers while watching... our reflection in the mirror. Hah~! Why does it feel so good~?!"Hurry up~! Or we'll get caught~!" I bit my lips in difficulty while staring at him with an annoyed frown. Taehyung chuckled at my pleas, finally slipping his hand out of my panties to grind his thumb over his soaked finger pads and stretch the slimy substance between his fingers. I frowned at the sight of my wet discharge... so Taehyung poked out his tongue and licked it off his fingers."Quick? Okay... I'll make it quick. We don't have to warm up since I'm already hard," He nodded while unbuckling his belt with one hand. I tilted my head against his shoulder with my lips ajar until he lowered his face to kiss me from the back as he pulled down my panties... letting the thin material slip to my ankles and slightly bent me over to nudge his bulge against me from behind. I pursed my lips and lowered my head to anticipate the penetration... until my muscles strained themselves... as he slowly slipped inside me. I moaned and lowered my head toward the sink."Hah~!" I whimpered while gripping my fist to counter the searing pleasure. This is the first time in over a year! I'm throbbing too much!"Don't bend over too much..." Taehyung slipped one of his arms over my chest to hold my shoulder and drew me back up as he shoved his hips against my buttcheeks. I frowned at his satisfied expression... as he steadily thrust inside me, causing my body to tremble from the raging hormones.I gripped his forearm and moaned softly with every thump I felt... so Taehyung grabbed my chin and drew my head back over his shoulder to shove his lips against mine. I groaned in distress as he repeatedly pounded from behind... until the burning warmth... expanded all over my crotch. Hngh~! I clenched my private part at the friction of his hard shaft... making him groan in discomfort."Ah!- Ah~! Oppa-" I moaned while frowning at his reflection in difficulty as he slipped his hand under my dress to press on my crotch, making me twitch at the jolting pleasure."Fuck, Sora- Why are you gripping onto me? Loosen yourself a bit- or I won't be able to penetrate- You're too tight-" He grunted, lowering his head to press his face against my shoulder while struggling to have sex with me. I gripped his wrist and huffed in difficulty as he stiffly humped my bare buttcheeks. I'm too anxious! I can't seem to relax at all!"Oppa wait-""Ah~! God- Why am I already so strained? Urgh- Shit- I think I'm going to cum!" Taehyung huffed, suddenly speeding up his pace- so I gasped and covered my mouth as he gripped onto my hips and thumped his crotch forward to reach deeper inside me. I whimpered in distress while gripping the sink for support."Tae- Taehyung! Wait- Something is wrong- HAH!" I gasped, quickly turning to grab his shoulder... but he seized my forearms and pressed me against the sink to stop me from escaping... as he quickened his pace inside me. I moaned and lowered my face in distress to endure the peaking pleasure... until sweat beads... formed all over my face- SPLURGE. I gasped and lifted my head in horror as Taehyung beat his bulge inside me again... with a rough thrust... causing my body to shudder at the shocking explosion of his hot semen."Hah! I came early again~!" He grunted, quickly slipping out as I weakly leaned over the sink with trembling legs. I feel like fainting! Taehyung snatched the tissues by the sink and crouched down to press the fresh sheets against my throbbing entrance to stop the semen from dripping down my legs. I fumed in heat and rubbed my aching belly with a slight frown."Ah-? Oppa~! Why did you ejaculate so much?!" I groaned, freezing in place as the warm discharge flowed freely from my inside. Taehyung apologized and dabbed the semen- so I turned around with a grimace as he pulled his underwear back onto his hips and buckled his belt as I buttoned up my dress- Drip."I'll clean you up-" Taehyung lifted my dress again while crouching on the floor but immediately paused once he gaze adjusted between my legs."My belly is aching..." I whispered while frowning at him. He gently touched my soaked thigh as the substance trickled between my legs."Sora- I think-" Taehyung halted in shock until I felt the gush of fluid flowing out of my vagina. Am I peeing myself?! I gripped my soaked pantie in a panic and lowered my gaze to stare at Taehyung, who was frozen in place as he watched the odorless water trickle down to my shin... soaking my heels with the slimy paste."Tae- Taehyung- AH!?-#^&*?!!" I stuttered when I suddenly felt a sharp contraction. Taehyung gasped and quickly stood up to step away from me with his hands entangled in his wild hair."Did your water break?!" He scoffed while yanking his hair in distress. I twisted my legs and hugged my belly in pain as the contraction wrenched painfully within my crotch."I TOLD YOU TO STOP! ARGH- AH!- DID YOU JUST FUCK ME UNTIL MY WATER BREAK?!" I screamed in horror. Taehyung's face flashed in fear as I groaned and gripped the sink for support while holding my belly. He quickly stepped forward to hold my waist."I'm sorry- I didn't mean to- OW! AH!? YAH! LET GO!" He grabbed my arm, but I huffed and snatched a handful of his hair."You should've stopped when I told you to!- ARGHHH! I'm in pain~!" I screamed in annoyance- but shrieked even louder when I felt my womb pulsing in extreme discomfort."I'm sorry!-""TAKE ME TO THE HOSPITAL! WHAT ARE YOU STANDING THERE FOR?!" I screamed while smacking his stupid chest."OKAY- URGH- OH!? UGH! AAH~! MY BACK~!" Taehyung quickly bent down to lift me when he suddenly stiffened as I clung to his neck for support."GET UP!- MY VAGINA IS HURTING SO BADLY!- KIM TAEHYUNG!" I screeched, angrily smacking his forehead in frustration."STOP HITTING ME! MY BACK IS IN PAIN-""IS IT MORE PAINFUL THAN A TEARING VAGINA!?" I shrieked with fuming sweat on my face."FUCK! ARGHHHH!" Taehyung screamed at the top of his lungs and lifted me off the ground with his sore back. I wailed in distress as he rushed toward the door with a drained expression."HURRY- THE BABY WILL POP-""OPEN THE DOOR FIRST! MY HANDS ARE FULL!" Taehyung screamed at my face. I whined and turned the door handle, so he furiously kicked it aside and raced out into the corridor... just as a few guards raced in our direction in bewilderment after hearing our frantic shouts-"Sir-""OUT OF MY WAY! MY WIFE IS GIVING BIRTH! CALL OFF THE MEETING!" Taehyung bellowed as he tightly gripped my body. I whimpered and hugged his neck as he limped through the corridor, causing the guards' eyes to widen in shock. They quickly chased after him until we reached Taehyung's car."I'll alarm the hospital!" A guard bowed, quickly opening the door so Taehyung could place me in the passenger seat. He hastily buckled the belt around my stomach- THUD. He slammed the door shut and rounded the car to slip into his seat. VROOM! The wheel violently jerked forward, causing me to gasp at the deadly jolt and gripped onto the handrest."ARE YOU TRYING TO GET US KILLED?!" I screamed at him with my glowering red face."AM I SUPPOSED TO DRIVE SAFELY!?- THE BABY MIGHT TUMBLE OUT OF YOUR VAGINA!" He argued. I whined and smacked my head before lifting my sweaty face to hold my baby bump in distress."How can you fuck me so hard!- This is humiliating!" I cried, weakly slumping back to press my hands against my face until I felt the sharp contraction... jolting down my legs and spreading all over my hips to torment my pelvis with severe cramps."STAY HUSHED- I'M TRYING TO FOCUS ON DRIVING!-" Taehyung complained when I wouldn't stop screaming. He abruptly steered into an intersection, causing my head to slam into the window. Smack! I groaned with my hand gripped over my throbbing forehead. "WOULD YOU STAY HUSHED IF I RIPPED YOUR BALL SACKS APART!?" I screamed, turning to glare at him. Taehyung clenched his jaw and glanced at me with heavy sweat on his hairline."HOLD ON ALRIGHT!" He snapped, sharply steering again, so I whimpered and slumped against the seat with sweat beads all over my head. I cried softly- Why is it so painful!? Beom's birth wasn't this bad! Argh!- I covered my mouth and screwed my eyes shut while gripping the headrest for support as I resisted the excruciating waves of pain that were pulsating all over my uterus- SCREECH. The car roughly came to a stop after a twenty-minute drive. The side door flung open and the medical staff appeared... already on standby to attend my unexpected labor.The nurses swiftly lifted my body off the seat to transfer me onto the cart- so Taehyung quickly hopped out of his car... and chased me into the hospital lobby. The medics frantically pushed my cart into the labor room as the nurses rushed away to inform the head doctor of my alarming situation.
A moment later.
"She's a stubborn one," The head doctor grumbled while standing between my spread-opened legs. Taehyung drummed his legs anxiously while holding onto my hand... so I groaned and glared at him."This is your fault!" I screamed, startling the nurses."Yah! I didn't know your water would break!" Taehyung argued. I pouted and gripped the armrest while lying on the bed as a nurse dabbed my snotty nose to keep it from staining my flushed face."My stomach was aching when you were fucking me with your hard penis! You should've listened when I told you to stop! So embarrassing! My inside is still filled with your cum~!" I whined in distress. The medics must be troubled by the mess between my legs!"Give it another push, my lady," The head doctor encouraged. I whimpered, sucked in my breath, and clenched my buttcheeks in extreme difficulty- BREEP. Taehyung flinched at my loud fart and glanced at me in disbelief."IS IT OUT!? IS IT OUT!?-" Taehyung gasped, scrambling from the chair to check between my legs but halted in horror as he gawked between my opened thighs with his bulging... terrified eyeballs."Is it- out???" I cried, painfully smacking my head against the pillow with messy tear streaks on my damp cheeks. "YAH?! *&%$!^!#?!- PUSH OUT THE BABY!- NOT YOUR GODDAMN POOP! GAH~! WHY DID YOU SHIT YOURSELF?!" Taehyung shrieked, firing me a startled expression."Sir! You must remain calm! Or we'll have to remove you from the room!" A nurse gasped at Taehyung's distracting screeches."ARFDGWEGDWE~! KIM TAEHYUNG! YOU'LL FOREVER TORTURE ME LIKE THIS!? WHY IS YOUR BABY SO FREAKING STUBBORN!?- MY VAGINA WILL BREAK AT THIS RATE!" I shrieked at the top of my lungs while clawing the handrest. Taehyung shook his dazed head and slumped down beside me before leaning over to hug my chest... so I sobbed and smacked his back in frustration.

"I'm going to faint- Sora- I can't- hah~!" Taehyung lifted his drained face to examine my tearful eyes."Don't you dare faint! Argh!- You stupid man!" I screeched, roughly grabbing his wild hair. Taehyung groaned in discomfort but didn't resist me and gripped my hand, so I whined and slumped back onto the pillow until I was out of breath. Another tormenting jolt suddenly traveled through my contracting inner muscles... causing me to screech in shock until my body shook from the intense pain."One more push-""ARGHHHHWQJKHQEHFKQHKQLQ4JFLH~!" I screamed in tears and tensed my body over the soaked bed- so Taehyung lifted our interlaced hand to press it against his face. I felt something huge slipping through my crotch and- a painful tear before- Slip!I wheezed in shock and slumped backward to stare at the blurry lights over my head as messy tears and snot spilled all over my sweaty face. My hand weakly flopped to the side as Taehyung rubbed my sweaty face and leaned over to kiss me. I whined and pushed his annoying face away as the nurse happily cheered on the side. Why is he kissing me?!- Did he think his cracked lips can numb my throbbing vagina!?- HAH~!"Congratulations," The head doctor chuckled, quickly resting a soaked... slimy fetus over my chest. I gasped and lifted my hands to hold her naked skin as Taehyung perched beside me with his lips ajar... until his eyeballs bulged out of his sockets at the sight of his daughter. "Why does she look like an alien...?" He frowned in disgust. I scoffed and glared at his frightened expression as he eyed the waxy substance... covering her curled-up body."She's still covered in vernix. We'll clean her," The nurse chuckled. I sniffled and patted the baby's back as Taehyung sat without blinking. He didn't look happy... but scared for his life- SLUMP."KIM TAEHYUNG!- YOU ASSHOLE!" I screeched when the man suddenly fell backward before I could grab him- and THUD! He slammed hard onto the floor with his lips ajar... causing the nurse to shriek in shock. I scoffed while staring at my cold husband before glancing at my daughter in tears."Take him to the resting room," The head doctor smiled."Your father is such a loser!" I sobbed and lowered my face to snuggle against my daughter's head as the nurse seized Taehyung's arms... and dragged him funnily over the floor to remove him from the labor room... like a heavy trash bag._________________________
Fast Forward
Kim Taehyung grunted under his breath while hugging my waist as he snuggled over my lap on the medical med. I smiled and weaved my fingers through his thick black hair, gently stroking his firm jaw as I sat with an IV drip attached to my wrist. I had a brief rest after delivering our daughter... but Taehyung? The loser is still unconscious. I asked the nurse to rest him on the bed with me... and I have been cradling the big baby... since I woke up."Omo! Omo- Sora! Are you okay?!" Imo came bursting through the door with Do-hwan in extreme bewilderment."Shhh! The baby is sleeping!" I grinned with my index finger pressed against my lips to hush her voice."The baby!? Where- Where is she-?!" Imo gasped, frantically rushing forward as Do-hwan carefully closed the door."This baby is asleep. Don't wake him," I chuckled while patting Taehyung's firm cheek. Imo froze in shock as she stood by the bedside to watch the father sleep on my lap."AISH! YOU JERK!-!?- WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! THE AUDACITY!!!-" She suddenly spanked Taehyung's butt, causing him to stir awake in confusion."Imo!-""How can you rest so well after your wife gives birth?!" The woman screamed, angrily whacking his ass. Taehyung grunted and quickly jerked awake with a dazed expression."Ow!" He whined, quickly rubbing his assaulted bum while squinting at her. The woman seethed and smacked his chest in annoyance.... until his eyes flew open at the sudden realization."Sora!? Where is my wife!-""I'm here!" I giggled, quickly grabbing his wrist when he tried to launch off the bed. Taehyung snapped his head toward me with his eyes bulging open in shock. I chuckled at his pale expression."Are you okay?! Are you bleeding?!" He gasped, suddenly yanking the blanket off my lap, and tried to lift my gown- so I gasped in shock and shoved his head away."What are you doing!? Yah!-" Imo scolded, angrily grabbing Taehyung to yank him off my body. The man groaned and stumbled over the tiles as the woman quickly sat down by my bedside to cup my cheeks."Hey! My wife-""SHUT UP!- Aigo~! You poor thing!" Imo pouted at me as Taehyung stood behind her with an upset glare. I smiled and hugged imo, so she sniffled and hugged me tightly as Do-hwan leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, smiling slightly at Taehyung's annoyed grimace.
A moment later.
Taehyung glared at the elderly woman while sitting on the couch... across from Do-hwan as she fed me the warm abalone porridge. I smiled at her in exhaustion. I can't live without her. "Does your lady part hurt?" She asked anxiously."Sore... but bearable," I nodded. Imo sighed and glared sideways at Taehyung."Tsk! She already had three children! Was it necessary to make her bear another one?!" Imo sneered."Why are you complaining so much?! It's not your womb that's hurting! Sora is smiling- but you're initiating trouble between us like this?!-" Taehyung snapped at the woman."Kim Taehyung!-""Imo~! I'm fine. Our daughter is really cute... you know~? You'll love her!" I grinned, grabbing imo's hand to distract her. She cutely glared at Taehyung and turned to dab my lips. The door opened... and the head doctor strolled inside with a clipboard... so I smiled at the man and lowered my head to thank him."How's my daughter?" Taehyung quickly tensed up in his seat. The man chuckled and sat down on the chair."She's healthy," The man assured. Taehyung patted his chest in relief and slumped backward."Aigo... look at him react in such relief... as if he's the one to endure the pain-""IMO!" Taehyung screamed at the woman in annoyance when she wouldn't stop nagging him with a dirty look. The head doctor chuckled and shook his head... so imo huffed and patted my hand to comfort me again."Eomma~!" The twins suddenly burst through the door before the head doctor could speak."Hello~!" I gasped, straightening my body on the bed as the twins sprinted towards me with their arms open."Where is aegi~?!-" They shrieked as they happily hugged my body. I smiled and kissed their cheeks with a bright beam as Beom strolled inside the VIP medical suite with appa, followed by Woobin."She's resting~!" I grinned while pinching the twin's cheeks."Eomma~!" Beom shrieked, cutely jogging forward-"BEOMIE!" I gasped when the baby tripped and tumbled over, but he quickly sat up with a bright beam, scrambled to his feet, and hopped toward me without a bother."Aigo~! Are you hurt?!" Kanghoon gasped, pulling Beom onto the bed. I chuckled and drew the little jaguar into my arms. He giggled cutely and kissed my cheeks."Ani~!" Beom shook his head, making me chuckle at his adorable smile."What are you standing there for? Come here~!" I beckoned Woobin, who was standing at the end of the bed with a faint smile."Are you okay, eomma~?" Woobin pouted, slowly walking forward to sit at my bedside."Your presence brought me a lot of energy~!" I giggled and softly kissed Woobin's cheek. He chuckled and hugged me tightly. Beom remained on my lap as the twins hugged me on my left side so I firmly held Woobin against my right waist."Aigo~ Where will my daughter fit when you've got the boys all over you like this?" Taehyung grumbled."In her father's arms, of course," I giggled. Taehyung chuckled and shook his head."A baby girl!?- Oh! We have a sister!?" Woojin shrieked as he cutely covered his mouth in shock."You better protect her~!" I grinned at the twins."If she's sassy like you- She wouldn't need us~!" Woobin giggled, causing Do-hwan and imo to burst out laughing."I'm sure she'll resemble her mother~!" Appa chuckled, walking forward to pat my shoulder... so I held onto his hand and glanced at the head doctor as he smiled at our warm family."Appa~! What's the baby's name?" Kanghoon curiously asked."Kimchi," Taehyung smiled."Moh!?" The kids shrieked."Kimchi?!" Woojin shrieked with a startled expression."Wae? It's a cute name!" Taehyung smiled at the kids."ANDWAE! YOU CAN'T NAME HER KIMCHI!" The twins shrieked in shock. Woobin chuckled and shook his head."Ahjussi has a horrible taste!- Why name a pretty daughter after fermented cabbage?! You can do better than this~!" Woobin teased the man."Ohoh! How dare you mock-""No kimchi! No kimchi!- Ugly name! Appa, be quiet!" The twins screamed in annoyance. Taehyung pursed his lips at their furious frown and weakly glanced at me as I patted Beom's back."Hajin. Kim Hajin. That's her name," I smiled, reaching out to ruffle the twin's hair."That's such a pretty name," Woobin chuckled."Hajinie!? That's better! Hajinie!" The twins agreed while nodding at me."Tsk. No one listens to me~!" Taehyung grumbled, slumping onto the couch and rolled over to sleep on his stomach. Woobin chuckled at the man's playful grunts while holding Beom's hand."Ha- Hajinie~?" Beom suddenly repeated his younger sister's name."That's right~! She's our baby sister~!" Woojin cupped Beom's cheek and kissed the baby on his lips. Beom chuckled and grinned at me brightly. The children chit-chatted loudly inside the room as the head doctor updated us on Hajin's health.
A moment later.
Do-hwan carried the sleeping twins over each side of his shoulders to leave through the door as imo bid me goodbye and held onto Woobin's hand to lead him out. I waved at Beom, who was clinging to appa's neck, and they eventually left the medical suite. Taehyung closed the door and slowly walked forward to sit beside me. He blinked at my pale expression and lowered himself onto me... so I hugged his body with my chin tilted over his shoulder."Thank you so much," He whispered, tightly gripping my body."I can't bear any more babies... so make sure to use a condom," I muttered. Taehyung scoffed and sadly lifted his body off mine to scan my face. He blinked, leaning forward to kiss me as I held onto his neck."If I could... I'd carry the baby for you," He frowned after drawing his lips away. I chuckled while scanning his guilty face. "Don't worry about it. It's your turn to look after her... now that she's out of my belly," I giggled. Taehyung chuckled and lowered his face to rest his forehead on mine, so I closed my eyes and released a deep exhale."I will protect you and our household... until my last breath," He whispered."Don't say that. It's traumatizing. You better live healthily, or I'll chase you with a knife in the afterlife for abandoning me with five kids," I muttered. Taehyung chuckled and opened my eyes to gaze at me while rubbing my cheeks."I won't let death do us part in this life. You have my words," He firmly nodded. Smiling, I tilted my face to kiss his lips. He exhaled and hugged me again, gently clutching my shoulder with his face pressed against the side of my head."Thank you for steering me onto the right path," I muttered. Taehyung nodded and rubbed my back while rocking me from side to side."I love you," He whispered. I gripped his back and dug my face into his shoulders."I'll return my feelings once I'm ready. You can wait a little longer, right?" I asked, pulling away to cup his cheeks."Of course. Take your time. I just put you through a painful birth... so you can reconsider your feelings for me. Loving a man... comes with a lot of pain," He nodded. I laughed and pecked his lips. Taehyung squished my cheeks and bumped his nose against mine... so I pursed my lips and hugged him again.
Maybe... It isn't so bad at all to grant us a second chance.
_________________________
Fast Forward
The twins shrieked at the top of their lungs as they frantically chased Woobin over the snowy hill to throw snowballs at each other as I watched them fondly from the first-floor window. Do-hwan was sitting on the platform to watch over the kids as imo handed him a warm sweet potato. I blinked when I felt a soft tug on my gown, so I glanced down to find Beom looking up at me with a small duck toy in his hand."Eomma~! Duckie~! Walk!" He mumbled random words. I chuckled and crouched down to smile fondly at the child as he held his father's handmade toy before my face.

"That's right~! Press the button like this- and duckie will walk~!" I whispered, pressed the button, and placed it down. The duck rolled forward, causing Beom to shriek, and chased after the duck over the carpet. I stared at the child with a troubled expression until appa stepped out of the bathroom."Aren't you going to sleep?" Appa asked. I sighed and stood up."Can I take him with me tonight?" I asked."What about Hajin? She's a handful herself. Beom doesn't like noise because he's a light sleeper," Appa unsurely glanced at me."She'll be okay. Beomie~ Do you want to sleep with eomma~?" I asked, holding out my hand for him. The child picked up his toy and strutted toward me."Neh~!" He cutely grinned. Appa smiled and nodded at me... so I led the child out of my father's room to enter my bedroom... until I found Taehyung hovering over the crate.

"Oh? He's not asleep yet...?" Taehyung smiled at Beom. He's almost two years old. I lifted the child and sat on the couch as he innocently played with his toys... until unconsciously tears... dripped from my eyes. I sniffled, quickly rubbing away the teardrop- causing Taehyung to glance at me with a startled look."Eomma~!" Beom shrieked while clinging to my neck. I hugged the child and glanced at Taehyung's concerned frown."Are you okay? Why are you crying?" Taehyung asked as he walked up to us and picked Beom from my arm to carry the little boy. I sniffled and lowered my head to press my hands against my face in difficulty. My heart aches so much."The child- He doesn't call his- father anymore," I pursed my lips and looked up at Beom as he cluelessly held onto the duck. Taehyung patted the boy's back as he watched me cry helplessly on the couch."Does it upset you?" Taehyung asked, slowly crouching before the couch to hold my hands. I rubbed away my tears and glanced at Beom's innocent gaze. He might not express his sorrows... but I can sense it... his solitude. He keeps gazing at Taehyung whenever he plays with the twins. And we would curiously tilt his head whenever Do-hwan interacted with Woobin."Everyone- has- a father... except for him. He doesn't interact with the twins- or Woobin and would always play alone. I try- to encourage him... but he keeps... insisting on sitting alone with the duck. I think- he misses his father-" I choked, slightly shaking my head in defeat."What about the photo album?" Taehyung asked, worriedly staring at me."He doesn't want to look at it anymore. Beom- he grows sulky if I bring him the photo album," I blinked while frowning at the two-year-old. Taehyung exhaled heavily and stood up to pat Beom's back."Sora... he can call me his father. You know I don't mind," Taehyung muttered while frowning at me. I rubbed my face with my palms and cried softly."He doesn't use the word appa anymore," I whispered with a broken heart. Taehyung held the boy's head against his shoulder to face him away so the child wouldn't see me cry."I'll do my best to be his father figure, okay? If he likes to spend his time alone... then we shouldn't pressure him out of his comfort zone. Hmm?- We can spend time with him and support him on the sidelines. He's pretty cheerful... and he's bound to forget his father as he grows because he was too young when his father passed... and that's normal. Once he's older... we can talk to him about it... and if he wants to remember his father again... we'll give him Yangcha's belongings- Don't stress it. Your child is not fatherless. I am their father... and I love every one of them unconditionally," Taehyung assured, placing Beom on the mattress before walking over to rub the tear stains from my cheeks. I nodded and hugged him tightly as Taehyung softly patted my back to console me."I want him to sleep with me... but he wakes up... every time Hajin cries. It feels like I'm abandoning him... whenever I leave him with my father," I muttered while rubbing my eyes as Beom played with his duck on the bed."Let's have him sleep with us. If Hajin cries... I'll take her out for a walk so Beom can sleep. Okay?" Taehyung firmly gripped my hands. I blinked at him in tears."Okay," I nodded. He sighed, kissed my head, and got up to pour the pills from the bottle and handed them to me. I'm suffering from postpartum depression... so every little thing is stressing me out. It's not because Taehyung isn't being helpful.  He takes great care of the kids and Hajin, but my feelings have been all over the place since I gave birth."Beom-ah~! Let's sleep with appa tonight ~! Okay?" Taehyung turned to crawl on the bed. Beom glanced at Taehyung and giggled."Duckie~!" He chuckled while showing Taehyung the duck."You're such a cutie~!" Taehyung kissed his cheek. I entered the bathroom to wash my face before slipping under the blanket with Taehyung, who was softly chatting with Beom. The child lay between us with the duck clutched tightly over his chest."Duckie~!" Beom giggled, glancing at me in the dark as he lay in his patterned pajamas. I sadly smiled and hugged the child as he clung to my waist. I kissed the top of his head and glanced upward to find Taehyung... sleeping on his side with his arm tucked under his head."He will be okay. I promise," Taehyung muttered, reaching over to brush my hair. I nodded and tightly hugged my third child until he scooted forward to hug me... with Beom between us."Hajinie~!" Beom whispered. I glanced down at the child. Right. Beom... seems to like Hajin a lot. He gets excited whenever he sees her. Maybe the two will get along? I hope Hajin can keep him company once she's grown.
Five children. I wake up every day caring for five young souls with different personalities and necessities. The twins are loud and energetic- and they struggle to respect another person's boundaries. Woobin is a calm boy... just like Beom- except Woobin can get a little irritated when the twins wouldn't stop bothering him.

And Beom? He prefers to sit alone and play.

He loves his older brothers... but he'd try to walk away and sit somewhere alone. Usually... the child sits in the playroom with his small crate of toys. The only people Jae Beom likes to be around are... my father and I... so we take turns keeping him company.

And Hajin? She's a handful. She screams all night long for her father to comfort her. The child doesn't calm down when I hold her.

Although the children's cheerful laughter and craziness often bless the mansion with a joyous atmosphere... they can also curse the walls with... explosive arguments and fights... and during those times... I get frustrated as well.

The older they got... the more they clashed.

The twins would constantly invade Woobin's space and disturb him until the child gets upset and shouts at the twins. And Beom? The older he gets... The more distant he becomes. Somedays... I'd spent hours... searching for him... and he'd sit somewhere alone on his own.

Sometimes... he hides in his closet because he doesn't want to speak with anyone.
"Wah~! Wah! Wah!" Hajin shrieked, jerking me awake from my deep sleep... so I quickly clasped my hands over Beom's ears."Babe!- Baby~!" I whispered while tapping Taehyung's shoulder. He groaned at the disturbance, pushed his body off the mattress, and quickly got up to lift Hajin out of the crate."Playroom- It's soundproof. Don't take her to the living room- Woobin can hear her," I muttered sleepily."Get some sleep," Taehyung nodded and strolled out of the room with our crying daughter, so I sighed and glanced at Beom, who was stirring under the blanket. I placed his duck toy on the nightstand and slid down to pat his back as he snuggled my chest.
A moment later.
"Is she asleep?" I whispered after Taehyung strolled back inside to settle Hajin in the crate."Yeah. Hajinie should sleep in until morning," Taehyung muttered while hovering over the crate to adjust her position. I sighed and kissed Beom's cheeks until Taehyung sat on my bedside to rub my upper arm in our dark bedroom."What's wrong?" I asked, hoarsely turning to stare at Taehyung."Let's sleep in my room for tonight," He muttered, tugging my arm to draw me upward. I smiled and sat up to pat his firm cheek."Sleep in your room?" I chuckled. Taehyung smiled and hugged me in a sitting position."I'm horny. Help me out- Just for a moment. We'll return before they wake," He whispered. I chuckled and pulled away to examine his cute pout. Hah~! It's one in the morning and he's aroused?"Kaja~!" I giggled, hugging his neck so Taehyung slipped his arms under my gown and lifted my body off the mattress."Grab the condom from the drawer-""It's okay. I'm on pills," I chuckled. Taehyung smiled, left the room to carry me down the hallway, and we entered his room together. He carefully rested me on the bed and quickly slipped off his clothes before crawling over me."Does your lady part... hurt? If it hurts... I'll take care of myself," He smiled, gently kissing my cheek while massaging my sore breast with his palms. Softly chuckling... I held onto his waist with my tender gaze on his sleepy expression."It's been four weeks... should be alright," I shrugged as I bit my lower lips. Taehyung chuckled and kissed my lips again,"Never mind. Let's just sleep- I want to hold you," He muttered, slumping beside me to pull the blanket over our bodies instead."Are you sure?" I blinked, turning on my side to stare at him."Yeah. I'll wait until you're fully healed to avoid complications with your health. It's early morning anyways... so you should sleep well... or your mind will start to wander again," Taehyung smiled while gazing at me. I dimly nodded and hugged his chest._______________________
Fast Forward
I zipped up the colorful bags on the counter, quickly grabbed the handles, and raced out of the kitchen to find Taehyung crouching before the twins to fix their scarf as Woobin sat on the bench to pull on his boots. Beom was peeking at the older kids with a small fish bun in his hand from the base of the staircase. Blue lunch box for Woojin. Yellow for Kanghoon and red for Woobin."Woobin- Your beanie. Keep it on," I placed the lunch boxes on the bench and quickly snatched the beanie from the rack to pull it over the boy's head. His ears might freeze if he enters the snow hail without it. The boy smiled at me as Taehyung straightened his body in his tidy navy blue suit to slip on his thick coat."Beom~! Do you want to go to school with us~?" Kanghoon asked while beckoning the child. Beom giggled but didn't walk forward and hid behind the wooden railing, so I turned to lift him from behind the staircase and walked toward Taehyung with the child on my hips."Are you sure you'll be okay? Alone?" He asked, gently cupping my cheeks as I stood in my silk dress."I'll be fine with Beom and Hajin. The maids and the guards will assist me," I smiled as I patted his black coat with one hand. Taehyung leaned downward to peck my lips before kissing Beom on the cheek, causing the twins to giggle with their hands over their lips while watching us from below."Take your lunch box. Eomma placed a heat pack in each of your bags... so use it if the frost is unbearable," I turn to lift the lunch box, handing it to Woobin first and then to the twins. They nodded, so I crouched over the floor to give the three boys a soft peck before standing up again."Call me if you need anything, okay?" Taehyung smiled, gently hugging me as I held Beom on my hips. I nodded and patted his back. Clack. Taehyung pushed open the door- letting the cold wind gust inside the mansion, causing Beom to quiver in his thin pajamas. I hugged the baby as the twins held Woobin's hand and strode out of the mansion after their father. Taehyung waved at me and closed the door. I smiled and watched them through the transparent glass while rocking Beom in my arms.
Imo is suffering from back pain... so I sent her to the hospital with Do-hwan in Seoul. Appa wanted to get a check-up as well. He left with the guard and the maid on a private jet... earlier this morning.

Taehyung has to attend a general meeting at his fintech corp... so I'm left all alone with the young heirs. Well. I'm not alone. The maid and the guards are still on standby to assist me... but the storm is severe... so I asked the maid to rest in their respective dorm. I can manage the mansion myself.
"Eomma~ Hajinie~?" Beom asked while munching the fish bun."Do you want to see her? She's in the living room," I chuckled, turning around to walk into the living room and sat Beom on the couch before turning to lift Hajin from the crate. She was asleep... so I held her over my lap as I crawled onto the warm blanket with Beom."She looks like eomma, doesn't she?" I chuckled. Hajin resembles me so much... it's unbelievable. It's as if... I was staring at younger me. Her plump and rosy cheeks... cute doe eyes... and curled lashes. Beom giggled and tried to feed Hajin his bun... but I smiled and ruffled his thick hair."She doesn't have teeth to eat~! You can have it to yourself," I hugged Beom on my side. He nodded and ate the snack I made for him before lowering his face to smile at Hajin's peaceful expression with his fond gaze."Hah~! Ki-yote~!" Beom spoke while poking Hajin's rosy cheeks with his finger. Did he say cute~?! He learned a new word~?! I chuckled and kissed his head proudly, so he leaned back against my arm and munched the bun again.I switched on the television to watch the cartoon while cradling Hajin in my right arm. The three of us... eventually drifted into a brief nap before I got up to prepare lunch and fed Beom and then breastfed Hajin, who woke up right after I finished my meal... but luckily... she didn't cry. She doesn't cry during the day... only at night.
Evening.
"Eomma~! Is the food ready? We're hungry~!" The twins screamed from the upper floor while peeking over the railing."Come down and help me set the table~!" I replied while carrying the warm meals to place on the coffee table. I cooked dinner myself without assistance because I didn't want to bother the maids. Woobin sat with Beom on the couch to watch the screen, leaving Hajin to sleep in her automated rocking crate."I'll help," Woobin smiled, releasing Beom from his arm, and followed me inside the kitchen."The soup is hot-! Take the plates~! Eomma will carry it," I patted Woobin when he tried to lift the soup bowl. He smiled and lifted the plates as I instructed and strolled out of the room with a bright smile- Thump!- THUMP!- CRASH!"Agh!" The twins shrieked in horror. I quickly placed the soup bowl down and hurried out of the corridor to find Woobin standing... frozen in the hallway with the broken plates on the ground as the twins stood on the side with their fists clenched."Are you okay-""Hyung! Why are you so careless~?!" Woojin whined while rubbing his shoulder. Woobin blinked at the twins and glanced up at me apologetically."You two!- You ran into your hyung! Why would you blame him!?- Woobin, honey-! Don't touch the shards!" I warned when Woobin crouched down to collect the shards."Hyung didn't move out of our way~!" Kanghoon argued while darting Woobin an irritated glare."Ouch!" Woobin gasped, quickly dropping the broken shard to the floor. I gasped again and hurried forward to grab his upper arms."I told you not to touch it~! And you two!- Go and sit in the living room if you're not going to make yourself useful!" I snapped at the twins. He frowned at Woobin as he sorely stood by my side. The bowl cuts huffed with an attitude and stormed away with their arms crossed... so I dragged Woobin aside and took off my apron to place it over the broken shards."Eomma- I'm sorry- I should have been cautious-""It's okay. Bring eomma the trash bin," I shook my head while kneeling on the floor to collect the broken plate. Woobin walked inside the kitchen and returned with the empty bin... so I carefully scooped up the plates to throw them away and got up to grab the vacuum, calmly sucking up the fine shards as Woobin left to wash his bleeding finger.I asked Woobin to look after Beom afterward and returned to the kitchen to draw out a new set of plates to set the table in the living room before placing the utensils down for the kids. Woojin and Kanghoon sat on the carpet with their arms crossed and dark frowns on Woobin, who was unsurely hugging Beom. He gulped at the twin's scowl and glanced at me."Come. Let's eat," I tugged Woobin. The child quietly sat by my side, so I lifted Beom to place the child on my lap as Woobin poured the twins the orange juice and placed the cups before his younger siblings- CRASH!I flinched at the loud clatter and glanced up with a startled look after... the twins... rudely shoved the cup aside- causing the juice... to spill over the table. Woobin frowned at the children and glanced at me with an apologetic frown. My blood started boiling at the twin's spoiled attitude... but I didn't want to startle the children... so I calmly exhaled to cool down my boiling temper and grabbed the napkin to dab the table as Beom cluelessly gripped a broccoli between his fingers to munch on it."Have the juice for yourself," I patted Woobin's back and poured him a glass. The twins frowned and glanced at me when I wouldn't give them the juice. Woobin sighed deeply and lowered his face to eat from his bowl... so the twins scoffed and dug into their bowl as well. Sora... You have to stay calm. You cannot scream at them.Clatter. Clatter. I stopped chewing and lifted my face to find the twins jabbing their forks into the slice of vegetable pancake to stop Woobin from taking it. The older child blinked and reached for the fish... but Woojin quickly grabbed the fish with his bare hand to place it on his dish. Still. Woobin didn't complain and poked the radish with his chopstick- Snatch! Kanghoon seized a handful of the radish and shoved it into his stuffed mouth. Woobin frowned at the younger children's coarse behavior... slowly... placing his chopstick down in defeat when they kept disrupting his meal."I'm full, eomma. I'll head to my room," Woobin smiled and lifted his plate to leave the living room. I gripped my spoon with my disappointed frown on the twin's smug expression and sighed, quietly eating as Woobin climbed the stairs without looking back.I did not scold my children and chose to distract myself with the house chores after dinner. Sighing, I rubbed my aching temples and carried Hajin up the stairs as Beom climbed the step by my sides... and we left to reside in our room. I put Hajin in her crate, showered with Beom, and finally cradled the child to sleep before leaving my bedroom to enter the twin's room. They were asleep on their bed... so I closed the door and entered Woobin's room to find him sitting at his desk with his head on his forearm."Oh- Eomma," Woobin sat up with puffy eyes. I frowned at his swollen eyelids."Come here. Let me treat your wound," I strolled inside the room to sit on the bed with a cream bottle. Woobin sniffled and got up to sit beside me, so I took his hand and turned it over to stare at the small cut over his fingertip."It's not that bad," He muttered. I rubbed the cooling cream onto the wound and gently wrapped it up with a cute bandage."I'm sorry. You must be upset," I frowned while stroking his soft cheek."It's fine. They'll forget about the fight tomorrow," Woobin shrugged."I'll talk to them. I promise. Okay? I didn't want to startle Beom and Hajin with the scoldings earlier," I smiled. The child nodded and leaned forward to hug me... so I patted his head and rubbed his back before leaving to sleep in my room as Woobin returned to paint for his school assignment.Taehyung called me in the afternoon to inform me he won't make it back home tonight because of the harsh snowstorm in the city... so I'll have to reside alone in the mansion for the night. I'm worried Hajin will cry for her father again. I hugged Beom's shoulder... who was peacefully sleeping with his head rested on my upper arm as we remained in the dark room while watching the heavy snow through the transparent arch windows and finally closed my eyes when-"WAH! WAH! WAAAAAAH!" Hajin screamed from her crate, so I quickly jerked awake before I could sleep."Aigo~! Eomma is here!" I gasped as I lifted her out of the crate. I quickly stepped out of the bedroom, leaving Beom to sleep alone, and raced down to the living room while patting Hajin's back to console her."Ah! Ahhhhhh~!" She cried in distress. I quickly slipped the sleeves off my shoulder and breastfed her until she grew hushed... so I sighed and leaned back against the couch in exhaustion while watching the guards patrol the mansion through the windows.

"Wah!- Ah~! Waaaah~!" Hajin suddenly pushed my breast away and started wailing again as I frowned at her pouty expression and toothless gum."What's wrong~? Do you want appa~? But Appa is away~!" I pouted at her. She stared at me from the bundle and screamed louder, making my heart stir uncomfortably... upon her distressful cries. Is she sick~?I lifted Hajin's light mass to rub her back and stood up to stroll around the dark living room... but no matter what I did or what I said... she wouldn't stop wailing. Her face started burning bright red from the endless screams... until I slumped on the couch with a stuffy feeling... refusing to let go of her with the phone pressed against my ear. She will hurt her throat at this rate."Oh? Sora. What's wrong?" Taehyung hoarsely spoke through the phone."Ha-Hajin wouldn't stop crying-" I sobbed, lowering my face to stare at my daughter as she screeched in my arms with the phone pressed against my ear."Maybe she's cold-""I put on her socks and even fed her-""WAAAAAAH~!" Hajin screamed louder, causing me to pout at her tearful eyes and bright red cheeks."Hajin-ah! Don't be like this to your mother! Sora- I'll be home- Give me a moment- I'll schedule a flight-" Taehyung spoke up. Beep. He hung up on me... so I lowered the phone and held the child with my head lowered... until I felt my chest swelling in extreme frustration."Don't you like eomma~? Why are you crying so much~?" I whimpered as I stroked Hajin's cheek."EOMMA~! AAAAAAAH~!" I flinched in a panic when I heard a faint cry from the upper floor."WAHHH~! WAAAH!-" Hajin screamed at the top of our lungs, causing my chest to stir in extreme distress."Oh no~! You woke Beom~!" I gasped, quickly rising to my feet and hurried up the stairs in a panic with Hajin to race down the corridor... and pushed the door open... until I found Beom sitting on the bed with a downturn pout."Eomma~!" The little boy shrieked- so I hurried forward and crawled onto the bed to hug Beom with one arm."I'm sorry~! Hajinie is upset-""WAAAAAAAAH~!" Hajin shrieked, causing Beom to wince and cry harder at the noise of her frantic screech. I huffed and glanced back and forth between the children while clutching tightly onto both of them. How do I stop them from crying~? Beom is bothered by her scream and Hajin wouldn't calm down~!"Why are they crying so much?!" I whimpered while rubbing Beom's cheeks to brush off the tears and glanced at Hajin... who was shrieking until I felt her forehead burning hot. Unconscious tears started flowing from my lower lashes... so I sobbed and lowered my head as I helplessly sat on my bed to cradle my youngest child. Why won't she find comfort in me?"Eomma?" Woobin suddenly pushed the door open and poked his head inside. I sniffled and lifted my torn expression to the child as he anxiously stood by the doorway."Did they wake you too?" I whispered. Woobin sleepily closed the door and strolled forward."Can I hold Hajin?" Woobin asked as he climbed the mattress to sit beside me. I sniffled and handed him the bundle... so Woobin cradled her and gently rubbed her flushed cheeks as I wiped the warm tears from my numbed face. "Appa... is on the way home~ If you continue crying~ you'll get sick~" I sobbed while staring at Hajin with a heavy heart. Beom whimpered and hugged my waist... so I clutched the child against my chest to soothe him. "Why are you stressing eomma out like this~? Hmm~?" Woobin whispered, lowering his face to observe Hajin's frantic cries. She suddenly paused while staring up at the young boy. The newborn unexpectedly grew noiseless- causing the pressure in my head to subside as well. The room suddenly grew hushed... as she sniffled and stared up at the older boy with her glassy eyes."She likes you," I scoffed in surprise."Shhh... if you keep crying... everyone will stay awake because of you~!" Woobin muttered, lowering his face to kiss her plump cheek before rubbing away the tears from the corner of her eyes. Beom suddenly hiccuped against my chest from crying... so I scrambled over the bed to uncap the mineral water and raised it for Beom. He thirstily gulped the water while clinging to my shoulder. Sighing deeply... I glanced at Woobin again as he carefully placed Hajin on the mattress and rested beside her with his hand tucked under his head."Thank you," I sniffled, fondly grazing at Woobin as he patted Hajin's soft cheek."If she doesn't stop crying... I can never sleep," Woobin chuckled, sleepily glancing at me."You can sleep here," I smiled. Woobin nodded and laid on the mattress... so I leaned against the bedboard with Beom in my arms to take a deep inhale. I have to stay composed. Sora. You have to stay sane for your children. The mansion grew quiet again after an hour of trying to calm the shrieking children. Eventually... I fell asleep with Beom on my chest... and Woobin slumped onto the mattress with Hajin... and we finally drifted off to sleep until dawn."AH! AH! AH!-" The twins screeched, causing me to jerk awake with a pounding heart. Why are they screaming?! My heart dropped when I found the younger boys... yanking on Woobin's hair in my room."What- Hey! Woojin!- Kanghoon!?!" I gasped, quickly placing Beom on the mattress, causing the child to stir awake. I scrambled off the bed in a hurry as the twins attacked Woobin... who was kneeling on the floor in pain. Why are they fighting first thing in the morning?!"Not fair! Eomma loves him more! Not fair!" Kanghoon screeched. I quickly grabbed Woojin's hand to stop him from pulling Woobin's hair, but the child refused to release the boy."Stop it! You two! This isn't nice-""OW~!" Woobin sobbed in distress. I grabbed Kanghoon's waist to draw him back... but he resisted me and seized a handful of Woobin's hair."Eomma loves him more!" Woojin screamed at me in anger. I scoffed."What are you talking about?!-""YOU GIVE HIM MORE LUNCH! MORE SNACKS! YOU LET HIM SLEEP WITH YOU! YOU GIVE HIM SO MANY GIFTS! AND BLAME WOOJIN AND KANGHOON ALL THE TIME!" The twins shrieked in tears."Guys!- Stop! What are you talking about!?- Eomma loves every one of you!" I snapped, hastily yanking Woojin... who screamed louder- until Beom sat up with a big pout. "Eomma!" Beom shrieked, suddenly bursting into tears, causing Hajin to flinch a the disturbance and scream at the top of her lungs again. I scoffed in disbelief and wildly turned to find Woobin whimpering with his eyes screwed shut as the twins assaulted him on the floor."I'm sorry! Ah?!--" Woobin cried in distress.I sobbed and seized the twin's hands again to make them release the older boy... but they aggressively pushed me aside and started smacking Woobin's face- causing the boy to groan in pain. And suddenly... the entire room was plagued with my children's frantic screams. Hajin shrieked so loud- I could feel my eardrums stinging in pain. Beom wept in extreme discomfort as he crawled over the mattress to reach me. The twins hollered at the top of their lungs while harassing Woobin- who was sitting helplessly on the floor with... tear streams over his damp cheeks. BANG!"YAH!-" The door suddenly flung open- and... Kim Taehyung... came stumbling inside the room in bewilderment. I sucked in my breath and froze on the floor at his presence... helplessly slumping to the tiles as the father wildly gawked at the chaos within the room."Eomma loves hyung more! Ah! Ah!-" Kanghoons shrieked, trying to yank Woobin again when Taehyung angrily stormed forward."HAND OFF HIS HAIR! NOW!- KIM KANGHOON!- KIM WOOJIN!" Taehyung bellowed, furiously towering over the twins with an intimidating glare, causing them to flinch at his harsh tone- and quickly released Woobin in fear as they stared up at their father's raging glower.Beom slipped off the bed and hurried over to hug me... so I sat on the floor in defeat as the child cried and clung to my neck while gripping my loose black hair. Woobin whimpered and lowered his body to the ground with striking messy hair and a faint bruise on his cheekbone as Hajin screamed from her bed. I'm dizzy. I gripped Beom with my bloodshot eyes on the injured boy and glanced at the twin's startled expression as Taehyung frightened them with his dark presence before glancing at Hajin... as she screeched in her bundle while kicking her baby blanket to search for comfort."Omo- What happened?!" Imo shrieked, suddenly rushing inside the room. The twins pouted at Taehyung's fuming anger and glared at Woobin... who was sobbing on the floor while rubbing his sore scalp. Hic. I pursed my lips while patting Beom- who was sniffling against my shoulder with his terrified eyes on the older boys."Take the rascals to their room! You're both grounded!" Taehyung ordered, grabbing the twins to draw them aside. Do-hwan stepped inside my bed chamber with a horrified look as I crawled over the floor to draw Woobin into a sitting position. The child sobbed and turned to hug me."Let's go," Do-hwan grimaced, bending down to pick up Woobin from my arms.The child sniffled and hugged his father... so appa walked forward to draw Beom from me... as imo took the twin's hands to lead them out of the room. Thud. Taehyung closed the door before strolling over to pick up Hajin from the bed as I listlessly remained on the floor with... gliding tear streams over my face."Sora-""Can you give me some space? I need - time alone- hic-" I tried to speak but couldn't hold back my tears and lowered my head to cry in distress. Taehyung sorely watched me while patting Hajin's back to console her."Okay. Call me when you're ready to speak," Taehyung agreed and stepped out of the room to isolate me from my children. I sniffled, leaned against the foot of the bed and hugged my knees to calm my swelling emotions.I don't know- what's wrong with me! Why won't they listen to me?!- I'm trying so hard to care for everyone- but it seems like I'm failing miserably as a mother! I blinked and cried in distress with my forehead pressed against my knees until my shoulders trembled from the painful vibration of my frustrated heart.
I'm so tired.

I wanted to live happily... but with so many... children... I'm starting to lose my sanity again. Why are the twins causing so much trouble? I tried not to scold them- but they got more aggressive and attacked Woobin- who is too nice for his own good.

And Beom? I'm worried sick for his mental health because he finds comfort in solitude! And Hajin? She will definitely fall ill again after crying nonstop like this! What am I supposed to do?!- I can't hold them all at once! Should I tear myself apart to nurse them?!

A moment later.
I grunted under my breath as I adjusted my position to sleep on the side and slowly opened my blurry eyes to find a person... sitting at my bedside. He softly brushed my cheek... so I blinked and looked up at Taehyung as he compressed a cool patch over my forehead. He didn't speak and sadly watched me while stroking my face with his thumb."Where are the kids-" I coughed, quickly pushing my sore body upward. My eyes are burning so much... and my temples are throbbing from the mental breakdown I had earlier."Don't worry about them," Taehyung gripped my shoulders while scanning my pale face with an anxious frown. I swallowed the hot lump and glanced at the empty crate in defeat."I'm sorry," I whispered while frowning at him with a wrenching heart."Why would you be sorry-""I don't know- I feel like I'm falling apart. I'm so tired and- everything- I feel so overwhelmed- and I- feel so sorry for failing to properly care for my children- I'm such a terrible mother- I can't seem to please them. The twins are angry with me- Woobin is hurt because I couldn't stop his younger brothers- Beom is detached from the family- and Hajin- doesn't find comfort in me- I feel so heavy- and most of the time- I only want to sleep and do nothing and- I end up feeling super terrible for neglecting my duties as their mothers so I try to keep myself occupied with house chores- yet I feel so helpless- I don't know- Why is it suddenly so difficult?" I sobbed until the hot tears streamed down my cheeks, so I lowered my head to cry in distress. Taehyung sighed as he sat in casual clothes to watch me break down before him again. I can bear all the difficulties... but my children? I feel so helpless around them."Postpartum depression. The head doctor did warn us about it. That's why I'm keeping you on the medication," He whispered. I blinked and looked up at his troubled gaze as the aching emotions stung my sore heart."I'm afraid I'll lose my sanity and- hurt the kids with my harsh-""How old are you, Sora? You're thirty. A young woman... with five children. Of course, you're bound to feel overwhelmed," Taehyung shook his heart, gently rubbing the tears from my cheeks. I pouted and lowered my head restlessly."I don't want to hurt their feelings-""You're not hurting them. I know... you struggle to scold the children... so I'll do it for you, okay? Don't worry about them. It is you... who desperately needs the healing," Taehyung sighed as he held onto my hands."I'm sorry- I really didn't mean to put you through so much pressure-"Sora, it is not your fault. Okay? Please. Don't apologize. You did nothing wrong... and it's natural for you to feel this way. I don't blame you... but I need you to understand that... you're not alone. I am here... as your lover. Your husband. The father of your children... to support you. You will feel this way for a while... but that's okay. Don't feel guilty- you can sink as low as you want... and I'll hold onto you like this. Take as long as you need to recover. But... please... rely on me. If you wish to break... break in my arms. You know... I'll do anything to mend you back together... so don't shut me out from your life and let me support you," He whispered while frowning at me with a troubled look. I pursed my lips and finally nodded in defeat... so he sighed and drew me into a tight hug. I sniffled and gripped his muscular back to inhale his soothing body fragrance.
Motherhood is tough.

A moment later.
I climbed down the stairs into the oddly hushed mansion and glanced around the empty living room in my gown until Taehyung strolled out of the kitchen with a box of sweet rice cake. I blinked and stared at him with a questioning look."Where's everyone?" I muttered."I sent them away," Taehyung replied as he tore the package apart and pushed the sweet rice cake against my lips."Huh?- Wae- The kids too???" I scoffed in shock. Taehyung smiled and lowered his face to kiss me."You'll never recover if they keep disturbing your weak heart with their frantic cries and screams," He chuckled. I blinked unsurely and glanced around the living room again."Taehyung, that's not necessary- I was just overwhelmed-""They're on a break at our vacation house by a beach. Imo, Do-hwan and your father left with the children to stay there for the week. We'll join them during the new year... so for the next seven days... I need you to heal and rest here. Okay? I'll stay by your side... and we'll do whatever we want to do," Taehyung smiled while cupping my cheeks between his palms. I blinked at his faint smile."What about Hajin? She needs you-""Your father can comfort her. She seems to favor handsome-looking men- just like her mother," Taehyung sweetly kissed my lips. I smiled at his words as he tugged my waist against his body to assure me... so I hugged my husband and chewed the sweet rice cake in my mouth as he gently rocked me from side to side in the muted living room."I want to go somewhere," I muttered. Taehyung pulled away with a questioning look. "Where?" He asked. I chuckled and tiptoed to kiss his cheek."You'll take me there?" I asked while blinking at him."I'll travel to the afterlife for you," He chuckled. I laughed and hugged his chest again."The bed," I smiled. Taehyung pursed his lips while searching my eyes with a funny expression."The bed....?" He scoffed."Yes," I nodded."You just came down though," He unsurely searched my face."Wae? Is your back still stiff?" I asked while gripping his hips.Taehyung faintly chuckled and lowered his body to lift me off the ground with ease before turning to stroll up the stairs. He pushed the door to my room open and settled me onto the mattress... so I chuckled and rolled over to lay on my stomach as he pulled off his shirt and slipped his pants to the ground."Is this what you need?" He asked, confidently smirking at me as he stood naked with his hands rested on his hips. I hugged the pillow while eyeing his nude body with a flushed look."Why did you strip?" I blinked, unsurely looking up at him. His face suddenly flushed red."Isn't this the reason you asked me to bring you here-""I wanted to sleep! You perverted freak!" I gasped, quickly rolling over to stare at the ceiling in disbelief. Taehyung stood staring at me with a dumbfounded look. What is he thinking?! "Woman! How dare you mislead me like this?!" He snapped and quickly pulled his pants back on in extreme embarrassment."I never said I wanted to have sex!" I argued, firing him a sharp glare. Taehyung scoffed and slumped down on the bed, making me chuckle at his upset frown with the pillow pressed against my face while shaking my head. Ah~! Men are simple creatures! Nothing really goes on in their head besides intimacy?! It's funny! "You know... I thought I suffered from erectile dysfunction after we broke up?" He muttered while leaning against the bedboard without his shirt on. I stared at his toned abs and glanced back at him."Erectile dysfunction? Why? It doesn't stand up?" I chuckled, curiously rolling on my stomach to hug the pillow under my chin."Yeah. It was... difficult for me to get hard," He nodded."Oh- So you were sleeping with other women-""No. After you... I only... slept with Ah-young. A couple of times," He muttered while staring at his hands. "You chose my stretched-out skin? With nasty stretched marks? Over her youthful body?" I chuckled and lifted my hand to touch his abs. Taehyung smiled at me as I traced my finger over the ridges of his solid muscles."It's embarrassing when I'm with her-""Wae?" I chuckled with my hands tucked under my chin as I remained on my stomach."I'd get hard... in the beginning- but halfway through... it gets soft-""Hah!!?- Soft!?- Like a tofu!?" I chuckled, quickly sitting up to laugh at his embarrassed frown."Is it funny?- Seriously- I'd go soft mid-intercourse- and Ah-young would feel extremely bad because she thinks it's her fault-" He shrugged. I laughed hysterically and smacked my head."But you ejaculated with me!" I grinned."Exactly! You are my only fetish! It's annoying because- I get super hard around you! And I'd still stay hard after we have sex! But I get super soft while doing the deed with another woman! You broke me! It wounded my pride- so much because I can't keep it hard! Ah~! What if Ah-young tells everyone I'm a man with a tofu penis?!" He playfully glared. I laughed in distress until I fell back onto the mattress and rubbed my face as Taehyung massaged my shin with a weak smile."I can't imagine you going soft like that! Ahaha~! Your mini corn dog isn't as strong as it used to be- huh!" I teased, quickly sitting up with a wide grin. "It's something about you- Maybe your pheromones? Or maybe it's my feelings for you? You activate me the instant I touch your flesh," Taehyung brushed my cheek with a weak smile. I quietly admired his face while pressing my tongue against the side of my mouth."Wanna play a game?" I asked, tilting my head with a devilish smile."Game? Are you going to tease me?" He asked. I chuckled."Don't touch me. But I'll touch you..." I muttered. Taehyung unsurely searched my eyes."Oh? That sounds... a bit... dangerous," He scoffed."I won't restrain you. You only have to stay very... quiet," I nodded. Taehyung narrowed his eyes on me."And if I win?" He asked."You get to do anything you want for the rest of the night," I winked. Taehyung tilted his head to observe my flushed cheeks... as if to contemplate my proposal."Deal," He lifted his eyebrow with a confident smirk."Okay. Sit still and don't move, okay?" I patted his lap to straighten his legs over the mattress as he sat against the bedhead."What is going on... in that dirty mind of yours...?" He chuckled as I crawled over his thighs in my gown and socks to sit over his bulge.Taehyung exhaled softly once I cupped his cheeks and leaned forward to stroke his lips. He didn't respond and closed his eyes... so I lowered my hand to caress his hard pec and gently rubbed his nipples with my thumb. The man clenched his jaw and opened his eyes to watch me unsurely."Shhh..." I pecked him and lowered my face to press my lips against the crook of his thick neck. Taehyung exhaled deeply... as I nibbled on his flesh and sucked on his defined collar before lowering my face to lick his hard nipple while pinching the other side. He swallowed and watched me intensely as I licked his chest until I felt his body tensing up under me."Can I speak? At the very least?" He bargained while frowning at me in difficulty. I covered his lips and shoved my fingers inside his mouth to play with his tongue while kissing his chest. Taehyung huffed in disbelief as I swirled my fingers between his lips. He sucked onto my fingers like a pacifier... so I chuckled and drew my fingers from between his lips to stare at my saliva-coated fingers."Don't moan. Okay?" I smile with my eyebrow raised and shove my wet fingers inside my mouth to taste his flavor as I grind the base of my thin panties over his hump.Taehyung weakly stared at me as I rocked my hips... in a back-and-forth motion to arouse our bodies with the pleasuring friction of our crotches. He didn't move and stared at me with his sleepy eyes... so I bit my lips and steadily humped him over his pants until I felt my body shuddering from the stimulating pleasure."Since when were you this naughty?" He chuckled, slightly shaking his head at me.I chuckled... scooted downward... and pressed my palm over his hump to rub his hard bulge over the thin fabric barrier. He glanced down with a dim gaze and back to me... as I gripped his waistband and pulled his pants off his legs. Taehyung tilted his head backward, intensely swallowing his Adam's apple as I tapped his legs to make him spread his thighs over the sheet. I smiled, tossed his pants aside, and glanced at his raw meat with my lips pursed. He's already hard."It looks healthy to me," I blinked and looked up at him as I gently poked the tip, causing the vertical bulge to wobble from side to side. Taehyung chuckled at his erection and lowered his head as I teased his hardened private part."You don't have to do anything for it to stand proudly like this," He shrugged. I laughed and crawled between his legs... carefully lowering my face to kiss the warm tip, causing Taehyung to frown in difficulty.I exhaled and licked his raw flavor with my tongue and slowly pushed his bulge inside my mouth to rub it against the roof of my mouth as I gently massaged the base to pleasure him. The man strained his neck and tilted his head back with his eyes closed as I steadily bopped my head over his hump to take him deep inside my mouth. Slurp. Slurp. I licked him like a lollipop while holding his muscular thighs down to keep him composed."I want to see if... you'll go soft if I tease you long enough," I giggled, lifting my face to examine the red blush over his face. Taehyung frowned, so I licked his tip again while holding an intense... eye contact with him... until his lips slightly parted, but he didn't make a sound and quietly watched me pleasure him as I flicked the tip of my tongue over his sensitive opening. "You- leveled up-" He muttered. His breath... growing slightly unstable with every stroke he received. Smiling, I sat up between his legs and pressed my thumb over the tip to rub his slimy flesh... causing Taehyung to part his lips with his eyebrows furrowed. He gripped the pillow and took a deep exhale in an attempt to contain his raging desire."I didn't want to go too hard on an old man like you~!" I teased. He scoffed while frowning at me until I noticed his torso convulsing intensely. He bit his lips with a troubled gaze on me until his face flushed even redder- SPLURGE! Taehyung clenched his jaw without making a sound as the thick paste exploded from the tip and spilled all over my fingers. I kept rubbing him as he panted in difficulty... until his chest burnt bright red."You're a wicked woman-""Tired yet? Old man?" I teased, lifting my sticky fingers to lick the flavor of my fingertips. Taehyung huffed and lifted his face to glare at me."You think? It takes a lot more, princess," He chuckled. I glanced down at the bulge and scoffed in disbelief. He's still hard?"Let's change the rules!" I chuckled, quickly slipping the gown off my head and flung it aside. Taehyung scoffed and stared at my body unsurely as I pulled my panty off my legs and tossed it away while facing him on the mattress with my legs spread apart."What is the new rule now?" He muttered while tracing his distracted gaze over my vulnerable body."You do as I say," I smiled. Taehyung laughed and smacked his head."Roger, baby," He agreed. I chuckled and lay down on my back."Lick me," I ordered. Taehyung bit down on his lips as he sat with his legs under my wide-open thighs."Where?" He raised his eyebrow to question me."Wherever you want," I replied.The man chuckled as he calmly pushed his sturdy back off the headboard to crawl over my body with his determined gaze... before scooting downward to position his face between my thighs but didn't touch me and intensely closed his eyes to inhale the scent over my crotch. Smooch. I tensed my body when he suddenly kissed the pleasure spot. I bit my finger as he lifted his dark stare to observe my flushed cheeks."How many times?" He asked."Until... I... finish," I giggled.Taehyung shook his head with a sly smirk and pressed his face against my groin, causing my back to arch over the mattress. He threw my legs over his strong shoulders to keep me hooked and forced his tongue all over my private part to- kiss, suck and lick me until I gasped and rubbed my face in distress. Smooch. Smooch. The man kept his face... buried between my legs as I curled my toes under the socks and lifted my face to stare at him with a difficult frown."Feeling good... Hmm~? You like it when I suck on your clit?" He sexily mumbled against my crotch, causing my body to vibrate in shock- but he firmly held my hips down and licked me all over before sucking on the vital point, causing me to moan out loud so I gripped his hair to hold his head as he pressed his thumb over my throbbing entrance to rub the wetness over my raw flesh. "Hngh~!" I grunted in distress when the violent fluid burst out of my lady part, splattering messily onto Taehyung's face. He chuckled while watching me twitch over the bed before lowering his head to lick me again. I gasped and grabbed a handful of his hair to stop him, but he clutched my thighs and shoved his face deeper to press his nose against my overstimulated crotch."Did I win your game?" He chuckled, suddenly sitting up between my legs to stroke his hard shaft over my soaked crotch. I panted in exhaustion as I watched him jerk himself with my legs spread apart. I can't feel my face... It's numb... and my heart... is racing like crazy."Condom-" I pointed at the drawer. Taehyung chuckled, suddenly lowering his body to nudge his raw tip against my crotch without reaching for the protective rubber, so I gripped his shoulder as he pushed himself inside and lowered his head to bite on my breast, making me gasp in shock. I desperately gripped his nape for support as he thrust forward to enter me."You bought the wrong size," Taehyung chuckled as he lifted his head to kiss my cheek."You'll leave a mess~! And I don't want to get pregnant again-" I whined while holding his shoulders. Taehyung chuckled and kissed my lips to hush me as he gently withdrew his bulge before inserting it back in, making me shudder under his solid torso. "You're on pills. Why are you so concerned?" He smiled, lifting his face to stare at my nervous frown while shoving his hips forward so I moaned and grabbed his buttcheeks to hold him with my legs spread apart."Hold me- Oppa- Hah~!" I gasped, pulling him down until Taehyung lowered his heavy trunk to hug me as he rocked his crotch back and forth to thump between my thighs... until I squirmed beneath him with my spine... arching helplessly over the mattress. Taehyung smiled at my lustful moans and kissed my neck while interlacing our fingers to hold me in place. I whimpered and cupped his cheeks with a slight frown as he took charge of our heated bodies."What's wrong? Do you feel like crying again?" He chuckled. I frowned in difficulty while rubbing his lips with a troubled expression and glanced down to watch him beat his way into me at a steady pace. I huffed while biting my lips and shifted my defeated gaze back to him."I love you," I whispered. Taehyung paused to stare at me with a startled expression."Suddenly?-" He scoffed. I quickly pushed him upward and shoved my body with my elbows to sit... facing him on his lap and hungrily lowered my face to smother his lips with burning cheeks. Smooch. Smooch. Taehyung closed his eyes to let me suck onto his tongue while holding my waist without moving his hips... leaving his hard lump lodged inside me."I never believed you when you told me you love me while we were having sex- I always thought you were simply lustful- but I'm experiencing the emotions now," I whispered, pulling away to stare at him apologetically as he rubbed my waist to soothe me."You're feeling it now?" He smiled, lifting his hand to caress my flushed cheeks."My body... melting... into yours... yes... I can feel it in every part of my flesh and deep... in my soul..." I whispered, gently pressing my lips against his again. Taehyung chuckled and hugged me tightly as we made out with our hands entangled in each other's hair."Say again, Sora," He whispered, drawing his lips away to search my difficult frown. I stared at him with a conflicted gaze as I repeatedly humped him... paralyzing my body with the flaming pleasure."I love you," I smiled. He chuckled cutely and kissed my cheeks, so I hugged his neck and dug my face against his shoulder."Let's love beautifully from now on," He whispered while skimming his fingers over my naked skin. I moaned and clawed onto his back in distress as he made me bounce over him. Taehyung held tightly onto my body as we sat in our dimly lit room to make love properly for the first time after... years... of unfortunate separation. He moaned and kissed my ear... until I pulled away to examine his burning red face."Maybe I'm not depressed? Probably just horny~!" I laughed. Taehyung chuckled at my statement and pecked my lips with his hands cupped over my cheeks."Then I shall... use my mini corndog to please my wife every day to keep her happy~?" He asked, grinning at me. I laughed and rested my face over his with a weak smile."And I'll feed you my steamed buns... every day to fuel my dear... husband with energy," I wiggled my eyebrows.Taehyung laughed out loud and lowered his face to eat my breast while fondling me. He moaned while sucking on my nipple- so I threw my head back while riding his hard bulge with my hand gripped firmly over his pecs until I felt the extreme warmth... filling my chest to heal my broken pieces with our scorching love strokes. I huffed and clung tightly to his body as I rubbed our bare crotches over one another to intensify the raging pleasure.
A moment later.
"Ah~!" I giggled as Taehyung hugged me from behind on the mattress in his room with his back pressed against the bedboard. He combed his fingers through my entangled hair as we sat on the bed until I tilted my face upward to look at him. He hugged my bent knees with a tender gaze. Smooch. The man planted the kiss on my lips, gently kneading my breast over the silk... so I exhaled and snuggled my face against his neck while sitting with my back pressed against his firm chest."I hope I can keep you happy forever," He muttered, fondly gazing at me while massaging my breast. I smiled."We are the endgame," I beamed. Taehyung smiled and kissed my cheek."Ah~! Why isn't there a world where we can live in peace from the beginning? Why do we have to endure  so much trouble... only to fall back into each other's arms?" He grumbled, gently lifting his hand to hold my chin and softly kissed me again."We love better with the love we assembled because it's our hard work," I shrugged."Whatever happens... let's... face the hardships together. Okay? Let's walk side by side into the unknown future," He smiled. I nodded and kissed his cheeks... so Taehyung lowered his head to rest his face on my shoulder. I smiled and leaned against his chest as we sat in his room to watch the snow... drift over the ancient tree.... on the hilltop... before the dark sea."I love you. Remember that," I whispered. Taehyung nodded and rubbed my upper arms while hugging me from behind. I smiled and deeply exhaled in relief. 
In the end... it's him and I.
__________________________
A few days later.
I sleepily strolled out onto the snowy field with my eyes half open in Taehyung's oversized puffer jacket over my body to dust the snow off the platform bench and sat down to stare at the gloomy morning view of the sea in the cold... until I heard soft grunts approaching me. "Ah! Ah! So hot~!" Taehyung gasped, quickly rounding the bench to drop a roasted sweet potato on the platform. He repeatedly rubbed his palms together and cupped my cheeks- making me shriek at the touch of his burning flesh. He chuckled and sat beside me, carefully lifting the burnt potato to place it on his lap."Isn't it pretty?" I asked, nodding at the scenery before us. Taehyung sniffled and glanced upward to gaze at the calm sea as we sat under the ancient tree.

"The winter sea?" He asked, lowering his face to peel the crusty layer off the burnt potato."I never liked winter because the chills make me sick... but I like this winter a lot," I nodded. Taehyung split the potato apart... releasing the hot steam into the cold hair. He lifted the chunk to his lips and blew out the warmth to cool it down."Why's that?" He asked, scooting closer until we were sitting shoulder to shoulder. I hugged his waist with my head rested on his shoulder."Because I have another winter soul to keep me company," I smiled. Taehyung scoffed, carefully lifting the potato to my lips, so I opened my mouth and ate it while staring at the gloomy sea."That's right. We're both winter children," He plopped the potato into his mouth."Let's watch the winter sea together... from now on... until we're old~! We'll hold each other's wrinkled hands and watch the gloomy scenery together! Isn't it romantic~?" I giggled, lifting my face to beam at him while chewing the delicious potato he roasted for me."Promise?" He smiled, lifting his pinkie before my red nose."Promise," I nodded, softly kissing his pinkie finger. Taehyung laughed and kissed my forehead while chewing the hot potato, so I inhaled the chilly air and hugged his waist to admire the stunning view with my husband.
Evening
I quietly stirred the pot to make the seaweed soup until I felt Taehyung back hugging me by the stove. He rested his chin on my shoulder to watch the steaming soup as I tasted the flavor from the stainless ladle. Is he done working? He's been working at his desk since lunch. He kissed my neck while massaging my breasts... so I drew his hands off my body and grabbed the salt bottle to add it to the boiling pot."Can you not touch me?-" I mumbled, pushing him aside when he tried to hold me again."Wae? You're already tired of me after promising to hold my wrinkled hands?" Taehyung scoffed as he settled on the stool."How long are you going to keep the children away from me?" I asked, turning to frown at Taehyung. He unsurely blinked at me while sitting on the stool by the counter."I'm giving you a break-""By sending them away? They'll be traumatized!" I whined. Taehyung dimmed his eyes."I don't want your mental health to spiral again-""I was just stressed for a moment-""They deserve to be punished. Plus- They can make up at the vacation house while they're away. Why are you so fussy?" Taehyung mumbled. I glared at him in annoyance."You're the one who should be away! Not them!" I snapped."Moh!?" Taehyung scoffed, widening his eyes on me."You sent them away- so you can weaken me and make me want you more! You succeeded!-""Sora! Isn't that too much?!- You were the horny one!" He scoffed. I rolled my eyes and turned to glare at him again."You stripped first!-" I argued."Because you tricked me!" He snapped."Bring the kids back~!" I whined in annoyance."No! You're not seeing them until you're better! They should learn to behave!" He huffed, suddenly crossing his arms over his chest. "You're the one who should behave! You keep touching me all over! And then blame me for being horny!" I snapped back. Taehyung widened his eyes on me in disbelief."What's with your attitude? You're unleashing your stress on me now that you don't have the kids to blame?! Am I the problem- or is it you?! You keep picking on me like this! And being- the best- most lovely husband I am!- I always end up apologizing for crimes I didn't commit!" He glared."Oh?!- If you can't handle my attitude- then leave! I'm not begging you to stay-""Yah! Seriously~! What's wrong with you?!" Taehyung whined, getting up from the stool to approach me with a concerned expression."STAY AWAY YOU STUPID MAN! MOVE OUT IF YOU CAN'T PUT UP WITH ME!" I shrieked with the hot ladle raised above my head to threaten the man. Taehyung eyed the steaming steel and back at me with a dark frown."Fine! I'll move out!" Taehyung sneered, angrily spinning on his heels to storm out of the kitchen. I glared at the man and turned to the steaming pot in annoyance. Sighing, I dropped the ladle onto the counter and rubbed my face in distress... until my lips curved upward... to form a devious smirk. Hah! I got him angry~!"Hehe!" I grinned, quickly hurrying toward the fridge, and opened it to peek at my freshly baked cake. Taehyung was busy with his work the entire day- so I baked him a strawberry cake. I wanted to pull a prank on him- That's why I've been acting very fussy and threw a tantrum at the man for no apparent reason. I'll let him sulk for a moment... before surprising him with the cake. He'll be surprised for sure! Humming happily, I smiled and switched off the stove before pulling out the cake to set it on the table."Yeobo~?" I called, cautiously walking out of the kitchen and into the living room... but he was nowhere to be found. He didn't answer me."He's not seriously packing his bags?" I laughed, quietly climbing the stairs and halting by the top staircase to light up the star candle, and quickly tip-toed to Taehyung's room... where the door was left ajar."Stupid man~!" I softly giggled while covering my lips before nudging the door open and stepped inside with the cake."HAPPY BIRTHDAY!- TAEHYUNG!?-" I happily screeched but paused in horror when I found him sprawling flat on the ground. My heart suddenly dropped at the sight of his condition- so I quickly crouched down to place the cake aside and crawled over the floor to smack his butt."Hey!? What's wrong!?- Oh!?-" I jerked in a panic when I lifted his face and hauled him over to find... his mouth... bubbling with white foams. My eyes widened in horror... as he flopped lifelessly in my arms. I fearfully gulped and glanced at the scattered medication on the floor before shifting my terrified eyes back to his pale expression."YAH KIM TAEHYUNG!- WHAT THE HELL- I WAS JUST JOKING!- WHAT DID YOU DO?!" I shrieked, roughly slapping his face- but he didn't respond and flopped weakly against my chest. Did he overdose himself?! I frantically rubbed his sweaty forehead as my heart pulsated in extreme fright."No- No! You foolish man!- I didn't mean for you to move out of the house! I wanted you to move out of your room to be with me! YAH!-" I sobbed, aggressively smacking his chest in distress. Sora! You have to get help! I quickly lowered him to the floor and scrambled to my feet for help when I felt a firm grip- so I wildly spun around to find Taehyung coughing in pain with his eyebrows scrunched together."S-Sora- Hey-" Taehyung weakly stuttered, frowning at me in pain while gripping his aching chest, causing unconscious tears to drip from my lower lashes."Are you crazy?!- How can you do this to yourself!? I'll get help-" I cried, quickly crawling over the floor to hold his shaky hand. Taehyung rubbed his chest and grunted in discomfort as he gripped my cold fingers."No- Sora- Listen to me! Baby!" He cried, weakly tugging my wrist back. I sobbed in distress as he firmly held onto me."Shut up! You're not dying-""I might- die- if you leave- Sora! Just stay with me!" He coughed while struggling to speak with the foam in his mouth. My heart painfully ached at the sight of his burning red face... causing the flooding tears to drip from my chin and onto the floor."You're so stupid~! How can you be so shallow?!- You have a newborn daughter! Of your own blood-" I cried until I trembled out of control as Taehyung adjusted his head on my lap with a troubled grimace. He lifted his shaky fingers to graze my cheeks as warm tears trickled from the corner of his eyes."I'd rather die than part from you again..." He whispered, softly crying in pain. I choked at his statement while gripping my aching heart and rubbed the foam from his cheeks."I was just teasing you!- I baked you a cake for your birthday! Why would you do this?!- You stupid man!" I shrieked in distress. Taehyung sobbed and groaned again as he held onto my wrist."I- I'm sorry- You'd have to care for our children without me, Sora- I'm sorry-""YAH!- This is unfair! I've only fallen for you again- but you're going to just fucking die and break my heart again?!- You bad man!- If I knew you'd react like this- I would have never said I love you!- I'd keep you aching so you'd live on! You stupid man!?- How can you claim to love me but give up on me so easily~! Over a minor argument!?" I shrieked, angrily beating his chest. Taehyung grunted and screwed his eyes shut to squeeze out his tears."Sora... hey... will you... kiss me...? I want you to kiss me- It's my last- wish," He painfully coughed while lying on my lap. I can't lose him! "I hate you," I sobbed, lowering my face to press my lips against his as he held onto my face with his trembling hands. I cried in distress as he stroked his lips over mine... forcing me to embrace his dying body. Hic~! I sniffled and opened my watery pupils- when I tasted the odd... mint on my tastebuds. Blinking away my blurry vision... I unsurely frowned as Taehyung drew his face away from mine... to gaze up at me... with a weak smile as he remained on my lap."You brought me back to life~! Wah~! I feel so refreshed~!" He chuckled, suddenly sitting up to stretch his arms above his head... leaving me in extreme shock. I didn't budge and stared at him in tears- too stunned to react. "What's this...?" I whispered as I lightly touched the foam on my lips and lowered my hand in horror."Toothpaste," Taehyung funnily shoved me aside. I lifted my horrified eyes to his teasing grin until I felt... the spewing anger torching my nerves on fire."Is this funny...?" I blinked in tears. Taehyung laughed at my pale expression and cupped my cheeks to kiss me with his foaming lips again."Don't be upset~! Hmm? I know you're upset- but if you lash out at me- I will fling myself off the balcony~!" He teased, pecking my lips repeatedly. I pouted at him and burst into tears until Taehyung firmly gripped my body to comfort me."YOU'RE SO MEAN!" I screamed, angrily shoving him away. How can he do this to me?!"I knew you were fooling me! So I reversed the prank- ARGH!?" Taehyung hysterically laughed on the floor, so I angrily grabbed the cake and WHACK!- I slammed it hard into his face.Taehyung tumbled onto his back at the rough impact as I seethed anger. The man groaned and sat up to remove the plate from his face, wildly scrubbing the messy cream from his eyelids as I glared at him in extreme anger. ASSHOLE HUSBAND!"I'LL NEVER SPEAK TO YOU AGAIN-" I screeched, quickly scrambling to my feet."Hey! Sora!?- I'm sorry-! Sora! Don't be upset- Baby~!" Taehyung whimpered, quickly crawling over the floor to hug my legs with his cream-smudged face."Let go! I hate you-""NO! I'm sorry! Don't be like this!- It's okay for you to tease me- but I can't tease you?!" Taehyung whined as he scrambled to his feet, and gripped my shoulders with an annoyed grimace."You went too far!- How can you play dead and expect me to laugh it off?!" I seethed in his face. Taehyung frowned at my glowering eyes."You're quite good at acting these days..." He smirked as he gently stroked my cheeks. I blinked at him with a startled expression when the man suddenly smudged the thick cream over my lips with his thumb."Stop- Taehyung-" I tried to speak when he suddenly lowered his face towards mine. I sucked in my breath as he shoved his sweet tongue inside mine to mix the flavourful strawberry flavor inside my mouth. Yuck! His toothpaste and the cream! I gripped his forearms with a slight grimace once he pulled away from my face with a weak smile."Did you plan on proposing to me...?" He muttered and lifted his eyebrow at me. I froze in position and stared at him uneasily as he poked out his tongue... and to my disbelief... my ring was sitting on his wet tastebuds. I stiffened and glanced back at him as Taehyung chuckled and leaned forward again, so I quickly stepped back in a panic.

"I wanted to surprise you-""It's dangerous to sneak a ring inside... a delicious strawberry cake, you know? I've been craving your flavor for so long... I could've accidentally swallowed it," He sensually towered over me while holding my waist to hold me in place.I pursed my lips with a restless feeling when he gently pressed... his lips against mine again and lifted his hand to hold my jawline. He fumed heavily and pushed the ring from his tongue into my mouth... causing me to screw my face at the presence of the jewel inside me. He drew his lips away again... and softly kissed my cheek before lifting his hand to brush my lips with a smug expression."Why are you giving back to me?" I asked. Taehyung smiled as he forced his thumb between my lips to feel the jewel over my wet tongue."I want to coat it with our flavor first. Give it back to me now so I can put it on for you..." He whispered, sensually hovering his parted lips above mine. He wants me to return it? With my tongue...?I gripped his forearms with my eyes closed and tiptoed to press my lips against his again. Why is the room suddenly stuffy and hot...? Taehyung smiled against my lips as he slipped his tongue between my lips to retrieve the ring, causing me to moan softly against his lips as he fondled my breast while pinning me against the wall. The alpha sensually opened his dark gaze to stare right into my soul as I stood under him with a flustered look... mouth... filled with his sweet strawberry flavor... and the cream smudging... messily over my lips."Marry me, Jang Sora," He whispered, sexily swirling the ring inside his mouth to press it against the side of his cheek. I stared at the distinct circular print of the loop against the side of his firm cheek and glanced back at him."Seal our fate," I whispered, tiptoeing again to peck his lips. Taehyung chuckled in a low tone and lowered his hand to hold my left wrist. I unsurely studied him as he raised my hand to his lips and softly kissed my backhand... before pushing my ring finger... into his mouth.I stiffened at his shocking act while staring at him with my lips ajar as he licked my ring finger inside his mouth and sucked onto it until I felt my body heating up at his untamed behavior. The man kept his dark gaze on me without blinking while teasing me with his invasive... wet strokes all over my ring finger... until I felt him stirring the ring in his mouth.Kim Taehyung gently forced my finger deeper into his dirty mouth and inserted the ring with his slippery tongue, causing my chest to race at the naughty activities of his tongue as he skated the jewel over my finger with his slick tongue. The man moaned in pleasure and closed his eyes while sucking on my ring finger... and finally... gave my hand a soft nudge to push the ring... all the way to the base of the finger. I watched his lewd behavior without budging until... I was hypnotized by his crazy... hot gaze.The man smirked at my starstruck expression, moaning softly as he drew my fingers out of his mouth until the ring appeared on my ring finger... coated with his saliva and sweet cream. I blinked at the soaked jewel as he sexily licked his lips and darkly shifted his gaze to the glistering ring. Who- taught him to put on the ring- with this- method...?"Your turn, my love," He smiled while brushing my cheeks with his fingers and gently drew me toward his bed to lay me down.I uneasily swallowed as he crawled over my vulnerable body to pull the open drawers... and pulled out his ring from the jewel box. He placed the ring into his mouth and lowered his body toward me... so I lightly pressed my hand against his chest to halt him. He frowned and lifted his eyebrows to question my hesitation. I blinked and unbuttoned his shirt... one by one... to expose his sturdy torso...Taehyung smiled and tucked my hair behind my ears before lowering his body to kiss me passionately with his tender smooches and strokes. I panted heavily while moaning against his lips as I held onto his neck as he tilted his face and transferred the ring between my lips. I smiled after receiving the jewel... so Taehyung withdrew his lips from mine... causing our saliva to stretch between our lips. He smugly hovered over my face with his lips ajar... as I swirled his ring in my mouth while resting on the pillow with my intense gaze trained on his seductive expression. Why is he suddenly arousing me so much...?"Put it in..." I smiled, intensely staring up at his sensual frown with... racing hearts... until my body ignited with a fiery desire to have him all to myself.Kim Taehyung lowly chuckled and sat up over my torso without putting his weight on me and bent down to pin his right hand over my left hand as I lay beneath him... carefully interlacing our fingers over the pillow before lifting his left ring finger... to nudge his fingertips against my lips... gently inserting himself over my soft tongue... to rub my taste buds with the raw taste of his addictive flavor. I moaned and rolled my eyes back in pleasure as I sucked into his fingers... until he lowered his face to kiss the side of my jaw while fingering my mouth."Fuck... you're so hot... whimper for me... Sora... I love your lewd sounds..." He cursed, lifting his face to frown at my flushed cheeks as I stared at him with my pretty doe eyes and stroked my tongue along his slender finger... and finally slipping... the ring on my tongue... over his fingertip. Taehyung smiled, shoving his finger deeper into my mouth until he almost reached my throat... making me groan in difficulty as I tilted my head over the pillow to guide the jewel... to the base of his finger. "Hah~!" I finally coughed, gasping uneasily after Taehyung withdrew his ring finger from my mouth and lifted his hand to stare at the dripping wet ring with a satisfied smirk. He chuckled and shifted his tempted gaze back to me while biting down on his lips as I lay under his naked torso."Even death... can't hinder us now," He whispered.I chuckled at his statement and pulled him down by his muscular shoulder... so he gripped tightly onto my left hand over the pillow as he pressed his lips against mine to suck the flavor out of me. I moaned against his face and rubbed his back in pleasure as he tilted his face to deepen our kiss... suffocating me with his tongue until... I felt my chest... rising and sinking against his pulsating pecs.
It was as if... he was a powerful magnet... attracting... and tempting... my soul with every pulse of his breathing rhythm.

If it weren't for my concrete body vessel...

Kim Taehyung... could easily capture my soul.... if he wanted to... because with every fume of his humid breath... I feel my sensitive skin crawling for more of his warmth... and with every stroke of his touch... my heart would churn with a smoldering thirst for more of his flavor... until I found it difficult to breathe... and with every glimpse of his lethal gaze... my nerve withers... until I'm left... entirely... vulnerable... under his... love spell.

I can feel it... our souls... ascending from our solid form... emitting dangerously beneath our layered filters... and finally merging into... one... to form an... unbreakable... love form.

We have at last... attained... destiny's blessing.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV

RING. RING. RING.
My eyelids flung wide open to greet the gloomy morning light at the blaring siren of the startling alarm. BEEP. BEEP. I sleepily turned my head over the pillow to find Taehyung sleeping face first on the mattress. He grunted in annoyance while searching the nightstand aimlessly with his arm extended until he found his phone. Clatter. He muted the noisy alarm, dropped his heavy arm and softly groaned under his breath with his face pressed against the pillow. I grumbled and turned away to snuggle against the warm sheet until Taehyung rolled over to wrap his legs around mine."Sorry..." He hoarsely grumbled with his nose pressed against my nape. "Why did you set an alarm?" I mumbled with my eyes closed. Does he have a work schedule at the corporation? But he didn't inform me last night...? Taehyung towed me by my waist until I rolled over to face him over the bed. He sleepily combed his fingers through my wild hair, lifted his face to kiss my forehead, and slumped back down while rubbing my arm... apparently still half asleep after disturbing our sleep with his random alarm."I wanted to make you breakfast..." He muttered. I opened my eyes to frown at his sleepy expression as he softly patted my back."Do you intend on poisoning me?" I blinked. Why would he want to make me food... out of all the million tasks he's responsible for at the council and the corporation?Taehyung chuckled as he kissed my lips before scooting downward to snuggle his face against my plump chest. The man grabbed my hand to hook it over his waist under the blanket, so I exhaled and rubbed his sturdy back as he curled up against my body like a child. Aigo~! He's such a baby in the morning~! He makes me cuddle him until he's fully awake every day."I was confident last night- but I do not wish to send you to the emergency room with food poisoning, so I'll abort the mission," He mumbled. I chuckled at his raspy voice and glanced at his puffy face while stroking his soft hair. Taehyung pressed his face against my cleavage, gently tugging my sleeves down to expose my breast, and softly kissed the flesh, making me giggle at the ticklish sensation."Seriously~! I'm not your mother~!" I whined, pushing his face away with my palms to stop him from nibbling my tips. I'll have to wipe myself before feeding Hajin again~! Taehyung grumbled at my refusal. He grabbed my hands and stubbornly opened his mouth to suck on my nipple, making me groan in annoyance as he tightened his grip around my wrists to hold me in place while caressing his wet tongue over the sensitive tip until I quivered at his invasive touch. "My mother didn't breastfeed me," He muttered, briefly lifting his face to pout at me. He released my hand to squeeze my breast with his bare palm and softly kissed the tip again. I'm not uncomfortable with his obsession... it's just... very ticklish when he touches me."Because she was away?" I asked while rubbing his cheek with a faint smile."Oh. Eomma was always busy in Seoul. Halmeoni raised me at the hanok, so I only drank formula milk," He muttered while tweaking my juicy nipple between his fingers. I frowned at his childlike behavior until he poked out his tongue to lick me again, so I quickly grabbed the side of his head to stop him- but he grabbed my shoulders and drew my body forward to chew on my breast. I'm beginning to smell like my husband because he can't stop branding his scent on my skin whenever we're together."Stupid man..." I whined while hugging his head against my chest as he kneaded me like a kitten and pecked my bosoms all over with a satisfied smile. He loves to harass my boobies!"Your breast milk tastes funny," He mumbled while licking his lips."Funny?" I unsurely stared at him. I'm barely producing enough milk for Hajin. "I don't know. It's got a weird taste, but I still want to drink it," Taehyung shrugged. I laughed and smacked his forehead with my palm. Taehyung chuckled and turned to lay on his back as I pulled my sleeves back on to hide my breast. He won't stop groping me if I remain exposed to his touch. The alpha crawled upward again to slip his arm under my head and kissed my cheek before drawing my body against his bare chest."Hajin prefers the milk formula," I shrugged. The boys loved my milk... but Hajin...? She prefers the formula. Maybe I'm not producing tasty milk anymore because of her older brothers? They've been sucking me empty... until I run out of milk sometimes."If she doesn't drink eomma's milk... I will drink it," Taehyung shrugged on his side. I chuckled and glanced up at his puffy face as he massaged my waistline beneath the warm blanket. I glanced at the scar on his left chest and quietly traced my finger over the raised bump."Did it hurt?" I asked, curiously looking up at him. What was I thinking when I drove that knife into his chest? Did I think his death could atone for my heartbreak?"Of course. You were a crazy woman. I could've died," He scoffed while rubbing the scar with a grimace."You deserved it," I huffed. Taehyung chuckled as he clutched my waist before grabbing my left arm to lift it upward and flipped my hand over to examine the faint scar on my wrist."We've got matching scars," He whispered, raising his hand to show me the scar over his left wrist. Yangcha left a mark on him during their deadly scruffle. I interlaced our fingers while gazing at our marriage rings with a weak smile before glancing at our matching wounds. We're both healed. Physically and mentally. And this is the souvenir of our tragic past... reminding us of the misfortunes... we endured. It's our battle scars."Maybe... this is our fate. Matching wounds," I chuckled, glancing up at him with a faint smile as I raised his hand to my face and softly kissed the scar on his wrist. Taehyung smiled and patted my cheek, so I lowered our hands onto my pulsating chest as he held me over the mattress to comfort my cold soul with his warmth."Do you want to go out? Let's go on a date," He suggested. I stared at him unsurely. A date? He poked my nose with his fingertip, making me chuckle at his playful manner.
A moment later.
"You said it's a date~!" I whined as Taehyung dragged me through the massive entrance of the fintech corp, leading into the bustling lobby. He smiled at the staff as they greeted us from behind the front desk, so I gripped his arm and hid behind his back in embarrassment as the staff eyed my... childish attire.I wanted to wear a cute bunny dress with floppy ears on the hood- Thinking we're on a cute date for coffee or something!- But the man flew me to Seoul! And I'm now following him in a loose and fluffy bunny dress! Ah~! I pulled the hood over my head and quickly drew my hair over my face to hide my flustered cheeks while standing with my forehead pressed against his shoulder because I was too embarrassed to look up. The employees will gossip about me again!

"We'll go on a date after a brief meeting," Taehyung assured me as he held onto my hand... so I gripped his suit and pressed my face against his upper arm to hide my flushed cheeks. The staff curiously peeked in our direction to try and catch a glimpse of my face as Taehyung pressed on the elevator screen. He suddenly lowered his hand to grope the round bunny tail over my bum, making me shriek in shock. I smacked his shoulder with an annoyed frown as he eyed my silly outfit. Is he doing this on purpose to humiliate me?!"This is embarrassing~!" I pouted while staring up at him with my puppy-doe eyes.Taehyung glanced down at the fluffy faux fur hood over my head with a weak smile and lowered his face to kiss my forehead, so I gripped his suit and quickly pulled away to rub my burning hot face as the crowd goggled my child-like outfit beside their founder's neatly tailored suit. Isn't he embarrassed?!- Ding. The elevator door finally slid open- so I hurried inside without turning around to face the metallic door- Thump!I clumsily stumbled forward and crashed into the opposite wall when my chunky bunny slippers caught on the floor- causing the left side to tumble out of the compartment. Oh no~! I gasped and rushed out to snatch my slipper from the polished tiles. I swiftly spun around to race back inside and stood facing away from the door to avoid looking at the curious staff.Taehyung chuckled at my chaotic manner as he entered after me, gently hugging my waist to make me stand beside him just as the door slid close. He took the slipper out of my hand and dropped it onto the floor as we ascended to his private office. I'm so embarrassed~! I clung onto his forearm for support while wiggling my feet back into the slipper with a slight grimace. "Stop being so adorable!" He scoffed, suddenly cupping my cheeks and tilted my rosy red face towards his charming visual. I glared at him in annoyance. The stupid man smiled and kissed me while biting down on his lower lips to contain his explosive affection for me."You should've told me about your visit!" I whined. Why did he let me dress like a clown to his corporation!? People will speak! Taehyung slightly shook his head and patted my head just as the door slid open... so I quickly yanked the hood over my head to hide my face again as he led me out with his hand on my hips and steered me into the left corridor."Good morning, sir!- Oh?" The secretary bowed at their boss- but halted abruptly once he noticed me standing beside the founder. His eyes suddenly widened once he recognized me... so I awkwardly lifted my face with a stiff nod before lowering my head again. The man pursed his lips while eyeing my fluffy dress in bewilderment before glancing at Taehyung for explanations."We'll transfer directly to the meeting room- Ah. You remember our lovely Sora... right? She's my beloved wife. Thought I should properly introduce her," Taehyung nodded and dragged me down the corridor, causing the secretary to gawk at me in bewilderment. The corporation doesn't know I'm married to him because they assume I'm married to another man! I quickly strode beside my husband while struggling to keep up with his swift pace... until he pushed an automated door open and led me inside the spacious meeting room."Can't I wait inside your office~?! I feel like a fool!" I whined. 
How can I possibly walk around like this!? The staff is baffled enough by the fact that their founder is married to his personal assistant with twin sons of another man! I assumed he'd wish to conceal our relationship- at least at his corporation to prevent unwanted scandals- but he's publicly dragging me all over the place?! In my stupid fluffy bunny dress and chunky furry slippers?! His stock will crash because of me! 
"I'm renovating the office, so you have to sit with me at the meeting," Taehyung sighed as he settled on the armchair at the head of the table and drew me by my waist to make me sit on his lap. I pouted and hugged my husband's neck as he rubbed my back with one hand while flipping through the neatly arranged folder on the desk with his other hand to skim through the agenda as I clung to him like a child."I can leave to sit at a nearby cafe? I'll wait for you there," I insisted, quickly blocking his view with my face so he'd pay attention to my puppy eyes. He'll agree with me- for sure- if I use my cuteness against him! Taehyung shifted his dull gaze from the paper to eyeball my sulky expression with an unimpressed stare- so I gripped his shoulder and pouted at the man. Why isn't it working?!"No-""But isn't my outfit embarrassing?! I'm so childish! You hate it when I humble you!- Oh!?- Why would you want to present my immature appearance like this! I'll only sabotage your reputation!" I scoffed while poking the fluffy fur in concern. Still... my husband didn't react and watched me whine over his lap with his arm clasped firmly around my hips. I groaned and glanced at the meeting room anxiously. The space will be packed with high-rank executives and directors in formal attires!"I'm sure everyone will find you adorable," He huffed, dismissively kissing my cheek. I frowned and gripped his shoulder as he rubbed my inner thighs below the desk. The alpha leaned forward again- but I immediately cupped his cheeks with a slight frown and forced his face away from mine. "Good morning, sir!-" Someone suddenly entered the room, making me jerk in a panic at their unannounced presence. THUMP!- I quickly leaped off Taehyung's lap before he could stop me- toppled onto the floor- and scrambled beneath the desk to duck out of sight, causing his eyes to widen at my deranged behavior as the flood of men surrounded the extended desk."What are you doing?-""Jebal! I'm begging you~! Just focus on your work~! Oh? I'll stay here- quietly!" I mouthed, frantically rubbing my palms together to beg my husband as the man stared down at me from his position with his mouth hanging open in disbelief. He pursed his lips and briefly glanced up at the directors as they drew their chairs to sit in their respective seats. Fwip! I scooted under the desk to hug Taehyung's legs with a big pout. I'll die in embarrassment if they see me like this!"Sora-""If you embarrass me- I'll never speak to you again!" I threatened, whispering furiously as the men cluelessly chatted at meeting the table.Taehyung huffed in annoyance as he leaned over the table and scooted the chair forward to hide me under the desk. I nervously looked at the many pairs of legs behind my back and glanced at Taehyung's crotch as he leaned over the desk, so I chewed my lower lips and hugged his right leg while sitting on the carpet floor as the alpha greeted his men from his chair.
A moment later.
I sat crossed legs with my forehead rested against Taehyung's knee while staring at the carpet floor with a bored expression as he discussed the detailed objectives with the board of directors. It's been an hour? Or two? My back is sore from slouching like this. I heard Yoongi speaking with Namjoon, so I nervously glanced at the legs under the table. I'll be damn... dead if they catch me hiding under the desk!The board of directors conversed with each other to discuss the resource allocation of the corporation and potential investments, so I sighed and clutched my husband's leg with a slight grimace. Taehyung suddenly leaned back against the armchair, slightly forcing his chair backward... causing my head to lose balance at his unexpected withdrawal... so I lifted my face to stare up at him as he crossed his arms over his chest with a blank face on the men within the room."How long...?" I impatiently tapped his knee. He glanced down at me as I sat crossed legs before him with a dark frown. Taehyung suddenly spread his thighs on the chair and glanced back at the men without replying. I scoffed at his ignorance and grimaced in annoyance as I remained trapped under the table. I'm bored out of my mind~!He suddenly lowered his arms and reached under the desk to pat my cheek, making me grumble between his knees. I stared at him intensely... until he slightly lowered his face to smile at me from above... while squishing my cheeks between his knees... and gently ruffled my hair as if I were a little puppy. I softly whined and shoved his hand away. Is this fun to him!? Should I lie down for a moment and take a nap?Kim Taehyung sorely patted his lap and signaled me with an annoyed look while wiggling his empty fingers for my acceptance. Huffing, I grabbed his hand over his thighs to hold him, causing the alpha to smile weakly at my obedience... and shifted his eyes back to his men.I pressed my cheek against his kneecap again... as I carefully slipped his shoes off his feet... out of boredom. Taehyung suddenly gripped my hand, briefly glancing down in confusion- and tried to yank his feet away from my grip- but I seized his ankle and took the shoe off... leaving... him exposed in his black sock. I chuckled and removed my hand from his grip... before lowering my fingers... to scratch the base of his feet."Hey!" Taehyung mouthed, trying to jerk his legs away- but I tightly hugged his shin and tickled his feet with an evil smile.The founder suddenly stiffened in his seat, scooted his chair forward to block me from view, and leaned over the table to seal the gap. He frantically reached under the desk to snatch my hair while searching for my hands to stop me from teasing him- but I effortlessly shoved his arm away and taunted him... until Taehyung huffed and slumped back against the headrest with his irritated frown trained on my mischief. I giggled at my husband's disapproving glower while grinning at him from under the table until he yanked his feet from my grip and nudged his sock against my face to shove his toes against my nostrils... causing me to gasp at the slight force and collapse backward. I quickly covered my mouth in a panic and sat back up to glare at him from between his parted knees. He smirked at my uptight glare and fired me another warning frown."Hand~!" I mouthed as I tapped his thigh.Taehyung sighed and handed me his palm as I demanded, so I grabbed his fingers... until he leaned over the desk again to pinch my cheeks beneath the table. I sighed and let him squish my face as he pleased until... a random thought knocked on my dull mind... tempting me with a foul play. I glanced at his busy fingers as he cluelessly stretched my cheeks under the table... so I gripped his wrist and carefully drew his hand deeper... under the desk.
Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung quietly played with his wife's chubby cheeks with his arm extended beneath the table as he watched Min Yoongi present at the far end of the table until he felt his wife... tugging his wrist... but didn't think too much of it. The founder glanced at the file on the desk with one elbow rested over the table until his fingers... brushed something... soft and bouncy.The man blinked uneasily at the touch of the smooth texture... but didn't dare look down... so... he patted the familiar surface with a slight frown to identify whatever he was touching. Badum! The founder's face abruptly flushed red in shock once he realized... he was groping his... wife's plump breast. The alpha cleared his throat and glanced down with a startled look to find her grinning between his knees. He dreadfully glanced at his hand... reaching... deep inside her fluffy white collar."Stop!" He mouthed, quickly yanking his hand out in bewilderment. His wife cutely covered her lips to stifle her laughter after she purposely made him grope her under the desk.The man smiled weakly at her naughty acts as he pressed his fingers... against his nostrils... and deeply inhaled the scent of his wife's bosoms with a satisfied frown- but cleared his throat awkwardly once he noticed... Namjoon observing his strange behavior with a questioning look. Pause. Kim Taehyung sniffed his nose and stiffly pretended to admire the clear blue sky through the window. Click.The alpha suddenly froze on the leather armchair but didn't dare look down and kept his terrified gaze on the city view... too afraid to look down once he felt his wife... messing with his belt to unclasp it. He softly scoffed and glanced at the charts on the screen with an uneasy feeling as she undid his zipper... causing him to stiffen at the inappropriate touch over his underpants. The man aggressively rubbed his mouth in a panic until his heart pulsated out of control... at his wife's teasing activities below the desk. He quickly lowered one hand to grab her wrist in an attempt to stop her- but Sora pushed his hand away and- Thump! Kim Taehyung flinched in shock when she roughly towed his armchair forward until his abdomen collided with the table- causing the men within the room to turn towards him with a questioning look.The alpha grunted in discomfort as the dull ache expanded over his rib... but didn't dare complain... and lowered his face to stare at the file with his body compressed against the desk. Kim Taheyung suddenly shuddered and took a deep exhale with a frustrated frown on the disclosures on the document... when he felt his wife... stroking him over his crotch. The man rubbed his lips in extreme anxiety while gripping the fountain pen with his shaky fingers. Slurp.A cold stroke suddenly covered his hard bulge with its tingling dampness. Kim Taehyung's jaw dropped in shock at the presence of her raw tongue- so he swiftly covered his mouth to muffle his voice as he felt... the repeated... wet strokes... over his pulsing tip. The daredevil was... licking him... under the table. He bit his pursed lips in difficulty with every soft smooch he felt over his hardened shaft- until... the alpha shakily... peeked downward with his eyebrows furrowed... to find her bunny ears... bouncing between his thighs under the desk.The man grunted under his breath in distress before shifting his troubled attention to the screen with his hand clasped firmly over his mouth. He dimmed his gaze to concentrate on his fellow alpha's words... but the surging jolts he felt... were driving him mad, so he closed his eyes and pinched his nose bridge in discomfort... while clenching his jaw to counter the throbbing... pleasure over his sensitive bulge.Jang Sora quietly jerked her husband over the leather chair while sucking onto his aroused bulge between his undone zippers... until he perched stiffly in his chair. Slurp. Slurp. She softly blew a wet patch over his tip while grinding his swollen nerves over her soaked tongue until he was sitting with a rock-hard erection. The alpha shakily exhaled with his head tilted back against the armchair while gripping the handrest as she skillfully swallowed his hardened shaft inside her warm mouth. Kim Taehyung frowned in difficulty after he found the courage to watch her please him before his clueless men. He gradually lowered his troubled gaze to his wife's untamed behavior with a fuming red face... to watch her suck him with her glossy pink lips... until the hot jolt paralyzed his entire body with raging pleasure.He darkly shifted his gaze back to the screen as the directors stared in the opposite direction to attend Min Yoongi's briefing without a clue. Kim Taehyung clenched his jaw intensely as he leaned over the table and lowered his head to watch his naughty wife kneel between his thighs... as she traced her glazed tongue over his hard boner... until she lifted her face to make eye contact with him. He frowned at her innocent doe eyes. Sora smiled, poked out her tongue, and licked his tip again- Slurp-"Urgh!-" Taehyung accidentally blurted but quickly pursed his lips when the men glanced in his direction with startled looks. Min Yoongi stopped speaking mid-sentence... and the room suddenly grew hushed as the curious eyes... rested on the founder... who was... panting in his seat with a fuming red face. Taehyung brushed back his slick black hair with his stern gaze fixed on the document... eventually lifting his face to frown at the muted personnel but couldn't speak. Silence. He remained muted with his fists clenched in extreme discomfort as he was getting his manly bulge devoured by his beloved wife. "Is there a problem?" Yoongi asked, unsurely staring at the alpha's bright red face. Taehyung didn't budge and leaned back against the chair in exhaustion as his wife mercilessly bopped her head between his legs beneath the desk."N- Nothing- proceed- with your- Hah~!" Taehyung tried to speak but groaned out loud and lowered his head to press his hand against his face with his elbows rested on the table.Namjoon unsurely examined the alpha's sweaty forehead as he watched the man lean over the table without speaking with his palms pressed over his fuming face. Kim Taehyung remained in the position for another few seconds without explaining himself, so the personnel exchanged awkward glances until... their boss lifted his flustered face to stare at the awkward-looking men inside the room. Kim Taehyung clenched his jaw with a dark frown, causing the directors to tense their bodies... thinking their boss was upset with them."Are you feeling unwell?" Namjoon questioned while scanning the alpha's sweaty hairline."Everyone... out of the room," Taehyung ordered, lowering his dark gaze to the document."What?" Min Yoongi glanced at the baffled men in the room."Take a break. Come back in thirty minutes- I need- to sort out an issue," Taehyung demanded, lifting his killer eyes to his people again. Pause. Jang Sora suddenly halted under the desk- upon hearing her husband's command and slowly looked up at him in fear. She pursed her lips and glanced at the movements under the table with a restless feeling while gripping his hard bulge. The supreme alpha licked her moist lips and glanced at her husband's drained expression as he darkly stared at his men while sitting with his exposed cock beneath the desk. "Okay-""Wait at the private lobby below. I'll call for the meeting once I'm ready," Taehyung instructed, dismissively waving his hand.The supreme alpha quickly shoved her husband's hump back inside his underwear and quickly zipped up his crotch in a hurry as the men stood up from their seats to vacate the office on demand. Kim Taehyung exhaled deeply as he watched Namjoon close the door to isolate him from the executives, so he grabbed the remote on the desk- and clicked a few buttons. The glass wall suddenly tinted and- Beep. The automated door locked itself.Jang Sora pursed her lips uneasily while kneeling on the carpet with her wide open eyes on her husband... too scared to budge but examined his disappointed frown with a restless feeling. Kim Taehyung calmly thrust his chair from the desk to slide backward as he leaned against the headrest... until he found his wife... sitting under the desk with a pale expression."Is it over?" She whispered. The man dimly stared at her without blinking, so she pursed her lips and gripped her fists with an apologetic frown. He exhaled while manspreading with an undone belt... and slowly... unzipped... his zipper again to draw out... his hard bulge before his wife's startled expression- unexpectedly... jerking himself with his hand... until her face flushed bright red."Crawl to me," Taehyung instructed while observing her startled face. Squelch. Squelch. He steadily beat his hard shaft with the thick coat of her slippery saliva as he darkly dimmed his gaze on her nervous expression. "Oppa- I was just teasing you-""I said crawl to me, Sora," The man seethed. She stiffened at his sensual gaze and glanced at the securely isolated room before looking back up at him while kneeling under the table with a frightened expression."I'm sorry-""No. I won't hear your plea. Crawl to me on your hands and knees," Taehyung intensely clenched his jaw while jerking himself. Sora gripped her fists over her lap with an uneasy feeling. Shakily inhaling... she crawled from under the desk and slowly stood up before her husband with her hands clasped together like a guilty child."Can't we leave~?" Sora whined in annoyance as she watched her husband jerk his raw cock on the armchair. Taehyung tugged this collar to loosen his tie around his red throat with a sore gaze on her flushed cheeks."Loosen the buttons on your dress," He nodded at her. Sora scoffed and covered her body with an offended look."Hey! What are you-""Did you think it was funny to suck me this hard...? Hmm...? And expect to get away with it? Loosen your buttons!- Now!- The men will be back in half an hour!" Taehyung snapped while glaring up at her with a dark frown.Sora pursed her lips at his irritated glower... lowered her conflicted eyes to her dress... and slowly... she tugged the button as instructed by her husband to unclasp it... over her chest... eventually... reaching the last button to undo... the furry attire... until... it slipped apart... to reveal her inner lingerie dress. She pursed her lips and glanced up at Kim Taehyung's deadly stare as he roamed the transparent material with his lustful gaze.

"You'll get my dress dirty," She pouted. Taehyung fumed at her timid behavior... until she pursed her lips in fear and glanced down at his swollen tip apologetically."Walk over and sit on my cock," He beckoned, dismissively reaching for her hand.Sora swallowed uneasily and stepped toward her husband as he drew his wife onto his lap to make her sit facing him on his thighs. The supreme alpha whined- but quickly sucked in her breath when her husband... shifted his intimidating stare to her regretful expression.Taehyung firmly held onto her hips as he adjusted his bulge under her panties, gently tugging the coverage fabric aside to expose her raw slit to his throbbing bulge and... carefully... he pushed his tip inside... causing his wife to tense her body in distress."Oppa~! I'll make up for my actions at home- Oh?" She begged, attempting to disable him with her cuteness... but Taehyung effortlessly gripped her hips and slammed her downward. Thump! The supreme alpha gasped and hugged her husband's neck in shock as he deeply penetrated her."Bounce your ass. Now. I'll give you twenty minutes to ease my hard dick," The alpha instructed with his jaw clenched. The supreme alpha softly whined again but didn't complain as she helplessly quivered over his burning groin. She shakily lifted her buttcheeks and lowered it to slip him out from between her thighs. Squelch. Squelch.The supreme alpha moaned between her parted lips as she hugged his neck with her eyes screwed shut until Taehyung embraced her body to stabilize her weight as she rocked over his hard bulge to have sex with him on the armchair. Squelch. Squelch. She fumed in heat as she steadily thumped over his private part until she was shivering from the pleasure of the heated strokes between her thighs."Haa~! Hngh~!- Ah~! Ah~! Hmmp!!-" She softly moaned and lifted her flushed face off his shoulder to cup her husband's cheeks. He stared at her with an uptight grimace without budging his muscles... until she hungrily lowered her face to kiss him. Smooch. Smooch. Taehyung leaned back against the chair to let her take his raw meat inside her. Squelch... Squelch... Squelch...The armchair creaked under their combined weight as Jang Sora bounced her hips over his lap while making out with Taehyung. He softly moaned against her lips and bit down on her steamy lips while rubbing her throat with a troubled expression... until she whimpered... and broke the kiss to narrow her sensual gaze on him."Why would you do this...? Hmm~? Why did you... provoke me like this? Do you have any idea... how badly I want to disrespect your body right now?- Hmm..? You shouldn't have sucked me hard before the clueless men. What were you thinking, my love? How far are you going to test me? I could've fucked you right then and there before their eyes," Taehyung whispered while stroking her cheek as Sora weakly pouted at him. The man groaned in pleasure and suddenly yanked her collars aside to grope and suck on her bouncing breasts. "I'm sorry," She whimpered, softly pecking his lips while rubbing her sensitive groin over his crotch."You started this... so fuck the cum out of me, Sora. If you can harden my cock... then I'm sure you can soften it too," Taehyung moaned with his tilted head back against the headrest as his wife quickened her pace and thumped harder onto him."Okay," She nodded while holding his shoulders for support as she humped him repeatedly until the searing pleasure consumed her body.Kim Taehyung gritted his teeth while clutching his wife's fleshy hips over her thin silk and lifted his palms to knead her breast in difficulty as he watched her frown at him with her lips pursed. Creak... Creak... The armchair started making weird noises the longer the couple made love at the office. Whack! Sora gasped in shock when Taehyung spanked her bouncy buttcheeks- making her squirm in pleasure... so she hugged his face against her breast as he parted his lips to savor the paralyzing surges over his crotch."Fuck I'm going to cum- Sora-""You can't do it on my clothes!-""Inside. I'll do it inside- then!-""But it's sticky- HAH~! AH!- Tae- HAH!~!!" Sora shrieked, intensely twitching in shock as she tried to scramble off him- but Taehyung shoved his bulge back into her, forcefully holding her down on his lap and started thrusting upward aggressively to pump out his jolting discharge- until she wailed in extreme anxiety- SPLURGE.His semen violently exploded inside his wife as she tightly hugged his chest to counter the dazzling orgasm while struggling to stabilize her heavy pants. Shiver. Her crotch twitched intensely as she whimpered against his neck. Taehyung huffed in exhaustion and clutched tightly onto her waist as he kept himself lodged deep inside her until... every single drop of his semen... spilled from his tips to fill... his trembling wife. Sora sniffled and pressed her face against his sweaty neck to absorb his sweaty fragrance with her lips ajar."Stay still... or it'll spill," Taehyung whispered, tightening his arms around her body when she tried to get off him.Sora closed her eyes in exhaustion and snuggled against the crook of his neck while rubbing her husband's sweaty nape as he remained inside her... to block his discharge from trickling out. The alpha quietly rubbed her back over the flurry dress as he waited for their bodies to calm down before securing her waist, stood up from the armchair with her body... and settled her on the meeting desk."Hah~!" Sora moaned as he nudged her legs apart on the table... and carefully... withdrew his shaft from inside her swollen lady part. The supreme alpha frowned restlessly... as her husband pulled out of her and quickly snatched the napkin from his pocket to press it against her throbbing entrance to stop the thick paste from spilling out. He bit his lips and slightly eased the pressure over her slit... so the white paste could seamlessly flow onto the fabric he carefully positioned... between her thighs... to prevent it from smudging her skin."Let it flow out," He muttered, carefully holding the napkin under her lady part to watch the paste... stream freely over her raw flesh. Sora pursed her lips in difficulty as she sat with her bent knees apart on the table and frowned at his sweaty forehead."Did you like it?" She asked as she watched his semen seep onto the napkin."I might get you pregnant again if you keep provoking me like this," He glared. She smiled at his annoyed expression and reached between her legs to touch the semen over her beaten lady part."I enjoyed it. The sex. It's a fantasy I wanted to fulfill," Sora shrugged, lifting her fingers to lick his flavor off her fingertips. Taehyung furrowed his eyebrows at her lewd behavior as she tasted his semen with a devious smile. He finally wiped her clean after the discharge finally emptied her."You and your dirty... tendencies," He scoffed, carefully wrapping up the napkin and snatched fresh tissues from the box to wipe himself dry before balling up the dirty napkin."It's fun! Bedroom sex is boring," Sora giggled while adjusting her panties back onto her hips and straightened her knees to sit on the desk with her legs... dangling over the edge. Taehyung shook his head at her mischievous smile. "Do you often do this kind of thing with him?" Taehyung muttered, turning to throw away the dirty napkin and tissues in the automated bin. Sora chuckled while buttoning up her dress as Taehyung tucked his shirt under his waistband and buckled himself up again."No. He was good at everything... but we never did anything risky," She giggled. 
Sora's POV
"Why are you doing it with me then?" Taehyung asked, walking forward to press his arms on the desk with a slight smirk to trap her between his muscular forearms."You're... shameless. Yangcha is too shy to commit such awful offenses. Only Kim Taehyung will agree to fulfill my fantasies," I shrugged. Taehyung nodded and kissed my cheeks."I'll take it as a compliment," He chuckled while gazing at her with a fond smile."I like it... when you're assertive. It's very sexy. He wouldn't dare order me to do anything like this~! But Kim Taehyung?- He doesn't put up with my deviant nature and makes me bear the consequences... so I like that about you," I shrugged. Taehyung laughed and hugged my waist as he gently caressed my lips with his."I guess I'm not so bad after all-""Taehyung," I pulled away to cup his cheeks. He blinked at me unsurely as I scanned his handsome face."What?" He asked."You're not a replacement in my life. Please don't feel inferior to Jae Yangcha. I might've chosen to love him before... but that doesn't make you any less worthy. What I feel for you is genuine... so please... don't compare yourself to him. Everyone has their good and bad sides..." I sadly stared at his face. I might've claimed to love him countless times... but I'm uncertain if my husband actually believes my words... due to our complicated past."Why would I be jealous of a dead man? I know you love me at this very moment. He is your past... and I am your present and future. I don't feel inferior because... I do not wish to be your history... so I'm thankful... that I am now... your permanent lover. We needed a break from each other... so it was only natural for you to explore other men. The past doesn't bother me... it is our present and future that I'm safeguarding, so don't worry about my feelings. We'll love you beautifully until the end of our time. Unlike my nature... your love language is pretty... evident. You're transparent with your affection... and I can sense and feel it, Sora. That's what I'm trying to do for you too. To be as transparent as you are," He smiled. I chuckled and softly pecked his lips. Taehyung drew me into a crushing hug, so I exhaled and rubbed his back."I love you," I smiled."I love you more," He muttered as he drew me off the desk to help me stand- just as the door opened and the flood of men entered the room. I stiffened and glanced at the alphas once they halted to stare at me."Oh?- When did you get here?" Namjoon questioned, startled by my unexpected presence."Hey," I awkwardly smiled at him and Yoongi as the board of directors greeted me."She came... not too long ago. Right?" Taehyung smirked, causing my cheek to flush red."Spectacular fashion sense," Yoongi chuckled at my fluffy dress. I quickly flushed red as the men eyed my childish outfit."I should properly introduce my wife to the board of directors. Jang Sora, my beloved first lady. I'm sure you've seen her around before. My precious assistant. She just delivered our youngest daughter, so a loose dress... is her comfort outfit," Taehyung held onto my waist while standing proudly beside me. I lowered my head at the beaming men with a shy smile. He's not embarrassed of me anymore? That's nice. For a man to stand so proudly by my side... even if... I'm the exact opposite of his preference."We don't mind. Your wife was always an eye candy and still is!" The chairman chuckled. I grinned at his words and glanced at Taehyung, who smiled at me and ruffled my hair.We sat side by side at the head of the meeting table. Taehyung proudly held my hand over his lap as the men resumed their meeting to discuss their financial plans. I gripped our interlaced fingers and happily remained by his side until the meeting was finally concluded. We briefly chatted with the alphas before leaving the corporation... and Taehyung took me to his apartment immediately... so we could clean up ourselves."Do you want to go shopping? For a new dress?" Taehyung asked while checking the empty fridge once I strolled out of his room after washing my lady part."No. My clothes are fine," I shrugged and walked up to Taehyung. He doesn't mind it... so I'll wear it. I only felt embarrassed because I thought he'd feel uncomfortable with my appearance.
A moment later.
"You should've dressed warmly," Taehyung muttered while steering the car out of the parking lot as I munch on a chocolate bar Taehyung had given me earlier at the apartment."I didn't think we'd stay out for too long," I shrugged. Taehyung chuckled, suddenly freeing his hand to hold my thigh and gently massaged my flesh, so I leaned back against the car seat as he took me to wherever we were supposed to visit.The alpha suddenly pulled into a familiar driveway until I straightened my back with my lips ajar once I recognized the looming mansions before my startled gaze. Gulping, I quickly shoved the remaining chocolate inside my mouth and glanced at Taehyung for an explanation. He stepped out of the driver's seat and rounded the car to open the door for me... so I gripped his hand and stepped out with my unblinking stare at the Seoul mansion. Why did he bring me back? To this cursed place?"I want you to have dinner with my parents," He smiled, gently holding onto my hand, and led me towards the looming front door, causing my chest to stir uneasily."Good evening, sir," A maid bowed, opening the door for us. I gripped Taehyung's arm and eyed the grand mansion in extreme dread. The space remained the same? Even the familiar scent of the ancient walls... everything within the mansion was intact. I thought the cult had ruined everything...?"Abeoji. Eomeoni," Taehyung politely lowered his head to greet his parents, so I quickly glanced at the elders, who were seated in the living room... and sitting across from them was a young woman. Ah-young shifted her attention to my presence in surprise."Anneonghaseyo," I unsurely lowered my head while clutching Taehyung's arm."Eonni!!?- Oppa!!? What brought you here?- I was just visiting the elders," Ah-young beamed, quickly launching from the couch to approach us. I swallowed as she brightly reached out to pat my arm before smiling at Taehyung, who stood with a blank stare trained on his former lover."We're here to dine with my parents. What brought you here?" Taehyung asked her. She chuckled."Ah~! I just returned from abroad... so I decided to bring your parents gifts," She shrugged, nodding at the decorative basket on the coffee table. Taehyung nodded."Sweetie, you can stay over for dinner," Mrs. Kim smiled at the woman."Ah! I have plans in the evening! I should get going now," Ah-young chuckled, quickly grabbing her purse from the couch... so I glanced at the Kim's sore expression and glanced up at Taehyung's dim gaze as he observed his parents' discourteous reaction to my presence. Why are they so uptight?"C- Can we speak for a moment?- If you don't mind?" I requested, unsurely staring at Ah-young. She paused and glanced at Taehyung, who looked down at me with a questioning expression. I patted his hand before turning to smile at her again... so she bid goodbye to the elders... and followed me out of the mansion.
A moment later.
"Are you not upset?" I frowned while standing before Ah-young near the water fountain in the garden."Of course, I was upset," She sighed. "I'm really sorry- I really had no choice-""It's fine. I don't resent you or oppa," Ah-young shook her head with a faint smile. I blinked and frowned at her dismissive response."Why? You have every right to be a victim in this affair," I questioned. Ah-young chuckled and shook her head before lifting her face to scan my remorseful expression."I am not a victim. You shouldn't feel guilty, eonni. You were legally married to him years ago- even before I met him for the first time. And you two... have a strong connection in the past... anyone could see... oppa... is clearly attached to you," She smiled at me."The affair-""You had to fulfill your duty as the supreme alpha to protect the pack. So you made the sacrifice to save everyone. It would've been a tragedy if oppa actually loved me... but fortunately... he's more fond of you. So I guess... everything is working out for you and him in the end. I had no space in his heart anyway. He's always worried about you and the twins," Ah-young replied."I think he favors you too-""He did. Oppa was always gentle with me... and he's always treated me well despite loving you. I thought he would eventually waver to favor me... but it seems... his heart is faithful to you and only you. I could've resented you two for making me a third party in the marriage... but... we all had our reasons. This conflict will only spoil if I position myself as a victim. Instead, I am happy for you and his relationship because... now you can fully raise your own family. And don't worry about me. He didn't discard me. Oppa granted me a chance to choose a man... who will treat me better. He freed me so I won't be harmed in his affair," She shrugged while standing before me in her pink coat."He did speak to you," I dimly nodded."Kim Taehyung told me the truth from the beginning," Ah-young smiled."The beginning?" I blinked unsurely."He told me... he's willing to attempt our relationship... but oppa also warned me... he's still very attached to the mother of his children. I thought... I could make him favor me and help him heal... so I agreed regardless of his confession. And after... you two... had an affair... I knew... something had happened because he became distant. I noticed the guilt on his face. He never touched me again and would reside in a different room after you left our side. Still, he didn't treat me any differently and always ensured that I was comfortable... but I knew... we couldn't live this way. I can't allow him to live in his own lies and deceptions, so I'm glad he's finally chosen you again because... you are his truth. The only woman he genuinely loves," Ah-young nodded while holding her purse."You're too kind for your own good. You know?" I frowned. Ah-young smiled."The world is a brutal place... and I do not wish to be a part of its cruelty. We should accept the situation and move forward instead of causing unnecessary troubles that will only backfire on us," Ah-young chuckled, suddenly stepping forward to hold my hands. I fondly smiled at her sincere gaze."I hope you live happily," I replied."I will. And you will too. Oh- And we should stay in touch since the issue is resolved. I wish to be friends with the powerful supreme alpha," She chuckled behind her hand. I nodded and drew her into a crushing hug. Ah-young exhaled and patted my back to assure me of our peace. She eventually left the property after our brief chat... so I returned to the dead-quiet mansion and... ended up in the muted... dining room with Taehyung's parents.The Kims ate without a bother and would dart me spiteful looks from across the table. All I could hear was the soft clatters of the plates, and utensils and their obvious uncomfortable silence treatment. I sighed and quietly ate with my head lowered as Taehyung sorely disapproved of his parents' disrespectful attitude while chewing his food. He drank his wine and placed the glass down, followed by a deep exhale."We're here for your blessings," Taehyung lifted his dead stare to the elders. They stopped chewing and glanced at me before shifting their dull eyes back to their son."Is it necessary?-""Eomma. She's my wife. It's only proper for you to welcome her presence," Taehyung clenched the fork. Mrs. Kim placed her spoon on her plate and lifted her sharp eyes to me, so I swallowed and straightened my back uneasily."Ah-young is the most hurt by this-""I've already spoken to her. She understands the situation, so why are you still like this?" Taehyung frowned at his mother. The woman exhaled deeply."Your wife is no different from her late mother. I'm sure you're aware... the reason she chose you is because she sees you as a competent tool to secure her power-""Eomma! We're in love and she even bears my daughter! Isn't this a bit too much? My problems stay between me and her- so you shouldn't interfere-""Have you heard of the things they say about you? A pathetic love slave. Crawling for the supreme alpha and agreeing to raise children that aren't yours. You were the most well-respected leading alpha- but you've ruined your own reputation in the council!" Mrs. Kim glared at her son. Taehyung scoffed at her harsh words and glanced at me as I blankly stared at the plate without blinking."I will not allow you to ruin my relationship again-""Did you think... you'd be the one to hold her if Jae Yangcha was alive? How naive," Mrs. Kim rolled her eyes, rudely got from her seat, and strolled out of the dining room. Taehyung flared his nostrils and glanced at his father, who was watching us with a neutral expression. The man stood up and left after his wife... so Taehyung worriedly glanced at me as I sat with my blank gaze on the half-eaten meal."Sora-" Taehyung tried to speak until I looked up at him with an empty gaze. Silence. Taehyung pursed his lips while observing my pained expression as he gripped the napkin to ponder his words... yet he couldn't speak but dart me an apologetic look. He sighed and pulled me into a crushing hug... so I held onto his back and buried my face against his chest without speaking."I want to go home," I whispered as I tightly clutched his shoulder. Taehyung exhaled heavily as he rubbed my back to comfort me... and before I knew it... we were already on our way home on the private plane. I didn't speak and napped on the extended armchair until we landed in Busan.
A moment later.
I listlessly strolled over the damp soil on my slippers as Taehyung walked ahead of me with his hands in his coat's pocket. I glanced around the dark path to stare at the tiny houses on the sides and back at him as he made his way through the dark village until we halted before the dark lake surrounded by the mountains. Taehyung stopped briefly to scan the calm surface until I caught up with him.Creak. An old lady pushed her gate open with a trash bag but halted once she looked up... to find us... standing before her place. Her eyes suddenly lit up at my presence, so I smiled and strode forward to embrace her small body without speaking. Ah~! I missed her! She grumbled under her breath and smacked my back for not visiting her earlier, making me chuckle at her adorable frown."What brought you two here?" Halmeoni giggled as I sat beside Taehyung on her cold floor."How have you been? Aren't you cold?" I worriedly frowned at her. Halmeoni chuckled and poured me a glass of warm tea."I'm used to this weather! I was so worried for you two! How are things?" She smiled while patting my hand over the table."Thank you for delivering the marriage license," I thanked her. The woman chuckled and covered her lips with a prideful beam.
I sent the marriage license to her immediately after I made Taehyung sign it... and she has been keeping it safe to await the right moment to secure my power. Sungho agreed to help me and traveled to Busan to retrieve the file from halmeoni before Taehyung's wedding ceremony, so
 I'm here personally to express my gratitude.
"Aigo~! It's nothing! How are you two? Happily married? How many children do you have?" She keenly stared at us. I glanced at Taehyung's sulky expression, took his hand and firmly held onto him. He's been blanking out since the argument with his parents."Five. Four boys and... I recently delivered a healthy daughter," I chuckled."FIVE?!- You seriously made her bear your five children?!! Our young master was serious about his dream goal!" The woman funnily covered her mouth."Dream goal...?" I curiously smiled at her."He used to tell me he wanted five children when he was younger! He wasn't joking!?" She grinned. Taehyung weakly smiled at her as I patted his back to comfort him."I'm actually here... to repay the debt I owe you," I smiled, weakly holding her hand over the table."Aigo~! You don't have to repay anything~!" She giggled, slightly shaking her head. I smiled at her and glanced at Taehyung, who appeared a bit more comfortable... so we chatted with her briefly and decided to stay at her place for the night since it was too late to return to the main street.
A moment later.
I lifted my head off the pillow as I aimlessly patted the thin sheets, and sat up to stare at the empty mattress before glancing at Halmeoni, who was fast asleep beside me. I sleepily crawled over the floor, slid the door open, and strolled into her tiny living space to search for my husband... but he was nowhere to be found. What's with men and their habits of disappearing at night? I always have to search for them."What are you doing?" I grumbled, pushing the door aside to find him sitting on the wooden dock outside the front door. He glanced up at me with his legs crossed... so I groaned and sat down beside him to rest my head on his lap. Taehyung patted my cheek as I turned on my side to watch the dim night view beyond the rusted gate. We quietly listened to the familiar insects' cries without speaking. "Go back to bed if you're sleepy," He glanced down at me."I can't sleep without my husband," I mumbled, rolling over to sprawl on my back. Taehyung weakly smiled at me... so I closed my eyes and exhaled deeply."Are you still upset?" He asked. I didn't reply and quietly exhaled before opening my eyes to meet his anxious gaze. Taehyung softly patted my cheek."It's you... who is most hurt by her assertions," I muttered."I'm not upset," He muttered, glancing at the dark lake."Why? Doesn't her words make you feel uneasy?" I asked."We've already talked it through. There's no point in letting my mother make me question my feelings for you. The past must remain in the past. It is the present and the future... that I will prioritize," He shrugged. I chuckled."She's your mother. It's not like you can defy her," I muttered. Taehyung huffed."How long can the elders live for? Another decade? Or maybe two more decades? You'll be the one to remain by my side the longest... so I'll choose you," He whispered. I smiled and raised my hand to pat his cold cheek."We should get a snack before visiting the children tomorrow," I sat up to sit beside him. Taehyung raised his arm to place it over my shoulder."Ah... It'll be noisy again," He grumbled. I chuckled and glanced at him as he weakly scanned my face while scratching my scalp. I pecked his cheek and held onto his waist as we admired the hushed village- but the winter breeze got a bit too cold for us... so we hurried back inside the house... and headed to bed in Halmeoni's room.________________________
Fast Forward
The rolling car wheels came to an abrupt halt on a field of dead grass, so I stepped out with my mouth ajar while staring at the glass villa... located by the seaside with a stunned gaze. This is... exactly... what I saw in my dream...? The villa on a seaside beach. I pursed my lips and followed Taehyung to the door as he carried the snack bags in both hands. Beep. The alpha scanned his fingerprint and entered the door, so I stepped inside to eyeball the simplistic interior and glanced at the glass wall... with the view of the sea before me in disbelief."How's the break from parenting?" Appa chuckled, looking up from a file on the counter. Imo quickly spun around as she stood by the stove with a startled expression."I'm ready for the challenge," I smiled at my father."Omo! Are you feeling better?!" Imo gasped, quickly racing toward me in concern. I chuckled and lowered my body to hug her, so Taehyung placed the grocery bags on the counter and entered the living room to search for the kids."Where are they?" Taehyung asked."Upstairs," Imo chuckled. I nodded and strolled into the villa with my eyes glued to the calm sea before my gaze."You bought this place?" I muttered, briefly glancing at Taehyung, who took off his coat to toss it on the couch."Yup. It's our vacation house," The man nodded as he slid his hands into his pockets with a slight smile."It's beautiful," Imo chuckled while standing beside me in her apron to admire the gloomy winter sea. I placed my arm on her shoulder to rub her upper arm, so she hugged my waist and rested her head on my shoulder."Let's prepare for the New Year feast," I smiled, glancing at the woman. She nodded, took my hand, and we walked hand in hand into the kitchen to cook the evening meals as Taehyung walked up the stairs to visit the young heirs.
A moment later.
I finally slipped off my dirty apron and lifted the plates to settle on the dining table position by the glass wall with a view of the vast scenery as imo chopped the fruits by the stove. Appa was watching football with Do-hwan in the living room... until Taehyung strolled down the stairs in casual clothes... followed by the twins. They held hands in their blue pajamas and lifted their remorseful gaze to me while standing at the base of the stairs."Eomma," They muttered. Taehyung ruffled his soaked hair and crossed his arms over his chest as the children nervously approached me... so I straightened my back with a slight frown on their sulky pouts."Don't touch eomma," Taehyung exhaled, grabbing my hand to make me sit on the couch in the living room.The father darted the twins an intimidating nod... so they scratched their heads and walked forward to kneel before my feet with their legs tucked under their bodies and hands placed over their laps. My heart churned in pain as they lifted their apologetic expression to meet my stern stare. I want to embrace them but I have to speak with them first."We're sorry for... misbehaving," Woojin mumbled, cutely biting his lips."You don't want to live with us anymore, eomma?" Kanghoon pouted as he knelt at my feet."Come down," Taehyung beckoned, so I averted my gaze to the upper floor until I found Woobin... standing on the landing above. The child gulped and strolled down the stairs to sit beside the twins on the carpet. Do-hwan sorely stared at his son as appa switched off the television with his dim gaze on the identical twins. "Have you two spoken to hyung?" I sighed while frowning at their sulky face. They glanced at Woobin, who was staring at his hands without looking at the twins."No..." The twins answered, glancing back at me."Eomma isn't upset with you two. But Kanghoonie and Woojinie... must apologize to hyung. Why would you hit your own brother?" I asked, slightly leaning forward to frown at them. They sadly stared at me and glanced at Woobin again."Eomma loves him more-""Eomma loves every one of you. I don't love you any less just because eomma is caring for your older brother or younger siblings. I gave hyung more snacks and food because he's much bigger than you. He'd starve if I fed him the same portion of food. And you won't finish your meals if I double your lunch and snacks," I explained."Hyung was sleeping inside eomma's room because Hajin wouldn't stop crying. You know I never stopped you two from sleeping with eomma either. You two chose to sleep in a separate room, didn't you? Eomma only scolds Woojin and Kanghoon because... it is you little dumplings... who tipped over the juice hyung poured for you. And it's you two who.. refused to let hyung enjoy his meal. It was also you two... who ran into hyung while he was carrying the plates. Eomma is scolding you two, not because eomma doesn't love you but because... you should be conscious of your wrongdoings," I calmly shook my head to lecture them."You can not blame another person and expect to be right... all the time. How could hyung avoid you two in the hallway with the heavy plates? It is you two who should step aside to let him pass," I sadly stared at their gloomy pupils. The twins blinked at me cluelessly and glanced at Woobin again... who was still staring at his hands on the carpet."We're sorry," The twins mumbled with their dim eyes on Woobin, who lifted his face to stare at them and glanced at me. The older boy sighed and nodded his head... before lowering his eyes to his hands again."If you misbehave and make eomma cry again... appa will keep you here for a month. I won't let you see eomma. Do you understand?" Taehyung frowned.The twins nodded at their father with pouty lips and shifted their apologetic gaze to me, so I exhaled and opened my arms for them. They quickly got up and walked forward to embrace my body. Ah~! I don't want to hurt their feelings like this! But they must know their boundaries! Woojin clung to my waist as Kanghoon crawled onto my lap, making me exhale in relief at their comforting presence. I kissed their cheek and glanced at Woobin, who was eyeing me with a sulky expression."Come here," I beckoned, reaching out for him. Woobin exhaled as he stood up and lowered his body to hug me as well... so I pulled the three boys against my body with a faint smile."Aigo~! Young boys are troublemakers~! Come on, let's have dinner before the meal goes cold," Imo beckoned from the dining table. Woobin smiled when I kissed his forehead. The twins quickly scrambled off my lap and hurried away to climb their baby stools... so I held Woobin's hand and led him to the dining space as appa got up with Do-hwan to join the table."I'll get Beom," I informed before strolling up the stairs and pushed the door to the first room open... but it was empty. I checked a slightly bigger room with a twin bed and closed it before walking down to the far end of the first floor and nudged the door open. Creak. Beom sat alone on the carpet with his unblinking gaze... on the vast sea view before the wall."Eomma~!" Beom shrieked when he saw me in the reflection of the glass wall. The child scrambled onto his feet and raced forward... so I pouted and crouched down to retrieve him."Aigo~! I miss you so much! How have you been?! Eomma is sorry for being away for so long~!" I gasped, repeatedly kissing his plump cheeks. Beom giggled at the ticklish sensation and hugged my neck, making me pout at his cheerful smile."Gwenchana~! Eomma- don't cry~!" The child cutely spoke to me while patting my cheek."Araso~! Eomma won't cry~!" I agreed and hugged him again. Beom chuckled and slumped on my lap as I sat on the carpet to stare at his neatly arranged toys."Bogoshipo~!" He giggled as I hugged his plump belly and kissed his ear."I miss you more~!" I chuckled at his cuteness until I noticed a few disassembled robotic toys... on the carpet."Eomma~! Milk!" Beom squeezed my breast, making me chuckle at his demand... so I pulled my sleeves down. He quickly pressed his lips against my nipple and sucked onto me with a cute smile."You're grown now... so learn to eat food~! This is Hajin's milk~!" I chuckled while patting his cheek as he smooched my nipple to withdraw the milk."Ehehe~! Hajin ki-yote~!" He briefly chuckled and groped my breast to suck on it again... so I patted his head while cradling him on my lap to feed the child my milk- Creak. I glanced at the door as Taehyung entered with Hajin in his arms. She's awake and clinging to his collar."Yah~! Are you stealing Hajin's milk~?! That's not fair~! Beomie's teeth have fully grown! So learn to eat solid food!" Taehyung scoffed. Beom chuckled at Taehyung's playful scowl and pulled his lips away from my nipple before crawling onto his feet to approach the man. I adjusted the sleeve back onto my shoulder and stood up with a fond gaze on my daughter."Hajinie~!" Beom tugged Taehyung's pants with his arms extended upward, so I picked the boy and lifted him up to show him his younger sister. He chuckled and poked her cheek, making Hajin giggle at his curious gaze. Taehyung smiled warmly at their interactions."I guess... they'll be twins once they grow up," Taehyung chuckled, freeing his arm to hold my waist.I smiled and strolled out of the room with Taehyung, eventually returning to the dining room to join the household for the dinner feast. The twins chatted loudly in their seats beside my father and imo as Do-hwan sat beside Woobin. I settled beside my chief guard. Taehyung sat across from imo, who was feeding Woojin on her side. Appa was peeling shrimp for Kanghoon, who wiggled in extreme delight as he slurped his grape juice with smudged lips."Try eating shrimp," I picked up a peeled shrimp and handed it to Beom. He took it and munched on the food I gave him as Taehyung carried Hajin in his right arm while eating from the bowl with his right hand. Baby Beom isn't picky and would eat everything I give him."Eomma~! You got a ring on your finger~!" Kanghoon pointed from across the table. Appa glanced at Taehyung's matching ring and looked up at me in surprise."Oh~! We're officially married now~!" I chuckled."Oh!? Eomma and appa are married~?! So eomma loves appa now?!" Woojin shrieked while covering his mouth in shock."Yes. Eomma agreed to love appa forever," Taehyung smiled at the children. They cutely giggled and covered their mouths as imo darted Taehyung a suspicious look."What did you do to her while we were away, you evil freak," Imo grimaced. Taehyung scoffed at her offensive statement."What did I do? Why don't you ask your young lady~? I had to put up with her tantrums and crazy mood swings alone~! That's what I did!" Taehyung bickered while glaring at the woman as he dipped the shrimp in the sauce and ate it. Hajin giggled at her father's playful grimace... so he smiled and glanced down at her cute smile."Didn't Hajin cry?" I chuckled at the woman."She likes Do-hwan and Woobin. Our chief guard comforts her when she starts crying," Appa nodded at the man, who smiled and patted Woobin's head."She'd grow hushed immediately... once she sees Woobin," Imo giggled and glanced at Hajin while shaking her head."Just like her mother... no one can comfort her... besides handsome men..." Taehyung nodded."Oppa!" I snapped, lightly smacking his shoulder. He laughed and glanced at me with a smug expression."Well. A woman should have high standards," Appa teased me. I flushed red and took a sip of the wine in my glass. The household chattered loudly over our warm meals, so I smiled and hugged Beom on my lap as the twins told us stories about their school days until the joyful echoes of our family's happiness... filled the warm and cozy villa... before the dark winter sea.
My winter is warm this year. I hope it will remain like this forever.
__________________________
Fast Forward
"Bye, eomma~! Appa~!" The twins waved at us from the school gate as the teachers welcomed them to their new school year. I nodded and waved at them while holding Taehyung's hand.The proud father waved at the twins while carrying Beom in his arms, so we chuckled and turned around to find a group of parents eyeing us from the school gate. I smiled at them and strolled with Taehyung over the sidewalk until we passed by a photography shop. Pause. I halted, quickly grabbing Taehyung's hand as he cluelessly chatted with baby Beom. He glanced backward as I stared at the sample photos... plastered on the glass window with an eager smile."Wae?" Taehyung asked, curiously glancing at the pictures on the wall."Do you love me?" I asked while squinting my eyes to inspect the photographs on display."Oh? Beom... can you answer eomma's question for me? Do appa love eomma or not? Love or no love?" Taehyung chuckled as he glanced at Beom, who giggled at the man with his cute baby teeth."Love!" The child nodded while swinging his legs against Taehyung's hips. I smiled, straightened my body and glanced at Taehyung with a broad smile."I have a request... and I want you to take full responsibility for this~!" I nudged his shoulder while pointing at the bridal picture. Taehyung scoffed and glanced at me as Beom clung to his neck."Kaja~! I'm so hungry~!" Taehyung whined, dismissively tugging my hand. I pouted and glanced back at the photography shop... as he dragged me into a restaurant for breakfast. Taehyung sat Beom on his lap as we sat side by side at a table until a waiter approached us to collect our orders."Beom~! Is eomma pretty today~?" Taehyung asked as the child played with the napkin."Eomma is pretty~!" Beom repeated, making me smile at his adorable exclaim. Taehyung chuckled and sweetly kissed me, causing Beom to cringe at our shameless acts, and shyly pressed his face against Taehyung's shirt to hide his flustered cheeks."What a shy gentleman~!" Taehyung teased while poking the child's head.Beom chuckled cutely... so Taehyung lifted the child upward to make him sit on the table, facing us. We both leaned forward to kiss each side of his cheek until the child shrieked with his hands clasped over his face and tilted backward- too overwhelmed by our affection- but was caught by Taehyung. I laughed at Beom's gummy grin as Taehyung settled the child back onto his lap."Excuse me," A group of elderly women suddenly appeared before our table."Annyeonghaseyo~!" I lowered my head to greet them as Taehyung hugged Beom against his chest."Are you the new parents at the elite school?" A mother in a maroon dress sat down before us without an invitation. The other two mothers settled on either side of her... so I glanced at her expensive jewel and the hot pink Birkin on the table."Neh," I replied. She chuckled and glanced at Beom before averting her gaze to Taehyung's neutral expression."I'm Ga Jungmin. The head representative of the parents committee. We usually host a private meeting at my villa to discuss our children's welfare every month, so if you're interested... you can consider joining us," She chuckled as she slid a card over the table. I nodded and reached for the card, but Taehyung quickly snatched it before I could touch it. The women glanced at his hasty behavior and glanced at me unsurely before excusing themselves from the table."Wae?" I blinked while studying my husband's dark frown."Parents committees are usually corrupted because they fund the school," Taehyung shrugged, tossing the card into the bin. I nodded and glanced at Beom as he played with his fingers. We ate breakfast at the restaurant before heading back to the hill... to prepare the kids for their new school year after their short winter break in December.______________________
Fast Forward
Kim Taehyung thoroughly inspected his reflection in the mirror as the stylist fixed his hair with a setting spray. The high-rank alpha finally rose to his feet to check on his appearance and strolled out of the changing room to enter a spacious photoshoot enclosure filled with professional photographers and stylists. He greeted the manager while buttoning his suit as he stood on the side of the room... to skim through the list of proposed concepts on the desktops."Oppa~!" Sora called from the right side, so he quickly glanced in the direction of her voice... until he found his wife strolling out in a heavy bridal gown with her hair tucked into a neat bun. Kim Taehyung's heart suddenly fluttered at the sight of... his wife's gorgeous appearance."I can't believe the Fintech Corp founder hired our team to shoot his wedding pictures! You two are so perfect together~!" Another manager reached out to shake Taehyung's hand as he interlaced his left hand with his bride. Sora chuckled cutely and lifted her dolled-up face to gaze at her husband.

"He's handsome, isn't he?" Sora grinned at the man, causing the stylist to giggle behind their hands."I think you're the star of today's shoot!" The manager smiled at the supreme alpha."How long have you been married? I heard you wanted to revive your marriage~!" They shyly asked."Ah- We've never hosted a wedding ceremony. That's why we're taking the bridal pictures today. My wife doesn't like to leave the walls of our home for spider webs, so she wishes to cover the it with her enchanting beauty," Taehyung chuckled while rubbing the curve of her waistline."Oh? How come?-""Well. She was always pregnant for the past six years. We have five children- so... we never found... the time to arrange our wedding ceremony," Taehyung joked, earning a glare from his wife."Wow~! You must have a healthy love life for you two to have so many children!" The stylist cutely chuckled. Taehyung glanced at his beautiful wife and nodded at the staff as they gathered around the couple to get a glimpse of the successful founder and his goddess."He wants five kids. It's a curse and blessing to have so many children. Two is an ideal number... but this man... his pride is unmatched. He's trying to raise his own army of children," Sora chuckled while hugging his arm. The staff laughed at her statement and beamed at the couple in admiration while nudging each other to approve of the couple's chemistry."Let's begin with our schedule~! You have a lot of gowns and suits to change into~!" The manager nodded while cradling his clipboard. Taehyung chuckled and escorted his wife to the shooting location as the stylist carried her bridal dress from behind to lift the weight off her body. Sora tightly held onto a fresh flower bouquet while standing beside her husband as the team prepared the final checks for the shoot."I told you to pick three dresses," Taehyung muttered, sorely eyeing the rows of wedding gowns in the back room."What? I heard thirty gowns," Sora grinned, earning a glare from her husband."How are we supposed to store so many gowns? You'll never wear it again," He grumbled. Sora pouted, slightly lowering her hand behind his back to smack his butt."Wae~? Are you whiny now that I wasted too many digits on your credit card?" She sideway glanced at him. Taehyung scoffed as he watched the staff adjust the bright lights to illuminate the site."Why would I regret splurging money on my wife?" He chuckled, carefully reaching behind his back to draw her hand off his butt."Then don't whine," Sora lifted her face to smile at him. He gazed at the faint blush on her plump cheeks before examining the sparkles over her eyelids and finally shifted his gaze to her heirloom crown."Do you want to play our closet game?" He asked, lifting his eyebrow with a slight smile."What closet game?" Sora blinked at him in confusion."On the island. Remember? You brought ten bikinis that night. And an extra one to deceive me. You ordered thirty gowns... so we... can do one a day," He smirked. Her face suddenly flushed red at his dirty smirk."Shh!- What's wrong with you? The gowns are too pretty to be ruined!" She nudged his arm with a startled look. Taehyung chuckled and placed his arm over her shoulder to tug her close to him."I love to touch everything pretty about you though," He smirked. Sora frowned at her husband."You keep ruining my pretty clothes-""I don't like it when you're covered because I can't feel your flesh. You look prettiest with flushed cheeks... pleading eyes... and that lewd sound of yours. Ah. I especially love your bouncing breasts when you're riding me," He teased. Sora pursed her lips at his cocky smirk and glanced at the staff awkwardly."Be quiet, you stupid man," She cutely smacked his lips with the flowers, causing Taehyung to chuckle. A few stylists approached the couple to fix their outfits... so the couple straightened their backs and glanced at the camera lenses.

Flick. Flick. Flick.

The photographer instructed their hand placement while examining the angle of the shot as the assistant showed the couple sample pictures to help them position their body. Sora smiled at her groom as he hovered... his face above hers with an insanely attractive stare... gazing right into her pretty doe eyes... while posing for the picture. She blushed at his unblinking gaze while holding onto his shoulder as Taehyung clutched her waist to support her.

"Hey!" Sora giggled when Taehyung unexpectedly lowered his face to steal a kiss from her glossy pink lips, making her flush bright red as he kissed her before the crowd. The supreme alpha quickly lowered her head to lean against his chest... causing Taehyung to chuckle at her abrupt surrender while holding his wife's waist and glance at the grinning staff, who was laughing at his playfulness."Break~! My wife is shy again~! Please give her a moment to calm down~!" Taehyung chuckled until she lifted her face to glare at him."Assist our client~!" The manager ordered, so a few staff came rushing forward to assist the couple as Taehyung patted her cheeks with his radiant boxy smile.
A moment later.
Jang Sora's eyes suddenly flung open after she fell into a brief nap in her thin lingerie dress to find Taehyung sitting with his gaze fixed on his phone. She adjusted her head on his lap while lying on the couch and slowly sat up to rub her sore temples."How long did I pass out for?" She grumbled, sleepily glancing down the hushed room."Twenty minutes," Taehyung replied while scrolling through the phone."Ow... my back is sore..." Sora grumbled while rubbing her back."Don't whine. You have twenty gowns left to pull off," Taehyung smirked, turning his phone screen to show his wife the hideous picture he took of her while she was napping on his lap with her mouth ajar. Sora whined and tried to grab the phone... but he quickly switched it off and pulled her into a suffocating kiss."Ah~! You'll ruin my makeup! The make-up artist worked hard to make me pretty~!" She whined, shoving his face away. Taehyung chuckled at her annoyed frown, got up from the couch... and strolled out of the room to inform the staff until they poured inside the changing room to attend to the supreme alpha after she accidentally fell asleep during their break.

The couple spent the entire day at the studio to shoot their endless wedding concept... until Taehyung's feet started throbbing from standing all day. Sora, however, was somewhat still energetic as she switched through her extravagant gowns.
"Thank you for your hard work~!" Sora smiled, politely bowing at the staff after their shoot came to an end. Taehyung whined and slumped down on the chair to rub his stiff back as his wife chatted with the staff in her heavy beaded gown."-Really?!- That's too much!" The manager gasped after Sora whispered in his ear."It's fine! I'd love to keep this piece on longer! Let's feast together~!" She giggled. The manager brightly smiled at the beautiful woman and turned to inform his team of the supreme alpha's heartfelt gift.
A moment later.
"WHOOOH!" Sora shrieked, drunkenly tossing her champagne in the air as the staff clapped for her on the spacious terrace before the view of the dark sea. Taehyung rubbed his numbed face while watching his wife befriend the staff he hired. She had invited them to dine at a reserved high-class restaurant."She's such a bubbly soul~!" Someone chuckled while watching the woman dance with the elderly managers."Dance with me!" Sora giggled, hastily grabbing Taehyung's hand to draw him to his feet.The man whined as he stood up on his aching legs... so she hugged his neck and lifted her face to press her lips against his before he fired his complaints... ultimately hushing her husband with the sweetness of her affectionate gesture. Taehyung shyly glanced at the crowd of employees, causing them to screech and giggle at the couple in enthusiasm."You're drunk~!" Taehyung whined while pinching her cheeks."Just for tonight~! Loosen yourself~!" She giggled, drunkenly poking his lips. Taehyung smiled and clutched onto her waist to sway with her to the music. The staff smiled widely at the couple as the romantic music resonated over the opening to celebrate their unconditional love.Taehyung pulled away to hold his wife's face as they danced before the dark ocean view from the high terrace in her pretty bridal gown. She grinned in excitement and pulled him down to kiss him deeply, causing the staff to shriek and applaud for them in contentment... until the man flushed bright red at her daring move to display their affection publicly.
Public display of affection... is one of her most dominant love languages.

Jang Sora... loves to show off her lover... to the world.

A moment later.
"Oppa~! Wait-" Sora grabbed Taehyung's hand as they strolled over the sidewalk. She quickly bent down to slip off her high heels and groaned in relief as she settled her pained ankle to the ground."How are you still fueled with energy?" He mumbled, sorely watching her bright beam. His wife insisted that they stroll the city street after they sent the staff home... so he's forced to walk her down the street in her fluffy princess gown."I want to let everyone know that we're married~! It's a waste to take off this pretty gown~! So I'll wear it all night~!" She grinned, drunkenly shrugging at him. Taehyung smiled, took her heels from her grip, and crouched down to take off his shoes. He slipped off his socks and pulled them onto her feet."Wear the socks. Don't walk on bare feet," Taehyung slipped his oversized shoes on for her. Sora nodded and walked forward while clinging to his forearm... drunkenly giggling for no apparent reason.

"I don't think we can properly get married in this life. Because if we try... we'll be cursed to separate again," She mumbled as they strode over the street. The passerby glanced at the couple with a weak smile to admire her extravagant bridal gown. And despite the heavy weight... The supreme alpha didn't seem bothered... and proudly strolled the city in her favorite piece."Do you want to get married? Try again?" Taehyung asked. Sora shook her head."No. This is enough. I've never been this happy in such a long time. Let's spend the night together and make it our official wedding night," She grinned at him.Taehyung patted her head and glanced forward as they strolled around the city until Sora insisted on entering a mart because she was thirsty. The cashier and a few customers gawked funnily at her gown with their mouths ajar as the couple hypnotized them with their magnetic presence."I'm hungry," She mumbled while limping toward the snack aisle for a pack of gummies before turning to the cashier as Taehyung grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge with two hangover medications."Is there anything else you'd like?" The cashier glanced at Sora, who was drunkenly lowering her flushed face to squint at the rack on the side."Card payment-" Taehyung mumbled."Hello, sir~! Which one of these is the biggest sizeee~~~?" The supreme alpha asked as she lifted her dazed expression to stare at the man while pointing at the colorful packages. Hic. She hiccupped. The man glanced at Taehyung's awkward expression."Do you know the size of-""He's here. This man- He's massive- Haha~! Not a big corn dog!- But mini corndog- But he claims- large is too small for him~!" She mumbled as she grabbed Taehyung's forearm, funnily smacking his chest to present her husband to the cashier, who unsurely stared at Taehyung's embarrassed expression.

"She's drunk- Don't mind her-""Hey! Hic- You keep spilling that messy- juice of yours- hic- all over me!- Buy the rubber that fits you so I don't have to get so dirty~! Hic~!" She scolded him with a drunken grimace. Taehyung's lips parted at her blunt scoldings... so he glanced at the cashier again, who cleared his throat and glanced awkwardly at back the drunk woman's dazed frown."Well- The King size is popular-""Here! I'll show it to you!-" Sora suddenly grabbed Taehyung's belt to unbuckle it, causing to alpha to freeze in shock. Taehyung quickly snatched his wife's arm- but she pushed him away and tried to unzip his trousers."Sora! Stop!-""Show him! Don't give me the dumb excuses of the wrong size again~! Hic~!" She whined while wrestling with Taehyung's zipper and tried to reach inside his pants. So he scoffed- and seized her wrists in one hand to hold her captive."Araso~! I'll buy it~! Wait outside!" Taehyung snapped as he frowned at her in disbelief. Sora cutely chuckled at her husband before spinning around on her gown to push open the glass door."Buy every scent, okay~? I want to try everything~!" She smugly hugged the door to remind him while wiggling her eyebrows at the alpha. Taehyung scoffed at her naughty expression... until she dragged her gown out of the mart, slumped on the bench and tilted her head back to wait for him. Taehyung exhaled as he picked out his condom packs and a bottle of lube to place on the counter."Did you guys just get married?" The cashier asked as he scanned the products. Taehyung glanced at his wife... who was dozing off with her head tilted backward."No. We've been married for almost six years... but she wants to revive our marriage," Taehyung replied. The cashier chuckled and shook his head while packing the goods in a bag."I'm sure the fruity scents will refuel your healthy marriage," The man joked. Taehyung cleared his throat awkwardly after he paid for the snacks and strode out to sit beside Sora... but her gown had taken up all the space... so he dropped the bag to search for the hangover bottle and lifted the glass rim to her lips after he uncapped the bottle."Drink this," Taehyung gently made her drink the substance. She groaned and gulped the liquid with her eyes closed.Taehyung wiped her lips dry and tossed the empty bottle in the bin before tearing her gummy package to push the jelly into her mouth. Sora cluelessly chewed with her eyes closed causing her chubby cheeks to puff cutely. Taehyung exhaled deeply as he stood over her while chewing the gummy... waiting for his wife to sober up a little before resuming their late-night rendevous.

"How refreshing~!" Sora suddenly yawned and stretched her arms after jerking awake from the brief nap. She lifted her gown and stood up again with a dazed expression. Taehyung tried to feed her the jelly gummy again... but she suddenly smacked his hand aside- causing him to flinch at her aggression."Hey! Why did you waste the gummy?!-""Don't touch me!" She sneered. The man blinked at her dark frown unsurely."What-""Who are you?" She narrowed her eyes at him. Taehyung studied at his wife's suspicious stare uneasily."Yah-""Did you kidnap me?! Why am I here???" Sora whined while straightening her body and scratched her head in frustration as she glanced at the dim streets. Taehyungs scoffed."Yah! Let's go home!" Taehyung glared at her, trying to grab her wrist, but she quickly shoved him away."I don't know you! I have a husband- so don't try to chase me! I'm married, sir~!" She glared, firmly lifted her hand to show him the glistering ring, and strolled away from the alpha in her loose socks."Yah! That's the wrong way home~!" Taehyung scoffed, quickly grabbing his wife to spin her around. Sora gasped and dramatically gripped his shoulder for support after she lost her balance on the pavement... so Taehyung seized her waist to stabilize her as she... tilted backward over his arm. Her eyes slightly widened at the awkward position as she gawked at his dark frown... until her cheeks flushed red."Ehem!- Don't touch me!- My husband will smack you!" She shoved him aside again, lifted her heavy gown, and limped forward. Taehyung scoffed and walked after her while plopping the chewy gummy inside his mouth in discontent when she wouldn't stop denying his existence."How strong is your husband? I doubt he's as good-looking as me!" Taehyung called. Sora scoffed and spun around to glare at him. Fwip!"He's more handsome than you!" She shrieked, stomping away while waving her hands in the air. Taehyung frowned uneasily at her constant denial."This woman... is she talking about that dead jerk?- Hah! How offensive!- I'M MORE HANDSOME THAN HIM!" Taehyung argued, quickening his pace over the sidewalk."NO!- HE'S MORE-""WANNA BET?! SHOW HIM TO ME!" Taehyung sneered. Sora huffed... wildly spinning around to glare at him again."Fine! I will show you, my handsome husband!- Tsk!" She snapped rudely."What kind of a husband will leave his drunk wife wandering like this~?! I'm sure he's an unfaithful bastard who doesn't care about you!" Taehyung shouted after her."Hey! Don't say such nonsense! He loves me very much~!" Sora whined, spinning around again in her gown to glare at him. Taehyung grimaced at his wife after she failed to recognize him."Fine! Then go find your husband! I'm leaving!" Taehyung scoffed and tried to storm away but was yanked back by the drunk woman. Tug! He glanced down to find Sora narrowing her eyes on him."You said you want to see my husband! So- take me home! I'll show him to you!" She sneered, sternly frowning at him. Taehyung huffed and flicked her forehead, causing her to whine in disbelief."Where is your house?" Taehyung asked, sorely walking away in annoyance. She frantically chased him in her gown."On a beautiful hill up the slope~!" She pointed in the wrong direction. Taehyung scoffed and shook his head at her firm frown while chewing the chewy gummy.
A moment later.
The supreme alpha shoved the car door open and stumbled out of the car seat, funnily toppling onto the grass- and grunted in discomfort as she sat back up in her wedding gown. Taehyung scoffed and tried to help her, but he shoved him away and pushed herself upward with a dazed expression."Don't touch me- My husband is very possessive," She warned. Taehyung grimaced."Your husband lives here?" Taehyung nodded at the mansion. She didn't answer and hopped up the pebbled path in her gown. Thump!-"Oh? Oh no... it's locked~!" She gasped as she attempted to enter the door but failed."Are you sure this is your house? Don't make me break into a stranger's house!" Taehyung teased as he calmly walked up the steps. Sora glared at him."This is my house!" She whined, cutely grabbing the handle to rattle it. Taehyung rubbed his throbbing forehead... and pulled out the key card to scan the door- Beep. The mansion's door slid open."In you go... my lady," He stepped aside and pushed the door open for his wife with a smug smirk. Sora giggled and strolled inside, so Taehyung followed her and closed the door before spinning around- but was caught off when she hastily covered his mouth."Be quiet! My children are asleep~! So don't make a sound~!" She intensely frowned at him in the dark doorway.Taehyung rolled his eyes at her silly acts and nodded in agreement until she released him- and lifted her gown to tiptoe over the tiles as if she were a child... sneaking back home after her curfew. The woman crept up the staircase in her fluffy gown- funnily glancing from side to side to ensure a vacant corridor while beckoning Kim Taehyung... who was chewing the gummy in disbelief at the base of the stair to watch his wife... poke her head into the dark corridor on the upper stair landing. Whip! Whip! She glared and motioned her hand to beckon him upward. The alpha exhaled in annoyance and followed her to the first floor. Creak! The supreme alpha pushed open the door to her bedroom and motioned him forward... with her finger pressed... over her lips."Is this where your husband lives-""Shhh! My baby is asleep!" She scolded, suddenly pinching his ear to shush him. Taehyung groaned in pain while rubbing his sore earlobe as she crept over to the crate... but it was empty. Pause. Sora frowned at her baby's absence and glanced at Taehyung... who closed the door and placed his hands in his pocket with his eyebrows raised."So? Where is your imaginary husband? The room looks empty to me...?" Taehyung nodded at the dark room. Sora pouted and scratched her head to search for her husband- Thump! Taehyung flinched in a panic when she suddenly dropped to her knees and peeked under the bed."Sabang-nim~? Sabang-nim~!" She whispered, quietly calling for her husband. Taehyung scoffed as she crawled over the floor to peek behind the drawers, entered the bathroom to search for her husband, and forced herself into the closet room to rummage through the wardrobe."I'm telling you he's buried deep beneath the soil," Taehyung grumbled while loosening his tie and pulled it off his collar to toss it in the laundry basket. Sora appeared inside the bedroom again with a slight frown while scratching her head in confusion after she failed to spot her husband."Where is he at?- WOAH! What are you doing?- &*%#^?!" She gasped once she noticed... Kim Taehyung.... loosening his buttoned-up shirt... revealing... his perfectly toned body."I'll borrow your shower-""My husband will kill you! Put it back on!" She gasped, racing forward to grab the shirt from the basket and push it back into his hands. Taehyung dimmed his eyes on her flushed cheeks."Ah~! Do you miss him that much-""On a side note - Can I touch your abs?" She blinked, suddenly lowering her attentive gaze to his defined torso, causing Taehyung to purse his lips unsurely. He stared at his wife's intrigued gaze on his abs. She blinked and looked up at him again."I'm sure your husband won't like you touching another man's body..." Taehyung raised his eyebrow to question her. Sora rubbed her glowing red cheeks and glanced at the empty bedroom with a bitter frown."Let me touch it- Just once-" She blinked while poking his abs. Taehyung smirked at her intrigued gaze and glanced down to find her... pressing her bare palms over his sturdy trunk. She grinned... weirdly rubbing him... all over like a sick pervert."Ohoh? What's this behavior~? A married woman shouldn't touch another man's abs," He grabbed her wrists to stop her. Sora pursed her lips and glanced up at him with an annoyed look."If I let you touch my cleavage... will you let me touch your abs?" She poked her plump cleavage. Taehyung frowned at her offer."What's this? A trade-off?- Why would I want to touch your breast?" He scoffed at her. Sora pouted with an offended look."My husband likes my breasts! You don't think it's pretty!?" She gasped, offended by his rejection. Taehyung snorted and glanced at her cleavage as she cutely glared at him."He's a sick pervert-""Yes! He's a sick pervert! He says my breasts are very pretty! He touches me like this- every day!- My steamed buns are nice- so why don't you like it!?" She whined while grabbing her own boobs to bounce it before his face. Taehyung scoffed at her shocking behavior while studying her frustrated frown unsurely and glanced at her cleavage again as she bounced it for him with an offended glare."Who... is your husband?" Taehyung asked, suspiciously tilting his head to question her."He's a handsome man-""Name. Say his name," Taehyung neutralized his expression while staring darkly at her. The supreme alpha blinked and stared at him with a determined frown."He's-""Say his name. Your husband. Who is he?" Taehyung pressed, lowering his lethal gaze to stare right at her... until she stepped back with a nervous expression."K- Kim... Taehyung... a- second rank... most handsome... and strongest... alpha," She stuttered, anxiously staring at Taehyung's dark frown. The alpha froze with his narrowed gaze on her."Kim Taehyung? Are you sure? Is it Kim Taehyung or Jae Yangcha?" He pressed his tongue against the side of his cheek to test his wife's loyalty."Wae-""Answer me, Sora," He spoke lowly while scowling at her with an intense stare."Kim Taehyung!- Are you deaf!?- You stupid man!- KIM! TAE!! HYUNG!!!" She screeched, angrily smacking his head in annoyance. Whack! The alpha scoffed and grabbed his head in pain when she suddenly beat him out of frustration."Are you sure it's him!?" Taehyung snapped, furiously glaring at her."Yes! My mini corndog man! My husband is Kim Taehyung- who only gets hard with me!- His tofu penis is useless with another woman! That broken dick man is my husband! MINE!" She shrieked hysterically. Taehyung's jaw dropped open... as he scanned her fuming face with an offended look."Ani- Why would you tell a stranger your husband has a wimpy dick-"His dick isn't wimpy! He's as hard as steel with me- Anyways- Why don't you like my breast?!" Sora whined while glaring at him in annoyance. Kim Taehyung frowned at her deranged behavior, suddenly throwing his head back to release a forceful laugh... and glanced at her with a weak smile."Are you trying to cheat on your husband-" Smooch. Taehyung froze when she seized his face to kiss him. The man halted and searched her eyes unsurely once she pulled away. Sora giggled and pecked his lips again."You look... exactly... like my husband~!" She giggled, whispering in his ear while clinging to his shoulder."Yah! You can't just kiss a man because he looks like your husband-""You smell like him too!- Hah~!" She giggled, funnily lowering her face to sniff his torso.Taehyung gasped and covered his body in disbelief... but she gripped his wrists and tugged his arms away- suddenly smooching his chest without his consent. Thump! Taehyung froze in shock as she hastily pinned him against the wall and lowered her head to harass his abs. Smooch! Smooch! Sora repeatedly kissed and sucked on his body, causing Taehyung's jaw to drop in shock."You're a wild woman!- This is unbelievable!-""Actually!- I'm not properly married to Kim Taehyung! You look like him- so I'll kidnap you and make you mine from now on!" Jang Sora shrieked as she posessively coiled her arms around his neck, and tugged him down to kiss the man. Taehyung gripped her shoulder in shock as she forcefully shoved her tongue inside his mouth."It's a crime to harass me-""It's not a crime if he's my husband!- Delicious man! I like you! Hey- Stay still! Let me lick you- Ohhh~! Your muscles are hard~! I love it! I love it so freaking much!- I love you!- Muah~! Let's be wife and husband~!" She argued, gripping his cheeks to squish him. Taehyung scoffed in disbelief while eyeing his wife's devilish smirk."Stay away you crazy woman~!" He pushed her aside, quickly racing away from the supreme alpha drunken state. Sora laughed and locked the door with an evil grin before turning to wiggle her eyebrows at the timid man as he hugged his shirtless body."Sabang-nim~!" She grinned, funnily hopping towards him. Taehyung gasped, dodging her open arms, and quickly scrambled onto the bed to avoid her. Sora stumbled forward after losing her balance... wildly... spinning around to glare at the alpha in annoyance."What are you doing?! Stay away- you pervert!" Taehyung shrieked, hastily grabbing the pillow to raise it over his head and whipped it from side to as as she smugly approached the foot of the bed."I've got pretty boobies!-""Hah~! Stay away! Do you hear me!?- STAY AWAY!!!" Taehyung playfully smacked her head with the pillow. Boink! Sora aggressively snatched the pillow from his grip and threw it aside, causing Kim Taehyung to stiffen in place as he stood shirtless on the mattress. He gulped intensely as she narrowed her eyes on him with her fists clenched in determination."SABANG-NIM! I'm telling you- I'm wife material!- Oh!?- Hey! Stop running!- I can cook! I can clean!- And I've got pretty boobies!-" She screamed, widely grinning like a maniac, and suddenly leaped onto the bed like a monkey in her bridal gown. Taehyung screamed in a panic and tried to jump off the mattress- but she caught his leg- SLAM!The supreme alpha slammed the full-gown man onto the bed and pinned him down with all her might. Taehyung grunted and tried to sit up again, but she shoved his shoulders down and Thump! Jang Sora sat right over his torso while pinning both his wrists over the pillow with an evil smirk."Hah~! You really are crazy~!" Taehyung grunted while glaring up at his drunken wife. Jang Sora smiled and lowered her face to squint her eyes on his dashing forehead... glazed with heavy sweat beads."I caught you... my dear... sabang-nim~! " She giggled while tilting her face to admire his charming visual."So what?" Taehyung stared up at her in exhaustion."You promised to be my husband if I caught you... remember?" She grinned. Taehyung froze and stared at her bright red cheeks as he unsteadily panted beneath her."I promised?" He whispered."Yup~! Kim Taehyung said he'd marry me if I caught him~! I caught you once~! And caught you again!" She nodded.Taehyung searched her face unsurely until she cupped his firm cheeks and leaned down to press her lips against his, cutely giggling between the sweet kisses. The alpha finally inhaled her soothing fragrance with his eyes closed as his wife pinned him under her weight and eventually eased his body muscles in defeat to let her hold his body captive... beneath hers."Are you sure you caught the right man?" He whispered. Sora lifted her face to admire him again."You're the Kim Taehyung I'm searching for," She nodded."How do you know?" He lifted his eyebrow."Scar on your chest... I gave it to you. And the scar on the wrist... we've got a matching scar. You're my beloved husband~!" She giggled while poking the scar on his chest before lifting his left wrist to show Taehyung his scar. He blinked at her flushed face and exhaled with a slight frown."You can recognize me now?" He smiled as he gently rubbed her rosy red cheeks."Why else would I chase you with my boobies? I know you like my breasts~!" She giggled, suddenly slumping over his head."HMmp!?^%$#!*?~!" Taehyung muffled in shock as she smothered him with her cleavage. The man tapped her shoulders repeatedly to make her lift her chest... but Sora didn't budge and suffocated her husband with her plump breasts... until he helplessly squirmed beneath her."Fuck!- Oh!?- Oh!" Taehyung cursed as he shoved her body off his face- but gasped in shock when she unconsciously tilted to the side and almost rolled off the bed. The man quickly secured her body and tugged her back onto the mattress. Slump. Kim Taehyung immediately sat up on the bed in shock with his bewildered gaze on his wife... who suddenly passed out... while suffocating him with her boobies."Sora?! Hey?!-" He scoffed, lightly patting her cheek... but she didn't respond and flopped weakly on the pillow. Taehyung huffed and lowered his head to rub his face in disbelief before shifting his bitter stare to his wife's messy makeup with his hand clasped over his lipstick-smudged lips. He suddenly chuckled while recalling her chaotic drunken behavior before shaking his head in disbelief.
The man... assumed she was speaking about her past lover... but she was... describing him all along.

Her beloved husband.

Kim Taehyung.
...
Sora's POV
I sleepily opened my eyes to find Taehyung sleeping beside me... so I scooted forward to hug his bare chest and wrapped my leg over his. Flop. Taehyung suddenly lifted my arm off his pecs and tossed it away. I frowned and blinked at him in confusion. Wae? I snuggled against his chest and hugged his waist again. The man suddenly shoved my head off his chest... so I sleepily rolled onto my back to stare at the dark ceiling, still feeling super drowsy."Wae~?" I asked, turning my head on the pillow to pout at him. Why won't he let me hold him?"Get some sleep- Arh! Ahhhh~!" Taehyung muttered- but shrieked in pain when I stubbornly clutched his body again and bit his shoulder. The man whined and turned to glare at me in the dark room. I huffed and glared at him, possessively clutching onto his bare chest as he rubbed the bite mark on his shoulder in frustration."What's with the attitude?" I frowned. Taehyung grimaced and turned to sleep on his side, facing me with his arms tucked under his head."I'm disappointed in you," He mumbled, sleepily staring at me in the dark room."Because I partied with the staff?" I whispered while caressing his hard pecs. Taehyung closed his eyes and took a deep exhale."For cheating on me," He muttered."What?" I frowned at him in confusion."You were trying to marry another man," He mumbled. My eyes widened in disbelief."No, I didn't!" I argued, covering my mouth to recall my drunken mind... but I couldn't remember anything."Yes, you did. You begged to touch his hot abs and even offered him to touch your boobies in exchange for his hot body!" Taehyung huffed. I frowned."I would never!-""Yes, you did! You even chased him around with your breasts- claiming it's pretty and that he should marry you!" Taehyung glared. I pursed my lips in a horror."No! You're lying~!" I whined, stubbornly lifting my arm to hug him again, but Taehyung pushed my hand away to stop me from holding him."You even brought him into our house! And into our bedroom! And harassed him!- Oh?! I witnessed it all! With my eyes! You even sucked and kissed his torso! And chased him onto our bed!" Taehyung widened his eyes. I fearfully frowned while recalling the blurry memories of the exact moment... he described until my heart dropped in shock."Oh no!- Taehyung!-""This husband of yours... had to remove your gown and wash your body and put you in bed after you betrayed him. I'm hurt," He grumbled, rolling onto his back to rest his forearm over his forehead."I'm sorry! I didn't mean to~! You know I love you-""Yeah, right!" Taehyung shoved me away again when I tried to embrace his chest, causing my heart to ache at his dismissal. I pouted and bit down on my trembling lips before turning away to stare at the terrace with my tearful eyes."I really didn't mean to~! Oppa~! I love you~! Why would I touch another man that's not you~? Don't be like this~!" I sobbed, quickly sitting up to grab his hand and weakly burst out into tears. Taehyung dimly watched me from his position without budging... so I cried and leaned over to hug his chest with a big pout."Pff-""Hic- I'm sorry~! Oh?!- Don't be upset!-" I whimpered and lifted my tearful eyes to stare at his disappointed frown in tears while hovering my face above his. Taehyung scanned the tear streams on my face and sighed deeply."You're sorry?" He asked, lifting his fingers to brush my tear stream. I pouted, squeezed my eyes shut, and nodded. Why would I touch another man!? I'm so stupid!"I'll do anything to make up for it?!- I was drunk~! Oppa-""Why are you crying?" He asked while staring at me."Because I wronged you!- Please don't leave me- hic~!" I begged as I tightly gripped his hands over his chest. Taehyung smiled- suddenly pulling me into a comforting hug."Are you still drunk? How can I abandon a precious soul like yours?" He chuckled while stroking my head."I'm sorry~!" I cried, softly sniffling against his neck. Taehyung kissed the side of my head."The man you were chasing... is me," He muttered. I sucked in my breath and lifted my face to stare at his smug expression."What?" I blinked."You saw me as a stranger and chased me with your breasts because you claim... it's pretty," He chuckled. I paused to process his words."Oppa! You're so mean~!" I gasped, smacking his chest in disbelief. He laughed and hugged my head... so I whined and smacked his chest in annoyance."Ah~! I'm so proud. Jang Sora... chasing Kim Taehyung... with her pretty boobies~! You never changed! The woman was determined to make me hers since she was a toddler~!" He laughed. I gripped his shoulder and lifted my face to glare at him. Taehyung stroked my cheek with a fond smile."I don't chase men," I pursed my lips."But you chased me," Taehyung chuckled. I smiled weakly and hugged his neck."How can I not? I've been chasing my beloved husband since he bought me sparkly hair clips as an apology for plucking out my lashes~!" I giggled and lifted my tearful face to beam at him. Taehyung chuckled, cupped my face, and kissed my lips again."I love you, Sora. I'm so... blessed to... have you," He muttered, pulling away to stare at me with a tender gaze."Even if I'm childish? And embarrassing?" I giggled."I used to find your childlike nature very bothersome... but I was a jerk for viewing your vulnerability as a weakness. I don't think I can live without your chaotic nature now. You're the only colorful rainbow in my dull and plain life... without you... I'd be blue and gray," He whispered.My heart suddenly explodes with warmth. Smiling happily... I gave him a soft peck and slumped down to lay on my back... so Taehyung turned on his side to hold my waist and pressed his face against my head to inhale my subtle fragrance."I love you more," I smiled, lifting my face to stare at his sleepy face. Taehyung scoffed and lowered his head to graze his nose against mine... so I giggled and patted his cheek as he hugged me against his body."I'll argue my undying love for you tomorrow. I can babysit five children... but not this baby. Oh god... Jang Sora... alone... can exhaust me to the core. So I'll recharge tonight and argue with you tomorrow," Taehyung grumbled. I laughed and nodded in agreement while rubbing his firm cheek with my thumb. He exhaled deeply and pulled me closer to his body. I turned on the bed and hugged his waist with a weak smile as Taehyung scratched my scalp to soothe my mind... until we fell asleep in each other's arms.__________________________
Believe it or not...  the beginning of our restored relationship was fairly very... stable. We still argue- oh god- did you think I can live with Kim Taehyung and expect peace throughout the day? No. He's not Jae Yangcha... and Kim Taehyung will never... put up with my bullshit if he disapproves of my actions. So obviously... there was a lot of bickering and nagging in the house, but it was never over anything serious.

Some days... I argued with the man for leaving his dirty clothes all over the room. Other days... I lecture him for leaving a mess on the toilet bowl after he pees. And other times... I whine at the man for misplacing my things in the room after he uses it. Jae Yangcha is very organized. And he'd never leave the mess behind for me to deal with... but Kim Taehyung?

That man is a full-time maintenance husband.

He's just like all the irritating husbands out there who don't do things right and leave the mess for their wives to handle. I arrange the closet at least three times a week because he can't properly sort his clothes... and I have to scream at him every day for walking with his dirty shoes inside the house. He stresses me out every day... but I like it.

Yangcha was an unrealistic lover... who granted me peace but Kim Taehyung? He is the husbandman who gets you whining every day without a break because of his bad habits!

He is the typical husband who loves to raise his wife's blood pressure!
"Ah~!" I whined while sorting the laundry in the back room. He never listens. I grabbed the basket, stormed into the corridor, climbed the stairs, and entered Taehyung's private workroom to find him staring at a document on the desk."If you're here to complain-""How many times did I tell you not to put your dirty underwear in the laundry!" I scoffed as I lifted his nasty black underwear from the basket."What am I supposed to do with it-""I told you to self-wash your underwear! The maids can't handle our undergarments! Have some decency and wash it yourself!" I snapped. Taehyung glared at me from the desk and rubbed his forehead."We pay them a considerable amount- Why can't they-""Ah~! Whatever! So annoying~!" I grumbled, quickly lifted the basket from the floor, and stormed out of his office before slamming the door shut and strolled inside my room. I sighed, filled the sink, and quietly hand-washed his stupid underwear before squeezing out the water and soap then marched back down to place his undergarments in the dryer and finally... returned to the living room to find Beom... watching the television with a small juice box in his hand."Eomma~! Doggie~!" Beom pointed at the cartoon."Oh~! The dog is cute~! Are you hungry? Should eomma make snacks?" I asked, briefly sitting by his side to caress his chubby cheeks."Not hungry~!" Beom shrugged with his eyes glued to the screen, so I got up and strolled to the back door to watch appa cradle Hajin under the tree.
A moment later.
Taehyung sleepily yawned while strolling outside of the bathroom as I sat on the bed with Hajin in my arms. She cutely sucked my breast as Taehyung dried his hair and dismissively tossed the towel on the couch- but froze when he turned to find me narrowing my eyes on him. He cleared his throat and picked up the soaked towel to hang it on the rack... so I exhaled and smiled at Hajin again as she clutched my finger."Are you full?" I asked when she pushed my breast away and licked her lips. The child made cute giggling noises while staring up at me... so I kissed her cheek and gently patted her back as Taehyung crawled onto the bed, slumping next to me."Where's Beom?" Taehyung asked with his forearm tucked under his head to admire his daughter as I leaned against the bedboard with her lightweight mass against my chest."He wants to sleep with his harabeoji," I muttered. Taehyung smiled and reached out to brush Hajin's thin black hair... so she giggled and clambered for him. The father took his daughter from my arms and rested her down on the pillow between us. I grabbed a sanitizing pad from the nightstand to wipe my nipple clean as Taehyung gave Hajin a breathy kiss."You smell just like eomma~!" Taehyung chuckled as he squished her dumpling cheeks."Waaah~!" Hajin cooed in response. I smiled, slipped onto the mattress to sleep sideways with the baby between us, and fondly stared at her mochi soft cheeks."She loves you so much," I muttered, weakly glancing at Taehyung."That can't be. Hajin-ah~! Your mother loves appa the most- so you can't love appa more than eomma~!" Taehyung smiled at the baby. She lifted her hand to hold his fingers while grinning at him."I'm worried for her future," I mumbled, sadly frowning at my daughter. She's the only girl in the household. Will she feel lonely when she grows up? I don't want to lock her up with her siblings."It'll be a lot of trouble if she looks like you," Taehyung grumbled. I frowned at the man."I didn't mean for her to take after me-""But she did! If she has your face- I swear- I'll spend the rest of my life chasing men away from our gates. She'll be tough to protect!- And if she spots handsome men!- Then this little dumpling will surely chase their muscles- just like her mother!" Taehyung scoffed. I glared at him."You're the only man I chased!" I whined. Taehyung chuckled at our baby."See? Don't chase any men. Okay? Make sure he's decent like me!" Taehyung poked Hajin's cheek, causing her to shriek in glee."You're the bare minimum," I muttered, turning to sleep on my back."Bare minimum?! Hey!- I'm a high standard man-""Pfft! You're not the standard! I settled for the bare minimum!" I snapped. Taehyung glared at me and glanced down at our daughter again as she admired her father with a curious smile."Araso. Don't be blind like eomma, okay? Pick a decent man~!" Taehyung smirked, earning a sharp glare from me. He poked his tongue at me and picked Hajin upward to make her sit on his chest as he lay beside me... so I exhaled, turned to hug his lower torso and glanced at Hajin, who shifted her eyes to giggle at me."Don't pick a bare minimum man like appa... or you'll have a difficult life," I muttered, lightly patting her cheeks. Taehyung sideway glared at me."Appa isn't a bare minimum man! Your mother has high standards!" Taehyung cupped Hajin's cheeks to squish her as I held her tiny hand. Hajin chuckled cutely and leaned forward to hug Taehyung... so he exhaled and embraced her small body as Hajin pinched my cheek with her tiny fingers. I smiled and kissed her small fist.
Next Morning
It's quite breezy today. I glanced at the opened window and turned to hug Taehyung's naked chest on my side under the blanket with my head rested on his firm bicep. I quietly stared at his enchanting side profile with a slight smile. Poke. I touched his nose tip with my fingertip... and then traced it down to his lips until he opened his droopy eyelids and sideways shifted his gaze to me without moving his head. I flushed red, quickly lowered my face to his shoulder, and dropped my hand to his chest. He inhaled calmly and lifted his hand to hold mine over his pecs."Why are you harassing me in the morning?" He mumbled, lightly squeezing my hand."Your bruises are faded," I mumbled and glanced down at the faint marks on his chest."So?" He muttered. I lifted my head with a wide smile."Can I darken it?" I asked, eagerly lifting my eyebrow."Why do you like to give me love bruises?" He scoffed. I blinked, glanced at his bare skin again, and swallowed."Because... this human is mine," I shrugged while poking his toned abs. Taehyung chuckled and turned on his side to kiss my forehead, so I gently nibbled his neck to give him a hickey. The man exhaled deeply while rubbing my spine and traced his hand down to grope my butt cheeks. "Are you afraid... of other women stealing me?" He hoarsely muttered. I chuckled and kissed his chest before lifting my face to smile at him."I definitely do not like to share," I whispered while hugging his bare back. Taehyung smiled and nudged his nose tip against mine before pulling away to gaze at me while running his fingers through my hair."Why do you love to act... like a child around me?" He asked. I pursed my lips. "Because... you were the only person to care for me... when I was a child. I find comfort in you. You took me to school... and you picked me up from school. You brought me snacks... and food. You played with me... and you'd buy me pretty hair clips. You're the only person to comfort me when I sulk and hide in the closet. I feel safe around you," I shrugged. Taehyung smiled and closed his eyes to process my words."Being vulnerable around me... is your love language. I'm sorry for not understanding that earlier," He whispered, sadly opening his eyes to scan my face. I smiled."You're the only person who can handle my inner child. A part of me... I never disclose it to anyone but Kim Taehyung," I muttered. He chuckled."Ah~ My little dumpling is so adorable~!" He grumbled, pulling me into a crushing hug. I giggled and hugged his waist with my face pressed against his chest. The man repeatedly kissed my head while rubbing my back to shower me with his affection... first thing in the morning.
Small chit-chats... sweet kisses... and delicate touches... became our morning habits... in our marriage.

A moment later.
I remained motionless on the couch alone to watch a cooking show because there was nothing else for me to do in the house. My husband is changing our daughter's diaper, and the household is occupied with their respective tasks.Beom suddenly strolled into the living room out of nowhere in his yellow pajamas and climbed the couch to sit on my stomach. Oh? -He's alone? Where did he come from? He smiled... and without speaking... the child slumped down on his belly... so I hugged his plump body over my chest and watched the television with my youngest son. Thud! Thud!The twins raced down the stairs, suddenly hopping onto the couch as well to snuggle against either side of my body. I exhaled and extended my arms over the couch to let them rest their heads. They giggled and watched the show until Woobin appeared, calmly strolling into the living room. The boy smiled and sat on the carpet since there wasn't space left for him to cuddle me. I patted Woobin's cheek as he curiously watched the screen. Sighing deeply... I glanced at the crowd of young boys... snuggled up against me as Woobin held onto my hand over his shoulder."Aigo~! You'll suffocate my wife~! Get off her!" Taehyung's voice suddenly boomed from the first floor as he strolled down the stairs with Hajin in his arms. The twins lifted their heads to stare at their father with their arms fastened around my body."No~! Eomma belongs to us!" The twins shrieked, causing Beom to chuckle at his older brothers. The child climbed my chest to snuggle his face against my neck while hugging my shoulders as I lay on the couch- unable to move since the twins were possessively hugging me on either side."Oh?!- She's not yours! She's mine!" Taehyung argued, carefully resting Hajin in the baby crate before turning to glare at the children as they held me captive over the couch."Ah!- Ah! Ah!- No! Eomma?!- Nooooo!" Woojin screamed when Taehyung grabbed his collar to lift the boy upward. Taehyung grabbed Kanghoon with his other arm... causing them to shriek in distress while struggling to resist their father. PLOP! I softly chuckled when he effortlessly tossed the twins onto the spare couch before grabbing Beom's small body from my chest... causing the child to whine in irritation as he stubbornly clung to my silk collar. Taehyung carefully settled Beom on the carpet, who pouted at the man in confusion after the father removed him from my embrace."Don't touch her~!" Taehyung drew Woobin's hand from mine and suddenly crawled over my body to lay face-first on me. I grunted at his heavy mass as he secured my legs beneath his and pressed his face against mine, making me chuckle at his needy nature. I hugged his back with a faint smile. How can he remove the children just so he could have me to himself...?"Hey! Not fair- Get off! Appa- No! Eomma is ours~! Off!" Kanghoon screeched, frantically hopping off the couch, and crawled toward Taehyung to climb on his father's back... and tried to yank his father's collar but failed and tumbled to the side. Woobin chuckled as Beom scrambled to his feet on the carpet and joined the twins to tow Taehyung's arm... but he refused to release me and hugged my head tightly with his eyes closed."She's my wife! I have legal documents to prove that she's mine!" Taehyung snapped. Woojin screamed and smacked Taehyung's muscular back as Woobin softly giggled while watching his younger siblings fight with the alpha for my attention. I smiled and reached out to pat Woobin's head when Taehyung suddenly snatched my hand to make me hug him again as the twins beat his butts with their fists."Appa! Get off~! Give eomma to us~!" The twins shrieked while pinching Taehyung's bum until their father groaned in discomfort and lifted his body to shove their heads away, causing the young boys to tumble backward over the couch. Beom tried to yank his arm from me... but Taehyung lightly nudged the child's chest until the baby lost his balance and stumbled into Woobin, who caught the small jaguar and cutely giggled."Milk~!" Beom shrieked, cutely trying to grope my breast and launched back up with his palms open."Ohoh~! You little pervert! How dare you touch my wife's breast?!" Taehyung scoffed, playfully swatting Beom's hand away. The child funnily giggled and tried to fight for my breast- until Taehyung clasped his massive palm over Beom's small face to block the baby's sight. The child whined and extended his short arms for me while being held at arm's length by the alpha, making me snort at his cuteness. Woobin laughed hysterically as the twins screamed and suddenly bit their appa's buttcheeks."AHAHAH-""OW! YAH!?!-" Taehyung screamed, yanking his hand from Beom's face to grip his buttcheeks. The twins laughed hysterically after biting their father's plump butt."Milk~!-""NO! You're old enough for food! This milk is reserved for Hajin only~!" Taehyung slumped back onto me to tease Beom. The child smiled at Taehyung's wiggly eyebrows and shyly turned to hug Woobin's neck, who held the baby and patted the child's back to offer his support."We must share eomma's milk!" Kanghoon argued while smacking Taehyung's butt with his mighty fists."Nope! All mine! Eomma's boobies are mine! All mine! I don't share!" Taehyung refused, suddenly lowering his face to kiss my cleavage, causing my face to flush red at his inappropriate acts."Hey! That's not appropriate!" I gasped, grabbing his face to lift the man off my cleavage with a startled look."Why not?! You breastfeed me every day!" Taehyung snapped, dismissively pushing my hands aside, and lowered his head to kiss my cleavage again while kneading my bosoms with his palms. Woobin's jaw dropped in shock at the father's inappropriate act over my chest. Beom stared at Taehyung with his eyes wide open in curiosity... so the oldest boy quickly covered Beom's eyes to block his sight."Taehyung!" I gasped, smacked his head, and tried to shove him off my body, but he was too heavy to remove."Wah~! So delicious! Muah~! Muah~!" Taehyung funnily kissed my breast over the silk while clutching onto me, so I groaned and glanced at Woobin, who was grinning at us with a flushed face."Pervert! Oh- Oh! Oh- Appa pervert!" The twins shrieked, quickly covering their eyes and cutely peeked between their fingers to watch their father grope me all over. I groaned while combing Taehyung's hair when he wouldn't stop rubbing his face against my breasts to taunt the innocent kids."I'm not a pervert! I help eomma produce quality milk for every one of you, so I deserve the fair share!" Taehyung grinned, lifting his face to smile at me. I closed my eyes in embarrassment as he clutched my boobs until he crawled upward and gave me a soft kiss. Smiling, I hugged his back as he deepened our kiss over the couch."AHHHHH! AHHHHH! IMO!- HARABEOJI! AHHHHHHHH!" The twins screamed in horror, quickly turning away to cover their faces in shock. Woobin giggled and covered Beom's eyes again when the baby tried to sneak a peek."YAH! HOW ARE YOU SO SHAMELESS!?- YOU CAN'T HARASS MY DAUGHTER BEFORE THE YOUNG SOULS! GET UP!" Appa screeched, suddenly racing inside the living room at his grandson's frantic screams. The man struck Taehyung's back with a cushion, causing the alpha to break our kiss and fire my father an annoyed glare. The twins huffed and glanced at their father in bewilderment... cheeks... burning bright red."Harassment? Look at your daughter's face and tell me if she's not enjoying this?" Taehyung scoffed, sitting up in annoyance... but I quickly hugged his sturdy body and pulled him back down, causing appa's eyes to widen in disbelief."Sora!-""I like this man appa~! Don't take him away from me~!" I pouted, repeatedly kissing Taehyung's ear, causing my father's face to flush red, so I wrapped my shins around Taehyung's legs as he lay over me and reached downward to grope my husband's firm buttcheeks. Beom giggled and pulled Woobin's hand off his face again to stare at us as Taehyung smugly rested his face against my cleavage. Smooch. He kissed my boobs again to tease my pale-looking father."Ah~! This is unbelievable! Everyone up~! Let's go play in the backyard!" Appa scoffed, storming out of the living room and hurried toward the ancient tree with a flustered face. Woobin laughed at our playfulness and stood up to lead Beom outside... so the twins quickly hopped off the couch and raced away with their hands over their eyes. Taehyung chuckled and lifted his face to watch the kids flee the living room until they poured into the backyard. The man smirked at me as I gently massaged his buttcheeks."AH! Ah?~ OW!" Taehyung's face suddenly flashed in pain when I pinched his ear with all my might."Is this funny!? How can you be so shameless?!- They're kids!" I scolded him."Wife... so mean..." He pouted, cutely lifting his face to glare at me. I cupped his cheeks and gave him a soft peck."Ah~! You're the worst~!" I groaned, ultimately failing to resist his cuteness so I kissed him again, causing Taehyung to burst out laughing. He pecked me all over my face until I dropped my hands to the side in defeat as he remained over my body.Smiling... I reached downward again to stroke his firm buttcheeks as he repeatedly kissed my cheeks... until a guard strolled inside the living room unannounced- so we quickly scrambled upward with flushed looks. The guard smiled at us as Taehyung pulled my collar upward to cover my cleavage and patted his clothes with an awkward face. I cleared my throat and nodded at the young man, who waiting for us to acknowledge his presence.
A moment later.
"This one?" I asked while holding Taehyung's hand as the guards unwrapped the portraits by the wall."Yeah. Put up that one in the living room," Taehyung nodded at the biggest portrait. The guards are carrying the picture frames inside the mansion."Aigo~! How many pictures did you take? How are we going to hang up all this?!" Imo gasped while examining the pile of portraits stacked against the wall."I want it everywhere. On the wall in the corridor and in everyone's room," Taehyung smugly smiled, earning a glare from imo. She huffed and glanced at our wedding portrait.

"I'll take this one-" Imo smiled at one of our portraits, suddenly picking it up and racing off with a wide smile. I chuckled at her cuteness after she stole our portrait as Do-hwan instructed the guards to sort the frames by their size."WOAH!?- SO BIG!" Kanghoon shrieked, suddenly racing inside the living room to stare at the gigantic portrait with his eyes wide open."Do you like it?" I asked the child."SO BEAUTIFUL!" Woojin nodded. Woobin smiled as he stood beside Beom to gaze at our wedding portrait."We'll take a family picture together soon," I chuckled."Really?!" Woobin scoffed."Of course! Everyone will be in the picture!" I nodded. The child grinned as Beom stared at the portrait with a cute beam. The baby laughed and walked forward on his tiny steps... until Taehyung released my hand and picked up the boy so he could get a better look at our photograph."Is it necessary to put your wedding portrait in my room?" Appa grimaced while standing by the opened door. I chuckled and glanced at my father, so he shook his head with a slight smile and walked forward to select his favorite from the pile before instructing the guard to transfer it to his room."Don't even think about it! I've got no space for your portrait!" Do-hwan fired me a playful glare. I laughed at the man as he firmly crossed his arms over his chest and glanced at the wedding portrait again... with a faint smile. Ah~! I love our wedding portraits so much! Why is Taehyung so handsome?! I can stare at his picture all day~!"You can put up the portrait with Woobin once we schedule a shoot for the household," I nodded. The man patted Woobin's back with a proud smile, so the child chuckled and held his father's hand. I'll place my picture portrait with Yangcha in Beom's room once he's older."My lady! Halmeoni is here~!" A maid suddenly informed me. I gasped and quickly hurried toward the front door just as halmeoni climbed up the last step with the driver's support."Halmeoni! You made it! How was the trip?1" I chuckled, quickly pulling the elderly woman into a crushing hug. I requested for her to move in with us at the mansion because I didn't want to let her reside alone. It's better this way because I can keep my eyes on her feeble health. The head doctor will visit us every week to care for the household so she can receive proper care from the maids and nurses."Aigo~! This property is so gorgeous~!" Halmeoni chuckled while glancing around the place. I smiled and massaged her shoulder with a bright beam."Oh!- Kids! Come and greet halmeoni!" I called. Thud! Thud! Thud! The echo of their frantic thumps rumbled toward the door... and as expected... the twins were the first to burst through the door."Annyeonghaseyo~!" They grinned, beaming at halmeoni. She gasped and reached out to pat their cheeks."They look awfully like Jungkookie~!" The woman glanced at me in shock. I pursed my lips and laughed it off until Woobin strolled out with Taehyung, who was carrying Beom on his hips."Annyeonghaseyo~!" Woobin beamed at the woman. She scoffed and walked forward to examine his face before glancing at Beom, who was shyly clinging to Taehyung's neck."Ah- Ah- Annyeong- ha- sheyoooo~!" Beom stuttered. The woman scoffed."None of them take after you! But they're all so handsome!" Halmeoni gasped, glancing at me in amazement. Taehyung smiled and kissed Beom's cheek as I patted the twin's heads. We eventually invited halmeoni inside her new home.
A moment later.
"How are you?" I asked while strolling inside to sit on the bed with Hajin in my arms as the woman stared out the arch window."This property is beautiful," She smiled, nodding at me."I'd love to grant you a separate room... but I thought imo should keep you company," I smiled and nodded at Imo's bed. Halmeoni is sharing the ground floor room with imo because I didn't wish to leave the elderly alone. Imo is available to assist her in case of an emergency."It's fine~! I finally have a friend to chat with now~ Is that your youngest? Can I hold her?" She asked. I smiled and walked over to the armchair by the window to place the small child in her arms."Kim Hajin. She's the youngest heir," I smiled. Halmeoni pouted while grazing the child's cheeks."She's a clone of you. I remember the first day I saw you in the bundle... you look just like your mother... Hajinie~!" The woman pouted and looked up at me... so I chuckled and sat on the opposite armchair to watch halmeoni hold my child."She favors her father," I smiled. Halmeoni chuckled."I can see that. She is his only blood child," Halmeoni smiled, sadly looking up at me."Hajin is Taehyung's child. The twins... are Jungkook's children- he got me pregnant by accident and- Beom... is my late lover's child. He passed away almost two years ago. And Woobin... is my chief guard's son, but I've agreed to be his adoptive mother," I explained. The woman chuckled as she patted Hajin's bundle."Your mother is a true beauty~! She's got men swooning for her~! Eomma produced pretty babies for their baby fathers~! Because her genes are so rare~! So we must preserve her legacy~!" Halmeoni smiled, lifting her face to beam at me. I giggled and shyly covered my lips."Taehyung is the only man in our life. He's the rightful man for me, my children, and the household," I smiled."Well. I saw Kim Taehyung's potential from the beginning. He's not fond of children, but if it's his little dumpling... Sora... then the oldest heir will immediately drop everything to nurture you. You're the reason he's grown used to treating kids with such care," Halmeoni agreed. I smiled at her as she softly patted my child."Myungseok," The door opened... and appa suddenly appeared to greet the former chief maid."Master~!" She gasped, quickly standing up to greet him, so I stood up to support her frail body."Sit down~! You're much older than me! So don't try to bow for me! Your work contract has expired!" Appa chuckled as he strolled inside to greet her. The woman chuckled and handed Hajin back to me."You're aging well!" She grinned, reaching out to hold my father's hand in admiration."Not so well with so many rascals in the house! I've lived my entire life chasing my mischievous daughter to keep her out of trouble! But she produced more clones of her! I'm doomed!" He joked. I chuckled as halmeoni grinned at her former master and glanced at me again."Our young lady is a legend. She'll always keep us on our toes!" Halmeoni agreed, reaching out to rub my arm. I smiled and chatted with her and appa until imo joined us with a cup of herbal tea for halmeoni. We finally left the room to grant Halmeoni a good rest with our chief maid... and I eventually returned to my bedroom for a good sleep.____________________________
Engagement Ceremony
The festive venue bustled with powerful households from all ranks as the guests filled the splendid space in their fancy attire. Jimin proudly beamed in his fitted purple suit as he greeted the alphas with his fiancée at the entrance of the wide open door. Seokjin sat with Namjoon, Jungkook, and Sungho at a table to examine the lower ranks as they watched the society's lively chatters by the photo booth."Are they coming?" Namjoon asked Seokjin."Not sure," Seokjin shrugged."Wah~! I thought I was going to be late! Mirae refused to let me leave her side~!" Hoseok appeared while adjusting his white suit with his hair brushed back and settled down with the alphas."We've got a new lead on Mira," Namjoon muttered."You found her?" Hoseok asked, frowning at Namjoon as Yoongi strolled toward their reserved table and took a seat."No- but I've located a new drug operation. We can't get a hold of Lee Mira yet," Namjoon shook his head."Shin Minho. That asshole... Why would he return to the cult?" Seokjin grunted. Jungkook glanced at Sungho, who was gazing around the venue with an unbothered look."Did you contact Chung Yuri?" Jungkook asked while frowning at Yoongi."Can't get a hold of her. She refused to be involved," Yoongi shrugged. The alpha bitterly eyed each other."Oops! Hey-!" Yuri suddenly strolled forward in her thin-strapped silver dress and plopped right next to Yoongi, who funnily jerked at her unexpected presence."What are you doing here?" Yoongi scoffed as she struggled to put on her necklace."Jimin-shi invited me to his engagement party, of course! Whenever there's a feast and drinks- I'll show up!" She chuckled."But you ignored my call?!" Yoongi glared. "Well- I thought you wanted to pursue me- so I ignored your call," She shrugged. Yoongi scoffed in annoyance, causing Hoseok to chuckle at their interactions."He's chasing you?" Seokjin smiled at Yuri."We had a one-night stand!- I thought he wanted me to sign a NDA!- So I ignored him! Pfft! Why would I sign a document after I have sex with him?1 You wealthy men are crazy! Is your dick a sacred item or something?!-" Yuri shrugged. Namjoon's eyes widened at her explicit statement, so he glanced at Jungkook... who smirked at the flushed second rank."You slept together?!" Hoseok gasped at his ally in disbelief, so Yoongi hastily shoved the napkin inside his friend's mouth to shut him up with a dark frown. Sungho weakly chuckled and lowered his head as Yoongi's face flushed bright pink."I was drunk!" Yoongi defended himself."Anyways- can you put on this goddamn jewel for me?! Why would you buy me something so difficult to wear!" Yuri whined and turned her back on Yoongi while holding the silver thread. Yoongi's face flushed even redder as the alpha shot him teasing looks. The man cleared his throat and clasped the necklace for her."Drunk?- But you bought her a necklace~?" Hoseok nudged Yoongi, who grimaced and glanced at the flooding guests to dismiss the alpha with a stern expression.Yuri cleared her throat while adjusting her dress and suddenly pecked Yoongi's cheek, causing him to stiffen in his seat. Jungkook snorted and covered his mouth as Seokjin lowered his head in disbelief. Yoongi grimaced at Yuri's smug smile, eventually letting out a deep exhale and frowned even harder at her playful gestures. He funnily grimaced and crossed his arms with his face turned in the opposite direction.The alpha wouldn't stop teasing Min Yoongi and his secret lover until the man flushed bright red... but he refused to express his shame and sternly acted as if he had heard nothing until the guests suddenly gasped, so everyone turned in the direction to find Park Jimin and Ryu So-young greeting the... Supreme Alphas.

Kim Seokjin straightened his body in his seat as Jungkook's smile faded from his face at her unmistakable presence. Jang Sora stood in her magnificent off-shoulder slim fitted dress... and beside her... was no other than... Kim Taehyung... who was patting Jimin's back to congratulate the couple. Jungkook lowered his eyes to the young twins beside Sora as they observed the venue with their cute doe eyes. He stared at his sons without blinking before averting his gaze... to Kim Taehyung... as he carried his newborn daughter in his arms."She brought all of them?" Namjoon scoffed while eyeing Woobin, who was holding onto Jae Yangcha's future heir... Jae Beom. The child shyly gripped his older brother's hand as he clung to Sora's white dress to hide behind her gown.Jeon Jungkook blinked when Jang Sora chuckled and lowered her graceful hand to hold Beom's fingers... assuring her timid son of the situation. Woobin freed the baby boy and held onto the twin's hands instead... to prevent them from.... running off until the parents were done conversing with the couple.Kim Taehyung proudly stood by his wife's side and freed his right hand to hold hers while carrying the youngest heir in his left arm. Jang Sora held onto Beom, who strode forward as Woobin and the twins led their parents over the aisle to search for their seats.The guest's jaws dropped as they eyed the five heirs of the Jang and Kim family. It was their first time... witnessing the highest-ranking household... together as a whole. Taehyung released his wife's hand and reach for Beom... so she smiled and held onto Woobin's shoulder instead as he strode forward in a neat suit."How will our children compete with them? She's got five players under her grip to play the power game," Hoseok scoffed at the young heirs. Kim Taehyung gently steered the kids toward the table of alphas once he spotted their familiar faces."Annyeonghaseyo~!" The four boys greeted the men and women at the table."Since when did you have a ten-year-old boy?" Yuri scoffed, nodding at Woobin."He's my adoptive son. One of my own," Sora replied, placing her hand on Woobin's head to tug him against her."The only way for my household to survive the new generation of alphas is for me to wed my child to one of them!" Hoseok chuckled, nodding at the adorable boys. The twins smiled at the alpha and glanced at Jeon Jungkook, who was staring at the twins without blinking."Well? What are you standing there for? Fill up our table," Sungho smiled."Can we sit with Seokjin ajusshi?" The twins tugged Sora's dress."Come here! Did you like the gifts I sent?!" Seokjin patted the seats on either side of him, so the twins gleefully walked forward to sit beside the alpha. Taehyung sat beside Sungho, so Sora sat beside Yuri, who was seated next to Min Yoongi. Hoseok glanced at Kanghoon with a weak smile. Taehyung requested another chair... so the staff quickly brought Woobin a chair to sit between Sora and Yuri.The supreme alpha picked up Beom to place him on her lap as Taehyung held onto his daughter. Woobin smiled at Yuri... who was scanning his face in admiration before glancing at Seokjin as he chatted with the twins on either side."He's shy," Sungho nodded at Beom, who was hugging his mother's waist with his red face pressed against her chest."He doesn't like the crowd," She smiled.Jungkook glanced at his cousin, who was cradling his youngest daughter in his arms. The half-blood blinked and glanced at the identical twins with a stuffed heart. He didn't like the fact that... his cousin and his first love were happily married with so many offspring. Two of them... being his own blood... yet they didn't seem to care about his presence."This one is very handsome. He'll be a womanizer for sure," Yuri smiled at Woobin, whose face flushed red at her statement."He received many love letters during Valentine's Day," Sora chuckled as she patted Woobin's cheek. The boy beamed and held onto her hand, causing Yuri to chuckle and shake her head.The alphas dined together at their reserved table as the other guests chattered at the ceremony to celebrate The Park and The Ryu's engagement until Jimin and So-young appeared on the stage to express their gratitude."Whooooh!" The twins hollered to cheer with their spoons and forks while munching the delicious food in their stuff cheeks.Namjoon chuckled at their cuteness. Jungkook dimmed his eyes on their innocent expression and glanced to the side to find Taehyung chatting happily with Jang Sora, who softly giggled and smacked her husband's shoulder. The couple laughed and glanced at the youngest heirs in their arms as Woobin reached for the food... so Sora quickly placed the portion on his plate.
A moment later.
"Hey~! What are you doing here?!" Jimin scoffed when he noticed the twins sprinting up to him on the dance floor to interrupt his moment with So-young."We challenge ahjussi to a dance battle~!" Woojin shrieked while grinning at the alpha with his greasy lips."You rascals! Come back~!" Seokjin appeared, to chase the twins after they fled the table to stir up disorder within the venue."It's fine!- Put on fire music!- I- Park Jimin- have been challenged to a dance battle by Kim's future heirs!" Jimin turned to signal the technical teams.The crowd cheered and applauded loudly as the upbeat music boomed within the venue. So-young chuckled and stepped aside as the twins cooly bopped their heads and started jerking their arms and legs to imitate robotic movements. Jimin gasped at their cool dance moves and nodded at the bowl cuts with a wide grin."Hah! Your turn!" Kanghoon shrieked as he spun wildly on his polished shoes and abruptly halted to point the spotlight at the alpha."Not so bad! Watch me~!" Jimin firmly nodded and did a body roll for the twins. They cutely chuckled and glared at the alpha as Jimin danced over them. Slap. Slap. Jimin lightly slapped the twin's cheek, causing their jaw to drop at his disrespectful move."Hey!" They shrieked, offended- and hopped forward to wiggle their bellies and twerked at the man. The hall burst into laughter as the crackheads stole the spotlight from the Park heir, who was laughing hysterically until his eyes turned into a crescent moon."Join us!" Jimin beckoned Seokjin, who shook his head with a sour look as the second rank stood on the side of the dance floor to monitor the twins. They screamed and wiggled their entire body while bobbing their heads to the blaring music.
A moment later.
"Whoooh! Whoooh! OOOOOOOHHHHH~!" Hoseok screamed as the twins did a hip-hop dance break.... and spun on the tile but funnily failed and tumbled to the side."Get up!" Seokjin chuckled, grabbing the twin's arms to yank them back onto their feet as the man stiffly bounced with the music."Hey~! Hey!" Woobin screamed as he bounced before Sungho and Namjoon, who were swaying to the music with the crowd of guests."Ahhh~!" Yoongi whined as Yuri held his hands, funnily rocking him from side to the upbeat rhythm. The Min's heir smiled at the woman and glanced at Jimin... who was dancing with So-young beside the twins."Beom~! Don't be shy~!" Sora chuckled, crouching down to hold her child's hands as he nervously glanced at the crowd of people. He whined and pouted cutely, so Sora picked him up and danced with her child in her arms as Taehyung carried Hajin beside her."Careful! You're scaring him~!" Taehyung scoffed while holding his wife's waist with one hand to stabilize her as she carelessly bopped with the sulking baby Jaguar.The third son suddenly giggled at his mother's dance moves and glanced at Woobin, who was grooving from side to side with Namjoon. Yuri lifted Yoongi's arms over their heads and twirled beneath him- causing Sora to shriek in tears at the sight of Yoongi's inflexible body movements and glanced at Taehyung, who was gently rocking to beat. Hajin cluelessly giggled at her father."Can you hold our babies for a moment!?" Sora suddenly grabbed Sungho's arm. She pushed Beom into his arms, so the alpha scoffed and held onto the lively boy. She seized Hajin from Taehyung's arm, whose eyes widened in a panic at her hasty movement. The mother shoved the baby into Namjoon's chest, causing Woobin to laugh at the alpha's startled face once he was tasked to watch over the supreme alpha's children."Sora-""Let's dance~! Forget parenting for the night!!" She screamed as she grabbed Taehyung's arm and firmly placed his hands around her waist. He anxiously glanced at Sungho and Namjoon as they held the child in their arms and glanced back at his wife's flushed face. Jang Sora drunkenly tip-toed, grabbed his cheeks, and smothered him with her kiss until... Taehyung exhaled in defeat, clutched her against his body and bopped to the music with his wife.The father of five flushed red when the supreme alpha spun around on her heels- suddenly rubbing her butt against his crotch, causing Sungho's mouth to drop open at the inappropriate dance move. The alpha quickly covered Beom's eyes as Woobin squealed at his mother's untamed behavior. She grinned and sexily swayed her hips from side to side to grind against her husband. Taehyung scoffed as he secured her hips- wildly shoving his crotch forward and before anyone could process the couple's dance moves... he was shamelessly humping her buttcheeks on the dance floor."YAH!" Namjoon shouted, quickly covering Woobin's eyes with one hand while carrying Hajin."Harder, baby~!" Sora screamed as Taehyung playfully grabbed her shoulders to pull her against his chest while humping her bum from behind as she faced away from him and tightened his arms around her body. She smiled and tilted her head back to kiss his lips as he massaged her stomach with a cheeky smile."YAH!-THE KIDS ARE WATCHING?!-" Seokjin gasped, quickly covering Woojin's eyes, who suddenly stopped dancing to watch his father hump his mother.Hoseok chuckled and blocked Kanghoon's sight... wildly spinning the child in the opposite direction. Jimin and So-young scoffed as the supreme alpha spun on her heels to make out with her husband on the dance floor without a bother... until he reached down to grope her butt cheeks. Sungho cleared his throat at the shocking sight and glanced at Beom as he softly rocked the child in his arms."Aigo~! Your parents are animals~!" Namjoon groaned. The crowd chuckled at the shameless couple."Hold me like that too!" Yuri screamed through the music and placed Yoongi's hands on her butt, causing him to flinch in a panic. Hoseok laughed hysterically while holding onto Kanghoon as Yoongi stiffly stood with his hand on the woman's tight ass."Confetti! Pop the confetti!" Jimin signaled his men with a bright beam.The team signaled to each other and- POP! POP! POP! The venue suddenly showered with golden confetti, causing the children to shriek and raise their arms to welcome the showers. Beom happily screeched while grabbing the confetti in the air as Woobin collected the golden pieces with the twins. Namjoon chuckled and covered Hajin's face to stop it from covering her as Sora clung to her husband's neck. POP! The confetti burst again- so the children screamed in delight and looked upward in anticipation.
Sora's POV
I smiled and hugged Taehyung's broad shoulders as he secured my waist to hold me against his sturdy body... until I felt a wet splatter... so I lifted my face to stare at the red spot on my forearm. Taehyung glanced at my arm and glanced upward in confusion- Drip. A red liquid landed on his forehead. I gasped and glanced at the ground when the confetti turned into heavy showers of red liquid. SHAAA~!"ARGH?!" The twins shrieked in shock as the red liquid sprinkled over us. The crowd suddenly gasped in surprise as the fluid poured onto us- staining and soaking the formal attires with its red pigments. Taehyung's mouth dropped open in horror as he lowered his face to stare at a red smudge on my face."YAH!? WHAT'S THIS MADNESS?!" Jimin screamed at the staff in horror as the guards rushed through the venue to inspect the startling malfunction.The shower suddenly stopped pouring over us... leaving the crowd baffled by the sticky fluid... and the music immediately died down as people groaned at the nasty stains on their clothes. Taehyung frowned darkly and glanced at the liquid as he rubbed it between his fingers. He paused... unsurely sniffing the air with a slight frown... so I glanced at my children... as they attempted to rub the red liquid from their skin."Blood...?" He whispered, suddenly lowering his face to my soaked face again. Sungho was wiping the paste from Beom's cheek with his sleeves as Namjoon clutched onto Hajin with an uptight expression."What-""I smell... gas?- EVACUATE THE VENUE! NOW!" Taehyung bellowed, lifting his face in horror. He suddenly grabbed Woobin's arm and reached for the twins.I wildly spun around as the crowd suddenly burst into chaos at his alarming warning, so Seokjin lifted Woojin off the ground and sprinted forward. Sungho grabbed my hand and yanked me with him to push through the dense pack of terrified guests. Namjoon tightly clutched Hajin in her bundle, and hurried after Kim Taehyung... who was dragging Kanghoon while checking on his daughter as his fellow alpha chased after him- KABOOM!"ARGH!?-" The children screamed in fright when the ground vibrated with the shocking explosion, sending the dense pack crashing into one another. Taehyung cursed under his breath as he dragged Kanghoon and Woobin through the crowd.Sungho pulled me after him, so we hurried down the concrete stairs with racing hearts. Hoseok and Yoongi quickly shoved the guests aside to pave the way for Namjoon and Seokjin, who were securing the young heirs. I scoffed and wildly turned around to find the venue... bursting into flames.Taehyung shouted for the guards... who immediately came to our rescue and helped the guests evacuate from the erupting venue. KAABOOM! KAABOOM! Another shock wave violently stirred up the concrete ground, followed by a deafening explosion so I shrieked at the commotion as people pushed and shoved each other aside to escape the flaming venue.The guest frantically stumbled out of the venue and raced down the stairs onto the field before turning around in devastation to witness the unexpected eruption. I gasped in horror once I looked up... to find... something... hanging... over the entrance of the wide-opened door.Sungho immediately covered Beom's eyes as my jaw dropped in fright at the disturbing sight of... a bloody mass. Taehyung gripped Woobin's shoulder as Seokjin turned Woojin and Kanghoon away to prevent them from witnessing... whatever was being suspended before our terrified pupils"WHAT IN THE WORLD?!" Jimin shouted in horror as we stared at the... dead body... hanging before the opened entrance. KABOOM!The guests screamed and shielded their faces as the scorching flames burst through the opened door. We fearfully stepped backward on the vast field... drenched in blood with our unblinking terrified gaze on... the brutally decapitated head... swinging from a chained rope. Splatter... I gawked at the dripping blood... until I felt my soul... leaving my body.My eyes shifted to the other rope... and it was... a torn arm... a hanging leg... and then I sucked in my breath with a pounding heart once... a found a slashed opened torso... rocking steadily in the air... and dangling from the broken ribs... were the raw intestines. Drip. A chuck of the punctured stomach... suddenly detached itself from the torso and dropped onto the floor... causing me to flinch at the madness."FUCK!" Taehyung cursed, covering Woobin's eyes as he stood beside me with his dark frown on the disturbing sight of the hanging body parts. I gripped Taehyung's hand in fear when the deadly red flames... blasted through the opened door... to set the body parts on fire.My heart stopped beating for an entire second as I gawked at the human corpse with nothing... but a dreadful feeling. W-Who? Who is the victim? The rope started swaying from side to side... as the guests remained paralyzed before the flaming venue... until the fatal fire flares blasted through the door again... to sear the hanging body parts... before our astonished gaze.Taehyung tightly gripped my hand as we stood before the disturbing mutilated dead body... hanging... from the roof... swinging eerily... from side to side as the rotting remains... caught on fire before our bulging pupils... reflecting the scorching decapitated... head of a... man. I couldn't budge and stood paralyzed beside the petrified alphas- too frightened to blink nor breathe but to helplessly stare at the bewildering scene before my eyes... until I felt an intense urge to puke... as I watched the raging flame... tear into the night sky with its... deadly rage.
The cult... have once against... extended... their... fiery wings.

The firebird... has ultimately risen from ash to... unleash its... destructive vengeance.

The Black Phoenix's wrath.
__________________________Hello~! I managed to type up another chapter~! How is everyone doing? I finished one of my exams yesterday and it went well! I've got another one tomorrow so I hope it'll go well too! Anyways! Did you enjoy the chapter?! I hope you did! Thank you so much for supporting Alpha! I love you guys~!!!

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung blinked out of his bottomless thoughts to focus his stinging eyes on the document on the wooden desk while perching on the leather armchair and slowly lowered his face to his palms. He released a deep exhale for roughly five minutes before rubbing his nose and lifted his face to stare at his wife's picture frames, positioned neatly over his desk. He glanced at the pictures of the twins in their teddy bear jumpsuits before shifting his gaze to little Beom as the child sat on Sora's lap before the vast blue sea.The father glanced at Woobin in the other frame, who was cradling Hajin on the couch with a weak smile. He had personally captured these moments himself, and his family was undeniably the only comfort in appeasing his strained feelings. They were the reason... he was willing to stand proud and tall within the unforgiving society because he knew... his children and wife... needed a father and lover to safeguard their future.
A future free from misery and pain. Kim Taehyung was determined to achieve a happy ending for his family. Thereby, the alpha must remain alert... days and nights to defend his territory... ready to wield his sword at the charging danger when the time comes.

It is not his intention to die for his family.

Rather. Kim Taehyung will claim victory over all the battles and live for them.

That is the alpha's ultimate end goal.
The alpha released a deep exhaled after a prolonged silence of admiring his beloved family. He shut the leather folder, left his dim work room to stroll the dark corridor, and pushed open his bedroom door, expecting his wife's presence... but the mattress was empty. He turned around to open the twin's door, located on the opposite side of the corridor... until he spotted Sora... sitting on the edge of the bed with her back pressed against the bedboard, quietly dozing off with her head lowered beside her children after she spent the night comforting them.Taehyung glanced at the crowded twin's bed to find Kanghoon hugging baby Beom on his side and Woojin sleeping in Woobin's arms on the other kingsize bed. Taehyung peeked at the crate by the foot of the mattress to find Hajin... snuggled up in her crate with a pacifier in her mouth. They were all asleep, depleted by the terrorizing incident they had witnessed earlier.The father carefully removed the pacifier from his daughter's lips to place it in a sealed case before strolling up to his dozing wife. She was sitting beside Kanghoon with an open book in her hand. Her loose black hair... fluttering softly with every puff exerted through her parted lips. Taehyung retrieved the book from her loose grip and slipped his arms under her lightweight body, causing his wife to stir awake at the unexpected disturbance. She grumbled in confusion while clinging to his neck as he lifted her off the mattress."No- I want to stay-""There's not enough space for you to rest with them. We should reside in our room," Taehyung whispered as she sleepily blinked at him. Sora pouted and glanced at her children as her husband pushed open the door and carefully carried her out of the double-size bedroom.

"What if they get in trouble...?" Sora muttered.Taehyung nudged open the bedroom door with his shoulder and strolled to their bed. He didn't lower his wife. Instead, the alpha crawled onto the bed with her in his arms. The man gently settled her over the delicate sheet and pulled the comforter over their bodies before slumping onto the mattress with a low grunt. His body is aching all over."They're safe behind the mansion walls. I've strengthened the security," The alpha assured his drowsy wife. She anxiously stared at her husband as he slid his arms under her head to offer his support."We can't be certain," She muttered, doubtfully averting her eyes to their door.
The alphas and the kids immediately boarded an urgent flight back to their hilltop mansion in Busan after they witnessed the hanging bodies at Park Jimin's engagement party. A group of forensic teams was immediately dispatched to handle the mutilated corpse, and guests were safely escorted out of the property. 
"Sora. The mansion is on a hilltop... and there's only one route up here and down to the city. The security department will instantly detect movement up the slope... so don't stress your mind. I've got our men on standby outside the mansion's entrances," Taehyung whispered while staring at his wife's pale face. She exhaled deeply at his words and turned to lay on her back... until her dim eyes... landed on their wedding portrait at the foot of the bed, mounted securely to the once plain wall.The supreme alpha stared at her delicate smile without blinking. Despite the strict patrols and active investigation... the mother is nevertheless... anxious for her cubs' safety. She knew... the firebird... doesn't run on its hind legs. The creature... soars above their heads... to seek the target... so wherever they hide... their safety can't be guaranteed. Taehyung gently pressed his lips against Sora's scented cheek to absorb her soothing fragrance and exhaled with his eyes closed."The kids are traumatized by the scene they witnessed," She mumbled without blinking. Taehyung glanced at their portrait from their bed as she softly patted his arm over her stomach."Only Woobin caught a glimpse of the sight. The other kids are clueless. We'll speak to him once he's ready," Taehyung muttered. Sora sighed again and glanced at her husband with an uptight expression. His assurance wasn't enough to comfort her. The father sleepily studied his wife's blank expression when she wouldn't stop staring at him."Wae?" He whispered, unsurely lifting his eyebrow to question her blank gaze. Sora blinked and eyeballed his face without responding as if... to search for something."I am..." She whispered, slowly turning to sleep on her side with her head rested over his arm."You are...?" He smiled, restlessly searching her face. She unconsciously frowned in admiration while staring at her husband with her hands tucked under her chin."I am deeply in love with you," She whispered. Taehyung didn't respond and quietly stared at Sora's straight face as she confessed her everlasting love for her husband."Is it the after-effect of bearing my child? You. Loving me," He asked while grazing her soft cheek with his thumb. Sora lifted her hand to hold his warm fingers over her face and closed her eyes to release a deep exhale, calmly loosening the tension within her swelling chest."No. It's not the baby. You've always been my muse since I was born," She muttered, opening her eyes to look him in his tender pupils. Taehyung smiled at the supreme alpha's wearied expression. He knew she was sleepy but refused to fall asleep because she didn't want to leave her vulnerable children unattended."This lifetime is ours. Since the beginning. You and me. It's ours," He whispered. Sora softly chuckled, slightly squeezing his hand over her cheek."I am the luckiest woman to have you in this lifetime. You're aware, right?" She asked.Taehyung blinked at her genuine statement as he stroked his thumb over her delicate skin while admiring her beauty under the dim moonlight glow. His masculinity has finally settled his lover in her absolute femininity... so Kim Taehyung... knew... he had finally treated her right for the first time in over three decades of their life."Why does it feel like you stole my phrase...? I've definitely said it before," He chuckled."Whether you've informed me of your undying love... or not... or perhaps in a different world... I want to let you know too... that you are... the best thing that happened to me in this lifetime. I want to live... until the end of time... with you," She smiled."We'll get there. We'll grow old together... until we're wrinkled and nasty," Taehyung joked. The couple fondly gazed at each other while sharing the pillow as their hearts... flourished with a warm sensation."We shouldn't love those who make us miss the memories in the past... because it's long dead and gone. I love you... because you get me hoping... for more... of our memories... tomorrow. I don't mourn our past... because Taehyung... I'm helplessly... longing for our future together," She whispered."Get some sleep, you little stuffed dumpling... or I'll steam the juice out of you if you keep infecting my heart with your dangerous words," He muttered, lightly smacking her forehead to tease her. Sora scoffed and glared at her husband for making fun of her sincerity.
The supreme alpha has grown used to her husband's avoidance whenever she tries to communicate her raw feelings because it's rather... overwhelming for Kim Taehyung to handle the emotions that only Jang Sora... could provoke. He often shies away.

Hence. Kim Taehyung often teases her to avoid being flustered by her tenderness.
"Steam the juice out of me...? More like I'll suck you empty!" She whispered, softly smacking his face with her palm. The man chuckled and glanced down at his offended wife."Wanna try? I'll challenge you. It's either I spill your juice... or you suck the flavor out of me," He smirked. Sora bit her lips with a slight frown as he admired her face with a smug smile."Ah~! No~! I'm too tired!" She whined, tightening her grip around his chest. Taehyung laughed at her cuteness and kissed her forehead, causing her to smile weakly at his affectionate stroke. The couple giggled at each other as they remained on their bed in the dim room... and proceeded to tease... each other without escalating their acts until... they drifted off into a deep sleep.__________________________
Sora's POV

The council has held countless meetings at the elite building to discuss the cult's alarming threats during Jimin's engagement ceremony... and Taehyung has refused to show up upon the council's demand for his presence. He insisted on remaining home with the household because he didn't want to separate from me or the kids... out of fear of not being able to reach us on time if we were to be attacked by the cult.

The security has been heightened to secure the property days and nights, so we were pretty safe within the high walls. The only time I'm actually anxious for the kids' safety is when they have to attend school since they're required to leave the household's territory.

Two bodyguards are in charge of each of the children once they leave the property, so the twins have a total of four guards escorting them to school... and Woobin has two men following him to his private middle school.

Do-hwan would switch from monitoring the twins to his son twice a day to keep an eye on them from a nearby cafe... and I was pretty much told to stay home by my husband. The man refused to step out of the gate, and everyone was instructed to remain within the wall to prevent security breaches. Everyone is restricted from leaving and entering the wall unless they have Do-hwan's approval... and outsiders are strictly forbidden.
I groggily blinked while strolling down the corridor to enter the kitchen until I found imo... preparing the ingredients for lunch with a maid. The staff greeted my presence... so I smiled at them and sat down to eat the leftover breakfast with my half-open eyes.Am I bored? No. Definitely not when I've got five young children trying to tear my house apart. Screams... cries... scattered toys... broken items... muddy floors... bruises... cuts... arguments are the downside of having children. But hey... at least they keep me occupied throughout the day. Imo made fresh watermelon juice for me, so I drank the refreshing fluid and wandered around the mansion to search for Taehyung... but he was nowhere to be found."What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Imo asked after I returned to sit at the counter with a grumpy expression."Where is Taehyung? Did he leave for work again? He didn't tell me he had work though," I mumbled. He said he'd let me know in advance if he had a schedule... and I woke up to an empty mattress this morning. He usually stays by my side so we can get ready together."I don't think our master left the property, my lady. His guards are resting at their dormitory," A young maid informed. He's home...?"I can't find him," I grumbled."Why do you keep following him around? That's unlike your usual self," Imo asked, sourly glancing at me as she marinated the fresh fish in a bowl. Right. I have been following my husband around the property like a puppy."What's wrong with spending precious quality time with my husband?" I blinked at the woman."I don't understand why you're so attached to that jerk-""Well... he raised me since I was a child-""I raised you too!- But you never showed me a fraction of gratitude~! I cook you three meals a day! And even make you snacks during busy times! I take care of your children! I steam their clothes! Do their laundry! And I stay up all night to care for them when they're sick! I even care for your old father~! But you've never shown me your appreciation~! Aigo~! How can you favor that arrogant man over my devotion?!" Imo whined, cutely grimacing at the bowl. The maid chuckled and nudged the chief maid to stop her from expressing her raw complaints."Isn't our relationship strictly business? You demanded a pay raise every year and I've never once objected your request. Your bank account is overflowing~! I don't pay my husband to take care of me!" I teased with my arms folded over my chest. Imo glared at me and huffed, cutely punching the fish in the bowl with her rubber glove."Moh?!- Our relationship is strictly business~!?!- Aigo~! Then I should request another pay raise because why are you employing an old person like me!? I should be retired by now-! But you insisted that I renew our contract for another ten years!" She nagged, firing me an annoyed glare. I burst out laughing upon hearing the woman's displeasure.Taehyung has actually asked imo to stop working and to leave the tasks to the trainee maids... but being the perfectionist she is... the woman insists on fulfilling the tasks herself. Yet she's complaining now? The young maid softly chuckled and shook her head at imo's endless complaints... when Taehyung suddenly strode past the kitchen window."Oh! There he is!" I gasped, quickly jumping off the stool to hurry out of the kitchen... and raced out onto the backyard just as... Taehyung rounded the far end of the mansion. I happily skipped over the pebbled path on my slippers. Fwip! I quickly poked my head from the corner to find my husband... bending over the flower pots with safety gloves over his hands."You're awake?" Taehyung asked, lifting his head to blink at me with sweat on his forehead once I stepped out with a keen smile."Where have you been all morning?" I grumbled, curiously walking up to him and crouched by his side to gaze at the blooming flowers in the pots. Why is he planting flowers?"I'm trying to grow flowers for the garden," He muttered while digging the soil. I blinked and watched him scoop the dirt with a weak smile."Wae? Why are you growing flowers~? To attract the young and beautiful maids...?" I questioned with my hands tucked under my chin. Taehyung abruptly stopped jabbing the soil and grimaced at me in annoyance."Is it a wife thing to pick a fight with her husband whenever she has nothing better to do? Because you are definitely an expert at nagging me," He huffed. I smiled at his annoyed expression and stood up to grope his butt as he bent over to sort the small bags of fertilizer.

"Nothing better to do..? I have so much to do," I scoffed while standing behind Taehyung's perching butt to hold his hips with a wicked grin."Oh? You're busy right now?- Hey?!- Yah!-?- What are you doing!" Taehyung gasped, frantically turning to look at me in bewilderment when I suddenly started humping his buttcheeks."Bent over, old man! I'm doing my husband right now! That's what I'm doing~!" I laughed, playfully spanking his firm ass, and proceeded to hump his butt against my crotch as a joke to irritate him."Ah~! Seriously?!- What is wrong with you!?" Taehyung scoffed as the man straightened his body with his hand clasped over his stiff back. He fired me an annoyed glare, making me giggle hysterically at his sore expression. Oh~! I love to bug him~! My husband gets nothing done whenever I'm around because I can't stop distracting him~! He's cute when he's annoyed~! So I'll never leave the fine man alone! What are the perks of having a husband? You get to bully him all you want, and he wouldn't dare complain!"Bent over!!! I'm imitating you~! You love to pound me in this position, so I'll show you how difficult it is!- Oh!?- To stand like this while being railed!" I grabbed his shoulders and spun the irritated man away.Taehyung shook his head and bent over to examine the flower pots again... so I grabbed his hips to hump his buttcheeks again... until Taehyung whined and tried to shove me away... but I didn't budge... and humped him harder while laughing at his dark frown. See? The husbandman is such a cutie~!"Did you hurt your head after you gave birth to Hajin?" Taehyung grumbled as he added a handful of soil to a pot. I smiled. SMACK! I spanked his buttcheeks and clutched his hips again to hold his manly booty against my groin. Hump! Hump!"A man's DNA can last for a while in a woman's body. I started exhibiting this behavior after I carried your daughter. So it's your fault~!" I shrugged while grinding his bum against my crotch. Taehyung scoffed and shook his head to disapprove of my claim."First, it's the baby... now... it's my DNA? Since when was I a perverted freak?" Taehyung huffed, turning around to glare at me."It's your DNA!" I roughly spanked his butt again. SMACK! SMACK! Taehyung suddenly exhaled and straightened his body to face me again... so I lifted my eyebrows to question the man as he narrowed his irritated gaze at my face."A man's DNA doesn't last forever in a woman's system. That's false, Sora. My DNA can only exist in you if you carry a male fetus-""Or miscarriage! I know! I had a miscarriage once- and you're the father then! It could've been a baby boy!" I argued while frowning at the man. He narrowed his eyes on me."Okay. Blame my DNA- I can't win an argument with you anyway," Taehyung chuckled, turning away in defeat to examine his flowers. He picked up a bottle and gently sprayed the blooming petals... so I smiled and back-hugged my husband with a cheeky smile.

"Did you shower...?" I muttered while sniffing his soaked shirt. He smells like dirt."I did, but I'm all sweaty again," My husband replied as he hydrated the soil to dampen it. Smiling, I slipped my hands under his shirt to feel his sweaty torso while back-hugging him with my eyes fixed on the distant sea on our right side."I haven't showered. Should we shower together...?" I asked as I gently pinched his nipple. Taehyung chuckled and grabbed my hand over his shirt to stop me... but I refused to release him... and hugged his waist tightly with my head pressed against his back."I'll shower once I'm a little dirtier," He muttered while stroking the blooming flowers. Why is he more interested in the flowers? He won't even pay attention to me!- The husband should be obsessed with his wife!!!

"Oh yeah?" I smiled, lowering my hand from his abs to skid my fingers over his crotch, causing him to chuckle at my teasing touch."Not in broad daylight, Sora..." He warned... but I dismissively shrugged and slipped my hand under his waistband with my face pressed against his shoulder blade. Taehyung whined and tried to yank my hand out of his sweatpants... but I refused and grabbed his junk with my bare hands."Do whatever you're doing..." I muttered. Taehyung stiffened uneasily and sideway glanced at me as I roamed my fingers beneath his sweatpants... so I kissed his cheek and gently jerked him under his boxer in the empty garden. The man exhaled and proceeded to spray the flowers with a blank face."Wah~! You serious- are- a freak- I'd never imagine- I'd be harassed by my wife! In broad daylight!?- While- trying to bloom the flowers. This is crazy! You're a crazy woman!" He whined. Rub... Rub...I pressed my thumb over his fleshy tip to shush him while watching the sea with a smug expression. He's super hard already...? Taehyung groaned, and straightened his body in discomfort when I wouldn't stop touching him... so I hugged his back tightly to support his weight from behind... until he exhaled and tilted his head back in defeat as I persistently jerked his boner under his pants."We'll shower together once you're dirtier," I grinned. Taehyung weakly shook his head with his lips pursed in difficulty... so I quickened my pace and rubbed him until his body muscles grew tensed from the surging pleasure."I swear to god- if a guard or a maid round that corner- they will see everything!- Hey~!" Taehyung whined, trying to stop me- so I quickly grabbed his shoulder to steer him around and pushed the man up against the concrete wall behind the storage house. No one can see us from here.Taehyung scoffed at my assertion as I pinned him face-first against the wall... so he lifted his arms in defeat to lean against the concrete for support and glanced down at the movements under his pants as I jerked him from behind. Squelch. Squelch. He groaned and lowered his face with his sweaty forehead pressed against the wall, making me smile at his favorable reaction. A key to a man's heart is to also keep him contented with his sex life! Or he'll wander for another woman! So I must drain him frequently! "Do you like it...?" I curiously asked as I watched him clench his jaw."It's... thrilling... but this?- Doing this?- In the property- surrounded by our own people?- Sora- you're fucking crazy-" Taehyung shakily muttered. I chuckled and stroked him from tip to bottom while holding his body captive against the wall and glanced at the corner of the mansion to keep an eye out for any presence. SPLURGE.Taehyung lowly grunted upon hitting his climax and softly moaned against the concrete with his eyebrows scrunched together. The husbandman shakily breathed in a ragged rhythm as he balled his hands into tight fists with his head tilted against the wall... so I gently rubbed his tip to unload the remaining semen beneath the boxer before drawing out my sticky hand to examine the white paste between my soaked fingers. Taehyung swallowed intensely and turned to face me in exhaustion as I licked my fingers with a faint smile. I enjoy teasing him. The alpha panted heavily and leaned his head back against the wall for support after I successfully got him dirty in the opening."Are you enjoying it...? Hmm...? To get me drenched like this?" He dimmed his eyes on my proud smile while standing with his dirty crotch. I licked the substance from my fingers and patted his face to soothe his burning cheek."Let's shower, seobang-nim~!" I grinned, quickly grabbing his wrists. Taehyung chuckled and drew me into a tight hug... so I held onto his waist as he lowered his face to press his nose against my shoulder with his eyes closed."I love you," He whispered and gently kissed my ear, making me smile at his affectionate gesture. We calmly stood in each other embrace as he stood against the wall until I noticed my father strolling in our direction. The elderly man paused to stare at us... as we clung to each other behind the storage house... so I lifted my hand to wave at my father while hugging my husband."Aigo~ What an eyesore," The man grumbled, sorely walking forward and tilted his head to observe the clear sky.Taehyung lifted his face to watch my disapproving father as he leaned against the wall with me in his arms. The old man rudely clicked his tongue and strolled off while gazing at the sky with his hands clasped behind his back... so I chuckled and pulled away from my husband with flushed cheeks. Taehyung glanced at his sweatpants... knowing well... he was smeared with his own semen inside his soaked boxer."I'll wash your back," I grinned while swinging his wrists from side to side. Taehyung shook his head at my determination to get him showering with me, took my hand, and walked me forward... so I skipped along his side and happily walked off with my husband while clinging to his strong forearm.
A moment later.
Sora's POVTaehyung softly chuckled as I tiptoed on my slippers to press my lips against his as soon as we entered our bedroom... so he encircled his arms around my waist, carefully lifting me off the floor and carried me to the bathroom. He smiled and settled me over the cold tiles after breaking our steamy kiss, gently weaving his fingers through my hair as I quickly slipped off my gown and pulled my husband by his nape to make him lower his face. Smooch. Smooch. Taehyung tenderly caressed my tongue between my lips as I lifted his shirt off his sweaty body and tugged his waistband down to undress him by the sink before kneeling down to try and clean up the mess I created with my mouth when he suddenly pushed my forehead backward."Wait-" Taehyung muttered."I'll clean you up-" I smiled and tried to lean forward, but he firmly held my head back, so I blinked and looked up at his uneasy expression as I knelt before him with parted lips."Sora. What's wrong...?" He asked, frowning at me unsurely as he rubbed my cheek with his thumb while standing naked above me. What's wrong...?"What are you talking about? Nothing is wrong," I replied. Taehyung grimaced."You're acting strange," He shook his head. I blinked, glanced at his raw private part, and back at him. Strange...? What am I doing that's strange?"You don't want to...?" I asked. Is he not in the mood?"No- it's just- you seem a bit- not yourself lately...?" He replied... appearing somewhat troubled by my lustful cravings. I pursed my lips and slowly stood up to face him with a neutral expression. Taehyung gently squeezed my shoulders with a concerned frown as I scanned his face in absolute silence. He's not hard anymore. And he won't let me get him back up."Do you think I'm desperate?" I asked. He usually likes me this way... but he doesn't like it now that I'm overdoing it...?"What? No- It's just that you keep-""Touching you without consent...?" I finished. Taehyung suddenly pursed his lips to scan my face."You know I'm willing to let you touch me whenever you want-""But you hesitated," I coldly replied. Taehyung closed his eyes at my statement and slowly released my shoulders to press his hands on the sink... trapping me between his arms. He didn't lower his gaze to my naked body... and searched my eyes suspiciously."Sora. I'm worried about you because you've been out of character lately. If you're anxious... then please let me know-""Anxious? Why would you think I'm out of character? Just because I... wanted to make love with my husband? Is that strange?" I frowned at his tense expression in annoyance. Why is he suddenly interrogating my behavior...? I'm definitely okay! Did he have to make me feel so guilty for lusting for him?"It's totally fine, but-""Why are you so fussy...? If you don't want to- then say it," I huffed, hastily pushing his left arm aside and strode toward the stall. Taehyung closed his eyes in exhaustion and turned to chase his gaze after me with his hands on his hips."Are you seriously mad at me?- Sora- I'm trying to understand you-""What is there to understand?- I obviously am horny- and- I wanted to have sex with you! What is there to understand?!-" I snapped, turning to fume at him in anger until I felt tears flushing in my eyes. Taehyung scoffed at my crankiness as he watched me glare at him from the transparent stall. It doesn't happen often but at times!- I feel my body getting aroused for no reason! What am I supposed to do!? I thought he'd like it if I'm a little wild in bed- but I'm so fucking ashamed now!"You stirred... an argument out of... nothing...? Seriously?" Taehyung scolded me in disbelief as he crossed his arms over his hard pecs."It's nothing?- Okay," I nodded and turned to enter the shower. Taehyung huffed at my attitude in annoyance and stormed forward- but I quickly slammed the glass door shut in his face. He tried to push his way through... but I glared and stood with my hands pressed against the solid door to stop him from reaching for me."What's the matter with you?!- You can't just pick a fight when I'm worried-""Stop pushing!- I want to be alone right now!- SO BACK OFF! DO YOU HEAR ME!?" I screamed, angrily slamming my fist against the glass door, causing Taehyung to flinch in shock at my violent outburst. My blood... is boiling and my ears are steaming with smoke!"Sora-""I get it! You don't like it when I act this way because I appear desperate!-""You can't make up assumptions!-""LEAVE ME ALONE!" I screamed until tears flooded my burning eyes.Taehyung clenched his jaw at my tearful glare while standing before the transparent barrier between us... until he shakily exhaled- angrily spun on his heels and stormed out of the bathroom after snatching a towel to wrap it around his firm hips. I gripped my fists to counter the gushing anger before turning to stand under the cold shower with my eyes closed, softly crying by myself as the swelling emotions spewed out of me for no apparent reason.
What is wrong with me...?! How can he ask such questions?!- He hates it when I don't give him enough attention, but I give too much love- he thinks I'm desperate! Physical touch is my love language! And so is the act of service! And PDA! But he doesn't like too much of any of those! 
I sighed after ten minutes of brooding under the cold downpour... and finally opened my puffy eyes while standing with my head lowered until... I noticed a stream of blood... flowing down my legs. I blinked and stared at my period without budging. This is my first period... since I birthed Hajin. I exhaled, turned off the shower and stepped out of the stall to pull on a fresh gown before crawling onto the empty bed and slipped under the blanket. Is this why I'm so sensitive?"Boo!" Beom suddenly popped out at the edge of the bed, causing me to jerk in a panic."What are you doing here?!- You scared eomma~!" I gasped, quickly extending my arm across the mattress for my son. Beom chuckled and crawled onto the bed with a wire in his hand."Beom was looking for eomma," The child chuckled as he rolled in beside me. I smiled at his adorable beam, kissed his bouncy cheek and held him on my side... so he rested his head on my upper arm and lifted the wires to play with it."Do you want to see appa? I'll take you to see appa," I asked. It's been a while since I last visited Yangcha's grave."Appa is... gone," He muttered without looking away from the wire. I sighed and glanced at his plump cheeks and back to the wire in his hands. He's still neglecting his dead father."Do you like wires?" I chuckled. Beom kept pulling his toys apart to disassemble the figures... and would often collect small... wires to play with them."Eomma~ Are you mad~?" Beom suddenly dropped his wire and glanced at me in curiosity instead of answering my question. I stroked his plump cheek with my thumb as we lay on the mattress."Did you hear eomma scream earlier?" I raised my eyebrows. I didn't know he was hiding in my room."Neh~! Beom got scared and hid under the bed~!" He giggled. I scoffed and kissed his forehead until the chonky baby turned to hug my waist on his side."I'm not mad. Don't worry," I patted my little Jaguar. Beom innocently chuckled at my assurance as he groped my breasts with his tiny palms. He softly pecked my exposed cleavage before averting his attention to the small wire again... so I exhaled and watched the child giggle by himself.Beom is a curious soul. He loves... tearing open his toys to figure out... the internal setup of the system. Just like his late father... Beom seems to enjoy the technical field. Maybe I should get him appropriate toys suited to his liking? Beom doesn't really fancy stuffed animals because he doesn't find it interesting after tearing his toys apart a few times to be disappointed by the clusters of cotton. Slowly... my eyes dropped closed as I held my child against my chest... and I ended up dozing off with Beom on my side.But it was a brief nap. I was suddenly awoken by a soft pat on my hip, so I opened my eyes to find Beom... fast asleep over my arm with the wire clutched tightly in his grip. I blinked again once I felt the person massaging my waistline to console me... but didn't turn because I already knew who it was. Taehyung sat quietly by the edge of the bed... touching me here... and there purposely to seek my attention... but I didn't look at him... so he exhaled, lowered his body to hug my shoulder from behind, and gave me a soft kiss on my cheek. Is he done being fussy? He'd get upset and storm away with an attitude but would return right after to apologize whenever we got into a fight."I'm sorry," He whispered, gently pressing his lips against my ear... yet I didn't budge and remained motionless as the man rubbed my upper arm to express his apology.
Kim Taehyung would coldly respond to our arguments with his silent treatment in the past... but ever since we got back together... he never once gave me a cold shoulder. Of course, he'd march off during the heat of an argument, but that's because he didn't want to unintentionally hurt my feelings with his thoughtless statements. He take his time to calm his spewing temper before returning to speak with me... so yeah... our marriage isn't as... dramatic as it used to be because my husband is handling me better now.

Even if I intentionally try to argue with him... Kim Taehyung would simply remain calm and brush it off with a laugh or kiss to disable my anger. I can't argue with him anymore because he knows how to properly neutralize my feelings. How am I supposed to argue when he'd immediately run away before I could escalate the problem and then return afterward to apologize once I'm done being upset?

Back in the day...? Kim Taehyung will never ever admit to his faults even if his life depends on it, and he'd leave our problems unattended until it rot and infect us with unhealthy resentment. But now? The stupid husbandman says sorry faster than I can snap at him. He'd immediately take the blame even if it's not his fault... and I'd be left... with my mouth hanging open because... his proactive surrender is an effective method to prevent me from initiating drama between us.
"Don't wake Beom," I mumbled when he tried to roll me over the mattress, but I refused to face him- and hugged Beom's tiny body with my nose pressed against my son's plump cheek. Taehyung sighed at my refusal and straightened his back to lean against the bedboard."I'm anxious about your mental health. I thought... you wanted to have sex because... you were stressed," He mumbled. I closed my eyes and quietly patted Beom's head as I held my sleeping baby against my chest."You can assume whatever," I replied. Taehyung exhaled again. Even if I try to avoid facing him to resolve our fight like this... he will never give in."Don't be like this. I don't enjoy fighting with you because... it reminds me of our past. I don't want to commit the same mistake and lose you again," He mumbled. I didn't reply and lay without budging. Should I stay quiet? I want to test his patience."Sora. Jebal. I know... you're a sensitive soul. I really didn't mean to judge you in such a manner. I was genuinely concerned," Taehyung continued. He's kinda cute when he grumbles like this. He'd sulk and whine... but he'd never leave my side... unless I settled the issue with him. He's the type of lover to speak on and on... endlessly with his grumpy voice until you give in and respond to him."I told you... I'm okay. The thing is... I can't seem to keep my hands off you... and I understand if you're uncomfortable because I keep harassing you- but- I don't know- It's strange. I like you a lot. I love you. And for some reason... I want to have the most of you," I replied with my back turned on him."Like what I felt for you...? At the beginning of our relationship...? I couldn't keep my hands off your body and wanted to badly... make love with you?" He asked."Yeah. Maybe I wasn't in love then... not too deep... but right now... I find a lot of comfort in you. I'm afraid... I've entirely relied on you," I muttered."Why would you be afraid? You can rely on me," Taehyung exhaled. I opened my eyes to stare at Beom with a troubled expression."I'm devoted to my lover. You know that. Once I'm in love... no man can waver me. You have all of me in this relationship... and I know... it's unhealthy... to love you this way... but... it feels like I can't get enough of you no matter what we do. You don't like it when I'm desperate-""Can you not put words in my mouth? I have never thought of you as a desperate person. Will you believe me? I was careless with your feelings before- but I don't want to hurt you again, so- I'm trying to communicate with you. Please. If this is all just your hormones... then okay. I believe you. But... Sora... I trust... that you are willing to rely on me because I will hold onto you until I wither. I need you... to share your feelings with me... because I'm not a mind reader. I can't read your actions... and I definitely am dense when it comes... love... but it doesn't mean I can't love you- I do care. A lot. More than you think," Taehyung exhaled."So please talk to me if you're upset- You can scream- but please- understand I'm trying my best too... because the last thing... I want to do... is to raise... my voice at the woman I love. Maybe I'm overthinking the situation... and maybe you were just horny... but I want you to understand that you don't have to suppress your feelings for me and try to conceal it with temporary pleasure. I know you're constantly worried for our safety, so if you're stressed... please let me know so I can properly handle you," He muttered. I exhaled and turned on my back to find him sitting by the edge of the bed with his back pressed against the headboard. He glanced at me with a gloomy expression."It's my period," I muttered with a poker face."What?" He blinked, unsurely searching my blank face."I'm on my period. I was super horny earlier because of my hormones," I replied. Taehyung stared at me without blinking as I awkwardly lay on the pillow. The man suddenly closed his eyes after he finally processed my confession."Are you serious?" He asked in disbelief."Sorry," I replied, carefully lifting the thin silk off my legs to show him my panty, layered with a fresh pad. Taehyung chuckled at the sight of my underpants and rubbed his face with a flustered look. It wasn't him. It's me. I'm the problem."Does your sex drive peak whenever you're close to your period?" He smiled. I shrugged, pulled the silk down to cover my panty, and glanced at Beom again, who was fast asleep by my side."He heard us screaming," I muttered."He could've heard and seen everything if I gave in to you earlier," Taehyung smiled as he gently stroked my cheek. I huffed and glared at him in annoyance."Are you relieved now that I blame my attitude on my period?" I grimaced."You know... this wife... behavior... is terrifying. Oh?- As your husband- I must apologize for an argument I didn't even start. Oh?- Does it make sense? I don't resent you for making me apologize- but seriously? You acquired a new skill of devising problems out of nothing!- I'll probably suffer a stroke if you taunt me like this!" He complained."If you want easy- then find another woman," I muttered. Taehyung scoffed and smacked his head in extreme frustration. Ahah~! I love to torture him!"Yup. I'll have to live with this for the rest of my life. Walking on eggshells because my beloved wife... will literally... initiate mad arguments over the most random things," Taehyung nodded with a slight grimace. I rolled my eyes and turned to hug Beom again."Go away," I mumbled as I sniffled Beom's faint scent and softly pecked his cheek. Taehyung grumbled at my dismissal, suddenly throwing his legs onto the mattress to lay down behind my back and lifted his heavy leg to wrap it over mine."Stop being mad~! I've already apologized~!" The man cutely whined as his arms around my waist to hold my body against his. I didn't respond and closed my eyes... until he funnily patted Beom's stomach and shoved the child away."Hey! He's sleeping-""He's not the baby! I am!" Taehyung grumbled, suddenly pushing Beom away again until the child rolled onto his stomach. I scoffed and smacked his arm before firing him an annoyed grimace. Taehyung smiled at my grumpiness and gently pulled my shoulder to turn me around as Beom stirred on the mattress... so I sighed and rolled over the bed to face the clingy man."I am not your mother! Mr. Baby!" I gently slapped his cheek."But you're my baby mommy~! Let's make up...? Oh~? No one likes me in this mansion- so if my wife hates me too- then I'm doomed~!" He whined, funnily grabbing my arm to place it around his waist. I glared at his childish behavior as he pretentiously pouted to taunt me with his soft side until I felt my heart blooming with love for him.Softly sighing... I gave in to the man and scooted forward to hug his head. Taehyung chuckled as he tightened his grip around my waist until I pulled him against my chest and softly pecked his forehead. He wants to be the manliest man in the world... but once he's isolated behind the door? My husband insists on being my one and only favorite baby... and he gets super jelly over our kids if I don't treat him like them. Aigo~!"Did we switch souls?" I grumbled while combing my hand through his hair."I think so. You're the horny person now... and I'm the baby~!" He nodded. I scoffed and pulled away to grimace at him."So you're the saint, huh? Let's see how long you can last without my touch~!" I lightly smacked his cheek. Taehyung smirked and swiftly stole a kiss from my lips."I'll make it up to you once your cycle is over. I promise," He grinned. I smiled at his words... so he lifted his face to kiss me again. I gripped his shoulder as he deepened the kiss until I felt a small arm tugging my shoulder. Taehyung unsurely withdrew his moist lips from mine and glanced over my shoulder... so I quickly turned my head to find... Jae Beom... peeking over my shoulder with his tiny hand gripped over my upper arm."You're awake?" I smiled."Kiss... Kiss... again..." Beom encouraged, gently pushing my cheek to make me move toward Taehyung with an attentive gaze."Oh? Do you like to watch adult kissing?" Taehyung scoffed, suddenly grabbing the child by his upper arm, causing Beom to shriek in shock as Taehyung hauled the baby over my shoulder to settle him between our bodies."Kiss... Kiss~!" Beom giggled while patting both our cheeks to encourage us... so I lifted my head off my husband's extended arm and leaned over his face to peck Taehyung, causing the child to shriek shyly. Beom grinned and covered his red face.

"I'm afraid this one is a voyeur..." Taehyung smiled at Beom, who laughed and glanced at us as we admired his cute smile with our hands tucked beneath our heads."Where's Hajin?" I shifted my gaze to my husband."With your father. He insisted on caring for her," Taehyung shrugged. I nodded and glanced at Beom again. Knock. Knock. Taehyung quickly lifted his head off the bed as the door slid open, and Do-hwan appeared at the doorway."The alphas have requested to enter the property," The man informed with a grimace as I patted Beom's plump belly on the bed."The alphas? Wae? What are they doing here???" I scoffed in confusion and glanced at Taehyung, who quickly got off the bed to frown darkly through the arch window. I sat up with an uneasy frown."What are they doing here?" Taehyung scoffed, quickly slipping on his slippers, and followed Do-hwan out of the bedroom, so I lifted Beom off the bed and got up to peak through the window... until I found Taehyung striding over the front yard with Do-hwan to approach the flood of cars at the gate before the sea view. Taehyung signaled for the small gate to open and stepped out with Do-hwan... so I quickly strolled out of the bed chamber, headed down the stairs, and stepped out the front door.Hoseok and Yoongi were the first to stroll through the gate after the guards inspected their bodies for weapons... so I frowned and watched the alphas from the front porch while cradling Beom in my arms. Namjoon and Jimin appeared next. They glanced around the property with their mouths ajar as Seokjin and Jungkook stepped through the gate, closely followed by Sungho. Taehyung... signaled the guards to seal the door. He briefly spoke with Do-hwan by the gate until the chief guard nodded and strode away."Sora~! This property is as stunning as they say!" Hoseok waved at me as he climbed the pebbled stairs with Yoongi, who was eyeing the mansion with a weak smile."What brought you here? You could've announced your visit in advance," I smiled as I hugged Beom on my hips."Ahjussi~!" Beom waved at the alphas when they finally reached the upper porch. Hoseok cutely reached out to shake Beom's hand. Yoongi smiled at me as Seokjin and Namjoon appeared behind them in their formal suits.
A moment later.
"Is dinner enough to serve everyone?" I asked, worriedly glancing at the occupied maids and imo, who was peeling the garlic with halmeoni by the counter."It's fortunate the delivery of the ingredients arrived earlier this morning," Imo assured me as I prepared the fruits on the massive plate."Please have dinner before us. The alphas will dine after dusk," I smiled at Halmeoni and lifted the plate before strolling out of the room in my casual dress to find the alphas gathered on the hilltop in the backyard.Taehyung was cradling Beom on his hips as he chatted with Sungho. Jimin was taking pictures of the sea view in the distance as Namjoon sat on the platform bench under the ancient tree with Hoseok. Appa is hugging Hajin against his chest as he chats with Seokjin, who is standing with his arms crossed. I paused once I found Jungkook standing alone in the living room with his unblinking gaze on the wedding portrait of me and Taehyung on the wall. He blinked and glanced at me."Fruits?" I asked, lifting the plate before him with an eager smile. Jungkook lowered his gaze to a plate filled with various fruits. He picked a silver fork to poke a pear slice and turned to walk out of the living room... so I followed him out into the opening.
He's still sore over our past affair, but I didn't wish to be on bad terms with anyone anymore. Does it matter?  I don't blame him for not wanting to take responsibility for the twins. It doesn't matter because I am now happily married to Taehyung and the children love him as their own father. I'd rather raise my children with a man who is capable of providing and caring for them than force the biological father to foster the children when he couldn't care less about their welfare.
"Can I hold him?" Hoseok smiled, suddenly standing up from the platform bench to reach for Beom, who cutely smiled at the man. Taehyung handed the alpha my son and glanced at me as I placed the heavy plate on the bench."Dinner isn't ready yet, so have some fruits," I smiled at Namjoon, who was the first to pick up a spare fork and poke a grapefruit."Oh?- Oh god!- He's heavy~! What is he made off?!- Steel?!" Hoseok gasped in shock as he held baby Beom against his chest."His bones are dense," Appa smiled."He's so big for a two-year-old!" Sungho chuckled as he walked over to pick a slice of apple. Taehyung settled on the edge of the bench and reached out for a few grapes without using the fork."Anyways. Why are you guys here?" I smiled as Taehyung dusted my dress to flatten the crease while chewing the grape on the side of his mouth."We received the autopsy result today," Jimin grimaced as Jungkook quietly gazed at the vast sea with a dim look."Oh? Did you identify a person?" I questioned the alphas with an uneasy feeling.Taehyung grabbed my hand and pulled me down to make me sit on his lap, so I circled my arm around his neck. My husband secured his arm around my waist and fed me the grapes, so I opened my mouth to accept the juicy fruit and glanced at Seokjin for answers."Shin Minho," Seokjin replied. My eyes widened in shock... and for a moment... I couldn't budge but stared at them in disbelief."What?- But why- He's on their side!" I scoffed while clinging to Taehyung's neck."He betrayed the cult," Sungho shook his head."What?- Why?" I frowned at the alphas."Minho visited me a week prior... before he was brutally murdered. The alpha claims the cult has expanded its operation in the black markets to trade illegal weapons on the northern coasts. They're also smuggling people between the borders," Sungho shrugged."The cult killed him because he leaked their operation...?" I frowned. Namjoon nodded as he bitterly chewed the apple."Lee Mira. What about her?" Taehyung asked as he rubbed my waistline and fed me a piece of tangerine. Minho snitched on the cult to assist the alphas? That's the reason for his demise? But why? Why would he switch sides?"I can't contact her. Minho claims she's dealing drugs for the cult- but I highly suspect she's fleeing Chung Manseok. We're still searching for her," Jimin shrugged. I frowned at my father... who was attentively listening to the conversation."Have we located their base?" I asked unsurely."There's an abandoned tunnel leading out into the seaside coast. We suspect the cult is hiding near the exit route so they can flee if we launch an attack," Jungkook suddenly spoke up. Taehyung glanced at his cousin... who was dimly staring at the distant sea."Jungkook is in charge of the manpower. He sent spies over to monitor their movements," Jimin explained. I nodded and glanced at Taehyung, who frowned and sat quietly to process his thoughts."We can't attack recklessly. The cult leader and Park Bogum might flee... via the sea route... if we startle them. So we must lure them back on land to ensure they're captured," Sungho replied. It won't be easy to corner them and the society will never thrive... in peace with the evil shadows... lurking in the dark. 
We must end the cult to achieve security in the society.
___________________________
Three Years Later

Although the Black Phoenix has spread its wings to terrorize the society by slaughtering Shin Minho in cold blood... the alphas had formed an unbreakable pack to safeguard each other from the evil of the cult's vicious intents. Secrets operations after another... were deployed to seek the cult's hidden lair, but the alphas failed to uncover their hideout every time and would return with a failed mission. So, the society had no choice but to keep their walls high and doors sealed to prevent the cult from harming their families.
And on the sacred land of the beautiful hilltop... stood the supreme alpha's mansion, housing the healthy young heirs, who have gradually grown as the sun sets and rises routinely over their property. The children's loud laughter and frantic shrieks have slowly ceased as they mature over the period. There weren't frequent thumps and thuds anymore. Or screams... or loud whinings.On this particular stormy night... as the rain lashes its shower at the tall arch windows to terrify the living souls with its harsh windstorm... remains a little girl on her satin sheet. She tightly clutched the teddy bear in her arms as she watched the violent splashes on the window, followed by blinding flickers and low rumbles above the roof over her head.She shivered in fright and curled up on her bed before turning her head... to find... Jae Beom... her older brother... sleeping on the other bed. The youngest daughter frowned and slowly sat up with a racing heart as her silky black hair dangled messily all over her pale face. The heir slowly slipped off the bed and tip-toed toward their shared nightstand, but the water jar was empty. She thirstily gulped and slowly approached Beom... who was fast asleep in his bed.Hajin blinked in guilt while staring at her older brother with a conflicted expression, contemplating whether to wake him or not... so he could escort her to the kitchen. The little girl didn't want to wake Beom, knowing the third son was the most sensitive sleeper. Sighing, the youngest heir gripped her silk nightgown and strolled on her fluffy socks towards the door. Creak.She opened the door to poke her head out, immediately pausing to stare at the dark hallway as the lights flickered through the high windows. The heir took a deep breath, stepped out into the hallways, hurriedly dashed towards the center of the corridor, and quickly turned towards the staircase leading into the dark living room. She halted with a racing heart as she glanced from side to side to inspect the empty corridor, afraid of being chased by monsters and evil creatures. Gulping, she glanced back at the pitch-black living room below the staircase until sweat formed all over her balled palms.

"I can do this," Hajin muttered in determination. She pursed her lips and cautiously walked down the stairs while holding the railing with her intense eyes fixed on the dreadful living room. The heirs took a deep exhale to calm her racing mind once she landed on the ground floor and made a quick sprint into the corridor with her fists clenched. She sucked in her breath once the darkness of the corridor made her neck hair stand... so she quickly bolted toward the wooden doorway and shoved the kitchen door open with all her might. THUD!-"Ow!" Someone shrieked from behind the door causing the young heir to flinch at the harsh impact after the door slammed into someone. The heir froze before the dark doorway as she fearfully lifted her frightened doe eyes to the oldest... son. Kim Woobin."Oppa?" Hajin gasped, quickly stepping inside the kitchen to examine Woobin, who was rubbing his forehead after the door slammed against his forehead."What are you doing down here?" He frowned at his little sister."We ran out of water in our room~!" Hajin pouted. Woobin stared down at her terrified expression- Flick. He switched on the kitchen's light, causing the vacant space to light up brilliantly. Hajin squinted at the bright glare above her head and glanced at her brother again. The older boy turned around to open the fridge and poured the young heir a cool glass of water as she climbed the stool to sit by the counter in her loose silk gown."Why would you run in the dark? Just switch on the lights," He mumbled, handing her the cup. Hajin quickly took the glass and drank it thirstily as she eyed the red bruise on his face. Woobin sleepily stared at her rosy red cheeks and glanced at the harsh storm outside the kitchen window until the youngest heir huffed with a satisfied frown and placed the empty cup on the marble platform."You've got ink on your nose," Hajin smiled, poking her own nose to signal her brother. Woobin quickly rubbed the stain with his forearm."Let's go back to bed," Woobin exhaled as he stood up from the high stool to lift Hajin's lightweight mass from her seat and carry her against his chest with his arms wrapped securely around her back thighs. The young girl happily clung to his neck as the oldest boy strode out of the kitchen and carefully closed the kitchen door."Can I sleep with you?" Hajin mumbled as her brother carried her up the stairs."Why? Are you scared again?" Woobin softly patted her back. She tightly gripped his neck and nodded with a slight pout. The older boy smiled at her cuteness, steered toward his room while patting her head, and entered his bedroom to settle Hajin on his master bed."What is that~?" Hajin lifted her finger to point at a robotic model on Woobin's work desk."It's something I'm assembling for a competition," Woobin smiled, walking over to his desk as Hajin sat on the bed with her tiny legs tucked under her body. She smiled at her brother after he switched off the lamp light on the desk and strode towards her again."You'll be the best~!" She grinned. Woobin cupped her chubby cheeks and forced her down, so Hajin giggled and slumped on the mattress as Woobin got onto the bed with her and lifted the blanket to cover their bodies. The oldest son slipped his arm under her head and turned to hug her body as Hajin beamed at him with her head turned over the pillow."Are you not sleepy?" Woobin smiled as he softly poked her nose tip."I miss eomma and appa," She pouted and glanced at her parent's wedding portrait on the wall. Kim Taehyung... was smiling at her mother in the picture as she stood with a white flower bouquet. Their noses... barely grazing one another. Woobin exhaled and glanced at the portrait as well."They've got duties to fulfill. Eomma and appa will be back tomorrow," Woobin assured while patting her cheek. Hajin cutely giggled and glanced at the older boy with her flushed cheeks.

"Can I tell you a secret?" Hajin asked with a wide grin."Did you steal snacks from imo again?" Woobin chuckled. Hajin covered her lips shyly and leaned forward to adjust her head on the pillow until Woobin could feel her soft pants on his cheek. "No. I stole eomma's gum pack," She grinned. Woobin frowned."What?" He asked."Eomma... has a lot of gum pack in her drawers. She said Hajinie can't have it... but I really wanted to try the strawberry flavor... so I stole it... but I can't open it so I'll bring it tomorrow," She grinned. Woobin unsurely stared at his sister while weaving his fingers through her soft hair strands."You shouldn't take things without permission. It could be eomma's medication," Woobin muttered. Hajin giggled again and turned to hold his waist, so Woobin patted the back of her head as she snuggled against his chest to seek his warmth. Just like her mother... Hajin's body is cold as ice. And her health is just as frail. She'd get sick often... and rashes would dominate her skin if she didn't wear silk to bed.The two siblings eventually dozed off on the bed until Hajin unconsciously scooted away from Kim Woobin's embrace, who turned to sleep on his back as Hajin tossed and turned all over the mattress. The young heir eventually rolled over the bed again to climb the older boy's body... and slept on his torso with her head positioned over his chest. She softly breathed over his pulsating chest and remained in the fixed position until the sun slowly rose over the distant sea.
Meanwhile.
"Why would you demand an emergency flight early this morning..? We could've waited until mid-morning," Taehyung grumbled as he carried the snack bags in his arms with his eyes half open from being awakened by his wife at 3:00 AM. She forced the alpha to reserve a flight so she could return home. Sora glared at her whiny husband as she followed him from behind until they reached the front porch."We've been away for three days! This is the longest I've been apart from the children! They must miss me dearly~!" She huffed and opened the door to stroll inside the room. WHIP! WHIP!The supreme alpha hastily kicked off her medium heels... sending them clattering all over the floor. Taehyung grimaced at her reckless behavior as he watched his wife groan on the bench while rubbing her aching ankles. Jang Sora refused to wear anything comfortable to a formal meeting because she adores her sparkly heels. The man shook his head at her determination to walk on painful sticks as he left to place the bags on the kitchen counter before returning to pick up his wife's scattered shoes and climbed the stairs after her. She had hurried away to check on her young children.The man slipped off his fitted suit and undressed before the mirror to pull on casual clothes before strolling back out to find Sora racing down the right corridor with a pale expression. She quickly entered the twin's room to poke her head inside before closing the door with a slight frown."What's the matter?" Taehyung yawned while stretching his arms above his head."Where is Hajin?! She's missing again!" Sora whined, hurriedly racing over the corridor on her bare feet.Taehyung bitterly eyed her blistering heels as the mother frantically checked her father's room and dashed into the left corridor to enter the oldest son's bed chamber. Taehyung sighed and followed her to the far end of the corridor until he found his wife standing at the foot of Woobin's bed with a slight frown."Hajinie doesn't go far," Taehyung smiled, calmly crossing his arms over his chest with his head tilted against the door frame as he watched his daughter sleep on top of the older boy like a newborn snow bear in her loose silk gown. Her lips were ajar... and Woobin's shirt... was soaked with her slimy drool."She keeps bothering him. Woobin is tirelessly working on his project," Sora sighed, briefly glancing at the scattered tools on the desk. Taehyung glanced at the robotic structure and beckoned his wife forward."He's comfortable. Come here- don't disturb them," Taehyung sighed. Sora pouted in defeat and walked toward her husband, knowing she couldn't wake her youngest child without bothering the first son. Taehyung gently back-hugged his wife as she sadly gazed at the children on the bed."Should we wake her?" Sora muttered."She's a clone of you. You'd always... sleep on me like that too... and your drools... would sometimes... seep into my mouth," Taehyung chuckled with his chin rested on her shoulder. Sora smiled at their past memories and glanced at her daughter again as her husband held her from behind. She sighed, slightly resting her head against his chest as they quietly watched their innocent children sleep on the bed from the doorway."I'll make chicken porridge. The kids will be awake soon," Sora smiled, glancing up at her husband. Smooch. Taehyung pecked her lips and gently lifted her out of the room. She chuckled as he purposely groped her buttcheeks until she covered her mouth to keep her voice down. The father smiled and closed the door before leading his wife through the hushed corridor.
A moment later.
Sora's POVThe twins chattered loudly over the dining table as they ate their warm porridge with the side dishes in their navy blue uniform until I noticed Beom strolling inside the room with a loose tie around his neck. They're sorting the snacks on the table. Taehyung glanced at the five-year-old boy's scruffy appearance with a weak smile."Aigo~! Who dressed you up for school?! I will fire the maid!" Taehyung laughed at Beom's misaligned buttons, messily tucked shirt, and striking hair strands as the Jae's heir strolled forward on his yellow duck socks. He blinked at the active kitchen with a dazed expression, obviously still half awake."I did it..." Beom lifted his head to stare up at Taehyung, who was pouring the juice into the cups."No one attended our young master?!- I thought I assigned one of the maids to assist him!" Imo gasped as she stirred the porridge in the pot. Halmeoni chuckled as she sat beside Kanghoon, who was chatting with her with a cute bunny smile."Young man! This isn't how you dress for school! You didn't even brush your hair!" Taehyung chuckled and crouched down to undo Beom's buttons to properly align it. Beom stood with his eyes closed, making me smile at his puffy face as his stepfather tucked the shirt under his knee-length uniform trousers and carefully slipped the tie around his collar to adjust the knot.Taehyung smiled at baby Beom as he drew off the child's jacket to flip it because the jacket was inside out before hooking it over the chair, and picked Beom up to sit him opposite from Woojin, who was chewing his food with an excited gaze on the snacks. Beom is not a morning person."Did you have a good sleep? Are you still sleepy?" I smiled, gently kissing Beom's cheeks as he stirred the porridge in his bowl. He smiled and nodded at me, so I quickly rushed out of the kitchen to grab a comb from my kit in the living room."Eomma~!" Hajin suddenly back-hugged my waist, so I wildly spun around to find her giggling at me in her fluffy pink dress with a glittery bow in her hair."Wah~! What are you dressing up for?!- You're so pretty~!" I gasped, crouching down to admire her adorable face. She grinned and kissed my lips, so I hugged her tiny body as she clung to my neck. Hajin cutely giggled at my compliment as I lifted her off the floor and strolled back into the bustling kitchen.

"Omo~! Why are you wearing your formal dress~?" Imo gasped once she spotted Hajin in the puffy dress."I like it! It's pretty~!" Hajin grinned."My pretty daughter~! I missed you!" Taehyung gasped, turning around to open his arms for Hajin, who giggled and reached for her father. He lifted her out of my arms, so I turned to comb Beom's striking hair as he drank his fresh juice at the table."Beomie~! This is your snack! Hyung separated it already~!" Woojin smiled as he pushed the pile of snacks towards Beom, who dismissively nodded because he was too sleepy to make sense of the morning commotion."Wah~! Did you steal eomma's perfume again?!" Taehyung scrunched his nose in disbelief as he settled his daughter beside Beom."Just a little~!" Hajin grinned as Kanghoon pushed her pile of snacks towards her. The youngest heir giggled and lifted the snacks to examine it."Woobin! You'll be late for school! Why aren't you dressed sweetie~?" I gasped when Woobin strolled inside the dining room in his casual clothes. Woobin is roughly fourteen years old now... so the child is in his pre-teen years, and the twins are nine years old. Beom is almost six... and Hajin is four."I'm not attending school today. I have to finish my project before the competition," Woobin smiled as he sat beside Woojin. Taehyung settled beside Hajin to stir the warm paste for her in a separate baby bowl."Eomma~! Too tight~!" Beom whined while tugging his tie in annoyance."Did appa do it too tightly? Aigo~!" I gasped, quickly unfastening his tie to fix the knot as Beom's face turned bright red from the irritation."Can we attend the competition hyung?" Kanghoon asked as he tore open a cheese ball package to crunch the snack. Taehyung carefully fed Hajin her porridge as imo placed the bowl for Woobin, who sipped the juice and glanced at his bag of snacks."Of course," Woobin nodded. The twins chuckled and cheered loudly to tease their older brother."Woobin, honey. I packed the porridge for your father, so give it to him before he escorts the twins to school. Okay~?" I patted his shoulder. Woobin nodded, so I kissed his cheek and turned to wash the dishes before settling on Taehyung's lap to have my warm porridge as imo ate hers by Beom's side."Did you wake up harabeoji?" I asked Beom."Harabeoji is awake. He said... he'll eat with Do-hwan ahjusshi," Beom shrugged as he wiped his lips clean. I nodded and slurped directly from the bowl as Taehyung held me over his lap, so I reached over the table for a steamed bun and fed Taehyung, who opened his mouth as he adjusted Hajin's sparkly hair clip in her hair. You'll never catch Hajin in a shabby condition because perfection is her priority.

"Hey~! My gummy is missing~!" Hajin suddenly shrieked, lifting her dark frown to the twins, who paused and glanced at her from the opposite side."What do you mean missing? Everyone has two packs," Woojin replied as he unsurely eyed her piles of snacks."I asked for three gummies!" Hajin shrieked, suddenly crossing her arms with a furious scowl."Yah! There are only ten packages! Two for each of us~!" Kanghoon snapped at his sister, suddenly firing an ice chunk through his straw. Hajin screeched in shock when the small ice chunk struck her forehead, causing her to scream and thrash on the stool."Aigo~! Don't cry! Appa must've forgotten to buy one more for you!" Taehyung gasped, quickly grabbing his daughter's arm to prevent her from falling off the stool. She whined and cried messily until her cheeks flushed red, causing the twins to snigger at her distressing reaction as Woobin shook his head with a weak smile. Beom, on the other hand, sideways darted his sister an annoyed glare."No! I asked for three!- Three gummies!" Hajin complained, wildly kicking her legs in extreme irritation. Taehyung closed his eyes to maintain his composure as her blaring cries filled the kitchen. Smack. Beom suddenly grabbed one of his gummy packs and tossed it in front of her. Hajin abruptly stopped crying at the presence of the extra snack and glanced at Beom with a big pout."Two plus one is three. Wipe your tears," Beom shrugged and lifted his glass to drain the juice."Aigo~! Beomie~! How are you so nice?" Halmeoni praised the child."You should've left her to cry until she fell asleep- That way... the mansion will be a lot more peaceful," Woojin teased, causing Hajin to glare at her older brother as she possessively clutched the extra gummy package."Oppa is mean!" She shrieked."Mean?! You're the fussy one!" Kanghoon snapped back. Hajin whimpered and looked up at Taehyung for help, who was hopelessly glancing back and forth between his bickering children."Your nose will get stuffy if you keep crying," Taehyung exhaled as he pressed a tissue against her nose to wipe her snot. Hajin sniffled and fired the twins an annoyed glare."It's almost time! Let's go~!" I called while clapping my hands to signal them and got up from Taehyung's lap. The table erupted as the children stood up, loudly scraping their chairs over the floor. Woobin remained in his seat as the twins poked their tongues at Hajin and rounded the table to collect their lunch packs before strolling out of the kitchen. I grabbed Beom's jacket as Hajin slipped off her stool and raced after the twins to chase them with her mighty fist."Oppa!- Come back! Hajin will beat you~!" Hajin's chaotic screams echoed throughout the corridor as she chased the twins on her bare feet, making me chuckle at her lively morning energy. Beom shook his head at her childish behavior and strolled towards the front door to find Kanghoon head-locking Hajin. She screamed in distress while struggling to resist her older brother's grip as Woojin tickled her waist."Ah!?!- Aaaaaah! Eomma!- Help! Oppa is hurting Hajin!" She screamed while extending her short arms for help but Woojin snatched her wrists and proceeded to tickle his baby sister until she squirmed and laughed in extreme distress.  I smiled at her desperate call as the twins tortured her by the front door."She'll vomit if you keep tickling her," I warned. Kanghoon huffed and released her, so Hajin quickly scurried towards me for help with a flushed face. I smiled and crouched down to help Beom put on his shoes as the child held my shoulders for support. Taehyung strolled out with puffy cheeks as he chewed the buns while sorting the lunch boxes on the bench."Don't you dare steal our snacks, or I'll throw you off the cliff!" The twins threatened Hajin. She poked out her tongue at her older brothers while clinging to my shoulder as I patted Beom's polished shoes and stood up to pull the jacket over his shoulder- Clatter. Something fell out of his pocket. Woobin yawned and glanced down as he hugged the soup bottle against his stomach."Oh?- How did you get this?" I gasped, quickly snatching the condom pack from Beom's jacket."I don't know," Beom blinked cluelessly. Taehyung froze and glanced at Beom's confused look."Did you go through eomma's drawer again...?" I scoffed and glanced at my timid daughter. Hajin nervously gripped my sleeves with her eyes bulging open in horror. She gulped and glanced up at me with a startled pout as Woobin smirked at her guilty expression."No!- Hajinie didn't touch eomma's drawer!" Hajin firmly denied it and shook her head to object to her involvement. Taehyung scoffed at his daughter's bright red face as Woobin strolled out the front door to deliver the porridge to his father."Hajin~!" Taehyung whined when she suddenly pulled on her shoes and chased Woobin through the front door, obviously avoiding our confrontation.  Beom isn't the type to go through my things. It's usually Hajin... who plays with my belongings, so I highly doubt it's Beom. She tried to ask for the colorful packs not too long ago, thinking it was a sweet treat but I refused so she must have taken it while I was away."She must've hidden it in Beom's jacket," I shook my head and stood up to slip the condom into Taehyung's back pocket, who was bitterly watching his daughter walk alongside Woobin over the front yard to approach the chief guard as he waited by the car to escort the children to school."Are you okay, sweetie? You look sick," I asked, worriedly crouching down to cup Beom's plump cheeks. The child always appeared sick in the morning since I enrolled him in school."I'm okay," Beom nodded. Woojin patted the boy's head and they left through the door together. Taehyung sighed as he watched the children leave the property... so I stood up to hug his waist as we watched them from the opened mansion door."She's such a troublemaker," I muttered, sorely watching Hajin, who was throwing small pebbles at the twins from afar as they tried to get in the car with baby Beom. Kanghoon shrieked at her, so she poked out her tongue and hid behind Woobin, who lowered his hand to ruffle his baby sister's hair. Taehyung chuckled and kissed my forehead, so I smiled and patted his abs as he rubbed my back while gazing at the kids as they slipped into the backseat. Beom sat in the front seat with Do-hwan... who was holding the door open for the child.
Never have I ever thought... I'd end up here... in a dream house... packed with five kids and a loving husband. I really thought I'd end up dead in the survival game earlier than expected.

A moment later.
"Is he okay?!-" I gasped while racing into the school's infirmary until found baby Beom... resting on the medical bed with a pale expression. My heart thumped in fear once I noticed the heavy sweat beads over his forehead. Taehyung quickly felt the boy's forehead as the principal anxiously watched us hover over our son."What happened?- He was alright this morning!" Taehyung snapped at the teacher in disbelief."He suddenly collapsed while presenting his work in class," The male teacher explained. I frowned and glanced at my son as he murmured nonsense under his breath with his eyebrows furrowed. Taehyung exhaled at his dire condition and lifted Beom off the bed, so I thanked the school team for caring for him and took him back home at noon after I got the call from the front desk to alert me of my child's alarming condition.
A moment later.
The head doctor quietly monitored my son's body temperature as he slouched against the couch in the living room with a wearied expression, so I sighed and gripped his hand while perching beside my child to watch the doctor examine him. Taehyung returned to the living room and sat on the opposite couch with an anxious frown on the nauseous child. Beom... had been quiet since he woke up."What happened? Before you collapsed...?" The head doctor asked. Beom blinked and glanced at the man."Presentation... scary. Faces... scary. Beomie... was dizzy... shaking... stomach ache and... racing heart," The child softly muttered. I frowned and glanced at the head doctor, who nodded at the symptoms."Because you were speaking before everyone?" The man asked. Beom nodded. The man exhaled and patted his head before glancing at me."Is he alright?" I frowned."I'm afraid he had a mild anxiety attack. His health is fine but... he's not quite comfortable around people," The head doctor sighed. I frowned and glanced at Beom as he guiltily stared at me. Taehyung lowered his face in relief and rubbed his face... so I chatted with the head doctor, who prescribed a supplement to sustain the child's weakened body... due to the anxiety attack he suffered earlier at school.
A moment later.
"Can eomma and appa come in~?" I poked my head inside Beom and Hajin's room to find him staring at a rough sketch of Woobin's robot on his lap."Neh," Beom smiled as he sat on the carpet in his pajamas. I tugged Taehyung's hand and we slowly approached the child to sit before him in our matching pajamas. Beom smiled at the yellow duck patterns on our clothes and glanced at me."Are you feeling better?" I asked, anxiously reaching out to pat his cheek. Hajin is hanging out with my father in his room, so it's just Beom and us. We waited until dinner was over to speak to him because we figured he needed space to sort out his mind."I'm okay," Beom nodded."How often do you feel... anxious?" I asked in curiosity."Only at school," Beom replied. I exchanged glances with Taehyung, who exhaled and crossed his legs before our son."Why didn't Beomie tell appa... or eomma... about your discomfort?" Taehyung asked as he reached out to hold Beom's hand. The child blinked at us with a guilty face."Beom didn't want to upset appa or eomma," He muttered, sadly lowering his face. I observed the timid child until I felt like tearing up. I sent Beom to kindergarten school for about three months... thinking he was adjusting well... but he's been struggling all along...? In silence? Why didn't he tell me if he was uncomfortable?"Why do you feel uncomfortable at school? Are people mean to you?" Taehyung frowned."No. I just don't like loud noises... and people," He muttered. I sighed heavily and held his other hand. He's just like his late father. What should I do? I wish Yangcha was alive to assist me because he'd know how to deal with our child's condition.

"Okay. That's totally fine. We won't force you to school. Alright?" I assured, lifting my hand to pat his cheek. Beom blinked and looked up at us."But won't eomma and appa be disappointed?" He pouted."No. Of course not. Your well-being comes first. We can do homeschooling. I'll hire professionals to teach you at home. Okay...?" I assured. Beom blinked and glanced at Taehyung."I can study at home?" He asked."Yes. You can study at home, and if you don't enjoy studying then we'll find something you enjoy doing," I firmly nodded. Beom weakly smiled and suddenly leaned forward to embrace us. I exhaled and pulled the child into my embrace as Taehyung patted his back.
I was never allowed to walk my own path when I was young, and Taehyung's path was predetermined by his parents. We were destined to take over the households since the day we were born. But I do not wish to pressure my kids into following my path. They should be allowed to explore and uncover their passion, so I'll do anything to keep them comfortable and happy.
"If you're not good at studying... at least... you'll be the master at assembling things. You'll build appa a rocket ship one day and fly our family to the moon, right?" Taehyung chuckled while nodding at the wires, loose screws... and all kinds of technical tools in the crate. Beom giggled at Taehyung's statement and nodded in agreement. Taehyung gifted a set of tools to the child earlier this year after realizing the child enjoyed assembling and disassembling items to study their functions.
Yangcha attended school like the other kids without a problem despite being an introvert, so I thought Beom would do fine just like his late father, but it seems... he's struggling to fit in with the masses. I can't send him to school anymore if it makes him sick. Taehyung has agreed to hire a therapist to assist baby Beom, and we also employed a certified teacher to coach the child.

Two hours of studying a day at home.

Beom appeared much happier after we allowed him to practice homeschooling and I was relieved by our decision to separate him from the world. Hajin insisted on joining his older brother, so we let her because she's a curious soul, who loves to study. She'd sit with Beom and take the lecture with him in a small transparent glass lounge Taehyung built in the front yard by the far fence because he didn't want outsiders inside our home.

The teacher would spend time with Beom and Hajin in a comfortable space where anyone could see them studying through the glass wall inside the study room, equipped with modern screens and projectors. A teacher's desk. Two student desks... bean bags and even the couch so the children and teacher could study in whatever position they deem fit. The maids and imo would deliver the snacks and drinks to the office during their study hours.

Fast Forward
I stood outside the study longe office to watch Hajin scribble her book on the couch in a yellow thin-sleeved dress as Beom sat at the desk to watch the elderly man explain a mathematic formula on the whiteboard. Hajin suddenly lifted her head and beamed at me, so I waved at her as she cutely grinned from the couch.
Beom and Hajin are like twins. They're roughly two years apart, so they get along pretty well.

The young boy is a very composed child, whereas Hajin is an energetic and wild soul. Yet they rarely argue and would follow each other around the property. If they were in a horror movie... Hajin is the type to explore a dark basement and die instantly... and the twins are the type to scream and run away from the basement at first glance.

And Beom? He's the type to quietly pee his pants but would follow his sister to their demise because he doesn't want to leave her alone. Woobin? Haha. I believe Woobin would run after the twins... but would return to save the two youngest children and die a hero.

To conclude... The twins have the highest survival rate because they're always ready to run for their lives.

A moment later.
I entered the tranquil villa to check on Woobin, who was still constructing his robotic model for his upcoming competition in his room, so I brought him snacks and fruits to boost his energy before entering Beom and Hajin's room to make their bed and placed their toys in the crate until... I heard... something... shuffling inside the closet. I blinked and sat in silence, attentively listening to the strange sound... until I heard a soft scratch... so I unsurely stood up and opened the closet room... but everything was in place. Am I hallucinating again?"Huh?-" I sniffed the odd scent with a slight frown. Why does it smell like food...? Did Hajin bring snacks inside the bedroom? I grimaced and opened the wardrobe to search for the food she hid-"OMO!" I gasped in a panic when something tumbled out of the blanket on the far end of the cabinet, so I flinched and stepped back in horror when I found... a small... wagging... tail... under a pile of clothes.

I pursed my lips at the shocking movement under the heap of clothes and crouched down to lift Beom's shirt... and to my disbelief... I found myself staring at a furry ball. I gasped and covered my mouth in utter shock. The puppy tried to sit up but wobbled weakly and collapsed to the side... so I glanced inside the wardrobe again... until I found... a plate of leftover hotdogs and a small bowl of water. I scoffed and glanced at the young pup with a dark frown.
A moment later.
"Which one of you two brought the sick puppy inside the mansion?" Taehyung frowned at Hajin and Beom, who sat side by side with their hands clasped together. Beom glanced at Hajin... who was staring at the sick puppy on the coffee table with a grimace as a nurse examined the ill pup."I don't know!" Hajin denied, firmly frowning at me."So it's you?" Taehyung doubtfully raised his thick eyebrow at his daughter."Hajinie didn't bring a puppy home~!" She whined in annoyance. I frowned at her irritated frown and glanced at Beom suspiciously. Hajin isn't the type to touch a stray animal because she doesn't like to get dirty."Beom? Why are you quiet?" I asked. He pursed his lips with a slight pout and lifted his face to stare at me as Hajin glared at her brother in annoyance."He was... sick... in the rain..." Beom mumbled. I frowned. Taehyung scoffed and rubbed his face in disbelief."Ani- How did you even find him?" I frowned. Beom pursed his lips. He's always been inside the mansion! How did he even find a sick puppy...?"Beomie found him two days before Beomie fainted at school. He was... hiding behind the school dumpster... so Beomie zipped him in school bag and brought him home," Beom confessed. I blinked at his guilty expression."We'll have to transfer him to the vet," The nurse informed as she carefully lifted the weak puppy with the towel, causing tears to fill Beom's eyes."Can't we keep him!?- Oh!? Eomma-! He's a good boy~! He doesn't bark~!" Beom suddenly burst out crying as he watched the medics carry his sick puppy away.The boy whimpered in distress and quickly got up to grab my hand, so I exhaled and glanced at Taehyung, who was rubbing his chin with a wearied frown. Beom whimpered and hugged my legs to beg me, so I glanced at Hajin's sad expression as she watched her brother shed tears within the room. Beom rarely cries... so he must be very attached to the puppy for his heart to weep like this. Ah... I'm so doomed.
I can barely manage five human offspring...? Now a puppy too? How am I going to communicate with the furball when I can't even understand my own children...? Ah.

A week later.
"What are you doing?" I approached Woobin, who was inspecting Taehyung's car engine under the tree shade in the front yard."Ahjussi is teaching me mechanics," Woobin smiled as he peeked over the machine. I rounded the car until I noticed... Taehyung's legs sticking out from beneath the car, so I crouched down to peek at my husband as he repaired his engine. That's why I couldn't find him anywhere inside the mansion."Why don't you ask a specialist to handle it?" I asked. Taehyung briefly glanced at me as he lay beneath the car to screw something before sliding over the board to sit up with a slight grimace. I stared at the oil stain over his face with a weak smile as the scorching sun blazed over us."Sit in the shade," He grumbled, motioning me toward the shade beside the car."It's fine-""Your skin will burn! Sit in the shade~!" He whined. I playfully glared at my husband, stood up to round the car, and sat beneath the shade by the tree trunk... just as Beom and Hajin came jogging towards me with a bubble stick in their hands."Eomma~! Look~!" Hajin shrieked as she playfully blew the bubble at my face. Beom chuckled and blew the small bubbles at Woobin, who smiled and patted the boy's hair."What are you doing hyung?!" Kanghoon suddenly raced towards us on his electric scooter. Woojin wildly drifted over the front yard before steering the scooter in our direction to watch the oldest boy help Taehyung with the engine. The father stood up in difficulty while rubbing his stiff back as I watched Beom and Hajin tease each other with the bubbles."He's being a useful child~! Unlike you two punks-! Always up to no good!" Taehyung glared at the twins. I chuckled as I watched Hajin race over to Woojin to blow the bubble at his face, causing him to whine and swat her bubble in annoyance. Hajin giggled and raced towards her father."Appa-""Appa is dirty right now~! Don't touch appa~!" Taehyung warned, backing away from her because he was afraid of staining her pretty floral dress.Hajin smiled at her father's retreat and jogged back to Beom, who was concentrating on blowing a massive bubble but whined out loud when Hajin poked his thin barrier, causing the foam to burst in his face. I chuckled at Beom's irritated glare as Hajin giggled at her brother and twirled in her pink dress, happily blowing the bubbles upward to shower herself with the fragile foam. I suggested they get a bubble gun- but Beom and Hajin insisted that it was boring... so they chose the ordinary bubble sticks to blow the bubbles themselves."Oh?- What's that?!" Woobin suddenly froze as he squinted at the front gate with his hand shielded over his eyes, so I turned just in time to find Do-hwan crouching on the ground. And... something fluffy... suddenly raced towards us."OH!" Beom gasped, suddenly dropping his toy to stare at the... puppy... as he healthily pounced over the grass field with his wet tongue sticking out."Oh- Oh no!-" The twin's face suddenly turned pale."WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!" The puppy barked as he pounced on his little paws."EOMMA!?- ARGH!?-" Kanghoon screamed, fearfully snatching his scooter with his eyes glued on the creature."AH!!!?!!-%$^$!&*?!" Woojin shrieked, hastily dropping his scooter handle, and dashed in the opposite direction on his slippers. Why are they running!? They're ten times the size of the puppy!"Why are you running?!-" Taehyung snapped when Kanghoon funnily started his scooter and quickly shot off after Woojin, who was running for his life."WOOF! WOOF!" The puppy barked aloud, suddenly chasing after the zooming scooter.Kanghoon screamed in horror and shot past Woojin, who shrieked in fright- quickly making a U-turn to dash to the left side. The puppy barked at the fearful twins and chased Woojin, causing him to scream at the top of his lungs. The boy wildly zigzagged over the grass, attempting to shake off the puppy... but it only sped up and started barking at the young boy, whose screams resonated loudly throughout the property, deafening those around him with the feral high-pitch frequency. I hysterically laughed as Woojin sprinted towards us in fear, so I stood up to greet my frightened son."EOMMA! AH!-?!- GO AWAY! ARGH- %^&!#$?!!!" Woojin cried and circled the tree in horror as the tiny puppy scurried between my legs to bark at the boy. Kanghoon suddenly passed by on his scooter- so Woojin screeched and sprinted toward his brother."Hey!?-""Get off! GET OFF!-" Woojin tried to hijack Kanghoon's scooter, but his twin refused- and attempted to steer the wheel away-
BARK! BARK!
The twins flinched in a panic as the puppy caught up with them... so Kanghoon shoved Woojin aside and tried to sprint away- but they both tripped and stumbled into each other. I laughed in tears until my stomach started hurting as the twins tumbled onto the grass and squealed in fear while trying to crawl away as the puppy attacked them with playful barks.Woobin chuckled while shaking his head at the cowards as the pup fiercely barked at the twins... who were screaming on the ground with flushed faces. They hugged each other tightly while screeching for help- petrified by the puppy as it bounced over the grass to greet the young boys."YAH?!- SHOO!" Hajin unexpectedly raced forward to charge at the puppy. I gasped when she swung her bubble tube aside and dropped to the ground on her hands and knees- causing the puppy to abruptly stop barking and turn toward the young heir in confusion as she posed on the trimmed grass like a dog with her fierce glare on the fluff ball."GRRRRRR-RUFF!" Hajin funnily imitated the growls and charged toward the puppy on her hands and knees."HAJIN!" Taehyung gasped, racing forward as his daughter chased the puppy until the pup dropped its ears- shrieked in fear before galloping away to maintain his distance from my feral daughter... but Hajin didn't stop and barked angrily at the puppy, who pounced away again at the sight of her deranged behavior."AHAHAHAHAH!" The twins burst out laughing as their baby sister crawled over the grass to chase the puppy with her butt sticking upward.The tiny puppy paused to stare at her with its tongue poking out... so Hajin growled lowly and scrambled over the grass on her palms and knees in her pink dress to chase the puppy until the little furball sped away from her again. Taehyung scoffed in disbelief and quickly snatched his daughter off the ground."-WUF! WUF!- WUUUUUF! GRRRRRR!!!!" She repeatedly barked at the puppy with her fists clenched. It's cute how she's trying to protect her brothers. The tiny puppy suddenly spun around and raced back towards the tree... causing the wide grin on the twins' faces to subside... suddenly replaced with terror as they remained petrified on the ground."ARGHHHH!!-" The twins screamed in horror as the puppy charged back at them.Hajin screamed in annoyance and tried to make her father lower her so she could chase the dog- but Taehyung chuckled and dusted her dress. The twins shoved each other aside- frantically scrambling back onto their feet as I stood under the shade with Beom, who was laughing at his older brothers. "Woof!" The puppy suddenly steered towards us instead of chasing the twins. Beom smiled as the puppy halted at his feet to sniff his shoes before glancing up at him with his pink tongue poking out between his mouth."Hey~!" Beom calmly smiled and crouched down to pat the puppy's head. The fluff ball made whimpering sounds and rubbed its head against Beom's knees, so the child chuckled and lifted the puppy to hug it against his chest as it frantically licked his master's cheeks.

"WUF! WUF!- RRRRRUF!" Hajin fiercely snarled from her father's arm with her nose scrunched, covered in sweat beads from chasing the dog under the gleaming sun. I laughed at her intense glare as Taehyung patted his little baby back to comfort her, yet Hajin refused to stop and kept barking back at the confused puppy, who wouldn't stop frowning at the human baby.She's probably speaking gibberish in the dog language. Woobin laughed hysterically at her cuteness, happily petting the puppy's head as Beom placed it back on the ground. It wagged its tail and barked cutely at me... so I crouched down to tickle its chin with a faint smile. How can I refuse my little Jaguar's request? Of course, I had to adopt Beom's little baby."YAH?!- WHAT THE FUCK?!-" Taehyung suddenly shouted, so I quickly looked up at my husband... who was scoffing in extreme bewilderment with his head tilted upward. My jaw dropped in shock when I averted my gaze upward... to find Kanghoon and Woojin... hugging a thick tree branch above our heads."HONEY!- HOW DID YOU GET UP THERE?!" I gasped, quickly standing up to gawk at the twins as they whined and hugged the branch with flustered cheeks."Take it away! Take it away~!" The twins cried in distress as they clung to the thick tree branch. This is unbelievable! How did they even climb the tree so fast?! Woobin suddenly shrieked at the sight of his younger brothers, dropped to the ground, and rolled on the grass with his arms over his aching stomach as he laughed at the cowardly twins."GET DOWN!- DO YOU WISH TO BREAK YOUR NECK YOU PUNKS!?-" Taehyung snapped at the identical boys as he carried Hajin in his arms. Beom chuckled and raced away with a puppy in his arms. Woobin sat up in tears to watch the twins from the ground below as they clung for their dear life."WE'RE SCARED!- NO PUPPY! AH! AH!! AH!!!" They screamed in distress. Hajin weakly smiled at the twins while clinging to her father's shoulder."Araso! Stay up there! If you know how to get up-! Then you should figure it out and come down yourself! Tsk?! I never raised you punks to be cowards!" Taehyung huffed in frustration and strode away, causing the twins to shriek in a panic. Hajin giggled at her helpless brothers and waved goodbye, so I rubbed my face in defeat. Ah~! They never fail to give me a stroke~!"APPA! NO- HELP! AH~! EOMMA HELP US~! WE DON'T KNOW HOW TO GET DOWN!" Woojin shrieked as he glanced at the ground in fear. They're way above my head, so even if I stretch my arms above my head- I wouldn't be able to safely help them down. I rubbed my forehead and glanced at Taehyung, who was walking Hajin back inside the mansion, leaving the crackheads hanging helplessly from the branch.
A moment later.
"Ah!- Ah!- I'm going to fall~! I'M GOING TO FALL!" Kanghoon screamed as Taehyung stood on the ladder to seize the child, who tightly clung to the branch as I supported the ladder with Woobin to keep it stable."Stop screaming! Let go of the branch!!!" Taehyung spanked the boy's butt. He whimpered and quickly released the branch to hug Taehyung's neck for support as I anxiously watched my husband rescue my children. The father carefully lowered the boy, who trembled in fear as Woobin reached upward to retrieve his brother."Appa!- Careful~! Hah~! CAREFUL!!!?!" Woojin screamed, fearfully lifting his head off the branch as Taehyung tugged his hips. The child screamed in fear as his father secured his waist and lifted him off the branch. Taehyung grunted as he slapped Woojin's hands to stop him from clinging stubbornly to the branch before lowering the boy to the ground with a dark frown. Woobin smiled and supported Woojin until his brother safely landed on the grass with a sweaty face and burning red cheeks."How did you even climb the tree!!?!-" Taehyung scoffed, carefully stepping down the ladder, so I grabbed his forearm to support him. The man shook his head in disbelief as the twins dusted their hands and quickly raced off to avoid their father's scoldings, making Woobin smile at their funny limps as I patted Taehyung back. He glared at the crackheads... until they disappeared inside the mansion."Where's the puppy?" I chuckled. Taehyung folded the ladder and laid it on the grass as Woobin wiped his sweat and strolled away with the abandoned bubble tubes he collected from the ground. The boy picked up the twin's lost slipper on the way before climbing the pebbled stairs and entered the front door to dodge the heatwave above our heads."Imo is bathing the furball since it's covered in dirt," Taehyung muttered."I can't believe we're raising a puppy," I laughed. Taehyung shook his head and turned to hug me, so I patted his sweaty shirt as he embraced me tightly under the tree shade in our front yard."If only I knew... parenthood... was this stressful... I would've never wished for five evil spawns. Ah~! I'm so tired~! This old man can't handle  their feral behavior anymore~!" He whined. I chuckled at his statement and lifted his face with my palms cupped under his cheeks."It might be tiring... but this is... our happiness," I chuckled. Happiness is being stressed over our children! Chasing them with a slipper! Finding a sick puppy in their closet! Having our condoms stolen from our drawers! Screaming at them for climbing a tree! And practically fainting from time to time as they torment us with their unpredictable nature."My only happiness is my beloved wife. Dealing with her is enough... but those rascals... Ah~! How can Beom be so calm and composed? The twins- stupid cowards- and Hajin!?- She's a feral beast! How can she drop and bark back at the dog?! She was snarling and snapping so fiercely!" He whined. I smiled and hugged his waist as he complained to me."Yet we're coexisting as one. Together, we're a complete family," I smiled.Taehyung exhaled in defeat and hugged my waist... suddenly staggering on the grass. I gasped as he pulled me down with him... so I chuckled and patted his cheek as he lay directly on the ground with his head rested on my lap. Taehyung grumbled and closed his eyes to calm his boiling nerves as I gently wiped the sweat off his hairline while sitting under the shade with him in broad daylight after witnessing our children's hilarious reaction to a new family member.
And that is... puppy.

A baby German Shepard.
________________________
Sora's POV
I hummed softly before the full-size body mirror while loosening my hair in my nightgown as Taehyung stepped out of the closet room in a fresh set of pajamas. The father left our room earlier to treat the twins' bruises from falling and tumbling off the pebbled stairs because our puppy wouldn't stop harassing them.He ruffled his damp hair with the towel and tossed it on the rack before turning to face me. I smiled, grabbed my moisturizer cream, and gently dabbed the soothing substance on his sunburnt face. He's been out in the garden all day planting the flowers under the scorching sun so his skin is flaming red. The man is a lot tanner now, but I don't mind. I've always loved his honey skin tone."Did you put something on your face?" Taehyung asked as he towered over me. I gently patted his cheeks with my palm to massage the substance into his damaged skin as the man unblinkingly observed my neutral expression."No? Why?" I asked, placing the cream bottle back on the vanity table. Taehyung held my hips and gently drew me into a comforting hug. I smiled and hugged his shoulder as he weirdly sniffed the side of my head before lowering his face to the crook of my neck, making me giggle at his ticklish breath against my skin."Are you sure?" Taehyung smiled and pulled away to gaze at my face again as he massaged my hips."Stop it~!" I whined, lightly smacking his chest. He loves to tease me.Taehyung chuckled at my dismissive response to his obvious invitation and spun after me as I strolled toward the bed. The man back hugged me and softly kissed my shoulder while kneading my breast over the fine silk, so I whined and tried to push him away... but he grunted and groped my boobs again, persistently signaling a proposal to heat up our bodies before our bed curfew."Come on~! We've lived together long enough for you to read me like an open book," He mumbled as he clutched onto my body to hold me against him. I smiled and tilted my head against his shoulder to gaze at his impatient frown."Ah~! But I don't want to shower again~!- The kids might barge inside~!" I whined. Taehyung pouted at my justification, released my body from his clutch, and hurried away to lock the door. Clack. I settled at the foot of the bed with a faint smile on the eager-looking man. Ah. He's never going to let me sleep if I don't drain him. He raised his eyebrow with a smug expression."I'll use our favorite strawberry-scented condom so you won't get dirty~!" He wiggled his eyebrows. I chuckled and opened my arms in defeat, so Taehyung happily skipped forward to hug me. I laughed as he pinned me back onto the mattress before lowering his face to kiss my cheek. Smooch. Smooch. Taehyung gently kissed me again, leaving his minty toothpaste flavor on my lips so I cupped his cheeks and gently lifted his face to examine him."You're okay with my aging body?" I asked, weakly smiling at his fond gaze. Taehyung glanced down at my breasts and quickly sat up to yank off his shirt- Smack! Smack! He playfully slapped my boobs, causing me to gasp in shock."It's still bouncy~! You're aging so well, my lovely wife~!" He chuckled, lowering his body to kiss me again. I smiled widely against his lips as he showered me with his affection while roaming his fingers all over my body to get me comfortable for our love-making session."My breasts are beginning to sag~!" I teased and poked his nose when he attempted to kiss my cheek. Taehyung smirked and suddenly scooted downward to press his face against my breast while fondling it... so I chuckled and patted his head as he massaged my boobs with his bare palms."I'll massage it every day... so it'll stay elastic and bouncy~!" He mumbled as he squeezed my left breast while smooching my other breast over the silk. I glanced down at his sunburnt cheeks as he played with my breast when we heard frantic footsteps rushing up to our door- THUD! THUD! THUD!"EOMMA!? EOMMA?!-" The twins suddenly shrieked while pounding on our door. Fwip! Taehyung jerked upward to glare at the rattling doorknob in extreme annoyance. I knew it! They'd never leave us alone for longer than ten minutes!"EOMMA IS ASLEEP! GO TO BED!" Taehyung shouted as he sat over me."We should answer-""No! I reserved you first! No~! You're mine tonight~!" Taehyung whined, possessively hugging my body, and slammed me back onto the bed when I tried to sit up. I chuckled and hugged his bare back as the twins frantically knocked on our door."EOMMA~! HYUNG IS VERY UPSET!-" Kanghoon screamed. Their knocking suddenly grew louder and more frequent. Pause. Taehyung frowned and glanced at the door again as I pursed my lips while hugging his heavy body over mine."We're coming~!" I gasped, shoving my husband aside and scrambled off the bed- so he quickly snatched the shirt off the mattress as I adjusted my gown and hurriedly yanked the door open to find the twins gawking at me with their fearful pupils."HYUNG IS MAD AT HAJIN!-"
CRASH. CRASH. CRASH.
My eyes widened in fright when I heard the violent clattering sound from the room at the far end of the right corridor. The twins gasped, suddenly racing towards the younger heir's room, so I gripped my silk and chased them through the corridor with a racing heart. What happened?! Are they fighting?! The door was left ajar... and frantic screams were echoing from within the room. My heart suddenly leaped into my throat as I barged inside my daughter's room with my eyes bulging open at the shocking scene."I DIDN'T DO IT!- I DIDN'T DO IT!" Hajin screeched in tears. I paused by the opened doorway... once I found Woobin glowering at Hajin with his robotic model... gripped tightly in his palm as the youngest heir smashed her toys and threw her cushions at the oldest son. I thought Woobin was hurting her... but no... Hajin is the one thrashing her room."Hajin! What are you doing?!" I gasped, quickly racing inside the room as my daughter hollered in distress. FWIP! She angrily hurled an empty cup at Woobin, who immediately dodged to the side with a startled expression."WOAH?!-" Taehyung yelped in shock as he stumbled inside the room just in time while pulling on his shirt. The father swiftly caught the glass cup before it smashed on the floor and glanced up at his daughter with his bulging eyeballs. I quickly grabbed Hajin's arms to stop her from snatching whatever was within her reach. What's happening?! Why is she so upset?!"I DIDN'T DO IT!" Hajin shrieked again until her cheeks burnt bright red. The little girl fumed angrily with her burning glower on Woobin, who frowned at her with tears in his eyes."Glitters!- Everywhere in my room!- Your hair is still drenched in the golden sparkles!- And yet you claim you weren't in my room!?" Woobin furiously snapped. The twins unsurely stared at Kim Hajin, who was shaking in anger with her resentful glare directed at her older brother. Woojin sighed and stepped aside to approach Beom... who was nervously clutching his pillow against his chest on his bed as he watched Hajin channel her rage at Kim Woobin."What happened...?- Hajin!- You can't react this way!" I gasped, quickly hugging her tiny body when she tried to bolt at her oldest brother. The child whined in extreme frustration as she aggressively thrashed in my tight clutch... until she suddenly burst into tears and spun around to hug my neck. Taehyung gripped the cup in his hand and glanced at Woobin, who was frowning at Hajin without blinking. He too... was shaking... but he didn't react and chose to remain cemented in his position."She broke my robotic model! The competition is tomorrow! And she's refusing to admit her fault!" Woobin shakily lifted his robotic model... and sure enough... the left leg... was dangling from a loose wire. Hajin refused to look at Woobin and hugged me tightly as she bawled her eyes out... so I exhaled and patted her back to comfort her."She should be punished," Kanghoon sourly watched his baby sister throw a tantrum to avoid being punished for her crimes."I'll help you fix it. Come on," Taehyung patted Woobin's shoulder.The boy clenched his jaw, suddenly spinning on his heels, and stormed out of the room without another word. Woojin lifted Beom and carried his brother out of the room with Kanghoon, leaving me kneeling on the floor with Hajin, who was still clinging onto my shoulder with her face pressed against my neck. I exhaled heavily and glanced down at the golden glitter on her skin and hair with a heavy heart. Did she sneak inside Woobin's room again?
A moment later.
Hajin grimly sat against the bedhead with her arms crossed over her chest and her enraged glare... set on the closed door. I bathed her earlier and got her dressed for bed... but even after the cool shower... the young soul was still boiling over the confrontation. I gently stroked her black silky hair with the brush to detangle the knots as she released a hefty exhale every now and then. I try not to raise my voice or scream at my children... but during a time like this... I know I have to assert my authority as her mother to guide her young soul. But how can I...? Look at her bright red mochi cheeks and narrowed gaze. Whatever I say... will only flow right out of her.
She won't listen to me and I definitely do not wish to upset her further.
"Hajin-ah... it isn't right to break and throw your belongings when you're angry," I finally spoke up. The child lifted her annoyed gaze to me. I calmly remained by her side."Eomma~! You don't believe Hajinie~?- I really didn't do it~!" She whined and cutely pouted at me with her puckered lips. She claims she didn't do it... but the evidence is clear as day. Woobin's model and her skin were covered in glitter, yet she claims she didn't touch it? I want to believe her... but... what will that make me?
An unjust mother... who only favors her blood child.
"Whether you did it or not... eomma will never know, but I trust that Hajinie... is honest with herself. Hmm...? You can lie to eomma... to oppa... to our family... to anyone. But at the end of the day... it is Hajinie... who you can't lie to. Eomma will trust you, okay? But eomma wants Hajinie... to be honest with herself too," I sadly patted her head. Hajin's face suddenly softened... and the rage in her eyes immediately subsided. And for a second... she appeared... guilty. And I saw it. I saw the truth in her gaze. She did it. She broke Woobin's robotic model. The child swallowed restlessly and glanced down at her hands. Will she confess? I don't want to force her."I'm sleepy," She mumbled, suddenly scooting beneath the blanket and tugged the thick blanket over her body. I exhaled and patted her shoulder without pressing her further until she finally dozed off. Creak. The door slid open and Taehyung appeared with a dark frown. He closed the door and strolled inside... so I got up to hug him with a heavy heart. I don't know how to address the situation. I feel terrible for Woobin since his competition is tomorrow... but I have a weak spot for Hajin... so I'm struggling to scold her."Did you repair the robot?" I muttered, anxiously tilting my face up at my muted husband. Taehyung gripped my waist with his dim gaze on Hajin."Yeah. But it's not working right. Woobin refused to let me assist him further," Taehyung replied as he slowly settled on Beom's bed. I sighed and sat beside my discouraged husband to watch Hajin sleep on her back with her stuffed animal clutched tightly against her chest."Do you think she did it?" I mumbled. He glanced at me while sitting by my side in the dim bedroom."You're the one to blame for giving our daughter your annoying short temper and confrontation avoidance habits," He teased and softly nudged my shoulder. I gazed at my husband with a faint smile before glancing back at our daughter. He's right. I used to behave just like her when I was young. I'd refuse to admit my faults and point fingers at whoever I can accuse to avoid trouble. Why is she acting this way? We've never even punished her for her mistakes. What is there to fear?"She'll grow out of it. It's Woobin that I'm worried about," I muttered, dimly glancing at Taehyung again. He nodded and placed his arm over my shoulder... so I hugged his waist as he softly kissed my forehead to console my strained heart. I love each of them equally... but during a time like this... I know I have to scold the offender."We'll help them reconcile," Taehyung assured. I sighed heavily... and we ended up sleeping on Beom's empty bed to keep Hajin company after Beom left to sleep with the twins.
The next morning.
"Hyung. Are you sure you don't want us at the event?" Kanghoon sadly asked as Woobin carried a cardboard box to the front door.Beom is crouching by the doorway to play with his little puppy. The child giggled and petted the dog's head as Taehyung stood by the staircase with Hajin... who was hiding behind her father's legs. She peeked at her older brother with a slight grimace but quickly hid behind him again when Woobin darted her a side glare."Aigo~! I'm sure you'll do well!" Imo patted Woobin's shoulder."I'll get going," Woobin lowered his head and walked out the door with a downcast expression, causing my heart to ache intensely. The twins gloomily pouted... once their older brother refused to let the household attend his competition. Do-hwan bitterly watched Woobin stroll down the stairs when Beom suddenly stood up and raced after his hyung."H-Hyung~! Hyung!- Woobin hyung~!" Beom shrieked while chasing after the older boy... who walked forward without sparing his younger brother his acknowledgment... but eventually gave in and turned to frown at the young boy when the little jaguar wouldn't stop chasing him. Puppy barked and raced after Beom, who cutely jogged towards his hyung at the base of the pebbled path."What?" Woobin frowned at the little boy as he picked something from his pocket. Beom lifted a star sticker to paste it on Woobin's backhand and beamed at him."You're the brightest star~!" Beom giggled, suddenly turning around to lift puppy off the ground. Woobin frowned at the young boy and glanced down at the yellow star on his backhand before lifting his sharp gaze in our direction again. I smiled and gave him an encouraging thumbs-up. I wish I was allowed to be there with him but I have no choice but to respect his decision. He exhaled deeply, turned on his heels to stroll away, and finally left the mansion with his father to attend the competition with his robot."Tsk~! You ruined everything~!" Woojin sneered at Hajin, who was clutching Taehyung's hand with pouty lips."I SAID I DIDN'T DO IT!" Hajin shrieked, suddenly turning bright red again as she clenched her tiny fists."Yeah, right- stupid dumpling," Kanghoon grunted as he rudely strolled past her. Hajin scoffed and lifted her tiny leg to kick her brother- but Taehyung quickly pulled her back. The twins poked out their tongues at Hajin and strolled away as she screeched and frantically tugged her grips free."Hajin!" Taehyung snapped when she suddenly broke loose from his clutch. Thump! Thump! She angrily stomped after the duo with her narrowed gaze on the twins, who turned around to tower over her. Thud! Hajin halted right... below their chins with her angry face tilted up at their blank expressions."What?" Kanghoon sneered and lifted his eyebrow at his sister as she fumed under him. She glared at Woojin but didn't dare lift her hand to strike them as I sorely watched her struggle to contain her spewing anger."Hmmp!" Hajin suddenly crossed her arms over her chest, stormed into the left corridor without arguing... and disappeared without another word. The twins scoffed at her attitude and glanced at Beom... who was carrying a puppy inside the house."Bark!""Ah~! We're leaving~!" The twins suddenly backed away in a panic. They quickly raced up the stairs to avoid Beom, who was carrying a puppy toward his hyung."Hyung~! Puppy is nice~!" Beom pouted at his older brother as the puppy wiggled in his arms with its wagging tails and wet tongue... poking out."NOPE!" Woojin shrieked, funnily sprinting up the staircase after Kanghoon and disappeared together to avoid the fluff ball. Beom giggled at his older brother's retreat before lowering the puppy to the ground... so Taehyung exhaled and turned to have breakfast in the kitchen. I followed my husband while holding his hand and deeply sighed as we entered the dining room. I should be at the competition to support my child.
A moment later.
I clutched tightly onto Taehyung's hand as he forced our way between the back seats in the auditorium until we spotted... Do-hwan sitting with a slight frown. The venue was packed with parents and guardians as the kids presented their robotic models."What are you doing here?!" Do-hwan scoffed and sat up straight in his seat upon our unexpected appearance. I smiled at him."How can we miss his event?!" I whispered and glanced at the single empty chair beside my chief guard."Sit down-""No! Stay! You're his father! Stay!- We can manage!" I gasped, grabbing the man's arm when he tried to get up but I pushed him back down and tugged Taehyung forward to make him sit on the only available seat next to our chief guard. Smiling, I lowered my purse and sat on Taehyung's lap, causing a couple beside us to eye us weirdly.Do-hwan fired us a disgusted look as Taehyung hugged my waist to secure my weight over his lap. We smiled and glanced at the stage... keenly anticipating Woobin's spotlight as he stood on the side of the stage. The boy didn't appear to be in a good mood. He dimly stared at his robot inside the cardboard before lifting his head to search for his father in the backseat.Choi Woobin's eyes widened in shock when he noticed me and Taehyung waving at him... from beside his father. The boy blinked in confusion, so I blew him endless kisses from my lips as Taehyung gave him an encouraging thumbs up. Woobin finally broke into a weak smile at the sight of our support just as the moderator announced his name- so I clasped my hands together and leaned back against Taehyung's torso as he held my purse over my lap."What is the competition about?" I wisphered, unsurely glancing at Taehyung."They're supposed to build their own model that can... heave an immense weight. Those with the longest record will win. But... Woobin's model... isn't balanced because of the damage to its left leg. It might topple over," Taehyung muttered. I pursed my lips and glanced at the scoreboard on the screen of the previous participants. Woobin confidently stood before the audience to present his robot after placing it on the table, arranged with a few bricks."Six bricks so far. Woobin will have to lift seven to break the record. He's the last out of twenty contestants," Do-hwan muttered.I nodded and tensed my body with an uneasy feeling once the hall grew hushed. Woobin nervously looked up at us as he positioned his robotic toy before a standard red brick. The boy gulped and pressed on the device to navigate his robot, so I held my breath and remained stiff against my husband. Taehyung unconsciously hugged my body in anticipation as we watched his robot lower itself to pick up the brick."Yes!" Do-hwan whispered when the robot effortlessly lifted the brick and stride across the table to place the first brick in the basket. I gripped my hands anxiously as I watched the machine walk back and forth. Two... three... four... five... six."One more! One more, baby~! Come on~! You got this!" I stiffly perched on Taehyung's lap. Taehyung sucked in his breath in anticipation as the robot lifted its... final brick. We didn't dare blink as we watched the robot walk over to the table when it suddenly halted midway-"Fuck-! Don't you dare fail me- you fucking scumbag!" Taehyung suddenly cursed at the malfunctioning robot. I quickly smacked his lap with a disapproving look for using inappropriate speech- so the alpha pursed his lips and glared at the robot as it halted midway on the table. Woobin pursed his lips with an annoyed grimace while struggling to make it walk forward.10... 9... 8... My heart started hammering my ribs as I stared at the countdown timer on the screen. Do-hwan clasped his hand over his lips and leaned forward in anticipation, so Woobin clicked again... and to my disbelief... his robot stepped... forward again.

5... 4... 3...

The robot carefully stacked the brick with the others and stepped back to complete its mission before the time was up.

2... 1. BEEP!

The venue suddenly exploded into chaos as the audience cheered and applauded Choi Woobin, who stood stunned in his place with his bulging eyes on his robot. He grinned and glanced at the enthusiastic crowd in shock as the moderator congratulated him. Pop! The golden confetti suddenly exploded over Woobin's head... who flinched in a panic... but maintained his composure and bowed at us."AH!- YES!- FUCK!- THAT'S MY BOY! THAT'S MY BEST BOY!" Taehyung shouted, suddenly launching to his feet with his finger pointed at the boy. I gasped and stumbled to the side as the man rose to his feet without a warning to clap for the child. My husband unexpectedly pulled Do-hwan into a crushing hug, who flinched in confusion as Taehyung firmly patted the father's back before... turning to wave at Woobin again with an excited grin."Ah!-!? Don't hug me!" Do-hwan grimaced, shoving Taehyung away when the alpha tried to hug him again."Hey! I'm just happy because my son-""Your son?!- He's mine!" Do-hwan bickered. Taehyung frowned."Hey! I'm also his father-""Go away, you weirdo! You can't adopt every kid you see! Woobin, my boy! Appa is so proud of you! THAT'S MY SON!- MINE! HAH- HAHA! YOU'RE MY BRIGHTEST STAR!!!" Do-hwan funnily boosted to the crowd as he pointed at Woobin with his chest puffed out. Taehyung scoffed at the man with an offended look."I'M ALSO HIS FATHER!- I FUND HIS SCHOOL TUITION- AND I RAISE HIM AS MY OWN- AND I EVEN TUTOR HIM-" Taehyung tried to boost against the man- but I quickly clasped my hand over his mouth and pulled him back. Is he out of his mind?! Why is he claiming ownership over Woobin when his biological father is present?! The alpha whined and tried to push me away, so I fired him with a warning look."Stop it! You can be proud in silence! Do-hwan is his biological father!" I smacked Taehyung's chest, who cutely pouted and glared at Do-hwan, who was bowing at the crowd with a proud beam as the audience praised the father. Kim Taehyung huffed and cutely slumped down on the chair with his arms crossed."I stayed up all night to help him! This is unfair! I should be credited too!" He snapped at me as I stood by his seat. Smiling, I patted Taehyung's cheek and glanced at Woobin... who was happily hugging his robot while bowing at the audience.
A moment later.
Taehyung grumbled his bitterness under his breath with his arms folded over his chest as we stood on the side to watch the press film Woobin, who was giving his interview with Do-hwan by his side. The boy beamed at the cameras and reporters as Do-hwan funnily puffed his chest with a firm expression to appear 'cool' before the national screens. The father pretended to speak in a stern voice... making Woobin giggle at his father's prideful response to the flooding spotlight.

"Do you have a name for the robot?" A news reporter smiled at Woobin. The child glanced down at the robot and at the star sticker on his forehead."I'll name him Beom," Woobin replied. Do-hwan's smug smile dropped, so he quickly glanced down at the boy with a questioning look while carrying the heavy trophy for his son. The man straightened his body again and beamed at the live cameras."Beom...?" I frowned and glanced at Taehyung, who was just as taken aback."Eomma! Ahjussi! Join us! They're also my family~!" Woobin caught us staring at him and beckoned us to come over, so I quickly lifted my hands to refuse his invitation when Taehyung suddenly nudged me forward and dragged me onto the platform. I shyly covered my lips and frantically fixed my hair as my husband forced me into the spotlight."Hello~! I'm Kim Taehyung- and this is Jang Sora- my wife. We're Woobin's godfather and godmother!" Taehyung introduced himself without shame.The reporters awkwardly smiled at the alpha as he happily patted Woobin's shoulder with a radiant smile. Do-hwan sideways glared at the alpha and lifted the trophy to show the cameras. I chuckled and glanced down at Woobin, who proudly held my hand over his shoulder while grinning at the reporters.
A moment later.
"Ani~! Why would you name it after Beom?!- You could've named it after me~! I'm your father!!!" Do-hwan whined as he followed his son through the front door with the trophy. Woobin chuckled at his father's complaints as he cheerfully skipped into the living room, and raced out onto the grassy field in the backyard as Beom rolled on the grass with Puppy. My father was sitting on the bench with Hajin... who was licking a lollipop on his side."Oh! Hyung!- How was the tournament?!" The twins shrieked from the terrace above and quickly raced back inside their room as I dropped my purse and jacket onto the couch."Hyung~!' Beom greeted as he stood up with dirt on his cheeks. Thump! Thump! Woobin strode straight towards the boy.I paused in the living room when Woobin drew his younger brother into a crushing hug. Hajin abruptly stopped licking her lollipop as Do-hwan unsurely halted behind his son to watch the child embrace the little Jaguar, who was just taken aback. The twins came running down the stairs but stopped by the opened back door to watch Woobin embrace Beom on the grass field before the ancient tree."It was you, wasn't it?! You fixed my robot!" Woobin scoffed as he pointed at a small star sticker on the left leg. Beom's face suddenly flushed red."One of the chips... was loose. So I stuck it back together while hyung was asleep," Beom nodded. Woobin scoffed again and hugged Beom with a bright smile,  making me pout at their heartwarming interaction as Taehyung held my waist, so I smiled and looked up at him. He gently rubbed my waist as we watched Woobin pull away to show Beom the robot."This achievement is for you and me. We earned it together~!" Woobin handed Beom the robot. He turned to grab the trophy from Do-hwan and showed it to Beom, who gleamed in awe at the sight of the golden reward. He chuckled and beamed at his older brother. Woobin suddenly kissed Beom's head and hugged him again. Ah~! They're so adorable!"Aigo~! I told you it'll work out~!" Imo sadly watched the children's heart-warming interaction with a basket in her arms. I exhaled and patted Taehyung's chest.The twins shrieked and joined the two for a brotherly hug... until... puppy started barking at their feet... so Beom quickly lifted the dog to hug it as well. The four of them happily hugged and hopped clockwise over the trimmed grass to celebrate Woobin's victory in the competition."AH!- No!" The twins shrieked, suddenly racing away when Beom tried to hand them the little shepherd. I chuckled at the boys as they quickly broke the hug and ran away. Shaking my head... I  glanced at the platform under the ancient tree again... but... Hajin had disappeared. And only my father was smiling at the boys. I glanced around the property to search for her until I noticed the little girl strolling into her father's garden and disappeared from my sight.
A moment later.
"Did you find her???" I worriedly sat up on the bed with a slight frown as Taehyung entered the room in his pajamas."I did. Hajin was sulking in the garden- but she ran away when I approached her. I saw her entering the mansion a moment ago," Taehyung shrugged as he settled on the bed. She skipped dinner, and we couldn't locate her anywhere so I sent Taehyung to the garden again."We should find her~! She didn't have dinner~!" I whined and attempted to get off the bed, but was held back when Taehyung suddenly kissed my lips."I'm sure she's stuffed with her giant lollipop," He smiled, softly kissing my lips again. I frowned as he slipped his hand under my gown to caress my inner thighs with a mischievous smile."Is this funny~!? Your daughter is missing~!" I snapped in annoyance.Taehyung chuckled as he dismissively drew my panties down my thighs from beneath the gown, so I pursed my lips until he leaned forward to seal the gap between our lips again. The man gently reached between my legs to touch my sensitive spot and gently aroused my crotch with the presence of his invasive fingers. I gripped his wrist over my gown with my lips pursed and looked up at him in difficulty so he smiled and proceeded to finger me down there until I felt my nerves... throbbing in heat."She'll appear once she's hungry. Just like her mother," Taehyung chuckled. I frowned at his easygoing mood and hugged his chest as he laid me down on the bed while rubbing my inside with his finger... so I pulled Taehyung down to hug his shoulders as he undid his buttons with one hand and tossed his shirt on the bed."Are you seriously horny? You should be worried about Hajin~!" I smiled.Taehyung fondled my breasts and lifted the blanket to slip under the comforter with me as he pulled down his pajama pants to expose his bulge under the sheet and lifted my legs to make me spread for him. The man withdrew his slimy fingers from my throbbing slits, licked my wet discharge with a devious smirk and lowered his head to slurp my throbbing groin... causing me to tense my body at the thrilling vibration of his slick tongue and lips movement."I'll find her again after this. Okay...?" Taehyung assured as he reached under my gown to touch me again. I pursed my lips and tilted my head back over the pillow with my arm over my forehead as he inserted his fingers to loosen my inside... so I curled my toes and pursed my lips in distress.Taehyung smiled at my favorable response before slipping his sturdy trunk between my bent knees... and carefully... he penetrated me with his tip. I gripped his forearms as the man gently thrust inside to kick-start our flaming desire. I smiled and pulled him down to hug his manly torso as he steadily thrust his firm hips under the blanket to fill up my inside with his hard bulge.I softly moaned beneath his pulsing abs that were grinding over my stomach while kissing his earlobe as he massaged my breast, so I wrapped my shins around his buttcheeks as he rocked the mattress with his steady movement... until I felt my crotch flaming with unbearable pleasure. He grunted and passionately kissed the crook off my neck, so I tilted my face backward over the pillow and arched my back over the mattress while clutching onto his back dimples.I intensely moaned my husband's name as I struggled to contain my quivering nerves... until... I noticed... a reflection... of two tiny feet... under our bed through the body mirror beside the vanity table. I abruptly stiffened with my eyes fixed on my daughter's unexpected presence as my husband cluelessly thrust his erect penis between my soaked thighs. Creak. Creak. The bed rocked... steadily at the motions of our sexual intimacy... until blood drained from my face."Tae-""Stay still~! Why are you moving?!- Hah~! You're so wet- Ah- Do you like it, sweetie? Do you like the way I'm handling you~? Hmm~?- Ah!- You're so warm~! Fuck-""She's under the bed!" I snapped, lightly slapping his flushed cheek to bring my lustful husband back to his senses. Taehyung frowned with his rock-hard cock lodged deep inside me... so I pointed at the reflection with my lips pursed. How long was she here for!? Why didn't I see her?! Did she enter the room while I was showering earlier?! Taehyung fearfully glanced at the undeniable presence of our daughter under our bed."Kamjagiya~! That's fucking creepy!" Taehyung quietly cursed as he stared at pale feet. Hajin wiggled her toes and rolled over under the bed, so I gripped Taehyung's buttcheeks under the blanket as he hovered over my body."We should stop-""Hajin-ah! Why are you hiding under the bed~?" Taehyung called without removing his bulge from inside me. I smacked his chest and tried to shove him off me, but he refused and carefully thrust his hips forward under the comforter, making sure not to shake the mattress. Oh~! Shit~! Why is he still thrusting?!I gasped at the tormenting penetration of his slow thrust and covered my mouth in shock as my husband slow-fucked me under the blanket. I softly whimpered while clutching his forearms and lifted my head to press my face against his steaming chest. Taehyung chuckled and kissed my cheek before shoving my head back onto the pillow. Squelch. The man thrust his hips forward again causing me to arch my back over the mattress with my hands clasped over my lips. Thrust!"Taehyung~!" I whined, fearfully gripping his broad shoulders as he effortlessly pinned me beneath his hot torso.Kim Taehyung evilly lowered his head to kiss me again as I frantically reached between our moist bodies to try and pry his cock out of my entrance- but he refused to lift his crotch and shoved his body forward to deepen his bulge, making me whimper in difficulty. Squelch. Squelch. I softly gasped and clutched onto his naked hips beneath the blanket with a fuming red face as he remained shirtless over me."Appa will get angry if you don't get up now~! I've been looking for you everywhere!" Taehyung pretended to scold our daughter. I anxiously stared at the mirror with my hand clasped over my mouth to stifle my voice until... Hajin crawled out from the foot of the bed.Taehyung stopped thrusting for a brief moment as she knelt on the floor with her pouty lips and rosy red cheeks. The baby blinked, cluelessly grabbed the bedsheet, and slowly stood up... so Taehyung reached backward to hold her hand and led her to the side of our bed. I scoffed and tried to shove him again- when the man suddenly slumped his shirtless torso over my body to lay face-first on my body. Ah~! How is he so daring?! This isn't right! I had no choice but to hug his muscular back with my face turned on the pillow and worriedly studied Hajin's grim expression as she stood beside our aroused bodies."Hajin-" I tried to console my daughter- but was cut short when Taehyung suddenly shoved his bulge inside me again. My body stiffened at the jolting pressure, so I dug my fingernails into his back while fuming with a bright red face."Are you hungry~? Hmm~? You should eat. Appa... left a tray of warm meals in your bedroom," Taehyung smiled as he lay over my body with his head rested on my plump breast.The man reached out to stroke our daughter's cheek with a faint smile while remaining inside me under the blanket... securely covering the lower half of our bodies. She didn't speak and stared at us with a gloomy face... so I pursed my lips to hold in my moan as he steadily thrust between my legs with a neutral expression. Squelch. Squelch. I intensely shuddered under my husband and bit my lips in extreme discomfort."Not hungry," Hajin pouted. Taehyung chuckled and lifted his face off my breast to kiss Hajin's forehead."Appa will read you a bedtime story if you finish your dinner. Okay? Appa will be there in a moment," Taehyung patted Hajin as he raw fucked me before our youngest daughter. I screwed my face and turned away from the pillow to recollect my thoughts while clinging to his back for my dear life."Okay~" Hajin pouted. I quickly turned around... so she leaned forward to give me a soft peck on my lips before strolling out of our bedroom without a clue. Taehyung intensely waited for our daughter to close the door- Click. THRUST! THRUST! THRUST!- The man roughly pounded inside me at a quick pace- so I gasped and gripped his forearms in shock."KIM TAEHYUNG!" I snapped, angrily smacking his chest as my heart pounded out of control. How can he be so careless?!"What-? Hey!-!? Yah! I'm not done!" Taehyung chuckled as I shoved his body off mine and sat up in annoyance. The man quickly grabbed my forearm- but I whined and shoved him away in annoyance."Stop~! She was right beside us! How can you- you stupid man!- HAH~! Oppa~! Hah~!" I whined and tried to crawl off the mattress, but Taehyung tugged me right back and forced me face-first onto the mattress. He quickly lifted my gown and penetrated me again- so I pressed my face into the pillow and gripped the bedsheet as he resumed our intercourse."Stay still~! I'm almost done my love~! Let me fill you up with my tasty flavor~! Ah~!" He chuckled while spanking my buttcheeks.I moaned at his roughness and giggled in disbelief as he railed me from behind... so I lifted my head over the pillow to make out with him as he steadily slip and slide between my buttcheeks to make love with me. I groaned in pleasure and held onto his forearm for support as he leaned over my back to kiss my shoulder and gently kneaded my breasts while pounding against my fleshy bum. Thwop! Thwop! I moaned in satisfaction while clutching the pillow with my hips perching upward... until I was suffocating from the raw pleasure of my husband's powerful hip thrusts.____________________________
Third Person POV
The first honored trophy was ultimately polished and engraved with the names of the oldest and the third son... placed securely inside a custom-made luxurious glass display beside the wall of honor with Beom... the robot. Every day, Woobin and Beom would admire their achievement before they started their day. And although the household was blessed with endless happiness... a certain someone... is still caught up in the past affair.Kim Hajin sleepily strolled out of the mansion's front door during a chilly autumn afternoon in her pretty floral dress and fluffy bunny slipper with neatly tied-up pigtails. She had recently woken up from her short nap on the couch after puppy drained her energy during their active playtime in the living room. Beom took the puppy to his study office to keep him company... and her older brothers... were still at school.The young girl was left all alone. Her grandfather is busy chatting with halmeoni and the head doctor as imo instructs the maids to prepare for the evening feast. Hajin yawned and strolled down the pebbled path into the front yard, aimlessly trekking over the grass to wait for Beom, who was taking lessons inside the office. The child did not want to join her brother today. She glanced at a neat pile of dead leaves under the tree near her father's parked car.Sleepily yawning... she skipped over in her fluffy white slippers to approach the leaves when- WHACK! Hajin winced in shock when she accidentally stepped on the rake, causing the wooden handle to swing upward and slam right... into her forehead. The youngest heir shrieked at the blinding impact and toppled backward with her hands over her forehead and- THUMP! She tumbled backward... into the pile of dead leaves. The heir shrieked and was about to burst out crying when-"OH!?- What happened?! I just cleaned up the leaves!" Woobin gasped. Hajin quickly covered her mouth in fear as she remained under the heap of dead leaves with her throbbing forehead. The heir suddenly grew stiff as she remained hidden in the pile... because she was afraid of upsetting her older brother.
Meanwhile.
Woobin jogged towards the scattered leaves with a slight frown. The boy had left earlier to grab the cart... so he could dispose of the dead leaves... but halted in shock once he returned to the messy scene. The leaves were fluttering everywhere. The boy grimaced, suspiciously glancing around the property to scrutinize the foul play... but not a single dumpling was in sight.Beom was cluelessly sitting with Puppy in his study office... so Woobin glanced at the front gate as the entrance slid open and the car came rolling inside. Kanghoon and Woojin hopped out of the vehicle and raced each other toward the pebbled stairs to climb to their mansion on the hill. Woobin exhaled and lowered his body to pick up the rake again- Pause. He abruptly halted once he... noticed... a single side... of a fluffy white slipper left unattended... near the pile."Huh?" Woobin frowned, unsurely lowering the rake back onto the ground, and picked up the mini slipper to inspect it with a slight frown."Ah~!" Woobin groaned when he realized it was the youngest child's acts, so he tossed the slipper back onto the ground and was about to pick up the rake again- but flinched in a panic... when he found a pair of bare feet poking out from under the dead leaves. The boy froze in confusion as he stared at her wiggly toes. The youngest child remained hidden under the dead leaves... thinking she was completely covered... without knowing that... her ankles were... exposed in plain view.Kim Woobon's jaw dropped in disbelief as he quietly stood on the side to watch Hajin wiggle her bare toes as the other slipper remained on her left foot. The boy rubbed his forehead and waited for her... but Hajin stubbornly covered her mouth... refusing to get up as she peaked at Woobin's dark frown through the gaps between the dried leaves... waiting for him to leave so she could safely flee from her crime scene and avoid the trouble.

"How long are you going to lay there for...?" Woobin finally dawdled with his arms crossed. Hajin's toes suddenly stopped wiggling... and she suddenly grew stiff under the pile."If I stay still... he won't see me," She whispered while blinking at the poking leaves over her face.Woobin scoffed at her unbudging position as she played dead under the leaves. Fwip! He bent over to sweep an armful of the lightweight leaves off the pile- suddenly exposing the young heir... who sprawled awkwardly on the ground with her eyes wide open and her hands... clasped firmly over her lips. Woobin glanced at the bright red mark over her forehead and down to her teary eyes with a bitter frown. Hajin remained paralyzed as she stared up at her older brother with twigs and leaves in her pigtails.

"Get up-! Are you deaf?!" Woobin scoffed and suddenly grabbed her arms to seize her light body. Hajin gasped and funnily scrambled onto her feet. She shoved him away in annoyance to refuse his assistance until she toppled over the ground in her messy dress. The young hair sourly grimaced while slipping on her missing slipper with bright red cheeks without apologizing to her older brother."I didn't do it!" Hajin snapped her angry gaze at Woobin. He stood blankly with his arms folded over his chest. Hajin glared at him intensely without budging."Yeah? You didn't do it? Again?" Woobin nodded at the scattered leaves under the tree. Hajin's face flushed red at his confrontation."I really didn't do it! Oppa left the stupid thing on the ground~! Hajin walked right into- and it slammed against Hajin's forehead- and Hajinnie fell!" She frantically pointed at the rake and to the pile and poked her forehead but winced in pain and lowered her head to rub the bruise. Woobin didn't budge his facial expression and stared at her with an unimpressed look."Leave," Woobin coldly nodded. Hajin glared at her brother in annoyance- but instead of leaving- she threw a tantrum and aggressively kicked the remaining pile- sending the dead leaves fluttering all over the place."Hah!- Hah!!! Hah!!!- Argh?!-" Hajin furiously kicked and shoved the pile aside to mess it up until she accidentally hopped onto the rake and- WHACK!-The blinding impact sent the heir- toppling backward. The tool loudly clattered to the ground again after smashing Kim Hajin's face- sending her tumbling to the side with her hands clasped over her nose. She groaned in pain. Woobin scoffed at her unfavorable condition and quickly crouched down to help her up when- Drip. A droplet of blood trickled from her nose. The young heir stared at the bright red paste on her pretty dress with a dumbfounded expression. Woobin froze."Stay still- OW?!-" Woobin gasped and tried to lift her when she suddenly screamed, snatched off her slipper, and struck his head with it. The older boy tumbled back onto his butt as she hastily rubbed her bloody nose- suddenly launching to her feet with one fluffy slipper in her hand."I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU! AHHHHHH~!" Hajin screamed, angrily bolting forward with her slipper. Woobin gasped in a panic when she started beating him with it- so he quickly scrambled to his feet and dashed away from the mad child."Stop! Hajin!- You're bleeding!-""Oppa is a bad person! AHHHHHH! BAD! BAD!" Hajin shrieked while chasing the older boy, who wildly spun around and ran for his life. Thump! Thump! She screamed louder and chased him with one slipper over the grass field."EOMMA! EOMMA!!?!! SHE'S CRAZY!!!" Woobin screamed for help and briefly turned in bewilderment- just as Hajin flung her slipper- WHACK! Woobin's head jerked backward at the blunt force once the slipper slammed right into his face. The boy grunted and tumbled on the ground in shock- so Hajin paused to slip off her other slipper with her teeth gritted and raging eyes... determined on her target."AHHHHH!" Hajin screamed in anger while charging forward with her remaining slipper but tripped midway... and tumbled to the ground. Thud!Kim Taehyung rounded the mansion to search for the loud screeches in confusion. The father's eyes grew wide open in horror once he found Woobin launching to his feet with a frightened look as Hajin sat up on the grass with a scratched right cheek. The blood from her bleeding nose... flowing messily onto her pretty sun dress."Hajin?!" Taehyung shouted, quickly slipping off his dirty gloves to hurl it aside and raced towards his daughter. The young heir burst out crying at the sight of her father- so she screamed in frustration and rolled on the grass to express her discontentment."Appa!- Oppa is mean to me!- Oppa made Hajinie bleed! Ah! Ah! Ah~!" Hajin threw a tantrum as Taehyung lifted his daughter off the ground. She bawled at the top of her lungs so her father frantically rubbed the blood off her nose and glanced at Woobin, who stood on the side with a bruised face and hands clasped together with a dark grimace on the young girl as her alarming screams... echoed throughout the afternoon sky until the guards... and maid appeared on the front yard."OMO! WHAT HAPPENED? HAJIN!?" Sora came rushing down the stairs in bewilderment once she found her husband carrying her injured daughter... who was drenched in her own blood. Woobin exhaled and glanced at his father... who was rushing over the field in a panic as the young heir exaggerated her injury to put the boy in a difficult position. He didn't run nor defend himself... but listlessly watched her wail and cry at her parents, who were worriedly trying to calm her bratty tantrum.
A few days later.
The mansion remained somewhat very hushed as Hajin sat quietly on the couch to get her bruise treated by her mother. Sora grimaced as she applied the bandage to her daughter's cheek. The scratch wasn't severe. It was a light scrape over her plump cheek. Beom anxiously cuddled puppy on the opposite couch as Sora patted Hajin... who had been sulking for the past few days with a bruised forehead."Eomma... am I not pretty anymore~?" Hajin suddenly pouted, lifting her tearful doe eyes to her mother, who was fondly gazing at her."You'll always be the prettiest," Sora chuckled while patting her soft hair."No one will love me because of the bruise," Hajin whimpered. Sora smiled at her daughter's awfully similar behavior to her younger self."You'll have men swooning for you. Don't worry," Sora chuckled, softly kissing Hajin's bruised cheek to assure her. The little girl pouted and glanced at Beom, who was rubbing puppy's head over his lap. Jang Sora finally got up to fulfill her house chores after her father showed up to babysit Hajin.
A moment later.
Jang Sora quietly folded and sorted her children's clothes in Beom's room until the child pushed open the door and strolled inside. The mother smiled at her son as he intentionally avoided her eyes and walked forward to sit with her on the carpet. Beom gulped and rubbed his belly with a troubled frown."Wae~? Do you feel sick?" Sora weakly smiled at her son. Beom pursed his lips and glanced at his mother with a troubled frown as he watched her fold his clothes to place them in a neat pile."Eomma. I feel sick because I have a secret," Beom mumbled, lowering his gaze to his hands."What secret?" Sora suddenly halted in concern. Beom scratched his head and unsurely lifted his face with a frightened stare."H- Hajin... she did... break... hyung's robot that day- but it was unintentional. She was- playing in his room with the glitter... and then she- fell into his desk... causing the robot... to tumble and roll off the desk," Beom confessed while pouting at Sora with an apologetic gaze."You saw her?" Sora asked. Beom nodded."Hajinie... asked me to come inside hyung's room, but Beomie refused and stood outside to watch out for her..." Beom nodded in tears. Sora sadly furrowed her eyebrows at Beom's guilt-ridden expression."Aigo... the accomplice is feeling ill because he's hiding his sister's secret to protect her...?" Sora smiled. Beom pouted harder and nodded until his nose turned bright pink."I'm sorry~ I should've stopped Hajinie as her older brother~" Beom sniffled. Sora shook her head with a weak smile and reached for him until Beom climbed her lap to hug her. The mother kissed his cheek while patting his back to console his guilty soul."Is this why you fixed hyung's robot?" Sora chuckled as she clutched onto his chubby body. Beom nodded again."I want to tell hyung the truth, but... I'm afraid... Hajin will get upset," Beom muttered. Sora chuckled and pulled away to cup his cheeks."No one is at fault. Okay? It was an accident. Hajin did not intend to break the robot, and Beom should not feel guilty either. Got it? The problem is resolved. Eomma knows the truth," Sora sweetly kissed his forehead."You're not mad at us?" Beom restlessly blinked as he sat on his mother's lap."Why would I be mad? My righteous son gained the courage to communicate the truth with me. Don't keep bad feelings to yourself, okay? Eomma is always available to listen and comfort you... so don't be afraid. No matter... how badly you've done wrong... you have to let eomma know. Eomma will do anything to protect you. Do you understand... Beomie? I love you. I love you very much, so please rely on eomma," Sora pinch his cheeks. Beom weakly smiled at his mother and hugged her again, so the mother held onto her son's body and patted his back to comfort the remorseful soul.Meanwhile.Kim Hajin stood outside the slightly parted door gap to eavesdrop on her mother's conversation with her older brother. The young girl pursed her lips and glanced down the hallway to find Woobin... strolling out of his room with a blank face. The boy walked down the stairs and disappeared without looking at her. The young heir sighed, pushed open the door, and entered to greet her mother. Sora smiled and welcomed her daughter into her arms.
A week later.
Hajin sat alone in her bedroom during a gloomy afternoon to reflect on her past actions. She did not feel like playing, speaking, or eating because of the weird sensation in her stuffed chest. She felt awful. The child would sigh every now... and then as her tiny heart swelled in regret. She felt terrible for making Beom feel sick to conceal her crime, and her past wrongdoings... have been rotting inside her. The soul wanted to apologize to her older brother... but she didn't dare to- not after she wrongly accused Woobin of smacking her with a rake until her nose bled. Hajin blinked out of her thoughts and glanced at the storm outside the mansion. The little girl sighed, quickly got up from her bed to sit at her tiny desk, and grabbed a lilac-colored paper to scribble on the sheet with her colorful crayons.
An hour later.
The young girl repeatedly rubbed her strained eyeballs while adding glitter and stickers to her heartfelt letter, eventually dusting her hands with a proud beam as she stared at the paper filled with hand-drawn hearts and broken grammar due to her limited knowledge of the inconsistent lesson she had taken with Jae Beom. She weakly smiled and grabbed the paper and a package of her favorite sweet rice cake she had saved from the drawer before hurrying out of her room with her determined gaze on Woobin's door."Just say- oppa!- I'm sorry~! Hajinie is very sorry!" Hajin mumbled to herself while mustering her courage outside his door with her letter and sweets. Hajin cutely cleared her throat and knocked on his door. The girl pursed her lips and waited nervously for his response... but Woobin did not open the door."Oppa~? It's Hajinie~!" The impatient heir called, softly pressing her ear against the door, but there was no sound. Frowning... she lifted her hand to turn the handle and stepped inside without his permission but halted in confusion... when she found an empty room. The young girl stared at the neatly made bed and glanced at the organized desk."He's not here...?" Hajin sighed, curiously stepping inside to peek through the glass door as the rain poured heavily over the property until... she spotted a car... in the front yard. And the chief guard... was waiting by the opened door with an umbrella."Oh!- Eomma is leaving again!?! Noooo~!" Hajin gasped, quickly spinning onto her sparkly heels to race out of the room and skip down the stairs in a hurry. Click! Clack!  Click! Clack! The young heir sprinted towards the packed doorway until she noticed... Sora standing beside Taehyung... who was consoling his teary wife.Hajin blinked unsurely and walked forward with her letter until she noticed... Beom and the twin brothers... crying outside the door... as they watched someone from afar. The clueless soul looked up at the elders in confusion as she slowly stepped through the door to stand beside her older brothers with the letter and sweet. Hajin blinked and glanced at the front yard again... until... she spotted... Kim Woobin... walking through the rain with an umbrella and... a suitcase.Although the young soul couldn't grasp the situation... she could feel her beating heart sinking to the depth of her soul as she watched him approach the car. The chief guard heaved the luggage to place it in the back trunk as Woobin opened the door and got inside without looking back. Sora whimpered and lowered her face against Taehyung's shoulder, so he rubbed her back to console his heartbroken wife as imo sniffled beside Halmeoni."Where... is oppa going...?" Hajin asked, cluelessly glancing at Beom... who was crouching beside puppy as the heavy wind gust blasted against them. The rain poured harder over the hilltop territory."Away. Hyung is leaving," Beom mumbled as he wiped his tear stains. Hajin pursed her lips and glanced at the car again as the chief guard stepped inside the driver's seat. And without thinking... Kim Hajin took a step forward. Her tiny heart... hammering in pain as she steadily walked forward... strolling right into the pouring shower without flinching."Oppa...? Oppa- Oppa?!" Hajin stuttered as she frantically raced down the pebble's path into the cold storm. The young heir suddenly screamed for her older brother as she quickened her pace over the damp soil- causing her parents to gasp in shock as they stood at the doorway. The car suddenly reversed and took off over the field... causing Hajin to cry in distress while chasing the turning wheels with the letter and sweet rice cakes until her favorite heels slipped off her slippery feet."OPPA! I- I GOT SWEET CAKES! OPPA- LETTER- HAJINIE- MADE A LETTER!- OPPA?!- NO- I'M SORRY! OPPA- I'M SORRY- AH!- PLEASE DON'T LEAVE HAJINIE! I'M SORRY! HAJINIE IS A TERRIBLE PERSON!- I'M SO SORRY! OPPA!!!! DON'T LEAVE HAJIN!" Hajin begged in desperation as she ran over the damp grass on her bare feet- but tripped over the ground and slipped onto the wet dirt. Flop!

She shrieked in despair and quickly sat up to crawl over the grass as she watched the car tear out of the mansion's gate without stopping to hear her pleas. Her young soul... tragically shattered for the first time after the car lights disappeared... and the looming mansion gates... slammed shut to seal her off from her older brother.The once colorful world turned black and white as the young soul wailed her sorrows... begging helplessly for Kim Woobin's return with her soaked apology letter... gripped tightly in her small fist. Hajin cried in pain and lowered her soaked face to scream at the muddy ground while clenching the paper because... it was her first time... experiencing such grievous emotions.
And so... she mourned his departure with a broken heart.

An apology that was never heard or accepted.

The unread letter... was tragically... swept away by the harsh wind... sailing high into the storm... leaving the soul... rotting with her relentless guilt... and marking Kim Hajin's first... heartbreak.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV
Kim Taehyung firmly clasped his hands over my eyes to restrict my sight as we wandered over the grass field in our front yard. He suddenly scurried inside our bedroom during midmorning and asked me to put on a sundress without explaining himself. The man dragged me out of the mansion as I was sorting our soap in the bathroom and is now... leading me to who knows where. I giggled at his strange demand to blind-walk me to wherever we were heading.
What is he up to again? He's been getting so creative lately with his bizarre humor and pranks.
"Wae~? Do you have a surprise for me?" I chuckled as my husband guided me over the field. I heard the front gate opening at his demand- so I carefully stepped onto the concrete pavement in confusion while clinging to his waist for assistance. Why is he leading me outside?"Open your eyes," Taehyung chuckled, finally drawing his hands off my face. I squinted at the clear morning sky as we stood outside the gate and glanced at a parked motorcycle on the side of the road with a dumbfounded look."Oh!?- What's this?!" I gasped and glanced up at Taehyung as he widely grinned at me. It wasn't just an ordinary motorcycle but one of those black sidecar motorcycles with a small compartment on the side! What the hell?! It's so cute! I gasped in shock with my hand clasped over my mouth as Taehyung picked up the safety helmet from the extra seat, installed in the compartment."Let's go on a proper date! We have to leave before the kids search for us!" Taehyung smiled while tugging my wrist forward. I couldn't stop staring at the sleek bike with my lips ajar. Is he crazy!?- I've only seen it in movies! My husband grabbed my waist and lifted my lightweight body effortlessly, so I chuckled and clung to his muscular shoulder as he settled me into the compartment. Smiling weakly... Kim Taehyung fitted the safety helmet over my head and gently clipped the strap to tighten it under my chin. He's so romantic!"Are you crazy?!- Can you drive it? This is scary!- Yeobu! Is it safe?!-" I giggled while inspecting the compartment with an anxious feeling. What if my compartment breaks apart while we're driving? I'll roll off the hill! Taehyung lightly knocked on the helmet to tease me, so I groaned and gripped the safety handle in anticipation. The man is dressed in a loose white shirt with undone upper buttons and black trousers- paired with ankle-length black boots. Why is he so well dressed today?! "Do you prefer my old bike?" My husband chuckled as he coolly swung his legs over the massive bike with a black sunglasses hooked over the tip of his high nose bridge. I nervously giggled and gripped the metallic handle in anticipation as I perched in the compartment."You haven't driven a bike in so long! But this- Ah! I'm so scared~!" I chuckled, nervously whining at my husband and glanced at the asphalt road ahead of us.  Taehyung shook his head at my endless complaints and turned the gear, causing the bike's engine to roar to life. VROOM! I gasped in a panic when it suddenly jerked forward, so I glanced at the sealed mansion gate with a cheeky yet nervous smile as my husband took me on a trip down the hilltop slope.

"Keep your legs in the compartment!" Taehyung scolded me when I tried to adjust my position in the compartment because my heart wouldn't stop racing. I shouldn't sit too close to the spinning wheel! It might explode and fall off!Grinning widely... I looked up at my charming husband as he carefully drove the bike over the vacant road and raised my hand grip to his trousers for support. If I fall- he's coming with me! I won't let go of him because this is his idea! I eventually shifted my attention to the vast sea on the side with a faint smile while clinging to Taehyung's pocket."Not too fast!- The compartment might explode!- Ah~! Oppa~! Slowly~!!!" I whined on the way down the slope when he tried to speed up on the road- so I screamed and glared at him in annoyance. Taehyung chuckled, briefly glancing at me, and slowed down on demand. I lifted my arm to feel the cool breeze between my fingers- but refused to let go of his pocket with the other hand and tightly clung to him. Winter has just passed, so the spring breeze is very pleasant!"Do you like it?" Taehyung asked as he steered down the curve of the hill at a stable speed... to avoid scaring my weak heart. I admired the gleaming ocean beside us in awe before lifting my love-struck gaze to my husband's perfect side profile as he stared at the road ahead. He's just like a movie star! A handsome man! Huge muscles! Cool sunglasses! Ah~! I covered my lips shyly the longer I gazed at his handsome face."You're the best!" I grinned. Taehyung chuckled at my approving beam.I gripped his thigh again and enjoyed the fun road trip along the side of the hill as we made our way down to the beach. This is so cool~! How did he even come up with this date idea~!? I absolutely love it! I suddenly screamed in excitement because I couldn't contain the overflowing joy while extending my arm to the side with my face turned towards the refreshing sea.Even the sun's heat is very soothing today~! Taehyung chuckled and told me to uncurl my toes because I'd been tense the entire trip despite enjoying the moment. We steered along the side of a steep road until we landed on the main street leading into the bustling city. I glanced at the passing cars and bikes on the street as my husband drove me into the congested streets on our super cool motorbike. People on the road and the sidewalk would turn their heads after us as we passed them. I grinned and waved at the passerby."Stop flirting with everyone you see!" Taehyung knocked on my helmet as I waved to a young man... who was sitting in his car by our side before the traffic light. I whined and glanced at my husband in annoyance for restricting my freedom, so he pinched my cheek and suddenly slammed the windshield close to hide my face."Hey!-""Keep that pretty face of yours hidden!" Taehyung snapped, firmly keeping his hand on my shield to stop me from pushing it upward. I groaned and glanced forward until he gripped my dress's neckline and tugged it up to hide my exposed cleavage. Taehyung started his bike again once the light turned green, so I smiled as we drove forward while perching on the bike in extreme excitement.The alpha finally drove into a parking space to park our motorbike before lifting me out of the compartment. I cheerfully stretched my arms and legs to ease my stiff limbs as Taehyung gripped my helmet to loosen the strap and took it off my head. He placed the helmet in the safety compartment before patting my messed-up hair with a faint smile."You're really handsome today," I complimented his loose button that was slightly revealing the ridges of his firm pecs, deep collar bones, and thick muscular neck. Is he feeling a little sexy today for him to show so much skin~? He only walks around in his beige cardigan! Taehyung brushed back his sleek black hair with a slight smirk as I stood in my short thin-strap... fluttery sundress."Just today?" Taehyung asked, briefly glancing at me as he picked up the empty picnic basket from the back trunk and placed out his hand for me. I interlaced our fingers and hugged his forearm with a wide grin. I must cling to him like this- so other women know he's taken!"You don't often dress like this~! It's either- you wear a formal suit or pajamas! There's no in-between," I shrugged. Taehyung chuckled and glanced at me as we walked out of the parking space to stroll the bustling street by the beach."You're mistaken. I'm always almost naked inside our room," He teased. I flushed red at his words, so I huffed and glanced at the packed street to ignore his weird smirk.Taehyung chuckled at my shyness and released my hand to hold my shoulder instead. Ah~! I love ordinary dates like this! It's so much fun~! We smiled and headed into the local market filled with residents and visitors. The passerby suddenly turned in our direction to gawk at Kim Taehyung, who was cluelessly walking with his black sunglasses on. I pursed my lips at the attention he was receiving while strolling beside him as Taehyung examined the instant food in curiosity."Are you a superstar?! You're so attractive and you're so gorgeous!" A woman gasped as we stood before her store. Taehyung smiled and squeezed my shoulder."She's my superstar," Taehyung chuckled. I flushed red and asked for a set of grilled mackerel and clams."Are you guys newlyweds? I bet you are!- Given you're so sticky together!" The woman grinned."We've been married for almost a decade," Taehyung shook his head. The woman gasped again and eyeballed at us up and down in disbelief."You look so young though!" She scoffed doubtfully."We have five children. Four boys and a daughter!" Taehyung proudly beamed. The woman scoffed again while packing our orders."Stop messing with me! That can't be possible!" She laughed."Ohoh! We really have five kids~!" Taehyung argued, suddenly drawing out his phone to show the woman our family picture. She gasped in shock at the amount of children we had and proceeded to tease us with a strong dialect. Smiling weakly, I accepted her packages and paid for the meal as Taehyung placed the bag in our picnic basket, and we left to check on the other vendors.
A moment later.
We finally left the market with a basket loaded with food and drinks. Taehyung quickly headed back to the parking location to grab his bag... and we strolled toward the beach together, but as expected... it was packed with people. It's mid-spring, so everyone is eager to chill on the warm beach after the prolonged winter hibernation.My husband quickly rented one of the massive umbrellas, but he refused to let me sit near the cluster of the averages and asked for it to be installed in a quiet area of the beach. Taehyung carefully spread the picnic mat over the warm sand as I shielded my face and stepped under the shade to sit with the food basket."Why can't we sit near the crowd?" I asked, unsurely glancing at the crowd on the right side of the beach."I don't trust the public. It's easier to keep an eye on you here," He shrugged while unbuckling his belt and pulled down his trousers. I pursed my lips as Taehyung folded the pants, tossed them at me, and sat down in his short beach pants to rummage through his bag. The man slipped his white shirt over his head and handed it to me, so I quietly folded the shirt to place it aside."You could've told me we're visiting the beach. I wore a set of old undergarments today," I pouted. Why didn't he tell me? This is upsetting. Taehyung handed me the sunscreen bottle and turned his back on me."Why would I let you swim under the scorching sun?" Taehyung muttered. I grimaced, squeezed a handful of sunscreen onto my palm, and rubbed it over his muscular back to protect his skin from the heat."So why did you bring me here?" I mumbled while rubbing the sticky substance into his skin. He didn't tell me on purpose so I'd have no choice but to sit under the shade! Taehyung chuckled as he gazed at the crowded shallow end to watch people splash the cool sea water at each other."So you could watch your hot husband swim in the sea. You love hot men! So I'll show you my muscles today!" He joked while shifting his position to face me. I massaged my palm over his pecs and down to his toned abs."Or maybe you want to see youthful women in swimsuits ~?" I glared. Taehyung rolled his eyes at my accusation as he watched me rub the greasy sunscreen over his defined trunk."I'm only interested in seeing my naked wife~!" He chuckled and leaned forward for a soft peck. There are a lot of beautiful women on the beach at this time of the year~! I squeezed the sunscreen onto his cheeks and gently massaged the paste into his face. Taehyung cutely smiled with his eyes closed as I handled the grown husbandman... until I finally placed the bottle back into the bag."Come back at noon, or your skin will burn," I patted my husband's cheek. Taehyung softly chuckled once I permitted him to have fun and kissed my cheeks before scurrying over the sand to splash into the ocean alone. Smiling, I watched him from our mat while hugging my knees under the umbrella shade to watch the man paddle into the deep end.He entirely submerged his head under the steady tides before breaking the surface and flipped back his soaked black hair, causing his toned muscles to protrude over his sturdy torso. The man fired me a flirty wink as he sexily posed in the water, so I chuckled and glanced at the crowd nearby as they intensely watched the alpha flex his gleaming sun-tan honey skin under the brilliant sunlight."He's hot as hell," I giggled, cheeks turning bright pink as I admired his golden trunk from afar.Taehyung calmly paddled over the wavy surface, so I grabbed his phone to film the man as he stroked across the water, making me smile weakly at the sight of his muscular back. Fwip. I placed Taehyung's folded clothes on the mat and laid down to rest my head on the pile to take a brief nap under the shade. I sleep a lot lately because it's always so hectic at home.I fell asleep for about half an hour on the busy beachside until I heard heavy footsteps racing towards me over the sands. Splat. Splat. A cold splatter of water suddenly dripped onto my face- causing me to jerk awake from my nap. Taehyung panted heavily as he crawled back onto the mat with his dipping wet body."Hey! I told you to watch your hot husband! Why are you asleep already?!" He whined, playfully smacking my stomach to wake me from the nap. I sat up with a dazed expression as the man opened the basket and arranged the food we bought on the mat. His skin is a shade darker... already? It suits him so much."Oh? Why is our side crowded?" I muttered once I noticed the floating locals swimming before our spot. They were on the other side earlier."I don't know. It got a bit crowded, so I left," Taehyung blinked his soaked lashes while chewing a roll of kimbap wrapped with a thin foil. The man raised the chunk to my lips, so I opened my mouth to let him feed me before glancing back at the beach with a sore expression."Those are youthful women~! They must've wanted to speak to you!" I giggled and nodded at the crowd of young ladies, who were eyeing Taehyung from the water. They cutely giggled and nudged each other as the alpha hungrily chewed the kimbap with a stuffed cheek."They flirted with me earlier," Taehyung waved at the youthful women, causing them to shy away and squeal funnily at his acknowledgment. Aigo. He's such a player. The man knows he's hot! I smiled and glanced at his dripping wet hair as he fed me the rolled kimbap."Which boobies are the nicest?" I nodded at them. Taehyung snorted and hugged me so I whined and shoved him away because he's all soaked. He's going to get my dress wet!"The best boobies are my baby mama's boobies, of course!" He chuckled while pecking my cheek with his greasy lips. I screamed and shoved his face away in disgust, so Taehyung scoffed at my rejection and sat up to squint his bitter gaze at the crowd in the water.

"You'll give me acne if you keep kissing me with dirty lips!" I snapped while wiping my cheek with a baby napkin to rub off the excess oil."Those women would die to kiss me!- Yet here you are!- Shoving me away! Hah! How rude~!" Taehyung fired me an annoyed glare."Then go and kiss them!" I nodded at the shallow end with a dark frown. The man abruptly stopped chewing on the side of his mouth and narrowed his eyes on my red face with an offended frown."Fine! You gave me permission yourself- so don't complain!" He snapped, suddenly tossing the kimbap roll on my dress, and scrambled to his feet with an attitude, so I shrieked and quickly grabbed his waistband to stop him from crawling away."Don't you dare?!-! Hey! You're not going back into the shallow end~!" I screamed while tugging him back in distress. Taehyung scoffed and glared at me as I possessively gripped his wet waistband to hold him back."So you are jealous~!" The man broke into a bright grin. I laughed at the piece of carrot stuck between his teeth and leaned forward to draw the man by his shoulder until he settled back onto the mat."Touch another woman and I will chase you to the end of the world to chop off your dick!" I warned as I drew him into a possessive hug. Taehyung chuckled and hugged me back... so I kissed his wet jaw and pulled away to pick the carrot out of his teeth gap."Aigo~! You know my wimpy dick is useless with other women~!" Taehyung chuckled while crossing his legs beside me. I chuckled and hugged his waist while holding the half-eaten kimbap that was thrown at me earlier."Whether it's useless or not... I don't want you touching or looking at anyone but me!" I smiled as I clung to his forearm. Taehyung chuckled at my words and suddenly forced his eyes shut."Oh?- I can't see anyone now! Everything is dark!" He teased while pretending to be blind with his eyes closed. He suddenly grabbed my face and tried to shove his fingers up my nostrils so I laughed and smacked his hands off my face."Stop it!" I whined at his ironic mockery. Taehyung chuckled softly and opened his eyes to gaze in my direction with his hands positioned on either side of his face to purposely block his peripheral view... so he could exclusively focus on me."I can only see my gorgeous dumpling and she's the most lovely soul in this universe~!" He grinned behind his hands. I snorted at his boxy smile and leaned forward to kiss him, so Taehyung lowered his hand to cup my cheeks and tilted his head to deepen the kiss as I held onto his soaked nape.He's seriously not humorous, and that's very hilarious! Am I helpless for being crazy in love with him to find him funny?! We broke apart, chuckled at each other, and proceeded to share our kimbap. Taehyung got up afterward and strode over the sand to a nearby vendor before returning with a massive cup of pineapple juice. I happily drank the refreshing drink as he sprawled on the picnic mat with his head rested on my lap. I lowered my hand to pat his firm cheek while gazing at his burning cheekbones. "I love you," I smiled, fondly staring down at the man. He smiled while holding my hand over his bare chest. The man lifted my hand and kissed my fingers before lowering it back to his pulsing pecs."I love you more," He smiled and closed his eyes, so I exhaled and glanced at the distant crowd.Taehyung suddenly stopped speaking and fell into a deep nap while resting on my lap. We've developed a new habit together- and that's napping at random times of the day. I mean- we've got four kids, a puppy, and a household to look after! We're not as youthful and energetic as we used to be, so it's a necessity to recharge frequently to keep up with our hectic day! I fanned my husband's face while sitting on the picnic mat and glanced around out of boredom... until I noticed a group of kids surrounding a vendor... so I curiously stared at the colorful toy set and glanced at Taehyung's leather wallet with my lips pursed.
A moment later.
Third Person POVKim Taehyung suddenly jerked awake from the pile of his folded clothes and lifted his face to squint at the warm afternoon sun after regaining consciousness on the humid beach. The man frowned and quickly sat up when he noticed his wife was missing. He groggily rubbed his blurry vision while searching the crowded beach for her until... he spotted... his little dumpling... crouching on the shore by the water to dig up the sand with colorful beach toys. The man frowned at his wife as she sat alone to build a sandcastle with the tools. He rummaged through the basket to search for water and gulped it thirstily before tossing the bottle back in the basket, and got up to approach her.

"You're awake?" Sora smiled with her face tilted upward to greet her groggy husband. Taehyung sorely rubbed his swollen face and sat on the sand to watch her fill a starfish mold."Did you steal the toys from the kids?" The man muttered unsurely. Sora smiled at her husband's suspicion as she dug up a pile of sand and tossed it at her husband's chest."Nope. I bought it using the cash I stole from your pocket," She giggled. Taehyung scoffed in disbelief as he watched his wife concentrate her frown on perfecting her sand castle. SMACK!"Oops," Taehyung funnily gasped when he suddenly kicked her sand castle, sending it tumbling to the side. Sora shrieked with her mouth hanging at her husband's inconsiderate behavior."Hey!!?- You stupid man! Ahhhh~!" She whined in extreme annoyance. Taehyung chuckled at her cuteness and shoved the remaining pile with his hands to ruin her hard work until her face flushed bright red."Are you a child!?- Ah?!- Ah! Yah!!!" Taehyung tried to tease her when she suddenly launched forward to tackle him backward. The man yelped in shock as his wife beat his chest with a pink shovel."Why do you keep messing up everything nice- Do you want to die?!-" She screamed, furiously yanking his hair backward and slapped him with the plastic toy. Taehyung grunted as he lay flat on the sand- but didn't resist her aggression."My wife is so mean-" Taehyung groaned, suddenly dropping his hands to the side and pretended to play dead. Sora scoffed at his smug smile as the man lay motionless on the ground. She lightly smacked his forehead with the mini shovel, but Taehyung didn't budge and remained lifeless under her."You're dead?!- Araso! I'll bury you and search for another husband!" Sora scoffed, quickly digging the sand beside her to dump it over her husband's chest. He didn't move so the supreme alpha hastily dug and dug to cover her husband... until he's completely buried. She huffed and glanced at his head... since it was the part that wasn't covered."Don't bring me flowers. Feed me your boobies at my funeral and I'll come back to life," The smugly alpha smiled with his eyes closed as he sprawled beneath the thick pile of sand."Crazy jerk~!" Sora smacked his head with the pink shovel again. Smack! Taehyung groaned and opened his eyes to glare at her resentful expression with a slight grimace."Do you want to die?" He narrowed his eyes on her."Aigo~! My husband is dead now I have to search for another man so he can raise my beloved children! May you rest in peace~!" She mocked him with a fake pout. The supreme alpha suddenly stood up and stormed away with an attitude."Hey!-?- Yah! JANG SORA!" Kim Taehyung shouted for his wife, but she shrugged and skipped toward the other side of the beach where a few young men were playing football on the sand."Hi~! Can I join you guys?!" Sora happily approached the shirtless men. They quickly glanced at the supreme alpha in surprise as she stood in her pretty thin strap dress."Of course! What's your name?" One of the men chuckled as he stood with his toned abs. Kim Taehyungs scoffed in disbelief as he watched her chat with the bulky men, suddenly bursting through the thick layers of sand to scramble over the beach as his wife flirted with the youthful men."Sora~! I'm Jang Sora!" She giggled, shyly reaching out to shake the man's hand. SMACK! The young man flinched in a panic when Taehyung roughly slapped his hand away and possessively yanked his wife against his grainy body."Oh?-""I'm her husband! How dare you touch another man's wife!" Taehyung sneered funnily. The young men scoffed at Taehyung's rude confrontation and glanced at Sora's weak smile."You guys have pretty impressive bodies~! I like your abs! So cool!" She grinned, causing Taehyung to scoff at his wife in disbelief."Sora!" Taehyung snapped while trying to hold her against his chest but she giggled, shoved him away, and hopped toward the men as they chuckled at the squabbling couple."Can I touch-""No! Yah!?- Back off! She's married with five kids- so don't even think of it!" Taehyung roughly yanked her back by her waist."AH!? TAEHYUNG- HEY! PUT ME DOWN~!!!" Sora screeched in shock when her husband effortlessly bent down to sweep her off the sand and threw her body over his shoulder. The supreme alpha huffed in annoyance as she thrashed over him and smacked his rock-hard back- SMACK!Sora froze in shock when her husband shamelessly beat her buttcheeks. The young men chuckled hysterically until her cheeks flushed red in embarrassment, so Taehyung huffed and stormed back towards their picnic mat while spanking her bum with his palm. Smack! Smack! She screamed and whined in annoyance as he humiliated her before the people at the beach."How dare you run towards half-naked men! Hah~!" Taehyung scoffed, carefully settling his mischievous wife on the sand before the afternoon sea. She softly whined while rubbing her burning butt in annoyance and glanced at the chuckling men as they watched her from afar. The supreme alpha pursed her lips in embarrassment and glared at her husband again. Taehyung frowned at her with his hands placed firmly on his strong hips but he eventually broke into a weak smile when she pouted at him and stepped forward to embrace her body."Did you have to hit me so hard~?" She grumbled against his hard pecs as Taehyung patted her back to comfort her."Aigo~? Does your precious butt hurt~?" Taehyung chuckled, reaching down to grope her butt. Sora whined and shoved him back with a weak smile, so Taehyung chuckled and drew her into a firm hug again. The supreme alpha gave in to her husband and hugged him back- so he kissed the side of her head while standing on the beach before... the warm setting sun... to console his sulky wife.
A moment later.
Sora's POV"We're staying here for tonight? Wae?" I asked, turning to look at Taehyung unsurely as I placed the basket on the kitchen counter. The alpha tossed his bag on the couch and beckoned me up the stairs. He brought me to the vacation villa."What do you mean why? Parents should be allowed to take a break from their children," Taehyung chuckled while placing out his hand for me. I smiled, took his hand, and strolled to our master bedroom together. My husband wanted to shower because he was feeling sticky so we ended up scrubbing the grainy sand off each other's body before exiting the bathroom to pull on spare clothes from the closet. He made sure to stock our clothes at the vacation villa so we didn't have to pack our clothes during the visit."What are you doing?" I asked as I strolled down the stairs in my loose nightgown to find Taehyung carrying a wine bottle and a glass. He slid the glass door open and stepped out onto the dark beach... illuminated by warm lights."The date isn't over yet~!" Taehyung beckoned.I smiled at his invitation and strolled out onto our private beach to sit on the picnic mat on the sand. Taehyung lit up a romantic candlelight as he settled the plates of leftover food onto the mat. Pop! The man popped the cork and poured red wine into the clear glass before handing it to me, so I took a sip and screwed my face in discomfort."Ah~! This one is quite bitter~!" I rubbed my lips and handed the wine back to him. Taehyung chuckled and sipped from it as I picked up the fork to poke the grilled mackerel and ate it on the seaside."You used to love alcohol though~!" Taehyung chuckled as placed the glass down. He crossed his legs opposite from me in his silk pajamas and plopped a cashew inside his mouth."Yangcha didn't like to drink alcohol, so I avoided liquor for a while. I'm not as tolerant as I used to be," I shrugged. I was a drunk before I met Yangcha because of my miserable life... but my past lover changed my bad habits for the better... so I stopped relying on alcohol to distract my pain."Do you want to visit his grave? You didn't get to visit him during winter," Taehyung asked. I quietly chewed the food and glanced up at Taehyung, who was curiously staring at me."I'll visit him on his memorial day with Beom," I smiled. Taehyung nodded and ate the cold food. Yangcha's name doesn't really bother Taehyung anymore... so we sometimes bring him up. After all, he was a part of our family and should always be remembered for the positive impact he left on our lives."I contacted Woobin yesterday," Taehyung muttered, looking up at me again. I blinked and lifted the glass to sip from it."Is he well?" I smiled."Yeah. He's adjusting well. The kid told me not to worry about him," Taehyung nodded. I exhaled heavily at the thought of Woobin departing from our home.

We didn't send Choi Woobin away because of the incident with Hajin. He applied for a scholarship to a school abroad and passed the screening test, so he requested to leave on his own will. We agreed to let him fly abroad because it was his wish to study in Europe.

Coincidentally, the school happened to be in an area close to Yangcha's grandparents' castle... so they offered to take Woobin in. We agreed to let him reside with the Jae because we figured it was safer for the boy to live with our family.
"Hajin is still muted," I muttered. Our daughter is entirely devastated after her older brother left her side and has been brooding ever since. I tried to speak with her, and she'd respond to me... but the shine and brightness in her eyes had... been replaced... by a dense gloom.
It'll take a while for her to get used to his absence.
"Well. At least Hajin is not misbehaving anymore. He taught her a lesson," Taehyung shrugged while draining the wine before pouring us another glass. Hajin doesn't throw a tantrum anymore and she's always obedient... so it's very relieving.
A moment later.
I rubbed my numbed forehead as my fogged mind swayed from side to side... under the strong liquor influence as Taehyung strolled back out of our villa with a plate of fresh grapes. He placed it on my lap and settled beside me, so I smiled and plopped the juicy fruit inside my mouth as Taehyung sprawled on the mat to gaze up at the dark sky above us."This grape reminds me... of our old days..." I drunkenly smirked while examining the plump grapefruit. Taehyung turned his head under his tucked arms to watch me chew on the side of my mouth and open his mouth, so I pushed the grape into his mouth and placed the plate aside."What are you doing...?" Taehyung chuckled as I climbed his torso to sit on his lower abs and gently undid his buttons as he lay with his hands tucked under his head. I smiled and pushed the silk aside to reveal his toned body. Pause. I drunkenly admired the defined ridges of his toned muscles until my cheeks flushed bright red."Does the guard patrol the beach at night?" I whispered, keenly lifting my red face to question him with my hands pressed over his firm pecs."No," Taehyung replied. I chuckled at his response and lowered my face to kiss the scar on his left chest, causing Taehyung to scoff at the presence of my ticklish lips. He freed one hand from under his head to rub my upper arm as I stroked my wet tongue over the permanent bump on his skin."I want to leave bruises on your skin. Can I do that...?" I whispered while searching his dazed eyes. He watched me with a weak smile as he remained sprawling beneath my weight."Mark my body with your love," He nodded. I chuckled and lowered my face to smooch his chest... so Taehyung exhale and caressed my cheek with his thumb as I planted the visible love marks on his body.The man eventually closed his eyes to relax his muscles over the mat as I made my way down to his abs and nibbled on his skin while playing with his hard nipple. Am I crazy? Or does my lover's skin taste addictive? It's crazy how I enjoy licking his flavor so much...? Ah~! I'm losing my mind! Maybe it's the liquor on my tastebuds?! Taehyung took a deep exhale when I slightly tugged his waistband down to suck over his veiny lower abs... right above his crotch. "Is it possible to leave a mark on your mini corn dog?" I muttered and lifted my face in curiosity as the gentle waves washed the sea shore. Taehyung opened his sleepy eyes as he remained shirtless on the picnic mat beside the dim candlelight that was flickering its golden warmth on his suntan skin."I don't think you should do that to my wimpy dick. You might paralyze me," He chuckled.I giggled and crawled back up to stare at his bruised torso with a proud smile before lowering my face to bite softly onto his aroused nipple, causing my husband to inhale deeply with a weak smile. He loves foreplay. Especially when I bite his sensitive body parts like this. I lifted my face to examine his relaxed expression, so Taehyung raised his arm upward to draw me down.  I chuckled and kissed him softly before shifting my lips to the crook of his neck to nibble on his skin and all over his defined collar... until I covered his honey-tanned skin with... faint hickeys."Wah~! You look so stunning~!" I grinned, finally sitting up on his sexy trunk to examine the marks I left on him. There are deep bruises all over his body! I love it!"Should I decorate your precious skin with my marks too? Wherever you kiss me... I'll leave the exact same bruise on your skin," Taehyung smirked as he nudged his elbows against the mat to thrust his torso upward as I pressed my hand over his firm chest to hold him back."No. It'll be hard for me to cover it around the kids," I chuckled while crawling off his lap and slumped on the mat. The kids will question the bruises on my body. I don't want to worry them."Yah! That's unfair!-""No~! Your bruises are always much darker and my skin takes forever to fade the marks!" I whined and tried to crawl away but Taehyung seized my hips and pulled me back into his strong arms as I shrieked against his pulsing bare chest. The man lowered his head to kiss my neck, making me whine in annoyance as he sucked onto my skin while gripping my wrists over my stomach to trap me in his embrace."Don't whine!" Taehyung playfully scolded. I chuckled as he gently kissed my cheek while hugging me from behind, so I exhaled and gazed at the dark sea before us."Wait- Wait! Oppa wait~! Hngh~!" I shrieked while attempting to remove his hand from my breast as he reached under my neckline to grope me. Taehyung paused and tilted his face to question my resistance."Don't you dare try to escape-""I have a better idea. Let me go- Please~? I swear you'll love whatever I do~!" I pouted with my head tilted against his shoulder with a pleading look and softly pecked the man to soften him. He eventually exhaled and released my waist from his clutch, so I straightened my body and crawled out from between his legs to get up onto my feet- but ended up losing my balance and staggered to the side. Wobble!"Yah!" Taehyung gasped, quickly scrambling over the mat to support me. I weakly smiled with a numb face. Ah~! I'm so drunk! But I'm still conscious!"Blow out the candle and turn off all the lights around the property," I whispered as my husband towered over me with his arms secured around my waist.Taehyung unsurely observed my drunken face and glanced at the flickering candle lights with an uneasy expression but didn't say anything. He exhaled, bent down to blow out the candle... and strode inside the villa to open the switch box. Flick. The glowing lights around the property suddenly turned dark... leaving me standing alone on the dim beach. Taehyung contacted his men to assure them of the situation before strolling back onto the dark beach as I waited for his return. The only light source... is the subtle full moon radiant... above our heads... barely illuminating our presence."What now? Do you want to play hide and seek?" Taehyung smirked as he approached me on his bare feet."S- Stop!- Seobang-nim! Stop there~!" I raised my hand to stop the husbandman. Halt. Taehyung paused over the mat with a confused look.I chuckled and stepped back until I was standing on damp sand near the shallow end. Taehyung stood cemented in his place to watch me with a poker face as I gripped either side of my silk... carefully lifting the gown off my body and tossed the light material onto the mat. Fwip. The man glanced down at my fallen silk and back at me with a dumbfounded look as I stood in my panty and bra."Huh...?" Taehyung funnily raised his eyebrow to question my bizarre behavior. Carefully. I reached backward to unclasp my bra, drew it off my plump breast, and tossed it at the man. Snatch! He effortlessly caught the garment with a slight smirk. Taehyung lustfully lifted my undergarment to his nose and deeply inhaled it to absorb my raw scent with a satisfied frown."You said... the guards don't patrol the beach, so it's just us here," I chuckled while lowering my hands to hook my panty straps with my thumbs and bent down to slip the thin fabric from my ankles before standing up again. I tossed the panty at my husband, who caught the thin fabric with ease and pressed it against his nose again, lowly releasing a lustful moan as he shamelessly eyeballed my naked body under the dim moonlight glow without blinking."How are you so... naughty...?" Taehyung whispered while staring at my vulnerable body on the seaside beach. Smiling weakly... I stepped backward and turned around to splash into the shallow end.The cold water... steadily rising to my ankles until it reached my knees as I wandered into the dark sea without any clothes on. Taehyung stood his ground as he watched me paddle deeper until the water rose to my exposed breasts. I finally stopped in the dark water and rotated my body to stare at my husband... who stood with his hands on his hips as the gentle wave washed the shore before him."Strip and come to me," I instructed while smiling at the man before bending my knees to dip under the cold surface and swiftly stood up again to wipe my soaked face.Taehyung slipped off his already unbuttoned shirt and tossed it aside with my undergarment with his dead stare on me. I smiled while stroking the water with my curious gaze trained on his perfectly toned body as the man pulled down his waistband and kicked his pants aside before stepping forward... standing fully naked on the seaside. I pursed my lips while eyeballing his nude physique to admire his god-sculpted body and glanced at his already erect crotch. He's hard already...? I shyly giggled in excitement."Stay where you are and don't run," Taehyung warned in a low tone. I smiled and nodded at him as the water dripped from my curled lashes.Taehyung exhaled and slowly stepped into the water to make his way towards me. I smiled and tilted my head to the side while biting my lower lips as I eagerly watched his manly hip movement. He steadily splashed into the water... until it rose to his hips... and eventually covering his hard bulge. The man didn't blink and kept his dark gaze on me as I stood under the dim moonlight... waiting for him to approach me with his aroused body.My heart started racing for an unknown reason as he inched closer to me with a dead gaze... until the man towered above my frail body... over the reflective dark surface. We stood... motionless while staring at one another in the darkness as the delicate breeze stroked our exposed skin in the vast opening. Splash! I squirted the water at his face and quickly swam away to avoid him."Ah!" I shrieked when he effortlessly seized my waist under the water and hauled me right back against his naked chest. Taehyung didn't speak and held me tightly under the water as I faced away from him with a startled gaze on the darkness of the sea beyond our gaze."I said... don't run from me," He grunted, lowering his face to speak lowly in my ear. I froze at his intimidating voice and stood stiff against his pulsating chest. He's calm... but I can sense... his impatience. Taehyung lowered his face to brush the tip of his nose against my neckline, causing my skin to crawl with goosebumps as the man softly kissed my shoulder to plant the invisible love prints."Haha~!" I shrieked, shoving him aside again, and quickly swam away before he could catch me. Not so easy!I swam as fast as I could to flee from the man before emerging from the water to rub my drenched face but paused in dread when Taehyung... suddenly disappeared from the calm surface. Oh?! I gulped in extreme anxiety while freezing in the dark water as I scanned the stable surface with a pounding heart. Where did he go!? This is scary! I gasped and stumbled to the left when I felt a swift movement brushing against my thigh beneath the water so I shrieked and wildly spun around to search the gentle waves in extreme distress.The water surface remained calm without a stir... so I swallowed restlessly while hugging my bare chest. Badum! Badum! Badum! My heart thumped intensely against my ribs. I didn't dare budge and stood in place while listening to the crashing waves on the distant shore as the soothing wind gusts brushed my damp shoulders. I fearfully shivered while turning from side to side to await his appearance as I slowly backed away to keep an eye out for my sneaky husband. I know he'll attack me when I least expect it- Thump.My bare back suddenly collided with a solid surface- causing my body to stiffen in shock. My heart suddenly leaped into my throat as I felt his naked chest... pulsing steadily against my back. I didn't dare turn my head. Fuck. I'm so fucked."Escape from my grip again... and I'll make sure to fuck you out of your mind in the deep sea. Do you understand...?" Taehyung whispered beside my ear, causing me to shudder at the vibration of his raspy voice.I bit my lower lips in fright and wildly spun around to stare at my looming husband as he stood in the deep end... staring dead at me with a blank face. The man lifted his thick eyebrow to intimidate me... so I sucked in my breath and glanced at his dripping-wet hair. The visible water beads... dripping along his hairlines... rolling down his broad shoulders... and gliding smoothly over firm his biceps.

[ Teaser Link ] "You win," I whispered in fright. Even if I try to escape again... he will chase me down.Taehyung smirked at my surrender as he reached out to seize my waist, and spun my body around to make me face the shore... so I stood stiffly against his naked trunk under the water as Taehyung skimmed his palm over my stomach to reach between my inner thighs. I shakily exhaled with my head tilted back against his left shoulder while gripping his forearm in anticipation as the man rubbed my sensitive spot under the water. I curled my toes over the sand under my feet... until the surging warmth infested my crotch, paralyzing my nerves with his invasive strokes... but I didn't dare make a sound and stood quietly with my eyes screwed shut."Oppa- Hah~! I'm cold~!" I moaned and lifted my troubled expression to beg for his mercy after a minute of struggling to contain my overly stimulated body. Taehyung didn't blink and darkly stared at me as he shoved his middle finger up my inside- making me whimper at his paralyzing presence. I lowered my face in extreme distress as he clutched me across the chest with another arm to hold my frail body in place."No one can hear us, so moan as loud as you want. Let me hear your naughty sounds," He sensually kissed my earlobe to encourage me. Fuck! Why am I so aroused?! I inhaled shakily and lifted my arm to rub his jawline as he fingered me beneath the surface until my muscles grew super tensed... so I moaned and pulled his head down to stuff my lips with his slick tongue."I love you- Taehyung- I love you so much- Ah~! Ah~! HAH~! HGNH~!" I panted heavily while squirming in distress as he sped up the movement of his fingers to rub my inner flesh... until the surging jolt electrified my system with the searing hot pleasure. Taehyung darkly chuckled at my positive reaction and pinched my nipples with his free hand... so I shakily gripped his forearm and lowered my face to fume in despair as my husband tortured me with his skilled foreplay."Do you like it like this? Hmm...? You never enjoyed being the good girl... huh? Do you like it when I touch you like this..?- Answer me, Sora," Taehyung sensually licked my ear, causing me to quiver at every wet stroke I felt between my legs. I started hyperventilating against his chest because I was too overwhelmed by the pleasure... so I moaned loudly and whimpered in desperation while gripping his soaked forearm."I- I do- I enjoy your touch- very much- Hmph~!" I whimpered while struggling to keep my voice stable. Taehyung suddenly stopped fondling my breast and lifted my chin upward with his soaked hand."Look ahead of you," He whispered with a devious smirk. I swallowed and glanced at the shore... until I found... two guards strolling over the seaside, causing my heart to thump against my ribs in a panic. Taehyung lowered his head to suck on my neck while chuckling under his breath. I tensed my body as the men halted by our picnic mat to inspect our scattered clothes."You- you said- They won't- Hah~! Taehyung~! I can't-~! This is too much~! Ah~! I'm too sensitive down there~! Stop!-" I gasped, suddenly thrashing between his grip- but he firmly held on to my body while finger fucking me in the deep sea. My crotch is throbbing with so much pleasure~!"No. Sora. You must finish what you started," He chuckled while licking my collarbone as the guards slowly turned to search for our presence. I sucked in my breath as the men stared right in our direction. Taehyung and I were at the deep end so the surface was at my chest level."Sir?!" They shouted while waving their hands at us."Tell them... Sora. Tell them we're okay. Let them know you're okay while I'm fingering you like this," Taehyung whispered against my ears. I whimpered in distress as Taehyung intensified the friction inside my crotch to paralyze my nerves with the wet strokes of his two fingers... lodged deep inside me."We- We- Hah~! Oppa- I can't~!-""They'll splash into the water if you don't speak," Taehyung chuckled evilly as the men waited for our response. He roughly pinched my hard nipple and tweaked the tips until I shuddered and cried in pleasure as Taehyung supported my chin with his hand. I shakily inhaled and pursed my lips in difficulty while frowning at the men on the shore."We- We- Ah~! WE'RE OKAY!- DON'T- DON'T WORRY! Hah~!" I shouted and lifted my hand to give them a thumbs up. The guards nodded and lowered their heads before walking off... so I whimpered and tilted my head back against my husband helplessly as he pumped me up and down in an upward motion until the pleasure jolted all over my nerves again... causing me to shiver in distress."Ah~! You're so obedient~! Good girl!" Taehyung chuckled in a hoarse tone with his lips pressed against my ear as I struggled to contain my ragged breathing."Sto- Stop! Jagi please~!" I whined. I grabbed his wrist to yank his fingers out of me, and quickly spun around to frown darkly at his smug expression. Taehyung tilted his head to the side to examine my flushed cheeks as I fumed heavily beneath him with my fists clenched."Wae? Are you upset again? Should I fuck the attitude out of you tonight? Hmm~? How dare you glare at me? You shouldn't have messed with my hard dick if you weren't ready to be fucked," Taehyung grunted as he lowered his dangerous face to level his gaze with mine. He held an intense eye contact with me as we stood in the deep end. I gulped restlessly and lowered my eyes to his parted lips... until Taehyung leaned forward to shush my discomfort with his poisonous tongue. I exhaled laboriously and hugged his chest as he clutched my hips and gently groped my buttcheeks underwater."You're so- bad-" I whispered as he drew his lips away to suck on my neck and lifted me upward, so I circled my legs around his strong hips under the water to secure him. How can he finger me before his clueless men like this?!-I gripped onto his broad shoulders as the man slowly walked back toward the shallow end while sucking on my neckline. I pulled away to kiss his lips and swirled my tongue inside his mouth... until my body slowly... emerged from the surface... exposing my dripping skin to the cool breeze. Taehyung held my body tightly against his as he stepped out of the water and knelt downward to place me on the picnic mat scattered with our clothes."Am I the nasty one, or was this all your idea~? You sure have a bad habit of avoiding your responsibilities. Did you think I'd let you off even if you're not prepared? Spread your fucking legs for me, woman," He smirked as he nudged my thighs apart and knelt between my opened legs to jerk his bulge with his tempted gaze on my naked body. I uneasily panted over the mat as I lusted over his dripping-wet body with my legs apart."I'll take charge. Okay?" I asked, nervously sitting up to watch him jerk his swollen tip. The man nodded as he knelt before me, so I grabbed his wet bulge and lowered my head to lick his sensitive flesh. Taehyung lowly grunted as he watched me suck onto him... so I shoved my head forward to take him deeper inside my mouth... and bopped my head over his crotch until Taehyung started thrusting inside my mouth. Slurp. Slurp.He moaned in satisfaction while holding onto my head to make me swallow his raw meat. I gagged against his hard tip as he repeatedly thrust inside my mouth to suffocate my airpath but I didn't give in and sucked harder onto him... until his semen exploded inside my mouth. Taehyung shakily clenched his jaw in distress as he stiffened over the mat... so I slowly withdrew his bulge from my lips and glanced up at him from between my soaked lashes."Spit it out," Taehyung muttered, lowering his palm to my chin. I opened my mouth to release his semen from my lips. The man smirked at the thick paste before lowering his palm to smear the discharge over my throbbing private part, making me smile at his filthy behavior as I watched him massage the moist substance over my throbbing slit to lubricate my entrance.  "Are you trying to get me pregnant again?" I chuckled as Taehyung lowered his face to kiss my lips. I held onto his wet nape until Taehyung slowly lowered his body to sprawl on the mat beside me, so I crawled onto his crotch and carefully inserted his tip against my slit... slowly swallowing him up inside my throbbing canal.The man began thrusting his hips upward to push deeper... so I moaned and furrowed my eyebrows in anticipation as he slowly penetrated me. Fuck- I'm fucking crazy for doing this out in the opening so shamelessly! But I don't care! I pressed my palms against his moist chest for support while perching on his crotch with my eyes closed to savor his presence inside my body."The chances of you getting pregnant are high but I'll handle that later," Taehyung chuckled as he kneaded my breasts while gazing up at me so I pursed my lips and started grinding over his crotch to ignite the flaming pleasure between our joint groins.Taehyung moaned in pleasure and pulled me down to suck on my hard nipples as I carefully rode his hard cock until I felt my nose burning and tears... filling my eyes. Slap. Slap. Slap. All I could hear was our moist flesh... beating against one another... to create a wet squelching sound over the deserted beach."Hah~! Fucking you on the beach sex is my fucking guilty pleasure~!" I cursed at my husband.Taehyung chuckled at my unmannered speech as he clutched my hips, and thumped his bulge harder inside me. I stopped bouncing and let the man take charge so he steadily thrusts upward to pump the sticky juice out of the swollen slit until I arched my spine and threw my head back in satisfaction while being pleasured by my hot husband on the dark beach in front of our dark villa."Let's do this often~! This is by far my favorite place to fuck you~!" He chuckled and bit down on his lips as he watched the motion of our soaked crotches... rubbing and grinding... nastily over each other to produce the unbearable heat within our souls.I grinned and lowered my face to make out with him as Taehyung groped my boobs before skidding both hands down my back to grip my buttcheeks, forcefully making me bounce over his crotch. I whimpered against his crotch when a hot jolt suddenly burst through me, causing my canal to contract around his hard shaft- so I stiffly sat up in discomfort- but Taehyung roughly yanked me back down until my breast slammed against his rock-hard chest. Thwop! Thowp!The man didn't grant me a break to let me orgasm- and accelerated his hips upward to raw fuck me, causing my discharge to splatter messily between my legs as he aggressively pumped the juice out of me. I cried in shock at the speed of his thrusts, so I yanked his hair to resist the agonizing pleasure until Taehyung moaned out loud- and shoved his bulge inside me for the last time- SPLURGE. His semen blasted deep inside me-! Thowp! Thowp! I gasped and hugged his neck tightly as he clutched my back to hold me down until my body trembled out of control while fuming over him.The both of us... were entirely depleted after the wild sexual intercourse on the seaside beach. My husband didn't release my sweaty back and held me tightly over his soaked body as I parted my lips to breathe through my mouth after being blown away by the wild sex. The man gently slapped my fleshy buttcheeks and groped it in satisfaction. He let out a satisfied moan with his eyebrows furrowed... to savor the shocking relief of loading my womb with his sperms."Fucking hell... Sora... I swear I'll give you a thousand of my children if you can handle it," He grunted. I smiled, took an exhausted exhale, and pressed my numb face against his burning neck as Taehyung lifted his hand to rub the curve over my back."Give me one of your children in the next thousand lifetimes," I chuckled, finally lifting my face to smile at him. Taehyung cupped my cheeks and lifted his face to make out with me so I exhaled and hugged his chest again."Okay. I'll find you in every life to ensure we raise a family together! If you're with another man- then I will fight and wrestle him until I achieve you! Wherever you go- I chase you through the reincarnation door and bother you for the rest of your afterlife," He grumbled, making me chuckle at his hoarse voice. He's barely breathing after making love yet he claims to have the energy to chase me for an infinity? How hilarious~!"I'll wait for you in every lifetime. I promise," I smiled.Taehyung pulled out his bulge to let the semen spill out of me and turned on his side to rest me on the mat. I exhaled and rested my head on his bicep as he brushed back my hair to tuck it behind my ear. We stared at each other in silence as we lay on the mat to savor the aftertaste of our love-making flame. He smiled, leaned forward to kiss my head, and pulled away to gaze tenderly at my flushed face as we remained under the moonlight on the seaside beach... too exhausted to budge our muscles but to bloom our love in each other's arms.
A moment later.
"I told you not to leave the marks~!" I pouted while sitting against Taehyung's firm chest in the bubbling jacuzzi with the view of the dark sea. The man gently scrubbed my back with a soft body sponge, so I exhaled and hugged my knees."Aren't you proud of the marks?" He asked."I am proud of you, but imo and appa will give me weird looks again. And the kids will question the bruises. They get worried, you know?" I whined, turning to pout at him. He chuckled, pecked my lips, and hugged my waist under the warm water so I exhaled and leaned back against his damp torso in defeat.

"Just tell them it's my love marks~!" Taehyung pinched my cheek. I smiled and rubbed this slippery thigh while gazing at the sea before our bathroom glass wall."You shouldn't corrupt them~! They'll feel disturbed once they're old enough to understand our love marks," I chuckled. Taehyung kissed the side of my head before leaning back against the headrest with his muscular arms hooked over the rim."Ah~ I'm the happiest man alive right now," Taehyung exhaled with his eyes closed. I spun around to sit cross-legs with my thighs rested between his spread-open legs."Is it because of me? Your precious wife?" I grinned. The man opened his eyes to scan my face and nodded."Of course. You're the only person to provoke all kinds of emotions within me. I love you to death, you know that? It's very difficult to safeguard a soul like yours. Took me... forever... to mend the cracks and fill up the ridge between us. Now... our garden is blooming with so many flowers, and that's only possible because of your affection. I have to maintain our healthy relationship and chase away the greedy bees and butterflies so they can't feast on our blooming love," He nodded. I grinned wider and hugged his chest, so Taehyung clasped his arms around my back and rubbed my wet shoulder. "Ah~! My husband is sugary sweet~! Muah~! Muah~! Muah~! He's hot! He's sexy! He's handsome! He's smart! He's cute! He's annoying! He's comedic! He's very stupid too~! Ah~! All in one~! What a perfect package!" I teased while kissing him all over his face. Taehyung chuckled as he rubbed my waist under the water."Ah~! My wife has pretty boobies~! Boobies everyday~! And every night~!" Taehyung chuckled while bouncing my breasts with his fingers. I whined at his playful manner, so the man leaned downward to try and lick my soft tips- but I shoved his head away and splashed backward to avoid his touch. Taehyung suddenly grabbed my ankles and yanked my back, causing my butt to slide effortlessly over the slippery base- Thump! I slammed right back into his solid chest. The man smiled and cuddled me happily... so I gave in and clung to his neck with my eyes trained on the dark sea before us.
Kim Taehyung is my sacred solace.

Without him... I would've already given up on my life.

Whether he's aware or not... he is the only reason I'm willing to live another day to see tomorrow.

Because I know for certain that... as long as he exists in my life... I will forever have the strength to live this life.

If I could turn back time and avoid tricking him into marrying me to secure my power... I wouldn't change a thing. I'd repeat the same mistake.

It is Kim Taehyung... who allows me to thrive... entirely with my inner child.

Around him... I can whine... I can be stupid... I can throw a tantrum... I can be a headstrong fool... and he'd let me.

He'd love me regardless.

I don't have to pretend and mask my true self because... Kim Taehyung... is the only soul... with the ability... to handle my unpredictable nature.

It takes a lot... for a man... to stay and love me... despite the scars I've carved on his heart.

And because of my past mistakes and thoughtless acts... I have vowed to forever stay in debt to his soul... so I could remain by his side... and serve him until the end of time.

Even in the next life... I hope... I'll never stop... repaying my love debt because... I don't ever want us... to part again.

I owe Kim Taehyung... all of my lifetimes.

Next Morning
I sat quietly on the couch that was facing the expansive glass wall to watch the gloomy sea with a blanket wrapped around my cold body. It's stormy today... but there's no wind... so the sea is rather calm. I heard clattering sounds in the kitchen but didn't turn until my husband appeared in a white shirt and loose pajama pants. Taehyung handed me a warm mug and settled beside me to scroll through his phone... so I sipped the steaming tea and placed it back onto the plate."The tea is well brewed," I mumbled while staring down at the clear tea in surprise. "I learned to brew my own tea after my lovely assistant ghosted me at the corporation," Taehyung chuckled as he tilted his head to rest on my shoulder. I lifted my arm to hug his head and softly kissed his temple."You could've hired another assistant," I smiled as Taehyung scrolled through his screen to skim through the confidential files."I refuse to eat or drink anything that's not made by my wife," He shook his head and tilted his head upward, making me smile at his statement so I lowered my face to peck his lips. The man dropped his phone on his lap and hugged my waist as I rubbed his shoulder."Thank you for the warm tea," I smiled.Taehyung nodded and squeezed my waist... so I pressed my nose against his soft hair to inhale his pacifying fragrance and glanced at the calm sea before our property. We ended up rotting on the couch together to watch the gloomy sea while spooning each other under the blanket.I want nothing more than this. Just us... in each other's arms with little worries about our lives. It's a simple lifestyle... yet almost impossible to achieve. So I'm praying for it to last forever. I remained muted as Taehyung hugged me from behind. He's been motionless for a while. I turned on my back to check on him... expecting my husband to be asleep... but the man was wide awake. He glanced down at my face with a questioning look."Wae?" Taehyung softly asked while holding my hand over my stomach."I can't believe we went skinny dipping and even made love on the beach," I chuckled, rolling over to face him- so I could hug his waist. Taehyung smiled as he combed his fingers through my hair."Everything is possible with Jang Sora," Taehyung chuckled as he placed his warm palm over my cheek and gently stroked my skin with his thumb. Smiling, I interlaced our fingers and kissed his hand, so Taehyung gently pulled me closer to snuggle his face against mine."Do you want to have another child?" I asked, curiously staring at him. The man frowned and shifted his face backward to scan my face with an amused smile."Another child?" Taehyung raised his eyebrow."Yeah. Hajin is your only blood daughter, so I wonder if you-""They're all my children whether or not they have my blood. Five children are a handful... so I won't burden my wife with more misbehaving rascals. You have only recovered from your postpartum depression. Let's retire from manufacturing babies from now on. Your health is too frail to bear another fetus," He shook his head."I wouldn't mind having another baby because my baby daddy is an exceptional father," I giggled. Taehyung scoffed and held my head against his warm chest while scratching my scalp with his fingertips"I grew up caring for a child that's not mine... and that's the fussy little dumpling. Of course, I'm used to handling children. They can't be worse than Jang Sora," Taehyung mumbled."Eomma?!-" The twins shrieked, suddenly bursting through the door so I gasped at their unexpected presence and tried to sit up but Taehyung flung his heavy leg over my hips and pulled me back down as the frantic footsteps stormed inside the vacation villa."Who gave you permission to be here?!" Taehyung scolded when the twins appeared by the couch with their bunny smiles. They shrieked and quickly climbed onto us... making me groan under their weight as Woojin attempted to wiggle between our bodies- but the father refused and clung onto me to prevent them from tearing us apart."Ahjussi brought us here because he says parents shouldn't avoid their responsibilities!" Kanghoon giggled as he lay on Taehyung's shoulder. I smiled and hugged Woojin, who was hugging my waist with a bright grin."Ah~! How annoying~!" Taehyung grumbled, eventually releasing my body to lay on his back. Kanghoon goggled and sat up on his father's torso as I hugged Woojin and patted the boy's small butt. The child giggled and hugged my body until Beom appeared in a set of purple clothes. Oh! He looks so stylish today~!"Aigo~! You're here too?!" I scoffed, sitting up on the cushions as Beom smiled and climbed onto the couch, so I pulled the young boy onto my lap until Do-hwan appeared, carrying Hajin on his hips. The man placed the my youngest daughter on Taehyung's chest with a slight grimace."I'll be out of the mansion for a few days to assist the council's security team on their next operation so look after your own children," The man sorely grimaced and turned to stroll out of the door, causing Taehyung scoff and sat up to glare at the man but he left without another words."I guess our break is over," I chuckled at Taehyung and glanced at the small suitcases by the door after our chief guards delivered our children to our doorstep. Hajin smiled and hugged Taehyung's body in her knee-length dress as I patted Beom's chubby cheek.
A moment later.
Taehyung and I finally got up from the couch to collect the kids' belongings from the door... and sorted the suitcases in their respective rooms. In the blink of an eye... the mansion is once again stirring with chaotic screams as the twin boys wear their digital head gear to sway and smack the invisible monsters with their remotes while standing in front of the flat-screen television. "Eomma. Look~!" Beom lifted his small robotic toy to show me as he sat on the kitchen counter."Did you make it?" I smiled. Beom nodded and played with the robotic toy, so I lifted the child and walked into the living room to place the warm seotteok-seotteok plate on the coffee table."Snacks!" Beom giggled as I settled him on the carpet so the child quickly grabbed the skewer and climbed the couch to sit beside Taehyung, who was watching the twins swing their arms to kill the monsters on the television. Where's Hajin? I glanced outside to find Hajin sitting alone on the bench on the seashore, so I picked up a skewer, slid the glass door aside, and stepped out into the opening."Hajin sweetie, are you hungry~?" I asked while walking up to my daughter. She blinked out of her deep thoughts and glanced up at me, so I lifted her to sit the child on my lap and sat down on the bench."Seotteok Seotteok?" She asked as she grabbed the skewer."Have it while it's still warm," I smiled while patting her soft cheek. Hajin giggled at the delicious snack and leaned against my chest to gaze at the sea while chewing the sticky sausage, so I gently stroked her shoulder.

"Eomma... will oppa visit us soon~?" Hajin asked, curiously looking up at me through her curled lashes. I smiled."I'm not sure. Oppa is busy with his new school, so he might not return any time soon," I smiled. Hajin pouted while chewing the greasy sausage."Oppa didn't hit me with the rake. I lied," She grumbled. I exhaled and patted her shoulder to comfort her."It's okay. Oppa didn't blame Hajin," I whispered as Hajin wiggled her dangling legs over my knees. Smiling, I drew the loose hairband from her thin hair to comb my finger through the loose strands and gently tied it into pigtail buns to maintain a better grip on her hair."Hajinie wants to say sorry... but oppa... is far away," She mumbled."You can apologize once he returns. Okay?" I chuckled, lowering my face to admire her adorable chubby cheeks. Hajin blinked and glanced at me with a weak smile."Eomma- Ah~!" She smiled, offering her skewer, so I opened my mouth and accepted her offer. Hajin dabbed my oily lips and grinned at the calm sea until Taehyung strolled out of the villa with baby Beom, who quickly jogged towards us on his bare feet."Hyung is too loud~!" Beom whined as he stepped towards me. Taehyung followed the child with a skewer in his hand so Hajin placed the empty stick down, hopped off my lap, and kicked off her slippers."Can we play in the water~?" Hajin asked with her face tilted up at her father while pointing at the shallow end with her tiny finger."Go ahead," I nodded. She shrieked and grabbed Beom's wrist but the boy whined and gripped my dress to resist his younger sister."No!- I don't want to~!" Beom shrieked, tugging back, but Hajin bit her lower lips and yanked him with all her might until Beom lost his grip and stumbled after her."Oppa~! Play with Hajin~! Come~!" Hajin screamed, firmly wrapping her arms around his round belly and towed her bigger brother with all her might. Beom cutely wiggled in desperation."AH!- Eomma! Ah~?- No! No! No!!!" Beom shrieked with his arms extended for me when Hajin suddenly lowered her body and lifted her brother off the sand. He screamed in bewilderment as Hajin puffed her chubby cheeks and carried Beom against her body- SPLASH!The child shrieked in shock when Hajin dumped him into the shallow end. The baby jaguar toppled funnily and fell into the water with his eyes bulging open in shock. Taehyung chuckled at Beom's annoyed frown before walking forward to crouch on the wet sand as Hajin smiled and sat in the ankle-height water in her sage green dress."Hehe~!" Hajin giggled and cupped Beom's cheeks to kiss his forehead as an apology. The boy smiled as he sat in the water and glanced at his stepfather, who was eating from the skewer with a weak smile. Beom suddenly splashed the water on Hajin's face... so she screamed and splashed back."So salty~! Gah~!" Beom screamed while paddling away from her in annoyance, making me chuckle at their cute bickering.
A moment later.
Taehyung sat in the shallow water to monitor the younger heirs as Hajin chased Beom with a baby crab, so he ran and screamed over the beach in his soaked clothes. The youngest heir giggled, stopped chasing her frightened brother, and skipped towards her father instead, so he opened his arms to welcome her.

The little one sat on his lap in the shallow end as Beom happily splashed back into the water to hug Taehyung's back. The man ruffled the child's soaked hair and pulled the Beom down to make him sit in the water as I remained on the bench to watch my husband chat with the young children before the afternoon sky until the glass door slid open again... and the twins came sprinting out... shirtless."WOOOOOH~!" Woojin screeched, wildly splashing into the ocean causing the younger children to shriek in shock. Kanghoon laughed and frantically splashed the water at Taehyung, who shouted at the crazy rascals with his hands shielded over Beom and Hajin's faces to stop the water from stinging their eyes."You punks!" Taehyung snapped. The twins laughed funnily, paddled into the water... and dived under the surface to swim below the calm waves."Not too deep!" I called while frowning at the twins after they emerged from the surface.Taehyung funnily huffed while wiping the water from the younger heirs' faces before standing up and walked out of the shallow end to sit next to me with his dripping wet clothes. I handed him the dry towel so he dabbed his chest and neck as the twins swam toward their siblings. Kanghoon suddenly seized Hajin... and Beom was snatched by Woojin."AH~?!- NO- OPPA!?- OPPA!!!!" Hajin screamed in horror as the evil twins dragged the young children deeper... until the water rose up to their noses."You two won't drown- considering your fat belly! It'll keep you floating!" Woojin teased the plump children. I smiled as Beom clung to Woojin's neck in fear. Hajin screamed and smacked Kanghoon's chest with a burning red face. The identical boys chuckled and hugged their baby sister and baby brother in the deep end to keep them afloat."Stop bullying them! Yah!" Taehyung quickly stood up to scold the twins when they suddenly submerged themselves under the surface and stood up again with the young children in their arms. Hajin coughed in shock as the water flowed over her snotting nose. Beom anxiously clutched onto Woojin with chattering teeth but didn't complain and glanced at Taehyung for help.
Evening
I entered the chaotic twins' room to find the kids smacking each other with their pillows while jumping over the beds that were pushed together. I gasped and sprinted forward when Beom wobbled and almost tumbled off the edge after being blown in the face by his older brother."Don't jump on the bed! You'll fall and hurt yourself!" I snapped as I reached out to grab Kanghoon, who was funnily beating Hajin with a pillow until she flopped backward and rolled onto the mattress. Hajin giggled and tried to sit up again but was greeted with yet another soft smack, causing her to collapse back onto the bed.Woojin tried to hit Beom as I hugged the child to stabilize him, so I raised my arm to shield the boy- who suddenly shot out of my arms and tackled his older brother onto the bed. Woojin shrieked in shock as Beom lifted his cushion to smack the twin boy's face- making him cackle softly. I tried to calm them down... but the kids refused to stop... and frantically swung the pillow at each other in their night pajamas.
A moment later.
I quietly placed the scattered toys back into the crates on the side of the room while kneeling on the carpet as Taehyung tucked the children under the blanket. They have decided to share the spacious room, so the four of them are sleeping on the king-size beds that were pushed together to form a massive bed. The twins slept on either side of the bed. Hajin and Beom slept in the middle with their cushions."Let's head to bed," Taehyung whispered as he beckoned me from the opened door. I closed the crates and left to sleep in our bedroom with the view of the dark sea."Should we enroll Hajin in school? Or should we homeschool her with Beom?" I asked while sitting against the bed head as Taehyung stretched his stiff body at the foot of the bed to relieve his strained back. He's never been the same since Woojin crashed the bicycle into his lower spine."I prefer to keep her within our sight," Taehyung shrugged."The twins can look after her at school," I muttered. I don't want her to grow up... behind the walls like I did. She should be allowed to explore the world."We'll send her for a study trial. If Hajin is comfortable... then we'll let her study at school. If not, then she can join Beom," Taehyung shrugged. I nodded as he crawled onto the bed with a sleepy expression. I patted the space beside me. The man groaned and rolled onto his belly so I could give him a back massage.
His back stiffens frequently, and he'd have a difficult time straightening himself if he bends over for too long. We got it checked a few times, but the head doctor claimed there was nothing to worry about. I guess my old man is aging too quickly.

Aigo~! We're getting older now~! How did time fly so fast? We were only young children the other day- but we're starting to get wrinkles now? Life is scary because I am now witnessing my husband's transition as he ages. He's growing a few strands of grey hair... and the man gets tired easily over trivial tasks.

I have to take better care of him.

Night Time
I sleepily scratched my neck while lying on the mattress when my husband wouldn't stop tapping my shoulder, so I frowned... and opened my eyes to find him grumbling against my ear over the pillow. Taehyung opened his eyes briefly and closed them again as I tried to concentrate my fuzzy senses on whatever he was whispering."What?" I mumbled while rubbing the rough friction blister scars on his palm."Water..." He grumbled with his eyes closed."Water?" I repeated while rubbing my forehead as he lowered his arm to hug my waist."Thirsty..." He nodded. Sighing, I reached over the nightstand to search for the mug... but it was empty... so I exhaled and sat up with my eyes half open. We're out of water."I'll get it for you," I mumbled, lightly patting his cheek, crawled off the bed to collect the mug and strolled out of the bedroom with my eyes half open. I sleepily yawned while gripping the railing to support my weight and strolled into the dim ground floor without switching on the lights. Taehyung often wakes me at night for water... because he doesn't want to get out of bed, so I usually have to fetch it for him. I strolled into the kitchen, opened the fridge to grab a cool jar to pour into the mug, and took a sip from it by the counter... until I felt a swift movement behind my back."I got the water-" I grumbled, cluelessly turning around with the mug- expecting to see my husband- but halted in horror when I found an unknown man charging towards me with a sharp glare. CRASH!I hurled the mug at him without thinking and stumbled to the side to avoid his unexpected attack, causing the man to slip and slam into the counter. He cursed under his breath before snapping his fuming face to glare at me with his rageful eyes as I stood on the opposite side of the counter- in utter shock. What's this?!- How did he get inside?!"Are your kids asleep...?" The man with an ugly scar across his face chuckled, revealing his crooked teeth as I gripped my hands in fright. Shit! I have to disable him!"Who the fuck are you-""I'll get your kids first~!" The man sneered, suddenly dashing out of the kitchen... so I gasped and sprinted after him. He tried to climb the staircase, but I head-locked him from behind- and violently yanked the intruder backward with a racing heart to stop him from storming up the stairs. Is it the cult's people?! How did they find us?!-The guy grunted in annoyance as he violently spun around to stab me with the blade- but I quickly gripped his wrist with a dark frown to resist his force. Snatch! The man seized my throat with his other hand, causing me to cough in shock as he stepped towards me with a wicked smile. I gawked at his hideous face in fright while glaring at him with my burning eyes."Do you have a death wish?!" I seethed, angrily gripping his wrist to stop him from forcing the blade toward my stomach. The man suddenly tightened his grip around my throat- Thud! He angrily shoved me against the wall- making me groan in pain."Try calling for help. I'm sure your children will come sprinting down the stairs to save their dying mama~! And then... I'll chase... one by one of them... to slaughter the little lambs~!" He sneered his stinking breath over my face. I screwed my face in distress while struggling to breathe and glanced at the dark stairs. If I shout... the kids will come running to me. I can't wake them up!"What do you want?!" I furiously snapped in anger."Your life, of course. One billion won for your head- What an expensive bitch!- Five million won for each of the children's heads and another billion for your husband. I'll be fucking rich!" The man sneered in my face but grunted in shock when I kneed him hard in his balls- Smack! The ugly man abruptly released my neck to grasp his pained crotch- CLATTER!I skillfully smacked the blade of his hand, sending it clattering onto the ground. How dare he put a price tag on my family's life?!- He seethed in anger after regaining his balance and tried to launch at me- but I lifted my leg and kicked him with all my might- sending the man tumbling onto the ground. THUMP! He grunted in extreme pain with his hands clasped over his aching chest."Did you think I was a defenseless bitch?!" I seethed, angrily storming up to seize the scumbag's collar- when he suddenly slapped me hard across my face. I gasped at the surging pain and wildly turned to glare at him just as he leaped forward to wrestle me onto the floor. THUMP!I gasped and punched him in the face after he slammed me hard onto the floor. Smack! He struck the cheek again- sending a surge of pain up my face as he roughly snatched my throat and angrily compressed my windpipe to block off the airflow- until I felt my eyes bulging open from the deadly pressure. Sora! You have to wake Taehyung! But the kids- They'll wake up and- I'll put them in danger!I groaned and glared at him as I clawed my fingers into his hand while struggling to scream for help as he muted me with the firm clutch. The man chuckled like a madman and squeezed the life out of me until I felt my deflated lungs throbbing in extreme distress as I struggled to breathe on the floor with my mouth ajar. I gagged within his fatal clutch and thrashed on the floor in desperation- WHACK.The man suddenly flung off my body at the sudden force- so I coughed in pain while pounding on my aching chest and quickly sat up to find... Jae Beom... standing with a bat gripped tightly in his hands. The child was glaring at the man and- suddenly charged forward to beat him with his weapon."BEOM!" I screamed, frantically scrambling over the tiles to stop the boy from attacking the man, who swiftly snatched the blade from the floor."DIE YOU- LITTLE SHIT-" The man screamed, wildly swinging the shiny blade at Jae Beom.I cried in fear as I snatched the blade with my bare hand, and kicked the man in his stupid fucking face. THUMP! He flung backward at the powerful force, so I jerked Beom by his belly and yanked him backward, causing the child to gasp in a panic. The child cried out loud and tumbled onto his butt- sending the wooden bat rolling on the floor. Clatter! I scoffed in pain and quickly dropped the bloody blade from my injured hand... causing the stream of blood to splatter messily... onto the floor."Eomma!? Are you okay?!-" Beom cried in shock once he noticed me bleeding... but I didn't have time to answer him because the man suddenly snatched the baseball bat off the floor again and hurled it straight at me."Argh!-" I screamed, quickly hugging Beom to shield him, causing the painful blow to collide with my hips. SMACK!We both tumbled onto the floor at the impact- but I refused to release my son and hugged him tightly on the floor with an injured hip. I couldn't sit up because of the extreme surging pain... so I cried helplessly and clutched onto the little body to protect him as the evil man lifted the bat above his head to beat me again."HEY!" Another voice suddenly screamed from the stairs above. SHIT! I snapped my head upward in horror to find... Kim Hajin... standing on the staircase with a dark frown."H-Hajin, baby- no!" I screamed when she suddenly bolted down the stairs with a slipper in her hand- so the man chuckled and swung the bat at my head- FLICK!The man suddenly hollered in pain when something swiftly shot past my eyes- He suddenly toppled to the side... so I gasped and turned to find the scumbag rolling on the floor... with a bleeding left eye. My jaw dropped in shock as the dark paste of blood flowed from his damaged eyeballs... so I lifted my head to find Kanghoon... stretching back a pebble with a slingshot."Are you okay, eomma?!" Woojin shrieked as he down the stairs with Hajin."No- No! Don't come downstairs! Get appa!-""What's the matter?!" Taehyung shouted, suddenly appearing at the top of the stairs in bewilderment.The intruder grunted in pain as he gripped his bleeding eyes after my child fired a pebble at his socket. He crawled over the floor to flee the villa... so Woojin swiftly tugged his slingshot to release the pebble- firing it straight into the back of the man's skull. FLICK! A splatter of dark blood suddenly splattered at the blow to his head- sending the man wailing and tumbling onto the floor as Taehyung stormed down the stairs with his balled fists.Kim Taehyung darkly snatched the fallen wooden bat and raised it over his head as I sprawled on the floor with my eyes wide open while hugging Beom against my chest- WHACK! WHACK! WHACK!The alpha mercilessly beat the man with the tool- so I whimpered and sat up with an aching hip. Beom gripped onto me in fear as Hajin stood frozen in her place to watch her father.... hurl the bat at the bad man until... his warm blood... splattered all over the floor- splashing viciously onto the nearby walls and chairs.I quickly gripped Hajin's hand to pull her into me and clasped my hands over her eyes as Beom gripped my sleeves in fear. The twins, on the other hand... stood on the stairs without bulging... as we listened to the dreadful beating sound and the low grunts of the man... until he unexpectedly... stopped thrashing. WHACK!Kim Taehyung smashed the man's head for the last time before stepping back with a deadly glower as his chest rose and fell unsteadily. The father gripped the slippery bat and tossed it aside as the dark blood... oozed all over the floor. The hot tears... were unconsciously forming in my eyes as my older children stood with their mouths ajar... and their clothes... stained with the dead man's blood. 
The man had stopped moving... and his face... was entirely bashed... by the blunt force.
The alpha suddenly gulped... and glanced at the terrified children by the staircase as they pouted at their father's blood-drenched face with frightened looks. Kim Taehyung rubbed his nose and glanced at me... so I whimpered and hugged the young children against my chest to console them.
A moment later.
I tightly gripped Hajin and Beom to secure their balance as they sat on my lap in the small compartment. The young souls softly sniffled against my chest as Kim Taehyung carefully drove the sidecar motorcycle up the slope with Woojin seated behind him. The child clung tightly to his father's waist as Kanghoon hugged his twin brother to keep himself on the packed seat of the motorbike.Taehyung immediately vacated the villa once found the wounded guards near the gates... so Taehyung called for assistance and decided to drive the kids and me up the slope in the dead of the night. Woojin glanced at me nervously as he hugged Taehyung's waist from behind with Kanghoon seated behind him, so I glanced down at Beom and Hajin as they stared at the dark ocean on the side of the road. We battled our way against the night breeze on the steep slope in utter silence.This isn't the family trip on the sidecar motorbike I expected. We're loaded with four children... clinging tightly to each other so they couldn't fall off. Taehyung finally halted at the gate as a flood of cars poured out to assist the injured guards at the villa... so the alpha drove the motorbike into the mansion to find imo and Halmeoni... waiting anxiously at the base of the pebbled path to await our return."Omo! My sweethearts!" Imo gasped, rushing forward to grab Beom from my bloody arms and placed the boy on the grass. I lifted Hajin and placed her down as Taehyung mounted the bike- quickly hopping off the leather seat to draw the pale-looking twin boys with both arms and settled them onto the grass. My hips were aching like crazy... and the cuts on my palm were swollen."Go and wash the blood off your bodies," Taehyung patted Kanghoon, so Woojin beckoned the young heirs and they scurried off together. I attempted to stand up but groaned in discomfort when a jolt of unbearable pain expanded all over my lower back, so I weakly slumped back down with my face screwed while holding my throbbing hips."Are you okay?!" Imo gasped, quickly grabbing my arm to examine my condition, but gasped again once she noticed the wound on my bleeding palm. Taehyung rounded the compartment and effortlessly lifted me out of the vehicle- so I pursed my lips to bite down my throbbing pain while clinging to his neck for support."Alarm the head doctor," Taehyung instructed as he darkly stormed past imo and carried me up the steps to bring me inside the mansion in the middle of the night as the guards sealed the gate and raced across the yard to secure the mansion entrances.
A moment later.
I groaned in discomfort as the head doctor massaged my injured hips after he treated and bandaged my left palm. I am now lying face first on the couch as Taehyung conversed with the guards outside the front door. Halmeoni and imo... climbed the first floor earlier with the maids to keep the children company. None of them got hurt. Only me, but I'll be fine too since I swallowed painkillers earlier. I gripped the cushion with my eyes closed until Taehyung stormed back inside the mansion."I must visit the city," Taehyung informed, quickly walking up the stairs."Stay still," The head doctor patted my back when I tried to get up so I helplessly slumped back down in defeat as the maid delivered an ice pack. The man gently compressed the ice on my back, making me groan in discomfort. Ah~! I could've protected myself better! How can I be so careless?!"In the dead of the night?" I asked when Taehyung stormed back down the stairs in a black coat after changing out of his blood-drenched pajamas."The fucking cult attacked every household. So-young and Sungho are injured," Taehyung grimaced as he walked into the living room to sit at my side. I froze on the couch in bewilderment. Jimin and So-young just got married last month! I heard she's pregnant and Sungho had just visited me last week!"What?" I frowned in shock."The cult sent out their killers to attack the households. The council is hosting an emergency meeting- and Do-hwan is dealing with the captured men in Seoul- so I have to assist the society. I must address the threatening attacks," Taehyung frowned as he held onto my hand."I'll go with you-""No. Sora. I need you to remain with our kids. I'll return to you. I promise," Taehyung gripped my shoulder when I tried to sit up. I pursed my lips and glanced behind my back... to find the head doctor staring dimly at me."Okay. Come back safely," I whispered in tears. Taehyung kissed my forehead to bid me goodbye and got up to stroll out of the mansion. I gripped my fists and slumped face-first on the cushion in exhaustion as my husband left to assist the society so they could withstand the Phoenix's wrath._______________________
Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung stepped out of his private car in his polished shoes upon his arrival at the Min's hotel to address the alarming situation. The alpha adjusted his suit and strode through the entrance with his sharp gaze fixed on the elevator, causing the staff to immediately bow at his presence and rush over to assist him. They led the alpha to the private elevator, so he stepped inside the empty compartment and turned to stare blankly at the timid staff until they bowed at him before the door slammed shut. The man shifted his dark gaze to the increasing numbers on the screen- Ding. The elevator slid open to reveal standby guards, who lowered their heads in his presence.The supreme alpha strode into the corridor and stormed straight toward the royal suite with his usual blank stare. A guard quickly opened the door, so the man stepped inside the luxurious space filled with loud chatter.Kim Seokjin was the first to lift his head as he stood with an arm cast. Kim Namjoon glanced at the supreme alpha's presence with scratches on his face as Hoseok stood by the couch with his arms crossed. Jeon Jungkook was sitting with a bandage around his arm as Min Yoongi paced back and forth with his hand tucked under his chin.Kim Taehyung shifted his deadly gaze to the only woman... within the room and marched right up to Chung Yuri... who stood by the glass wall with a wine glass in her hand. The alphas within the room immediately grew hushed at their leader's presence as he marched up to the woman. She didn't back away and lifted her chin to challenge the man's intimidating glower."Where is the fucker?" Taehyung seethed, darkly fuming over the woman as he towered over her with a darkened expression. Yoongi frowned at the alpha's unexpected confrontation and stepped forward to form a safe space between Kim Taehyung and his lover."Yah-""I told you not to associate with the fucking spy!" Taehyung sneered, averting his burning glare to Yoongi with his jaw clenched. Yuri huffed at the alpha's rudeness as she placed the wine glass away before crossing her arms with her eyebrows raised."She's not a spy-""How are you so certain? The entire society was attacked at the same time!- How could they have known our exact locations?!" Taehyung interrupted Yoongi, who remained composed in his place."Is Sora badly injured?" Hoseok asked anxiously."No- she suffered a mild injury to her hips and hand," Taehyung grunted as he darted the alphas an annoyed look."Well- at least she doesn't have a bashed head," Namjoon mumbled while touching the bandage on his forehead, causing Taehyung to flare his nose in extreme irritation."She could've been seriously injured!" Taehyung snapped angrily."We're working on interrogating the captured assassins," Yoongi muttered. Kim Taehyung puffed his chest in distress and fired Yuri a deadly glare again."Yah. I'm seriously clueless as well! I got injured too!" Yuri snapped as she folded up her sleeve to show Taehyung the bandage that was wrapped around her forearm."Why is the council taking forever to strike the cult?! How long are we supposed to wait!?-""Did you think it's that simple to send men to their demise?!" Jungkook snapped, sorely shooting up to his feet when Taehyung attempted to direct his frustration at his cousin, who is in charge of the attacks. "Yah~! Calm down! Your wife is fine~! Why are you so triggered?!" Hoseok snapped."She could've received a stab to her heart!" Taehyung argued, firing back at Hoseok, who scoffed and glanced out the glass wall in extreme frustration."We must strike the Black Phoenix," Kim Seokjin finally spoke up from behind the couch and glanced at Jeon Jungkook with a bitter look."Where's Jimin? And Sungho? Is their injury severe?" Taehyung huffed in annoyance."Jimin is with So-young. I heard she took a blow to the head... and Sungho is in the emergency room. They slit his throat," Namjoon explained bitterly. Kim Taehyung frowned and rubbed his aching forehead with his face lowered. The alpha did not show up to the council for the past months... and as a result... the cult acquired the courage to devise a widespread ambush."If we... delay our attack... the cult will rise again... but we can't blindly send our men to their demise when we're unsure of their main base. So far... we're skeptical of the northern tunnels... because we aren't sure if the cult leader and Park Bogum are inside their bunker... so we can't send men inside, or they'll never make it back out. It's also near the restricted borders, so we can't stir up an outbreak that might threaten our neighbor. We promised the government to never touch the regions near the DMZ," Hoseok muttered while frowning at Taehyung, who rubbed his nose and glanced at Yuri in suspicion."Are you certain about the underground tunnel...?" Taehyung darkened his face."Yeah! They're up on the northern coast!" Yuri snapped. Kim Taehyung clenched his fists and closed his eyes for a moment to make up his mind."We'll send another unit to investigate-""No. All of the missions have failed because we sent too many men," Taehyung gritted."What do you suggest?" Yoongi raised his eyebrow unsurely."You're coming with me to their base. I will confirm the motherfucker's existence myself," Taehyung narrowed his eyes on Yuri. Yoongi frowned and glanced at the woman."What?- Do you plan on charging inside their base without a plan-""The plan is to fucking kill that old fucker! And she's taking me inside the base!" Taehyung sneered. Yuri glanced at Yoongi with a tense expression upon hearing Kim Taehyung's reckless demand."Yah! You can't sprint into their cave on impulse! You'll never make it out alive!" Yoongi snapped, angrily stepping forward to oppose Kim Taehyung."I left the work to all you fuckers to handle for over three years- yet you've made no progress! So be it! Be cowards!- I'll fucking do it myself because I can't stand living every day of my life fearing for my family's safety! I have five children! An entire household! And a wife to protect!" The supreme alpha seethed."Charge inside the hidden tunnels you're unfamiliar with? And then what?! Die?- Sora will be left alone to raise her children," Kim Seokjin grimaced with his arms folded."They won't expect an instant attack- so I'll do it alone. You fucker can remain in your seat and watch if you believe you bear a higher chance of survival behind your high walls," Taehyung sneered, furiously storming off and left the suite without another word. The alphas glanced at each other as Yuri stood with a dark frown.
The next night.
Kim Taehyung swiftly glided through the dark woods on the steep hill and climbed the high slope... before racing through the dense wilderness in complete darkness until he noticed movement at the base of the woods.The supreme alpha quickly crouched down to camouflage himself behind a tree trunk and cautiously peaked out to watch a group of men... surround a bonfire with their weapons gripped over their chests. The alpha glanced at the rusted door leading into the underground tunnel with a dark frown as he intensely scanned the enemy's territory for an alternative... route to approach without getting caught.

"Do you actually plan on... charging through the front door...? I didn't know you were this dense," Yuri grumbled, causing Taehyung to flinch in a panic. He snapped his head to the side to find Yuri crouching beside him with her narrowed eyes on the guards as they chattered loudly over their meals."What are you doing here?- Didn't your rich boyfriend instruct you not to assist me?" Taehyung sneered. Yuri fired the alpha an irritated glare."Your stupid ass needs saving. I'm doing this for Sora and her kids," Yuri snapped. Taehyung rolled his eyes and glanced back at the men."The squad usually attacks through the front entrance surrounded by high towers. It's almost impossible to penetrate the tunnel," Taehyung nodded at the towers on either side of the hill, guarded by two armed men.

"There is another portal. Come on- don't waste your time with stupid assessments," Yuri whispered, suddenly scurrying to the side. Kim Taehyung gripped his handgun and raced after her through the woods, cautiously circling the area and after... half an hour of crawling and dodging the tree trunks... Yuri finally knelt down to remove a thick bush to reveal a small unused sewer."Really?" Taehyung whispered, crouching down before the dark tunnel with a dumbfounded look."I used to run this operation! So trust me, will you?! Crawl inside and turn to the right side- and you should end up in the back storage room of the shitty place, but be careful- the cult's people usually hook up in the room. Don't do anything stupid- and definitely do not try to kill the leader and Park Bogum if they're in there. Just confirm their existence and return quietly, or they'll shut down the tunnel and hunt you down," Yuri grunted as she cleared the path for Taehyung. He skeptically frowned at the tunnel."And where's your father?" Taehyung asked."I don't know! Just find a room filled with women! That asshole can't keep his dick to himself," Yuri shrugged. Taehyung deeply exhaled as he slid his gun into his back pocket."Go back to the stream on the hilltop. If I don't return by dawn... signal my men," Taehyung muttered, suddenly crawling through the dark tunnel. Yuri suddenly grabbed the alpha's arm to stop him. The man frowned and glanced at her with a questioning look."Does Sora know you're doing this...?" Yuri frowned. Taehyung clenched his jaw with a stern gaze on the woman."No. My wife won't be able to sleep if I told her-""Are you fucking dumb? Why are you doing this then?! Your chances of surviving in there are fucking below zero!" Yuri snapped, attempting to convince the man to make him abort his mission."I am not just a father or a lover. I am also the chosen leader of the pack. It is my utmost duty to protect my people. I will come back alive, so don't bother sparing me your anxiety. I promised to return... and I will find my way back to her," Taehyung darkly muttered. He yanked his arm out of her grip and quickly crawled inside the sewer. Yuri frowned with extreme unease as she watched the man crawl into the firebird's nest. The woman eventually exhaled, covered the sewer entrance with bushes, and hurried away to climb the woods when her phone started vibrating again.The woman glanced down to find Min Yoongi's name on her screen but ignored him and climbed the hilltop to search for the radiophone Kim Taehyung left near a dead tree trunk. The woman slumped on the ground while hiding behind the tree and glanced at her ticking watch.
Six hours. Kim Taehyung has six hours to complete his mission.
The woman restlessly sat in the wilderness with her eyes fixed on nothing but the darkness to await the supreme alpha's return... until she dozed off while sitting under an ancient tree- when she suddenly jerked awake from the nightmare she was having and rubbed her crusty lips/The woman grunted thirstily and glanced at her watch with a sore grimace. Huff! She exhaled... quickly scurried back to the front base and crouched down to observe the armed men... still guarding the door with their weapons. She sighed and frowned at the radiophone for another thirty minutes until the sun rose into the sky. Yuri finally pressed the device and lifted it to her lips."Can you hear me?- Over," Yuri muttered, patiently waiting for a response."Choi Do-hwan. State your identity- Over," A man suddenly spoke up."Chung Yuri- Over," The woman responded."Where's Kim Taehyung?- Over," Do-hwan asked."He asked to send the signal at dawn. I repeat- It's Kim Taehyung's order to send the signal- Over," Yuri responded, not knowing what it was all about."Did he return?- Over," Do-hwan's voice spoke up through the device. Yuri clenched her jaw when she noticed a man in black clothes strolling through the bush from the left side."Hah! That fucker made it!- He's out!- I repeat- He's out!- Over," She responded as she crawled toward the man- but halted in horror when the man lifted his face... and it was... not... Kim Taehyung."Chung Yuri?" The cult member suddenly frowned at her in shock. Yuri froze in her place and glanced at the men below the hill with a racing heart."I-""What are you doing here?!- It's your father's command to capture you-""Yah! Wait!- Yeonseok, right?!- Don't send a signal!- I'm only here to ask my father for money!" Yuri raised her hands when the man tried to press a button on his watch. He froze at her excuse, cautiously backing away from Yuri as she slowly rose to her feet with her arms raised."Chung Yuri spotted uphill at the main entrance!- ARGH!" The man quickly attempted to speak at his device, so Yuri flung her body forward to tackle him onto the ground. He grunted and tried to resist her- but she quickly slammed her fist against his jaw while pinning him down- causing the guy to black out instantly upon receiving the harsh blow to his face. Thump!Yuri gritted in annoyance as she glanced at the patrolling men who were listening to their device in confusion... so she snatched the digital device from the unconscious man's wrist, shoved it into her pocket, and quickly scrambled up the hill to flee the place when she suddenly heard a strange... distant whirring sound. The woman paused in confusion and lifted her face upward as a strong gust of wind blasted over the trees... causing the branches to sway violently until her hair... fluttered all over her face.Chung Yuri's heart suddenly stopped beating when a helicopter suddenly flew past her head- so she wildly spun around as a flood of helicopters soared over the entrance at the base. The men on the ground shouted at each other in a panic and suddenly raised their guns to open fire into the sky as the aircraft circled the base... and to Yuri's terror... she noticed a few black boxes... descending from the sky..."FUCK!" Yuri shrieked as she frantically scrambled up the hill in shock- KABOOM! KABOOM! KABOOM! KABOOM!The entire mountain suddenly shook beneath her feet as the bomb violently exploded over the base, sending a burst of deadly fire up the hill. The woman screamed and rolled behind a tree to cover her face with her arms as the sharp shards exploded everywhere, causing her to shriek in distress. Raging fire dangerously caught on the dead leaves on the ground... so Yuri coughed and quickly climbed the hill through the thick haze of smoke with bleeding cuts all over her body."Shit! Shit! Is he fucking crazy?!- YAH!? KIM TAEHYUNG IS STILL INSIDE STOP!-" Yuri screamed in horror when the helicopter released more bombs onto the site- BOOM! BOOM!Yuri wildly turned around again to stare down the hill... but it was congested with dense smoke and fire... so she cursed and scrambled away to flee the scene with a racing heart. The woman cursed hysteria as she sprinted through the wilderness until she spotted a flock of SWAT units racing toward her."DON'T FIRE!- CHUNG YURI!" Yuri screamed with her hands raised in fear."I told you not to follow him!-" Yoongi gasped, quickly racing forward in an armed suit. Yuri quickly raced towards him with her terrified eyes bulging open as the ground shook violently from the endless explosion."HE'S STILL IN THERE! TELL THEM TO STOP!- KIM TAEHYUNG IS STILL INSIDE!" Yuri screamed, grabbing Min Yoongi's arm as the helicopters soared over their heads to bombard the site with the deadly explosives."I'm not in charge of the bombing! FUCK- WE HAVE TO LEAVE!" Yoongi snapped, suddenly yanking her forward- so she cursed and screamed into the radiophone to stop Kim Taehyung's men from attacking the bunker, but no one heard her desperate calls. Yoongi dragged his lover into the standby jeep and quickly climbed inside as the men charged down the hills with their weapons to attack the cult's people.
Six hours later.
Jung Hoseok gripped his hair in extreme devastation as he strolled over the completely scorched forest until his eyes bulged out of his sockets in disbelief. The suffocating ashes and debris of the remains floated all over the atmosphere... casting a dark shadow... over the coastline and charred wilderness after their men arrived to contain the forest fire initiated by the supreme alpha.Jungkook swatted the ashes from his face in annoyance as Namjoon and Seokjin nervously walked down the hills to find their men securing... the burnt entrance. Do-hwan was shouting at his men as they carried dead bodies from the tunnel below. The chief guard grimaced with a gas mask over his face and glanced up at the alphas as they halted to stare at the mess before their gaze with their mouths ajar."The average will question this madness!- Everyone in this fucking region could hear the fucking bombs! Are you nuts?! How are we supposed to cover up this mess?!" Jungkook snapped as he angrily stepped forward to scold the man."Most of their men are dead. The Black Phoenix won't last without their resources and men! Taehyung confirmed their existence inside the bunker this morning!" Do-hwan snapped. Jungkook scoffed and rubbed his face in extreme frustration as the men dug out the concrete rubbles from the fallen tunnel."Where's Kim Taehyung?" Seokjin frowned."He's out-""YAH-!? KIM TAEHYUNG IS STILL INSIDE!- WHY DIDN'T YOU LISTEN TO MY WARNING?!" Yuri appeared, scrambling down the slope with Yoongi, who was chasing after her in bewilderment."WHAT?!" Do-hwan scoffed, widening his eyes in disbelief."HE'S STILL INSIDE I TOLD YOU NOT TO BOMB THE PLACE-""YOU SAID HE WAS OUT-""I CONFUSED HIM WITH ONE OF THE CULT'S PEOPLE-""SHIT!" Do-hwan cursed wildly, whipping around to frown at the wrecked site with his eyeballs bulging open."SO KIM TAEHYUNG IS DEAD?!" Hoseok scoffed in shock."SEND YOUR MANPOWER OVER! WE HAVE TO DIG UP THE RUBBLES!" Do-hwan bellowed at the startled alphas. They froze and glanced at the entirely demolished tunnel in dread after realizing their leader was still trapped inside."FUCKING HELL! THE MOTHER FUCKER IS A PAIN IN THE ASS!" Seokjin shouted, quickly bolting up the slope to summon his men. So the alphas scoffed and raced after the second rank to call for assistance. Do-hwan frantically raced down to the site to help his men carry out the concrete from the tunnel._________________________
Fast Forward
Jang Sora sat on the platform under the tree on a sunny morning to play cardboard games with her children as they smiled and cheered with her. Beom giggled and counted his stack of cash as Kanghoon whined loudly after losing his property to the third son. Hajin rolled her dice in anticipation when... imo came scurrying out of the back door in her apron."My lady! Do-hwan has returned!" Imo announced.Sora gasped and quickly got up from the platform, so the children shrieked in excitement and chased their mother... who ran straight through her living room to burst through the front door with a wide smile. The supreme alpha happily raced down the stairs as the little puppy chased the kids onto the field until the family noticed... Do-hwan stepping out of his car."Are you alright?! I couldn't contact my husband all night!" Sora greeted the man as he slowly turned to stare at the excited supreme alpha with a dreadful expression."Appa! Did appa buy us snacks?!" The twins shrieked as he yanked open the back seat to search for their father- who had been away from home for the past three days.Sora glanced at the back seat with a wide smile... but it was empty. The twins frowned in disappointment as they peered inside the car... and glanced up at the chief guard in confusion upon realizing their father's absence. The man stood... with.. a drained expression... unable to utter a word."Where's Kim Taehyung?" Sora unsurely stared at the man. He pursed his lips and glanced down at the kids again with a troubled expression."Can we speak in private?" Do-hwan sourly asked. Sora gripped her dress uneasily while frowning at the man.
A moment later.
Imo shrieked in shock when her young lady suddenly fainted while speaking to the chief guard... who immediately caught her frail body to support her. The maids gasped and quickly helped the man place the supreme alpha onto the couch as the kids waited on the platform in the backyard- until they noticed their mother's collapse... so they sprinted from under the ancient tree and rushed inside the living room to find imo... sobbing in distress while hugging Sora... who was unconscious in the woman's arms with tear streaks on her pale cheeks.Do-hwan stood dimly and glanced at the maids as they covered their mouths... quietly sniffling in tears as Halmeoni comforted the baffled children, who glanced back and forth between the elders for an answer... yet no one responded to their confusion... so they dreadfully glanced back at their unconscious mother... until blood... drain their faces.
Flashback
Kim Taehyung roughly shoved the sewer lid off above his head and crawled onto the dusty ground in discomfort. He coughed and glanced around the storage room with a slight grimace while gripping his stiff back. The man had been crawling through the sewer for almost half an hour until he located an exit point."Fuck... I'm stiff again," Taehyung funnily crawled over the cold concrete as he struggled to straighten his back. Thud.A man suddenly opened the door and stumbled inside the dark space- so Taehyung quickly dodged under a broken table to hide as the couple made out with each other before collapsing onto the moldy mattress in the corner of the room. The man chuckled and groped the woman's breast, so Taehyung glanced at the door and back at the couple as they kissed loudly."Kamjagiya!" The woman screeched when Taehyung suddenly crawled out from the desk- so the man quickly glanced up at the looming alpha with a slight smirk... until his smile neutralized... upon noticing the deadly alpha's presence over them. Kim Taehyung cracked his neck from side to side... with his dark stare at the paralyzed couple... and exhaled deeply to recollect his mind.
A moment later.
The door to the storage room suddenly creaked open... and a hooded figure stepped out of the room with his head lowered. Kim Taehyung rubbed the blood stain off his cheek and strolled into the corridor with his head down... discreetly penetrating the fire bird's nest to search for the cult's leader.He passed by a few other hooded figures in one of the tunnels.. and strode aimlessly all over the confusing maze... until he accidentally entered a bustling kitchen to find a few men and women eating their meals at the table. The alpha halted with his head lowered and glanced at the cult members while standing by the door- frozen in place once they glanced at him."What do you want?" A woman asked as she slurped from a bowl."The leader requested appetizers," Taehyung muttered."There's a plate of fries over there. Bring it to him," The woman nodded dismissively. Taehyung lowered his head and picked up the plate on the rusted table before strolling out of the dimly lit kitchen to enter the corridor again... but he didn't know where to turn, so he walked up to a man as he smoked by a supply room."The leader asked for the fries to be delivered," Taehyung muttered, lifting the plate with his head lowered. The man playfully smacked the alpha's head, grabbed the plate, and stormed off into the right tunnel as Taehyung remained in his position, darkly clenching his jaw in irritation. The alpha glanced at the clueless members as they bustled through the corridor in their cloaks... before turning at an intersection to follow the man with the fries.He made sure to keep his distance and switched between the corridor with his head lowered, finally... halting by a corner once the man stopped to knock on a red-painted door. Taehyung pretended to walk past the passage... until he stepped onto a flight of metallic stairs. A powerful sea odor... suddenly struck his nostrils.

The alpha frowned at the slimy interior of the dark cave, equipped with dim light along the rocky wall... before walking over the railing to glance downward... to find men... hauling large crates... from a few boats on the shallow dock below. Their hideout... hidden within the massive cave. Taehyung scoffed and spun around to search for his way back toward the red door... but halted once he realized... it was guarded by two men."What's your purpose?" They questioned, firmly guarding the door as he slowly approached them."Lee Mira is spotted," Taehyung muttered nonsense with a tense feeling, still keeping his head lowered. The men frowned at each other and nodded before stepping aside... so Taehyung shoved open the door and strolled into the room but slowed down... once the shabby-looking interior suddenly transitioned into a dark theme luxurious room with a glass view of the dark sea."YAH! I told you not to interrupt me after midnight-!" The cult leader snapped as he fucked a woman over the couch. Taehyung didn't budge and kept his head lowered with a weak smile."Lee Mira," Taehyung spoke up.The cult leader suddenly froze and shoved the woman aside, so she quickly pulled on her clothes after he dismissed her and zipped up his pants before taking a sip from the whiskey glass. The man... inhaled a puff of smoke from his lit cigar and slumped on the couch with his arms spread over the headrest. Thud. The woman suddenly raced out of the room, slamming the door shut behind her back."How did you fucker even enter my bunker?" The man chuckled darkly. Taehyung stood without budging... and finally lifted his face to shove the hood off his head until... he found the cult leader... sitting shirtless with his hairy chest. Kim Taehyung stared at the man with an emotionless expression as he raised his handgun at the cult leader's face."I'm here to finish you off-""If you kill me... your entire family will die. Your wife and your children... are home alone. Right? The husband is trapped in my room, and the chief guard is stationed in the city to protect the council. Who will protect your family?" The man chuckled as he eagerly leaned forward with a mad smile."My family is safe-""Put down the gun. I don't intend on killing you or your family yet. I need you... to transfer your wife's power to me. If you do so... I'll consider freeing you to your family," The man chuckled, smugly folding his arms. Taehyung frowned and tried to speak when the door opened... and a flood of men suddenly poured inside the room with their guns raised. Kim Taehyung gripped the gun in his hand and glared at the man."I'll put a bullet through even if you kill me-""Aigo? You're going to die here? What about your family? Hmm? Didn't Jang Sora... just lose her previous lover not too long ago...? How will she cope with her children without you? I know you prioritize her precious feelings... so are you going to present yourself as a dead man... and break her heart? What kind of a husband will do that to his wife?" The man chuckled as he slowly rose from the couch. Kim Taehyung side-eyed the men in the room with a tensed body."I won't die that easily," Kim Taehyung chuckled, lowering his gun and glanced at the cult leader again."What do you think... will happen when I let Jang Sora know her beloved husband is in danger? She will definitely sprint into my grip with her contracts," The man chuckled. Taehyung clenched his jaw in discontent as he stood at the center of the room with a blank face."She won't come running to me-""Wanna bet?" The man smirked. Kim Taehyung clenched his jaw uneasily- FWIP! He swiftly attempted to fire at the man when one of the hooded figures leaped forward to tackle the alpha onto the ground.The cult leader chuckled and gradually stepped out of the room as Taehyung bellowed and scrambled onto his feet but was immediately punched in the face- so the alpha seethed and fired the gun violently- BANG! BANG! BANG! A few hooded figures instantly drop dead upon the alpha's skillful aims for their fatal organs.The flock of men suddenly charged at him without opening fire... so Kim Taehyung sprinted after the cult leader but was seized backward. He wildly smashed a man's jaw and threw the other two aside- sending them tumbling over the glass table before dodging another man's grip- but was greeted by a blinding blast to his face."FUCK!" Kim Taehyung gripped his injured left eye as the blinding stars circled his head.The alpha's visions suddenly distorted at the impact- but he refused to surrender and thrashed within the strong grips... until someone suddenly gagged him with a solid chain. The alpha hollered in anger while resisting the pack of men- and tried to shove the hooded figures aside- but he was outnumbered. Kim Taehyung violently swung his elbow backward to crush a person's jaw before lifting his legs to kick whoever was before him- sending the men flying backward- CRASH!- He furiously jerked with all his might as the chain tightened around his muscular neck. ZAP!A bolt of painful jolt suddenly traveled all across his body and shot right up to his brain. The alpha suddenly collapsed to the ground when someone electrocuted him from behind. He grunted and tried to stand back up- but was shocked again by the deadly taser. He grunted in discomfort while fighting to remain conscious when- WHACK! The alpha was abruptly greeted by a harsh blow to his face.Blank. The man tumbled to the floor and coughed out blood... so he grunted and rolled onto the floor as the hooded figure surrounded him from above. The supreme alpha unexpectedly blacked out from the blow... so the men seized his injured body and tied him to a chair in an empty concrete room... leaving the alpha to sit with blood... dripping from his beaten lips.
A moment later.
"What is he doing here? Why would Kim Taehyung enter our territory so recklessly?" Bogum dimmed his eyes with his arms crossed as he watched the alpha sit with his head lowered."I'm sure he's a bait. The council will probably attack us again," The cult leader muttered. Bogum exhaled skeptically while eyeing Kim Taehyung."What should we do?" Bogum asked."We'll wait until he's awake... and then we'll blackmail Jang Sora until she comes running to us with her power," The man chuckled."Did you make Yuri do this? Are you still using her?" Bogum asked, darkly glancing at his uncle."Of course. How else did Kim Taehyung find his way inside? Yuri warned me in advance... so I knew he was coming and instructed my men to let him in. He thinks he's a smart ass," The man chuckled. Bogum grimaced and glanced at Kim Taehyung again."Yuri will kill the alphas?" Bogum asked."My daughter will slaughter every one of them... once the time is right- but right now... we must... wait for Jang Sora to transfer her power to us," The man nodded."And the potential attack?" Bogum muttered."Yuri will signal me once they're ready for an attack. The society is playing on our chessboard because she's always been leaking their missions hours in advance. She will send the signal and I will wipe out their existence," The man chuckled."Sir! We received the signal! The cult will invade!" A man suddenly hurried inside the room."Secure the tunnel. Their men will foolishly attempt to break through the false entrance again-" KABOOM! The tunnel unexpectedly shook above their head, causing Park Bogum to tumble into the wall. The cult leader grabbed onto the guard in horror as he lifted his face upward with a startled expression."What was that?-" KABOOM! KABOOM!! KABOOM!!!The entire tunnel violently shook.... causing the old concrete to crack above their heads... and the dusty debris began... showering onto them. The cult leader halted in bewilderment."ARE THEY BOMBING US?! WHAT THE FUCK-" The cult leader gasped in realization. The man cursed, suddenly shoving the guy aside, and raced out of the room- so Bogum quickly chased after his uncle to evacuate the tunnel."What about Kim Taehyung?!" Bogum shouted. KABOOM!- A massive part of the concrete roof suddenly collapsed in front of the corridor. The cult leader paused in shock as the alarming cries echoed throughout the hallways."SHIT! EVACUATE EVERYONE NOW!" The cult leader screamed when- KABOOM!- One of the corridors erupted into flames. Park Gogum's jaw dropped as the fire raged angrily seared his skin so he spun around and raced in the opposite direction."Kim Taehyung! Get him!" Bogum ordered and sprinted off after his uncle. The guard cursed at the commotion as the cult leader and the heir raced into another corridor... so the man quickly untied Kim Taehyung's bounded legs and dragged the alpha out of the room- but toppled to the side when another violent eruption shook the tunnel with its hazardous vibration.He grunted and hauled Kim Taehyung over the floor- but was violently blasted backward when one of the gas pipes exploded to the right. The man's eyes widened in horror as Kim Taehyung slumped against the wall. The hooded people screamed in fear and ran all over the corridor to outrace the fire... that was infecting every route of the tunnels... followed by endless rumbles that shook the walls and ground under the ancient bunker.The man grunted, and glanced at Kim Taehyung again- suddenly fleeing the corridor without the supreme alpha to race after everyone else... leaving Kim Taehyung unattended...  with his head lowered... as the scorching fire spread over the walls. Thump! Thump! Thump! The cult's people... raced past him to flee through the ocean gate... without assisting the lifeless alpha... who remained unconscious... in the smoke-infested tunnels.
And so... the supreme alpha was left... behind in the passage as the underground tunnel fell apart and... eventually collapsed... from the unexpected raid of his very own... call order. 
...____________________________
Fast Forward
Sora's POVThe head doctor sat by the edge of the bed to unwrap the bandage around the person's head as I stood quietly with my arms crossed and my anxious gaze on the wounded man. He sat with his eyes closed as imo... and Do-hwan stood by the door with halmeoni to anticipate his exposure.The elderly man gently drew the bandage off his face... so I gripped my hands when the cloth... eventually slid off my husband's head to reveal... the red... burnt scars... covering the left side of his neck... rising up to his ear. Unconscious tears swelled over my pupils as Kim Taehyung sat calmly with the bandages secured over the wounds over his upper trunk."Do you feel any discomfort?" The head doctor asked. Taehyung shook his head without speaking and kept his eyes closed. I rubbed away my warm tears as the doctor nodded and stood up from the bed with the used bandage."Do you wish to be alone?" Imo sadly asked me.I nodded with a slight pout... so Do-hwan exhaled... and steered imo's shoulder before helping halmeoni out of the room. The head doctor patted my shoulder and left the room with a bitter smile, causing my frail heart to ache intensely. I blinked and stood at the foot of the bed to frown at Taehyung... until he slowly opened his eyes to gaze at me for the first time in a month after he collapsed."Why are you crying? Are you not happy that I'm alive...?" Taehyung asked. I sniffled and lowered my head before walking forward... to sit by his side."I want to scream and hit you~!" I whimpered while gripping my fists with my torn gaze on his beaten face to resist the urge to scream at his face for being so foolish. The man chuckled while staring at me with a weak smile."Ah~ You're just as beautiful as I remember you," He whispered while scanning my face with a neck cast clasped under his chin. I burst out crying at his stupid words and leaned forward to hug his bandaged torso. Taehyung groaned... but didn't complain as he lifted his bandaged arms to hold me against his chest."You stupid man!- How can you charge into their territory over my hip injury?!- You could've died!" I whined as I gripped tightly onto him with my tearful face pressed against his bandage. My heart is wrenching in pain! How can he be so dense?!-"I had to... confirm the heir and leader's presence inside the base," He muttered in exhaustion."Weren't you scared of dying!?- What about me~!? Jang Sora~!? Your pretty wife~! Your dumpling~?! Your children~!?- Did you think you'd survive the stupid stunt?!" I sobbed, pulling away to bawl in his face in frustration."Well. If I didn't survive... you'd be at my funeral right now. But I'm alive... still breathing well... so you should be happy," Taehyung laughed, lifting his stiff hand to brush my messy tears. I pouted and lowered my head in distress.
Do-hwan rushed home to inform me they found Kim Taehyung outside an unused sewer after they bombed the place... and I was told... that my husband was severely wounded. The stupid husbandman did not warn me of his dangerous mission, so I was- of course- devastated and collapsed after hearing the news. How can he be so cruel to me?! He could've let me know before he departed!
"Ah~! This is why men die earlier than women! You stupid punk! I hate you~!" I snapped, angrily smacking his chest with a frustrated pout. I couldn't touch him for the past weeks because they wrapped him up like a mummy!Taehyung groaned again and rubbed his bandaged chest so I whined in frustration... until a snotty bubble... formed over my runny nose- Pop! It burst before Taehyung's face... causing the stupid man to snort at my ridiculous hollers... making me wail even louder at his teasing smile. Why is he laughing?! Is this all a joke to him!?- I'm about to suffer a stroke and die because of him!"The cult will return to the mainland. The council can hunt them... down easier this way... and we'll soon be safe-""Stop it! I'm not letting you out of my sight again! Forget the cult!- We'll use our remaining manpower to secure our doors! So don't try to be a hero and run into the fire again!" I snapped and glared at the man with my soaked face. I'll never let him risk his life again! Taehyung sadly smiled at my tearful eyes as he gently stroked my rosy red cheeks to comfort my restless soul.___________________________
Fast Forward
Kim Taehyung calmly sprawled on the mattress without his shirt on... as I sat beside him in my silk gown to apply the cream on his burnt marks. A portion of his left chest is burnt...  and so is his left forearm... up to his shoulder and over the left side of his neck. The patches are still bright red and sensitive... so I have to treat his burnt marks every day... to entirely heal them."Is it still sensitive?" I whispered, worriedly lifting my face to find Taehyung gazing at me from the pillow. He's free from all the bandages and casts now."Not really," Taehyung mumbled. The stupid hero husband broke his right forearm... so there's also a healing surgery scar over his arm. I grimaced, closed the tube, and placed it away before turning to frown at my husband as he remained shirtless on the mattress... waiting for the cream to absorb into his skin."Promise me you won't be this reckless again... oh?" I pouted at him with my pinky finger raised."Reckless? My wife almost broke her hips-""You don't go to war for me over an injured hips! Promise me!" I whined, grabbing his wrist to make him pinky promise me. Taehyung chuckled and nodded in agreement as he wrapped his pinky around mine."Jeez. Can't I be a hero for my wife? I'm a legend, you know! Which husband would try to end the cult- for his beloved wife?! No one! Only me! You should be proud!" He chuckled. I whined at his unfunny joke and lightly slapped his cheek to bring the delusional man back to his senses. Does he think he's an immortal god or something?! -Because no! He's simply my wimpy dick man! Nothing else!"Hah~?!- You're not a hero! You're a fool!- Everyone knows that! Stupid fool! Did you think you're as youthful as you used to be!?- The young and strong Kim Taehyung could've ended the cult with his bare hands!- But you're a freaking old man now! You're all wrinkled! What makes you think you can beat the armed people when your back gets stiff just by bending over?!-" I snapped. Taehyung glared at me with an offended look."You're so mean! Why are you never supportive or proud of my efforts?!!- MOH?- I'm wrinkled?! I'm still young and strong! Hmmp!" Taehyung snapped, suddenly crossing his arms over his chest, and pouted cutely. I pursed my lips to frown at his adorable face- finally chuckling at his hilarious reaction in defeat- and lowered my face to kiss his lips- but Taehyung rudely turned his face away to avoid me with a dark frown."Araso! Araso~! I'm proud of my dear, lovely seobang-nim~!" I chuckled as I settled down by his side to hug his body while snuggling against the burnt scars on his neck."Aren't you disgusted?" He asked uneasily. I smiled and glanced down at his scarred chest while rubbing my palm over the marks with a weak smile to soothe his strained feelings. Taehyung raised his thick eyebrow to question me... so I kissed the red scar on his shoulder and giggled."I actually have a fetish for scars," I whispered. Taehyung scoffed while frowning at me as if I was crazy, so I lifted my head off the pillow and leaned over his face to softly caress my lips over his. The man exhaled under me as I gently stroked his face with a weak smile."So you like them? The scars?" Taehyung asked, unsurely pulling away to search my eyes."I love the marks on you. After all... you got it because you didn't like the fact that the bad man almost broke my hips. You need my amazing hips to ride your wimpy dick all night long~! So that must've been devastating~!" I nudged his nose tip with mine. Taehyung smiled at my uplifting joke while rubbing his chest to feel his bumpy scars... so I lowered my face to kiss the marks before slumping down to hug him with a weak smile."Aigo. I think I'm actually getting older now. I really thought I could mass murder the entire cult on my own... but my body was so stiff when I was fighting them. Aigo~! When was the last time I trained myself? Every joint in my body gets sore so easily," He grumbled. I chuckled and lifted my face to scan his face until he turned his head on the pillow to gaze at me as I softly traced my fingertips over his bare chest."Taehyung-ah... you are definitely not as youthful as you used to be. Hmm...? I'd let you go to war on your own if you were still in your early 20s because I know... this hot man right here... can easily defeat his enemies with his manly strength. But you're approaching your 40s now. You've got terminal injuries from raising the kids... so don't try to fight with your body anymore. Okay? Let's not be heroes in this lifetime because I'm afraid... we'll end up losing each other to save everyone else. We don't have to be the protagonist or the good guy. Let's not mess with our fate to shorten our life span. Just please... remain safe and healthy by my side. I'm sure we'll live longer if we don't pressure ourselves to be the heroic icon in a story- not all heroes will get their happy ending because they're willing to sacrifice themselves to save the world. So... I'm begging you... do not make a sacrifice for anyone. Please be selfish for me and our family? Please...? Please stay alive and hold onto me like this. Can you do that? Let's be selfish together," I begged with a hot lump in my throat. Taehyung searched my face with a gloomy look as he gently stroked my head."Okay. I'll retire from being the hero. I've learned my lessons the hard way... and that was... to witness a nasty snot bubble popping over my wife's nostrils. I do not wish to part from you. A heroic sacrifice is overrated anyways. Not everyone wishes to be remembered as a legend... or hero... because... you're right. I do not wish to be the hero for the world at the cost of hurting your feelings. I can never be a hero in this lifetime... because... I do not wish to sacrifice your happiness to save the world," He nodded in agreement. I fondly patted his cheek as he rubbed my shoulder to assure me of his promise."Thank you for always choosing us," I whispered. Taehyung chuckled and lowered his face to press his lips against mine so I gripped tightly onto his shoulder and closed my eyes until I felt my chest churning with the warmth of our undying love bloom.
The hero is overrated.

I never claimed to be a hero. And I will never be one.

Why? Because... the hero is always expected to sacrifice for the greed of the corrupted world.
...
In this lifetime... I will choose my lover and family.

I will selfishly protect my family until my last breath because... I am an ungenerous soul.

I will never... give up on my people to... earn the applause... of the world.
...
There's no such thing as a hero or a villain...

Because... each and every one of the souls in existence is simply... fighting to... survive... a beautiful tragedy we call... life.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Flashback | A few months after Hajin's birth.Sora's POVI carefully strolled up the staircase with a slice of cheesecake, placed neatly on a porcelain plate in my casual day dress, and strode toward my husband's work office beside Woobin's bedroom. Knock. Knock. I gently nudged the door open and entered the room with an eager smile."Seobang-nim~! The cake is ready~!- What are you doing...?" I abruptly paused by the door when I found Taehyung sitting in his armchair with baby Hajin on his lap.The father was seated in his armchair with his right arm securely encircled around the child's belly as she cluelessly scanned the work office with her curious doe eyes... and in the man's spare hand... was Hajin's milk bottle. My jaw dropped in shock as I watched my husband suck on the pacifier to consume my daughter's milk... right from her baby bottle. Is he crazy?! Why is he drinking our daughter's milk?!

"Hajinie refused to drink it, so I-""You could've saved it for later! Why are you drinking her milk?!" I gasped, quickly scurrying forward to place the plate on the wooden desk, and tried to yank the bottle from his lips... but Taehyung swiftly spun his armchair away and proceeded to drink from the bottle while holding Hajin firmly over his lap."It'll spoil if I don't finish it-""I'm not producing enough breast milk for her~! Stop it~!- Ah~?! Oppa!!!- I'll have to pump my already-drained breasts again! It took me an hour to milk that bottle for her!" I whined in annoyance as I desperately circled behind his armchair with my arms extended for the bottle... but Taehyung simply spun on his chair to rotate away from me again as he intensely sucked from the pacifier with an unbothered expression.Hajin giggled funnily on her father's lap as I huffed at my husband's stubbornness and snatched my daughter from his lap. I'm telling you- the man is crazy! Because who would steal their child's milk?! The father finally lowered the bottle while licking his lips as Hajin clung to my neck. I frowned at the man in extreme frustration while patting my daughter's back. He won't surrender the milk!"There's no point in milking your breast anymore if Hajin doesn't want your milk~!" Taehyung shrugged. I grimaced and glanced at Hajin as she beamed at me with her gummy smile."You're unbelievable, really! Hajin will eventually drink it if I put it in the bottle~!" I whined at the stupid man. Hajin doesn't like to drink directly from my breast, but she will drink the milk if I transfer it to her baby bottle! Taehyung shrugged dismissively as he uncapped the lid to remove the pacifier, and lifted the bottle to drain my breast milk."Did you think Hajinie has ever actually drank your milk lately~? Hah~! It's me- I've been emptying her bottle every day~! She only wants the baby formula- and I'm definitely not wasting my wife's precious milk! I'll swallow every drop of fluid that comes out of you!" Taehyung rubbed his moist lips and fired me a bitter look from his seat. I scoffed at the empty bottle as the man sealed it and stood up to round the desk."I can't believe you've been stealing her milk~!" I whined while grimacing at my husband.Taehyung chuckled at my disapproval and hugged me from behind as I gently rocked Hajin in my arms. I thought Hajin preferred to have her milk fed by her father- so I spent hours pumping my breasts to transfer it for her! Taehyung would always take her away and return with an empty bottle, but it was the man-child- who had been drinking my milk all along?!The father carefully slithered his arms around my waist with his chin rested on my shoulder as he fondly gazed at our cooing daughter. Hajin cutely stared up at us as I gently stroked her rosy red cheeks. Ah... all my effort... and pain to squeeze the juice out from my swollen nipples... it all went to his stomach? How is he so greedy..?Taehyung softly kissed my cheek to express his apologies, so I exhaled and let him hold me as I cradled our newborn baby in his office on a clear morning day. Sora. He's your husband. At least he's sweet enough to swallow my milk rather than throwing it out... despite claiming not to fancy the flavor."Your husband needs to be taken care of too... so don't be stingy and share the milk if our little bun doesn't want it. I refuse to waste your hard-earned milk. This is the last time you'll produce such sacred juice... so I'll make sure to have it until your very last drop," Taehyung chuckled beside my ear, making me smile at his statement. I exhaled and sideways glanced at him with a playful glare. He smiled and kissed my lips softly, causing Hajin to coo in delight as she watched us interact from her bundle."Why did you let appa steal your milk~? Eomma could have punished appa for being a bad father if you told on his crimes~!" I kissed Hajin's cheek, causing her to wiggle shyly in her bundle. The child squealed in my arms, so I smiled at Taehyung again as he led me around the desk to make me sit on his lap after carefully settling back on his armchair."Let's feed her baby formula from now on. Your breasts get sore after you pump them empty," Taehyung muttered as he closed the folders on his desk and placed them aside before drawing the plate forward. He licked the cream from the spoon while holding my waist with his other arm, so I smiled at Hajin and leaned back against his chest."But I'm still producing milk... I'll eventually have to empty my breast even if it's little," I shrugged."I'll suck it for you. Why would you use the pump when you've got an entire human lips? These lips won't bruise or hurt your precious nipples, so use me," Taehyung funnily puckered his creamy lips to tease me, making me scoff at his shameless statement. I nudged my husband's chest in annoyance."I can't believe you've been drinking her milk~! I thought she was growing fond of my milk~!" I pouted at Hajin. Taehyung would take Hajin for a walk around the property while feeding her my breast milk... and he'd return with an empty bottle every time... so I assumed she wanted to be fed by her father... but it was the father who had been sucking on her bottle the entire time?! Ah~! I can't imagine a grown-up man sucking from a baby bottle like this!End of Flashback.____________________________
Hospitalized Kim Taehyung
"Are you certain he can breathe through that...?" I anxiously watched the nurse adjust Taehyung's IV drip by my bedside. It's his first day back at the mansion after spending three weeks in Seoul to receive intensive treatment for his injuries. My stupid husbandman insisted on executing a deadly mission alone. Now he's scorched... and wrapped up like a mummy. Not everyone is born to be a hero... especially not a man with a stiff back like him."I left a small gap for him to breathe," The nurse assured with her head lowered and stepped out of my room, so I exhaled and sat by Taehyung's side with a stuffy chest. The doctor had entirely bandaged the upper half of his trunk... up to his head... and only his eyes were exposed. The man has been unconscious since the day he collapsed during his mission, so I haven't spoken to him for a while now."Are you awake?" I frowned, suspiciously leaning forward to poke his eyelids, causing Taehyung's eyeball to shift under the thick barrier of his skin. He flinched at my touch and suddenly opened his dazed eyes to gaze at me from between the gaps."Oh!?!- You are awake! Can you see me?!" I gasped while waving my hand over his face... but Taehyung didn't trace his pupils after my movement... scrunched his eyebrows... and closed his eyes again.The man descended right back into a deep sleep without acknowledging my presence, so I decided not to bother him and chose to rest by his side. Imo insisted that we transfer Taehyung to a separate room so I could properly rest... but I refused and asked the medical team to set up their equipment in our bedroom. I have to care for him even if there's little I can do. The nurse isn't always available, so I often massage his motionless legs and feet to ensure proper blood circulation throughout his weakened system.
Fortunately... Taehyung's condition wasn't as severe as I expected, which was a huge relief- but he was still weak from inhaling the poisonous smoke and debris during his collapse in the tunnel. I don't know how he got out... but he must've used his remaining strength to flee the place. There's a dark bruise on his lower skull... and the left side of his torso is mildly burned by the flame.

The kids were worried for their father, of course. But I assured them of their father's condition and told them that the man would soon recover. I distract myself with my daily routines to look after the kids, and the household and would spend most of my time keeping my husband company even if his mouth is completely sealed.

He doesn't have to move or speak for me to be happy. Just sitting with him in absolute silence is enough. I'm the type of person to mutter a lot... so I'll keep talking until he hears my nagging on the other side... and he'll hopefully return to shut me up for bugging his peace.
I rested quietly on the bed in the darkness with my empty eyes fixed on the ceiling above my head because I couldn't fall asleep... so I kept tossing and turning with a troubled feeling. Nudge. I felt something... grazing the sleeve of my gown... so I glanced down to find... Taehyung... brushing his pinky finger against mine. Blinking in surprise- I quickly lifted my head to stare at my husband... and to my disbelief- he was staring at me from between the bandages with a wearied gaze."Oh~! Are you conscious now~? Can you recognize me? It's me- Sora~! Your dumpling~!" I quickly sat up on the bed to hover my face over his and waved my hand with a wide grin, hoping to capture his attention. Taehyung attempted to nod in response... but his head movement was firmly restricted by the neck brace... so he closed his eyes in frustration and opened his eyelids again to meet my shaken gaze."Can you speak? Make a sound," I encouraged. Taehyung frowned and tried to speak- but... of course... he couldn't utter a word... because his lips were secured by the bandage. The man blinked at me in difficulty."Aigo~! Don't give me the puppy look~! You got in trouble by yourself!" I grimaced, softly smacking his forehead. Taehyung groaned under the bandage and closed his eyes again... so I smiled and kissed his eyelids."I won't scream at you yet because I can't argue alone... so I'll wait for you to heal... and then I'll unleash my frustration on you! You better be prepared because I'll make sure to punish you severely for troubling me and the household with your idiotic acts!" I glared at the man.Taehyung cutely blinked at me as he lay stiffly on the bed with a slight frown. He appears somewhat... frustrated that he can't move his limbs or use his vocal cords to communicate with me. Sighing, I rested my head on the pillow and lifted my arm to gently pat his bandaged torso. I can't hug or rest my head on his body because he's still healing from the burn. My body weight might cause him pain, so I have no choice but to be patient with his taunting healing process.
The next morning.
The head doctor eventually visited the mansion the very next morning after I contacted him to confirm my husband's consciousness. The man helped Taehyung sit against the bedboard after realizing the alpha was aware of his surroundings, causing him to groan in discomfort with every slight movement but he eventually grew hushed once the head doctor started unwrapping the bandages. I left the room to assist my children in the living room and finally returned to sit on the bed with a pack of colorful markers. The head doctor had left to treat halmeoni after handling my husband so it's just me and him in our bedroom.Taehyung glanced at me uneasily as I drew out a black marker from the package and scooted over the bedsheet. He fired me a sharp glare... but he couldn't move... so I pretended not to notice his warning frown and quietly drew over his fresh bandage with a faint smile."I borrowed Hajin's markers to decorate your bandage," I muttered while drawing a mustache over his mouth. I colored his lips red before swiggling ugly slanted eyebrows over the bandage, wrapped securely around his head. Giggling softly... I added a few strands of hair over his head and colored a pink blush over either side of his cheek. Taehyung rolled his eyes at my childish doodles over his bandages and sighed deeply every five seconds to expel his muted frustration.

The man glanced downward to watch me add artificial abs to his lower stomach. Smirking, I sat up to draw big boobies over his pecs before drawing a starfish over his nipple and finally sat up to examine the colorful bandages with a proud beam. Taehyung had given up on watching me mess with his body as he sat against the bedboard with his eyes closed. I giggled and grabbed his phone to film the man, causing him to groan under the bandage as if to scold me... but I ignored his harsh glare and made fun of the man as I poked the hand-drawn boobies on his bandage."I'll give you a big fat nose~!" I smirked and leaned forward to draw over his face again. Taehyung blankly stared at my face as he remained motionless on the bed, unable to oppose whatever I was doing to his body. "Do- you have a death wish...?" He suddenly muttered from beneath the bandage. I paused and glanced up to find my husband... firing me a warning glare."What can you do looking like a stupid mummy~? Ahah~! Sit still wimpy dick man~! You're hopeless right now~!" I rolled my eyes and smacked his forehead with the marker.Taehyung scoffed at my rudeness as I dismissively arranged the scattered markers in its package and placed it away on the nightstand- when the door suddenly creaked open... and the head doctor came strolling in with my father. Halt. The two men abruptly stopped chatting at the sight of the messy doodles and glanced at me with startled looks- just as the twins eagerly slipped through the doorway to scurry inside the room."How decorative..." The head doctor scoffed at the ridiculous details on the supreme alpha's body, so I pursed my lips in embarrassment."Boobies?! Ahahaha~!" The twins lightly smacked their father's chest- but Taehyung didn't budge and pretended to be unconscious due to the humiliating artwork on his body."Uh- Hajin must've snuck... inside to draw on her father," I cleared my throat awkwardly as I settled down on the edge of the bed with a flushed face."Hajin was with me the entire morning... but alright... I guess it was Hajin's devious work," Appa mocked as the twins giggled and bent over Taehyung's face to inspect his fat nose and angry brows.The doctor chatted with me about Taehyung's well-being in the hushed bedroom, claiming my husband would develop permanent burnt marks despite their intensive treatment to minimize the appearance of the scars. I nodded and glanced at Taehyung... who was still sitting with his eyes closed as the twins hugged me on the bed. We ultimately agreed to give his skin a few more days to heal before unwrapping him.
Well. The drawing became a sensation within the mansion... so whenever the nurse changed his bandage... the twins would insist on coloring their father's with their colorful inks. Hajin would smear her sparkly glitters all over her father... and Beom would paste cute stickers all over the hospitalized man. And on the final day... the family resisted the urge to scribble on his bandage and allowed the head doctor to remove the clean cloth from the father. And for some reason... I was oddly emotional... so I stood at the foot of the bed with a tense feeling... as imo and halmeoni stood by the doorway with Do-hwan to anticipate my husband's exposure.
_________________________
Present
Taehyung calmly stood before me in our bedroom during an early morning to get ready for his work schedule in the city as I adjusted his necktie after buttoning up his shirt to prepare the man for his general meeting at the corporation. This is his first day returning to work after his prolonged recovery, so I'm quite anxious about his welfare. Taehyung stared at me in silence as I tilted my head to pat the crease over his shoulders and steered him toward the mirror so I could pull the suit over his broad shoulders. Why is he so quiet...? I stepped aside to beam at his handsome appearance in the reflection, but he didn't smile... and lowered his face to pat his inner vest."Wae? You don't like the outfits I selected?" I asked, curiously glancing up at his unimpressed gaze."No. I just feel... a bit cold," My husband muttered. I blinked and glanced at the clear day with a slight frown as Taehyung attempted to tug his collar over his exposed neck."Then should we change into a turtleneck? It'll keep you warm," I suggested with a warm smile.Taehyung nodded, so I quickly hurried back inside the closet to grab his black turtleneck, leaving him to undo his buttons. Taehyung took the black shirt from me to draw it over his head and tucked it under his waistband before buckling up his belt again. I smiled and hugged his waist with my face tilted upward to beam at his expressionless gaze."You're really not escorting me...?" Taehyung muttered as he gently stroked my cheek. The man asked me to attend the meeting with him the other night... but I refused."Well... can you spare me about half an hour? If you can wait... then I'll get dressed quickly," I giggled, tiptoeing on my bare feet to press my lips against his."Of course, I can wait. Take as long as you need. I can always adjust the event's schedule," Taehyung's face suddenly lit up at my unexpected agreement, so I patted his cheek and quickly hurried toward the vanity table to prepare my skin, dabbed on light makeup, and styled my hair before the mirror as my husband patiently sat on our bed with a faint smile."Jagi. Can you grab me a dress?" I asked while applying the powdery blush over my cheeks."Which one...?" Taehyung unsurely stood up from the bed."Whichever you like," I smiled. Taehyung softly huffed and strolled inside our closet room to search my wardrobe, eventually returning with a white shin-length long-sleeved dress."You're okay with white?" He asked as he lifted the dress upward to show me. I nodded without hesitation as I drew the night gown off my body, and quickly stepped forward, so Taehyung could help me into the cloth and pulled the long sleeves over my shoulders. He gently rotated my body and tugged the zipper over the curve of my spine to fit the dress to my body."Why white specifically?" I asked while smiling at my husband as he held onto my waist to examine the elegant dress."Because you're a snowflake. Soft, delicate, and icy," Taehyung chuckled. I grinned, quickly raced away to pull on my heels, and headed out of the mansion with him to fly to Seoul for the meeting. He needs me today.
A moment later.
Taehyung got out of the car's seat first once we arrived at the looming corporation building. He rounded the vehicle to open the door and placed out his hand for me, so I smiled and held onto him as the secretaries and assistants waited for us by the lobby. The driver carefully closed the car door as we strode toward the wide-opened entrance packed with keen employees. I'm anxious. It's been a while since I formally made a public appearance. I nervously gripped my husband's hand as his people lowered their heads to greet our arrival.

We smiled at their courteous greetings and headed straight to the conference room packed with investors and directors on the top floor. It's my first time appearing publicly as his wife at the fintech corporation... so of course... I was getting most of the attention. They must be taken aback by the fact... that their founder is now married to... his personal assistant.My husband confidently strolled inside the venue with his chin high... pausing here and there to shake hands with the guests he met. He made sure to introduce me as his wife... so I beamed and chatted with the strangers until Taehyung steered me to our seats to prepare for the event. The man tightly clutched my hand as we sat side by side in the front row until I glanced at Taehyung's sweaty hairline. Is he anxious? Or is he suffocating in his turtle neck?"Is it hot? Take off your suit," I whispered, gently gripping his hand to capture his attention. Taehyung blinked out of his thoughts and slipped off his suit as I suggested... so I smiled and placed it over my lap as he interlaced our fingers again and gently rubbed my knuckles.The corporate general meeting eventually began once the responsible directors stepped under the spotlight, so I exhaled and sat back to listen to their strategic objectives as those charged with governance stood on the stage to brief on their annual performance. Taehyung... however... was somewhat distracted as he played with my fingers over his lap with little to no acknowledgment of the executives. I glanced at him anxiously. Why is he so blank? He's been this way since he recovered. Is he even listening to his men? The man smiled when I gently squeezed his hand to stop him from tracing his finger over my opened palm.
A moment later.
"How are Kanghoonie and Woojinie~? They must be grown by now!" A few assistants surrounded me after the meeting. I chatted with them in excitement as they held onto my hands."They're about to graduate middle school~!" I giggled."I always knew our founder favored his most precious assistant~! Why didn't you invite us to your wedding?!" The man sadly frowned at me. I giggled with my hand clasped over my lips."He got me pregnant by accident, so we couldn't host a wedding since my belly was so plump~! And we have five children now- It's a bit too late for a ceremony, don't you think?" I giggled. The staff funnily laughed at my joke until Taehyung strode forward to approach us, so they quickly bowed at him. I happily clung to his arm with his suit hooked over my arm."I've reserved a restaurant for everyone... so make sure to use the budget well," Taehyung smiled at his employees. They suddenly gasped and thanked the man's generosity, so we bid our farewell and left the corporation after they concluded the meeting.
Taehyung took me straight to his private apartment afterward because it was already late... and he was too depleted to fly home. I'd usually pressure him to book an immediate flight, but I didn't today... because I knew he wasn't in a good mood.
The alpha remained muted the entire time at our private space, but I figured he was stressed over his workload because he'd been hospitalized for over a month. I did the dishes after our warm meal, leaving Taehyung to skim his files in the living room. He'd weirdly glance at me every now and then as if he was afraid I'd disappeared so I smiled at my husband to assure him I wasn't abducted by an extraterrestrial alien. I wiped the counter to polish the marble before washing my hands... strolled off to shower alone and eventually returned to find Taehyung... still seated on the couch with a dark frown on the files."You're going to get wrinkles if you keep frowning like that," I smiled as I gently tapped between his eyebrows to stop the man from creasing his skin. He blinked out of his thoughts as I drew the file out of his hands to place it on the coffee table and crawled onto his lap as he sat in his pajamas. Taehyung didn't speak and leaned back against the headrest to watch me search his gloomy face. He's usually talkative around me, so it's strange for him to remain hushed like this."Are you going to make me fly us home again?" He smiled, unsurely staring at me with his head tilted back. I shook my head and leaned forward to hug his head with my face turned towards the view of the city lights beyond us."Will you tell me what's troubling that steel heart of yours? I'd really love to hear your discomfort... even if it's trivial," I whispered while eyeing the tall skyscrapers, scattered over the city plain.Taehyung quietly hugged my back as I recharged the man with my presence. I noticed... my husband's heightened... needs to have me around him. He'd keep his hand on me even if he was busy with other tasks and would ask me to keep him company, which is unusual because... he'd often tell me to give him space once he had to focus on work... and lately? The man doesn't react... or even joke around at all and would only... hold me in his embrace. "Having you in my arms is enough to relieve my mind," He muttered. I blinked and drew away to search his worn-out gaze."Share your feelings with me. Please," I muttered while rubbing his firm cheek. Taehyung dimly stared at me with his head rested against the headrest."I'm okay," He muttered."Is it because of the scars? Does it make you insecure?" I asked, gently lowering my hand to caress the scars on the side of his left neck."My wife only favors a perfect man," He smiled. I chuckled and shook my head before tilting my face to kiss his burnt marks. Taehyung deeply exhaled as I nibbled his neckline to assure him of my undying affection."You are the definition of perfection. If you think... I'd love you less just because of the scars... then you're very wrong. My love only grows for you and you're still the most... attractive man in my eyes. I know it's hard to believe because you're struggling to cope with the sudden change... but it really doesn't bother me. Oh? If I had a man's private part like yours... I'm sure I'd always get a boner whenever I look at you," I giggled. Taehyung snorted at my words and patted my cheek with a weak smile."You shouldn't grow a dick. That's dangerous. If we were to switch genders... I fear... you'll do me until I can't walk. This woman has no self-control when it comes to humping her lover," Taehyung poked my nose. I smiled and hugged his neck to snuggle against his pacifying warmth."I get a heartbeat when I look at you," I smiled."What?" Taehyung asked."Whenever I look at you- I get a heartbeat down here," I smiled while pointing down at my crotch. The man frowned and glanced down at my lustrous silk in confusion."A heartbeat? In your crotch?" He scoffed."Yeah. I throb. All the time," I nodded. Taehyung suddenly burst out laughing and rubbed his flushed face, so I cupped his cheeks and softly pecked his lips while giggling at his contented beam. He's finally smiling."Is it throbbing now?" He smiled against my lips."Yes. It's throbbing because of you," I giggled. Taehyung chuckled and kissed my cheek as he rubbed my back up and down... so I exhaled and hugged his shoulders to hold his pulsating chest against my body."You can't get a boner... but you get a heartbeat in your crotch," Taehyung weakly whispered as he kissed the side of my head."You can feel... insecure. That's fine. But remember... your wife... only has her dilated pupils set on this very... gorgeous man and whatever you're enduring in your stuffed heart... please remember... you can always share it with me. If you're... not feeling well... don't be afraid to show me your discomfort because only then... can I properly handle you. Let's not initiate unwanted misunderstandings with our muted silence," I muttered as we embraced each other over the couch. Taehyung pressed his nose against my shoulder and nodded in agreement."I think... I might be a little depressed, but I'm trying to hold myself together," He whispered. I nodded and tightened my clutch around his neck to assure him."It will take some time... but... even if it takes forever... you will always have me by your side," I replied. He exhaled and gripped my shoulder while breathing deeply to expel the uncomfortable emotions from his chest."Thank you for assuring me of your love," Taehyung muttered. I didn't budge and closed my eyes while holding my husband. He calmly remained under me as we embraced each other on the couch to exchange our love and warmth.
Kim Taehyung used to be the strongest of the best back during our early adulthood. The man could easily handle any situation with his physical strength and mind games... but he's not the same now. He's growing weaker by the day, and that must be scary for him... because... he holds himself accountable for the safety of the society, the household, our children, and me. I know he's scared for us because he's struggling to defend our family from the cult, and that must be frustrating for him since we're the world that he revolves around.

If he loses us... I know for a fact... the man will bleed inside out and drown in his own sorrows.

He's disappointed in himself.
_________________________
Fast Forward
"Oppa- Is this nice?" I tugged my husband's wrist and lifted a cute couple's casual wear set with a bright smile. Taehyung unsurely eyed the teddy bear patterns and glanced at me."Get it if you want it," He nodded."But will you wear it? It's cute! We should wear matching outfits together~!" I smiled and placed the set into my shopping bag as Taehyung carried the other bags.

"I'm hungry," He muttered, dismissively glancing out of the store to search for a restaurant."Oh! Let's leave then~!" I grinned, grabbing his forearm to draw him toward the cashier who politely received my loaded shopping bag. Taehyung handed me his black card, so I slipped it toward the woman, who smiled at us and processed the payment."Do you need anything else?" Taehyung asked as we strolled out of the store with heavy bags in both arms."Thank you for the fund, seobang-nim~!" I giggled as I slipped the card back into his pocket."Give me a kiss if you're thankful," Taehyung lowered his face, making me giggle at his demand. I tiptoed on my heels, and gently smooch him on the street before wiping my lipstick stain from his lips and clung to his arm again. We eventually entered a nearby cafe to grab dessert and drinks. Taehyung placed the shopping bags on the opposite chairs as I strode away to order our food."Please make it a little sweet," I reminded the cashier before turning around to find a woman in an elegant designer dress speaking with Taehyung, who was sitting alone at the table by the window."-Is it okay if I take a picture with you? I can't believe I'd stumble into the founder! My father is a huge fan," The woman chuckled as I walked up to her with my arms crossed. Taehyung glanced at me with an awkward look."Sure. You can take a picture of him- only if I'm allowed in the picture as well," I replied and sat down on his lap. Taehyung scooted his chair backward to make space for me. The woman pursed her lips and glanced at us as Taehyung wrapped his arms around my waist to hold me over him."Who-""I'm Jang Sora. He's my husband," I smiled while clinging to Taehyung's neck and kissed his cheek. The woman glanced at my husband with a startled expression as if she didn't expect him to have a lover and finally excused herself without taking a picture of us. I huffed and glared at her in annoyance as Taehyung rubbed my waistline to comfort me."Don't get upset. You handled it well," He chuckled."Why do you have so many admirers?! I'm the person chasing away the bees and butterflies because they're definitely not here for me! They're here for my gardener- and that's you! They don't care about the blooming flowers! They care about your handsome face and hot body!" I snapped, scooting off his lap to nudge him inside so he'd sit against the window. I can't leave the man alone, or another woman will approach him!"Ordinary men don't chase you because your beauty intimidates them. It's the alphas I'm fighting to secure you from. Those assholes are determined once they're set on something," Taehyung grumbled as the waiter placed the drinks and snacks for us, so I thanked him and pushed the tray towards Taehyung."I'm not at all that popular," I shrugged."Are you dense? The alphas wouldn't stop chattering about you before your return. They were so excited to see you! You got all of them fumbling the instant you entered the society! Wasn't Kim Namjoon your first target? And Jung Hoseok? But they both backed off after you snatched Kim Seokjin!- And Min Yoongi? You got him delivering kimchi at midnight! And Jungkook was a crazy mess because of you! Even Park Jimin was constantly bugging me about you!" Taehyung glared."What? Jimin?" I frowned."Oh! He asked if he could hit you up after you returned, but I threatened that jerk and told him you're going to marry me- so he backed off! I threatened Chul Sungho too! And Kim Namjoon! And Jung Hoseok! And Kim Seokjin! And Jeon Jungkook! And Min Yoongi! I threatened everyone! So they'd leave you alone~!" Taehyung huffed. My jaw dropped in shock."You threatened them?" I gasped."I said you'd marry me," Taehyung smugly smiled. I grimaced and sipped from our shared creamy frappe."But you missed Jae Yangcha," I giggled while nudging his shoulder. Hah! Taehyung never noticed the lurking Jaguar in the background, and completely missed him!"That jerk played dirty! He took you away from me for over three months! And you came back obsessed over the crazy psycho! Tsk~!" Taehyung cutely whined. I laughed and opened my mouth as Taehyung fed me the croissant."Doesn't matter. In the end... you are my husband, and I will obsess over you forever," I grinned. Taehyung smiled at my radiant beam so I puckered my lips to await his peck. The man sweetly kissed me as I demanded, making me grin at his flushed face. He's usually not the type to soften in public, but he is now! He'd shamelessly kiss me in front of everyone!"Ew."We quickly snapped our heads to the side to find a small boy frowning at us in disgust with a massive lollipop gripped in his hand. The kid rudely scoffed and ran away, so Taehyung huffed and tried to stop the kid... but I chuckled and caught his arm to stop him from confronting a young child."Oppa. Buy a phone for me," I grumbled. I haven't owned a phone since I lived with Yangcha in the wilderness."What do you need it for?" Taehyung asked as he chewed his bun. I only use Taehyung and the household's devices at home. And, of course... I never really go off anywhere alone... so I never really needed a phone to contact anyone."Well-""So you could read profane novels again?" He teased. I grimaced."I should have a phone! I'm not a caveman! Oh? Does it make sense?- We live in a modern civilization and-""And who are you trying to contact? Do-hwan is always ready to assist you, and so are imo and halmeoni. The kids are young... so they don't need phones either. Your husband has chosen to work from home... so he can be with his lovely wife. So... who are you trying to communicate with?" The man pressed with his eyes narrowed. I pursed my lips with a flushed expression."Well-! My farm needs someone to look after it! I'm on a very high level, so I can't abandon my account!" I snapped. Taehyung scoffed and shook his head in disbelief before drawing out his phone from his pocket and handed it to me."Download the application on my phone," He placed the phone into my hand."Aren't you afraid I'll find your secret mistress on your contact?" I muttered as I unlocked his phone to install my game. Taehyung gave me full access to his phone... but I never really bothered to check it because I trust him."Why do I need a secret mistress when my wife is an expert at loving me? You're everything I need," He shrugged."So... if I wasn't everything you needed... you wouldn't love me?" I asked, leaning forward to grin at him."That's impossible-""What if I'm a rock? Would you love me still?" I eagerly asked. Taehyung frowned at my absurd inquiry and glanced at me with a funny look."Really? How am I supposed to love a rock-""Hah!- So you won't love me if I'm a rock?! How terrible!" I smacked his shoulder. Taehyung groaned at my silly statement and briefly lowered his head to his forearm while chewing the baked dessert."I'm losing my brain cells because of you," He grumbled while shaking his head at me."Why?!- I'd love you if you were a rock and bring you everywhere with me-""Pfft! Says the woman- who has been obsessed over muscular men all her life! If I was a rock- you'd probably pick me up and toss it off a cliff to strike the hot man in his head, kidnap him, and make him your husband!" Taehyung funnily snapped at my face. I burst out laughing and smacked his chest... making him chuckle at my hysterical outburst... so I hugged his bicep and lifted the phone to take a selfie of us."Anyways. Why did you post my pictures without my consent?" I pouted while checking Taehyung's social media. He's been... spamming his public account with random pictures of me... and our children."Why not? You look funny," He shrugged. I grimaced at the ugly pictures of myself on his account.Little dumpling is tired after nagging me about my dirty laundry. [Attached Picture]It was a picture of me dozing off on the couch with a cushion over my face.Today. Happy wife made lemon cake. Tasty. [Attached Picture]It was a picture of a slice of cake.Eomma is gossiping about me to her children. [Attached Picture]It was me kneeling with the circle of the children in the twin's room.
I strongly do not recommend five children. They steal your wife.
It was a picture of my kids crowding around me on the couch in the living room.My wife says I'm very handsome today. [Attached Picture]It was a selfie of himself in his beach shirt and sunglasses.I am instructed to remain shirtless around my wife. Yes, madam. [Attached Picture]It was a picture of me hugging his bare chest on our bed in the dark.Freshly milked by wife for husband. Exclusive breast milk. [Attached Picture]It was a picture of Hajin's milk bottle.[Disclaimer: All Images are AI-Generated.]

I scoffed at his contents and glared at him as I scrolled through the endless shots of my embarrassing moments. Me... sleeping with my mouth open. Me... glaring at him while brushing my teeth with a foaming mouth. Me... sitting on the platform bench with striking messy hair after my early morning wake. And even my frightened face... when he scares me."Why do you post derpy pictures of me and not nice ones?!" I snapped. Taehyung chuckled and shook his head."I like to keep your pretty pictures to myself. No one is allowed to see the pretty side of you," The man shook his head. He grabbed the phone, switched to a private account and to my disbelief... it was filled... with pictures of me and our children. I smiled at the random shot as he filmed me without my knowledge. Oh~! So this is where he keeps my pretty photos~!"That's why people don't recognize me," I grumbled, switching back to the main account."I try to let people know I'm married to an obsessive psycho... but people still try to hit on me," Taehyung shrugged."If I post my boobies... do you think a lot of men will like the post- Argh!" I tried to speak when he suddenly shoved the remaining croissant inside my mouth."Don't you dare! They're mine~!" Taehyung narrowed his eyes on my breasts and snatched the phone back in annoyance."Okay. Take a picture of us- I'll kiss you. I want you to post that," I grinned while clinging to his forearm. Taehyung grimaced and lifted his phone... so I tilted my head upward to press my puckered lips against his face. The man chuckled and lowered his phone after snapping the selfie... so I giggled softly while studying our captured moment."What should I caption?" Taehyung smiled as he extended his arm over my shoulder to draw me against him. I hugged his waist with my lips pursed to think of a creative phrase."Jang Sora's best baby daddy!" I grinned. Taehyung nodded with an approving smile and typed on the screen to post the picture, so I smiled and tightened my arms around his waist until it was posted on his social media. The man kissed my forehead again while hugging my shoulder, making me giggle over our shared frappes and desserts at a local cafe.__________________________
Fast Forward
Beom curiously giggled while sitting on the counter near the stove with his chubby legs dangling from the edge to watch me cook the steaming meal. I smiled as he chewed the slice of chicken breast in his hand and stirred the pan again with the spatula as the twins and Hajin strolled inside the kitchen to sit at the counter as imo prepared their plates.
We don't often eat in the dining room because it's a hassle to have the maids carry the plates back and forth. Oftentimes, the family eats at the counter in the kitchen unless there's a feast or celebration. I like it this way too. To have my chief maid and chief guard and halmeoni eat with us. After all, they're also our family and should always dine with us.
"Can I taste it?" Beom asked while smiling at me as I switched off the stove to taste the fuming hot pork belly stir. I grabbed a spoon to scoop a bit of the thick paste and gently blow on it before lifting it to Beom's lips, who stuck out his tongue to taste the meal I cooked for our puppy."Ohhh~! Puppy will love it~! Yum!" Beom giggled while wiggling his body."Go and find a puppy," I smiled as I lifted Beom off the counter to place him on the floor... so the child nodded and skipped out of the kitchen to find his pet.
I cook his puppy's meals every day because I didn't want to burden the maids. Appa insisted that we feed the dog instant food... but I didn't want to always feed processed food to the pup, so I decided to cook him a proper meal in the morning and in the evening. The dog food is also left in a spare bowl, just in case the puppy gets hungry during the day... but most of the time... he eats a warm meal just like his human family. I don't give the pup leftovers and would always cook fresh food for him.
I transferred the food from the hot pan into the spare yellow puppy bowl and fanned the plate... to cool down the heat as Hajin chatted with Kanghoon over her meals. Imo and Halmeoni chuckled at each other as they peeled the tangerine for the kids at the counter. Do-hwan appeared in a fresh set of casual pajama pants to sit beside imo and lowered his head to dig the meals... until Beom skipped back inside the space with Puppy."Eomma~! Puppy is here~!" Beom smiled as Puppy trailed after him on the floor."Be careful. Where did you find puppy?" I smiled as I handed the bowl to Beom. He walked toward his puppy and settled the bowl down before petting the furball. It hungrily licked the meal as Beom straightened his body with a proud smile, so I picked up my son and hovered him over the sink."He was sleeping inside appa's work office," Beom muttered while washing his hands under the faucet as I held the child against my chest."Did you invite appa to dinner?" I kissed his cheek as I watched my child wash his tiny fingers with slippery soap."Appa said he has work. He will be down in a moment," Beom nodded. I paused and glanced at Beom when... he unexpectedly called Taehyung... appa. Oh? That's the first time. Beom usually addresses the man as... ajusshi.  The child switched off the faucet... so I grabbed a clean napkin to pat his hands dry before carrying him to the dining table to sit on the stool beside Hajin. Beom sat on my lap and grabbed his plate, so I handed him the spoon."Eomma. Open~!" Hajin handed me a ketchup bottle. Smiling, I uncapped the bottle and poured the paste into the plate for her, so Hajin smiled and ate her food as I ate from a separate plate while holding Beom over my lap and glanced at Puppy... whose head was buried inside the bowl on the floor."Eomma, when will Woobin hyung visit us?" Woojin curiously glanced at me while chewing the drumstick with his greasy lips."I'll ask him. Hyung said he wants to explore his new home... so he might be away for a while," I smiled. Kanghoon nodded and glanced down at his plate again. Hajin let out a deep exhale while eating... so I patted her back to soothe her. I recommended that she write a letter to Woobin whenever she feels down... and I'd send her letters to our son... but she never bothered.
A moment later.
"You guys are doing so well~!" I chuckled while reviewing the twin's report card in their room."Eomma. When did you have your first boyfriend?" Woojin asked, curiously looking up at me from his bed as I sat on the couch."Why are you suddenly curious? Do you have a girlfriend?" I smiled."Ani. We get a lot of confessions but... appa... said... we must focus on studying," Kanghoon replied as he organized his study desk in the corner of the room."Well. If you like someone... then... that's okay too. Feelings can't be dismissed. Just make sure not to hurt her feelings and properly communicate with her," I smiled. Woojin chuckled."I'll tell you once I find a pretty woman like eomma~!" Woojin beamed."Eomma. How did you meet appa? What about ahjussi?" Kanghoon asked as he crawled onto his bed. I pursed my lips while staring at the boys."Eomma... grew up with appa. We lived together when we were young. Eomma thought of appa as... an older brother because he took great care of eomma... but we developed feelings for other people as we grew up and separated for a while. And somehow... fate brought us back together," I tried to explain. The twins nodded as they uneasily eyed me from their beds... as if they wanted to say something else."Appa... he's not our biological... father... is he? Just like Beom?" Woojin suddenly asked. I stopped breathing and stared at the child with an uneasy expression."Uh-""We don't look like him at all. Jungkook ahjussi... looks a lot more like us," Kanghoon pursed his lips. What do I say...? Should I tell them the truth?- I can't lie about their identity forever."Do you really wish to know the truth?" I frowned. Woojin and Kanghoon quickly exchanged glances. They eventually nodded... so I exhaled and placed the report card aside. They're old enough to grasp the situation... so I should reveal the truth to them.
A moment later.
"So... Jungkook ajusshi is our father?" Kanghoon blinked innocently as he knelt on the bed. The twins sat with stunned expressions after I revealed their father's identity. What if they get upset? Maybe I shouldn't have told them yet?!"Eomma... accidentally got pregnant by ahjussi," I nodded. The twins grew hushed while staring at me, so I sucked in my breath anxiously to anticipate their reaction."Ajusshi doesn't like us?" Woojin blinked."No. It's just... we weren't together. It's a bit complicated- but I want you two to know... that I love you both... unconditionally. Hmm?" I weakly smiled."That's okay. We understand. Appa will forever be our real father. I'm glad eomma... has chosen to be with appa now so we can be a complete family. Even Yangcha ajusshi was a great father figure to us. We've never felt fatherless because they've always shown us their affection," Kanghoon shrugged. Woojin smiled with a reassuring smile."You're right. Taehyung is your father... and he loves you dearly," I nodded."He's the best father! We are proud to call him our father! And our eomma is also the best!- We're very thankful to you and appa for raising us with so much love~!" Woojin smiled. I pouted at their heartwarming exclaims, so the kids giggled and crawled forward to hug me.
I thought I'd have to live my entire life hiding my accidental affair with Jeon Jungkook from them... but I'm relieved now. Maybe all I have to do is be honest with my family. Because if they truly love me... they will eventually empathize and understand my decisions.

After all... I am no longer suppressed by my toxic household and everyone with the property is free to be themselves.

A moment later.
I finally pushed open the door to my bedroom after putting the kids to bed- but halted by the doorway when I found my husband sleeping face-first on the mattress without his shirt on. Taehyung snored softly without budging, so I cautiously closed the door without making a sound and crawled onto the bed to rest beside him... but didn't dare touch him because I didn't want to wake the exhausted man from his deep sleep. He hasn't eaten yet. Should I wake him? Sighing, I turned to sleep on my side and decided to sleep instead. His body needs sleep right now... so I shouldn't disturb him. If he's hungry, he'll eat. I have to trust my husband.
Although... I was assured of Taehyung's condition during our stay at his apartment... the man... started skipping dinner frequently and would often remain in his workroom almost all day. I'd leave the mansion once in a while with him to attend his meeting in Seoul... and he'd interact with me normally.

He's been sleeping so much lately.

He'd skip dinner... sometimes breakfast or lunch. The man sometimes didn't shower for a few days until I dragged him into the stall with me but I never really confronted him because I knew he was trying his best to be better. Instead, I chose to gently remind my husband of his meal time and required showers. Why? He's a grown man.

I'm pretty sure he's aware of his responsibilities, so I shouldn't nag or pester him. He knows. He knows he's not eating enough... and he knows... he's not taking care of himself. It won't make him feel any better if I argue with him every time we meet so I'll let him handle his own battle and quietly support him from behind.
I sleepily sat up on the mattress and glanced at the empty space beside me. My husband had disappeared from the cold sheet. Did he leave again...? I loudly yawned while crawling off the bed to stroll out of the room, and headed down to the kitchen. Creak. The door slid open at my gentle nudge... so I stepped inside to find Taehyung eating alone at the counter. Flick. I switched on the lights... causing him to squint his eyes at the uncomfortable beam... and lower his head to avoid the harsh brightness."Did we run out of water?" He asked while chewing his late-night dinner."No. I was searching for you," I shook my head as I sleepily settled on his lap, so he hugged me with one arm and lowered his face to slurp the cold soup."I'll be right back to bed," He muttered while chewing the food. I exhaled and glanced sleepily at his shabby appearance. He hasn't even shaved his beard for a while now. It keeps pricking my face whenever we kiss."You can't skip your meals. It's unhealthy," I whispered, gently cupping Taehyung's jaw as he quietly chewed on either side of his mouth with his puffed cheeks. The man stared at me with his swollen eyelids and shook his head."I didn't feel like eating-""I know you've lost your appetite. Didn't you think I wouldn't notice? Why are you straining yourself so much? If you're not feeling well... then you should at least eat the nutritious food I prepared to sustain your health. How will you feel better... if you're not nourishing your body properly?" I frowned. Taehyung swallowed in difficulty while searching my eyes in guilt."Sora, don't worry about me-" The man tried to speak, so I quickly pressed my lips against his and pulled him into a comforting hug. How can I not worry about him? He's my beloved lover. I have to care, and I have to ache for him. Taehyung exhaled at my love stroke and patted my back as we sat in the dim kitchen.
A moment later.
"Aren't you cold?" Taehyung asked as I sat under the ancient tree in the dark of the night. He rounded the bench to sit beside me... so I smiled and took his hand to seek his warmth."I like the peace," I smiled while gazing at the distant island with a faint smile. Taehyung lowered his head as he rubbed my knuckles."I'm worrying you, aren't I?" He asked. I nodded and glanced at him with a weak smile."Let me in here," I whispered while poking his left chest. Taehyung gripped my fingers and dimly glanced at the dark sea."I'm just disappointed in myself because I'm not doing enough for the society and our family," He mumbled. I exhaled deeply and closed my eyes to ponder his words."No man is brave enough to charge inside a fire bird's nest, but you did. Isn't that beyond enough to prove your devotion to defend the council?" I asked, sadly glancing at him. What is his definition of enough? He's doing more than enough for all of us. Taehyung remained quiet for a few minutes."I'm bothered by the cult's existence. They might still be alive... and they might attack again. I'm afraid... the society and our family... will suffer their wrath once they strike... and that... I won't be strong enough to oppose them," He muttered... so I leaned against his shoulder while rubbing his forearm."I won't let you face the storm alone. Not again. Taehyung... we need each other to survive this battle, so the next time... you wish to stand on the frontline... I will be right by your side. Hmm? If you wish to defend our household... then I'll stand guard with you day and night because there's no way in hell... that I'll let you shield us alone. We are stronger together," I smiled. Taehyung glanced at me and softly kissed my head."You'll fight by my side?" He smiled."I didn't choose you to be the leader because I believed you could carry all the burden to yourself but because... I knew you'd always have my back in every situation. Who would dare hurt me when I've got the lone wolf standing behind my back with his intimidating glare?" I smiled, leaning upward to peck his cheek. Taehyung chuckled while nodding in agreement, and lowered his face to rest on mine as he gently stroked my face before the vast ocean view.________________________
Third Person POV
The responsible directors remained stiff in their seats with their heads lowered once Kim Taehyung furiously slammed the folder shut and stormed out of the room with a dark frown. Kim Namjoon and Min Yoongi exchanged muted glances after the founder confronted the directors for failing to secure a potential large-scale investment for the corporation. The supreme alpha hastily brushed back his hair and strode into the lobby with a fuming red face."No visitors," Kim Taehyung strictly instructed his secretary before entering his private office without batting an eye, causing the assistants to bow in fright and close the door behind his back.Kim Taehyung roughly tugged his tie loose in extreme irritation as he snatched a bottle of water to drink from it with his sharp glower trained on the city view before him. The man eventually exhaled with his eyes closed to calm his raging anger and slumped at his desk with a slight grimace while rubbing his pulsing temples... when the door to his office suddenly swung open again."Did you not hear my order?! I said no visitors!-" Taehyung bellowed, angrily snapping a deadly glare at the uninvited guest- but abruptly halted with his mouth hanging open.... when he spotted his wife... standing at the doorway with a startled expression. The man pursed his lips and glanced at the frightened secretary behind her back, who was nervously gripping his hands with his head lowered.
A moment ago.
Jang Sora hummed happily as she strolled through the lavish corridor with a bright smile when a flood of executives suddenly exited their meeting room with a sore expression. They abruptly paused in their position to greet the founder's wife, who beamed at their courtesy and lowered her head to return the respectful gesture."Oh? What are you doing here?" Namjoon smiled as he walked up to her with Yoongi."I brought my husband lunch. Are you guys heading out? I made Dasik- Here! Have it with your coffee!" Sora smiled while rummaging through her paper bag and placed the cutely decorated paper box in each of the alpha's hands. They smiled warmly while chatting with the supreme alpha before bidding goodbye and left the floor. Sora hummed again and strode forward until she entered the private lobby without announcing her presence in advance. The secretary quickly got up to greet her. [Dasik: Traditional Tea Cookies]"Is he in office?" Sora smiled as she cluelessly strode up to the door... so an assistant quickly scurried from behind her desk with a frightened expression."He instructed us to-""It's fine. The founder would love to see his wife," The secretary quickly stopped the assistant from refusing her entrance."Wae...? Did something happen...?" Sora unsurely blinked while observing the timid staff within the lobby. The man and the women fired each other nervous looks before glancing at Sora's clueless face."He's not in a good mood... but I'm sure he'll love to see you right now," The secretary smiled as he stood beside the supreme alpha."Oh- No worries. I can handle him. Anyway- I baked treats for everyone. Please share with the other departments," She smiled as she handed the assistant the paper bags. The secretary smiled and pushed open the door without seeking the founder's permission... only to be welcomed by a harsh greeting.
Present.
The secretary awkwardly glanced at the pale-looking founder while standing behind Jang Sora by the doorway. Kim Taehyung remained paralyzed in his seat after he accidentally screamed at his wife, who was unsurely standing by the doorway with the lunchbox gripped in her hands. The supreme alpha scratched her head and glanced at the frightened man beside her before glancing back at Kim Taehyung, who was too stunned to utter a word. He might be a strict and tough man at the corporation... but once it comes to... his wife... the founder knew... raising his voice at her... is a death sentence."If you need space right now... I'll drop the lunch box and leave," Sora smiled, calmly strolling forward to place the lunchbox on the desk with a composed smile. She didn't seem offended by his harsh greetings, so Taehyung tensed his body and glanced at the secretary with an annoyed look for almost getting him in trouble."Why didn't you announce my wife's presence~? Ah~!" Taehyung huffed in frustration."How could he have announced my presence when you shouted before I could step foot inside your office?" She chuckled. Taehyung's face suddenly softened upon her radiant beam."I figured your wife is the only exception," The secretary weakly smiled at the founder."You're dismissed," Taehyung sorely nodded while waving his hand. The secretary chuckled and closed the door as Sora stood before her husband's desk with a keen smile."Should I leave? Everyone seems frightened because of your bad mood-""Are you nuts...? Who am I to send my wife away? Come here," Taehyung beckoned while patting his lap and forced his armchair away from the desk to create space for her. Sora smiled and rounded the desk to sit on his thighs. Taehyung softly groaned as he wrapped his arms around her waist and lowered his head to rest his face on her shoulder for support. Sora smiled and hugged his back to comfort her agitated husband."You shouldn't be upset for too long," She muttered, gently kissing her husband's warm ear.Taehyung sighed deeply to expel the frustration from his chest as he tightly clung to his wife without budging. The man desperately needed her icy-cold energy to calm the raging anger within his chest. She didn't speak and patiently held him with a weak smile until the man recollected himself and finally straightened his back with a guilty frown."I didn't mean to scream at you," He apologized. Sora smiled and glanced down at his loose tie."Oh?- Why is your tie unfastened?- Are you hiding your secret mistress here?!- That's why you didn't want visitors?!" She gasped dramatically while gawking at his loose buttons. Taehyung chuckled and pecked her lips... but she whined and shoved him away... so he clutched her waist and drew her back with a weak smile."Don't stress me out over your silly accusations. My clothes magically disappear from my body only when I'm with you. No one else can get me out of my underwear," Taehyung chuckled at her playful manner. Sora smiled at her exhausted husband and turned around to draw her lunch pack over the table.
Sora's POV
"I asked imo to take a break- cooked lunch myself... so I thought I should deliver it to you since my father is taking the private jet to Seoul for his monthly checkup with the head doctor. I tagged along," I smiled while unzipping the lunch box to place the warm containers on the desk.Taehyung kissed my shoulder as he reached out to draw off the lids... so I scooped a spoonful of fried rice and turned to feed him. He happily opened his mouth to welcome the flavored grains before frowning in satisfaction as he tasted my warm dish."Thank god you showed up to calm me. I could've jumped off the building earlier," He joked. I glared at the man and smacked his chest. Taehyung suddenly got up from the armchair while holding my waist and made me take his seat before striding away to drag a spare armchair to position it beside me as I arranged his scattered folders on the desk."I'll wait for you until your schedule is over," I offered as Taehyung settled on the chair beside mine to eat his warm lunch. The man nodded as he stuffed his cheeks full, so I smiled and uncapped the fresh carrot juice for him."Did you make this too?" Taehyung asked as he examined the pretty Dasik box with a weak smile."Yup~! The kids love them! I asked Do-hwan to deliver it to the twins at school," I nodded. Taehyung chuckled and placed the box down before lowering his head to eat his food again."I should post my wife's cute lunch set," Taehyung drew out his phone to take a selfie with me. I quickly patted my hair to appear pretty and hugged his neck with a bright beam as he lifted the phone upward to snap a picture with his puffed cheeks while making sure to capture the scattered food on his desk. He chuckled and lowered his phone again... so I snatched it and quickly typed the caption."Kim Taehyung's loveliest baby mama!" I grinned. He nodded approvingly as I posted the picture to his social media before switching to the game I installed on his phone."Ohoh! Don't stare at the screen when you're with me~! How disrespectful!" He snapped. I smiled at his annoyed frown and slipped the phone back into his pocket with an apologetic smile. That's right! I should be admiring his handsome face!"I have something to show you, but you have to finish eating first," I smiled at the man."You've got another surprise?" Taehyung raised his eyebrow in curiosity. I nodded while unwrapping the paper box to pick out a green Dasik and munched on it as Taehyung enjoyed his lunch at his office desk.
A moment later.
"Urgh... I'm so full. My belt is about to explode," Taehyung rubbed his stuffed stomach after he exited the restroom, so I quickly got up from his leather armchair."Are you ready for the surprise?" I smiled as I grabbed my husband with an eager beam. The man unsurely scanned the area around me as if to search for the gift... so I gripped his wrist and made him sit on his chair."Where's the surprise? Is this a prank...?" Taehyung chuckled while leaning back against the headrest to examine me in confusion with his arms on the handrest."Are you ready?" I giggled as I excitedly stood before my husband with my fists clenched."What's with you?-" Taehyung rolled his eyes with a doubtful smile while sitting with a bloated stomach- but flinched in a panic when I unexpectedly lifted my ankle-length dress upward... to flash my panties at his face. The man froze with his lips ajar and glanced up at me as if I was crazy."Isn't it cute?-""Are you out of your goddamn mind?!" Taehyung gasped, swiftly yanking my dress down to cover my crotch, and quickly snatched the remote to lock his office door with a flushed face. He scoffed in disbelief and fired me a dumbfounded glare... with his thick eyebrows furrowed... as if to question my deranged behavior."Hey~! Did you even see it?!- Look! Isn't it cute!?" I smacked his chest and lifted my dress before my husband again so he could get a proper look at my panties. The man pursed his lips while eyeballing the plain white fluffy underwear with a small teddy bear pocket... sewn right... over my crotch.

"Where did you even get it?" He scoffed with a weak smile."Remember the couple set we got? It came with underwear and a bra!" I chuckled, still holding my dress upward to stand before him in my panties, and slightly lifted it higher to flaunt my bra with a cheeky smile. Taehyung softly groaned and rubbed his face in disbelief... causing me to frown at his unfavorable reaction. I thought he'd love it!"Why would anyone stitch a pocket over their panties? What is there to keep in there?" He chuckled, glancing up at me with a funny look."I've got a gift inside. Take it out," I smiled, eagerly stepping forward in my panties. Taehyung didn't budge and stared at my teddy pocket over the underwear in suspicion. He glanced up at me with an uneasy expression."Is it a condom?" The man smiled, unsurely lifting his hand to fish the pocket as I held my dress up for him... until he tugged the keychain out of the fabric."Nope! It's a snowflake! You said it reminded you of me~!" I chuckled. Taehyung stared at the small keychain in his palm and glanced at me again with a slight frown."Why are you so adorable?" Taehyung chuckled as he held my hips and suddenly lowered his face to peck the teddy over my crotch. I shrieked at the ticklish sensation and tried to push his head away- but he refused and softly kissed me all over the fluffy panty."Actually~! The underwear has two teddy ears on the back~!" I giggled, swiftly spinning around to show him the back of my bum. Taehyung snorted at the sight of the floppy ears and playfully smacked my buttcheeks."Ah~! You're so unpredictable~!" Taehyung whined while tugging the ear with a flushed look."Isn't it cute?" I giggled while wiggling my fleshy bum at my husband."You're the cutest dumpling~! Muah~! Muah~! Muah~! I love this so much! Ah~! You smell so good~!" He suddenly grabbed my hips and leaned forward to shove his face against my buttcheeks, causing me to gasp in shock. I tried to turn around... but the man firmly positioned me in place as he aggressively sniffed the scent off my bum. I whined in annoyance and slightly bent over to hold the desk for support as Taehyung remain in his seat to harass my butt over the panty."You can't ruin this one! I really like it!" I snapped. Taehyung chuckled while snuggling his face against my fleshy buttcheeks. Ah~! I can't believe he's doing this to me! I only wanted to show him the cute panties!"Stay still. Let me... just... recharge my energy with your juicy buttcheeks today," Taehyung chuckled against my buttcrack. I pursed my lips and lowered my face in embarrassment as I stiffly stood with my butt sticking out so my husband could sniff and grope my ass."You smell so good~!" Taehyung chuckled, softly biting my left bum, so I giggled and glanced at him as he bit my flesh all over to tease me."Ah~! Oppa~!" I giggled when- Click. The door suddenly slid open.Taehyung wildly snapped at the door in a panic as he roughly yanked me by my waist... so I gasped and frantically pulled down my dress to cover my exposed legs. Thump! I landed right on his lap. Fwip! Taehyung swiftly spun the chair to face the desk at the sudden disruption while holding me over his thighs- just as the clueless secretary appeared with a device.The man smiled at our awkward position... once he found Taehyung... rubbing his chin with a flushed face. My husband swallowed uneasily and briefly glanced at me... so I pretended to pack the lunch box until Taehyung cleared his throat and glanced back at his secretary. Shit!"The investors have requested to delay the meeting, sir," The man announced."Delay? Did they think I could easily adjust to their schedule?" Taehyung frowned, darkly grimacing at the man."Don't shoot the messenger," I whispered while patting his lap."Would you like to proceed with the current schedule-""I won't be in the office for the next two weeks, so reschedule it for next month," Taehyung dismissively waved his hand at the man. The secretary lowered his head and stepped out of the office again, so I exhaled and slumped back against Taehyung's chest."He almost caught you sniffing my butt!" I giggled, lifting my face to smile at my husband. He lowered his hand to draw up my dress over my thighs and gently stroked his thumb over the cute teddy on my underwear as I sat on his lap."Keep this on until tonight," He whispered, gently kissing my ear."Hah~! I won't let you ruin it!" I snapped while glaring at him in annoyance."Keep it on. I want you to sit on my face tonight," Taehyung whispered with a smug smile. My face suddenly flushed red as I leaned against his chest. "Do you want to stay at your apartment tonight then...?" I giggled, gently nudging his nose tip with mine. Taehyung nodded and hugged me over his lap while stroking the teddy over my crotch as we sat in his vacant office space with my dress lifted to my waist.
A moment later.
We anxiously entered the private medical room to find Sungho sitting against the bed with a bandaged neck. He smiled and waved at us, so I rushed forward to give the alpha a comforting hug as my husband carried the basket of health supplement gifts."Does it hurt?" I asked while frowning at Sungho, who smiled and shook his head."I'm good," He mouthed without making a sound. I nodded and patted his hand. Thank god Sungho is alright. It must've hurt like crazy to have his throat torn apart."I wanted to visit you sooner, but the household was hectic," I explained apologetically. Sungho smiled and glanced at Taehyung, who stood behind my back with his eyes narrowed... until the alpha quickly drew his hand from my grip to avoid touching me.We ended up chatting with Chul Sungho in his medical suite for about an hour. The alpha couldn't use his damaged windpipe yet- so he typed on a device to show us his answers. I didn't want to burden the man too much so we left soon after and strolled back into the lobby... just in time... to find Jungkook entering through the hospital door with Hwa-young, who paused to stare at us with her hand on her plump belly. Hwa-young is pregnant with another child...? I glanced at the little girl... who was clinging to Jungkook's hand with her hair tied up.Taehyung didn't greet his cousin and steered me out of the door with an unbothered look, so I glanced back at the little girl... who was curiously chasing her gaze after me. It's my first time seeing his blood daughter. Jungkook lifted the child off the floor and strolled inside the lobby with his pregnant wife as I exited through the hospital door. Jungkook married Hwayoung after Jimin married So-young... but I didn't attend my first love's wedding because Taehyung didn't want to be there. Jungkook never really took his wife out with him and chose to hide her and his daughter for some unknown reason.
The half-blood... has been very distant from us since the alliance shattered. We were the closest trio back during our childhood, but... during the present time... we'd quietly pass by each other without greeting one another. Maybe that is the curse of having a trio made out of a love triangle? In the end... one is abandoned by the other two.

Jeon Jungkook chose to raise his own daughters with his lover... who was initially my husband's partner. I thought... he'd someday... accept the twins as his children... at the very least... but no... Jeon Jungkook refused to acknowledge the twins.
"Eomma~! You're not coming home today?!" The twins shouted through the phone as I waved at them with a weak smile."I'll be home tomorrow with appa before you wake up!" I chuckled while waving at them."Eomma! Gummies!" Hajin suddenly snatched the phone from the twin's hand and hurried away to sit beside Beom, who was cuddling puppy on his lap on the couch."Araso~! We'll get you snacks!" I grinned."Eomma~! Can you get the puppy a toy?" Beom asked, curiously poking his head into the frame as Hajin cutely giggled at the screen."Okay~! Listen to imo and harabeoji, alright? Don't misbehave!" I reminded them. Hajin wasn't listening to me and poked her tongue out at someone behind the camera when the person suddenly snatched the phone from her grip- Thump! Thump! I found Woojin screaming hysterically as he sprinted up the stairs with Kanghoon to flee his little sister."Goodnight~!" Kanghoon waved, abruptly hanging up on me before I could respond, so I lowered my husband's phone with a weak smile while standing in the living room at his private apartment. The kids called their father earlier, but Taehyung had to take a dump in the bathroom, so I answered the call instead."Yeobu~! We should get snacks for the kids! We have to return early tomorrow~!" I called as Taehyung rubbed his sore butt while rummaging through the fridge. He's been constipated for a couple of days."Aigo~! Why do you always wish to return early?! We'd have to shop late again~!" He whined as he fired me an annoyed look."Imo is old! She can't handle every one of them in the morning~! I have to return so I can at least pack lunch for the kids and cook for puppy!" I argued. Taehyung slammed the fridge door shut and glared at me, so I pouted at the man until he gave in and took me shopping at the local supermarket to collect the snacks for the kids and supplies for our puppy."Beom asked for a toy for puppy~!" I happily picked the toys on the rack as Taehyung placed the doggie snacks in the cart."Pick blue and yellow toys. Dogs can only see those colors," Taehyung drew the red toy out of my hand to place it back on the shelf. I smiled and grabbed a blue and yellow toy instead."How did you know?" I smiled as Taehyung reached over the rack from behind my back."I researched about dogs because our son wanted a puppy," He shrugged. I laughed and squeezed the squeaky toy at his face."Appa is so cute~!" I patted my husband's abs as he read the label on the napkin's package."That's why Puppy loves to chase Woojin and Kanghoon. It can only see blue and yellow," Taehyung chuckled. I suddenly widened my eyes in realization and gawked at my husband in extreme shock."So that's why puppy gets so excited when he sees the twins?!- Because they're always dressed in those two colors!" I snorted, funnily covering my mouth as if I had resolved a shocking mystery.The man chuckled at my reaction and nodded as he carefully placed the massive napkin package in the cart. I laughed hysterically after failing to calm myself... until the aisle echoed with my high-pitched laughter. I thought our puppy loved to scare my twins for fun- but it turns out the puppy found them interesting~!? Yellow and blue are the twin's favorite colors~!

Taehyung smiled when I wouldn't stop laughing until my stomach hurt... so I grabbed the cart for support until tears filled my eyes. A passerby weirdly glanced at me when I wouldn't stop shrieking like a mad person, so Taehyung pulled me against his body and firmly placed his hand over my lips to hush me."Why are you laughing so loudly!?" Taehyung grinned as he covered my mouth. I giggled and glanced up at him in tears, so the man freed my mouth and kissed my lips softly. I covered my mouth again to stifle my voice while leaning against my husband, who shook his head and glanced at the toys on the rack.Taehyung eventually pushed the cart forward after we purchased the items for our puppy and strolled through the other aisle to shop for the family's essentials. We got everything we needed and drove the cart to the cashier, who was waiting to receive our products. Taehyung quietly placed the goods on the counter... so I stepped aside to observe the adult racks on the left."Yeobo. Do you want to try the watermelon one?" I asked while tugging his jacket's pocket as Taehyung stared at the cashing screen to inspect the prices. The cashier glanced at me and back at Taehyung awkwardly."Pick whatever you like and a bottle of lube. I don't have it at the apartment," He nodded, causing the female cashier to blush bright pink upon witnessing our transparency."We've been married for almost a decade, so maintaining a healthy marriage is a lot of work," I smiled at her. She shyly nodded as she scanned our products to place them in the bags. Taehyung smiled as I picked out his size and placed the condom pack and lube on the counter for checkout. The alpha paid with his credit card and lifted the heavy bags, so I thanked the cashier and strolled off with my husband."Oppa. You really give off the rich sugar daddy vibes, you know~?" I smiled while clinging to his arm as we strode down the sidewalk. He chuckled and glanced at me. The people at the corporation probably think I'm a golddigger because I wouldn't stop clinging to my wealthy husband!
But hey! We women- suffer the most in a marriage, so why would we settle for less?

The man should at least be able to provide for our children and family! It is our body that will endure the pain, and it is our flesh that will tear itself apart to conceive a man's child! And seriously- we'll never be the same again after giving birth! We grow weaker! We lose our firm skin! We lose our hair! And even our perky breasts will sag!

We're basically kissing our youthful body and health goodbye for a man's pleasure! So what's wrong with wanting a rich man who can provide for his family?! Don't be a fool and settle for less! No way!- Always pick the good and wealthy man if you have the chance!

Don't worry about being called a gold digger- I'm telling you the rich men will never complain about your spending!- And will literally shower you with everything you desire! It's the broke man who is afraid of wasting his money because he doesn't have any! Tsk!
"I work to sustain an unlimited card for my wife and children. Sugar daddy? I'm your love slave," He chuckled. I laughed and offered to help him carry one of the bags, but Taehyung refused and asked me to hold the lightest bag as we returned to the apartment. If there's love... I'm sure he will spoil you with everything he has. So if you're going to fall... fall for a man with the potential and capability to support you and your children in the long term.
A moment later.
I finally entered our bedroom to undo my dress after our exhausting grocery haul, loosened my hair before the vanity table to ease my strained scalp, and tried to enter the bathroom when the door flung open- and Kim Taehyung sprinted inside to sweep me off the ground with his strong arm. Thump! I shrieked in shock as the man effortlessly tossed me onto his bed and quickly yanked off his shirt to expose his manly trunk."I have to shower first!" I gasped and quickly sat up in bewilderment as the man impatiently unbuckled his belt. He shoved me back down by my shoulders and crawled over my body with a wicked smile."I said don't wash up~! I want to savor your authentic body scent!" He chuckled while pinning my hands to the mattress with a slight smirk to prevent me from getting up."But I'm dirty~!" I whined while pouting at him from below. The man suddenly lowered his face to sniff my underarm, causing me to shriek in shock and tried to wiggle free from his grip."You smell better like this~! Let's wash up after I drain our bodies~!" He chuckled and gently kissed my underarms again, so I giggled at the ticklish sensation and fired him a playful glare."Okay. But let me show you something special," I smiled. Taehyung scoffed and crawled off my body... so I sat up on the mattress in my fluffy white teddy undergarment."Your breasts look so squishy... in the bra," He nodded at my fluffy bra with a perverted smile. I drew my husband off the bed and made him sit on the chaise lounge at the foot of the bed."Do you want to see me dance...?" I lifted his chin with my index finger. Taehyung smirked and leaned back with his head tilted upward while maintaining an enticing eye contact with me."Impress me with your hip movements," He nodded, turning slightly red at my touch."Don't laugh, okay?" I grinned as I stood before him in my childish undergarment."Well... depends on how well you do... I'll tip you well," Taehyung smirked as he drew out the condom box from his pocket to unpack it and lifted the glistering wrappers between his fingers."I'll take three of those for tonight," I chuckled while patting the teddy pocket on my crotch.Taehyung laughed in excitement while rubbing his burning chest... so I lifted my arms above my head and slowly swayed my hips from side to side. My husband bit his lower lips with his eyebrow raised while eyeing my almost bare body as he sat shirtless... so I stepped forward and lifted his arms to make him hold my hips as I sexily groove before him.The man sexily pressed his tongue against his inner cheek and lifted a wrapper between his clipped fingers to insert it in my teddy pocket, but he didn't pull out his fingers and gently rubbed my clit over the fluffy fabric. I chuckled at his first payment and spun around to bounce my buttcheeks over his parted thick thighs... gently grinding over his underwear without resting my weight on him. Taehyung scoffed at my teasing acts as he watched me rock my hips over the visible hump under his trouser."Oh~? You're earning the payment too quickly~! I shouldn't be this lenient with you~!" He chuckled as he circled his strong arms around my waist from behind and skidded his palm... over my bare stomach to reach downward. I pursed my lips as I watched him skim his hand over my panties to slip another wrapper... into my teddy pocket while holding me over his lap as I sat facing away from him with legs apart."Are you sure you can handle your payment, sir~?" I chuckled as he slipped his slender fingers over my throat to tug my head against his shoulder while rubbing my inner thigh with his other hand. The man lowered his head from behind to kiss my lips as he massaged my crotch over the loaded pocket with his slender finger wrapped securely around my neck."I'll give you one more... if you can impress me," He sensually drew his moist lips away to gaze into my hungry gaze. I smiled while rubbing his jaw and slowly stood up again, carefully drawing the man back to his feet. Taehyung chuckled as I wrapped my arms around his thick neck... and swayed my hips from side to side while kissing his muscular throat."Can you please lay down for me, sir...?" I chuckled as I nudged his shoulder to make him spread over our bed. Taehyung smiled and slowly rested on the mattress with his thirsty gaze on my body as I ruffled my loose hair... before bending over his exposed torso to crawl on top of him. I carefully rotated my body over his chest to face away from him and reversed my hips up his body to suspend my crotch... right above his face as he remained under me."Oh? What's going on? I can't see your pretty face," He laughed while holding the side of my hips as I spread my opened thighs in the infamous sixty-nine position. I didn't answer the man as I lowered my hips to shorten the gap... and gently grazed the base of my underwear against his defined nosetip. Taehyung chuckled loudly as I thrust my hips downward in a wave-like motion to smother him with my crotch and stuck out my tongue to lick the hump under his underwear."Do you like this movement?" I chuckled, curiously glancing back to watch Taehyung bite his lower lips as I grind my crotch over his face... just enough without touching him. The man glanced at me while frowning at my sexually provocative movements as I lowered... and lifted... my rocking hips to taunt his spewing thirst."I'm enjoying your performance, but you'd have to work harder my love~!" He whispered and shifted his dark gaze to my rocking crotch above his face. Thump~! I gasped in shock when the man suddenly grabbed my ass and yanked my bottom down to slam my crotch over his face. The man roughly shoved his face upward to suck on my sensitive lady bit over my panty, making me moan in pleasure as I stroked his boner under his underwear."Harder...?" I chuckled, slowly steering my buttcheeks off his head to sit facing him on his torso instead, so Taehyung slumped back down with a hypnotized smile while rubbing my thighs with a satisfied frown."As hard as you can get," He smirked. I scoffed at his demand and scooted up his body again to lower my throbbing crotch right over his lips. The man intensely stared up at me as I rested my weight onto him and softly humped his face with my lips pursed... so he gently groped my buttcheeks as I rode his face in my soaked underwear."I'll be a bit rough," I warned, roughly grabbing a handful of his hair and yanked his head upward to suffocate the man against my crotch.Taehyung groaned in pleasure as I rubbed my crotch over his face while holding his head firmly against the base of my soaked panty to intensify the pleasure with the friction of his lip's movement. I moaned aloud while grinding my crotch up and down until I was super aroused by our sexual activities.My husband firmly gripped my hips as I held him captive between my inner thighs while grinding over his face until I felt a jolt of pleasure... spreading across my body to stiffen my strained muscles. Taehyung moaned against my panties as I gripped his wild hair while shoving my crotch forward to stifle his groan with an evil smile."Fuck, Sora~! I'm going die between your legs!" Taehyung gasped in distress when I finally released his hair and shoved his head onto the mattress, so he huffed and panted heavily under my crotch with a bloody red face."Give it to me if you want to live," I lightly smacked his scarred chest.Taehyung scoffed at my demand and carefully adjusted his body upward until I was sitting over his deep collarbones. The man lifted a wrapper to his mouth and... clipped the condom between his lips before nudging his torso upward with his elbows and lifted his head off the mattress to slip the plastic wrapper into the pocket of my underwear... using his dirty mouth. I chuckled as he stuck out his slick tongue to fit the wrapper safely inside the pocket with a mischievous smirk."Two plus one... is three," He lowly chuckled. I grinned at my husband and patted his cheek-"AH!-" I gasped in shock when the man suddenly seized my shoulder and flung me off his body. What the hell?!- He slammed me face first onto the bed and quickly climbed over my back thighs when I tried to roll over... firmly pinning my head against the pillow and tore the panty off my buttcheeks before slipping his muscular arm under my stomach to make me stick my naked butt upward."Time to process the paychecks~! Now- spread your legs wide open for me so I can juice your delicious fluids~! Oh!- Look at you! You're soaking wet already!" He teased, suddenly lowering his face between my bum to lick me from behind. I gasped and gripped the pillow in distress as he stroked his wet tongue all over my private part. The man chuckled and rubbed my swollen slit to stimulate my nerves... so I seethed and closed my eyes in pleasure as he ate me out over the mattress."Can you hurry!? I'm burning!" I whined when he wouldn't stop teasing me with his dirty tongue activities. I moaned in distress and lifted my head to look backward as Taehyung knelt behind my bum with a sly smirk while rubbing my inside with his damp middle finger."Where's the heartbeat... my love...? I want to feel your heartbeat. Hmm...? Is it here...? Or here...? Where is it...? Show me how much you're throbbing for me...? Hmm...? Where's the heartbeat...?" Taehyung darkly chuckled while fingering me from behind. Squelch... Squelch...I screamed in shock as he stroked me all over my inside canal to find the throbbing heartbeat in my crotch, making me whimper in extreme difficulty, so I gasped and curled my toes with my face pressed against the pillow. Fuck! He's torturing me! The man mercilessly rubbed my juicy inner muscles until I started contracting on the inside... causing my butt to shake in distress at the presence of his fingers between my overstimulated muscles."Taehyung... please~! Hmm~! Baby~! I'm going to die if you torture me like this!" I begged, weakly lifting my sweaty face to frown at my husband as he proceeded to slip and slide his fingers between my spread-open legs. Taehyung laughed at my plea and licked my slit to lubricate the entrance so I groaned and gripped the bedsheet in discomfort as he stretched my inside while rubbing his finger pad against the roof of my canal."Oh-? I can feel it. The pulse... you're throbbing so much. Here...? Is it here my love...? This spot...? You're pulsing so fast right here~! Hah~!- Cum for me, Sora!- Come on- I found your sweet spot~!" Taehyung chuckled, suddenly reaching a little deeper to press on the upper wall of my inside. I shrieked in desperation as he accelerated the friction of his fingers and rubbed the extremely sensitive spot until my eyes rolled to the back of my socket so I gasped with my mouth open until slimy drool flowed from my lips as I gripped my own breast to oppose the hot surge.He repeatedly stroked the pleasure spot to torment my sensitive nerves, making me shudder in distress at the pressure of his finger pads... until a violent surge of hotness... blasted through my crotch. SQUIRT! SQUIRT! SQUIRT! I shrieked in pleasure when the hot discharge exploded from between my swollen entrance, so Taehyung laughed and fingered me harder until the juice splattered... and trickled messily down my spread-opened legs. Squelch! Squelch! "Hah~! Hah~! Hah~!" I fumed, shakily slumping to the side with my lips ajar while twitching on the soaked mattress with my hand gripped over my private part. I can't feel my face, and I'm drenched in so much sweat~! Taehyung chuckled at my weakened condition, and effortlessly flipped my senseless body over to make me lay on my back and spread my legs apart before him."Are you out of breath already?!- We haven't even made use of my payment yet~!" He smiled as he drew out one of the wrappers from the pocket of my panty. I coughed in distress while glaring at the man. How dare he make me orgasm even before we started! He grabbed my hand to pull me upward... so I gripped onto his hips in exhaustion as I sat with the stream of discharge between my legs.The man tore open the condom and handed it to me as he slipped his underwear off his hips and tossed it aside to expose his hardened crotch. I exhaled with a burning face and carefully slipped the rubber over his raw bulge as Taehyung poured a handful of lube to rub it over the rubber. The man chuckled as he gently inserted his thumb between my lips to play with my tongue, and raised my chin to examine my burning red face with a smug smile."Give me a break~! Oh~?" I pouted while jerking the man between my damp thighs. He smiled and caressed my cheeks... so I exhaled and kissed his abs as he knelt between my legs. Taehyung exhaled and gently kneaded my breast as I softly kissed his burnt marks over his chest to recollect my scattered thoughts."Take your time. We're making love... so there isn't a need to rush. We've got hours to spend," He whispered while running his wild fingers through my hair, patiently waiting for me to recollect myself. I smiled at his tender stroke and licked my way up to his neck to trace my wet tongue over the uneven texture of his scars until he moaned in pleasure as he groped my breast under the fluffy bra and pinched my hardened nipple. I softly whimpered while jerking his stiff shaft to please the man... until he lowered his face... to exchange our overflowing spits while massaging the slimy discharge over my sensitive lady part.
A moment later.

We had one of the craziest intercourse after I tapped into Taehyung fantasies. I kid you not... I have never screamed so loud in my entire life because he was a feral beast in bed... throughout the entire night. Maybe he's been holding it in since I showed him my panty at his office? The manly husbandman left me entirely depleted after ejaculating for the third time... to use up all of his invested wrappers in my teddy pocket.

Taehyung ended up lifting me out of bed after the wild sex because I couldn't walk and was simply too weak to budge my sore muscles. We showered together in the stall and finally got ready for bed. The man didn't sleep right away and quickly pulled off the dirty sheets to put it in the washing machine before crawling into bed with a cup of warm tea. I thirstily emptied the cup and slumped back down to ease my aching back.
"Ah~! I love you like crazy~! Why do you smell so good~?" He whispered, gently snuggling against my hair while rubbing my upper arm to comfort me. I patted his bicep with a weak smile."I love you so much more~!" I giggled while resting my head on his upper arm. Taehyung rolled on his back and sleepily smiled at me with his head turned on the pillow."Do you love me like crazy too?" He hoarsely asked as I traced my fingers over the scars on his chest with a faint smile."Crazy enough to bear another child for you if you asked," I chuckled. The man laughed and pulled me against his neck... so I exhaled and kissed his Adam's apple with my legs hooked over his under our shared blanket."I'd have to work even harder if you conceive another child," He chuckled and softly kissed my forehead."If you could get pregnant... would you carry another child for us?" I asked. Taehyung snorted at my question and pinched my cheek."You and your silly questions~!" He smiled from under his messy bangs."Seriously! If a man could bear children- Would you do it?" I asked. He smiled."Of course, I would!- But I'm sure you'll put so many babies inside me! I'd be birthing a child every year until the day I die!" He chuckled. I grinned and patted his firm cheek until he grabbed my hand and kissed my wrist before lowering our hands to hold me over his pulsating chest."If I was a man... and you're a woman... I'd never let you rest," I laughed. Taehyung shook his head in disbelief as he closed his eyes with a relieved smile."You should stay a woman in all your lifetimes because if for some reason... you turn into a man... in one of your life... I'll have no choice but to chase you down because I'd be gay for you," He joked. I laughed and smacked his chest."I'm sure we'll be happy in every lifetime," I smiled with my eyes closed."Like I said... wherever there's Jang Sora... Kim Taehyung will follow," He nodded. I pray that... we can achieve our forever... in every lifetime because I'm sure... I'd be miserable without him.__________________________
A future Event
Fifteen Years Forward
The Elite University
A flock of expensive sports cars endlessly steered into the university premises, packed with the new generation of future council players. Jeon Soomin stepped out of her sleek red Bugatti after the driver slid the door open for the heir. She stepped into the opening and glanced at Jeon Soo-ah. Her younger sister. The Jeon sisters strode forward with their chins held high and entered through the door as another car halted... and... Kim Seojun... Kim Seokjin's sole heir... stepped out with his radiating visual, causing the lower ranks to stalk their gaze after the second-rank alpha.Seojun strode through the door and headed straight inside the university to start his second year at the elite academy, reserved only for the society powerful players as the lower ranks turned their heads after... Jeon Soo-ah. Jeon's Jungkook youngest daughter... is rumored to possess... the beauty of her mother, Chul Hwa-young."Seojun-ah~! How was your vacation?" Kim Dohyun smiled as he excitedly approached the top-rank alpha as Seokjin's son dismissively strolled inside the class to sit in the front row."I stayed home the entire break," Seojun shrugged and glanced at Jeon Soomin, who sat with her arms crossed in an expensive designer jacket and high boots. The eldest daughter of the Jeon Household retains a dark feminine energy... contrasting... her younger sister... Soo-ah's light feminine energy."Did you hear about Soo-ah? She's a hot topic because it's her first year here," Dohyun eagerly smiled at his friend. Kim Dohyun is Kim Namjoon's only son. The young alpha excitedly nudged Kim Seojun's arm as Soo-ah passed by the doorway to stroll to her class... causing all the men to turn their heads after her."Are you going to pursue her~?" Park Jiyoung chuckled as she lightly smacked Dohyun with a teasing smile. Dohyun glared at Park Jimin's daughter as he sat behind Seojun, who was sitting with an unbothered expression with his neutral gaze on the textbook."Soomin might kill me~! They're known for being the untouchable sisters~!" Dohyun chuckled, suddenly throwing a crumbled paper at the Jeon's eldest daughter, who grimaced and fired Kim Namjoon's son an annoyed look.The young adults eventually entered the class to start their first class at the beginning of a cool spring... until the scorching summer arrived. And during a particular hot sunny day... the door to a boring lecture hall... suddenly slid open and two men stepped inside the room with the school principal. Seojun shifted his eyes from the automated graph on his device to find... two identical twins... beaming proudly at the class of top alphas with their radiant charisma."Annyeonghaseyo. Kim Kanghoon," Kanghoon bowed with a bag swung over his shoulder."Annyeonghaseyo. Kim Woojin," Woojin greeted the class. Jeon Soomin suddenly frowned and sat up in her seat once she noticed the presence of the supreme alpha's eldest children."Shit," Dohyun gasped, quickly covering his mouth as Seojun remained frozen in their seat, too taken aback by their abrupt appearance."The Kims heir will be joining the second-year class as they have passed all of the entrance exams with exceptional outcomes," The principal announced to the class of alphas.The students within the room grew hushed and glanced at each other uneasily as the twins politely bowed at the professor and strode forward to sit at the two empty desks. Jung Mirae glanced up from her notebook as Woojin dropped his bag on the seat in her row. The alpha smiled at her, so she quickly glanced away with a flushed face upon witnessing his handsome visual. Mirae is Jung Hoseok's daughter with Kang Minah. Seojun swallowed uneasily and shifted his gaze to the board before his eyes once the new players arrived at the university. The alpha exhaled and lowered his gaze to his device again.
Rumors say... all of the supreme alpha's spawns... are mad geniuses.

Fast Forward

And like the tales in the society... the twins instantly became the biggest sensation after they outshined the new generation of alphas with their vibrant nature. They effortlessly climbed the academic ranks in less than three months. Won almost every competition... and even made it into the sports team for their extracurricular activities.
"Fuck~! They're too good at this!" Kim Dohyun cursed, weakly tumbling to the ground in defeat after Kanghoon scored another shot.The basketball bounced loudly against the concrete floor and rolled off the court as Seojun fumed out of breath while clutching his aching chest. The defeated alpha lifted his burning face to grimace at Woojin and Kanghoon and their team of alphas, who were celebrating their victories on the other side of the court. A flock of lower ranks suddenly rushed past the losing team to swarm the twins, so Dohyun stared bitterly at the pretty women as they cheered for the supreme alpha's heirs.

Kim Woojin brushed back his slick black hair and thanked his supporter with an arm full of drinks and snacks... so Seojun huffed and strolled off the court with a cool towel over his head in his soaked basketball jersey to grab his bag from the bench and stormed out of the building with a grumpy expression. The twins have... unfortunately... stolen Kim Seojun's spotlight as the most desired man in the academy."Ah!- Ow~!" Someone gasped when she suddenly walked right into the buff alpha's chest. Seojun paused and glanced down to find a pair of pretty doe eyes staring up at him from between her set of naturally curled lashes."Are you okay?" Seojun frowned at the unfamiliar face as she unblinkingly stared up at him... until her face flushed red."I'm fine-" The young lady awkwardly stepped back in her cute knee-length dress with her loose dark hair... tied neatly with a pink ribbon. Seojun frowned at her face suspiciously... so she shrugged and pretended to scan the interior of the spacious academy."Hajinie~!" Kanghoon suddenly shouted."Oh! Oppa~!" Hajin grinned, suddenly rushing forward to greet her brothers."When did you arrive here?!- Is Beom here too!?" Woojin smiled, suddenly headlocking his little sister, who was at the height of his ears. The youngest heir shrieked in shock once she realized her older brother was covered in dirty sweat."Don't touch me! Ah~! You're so dirty~!" She screamed while beating Woojin's strong biceps to make him release her. The alpha chuckled and released his baby sister... so Hajin glared at her twin brothers but froze abruptly... once she glanced behind them to find... a flock of crowd... gawking at her with their lips ajar."Kim Hajin?!- The supreme alpha's daughter?!" Someone shouted from the crowd. Hajin flushed red once they recognized her... so she glanced at Seojun... who stood... stunned in his place. He glanced Hajin up and down with a startled look."Right-! Appa said we shouldn't draw attention to the stupid dumpling~! Let's go~!" Kanghoon funnily threw his jacket over Hajin's face to cover her and dragged his baby sister forward when the crowd started snapping pictures of her.Seojun stepped aside with his lips ajar as he glanced at the high-ranking siblings... too stunned to budge from his position. Hajin funnily shrieked in shock when Woojin swept his sister off the ground and raced off to outrace the crowd with her frail body dangling over his shoulder. Kanghoon kept his jacket firmly over her head... until the siblings disappeared through the exit... before the crowd could stalk them.
Fast Forward
"You're so stinky~!" Hajin screamed, shoving Kanghoon aside as they dragged her through the doorway leading into their penthouse. Woojin chuckled and kicked off his sneakers- but abruptly halted when he found... his father... slow dancing with... his mother... in the center of the living room with romantic music blasting in the background.

"Hah! Are you guys serious~?" Woojin scoffed as he watched Taehyung groove with Sora."Omo! My lovely babies~! You're home?!" Sora gasped, excitedly spinning around to race toward her twin boys with her usual bright beam. They were now towering over their mother. Sora gripped their sweaty faces and pulled them down to give each of them a sweet peck on their cheeks. The twins smiled at their mother and straightened their bodies with her lipstick stains on their faces."Appa~! Oppa was mean to Hajin~!" Hajin suddenly whined, stomping toward Taehyung, who opened his arms to welcome his daughter without hesitation."What did you two do to her again~?!" Taehyung fired the twins a playful scowl."Nothing~! We made her smell our sweaty armpits~! That's all!" Kanghoon giggled as he massaged his mother's shoulders. Sora chuckled at her handsome boys and smacked Woojin's butt as Hajin hugged her father with a dark frown on her older brothers."Shhh~" Jae Beom suddenly poked his head out of a room with his finger over his lips to calm the loud family."Shhh?!- This is my penthouse! Shhh!? Don't shhh me- you big brain boy!" Woojin scoffed, hastily leaping over the couch with his long legs to chase Beom.The third son shrieked in a panic and tried to close the door to the guest room- but Woojin shoved it open and wrestled his younger brother, who screamed for his mother's help until he toppled onto the bed. Woojin laughed at Beom's defeat and pinched his brother's cheek before getting up to yank his dirty jersey off his body and walked out of the room with his toned abs and muscular pecs."Aigo~! You boys are so handsome~!" Sora giggles while patting Kanghoon's chest with a wide smile. The boys smiled at their excited mother and lowered their faces to kiss their mother's cheeks on each side. Sora giggled and hugged Woojin's sweaty body with a proud smile."Hey! Hey~! That's my wife~!" Taehyung suddenly shoved Hajin aside and stormed forward to grab Sora's arm. The supreme alpha giggled and hugged her husband's waist as Beom stepped out of the room in casual clothes to sit beside Hajin on the couch. She grimaced at her clingy parents and shook her head in disbelief after her father flung her aside to grab his wife with his possessive grips."Aigo~! You're the only man in my eyes~! The most handsome man~!" Sora grinned while cupping Taehyung's cheeks. The alpha chuckled and smooched his wife's lips. Kanghoon rolled his eyes in disgust and strode away with a faint smile as Woojin spun on his socks to stride inside the kitchen. Hajin pretended to gag as Beom smiled warmly at Taehyung... who suddenly groped his wife's buttcheeks while kissing her."Appa~! Don't do anything inappropriate!" Hajin screeched as she threw a cushion at her parents. Taehyung fired his daughter a sharp glare as he hugged his wife against his body."Well then. Let us use the bedroom for a moment~!" Taehyung chuckled, suddenly dragging his wife inside their guest room."No! No!- Hey, old man! Appa~! You can't do anything inappropriate~! APPA! I SWEAR I WILL BEAT YOU IF EOMMA ACCIDENTALLY BEARS ANOTHER BABY!" Woojin gasped as he bolted toward the door with his wide eyes, but Taehyung swiftly dragged his wife inside and slammed the door shut in his son's face. BANG! The young man shouted and rattled the door knob in disbelief."Be quiet~! I'm trying to love my wife~!" Taehyung funnily screamed from behind the door."Music! Music!- Blast the music! Aish~!" Kanghoon scoffed, and hurriedly raced over the living room to increase the volume on the television because they didn't want to hear the weird noises from their parents' room."Ah~! So loud~!" Beom whined as the music blasted all over the room, so the young alpha pulled on his noise-canceling headphones and left to reside in his room as Hajin dismissively grabbed a snack bag from the table to munch the chips with her legs crossed on the couch. Woojin and Kanghoon hustled inside their respective rooms to shower as their parents... did who knows what... behind the closed door.
The children did not wish to know for the sake of their sanity.

A moment later.
The penthouse dining room erupted with heartwarming laughter as the large family sat at the extended table with a view of the city. Sora sat between Taehyung and Beom as the twins sat across from them with Hajin on the side, seated right across from Jae Beom. Hajin giggled and leaned against Kanghoon's bicep, who lifted his arm to hold his baby sister against his body as Woojin entertained the table with his school stories. Sora laughed out loud and smacked Beom, who was chuckling under his breath while listening to his brother's absurd exclaims."Oh~! Eomma made blood sausage for you~!" Sora chuckled as she pushed the plate toward Beom."Ohoh~? You made his favorite food but not ours?!" Woojin scoffed, firing his mother an offended look."Yah! Your mother spends days and nights making your side dishes to stock your fridge! Her back is aching because of the food she prepared!" Taehyung snapped at his ungrateful son and nodded at the packed fridge. Beom chuckled at his father's dark frown as he poked a sausage and pushed the plate towards Hajin."You always scold us but never Beom or Hajin! How unfair~!" Kanghoon snapped back at his father."How are you so ungrateful!?- Would I have scolded you if you weren't troublemakers?! Appa bought you a penthouse! Cars! Gaming machine!- Everything you needed because you insisted on staying in Seoul! Eomma has to rush back and forth twice a week to look after you grown-up men! And you're jealous over Beom's favorite sausage?!" Taehyung snapped. The twins sniggered and nudged each other, causing Taehyung to scoff at their dismissive grins."We're sorry, abeoji~!" The twins chuckled at their father.
Sora's POV
"Aigo~! You rascals~! If it weren't for my stiff hips- I'd chase you around the house with a broomstick and beat the senses into you!" Taehyung groaned while rubbing his sore back. I laughed and rubbed my husband's back as we sat side by side at the table."Maybe the reason you have chronic back pain is because you can't stop doing the dirty with eomma!" Hajin laughed. The twins snorted and glanced at Hajin as Taehyung's jaw dropped in shock. Beom suddenly choked on his sausage and pounded his chest in distress while laughing over his meal as I blushed at my daughter's claim."I think you might be right~? Why didn't I think about that!? Aigo~! Is that why I keep getting back pain~?" Taehyung scoffed in surprise, funnily widening his eyes at me. I smacked his stomach... so he chuckled and drew me into a sweet kiss before our children."Eomma~!" Woojin whined in annoyance, so I broke the kiss and glanced at the kids as they shook their heads with disapproving looks."I'd love to be as in love as eomma and appa one day. Your love is so pure," Beom smiled."Right?! Take after appa! Treat your woman well and please her until you have hips problems!" Taehyung proudly nodded at Beom. I gasped and smacked my husband's back again. How can he say such things in front of them!?"The good men don't exist anymore. Appa is probably the last one," Hajin pouted. Woojin scoffed and glanced at his sister weirdly."I'm sure the Kim and Jae's sons are all loyal men! We take after our fathers! Even Yangcha ahjussi was a very loyal man! Right, Beom?!" Woojin winked at Jae Beom, who nodded in agreement."But I have to marry someone outside the family!" Hajin whined."We'll beat up the assholes that dare break your heart so no one will dare hurt you~!" Kanghoon nudged his baby sister. Hajin giggled and covered her lips."But Hajin is always home though. How will you find your soulmate?" Beom smiled at his sister."The right man will find her... even if she's hidden behind the walls. He'll show up one day- break into her heart and snatch it right from her chest," I assured. Hajin beamed at me."Eomma can select my husband! She has the best taste- so I'll trust that you find a good man for Hajinie~!" My daughter smiled happily. I chuckled and nodded in agreement."Araso~! I'll select a good candidate for my sweetheart~!" I nodded. Taehyung chuckled as he drank his wine while rubbing my shoulder, so I smiled at the twins as Beom leaned against my shoulder. I patted my son's head... as we enjoyed our meals together... at our private penthouse in Seoul.__________________________
Fast Forward
Kim Hajin sat on the cushioned bench by the high arch window with a book in her hands in her delicate silk dress. Her glossy black hair... dangling loosely over the left side of her shoulder. The youngest daughter of the Kim's family eventually lifted her face from the page to glance out the window... until she noticed a tall man strolling through the front gate of her mansion.She didn't blink and watched him from afar as a few guards approached him until the man walked over the field and left to reside in the dormitory side of the property. The heir sighed, dismissively glanced back at the book in her hand... and quietly read through the texts... until she felt really drowsy... and fell asleep with her head tilted against the glass window.
A moment later.
The beautiful heiress groggily yawned as she stretched her arms high above her head on the front porch before the mansion's opened front door while gazing at the empty property with a weak smile. Kim Hajin is turning eighteen in the upcoming winter.The young lady smiled once she noticed an unfamiliar man raking the dead leaves below the ancient tree in the front yard... so she clasped her hands together and slowly strolled down the stairs with her curious gaze fixed on his broad shoulders as the warm autumn breeze... subtly stroked her delicate skin.The man suddenly paused while piling up the dead leaves and glanced upward to find the heiress... smiling weakly at him as she stood by the cart with her head tilted to examine his handsome face. He didn't budge and eyed her luminous skin unsurely before shifting his gaze to her rosy red cheeks and... to her wavy waist-length black hair as she stood in a loose... shin-length silk dress."Are you new here? What's your occupation? A guard? Considering your sturdy body?" Hajin spoke up first while eyeing the man's defined jawline. He didn't answer her and stood with his hands gripped over the rake handle until Hajin lifted her eyebrow to question the muted man."I'm a new guard trainee," He replied in a deep voice. Hajin nodded and glanced at the pile of dead leaves with a weak smile."Is that why they're making you do basic tasks? Because you're new?" She chuckled, lifting her enchanting dark brown eyes to question the man as the sun's glow illuminated her pale skin with its golden warmth. The man searched her delicate facial features before shifting... his gaze back to her pretty doe eyes and curled lashes."You must be the heiress. I'm Joo Hyunbin," He smiled, lowering his head to greet her."That's unnecessary. Our household is pretty close-knit. You don't have to greet me. I'm Hajin, Kim Hajin. The youngest," Hajin introduced herself, suddenly placing out her hand. The man pursed his lips and reached out to shake Hajin's oddly soft fingers.The heiress smiled, nodded firmly, and strode away after paying a visit to check on the newcomer. The man turned to watch her stroll over the grass field with his curious gaze... but she didn't climb the stairs and disappeared into her father's garden. The man eventually exhaled after she vanished from sight... lowered his body to scoop up the leaves with a shovel, and resumed his work.
A few days later.
The new trainee calmly watered the flowers in the garden under the scorching sky without his shirt on because he didn't want to ruin his clothes with his dripping wet sweat. He eventually got bored and glanced away from the small orchid... until he spotted... Kim Hajin... sitting alone on the bench... with a book in her hands... as usual. The heiress was peeking at his shirtless torso... from behind the hardcover. He frowned at her when she quickly lifted the book to cover her face and pretended to glance in the opposite direction. The trainee guard lowered his head with an unbothered expression and crouched down to examine the root over the damp soil."These are rare flowers," The man muttered as he stood up with the streaming hose."Appa plants them for eomma," A voice suddenly spoke up from behind his back- causing the man to jerk in a panic- so he wildly spun around to find the heiress... standing behind him with a faint smile. SPLASH! The guard accidentally blasted the water right at her face. Hajin gasped and covered her face in shock, so he quickly flung the hose aside and rushed away to switch off the water stream.

"I'm sorry! Are you okay?!-" He quickly raced back towards Hajin, who stood with a soaked face and hair... dripping with cold water. She lifted her annoyed face to glare at the tall man as he worriedly towered over her. The stunned heiress glanced down at her ruined dress with her lips pursed, too shaken to react... so she pursed her lips and glanced back at the guard with a dark frown."Omo!- Young lady~! Are you alright?!" Imo gasped, quickly rushing toward her young lady in bewilderment. The man pursed his lips in extreme guilt as Hajin stood frozen in place... unable to budge from her position."I'm fine. Why are you out here? Let's head back inside," Hajin suddenly smiled and glanced at imo, who scoffed and fired the man with a disapproving look... so he quickly lowered his head in embarrassment.Hajin clutched imo's shoulder to support the old lady and helped her back inside the mansion. After the heir left the garden, the trainee guards exhaled in relief before glancing at the wet mess on the concrete ground. Sighing, he bent down to pick up the hose and shoved it back into the compartment.He eventually picked up his shirt from the fence and strolled into the backyard to sit on the platform bench under the ancient tree, slumping down on his back with his blank gaze... facing the tree branches above his head. Flutter. Something flapped against the side of his face... so he turned his head... to find... a single book... left unattended on the bench. The man quickly sat up to stare at the maroon cover before glancing inside the opened mansion door to search for his young lady... but she was nowhere to be found. Sighing, he reached for the book, flipped it open to skim through the pages and finally closed the hardcover with a slight frown.
Night time.
The guard ruffled his hair with a towel to dry his soaked strands after stepping out of the bathroom with a loose towel around his hips and strolled inside the one-room cabin on the far side of the hill surrounded by trees and bushes. He suddenly paused to stare at his young lady's book on the nightstand again. The guard exhaled and lifted the book with his lips pursed... unsurely contemplating whether... or not he should visit her at this hour to return her book.Knock. Knock. The young man snapped off his thoughts and glanced at his window to find a person standing outside the glass in a white dress... until he realized Hajin... was staring at him with a blank expression as she knocked on his glass window to catch his attention."Give me a moment!" The man answered, quickly grabbing his clothes from the wardrobe and hurried back inside his bathroom to throw on his clothes before racing out of the room to open the front door until he found... Kim Hajin... standing on the front porch of his wooden cabin in her nightgown."Have you seen my book?" Hajin asked, unsurely staring up at the man. He stared at her loose black hair and glanced down the dark path behind her. The heir walked all the way from the property to his isolated cabin... for her book...?"Oh. Yeah- I picked it up from the bench," Hyunbin nodded, quickly strolling back into his room when he heard the soft... pitter-patter... striking the glass window. He quickly turned around- just as the... pouring rain drummed on the cabin so Hajin gasped and lifted her hands to shield her face while standing outside his door."Hurry~! I have to race back~!" She whined and glanced up at the storm above her head.The man blinked as the rain poured harder onto her... so he quickly strode forward, hastily grabbed her wrist, and yanked the heiress inside his one-bedroom cabin to shield her from the downpour. She gasped at his force and stumbled after him as the guard slammed the door shut to seal off the heavy showers and placed the book in her hands."I'll escort you once the rain ceases. Have a seat," He nodded at the thin mattress on the floor in the corner of the room. Hajin blinked and slipped off her slippers at the door, uneasily settling down while eyeing the cozy cabin interior."They didn't give you a bed?" Hajin asked while patting the mattress. The man sighed, sat directly on the floor at the base of her feet, and crossed his legs."There was a bed, but it made too much noise... so I disassembled it. It's better to sleep on the thin mattress," The man shrugged. Hajin nodded and glanced at the guard but didn't say anything... so he stared right back at her without blinking until she awkwardly cleared her throat."You didn't... perhaps... read this journal... did you?" She asked, worriedly frowning at him as she gripped the book over her lap."A few pages. I thought it was a book. My apologies," He shrugged. Hajin pursed her lips at his blunt honesty and glanced down at her journal with an embarrassed expression."Forget what you read," She shrugged."Why don't you like the autumn rain? Like this one?" The man asked, nodding at the rain outside his window. Hajin dimmed her eyes on the raging storm outside the wooden cabin."My older brother... he left our family on a rainy autumn afternoon," She replied. The man sat in silence... to observe her sad frown and glanced at the journal in her hand again."You haven't seen him since?" He asked curiously. Hajin nodded."Oppa never contacted me. He never said... goodbye either. He just... disappeared," Hajin replied, averting her sad gaze to the man. He nodded and glanced at the window as the violent light streaked across the sky."What about your family? I haven't seen anyone around since I arrived," He asked. Hajin blinked and glanced at the man."My parents, my grandfather, my chief guard, and my third brother are on a vacation abroad. They flew to Europe to visit my oldest brother... and they'll be there for a month or so before returning. My twin brothers... they're... residing in the city because they study there... so I'm alone here for now," She explained."Why didn't you leave with your parents to visit your brother if you dearly miss him?" He asked."He probably doesn't want to see me. That's why he bid his farewell to everyone... except for me. He doesn't want me in his life. If he wanted to see me... he would've made the effort... to visit in the past decade, but he never once returned home," Hajin exhaled heavily. The man quietly stared at his young lady and nodded in silence.
Next Morning.
Kim Hajin uncomfortably stirred on the mattress and turned to pat her bed... but she couldn't find a spare cushion anywhere... so she frowned and lifted her blurry vision to scan her room... only to realize... she wasn't in her bed chamber. The alpha grumbled and slowly sat up with her eyes barely open to search the organized cabin with a dark frown."Oh no. I must've fallen asleep while waiting for the storm to pass," Hajin yawned and glanced at the fog over the glass window before crawling off the thin mattress... but halted once she glanced down to find a pair of white socks over her feet."Oh? Did he give it to me?" She blinked, unsurely lifting her dress off her ankle to examine the socks. Exhaling deeply, she shrugged and slipped on her slippers- Creak. She pushed open the door with her eyes half open to absorb the refreshing morning breeze. Hajin yawned and stretched her arms above her head while staring at the cloudy morning sky above her head until she noticed... the trainee guard jogging toward the cabin in his loose gray sweatpants and tight black shirt."You're awake?" The man greeted the heiress as she stood on the wooden platform outside his door. The heir is still shorter than the man... despite standing on a higher ground in her thick slipper. Hajin eyed his sweaty hairline while clutching her journal."You said you'd escort me to the mansion," She smiled as he struggled to control his shaky breath after the tiring morning jog."You fell asleep... and it only stopped pouring a moment ago... so I figured I shouldn't bother you," Hyunbin shrugged and nodded at the small puddles on the soil."I don't like mud. Can you carry me?" Hajin asked while standing on the wooden platform. The man frowned and glanced at the damp soil beneath his feet."I'm sweaty, so I'll shower-""That's fine. I don't mind," Hajin shrugged.The guard paused to stare at her rosy pink cheeks and bright smile uneasily. He nodded in agreement and turned around to crouch before her... so Hajin gripped her book and climbed his muscular back. The man exhaled, lifted the heiress over his back, straightened his body as she clung to his shoulders, and slowly stepped forward to walk over the muddy path."You seem like a lonely child," He muttered."Not really. It's just that my brother isn't around to bug me. I have so much fun with my family. Eomma spends a lot of time with me too," Hajin wiggled her legs with her body pressed against his sturdy back."Don't you go to school or anything? Do they lock you up in here like one of those secret princesses...?" The guard chuckled. Hajin smiled at his joke and glanced away with a flushed face."No. I can leave whenever I wish, but I prefer to stay here. I'm not lonely at all~!" She grinned. The man chuckled."I doubt it. You appear excited to see a newcomer like me... as if you've never seen a man before," The guard chuckled."My parents rarely hire people my age to work for us. They're usually much older, so this is the first time to meet someone... who is not in their thirties or forties," She shrugged. The guard cautiously strolled out of the dirt path and strode onto the vast front yard. "You think I'm in my twenties?" He scoffed as he held her securely over his back."You look young. I'm definitely younger, but you're not that old! I can sense it!" She giggled while admiring his side profile.The man briefly glanced at the gorgeous heiress as he climbed the steps and finally settled her on the porch before the mansion's front door. Hajin unconsciously gripped his forearm for support and patted her silk flat before lifting her glimmering eyes to gaze at the man with an eager smile."Don't lose your book again-" The man smiled but was cut short when she tiptoed on her slippers, unexpectedly planting a soft kiss on his cheek. The trainee guard froze and shifted his startled gaze to the heiress as she brightly grinned at him and stepped back to maintain an appropriate distance between them."Thank you for carrying me here," She smiled. The man couldn't speak but searched her cheery expression with a racing heart."I've- I've got to train with the guards," He stuttered, quickly spinning around and raced down the stairs to dash away from her while scratching his head. Hajin giggled as she watched the man jog toward the main dormitory building. She shrugged over the porch and entered her mansion to change into a new dress.
A few weeks later.
"Boo!" Hajin suddenly tapped Hyunbin's shoulder as he plowed the sheet of snow from the frozen ground to clear the path. He puffed his fuming breath into the cold air and glanced at the cheeky heiress as she stood in her faux fur dress and a cute fluffy hat over her head to keep her ears warm."Why are you outside? You'll freeze," The man smiled while shoving the snow aside during a dim evening as they stood under the warm light poles in the front yard.

"Imo made roasted sweet potatoes, so I stole one for you," She smiled and opened her mitten palms to lift the steaming foil before the man. He paused to stare at the warm potato and glanced at her cheeky smile."I'll get in trouble because of you," He smiled."Keep them. I'll take full responsibility if you get in trouble~!" She shrugged, quickly stuffing the warm potato inside his jacket's pocket before crouching down to play with the fresh snow on the side of the pavement."It's freezing cold. You should really return," The man sniffled as he watched the heir ball the snow in her hands."My parents will return soon, so I'm waiting for them!-" Hajin shrugged, suddenly hurling the snowball at the man's face. He scoffed in shock as the icy snow splattered all over his face. Hajin giggled hysterically and stepped backward with a wide grin."Have you ever played snowball fight before...? Because- I'm better at it!" The man suddenly scooped up the pile of snow with the shovel and flung it at her. The heir screamed in shock and shielded her face as the snow blasted at her- sending her frail body tumbling backward and Thump!- She fell hard onto her bum with her mouth hanging open in shock."Hey! That's too harsh!" Hajin shrieked as she frantically sat up on the pile... entirely covered in white specs. The man froze over the heiress when her face suddenly flushed bright red... and tears filled her eyes as the heiress remained on the snow with a big pout. She blinked and stared down at her snow-covered attire before lowering her face to whimper in distress."I'm sorry!- I didn't mean to-" The guard quickly dropped his shovel and hurried forward to crouch beside her. He tried to dust her clothes, but she whined and shoved him aside- so he scoffed and reached out to brush the snow from her loose hair."You're so mean!" Hajin shrieked while glaring at him as they sat under the warm light pole... during the dark evening. The man frowned at her bright red nose tip and exhaled deeply."Okay. I'll let you punish me," The guard agreed while crouching beside her. Hajin darkened her gaze in resentment as the man gently brushed the snow off her fur until he paused... and lifted his face to scan her tearful frown."I can punish you?" She grumbled while searching his annoying face."Whatever you want to do. I'll bear the consequences," He nodded firmly.The heiress blinked away her tears with her troubled gaze on his defined facial features before glancing around the dark property as if to search for someone. Most of the households... were hiding in their rooms because of the cold snowstorm... and the trainee guard was instructed to clear the pavement for the elders before they returned home from their trip.Kim Hajin blinked and glanced back at the man with her glassy pupils as the light snow gently fluttered above their heads to sail within the warm glow. She pursed her lips as the man crouched before her with a questioning look. The heiress blinked again and unexpectedly... leaned forward to... press her lips... against his... without a warning.The man sucked in his breath as he remained frozen in his place until the heiress pulled away to search his eyes with a flushed face. He couldn't react and stared back at her... utterly taken aback by her bold move to kiss him out in the opening of the dim property.Kim Hajin fumed her winter breath against his face to ponder her clouded thoughts... and carefully... she cupped his firm cheeks with her mittens... and tilted her head to press her parted lips against his again. The man tried to pull away from her clutch- but suddenly toppled forward when she roughly tugged him into her- causing him to grip her waist unconsciously over the freezing snow pile.She didn't release him from the forceful kiss and gripped tightly onto the man... so he stiffly clutched her waist... until she exhaled in relief... causing their fuming breaths... to expel between their parted lips. The heiress slowly drew her face away to frown at him with her lips ajar- appearing somewhat... starstruck by the shocking kiss. The guard swallowed with a dumbfounded expression as Hajin slowly released his forearms... and glanced down at her mittens in bewilderment. She had lost control of herself."It's- my- first kiss," She whispered, quickly looking up at him with her lips pursed and cheeks... glowing bright red."Aren't you underage?" He scoffed while staring at her with a dark frown."Today is my eighteen's birthday. Appa said I can kiss a man once I'm old enough," Hajin muttered while frowning at the guard. He scoffed again and glanced away with a restless feeling after the heiress kissed him under the light snow."You should head back inside-""Hajin-ah!" A voice suddenly called from somewhere over the field... so Hajin snapped her head in the direction to find... Jae Beom... waving at her from the ancient tree in the front yard. Hajin gasped once she noticed her parents... stepping out of the car in their thick coats.

"Oppa! Eomma! Appa!!!" Hajin shrieked, suddenly scrambling to her feet, and bolted over the snow on her boots with her arms opened. Beom chuckled and dashed forward to snatch his little sister off the ground and cutely spun her around in his arms, causing his sister to giggle in glee. Hajin pouted and dug her face against her brother's neck as the twins stepped out of their car."Aigo~! We've only been away for a month!" Beomseok chuckled as Woojin pushed his grandfather's wheelchair forward to join the young heirs."Harabeoji~! Was the trip fun?!" Hajin shrieked after Beom placed her down, so she sprinted forward to hug her grandfather, who chuckled and patted her head."Aigo~? What about appa~? You don't miss appa at all?!" Taehyung huffed with an offended frown as he stood beside his wife with a maroon scarf wrapped securely around his neck. It was the same scarf his wife... knitted and gifted... to him during their early days."Of course I miss you! And eomma! I was bored all alone at home~!" She shrieked as she raced forward to hug her father and her mother. Sora chuckled and hugged her youngest daughter with her husband over the snow while rubbing her back in an attempt to keep her daughter warm."Aigo~! It's freezing cold! Why are you out here?!- And where's Woobin?!- Did you two speak?!" Sora gasped, pulling away to cup her daughter's rosy cheeks. Hajin's smile suddenly faded at her mother's words."What? W-Woobin? Oppa- is here?" Hajin blinked, cluelessly turning to scan her family in bewilderment... but she couldn't locate him anywhere."Woobin returned a month before us! He said he wanted to see you~!" Taehyung chuckled. Hajin frowned in confusion while glancing back and forth between her parent's beaming smiles.

Crunch... Crunch... Crunch...

The soft footsteps... suddenly approached her from behind... causing the baffled heiress to freeze in realization when the shocking truth struck her. The youngest daughter of the Kim's family lifted her terrified face to frown at her mother... who was cluelessly gazing past her with a bright smile."Oppa is here?-""There he is! Haven't you guys met!? Woobin is moving back to reside with us! He completed his PhD a few months ago~!" Sora nodded, suddenly rushing past her daughter. Hajin wildly spun around with her eyes wide open... to find... the trainee guard... standing before her. The young man opened his arms to embrace his mother and lowered his head to rest his nose against her shoulder as he tightly held onto the supreme alpha."Hyung," Kanghoon and Woojin greeted the oldest brother.Jang Sora happily pulled away to peck Woobin's cheek before patting his shoulder with a slight pout. Woobin chuckled and smiled at his mother. The twins quickly rushed forward to pull their oldest brother into a crushing hug... so Beom exhaled and stepped forward to join his brothers as the heiress stood... paralyzed in her place with her lips ajar... unable to process her older brother's unexpected... appearance before her.Choi Woobin gradually... lifted his dark brown eyes to his youngest sister as she stood... staring at him with a drained expression. Sora chuckled and patted the boys' back as they gathered around the oldest son and happily cheered in delight to celebrate their reunion.
The delicate snow... fluttered softly over Kim Hajin's head as she stared at Choi Woobin's undeniable presence in dread... who was gazing right... at her without glancing away... until his younger brothers pulled apart.
"Go to him," Taehyung nudged his daughter to encourage her, but she didn't budge and stiffly stared at the man. Woobin unsurely waited for Hajin... but she refused to step forward and remained... grounded in place. The twins and Beom suddenly stopped chattering and glanced at Hajin... who had turned completely pale for no apparent reason."Hajin!" Sora gasped when her daughter suddenly spun around and sprinted back toward the mansion. The young heirs dimly pursed their lips as they watched their sister climb the steps, flung open the door, and disappear inside the mansion... without greeting her oldest brother.Kim Taehyung glanced back at Woobin's blank expression and at his wife... who was tearing up as the chief guard shook his head and hurled the luggage toward the mansion. Beom exhaled and steered his grandfather's wheelchair forward. The twins grimaced sorely before glancing at Woobin's darkened expression. They patted their older brother's back and strolled after the Beom. Sora whined in disbelief after her daughter refused to face her older brother... so Taehyung strode forward to give her a comforting hug before... leading her toward their mansion.
And so.

Kim Woobin... stood... alone under... the light flutters of the icy cold flakes as he watched his family... return to their forever home.

He deeply exhaled to fume his winter breath... pulled out the warm potato from his pocket... and lifted his grim gaze back to the looming mansion with a troubled feeling.

And despite the icy frost that numbed his skin... the young man... could not erase her invisible love print on his lips... so he blinked and glanced up at the dark sky with his eyes closed... to contemplate the trouble that had... spewed out of control within his... burning heart.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sora's POV

Click. Clack. Click. Clack.
I composedly stared out the glass wall to gaze at the dark city's scenery while clinging to Taehyung's neck as he steadily typed on the keyboard with his stern gaze fixed on the beaming screen. The man asked me to deliver a warm lunch to his workspace today because he didn't feel like eating the meals prepared by a top chef at the corporation.
I'm convinced he's bored at his office and wanted me around so I could keep him company because he insisted that I wait for him to complete his work... but it's been hours... and my liar husband is still smacking his keyboard as I sit sideways on his lap.

It's close to 9:00 PM... and he's still working.

The secretary and assistants were dismissed at the end of their shift, so I think we're the only souls in the vacant building. The man would weirdly turn his head to kiss my cheek with his eyes glued to the screen, and he'd frequently rub my hips over his lap as he scanned the information before his gaze. He instructed me to sit still and to remain hushed because he needed to concentrate on his work and wouldn't let me sit on the couch because he claimed... the view of my movement is too distracting.

So here I am. Being the obedient and patient wife... I am quietly sitting on my husband's lap with my mouth sealed so he can focus on his work duties. Who am I to complain? This man could be fooling around with women at clubs, getting drunk with his friends, and he could be ignoring me like all the other typical male species. But what is he doing now? Working. Endlessly perfecting his tasks while babysitting me on his lap so he could sustain his credit cards for our family.

Who am I to complain when my husband is literally working his ass off for me?

He doesn't usually stay overtime at his office if I'm not around and would return home right on time, every day. So who am I... to whine and throw a tantrum when he's a literal perfect man? He could be a bad husband! An alcoholic! A cheater! An abusive man! But no-! He is holding me like a child on his lap while working at his private office! He keeps me fed throughout the day! He gives me his coat when I'm cold! He stores a drawer of socks at his work desk because he knows I have cold feet! And he kisses me throughout the day so I won't feel left out~!

Who am I to complain?! All I can do is to grant him the peace he requested! I kid you not. I fell asleep twice in my husband's arms... and Kim Taehyung didn't budge an inch from his desk and remained in the exact same position. Maybe this is why his back is so stiff? He sits too much!

"Oppa," I muttered, finally shifting my gaze to his side profile with my head slanted against his shoulder. Taehyung didn't respond and continued typing on his keyboard with his eyes glued to the desktop. Did he hear me?"Oppa~" I pouted while stroking the scar on his neck. He still didn't respond to my call... and turned his head to kiss my forehead instead. I exhaled in defeat and snuggled against his chest as I lowered my arms to hold his waist. I shouldn't disturb him."I'm almost done," He muttered without shifting his gaze to me and lowered his hand to pat my bum, so I exhaled again and nodded while caressing his chest."When did you develop feelings for me?" I grumbled. Taehyung calmly patted my butt as he scanned the bright screen."Why?" He asked."I'm curious. Was it when we... got together for the first time...? During our engagement?" I whispered while playing his button. Taehyung deeply exhaled and leaned back against the backrest before glancing down at me with a weak smile."Ever since I saw your boobies for the first time," He whispered. I pursed my lips and looked up at him unsurely."Are you for real?" I frowned. The man must be joking... right?"Remember... the time you were floating in the pool? I thought you were drowning yourself... so I jumped in to save you- and you were almost naked that day. Had a painful erection as soon as I saw your glazed cleavage and your hard nipples beneath the thin cloth. Couldn't see you the same since," He shrugged. I scoffed and smacked his chest with an annoyed frown."That's it? Are you serious~?" I softly whined as I clung to his shoulder. Taehyung eyed my annoyed expression with a smug smile while patting my bum. Don't men fall for our pretty smiles or our weird habits!? That's what I see in films! Men always fall for strange women because of their weirdness!"Well... I became even more obsessed when I saw your naked boobies for the first time. I fell down the rabbit hole. You got me hooked after I had a taste of your plump steamed buns," He shrugged. I scoffed and sat up straight with an offended glare."Wah~! I really thought you fell for my cuteness!- It could've been my smile! My cooking! My face! But my boobs!?- Sick pervert!" I huffed. Taehyung chuckled and pinched my cheek as he gently coiled his arms around my waist to hold me against his chest."You asked me when I started developing feelings for you. I answered. I fell for your inner qualities afterward. It doesn't make sense for me to fall for all of you at once, right? If you ask me... why I'm in love with you now... then that's because you are my greatest comfort. Your beauty is a blessing to my dull pupils. You're the mother of my children. I saw you carry and deliver my child with your frail body. You care for me and our family days and nights. It's everything about you. Even your annoying complaints and naggings. But yes... also because I really love your boobies," He shrugged. I frowned at the man as he smugly eyed me. I finally gave in and smiled."Stupid man," I grumbled, shyly burying my face against his chest. Men are visual creatures! Of course, he liked my body first!"You didn't like me either from the beginning until I made you squirt for the first time. I saw the way... you blushed and frowned at me during our first love-making session at the abandoned Busan mansion. Did you fall for my other qualities? No. You only started to favor... and cling to me... after we slept together. And that's totally alright. There's nothing wrong with that. You loved the way... I pleased you... and you liked my muscles," Taehyung chuckled while grazing my cheek with his fingers. "It's our primal instinct. You fell for a strong and healthy man because he can protect you and your family with his strength, and I fell for your breasts and hips because it indicates you can carry and feed my children. It's natural human behavior," He chuckled. I glared at him while patting his cheek, so Taehyung took my hand and softly kissed my fingers.
Maybe he's right. Maybe, he's not a sick pervert, nor am I.

We were attracted to each other by our physical appearance because I needed a masculine man to put me in my feminine energy and also because I needed him to protect me and my children. And he started chasing my boobies because it's an unconscious acknowledgment that I am a healthy woman with the ability to carry and feed his children.

Physical attraction isn't shallow or unhealthy. It's our primate instinct to reproduce and to select the most fitted partner to ensure the highest chance of our survival in the long term.
"Anyways. Can you buy me a phone?" I pouted."No," Taehyung replied without hesitation. I whined and smacked his chest, making Taehyung chuckle at my distressing reaction until he lowered his face to kiss my lips."What if I get kidnapped one day?!- How am I supposed to call you!" I whined."You're always with me. Who will dare kidnap you?" He chuckled. I groaned and released his shoulder to press my hands against my face."What about a tablet? Oh? If not a phone-""No. You'll become addicted. Jang Sora should only focus on her husband," He shook his head. I grimaced at the man until he lowered his face to plant a tender kiss on my lips. Why won't he buy me a phone!? I feel like a jungle woman without access to technology~!"You do realize I'm wealthier than you, right? In terms of our ranks?" I grumbled with my eyes narrowed on the man. He's only a supreme alpha because I married him! How dare he disobey my request?!"You can buy my life with the dust on your fingertip. I know. But I'm also aware... you love to be spoiled by me. That's why... you keep asking me to do things for you. You can easily get a phone yourself... but you refused and chose to use my card whenever we're out shopping. I don't mind splurging on you. If you want to contact someone... call from the household's phone. The network is secured," He chuckled. I exhaled and softly kissed his cheek."Will you buy me a yacht then?- If not a phone?" I giggled."Which model are you into? One... that'll fit our family? Sure," He nodded. I scoffed."You won't buy me a phone, but you'll buy me a yacht?" I gasped, widening my eyes at the man. What kind of logic is he using?!"Anything besides a phone," He nodded. I laughed and lightly smacked his chest."The moon. Buy me the moon," I pointed at the full moon in the dark sky. Taehyung slowly spun his chair around to face us toward the massive glass wall as he secured me over his lap."If I'm allowed to purchase the moon. I would. But we'd have to live through many more lifetimes to finally buy the moon once civilization evolves," Taehyung chuckled with a fond gaze as he patted my hips."Okay. I'll wait for the lifetime where we can live on the moon together," I giggled.Taehyung gazed at my face with a faint smile, so I hugged his neck and gently pecked his lips. He smiled while holding my jaw and kissed me back until I exhaled against his sweet lips and pulled away to examine my handsome husband. Gurgle. My stomach loudly growled. Taehyung pursed his lips and glanced down in disbelief."Why didn't you tell me you're hungry?!" He scoffed."Why should I tell you?- You should be mindful of my needs!" I snapped. Taehyung laughed as he stood up from the chair, and carefully lowered me to the floor."Tell me if you're hungry~! I'll drop everything to keep you full because you'll get grumpy and nag this pitiful man over the silliest things if you're starving!- What do you want to eat? I'll make a call," He chuckled."Most restaurants will be closed by the time we arrive! Forget it!- Let's eat at home! I'll cook dinner!" I smacked his chest as Taehyung bent over the table to shut down his desktop. I hurried toward the couch to collect my side bag and his empty lunch box. Taehyung grabbed his suit from the rack, and we exited the office together. Nothing beats our home-cooked meals! We took the elevator and headed out of the corporation to fly back home without a delay.
A moment later.
"Seobang-nim~! The food is ready~!" I called while carrying the tray of steaming food to place on the platform bench before the sea view. Taehyung was dusting the platform with a worn-out rag as he sat under the warm light pole. I carefully settled the plates and crawled over the bench to sit across from him as Taehyung popped open a can of beer and handed it to me. Smiling, I took a sip and gasped in pleasure.
The household was already asleep upon our late-night arrival, so it's just my husband and his precious wife... enjoying our romantic late-night dinner with the leftover food~! Fancy restaurant food?!- No! I'd rather cook and feed my man with self-made meals so I can properly sustain his health!
"Ah~" Taehyung lifted a piece of beef with his chopstick, so I opened my mouth to let him feed me. He chuckled and wiped my lips.

"Why don't you hire workers to handle the garden?" I sorely glanced at the stacks of bricks, cement sacks, and fertilizers on the side of the mansion. He's been spending his time manicuring our garden. He keeps heaving the heavy sacks himself~! I'm worried about his aching back!"For you, of course," He chuckled. I smiled."For me?" I blinked."Yeah. You claim I'm a bare minimum and ungenerous man despite showering my woman with crazy expensive gifts. So I'll stop buying you flowers or rare gems from now on. Instead, I'll grow an entire garden for you with my two bare hands. My love for you will never die as long as the flower blooms, so I must work hard to preserve my undying affection for my precious wife!" Taehyung chuckled while chewing his food. He lifted his hand to show me his blistering palms. I sadly smiled at him. So that's why he's so determined to handle the garden?"I'll accept your bare minimum effort. That's fine. You might break your spine trying to please me, old man~!" I teased."No. You'll never stop nagging me if I don't try harder- so I'll show you!- Just how devoted I am!" He firmly shook his head. I laughed and handed him our shared beer can. Taehyung took a sip and screwed his face in relief. Taehyung and I... usually share our things. We eat from our one plate or bowl most of the time. We share the same mug. The same utensil. The same glass. I don't know why... but we prefer doing things together."You never told me... you're the initial... owner of this property," I whispered, unsurely lifting my eyes to Taehyung. We were at an exclusive estate exhibition the other day after Taehyung received an invitation... so we attended the event together and even met a famous architect, who approached us to greet my husband. The woman asked about the mansion she designed on the hilltop for Kim Taehyung... so I was surprised to discover... that this land was originally... purchased by my husband. Why did he place this beautiful property on sale~?"It was actually a gift for you," He shrugged. I pursed my lips with a slight frown."What?" I asked."I purchased the land myself because I wanted to build our dream home," He explained."But you never mentioned it-""Of course not. I wanted to surprise you after our wedding during our engagement days... but things fell apart, and we broke up over a woman. It was a mess, so I gave up on the property and placed it on the market for sale under a different name," Taehyung shrugged. I pursed my lips and glanced at the mansion on our side before shifting my eyes to the beautiful sea. We could've lost this rare gem! This is such a sacred space!

"What's meant to be... will eventually return," I whispered, glancing back at Taehyung. He smiled and nodded in agreement."Jae Yangcha had his eyes on this property. It's meant to be your dream home regardless of the lover you're with. Everything within the property is designed to suit your taste. I would've gone for a more simplistic modern design to suit my preference... but I knew... you like things a little exaggerated... so I made sure to include as many details as I possibly could. A mansion... spacious enough for a family but not too big and distant like the Seoul mansion. I wanted the property to fit just enough people so you wouldn't feel small within the tall ceilings," Taehyung exhaled. I stared at him in silence and glanced at the mansion again.
He's right. I absolutely love the hilltop mansion and the interior. The structure of the property isn't as complicated as the Seoul mansion. My late mother designed a maze-like corridor to mislead intruders, so it felt like I was constantly stuck in hiding behind her walls. But here? The layout is simple. The corridors aren't too wide apart, and the rooms are close to one another... so I can easily visit my family just by stepping out of my room. If I scream... anyone within the property can hear me, so I don't have to worry about my children's safety because I know... I can always reach them on time if there's trouble.

The previous Seoul mansion was too spacious and dull. It felt like I was always distant from everyone since we had to travel all over the place to reach our destination. I have to use the installed buttons to call the maids and the maid has to use a cart to deliver food and drinks. No one would hear me if I screamed for help because of the thick walls.

We were all disconnected within the Seoul mansions. But here? I land straight in the living room coming from the stairs. And I can enter or exit the mansion through the front or back door. The kitchen is close by... with a door leading straight to the dining room.

And unlike the dull and plain high walls of the Seoul mansion with a boring manicured garden and a useless water fountain... I can witness the stunning sea view from every window and door in my current mansion. We're supplied with refreshing air in the morning... and there's enough sunlight beaming through the windows to keep the place bright and warm. And instead of an artificial pool... Taehyung offers another vacation villa where I can literally swim in the sea and watch the sunset on the beach with him. A ride up and down the hill in his sidecar for a refreshing breeze and real ancient tree shades to rest under during a scorching day.

Bare minimum...? Maybe he was never a mediocre man after all.

Kim Taehyung has been healing me with his carefully curated master plan since the day I stepped foot in this property... and has never bothered to inform me of his effort. He never took credit for all his hard work and considerate gestures.

Why? I don't know, but I feel so sorry for only learning the truth now.
"Thank you so much for everything you've done for me," I whispered. Taehyung smiled as he chewed the food before lifting his eyes to meet my apologetic gaze."All I ask is for us... to remain by each other's side forever," He whispered. I chuckled."I'll never let us fall apart again. You have my words," I nodded while reaching out with my open palm. Taehyung chuckled and firmly shook my hand. He lifted my hand to kiss my forehand, so I giggled and patted his cheek as we laughed and chatted over our cold meals before the breathtaking view of the dark sea.________________________
A Future Event
"Hyung! Did you actually live in a castle?!" Kanghoon smiled across the table as the heirs dined in the dining room to celebrate Choi Woobin's return."Yes, he did! It's a real castle with ancient artifacts!" Beomseok chuckled at his grandson's curious smile."We took pictures there- I'll show you," Beom chuckled."I wish I was there!" Woojin pouted as he placed the food on his mother's plate. Sora quietly ate her meal with a discouraged expression until Woobin glanced at his wearied mother. It's been a week since the family returned to the hilltop mansion in Busan."Eomma. Are you feeling unwell?" Woobin asked as he anxiously chewed his food. Sora blinked out of her webbed thoughts and glanced at her oldest son."You two didn't speak at all? What have you been doing during the past month? Why was Hajin so startled?" Sora frowned. The table suddenly grew hushed when Taehyung stepped inside the room to settle beside his wife with a defeated look."She refuses to exit her room," The man sighed. Sora exhaled in frustration and glanced at Woobin again."She does eat. I saw her sneaking into the kitchen last night. The dumpling will never starve herself so don't worry too much about her," Kanghoon chuckled as he dismissively shook his head."Did she think she could avoid hyung forever?" Woojin muttered while rolling his eyes at Hajin's childish avoidance."Maybe you should try speaking to her?" Do-hwan nudged his son. Woobin pursed his lips and glanced at Sora's restlessness again."Hajinie did speak to Woobin during his stay because she wasn't aware of his identity. She seemed to enjoy his company and would often approach him. Aigo~! Even I couldn't recognize you! I thought Do-hwan sent a new man!" Imo scoffed as she patted Woojin's back. Woobin stopped chewing his food and exhaled deeply."Hajin couldn't recognize me during our first encounter, so I played along and pretended to be another person. I didn't know she'd be this shaken," Woobin shrugged."You should try speaking to her," Taehyung encouraged. Woobin nodded."And why are you sleeping in the old cabin? You can share the bedroom with Beom," Sora asked, unsurely staring at her son after he insisted on residing in his father's isolated cabin."Hajin doesn't want my company in the house, so I'll stay in the cabin to avoid upsetting her. Abeoji is growing a little weak anyway... so he can have my bedroom upstairs. I prefer the peace at the cabin," Woobin shrugged.Choi Do-hwan is forced by his son to reside in the mansion's spare bedroom. Taehyung frowned restlessly but nodded at Woobin's statement and ate his meal beside his wife, who was placing the meat on her husband's plate. The family chattered softly in the dining room to catch up with their past... until someone unexpectedly entered the dining room."Oh? Hajin- Are you hungry? Eomma made your favorite dish today," Beom greeted his grim-looking sister, causing Sora to widen her eyes at the presence of her precious daughter. Hajin stood in her nightgown with a poker face as she slowly approached the table."Dumpling must be starving~!" The twins teased their baby sister. Hajin fired the identical twins an annoyed glare... and glanced at her anxious parents again."What's wrong, honey? Have a seat if you're hungry," Sora anxiously examined her daughter. Hajin gripped her fists and took a deep exhale."I want to study at the elite university with oppa," She firmly stated. The dining room paused at her request. Sora and Taehyung glanced at each other and back at Hajin as if they didn't hear her right."But you said-""I think it's best if I study and prepare for the council. Please allow me to study at the elite university. I won't cause trouble. I promise," Hajin pursed her lips. Taehyung closed his eyes to collect himself once he processed her request to leave the mansion for her studies. The man lowered his head and pinched his nose bridge with a stuffy chest."Araso. If that's your wish... then we can arrange for your transfer and schedule your daily flights-""I'll stay with Kanghoon and Woojin oppa at their penthouse. There isn't a need to waste our resources on my routine flights. I'll visit whenever... there's a break," Hajin interrupted. Taehyung pursed his lips and glanced at Woobin... who was dimly staring at Hajin... but she refused to acknowledge his presence and stared straight at her parents."You're seriously not moving out just because hyung has returned to live with us?!" Kanghoon scoffed. Hajin grimaced at her brother."I wish to study-!-""Come on, Hajin~! The conflict was over a decade ago! You can't seriously still resent hyung over such trivial matters?!" Woojin snapped. Hajin clenched her jaw in frustration."Araso!- Araso! Let's not argue- I want you to think it through for another month, alright? You can't enter the academy right now anyway- since it's almost the end of the academic year. We'll enroll you if you're certain about your decision once spring arrives," Taehyung quickly spoke up to buffer the sibling's argument before his daughter lost her temper. Hajin pursed her lips to suppress her frustration, nodded stiffly, and quickly strode out of the dining room before anyone could speak. Sora sorely closed her eyes to recollect her scattered mind as Taehyung glanced at the household... sitting awkwardly at the hushed table."If she doesn't want me around- then I'll-""No. No one is leaving. If there's a conflict... we should resolve it. We're a family, so we can't break like this. You have every right to reside with us, so don't try to move out again. Hajin is still young and impulsive... so we'll do as she wishes... for now. She'll eventually listen to us if we give her time to address this situation," Taehyung firmly shook his head to stop Woobin from removing his presence from the family's property. Choi Woobin dimly stared at the elders and lowered his head with his hands clasped over his thighs.
Fast Forward
A guard hauled the heavy luggage from the heiress on the front porch as she bid goodbye to her family. Sora pouted and hugged her daughter as Taehyung patted his wife's back to console her overflowing anxiety after they've agreed to send their youngest away. Hajin softly kissed her father's cheek and turned to hold Imo's hand, assuring the old lady of her well-being. Beom smiled at his sister and gave her a crushing hug.Hajin faintly smiled as she stepped back to gaze at her family for the last time... and strolled down the stairs to approach the car where Do-hwan was waiting to escort her. And on the far side of the property... Woobin gloomily stared at Hajin from afar as he lowered his hammer to the wooden plank... until she entered the car and left the property through the opened gate.

The eldest son attempted countless times to speak to the youngest before her departure... but every time he approached her... Kim Hajin would stroll off with a cold shoulder. She refused to... acknowledge his existence. He was invisible in her eyes... and she would never respond to his call. Choi Woobin exhaled and picked up his hammer to put the furniture pieces together with gleaming sweat beads all over his hairline... helplessly distracting himself with the manual labor after failing to reconcile with his younger sister.
Elite University
Kim Hajin frantically raced down the corridor a few minutes before lunch break with her bag swung over her shoulder while searching the school building in bewilderment until... she reached the bathroom- just as the classroom doors blasted open. The heir gasped in a panic at the sight of the flooding corridor, roughly shoved the door open... and hurried inside a restroom stall. She slammed the toilet lid closed and slumped down in relief after the successful attempt to dodge unwanted attention. Kim Hajin dug into her backpack and drew out her lunch box with her legs crossed over the toilet lid. She carefully popped open the container... and lowered her head to consume her meal in the stall."-She should be a canteen-""Let's hurry and find her-""Her brothers might be around though-""Dude! She's so freaking pretty! We have to see her-""Pff! I think Jeon Soo-ah is prettier!-""But Kim Hajin is the supreme alpha's household!-"Hajin abruptly stopped chewing her food and stared at the stall door with a slight grimace as she listened to the chitchat about her in the restroom... until something struck her. The young heiress pursed her lips once she realized... she had entered the wrong space. Shaaaa~! She screwed her eyes shut in disgust once she heard the guys peeing loudly in the next stall. It's the men's bathroom! Hajin contorted her face and smacked her forehead in disbelief- Clatter!The heiress accidentally dropped a spoon, sending it skidding across the floor and out of the stall. She gasped and covered her lips in horror as she stared at the gap below her with her eyes bulging open and her heart... pounding hard against her ribs. Silence. The bathroom was dead quiet... so she lowered her shoes to the floor and cautiously crouched down to peek between the gap to scan the place... but it was empty.The alpha exhaled in relief and extended her arm between the gap to reach for the spoon on the tiles. She patted the floor aimlessly before lowering her face to peek again- but flinched in shock when she noticed a pair of polished shoes standing before her dirty spoon. Swallowing in fear... she lifted her face to stare at the person with her stuffed cheeks... but he was too tall... for her to recognize his face."What are you doing?" Kim Seojun asked while staring at her through the reflection.Hajin awkwardly shifted her doe eyes to the charming young man in the mirror... until she noticed... Kim Seokjin's son... standing over her spoon with his hands placed in his trouser's pocket. Hajin immediately flushed red in embarrassment as she hastily scrambled back up and quickly packed her lunch box before shoving the containers back into her bag."Hey?!-" Hajin shrieked once she flung open the stall door- gasping in shock when Seojun lowered his napkin to pick up the spoon and tossed it in the bin with a poker face. The tall alpha calmly turned to wash his hands in the sink with a straight face on the fuming young heir as she stood with her greasy lips, flushed cheeks, and dark frown on his unbothered expression.
A moment later.
Beep. Seojun pushed open the door to the school president's private lounge... so Hajin nervously gripped her bag and followed him inside. She flinched in a panic when Kim Seojun suddenly sprayed sanitizer all over her body, causing her to gasp and look up at him with an offended look."You were rolling on the bathroom floor," He muttered while spraying her hands with the sanitizing substance to ensure she was germ-free."You get to have a lounge to yourself?! How do I get one too?!- Do we pay extra for this?!-" Hajin gasped as she gawked at the private space with her mouth ajar. Seojun quietly rounded his desk to open a cabinet and handed her a spare pair of chopsticks."It's the perks of being a student council leader. You can't buy this with money or your parent's ranks," He muttered. Hajin unsurely took the clean utensil from Seojun and sat down on the couch with her backpack."Thank you for the chopstick," She muttered while unzipping her bag to eat her remaining lunch in the container as Seojun watched the heiress chew her food from his desk."Why would you eat in the restroom? Food and the toilet should never be together," Seojun muttered."Where else can I eat?- It's hard for me to swallow with so many eyes and disturbing people," She grimaced. Seojun exhaled while eyeing the young woman."Okay. Have your lunch and leave," Seojun shrugged, turning to switch on his computer with an unbothered look. Hajin quietly chewed her food while studying the handsome school president until he grew uncomfortable from her unyielding stare. Hajin tilted her head and eyed the alpha up and down until... he cleared his throat and glanced at her with his eyebrow lifted."You're younger than me, but you're on a higher level," Hajin muttered. Seojun unsurely stared at the heir from his desk."I'm only a year younger than you," Seojun shrugged."So your mother is really an average?" Hajin curiously questioned the alpha."How do you know so much about me despite never meeting me?" Seojun scoffed."Your father is my parent's acquaintance. I overhear him boasting about your achievements all the time. You look exactly just like him- Seokjin ahjussi," Hajin shrugged."My mother is an average. She's a therapist at one of the well-known establishments. My father got her pregnant by accident while he was drunk. My mother hid her pregnancy because she knew the danger of the society... until my father found out... and chose to marry her and eventually revealed me as his blood son once I was of age," Seojun nodded. Hajin scanned the private lounge with a faint smile... clearly not paying attention to Seojun's words... but she nodded anyway and chewed her food, causing the school president to frown at her dismissive behavior.
Fast Forward
"Ah!- Ah!!?- OPPA! AHHHHHHH!" Hajin screamed, enthusiastically leaping from the bleachers after his brother scored another shot. The crowd erupted into chaos- so Woojin shrieked pridefully and waved at his sister while wiping the trickling sweat from his forehead."Seojun lost again~!" The lower ranks whined in annoyance as Hajin skipped down the stairs with a heavy bag over her shoulder."Is that for me?- Ohoh?!-" Kanghoon grinned at his younger sister with his sweaty arms wide open as she raced towards him with a cool orange juice in a glass bottle- but Hajin dodged his muscular arms and ran off with a smug expression to hand the fresh juice to his teammates instead. Woojin glared at his sister... who was... receiving endless praises from the older boys as they surrounded the young heir for the handmade juice. They happily reached for the juice she had made for them and patted her back with a proud beam."You two love pineapple~! So here it is~!" Hajin chuckled as she handed her brothers separate bottles. The twins proudly patted her head while draining the cool liquid as the losing team strolled off the court to collect their belongings. Hajin giggled and fooled around with her brothers and his team on the court until they too... left to change in the locker room.
A moment later.
"Seojun...?" Hajin called while knocking on the guy's shower room after a pack of older boys strode out of the space."Come in," Seojun replied. Hajin unsurely scratched her head and strolled inside with her face lowered."I- I made- apple juice for you-" Hajin stuttered while peeking inside the shower stalls... but the locker room was empty. She finally halted in the humid room once he found Seojun sitting on the bench with his shorts on. He was ruffling his damp hair with a towel... so she gulped and glanced at his toned torso before shifting her eyes away and raised the bottle for him.[Kim Seojun Official Picture Reference]

"Did you add sugar?" He asked as he took the glass from her hand."No. No sugar for you," Hajin replied, awkwardly gazing at the ceiling to inspect the light bulb. Seojun unscrewed the bottle and took a sip from it with a slight frown before looking up as well... when Hajin wouldn't lower her gaze."It's not bad. Why are you standing there? Sit down," He patted the bench beside him. Hajin cleared her throat and sat beside the alpha but didn't look at him and stared in the opposite direction with a red face."Why did you want to see me?" Hajin muttered while playing with her loose hair. Seojun emptied her juice and stood up to open his locker... so Hajin glanced at his muscular glazed back before lowering her gaze to his strong hips as the alpha stood facing away from her in his white slippers.

"You asked if I could help you with the foundation-level tasks. I figured we could leave and study together after the game," Seojun replied as he pulled a fresh shirt over his head to cover his toned trunk. Hajin nodded and glanced down at her hands again with her lips pursed. It's been half a year... and Hajin is adjusting well to the academy. The heir isn't as popular as the Jeon's daughters... but everyone respects her... and no one would dare taunt her out of fear of being confronted by her twin brothers."Okay. Did you reserve a spot for us to study?" Hajin asked, unsurely glancing up at Seojun as he brushed his soaked hair backward."Yeah. Let's go. Can you carry my jacket? Put it on if you're cold," Seojun tossed his heavy letterman jacket at her. Hajin pulled the oversized jacket over herself as Seojun beckoned her... so she smiled and walked out after the alpha, who was dressed in a plain black shirt and white shorts. They stroll side by side through the empty corridor... in absolute muteness. Hajin clasped her hands together and stole a glance at the handsome alpha."Have you ever had a girlfriend before?" Hajin asked out of curiosity. Seojun smiled at her random inquiry as he sideways scanned her innocent beam."No. I've never really interacted with other women aside from you," He shrugged. Hajin chuckled and walked along his side until they exited the academy together. Seojun weakly smiled in confusion at... Hajin's strange wiggly habits whenever she got excited... and opened the car door for her so she wiggled her body again before getting into the passenger seat.
A moment later.
"Oh? You live alone...?" Hajin asked as she followed the alpha into a penthouse while gazing at the organized interior until Seojun dropped her bag on the couch."Yeah. I prefer to live alone," Seojun nodded before strolling off with his sports bag as Hajin peeked at the view of the vast river with her mouth hanging open."You've got a lovely view~! My brother's apartment's scenery is always ruined by the fog- because it's so high up~!" Hajin chortled, excitedly spinning around to smile at her friend as Seojun stepped inside the living room with a few snack bags and water for her. Hajin chuckled and strode forward to sit on the couch... as Seojun settled beside the heiress to coach her through her assigned work.Regularly... the young heir would visit her friend's place to study together until a particular... rainy day. Hajin blinked out of her strained thoughts and glanced to the side to find Seojun... observing her with a curious gaze... so he cleared his throat and awkwardly glanced down at his paper once she caught his obvious stare."Can I ask you a question...?" Hajin whispered, weakly smiling at the alpha. He refused to make eye contact and nodded while pretending to read the texts on his device."Are you stuck again?" He murmured. Hajin shook her head."Why don't you ever invite anyone over to your place?" Hajin whispered and nodded at his quiet space as they lounged in the living room."I prefer to keep my space untouched," Seojun muttered, glancing at her with a weak smile. Hajin blinked."But you're okay with me being here?" She asked while studying his handsome face."You're quiet and you don't gossip... so I assume my privacy is secured with you," He shrugged. Hajin chuckled and shook her head."Are you sure... it's not because... you fancy me?" Hajin keenly nudged his arm. He blinked at her delicate smile and gentle gaze before glancing back at his work with a tense expression."I'd be a liar if I said I didn't like you," Seojun muttered. Hajin pursed her lips, suddenly flushing red upon his unexpected confession. She blinked and glanced at her paper with a startled look before snapping her head back to Seojun... who was staring at her with an uneasy smile."So you do like me?" She scoffed while furrowing her eyebrows at the alpha."I do. I like you a lot," He shrugged. Hajin pursed her lips, clearly shaken by his blunt response."Then why didn't you ask me to be your girlfriend?" She whispered, suddenly leaning forward to question the alpha with a confused frown."I'm uncertain if our feelings are mutual," He muttered. Hajin scoffed, lightly smacking Seojun's forehead, and shook her head."Who wouldn't like the most desired alpha at the academy? You're handsome!- And also the highest-ranking academic achiever~!" Hajin chuckled."But it doesn't mean you like me too," He shrugged. Hajin pursed her lips."I like you too! Of course, I do!" Hajin scoffed in annoyance."Well then... I'm relieved it's a mutual feeling," He nodded. She frowned."You still won't ask me to be your girlfriend?" She asked, unsurely searching Seojun's neutral face."I don't want to bring unwanted attention to you and me. I'm sure your father is beyond protective of you... and I'm sure my father won't be happy... if I'm distracted from my studies. Your twin brothers... will probably beat me up too if I try to overstep our boundaries," Seojun shrugged."Oh... so you don't want to be my boyfriend?" Hajin blinked. He frowned and glanced at her clueless face again."I want to be with you. More than you can imagine... but right now... I've got nothing in my hands. I'm still living off my parent's wealth and reputation. I want... to assemble my legacy and achieve my goals... before asking for your hand in marriage. Only then can I secure our relationship," Seojun calmly explained."Marriage? Do you want to get married without dating? How's that possible?" Hajin scoffed."Haven't you seen the couples at school? They date- and they fight- and they break up over silly issues. I don't want to ruin our friendship over a childish fight if we were to date because... I might recklessly lose you. I want to properly be prepared for the relationship... so I can ensure that... we won't split up in the dating stage and waste each other's time," He nodded. Hajin quietly gazed at the alpha and glanced at her book again."So what are we supposed to do? Be friends?" Hajin asked."For now. Yes. I won't stop you from choosing to be with another man, but I do hope you're aware that I want to make my own name and properly figure out everything before I choose to hold your hands because... dating isn't simply about the short-term courtship. I'd have to consider our long-term future and ensure that I have the ability to sustain you and our family in the long run. I do not wish to date for pure entertainment. Instead, I'll date to marry you. So think about it. If you want us to... confirm our relationship... then I'll do as you wish... but whatever happens... I want you to communicate and resolve our problems together. So we don't have to break up and pretend to be strangers again. It's a waste of time and effort," Seojun stared at Hajin. She glanced at him with a troubled expression."Okay. Give me time. I will think it through," Hajin finally nodded. Seojun smiled and leaned forward to kiss her cheek, causing Hajin to freeze in her seat. She quickly clasped her hand over his lip print in shock- appearing somewhat offended by his love stroke- and darted him an uptight look."What? Why are you so startled-""You said you'd give me time to think!- What was that for?!" Hajin scoffed, turning bright red as she gawked at the dumbfounded alpha."That's the assurance of my feelings," He frowned at her exaggerated reaction. Hajin stared at him with a racing heart and finally cleared her throat."No," Hajin briefly replied."No...?" Seojun frowned, unsurely staring at her upset grimace with his lips ajar."I do not wish to be touched like this unless we're together- so don't ever do it again," Hajin stared at the alpha in annoyance as she rubbed his lip prints off her cheek. Seojun pursed his lips while eyeing her disapproving look when Hajin suddenly grabbed her books and quickly gathered her belongings with a dark frown."Hajin- I didn't mean to offend you-""I'm not offended- but I do not wish to give in to anyone without a definite label over our relationship. I don't do situationships or friends with benefits- please refrain from overstepping the boundary if you're not prepared. It might cause a lot of misunderstandings. My father warned me... to never... fall for a man... who is incapable of handling the consequences of his actions," Hajin quickly shoved her things into her bag and snatched it off the couch."Alright...? Alright- I'm sorry. I'll escort you home," Seojun quickly stood up and followed her to the door as Hajin slipped on her sneakers. Seojun tried to help her with her bag... but Hajin refused to let him carry the load and strolled out of the elevator once the door slid open. She got into the passenger seat, buckled her seatbelt, and hugged her bag over her lap with her head tilted against the window. Seojun awkwardly started his car engine and took the heiress home."Thanks and bye," Hajin muttered, quickly pushing open the door before Seojun could get out of the car. The alpha paused in disbelief when the young heir hurriedly raced into her building complex and disappeared through the lobby's door with her bag. He pursed his lips and stepped back inside the car... before lowering his head to the steering wheel and closed his eyes in embarrassment after she responded negatively to... his first... courtship attempt.
Meanwhile.
"Oh? Hajin, you're home? Oppa cooked the meals today~!" Kanghoon called once Hajin entered through the door with her bag clutched over her chest. The twins were gaming in the living room with the music blasting at full volume... so Hajin exhaled, entered her room to shower, and strolled out to grab her plate of meals stacked with her favorite food. She slumped on the bean bag with her plate as the twins shouted at each other while racing their avatars on the massive flat screen."Are you okay? Who brought you home?" Woojin glanced at his baby sister as she quietly chewed her food on the bean bag. Kanghoon lifted his toes to try and poke his sister's cheek- causing Hajin to shriek in annoyance. She shoved her brother's feet away and glanced at the TV screen while chewing her sausage with a grumpy expression."Seojun brought me home after our study session," She grumbled. Kanghoon grimaced."Why do you prefer him over us? We can teach you," Woojin muttered as he aggressively pressed the controller."You're always so loud at home. How can I possibly study?" Hajin muttered. The twins chuckled at her grumpiness and proceeded to game on their screen."You can always ask eomma to fly home if you're not used to living here," Kanghoon replied.Hajin grimaced at the thought of living with Choi Woobin at their hilltop mansion, got up to wash her empty dish, and left to reside in her room. And despite having a soundproof door... she could still hear the twins screeching in the living room. Sighing deeply, she drew out a noise-canceling headphone assembled by Jae Boom as a gift for her to shut out the noises. She exhaled, covered her ears with the device, and laid down with her eyes closed to listen to the hushed... muffles of her brother's booming voices.
Fast Forward
Kim Hajin faintly giggled as she strolled into the academy with her twin brothers, who stood on either side of her. Woojin had his arm hooked over her shoulder as he steered his baby sister with him. She grinned and punched Woojin's abs as Kanghoon chattered loudly with Hajin's bag strapped over his muscular shoulder. The trio glanced at the gawking eyes from the lower ranks unsurely... but dismissed their strange stares and headed to Hajin's lecture room.The heirs assumed the lower ranks were admiring the twins... so the brothers bid their goodbyes after escorting their sister to her lecture room. Hajin quietly sat with the younger generation of alphas and lower ranks in her room when Yuna... one of the fifth rank... approached her desk. Jeon Soo-ah lifted her face from her book to stare at Hajin as the lower-rank alpha loomed over the heiress."So... are you dating Seojun? Kim Seojun?" Yuna smiled at Hajin, who blinked and stared up at her with an uneasy look."No. We're not dating," Hajin denied. Soo-ah exhaled and lowered her face back to her book."But people say you're always at his place until late night... though? Kim Seojun has never invited anyone over to his place," Yuna giggled while observing Hajin suspiciously."We were only studying," Hajin replied, shrugging dismissively. The lower ranks glanced at each other without speaking and left her desk... so Hajin prepared for her course until the... eventual nightmare... consumed the academy."Hajin-ah!" Kanghoon called as he stormed towards her with a dark frown, followed by Woojin. Hajin had only exited her class for her lunch break."Oh?- Oppa?-""We need to speak!" Woojin faked a smile, grabbed her collar, and dragged her with him. Hajin gasped and stumbled after her brothers as the lower ranks eyed them weirdly. Kanghoon checked for an unused room before nudging his sister inside... so Woojin closed the door... and suddenly... frowned at her with his arms crossed over his buff chest."What...? Did I do something wrong?" Hajin unsurely glanced back and forth between the identical twins."Your study place is his private apartment...?" The twins asked. Hajin gripped her fingers uneasily."Yeah-""You said you're studying with him at the lounge in the academy! Why did you lie to us?!" Woojin scoffed. Hajin blinked at her upset brothers."Nothing happened! We just studied! I promise-""Hajin-ah! Eomma and appa- have warned you countless times never to be alone with another alpha! Especially not a man! Who is physically stronger than you! And why did you lie to us!? We're responsible for your safety and wellness!" Kanghoon scolded Hajin. She stood in silence."I told you there's nothing to worry about! I never touched him! And he never touched me!-""But everyone thinks there's a lot more going on!- Oh?!- People have claimed to see you entering the guy's locker room alone with Seojun! And people have seen you exit and enter his place almost every day! Others claim to see you entering his private presidential room during every lunch break! Hajin, you have to be honest-""I'm not lying! There's nothing between us! I'm seriously not lying~!" Hajin whined while pouting at her older brothers. The twins frowned at their frustrated sister and glanced at each other to contemplate the reliability of her statement."If you can't admit the truth- then we'll question him," Kanghook exhaled, suddenly swinging the door open with an uptight frown. Woojin grimaced at his sister and stormed out after his brother. They found it hard to believe her since it is in her nature to deny her involvement in most issues... out of fear of being blamed."Oppa! There's no need to bother him! I swear there's nothing- OPPA! Seojun will get upset if you drag him into this- OPPA~!" Hajin shrieked as she frantically chased after her brothers to stop them... but they refused to believe her words and stormed into the canteen packed with students. Everyone immediately shifted their attention to the looming identical twins as they marched straight toward Seojun's table with dark scowls. Kim Dohyun stopped chatting with Jung Mirae... and glanced at the twins... who had their raging glares set on the second-rank alpha."What's your intention of bringing my sister to your personal space?" Kanghoon confronted the alpha. Seojun pursed his lips and glanced at Hajin as she stood with a racing heart, slightly lowering her face in embarrassment."Nothing-""Nothing? You invited her into your private living space every day... because of nothing?" Woojin scoffed, firing the alpha an annoyed glare."I never once forced her to enter my doors. She willingly followed me there. What are you trying to get out of this?" Seojun sternly lifted his eyebrows to question the twins. The brothers clenched their jaws with their dark frowns at Seojun and shifted their deadly gaze to the crowd of nosy students."Did you hear that? There's nothing between them. Now refrain from speaking nonsense about my sister and mind your business, or we'll address the situation ourselves," Woojin warned the crowd. No one dared to speak or budge in their seat as they shifted their gaze to Kim Hajin, who stood with an uncomfortable frown. The twins exhaled, strolled out of the canteen, and dragged Hajin after them to exit the packed space.
Afterschool.
"You're not going to his place anymore," Kanghoon firmly locked the penthouse door after they dragged her home."Oppa! I have to submit my assignment tomorrow! I need his help!" Hajin whined, trying to shove her sturdy brother aside, but he refused to budge and glared at his stubborn sister."We'll help you with your work. No more secret study sessions with the jerk- Who didn't even bother to address the situation until we confronted him!" Woojin shook his head, firmly crossing his arms over his chest. Hajin pursed her lips at her older brother's disappointed glower and exhaled in defeat before storming inside the room with an attitude.
A moment later.
"OPPA!?- Can you lower the volume!?- I can't concentrate!" Hajin screeched, angrily storming out of her room to glare at the twins as they gamed on the screen."Use Jae Beom's headphone-""I can still hear you!" Hajin screamed in annoyance.The twins scoffed and lowered the volume, so she stormed back inside her room and banged her door shut to sit at her desk with an irritated frown. The heiress lifted her phone to stare at the blank screen. Nothing. Seojun did not contact her after the ridiculous rumors about them. She exhaled in annoyance and glanced at her paper after the twins gave her their answers to the questions without much explanation. The young alpha sighed and copied all the answers into the answer sheet without much thought, threw away her book, and scrambled onto the bed to hide under the blanket with a stuffy chest.
A few days later.
"Hajin. I'd love to have a word with you," A professor spoke up when the alpha tried to get up from her seat. The other students glanced at her unsurely... so Hajin lowered her head and followed the woman to a private office."Why do you wish to speak to me?" Hajin asked. The professor sighed and slid an answer sheet over the table."You do realize we do not tolerate plagiarism, right?" The woman asked. Hajin froze with her eyes on her answers and glanced at the woman."But I did it myself-""The answer you wrote does not correlate to the context of the exercise. This is the exact same copy of the previous year's answer. Hajin. I'm not upset... but you should've done better," The woman assured. Hajin pursed her lips on the answer sheet."I'm sorry," Hajin lowered her head in embarrassment."I'll assign you extra materials and work to make up for this. Please do not repeat the same mistake," The professor nodded.
Hajin's POV
I nodded to accept my mistake before rising from the seat to exit the room with my head lowered as I passed by the gossiping lower ranks. Despite... clarifying my controversy with Seojun... people still chose to speak ill of me.They claim I'm the one at fault for choosing to follow Seojun to his penthouse and claim that it wasn't Seojun who was trying to take advantage of me. Rather. I am the desperate person trying to seduce him. I tried. I tried desperately to avoid reacting to their false claims... but it felt like everything was overflowing the longer I stayed hushed. I pursed my lips and stormed down the corridor to avoid the piercing stares."Hajin. Can we speak?" Seojun appeared out of nowhere. I blinked and looked up at his neutral expression, immediately pausing in the corridor."No-" I whispered, sidestepping the alpha and strolled away with a poker face.
Third Person POV
"The issue isn't dying down- and I'm afraid it'll be heard by our parents-""So? Are you afraid of ruining your own reputation? Don't worry. They're all on your side. I'm the one at fault, and you're the perfect man," Hajin suddenly spun around to glare at Seojun in resentment."Hajin- You can't be seriously upset-""Oh yeah? Yeah, it's totally my fault for 'willingly' following you through your door. Did you really have to direct the spotlight at me? So you could avoid being the main talk of the day?" Hajin glared at Seojun and stormed off with a dark frown. The Kim's heir stood in his place with his lips parted and closed his eyes with troubled feelings before striding away in the opposite direction.
Fast Forward
Kim Hajin hastily shook the heels off her feet as she stepped into the penthouse alone with her bag swung over her shoulder. The twin brothers are staying at the academy to rehearse for their upcoming tournament, so she was instructed to return directly to the penthouse.
It's been a month since the rumors stirred up... and all she's been doing is... hide inside the highest building floor with the dull clouds and visiting the academy... to study. Her mother has not visited them for over a month because she had a schedule with her father abroad.
"Oh? Eomma?!- You're back!?" Hajin gasped once she smelt the savory scent from the kitchen. The heir quickly swung her bag onto the couch and raced inside the kitchen with a wide grin- but abruptly halted in horror once she found... Choi Woobin... preparing the dishes on the counter. Her older brother lifted his face to stare at her, causing Hajin to stiffen in place as he stood with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows."Have the food if you're hungry-" Woobin tried to speak- Thump! Thump! Hajin wildly spun around and raced into her room. BANG. She slammed the door to shut off his voice, leaving Woobin dumbfounded in the kitchen. He exhaled at her harshness and lowered his head after she refused to face him... even after he granted her almost a year to settle their conflict.
Kim Hajin is definitely not an easy soul to appease.

A few days later.

Knock. Knock.
Hajin slipped off her customized headphones and glanced at the door with a dark frown after listening to the persistent disturbance. The person had been knocking on the door for almost an hour. She exhaled, slammed her pen down over the desk, and got up to swing the door open until she found Woobin looming over her with a plate of warm meal.

She glared at her older brother- aggressively slapping the plate out of his hands before he could speak- SMASH. Woobin froze at her aggression and averted his eyes to mess on the floor just as the door to the penthouse opened... and the twins appeared in their hoodies and sports bags."Oh hyung-" BANG. They flinched in a panic once Hajin slammed the door shut and stormed back to her desk without uttering a word.Meanwhile.The twins restlessly walked into the living room as Woobin bent over the floor to collect the broken shards. Kanghoon grimaced, picked up the trash bin, and walked toward his older brother as Woojin turned to grab the vacuum from the storage room."I'll handle the mess. Have your meal while it's warm," Woobin shook his head when his younger brothers tried to help him clean the mess."Yah! Aren't you being too much?! Kim Hajin!" Woojin angrily pounded on the closed door."LEAVE ME ALONE!" Hajin screamed, suddenly throwing something at the door. Thud! The twins flinched at the violent impact and glanced at each other with an offended look."Yah-? Yah! Come out this instant- you rude brat!-""It's fine. Don't upset Hajin," Woobin quickly stood up to block the door when Kanghoon tried to open the door with the master card."Hyung!- She can't behave this way!-""We cannot invade her personal space. I'll speak to her once she's ready- so don't barge inside her space without her permission. Go and eat, alright?" Woobin raised his hand to push the card back into Kanghoon's hand. The twins scoffed at the door and spun around to enter the kitchen... so Woobin crouched down again to collect the shards and quietly cleaned up the food stain on the floor before strolling into the kitchen to sit across from the twins as they hungrily devoured the tasty meal."Should I call eomma? Or appa? She only listens to them," Woojin asked Woobin as the man quietly ate from his plate."Don't bother. That's why I'm here to address the situation," Woobin muttered."She never really threw a tantrum after you left... but she's doing it again now? How is she so immature?" Kanghoon grumbled in annoyance as he fired Hajin's door an irritated look."Her tantrum and anger issues should be addressed... or she'll live her entire life banging doors and breaking plates," Woojin nodded. Woobin calmly ate his food."Kim Seojun. Is the boy involved with her?" Woobin asked to divert the subject. The twins chewed their food and nodded."She's not dating him. Seojun is her study partner, and she often visits his place. We only found out recently through the rumors," Kanghoon answered. Woobin nodded to ponder the situation."The principal called to address the situation, so I've decided to visit myself. Eomma and appa are on a vacation abroad... so I will not inform them of the matter," Woobin sighed."They're on vacation again?!- Hah! Without us?! They always run off alone!" Woojin funnily smacked his slice of bread on the plate, causing Kanghoon to chuckle over his warm soup."What about Beom? Why didn't you invite him over? Hajin never raises her voice at him. Maybe Beom can talk some senses into her," Kanghoon suggested."Beom is occupied with his genius work in his room. I left him at home because he doesn't like to be locked up in a tall apartment building like this one," Woobin smiled."I swear the little Jaguar is assembling a nuclear bomb inside his room! Have you seen his office?!- No human can comprehend all those scientific formulas and codes! It's like a science lab! Appa even tore down the walls of our old room to merge the space for Beom," The Woojin scoffed. Woobin chuckled and shook his head."He's a mad genius. Beom collected all of his father's belongings from the castle and has been obsessed over it since," Woobin shrugged. The twins chuckled and shook their heads with weak smiles."Anyways. What are you going to do with Kim Seojun? He's a decent person. Just like Seokjin ahjussi. I doubt he'll cause any harm to Hajin since his father is close with our family," Woojin asked as he unsurely eyed the older brother."I won't do anything. I'll speak to the alpha to remind him of his boundaries. Hajin might be an adult, but she's mentally still a child... so I'll remind him of that," Woobin shrugged. The twins nodded in agreement. The soft brothers chattered in the kitchen, spent time gaming in the living room, and eventually parted to sleep in their respective rooms.
Meanwhile.
"Thank you for the ride," Beom smiled, lowering his head at the taxi driver after the man dropped him off in the suburb of the city. He's in Daegu. The alpha took a deep inhale as he stood on the sidewalk with the hood over his head and gradually strolled through the street to observe the bustling area before pulling out a small piece of paper to review the notes.The alpha quietly walked further from the bustling city until he found himself... standing on a quiet freeway surrounded by deep woods. He glanced from side to side and to the tree trunks until he noticed an odd tree... bending along the curved road. Beom smiled and strolled off the road to enter the wilderness alone. The young man carefully planted small devices on the tree trunks to mark his way as he wandered deeper and deeper into the isolated woods... until the afternoon sky turned dark. He blinked and glanced upward when the sky started pouring... so he exhaled and strolled quietly through the darkness without switching on the flashlights while crushing the dead leaves beneath the sole of his shoes.

Halt. The alpha blankly stared at the tall grasses above his head and glanced at his notes again before shoving his way through the thick barrier. He stared up at the sky to follow the small dangling ornaments above his head... that were tied securely to the branches and- Rustle. The alpha suddenly stepped out... onto the... flowing stream before him. He pursed his lips and glanced upward until he spotted... a looming villa in the wilderness.

"I found you," Jae Beom's lips parted in shock as he crossed the stream and walked toward the looming black door without an installed... door handle... or... a keypad. The alpha pursed his lips and lifted a black card to press it against the dusty screen- Beep.The little jaguar flinched and stepped back in disbelief as the door... slid open before his reflective pupils. The alpha stood in the light drizzle with his startled gaze on the illuminated property with his mouth hanging open... utterly stunned by the untouched property. He blinked, took off his shoes, and entered the place with his mouth ajar before strolling inside the clean space. Whirr~! Beom glanced down to find an automated device mopping the floor and stepped aside before striding into the living room... with his eyes... bulging open in shock.The alpha pursed his lips and glanced at the artificial streams from the waterfall... and to the glowing pool... with his eyes wide open in disbelief. Everything... within the villa... was working as it was supposed to. There were lights and water... and only the outer property was covered in dead leaves and dust. Jae Beom blinked, spun around, and hurried into the bedroom to uncover a neatly made bed. The curiously alpha approached the vanity table to examine... the cute photographs... stuck to the wall and the glass frame. The alpha stared at his late father, who was beaming at him with a radiant smile as he hugged... Jang Sora... on his side."I found you. Appa. I finally found you," Beom whispered, wildly spinning around with a broad smile. The alpha quickly dropped his bag to the floor and sprinted out of the room to check on the other rooms... and to his astonishment... he found... his father's control room still intact...
. and even the laboratory was functioning.
Jae Beom grinned from ear to ear as he settled on the comfortable leather armchair, and spun in it with a cheeky smile before starting the computer. He straightened his back and chuckled at the loading screen. There was no password restriction because his father knew... only the rightful successor could enter his hidden villa. The alpha froze when a screen suddenly popped up... and he found himself... staring directly at... his late father... who was sitting in the exact same chair."Abeoji..." Beom whispered with an aching heart as he eyed his late father."Did you miss appa? Appa... is probably dead and gone by the time you find me. But I do hope you're well, and so are your mother and your siblings. Are you living well?- Aigo~! You must be an absolute genius to uncover my- precious space. This is all yours, Beom. Everything in here is yours. Please... use it well. I don't know what to say really... but all I want you to remember is that... abeoji... really loves you... and I hope... you'll lead a happy life with eomma and your family. Haha~! Eomma already knows appa has a tumor by now... so she agreed to spend time with appa here until my time ends-""Yeobo...?" Sora's familiar voice suddenly spoke up in the background. Beom blinked in excitement when his mother appeared through the door in her usual silk dress."Oh? Were you looking for me?" Yangcha chuckled, briefly smiling at her as Sora carried a fruit plate and placed it on the desk. She sweetly kissed Yangcha as he hugged her waist over his lap... so Sora cluelessly glanced at the screen with a weak smile while stroking her lover's nape.

"What are you doing? You shouldn't spend too much time here!" She playfully scolded her lover. Beom chuckled when his father pulled his mother down to kiss her before glancing at the camera again without informing her of the recording."I'm just sorting my files," Yangcha chuckled."Araso. Come out for breakfast," Sora smiled, kissed his cheeks, and got up to leave the room... so Yangcha ate the fruit and smiled at the camera again."Your mother is beautiful, isn't she? I'm sure she's still a beauty now. Beom-ah. I'm sorry- we didn't bring you here... but I'm sure your grandfather is taking great care of you at the Hanok house. Appa and eomma will return to you before appa leaves this world, so don't worry. Anyways- appa recorded all the manuals for automated codes and technical instructions. If you're into it... you may access all of appa's past work and take over our legacy. This won't be the only video because appa has filmed a lot of lectures personally for you, so I hope it'll guide you in your future journey. And you may check eomma and appa's... moments together in the duckie file~!" Yangcha chatted with his son through the screen. Beom rubbed away his unconscious tears and glanced around his father's workspace with a pained frown."You're a genius, abeoji," Beom softly sniffled in joy and smiled at his father through the screen. The alpha took a deep exhale... and leaned back against the chair to feel his late father's presence and closed his eyes with a relieved feeling.
He found Jae Yangcha's beating heart.

Flash Back
Young Beom.The young child sat alone at his desk with his father's duck toy and lifted the plastic before the bright sunlight... glimmering through the window to observe the dark shade inside the duck. He frowned and shook the duck until it made a faint... clattering sound. The boy scratched his head unsurely. The duck had... somehow stopped working."I have to make it work again," The child grimaced as he grabbed the screwdriver, and unscrewed the duck loose- Clatter. The young boy froze when a small black card and secured chip fell out of the duck. The boy pursed his lips and lifted the card to stare at it with a dark frown.
Jae Beom.
The boy blinked at his own name... engraved on the strange card... and flipped the card over in confusion before inspecting the memory card with a suspicious frown. Beom exhaled and placed the items he found away... until he was old enough to realize... the truth. The young alpha asked for his first computer on his 10th birthday and eventually inserted the chip to check the file.
He discovered... a digital map of an unknown place in Daegu.
"You'll find appa here...?" Beom stared at the phrase over a red spot on the map and spun the software around to examine the detailed pictures of unfamiliar trees... roads... tall grasses... and dangling ornaments hanging from the tree above. The young boy frowned at the random photographs... and glanced at the card... on his desk again. He pursed his lips and glanced back at the phrase on the mysterious location on the map.
You'll find appa here.

End of flashback
_____________________________
Fast Forward
Kim Hajin aimlessly walked down the local streets with an empty mind as she dully glanced at the local stores and passersby in curiosity with her bag strapped over her shoulders. She had escaped from the university to avoid her assigned driver after school because she did not wish to return to the apartment to meet her older brother, who had been residing with her for the week... intending to speak with her... but she had shut him off every time."What are you doing out here alone...?" Someone spoke up from behind her back. Hajin jumped out of her skin as she wildly spun around... to find... Kim Seojun... following her from behind with his hand in his pocket."Are you following me?!" Hajin gasped while gawking at the alpha and suddenly scurried over the pavement to avoid him. Seojun stared at her bitterly and quickened his pace to match hers... so Hajin huffed and glanced forward with an annoyed grimace."I saw you sprinting out of the gate earlier," He shrugged. Hajin grumbled in annoyance."What do you want?" She asked without looking at him."I want to speak with you, of course... but you have been avoiding me. Where do you eat lunch these days if not in my lounge? You can't seriously be eating in the bathroom again?" He funnily nudged her shoulder. Hajin huffed and glared at the alpha."I eat on the rooftop~! It's peaceful up there," She shrugged. Seojun smiled."Well. Since we're speaking now. Can I finally resolve the issue between us?" He asked unsurely. Hajin suddenly stopped dead in her tracks with her eyes glued on one of the carts, so Seojun halted and glanced at the distracted alpha with a confused expression."Buy me that ice cream cone and I'll talk to you," Hajin pointed at the colorful freezer. Seojun pursed his lips and glanced at the vendor on the street."But I didn't bring cash-""You don't have a single note with you~?" Hajin scoffed at the alpha in bewilderment. Seojun pursed his lips in embarrassment until his ears turned bright red."Oh-! I have collected coins! Maybe it's enough!" Seojun suddenly swung his bag off his shoulder to search for his coins with a flushed face. Hajin huffed and skipped towards the man with a bright beam.

"Double scoop chocolate cone, please~!" Hajin smiled. The man nodded."Double?!-" Seojun gasped, looking up at her in disbelief."You can't afford double scoops? Aigo~! My mother told me to never settle for any man who can't-""Actually!- I might have more coins!" He snapped, suddenly dropping his bag to the ground, and quickly crouched down to rummage his bag with a dark frown. The ice cream man handed Hajin the stacked cone... so she smiled and licked the ice cream while watching the alpha search for his coins."How much for the double scoop?" Seojun quickly stood up with a few coins in his palm."3000 won," The man smiled. The alpha quietly counted the coin in his palm before freezing in place and glanced up at Hajin, who was cluelessly licking the ice cream on the street."I have only 2500..." Seojun grunted under his breath."You don't have enough? Aigo~! My mother once said if a man can't provide basic necessities- then he is not my man for me! Ice cream has been a necessity since my existence in my mother's womb! And my father has always fed her ice cream to grow me~! You can't afford me ice cream?! You definitely aren't my potential husband~! How am I supposed to live with a broken man who can't afford ice cream~?!" Hajin funnily gasped at the young man, whose ears turned even redder at her mocking whines."Ani! I still have one more somewhere! I've got it!- I've got it!!!" Seojun firmly shook his head and crouched down again to tear his bag apart. Hajin chuckled at the alpha's cuteness and winked at the ice cream man after she got the alpha fumbling through his bags to pay for her pricey ice cream."Hah?!!- 3000 won!" Seojun quickly shot up with a brilliant smile and handed the ice cream man six coins... worth five hundred won each. The man chuckled, so Seojun quickly crouched back down to pack his bag and swung it over his shoulder with a proud beam."Are you guys a couple?" The man chuckled."No? Why would I date a broke man like him?" Hajin scoffed as she rolled her eyes and strolled away with the cone. Seojun frowned at her in disbelief."Hey! I gave you everything I had!" Seojun screamed while chasing after her with his bag. Hajin smiled and licked her ice cream."You barely had enough to buy ice cream~!" She shrugged, happily skipping forward. Seojun whined and raced after her while adjusting his straps until she slowed down... so he cleared his throat and smiled at Hajin's pretty face."Can we speak?" Seojun nudged her shoulder."At your apartment," She nodded."What?" Seojun asked."We can speak at your place," Hajin glanced up at him with her pretty doe eyes. Seojun blushed at the sight of her rosy cheeks and cleared his throat to contain his composure."Aren't you afraid of people speaking about us again?" He asked. Hajin shrugged."The next time they talk about it- I'll scream and say you're the one forcing me inside your apartment if you don't clear my name! I'll say Kim Seojun is a sick pervert trying to get me out of my panties~!" She threatened him with her ice cream cone. Seojun grimaced at her narrowed eyes before taking her back to his parked car and they eventually headed to his place.
A moment later.
"Are you done eating?" Seojun muttered as he sideways watched Hajin lick her half-eaten cone in the ascending elevator."Do you want some?" Hajin blinked, cluelessly looking up at him while leaning against the wall."No. Of course not," Seojun frowned at the saliva-coated ice cream. She narrowed her eyes at the alpha suspiciously as they stood side by side in the elevator leading to his private penthouse."You're disgusted by me...?" She huffed."What-? No-""Then why don't you want to share the ice cream? Too bad... I thought you wanted to confess. But if you don't want to share my saliva... then you probably can't kiss me too," She shrugged, suddenly stepping forward to click the ground floor button."What are you doing...?" Seojun frowned at the alpha and glanced at the ignited button."What? This is your floor. You can get off... and I'll leave-" Hajin nodded at the alpha. Seojun grimaced at her attitude as he roughly snatched the cone from her grip and shoved the melting chocolate into his mouth... until his cheeks inflated like a hamster."Happy?!" Seojun grumbled while nodding at the opened elevator door in irritation. Hajin smiled at his puffy cheeks and walked out as Seojun held his hand over the sensor to hold the door open for her. The heiress strode toward his apartment... so Seojun quickly scanned his card and strolled in after her."Can I stay overnight today? I don't want to go home- AH!" Hajin happily skipped inside the apartment but shrieked in a panic- when she found... Kim Seokjin... sitting on the couch with his striking messy hair. Seojun quickly slammed the door shut and rushed inside the living room... to find... his dazed father... frowning at the heir's unexpected presence."Hajin?!" Seokjin blinked at the heiress whose lips were smudged with ice cream stains."Annyeonghaseyo~!" Hajin greeted and glanced at Seojun, who was struggling to swallow his ice cream until a stream of melted chocolate spilled messily from his mouth. Seokjin frowned unsurely as his son raced forward to snatch the issue from the coffee table and quickly wiped his lips with a flustered look."What are you guys doing here? I mean- How come-""Ah! Seojun invited me over to study together!" Hajin chuckled while smiling at Seokjin with her chocolate-stained teeth. Seokjin frowned at her innocent beam and glanced at his son suspiciously."Go and wash your lips..." Seojun nudged Hajin. She gasped and covered her mouth before scurrying inside the bathroom in embarrassment. Kim Seokjin widened his eyes at how familiar she was with his son's private space... and glanced at Seojun for an explanation."Why would you invite her over?!" Seokjin funnily gasped. Seojun swallowed the cone and rubbed his lips before dropping his bag onto the couch."She's my study partner-""She's a year below your level! Study partner?!- You're guiding her?!-""I am! What's wrong with that!? She asked me to!" Seojun snapped. Seokjin huffed at his son's annoyed grimace and tossed his cushion aside, causing Seojun to back away in a panic. The elderly alpha released a deep exhale to calm his raging temper, placed his hands on his waist, and funnily stepped toward his son with his eyes narrowed on the frightened young man."Did you think I was born yesterday?!-""Appa! I'm serious! We've never-""But you will! This is too obvious!- Bringing a pretty lady inside your home every day?!" Seokjin funnily glared at his son with his bulging eyeballs. Seojun frowned at his father unsurely and gulped at the man."You're speaking as if you know-""Oh! I was once a young man like you too!" Seokjin snapped while glaring at Seojun."Oh? You've brought a woman home before?!-""I brought Jang Sora home! Her mother!!!- I invited Kim Hajin's mother to my private villa! And I used the same excuse!- Study?!- Half of the time- I was lost in lalaland with her on my bed!" Seokjin snapped. Seojun flushed red at his father's unexpected confession."Her mother?!- ?!&^%!#*?! Hajin's mother used to be your lover?!" Seojun gasped, funnily covering his mouth with his wild eyes. Seokjin lightly smacked his son's forehead and spun away in distress, causing Seojun to whine in pain with his hand clasped over his face."Did it have to be Hajin out of everyone?!-""But I like her!-""You're younger than her!-""So?! I'm still a man! I can still do all the manly stuff~!" Seojun argued with his voice lowered."Did you at least buy a condom?!" Seokjin smacked his son's head."No-""And why would you bring her home then?!-""I said I never did anything! And what the heck is Lalaland!?-""Lalaland happens before you even know it and the next moment you're having pregnancy scares! And she's going to cry with nasty snots and tears! And her father will come for your neck!- Anyways!- A proper man should prepare his condoms-""Oh!? So you stocked your place with condoms- just in case?!- That's so weird~! Hajin would think I have bad intentions!" Seojun snapped at his father. Seokjin clasped his hands over his mouth and aggressively rubbed his face in extreme frustration as he quietly argued with his son."You should be cautious around Kim Hajin! Her father will tear you apart!- Oh--! Hajin darling~! How have you been~? Ahahah~! Ahjussi is here to bring Seojun some supplements for his health," Seokjin glared at his son but quickly softened his voice and funnily cackled with a flustered face once Hajin strolled back into the living room with a clueless look."School is alright... with Seojun's help," Hajin shyly smiled. Seojun awkwardly glanced at his father after the alpha caught his son red-handed trying to bring the supreme alpha's daughter home."I see... my son... is treating... you well," Seokjin funnily forced a laugh... and glanced at Seojun, who stood with a bright red face. The room suddenly grew hushed... so Hajin glanced back and forth between the father and the son... whose ears were turning bright red."Uh- Thank you for the supplement abeoji. I'll escort you to the door," Seojun cleared his throat and nodded at the door to signal his father. Seokjin bulged his eyes at his son when the alpha tried to shoo his father away."Ahaha~! I actually want to stay over for dinner! Appa will cook for you and Hajinie~! Go and study~!" Seokjin chuckled while shaking his head with the 'I'll never leave you alone with her' look, and quickly raced inside the kitchen to avoid being thrown out of the penthouse. Seojun scoffed in disbelief and glanced at Hajin again."Sorry. Can we speak later...?" Seojun mouthed her. Hajin nodded and sat on the couch, so Seojun exhaled and settled beside her.
A moment later.
"Aish~! This rascal!- I have to pick up his mother- but he's stuck with a young woman inside his place! I can't leave that punk, or he'll try to do inappropriate things to her~! Why Jang Sora's daughter out of all women?!- Her bloodline is scary! My son might lose his mind because of her~!" Seokjin frantically typed on his phone to text his wife his whereabouts. The alpha funnily peaked from the kitchen's doorway to spy on his son, who was sitting in the living room with the young lady. Seokjin grimaced when Hajin chuckled and glanced at Seojun, who lifted his hand to ruffle her hair."Yeobo~! Come over to our son's place for dinner~! I'll send a driver to escort you!" Seokjin quietly sent a voice message, slipped his phone back in his pocket, and spun around to flip the food in the pan but would frequently peak at the young alphas every now and then until Seojun caught his father spying on them... so Seokjin cleared his throat and pretended to read the upside-down oil bottle. Seojun rolled his eyes at his father and glanced at Hajin's pretty face as she concentrated on her work.
A moment later.
"Time for dinner~!" Seokjin burst inside the hushed room out of fear until he found the alphas sitting on the carpet with their books and devices."Let's have dinner," Seojun nudged Hajin. She nodded and quickly got up to follow Seokjin when the door suddenly slid open... and Mrs. Kim appeared in her formal work attire."Aigo~?! There's a guest!?" Seojun's mother gasped once she noticed Hajin."Annyeonghaseyo. I'm Kim Hajin," Hajin smiled, politely bowing at her. The woman covered her mouth in shock."Hajin...? You're the supreme alpha's youngest daughter?!" Mrs. Kim gasped, quickly rushing forward. Seokjin nudged his son aside... so Seojun exhaled and sat in the dining room until his average mother was done speaking to the heiress. The elders sat side by side as Seojun sat beside Hajin with a nervous expression."You really are a great cook," Hajin complimented Seokjin's dishes with a wide smile."I cooked your favorite sweet and sour stir-fries," Seokjin smiled and nudged the plate toward Hajin... so Seojun quickly lifted his chopstick to snatch the warm meal and placed it in her rice bowl."Thank you so much for the meal," Hajin chuckled, politely lowering her head at the elders and smiled at Seojun. She lifted her chopstick and was about to eat when- Ding. Dong. The Kim's family halted at the dinner table."I'll get the door," Seojun quickly stood up and left the dining room in his slippers. Hajin smiled and quietly ate until... Seojun returned to the dining room with a pale expression. Seokjin stopped chewing and glanced past Hajin's shoulder... so she unsurely turned her head... to find... Choi Woobin... standing beside Seojun. Her face suddenly drained in fear."Oh?- Woobin?- When did you return?!" Seokjin gasped, quickly getting up to round the table and pulled Woobin into a crushing hug. The oldest son chuckled and greeted Mrs. Kim before glancing at Hajin, who suddenly placed down her chopsticks- Thud! She quickly sprinted out of the chair to snatch her bag and raced to the door without a warning."I have to leave! Goodbye~!" Hajin waved with the rice left unchewed in her mouth. The heir wildly swung the door open, raced out of the penthouse, and quickly entered the reserved elevator with a racing heart."Oh?-" Seojun pursed his lips and glanced at Woobin after the heiress fled his place without her older brother."I'll escort her home," Woobin bid goodbye to the Kims and calmly turned around to follow her.
A moment later.
Kim Hajin aimlessly raced through the night street in a hurry with her bag without looking back. She whined, sprinted down the stairs to the underground subway, and jogged through the motion gate without scanning her card. The alpha rushed down another flight of stairs and entered through the train's open door without a clue to join the packed space. She grimaced as the locals pushed her against a pole... so she exhaled and clung onto the handle for her dear life as the train rolled forward... causing her body to sway with the acceleration until... she arrived at who knows where."Hongdae...?" Hajin blinked at the sign on the street once she climbed out of the underground tunnel to find herself on the night street filled with young adults and people racing home after their work shifts.
A moment later.
"Ahjussi~! Can I have another bottle?! Bring the flavored one, please! Grape! Grape flavor~!" Hajin drunkenly waved at the waiter as she hungrily devoured the basket of fried chicken. The man served her another bottle of soju, so she mixed it with her can of beer and downed the alcohol before burping her foul breath while eyeing the other tables with a slight grimace. She grumbled under her breath, grabbed the drumstick with her bare hands, and munched on the greasy chicken."Young lady~?" Someone suddenly knocked on the table. Hajin drunkenly lifted her blurry gaze to stare at the man... who was standing at her table."Neh?" She smiled while rubbing her sticky palms together after waking from her brief nap."I'm about to close my shop. You should head home," The man worriedly examined her drunken state."Payment-" Hajin hiccupped and rubbed her numbed face before standing up- when her head swayed violently until she lost her balance. Clatter! She gasped and tumbled into the other table, so the man quickly grabbed her arm to stabilize her. She assured him and straightened her body with a flushed smile."30000 won," He worriedly eyed the young lady. Hajin exhaled and gave him her card so the man could process it... but he frowned and glanced at her after a moment of tapping on the screen."Wae...?" Hajin blinked as she burped out the foul liquor odor."Your card is declined," He replied, pushing the card back. Hajin frowned and lifted her card to stare at it with a dazed expression."Eh~? Appa said it's unlimited~!" She mumbled. The man unsurely eyed her as the alpha scratched her head cluelessly while holding onto her heavy bag.
A moment later.
"Young lady... may I know your name?" The police frowned as Hajin sat at the police station with her head lowered. She scratched her red neck and lifted her squinted eyes to the officer. The man unsurely examined her flushed face."Kim Hajin! I didn't steal the card! It's mine!" Hajin whined in annoyance and glared at the shop owner... who suddenly accused her of stealing a credit card."The card has been frozen by the bank and labeled as lost," The office grimaced at her. Hajin frowned at the man and smacked her numbed head to process his statement.

"Excuse me?!~ Look at my pretty face and tell me- Hic~! Do I look like a thief to you!?" She whined as she angrily glared at the officer."I'll have to restrain you here if you refuse to-""Yah! I'm Kim Hajin! My father is a super-rich man! And my mother owns most of this city~!" Hajin screeched, suddenly shoving the document off the desk. Clatter! The police officer scoffed when she drunkenly got up from her seat and tried to storm out of the station... but the shop owner quickly launched from the bench up to stop her."Young lady! Please stay calm-""Ah!!?- Yah! Don't touch me~! I will tell my father about this!- I'm his only daughter, you know?!- Hic!" Hajin screamed, angrily thrashing between the man's arms, and tried to sprint out but failed, so she screamed and threw a tantrum until a few officers appeared to restrain her. The intoxicated heiress loudly cussed at authorities... until they threw her in the temporary jail to prevent her from initiating a disturbance."Did you get a hold of her relative?-""Yeah. He's on his way," The officer nodded as they bitterly watched the wealthy lady scream in the jail while rattling the bar like a monkey.

"How dare you throw me in this filthy place?! My mother will kill you!- Ah~! Appaaaaa~! They're being mean to Hajinie~!" Hajin sobbed in distress while extending her arms between the gaps with a big pout."Annyeonghaseyo~! I'm Kim Hajin's guardian," A man suddenly rushed inside with a pale expression, causing everyone to glance in his direction. Hajin sucked in her breath once she recognized him and gripped the cold bars with her eyes bulging open in fright.
A moment later.
Choi Woobin grimaced as he carried Hajin out of the temporary jail, who was drunkenly cursing under her breath. She cried in distress while waving her hands in the air with snot... dripping messily from her nose and tear streaks... staining her plump cheeks. The officer bitterly stared at the drunk woman... so Woobin apologized for the inconvenience and carried her through the door after he paid the settlement fee with the shop owner and signed the documents to release the heir from the police station.

"Put me down! Put me down~!" Hajin suddenly screamed while fighting to escape Woobin's firm grip when he nearly reached his car."Hajin! Stay still! Hajin!?- HEY!" Woobin gasped in shock when she suddenly rolled off his arms. THUMP! Hajin groaned once she landed on the concrete pavement, so Woobin quickly crouched down to help her... but Hajin shoved him aside... flung her heavy bag at the man... and scrambled onto her feet."DON'T TOUCH ME!" She screamed, abruptly sprinting out of the gate and dashed away before he could stop her. Woobin scoffed in disbelief when the sky suddenly rumbled above his head... and a harsh downpour swept across the city... leaving him in a stressful situation. He hastily grabbed her bag and entered his car to dodge the storm as Hajin sprinted on her sore legs to outrace her older brother.
A moment later.
"Ah~!" Hajin grumbled in exhaustion after slumping on the public bench and glanced at the bleeding scratch on her knees as she panted out of breath while sitting under the cold rainstorm. She shivered and glanced at the dark street with a slight grimace and rubbed her numbed face until... the downpour unexpectedly stopped pouring over her... so she frowned and lifted her soaked face to find... Choi Woobin... towering over her with an umbrella."Let's go home. It's late-""Go away! Why are you here?!- Stupid clingy man~!" Hajin shrieked, attempting to dash away again, but Woobin caught her waist and tugged her right back with all his might."KIM HAJIN! THAT'S ENOUGH!- I WILL NOT TOLERATE YOUR BULLSHIT ANYMORE!" Woobin harshly bellowed in her face, causing Hajin to freeze in her place with her tearful eyes on her angry older brother."Who are you to scream at me?!-""I AM YOU BROTHER!" Woobin snapped back with his raging gaze. Hajin flinched and whimpered under the umbrella as he clutched onto her within his firm grip. The man furiously fumed at the heir... so she gulped in fright and shoved him away."You're not my brother!- You're not my family! So don't claim to be!-""Hajin! Jebal~! Can you stop being so fucking childish?!-" Woobin roared in anger. Hajin glared right at her brother in extreme spite."You're the last person I respect, alright!? I don't ever want to see or hear from you ever again! Fucking leave me alone!-""I'm sorry!- Alright!? I was young and naive-""I WAS YOUNG TOO! I WAS A FUCKING YOUNG GIRL! AND YOU TORE ME APART! YOU COULD'VE AT LEAST SAID GOODBYE- BUT NO!- YOU LEFT THAT DAY WHILE I WAS BEGGING YOU TO STAY! I WAS A CHILD TOO!- YOU HAD NO RIGHT TO BREAK MY HEART! YOU ARE THE MOST TERRIBLE PERSON IN THIS WORLD!- I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU SO MUCH!" Hajin screamed, suddenly bursting into tears as she stepped out of the umbrella with her torn gaze on the man. Woobin pursed his lips at her messy tear streams as the harsh downpour soaked her pale skin with its icy droplets."Hajin- I'm trying desperately to make it up to you-""You don't have to! If you were truly sorry!- You could've returned the following year to speak with me! But no! You never returned!- Not once!- To visit our family! And suddenly- you're back!? And you honestly expect me to forgive you!? Fucking asshole!" Hajin screeched in pain. Woobin exhaled in frustration when she suddenly stormed through the rain, so he marched after the alpha seized her wrist, and forcefully dragged her through the wet pavement."I won't put up with you anymore! Get in!" Woobin snapped as he roughly shoved his sister into the passenger seat. BANG! He slammed the door shut and rounded the car. Hajin screamed in distress and tried to push the door open, but the man locked her in and got into the driver's seat- ZOOM! Hajin gasped in shock and gripped the handrest... until her eyes bulged... open in a panic as the vehicle blasted forward at a deadly speed."LET ME OUT!" Hajin screamed in horror as Woobin fiercely blasted through the rain with a dark gaze on the soaked city road."I WILL FUCKING FLIP THE CAR OVER IF YOU DON'T SHUT YOUR GODDAMN MOUTH!" Woobin bellowed, dangerously snapping his raging glower at her face. Hajin whimpered and gripped the handrest in fright. The alpha sobbed and clung for his dear life as the man drifted over the road until she started panicking and shakily trembled against the window... like a lost puppy....Hajin stiffly sat in the passenger seat with her head lowered as the endless hot streams... spilled from her lower lash lines. She blinked her puffy eyelids and glanced up at Woobin... who was sitting in his seat... at a dark car rest with his head tilted backward and an empty... wine bottle in his grip. The man stopped earlier to purchase a liquor bottle and has been drinking since to calm his nerves. Hajin glared at him in tears and glanced down at her dead phone. She couldn't contact her other brothers... or her parents... and not even the chief guard as she sat in the cold car where the windows... were fogged up by the harsh downpour.Woobin calmly exhaled with his eyes closed after the man almost drove the car off the cliff out of anger. Hajin was too traumatized to speak, so she's been sniffling in silence with her swollen eyes. The man exhaled after an hour of absolute silence between them. He tossed the empty bottle into the backseat, started the engine, reversed the car, and headed back to the city without glancing at her. Hajin remained tense in her seat... with a sulky expression... until Woobin pulled into a luxurious hotel."I'm too drunk to drive you home. Get out," Woobin grumbled, hastily unbuckling his belt, and stormed out of the car to open the door for her. Hajin blinked uneasily... so Woobin took her wrist and dragged her inside the lavish hotel to book a room and took her to their reserved space."I'll call Woojin oppa-""No. We will talk this out, and then we can leave. Go and shower," Woobin glared with his jaw clenched and sternly nodded at the bathroom. She gripped her fingers in annoyance and stormed inside the room... so Woobin exhaled and slumped down on the armchair to rub his face in annoyance until she stepped out in the bathrobe with her damp hair. Woobin eventually took off his jacket as he sat on one of the two beds with a dark frown."I will never ever forgive you," Hajin gritted while sitting on her bed. Woobin sideways glared at her with his hands clasped together."What does it take for me to be forgiven? Do you want me to die? I can die, but that's too easy. So tell me? What do I have to do? I'm trying my fucking best to sort out this issue like an adult, Hajin. How long are you going to cowardly avoid me like this? We were both young, dumb, and stupid. I felt sorry for leaving your side-""Sorry? You only felt sorry? I had to live the past years with a wounded heart, and you never bothered to visit me once," Hajin seethed while glaring at her brother in extreme resentment. Woobin rubbed his throbbing temples and turned his head to glare directly at her as he sat on the edge of the bed."Here I am... aren't I? I do not wish to fight with you over a mere conflict... so... tell me what the fuck you want me to do for you to be at peace. Eomma and appa will forever be burdened by our conflict if you won't agree to settle the issue," Woobin clenched his jaw as he sat in his plain shirt and pants. Hajin blinked at the man without shifting her gaze."A heart for a heart," She whispered."What?" Woobin frowned."You broke my heart, so I'll break yours," Hajin narrowed her resentful gaze. Woobin exhaled and lowered his face."How are you going to do that?" He frowned. Hajin slowly rose from the bed and walked towards the man, who straightened his back uneasily as she loomed over him. The oldest son sat on the bed... with a flushed face from being drenched in the liquor as his sister... glared at him with her evil-infested gaze."I will ruin you," Hajin darkened her gaze. Woobin stared at the heiress unsurely as she dimmed his eyes at him in their two-bedroom hotel space before the view of the harsh downpour... splashing relentlessly against the glass window... and blurring out the view of the city night from their sight._________________________
Fast Forward
The private living space echoed with soft giggles as two souls playfully teased each other in the penthouse with their young love. Seojun lifted his face to kiss Hajin's cheek as she sat facing him with her hands on his shoulders. The alpha slowly pulled away to gaze at Hajin's bright red cheeks while stroking his thumb over her jaw to admire her captivating beauty."Aren't you being a little too naughty...?" Seojun smirked at his loose buttons. Hajin weakly smiled as she traced her finger over his toned abs and glanced back at his flushed ears after she undid the alpha's shirt while making out with him on the couch."Are you sure about us...?" Hajin whispered while searching his dilated pupils. Seojun smiled and lowered his hand to undo her loose shirt. Hajin pursed her moist lips and glanced downward as the young man slowly undid her buttons all the way and slightly nudged the fabric aside with his eager gaze on her plump breast beneath her plain white bra."Come on... Hajin... I promise I'll marry you," Seojun chuckled as he gently traced his finger over her bare cleavage. Hajin giggled, shyly pushing her boyfriend's face away when he tried to kiss her cleavage for the first time.Seojun chuckled at her playful resistance, seized her wrists, and suddenly shoved her frail body backward. Hajin gasped in shock and tried to sit up on the cushions, but Seojun firmly pinned her down by her shoulders and sensually kissed her neck with his parted lips. She deeply exhaled with her eyes closed as the alpha traced his damp tongue over her sensitive skin until she helplessly shivered with restrained wrists. Seojun eventually lowered his flushed face to kiss her plump cleavage as he skidded his hand downward to reach under her short skirt."Don't you think this is too quick~?" Hajin whispered, worriedly cupping Seojun's face to study his tempted gaze. The alpha gently stroked his fingers over Hajin's panty... so she pursed her lips and glanced down in difficulty as her boyfriend touched her private part between her humid inner thighs. Seojun quietly observed his lover's flustered face as he massaged his thumb over the nerves on her crotch until he felt the wet moisture... staining the thin fabric of her underwear."It's our first time. I'm just as nervous," Seojun chuckled as he softly kissed her lips to calm her anxiety. Hajin moaned with a difficult frown and hugged his burning nape as Seojun stimulated her sensitive spot until the heiress skimmed her hands over his hard pecs to pull down his pants."I'm scared," Hajin whispered while frowning at her lover but groaned in pleasure when Seojun rubbed her wet panty harder to arouse her heated body."We'll go public after this. I'll let everyone know I'm all yours. Okay...?" Seojun assured as he reached inside his underwear to draw out his hard shaft. Hajin moaned in distress and nodded in agreement while biting down on her lips... so he kissed her again and escalated their heated moment... until they both... lost their virginities... at the alpha's penthouse.
Fast Forward
"Seojun~!" Hajin waved in the corridor once Seojun strolled out of the higher-level lecture room. He smiled at the sight of his girlfriend and walked forward to greet her with a soft kiss, causing the lower ranks to gawk at their intimate interactions."Yah! Yah~! Have some manners and respect for our baby sister, will you?!" The twins snapped as they strolled out of the classroom in annoyance and shoved Seojun aside. Hajin laughed at her protective brothers' disapproving grimace and hugged her boyfriend's waist with a cheeky beam."Oppa~! Stop being so whiny~!" Hajin chuckled while clinging to Seojun's arm. The Kim's heir chuckled at the identical twins as they rolled their eyes and strode off... so Seojun smiled and lifted his arms to hold Hajin's shoulder."Are you hungry?" Seojun asked while staring down at her pretty doe eyes."You told me not to bring lunch. Wae...?" Hajin unsurely glanced at her boyfriend. Seojun chuckled and led her to the rooftop without an explanation until they both settled on the bench."I cooked lunch for you," Seojun chuckled as he handed her his lunch box. Hajin gasped and opened the container to reveal the neatly decorated meal with a wide grin."Woah~! You are the best~!" She giggled, quickly lifting the kimbap to plop it in her mouth, and beamed even brighter at the delicious flavor. Seojun laughed at her adorable wiggly habits and kissed her cheek, so the couple happily ate their shared lunch on the rooftop in delight while chatting about their day.
Kim Hajin and Kim Seojun ultimately developed and sustained a healthy relationship throughout their year together at the university. They'd meet each other every evening after school to study and spend quality time together. The supreme alphas and the Kims... were aware of their relationship and had agreed to let the young lover birds bloom their love.

And for some unknown reason... the heiress no longer avoided Choi Woobin. She didn't really speak to her older brother... but never avoided him or threw a tantrum again after they settled their issues so their parents would be at peace with their eventual reconciliation.
"He said he'll marry you?!" Jung Mirae giggled as she walked by Hajin's side with the stack of books in her arms."Yeah~! He even bought me matching bracelets. See~? Isn't it cute~? It's exclusively customized for us," Hajin chortled while flaunting the sparkly crystals on her wrist."I'm so jealous!" Mirae nudged her shoulder."What about oppa? Did you try speaking with him~?" Hajin asked the bobbed-haired girl, who suddenly flushed red."Woojin wouldn't even look at me! He's always so occupied~!" Mirae shrugged."They're clueless dorks! Do you want me to set you up on a blind date? I'll convince oppa!" Hajin nudged Jung Mirae, who burst out laughing as they rounded an empty corridor. The duo abruptly stopped laughing when they found... a couple... kissing near the stair landing.Kim Hajin's smile faded once she recognized his familiar... body physique. Mirae's eyes widened in shock once she noticed... Kim Seojun... kissing... Jeon Soo-ah... in the empty corridor. RING! The bell abruptly rang just as the doors burst open... and the vacant space was suddenly packed with clueless students. Soo-ah quickly jerked away from Seojun... who was leaning against the wall with a bewildered look."H-Hajin-?" Mirae muttered while nudging the alpha's shoulder, who stood frozen in her place."It's fine. Why don't you head home...?" Hajin smiled, weakly nudging her friend. Mira frowned at the heiress's bright smile, nodded stiffly, and scurried off with her books."Hajin-ah~!" Seojun called. Hajin smiled and glanced at her boyfriend as he waved at her from the other side of the corridor. Seojun beamed brightly and walked towards her... and for some reason... Hajin did not react and hugged her boyfriend with a composed behavior.
A week later.
"Do you want to stay over tonight? I'll drop you off tomorrow," Seojun hoarsely whispered while stirring under the blanket as he held Hajin's naked body on his bed.The heiress sleepily turned over the mattress to face her boyfriend with her forearms tucked under her head as the young man fondly gazed at the natural blush over her cheeks. He lifted his face to press his soft lips against hers while caressing her bare shoulder with his depleted senses after he successfully pleased their bodies."I love you," Seojun smiled, slightly adjusting his head over the pillow to admire her face as Hajin gently stroked his plump lips with her thumb."I won't be staying," Hajin patted his cheek, suddenly sitting up to slip off the mattress and pull on her undergarment. Seojun frowned and pushed his sturdy body upward to sit up on the bed, unsurely staring at his girlfriend as she got dressed before him."You can stay. I'll escort you tomorrow," Seojun offered."No. I want to sleep at home today," Hajin muttered while shaking her head to refuse his invitation, and drew the dress onto her body before picking up her purse and strode out of his bedroom. Seojun rubbed his face in exhaustion, quickly got up after her, and was forced to drive the heiress home in the dead of the night after failing to convince her to stay with him.
Fast Forward
Jung Mirae giggled with Kim Hajin as the heiress showed her friend the fetus photographs of Kim Woojin. It was a picture of baby Woojin sitting on the beach with his plump belly and cool sunglasses over his nosetip in his bright yellow underwear. Jung Hoseok's daughter covered her lips shyly and nudged her friend with a flushed face... until they noticed someone approaching them. Seojun appeared with his bag swung over his shoulder."Hajin. Do you want to hang out with me after school?" Seojun asked as he leaned downward to kiss Hajin's forehead. Mirae suddenly fired the alpha a dirty look and crossed her arms in annoyance."No. I actually have a sleepover with Mirae today," Hajin smiled. Seojun frowned at his girlfriend's rejection and glanced at her Mirae's sore grimace."Oh- Alright. I'll see you tomorrow then," Seojun nodded and strolled off. Mirae scoffed while chasing her dark gaze after the alpha until he disappeared through the gate."Why didn't you confront him!?" Mirae whined. Hajin smiled."Once can be a mistake. But twice...? Twice is intentional," Hajin shrugged. Mirae rolled her eyes and chatted with the alpha at the bench until her twin brothers appeared after their after-school activities."Hajin!" Woojin waved from a distance, causing Mirae to flush red at the sight of her charming crush. The young lady quickly fixed her hair as Woojin strolled ahead of his twin brother, who was bouncing a basketball over the concrete ground."Oh! Oppa~! Do you want to join us at Mirae's place? Her father invited us over for dinner!" Hajin beamed. Mirae's eyes widened in shock, so she glanced at her friend and up at Woojin, who greeted her with a cute bunny smile."Ahjussi invited us?!- Of course! Let's dine with him!" Woojin laughed, playfully ruffling his sister's hair. Hajin whined and nudged Mirae, who was shyly scratching her head."We'll drive you two~!" Kanghoon offered while beckoning the young ladies, so Hajin nudged her friend close to her brother. Woojin cluelessly chatted with Jung Mirae, who was stuttering over her words as she spoke with him until they arrived at the twin's yellow sports car. The young ladies got in the back seat... and... they drove off together to the Jung's property for an unplanned evening meal.
Fast forward
"Hajin~! Let's have lunch together," Seojun quickly approached Hajin after she walked out of her class."Sure," Hajin agreed, so Seojun placed his arm around her shoulder and guided her toward the stairs... but she paused and steered him in a different direction."Wae?" Seojun blinked."I want to eat in the private lounge," Hajin shook her head. Seojun cluelessly yapped about his day and followed her into his private lounge- but was abruptly cut short when his girlfriend shoved him onto the leather armchair. The alpha blinked with a startled look and held her waist as she crawled over his lap with a faint smile."You've been away for so long~! You don't normally visit home for this long~!" Seojun complained after Hajin remained at her hilltop mansion for over two weeks. Hajin searched her lover's face unsurely as they remained in the hushed presidential lounge."Not as long as waiting for you to confess... your wrongdoings," She whispered. Seojun unsurely smiled at her as she stared down at his baffled smile."My wrongdoings...? Did I upset Hajinie again~?" Seojun chuckled, trying to kiss her... but Hajin gripped his cheeks with her hands to hold him back."Jeon Soo-ah. I gave you two months to confess... but you never once... spoke about your involvement with her," Hajin dimmed her eyes. Seojun's face suddenly flashed in dread."Hajin-""Go on. Tell me everything... and don't touch me," Hajin encouraged, slowly getting off his lap to lean against the desk with her arms crossed. Seojun anxiously stared at her poker face until his ears turned bright red."I swear- I never cheated on you. Soo-ah- she- she said she liked me," Seojun explained as he nervously gripped his hands with a guilty frown on her expressionless face. Hajin remained motionless while studying her boyfriend's timid behavior... until he tried to reach out for her... but she darkly shifted her cold gaze to his trembling fingers. Seojun froze in fear and lowered his hand without touching her."So you let her kiss you? Just like that?-""It was so sudden- the kiss- I couldn't react. I'm sorry, alright?" Seojun furrowed his eyebrows while looking up at her with a pleading look."And you never bothered to tell me?" Hajin darkened her stare on him. Seojun pursed his lips."I didn't want you to be upset, and I didn't want you to confront Soo-ah either. It'll cause too much trouble-""You're saying... you're afraid I'll cause you trouble over our love affairs?" Hajin scoffed. Seojun blinked at her in tears."Hajin! I swear I love you-""Yet you don't want me to confront Soo-ah? She knew you're mine and... that I do not wish to share my lover... but she went for you anyways-""Hajin! Baby, I know you're possessive~! That's why I figured it was best to hide the truth so-""So I won't cause trouble for you? You do not wish for me to fight for our love? Yeah?- Araso. I'll never fight for you... ever again... if your self-image is so important," Hajin huffed, dismissively turning away to leave the room. Seojun gasped and quickly leaped off the armchair to back hug his girlfriend with an aching heart, shakily lowering his face to her shoulder with his arms clutched... possessively around her frail body."Hajin- I'm sorry. Alight?!- I love you! Please-" Seojun whimpered while tightening his strong arms around her waist. Hajin blankly stared at the door and slowly rotated her body to face Seojun's guilt-ridden face. She exhaled and hugged him in defeat... so he sniffled and clutched tightly onto her."Once is a mistake. Twice... is intentional. Remember that," Hajin whispered. Seojun nodded repeatedly as held his girlfriend within his firm embrace... until she exhaled and patted his back to comfort him without stirring up a heated argument.
Fast Forward
Kim Seojun sat by Hajin's side in the canteen to have lunch with her and his classmates for the first time... because Hajin wanted to chat with Mirae. The couple chuckled at each other as Woojin and Kanghoon sat across from them to chat with Jung Mirae and Kim Dohyun until... someone approached the table. Seojun's eyes flashed in fear once he found... Jeon Soo-ah... standing by their table with her tray."Can I sit with you guys?" She asked and settled down before anyone could answer. Mirae darted the Jeon's daughter an annoyed frown and glanced at Hajin as Seojun gripped her hand under the table."Of course," Hajin smiled at Soo-ah. The Jeon's heir smiled and glanced at Seojun, who quickly avoided her stare and smiled at Hajin instead.The packed table chattered loudly again... until... Park Jiyoung... Park Jimin's daughter... settled at the table with her meal, causing Kim Kanghoon to weirdly clear his throat and puff his chest while brushing back his hair in her presence. He stiffly smiled at the Park's daughter while straightening his body to fix his posture. Woojin sniggered at his twin brother's obvious interest in the Park's beautiful daughter and glanced at Mirae, who flushed bright red and bit her lips at the handsome alpha...."Seojun! Can I have a word with you... regarding the assignments...?" Soo-ah suddenly called as she strolled toward Seojun, who was escorting Hajin back to her class."Oh- I actually have to be with Hajin for this course," Seojun replied. Soo-ah frowned and glanced at Hajin's innocent smile."Let's go," Hajin rubbed Seojun's arm so he spun around and left the corridor with his girlfriend... leaving Soo-ah to frown at the couple in annoyance."You appear so desperate," Jeon Soomin rolled her eyes as she walked past her younger sister. Soo-ah grimaced at her older sister and spun around in annoyance to stomp away with an attitude.
A week later.
Kim Hajin cheered and screeched loudly for Seojun as he swiftly raced across the court with the twins but lost another shot to them, causing the divided crowd to scream and cheer for the leading twin brothers. Seojun grimaced at the draw on the screen and jogged to the side for water after the coach called for a break. Hajin quickly launched out of her bench with a cool juice bottle and sprinted towards her boyfriend... when Soo-ah... suddenly appeared before Seojun with a water bottle."How is she so shameless?!" Mirae snapped at Soo-ah in disbelief."Thank you," Seojun smiled after accepting the water from Soo-ah and passed it to his Kim Dohyun, causing the young lady to frown in disbelief once Seojun handed her water away without a thought."Jagi~!" Hajin shrieked, happily jogging toward the alpha in her sports shorts and loose ponytail. Seojun's face immediately lit up at his girlfriend's presence, so she handed him the orange juice with a cheeky grin. The alpha thirsty emptied the bottle before lowering his face so Hajin could kiss his sweaty cheek, causing her twin brothers to boo at her funnily from the side of the court."Don't run. You might hurt yourself. Sit on the front bench," Seojun chuckled while patting Hajin's head. Soo-ah resentfully stared at the couple and strode off to sit on the bench as Dohyun happily drank from the Jeon's daughter's water bottle... that was originally gifted to Seojun."If you win this tournament... I'll stay over at your place tonight," Hajin happily tiptoed to whisper in her boyfriend's ear. Seojun's eyes slightly widened at her statement as she chuckled at his smug smile."You swear?" He teased."You have my words," Hajin giggled. Seojun puffed his chest in determination and nodded with a confident smile."I'm taking you home with pride today~!" He fired a flirty wink and raced back onto the court after the coach blew the whistle to gather the team players. Hajin happily sat on the player's bench to watch the intense game as her boyfriend played against her older brothers. She giggled and cheered for Seojun until her voice cracked but Hajin didn't surrender to her strained vocal cord. She cleared her throat and screeched even louder to express her support.The heiress stomped her foot in excitement and waved her hands intensely as she turned back and forth to watch the sweaty players chase each other with the bouncing ball until... she noticed... everyone eyeing her weirdly from the side. The alpha cleared her throat uneasily and glanced at Mirae... who was staring at her phone screen with a startled look. Everyone started chattering loudly... causing the twins to shift their gaze to the distracted crowd in confusion."SCORE!" Dohyun shrieked in shock when Seojun stole the ball from Woojin's grip and slam-dunked it into the basketball hoop. THUMP! The orange ball bounced off the side of the court.The coach blew the whistle to end the game- so Hajin shrieked in surprise and raced over the court to chase her lover. Seojun grinned and spun around to scoop his girlfriend off the floor in his sweaty arms. Kanghoon whined in annoyance and slumped over the ground to ruffle his soaked hair as Hajin happily hugged Seojun's soaked back with a brilliant smile."So proud of you!" Hajin grinned, happily kissing her boyfriend on the lips. He smiled and placed her down as the teams stretched their strained muscles and shook hands to conclude the friendly match."Can you snatch my spare clothes from the locker? I'll head to the shower room with the boys," Seojun pinched his girlfriend's cheeks before pecking her lips. She nodded cheekily, spun around to hand out her fresh juice to both teams and raced off with her boyfriend's locker card to grab his spare sports bag.The young alpha halted again once she noticed the students... staring at her weirdly in the hallways... so she paused to chat with one of the professors regarding her work while hugging her boyfriend's bag. The professor invited Hajin to his office for a detailed explanation... so she agreed and chatted with him until she realized she had been away for half an hour. The heiress gasped and sprinted out of the room with her eyes wide open."Oh no! He must be waiting~!" Hajin whined while sprinting down the hallway with Seojun's bag."Hajin!" Woojin called with a dark frown."Wait! I'll hand this to Seojun first! Oh- I won't be home tonight! He invited me to have dinner at his place!" Hajin swiftly dodged her older brother's stretched arm. Kanghoon scoffed and spun after his sister, who crashed into the guy's locker room with the bag... just as Mirae raced down the corridor with a terrified look"Did you tell her?!" Mirae asked the twins with a startled look."No! I don't think she's aware!" Woojin replied, quickly racing towards the opened locker room.
Meanwhile.
"I'm here~! Sorry~! I was speaking with a professor earlier so-" Hajin sprinted into the empty shower room but stopped dead in her tracks once she found... Jeon Soo-ah... back-hugging her boyfriend... who was facing the locker. The heiress glanced at the... loose towel... on the floor with a startled look and backed up at her lover's naked body as he stood facing away from her.Seojun moaned softly with his head lowered as Soo-ah... kissed his muscular back from behind. Hajin paused in horror when Seojun wildly spun around in a panic once he realized... the woman... behind his back wasn't... his girlfriend. The dumbfounded young man glanced down at... Soo-ah... who stepped back with her lips pursed and shifted his frightened gaze to Hajin's shaken reaction."Hajin!" Seojun gasped, shoving Soo-ah aside, and quickly picked up his loose towel to secure it around his hips. Hajin remained frozen in place and glanced at her boyfriend's horrified expression before glancing at Jeon Soo-ah in tears."WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!?-" Hajin screamed, suddenly flinging Seojun's bag aside just as the twins barged inside the locker room with their eyes wide open. Mirae gasped in shock as Soo-ah... stumbled onto the bench with a dark frown."Hajin calm down- HAJIN!" Woojin snapped when his sister angrily launched forward with her bawled fist... but Seojun quickly snatched her waist and tugged his girlfriend backward, so Kanghoon quickly leaped between the alphas to block his sister from Jeon Soo-ah."HE'S MINE!- HOW DARE YOU HARASS HIM OVER AND OVER AGAIN!?! AGHH!!!- LET ME GO~! LET ME GO~!" Hajin screeched in extreme anger while thrashing against Seojun's wet chest with her flaming glower on Jeon Soo-ah."Put on your clothes!" Kanghoon snapped as he seized his upset sister. Kim Seojun left Hajin in her brother's arms and spun away to pull on his clothes... so Woojin placed his hand over Mirae's eyes to cover her sight. Seojun hurriedly pulled off his towel and drew on his shirt before turning to find Hajin still... thrashing in Kanghoon's grip to reach... Soo-ah... with her... baring teeth and balled fists."Yours? How can you shamelessly claim he's yours when you're fucking another man?!" Soo-ah snapped while frowning at the heiress."What?!- YAH!- YOU CRAZY BITCH-" Hajin shrieked, wildly kicking her legs in the air... until her sneakers flung off her feet and collided with the locker. CLATTER!"Soo-ah! Leave! I've had enough of your problematic behavior!-""SHE CHEATED ON YOU! SEOJUN- SHE'S AN UNFAITHFUL BITCH!" Jeon Soo-ah screamed at Seojun... whose face flashed in confusion."What?-" Seojun frowned. Mirae yanked Woojin's hand off her eyes to find Hajin seething in extreme agitation within Kanghoon's embrace as she clawed her brother's arm."SHE WAS SEEN AT A HOTEL WITH A MAN! SEOJUN!- KIM HAJIN WAS AT A HOTEL WITH A MAN!" Soo-ah screamed as she shoved her phone screen into Seojun's face. Hajin gasped at the shocking accusation and snapped her startled gaze at her bewildered boyfriend... so he frowned and snatched the phone from Soo-ah to stare at the evident picture of... Kim Hajin... entering a hotel with a man at night and exiting in the morning with him."Hajin-""She cheated on you! I told you she's not worth your time!-" Soo-ah shrieked."No! It's not like that!- Seojun!" Hajin cried in horror when her boyfriend suddenly dropped the phone and sprinted out of the locker room in tears. The heiress wailed in tears while thrashing between her brother's strong arms to free herself but failed miserably and bawled out her bleeding emotions until her body vibrated from the aching pain that was tearing her heart apart.
A moment later.
"Hajin! Calm down and talk to us first!" Woojin scolded as she wailed on the couch in their penthouse living room."It's a misunderstanding!" She cried in distress. Kanghoon sorely stared at his devastated sister with a slight grimace and glanced at Woojin, who was just as uptight."This is definitely you. It's your face. There's even video evidence. Hajin- Who is the man?!" Kanghoon snapped while showing his sister the phone screen."It was oppa! Woobin oppa!" Hajin shrieked. Woojin frowned."What?!" Woojin scoffed."Woobin oppa and I got into a fight that day!- Hic- He got upset with Hajinie~! And he drank- He drank a lot of liquor until he couldn't drive. There was also a rainstorm, and he couldn't risk driving us!  So- he- he took me to the nearby hotel so we could rest! Nothing happened! Hic~! We stayed there for the night and eventually returned home the next morning!" Hajin cried. The twins covered their mouths and exhaled in annoyance."And why were you out so late!? Why didn't you call us if hyung was drunk?!" Kanghoon asked."I got in trouble- hic! I ate- at a fried chicken place! And my card was frozen- hic- so the shop owner took me to the police station! I was afraid to contact you two or appa- or eomma! Because I knew you'd scold me- so- I called Woobin oppa- hic- knowing he'd keep my troubles hidden! I ran away after they freed me- he got upset with my tantrums and got drunk- and we ended up resting at the hotel for the night! That's all~! Hic~!" Hajin screamed in tears. The twins scratched their heads and glanced at each other again."Appa will find out about this. This is too massive for us to cover," Woojin shook his head."Can I please talk to Seojun now?!" Hajin sobbed with her pouty lips."No. Let him calm down first. You can speak to him when it's appropriate," Woojin shook his head. Hajin whimpered and helplessly slumped back on the couch with messy tear streaks and slimy snots on her burning red cheeks.
The next morning.
Jang Sora burst through the door in bewilderment with Kim Taehyung as the twins groggily opened the door... early in the morning to welcome their parents. Woobin darkly strolled into the room with Beom as Hajin sat on the couch with dark circles under her eyes. She cried all night after the society circulated the false rumor about her."My precious child~! What have they done to you~?! This is so upsetting~!" Sora shrieked as she raced forward to hug her daughter, who sniffled and clutched onto her mother with a big pout. The news swept the society like wildfire... claiming... the heiress had a sinful affair with a secret older man at the hotel. The supreme alpha immediately shut down the news... but people were still gossiping about their heiress."Eomma~!" Hajin sobbed while hugging her mother. Taehyung exhaled and settled on the couch with a sore grimace on his daughter's swollen eyelids."You have to stay strong. Okay~? You did nothing wrong and eomma will fix this for you!" Sora cupped Hajin's face and softly kissed her daughter's forehead. Hajin nodded and turned to hug her father, who quietly patted her back with a dark frown as Jae Beom quietly disappeared into the kitchen."Woobin. What happened that day?" Taehyung muttered. Woobin sat on the opposite couch with a straight face as the twins sleepily rubbed their eyes."Hajin got into an argument with me. I got upset and drank liquor- and got drunk during the rainstorm- so I decided to rest at the hotel for a night for our safety. Nothing happened. I don't know why they brought it up. It happened months ago," Woobin calmly explained."I'm sure it's simply the university love affairs," Woojin muttered. Beom settled on the couch beside his mother while watching Hajin sulk against his stepfather and glanced at his older brothers as he uncapped a water bottle and drank from it."Love affairs?" Taehyung frowned."Jeon Jungkook's second daughter. Jeon Soo-ah. She's after Hajin's boyfriend. She probably leaked the news and twisted it to tear Seojun from Hajin," Kanghoon shrugged. Sora pouted at her pale daughter and hugged her head, so Hajin sniffled and tightly hugged her mother."Find the culprit. We must confront the person responsible for this madness," Taehyung grunted under his breath as he patted Hajin's back."It is Jeon Soo-ah who leaked the footage and the images. She used an anonymous account. I already traced it," Beom muttered as he handed his father the device. Taehyung scoffed at the gossiping platform and glanced at his wife's grim expression."Beom. Eliminate the platform, and get dressed. We're heading directly to the principal's office," Sora sternly ordered with her eyes narrowed in extreme irritation."Roger, mother~!" Beom chuckled and took the device to shut down the platform with his programs until every single post and content was deleted. And within just a matter of minutes... the gossip channel was entirely wiped off the network... by Jae Yangcha's genius son.
A moment later.
The noisy Elite University premises suddenly grew hushed when a flock of people entered through the secured gateway, causing all the jaws to drop at the startling sight of the unexpected players. Every soul within the property turned their head after the most powerful household as... Jang Sora and Kim Taehyung... stormed through the door with a blank face.Hand in hand... the couple stormed through the academy in their long coats with their mighty energy... followed by... Kim Hajin... and ... Jae Beom... who emerged for the very first time before the public eyes with his family... to escort his sister. The crowd glanced at Choi Woobin... as he sternly strode behind the younger heirs with the buff twins on either side of him to back their parents.The lower ranks and alphas stepped aside to pave the way in fear as the highest-ranking household marched into the lobby with their deadly presence, causing the staff and principal to race forward in a panic. The lower ranks gasped in shock as the most powerful household stormed the academy without a warning and finally entered the private meeting room to await... the Jeon's presence.The door eventually opened again... and Jeon Jungkook entered with his average wife, Chul Hwa-young, who appeared with her two daughters. Jae Beom glanced at Jeon Soomin, who seemed annoyed to be there. Jeon Soo-ah unsurely glanced at the supreme alpha's household with a pale expression once the powerful supreme alphas... requested her presence at the academy to address the dire matter.
A moment later.
"Soo-ah. Did you leak the posts?" Jungkook frowned at his daughter as the young lady sat with her head lowered. Hwa-young challenged Kim Hajin's stern gaze and eventually glanced at Soo-ah again."I did. But does that change the fact that... she was involved with another man?" Soo-ah finally confessed, lifting her eyebrows to question Hajin, who remained blank in her seat."That man is the eldest son of the Kim family. He booked a two-bedroom for himself and his sister during a rainstorm because he was drunk and did not wish to drive the heir to avoid an unwanted accident, Jeon Soo-ah-shi," Kim Taehyung firmly refuted. Beom slipped all the tracking information across the table to present to the Jeons, who stiffened in their seats."Why would you leak the information without a proper background check?" Soomin rolled her eyes at her younger sister in annoyance. Hwa-young grimaced at her oldest daughter."Well then. We apologize for the misunderstanding," Hwa-young shrugged."Misunderstanding? It was an intentional defamation. I demand Jeon Soo-ah to formally apologize to my daughter before everyone's eyes," Taehyung frowned and glared at Soo-ah, who lifted her face in tears."Isn't that too much? It's a mere child's play-""I don't remember the act of... deceiving a man for your own greed as a mere child play. Right, Hwa-young-shi? The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your daughter is the exact clone of her mother. An inferior... soul... trying desperately to tear a healthy relationship apart because you can't stand being outshined," Jang Sora lifted her eyebrow to question the woman. Chul Hwa-young clenched her jaw at the supreme alpha's mockery and glanced at her daughter again as the timid principal monitored the tense households with his lips pursed.
A moment later.
Jeon Soo-ah stood in tears beside her parents on the stage... right under the glaring spotlight as the Jeon restlessly scanned the auditorium filled with curious students. Jeon Soomin sorely watched her sister from the seat below as Hajin stood with Jang Sora and Kim Taehyung behind her back. The couple placed their hands on their daughter's shoulders and shifted their deadly gaze to the mass... seated below the stage.Jeon Jungkook clenched his jaw and nudged Jeon Soo-ah, who swallowed in difficulty and stepped forward with her head lowered. Hajin stood darkly with her eyes on her fellow alpha... so Soo-ah gripped her fists and slowly knelt before Hajin, who stared at her coldly with no little emotions in her gaze.[Jeon Soo-ah Official Picture Reference]

"I- Jeon Soo-ah am... asking for your forgiveness. I'm sorry, Hajin. I take full accountability for the false news I've disclosed. It won't happen again," Soo-ah bowed her head at Hajin's feet, who blankly stared at the alpha without budging. Hwa-young quickly rushed forward to seize her daughter's arm... so Soo-ah sniffled and rubbed her tears before glancing at the crowd... who were silently judging the icy cold supreme alphas after they showed up at the university and harshly demanded for the alpha to kneel before their youngest daughter."Please refrain from spreading nonsense about our household, or we'll charge you with a severe punishment," Kim Taehyung lowly spoke without a microphone... but his voice... was loud enough to be heard by every single soul within the room.The audience swallowed in fear as they sat stiffly in their seats, so Sora patted her daughter's shoulder to assure her of the situation. Kim Hajin firmly spun around and walked off the stage without sparing anyone a glance. Her four older brothers lifted their chins and followed her out of the auditorium without another word. The lower ranks fearfully chased their eyes after the powerful players... as Jang Sora... clung to her husband's forearm... and marched through the door with a dead expression... leaving everyone... petrified in their seats.___________________________
Fast Forward
Kim Seojun strolled the corridor with his bag swung over his shoulder while staring at his phone screen to read the unread texts from his girlfriend. She pleaded to speak with him, but he ignored her desperate plea and dismissed her repeated calls. Hajin hadn't texted him since. The alpha exhaled and dropped his bag at the desk when the door suddenly opened... and Hajin appeared with a blank face. The other alphas glanced at her in surprise as she took a seat at the desk beside her boyfriend without looking at him and stared straight at the screen as the twins strode toward their seats. Everyone... somehow... feared the heirs and lowered their heads at their presence.Kim Hajin took the required exam and aced it... so the principal decided to transfer her to the higher level with the other alphas. Jae Beom suddenly appeared afterward and settled beside Hajin with his bag, causing the alphas to frown at the infamous silent killer's son in disbelief. The baby Jaguar has entered the academy to protect his siblings from the hostile alphas. Everyone eyed the Kims and the Jae uneasily as the professor initiated the lecture... so Hajin opened her textbook with a blank face and stared at the text... causing Seojun to inhale uneasily at her muteness.
Lunch Break.
Kim Hajin calmly ate her sandwich on the rooftop while gazing at the stormy sky beyond her gaze as the subtle wind brushed her delicate skin, causing her hair to flutter along with the mild current. She chewed her lunch and glanced down at the concrete pavement below until she heard the rusted door creaking open... but she didn't budge... and quietly chewed... until she felt a pair of arms circling her waist from behind.Seojun rested his nose against her shoulder and clutched onto her tightly, yet Hajin didn't react and dismissed his presence. Hajin had completely stopped texting or calling her boyfriend after he ignored her during the chaotic situation. The alpha did not wish to be involved with the scandal to protect his purity... and has now realized... the danger of losing his girlfriend because of his neglect."I'm sorry. I should've listened to you," Seojun muttered apologetically. Hajin exhaled... and slowly rotated on her heels to face her boyfriend as he anxiously frowned at her dim stare in extreme guilt."Why bother to speak to me when you didn't even respond to my texts or calls when I most desperately needed you to believe me? You're back now that everything is settled? You're a coward, Seojun," Hajin coldly muttered with her arms rested on the railings. Seojun tearfully stared at Hajin's blank expression, so he sniffled and rubbed his tears."I'm sorry... I really am. Hajin- I won't let it happen again. I promise- Oh? I know I should've trusted you," Seojun begged, shakily gripping onto her shirt.Hajin sorely eyed his pitiful state and glanced at the gloomy sky above her. Seojun swallowed and lowered his head with his torn gaze on his lover... so Hajin averted her eyes back to him until he pressed his soft lips against hers. Hajin deeply sighed against his face and kissed her boyfriend passionately as he embraced her on the rooftop opening.
The young couple eventually made up under the storm above their heads.

Fast Forward
"Oppa~! This cotton candy reminds me of our old days!" Sora chuckled while smiling at Taehyung, who stood beside her with their interlaced hands in his pocket. The man chuckled at his wife's wrinkled eye smile and nodded in agreement.

"Should I get it for you every day...?" The man chuckled as he strolled the crowded park with his wife. Sora giggled and patted his chest."No~! I want to buy it myself with you so we can stroll together like this~!" Sora giggled, happily glancing up at her husband. Taehyung suddenly opened his mouth to lick the cotton candy, causing his wife to shriek in shock at the melted sugar. She whined and smacked his chest for ruining the pretty cotton... so Taehyung chuckled and glanced forward until his phone started vibrating in his pocket."Aigo~! I get a little heart attack whenever the kids call me! What troubles are they up to again?!" The man cutely grumbled as he drew out his phone with his spare hand, and answered the call... until the boxy smile... faded from his face. Sora uneasily observed her husband's dreadful expression as he listened to the phone call.
A moment later.
"Eomma!" Woojin and Kanghoon sprinted toward their parents as the elders rushed inside the packed academy filled with bustling medical staff and guards."Where's Hajin and Beom?!" Sora shrieked, trying to rush inside but halted in horror with tears in her eyes when... Hajin suddenly appeared beside Beom at the lobby's entrance. Both heirs... were drenched in blood. Kim Taehyung's eyes widened in disbelief as the twins gasped at the bloody heirs... who appeared out of nowhere after... a few students... were stabbed to death in the lecture room and others... severely injured.The lower ranks glanced at the two heirs in shock and glanced at each other with frightened looks. Beom blinked in tears and suddenly rushed forward to hug his mother. Kim Taehyung yanked off his coat to cover Hajin, who was trembling in tears... so she whimpered and hugged her father for support as the medical staff rushed the injured students inside the blaring ambulance."What happened?!" Woojin scoffed while frowning at the sticky blood on Hajin's face."I don't know! Someone- someone chased me with a knife- and then- I blacked out! Beom- he was hiding with me in the bathroom after we saw the corpses!" Hajin cried in distress while hugging her father. Sora whimpered and glanced at Taehyung with her frightened puppy gaze."Yah!?- Who is the victim?!" Kanghoon frowned as he rushed up to Mirae, who was crying in distress while clinging to Dohyun, who was comforting her on the bench."I heard it's Seojun and Soo-ah! They're missing!" Mirae sobbed while rubbing her tears. Hajin suddenly stopped crying and wildly spun around with her eyes... bulging in horror at Mirae's terrific claim. Beom suddenly pursed his lips as the medical team rushed out of the lobby with the wrapped bodies."Seojun?!- No- NO!" Hajin suddenly cried as she sprinted toward the body on the cart with her eyes wide open once she recognized his blood-soaked sneakers."Hajin! Sweetie~!" Taehyung called while racing after his daughter, who roughly yanked the fabric off the body and screamed in fright until her head swayed violently at the disturbing sight of her lifeless lover."Seojun!? -N- No! Baby!? Why- ARGH!? WHY?! Who did this to you?!-" Hajin wailed in distress once she found Seojun's unconscious body beneath the sheet. The heiress gripped her lover's face and slumped weakly, so Taehyung seized her daughter to yank her back to her feet. The medical team quickly shoved Seojun's body into the ambulance as Jeon Soomin rushed after her sister's body in tears."Holy fuck!?- Did anyone catch the culprit?!" The twins cursed and gripped their hair in distress as the ambulances tore out of the property and blasted out of the academy with their deafening sirens."You killed them, didn't you?! You fucking psycho bitch!" Soomin screamed at Hajin in tears, who suddenly froze in her place."What?- I didn't!-""You found out he cheated on you with my sister! So you killed him and her!" Soomin shrieked in anger. Beom sniffled against his mother's shoulder... so Sora glared at Soomin as the identical twins sorely stared at the Jeon's daughter, who quickly dashed away with a phone pressed against her ear to alarm the Jeons... of their youngest daughter's dire situation.The suspicious eyes within the area... suddenly shifted... to the young heiress as she tearfully whimpered while clinging to her powerful father.
The society... eventually stirred up yet... another conspiracy... accusing... Kim Hajin for... Jeon Soo-ah and Kim Seojun's... demise.

They claim... she murdered the duo... out of pure jealousy.
Additional Image : [ Beom X Hajin ]

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung drunkenly strutted over the extensive grassy plain of his front yard after Choi Do-hwan, his chief guard, dropped him off in the dark property. The alpha shook his intoxicated head to stabilize his swaying mind as he funnily climbed the stairs leading up to the front porch on his hands and knees. He had lost senses of his own balance and his vision was distorted by the influence of the liquor in his system. The man weakly nudged the front door open with his elbow while clinging to the door handle for support and stepped inside the dark mansion with a numbed face. He grumbled under his breath while rubbing his burning eyes, and dragged his feet up the staircase, cautiously tiptoeing toward his bedroom to avoid stirring his family awake. He's supposed to be home by 5:00 PM as instructed by his wife... but the clock is ticking toward midnight. He is very well conscious... of his late arrival."What if she's still awake...?- Ah~! Sweetie~! I'm sorry for not calling earlier~? Should I say that? She might scream and make me sleep outside- but my back is so sore~! Aigo~! How do I get out of this~? My lovely wife will surely scold me again~!" Taehyung hoarsely whispered to himself while lingering outside the bedroom door with his head lowered. The husbandman is desperately racking up rational excuses to defend his late return. The man rubbed his burning face anxiously and dropped his hands to his sides in defeat until... he noticed two... tiny figures... standing below him. He pursed his lips when his vision adjusted to their creepy gaze."Appa~?" Little Hajin whispered while innocently blinking at the man as she held hands with Beom in the dark corridor, who was also staring up at the man with his curious doe eyes."Kamjagiya!- What are you two doing out of bed?!-" Taehyung flinched at their unexpected presence while patting his thumping chest before crouching to smile drunkenly at his young children.[ Unofficial Pictures of Hajin and Beom. They're so darn cute, I decided not to blur their faces! XD ]

"We went to get water~!" Beom whispered as he lifted the water bottle to show his stepfather. Taehyung chuckled at the pair of young heirs and tried to kiss Hajin. The little girl gasped at the sight of her father's puckered lips and hastily smacked his face with her palm to block his unwanted kiss."So smelly~!" Hajin scrunched her nose in disgust upon inhaling her father's reeking odor. She shivered and lifted her sleeves to cover her nose with a disapproving frown."Aigo~? Do I smell bad~? Ahhh~! I do smell~!" Taehyung grumbled as he unsurely sniffed his work attire... until he screwed his face at the foul liquor. Hajin pinched her nose and sucked in her breath to avoid breathing the same air... causing Beom to giggle at her adverse reaction and curiously leaned forward to sniff the air around his stepfather."Did appa drink~?" Beom smiled, stepping back to stand beside Hajin. The little girl repeatedly fanned her face while holding her breath with inflated cheeks as she glared at her father through her mother's identical eyes."A bit~? Go to bed~! Appa will head to bed too~!" Taehyung ruffled their hair."Wash your mouth~! Eomma won't like your stinky breath~!" Hajin muttered, quickly spinning away on her socks to gasp for air.Jae Beom followed his sister through the dim corridor while waving at Taehyung to bid his stepfather a good night's sleep, who slowly stood up and waved at the children until they entered their bedroom. The man rubbed his throbbing forehead in exhaustion and finally opened the door to his room... until he found his wife sleeping sideways on the bed... beneath the warm blanket."Oh?- Thank god she's asleep~! At least I can sleep well tonight~! She can nag me tomorrow~!" Taehyung grumbled, carefully closing the door behind his back. The man hurried inside the closet room to put his shoes on the rack as he undid his buttons with a relieved beam and eventually stepped back inside the bedroom while slipping the loose tie from his collar-"Fuck~! You scared me!!!" Taehyung shrieked, wincing in a panic once his blurry vision landed on his motionless wife, who was sitting on the bed in her white nightgown. The supreme alpha eyed Kim Taehyung's red face with a dark frown and glanced at his disheveled shirt before shifting her grim gaze back to his guilty expression. The husbandman gulped at her obvious discontentment while scratching his head in guilt and stepped forward to try and sit beside her on the mattress. "You're dirty. Don't sit on the mattress," Sora warned the alpha just before he rested his butt on the clean sheet. Taehyung paused at her cold tone and quickly straightened his body in fright. The upset wife did not soften her expression and darkly stared at the drunk man until he was super uncomfortable. He restlessly scratched his neck and cleared his throat awkwardly as he waited for her to lash out at him... but Sora didn't eject her anger and chose to glower at him with her loud muteness. The wife's death stare was enough to paralyze the grown man. "Ehem~! J-Jagi~! The tower's employees invited me to a drink after I reorganized the divisions~! I'm sorry that I didn't call you earlier~! I really thought I'd have a quick drink and leave~!- Oh?- I didn't know I'd be this late- Oh~? I promise I won't be home late again~!" Taehyung nervously chuckled while waving his hands before her pale face to defend his late return- but abruptly sucked in his breath and stiffened his body again when his wife narrowed her piercing gaze on his silly excuses."You stink," Sora grumbled. Taehyung pursed his lips at her grumpy response and slowly reached for her hand."Can you shower me...? Oh~? Please give me a back scrub~! A lovely wife should always be nice to her husband~!" Taehyung pouted and leaned forward to catch his wife's eyes. Sora glared at his flushed cheeks and glanced down at his loosened shirt in annoyance."Why can't you shower yourself?!-""Aigo~! My head aches so much~! Only my wife can ease the pain~!" Taehyung cutely touched his head with a big pout to fake his discomfort. Sora huffed at his pretentious frown and finally slipped out of bed, causing Taehyung to beam at her favorable reaction and gleefully back-hugged her as she placed her hair into a neat bun."You could've at least called me~!- Oh?! I don't trust you one bit! Because you could be running into the enemy's cave again without informing me~!" She whined as she strode into the bathroom with her clingy husband. He kissed her cheek from behind and gently groped her breast by the sink, causing her to glare at the man's unbothered smirk."My phone died~! Don't be upset~! I'm sorry~! It's totally my fault~! I'm sorry~! I'm sorry~!- Don't frown too much- or you'll get wrinkles~!" Taehyung hoarsely grumbled as she glared at his pink cheeks through the mirror."Strip," Sora grunted as she grabbed his soap and shampoo bottle from the rack. Taehyung drunkenly grinned at her demand while pulling down his pants, took off his shirt to reveal his naked flesh, and kicked the clothes into the laundry basket."Do you want to shower with me~? I'll wash your back~!" Taehyung smugly grinned while standing naked before his wife with his arms on his hips and chest puffed out proudly. Sora frowned at her husband's... cocky expression before shaking her head to disapprove of his perverted grin. Snatch!- His wife suddenly grabbed his sensitive ball sacks, causing the man to shriek in fright. "Did you think I'll fall for your dirty invitation just because of your hot body?!" Sora sneered while tightening her grip over his private part, causing Taehyung to whimper in pain. He groaned, desperately trying to pry her fingers open to stop her from squeezing his raw testicles- but she only compressed her grip harder... causing a spasm of discomfort to throb all over his crotch."Ow~! Stop clutching me like that~! So mean~!- My precious balls~! Ah! Ah!- AH!" Taehyung wailed as he unconsciously pouted at his wife when she wouldn't loosen her grip on his captured ball sacks. Sora scoffed his childish pleas and eventually released his testicles... so he quickly covered his private part with an upset grimace and stomped inside the stall with an attitude... but the man cried in shock when Sora roughly spanked his firm buttcheek with her palm. SLAP! He gasped at the blunt blow- and wildly spun around with his hand clasped on his burning ass... to gawk at her... for harshly beating his bum."What? Sit down," Sora scoffed at his fuming red face. Taehyung grumbled his displeasure... but didn't dare challenge his wife's frightening frown, so he sorely glanced behind his back to observe... the bright red handprint... on his buttcheeks. He grunted in annoyance and slumped on the built-in bench without complaining... so Sora placed the soap basket by his side... grabbed the shower head and carefully adjusted the water temperature to ensure it was warm enough for her husband. Taehyung sat with his hands clasped together as he resentfully glared at her for abusing him, but would immediately lower his gaze whenever she caught him side-eyeing her. Sora exhaled at his attitude as she rinsed her husband's soaked body, shampooed his hair and bathed his body without uttering another word. 
A moment later.
Kim Taehyung sleepily sat with his eyes closed at the vanity table as Sora dried his wet hair, finally switching off the whirring hair dryer and gently ruffled his fluffy black hair to soothe his scalp. She entered the closet room to bring him spare pajamas, so Taehyung pulled on the light silk and screwed his eyes shut like an obedient child as his wife dabbed scented baby powder on his cheeks to soften his rough skin texture."Aigo~! You big baby~! You smell so much better now~!" Sora chuckled as she softly kissed her husband's irresistible powdered cheeks. Taehyung chuckled at her ticklish lips and hugged her waist so Sora kissed him repeatedly until he lifted her lightweight mass from the floor and crawled onto the bed with her."You're the best baby mama~!" Taehyung kissed her plump cheeks as he slumped beside her. Sora chuckled and hugged her husband on her side as the man adjusted his head over her chest and finally embraced her in relief. "Did you have fun at the feast? You must've enjoyed it for you to be this drunk," Sora whispered while stroking his earlobe. Taehyung grumbled with his face pressed against her breast as his wife softly scratched his sore scalp."They kept forcing me to drink~! Aigo~! I said my wife would be upset if I overdrink, but they didn't listen and forced me to swallow the liquor~! Now I'm in trouble with her~!" Taehyung muttered. Sora chuckled upon hearing his soft baby voice and pecked his head as her husband rested over her chest... before lowering her hand to rub his back."I'll handle the tower if you're too occupied with the fintech corporation-""No. No. Stay home. I can handle the workload alone. Don't worry. Just be a lovely wife and bring me lunch everyday~! This man will work his ass off for you and our family~!" Taehyung chuckled while patting her soft cheek. Sora giggled and hugged his broad shoulder, so Taehyung snuggled his face against her neck and exhaled softly with his eyes closed."Okay. I'll keep your tummy full every day. I'll ensure the mansion is properly managed. I'll make sure the bed is warm upon your return, and I'll properly fold and iron your clothes so you don't have to stress over your missing attire. I'll keep the bath water and soap ready for you every evening. I'll look after our children... and I'll take great care of my old man... so he'd have the strength and energy to work for me," Sora whispered while cradling her husband."You have to please my wimpy dick too. Don't forget that," Taehyung grumbled with his eyes closed. Sora shrieked at his inappropriate reminder and playfully smacked his back, causing Taehyung to groan and smile at her startled reaction."Okay~! I'll keep your tofu penis healthy too," Sora chuckled while weaving her fingers through his soft strands. Taehyung smiled at her agreement and exhaled deeply during their small chitchat in their hushed bedroom until he gradually drifted off to sleep in his wife's embrace. She remained under his weight without budging or complaining to offer her husband her comfort... and ultimately fell asleep with the big baby... snuggled up against her cleavage.
The Next Morning.
Sora's POV"Hajin-ah~! Finish your food first~!" I called when Hajin hopped off the stool without clearing her plate."I'm full~! Oppa, let's go~!" Hajin grabbed Beom's collar, who was hungrily munching his steamed bun. Beom loudly whined when his younger sister wouldn't stop yanking his waistband... until he lost his balance and stumbled off the stool. Hajin aggressively dragged Beom out of the kitchen, so the baby jaguar grumbled and left with the half-eaten bun... clutched tightly in his hands. Imo chuckled at the duo and cleared the table so the maids could do the dishes. "Where is halmeoni?" I asked."Your father took her for a medical check-up in Seoul. They'll be back in the evening," Imo smiled."Woof! Woof!" Puppy suddenly barked at my feet while wagging its tail."Aigo~? You're hungry again~? Here~!" I chuckled, grabbing Hajin's untouched chicken drum and handed it to puppy, who quickly seized the chunk and raced out of the kitchen to chase the young heirs. Smiling... I turn to scoop a small bowl of warm stew from the steaming pot, carefully place it on a tray, and stroll up the stairs to approach my bedroom. All the kids are awake! Except for one baby~!"Urgh~!" Taehyung grunted on the bed while rubbing his lower back. He must've only woken up because his face was still puffy... and his eyes were barely open as he sat under the blanket with his back pressed against the headboard."Yeobu~! I made hangover soup~! Does your head ache? Should I get you a painkiller~?" I asked as I carefully settled with the tray on the nightstand. Taehyung closed his eyes in discomfort and lowered his head to ruffle his wild hair as I knelt on the floor to draw out a table tray from underneath the bed before setting it up over the mattress. My dazed husband groggily lifted his face with one eye open as I cautiously transferred the steaming bowl and plates to the tray... so he could eat on the bed."Yeah. I shouldn't have drank so much," Taehyung grumbled as he lifted the spoon to stir the steaming soup, so I smiled and settled on the bed edge to admire his puffy face. 
I'm not angry at him. 
I was only upset with his late return... because I am traumatized by the reckless acts he undertook without proper consideration for his well-being. I tend to overthink and worry a lot whenever he's home late because what are the chances of my husband... attempting to get himself killed... in the worst possible  way ? 
How can I trust him? I can't. 
H e barged into an underground tunnel once. Maybe he'll jump off a cliff next? Who knows? He scares me, really. I don't think he realizes he's aging at all- since the man always insists he's loaded with energy to perform hardcore tasks- which isn't true~! He's my old man! And I do not want him to worsen his chronic injuries by exerting himself to accomplish the risky missions!"Get some more sleep after breakfast if you're still feeling ill," I chuckled at his look of discomfort as I got up to open the curtain, so the natural lights could beam inside our room. Slurrrrp~! Taehyung loudly slurped the warm stew as I slid open the glass door to let the sea breeze flow through the terrace.

"My lady. I'm here for the laundry," A maid knocked on the door."I'll be there~!" I called, quickly entering the bathroom to separate my husband's undergarments, lifted the basket, and opened the door to find a maid waiting for me. She politely bowed at my presence and took the basket from my hand, so I thanked her service before closing the door... and strolled inside the bathroom to wash my husband's underpants in the sink, squeezed out the excess water, and finally placed it aside so I could put it in the dryer later. He doesn't wash his undergarments no matter how many times I've scolded him, so I have to wash his underwear. Taehyung closely monitored my bustling activities while chewing the food in his stuffed mouth as I strolled back and forth to organize our room."Does it make me a terrible man... for adoring your motherly nature?" He grumbled. I paused and glanced at him from the closet room as Taehyung slurped the warm soup on the bed."What do you mean?" I smiled."You... doing house chores. Taking care of me and the family. Everything you're doing in the mansion is strangely attractive. I'm crazy, aren't I...? I really hated watching you work at an office desk in formal attire because I prefer you... dressing... casually in your silk gowns... with your loose hair in a bun... racing back and forth like this... to keep our home tidy. It suits you a lot... being a mother and wife," Taehyung chuckled as he watched me arrange the cushions on our couch. I smiled at his statements and finally strolled forward to sit beside him."I'm not gifted with brain power anyway. You know I hated working at the dull office. The texts and data stress me out so much. Another woman might choose to be a boss bitch and be independent... and that's good for them... but it's just... not it... for me. You know? I enjoy cooking and caring for my family. And why would I work...? My husband is a reliable man. He's providing for the family... so I'll receive your offers and care for our home. Manual labor makes me happy," I shrugged with a weak smile.
My parents have always encouraged- I mean- forced me to take over the tower as their sole heir... and I was expected to excel in the formal work environment of the corporate world. I know... the tower is my parents' bloodstream... that keeps our household supplied with limitless wealth... and I should be responsible for our legacy's long-term dominance in the society to uphold the supreme alpha's rank... but intellectual work... is just... not something I'm best at.

Being an independent and strong... woman is not my passion. I do not enjoy working away my days and energy at a desk in a lavish office... even if it's the most desired career path... for women my age.  
I'm not the brightest when it comes to utilizing my limited brain capacity to operate formal work affairs... so I stress out so much trying to keep up with my parent's high expectations. It's very unhealthy to live as a functional tool to maintain my parent's reputation... so I've accepted my true self. I'm better off being... a housewife... not because I'm incapable of performing corporate work... but because... a housewife is... what I truly desire.  I want to properly raise and care for my family.
That's who I am and I'm happy living this way. Really.

We have different priorities in life. Being a good mother and wife is my passion... so I'll do whatever it takes to keep my family safe... and comfortable with my dedication to pamper them.

Jang Sora... choosing to be a stay-at-home mother does not make me less valuable or worthy than working women. My full-time job is to nurse my family... and I love serving them. I'm proud of my decision... so it doesn't bother me now that I'm no longer involved with the formal work at the corporations or the council.

One might dream of being a high achieving liberated soul... during their brief lifetime... but me?

Jang Sora...?

I dream of being a wife and a mother.
"I like to see you happy and comfortable in your gowns. You don't ever have to work for our family, Sora. I want you to remain here with me and our children. Being my wife and the mother of my children... is a serious commitment. Thank you for allowing me to be a man, a father, and a good husband so I could provide for our family. Let's live this way forever because this man... will work his ass off so he can return home to his lovely family at the end of the day... knowing I'm doing more than enough to sustain our family," Taehyung gently grazed my cheek. I giggled and sweetly pecked his lips."Thank you too... for allowing me to be a wife, a mother, and a woman," I smiled. Taehyung kissed my forehead, so I giggled and held his hand until he finished the dishes I prepared for him."I'll shower and make the bed," Taehyung playfully smacked my bum as I placed the dishes back on the tray and strolled out of the room to put the empty bowl and plates in the sink. I climbed the staircase again to organize the kid's room before strolling out onto the terrace until I spotted the identical boys... shoving the younger heirs on the rocking swing."Don't swing too hard~!" I warned. The twins glanced up at me as they swung their siblings to make them fly higher.Taehyung recently installed a playground near the ancient tree so the kids could have fun, and they've been obsessed with the slides and the swings. The twins were addicted to the monkey bars and would often hook their knee pits and hang upside down... which scared the soul out of me because of the sight of my dangling children. I made Taehyung remove the monkey bars because I feared they'd fall and hurt themselves once they slipped from it. I softly chuckled while watching the kids from the terrace... until Taehyung appeared beside me in his casual clothes.

"Hyung~! Not too hard!- TOO HIGH!" Beom screamed when Kanghoon wouldn't stop pushing the swing, causing the child to swing back and forth with a frightened face."They're bullying the young kids again," I grumbled. Taehyung held my hand over the railing as we watched Hajin shriek at Woojin, who was shoving her with all his might to make the swing sway violently."Hajin will beat them," Taehyung chuckled."OPPA~! TOO HIGH!-AH!- NO MORE! NO MORE!- HEY!- STOP~! OPPA?!- STOP PUSHING!!!" Hajin screeched as Woojin evilly laughed behind the swing and shoved his baby sister harder... until her fluffy slippers flung off her feet and scattered onto the emerald grass. Beom squealed in fear while clinging to the rod for his dear as Kanghoon thrust the swing harder to send his younger brother... toward the clear sky."KANGHOON! WOOJIN! STOP SCARING THEM!" Taehyung shouted from the terrace. I chuckled and hugged my husband's waist as we watched the kids tease each other... but the twins refused to listen and taunted their siblings nonstop. This is why kids... need their father. A man to put the children in place when a mother's heart is too weak to scold them.

"ARGH!-" Hajin suddenly shrieked when she lost her grip. I gasped in shock as she flung off the swing and tumbled hard onto the grass in her knee-length sundress."Omo!- Sweetie~!" I shrieked, wildly spinning around to race out of the room- but Taehyung caught my arm and firmly held me in place as he smiled at the twins. The father appeared... somewhat unbothered by our daughter's fall."Don't worry. I'm sure our Hajinie won't cry~!" Taehyung chuckled at our baby girl... who was sprawling flat on the grass with her limbs extended like a sugar glider. How is he so calm?! Our baby flung off the swing and landed face-first on the ground! -Is he crazy?! Kanghoon froze, immediately catching Beom's swing to stop the swing from rocking as Woojin covered his mouth in shock... after accidentally sending his sister flying over the yard."She fell off the swing~! I need to check on her!" I whined, trying to yank my arm free from my husband's grip, but Taehyung firmly back-hugged me, so I grimaced in defeat and glanced back at my daughter as Hajin slowly sat up with her striking messy hair... dangling over her face. "One... two... three..." Taehyung counted beside my ear in anticipation."OPPA! ARGH- ARGH!!! COME HERE- I SAID COME HERE!!!" Hajin angrily shrieked while scrambling onto her bare feet to snatch her slipper from the grass with a fuming red face."Oh no~?- ARGHHHH!?" Woojin shrieked, frantically sprinting away as Hajin bolted toward her older brother with the slipper. The twin boy screamed and ran for his life- SMACK! Woojin cried in pain and tumbled onto the ground once Hajin hurled her slipper, sending it right into the back of her brother's head. I gasped in shock and covered my mouth upon witnessing the accurate headshot. Taehyung hysterically laughed at the commotion below us as our daughter wrestled her brother over the grass plain."I told you to stop~! Bad child~! Oppa- BAD!" Hajin shrieked, furiously beating Woojin with her balled fists."Kanghoon!- Help me~! Yah~! Stop it, you stupid dumpling~! You fell yourself!- OW~!?!-" Woojin screamed for help as he shielded his face. Hajin angrily smacked Woojin's chest until Kanghoon and Beom raced over to drag the young heir off her brother, who sat up with a flushed face from being attacked by the feisty baby."Aigo~! I don't think I'll have to worry about her once she's grown," Taehyung chuckled and gently pecked my cheek from behind. Woojin leaped onto his feet and playfully slapped Hajin's chubby cheeks, making her scream in extreme annoyance and tried to kick him with her bare feet but was firmly held back by Beom and Kanghoon, who were chuckling at her frantic squeals. "Stupid!- Stupid oppa~!" Hajin squealed while thrashing in her brother's arms. Woojin pinched her cheeks and raced away again... so Hajin screamed at the top of her lungs, broke free from her brothers, and chased her Woojin all over the field with her mighty clenched fist. Kanghoon and Beom laughed hysterically at Woojin's distraught high-pitched scream... as the child zigzagged over the grass to outrace his baby sister but gave up and tackled her onto the grass because he was out of breath. The duo giggled while play fighting on the ground... and rolled over until Puppy barked- and leaped forward to attack Woojin. The boy squealed on the grass, roughly shoved Hajin off him, and sprinted away to avoid puppy- who barked again and chased the boy over the trimmed grass.
Jae Beom giggled in delight as he happily skipped forward to calm puppy... who was bouncing over the grass with its wagging tail as Woojin stood on the platform bench with his slipper in his hand to threaten the dog. Kanghoon chuckled as he seized Hajin's arm to help her stand while adjusting her messed-up dress. 
She giggled at Woojin's ridiculous reaction, who squealed in fright once puppy leaped onto the bench with him... so the boy screamed and hopped off the platform to race back onto the field. Beom quickly snatched the puppy to stop the dog from scaring his brother and knelt down to scratch the puppy's ear until it cutely rolled over to expose its stomach."They're so adorable," I smiled as Taehyung hugged me on the balcony. The man gently rubbed my upper arm, so I rested my head against his pulsating chest and gazed at the calm sea view ahead of home.
The world isn't perfect... but we're complete together.
___________________________
Before Stabbing Incident
Kim Hajin rolled over the warm mattress to search the empty bed sheet with her cold fingers and lifted her face off the pillow in confusion with one eye open once she noticed her lover's absence. She's alone on the empty bed. The heiress sleepily yawned while scanning the vacant room to search for Seojun, but he was nowhere to be found, so she swung her legs off the mattress and stood up from the bed with her arms stretched over her head. She slipped on the slippers and strolled out into the living room in her knee-length thin strap undergarment while scratching her itchy hips until she noticed movement in the kitchen... so she blinked and entered the space to find Seojun frying onions... on the pan as he stood shirtless in his loose pajama pants."You're awake? Brunch will be ready soon," Seojun smiled as his girlfriend back-hugged him with her face pressed against his muscular shoulder. Hajin softly kissed his smooth skin while staring at the steaming vegetable until she salivated at the mouth-watering scent. "I have to return before 4:00 PM. My parents will be home to visit my brothers," She yawned. Seojun chuckled and lifted his arm to hold her against his body, so Hajin smiled and stroked her boyfriend's toned abs."Araso. I'll feed you first, and then you can leave," He chuckled. Hajin smiled, dodged his arm, and strolled toward the fridge for water. The heiress poured a glass of cool water and drank it by the counter as her lover cooked the aftercare meal on the stove. Ding. Dong. The couple glanced at each other unsurely as they stood in the kitchen."Is it your father?" Hajin whispered."I don't think so- appa is on a business trip-""I'll get the door," Hajin smiled and strolled out of the kitchen, so Seojun shrugged and added more ingredients to the pan. Hajin unsurely scratched her scalp as she stared at the monitor screen to identify the stranger outside her boyfriend's penthouse. It's the presence of a woman. The heir glanced at the door with her eyes narrowed once she recognized the person and walked forward to open the door."Seojun I-" Soo-ah beamed but quickly pursed her lips with a startled look once she found Hajin standing in the doorway in her revealing lace lingerie dress. The alpha froze in her place while eyeballing Hajin's revealing outfit with a paper bag gripped in her hand."Good morning...?" Hajin calmly smiled at Soo-ah, who pursed her lips and glanced past the heiress to search for Seojun."Where's Seojun-""Jagi~? Are you alright? Who's at the door?" Seojun suddenly called as he strolled out of the kitchen while ruffling his hair but paused... midway once he noticed... Jeon Soo-ah... standing by the doorway. The Jeon's daughter blinked and glanced at Seojun's shirtless torso before glancing back at the hickey over Hajin's cleavage and neckline with a dark frown."I wanted to speak with you alone- nevermind-""No. No... Come in. What do you have to say?" Hajin chuckled, stepping aside to make way for the alpha. Seojun glanced at his calm girlfriend and lowered his head to rub his face in exhaustion... as Soo-ah shrugged and entered the penthouse with the bag."I made body soap. Thought I should bring you some," Soo-ah grumbled while settling the paper bag on the coffee table. Hajin closed the door as Seojun strolled away to pull on a shirt and finally slumped on the couch with a dim gaze on the Jeon's youngest daughter."Soo-ah. Can you please stop bothering me-""I only wanted to drop my gift. Am I bothering you?" Soo-ah blinked, cluelessly staring at the young man. Hajin crossed her arms and strolled into the kitchen to grant her boyfriend privacy with the alpha."Yes. You are bothering me... with your uninvited presence. I cannot accept your gift because I seriously do not wish to put Hajin in an uncomfortable situation," Seojun pushed the bag over the table to reject her gift. The alpha glared at Seojun and huffed in annoyance as she rudely snatched her gift from the coffee table before storming out of the penthouse with an attitude. Thud. Soo-ah slammed the door shut. "What's her problem, really...?" Hajin exhaled as she strolled out of the kitchen with a mug to sit on her boyfriend's lap. Seojun held onto her waist with a slight frown."I don't think she's used to being rejected," Seojun grunted. "Her mother used to... tear my parents apart... now she's doing it too?" Hajin grumbled. Seojun gently rubbed his girlfriend's cheek and drew her face down to meet his parted lips. "Her mother did that to your parents?" Seojun asked. Hajin nodded as she got up from his thighs and strolled into the kitchen with him. "Eomma and appa were initially engaged during their early days. Chul Hwa-young took advantage of my father's drunken state and accused him of harassing her. Eomma got upset... and they broke up. Appa was devastated... and eomma... hurt herself over their breakup. They separated for almost a decade... and eventually got back together after Yangcha ahjussi passed away. They were always meant to be... but because of people... like Soo-ah and her mother... the couple had to separate their ways for a very long time. They might appear harmless... but their strikes are fatal and can form a deep... rift between... two souls... that is almost impossible to mend," Hajin nodded. Seojun transferred the meal from the steaming pan to the plate and placed it on the counter before Hajin."She can't split us apart. I won't let her," Seojun ruffled Hajin's hair as he settled beside her. Hajin smiled as her boyfriend fed her the food, so they happily chatted over their warm meal in his private living space. _________________________
Fast Forward
"Hey, Jiyoung. Do you want to be my partner for the assignment?" Kanghoon knocked on Jiyoung's desk as she chatted with her fellow alphas. The Park's daughter glanced up at the twin boy with a startled look."What about Woojin...?" Jiyoung nodded at his twin brother, who was chatting with Mirae from his desk."The professor insisted that I work with a different partner," Kanghoon shrugged as he drew an empty chair to sit before her desk. Jiyoung smiled at his eager gaze."Sure. We can be partners," She agreed. Kanghoon placed out his hand so she smiled and held onto his hand... but Kanghoon wouldn't release her soft fingers and held onto her... until Jiyoung blushed at his flirty gesture. Kanghoon chuckled and glanced at his younger sister, who was whining in her seat as her boyfriend's head locked her from behind."Seojun!" Hajin snapped, tilting her face upward to glare at the man. Seojun chuckled and lowered his face to kiss her forehead as Beom quietly scribbled on his notebook beside them."Wanna be my partner?" Seojun beamed as he settled on the chair beside Hajin."Beom doesn't have a partner," Hajin apologetically smiled at her boyfriend, so Jae Beom lifted his face to stare at his sister and glanced at Seojun's annoyed frown."Soomin-ah~! Do you have a partner?!- Why don't you team up with Jae Beom? He's a genius," Seojun glanced at Jeon Soomin, who was staring at her phone with a blank face."Hey~! I was going to ask her to be my partner~!" Kim Dohyun snapped at Seojun. Soomin rolled her eyes and glanced at her phone again without responding to the alphas."You can work with Seojun. Professor suggested that we avoid working with our siblings anyways," Beom smiled at Hajin, who pouted at him."Jae Beom can probably ace the task alone without a partner. No doubt," Woojin grinned from his desk. Mirae chuckled and glanced at Beom's weak smile. The young jaguar quickly lowered his head to avoid the overwhelming spotlight as his face flushed bright pink... so Hajin chuckled and hugged Beom to comfort her brother."You're mine then," Seojun nudged Hajin. She giggled and nodded at her boyfriend as Seojun held her hand over his lap and proceeded to chat with her during their break in the noisy lecture room.
A moment later.
Jae Beom calmly sorted his locker to arrange his materials before closing the door with his bag strapped over his left shoulder- but flinched in a panic once he found... Jeon Soomin... leaning against the lockers with her arms crossed. The alpha nervously gulped at her unexpected presence and glanced at the pretty woman with a flustered face."Have you registered our names?" Soomin questioned the timid alpha."Our names...?" Beom repeated, unsurely scanning her charming almond-shaped eyes with a racing heart."You're my partner... are you not?" Soomin sternly lifted her eyebrow."What about Dohyun? He said-""Why would I work with that fool? His father might be an ace, but Dohyun's brain is completely impractical regarding academic accomplishments," Soomin shrugged. Beom stood stiff in his position as he struggled to converse with the pretty stranger... who wasn't his family... causing Soomin to question his skittish behavior with a baffled look.

"Okay. I'll work with you," Beom finally spoke up after mustering up the courage to respond to her."Give me your number," Soomin handed her phone to Beom, who blinked and lowered his hand to type on the screen without hesitation... and glanced up at her again- but funnily flinched once he realized she was still staring at him so he quickly typed on the keypads to enter his contact number. "Where should we-""My place, of course. I'm not going to your place," Soomin snatched the phone from Beom's hand and coldly strode off before he could respond to her, so he innocently blinked and tilted his head to the side with a slight frown until the mysterious woman disappeared at the intersection.He's taken aback by her assertive nature. Jae Beom cleared his throat and closed the locker again before strolling through the corridor with a bright pink face. Beom has never... been to any place without his family... besides his home on the hilltop, the hanok house, the penthouse, or the vacation villa, so he couldn't help but stress over his private study session with the Jeon's eldest daughter.
A moment later.
Jae Beom eagerly glanced around the splendid property as he followed Jeon Soomin inside the spacious mansion. The maids politely bowed in their presence... and being the well-mannered man he is... Beom quickly greeted the staff and lowered his head to return his courtesy, causing Soomin to eye him weirdly. The eldest Jeon's daughter exhaled while shaking her head and walked toward a massive white door. Creak. She shoved the door open... as Beom followed suit and stepped inside the grand bedroom with his lips ajar."Put on the slippers," Soomin nodded at the rack by the door. Beom quickly took off his sneakers but paused again... once Soomin glanced down to find him standing in matching... bright yellow duckie socks. She frowned at his bizarre taste and lifted her face to question Beom... who quickly slipped on the slippers to hide his childish socks. He cleared his throat and walked past her to observe the... plain... dark-themed... interior."Your taste is pretty dull..." Beom muttered while eyeing the simplistic interior design."Dull? Did you expect me to paint my room yellow like your socks?" Soomin scoffed. Beom flushed red at her teasing smile and gripped his toes in annoyance as Soomin dropped her bag on the armchair at her work desk."Eomma really hates... a plain interior like this," Beom shrugged as he settled on the couch. Soomin frowned at his composed behavior.

"Was your late father this timid...? He's an infamous serial killer," Soomin rolled her eyes as she sat across from Beom. "Appa was... a warm-hearted man. He loved my mother very much," Beom shrugged. Soomin frowned at Beom's dismissive response and scoffed again as he innocently stared at her."First off. Are you involved with any woman? I do not wish to be caught up in the nonsense love drama like your younger sister- so please inform me if you're secretly seeing anyone. I do not wish to have an angry girlfriend throwing a tantrum inside my house," Soomin exhales."Nope. I'm not as magnetic as my older brothers or younger sister," Beom shrugged. Soomin nodded at his blunt response, suddenly pausing to observe the alpha's calm composure again."Okay, loner boy. Let's get to work," Soomin teased while unzipping her bag. Beom smiled and drew out his device from the bag. The two ended up chatting over their work in the Jeon's private property and would often meet to discuss their work progress._________________________
After the stabbing incident
Kim Seokjin slouched in the muted hospital suite with his head lowered as his wife rested on the opposite couch until a guard entered the room to inform the alpha of an unexpected visit. The man nodded and rubbed his face as the guard hurried outside to escort the individual. The alpha stood up with his hands in his pocket to await the guest... until a young lady... strode into the suite with a drained expression. Kim Hajin appeared with a gift bag gripped in her hand."Can I see him...?" Hajin lowered her voice once she noticed Mrs. Kim sleeping on the couch."He's awake," Seokjin nodded. Hajin blinked, handed Seokjin the gift bag, and turned to enter the medical room. The heiress pursed her lips anxiously and slowly approached the bed as Seojun sat against the bedboard with a bandaged torso. The alpha eventually opened his sunken eyes to stare at his girlfriend, so she pursed her lips and settled on the chair beside the bed with her hands clasped together while studying his dull skin complexion."Are you feeling better?" Hajin whispered, tearfully gazing at Seojun as he eyed her flushed cheeks. He glanced at the setting sun without responding."You shouldn't be here," Seojun whispered, glancing back at Hajin's troubled frown."I swear I didn't do it- You have to believe me-""Hajin. You brought a knife to the academy the same day," Seojun interrupted the heiress with an uptight look. Hajin pursed her lips and gripped her hands in guilt."So you think I'm responsible for the attacks...?" Hajin asked while searching Seojun's wearied gaze."I've told no one about it. But my parents will eventually force me to speak at the council's trial. Three people passed away... Hajin... and two were injured. Soo-ah barely made it out alive with me," Seojun grimaced. Hajin pouted and lowered her face."Why won't you believe me...? I wasn't even at the site of the attack... but I sprinted there to search for you-""If it's not you- then it must be Jae Beom. He threatened Soo-ah once," Seojun muttered. Hajin frowned at her boyfriend."Beom would never lift his fingers to hurt anyone. Not even a fly," Hajin scoffed while glaring at Seojun as he sat with an expressionless face."I asked you to trust me, Hajin. Nothing happened between me and Soo-ah-""I said I didn't do it! I didn't hurt anyone!" Hajin snapped, angrily fuming at her boyfriend. He scanned her dark frown and lowered his face with a stuffed chest."My father was right about your bloodline," Seojun whispered. Hajin uneasily blinked at her boyfriend with a baffled look. "What does it have to do with-""Let's not see each other anymore," Seojun exhaled, firmly lifting his face to stare at Hajin. She pursed her lips at his words and glanced at the golden setting sun beyond the city."You're breaking up with me?- Wh- Why? Because you're afraid I'll be guilty of the murders... and that you might be accused of dating a psychopath?" Hajin questioned with a hurtful stare. The alpha exhaled while staring at her offended frown and glanced at his hands in defeat."I don't think we're right for each other. You're better off with another person. We'll only bring trouble to each other if we pursue this relationship-""Okay," Hajin suddenly interrupted. Seojun sat with his lips ajar while searching her poker face. The tears in her eyes had ceased... and he could no longer read... her once transparent emotions. How did her mood shift so quickly? One moment she's on the verge of bursting into tears and the next moment... she's staring at him with her blank pupils. "Okay?" Seokjun repeated."Let's break up. That's what you wanted, right?" Hajin nodded. Seojun straightened his body uneasily while eyeing her unbothered reaction to their breakup."Yeah-""Okay. We're over then. Have a good rest," Hajin nodded, suddenly rising from her seat... leaving Seojun dumbfounded by her abrupt agreement. He expected her to cry and whimper over his decision... but Kim Hajin did not show a glimpse of sorrow."You're alright with it...?" The alpha hoarsely muttered as Hajin reached for the door handle. The heiress slowly turned to face Seojun... who was frowning at her apathetic reaction with a troubled look. He didn't understand how she was able to... detach herself from him so easily... despite their long-term relationship."Yeah? Am I supposed to react differently?" Hajin asked with a dumbfounded look. Seojun remained on the bed with a startled look- evidently taken aback by her cold response."No, but-""Maybe I was too lenient with you. Why would I beg you to save our relationship when you're clearly incapable of handling me? I'm sure another man can do a better job. Oh. Rest assured about your secret affair with Jeon Soo-ah. I know you slept with her during my scandal with my older brother. I didn't want to make a fuss about it... so let's leave everything as it is because I do not wish to waste my time on a cheater like you," Hajin shrugged, firmly turned the handle and left through the door without another word. Seojun pursed his chapped lips and glanced down at his hands in dread at the realization of his... first foolish blunder. 
He betrayed... the supreme alpha's cold-blooded daughter.

Council Meeting
The supreme alphas sternly settled on the highest rank with their four children as the other households perched on their seats to anticipate the murder trial. Sora exhaled and patted Hajin's back to comfort her... so Beom smiled and held Hajin's hand over the desk until the Seojun appeared with Kim Seokjin and Soo-ah with Jeon Jungkook to settle at their respective ranks...."Kim Hajin had a kitchen knife in her bag on the day of the stabbing incident," Seokjin grimaced at his desk"But the blade is untouched in her bag. She didn't even use it," Taehyung refuted."She brought a knife inside the school premises!- Isn't her intention obvious enough!?" Hwa-young snapped in annoyance."But there's no evidence to accuse Hajin of committing the attacks!" Sora glared at Hwa-young."So she's not guilty unless we catch her red-handed stabbing a person to death? Three lower ranks passed away at the university!" Jungkook snapped at Sora, who scoffed and glanced at Hajin's blank face."I asked Hajin to bring the knife. It wasn't her fault," Beom suddenly spoke up."Beom!" Taehyung snapped at his son in disbelief. Hajin blinked and glanced at her brother with a startled look."I needed to work on one of my crafts... but the attack happened before I could use the blade. It's not her fault," Beom shrugged. Hajin gripped her brother's hand after he unexpectedly took the blame for her."Your bloodline is tainted by your serial killer father," Hwa-young sneered."Chul Hwa-young!- My children are innocent!" Sora snapped right back in extreme irritation."Says the woman who has been defending a serial killer from the council!" Hwa-young rudely scoffed. Sora tensed in her seat- so Taehyung quickly grabbed his wife's hand to neutralize her composure. The man darkly shifted his gaze to the crowd of alphas below his rank."They were both drenched in the victim's blood, but Hajin and Beom have claimed to be the first-hand witnesses. They contaminated the crime scene to help their fellow alpha- but were chased by the attacker. They are not responsible for the attacks," Taehyung calmly spoke up as Sora fumed at the Jeons with her spiteful glower."Seojun. Did you see whoever attacked you?" Seokjin questioned his son, who was sitting with a blank face. "No. I can't remember-""Are you seriously defending her?! -She stabbed us!" Soo-ah snapped at Seojun in irritation. The alpha gripped his hands and glanced at his father, who was frowning at his son with a skeptical look."I was in too much shock to react. I cannot recall anything," Seojun firmly shook his head. Seokjin exhaled and pinched his nose bridge in frustration. Soo-ah gritted her teeth and fired Hajin a sharp glare."Why would my daughter attack-""Because Seojun cheated on her with me! She found out and tried to kill me!" Soo-ah shrieked."Soo-ah!" Seojun snapped at her wild accusation in disbelief. "You thought she cheated on you, so you slept with me once!- She knows the truth- yet she never reacted! Even if I deliberately told her about our affairs! Kim Hajin was waiting for the right time to attack me!" Soo-ah furiously screamed at Seojun."Maybe I should have slit your throat and killed you that day," Hajin sneered at the Jeon's daughter, causing the supreme alpha to widen widened her eyes at her daughter's reckless statement in bewilderment."Hajin, sweetie~!" Sora gasped, quickly grabbing her daughter's arm to stop her from speaking nonsense."If you want him so much... then you can have him. We have nothing to do with each other anymore. Stop wasting my household's time. Jae Beom and I are innocent because... if I was to kill... you wouldn't be breathing right now. And if you're not satisfied... then... investigate the case and bring solid evidence to prove my guilt," Hajin rolled her eyes, suddenly rising from her seat, and stormed down the stairs with a poker face. Jeon Soomin rubbed her temples in annoyance as... her younger sister... shamelessly clashed with Kim Hajin over... a man.______________________________
Fast Forward
The twins nudged each other by the opened doorway as they watched Hajin pack her belongings in the suitcase, who was kneeling on the floor with her legs tucked under her body weight. Kanghoon cleared his throat after an awkward silence and strode inside her room to sit on the bed with a box of sweet rice cake. Hajin paused at her brother's intrusion... and glanced at the twin boys with a questioning look as they uneasily scanned the room... to avoid looking at her. "We brought sweets," Woojin lightly kicked Kanghoon's leg, who quickly slid the box over her bed with a nervous smile. Hajin exhaled with dark circles under her eyes, turned to fold her clothes again, and placed the pile in the luggage in disinterest."Thanks," Hajin muttered. The twins eyed each other awkwardly upon her apathetic gratitude."Are you seriously leaving...?" Kanghoon muttered as he perched at the edge of her bed. Silence. Hajin quietly arranged her belongings in the suitcase without answering her brother."You two never wanted me around anyways," Hajin grumbled. The twins pouted at her sulky response... so Woojin slowly knelt over the floor... and gently back-hugged his little sister to apologize for their past acts toward her. Hajin halted in place with her lips pursed and closed her eyes with an aching heart... upon receiving her older brother's unexpected embrace."You stupid dumpling~! Of course, we love you~!" Woojin affectionately kissed her head to console her. Hajin suddenly pouted and sniffled in tears as she helplessly broke down on the floor with her face lowered... so Woojin exhaled and lifted her lightweight mass off the floor to settle her on the bed. Hajin softly whimpered and lowered her face to cry in distress once her flooding miseries tore through her rotting heart to infect her body with distressing emotions. Kanghoon sadly hugged his heartbroken sister on his side as Woojin knelt before his baby sister to hold her trembling hands with a tearful gaze. The older brothers... couldn't do anything but tightly clutch her shattered soul... to assure her of their undying... brotherly love... and support."I'm sorry for being a nuisance for the family," Hajin sobbed in guilt, tearfully lifting her face to stare at her anxious brothers."Hey. It's not your fault. We know you didn't do it," Kanghoon cupped her face while stroking her tears to wipe the streaks of her rosy cheeks. Hajin wept harder and hugged Kanghoon on the bed... so Woojin exhaled and stood up to hug his twin and his sister with an aching heart."Maybe you'll be better off at home. I never liked your involvement with that jerk anyways," Woojin nodded, finally pulling away to gaze at his miserable sister. The heiress has been hurting over her breakup during the past weeks... and she has been crying nonstop... despite wearing a cold mask out in public."I have to leave... or I'll never heal," Hajin sniffled while patting her brother's hand as she fought to restrain her free-flowing tears."It will take time. That's okay. I'll fly home to see you often. Beom will be okay with us," Kanghoon assured. Hajin smiled at her brothers and hugged them again... so they patted her back to soothe her hurting soul and eventually helped her pack her belongings.
A moment later.
"Do you need help with packages?" Beom softly knocked on Hajin's door while leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed."No. Oppa already helped me. The guards will arrive tomorrow to transfer my things," Hajin smiled. Beom sadly stared at his sister's puffy eyes. She rarely cries. Hajin doesn't often weep over any inconvenience... so it breaks his heart... to witness her in this condition. "I moved here because I wanted to protect you, but you're already moving back home," He smiled at her. Hajin pouted and walked forward to hug Beom's sturdy body, so he exhaled and patted his younger sister's head with his nose pressed against her sweetly scented hair. "The twins promised to keep their voices down for you. They might not have favored me... but they care for you a lot... so they'll take better care of you," Hajin pouted, lifting her face to stare at Beom's weak smile. He chuckled and kissed her forehead."I'll run home too if they disturb me. You're the only one I'm comfortable with," Beom patted her cheek. Hajin chuckled and kissed Beom's cheek before turning to gaze at her stacks of packed belongings with a heavy heart."Let's have dinner together," Hajin patted Beom's stomach and strolled out... so Beom chuckled and followed his sister into the kitchen to have the meal prepared by the twin boys. They conversed over their meals until the twin brothers returned home from their rehearsal. The four alphas bonded in the living room and chattered cheerfully to distract Hajin from her painful heartbreak.A moment later. Ring. Ring. Hajin stared at her vibrating phone unsurely while sitting on her bed in her ankle-length gown. She couldn't sleep so she'd been staring at the empty wall... listlessly waiting for the sun to rise so she could... finally return home. Incoming call: Kim Seojun. She stared at her former lover's name on the screen until the call ended. Ding. A text popped up on her screen.Seojun: Hajin. Are you awake?Seojun: I'm outside the door.Seojun: Let's speak.Seojun: Please?Hajin dimly gazed at her phone screen and glanced at her open bedroom door to stare at the vacant penthouse with conflicted feelings. Her older brothers have left to sleep in their respective rooms... and it's two in the morning. Why is he here...? She didn't know. Hajin exhaled, slipped out of her bed in her long-sleeved gown, and slowly approached the monitoring screen to find a man standing outside the door with a hood over his head. Meanwhile. Kim Seojun repeatedly typed on his phone screen before lifting his wearied face to stare at the security camera unsurely- Creak. The alpha froze in place when the door suddenly slid open... and he found... Hajin... standing in the doorway with a poker face.

"Can we speak outside-""No," Hajin replied. Seojun pursed his lips at her immediate refusal as he stood in an oversized hoodie and sweatpants."Can I at least come in for a second?" Seojun asked. Hajin exhaled at his request and stepped aside to let him in without much reaction."My brothers are sensitive sleepers... so let's talk in my room," Hajin muttered, carefully closing the door. Seojun nodded and followed her to her room with an anxious frown. The alpha glanced at the stack of boxes and the suitcase with a startled expression before turning to frown at Hajin with a questioning look."You're moving out...?" Seojun asked as Hajin carefully closed her bedroom door. She nodded and sat at the foot of her bed with a blank face."I'm dropping out of the academy. And I'll return home tomorrow," Hajin whispered. Seojun frowned at her soulless response with a startled look. "But the council announced your innocence," Seojun whispered with his eyebrows furrowed. The council couldn't trace Hajin or Beom's association to the stabbing incident... so they are now free of charge."I know. But I do not wish to study here anymore. I want to return home. Why are you here?" Hajin shrugged and glanced up at Seojun unsurely. The alpha pursed his lips."I wanted to apologize for not believing you-""It's your habits. Returning after the storm settles," Hajin nodded. Seojun suddenly walked forward and crouched before the heiress as she sat at the foot of the bed. He gently took her hands and lifted his face to scan her ashen skin. The brightness and the gleam in her pupils... were... gone."Let's get back together. Hmm...? I'm sorry- I really am. I wasn't in my right mind when I asked to end our relationship-""I don't want to," Hajin replied while shaking her head in exhaustion. Seojun stared at her pale face with a slight frown."Hajin baby-""No. I won't-""I know you're upset that I slept with Soo-ah, but- it was because I thought you cheated on me with the mysterious man!- I know I was stupid- but I was drunk that night-""Drunk or not. It was your intention to hurt me for the crime I didn't commit. You thought I cheated, so you did the same," Hajin shook her head. Seojun pursed his lips and lowered his face to her lap while gripping her hands to reflect on his dire mistake."Okay- I'm sorry. I am so sorry for being a fool. Please- Hajin, I've reflected on my mistakes- Forgive me. Oh?- I love you- Hajin you promise to resolve-""No. Love isn't supposed to hurt. You can't fool me with your plea. I've seen my parents love each other. They might've fought and argued... but they never betrayed each other," Hajin firmly rejected Seojun."So you're going to leave me? Just like that?-""Yes. You wanted us to end, so it's the end now," She coldly replied. Seojun gulped in discomfort until warm tears... spilled over his burning cheeks."Hajin- I don't want to-""But I want to. I want to move away and be as far away from you as I possibly can," Hajin shook her head. Seojun sniffled and wiped his tears before glancing at her packed belongings with an aching chest."I'll do anything. I promise. Oh...? Whatever you want. Whatever you ask. I'll do it all Hajin- don't do this- Think about the times we've spent together-""My mother once said I shouldn't miss the people that make me ache for the past. I should only yearn for happier memories tomorrow. You're no longer the happiness of my tomorrow but a... heartache in the past," Hajin sternly replied. Kim Seojun stared at her firm expression with a pained frown. Fwip! The alpha suddenly launched upward to pin his lips against hers and slammed the heiress onto the bed before she could react. She gasped and tried to shove him off her body- but Seojun screwed his eyes shut and kissed her deeply... while restraining her wrists over the mattress to stop her from escaping his clutch."One more chance- Oh~? Baby. Look at me. I can't lose you. Please- Just grant me another chance- I'll fix this- Whatever it takes! I'll do it for you!" Seojun shakily sobbed as he pulled away to cup Hajin's face in desperation. She pursed her lips at Seojun's torn expression... until the alpha lowered his lips again... and softly kissed her before shifting his face to nibble her neck. Hajin screwed her eyes shut in discomfort as he held her down over her bed with his powerful strength."Se-Seojun-""I'll make it up to you. Please. Hajin. I'll do anything for you," Seojun whispered while brushing his soft lips against hers to shush her refusal... until her aching heart withered... at the presence of his passionate strokes. The heiress exhaled heavily and kissed her lover back once he refused to release her frail body from his possessive clutch. The alpha quickly sat up on the mattress to slip off his hoodie... revealing his toned torso... and tossed the shirt aside... before lowering his face to seal the gap between their lips again. Hajin moaned between the wet strokes of his lips while gripping Seojun's muscular nape as he roamed his fingers over her feverish body... to melt the icy cold of emotions in her heart... with his heated touch in the hope... of earning her forgiveness.
A moment later.
Kim Seojun calmly breathed on the bed while staring at his motionless girlfriend, soundly asleep on his bicep with her loose silky hair... scattered over the pillow. They ended up making love in her room in the heat of their disputes... to make up for their broken relationship. The alpha turned on his side to gaze at her delicate youthful skin while grazing her cheek with his fingertips down to her soft, plump parted lips. He lowered his hand to hold her over the blanket as they both slept naked under the sheet. His father had warned him of Jang's poisonous love... yet the alpha failed to resist Kim Hajin's magnetic existence and crawled right back into her embrace. Seojun exhaled deeply as he stroked Hajin's bare back until he slowly drifted off to sleep with her."Yah," A person nudged the alpha awake. Seojun groggily grunted while rubbing his blurry visions before opening his eyes to find two figures standing by the side of the bed. The alpha frowned once he recognized the identical twins looming over him."Oh shit," Seojun grunted, quickly sitting up with a dazed face."Put on your clothes and leave," Woojin tossed the clothes at the alpha, who was still half out of his mind. The twins exhaled in annoyance and strolled out of the room to leave the alpha alone... so Seojun quickly got dressed and stumbled out of Hajin's bedroom to find the three brothers seated on the couch with their arms crossed and stern gaze on him."Where's Hajin...?" Seojun sleepily blinked."She left," Beom replied. Seojun shook his head unsurely and glanced at the twin's disapproving stare."What?" Seojun muttered, unable to process their words."Hajin flew back home an hour ago. She asked us not to wake you, so remove your ass out of our penthouse before I throw you out," Kanghoon firmly nodded at the door. Seojun suddenly froze in realization. The alpha quickly spun around to stare at her empty bedroom in bewilderment until his eyes bulged open... at the realization of her startling absence. "But she agreed to reconcile with me!" Seojun scoffed, wildly spinning around to face the brothers in shock. The alpha frantically drew out his phone to call his girlfriend... but the calls were immediately denied."I doubt it. Hajin left her phone behind. She said she won't be returning. Take her sim card and leave if you wish to recover the photographs," Woojin sorely nodded Hajin's phone on the coffee table. Seojun stiffly approached the table to lift the phone with his shaky fingers and flipped it over to reveal the adorable mochi-themed phone case he got for her as a gift."That can't be- p-possible-" Seojun stuttered- but abruptly froze in place once he noticed a pair of bracelets over his left wrist. Badum. His beating heart suddenly dropped... at the sight of Hajin's couple bracelet dangling beside his. The alpha couldn't react and stared at the gift she had returned to him before lifting his tearful gaze to the blank brothers with a torn heart."There's nothing left between you two. You cheated on Hajin... and although... she was kind enough to avoid initiating drama with you because she loved you too much... we'd like to respectfully ask you to never... be involved with her again. You don't deserve her, so stop bothering her. Hajin isn't an easy soul to appease, so even if you cry... beg or kneel for her mercy... she'll never forgive you," Beom spoke with a straight face. Seojun scoffed, suddenly dashing out of the penthouse in tears. 
The alpha attempted desperately to contact his girlfriend... but she had already left the city.

Kim Seojun booked an urgent flight to visit her at the mansion on the hilltop... but... Kim Hajin wasn't there either. The household refused to disclose her whereabouts to the alpha at her request to deny his visit. Seojun begged the supreme alphas... to see her once more... but they turned him away and closed the gate to separate him from his lover.

Kim Seojun... eventually lost his mind... to the heartbreaking love curse... of the Jang's bloodline.

Just as his father had warned... Seojun... was pricked by his lover's poisonous frost... until he was entirely numbed... by the excruciating heartbreak... of losing the beautiful snowflake... from between his mortal grip.
A snowflake that can only be admired from afar.  Never touched._____________________
Fast Forward
"Hajin-ah...?" Sora's voice spoke up behind the closed door, causing her daughter to snap out of her bottomless thoughts. She blinked and glanced at the door as it slid open... and her mother appeared in her loose nightgown."Eomma. You're home?" Hajin smiled, carefully placing her diary away as she sat on the built-in couch by the tall arch window. Sora smiled and strolled forward to sit... facing her grown daughter with a faint smile."Are you adjusting well?" The mother asked while tucking her daughter's hair behind her ear to admire her delicate features. Hajin stared at her mother's concerned expression and gently held her hand with a reassuring smile."I'm better. You don't have to worry about me," Hajin chuckled while patting her mother's hand. Sora nodded and glanced at the dark front yard to find her husband... heaving heavy dirtbags with her oldest son, Choi Woobin."Seojun... he asked to see you a few days ago... but you were resting at the vacation villa... so I had to turn him away," Sora dimmed her eyes. Hajin blinked at her mother's concerned frown and exhaled deeply while watching her father toss the sack on the pavement."We broke up. It's best if we don't see each other anymore," Hajin replied. Sora pursed her lips."Are you sure it's the right decision? Seojun is a decent man. The Kim family is very prestigious. Don't give up on the person you love... over trivial matters. Running back and forth will never solve your problems," Sora softly gripped Hajin's hand as her daughter shifted her wearied gaze to her father through the transparent glass, who chatting with her older brother under the dim pole light below. "I don't think we can ever live well together because I'll only bring trouble to him. Seojun is very... kind... and courteous... but... I feel pressured around him because of his pure image," Hajin exhaled while shaking her head and glanced at Sora again, who nodded with a slight pout."You're a soul with wings that can't be imprisoned by greedy people. Men will try to trap you in a cage... because you're such a rare... and beautiful soul. It's unfortunate, really. You should find someone who will make you feel most comfortable. A man... who will allow you to soar high without trimming your wings nor locking you in a rusted cage for his selfish pleasure," Sora nodded while stroking her daughter's pale cheek. Hajin smiled.

"How do you know if he's the right person? Like how you knew appa is the man for you?" Hajin smiled in curiosity. Sora chuckled and glanced at Kim Taehyung from her daughter's window."Love isn't supposed to be perfect. Appa and eomma... have gone through a lot together. There were a lot of fights and arguments. Tears... and scars. We even shed blood in the name of love. I knew he's the right person... because... he is willing to live for eomma and our family," Sora smiled."Live for us?" Hajin chuckled, unsurely lifting her eyebrow with her head tilted."He swore to live forever to care for me... you... and your brothers. Appa works hard... so eomma doesn't have to lift a finger. He's the reason... eomma yearns for the future with him and our family. He's the right man because he got eomma hopelessly longing for our tomorrow together. That's why he promised to live for eomma, so we'd always have each other in this lifetime," Sora chuckled. Hajin softly huffed at her mother's statement while eyeing her old father, who was massaging his sore back as he strolled with Woobin to enter the mansion."I'm sure you've met and been with many good men in your life," Hajin enviously glanced at her mother again. Sora chuckled and nodded in agreement."Yes. I have been with men... who loved me... so purely. They were all good souls but at the end of the day... it was your father who was willing to grow with eomma. It is your father... who worked the hardest to assure eomma of his love. With other men... it feels like... eomma constantly has to please them by restraining eomma's true nature. But with appa? With appa... eomma can be a vulnerable inner child... and appa would cradle eomma and let eomma thrive as eomma's most authentic self. With appa... eomma... is Jang Sora," Sora muttered. "I will find a man who will let me be Kim Hajin then! Someone who will put up with my attitude!" Hajin happily giggled. Sora laughed and hugged her daughter as Hajin clutched onto her mother's frail body with an optimistic smile."YEOBU?!" Taehyung's voice suddenly boomed in the corridor."Oh no~! Appa is searching for you again~!" Hajin laughed, quickly pulling away to smile at her mother."What?! I'm with Hajin!" Sora snapped at the closed door with a slight grimace."SCRUB MY BACK! I'M ITCHING ALL OVER~!" Taehyung shouted. The daughter and mother burst out laughing at each other upon hearing his demand."Aigo~! Get some sleep. Our big baby needs eomma's help again~!" Sora softly pecked Hajin's forehead. The heiress chuckled and patted her mother's back, so Sora got off the couch and hurried out of the room to find her husband scratching his back aggressively in their bathroom."So itchy~!" Taehyung whined while trying to reach behind his bare back. Sora grimaced and strolled forward to scratch his back for him."Here?" Sora asked, unsurely glancing at her husband's annoyed frown in the reflection."Lower. A bit lower~! Ah~! Right there~! Ah~~~! Oh~! My wife is truly the best~!" Taehyung moaned in satisfaction with his eyes closed once she located the red spot. Sora chuckled and scratched the bug bite over his lower back until Taehyung pulled down his pants and spun around to face his wife with a keen smile, ready to be groomed by her."Get in the shower," Sora chuckled as she softly spanked his buttcheeks so Taehyung did a cute wiggle before strolling inside the stall with a cheerful grin."Use your soap. I want to imprint your scent all over me," Taehyung instructed. Sora smiled as she collected her soap from the rack to place in the basket, and carried it inside the stall to rest it on the bench."Sit still~!" Sora smacked her husband's chest when Taehyung playfully poked her breast. He laughed and groped her again."I need emotional support~!" Taehyung teased while squeezing her boobs over the fine silk. Sora smacked his forehead, grabbed the shower head, and gently rinsed her husband's face. "Do you want me to shave your underarms?" Sora smiled as she lifted her husband's arms to rub the soap over his hairy armpits."No. I hate it when you wax me! It hurts a lot~!" Taehyung grimaced. Sora chuckled and slapped the foaming soap from his underarms over Taehyung's face. He whined and glared at her while wiping the soap from his eyelids."I keep my skin and body smooth for you every day! But you're complaining so much over a minor wax session~?" Sora rolled her eyes as Taehyung twisted his back over the bench so she could scrub him with a sponge."I can't look too handsome! A young mistress might fancy me!" Taehyung joked. Sora laughed as she washed his butt and crotch."Araso. I won't shave you anymore but don't keep your beard. It pricks my face too much~!" Sora giggled as her husband rubbed his newly grown beard over his chin with a prideful smile."It's just a bit of texture~!" Taehyung shrugged. Sora laughed at his playful glare before bending down to bathe his thighs and legs so Taehyung smiled and tried to touch her boobies again... but she swatted his wet hand away before lifting her husband's feet to scrub the sole of his feet, causing Taehyung to cackle at the ticklish sensation. The couple softly chatted in the shower stall until Sora finished bathing her husband and dried his body with a towel to get him ready for bed.
A moment later.
Choi Woobin stepped out of the wooden cabin in his night pajamas and strolled over the dirt path until he entered the grass field in the front yard during the dead of the night. The oldest son yawned and quietly wandered the empty property for a refreshing breeze to soothe his clouded mind. It was much past midnight, so everyone was asleep in their room, and the mansion was dead quiet. He found it hard to sleep that particular night... so he decided to stroll around the garden to drain his energy... and hopefully... the man can fall asleep once he return to his cabin."Kamjakiya!-" Woobin suddenly flinched, halting in a panic once he noticed a ghostly woman dressed in a white gown standing in the dark garden with her body turned away. The man frowned and slowly approached the woman with his eyebrows furrowed. He couldn't tell if it was his mother or younger sister because they looked exactly alike from behind.

"Should I... or should I not...?" Hajin grumbled under her breath while plucking the flower petals from its stem. Woobin paused in his place to observe his sister's bizarre behavior as one by one of the petals fluttered to the ground beneath her feet. "Why are you ruining appa's blooming flowers?-" Woobin cleared his throat."AH!" Hajin screeched, wildly spinning around to frown at her brother in surprise. Woobin awkwardly stared at her flushed cheeks as she gulped and glanced at the scattered petals at her feet."Why are you screaming? You look scarier in that white gown," Woobin muttered. Hajin scoffed at her brother in annoyance and stomped out of the garden to slump on the platform bench with a grimace until Woobin settled beside her with his gaze trained on the dark sea."Why are you following me?" Hajin huffed, sideways glaring at him. Woobin sorely stared at the sea without acknowledging her irritated frown."Appa said I can wander this property as I please. You don't own this place alone, do you?" Woobin asked, briefly glancing at Hajin's uptight expression."Who said you can casually speak to me? You're aware I'm only pretending to get along with you because I don't want to worry our parents," Hajin rudely scoffed and folded her arms. Woobin smiled and glanced at his baby sister."Then did you make up your mind? You said you wanted to ruin me... so how are you going... to do that?" Woobin exhaled while leaning his body back with a smug expression. Hajin sideways glared at her brother and huffed again."I don't know. But I'll figure it out," Hajin shrugged."You said you missed me dearly in your journal... but is behaving so coarsely when we meet. May I question your contradicting feelings and actions?" Woobin muttered with his eyebrow raised. Hajin flushed red and glared at him again."Why did you have to pretend to be another person?!- You stirred a misunderstanding between us!" Hajin shrieked as she cutely frowned at her brother. Woobin calmly eyed her extreme resentment and glanced at the sea again."So... do you actually resent me for our trivial past affair... or are you just... embarrassed because you kissed me?" Woobin smugly confronted her. "We're definitely not on good terms! Don't try to be casual with me!" Hajin sneered, suddenly launching off the bench, and stormed back inside the mansion without another word. Woobin chuckled at her retreat and glanced at his sister until she disappeared through the door... so he exhaled and lay down on the bench with his arms tucked under his head to stare up at the tree thick branches above his head until he noticed a few... fireflies... dancing between the ancient leaves.
A few days later.
Imo softly groaned in discomfort as she attempted to stride down the stairs on the front porch with a plate of homemade honey biscuits until she spotted Hajin resting under the tree shade in the front yard with her grandfather, who was sitting in his wheelchair. The heiress waved at the woman, quickly leaped up from the emerald grass, and hurried toward imo with a curious smile."Imo! What are you doing?! Our doctor asked you to avoid walking far distances!" Hajin gasped as she sprinted up the stairs to support the old lady."Aigo- I wanted to deliver the biscuits to Woobin. The maids are occupied, so I-""Hajin! Bring it to Woobin~! Imo can't walk~!" Beomseok instructed as he rolled his wheelchair forward."There's no need!- I can-""No! I'll do it! Head back inside~!" Hajin exhaled, carefully retrieving the plate from Imo's hand before turning to skip back down the stairs in her sundress."Don't steal his biscuits!" Beomseok warned. Hajin rolled her eyes at her grandfather and strode over the field while blocking the sunlight with her hand shielded over her face until she entered the dirt path leading to the old cabin."Where is he...?" Hajin grumbled as she climbed the wooden platform to squint through the clear glass... but the cabin was empty. The heiress lifted a fresh biscuit from the plate to munch on it while peeking through the window with her eyes narrowed. She exhaled and placed the plate on his doorstep."This is payment for my delivery service~!" Hajin giggled, grabbed a handful of the biscuits from the plate, and quickly stood up with her stuffed cheeks - but flinched in a panic once she found Woobin standing behind her with one eyebrow lifted."Why don't you just eat everything at this rate?" Woobin sorely nodded at the remaining three biscuits on the empty plate. Hajin stared at Woobin with a flushed face as she gripped a handful of his biscuits in her sticky clutch."My service is expensive!" Hajin murmured with her stuffed mouth as she rudely marched past Woobin, and stormed off with the biscuits in her hands. Woobin grimaced, walked forward to lift the plate, and entered the cabin with his remaining three biscuits.
Fast Forward
"Hajin-ah~! Can you bring Woobin his laundry~?" Imo called as the heiress nap on the couch with an open book resting over her face."Why don't you tell the maids to do it?!" Hajin whined. Beomseok shifted his attention from the television screen and smacked Hajin's butt for talking back at the woman, causing the heiress to shriek in annoyance."The maids are busy doing their chores. Make a quick run!" Beomseok scolded Hajin as she rubbed her butt. The heiress grumbled in displease... but got up anyway and stormed off to lift the basket with a dark grimace."Don't ruin his clothes!" Imo reminded. Hajin huffed, shoved open the door, and quickly raced out of the mansion to skip down the stairs before striding over the afternoon field to approach the dirt path again."Aigo~ Do you think it's working?" Imo appeared in the living room with a plate of fruit for Beomseok. The man chuckled while watching the television screen."Keep sending her to him. I'm sure they'll make up," Beomseok smiles. Imo chuckled and sat on the couch to eat her fresh fruits with the elderly alpha.
Meanwhile.
"Why can't he pick up his clothes?!- Jeez! Annoying~! Annoying~! I will complain to appa until he scolds that stupid jerk for making Hajin run errands for him!" Hajin grumpily messed up the neatly folded laundry in the basket while walking through the dirt path... so Woobin would have to fold his own clothes again."AH!" Hajin suddenly tripped and toppled over a small rock, sending the basket flying out of her grip. The heiress gasped in shock once the basket rolled over... causing the clean clothes... to spill onto the dusty path.

"Oh no!" She shrieked, quickly crouching down to stuff Woobin's clothes back into the basket... until she picked up a random red fabric. The heiress froze with her eyes wide open while crouching on the dirt path in her flip-flops as she lifted the bright red underwear before her flushed face."What are you doing...?" Woobin called, suddenly stepping out of his cabin through the opened door. Hajin quickly lowered her hand to hide the underwear and lifted the basket before strolling toward her brother as he unsurely approached her with his hands in his pockets."Imo said she doesn't have time to do your laundry! Do you do it yourself!" Hajin shoved the basket into Woobin's arms. The man pursed his lips and glanced down at his messed-up clothes... to inspect the twigs... dead leaves... and traces of dirt in the basket before glancing back at Hajin... who was staring at him with a flustered face."And my underwear...? Are you going to confiscate it as your delivery payment...?" Woobin nodded at her tight fist, causing Hajin's eyes to bulge open in shock, so she quickly glanced down to find herself clutching the red underwear."Yuck~! Who the freak wears a red underwear!" Hajin gasped, hastily throwing the red underwear at his chest, and quickly spun around to avoid her older brother while dusting her hands in disgust. Woobin exhaled after the heiress scurried away from his territory and picked one by one of his fresh laundries to dust off the twigs and leaves from the clothes.
A moment later.
"The twins and Beom will visit us next week~! We should prepare their favorite meals!" Sora cheerfully ate by her husband's side at the kitchen counter."Really?!- I miss them~! I should ask Beom to fix my wheel! It's a bit squeaky!" Beomseok gasped. Imo chuckled and smiled at Taehyung as he fed his wife a slice of tomato."We should throw a party~!" Hajin grinned while sitting on the stool beside her grandfather."We should! I'll have the food ready for a feast~! Oh!- Woobin- Why is there a twig in your hoodie?" Imo chuckled, suddenly dusting a small twig off Woobin's sleeve. Hajin's eyes widened in a panic... so she quickly lowered her face to devour her food."I can do my laundry imo. You left plenty of dirty leaves and twigs on my clothes," Woobin nudged the woman, who frowned and glanced at Hajin in suspicion."What do you mean? I made sure your clothes were clean!" Imo scoffed in disbelief."I'm done eating!-""Kim Hajin! What did you do with his clothes?!- Imo told you not to mess with it~!" Beomseok whined, swiftly grabbing Hajin's wrist when his granddaughter tried to flee the table. Taehyung glanced at Hajin's flustered face and at Woobin, who was smugly eating his food after he intentionally put her in trouble."I didn't do anything! I tripped and fell!" Hajin snapped."You should've at least dusted his clothes~!" Taehyung scolded his daughter."Appa! The household makes me his personal errand girl~! I have to deliver food and clothes to him every day ~! It's unfair!- Oh?! Why is everyone worried about the stupid twig in his clothes when I got a scratch on my elbow from falling over!" Hajin complained while tugging her sleeve to show the household the minor scratch on her elbow."You're almost twenty years old! Why are you still throwing a fit over something so trivial?!" Taehyung teased his pouty daughter."Eomma~!" Hajin whined and glanced at her mother for help."Aigo~! My precious daughter~! Does it hurt~?! Eomma will treat your wound, okay~? Don't sulk~! Aigo~! You poor thing~!" Sora chuckled, gently grabbing Hajin's waist. The heiress pouted and sat on her mother's lap, so Sora smiled and kissed her cheek while patting her daughter's back to soothe her."Only eomma is on my side!" Hajin glared at Taehyung, who chuckled and drank the wine from his wife's glass."Women should back each other~!" Sora smiled at Hajin, who giggled and hugged her mother's neck while sitting on her lap."Yah! You're a grown-ass woman! Get off!- Your mother can't hold your weight!" Taehyung smacked Hajin's butt. The heiress whined and stood up with a dark grimace."So annoying~! Hmhp~!" Hajin playfully crossed her arms and sat back down beside her grandfather, who chuckled and shook his head. The dining room burst out laughing... so the Hajin smiled at her family and glanced at Woobin, who was also laughing with their parents.
The Twin and Beom's visit
Jae Beom was soundly snuggled on his childhood bed with his face pressed against the soft blanket when he suddenly felt a swift movement on the side of his bed. Fwip! The alpha frantically jerked awake, snatched a scissor from under his pillow, and snapped the sharp end at the person's neck in a panic."Hajin?!-" Beom scoffed in disbelief once he found his petrified younger sister standing beside his bed with her bulging eyeballs on the sharp scissors that were... directed at her vulnerable throat."What are you doing?!" Hajin gasped, quickly shoving Beom's wrist away. She snuck inside his bedroom in the middle of the night."I'm a bit- traumatized after the stabbing incident," Beom shrugged while scratching his head."I need your help," Hajin whispered as she frowned at her older brother."My help...?" Beom repeated, unsurely staring at his sister as she stood in her nightgown."Appa recently constructed a wine cellar. Can you help me unlock the door...?" Hajin whispered."Why would you want to-""Appa won't let me drink liquor since I returned~! But I want to try it~! Just once~! Oh?!" Hajin pouted. Beom scratched his head and sleepily got off his bed."You can't tolerate alcohol though? You get drunk so easily~! Eomma got so drunk over a can of a beer during your pregnancy~!" Beom grunted as he sleepily opened his bedroom door. Hajin giggled and clung to Beom's arm as they walked down the dim corridor and strolled down the stairs until they ended up in front of their previous playroom... which was securely locked after their father transformed it into a wine cellar."Pick the lock or something. I'm sure you're a genius~!" Hajin eagerly nudged her brother to encourage him. Beom scratched his head and glanced at the keyhole before turning his dumbfounded face... to Hajin... who was grinning mischievously. "I might be a genius, but I am definitely not a skilled thief like you. What made you think I can pick a lock? You watched too many dramas," Beom awkwardly stared at her hopeful beam. The excitement on her face evaporated the instant she realized Beom was clueless and incapable of breaking her into the room. Hajin pursed her lips."You don't know how to open the lock?!" Hajin scoffed in disappointment."I can definitely open a lock with a key," Beom shrugged while staring at Hajin, clearly dumbfounded by her brother's blunt logic."Ahhh~! But I don't know where appa keeps the key~!" Hajin whined while smacking her head in annoyance. Beom exhaled at her tantrum and traced back his steps over the polished tiles to lift a portrait of their parents on the wall before fishing the hidden key from behind the frame, causing Hajin's eyes to widen in shock."You're taking the blame if we get caught," Beom grimaced as he unlocked the door for her."Omo! You really are a genius! How did you know appa hid the key there?!" Hajin shrieked as Beom pushed open the door leading to the private bar lounge... stacked with liquors."Appa asked me to deliver his wine to the dining table this evening. He obviously told me the location of his key because he trusts me," Beom smiled. Hajin scoffed and hurried inside to observe the liquor on the rack with an eager grin."Oh?! White grape wine!- The Jung's heritage~! Do you want to try~?" Hajin giggled as she snatched a clear bottle from the rack. Beom exhaled as he carefully closed the door behind his back, and sat on the couch in his previous playroom with a weak smile as he watched Hajin hop on her socks and loose nightgown... like a little bunny. "We both can't handle alcohol," Beom warned as he watched his baby sister pour herself a drink."A glass won't hurt! Come on~!" Hajin giggled while kneeling on the floor to pour her brother a glass of wine and pushed it toward Beom, who was weakly smiling at her."You really are a troublemaker," He smiled and lifted the glass from the coffee table."Cheers~!" Hajin happily clicked her glass with her older brother and sipped the liquor. Hajin's eyes bulged open in shock after she lowered the glass and glanced at Beom... who was tasting his lips in surprise."Not so bad... this is like... juice," Beom scoffed."Right?! This is so sweet! I should ask Mirae for more!" Hajin giggled. The siblings chuckled behind the closed door and shared the wine... until they emptied... the bottle... in less than an hour.
Next Morning.
"JAE BEOM!- KIM HAJIN!!!" Sora shrieked at the top of her lungs once she came down the stairs in the morning to find her two children... entirely wasted on the floor of the wine cellar."What happened?!" Taehyung gasped, quickly stumbling inside the room after his wife, but froze in shock once he noticed the scattered bottles... on the floor."Ah~! Eomma~! My head hurts~!" Beom groaned while rolling on the floor. Hajin was giggling in her sleep while sprawling in her gown... like a sugar glider."Ahaha~! Twinkle~ Twinkle- hic~! I can see stars~!" Hajin murmured with a weak smile and rolled on the floor to coil into a ball."YOU TWO! GET UP! You get sick if you drink liquor!" Taehyung gasped, suddenly snatching his slipper from his feet to spank the wasted alphas. Smack! Smack! Beom screeched at the blunt force to his bum and jerked up with striking messy hair and a puffy face.

"Ah~! Ow~! How dare you hit me?! I'm Kim Hajin! Haiya~!" Hajin screamed, wildly launching to her feet to defend herself when her father smacked her butt. Taehyung gasped when Hajin wobbled and stumbled back onto the floor with her tangled black hair. She groaned while struggling to stabilize her dizzy mind and staggered onto Beom, who whined in discomfort while hammering his aching head."Whose idea was this?! The doctor clearly instructed you both to avoid alcohol!" Sora shrieked, quickly crouching down to tow Hajin from the floor. "Hajin said she wanted- to drink~!" Beom pouted as Taehyung heaved his buff son onto his feet but gasped in shock because of his heavy weight. The father groaned and rubbed his sore back as Sora pushed Hajin's wild hair out of her face. Hic~! Hajin giggled and tried to smooch her mother's face as Beom rolled onto the floor in a complete mess.
A moment later.
Jang Sora gently dabbed Beom's feverish forehead as the third son sat against the bed head with a bright red face and an IV drip hooked to his wrist. Beom grumbled and pouted at his mother in discomfort, so Sora exhaled and hugged her big baby boy."Why would you agree to drink with Hajin~? Aigo~! You can't do whatever she demands~!" Sora softly scolded Beom, who sniffled and hugged his mother with a pouty expression. Sora patted Beom's back as she helped him lay down on the mattress. The mother remained by his side to care for her son.
Meanwhile.
Kim Taehyung grimaced at his daughter while feeding Hajin a bowl of warm egg porridge as the heiress sat against her bed with a cool patch over her forehead. Hajin blinked and glanced at her father, who was glaring at her... so she gulped in guilt and lowered her head."Ah~! Hajinie is in pain~!" Hajin pretended to rub her stomach to earn her father's sympathy."Pain? Why didn't you think of being ill before you drank the liquor?!- Beom is very sick because of you!" Taehyung funnily flicked his daughter's forehead."Ah! Appa~! You're so mean~!" Hajin screamed, accidentally spitting out her porridge from her lips. Taehyung scoffed and quickly dabbed her pouty lips, so Hajin whimpered and hugged her father- as he sat on the edge of the bed."Aigo~! Your brother will probably die because of you one day! You have to be mindful of yourself and Beom~! He's too kind to refuse your request~!" Taehyung softly patted his daughter's back. Hajin sniffled and nodded while clinging to her father, so he exhaled and gently stroked her back to soothe his baby daughter.
Dinner.
"Woojin. Kanghoon. Make sure to have the juice. It's an avocado eomma imported directly from farms abroad," Sora smiled, lowering her head between the twins' heads to give them a breathy kiss."Gomawo~!" The twins kissed each side of Sora's cheeks as they sat at the dinner table. Sora smiled and patted their heads before settling the plates for her household. "Ow~!" Beom grumbled as he weakly limped into the kitchen with a swollen face from the allergic reaction he had with the liquor. The twins giggled at their brother's puffy face."Aigo~! Appa was about to deliver your food! Why did you come down?!" Taehyung gasped, quickly spinning around to support his buff son. Beom grumbled and sat on the stool beside his grandfather."The IV drip emptied, so I took out the tube myself," Beom hoarsely muttered. Taehyung carefully placed a glass of avocado juice for the ill alpha before giving Beom a breathy kiss on his forehead as Beomseok stacked his grandson's plate with food."Porridge alone can't sustain your bulky body. Have the food instead so you'll heal faster," Beomseok patted Beom's back. The alpha nodded and sorely tasted the food as the twins took secret pictures of Beom's swollen face."Hey!- You two! No phones at the table!" Sora scolded. The twins giggled and slipped their phones away before lowering their faces to enjoy their dinner until Hajin strolled inside the room with a grumpy expression."Eomma. I'm hungry~!" Hajin whined."Sit here. Eomma will feed you~!" Sora smiled while patting the empty chair beside hers. Hajin rounded the table just as Do-hwan appeared with Woobin to join the crowded kitchen."Oh?- What's wrong with them?" Do-hwan paused at Beom's swollen face... its as if he was stung by a bee."He had alcohol. Hajin only puked... but Beom... had a more severe reaction," Beomseok informed. Do-hwan scoffed and sat beside his son. Woobin smiled at Beom's swollen face and glanced at Hajin, who opened her mouth to welcome her mother's spoon. Sora carefully fed her youngest daughter before wiping her lips as Taehyung packed his wife's plate with food to ensure she was consuming enough to sustain her health.
A moment later.
Kim Hajin carefully settled on the concrete stairs before the front porch in the darkness of the chilly night to inhale the refreshing breeze with a mug of warm honey tea cupped between her palms. She lowered her head to stabilize her dizzy mind while sitting alone on the empty property until she heard soft footsteps approaching her. The heiress lifted her face to watch Woobin stroll up the stairs, uneasily tensing her body in his presence until he casually settled beside her. "Feeling sick...?" Woobin glanced at Hajin's sickly face, who was frowning at him with her palm pressed over her forehead."I don't have the energy to argue with you," She mumbled. Woobin chuckled as he reached inside his pocket, and pulled out a small pack of sweet rice cake."Will this make you feel better...?" Woobin offered. Hajin glanced at the sealed package but didn't budge, so Woobin tore open the plastic and lifted the snack to her lips. The heiress opened her mouth to let him feed her. "Do you have insomnia or something?" Hajin asked while chewing the rice cake on the side of her stuffed cheek. Woobin dusted his hands and glanced back at the empty property."No, but I can't sleep sometimes," Woobin shrugged. Hajin nodded and glanced down at Woobin's slippers."Do you feel weird...?" She asked, suddenly shifting her gaze to Woobin, so he glanced at her with a questioning look."Weird?" He asked, unsurely lifting his eyebrow."After I kissed you. Does it bother you?" Hajin whispered. Woobin scanned her curious frown and glanced at the swaying tree branch."It did bother me," Woobin admitted. Hajin nodded and swallowed the rice cake."It's bothering me too," She mumbled. Woobin didn't budge and sat in silence."Wae? Because it feels wrong since we're siblings?" Woobin asked. Hajin didn't answer him."No," Hajin whispered. Woobin glanced at her again until she averted her dim gaze to him."No?" Woobin repeated in confusion. "I liked it," Hajin shrugged. Woobin pursed his lips while eyeing the wearied heiress."You do?" Woobin asked. Hajin nodded and glanced at the dead leaves on the trees with a sore expression."I keep thinking about my first kiss. It's strangely... enjoyable. I've kissed my boyfriend before... but nothing... can compare to the kiss I gave you. Maybe it's because it was my first time...?" She mumbled. Woobin exhaled and tucked his hand under his chin to process her words."I don't know what I'm feeling about the kiss but it's... something I think of frequently," Woobin shrugged."Was it your first kiss too?" Hajin asked."Yeah. You stole my first kiss," Woobin shrugged. Hajin nodded. The duo sat quietly on the stairs to savor the night breeze until Hajin decided to head back to her room... so Woobin got up and returned to his cabin.
And for the first time... they didn't argue.

A few days later.
"Beom! Make sure to pack your coats! You can't wear one layer, alright?! I saw the forecast! There will be a heavy snowstorm in the city!" Sora reminded as she rounded the couch to help the twins pack their winter clothes."Neh~!" Beom smiled at his overly anxious mother."We'll look after him, eomma! Beom has no fashion sense, so we'll style him~!" Kanghoon chuckled as Hajin watched her older brothers pack their winter clothes from the couch. "You'll return during your winter break, right? Should eomma pack side dishes for you?" Sora asked while lifting Beom's coat to inspect the customized material."No need~! We'll be back in a month~!" Woojin assured."Scarf!- Aigo~! Eomma knitted scarfs for all of you~!" Sora gasped while folding Beom's clothes to place in his suitcase before rushing up the stairs in a hurry. Hajin smiled and tried to pick up a sock from Kanghoon's suitcase, but he shoved her away, causing Hajin to whine in annoyance."Hajin! Can you bring carrot juice to Do-hwan? He asked me to juice it for him~!" Imo called. Hajin exhaled at the woman's request, got off the couch, and left her brothers in the living room to receive the heavy juice bottle before strolling out of the mansion. She entered the security department to deliver the carrot juice to Do-hwan's office. The heiress eventually strode over the front yard again... until she noticed Woobin... raking the dead leaves under the ancient tree. She smirked and skipped forward with her hands clasped together."Stay five feet away~! I am not taking the blame again if you hurt yourself!" Woobin frowned at her devilish smile."Now... thinking about it- it was your fault for leaving the rake on the ground!" Hajin scoffs. Woobin rolled his eyes."Okay, my lady. I never blamed you- HEY?! YAH! STOP IT!" Woobin gasped in shock when Hajin suddenly hopped forward to shove his pile of dead leaves aside. The man tried to snatch her wrist, but Hajin chuckled and kicked the leaves, sending it fluttering all over the place."I'm going to ruin your life from today onward! Ahahaha~! Work harder~!" Hajin dodged Woobin's wild grip, playfully poking out her tongue to tease him as he glared at the mess on the ground while clutching the rake in discontentment. The heiress smugly spun around and raced back inside her mansion... but her... mischievous revenge... did not end there. 
She returned again... day after day... to interrupt Woobin's hard work... in the yard.

A few days later.
"Kim Hajin! This isn't funny anymore!" Woobin screamed when the heiress suddenly shoved the cart with all her might, sending the leaves spilling... onto the ground. He groaned and glared at Hajin, who giggled and clapped her hands in extreme delight."Don't whine~! I'm barely ruining your life!" She giggled and tried to kick up the fluttering leaves with her slipper when- WHACK. Hajin screeched in shock when Woobin unexpectedly smacked her butt with the rake."Do you want to die?!" Woobin snapped, funnily raising the rake to threaten her as the heiress clutched her stinging buttcheeks with her eyes wide open in bewilderment."Oh?!- How dare you hit me?!- AH?- HEY~! AH!- AH!" Hajin tried to dash forward, but Woobin didn't back away and charged at her with the rake, causing the heiress to scream in fear and bolt in a different direction. WHACK! WHACK! Hajin squealed in pain as the man beat her with the rake- so she grabbed her buttcheeks and dashed up the stairs with a terrified expression."COME BACK HERE!" Woobin shouted at her in frustration."EOMMA!- EOMMA! OPPA HIT HAJINIE! EOMMMAAAA~!" Hajin screamed, fearfully crashing through the mansion's front door as she cried for her mother's help. Woobin huffed at her childish squeals and lowered his rake to pile up the leaves in irritation."I'll pretend I didn't see that," Taehyung chuckled while strolling past the eldest son with a weak smile after he stepped out of his car to find the eldest son... beating his daughter with a rake."She should be punished~!" Woobin snapped. Taehyung laughed as he climbed the stairs."I'm not complaining. You can punish the little devil," Taehyung winked from the front porch before entering the mansion in his formal work attire. Woobin smiled at Taehyung's approving smile and shook his head in disbelief before scooping up the leaves to dump them back into the cart.Winter.Kim Hajin narrowed her prying gaze on the snowy field below... through the transparent window until she noticed someone striding toward the mansion over the snow plain- so she quickly swung her book aside, hopped off the couch, and scurried out of her room to skip down the stairs by two steps at a time. The heir quickly entered the kitchen to find her parents preparing dinner on the table."Hajin come and have a seat," Beomseok beckoned his granddaughter, who was poking her head beside the door frame to check on the corridor before spinning around to stand with her back pressed against the wall... as if to hide from someone. "What are you doing...?" Taehyung frowned at Hajin, who remained stiff beside the doorway with her lips pursed."I'm here for dinner- ARH!-! Fuck!" Woobin cluelessly announced his presence but gasped in shock when he tripped over Hajin's feet at the doorway and toppled forward- THUMP! The man slammed hard into the chair, causing the household to flinch in shock after witnessing the shocking prank."HAJIN!" Taehyung widened his eyes at his daughter in disbelief, who burst into uncontrollable laughter."That's for bruising my ass!" Hajin spat at Woobin as he bitterly stood up with his hand clasped over his lower ribs. The man grimaced at his sister and groaned in pain."Hajin-ah~! Why would you trip Woobin? He could've hit his head~!" Sora complained, quickly lowering the plate to round the table with a concerned frown."He deserves it! I couldn't sit for two days because my butt hurts so much!" Hajin huffed as she rounded the table to sit beside her grandfather. Taehyung grimaced and ruffled Hajin's hair with a weak smile."I'm fine-""Aigo~! It's already bruised!" Sora gasped as she lifted Woobin's shirt to examine the red bruise on his lower rib. Taehyung frowned at Woobin's injury until the eldest son assured the concerned household of his well-being and dismissively sat down with a slight grimace to have his food. Hajin giggled and happily ate her meal with a satisfied smile as the light snow... drifted outside their cozy mansion."Woobin, sweetie. Are you sure you're okay? Bring some warm rice to soothe the pain," Sora worriedly inspected her son's torso again. She softly gasped at the darkened bruise. Hajin stopped chewing at the sight of the swollen bruise from across the table and glanced at Woobin from her seat with her puffed cheeks."I'm fine. It'll go away in a few days," Woobin smiled while patting Sora's shoulder and strode out of the dining room after he finished his meals. Taehyung shook his head and lifted the plates to place them in the sink. Sora sighed and returned to the kitchen to do the dishes, so Hajin blinked at her plate and back at the empty doorway with an uneasy feeling. 
She had gone too far with her playful pranks.

Midnight.
Kim Hajin restlessly tossed and turned on her bed with a slight frown. She couldn't sleep no matter how hard she tried, so she quickly sat up with a dark frown to contemplate her thoughts before scrambling off the bed. The heiress quietly barged into the dark kitchen to grill sweet potatoes in the middle of the night before placing it in a small picnic basket... and carefully slipped out... of the mansion's door to stroll down the stairs... in her thin gown and slippers. Hajin helplessly shuddered as the cold chill pricked her delicate skin, so she hurried over the dirt path and frantically pounded on the cabin's door with her numbed fist. Thump! Thump!"Oppa?!- Oppa!- Open the door! I'm freezing!-" Hajin shrieked as she impatiently banged on the door. Creak! Woobin swung open the door in confusion to find the heiress shivering outside his cabin with her arms wrapped around her body.

"What are you doing-""Ah!- So cold!" Hajin puffed her fuming breath into the air and hastily shoved her way past the man with the basket. The heiress dropped her basket to the floor and slumped on the thin mattress while rubbing her freezing palms together. Woobin huffed at her unexpected intrusion and closed the door before turning to face her with an uptight look. "I'm seriously not in the mood-""I made sweet potatoes for you!" Hajin snapped. Woobin frowned at the heiress's flushed face. He sighed and glanced at the basket with a stern look... unconvinced by her thoughtfulness... until Hajin opened the lid to show him... the burned foils."Why?" Woobin muttered as he settled over the floor with a suspicious frown. Hajin carefully handed Woobin a warm foil."I felt sorry for hurting you earlier. Take off your shirt," Hajin instructed as she picked up another warm potato and pulled off her scarf to wrap it around the hot foil."Why?-""So I can soothe your injury," Hajin averted her blank face to Woobin. The man stared at the heiress with his eyebrows furrowed."I can do it myself. Head back-""I can't sleep if you don't let me treat you~!" Hajin whined. Woobin exhaled at her strong-headed nature and carefully slipped off his shirt from his torso before scooting forward... so Hajin pursed her lips and gently compressed the warm sweet potato over the dark bruise on his lower left ribs. Woobin sighed again as he quietly unfolded the foil in his hand to peel his potato."I thought you wanted to ruin my life?" Woobin muttered, carefully biting into the steaming potato as they sat in his dark cabin."I want to wound your heart... not a physical bruise," Hajin muttered. Woobin stopped chewing the tender texture and glanced at Hajin, who was grimacing at his torso as she gently dabbed the warm scarf over his bruise."What's the difference?" He scoffed."Physical bruises like this are easy to treat. Internal wounds... are much harder to heal and deadlier too," Hajin whispered. The man paused at her words and stared at the heiress with a concerned look."I didn't know you're a sadist," He huffed as he lifted a piece of sweet potato to her lips, but Hajin refused to eat and pressed the warm potato over his bruise."Does it hurt? Should we call the doctor to inspect you?" Hajin cluelessly lifted her face to question the eldest son. He blinked at her soft tone while searching her pale face before glancing at her loose wavy hair."Are you that concerned for a man you claim to despise?" Woobin muttered. Hajin quietly blinked at the man as she held the warm potato against his bruise."The feelings I have for you... isn't hatred," She muttered while holding eye contact with Woobin. He stopped chewing again and searched her blank face in confusion."Then what is it?" Woobin asked. Hajin didn't respond and stared at him in utter silence to ponder her wild thoughts. The heiress suddenly.... leaned forward without a warning... as she lowered the sweet potato from his torso and tilted her face to plant a soft kiss on his lips. The startled man stiffened in his place as he watched the heiress hover her delicate face before his... with her eyes closed. Hajin inhaled with a slight frown... and slowly drew away... to release a deep exhale... as if the kiss had lifted... a hefty weight off her stuffed chest."So... this is what... is it...?" Hajin whispered as she opened her troubled eyes to gaze at Woobin, who remained petrified with the potato left unchewed in his mouth. "Hajin-""Why is it that... the kiss feels so... different with you?" She frowned, suddenly cupping his cheeks, and leaned forward to force another kiss. Woobin gasped in shock and tried to shove her away- but the heiress refused to release his face and shoved the man with all her might until he slammed back onto the floor with his horrified eyes... bulging open."Hajin!- You can't be doing this!" Woobin gasped, quickly cupping her cheeks to force her face away from his with a frightened expression as Hajin sat over his torso with her hands pressed over his pulsating chest. The dazed heiress gradually adjusted her transfixed gaze... on Woobin's startled reaction with a conflicted frown. The young woman... was lost in the taste of the eldest son's flavor. She couldn't comprehend whatever she felt towards him."One more try... let me confirm it one more time... it's not hurting you so don't... resist me," Hajin shook her head as she attempted to lower her face again- but Woobin firmly held her face between his palms to hold her back while laying beneath her with a frightened look. The eldest son restlessly scanned her flushed cheeks with a shaken frown before shifting his stern gaze to Hajin's tempted pupils until he felt his heart pounding out of control. Hajin softly fumed over the stiff man... and slowly... very carefully... she lowered her face towards his again. And for some unknown reason... he couldn't resist her... nor could he speak but to watch her... shorten the gap between their bodies. Smooch. Hajin gently brushed her soft lips against his with her eyes closed while holding him down with her hands pressed over his beating chest. The man shakily exhaled beneath her lightweight mass to await her retreat as Hajin fumed her moist breath over his parted lips... but she ended up... kissing him a few more times. Every time... pausing to comprehend... the foreign taste of his flavor on her lips.

Woobin gulped in extreme unease as he unconsciously clutched her waist until Hajin wiped her lips against the back of her wrist to wipe off his glossy spit and finally sat up on his torso with a confused frown. The eldest son pursed his lips to taste her flavor on his tongue as he cautiously... sat up to face her with a startled look. Hajin didn't react as she sat facing him on his lap and stared blankly at the man... who was too shaken to properly react. He searched her face uneasily as she remained... motionless on him. It was as if... her soul had drifted out of her cold shell. "Hajin...?" Woobin whispered to wake the heiress from her clouded senses. Hajin blinked out of her starstruck mind and shifted her tempted gaze to Woobin again, who was softly panting inside the dark cabin with her lightweight body secured over his lap. Hajin swallowed in difficulty and lowered her hands to his hard abs. The man uneasily lowered his gaze to his body as the heiress softly traced her fingertips... over the violet bruise... before averting her tender gaze back to him."Tell me..." Hajin whispered. Her face turning... slightly pink the longer she admired his defined facial features while roaming her fingers over the firm ridges of his naked muscles."Tell you?" Woobin unsurely blinked while searching her dazed expression. "Tell me... you like me too," Hajin muttered. She gently skidded her palm upward to feel his bare left chest with her questioning gaze on his frightened face."Hajin- listen to me... this is very wrong-""Why is your heart beating so fast...? Is it because of me?" Hajin asked while staring straight at Woobin. He sucked in his breath as he stared at Hajin's alluring gaze and glanced down at her cold palm... pressed firmly over his left chest. Thump. Thump. Thump. The man could hear... his own heart... beating in his ears.Kim Hajin frowned at every pulse of his racing heart beneath her heated palms and leaned forward to nudge Woobin's unresponsive lips with hers again. She tilted her head to the side while coiling her arms around his thick neck... until Woobin panted his shaky breath against her face with his eyes closed. He didn't dare budge nor respond to her."Hajin-""Part your lips for me. Hmm...? Oppa... do it for me. I'm really... curious," Hajin steamily pulled away to trace her thumb over Woobin's lips. The man stared at her with a darkened gaze... until Hajin gently shoved her fingers between the slit of his lips to feel his moist tongue. The heiress bit her lips with a difficult frown as she rubbed the wet texture of his mouth with her thumb. She leaned forward again and... carefully... inserted her tongue between his lips to... taste his raw flavor for the first time... until Choi Woobin suffocated from her stimulating strokes and touches. Woobin finally panted after a tormenting moment of holding back his breath... stubbornly refusing to answer her desperate cravings... so Hajin spent her time... exploring... the eldest son's... mouth until both of their bodies... ignited into flames... amidst the cold winter storm.
Fast Forward
Kim Woobin lowered the warm mug to the counter and glanced up from his plate to find Hajin staring at him... from across the dining table as she chewed her food. The eldest son awkwardly shifted his gaze to his brothers, who had returned for the winter break, and glanced at the clueless parents as they happily chattered over the dining table. Their heated moment in the cabin did not escalate, and Hajin only kissed the man... but for some reason... he was left with this... bizarre... throbbing thirst and would lose himself to inappropriate imaginations. He couldn't look her in the eyes because every time he glanced at her... he felt his inside stirring aggressively. Woobin quickly shoved the food inside his mouth and joined the conversation to distract himself from her alluring gaze.The man immediately raced to his cabin after parting from his family and got ready for bed after his warm shower- and as expected. Knock. Knock. She returned for him. Woobin restlessly sat against the wall on the thin mattress without budging with his sore gaze on the shadow outside his window. Knock. Knock. His heart started pulsing... upon her undeniable visit... so he pressed his hands against his face as he listened to the haunting presence of the heiress at his doorstep."Hajin. Don't come to me," Woobin exhaled and slowly stood up from the mattress to rest his forehead against the door."Oppa. Let me in," Hajin's soft voice whispered. Woobin clenched his jaw as his soul violently urged him to... fling the door open... for her."Hajin. I can't. I'm begging you," Woobin whispered. There was a moment of silence between them."I'll forgive you if you let me in," Hajin spoke up again. Woobin frowned as he contemplated his clouded thoughts."This isn't right-""One," Hajin whispered."Hajin, please-""Two," The heiress counted. Woobin shakily thumped his head against the door in distress as he fought the spewing urge to submit to her."Hajin, listen to me-!""Three," Hajin replied. CREAK. Woobin unconsciously swung the door open until his frightened gaze landed on her pale face. The heiress stood outside his door... with a blank face... so Woobin pursed his lips and lowered his face to the basket in her hand."Hajin. You know this is-""I will leave if you don't want my company," Hajin exhaled and handed him the basket. Woobin froze at her blank statement as he unsurely reached for the basket in her cold grip. "I'm sorry-""I understand. If you don't want to... then I'll stop. I won't come here again. It's better if we neglect each other like we used to because I can't see you the same now," Hajin stared at Woobin with a poker face. "Does it have to be this way?" Woobin anxiously whispered while searching her emotionless pupils."I don't think... I can control myself if you want me to maintain our past platonic relationship. It's better if we loathe each other like we used to. So tell me. Tell me to my face. So I can accept your decision and leave. I promise I'll shut out my feelings and show no emotions around you from today onward," Hajin whispered as she stood under the drifting snow. Woobin pursed his lips as he stood before the opened door with a torn expression....The eldest son suddenly dropped the basket and yanked Hajin into a crushing hug. Thump. She unconsciously gripped his waist as possessively he clutched onto her body with his nose pressed against her scented hair."I don't want you to neglect me. Hajin. I'm fucking losing my mind right now," Woobin shakily gripped onto her frail body."If you can't handle this... sinful affair... then... let go of me," Hajin whispered. Woobin tightened his grip around her while shaking his head. "This is so wrong. Whatever it is... is not right. Hajin. It's not right. But my fucking soul and body are plagued with your touch," Woobin whispered while holding her head against his shoulder."Give me an answer. I can't stand the cold," Hajin muttered. Woobin clutched onto the freezing heiress with his eyes screwed shut... and instead of answering her... he hastily spun around without releasing her, kicked the basket aside, and slammed the door shut to seal her from the frosty breeze. Hajin calmly gripped his back with her eyes closed while listening to his thundering heartbeat. Woobin softly panted as he leaned against the door with a dark frown and slowly... released her from his embrace. Hajin unsurely lifted her face to gaze at his torn expression as he held onto her shoulders with a defeated frown."Are you sure about this?" Woobin whispered while stroking her soft cheek. Hajin pursed her lips and nodded."This is... a disaster... but... I really... really... like you," Hajin whispered. Woobin frowned at her pretty doe eyes. The man suddenly surrendered his lips to hers, causing Hajin to tense her body at his thrilling love response. "I'm ten years older than you," He whispered, pulling away with a worried frown. Hajin simply shook her head to dismiss his concern and tip-toed to press her lips against his again. Woobin exhaled and softly stroked her warm cheeks as he tilted his face to deepen their steamy kiss. Hajin shuddered at the thrilling response of his strokes, so she clutched onto his waist and swirled her tongue around his to intensify their raging thirst for each other... inside the dim cabin... that was sitting beneath the snowstorm.
Next Morning
"Hajin," Woobin grumbled while tapping her shoulder with his arm extended beneath her head. She stirred in her sleep but didn't budge and softly snuggled her face against his neck to chase his warmth."Hajin. Wake up. It's dawn," Woobin whispered as he gently caressed her rosy cheeks. Hajin finally opened her sleepy eyes to scan the eldest son's face, but she didn't respond and sunk back to sleep."The household might catch us," Woobin whispered again."No. I want to hold you," Hajin grumbled, tightening her arms around his waist. Woobin exhaled and turned on his side to stare at her grumpy morning face before leaning over to kiss her forehead."We can't risk letting everyone know about us," Woobin muttered as Hajin adjusted her head over his bicep."No one will find us at this hour," She hoarsely muttered. Woobin exhaled and hugged her close to his warm chest. She refused to release him no matter what he said."Are you sure about this?" Woobin asked while holding her frail body."You don't like me?" Hajin frowned, lifting her face to frown at Woobin when he wouldn't stop asking the repetitive question. He sadly stared at her irritated face."I don't think I can ever let go of you now that I'm holding you like this," He replied, lowering his face to press his lips against hers, causing Hajin to giggle at his love stroke and hug his neck with a fond smile."Take me back to the mansion~! I'm too sleepy to walk back," She smiled. Woobin softly scoffed and sat up on the thin mattress before pulling Hajin upward in his strong arms. The couple kissed sweetly first thing in the morning until Woobin opened the door and crouched downward. Hajin smiled and climbed his back, so Woobin effortlessly lifted her upward and strolled over the snowy path."Let's keep it low-key for now," Woobin muttered. Hajin nodded as she clung to his broad shoulders."When will you sleep with me? I want to sleep with you. Can we do it?" Hajin asked as she curiously stared at his side profile."When we're both ready. Not too soon," Woobin smiled at her blunt request. Hajin exhaled with a slight pout as she gripped Woobin's shoulder."Okay~" Hajin smiled and hugged his neck in contentment as Woobin strolled up to the front porch with her. Hajin hopped off his back and spun around with a bright beam."I'll be back for breakfast. Head inside," Woobin ruffled her hair. Hajin quickly pecked his cheek and slipped inside the mansion before he could react... so Woobin fondly stared at her and strolled back down the stairs to head back to his cabin.__________________________
Fast Forward
The young heiress rounded the couch as Choi Woobin calmly watched the television in the living room with a bowl of homemade popcorn on his lap as the twin brothers built a snow ramp in the backyard with Beom, who was instructed to heave the snow cart because he's the biggest of the brothers. Woojin shrieked and playfully threw a handful of snow at Beom, who laughed and shielded his face."Stop fooling around~!" Kanghoon snapped as he shoveled the snow to pile it."Can I have some...?" Hajin muttered as she settled beside Woobin on the couch, so he handed her the bowl of popcorn without much thought and lifted his arm over the couch to rest it on her shoulder. The heiress pulled the blanket over their legs and snuggled against his body with the bowl over her lap. Woobin smiled, lowering his hand to pat her head as she hugged his waist and glanced at the television screen."What are you doing?" Woobin muttered without shifting his gaze from the movie once he felt Hajin reaching under his shirt to touch his abs."You're warm," Hajin muttered, cutely grinning at the eldest son. He chuckled and tried to reach for the bowl, but she quickly shoved his hand away and ate the popcorn until her cheeks inflated like a hamster."Ohoh?!- Give me some~!" Woobin scoffed. She poked out her tongue to tease him and emptied the remaining popcorn into her mouth."Wanna steal it from my lips?" She smacked his chest with a flirty smile. Woobin narrowed her eyes at her chubby cheeks as the heiress chewed the popcorn. He scoffed and shook his head."How dare you steal my popcorn!- Imo made it for me!" Woobin scolded, suddenly snatching the empty bowl from her. She giggled and tried to get off the couch- but Woobin grabbed her waist and slammed her back onto the cushions."Ah! Oppa! No~! AHHAHAA~!" Hajin shrieked in distress as Woobin playfully tickled her, causing her to twist and turn at his invasive touch. The heiress screeched and grabbed a cushion to smack his face, but Woobin simply snatched it from her grip and smacked her face with it. Hajin snorted, quickly sitting upward- but was greeted by yet another soft smack, sending her flopping back down. Woobin chuckled at her flushed cheeks and proceeded to tickle her waist... until she squirmed in desperation. "Aigo~! You're finally on good terms again~?" Sora chuckled as she strolled into the living room with a weak smile as Kim Taehyung helped his father-in-law down the stairs. Woobin abruptly stopped tickling Hajin and glanced at his parents, so Hajin giggled and sat up to hug his neck with a cheeky smile."We made up," Hajin giggled as she clung to Woobin, who appeared a little uncomfortable as he held her waist on the couch."What did you do for her to forgive you so suddenly?" Taehyung smiled as he helped Beomseok into the wheelchair at the base of the stairs."I offered sweet rice cakes," Woobin smiled. Hajin laughed and kissed his cheek, causing Woobin to stiffen in place. He awkwardly glanced at his parents, who were somewhat unbothered and brushed off her affectionate behavior."Aigo~! Sweet rice cakes can resolve everything~! Even eomma's attitudes! But eomma prefers mini corn dogs made by appa- so I often feed her those," Taehyung chuckled, causing his wife to blush bright red. Sora darted him an annoyed look as she strolled across the living room to open the back door and poked her head outside."Kids! Dinner is ready! And stop dragging Beom into the cold! He barely recovered! Aigo~! Why are you making him heave the carts?! Beom come inside, sweetie~!" Sora scolded the older twins for making their younger brother perform most of the labor work."You're so biased! Beom has the biggest body physique! He's very strong! And he tolerates the cold really well! It's us who you should be worried about! We catch a cold easily~!" Woojin complained beside the snow pile with a cute grimace."Aigo~! Come in! All of you!- It's too cold!" Sora shrieked. Taehyung chuckled as he pushed Beomseok's wheelchair through the doorway to escort his father-in-law to the kitchen. Hajin glanced at her clueless mother and tried to kiss Woobin, but he quickly covered her mouth and stood up from the couch to avoid her obvious intentions."Not now," Woobin smiled while patting her head as the brothers strolled through the door in heavy coats and boots."Ah! So cold!" Kanghoon whined as he took off his snow-covered coat."Wash your hands~! And help appa set the table~! Aigo~! I'll have to look after you two again if you get sick!" Sora whined as she helped Woojin take off his coat. Beom chuckled while taking off his shoes to place them aside before strolling through the living room with bright red cheeks."Let's have dinner~!" Hajin giggled, quickly getting up from the couch. She clung tightly onto Woobin's forearm and dragged him with her. Woobin uneasily glanced at his family and followed Hajin with a drained expression. He carefully removed his arm from her clutch... and held her shoulder instead as they entered the kitchen to help Taehyung set the table.
Although Hajin didn't seem bothered by her secret relationship with her adopted brother... Woobin was somewhat very prudent. He'd anxiously smiled whenever Hajin got a bit too touchy with him before his family. The man would carefully remove her touch from his body to avoid the family's suspicion. At one point, Hajin consciously held his hand over the table, so he had to jerk his hand away and pat her head instead as they chatted at the table filled with clueless family members.

A moment later.
"Aren't you cold...? You shouldn't walk here every night," Woobin muttered as he closed the cabin door behind his back once she arrived at his cabin. Hajin shrugged and placed her basket down."You don't want me around?" Hajin muttered. "Of course not. But imo has been complaining about her missing sweet potatoes," Woobin chuckled as he settled down beside Hajin, who was rummaging through the basket."I didn't make sweet potatoes today~! Tada~! I brought you pineapple juice!" Hajin excitedly pushed the glass bottle into Woobin's hands. "You made it?" Woobin smiled as he uncapped the bottle and lifted it to his lips."I always made it for the basketball teams back at the university! They love my juice~!" She grinned, eagerly watching Woobin taste her handmade juice."Oh?- Did you add alcohol...?" Woobin pursed his lips once he detected the odd flavor on his tastebuds. "Yup! I stole appa's grape wine from the cellar. I figured you'd like the mixture since you're old enough for liquor," She nodded. Woobin chuckled and drank the fresh juice as Hajin munched the steamed buns from the basket. She fed Woobin the soft bun and smiled, so he fondly gazed at her weak smile until he finished the bottle... and for some reason... the liquor had numbed his senses.

"It's pretty strong. The liquor," Woobin chuckled as he wiped the grease from Hajin's cheek."It's the Jung's rare white grape wine~! Eomma says it's very sweet- but it can seriously paralyze your senses. I didn't add much. Is it still too strong?" Hajin worriedly asked. Woobin rubbed his forehead and nodded with a dazed mind."I'll wash my face. It should go away in a bit. Are you staying...?" Woobin asked as he got up from the floor and strolled inside his bathroom to wash his face."Yeah. I'll sleep here," Hajin replied. Woobin turned the faucet and softly splashed the water on his face as Hajin packed her basket and placed it aside."The mattress is thin. It must be uncomfortable for you," Woobin replied from the bathroom as he leaned over the sink to recollect his mind."It's fine. I'm comfortable in your arms," Hajin replied as she slipped under his blanket on the thin mattress to wait for her lover. Woobin grabbed a dry towel to dab his face and strolled out of the bathroom to find Hajin smiling at him with the blanket tugged up to her neck."Araso. I'll wake you at dawn," He smiled while crawling over her to sleep beside the wall and lifted the blanket to adjust his body by her side. Hajin turned her head to admire Woobin's flushed face and leaned forward to peck his lips."I can taste the sweetness of the juice," Hajin giggled. Woobin tucked his arm under his head and turned to face her as he hooked his arm over her body under the warm sheet. The man frowned while patting her stomach with a slight frown."You didn't wear silk today?" Woobin muttered while staring at Hajin as she gripped the blanket at her chin. He proceeded to roam his fingers over the smooth texture of her body until Hajin gently took his hand under the sheet and brought it up to her chest. Woobin froze in surprise once she placed his warm palm over... a soft... bouncy flesh."Do you want to touch me...?" Hajin smiled while eyeing the man as he unblinkingly stared at the heiress once he realized... he was holding her... breast."Are you?!-?!" Woobin scoffed, quickly jerking into a sitting position with his eyes bulging open. Fwip! He roughly yanked the blanket off their bodies- and his jaw immediately dropped once he found... Hajin... sprawling naked on the mattress."Haha~! Why are you so startled?" Hajin giggled. She shyly clasped her hands over her chest while laying naked beside Woobin, whose face turned bright red as he gawked at her youthful... toned body. He swallowed and glanced at her exposed belly button. The shaken man shifted his gaze to... her twisted thighs under the blue tint of the moonlight glow... and eventually averted his gaze back to her perky and plump breasts."Hajin-" Woobin tried to speak when Hajin grabbed his arm and pulled him down to seal their lips. He gripped onto her bare shoulder with his eyes screwed shut as she circled her arms around his neck to hold him close to her body- but Woobin didn't dare touch her bare flesh and slowly pulled away to scan the heiress's... flushed face."You can touch me wherever you want," Hajin smiled while stroking his firm cheeks. The heiress lifted his hand off her shoulder to place it over her stomach. Woobin swallowed without blinking as he held intense eye contact with her... too frightened to gaze anywhere else."Sit up for me... will you...?" Woobin sighed after a moment of intense contemplation and sat up on the mattresses with a numbed face. Hajin unsurely sat up at his request with her loose black hair dangling over her nude body. The drunken man exhaled heavily as he got up to search her picnic basket and crawled back onto the mattress with her undergarments and silk gown."Wae...? You still don't want to...?" Hajin pursed her lips while frowning at Woobin as he slipped her thin panty over her ankles and gently tugged the fabric to her fleshy hips. Woobin quietly pulled the thin strap undergarment over Hajin's head and helped her slip her arms through the sleeves... before pulling on the long-sleeved nightgown to cover her exposed body. Hajin didn't budge and stared at Woobin with a pouty expression. He exhaled and sat back to examine her sulky face with a dim gaze. "Why would you undress like this?" Woobin lifted his hand to stroke her cheek."You don't think I'm attractive? Is that why you don't want to touch me?" Hajin unsurely searched his anxious frown."No. Hajin. It's just... you don't have to undress for me or any man... to express your love. Alright?" Woobin cupped her cheeks. Hajin gloomily frowned at his neutral expression."But men always speak about my body, claiming it's what makes me attractive, so why don't you-""Don't listen to them. There's a difference between love and lust. Okay? You don't have to show a man an inch of your skin nor make him touch you to be attractive. Hajin, you are beyond beautiful. Your body is not... an object to please a man's desire. Okay...?" Woobin firmly stared at her. She blinked at him until her gaze softened. Hajin nodded, so Woobin pecked her lips and hugged her against his chest."Okay," Hajin replied. Woobin exhaled and slowly rested her back onto the mattress, lifted the blanket to cover her, and turned on his side to hold her close to his body."Let me hold you like this instead," He whispered and gently pecked her forehead. Hajin exhaled deeply with a faint smile and hugged his waist in contentment. Choi Woobin patted her back to put the heiress to sleep in his warm embrace as they cuddled inside his dim cabin. The eldest son eventually exhaled the stuffy emotions from his chest... and glanced out the transparent window with a grim expression to gaze at the subtle moonlight glow in silence while patting the heiress's head._______________________
Alpha Ceremony
The crowded hall bustled loudly as the households gathered in extravagant formal gowns and suits- ornamented with rare jewels... showering their body to symbolize their exclusive wealth with every sparkle or glimmer... reflecting from the rare gemstones.Chul Hwa-young carefully adjusted Soo-ah's dress straps as the Jeon stood at the center of the venue. Soo-ah patted her puffy pink dress before glancing at her older sister, who stood in a plain sequin silver dress with her hair styled into a neat bun. Soomin tensely swept her sharp gaze across the hall to search for a particular alpha... but he wasn't present... so she exhaled and glanced at her mother, who was endlessly perfecting her younger sister's appearance."Seojun? Is he not here today?" Soo-ah asked her father, who was chatting with Sungho."I heard he left to study abroad," Sungho smiled at his niece. Soo-ah sulked at the information and glanced at her older sister, who rolled her eyes and glanced away again until she spotted Kim Namjoon... strolling inside the venue with Dohyun and his wife, Yoon Ah-young. Dohyun waved at Soomin and strode forward to greet the Jeons until Jung Mirae appeared with Hoseok and Park Jiyoung, escorted by Park Jimin and Ryu So-young."Are the supreme alphas attending this year's ceremony?" Mirae curiously asked Dohyun."I believe so. It's an alpha ceremony. They should be here to greet the new alphas," Hoseok smiled as he patted Mirae's shoulder."Oh~! I should be able to meet Kanghoon and Woojin again! Those punks have been away for so long during winter break!" Dohyun chuckled. "Oh! That's right! Appa! You said Min Yoongi will reveal his heir today? He's returning to the society?!" Mirae brightly smiled at Hoseok."I'm anticipating his appearance too," Hoseok chuckled while beaming at his daughter's cute dimple. Mirae giggled and covered her lips. Mirae might've inherited Kang Minah's distinct beauty... but she has her father's bubbly qualities. "Oh!?- They're here!" Someone shrieked.The crowd of high-rank alphas averted their gaze to the opened venue door... once... Kim Taehyung stepped onto the red carpet in his fitted black tuxedo with his hair brushed back to reveal his jaw-dropping visual. The ultimate supreme alpha appeared by his side with her arm linked around her husband's forearm in her slim-fitted purple sparkly fishtail dress with see-through drapes... dangling over the sides of her curvy hips.

"How are they always... outshining everyone with... every appearance?" Jimin chuckled as the parents strode through the door... and behind them... appeared... their one and only clone of Jang Sora.Kim Hajin hooked her arm with Jae Beom, who smiled fondly at his elegant sister as she wore an off-shower ribbon dress with her hair decorated in a loose bun to flaunt her defined neckline and sculpted shoulder structure. The young heirs strolled after their parents with bright beams... followed by... the identical hot twins and the eldest son.
Kanghoon and Woojin appeared in matching navy blue suits with their slick black hair groomed backward as they kept their radiating visual exposed to the gawking eyes of the crowd. Choi Woobin walked in last to back the pack of the highest-ranking alpha in his maroon tuxedo with his chest puffed out... causing the alphas and lower rank to chase their gaze after his manly body physique.

"Aigo~! Only five of the households will be able to wed their children. It's quite competitive~!" Hoseok chuckled while nudging Mirae, who was staring intensely at Woojin's captivating smile. She blushed and glanced at Soomin, who was chasing her gaze... after the tallest... and the sturdiest brother... and that was... Jae Beom."We should greet them," Jimin smiled, quickly grabbing his daughter's hand. The Jung and Park quickly stirred toward the supreme alphas with a bright grin.
A moment later.
Jae Beom helped his mother adjust her dress on the stage as Sora happily clung to Taehyung's arm, who beamed proudly at the crowd of households below them as he stood with his complete family. Hajin weakly smiled as she stood beside her mother until Beom stepped aside to stand with Woojin. Kanghoon stood beside Taehyung as Woobin kept his stern gaze on the flashing cameras. Kim Taehyung eventually stepped forward to greet the pack of elite households and finally initiated the ceremony to welcome the new units of anonymous alphas."Min Yoongi and Chung Yuri. Their daughter, Min Chungha," The moderator announced. Taehyung proudly clapped his hands beside Sora, who glanced at Hajin as she chatted with Beom, who was nodding at her while patting his sister's back."Mirae!" Woojin whispered, turning in his seat to wave at the Jung's daughter for her attention. She glanced at him with her eyebrow raised."Moh?" Mirae mouthed as her father clapped for the Mins on the stage."Meet me- later- over there!" Woojin mouthed while pointing at the door. Mirae stared at the alpha unsurely but nodded anyway... before glancing back at the beautiful Min's heir on the stage, who stood in her glimmering golden dress with shoulder-length hazel hair."Go Gisun and Anh Ji-oh. And their daughter, Go Hera," The moderator welcomed... yet another high-ranking alpha to the stage."Ahjussi~! Where is Seojun?" Beom turned to ask Seokjin, seated beside his average wife in the back row."He flew to America for an exchange program," Seokjin smiled at Beom, who nodded and glanced to the side but flinched in a panic once he found Soomin narrowing her piercing eyes at him from the opposite row."You're dead," Soomin mouthed. Beom cleared his throat at her threat and nervously glanced back at the stage to find Hajin smiling at someone to his side... so he glanced past Kanghoon to find Woobin staring at the pretty alpha on the stage."She's pretty!" Dohyun gasped while nudging Jiyoung in excitement as they stared at Hera, who stood with her waist-length jet-black hair in her strapless red dress."Do you always bark like a fool whenever you see a pretty woman?!" Jiyoung rolled her eyes at her fellow alpha. Dohyun chuckled and excitedly stalked the new alphas on the stage.
A moment later.
"Ah!" Beom shrieked in a panic once he stepped out of the restroom to find Soomin glaring at him with her arms crossed over her chest."Why are you avoiding me?!" Soomin snapped. Beom gulped and tugged his necktie in discomfort until Soomin glanced at his messed-up hair in annoyance."Why are you glaring at me as if you want to eat my flesh?!" Beom snapped back."We scored 99 out of 100 because you forgot to add one citation!" Soomin snapped. "I'm sorry, alright? I didn't know you're a grade grinder," Beom shrugged. Soomin exhaled in frustration once she couldn't take her eyes off the knot around his red throat."Is it suffocating you?" Soomin asked while nodding at Beom's tie."Hyung did it for me. It's a bit tight-" Beom shrugged- but flinched in a panic when Soomin undid his tie to fix the knot for him. The alpha pursed his lips while eyeing her bold makeup until Soomin frowned and glanced up at him with a funny expression."What?" Soomin asked."Your... lash.. is poking your eyes-""AH!?- *&^$#^%?!- YAH!?- THOSE ARE MY FALSE LASHES! WHY DID YOU PLUCK IT?!" Soomin suddenly screamed when Beom tried to yank her lashes. Beom flinched in shock as Soomin clasped her tearful eyes in disbelief."I'm- I'm sorry~!" Beom stuttered in a panic. Soomin huffed in disbelief, shoved her purse into his chest, and stormed toward the women's restroom to fix her lashes. The alpha cluelessly scratched his head as he waited outside the door when he noticed Woojin... dragging Jung Mirae down the empty corridor."Woojin! Where are you taking me?-""Shh!" Woojin snapped as he hurried down the hallway with the young lady."Oh...? Hyung!- AH?!- *!&^$#!?!-" Beom tried to wave at her brother when Soomin suddenly clasped her hand over his lips and yanked the alpha inside the restroom with her. Beom gasped and stumbled inside the women's bathroom with a startled look as Soomin slammed the door shut behind her back."Dude! Why would you disrupt them?! Are you that clueless?!" Soomin snapped at Beom, who almost ruined his older brother's secret affairs."They're dating?!" Beom gasped, funnily bulging his eyes at Soomin."I saw them sneaking around at school!" Soomin shrugged. Beom scoffed and scratched his head while clutching Soomin's purse."I think Kanghoon hyung is into Jiyoung. He keeps talking about her," Beom muttered, briefly glancing at Soomin as she fixed her hair before the mirror."Are you interested in anyone?" Soomin asked as she leaned over the sink to fix her lipstick. Beom blinked at her clueless expression."I do like someone," Beom shrugged. Soomin paused and glanced at Beom through the mirror, clearly taken aback by his statement."Who?" Soomin asked without blinking. She appeared somewhat uneasy. Beom gripped her purse as he stood stiffly by the door."I won't tell you! You'll tease me again!-" Beom snapped, frantically swinging the door open, and bolted out of the bathroom to avoid her."Oh?!- Hey! Yah! Jae Beom! Who is it?!- You better tell me! Beom!" Soomin gasped while chasing Beom through the hallway."No! I won't tell you! Stop following me!-" Beom whined as he jogged through the corridor to outrace her... but Soomin funnily shrieked and chased him in her high heels."My purse! You stupid fool!- My purse!!! Where are you running off to with my purse?!-" Soomin screamed. Beom abruptly halted in realization and glanced down at Soomin's purse before spinning around to face the alpha as she stormed up to him with an annoyed look."Oops," Beom pursed his lips in embarrassment."Hah~! Stupid jerk!" Soomin aggressively snatched her purse from his grip. Jerk! Beom flinched at her aggression as she glared at him and stomped off with an attitude."Are you mad at me? Hey!-" Beom quickly grabbed her shoulder when she suddenly spun around and roughly shoved the alpha against the wall with a dark frown. Thump! Beom froze in his place as she paralyzed him with her fierce glare. "Who is it that you like?!" She seethed. Beom bit his lips in fright as the alpha threatened him in the empty corridor. "I won't tell you! Why are you so curious?!-" Beom snapped but was cut short when Soomin suddenly cupped his cheeks to hold him firmly against the wall."Because I like you! Who is it that you find more attractive than me?!" Soomin snapped while glaring at Beom. He froze in his position with his terrified gaze on her."I- What..?" Beom blinked, utterly dumbfounded by her confession."I asked if you're involved with anyone before! You said you had no interest in anyone! But you now claim to like someone?! Who is it?!" Soomin whined as she impatiently gripped Beom's face in annoyance."What are you going to do to her... if I tell you...?" Beom fearfully blinked at her determined gaze."I will prove I'm better than her!" Soomin snapped. Silence. Beom unsurely observed her frustrated face."How can you be better than yourself...?" He whispered. Soomin frowned, unable to process his words- but eventually froze and glanced at Beom with a startled expression."What?-" Soomin released his face in surprise but was immediately cut short when Beom seized her waist with one arm and yanked her forward to attack her lips with his. Soomin's eyes widened in a panic as the alpha tilted his face to kiss her... so she gripped his shirt and closed her eyes until Beom... drew his moist lips away to scan her shaken expression. "I've always... wanted to see you with colors..." Beom whispered while eyeing Soomin's bright red face."Colors...?" Soomin blinked... clearly still starstruck by his surprising kiss."You always wear plain and dull colors... so it's kinda nice... to witness pretty blooming roses on your cheeks for the first time," Beom smiled... referring to her red cheeks. Soomin sucked in her breath while staring at the alpha's smug expression, so he leaned forward again to gently stroke her lips. Soomin exhaled after a moment of savoring his strokes and circled her arms around his neck as Beom coiled his arms around her waist to draw her closer to him."You are the color that I crave," She whispered against his lips. Beom chuckled at her statement, so Soomin smiled and clutched tightly onto him when they suddenly heard footsteps in the corridor... so the couple quickly snapped in the direction to find... Kanghoon... kissing Jiyoung."Oh- Hyung!-""Shhh! Are you serious right now?!- Do you always greet them whenever you meet?!-" Soomin firmly clasped her hand over Beom's lips when he unconsciously called for Kanghoon and dragged the alpha away. Beom chuckled and raced after Soomin... until they ran right into... Hajin."Oh! You scared me!" Hajin gasped while patting her beating chest, and glanced at Beom, whose face was smeared with red lipstick. The heiress froze and glanced down at... Jae Beom and Jeon Soomin's interlaced fingers. "What are you doing here?! Are you having a secret affair with another alpha too?!" Beom gasped. Hajin frowned and smiled at her clueless brother."I was just... heading to the bathroom. Lipstick... it's all over your lips," Hajin giggled, causing Beom to flush bright red, so he quickly snatched his handkerchief from his pocket to wipe his lips as Soomin stood frozen beside the flustered man."It's just- we were-""Don't worry! I won't tell anyone!" Hajin shook her head with a cheerful smile."He's such a quirky man," Soomin grumbled as she glanced at Beom."You actually picked out the best one out of everyone. Beom is the best~!" Hajin laughed, funnily patting Soomin's shoulder."He's a hot loser," Soomin nodded."No. Beom is a freaking hot genius in disguise as a loser! Have you ever seen his body?! He has crazy hot abs!- Beomie actually works out a lot at home! He's a jackpot, really! Check him out if you don't believe me!" Hajin teased her older brother."You've got abs?!- Show me!" Soomin gasped, trying to yank his shirt upward."Ah!?! *#&%^?!!- So embarrassing! No!" Beom shrieked, funnily pushing Soomin away, who laughed and glared at her boyfriend."He's a bit shy~!" Hajin covered her lips. Beom brightly beamed as he held Soomin's hand, so Hajin happily clapped for them before strolling back toward the venue to join the crowd of alphas. Dohyun was trying hard to impress Min's daughter, who was shyly laughing at the alpha humorous jokes."I'll find Woobin oppa!" Hajin waved at Beom and quickly pushed through the crowd until she spotted Woobin conversing with her parents with one of the high-ranking households."Oppa!" Hajin smiled, happily clinging to Woobin's forearm as she squeezed between the eldest son and her father to join the circle."Oh! This is my daughter! Kim Hajin! Hajin, this is the Go family!" Taehyung proudly patted Hajin's back. She politely bowed at the elders as Woobin carefully removed her hand from his forearm."You're so cute! Woobin never told me about you before! I didn't know he had a little sister!" Hera brightly smiled at Hajin, who blinked at the pretty alpha and glanced at Woobin's weak smile in surprise."You guys met before...?" Hajin asked while staring at the alpha unsurely."Of course! Hera and Woobin used to study together at their previous middle school and even at a university in Europe! He'd always invite her to hang out at the castle! Who wouldn't know Woobin?! He's a heartthrob!" Mrs. Go happily beamed at Woobin. Hajin's smile immediately faded at the overloading information... so she blinked and glanced at Woobin's uncomfortable smile. "Ah- Are you perhaps... his girlfriend...?" Hajin uneasily smiles at the woman. Hera giggled."We dated for a while. Woobin said he wanted to return home after he completed his PhD... so we took a break since he returned," Jiwon nodded. A sharp stab suddenly stung Hajin's chest... so she gripped her dress and glanced at Woobin again, who quickly shifted his startled eyes away to avoid her."You guys may resume your relationship now that Hera is revealed! We look forward to allying with the supreme alphas!" Mr. Go chuckled, firmly reaching out to shake Taehyung's hand."Aigo~! We will invite you for dinner! Woobin would be pleased to dine with Hera!" Sora giggled as she patted Hera's bare shoulder. Woobin gripped his hand and worriedly glanced at Hajin... who was blankly standing beside him with a poker face. He lowered his hand to try and pat her back when Hajin suddenly stepped aside to avoid his touch."I'll- find Mirae," Hajin forced a smile, suddenly spinning on her heels and hurried off with a blank face. Woobin frowned and chased his gaze after her anxiously before glancing back at Hera, who was eagerly smiling at him.
A moment later.
Kim Hajin sat composedly in the back seat of the car with her eyes fixed on the road in her formal gown as Woobin sat beside her with a tense expression. He glanced at the muted heiress... who had been silent since they left the venue together. He exhaled and glanced at the clueless driver before lowering his hand to touch Hajin's hand, but she quickly pulled her hand away with her blank gaze trained on the road."My lady. Young master. We're here," The driver informed as they drove through the hilltop mansion's front yard to join the other cars. Hajin quickly shoved the door open, stormed past her siblings and parents... who were chatting with each other... and marched straight toward the mansion with a dark frown.
A moment later.
"Oh?!- Honey! Where are you going?!" Sora paused once she strolled through the front door to find Hajin carrying a small bag over her shoulder, still dressed in her formal gown. Woobin pursed his lips as he watched Hajin stomp down the concrete stairs on her high heels. She angrily shoved past the clueless twins without responding to her bewildered mother."The vacation house! I want to be alone, so don't bother me!" Hajin snapped while stomping over the front yard, causing Taehyung to glance at his wife with a baffled look. Hajin screamed at the driver to take her away and got in the car before her family members could process her attitude."She was... so cheerful earlier....? What happened?" Beom muttered, unsurely staring at the closed gate."Did you upset her again?!" Kanghoon glanced at Woobin."Aigo~! You just got along- but she's already upset again?!" Sora whined. Taehyung lowered his head to rub his forehead and shook his head in disbelief."I'll speak to her. Everyone should head inside," Woobin forced a smile. The twins shook their heads and walked up the stairs in exhaustion. They patted Beom to nudge their younger brother, who turned to enter the mansion with their parents. Woobin exhaled... strolled over to the yard to take one of the cars... and drove out into the dead of night to chase the infuriated heiress.
The next morning.
Kim Hajin groaned in discomfort while rubbing her strained neck as she strolled down the stairs in her nightgown with a throbbing head, messed up hair, and swollen eyes from crying and drinking her father's liquor the previous night. The heiress suddenly froze on the ground floor of the beach house once she noticed... Woobin... sitting on the couch in his casual clothes. The eldest son slept in the living room for the night without informing her so he could secure her safety. "I made breakfast... so have it-" Woobin tried to speak but was cut short when Hajin suddenly stormed forward, seized the plate from the table, and slammed the steaming meal right in Woobin's face. SMACK. The man froze in his position- CLATTER... The dirty plate rolled onto the floor as Hajin fumed over him with her raging glower."Get the fuck out of my face," She sneered as her pupils dilated with scorching flames. Woobin closed his eyes to suppress his boiling temper and slowly... rose to his feet with a face full of food stains... as he dangerously shifted his darkened gaze... to challenge her spiteful glare."Hajin- will you please fucking listen to me first?!" Woobin seethed. "I said get out you fucking liar!-""Yah?!- Aren't you being a bit too much?!" Woobin shouted at Hajin, suddenly losing his patience once she tried to shove him aside- but he roughly caught her arm with a deadly glower on her unyielding glare."Too much?!- You lied to me! You fucking lied to me! You said you never kissed anyone before! Let alone date a woman! But hah~! There she was! Smiling so brightly at you! Men like you disgust me!" Hajin screamed, angrily stepping forward to confront Woobin with her baring fangs."We broke up before I left!-""But she said you took a break! She's obviously here to finish the deal! Why did you have to fucking lie to me?! That's why you never wanted to touch me before the household's eyes! You keep tugging my grip off your body because it isn't me- who you fucking love! It's her!" Hajin shrieked as she tearfully stared up at Woobin."Did you expect us to display our affection before our parents?! And our siblings?!-""Fucking coward!- Get out!- I don't want to ever speak with you again! If you can't handle me- then why did you embrace me!?- I told you!- I told you- I will not play pretend to be on good terms with you!!!- But being the greedy asshole you are!- You chose to fake your feelings to mislead me so I'd forgive you! That's why you never wanted to touch me! That's why you didn't even bother to try and fuck me when I pathetically gave you access to my body! It's because of your lover!" Hajin screamed at his burning face until the heavy tear streaks dampened her pale face. "Did you actually think the household would approve of our relationship?! I didn't want to hurt you-""So you lied? YOU LIED?!- AND DECEIVED ME!?- HAH~! IS THIS A SICK JOKE TO YOU?! OKAY!- LEAVE! BE THE GOOD MAN! BE THE GOOD SON YOU ARE AND GO BACK TO THE MANSION!- DON'T EVER TRY TO TOUCH OR SPEAK TO ME AGAIN!- YOU HEAR ME?! I DON'T FUCKING NEED A FUCKING LIAR IN MY LIFE! GO!!!- DON'T STAND HERE WITH YOUR FUCKING HIDEOUS GLARE!- FUCK OFF!" Hajin bellowed with her burning pupils as she furiously shoved Woobin to force him out of the villa. "Hajin- I'm sorry- calm down-""NO! NO!! NO!!!- I'VE HAD ENOUGH! YOU ARE THE WORST KIND OF EVIL TO EXIST IN THIS WORLD- AND I AM A FUCKING FOOL FOR LETTING YOU TEAR MY OLD WOUND APART AGAIN!- I SAID LEAVE! ARE YOU DEAF?!" Hajin shrieked, tearfully glaring at the man with her flared nostrils... until hot tears spilled from her soaked lashes. Woobin dimly stared at her shattered condition with a fuming red face.The man huffed at her stubbornness, angrily shoved her aside, and stormed out of the villa with his smudged face and dirty clothes. Hajin whimpered in pain as she watched him storm out of the door. SLAM! Woobin banged the door shut, so Hajin sobbed and lowered her face to whimper in distress while clutching her aching chest until she weakly wobbled to the ground. 
The walls of tears... blinding her blurry vision at a violent rupture of her bleeding heart until she could hardly breathe through her stuffy nose. 
The heiress helplessly whimpered and gripped her chest in pain to resist the swelling emotions. She screamed in despair while fighting to stop herself from crying... but the hot tear streams did not cease as they coated her face with the aftermath of her overwhelming miseries. Hajin resentfully lifted her blurry vision to glare at the... cold winter sea... with her burning red pupils. The heiress suddenly launched to her feet- stormed toward the glass door, and stumbled into the freezing cold opening. She rubbed her tears in extreme anger- Splash! Hajin sobbed out loud and stormed into the icy sea water... frantically splashing into the deep end. The heiress wept in anguish as she shivered in the freezing cold water.... until the steady tides rose to her chin. Splash! Splash!

Kim Hajin sniffled for the last time and... eventually sunk beneath the calm surface to submerge into the bone-chilling waves... without stirring up the surface... and disappeared into the winter sea... in the hope of putting out the flames in her soul with the icy pricks... ultimately numbing the internal bleeding... as the ice frost.... sealed the deep gash... to shut off the unbearable pain... from crushing her weak soul.
The once noisy beach villa... eventually grew hushed again as it sat alone before the calm sea... without a single... living soul in sight... as the gentle waves... swept over the dull shore until... a small... ribbon... washed up on the beach... before the cold depth... of the gloomy sea.

A visible wound can easily be healed with a bandage or a numbing cream... but an internal wound...?

It can't be easily treated and if left unattended... the contagious gash will endlessly bleed and infect the body with the invisible poison... until the soul rots and withers... ultimately succumbing to a tragic demise... and ending one's purpose... to live.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Third Person POV
Choi Woobin stormed straight towards his parked car with a dark frown, hastily flinging the door open, and slipped into the driver's seat with a face smeared with greasy food sauce as bulging veins... formed over his strained neck. His blood was boiling and his temples... pulsating out of control at the thoughts of Kim Hajin's headstrong resistance toward his patience. Thump! Thump!"ARGH!" The man angrily bellowed in rage while hammering his fists against the steering wheel to expel his scorching rage with a fiery scowl.He aggressively kicked the compartment- producing a loud thump at the colliding impact of his shoes- as his buff chest inflated and deflated rapidly to regulate his explosive discontentment. The man couldn't breathe properly because of his disrupted airflow- and only after a moment of fighting the urge to leave the heiress's side impulsively... did he eventually lower his sweaty face to contain his anger as the searing emotions tore through his heated chest."Fucking hell," Woobin cursed, shakily lifting his face off the steering wheel to lean against the headrest with his eyes closed and fumed in frustration.It isn't his nature to lose his temper over a mere inconvenience... but Kim Hajin? The thought of her alone could fuel a scorching blaze within his soul. He couldn't understand how anyone could be so stubborn and immature. The man swallowed the hard lump in his throat while sitting alone in the muted car for roughly ten minutes... without starting the engine.Choi Woobin eventually exhaled for the last time, shoved the car door open, and strode back toward the villa- Thud. It is his duty to secure her safety so he can't leave her side, not even when he can't stand her presence. The man pushed open the door, expecting to see her trashing the place, but for some reason... the villa was dead quiet.The opposite door leading to the gloomy beach was... wide open... as the cold wind gusts coursed into the villa with its frosty chills. The man paused to scan the hushed space with a dark frown, unsurely questioning the heiress's abrupt absence... before storming through the villa to step out into the opening... until he spotted the stamps of fresh footprints over the sand... leading right to the... winter sea."Kim Hajin?!-" Woobin shouted for her. He jogged over the beach with a dreadful feeling, suddenly halting in shock once he found a single strand of the familiar ribbon... washing on the shore. Splash! Splash! The man scoffed in disbelief and frantically splashed into the calm surface to search for the missing soul."Hajin?! Are you fucking out of your mind?! HAJIN-AH!-" Woobin bellowed at the top of his lungs but all he could hear was the subtle whistles of the gusting wind. The man paddled deeper into the cold water to search the shallow waves with a frightened expression... until he noticed... a white gown floating in the deep end."Yah!?- Hajin!-" Woobin gasped, leaping over the water to reach her as the freezing wind current stung his skin with its frostbite. The man hastily snatched the silk gown and hurled her body out of the water with a thundering heart. "Ah!" Hajin shrieked, wildly clinging to his neck with burning red eyes once he yanked her head out of the water, causing Woobin to freeze at her startled expression as the heiress rubbed the slimy snot from her nostrils."WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Woobin shouted at her face in extreme anger."Don't touch me!- Why are you still here?!- I was taking a dip!" Hajin shrieked, angrily shoving the man away in irritation while rubbing her face to wipe the salty water from her eyelids. He assumed she had drowned in the sea- and his soul almost left his body at the sight of her floating gown. Woobin scoffed at Hajin's reactive refute in disbelief after realizing... she was completely fine."ARE YOU FUCKING NUTS?!-" Woobin seethed as he aggressively seized her wrist, causing Hajin to whimper in discomfort as the surging pain expanded up her forearm. She grimaced at his harshness- and thrashed in the water with her soaked hair stuck to her pale face- but Woobin refused to release the heiress and roughly dragged her through the water with his jaw clenched. Hajin shrieked in extreme displeasure as she furiously fought to free herself from the man."LET GO OF ME! WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH YOU?! I TOLD YOU TO LEAVE!-""HOW DARE YOU PRETEND TO DROWN IN THE SEA?!" Woobin screamed at her face until unconscious tears spilled from his burning red eyes. Hajin abruptly paused to examine the visible teardrop over Woobin's damp cheeks, utterly taken aback by his leaking emotions."Did you think I'd die for a piece of shit like you?- Pft!- You're the one with a delusional mind to assume I'd fucking drown myself for a fucking liar like you! YOU'RE THE ONE DISTURBING MY PEACE- AND YET- YOU DARE TO RAISE YOUR VOICE AT ME?!" Hajin rashly shoved Woobin with her raging glare directed at his deadly glower.Woobin scoffed at her outburst while brushing back his dripping wet hair, so Hajin yanked her arm out of his grip and stormed inside the villa in her gown with a fuming red face... after the eldest son misunderstood her harmless dip as an intentional suicidal act. Choi clenched his jaw and marched after Kim Hajin."You did it on purpose, didn't you!?- Don't fucking try to gaslight me!- YOU INTEND TO ACCUSE ME OF HARMING YOU AGAIN WITH YOUR IDOITIC STUNTS!" Woobin sneered, attempting to yank Hajin again- SLAP! The eldest son froze inside the frigid living room upon receiving the blunt blow to his left cheek. He scoffed and glanced at the heiress in shock. Hajin seethed at the man with her eyebrows furrowed as he stood stiffly over her until he felt the burning sensation... numbing his poker face."Even if I was to drown myself... I'd never do it for you. I never begged you to save me either- so don't spit dead skin cells at me. The only people I'm willing to respect are my family! And you're not one of them! You're a fucking nobody!- Alright?!- Who do you think you are to raise your fucking tone at me?! I'm Kim Hajin! The supreme alpha's only daughter!- And I will never allow a fucking man like you to disrespect me! Leave my fucking house right now!" Hajin shrieked while pointing at the door with her spiteful glare on the man. Woobin darkened his stony stare and lowered his gaze to the wet silk... embracing the curves of her body."Do you want the answer so badly...? Hmm...?" Woobin grunted, suddenly stepping forward to glower at the heiress in extreme displeasure. She stood her ground with her face tilted upward to challenge the towering man as the cold water droplet... trickled from his nose tip and dripping onto the heiress's pulsating chest.
Choi Woobin was three times bigger than her, but Kim Hajin firmly stood her ground... without the slightest glimpse of fear. The heiress glowered at the man with her father's lethal darkness.
"Are you deaf?! I don't wish to hear your stupid excuses!-"Choi Woobin aggressively snatched her wrist and forced her to grip his hardened crotch. The heiress flinched at the shocking hand placement... and glanced down in a panic. She attempted to yank her hand away- but Woobin refused to release her and made Hajin clutch... the hump over his pants with his jaw clenched."Yeah? This is the confirmation... right? To prove my love? Hmm...? Fucking feel my hard cock right now- and tell me- Hajin- if I ever lied to you about my feelings!?! I tried desperately to dominate my self-control around your lewd behavior whenever you lick- suck- and stroke my body with your fucking pretty lips- because I respected you too much to let my selfish desire overtake my raging lust!- But you'll never listen- Hmm?!- So feel my fucking dick and tell me if I'm not fucking aroused by your transparent naked body under the wet gown!" Woobin sneered in her face in extreme agitation."IS THIS YOUR DEFINITION OF LOVE?! TO HAVE MY COCK HARD FOR YOU!? TELL ME!- IS THIS THE REASSURANCE YOU NEED?! FOR ME TO THIRST FOR YOUR BODY LIKE A BARBARIC BEAST- DESIRING TO TEAR YOUR LEGS APART- SO I CAN FUCK YOUR WOMB OUT?! IS THAT WHAT YOU CALL LOVE?!" Woobin seethed, fiercely lowering his blazing face toward Hajin's startled doe eyes as he firmly made her grip his hard bulge. Hajin blinked at his bewildering acts and glanced down at his erect shaft... before shifting her tense gaze back to him- suddenly appearing somewhat uncomfortable by his harsh confrontation."That doesn't change the fact you were with another woman-""I said I have nothing to do with her anymore! Why is it that you always refuse to hear my justifications!?- I indeed wished to take a break after my return- but ever since- you infected me with your poisonous touch, and after witnessing the nudity of your fucking body- It is not her!- That I dream of holding!" Woobin angrily interrupted the heiress."It's you! Kim Hajin! It is you that gets my dick hard! It is you who gets my heart yearning for more! You are the fucking somebody on my mind every fucking day! And- What is it with you and the victim cries??!- What are you getting out of this!? Crying! Screaming! Cursing! Running away like a fucking coward and then blaming me when I didn't even raise my fingers to fucking bruise your skin!- Not once!" Woobin roared at her face."Why are you the victim in this affair when I'm clearly the desperate man- pathetically trying to plead for your forgiveness! Am I the coward?!- Or are you the coward playing your ridiculous victimhood game to get back at me?!" Woobin shrieked at her startled face until unconscious tears... slipped from his glassy pupils. Hajin stared at his upset expression... until she realized... he wasn't mad. Rather... Choi Woobin is severely wounded by her persistent neglect of his raw emotions and efforts to appease her."Whatever," Hajin hastily jerked her hand away from his crotch, quickly spinning around and hurried up the stairs to avoid Choi Woobin, who helplessly stood in tears. He shakily exhaled and glared at the heiress as she sprinted away to avoid facing his confrontation- Thud. He heard her banging the door shut. Woobin exhaled and rubbed his burning face in defeat.
A moment later.
The heiress sat blankly on her parent's chaise lounge in their master bedroom, dressed in her mother's nightgown she had borrowed from the closet. Hajin didn't pack enough clothes for her stay at the villa. She quietly gazed at the afternoon sea with her legs crossed... gloomily brooding over the explosive fights with the eldest son... until she heard the door opening behind her back. She didn't budge and kept her blank gaze on the dull scenery until Woobin appeared in casual clothes. He grimly observed her composed behavior as he settled on the edge of the chaise lounge. She didn't acknowledge his existence.

"Can we please speak sensibly? Without... the arguments? Can you do that?" Woobin dimmed his gaze on her unresponsive attitude. Kim Hajin remained muted with her blank gaze on the dark afternoon sea... until she gave in and shifted her wearied gaze to the man without turning her head and looked Woobin up and down in annoyance."You do realize... I'm trying hard not to give you a black eye?" Hajin grumbled. Woobin cautiously scooted closer to her... but the man made sure to maintain enough distance between them so she wouldn't feel threatened by his presence."It's difficult for me to communicate with you when you're always screaming and running away. I try- to be patient with you- Hajin... you can't react to problems in this manner. I let you off when you were young, but you're grown now... so please... do not avoid the problem with your habits of gaslighting others. You're only worsening the situation by acting and speaking on a reckless impulse to dodge your faults. You have every right to be- upset with me- but please... give me a chance to properly address the situation," Woobin exhaled, calmly speaking to her. Hajin crossed her arms and finally turned her glowering face to Woobin. It appeared she wanted to scream at him... but she didn't and stayed hushed."I'm still standing by my terms and conditions. If you don't want this relationship. Then do not hold onto me, and we'll separate our ways. I'll live quietly... and I won't associate with you anymore. I will not preserve our past and treat you as nobody," Hajin shrugged. Woobin gazed at her cold stare and glanced at the calm sea before them."And if I choose you?" Woobin asked, glancing back at Hajin."I will refrain from displaying my affection in front of our family, but- you have to cut off all ties with your lover. She might've been there with you first... but if you choose me... then I do not wish to stress my mind over another woman," Hajin muttered. Woobin blinked out of his pondering thoughts and glanced at Hajin in defeat."Alright. I'm sorry. I'm at fault for being dishonest with you about my relationship. I honestly didn't want to upset you because I thought you'd be bothered by my past affairs. That was... foolish of me. And about our childhood conflict... I do not have an excuse to treat you the way I did. I was also at fault for not addressing the situation before I departed. I figured you'd never want to see me again because you're always upset around me. That is the reason I chose to stay away for so long. I figured you'd be happier without my presence until our parents visited and... harabeoji... told me... you're still waiting for my return," Woobin mumbled while staring at his hands."Is that why you returned?" Hajin asked. Woobin lifted his torn expression to her."I felt guilty. I didn't know... you'd be deeply scarred by my departure because I honestly view our dispute... as a childish fight... but you were... heartbroken by my neglect. I felt really sorry for taking your feelings ever so slightly. That's the reason... you're only reactive with me and not with everyone else. That's alright. I understand. I'm responsible for your trauma. I returned early in the hope of reconciling with you... but you didn't even recognize me- and I couldn't bring myself to admit my identity because you were so easygoing and cheerful around me. I was afraid... you'd... withdraw yourself again if you knew who I was and you did. You completely neglected me once you uncovered my true identity," Woobin muttered."I don't want you to choose me just because you're sorry. That's not enough to sustain a relationship. If you agree to do this because you're holding yourself accountable for breaking my heart... then don't bother. I will not be pity love by you," Hajin exhaled. Woobin dimmed his gaze on Hajin's dismissal and scooted forward again to sit right beside her. The heiress turned her head to search his troubled frown with an uneasy feeling.

"I've never been the same since you... kissed and touched me all over. It feels wrong... but... I still want to hold you. I try- to suppress my desire to avoid being an untamed beast like all the other male species... but it appears... you've misunderstood... my self-control as a mere act of disinterest," Woobin whispered, gently lifting his warm palm to hold Hajin's soft cheek and stroke her rosy skin... seemingly torn by her false assumption... of his genuine feelings. Hajin didn't react to his touch and sat quietly in the muted room."I'm not used to your restrained love language. It makes me question my worth and- I self-sabotage because I'm unsure of how you feel for me," Hajin replied while maintaining eye contact with Woobin. He nodded upon hearing her displeasure with his apathetic love language and lowered his gaze to her lips before leaning forward to softly brush her lips. Hajin closed her eyes uneasily at his tender strokes."So transparency is your request...?" He whispered, slightly pulling away to search her pale face. Hajin nodded. Woobin leaned in again and pressed his lips against hers to soothe her unsettled soul with the steady strokes of his lips. She didn't hold onto him and gripped her fists restlessly as Woobin kissed her before the calm scenery. Smooch. Smooch.The wet strokes of their lips resonated within the hushed room. Woobin eventually withdrew his moist lips from hers again and tilted his face to kiss Hajin's neck, causing the heiress to stiffen in her position... as he pressed his cold tongue against her bare flesh. And for the first time... the man fondled her breast over the thin silk of her gown... causing Hajin to shudder at his foreign touch over her body."O- Oppa-" Hajin stuttered, nervously pressing her palms against his chest to gently push him away. Woobin opened his piercing eyes to question her hesitation as he groped her left breast, refusing to release her. She blinked nervously and glanced down at his firm grip on her chest and back up at his straight face."You're uncomfortable...? Should I stop...?" Woobin asked. Hajin shook her head with her lips pursed, suddenly leaning forward to hug his neck with her nose buried against his shoulder. Woobin drew the heiress into a comforting embrace over the chaise lounge... once she agreed to settle their conflict."I don't want you to stop," Hajin whispered against his shoulder.Woobin inhaled, suddenly rising from the lounge with his arms secured around her body, and strode across the room to rest the heiress on the king-size bed. Hajin swallowed as she watched the man crawl over her body until he leaned down to pin his lips over hers so she shakily gripped onto his shoulder as the eldest son... adjusted his position to slip between her thighs while kneading her breast until she moaned in difficulty."Spread your legs for me," Woobin whispered as he got up between Hajin's legs. She bit her lips- flustered by his demand as he made her bend her parted knees before him. Woobin carefully monitored Hajin's timid frown and softly lifted the gown to her hips... until she was exposed in her white panty.Woobin softly kissed her kneecap and scooted his body forward to sit between her legs and very gently pressed his finger pads against the thin cloth covering her crotch, causing Hajin to tense her body at the slight friction over her private part. Woobin carefully observed her calm response and gently stroked the heiress over the panty to stimulate her sensitive clitoris with the pressure of his fingers. Hajin fearfully bit her fingers while resting over the pillow and shifted her gaze to find Woobin... gazing at her with a sharp stare."Hngh~!" Hajin screwed her face in discomfort the longer he teased her. Woobin rubbed his thumb over the fabric until he noticed... a small wet stain... seeping over the cloth."Are you not used to this....? You've never done it before with your boyfriend?" Woobin asked as he slipped his hand beneath her panty sleeves to touch her raw flesh. Hajin shakily inhaled at the bare touch of his roaming fingers and shook her head with a nervous frown once she felt the intense heat... expanding between her thighs."He- he touched me- down there too but-""But...?" Woobin asked with his thick eyebrow lifted. Hajin opened her eyes to stare at Woobin as he rubbed the wet slit of her private part in an up-and-down motion."I don't know. It feels weird with you- Ah~? What are you?!- Oppa~!" Hajin tried to speak when Woobin suddenly inserted his finger inside her, causing Hajin to flinch in shock. She quickly reached down to grab Woobin's hand in a panic- but he didn't pull away and gently rubbed the contracting internal muscular canal of her lady part in an upward motion.Hajin frowned at Woobin with her lips ajar as she felt him invading her inside with his finger until Woobin gently removed her hand from her crotch. The heiress remained paralyzed in her position as he played with her inside with his skilled foreplay."Why are you so startled...? You wanted to do it... but you're so anxious?" Woobin muttered as he thrust his two fingers inside her. Hajin briefly lifted her head off the pillow to watch the man finger her and slump back down with a terrified face, unsteadily pulsating over the mattress until she could hardly breathe. She never had... anyone put their fingers inside her before- and although she was uncomfortable at first... her body began to throb for his touch the more he massaged her inside."He never- Seojun never- did this before-""So he touched you... but he never... fingered you like this?" Woobin finished her sentence once she failed to speak.Hajin nodded in distress and covered her face in embarrassment before moaning aloud and tried to twist her hips, but Woobin firmly held her in place. Squelch. Squelch. Kim Hajin's face started burning in extreme heat with every wet stroke she felt... thumping inside her raw opening. Choi Woobin softly scoffed and lowered his eyes to her soaked lady part... and suddenly... he leaned downward to lick her juicy slit- causing Hajin to jerk in a panic at the wet stroke of his tongue."Oppa!? Hah~!- What the hell!?-" Hajin gasped, quickly sitting up in horror to find Woobin caressing her private part with his lips. She shrieked in shock when he sucked onto her pleasure nerves, so she quickly gripped his head to push him away."Stay still!- Why are you so frightened? Is it hurting you?" Woobin snapped, lifting his face to frown at her startled expression. Hajin pouted as she shakily held his head between her thighs."No- No but- It's just- Why are you- Ah~! Oppa~! Hah~! Hah~! I'm burning! This is so weird~!" Hajin tried to complain but moaned and gasped in distress once he shoved his face back against her crotch.Woobin pushed Hajin's shoulders to make her lay down again and seized each side of her thighs to hold the heiress in place as he invaded her entrance with his wild tongue movement and intensely sucked her sensitive clitoris- until Hajin whimpered and collapsed back onto the pillow with her terrified eyes directed on the ceiling. She coughed in a panic and reached down to hold his head as he firmly held her legs apart to feast on her raw flavor."Tell me if you're hurting," Woobin reminded, suddenly fingering her again while smooching her crotch. Hajin cried in pleasure and covered her mouth to stifle her voice as the paralyzing surge expanded all over her crotch. She gasped and gripped the pillow in distress with the dirty activities of his fingers... rubbing relentlessly all over her inside until the electrifying friction jerked her body over the mattress."Oppa~! I can't- This is too much~! Hah~! I'm going crazy!" Hajin shrieked, quickly lifting her flushed face to frown at the eldest son while gasping for air... but he refused to hear her complaints and ate her out and licked her all over until Hajin seethed and threw her head back while curling her toes to withstand the smothering pleasure. Woobin eventually stopped tasting her and lifted his face to observe Hajin's sweaty hairline with a smug smile as she whimpered and reached down to pat his hair with a pleading look."Behave. I'll take care of you," Woobin grunted while crawling over her body to pin his lips against hers.Hajin shakily gripped his muscular shoulders as he rested her on the pillow and gently lifted the gown off her head to toss it aside. The man shifted his lustful gaze to perky breasts and lowered his head to lick her hard nipple with his slippery tongue, causing Hajin to clench her jaw in extreme anxiety as he fondled and sucked onto her youthful bosoms. She glanced at the calm sea while fuming in the heat with every wet stroke or pinch she felt over the tip of her breast."Where did you- learn to do this?-" Hajin shakily whispered as she watched Woobin flick her tip with his tongue. She squirmed and gripped his head in difficulty as the electrifying pleasure fired down to her throbbing private part."You are my first experiment," Woobin smiled, sitting up on the bed to slip off his shirt and toss it aside as Hajin hyperventilated on the mattress. She glanced down in anticipation as Woobin slipped his pants off his hips to reveal his already... hard cock. She pursed her lips at the sight of his raw bulge and flushed even redder until her bare crotch started thirsting for his presence."Liar! I know you did this with her-""I did have sex with her but- I've never been this lewd. And why are you so stiff?- Didn't your boyfriend treat you well?" Woobin chuckled, lowering his face to kiss her inner thighs until her inner thighs were coated with his saliva. Hajin shivered in distress as he licked his way up to her groin and gently nibbled on her sensitive clit again. She seethed in pleasure with her face tilted upward and her back arching over the humid mattress."He doesn't t-touch me like this! We just- do it!" Hajin whined as he taunted her with his poisonous touch. Woobin chuckled while jerking himself between her opened legs and sat up to watch her shiver over the mattress."Did he wear a condom when you did it?" Woobin asked as he studied Hajin's fearful expression while massaging his thumb over her moist slit."Of course!" Hajin nodded and gripped the pillow in fright as Woobin lowered his hot body to nudge his raw tip against her crotch. She shuddered at the presence of his warm tip while eyeing Woobin's smug expression."So... you've never taken... a man... raw before?" Woobin whispered, sexily lifting his thick eyebrow to question her. Hajin stiffly nodded with her hand over her chest, causing Woobin to chuckle at her adorable confession."Wae~? Why are you teasing me so much~!" Hajin whined, cutely pouting at him as she watched Woobin rub his slippery shaft of his hard penis between the slit over her raw flesh to get her ready for his entry."So this the first time... a man is truly inside... you... huh?" He grunted, slowly pushing his way through her opening. Hajin curled her toes with her lips ajar as he slipped inside her, but he didn't penetrate all the way and teased her with just his tips. Hajin whimpered and reached down to hold his forearm in anticipation as Woobin gently humped her wet opening to excite her nerves with a devilish smile."This is my first time doing it raw- Hah~!" Hajin stuttered, fearfully looking down again, but tilted her head over the pillow in difficulty once he penetrated her and gently thrust his hips forward to shove his bulge all the way into her. Woobin bit his lower lips in satisfaction once he felt Hajin's warmness engulfing his shaft and crawled over her body to silence the frightened heiress with his slick tongue as he carefully withdrew and shoved his raw meat inside... to fill up her throbbing canal."Make as much noise as you want," Woobin chuckled while cupping her cheeks and suddenly accelerated the pace of his forceful thrust once he was ready to have her.Hajin gasped in shock and hugged his neck tightly until tears filled her eyes, so Woobin turned his face to kiss her neck as he pounded inside her wet canal, causing Hajin to shriek at the hot surge of pleasure while clinging to his body until Woobin gave in to her and rested his bare torso over hers. He moaned and kissed her ear with his eyes closed and eyebrows furrowed... at how tightly she was sucking onto him."You're so hot~! Why are you burning inside me?!" Hajin shrieked, shoving Woobin off her chest once she felt her inside melting at the friction of their intercourse. Woohin laughed at her terrified expression and sat up between her legs to fuck her raw on the bed."Does it feel good~? Why do you look so angry?! You're the nervous one! I tried to get you loose, but you're gripping so tightly onto me!" Woobin teased her cute frown. Hajin whined and reached down to press her palms over her lower torso as he steadily pounded through her throbbing entrance without the need to use lubricants because she was already soaked."My body is burning! Hah~! I feel so weird!" Hajin arched her back while rubbing her red neck in distress. Woobin smiled as he watched her squirm helplessly beneath him."Aigo~! You're only a beginner~?! But you were so fierce and confident about doing it? You poor thing~!" Woobin chuckled as he crawled over her body to hug her. Hajin fearfully held onto his muscular back for support and buried her face against his chest... so he kissed her cheeks and proceeded to thrust inside... until Hajin sniffled and moaned uncontrollably beneath him."Oppa- I need to pee! I need to pee! Get off! Oppa! Please! I really need to use the bathroom! I'm going to pee!" Hajin smacked his shoulder once she felt the uncomfortable pressure swelling inside her crotch."What?-""I need to pee!" Hajin shrieked as she hastily pounded his chest. Woobin frowned at her troubled expression and suddenly pinned her wrists onto the mattress to hold her down. He moaned in pleasure and fucked her harder until he felt his balls slapping against her flesh."Do it on the bed-""What?! Are you crazy?!-""I said do it on the bed! I'm not stopping!" Woobin snapped, forcefully clutching her neck, and slammed Hajin back down when she tried to sit up.The man grunted and pounded harder, causing Hajin to scream in fright as the hot juice blasted out of her throbbing lady part. Squirt! Hajin shrieked and lifted her head in horror as Woobin slipped out of her to let her discharge splatter all over her torso. She gasped and tried to scramble off the bed, but Woobin forced her back down and fingered her at a shocking speed until she screeched and thrashed in distress while being consumed by the extreme pleasure. Squirt~! Squirt~!She cried in fear as the last discharge shot out of her swollen lady part. Woobin scoffed and roughly jerked himself over her until his semen fired out of the tip... and splattering onto her... crotch. The man groaned in relief with a troubled frown... before slumping weakly onto her body as Hajin sobbed in frustration."Are you crazy?! This is so embarrassing!" Hajin whined as she smacked his chest. Woobin moaned in extreme contentment as he twitched over her and lifted his face to make out with Hajin, who was too weak to budge, so she gave in and hugged his neck. Woobin licked her lips and smiled at Hajin's upset scowl while stroking her sweaty cheeks to wipe the tear streaks from her face. She cried not because she was hurt... but because she was frustrated that she made her pee herself. "Are you mad at me?-""You fucked the pee out of me!-""It's an orgasm, you fool! You're a squirter! Just like how I ejaculated!" Woobin laughed, sitting up to stare at her throbbing private part, and gently smeared her juice over his abs. Hajin frowned at his cocky expression, hastily scrambling off the bed, and raced into the bathroom butt naked... leaving Woobin... breathless on the mattress. He chuckled at her cuteness. The man glanced at the dirty stain on the bedsheet, got off the bed to remove the sheet, and left the room to put it in the laundry.The eldest son eventually entered the ground floor bathroom to wash his sweaty body when he suddenly heard a soft scream from the floor above. Woobin frowned and turned off the shower to anticipate the noise in confusion."OPPA!" Hajin screamed again."Wae?! What's the matter?!" Woobin shouted, quickly snatching a towel to wrap it around his firm hips and bolted up the stairs- crashed into the room, and shoved the bathroom door open to find Hajin standing in the shower stall with her legs apart in her fresh gown."I'm bleeding!" Hajin shrieked, quickly lifting her gown to show Woobin the trickling blood between her legs. The man widened his eyes in a panic."Why are you bleeding?!- Is it your period!?" Woobin snapped, quickly racing forward to lift her silk as Hajin pouted at him in distress."I don't know! But it's a bit early for my cycle!" Hajin whined. The man quickly grabbed the tissues to wipe her legs and dragged Hajin out of the bathroom."Let's visit the hospital!" Woobin pulled a puffer jacket over her gown and quickly raced out of the villa with the heiress to head out into the city just after the sun had set over the sea. Hajin nervously sat on the passenger seat with a towel under her panty stuffed with tissues to prevent her blood from leaking as Woobin tore through the street until they arrived at the hospital. He quickly swung open the car door and dragged her into the lobby."Oppa wait-""What?- Does it hurt? I'll request urgent assistance," Woobin frowned when Hajin tugged him back with a terrified frown."What if it's just... my period...?" Hajin mumbled, unsurely glancing at her crotch. Woobin frowned at her pale face and glanced at the bustling lobby with a conflicted expression."Let's get it checked. Just in case," Woobin exhaled and gently pulled her forward. Hajin pursed her lips and followed him to reserve an appointment.A moment later.
Hajin's POV
I stood awkwardly before the aisle stocked with colorful pads and tampons while sipping pineapple juice from a small carton box and snuck... a glance at Woobin, who was inspecting the women's menstrual necessities with a slight frown to read the labels and the packaging.
We panicked and raced to the hospital earlier because of my bleeding vagina... but it turns out... I'm on my period. The doctor gave me a pad and told me to return home... so... I am now... at the local supermarket with Woobin. Ah...? Why did I panic over my period? This is embarrassing. I thought he messed up my inside after our intercourse, so I panicked and screamed.

"This one says it has a cooling effect...?" Woobin muttered, lifting the package to show me with a baffled look."I'll take that one. It's cool- like- minty cool..." I awkwardly explained- who appeared confused by the cooling effect. I quickly shifted my eyes away with warm cheeks. Woobin eventually grabbed two packages and nudged me forward. Why am I so uncomfortable...? I clasped my hands together and walked toward the counter as Woobin walked into another aisle. I'll wait here."Hajin-ah?" Woobin called from an aisle."Neh?" I replied, unsurely walking away from the cashier to find him staring at the freezer."Do you want ice cream? Snacks? Get something. You haven't eaten since morning," Woobin briefly glanced at me as he rummaged through the freezer with the pads clutched against his chest. I blinked and glanced at my favorite popsicle. Is he my boyfriend? Or should I address him as my brother? It's weird! What are we? Lovers! Of course, we're lovers! Ah~! But why am I suddenly so shy~?"I'll take the watermelon," I muttered. Woobin nodded, grabbed the entire box, and lifted it out of the freezer, so I pursed my lips and glanced at the man with a funny look."What?" Woobin questioned my unyielding stare."Did you bring enough cash for all of that?" I nodded at the unopened package of ten popsicles. Woobin frowned at me and glanced at the package in his hand."Do I look broke to you?" Woobin asked, dumbfounded by my concern."Well. All you've been doing is rake the leaves, pile the snow, and water the garden so-""Yah. I had a stable job back in Europe. And I'm definitely earning money during my sleep with my investments. Did you think appa only gave you his unlimited card? I have it too... but I've returned it to him now that I can fend for myself. Grab anything you want and bring it to me," Woobin fired an offended look. I pursed my lips and spun around to grab a few bags of chips and gummies before hurrying toward the counter to place my snack on the platform. Right! I thought he was jobless because he did nothing but maintain the mansion!"This is all I need," I glanced at Woobin as he gently patted my back. "This is what you're having for dinner...? Gummies?" Woobin asked unsurely. I blinked at his concerned frown and shrugged, so he exhaled and paid for the snack with his card."Can we eat outside?" I asked, softly tugging his coat's pocket. Woobin nodded and stepped aside to inspect the adult racks."Do you have a... preference?" Woobin muttered. I pursed my lips as he stared at the condoms and glanced at the young cashier, who was smiling at us."We don't need it," I muttered, awkwardly scratching my head.Woobin grabbed one anyway, added the scented rubber to our bag before paying for the items, and walked me out in his black coat. He handed me one popsicle before placing the bag in the back seat of our car... but we didn't leave the area and ended up walking down the pavement. I quietly sucked on the fruity popsicle until Woobin took my free left hand to hold it in his pocket."What do you want to eat?" Woobin asked, briefly glancing at me again. I blinked and looked away from him to scan the restaurants on the side of the streets."That one! Can we try~?" I asked while pointing at the seaside beach. Woobin glanced at the outdoor restaurant."You want to sit in the cold?" Woobin asked. I nodded.He eventually agreed and crossed the road with me to approach the seafood shop. We got the table on the terrace facing the view, so I happily sat down on the bench to gaze at the sea while sucking my popsicle. Woobin placed the order for us and finally settled beside me to face the dark view with his arm rested over my shoulder."Do you want some...?" I licked my lips and lifted the half-eaten popsicle to his face. Woobin opened his mouth without hesitation, so I pushed it inside his mouth as he dismissively tapped on his phone screen with his free hand."Woobin-ah~! Why didn't you answer my call earlier? Is Hajin alright~?" Eomma's voice suddenly spoke up. I froze and glanced to the side... to find eomma smiling through the phone screen."She's alright. I dealt with her tantrum earlier," Woobin smiled and waved at eomma."Is she eating~? Should I visit the villa to speak with her? And where are you~?!" Eomma frowned once she noticed Woobin's coat and cutely narrowed her eyes to inspect her son through the screen."I brought her out for food. And don't come to visit us!- She'll only use you as an excuse to throw more tantrums! Hajinie is a lot more composed when she's alone without her parents! Say hi~!" Woobin chuckled, turning the camera to me. I smiled at eomma and waved at her."Aigo~! My daughter! Why did you have to run away like this? Appa is dead worried about you! Oh~? Stop giving Woobin a hard time~!" Eomma pouted through the screen. I chuckled, so Woobin turned his phone to his face again."I'll stay at the villa with her for a few days to sort out everything. We'll be back, so don't worry about us~! I'll take care of her~!" Woobin assured eomma. My mother chuckled and nodded."Araso~! Don't stay out in the cold~! I'll prepare a feast once you return! And you better not fight again!" Eomma giggled. Woobin chatted with my mother as he sucked my popsicle and finally hung up on the call as I quietly sat beside him. The waitress arrived with our food and drinks, so I smiled eagerly and ate the warm stew as Woobin poured the water for me. We didn't speak and enjoyed our meal in the cold opening... until we emptied the plates and left the restaurant to return home with my snack bag."I'm heading to bed," I muttered, hurriedly climbing the stairs as Woobin sorted the snacks in the cupboard. Why is it so awkward between us?! I entered my room to change into a new gown before slumping down on the bed with a slight frown. What's wrong with me?! I can't seem to face him! The door suddenly opened... and Woobin appeared... causing me to freeze unsurely as the man stood by the doorway with his arm folded."Do you want me to stay? If not, I'll sleep in the other room. It appears you're not in a good mood... considering you're refusing to look at me," Woobin lifted his eyebrow. I didn't respond and stared at him while sitting on the bed."How are you so insensitive?" I grumbled, lowering my eyes to my hands."I'm definitely not insensitive. I can't read your mind, so communicate with me, Hajin. Avoidance will not resolve our dispute," Woobin muttered. I glanced at him with my tearful eyes, causing Woobin's face to dim, so he exhaled, strode forward after closing the door, and crawled onto the bed to pull me into a warm hug. I sniffled and pressed my nose against his shoulder."Why would you want to sleep in a different room?" I mumbled. He exhaled and gently pulled away to kiss my forehead."I want to lay with you. Of course, I do, but if you don't want my presence... then I will respect your boundaries," Woobin smiled while rubbing my cheeks."Boundaries? You made me bleed earlier... because you kept touching me down there! What boundaries?! I'm all yours!" I whined. Woobin chuckled and kissed my lips."Don't blame me for something I have no control over. It's your body that's overwhelmed," Woobin smiled as he slumped on the bed, so I exhaled and slipped under the blanket to hug his warm body on my side."So annoying," I grumbled against his chest as Woobin patted my back."Complain all you want. Just don't run away. Speak to me if you're upset," Woobin whispered. I blinked and lifted my face to search his sleepy expression as he gently combed his fingers through my hair."I'm sorry for slapping you," I whispered and raised my hand to hold his cheek. Woobin chuckled while shaking his head."The external wounds aren't as painful as the internal ones," He smiled until my lips curved upward, so I giggled and hugged his neck with a relieved feeling. Woobin clutched tightly onto my waist and slid his hand down to hold my lower back as we snuggled on our parent's bed in the dim room with a view of the dark sea._______________________
Sora's POV
"What are you saying?" I asked, unsurely looking up at Seokjin with the murder case documents in my hands."The students aren't responsible for the stabbing incident," Seokjin muttered as he sat across from me and my husband in our mansion. Taehyung took the file out of my hand to inspect the blurry photographs of the culprit from the camera footage."You're suggesting it's an outsider?" Taehyung frowned, glancing at Seokjin uneasily."Why would they attack Seojun and Soo-ah?" I asked while staring at the witness's statements on the report with a dark frown. Kim Seokjin is still investigating the case despite being dismissed by the council."I'm convinced it's... a scheme to initiate conflict between the top alphas. The Jeon and my household are powerful households. They tried to get us disputing over the murder trial with the supreme alphas to break us apart," Seokjin shrugged."So... they attempted to set up my children for the crime?" I exhaled. Who would do that? Is it one of the households? But who? And why?
The society is thriving in harmony... so which dragon... is shedding its scale again...?
"I haven't disclosed the suspicion to other households yet. I want to keep it between us so we can silently track down the culprit," Seokjin dimmed his eyes. Taehyung rubbed his forehead in exhaustion."What if it's the Black Phoenix...?" Taehyung muttered, grimly lifting his face to frown at Seokjin."We haven't heard any news associated with the cult since you bombed their hideout. All the operations were abandoned, and there's no indication of their existence anymore," Seokjin shrugged. I patted Taehyung's back."We can't be certain unless we see their dead bodies," Taehyung shook his head before glancing at the vast sea through the backyard door with a sullen expression.
My husband is still living in the nightmare of the Black Phoenix because... the firebird... might rise from its ashes again. I tried to convince him they're dead... but he's still restless about the cult. How is it possible for the cult to survive the burning tunnel? Taehyung almost died there. I'm pretty sure they're all dead.
"Imo asked me to bring fruits," Beom smiled as he strolled into the living room with a plate. I smiled as my son settled beside me, so I patted Beom's back and glanced at Seokjin's restless grimace. Taehyung tossed the files aside and ate the fruit as we chatted with Seokjin, who personally paid us a visit to address his son's involvement with the case. The second-rank alpha ordered to end the murder trial because he suspected it was the act of one of the players to provoke conflict between the households and has been investigating the case in private.
We have to find the culprit. It's one of us.
_________________________
Elite University
The alpha lounge loudly bustled as the high-rank alphas chattered within the room, reserved only for the high-rank heirs during their break hours. Woojin chuckled as he chatted with Mirae on one of the couches as Kanghoon teased Jiyoung on the opposite sofa. The young alphas exchanged flirty glances and teasing touches that were obvious to the eyes of the witnesses. Young love... was blooming all over the academy.Min Chungha glanced at a particular muted alpha, sitting alone in the corner of the room with his face lowered to his device. He's not an outcast because the alpha is the supreme alpha's blood son... and everyone respects him... but for some unknown reason... he refuses to join the pack. The Min's daughter blinked in curiosity as Kim Dohyun entertained the crowd with his hilarious stunts. Gradually... she slipped from the center of the room and approached the alpha with a weak smile.

"Jae Beom?" Chungha asked as she sat across from Beom. He lifted his face to scan her weak smile unsurely."Min Chungha," Beom nodded to acknowledge her."You signed up as a tutor. I wonder if you have a slot to coach me? My father claims you're a top achiever," Chungha smiled. Beom stared at her with an awkward expression."Oh?! Are you interested in my little brother?! That one is available!" Woojin shrieked, causing the other alphas to glance at Beom, who suddenly stiffened in his seat upon receiving the scary attention from his keen companions."Ani! I'm only asking about his tutoring-""He's not available," Someone burst through the lounge in her sleek black high-boot heels, fitted black skirt, and a satin long-sleeved blouse. The alphas glanced at Jeon Soomin as she sternly strode toward Beom, who grew tense in his seat with the device on his lap."Oh?-" Chungha uneasily chuckled as Soomin strode up to them with her arms crossed."Soomin! Is Beom coaching you?!" Dohyun chuckled as the alpha stared at the Jeon's black cat daughter."No. But Jae Beom is mine," Soomin shook her head, swiftly snatching Beom's device from his lap and sat right on his thighs. The baby jaguar unconsciously held her waist with a flustered face as Soomin encircled her arms around Beom's neck to secure the alpha, causing the other students within the room to widen their eyes at the shocking sight. Soo-ah gawked at her older sister with the crispy potato chip... left unchewed in her mouth."WHAT?!" Kanghoon snapped, launching to his feet in surprise. Woojin scoffed in bewilderment. Soomin smiled and glanced at Beom's timid retreat, who had lowered his face in embarrassment, so she lifted his chin with her fingertip until Beom blinked at her with an innocent gaze."Isn't that right...? Beomie~?" Soomin searched Beom's pretty doe eyes as he nervously stared at her with his dilated pupils."Oh- Yeah," Beom blinked as his girlfriend held his chin. Mirae gasped and smacked Woojin, who dramatically yanked on his hair with a shaken reaction.

"Give me a kiss," Soomin whispered. Beom swallowed uneasily with his eyes fixed on her captivating beauty and leaned upward to peck her lips, causing Kanghoon to shriek in shock. The twin brothers suddenly shoved each other back and forth at the sight of their youngest brother's love affair."Jeon Soomin and Jae Beom?!- Ahah!- Fuck!" Dohyun cursed, suddenly toppling into the armchair with a dramatic faint. Soomin smiled at Beom's bright red face and hugged his head so he shyly hid his face against her shoulder as she sat sideways over his lap to fire the stunned alphas a smug smile."Please consider selecting another candidate to coach you. This one is unavailable, and he'll be taken for a long time," Soomin smiled at Chungha, who remained frozen in her seat. Beom cutely buried his face against Soomin's shoulder as she patted his head and smirked at the dumbfounded twins- who were staring at the couple with their lips ajar."Yah! I'm telling eomma and appa! How did this happen anyways?!" The twins shrieked in disbelief. Park Jiyoung covered her lips and glanced at Dohyun's dark frown... who was clearly upset because... he had spent years of his life trying to court Jeon Soomin... but failed miserably."Jae Beom is my boyfriend. Please be nice to him, or I'll make sure you choke on the base of my heels," Soomin warned the alphas, causing them to shriek funnily at her protective nature. Beom smiled but didn't dare lift his face, so he gripped her waist as Soomin patted his back to soothe her shy boyfriend after she unexpectedly exposed their relationship.
A moment later.
"Yah! What happened?! Why didn't you tell us!?" Kanghoon playfully smacked Beom's chest as the older brothers interrogated their younger sibling inside the penthouse."Soomin confessed her feelings during the ceremony," Beom smiled. Woojin snorted in disbelief."Jeon Soomin!?! The coldest living woman?!- She confessed?!" Woojin doubtfully repeated as he stood before Beom with his arms crossed."Oh. Soomin said she liked me," Beom nodded cluelessly as the two brothers gawked at him with their bulging doe eyes."And that's it?! You agreed to be her boyfriend!?-" Kanghoon asked, quickly crouching down to search Beom's red face."Yeah-""Did you guys do anything?! Have you lost your virginity yet!? Beom- answer hyung~!" Woojin worriedly cupped Beom's cheeks. The younger alpha smiled and shook his head as his brother squished his cheeks."Not yet," Beom muttered with his puckered lips. Woojin exhaled in relief, released Beom's face, and rubbed his forehead with an uneasy frown."What if she's toying with him!? I don't trust her at all with this little jaguar! He's too naive!" Kanghoon grumbled, anxiously glancing at Woojin."But didn't you see her?! She claimed him before everyone! She wouldn't have done that if he was a joke to her!" Woojin shrugged. Beom glanced back and forth between his bickering older hyungs."Aigo~! This is a bit weird! She's our step-sister! And our brother is dating her?! Eomma might have a heart attack!" Kanghoon rubbed his face. Woojin pursed his lips and glanced at Beom's clueless expression."Have you taken her on a date?" Woojin asked in curiosity."I actually have to see her... in an hour?" Beom shrugged and glanced at the clock on the wall. The twins gasped dramatically... startling baby Beom... who didn't understand why his older hyungs were more excited than he was."So it's your first date!? What are you wearing?!- Get up! What are you sitting here for!?-" Kanghoon funnily grabbed Beom's arms, who flinched in a panic as the twins grabbed each side of his bicep to haul him upward."I'll just throw on my usual clothes-""No! You have to look your best!" Woojin dragged Beom into his bedroom, so Kanghoon quickly flung open Beom's closet to search for suitable clothes. The jaguar chuckled as his older brother forced him into the bathroom and insisted on grooming him.
A moment later.
"Do I have to?!" Beom shrieked in pain when Woojin ripped the wax off his armpit."You have to be prepared at all costs!" Kanghoon lightly slapped Beom's face, who was helplessly sprawling on the bed with a soaked sheet mask over his face. Jae Beom lifted his head to watch Woojin wax his other arm... so he groaned and slumped back down with a stinging armpit."She said she liked me just the way I am! There's no need to wax me!" Beom complained but shrieked in shock when Woojin tore the wax off his underarm again. Woojin quickly dabbed baby powder on his younger brother's red armpit to soothe the inflammation."Eomma loves a decent and clean man! She waxed your father's armpit all the time! Stop complaining~!" Woojin flicked Beom's forehead, who grumbled in annoyance but didn't resist his brothers and remained motionless to be pampered. Kanghoon hastily pulled baby Beom up into a sitting position, snatched the sheet mask off his face, and lightly slapped Beom all over his face to absorb the essence into his skin."Why would she care about my armpit?!" Beom complained with his eyes closed as Kanghoon beat his cheek with a concentrated frown."Dude! I don't know about other women, but Jeon Soomin is the most popular alpha! If you want to secure her!- You have to appear your best!" Kanghoon chuckled as he examined Beom's annoyed expression to inspect his glowy skin texture."Did you shave down there?" Woojin blinked at Beom, who frowned at his brother and glanced at his crotch."No- No! -AH! Why would I!?- No! Don't wax me!" Beom shrieked, quickly covering his crotch when Woojin tried to strip him. The older brothers whined and smacked Beom's firm butt, but the third son refused to have his private part shaved."You have to be prepared-""I'm not sleeping with her! Nothing will happen!" Beom snapped and shoved Woojin aside. Kanghoon chuckled as he rubbed the most serum into Beom's bare face, who was grimacing in extreme frustration."She might sleep with you though!" Woojin bickered, firing Beom a sharp glare."No, she won't!" Beom grimaced."Wanna bet?!- She's ready to sleep with you if she wears matching lingerie! You'll see!" Woojin shrieked as he grabbed the waxing tool in annoyance, and crawled off the bed. Beom glared at his older brother and shoved Kanghoon away when he wouldn't stop slapping the sticky substance onto his red face."Put on the clothes we pick out for you and leave! It's almost time! I ordered you flowers!" Kanghoon tossed the set of clothes at Beom before dragging Woojin out of the room. Beom frowned and glanced down at the formal suit in annoyance but pulled it on anyway. He stared at the mirror one last time... and walked out of the room to be greeted by the twins again, who frantically combed back their brother's hair and shoved the flower bouquet into Beom's arms."Hyung~!" Beom whined as he stood awkwardly by his bedroom door with the massive bouquet."Smile!- Stop showing us the grumpy face! I'm sending your first date outfit to eomma! SMILE!" Woojin shrieked while snapping his fingers at Beom to get his younger brother to pose for the picture. Beom forced a smile as the twins funnily took photographs of the third son."Wow~! So handsome!" Kanghoon firmly gave Beom a thumbs up with a brilliant smile as Woojin lay flat on the floor to take another shot of Beom. The third son chuckled at his overly excited brothers before glancing at the pretty flowers in his arms with a fond smile.
A moment later.
Jeon Soomin frantically fixed her wavy hair while strolling through the mansion in her mini pink dress. Soo-ah funnily scoffed at her sister's... bizarre... color preference with her lips ajar. The maids gawked at the hot pink color on the eldest Jeon daughter in disbelief as she raced through the door in anticipation until she spotted Beom standing beside his car... with a bouquet in his arms.She abruptly paused to admire his charming visual for a brief moment... to scan his perfectly structured body. Beom's physique is slightly sturdier than an average man's due to the inheritance of his father's strong genetics. Soomin nervously walked up to her boyfriend in her bright pink dress, causing Beom to eye the colorful outfit with a weak smile."You're... very pink today," He nodded. Soomin glanced away awkwardly as she clasped her hands together."Is it bad...?" Soomin muttered, nervously averting her eyes to him as he stared at her light makeup and glossy pink lips."It suits you," Beom shook his head and handed her the bouquet. Soomin bit her lips to stop herself from smiling and accepted the bouquet... shyly stepping forward... to kiss her lover's lips. Beom chuckled and kissed her back as the couple clung to each other before her mansion's front porch."Oh?!- Appa is home! Shit- We have to leave! Hurry!" Soomin shrieked once she noticed her father's car entering the mansion. Beom's eyes widened in shock as he spun around to find a black car rolling over the driveway."Soomin-!""DRIVE!- I CAN OPEN THE DOOR ON MY OWN! GET IN THE CAR!" Soomin screamed as she funnily ran on her heels to circle the car, flung the door open, and hopped inside when Beom tried to round the car to assist her. The alpha's face drained in horror once Jeon Jungkook cluelessly stepped out of his personal vehicle.Beom gasped, quickly got into the driver seat, and blasted his car out of the mansion as Soomin clung to the handrest with a dreadful expression. She did not inform her parents of their date, and Jae Beom... is definitely not the ideal love candidate for the Jeon's daughter... considering their parents' past affairs. The world slowed down for Jeon Jungkook, who cluelessly frowned at the pasting vehicle as he looked through the window to uncover... Jae Yangcha's son's frightened face. The man... glanced at his oldest daughter in the passenger seat... who was awkwardly smiling at him. ZOOM!-"Soo- Soomin?- What?- HEY! YAH! JEON SOOMIN?! WHERE IS SHE GOING?!" Jungkook shrieked, wildly spinning after the car as it tore out onto the road."Is that Jae Beom?!" Hwa-young gasped, quickly rounding the car in disbelief."They're dating," Soo-ah shrugged while strolling through the front door with a sore frown. Jeon Jungkook scoffed in shock."Why the supreme alpha's son out of all the men!?!" Hwa-young complained."YAH! JEON SOOMIN!" Jeon Jungkook funnily shouted in frustration as he smacked his head with flaring nostrils. Soo-ah shook her head as she watched her parents stress over the oldest daughter's affair with the infamous silent killer's son... but there was little they could do... because the lovers... disappeared without a trace after they ran off together.
A moment later.
Jeon Soomin uneasily frowned while swatting the annoying insects out of her face as Beom led her through the dark wilderness. She hiccuped and followed her boyfriend over the uneven path as Beom carried the flower bouquet in his free arm. Soomin stumbled over the tangled roots in annoyance while keeping up with Beom in the dark woods."Hey~! Where are you taking me? It's past my curfew!" Soomin whined as she stumbled after Beom, who flew her out of Seoul after dinner without explaining himself. They ended up in Daegu together. Soomin initially thought he had a surprise for her, so she didn't question him... but the deep and dark forest was beginning to scare her the longer she followed him.

"We're not returning to Seoul tonight," Beom mumbled. She frowned and tugged his wrist with a frightened look."Are you trying to murder me?! Why would you bring me here?!" Soomin snapped while glaring at Beom. He paused and glanced at her fierce glare until Soomin pursed her lips in fear at his dark gaze."Are you frightened now... that you... followed an infamous serial killer's son into the woods?" Beom muttered. She swallowed and glanced around the confusing wilderness in fear."This isn't funny! Yah!- Ah?!!- Put me down!- I trusted you!" Soomin shrieked in shock when Beom suddenly heaved her off the ground and flung her over his shoulder. The alpha screamed in shock and smacked his back as she wiggled over his shoulder with her body dangling upside down, but Beom firmly held her hand and strode through the wilderness without a bother."Stay still!-""YAH! I'M NOT DYING TONIGHT! PUT ME DOWN!" Soomin screamed in annoyance until Beom exhaled and finally placed her down once they passed through the dense grass barrier. The Jeon's daughter huffed and brushed back her messy strands before directing her glowering glare on Jae Beom... who was staring at her with a blank face.

"Run back if you want to leave," Beom smirked. Soomin widened her eyes in shock at his smug smile."You asshole!-? Yah! Where am I!?- Oh!?- What's this?- Beom! I have to head back home!" Soomin screamed, but Beom dismissively shrugged and walked forward. Soomin pursed her lips once she noticed the looming door in the middle of nowhere. She gasped in surprise and hopped over this stream to chase Beom as he scanned his fingerprint and entered the villa."You'll be okay. Let's stay here tonight," Beom held the door open for her. Soomin stared into the lavish space with a frightened look as she stood  before the doorway with twigs in her hair... contemplating whether or not... she should enter the space or run back into the forest. She was raised and taught to never trust anyone as a top-rank alpha... let alone follow a serial killer's son into a hidden hideout... yet here she is... breaking all of her parent's rules."What's this...?" Soomin asked, cautiously stepping inside the villa. Beom sealed the door behind his back, pulled off his shoes and crouched down to slip Soomin's blistering feet into the fluffy slipper."My bunker," Beom smiled, happily standing up to face Soomin. Her jaw dropped in shock as she strolled through the villa to stare at the beautiful waterfall and streams before glancing at the tidy living room in extreme astonishment."How did you-""It's my father's masterpiece. He left it to me, so I've been taking care of the place," Beom smiled. Soomin glanced at the automated floor cleaner as the disk spun all over the floor to keep the tiles squeaky clean."So... this is where... your father hid during the warfare...?" Soomin whispered, glancing at Beom in disbelief. Beom nodded."No one will ever find this place. Not even you," Beom chuckled. Soomin pursed her lips and glanced at the pride on Beom's handsome face before glancing around the brightly lit villa again... entirely blown away by the unbelievable property... hidden in the wilderness.
A moment later.
Jeon Soomin stepped out of the shower in a loose gown as Beom organized the picture frames of his mother and late father on the shelves in his father's pajamas. The alpha scratched her head and walked up to Beom in Jang Sora's spare silk gown with an awkward feeling."This is what your mother usually wears?" Soomin cleared her throat. Beom glanced to the side to find Soomin... standing awkwardly in the... very same maternity gown Jae Yangcha got for his mother."Oh. Eomma loves these gowns. It's very comfy and light. Isn't it?" Beom asked. Soomin nodded as she felt the light fabric before averting her gaze to the picture frames of the infamous serial killer... but somehow... the man... did not appear evil as claimed by her parents or the society. Soomin frowned at a picture of... Jae Yangcha... happily cuddling his wife on the couch in matching pajamas."He seems... harmless," Soomin whispered as she studied a picture of Yangcha hugging Sora at a seafood restaurant with the twin boys."Abeoji wasn't a bad person. The society turned him into a monster. He only wielded his sword to protect my mother. My mother never... saw him as a monster. She loved him so much," Beom whispered. Soomin blinked and glanced at Beom to examine his identical features as the silent killer."You look awfully like him," Soomin smiled. Beom chuckled and nodded."I'm surprised you're into a killer's son," Beom joked. Soomin chuckled and smacked his shoulder."My mother always speaks ill of your family... but every one of Jang Sora's heirs appeared... very decent and nice. Even Hajin... is a pure soul. I realized... it's my mother who is... envious of your family- just like my younger sister. We're the ones demonizing your family," Soomin shrugged. Beom nodded and turned to face her with a weak smile."Our parent's past affairs shouldn't hinder us. We should be allowed to love and hold each other," Beom smiled while grazing Soomin's cheek. She smiled at Beom, so he lowered his face to gently kiss her... as she encircled her arms around his waist."And why do you keep on lifting your arms? Did something happen?- Are you injured?" Soomin asked, abruptly pulling away to inspect Beom."Hyungs waxed my armpits earlier- it's a bit... uncomfortable," Beom shrugged. Soomin widened her eyes and suddenly burst out laughing with her hands over her lips."What?! Why would they wax you?!" She giggled for the first time."They say women prefer a hairless man," Beom chuckled. Soomin snorted and smacked his chest in disbelief."Did they think I'll strip you for a hair check or something?!" Soomin gleamed in tears of joy. Beom stared at her eyes intensely and glanced at the gown on her body until Soomin's smile faded... and her face... suddenly turned bright pink."Are you perhaps... wearing... matching undergarments?" Beom asked in curiosity. Soomin blinked at Beom with a flushed look."Are you curious?" Soomin smiled, lifting her hand to pat his firm cheek."Hyung says... you're the one... trying to get into my pants if you wear matching pieces," Beom nodded. Soomin giggled and tiptoed to press her lips against his. Beom closed his eyes at her delicate strokes until Soomin pulled away to inspect his face with her alluring gaze."Do you want to see...? My undergarments?" Soomin smiled with her eyebrow lifted."Can I...?" Beom whispered as he held her waist. She chuckled at his cuteness and slowly drew him toward the bed while holding Beom's shoulder to make him sit at the foot of the bed. The alpha stared at his girlfriend without blinking as she slowly... stepped back to lift the gown off her body. Beom didn't blink and scanned her almost naked body until his eyes... registered... the matching... pink undergarments."I'm a bit uncomfortable because pink isn't my color," Soomin weakly smiled as she stood before him in her hot pink panty and bra. Beom quietly stared at her toned body figure and glanced up at her in surprise."Are you shy? Because of the color?" He smiled."I usually wear black. It makes me confident," Soomin shrugged."You bought pink and wore it... just for me?" Beom blinked. Soomin shyly nodded while biting her lower lips as Beom eyed her plump cleavage."So...? Did I confirm your suspicion?" Soomin asked. Beom chuckled."It's your intention to get in my pants... so why don't you try?" Beom tilted his head. Soomin giggled at his invitation and stepped forward to gently push Beom backward. He smiled and held her bare waist as she crawled between his thick thighs with her lips pressed against his to stifle their voices with the steamy kiss."Are you a virgin...?" Soomin asked, carefully drawing her lips away to inspect Beom's flushed face."Why? Are you curious?" Beom smirked. Soomin chuckled as she undid his buttons and finally slipped the shirt off his body. The young lady pursed her lips while eyeing his crazy hot body with a startled expression."Hajin didn't lie. You're much sturdier than the twins," Soomin lifted her impressed gaze to Beom as she felt the ridges of his packed muscles. Beom smiled."My father has the rarest kind of genes," Beom chuckled as Soomin steadily unwrapped her man on the bed for the first time. She pulled down his waistband before tossing his pants aside but paused again once her eyes fell upon his... bright... yellow... underwear. Beom stared at her unblinking gaze in anticipation."What is this... weird obsession... with yellow?" Soomin frowned, lifting her eyes to Beom. He shyly chuckled."I like baby ducks," Beom shrugged. Soomin snorted and covered her lips, causing Beom to chuckle at her flushed face."I really like the yellow on you, actually. A cute man with a hot body. I love your duality," Soomin grinned. Beom chuckled and snatched her body, making her gasp at his unexpected attack as he rolled her over and climbed on top of her in his yellow underwear."My brothers didn't believe me when I said you like me just the way I am~!" Beom grinned, lowering his face to kiss Soomin, causing her to smile against his lips with her arms wrapped around his thick neck. Beom gently fondled her breast and lifted his face to kiss the side of his neck, causing Soomin to pant softly with her eyes closed."You can have my virginity, duck boy~!" Soomin poked his nose tip with her fingertip. Beom chuckled and kissed her deeply while interlacing his fingers with hers to hold her in place over his late father's bed. Soomin carefully traced her fingers over his muscular back as he pleased their bodies... and the two eventually made love for the very first time... in the hidden villa of the wilderness.
A few days later
"YAH! MY DAUGHTER IS MISSING!" Jungkook screeched from the council desk."MY SON IS ALSO MISSING!" Taehyung snapped back with a dark frown after the Jeon called for an emergency meeting."SOOMIN LEFT WITH THAT FOOL! AND SHE'S BEEN GONE SINCE!" Jungkook slammed his fists on the desk with a dark frown to confront the supreme alphas, who were just as anxious."MY SON WILL NEVER-""OHOH!-  HE'S JAE YANGCHA'S HEIR! I WILL KILL YOU IF HE HARMS MY DAUGHTER!" Jeon Jungkook screeched, rudely interrupting Kim Taehyung. Kim Namjoon, Kim Seokjin, Min Yoongi, Jung Hoseok, Park Jimin, Chul Sungho, and the remaining alphas glanced back and forth as the top alphas argued over their children's love affair."Yah!- Yah! Calm down! I'm sure they're on a date together! They're young adults! It's normal for them to disappear!" Jung Hoseok funnily tried to calm the alphas with his hand raised."HAH!- HE MUST'VE ABDUCTED MY DAUGHTER-""YAH!? BEOM ISN'T THE TYPE TO HURT ANYONE!" Taehyung refuted, furiously fuming at the third rank. Sora rubbed her sore head and glanced at the twins as they sat awkwardly in their seats to watch their father argue over baby Beom."THEN WHY ISN'T HE BRINGING MY DAUGHTER BACK?! I WILL NOT SIT STILL ANYMORE! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! MY SOOMIN WILL NEVER STAY PAST HER CURFEW!" Jeon Jungkook fumed."FOR ALL I KNOW- SHE'S THE ONE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF MY SON! BABY BEOM IS AN INNOCENT SOUL! HE'S EASILY SWAYED!" Taehyung shrieked, abruptly rising from his seat with a cute frown. Jungkook scoffed rudely."I'M SURE HIS DICK ISN'T AS INNOCENT!" Jungkook sneered."YAH JEON JUNGKOOK!- MIND YOUR FUCKING MOUTH!" Sora screamed in shock. The twins funnily covered their mouths and sniggered- earning a sharp glare from their father, so they cleared their throats and wore a poker face again. Seokjin rolled his eyes and slumped his head on his desk in disbelief as the alphas fought over the childish issue."You're wasting our time! If you're going to argue over your children- do it at home! Aigo~! What the hell is this madness?!" Yoongi whined as he nudged Chungha's shoulder, and hurried down the stairs with his daughter. The other alphas shook their heads in disbelief as they rose from their seats."HEY! YAH-!? WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!- YOU ALL MUST BE THE WITNESSES! THE SUPREME ALPHA'S SON IS MISSING!-" Taehyung shouted, but no one listened to him. Jimin hysterically laughed as he guided his daughter out of the room."FINE! YOU'RE COMING HOME WITH US! I WILL NOT LET YOU LEAVE UNTIL MY DAUGHTER RETURNS TO ME! HMHP!" Jungkook angrily flung his file across the room. Taehyung scoffed with an offended look and tried to scramble over his desk, causing Sora to gasp in shock."Abeoji!" The twins shrieked, quickly grabbing the man to hold him back."YOU-! YOU RASCAL! I WILL NEVER LET YOU OFF IF MY SON COMES BACK WITH A SINGLE BRUISE ON HIS BODY!" Taehyung shrieked but groaned in pain as he rubbed her lower back. The twins grimaced and gently supported their father with a stiff back as Sora held her husband and escorted the alpha down the stairs to vacate the council.
A moment later.
"WANNA FIGHT!? COME ON! FIGHT ME- YOU STUPID BUNNY TEETH JERK!" Taehyung shrieked as he hastily rolled up his sleeves and clenched his fists while standing on the Jeon's property with a fuming red face."FINE! WE'LL FIGHT!- HAH! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU STIFF BACK FREAK!" Jeon Jungkook puffed his chest, tore off his suit, and raced forward to try and smack Taehyung, who screamed and lifted his leg to kick his cousin. The twins shrieked in shock and sprinted between the elders to separate them before they clashed. Sora loudly whined as she tried to calm her fuming husband as Hwa-young tugged Jeon Jungkook back. Soo-ah quickly grabbed her father's forearm to stop him from launching forward."MY SON IS A PURE MAN! HE'LL NEVER COMMIT SUCH AWFUL ACTS!-""MY ASS!-"YAH! YOU FUCKING PUNK! AH!- AH! AH!" Taehyung wildly thrashed within Kanghoon's grip with an offended glare nailed on Jeon Jungkook, who was being held back by Woojin. The two alphas tried to fistfight each other under the scorching sunlight as their children and wives screamed for them to stop- but they didn't listen to their family and jerked at each other with their hyperactive adrenaline."Appa?!" Soomin suddenly shrieked. Jeon Jungkook flinched and snapped his head at his daughter once she appeared before the squabbling elders."Soomin!?!- Sweetie~! Where have you been?!- Did he hurt you?!- Where is that asshole~!? APPA WILL BEAT HIM!" Jungkook shrieked, hastily shoving his wife and youngest daughter aside to race toward Soomin with his terrified eyes open."Beom!- Are you okay?! What happened to your neck?!- Did you hurt him?!-" Taehyung gasped once Beom appeared with a startled expression in casual clothes. The stiff-back man gasped once he noticed the deep bruises over his son's neck."Your neck!- What's this!?- How dare you bruise her precious skin!" Jungkook screamed, suddenly snatching Beom's hair out of anger. Jae Beom shrieked in shock as the alpha yanked his head, causing Taehyung's eyes to bulge open."Hands off my son!!!- *&#^$!?!!- YAH!-" Taehyung screamed, furiously yanking Jungkook's hand off Beom's head."Appa!- Stop~!" Soomin whined as she towed her father's waist. Jungkook screamed funnily and tried to smack Taehyung, who shoved him back until they ended up slapping each other's hands as Beom restrained his agitated father with a frightened look."My son is injured! How dare-""IT'S JUST HICKEYS! ALRIGHT!? WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU TWO!?" Soomin screamed, causing the two men to freeze in their place."YOU MOLESTED MY DAUGHTER?!" Jungkook shrieked at Beom with his eyes wide open.Kim Taehyung screamed, fiercely defending Beom from the man's harsh attack, and roughly shoved his cousin away so Jungkook couldn't hit the baby jaguar, who flinched and shielded his head. The twins and Sora stared at the two men in defeat once they charged at each other again. Hwa-young rubbed her forehead sorely as Soo-ah supported her mother with a bitter look.Soomin gasped and protectively hugged Beom as their fathers funnily shoved each other around like little toddlers and proceeded to yank on each other's hair while flinging each other around until their heads collided- sending the elderly alphas toppling to the side. The men rolled over the pavement in pain with their hands gripped over their foreheads as the petrified family members watched them groan on the ground.
A moment later.
The penthouse living room bustled loudly as the brothers confronted Jae Beom, who perched stiffly on the couch as his mother compressed warm rice over her husband's swollen forehead from colliding with his cousin earlier. Taehyung groaned as he lay on his back with his head on Sora's lap."Beom~! Answer us! Where were you with her?!" Woojin waved his hand before Beom's face."Stop confronting him! It's not something he wants to share!" Sora snapped at the twins' nosy habits."Did you lose your V-card?!" Kanghoon asked Beom, who refused to speak and sat with his mouth sealed. The younger alpha glanced back and forth between the annoying twins and puffed his cheeks with his lips pursed."Ah~!" Taehyung softly whined, causing Sora to jerk the warm rice away from the bump on his forehead."Should we call our head doctor~?" Sora asked as her husband whimpered on her lap."No~! I only need my beautiful wife~!" Taehyung groaned while holding her hands, causing the twins to snap their heads at their father in disbelief."Yeobu! Stop it! We should summon the doctor!" Sora whined. Taehyung shook his head and turned to snuggle against her stomach."Kisses~! I need kisses~!" Taehyung grumbled. Sora chuckled and lowered her face to peck the bump on his head. Taehyung puckered his lips, so she kissed him sweetly, causing the twins to smack their foreheads in disbelief. They spun back to Beom- but their baby brother had... suddenly disappeared into thin air. The twins widened their eyes on the empty couch and snapped toward the bedroom- Thud! Beom quickly shoved the door closed to keep out their brothers."Yah!!?- You rascal!" The twins screamed, quickly racing forward to open the door- but couldn't push through because Beom was much stronger than them."Leave him alone~! You two!" Sora chuckled as she patted her husband's cheek."Eomma! Your son disappeared with his girlfriend for three days without a single text or call!" Kanghoon shrieked. Sora laughed and shook her head."Your father used to take me away for weeks when we were younger. He'd keep eomma locked up in a hidden mansion," Sora chuckled at the twins."Look at me~! Honey, look at me~!" Taehyung lifted his hand to pat her cheek. Sora chuckled and glanced down to find her husband puckering his lips again. The twins screwed their faces in annoyance at their father's weird obsession with their mother and slumped on the couch in defeat. They smiled when Sora gently planted her husband's face with endless kisses."The fight is legendary~! I should've recorded it!" Woojin chuckled while shaking his head."I could've broken his spine and won the fight if my back weren't so stiff~! Ah?- Ah~!" Taehyung suddenly jerked into a sitting position to throw a wild punch in the air but gasped and gripped his back in pain. Sora smacked his shoulder and yanked the man back down to make him lie down. Taehyung groaned and hugged his wife's waist as she massaged his back to ease his discomfort."I still can't believe he took Jeon Soomin away for three days! The academy will surely gossip about their affairs! Aigo~! Beomie became a superstar overnight~!" Kanghoon laughed. Sora chuckled and glanced at Beom's door as she comforted her husband at the penthouse...."Beom-ah~?" Sora softly pushed Beom's bedroom door open to find her son sitting against the bedhead with his device,"Oh! I forgot to lock the door after dinner!" Beom gasped, trying to get up, but Sora signaled him to stay put and closed the door."They're asleep. Eomma only wants to speak with you," Sora smiled as she walked forward to sit on the edge of the bed. Beom stared at his mother with a guilty expression."I'm sorry for worrying you," Beom muttered, pursing his lips apologetically. Sora stared at the hickeys on his neck as she pushed a healing cream into his palm."Eomma wasn't worried. I knew you were enjoying your time with her. Appa overreacted a little because he's very fond of you. He kept saying you're too soft and gentle, so he was afraid you'd get hurt," Sora patted Beom's cheek. He chuckled and shook his head."Appa is a cutie," Beom nodded. Sora frowned at her son and took his hand with a weak smile."Please let our family know if you're going anywhere, okay? Soomin too. You shouldn't worry her parents. They have every right to be protective of her... and we're just as worried about you," Sora sadly stared at Beom. He blinked at his anxious mother."I'm sorry. I won't let it happen again," Beom apologized. Sora nodded and glanced at his hickeys."You guys must've had a great time," Sora chuckled."I didn't know it would last this long..." Beom mumbled as he shyly rubbed his neck."You can use the cream to fade it quicker or... not. After all, there's nothing to be ashamed of. Those are love bruises," Sora chuckled, weakly lifting her hand to stroke the hickey on his throat."You're not mad?" He muttered."You're young. Be crazy. There's nothing wrong with living your youth as long as you don't put each other in danger. And love bruises...? Eomma loves them. Your father always gave it to eomma, and I always gave it to him too. Even your stepfather. It's our love language," Sora laughed while fanning her flushed face. Beom chuckled and leaned forward to embrace his mother."So the bruises on your body weren't actually mosquito bites? You've been lying to me all these years...? I was really concerned that there was a giant mosquito in our house, you know? Because you kept appearing with bruises on your body," Beom chuckled, finally pulling away to admire his mother's delicate smile. She laughed at his teasing joke."The mosquito man is in fact... very massive and thirsty. Eomma needs to keep him fed," Sora laughed, referring to her husband. Beom chuckled and nodded happily."Can we invite Soomin over to our mansion? I'd love for her to dine with you," Beom smiled. Sora nodded while patting his head."We'll invite her and her family. Your father won't like it, but he can't say no once eomma says yes," Sora assured. Beom grinned and hugged her again, so Sora exhaled and patted her son's back with a proud smile before pecking his cheek. Sora eventually left her son's room and resided with her husband in the guestroom at the penthouse after the hectic day of witnessing her husband squabble with another father to fight over the missing lovers in broad daylight._________________________Flash Back - by a decade."Sora~!" Taehyung suddenly barges inside our bedroom as I sleepily roll on the bed to find my husband walking up to me with an eager smile. Oh? Why is he up so early...?"Did you just call me by my name?" I grumbled as he grabbed my wrist and pulled me off the mattress first thing in the morning. How is he packed with energy? The man spent the night making love with me and I can barely move my sore body~!"What's wrong with calling you by your name?" Taehyung chuckled while holding my hips to make me stand, so I groggily gripped onto his forearm with my eyes half open. Why is he dragging me out of bed so early?!"You only call me by my name when you're angry," I muttered, unsurely looking up at him with one eye open as he patted my gown to flatten the creases."Hey~! I haven't raised my voice at my little dumpling for so long~! Come with me~!" Taehyung smiled while tugging my arm. I exhaled and followed him, still half asleep from my morning wake as my husband dragged me out of our bedroom."Is it a date? If so... I should... get dressed," I muttered as we strolled hand in hand down the staircase to find the kids lounging around in the living room. Oh? It's already mid-morning? I'm the last person to wake up? Gosh. Being a mother and wife is very draining."Eomma!" Beom greeted me as he rolled over the carpet with our lively puppy. Hajin was tying tied puppy's fur with colorful elastic bands as the twins played with the puzzle on the coffee table."It's not a date, but I have something to show you," Taehyung smiled while pulling me out into the backyard. I squinted at the sunny beam and glanced around the property to scan the sea view as Taehyung dragged me toward his garden."Did the flower bloom?" I chuckled. He loves to flaunt his blooming flowers. My husband grinned and towed me into his garden but didn't stop and dragged me to the back orchid decorated with various plants and flower breeds. I sleepily yawned again once he halted before a site scattered with... blooming lilies. My gaze landed on a familiar marble tombstone... so I froze and stared at the fresh dirt pile with a startled expression before glancing at the other grey stone."I thought you'd want them close to us," Taehyung smiled, suddenly stepping back to leave me before the stones. I blinked at... Jae Yangcha's engraved name on the plate and glanced at Taehyung with a dumbfounded look. What's happening...?"You moved him here?" I whispered, taken aback by the presence of my past lover's grave."He loved this property. I don't want you to travel across the country to visit him at an isolated cemetery... so let's rest him and your mother here so you and your father can frequently visit their graves," Taehyung nodded. I blinked and glanced back at Yangcha's stone before stepping forward to crouch beside the fresh pile of dirt and glanced at the vast sea view with a tense feeling. They're both positioned... toward the beautiful scenery."Hey... do you like the new view? It's not as cramped and dull as the cemetery, right...?" I whispered while patting the pile of dirt until warm tears flushed my eyes. My heart is aching. I sniffled with my head lowered while crouching beside Yangcha's grave and softly cried as the flood of emotions took over me. Taehyung quietly watched me from the side and glanced at my mother's grave.

"I'll get your father," Taehyung cleared his throat before turning around to leave the site, so I swallowed and slowly knelt before Yangcha's grave in tears while rubbing the marble stone with a pained frown. How long has it been since I last visited him?"I'm sorry for not visiting you for a while. The kids... they keep me busy days and nights. You must've been lonely," I blinked the tears from my lashes as I spoke with my dead lover. I know he's forever gone... but I hope he knows... that... he'll always remain in my heart no matter how far he drifts away from me. I sat in the hushed orchid to pay my respects until I heard soft footsteps approaching me... so I lifted my head to find... Jae Beom... strolling towards me with a small bouquet in his arm."Eomma~? Why are you crying?- Appa asked me to bring flowers," Beom worriedly walked up to me. I pouted and pulled my son into a crushing hug, so he gripped my shoulder and gently patted my back to comfort me. I should've at least brought Beom to see his father. Puppy bounced into our private commentary site and leaped forward to gaze at the scenery as Beom pulled away and gently rubbed the tears from my cheeks before turning his face to stare at his father's grave. He blinked and glanced down at the flowers in his arms."Appa is here to stay with us from now on," I smiled while nodding at the tombstone."Anneong appa," Beom whispered and strutted forward to insert the flower bundle into the vase. I sadly watched my son arrange the flowers until Beom returned to me and sat down on the grass with his legs crossed without speaking. The child held my hand, so I sniffled and glanced at Yangcha's tombstone again as we sat in utter silence.... under the sunny day to keep him company before the vast ocean view. 
Why didn't I think of moving him here with us? I did. I thought Taehyung would feel uncomfortable with my former lover's grave on our property, so I never bothered asking him. But the stupid man dug up Yangcha's grave and delivered him, right to our property without telling me! Ah~! He's such a sweetheart!

"Aigo~! Why didn't you tell me about this?!" My father suddenly shrieked, so I turned around to find appa limping into the site with his walking stick. The man pouted at his wife's grave and walked over to kneel before her tombstone."That's halmeoni's grave," I smiled, gently nudging Beom, who quickly stood up from the grass and walked over to his grandfather. The child cutely knelt down and lowered his head to the grass to pay his respect as appa patted his grandson's back with a sad smile."Anneonghaseyo~! I'm Jae Beom!" Beom cutely introduced himself. Appa stared at the little child and glanced at his wife's stone with his tearful eyes until Taehyung handed my father a bouquet, so the man sniffled and placed the flower for his wife. I eventually got up to bow to my mother and finally stepped back... to stand beside Taehyung... who stood composedly with his hands clasped together."I'll plant a tree here to offer them some shade," Taehyung mumbled. I pouted and hugged his neck, so he secured my waist and gently patted my back to soothe the overwhelming emotions within my chest. No words can describe how thankful I am to have this man in my life. I wish I could express my raw emotions and feelings to show him my unyielding appreciation because he deserves every bit of happiness and love that is available in this world."Thank you so much," I whispered. Taehyung nodded as Beom called for a puppy to sit beside him before my mother's grave. I clung to my husband and hugged his waist with my head on his chest."We're finally complete. I'll invite my parents over for dinner soon," Taehyung muttered. I nodded and clutched onto him before closing my eyes to relish the beautiful reunion with my deceased family.
Fast Forward
"Jagi~! It's scorching hot! Come inside for a break!" I whined as I strode toward the grave site with a tray of refreshing drinks to find Taehyung kneeling by Yangcha's grave. He's scattering the flower seeds over the dirt. I settled on a wooden bench under a tree shade and placed the tray aside as he patted the dirt and stood up to squint at the unbearable heat wave above his head.

"Why are you out here? I'm almost done," Taehyung chuckled as he strolled forward to slump beside me and tried to touch the snacks, but I smacked his dirty hand and lifted the biscuit to feed him instead. He smiled and accepted my offer, so I stirred the cold lemon juice and handed it to my husband."Did you order a tree? I thought you'd plant one yourself," I smiled at the fresh soil by the graves. My husband instructed the guards to dig up the site earlier this morning to prepare for installation."Cherry blossoms. It'll take over a decade for it to fully mature, so I purchased the grown trees instead. They'll plant it tomorrow," Taehyung shrugged as he sipped from the straw. I smiled and scooted closer to rest my head on his shoulder while wiping my husband's fingers with the sanitary napkins."We'll have our very own cherry blossom trees~? That's so nice~! You're such a sweet man!" I giggled, softly kissing his sweaty cheek. Taehyung chuckled and lifted his arm to place it over my shoulder... but didn't touch my sleeves because of his dirty hands.

"I'm the most romantic man in this world~!" Taehyung proudly beamed and kissed my lips. He sure is! I licked the lemonade flavor off my lips and fed him the sweet biscuits while admiring Yangcha and my mother's grave from under the cool shade."Eomma! Pew! Pew~!" The twins shrieked, suddenly appearing with a toy gun to fire the water at their father."YAH!- YOU RASCALS!" Taehyung snapped with stuffed cheeks. The father gasped and raised his arm to shield my body as the kids fired the water at us. I wince and rub my soaked hair with a faint smile."Hey! Be respectful~! This is a graveyard!" I shrieked when the twins started firing the water at Yangcha's grave."We're not disturbing ahjussi! We're cooling him down! Right, ahjussi?! You love to swim on a hot summer day~! Pew! Pew~! Pew!" Kanghoon cutely rounded the heap of dirt to fire the water bullets. I grimaced as Woojin fired at Yangcha's stone to soak the dead alpha's grave site.

"Aigo~! You'll never stop bothering him!" I whined, causing Taehyung to chuckle at our naughty sons. The twins grinned and raced over the site to fire at each other with their playful manners and eventually dashed up to us in soaked clothes after they ran out of water."Eomma! Ah~!" Woojin opened his mouth. I fed the child a biscuit as he shakily wheezed beside me to stabilize his breath. Taehyung fed Kanghoon the lemonade through the straw, who was thirstily sipping the refreshing juice as he clutched the water gun in his wet arms."You shouldn't play under the sun. Your face will burn again~!" I pouted, lifting my sleeves to wipe Woojin's damp cheeks. He shrugged and flopped on the ground at my feet to gaze at the sea while chewing the snack in his mouth.Kanghoon exhaled in relief after emptying his father's cooling drink and slumped beside his twin to sprawl on the ground with a satisfied smile. Taehyung chuckled and tried to poke Kanghoon's exposed belly with his feet... until the child shrieked at the ticklish sensation and smacked his father's toes before rolling over to grin at the extensive sea beyond the hilltop.
A moment later.
I sprawled on my belly with my husband's phone to play a game on the touch screen with a pillow tucked under my chest until Taehyung exited the closet and crawled over my lower back thighs. The man gently massaged my hips over the mattress as I collected the chicken eggs without acknowledging him."Do you want a massage?" Taehyung asked as he lowered his heavyweight over my back."No," I replied and tapped on the screen dismissively. Taehyung glared at me while snuggling his nose against the side of my face. He softly inhaled my fragrance with a cute grumble."Is the game more important than your husband...?" He scoffed as he sat up over my thighs and lightly tapped my buttcheeks once I didn't spare him my attention."I was stripped naked the last time I let you massage me," I mumbled while inspecting my farm. I know he's trying to get me in the mood again~! Don't ever trust a man when he starts massaging your body~!"Hey! What's wrong with being naked?!- A massage feels better when you're bare!" Taehyung rubbed my lower back with his palms."I wasn't just naked! You were also inside me!" I snapped, turning around to slap his hand off my back. He will definitely have sex with me again if I let him touch me like this!"I promise I won't do anything inappropriate~! Oh?" Taehyung pouted as he stubbornly applied the pressure on my back. I glared at the annoying man and glanced back at his phone, so he chuckled and gently rubbed my shoulders and massaged my back while sitting over me until... I felt him groping my buttcheeks. Taehyung lifted my gown and pushed it up to my hips."I can feel you!" I snapped without turning to look at him."I won't do anything~! Only wanted to kiss your buttcheeks," He chuckled while snuggling his face against the panty over my butt. Why is he sniffing my ass again?! I whined and reached backward to push his face away, but Taehyung only bit my right bum, causing me to shriek in shock. The man shoved my hand away and proceeded to smother himself over my panty, making me whine at his perverted acts.
A moment later.
"Hah~! I knew it! You evil man~!" I moaned as he pinned me face-first over the mattress while thrusting inside me from behind. Taehyung funnily chuckled as he sat over my lower body, steadily shoving his hips forward to hump my naked ass, so I groaned and pressed my face into the pillow in defeat. I didn't know he took off his pants until he was already inside me!"Flip over~! I want to look at your boobies~!" He instructed, suddenly lifting his weight off my back. I exhaled as the man effortlessly flipped me over and spread my legs open before pushing his hard tip back inside without waiting and crawled over my body to pull the straps off my shoulders. I glared at him with a fuming red face as he steadily grinded our crotch to pleasure our nerves with his deep thrusts."Sick pervert~! You said it's a massage!" I whined while clinging to his neck."I am massaging you! It feels good, doesn't it~? Ah~! I feel so good too~! I love to make you feel good~! Wow~! You're so warm and wet~!" Taehyung wiggled his eyebrows.I chuckled at his smug expression and lifted my face to kiss him while holding his clenching buttcheeks as he repeatedly pounded between my thighs. I moaned and tilted my head back in satisfaction until he lowered his face to suck my hard nipple while tweaking the other tip. Thwop! Thowp! I squealed and smacked his forearm as he aggressively rubbed his warm face between my cleavage to inhale my reeking sweat."Can you speed up a bit?" I giggled."Oh? This isn't fast enough?!- Hah! Of course, sweetie~! I'll show you what a true man is capable of doing!" Taehyung pridefully sat up to hold my knees apart, so I chuckled and glanced down to stare at his hard bulge with a bright red face... as he thumped inside me. He clenched his jaw and suddenly accelerated his powerful thrusts, causing the mattress to rock at his roughness, making me gasp with a satisfied smile as he sped up the motion of his sexy hips."Oh- yes~! That's the right pace~! I love it! I love you~!" I chuckled while moaning between my lips as he pressed down on my lower crotch to increase the burning hot friction. I gasped in shock once he lowered his face to bite my sensitive nipple."Ah!?- Ah!- Ow! Fuck~!" Taehyung suddenly groaned, abruptly halting his thrusts with his face screwed in pain."Are you okay?!" I gasped, lifting my head in a panic as the man rubbed his lower back with a slight grimace."Wait- Hah~! I'm out of breath! My back is stiff~!" He grunted, suddenly lowering his body to rest over mine, so I hugged his back with a worried frown as his chest pulsated unsteadily against my bare breasts."Should we stop? We should visit the hospital tomorrow~!" I whined as my husband groaned over me in discomfort."I'm okay. Give me a moment. My body is- overwhelmed," Taehyung fumed against my face. I kissed his face and skidded my hands down his sweaty spine to massage his lower back while lying beneath him with my legs spread open."Aigo~? Is this really what a true man is capable of doing~?" I teased while cupping his cheeks. Taehyung pouted, so I kissed his lips before encircling my arms around his neck... patiently waiting for him to recollect himself as he remained lodged inside me."This is annoying," He complained while rubbing my upper arms apologetically. I laughed and smacked his firm ass while hugging his heavy body over mine."Roll over, old man~! I'll take care of you~! Aigo~!" I chuckled and gently pushed his shoulder. Taehyung grumbled and rolled onto his back to lay on the mattress as I climbed his crotch to push him back inside me and leaned down to peck his grumpy face."Ah~! My pride~! I'm so ashamed~!" Taehyung groaned while rubbing his flushed face. I laughed at his adorable defeat while perching on his lower torso with my hand pressed against his abs and steadily rocked over his crotch to resume our intercourse."Ashamed...? You hurt your back while saving our children. What is there to be ashamed of? Your mini corndog is working fine. I'll do the work if you're exhausted," I giggled while shaking my head. Taehyung weakly smiled at me and lifted his hands to feel my bouncy breasts, so I slightly leaned forward to let him get a better grip on my boobs."Ah~! I'm so lucky~! My wife is skilled at everything she does~! Ah~! Ah~!" Taehyung playfully moaned as I grind over him. I laughed and leaned down to kiss the scars on his chest as he ran his fingers through my hair to soothe me."I love you," I grinned, gently kissing his cheek. Taehyung nodded and pulled me down for a warm hug. I moaned and sped up the pace of my hips to intensify the pleasure until Taehyung stiffened and groaned beneath me. Splurge! He gasped in difficulty and tightly gripped my head while struggling to breathe beneath me, so I lifted my face to peck his lips before sitting up again with my husband's shaft inside me. Taehyung gently massaged the side of my thighs with a dazed expression as I rubbed his red chest with a faint smile."Stay still. It'll leak," Taehyung grunted as he reached over the nightstand to grab the tissues. I deeply exhaled and carefully dabbed my crotch to stop the warm semen from seeping onto the mattress. Our sex life is still active. We don't do it every day, but it's still frequent. Taehyung isn't good with his hips anymore- so we usually have to switch between our heated moments so he wouldn't hurt his back."Lay still. I'll clean you in a bit," I mumbled while crawling off the bed in my loose gown to clean up the mess between my legs, and finally returned to find Taehyung sprawling naked on the bed with his forearm hooked over his head and eyes closed. I grabbed the baby wipes and crawled back onto the mattress to wipe his soft shaft, dabbed the tip clean, and gently swabbed the wet cloth over his squishy balls before pulling his boxer back onto his hips and tossed the dirty tissue in the bin."Sora," Taehyung hoarsely whispered as I leaned over the nightstand to pour myself a glass of water. I swallowed a few times and placed the water back before glancing at Taehyung... who was eyeing me sleepily from the pillow."Hmm?" I smiled while patting his bare abs."I love you more," He smiled. I chuckled as he interlaced our fingers and lifted my hand to graze his thumb over my ring. My husband kissed the back of my hand, making me blush at his affectionate stroke... so I lowered my hand to pat his cheek as he played with my loose hair. We affectionately stared at each other in the warm bedroom to relish... our peaceful relationship.
We didn't have to say anything to sense our undying love for one another.
End of flashback.__________________________
Present
Sora's POVJae Beom calmly arranged the offerings on the plate over the wooden lacquer table before his father's grave during a windy evening as I sat in my traditional hanbok as the household entered the site to join the ancestral rite to honor Jae Yangcha's death anniversary. Taehyung knelt beside me on the mat in his set of handbok, so I smiled and patted Beom's back.My father and imo were sitting in their wheelchairs on the side to watch us pay our respects. Taehyung carefully lit the two white candles and knelt beside me as Jae Beom... Jae Yangcha's sole heir... lit up an incense stick to invite his late father to the table. Why haven't I spoken of my final times with Yangcha? I do not wish to. I want to treasure our final moment together deep in my heart because it's the last piece of our memories in this lifetime.
He is a piece of me that I wish to preserve for myself... and only me.
We peacefully performed the ritual step by step as the yolky sun gradually disappeared before the ocean... until the light poles automatically illuminated the grave site. The household eventually settled on the mat to dine in the opening of the breezy night to feast on the meals we prepared for the late alpha. Beom chatted with my father from across the table, so I patted Hajin, who was also dressed in her baby pink hanbok. Woobin smiled and placed the food on her plate as the twins teased imo... who kept whining and smacking the young heirs.

"Yeobu. Do you want sage?" I asked as Taehyung chewed his food."Oh. Sure," He smiled, so I lifted the jar to pour the liquor for my husband and my father. The kids chuckled over the table as we chatted in the graveyard until I glanced at eomma and Halmeoni's grave.
We have also laid halmeoni to rest in our orchid after she passed a few years ago. Appa and imo mourned her, and so did Beom because they were the closest to her. We perform the ritual for all the graves here, including my mother. And we even performed a ritual for our pet puppy after he passed at the age of thirteen years old. The shepherd is, of course, a part of our family, so we've laid him beside Yangcha's grave under the cherry blossom trees... that my husband planted almost a decade ago to offer a cool shade to the deceased members.

Jae Beom was heartbroken after our puppy passed away, and it took a while for the young soul to accept his pet's passing. I often had to comfort my son in the graveyard and prepare the ritual for the pup, so Beom would feel at peace. We even organized a formal funeral for a puppy... who had died of old age. Beom asked for a photoshoot before his pet died... so there are plenty of photographs of puppy all over the mansion walls within the household.
[Reference Picture of Sora x Hajin and the twins]

"Hajin-ah. Why do you always visit hyung at night~? I saw you running to his cabin every time the clock struck eleven!" Woojin chuckled from across the table. Hajin froze in her place and glanced at Woobin, who was calmly chewing his food."You shouldn't disturb him~!" My father scolded my daughter. I'm relieved they're on good terms again. Hajin doesn't throw a tantrum anymore. She's maturing very well... so I'm very proud of her."Hajin visits me so I can help review her food recipes," Woobin smiled and glanced at Hajin, who was eating with her head lowered."Recipes?" Taehyung glanced at Hajin in surprise."She makes food at night when she can't sleep," Woobin smiled while ruffling her hair. Hajin giggled and hugged his arm until Woobin softly kissed her forehead."So that's why my ingredients are always missing! Aigo~!" Imo gasped. The twins chuckled as I poured the juice for Beom, who was staring at his baby sister and older brother with a weak smile while chewing his food."Why don't you cook for us too? We'll evaluate your food!" Kanghoon grinned."No! Only Woobin oppa is nice to me~!" Hajin shook her head. Woobin chuckled and patted her head as she fed him a piece of a sliced pear."Yah! You ungrateful child~! I'm the one changing our diapers! Eomma birthed you! Imo cooked your meals! Harabeoji babysits you all day~! Do-hwan protects you! And you're claiming Woobin is the only nice person in this household?!" Taehyung funnily pointed his chopstick at Hajin, who chuckled and hugged her oldest brother with a cheeky beam. Do-hwan smiled and smacked his son's back. Woobin glanced down at Hajin and gently wiped the stain from her lips with his thumb."Don't argue at the table!" I chuckled, lightly smacking my husband's hand over the table. Taehyung sneered at his daughter as he shoved a spoonful of rice inside his mouth in discontentment. I smiled at my husband's cuteness while holding Beom's back and chatted with my son. Beom chuckled and nodded at me as the household bonded under the pole lights until midnight. The twins challenged their siblings to a soccer match so the heirs eventually got up to race over the field... as the elders chatted and ate on the mat.
A moment later.
Choi Woobin gradually strolled over the dirt path after playing soccer with his brother over the field in his traditional attire- and was about to open his cabin door when he heard soft footsteps racing up behind him. Thump! Thump!"Oppa~! Wait for me~!" Hajin called, cutely jogging toward him in her puffy hanbok."What are you doing here~? The household will search for you," Woobin smiled as Hajin slipped off her shoes and entered the cabin."They're all clueless. Don't worry~!" Hajin smiled, quickly closing the curtains over his windows to block the transparent glass. Woobin chuckled and closed the door, eventually turning around to admire Hajin... who stood in her pretty pink hanbok with her hair neatly braided backward."You're so beautiful," Woobin smiled."You look very handsome too~!" She giggled, shyly covering her lips while eyeing Woobin's clothes. The eldest son stepped forward to play with the end of her braided hair, so Hajin pursed her lips and stared up at Woobin with a flushed look."I want to tackle you onto the mattress right now... but I do not wish to ruin your gown, my lovely gongju," Woobin whispered with his tempted gaze on Hajin's pretty lashes as he played with the ribbon over her chest."I don't mind if it's my handsome wangja~!" Hajin shrugged, suddenly tiptoeing to kiss Woobin's lips. He chuckled while holding her hips and softly kissed her back in his dark cabin. Smooch. Smooch. Hajin parted her lips to let Woobin insert his tongue inside her mouth as he towered over the heiress with his head tilted to the side."Can you do me a favor...?" Woobin asked, curiously searching her innocent face once he pulled back to gaze at her dilated pupils."What is it...?" She curiously beamed. Woobin gently stroked her soft cheeks before settling on the chair by the wall and drew Hajin by her waist to make her stand before him."Kneel," Woobin instructed with a straight face. Hajin blinked and knelt between his opened legs in her gown without questioning his demand. She carefully adjusted her fluffy gown and glanced up at the man's neutral expression with a questioning look. Woobin dimmed his lustful gaze on the clueless heiress as she stared up at him through her innocent puppy eyes."Wae~? What do you want me to do~?" Hajin eagerly asked while holding his parted thighs. Fwip. Woobin loosened his waistband and reached inside his pants to draw out his bulge, causing Hajin to flush red at the sight of his raw private part. The heiress quickly glanced up at the eldest son with a startled look as he gently stroked himself before her pretty face.

"Have you ever done it? With him...?" Woobin muttered, slightly lowering his face to gaze at her glassy pupils. She cluelessly blinked while watching the man stroke the shaft of his hard penis as he gently trace his fingertip over her soft lips."Do what? Sex? I-""Open your mouth for me," Woobin pressed his thumb between her lips. Hajin halted between her words with her lips ajar, so Woobin smiled and gently rubbed her wet tongue as he jerked himself on the chair. The heiress softly moaned while sucking onto his thumb until Woobin leaned forward to... spit inside her mouth with a dim frown. She chuckled and swallowed his saliva in excitement as he withdrew his soaked fingers from her pink tongue."Oppa-""Lick me," Woobin whispered, carefully lowering his face to kiss her plump lips.Hajin's cheeks flushed even redder as she glanced at his bare tip and back at the man's sensual gaze until he scooted forward and gently drew her face toward his penis. Hajin nervously gripped his thighs and poked out her tongue like a little puppy, making Woobin smile at her obedience. Hajin unsurely pressed her moist tongue against his raw tip and licked him in an upward motion."Like this?" Hajin asked while frowning at Woobin with a nervous look."Yeah. Keep licking me," Woobin muttered. Hajin exhaled and leaned forward to lick his bulge until Woobin frowned with his lips ajar. The man lowly grunted while jerking his shaft until he felt the unbearable pleasure... dominating his nerves."Holy fuck- Urgh- Fuck- use your lips Hajin- suck onto me-"The man seethed in difficulty with every wet stroke he felt over his glaze tips before lowering his dazed gaze to watch the heiress please him in her pretty handbok. Fwip. Fwip. He impatiently undid the ribbon over her chest and brushed the cloth aside to reveal her plump cleavage covered by the thin chest band. Hajin shivered once Woobin reached under the band.. to draw out her breast between the loose ribbons and gently pinch her youthful nipple to arouse her."Does this make you feel good...?" Hajin whispered, unsurely pulling away to stare at Woobin while licking her moist lips."It makes me want to... do... dirty things... to your body. Open your mouth and don't use your teeth. Suck the cum out of my tip," Woobin smiled as he shoved two of his fingers between her lips to widen her mouth and slowly insert his hard bulge inside her mouth.Hajin frowned at the instruction but followed his order without complaining as Woobin moaned and softly thrust inside her mouth. He grabbed Hajin's hand to make her jerk his cock as she knelt between his thighs, so she exhaled and bopped her head over his crotch as he groped her youthful breast with a difficult frown. Slurp. Slurp.The heiress moaned loudly with a mouthful of his hardened hump inside her mouth while staring up at Woobin until he grunted in pleasure and lowered his face with his eyes screwed shut as she licked and suck the throbbing tip until her jaw hurt... but she didn't complain and licked his bulge up and down like a delicious lollipop. The heiress slurped his hard tip intensely... until her stretchy saliva trickled from the corner of her mouth- Splurge!A hot paste unexpectedly shot out of his tip and blasted into her mouth. Hajin flinched in shock as he cummed inside her mouth without a warning- so she tried to pull away... but Woobin held her head and shoved his shaft deeper.. to completely empty his... thick semen... until she felt his tip tickling her throat."Oppa~!-" Hajin coughed in shock while staring up at his flustered cheeks."Swallow it. Swallow my cum, Hajin," Woobin grunted as he shoved his fingers inside her mouth to swirl his filthy semen over her tongue. Hajin stiffly nodded as she swallowed his semen and licked her lips with a slight grimace."Do you feel better...?" She whispered while eyeing the man in her loose hanbok."No. Not until I please you too. Climb onto me," Woobin gently grabbed her upper arm. Hajin exhaled and stood up before the eldest son, so he lifted her gown and undid her traditional pants to loosen it before removing her panties from her slender legs. Hajin anxiously held onto Woobin for support as he tugged her forward to make her sit facing him in her puffy pink gown."Like this...? But how will you-""No. I won't move. You can take charge of our bodies tonight," Woobin smiled while cupping her cheeks and softly kissed her."I've never been on top before-""You are now. I'll guide you, so don't worry," Woobin smiled to reassure her. Hajin nodded as Woobin slipped his hand under her gown to push his tip between her throbbing slit, causing Hajin to gasp in pleasure as she held his shoulders for support.Woobin squeezed her fleshy buttcheeks and gently lifted her weight to make her sit up before lowering her back down to train her hips movement. Squelch... Squelch... Hajin parted her lips with a slight frown as she intensely eyed the man but didn't make a sound, so Woobin reached under her gown to rub her throbbing clit with his thumb until she twitched in extreme discomfort."AH~! Do you like it like this~?" Hajin winces as she steadily grinds her soaked crotch over his manly bulge. Squelch... Squelch..."Bounce. Steadily... over me. Like you're riding a horse," He chuckled and leaned forward to suck on her hard nipples. Hajin shuddered while hugging his head with her lips ajar and lowered her face to fume against his muscular shoulder."But- I've never ridden a horse before-""You're riding a man's hard cock. Bounce, Hajin. Grind if you want to. Rub your wet crotch over mine. Do whatever makes you feel good," Woobin lifted his dark gaze to frown at her timid reaction. Hajin stiffly nodded and bounced her buttcheeks over his crotch as instructed, causing Woobin to groan in pleasure. The heiress softly gasped with her arms encircled around his thick neck while rocking her hips back and forth as he thirstily chewed her hard nipple."This position is so strange~!" Hajin complained."Show me how much... you want me. Hmm? Rock your hips faster- Fuck me, Hajin. Fuck me as hard as you can," Woobin chuckled while rubbing the arch of her spine to encourage her. Hajin moaned intensely as she thumped over her lover on the chair, so he groaned and leaned back to watch her steaming hot face with a weak smile until Hajin got the gist of her hip movement and started grinding back and forth to swallow his bulge inside her throbbing lady part."I like this~! Haha~! It's fun~!" Hajin giggled after a moment of swallowing her lover's hard penis and kissed Woobin with a weak smile as he kneaded her plump breasts."That's right~! Take control of our bodies. You're working your hips so well~! You're a quick learner~!" Woobin chuckled and licked her neck up to her chin. She grimaced and held his head for support. Thwop! Thwop! The heiress repeatedly bounced over his thighs with a numbed face."Oppa~! You're so hot inside me~! Ah~! Ah~! Hah~!" Hajin moaned as he clawed her fingers into his back and pressed her face against his shoulder as Woobin clutched her buttcheeks beneath her gown. Thump! Thump! He made her bounce harder onto him and grunted in satisfaction. "Did he please you better than I did...? Hmm...? Hajin, answer me," Woobin whispered, sensually pressing his hot breath against her ear. Hajin shivered and shook her head while biting down on her lower lips as she repeatedly fucked the man in her gown."No- No. I like you more- Hah~! You do it better- so much better~! I feel like- I'm losing my mind! Woobin- Hah~! You're so hot!" Hajin sniffled, quickly pulling away to frown at Woobin's smug expression as she grind her soaked goin over his. Woobin smiled with a satisfied frown and reached under her gown to rub her sensitive spot again, causing Hajin to twitch in distress as she milked his penis over the chair."I love you," Woobin whispered. Hajin froze at his love confession as she humped the man's bare crotch. She searched his eyes in tears and nodded with a troubled frown."I love you too. I love you so much," Hajin seethed, weakly slumping against his body for support.Woobin moaned against her head and suddenly lifted his hips to thrust from beneath her, causing Hajin to huff in shock. Thwop! Thwop! She screamed as he mercilessly pounded between her thighs and clutched onto his firm shoulder- until he violently ejaculated the explosive semen... inside her throbbing canal. Hajin shivered in distress with her face buried against his neck as Woobin groaned in difficulty while squeezing her buttcheeks to eject his remaining discharge."Ah~! I'm not satisfied~!" Woobin groaned. Hajin frowned and lifted her sweaty face to study the eldest son as he screwed his face with discomfort."What?- Oppa! Ah!-""I'm not done. Hajin, I won't let you leave until I juice the discharge out of your womb," Woobin impatiently jerked from the chair to rest her sweaty body on the mattress. Hajin bit her lower lips and lifted her face upward as Woobin tore her remaining gown off her crotch and slammed his hard bulge back into her already-filled inside and thrust his strong hips forward again. Thwop! Thwop! She whimpered in shock at his aggression and arched her back over the thin mattress as the scorching warmth expanded all over her crotch.
Woobin held her legs apart and thrust roughly to create the wet fwoping sound... and proceeded... to invade the heiress's nerves with his overly stimulated body to make love with her throughout the night... until she was too weak to resist his lustful desire to consume her body... and moaned in distress as the heavy sweat beads... coated her feverish skin.

She moaned and whimpered through her parted lips... squirmed and thrashed beneath his massive weight... gasped and wheezed through her strained windpipes... at the thirst of his merciless greed... until she finally squirted all over her lover's bare crotch.

A moment later.
"Are you uncomfortable anywhere?" Woobin asked as Hajin lay naked on her stomach."Nope. A bit numb down there, but I'm okay," Hajin smiled as Woobin sat beside her in his boxer. The man glanced at her youthful body as she carefreely sprawled over his mattress without any clothes on with her shins hooked over one another. He traced his dim gaze over the slender arch of her spine under the dim moonlight radiant... down to the curve of her fleshy buttcheeks while rubbing her inner back thighs."Your clothes should be dry by tomorrow," Woobin muttered while brushing his thumb over her swollen slit. Hajin smiled and glanced at her handbok. Woobin hung it on the rack after he washed his semen from the stained cloth."I guess I'll have to lay naked for tonight," She softly giggled, turning to lay on her side with her arm tucked under her head. Woobin dimmed his gaze at her perky breasts as he hungrily studied her toned abdomen... until his eyes landed on her bare crotch."No. I have to put clothes on your body, or I'll lose myself again," Woobin chuckled, quickly getting up from the mattress to grab a loose shirt and toss it at her face. Hajin giggled and sat up to pull on his stretched-out shirt. Three times bigger than her figure. Woobin smiled and rolled in next to her, so Hajin quickly laid down to rest on his bicep and hugged his chest with a weak smile as Woobin combed his fingers through her loose hair."Did you mean it when you said you love me...?" Hajin asked. Woobin glanced down at her curious smile."I love you," Woobin nodded. Hajin blushed and covered her face before rolling onto her back- so Woobin smiled at her cute reaction and turned on his side to hold her waist with a fond smile. He kissed her all over her face until Hajin giggled and shrieked in his arms, cutely wiggling her body out of pure excitement.__________________________
Fast Forward
The household bustled actively as the maids and the guards set up the outdoor picnic table in the backyard to prepare for the flock of invited guests. Jang Sora raced back and forth to speak with the chief maid as Do-hwan stood in the front yard to instruct his security units. Imo rolled her wheelchair after the maids to remind them of their duties.

"Yeobu~! Why aren't you dressed?!" Sora gasped as she stood in her off-shoulder floral lilac dress once she found her husband strolling out onto the backyard in a set of ordinary shorts and a beach shirt."It's not a feast, is it? We're only inviting the alphas for lunch," Taehyung shrugged as he walked up to Sora, who grimaced at her husband's basic outfit. He ruffled his wild hair and puckered his lips to kiss her with an unbothered look. She had prepared decent clothes for the man, but Taehyung refused and chose to present himself in a pair of worn-out slippers."Eomma~! Do I look okay?" Beom called as he walked out the door in a black trouser and a linen shirt... buttoned up to his neck."Loosen your buttons. Isn't it suffocating...?" Sora beamed at her handsome son. The mother loosened Beom's upper buttons and patted his shirt as he glanced at the picnic table with a brilliant beam."I can't believe you're inviting that fool over~!" Taehyung sorely slumped on the platform bench with a disapproving look."Honey~! He might be Beom's future father-in-law ~!" Sora fired her husband an annoyed glare."Pfft~!-""Oh! They're here!" Beom gasped at the opened back door. Fwip! Sora quickly spun around to find... Jeon Jungkook... stepping into the backyard with his wife. Hwa-young stared at the vast sea with her mouth hanging open and glanced at Sora... who was smiling at the couple.
Sora's POV
"Annyeonghaseyo~!" Beom smiled, politely bowing at the Jeons. I walked forward to hold Beom's forearm as Jungkook awkwardly nodded at Jae Beom with an unimpressed look."We brought gifts," Hwa-young muttered, awkwardly lifting a bag."Ah~! Thank you so much for the thoughtful gesture~!" I forcefully chuckled and quickly reached out for the bag. I have to do this for my son!"Please- have a seat~! Or have a walk around the property~!" Beom cheekily smiled at the Jeon. I glance at Taehyung... who is funnily glaring at the couple from the platform as he sits with his arms crossed."Yeobu~! Come and greet them~!" I mouth while beckoning Taehyung, but he gave me an attitude and snapped his face away the other way like an upset child. I exhaled in annoyance and glanced back at Hwa-young as she shrugged and strolled over the opening to indulge her gaze with the breathtaking scenery."My daughters are on their way," Jungkook stiffly nodded and walked toward the picnic table. Beom smiled and spun after Jeon Jungkook to follow him."Would you like a drink?- Or fruits? What do you prefer?- I can request the chef to assist your taste," Beom cheerfully asked Jungkook, who frowned and glanced at the alpha's overly attentive stare."I'm fine," Jungkook awkwardly shrugged and glanced at Taehyung... who was shamelessly glaring at his cousin from under the ancient tree. My husband quickly snapped his face away again, lifted one of his legs to hook it over his knee, and shook his feet in annoyance."Beom! Bring appa cool water! Ah!- I'm burning!" Taehyung snapped."Oh- Neh!" Beom cluelessly grabbed a cool water bottle and raced over the backyard to assist his stepfather. My husband instructed Beom to massage his shoulders... so being the obedient son he is... the baby jaguar agreed and gently kneaded his stepfather's back as the man drank his water. Jeon Jungkook rolled his eyes and sat on the picnic bench as Hwa-young admired the vast sea in her stylish two-piece dress."Sora~! The guards are pretty strict!" Hoseok suddenly spoke up, so I quickly spun around to find Hoseok walking through the door. Finally! More guests! I need a middleman to buffer the tension!"Oh! Hoseok! How was the trip~?!" I gasped, rushing forward to give Hoseok a warm hug. Mirae smiled and greeted me with a polite bow, so I took her soft hand as Beom strolled forward to greet the elderly alpha."The property is so beautiful~! Jagi- We should purchase an estate like this too~!" So-young's voice suddenly chirped, so I glanced through the opened the door to find Jimin... strolling toward us with his wife and his daughter."Annyeonghaseyo~!" Jiyoung smiled, slightly lowering her head to bow at me."Aigo~! You girls are so pretty~!" I giggled, happily clasping my hands together."Please come this way~!" Beom grinned."Picture! Let's take a picture together~!" So-young grinned as she grabbed Jimin's arm, so the couple chuckled and strolled off to admire the vast sea."Yah! Kim Taehyung?! What's with the sour face?" Hoseok laughed while looking past my shoulder. I turned around to find Taehyung walking towards us with his hand in his shorts pocket."He's not feeling well~! Yeobu~! Isn't she pretty?" I giggled, quickly grabbing my husband's hand to draw him forward. Taehyung nodded dismissively at the young girls.

"WHOA! THE TWINS WEREN'T JOKING ABOUT THEIR MANSION?!" A young alpha shrieked as he raced through the mansion... with his shaken eyes bulging open and mouth wide open."Dohyun! Behave yourself!" Ah-young snapped at her son as Kim Namjoon appeared with his household."Namjoon! Ah-young~!" I shrieked and quickly raced forward to give Ah-young a crushing hug. I miss her!"Ah~! Eonni~! I finally got to visit your property! I'm so envious of you! This property is phenomenal!" Ah-young pouted as her son wildly spun around to gawk at the portraits on the walls with a starstruck expression."Don't mind our son. He's a bit overwhelmed," Namjoon chuckled when we suddenly heard frantic footsteps stomping down the stairs. Thud! Thud!"OH!?- YAH! YOU'RE HERE!?" The twins gasped, excitedly strolling down the stairs in tight jeans and fitted black polo shirts."Dude! This is straight out of a fairy tale! Where are the freaking cherry blossom trees?!" Dohyun gasped as my sons hurried forward to give the alpha a firm hug. They beamed at each other and glanced at me. Aw~! I couldn't have proper friends when I was young, so I'm glad our children can safely befriend each other without the fear of being betrayed~! Their interaction is so wholesome~!"I'll show you!- Oh! Mirae!" Woojin suddenly stiffened once he spotted the young lady standing by Hoseok's side."Oppa," Mirae smiled at my son. Woojin suddenly strolled forward to give her a crushing hug... causing Hoseok's eyes to widen at my son's... interaction with his precious daughter."Eomma! Appa! This is Mirae! My girlfriend!" Woojin grinned as he proudly held her shoulder, causing my jaw to drop in shock."Yah! Young man!- Her father is right here!" Hoseok scoffed and smacked Woojin's shoulder with an offended look."Oh-! Annyeonghaseyo, future father-in-law~!" Woojin quickly bowed at the alpha. I covered my mouth and glanced at Taehyung, who was grimacing at our son. Why isn't he reacting?!"Why didn't you tell us?!" I shrieked, happily beaming at my son."I am telling you now, aren't I...?" Woojin grinned as Mirae shyly held his hand."And you...? Who are you dating? You keep eyeing someone in the yard," Taehyung dawdled as he suspiciously observed Kanghoon's dilated pupils, so I quickly spun around to find Jiyoung approaching us in her knee-length sundress."I am Kanghoon's girlfriend," Jiyoung introduced herself. Jimin widened his eyes and glanced at Kanghoon in surprise, who chuckled and walked forward to embrace his girlfriend."Annyeonghaseyo. I'm your daughter's man," Kanghoon smiled at Jimin. So-young scoffed and covered her mouth before glancing at me, so I shrieked and hugged Taehyung out of excitement. I can't believe this!"Aigo~! Three out of five are taken already...?" Taehyung rubbed his sore forehead. I chuckled and happily embraced the Jung and Park's daughters with an approving smile. I'm happy for all of them! They match so well~!"Eomma! Appa! Annyeonghaseyo~!" Hajin suddenly strolled through the front door with Woobin, dressed in black trousers and a button-up shirt. Our eldest son smiled and bowed at the elders as his younger sister clung to his forearm."Well. There are two... supreme alpha's children left..." Namjoon chuckled, nudging Dohyun toward Kim Hajin. I smiled and beamed at the young generation of alphas."You're so pretty~!" Mirae giggled, quickly releasing Woojin to approach Hajin as she stood in our matching lilac dress. My daughter hugged her friend and glanced at Woobin."Soomin!" Beom bellowed, startling the pack with his booming voice, so I quickly rotated my body to find a beautiful young woman... walking through the door... in a bright... yellow... thin strap... ankle-length dress. The younger generation of alphas suddenly pursed their lips as she strolled out onto the backyard with her enchanting visual. Oh~! She's so pretty!"Beom~!" Soomin waved, quickly racing forward once she spotted her boyfriend. Beom gasped in excitement and pulled her into a crushing hug before she could greet us."Am I... hallucinating... or is... Jeon Soomin... wearing yellow...?" Kanghoon muttered while nudging Dohyun... who was just as stunned in his place. The young alphas weirdly eyed the young lady up and down as if they couldn't believe their eyes."Since when did she know how to grin this brightly?" Dohyun frowned at the Jeon's daughter as she kissed Beom's cheeks with a glowing beam."Isn't... yellow... Jae Beom's favorite... color...?" Woojin muttered, briefly glancing at his twin with his mouth open."You're so beautiful~!" Beom gasped, cutely pulling away to admire her dress with a bright red face."All for you~!" Soomin cutely hopped on the grass, causing Jiyoung, Mirae, and Hajin to stare at Jeon's... eldest daughter with a dumbfounded look."It suits you a lot!" Beom gave her a firm thumbs up. They both squealed and hugged one another again... leaving all of us... stunned on the field.

"Oh! I brought you a gift! Soo-ah~!" Soomin spun around and raced past the crowd to snatch a small cardboard box from her youngest sister's hand. Soo-ah appeared with an annoyed expression in a knee-length white dress."A gift?! For me!?" Beom shrieked, dramatically gasping at Soomin as she lifted the box before his cheeky face."Is it just me... or is Beom... super hyper...?" Hajin muttered as she stared at her older brother's super reactive behavior. He wasn't timid... and was packed with flooding enthusiasm. I've never seen him... this active... since the day I birthed my baby Beom. The most he did... was... giggle."I think... they might've... contaminated each other," Mirae giggled and glanced at Woojin, who was staring at Beom's silly hops as he chatted with his girlfriend... as if the world didn't exist around him. I clutched Taehyung's forearm as Beom pulled the yellow ribbon off the box and quickly unboxed the gift."OH!" Beom funnily covered his mouth in shock once two... yellow... heads... popped from the box. My jaw dropped in disbelief. WHAT?-"Aren't they cute?!" Soomin chirped while hopping on the grass. Beom's eyes bulged open at the sight of the... two ducklings... in the box."I LOVE YOU!" Beom shrieked, suddenly pulling Soomin into a crushing hug, so she gasped and held onto the box to prevent the baby ducks from falling."I LOVE YOU MORE!" Soomin giggled as she happily hugged him. The couple funnily hopped on the grass again... leaving me frozen in my place. He's never.. showed me such... enthusiasm before. I'm a bit hurt as his birth mother. What the heck?!

"D- Did she just- buy Beom- d-ducks? DUCKS?!-" Kanghoon stuttered while struggling to process the scene before him as the couple rocked each other from side to side... not giving a damn... about the crowd of startled witnesses."I got a pair. A male and a female~!" Soomin giggled after Beom pulled away to pout at her while admiring the tiny ducks."NO! HAH~! THAT'S ENOUGH~! I'M NOT RAISING DUCKS~! THIS PROPERTY ISN'T A FARM!!!" Taehyung shouted, suddenly storming forward- so I gasped and stumbled after my husband as he marched toward the couple with a glowering look."Abeoji~!" Beom pouted at his stepfather with a pleading look."I AGREED TO RAISE YOUR PUPPY~! NOW DUCKS!?- DUCK?!- DO I LOOK LIKE A FARMER TO YOU!?! I AM A SUPREME ALPHA! YOU RASCAL!-" Taehyung scolded. I gasped and tried to calm my husband, but he shrieked and darted the baby ducks a deadly glare."We can't give them away! It's a gift-""THEN WE'LL SEND IT TO THE KITCHEN! WE CAN HAVE IT FOR LUNCH-!" Taehyung hastily tried to snatch the cardboard box, causing Beom to shriek and shove his father away. I gasped and grabbed onto Taehyung as Beom yanked the box from Soomin's hands and suddenly dashed over the field with a frightened look to protect the ducklings."YOU CAN'T EAT MY DUCKS!" Beom whimpered, cutely racing away with the box. Taehyung fumed and snapped at Jeon Jungkook... who was just as dumbfounded as he eyed his daughter's yellow dress with a stunned expression."YOU!- YOU'RE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS!" Taehyung directed his anger at Jungkook."YAH! HOW AM I RESPONSIBLE?!" Jeon Jungkook funnily screeched in disbelief."Oh no~! Here we go again!" Woojin laughed at the agitated men. "YOUR DAUGHTER HYPNOTIZED MY SON WITH HER LOVE SPELL!- MY BEOM WILL NEVER BEHAVE THIS WAY! JAE BEOM!- BRING APPA THE DUCKS! BEOM!" Taehyung roared, turning to glare at Beom, who was hiding behind the tree as my father laughed at the commotion."NO! EOMMA~! HELP ME~!" Beom pouted as he possessively clutched the gift box. I rubbed my sore forehead and glanced at Soomin... who was pouting at Beom's frustrated face. Soo-ah frowned at her sister's pouty expression and shook her head in disbelief."MY DAUGHTER?- YAH! YOUR SON TOOK HER AWAY FOR THREE DAYS AND SHE RETURNED- TO ME- DRESSED IN FREAKING YELLOW CLOTHES- AND EVEN BOUGHT HIM DUCKS! HE'S THE ONE DOING BLACK MAGIC! SHE'S NOT HER USUAL SELF!- THIS IS ILLEGAL!" Jeon Jungkook screamed at Taehyung."OHOH!? JAE BEOM DOESN'T DO BLACK MAGIC! HE'S A MAD GENIUS-""Aigo~!?! What's with the arguments!? My ears are bleeding!" Seokjin suddenly chirped so we quickly spun around to find him strolling through the mansion with his charming son. Hajin suddenly stiffened in place once she noticed the young man."Yeobu~! Calm down! You can't scream at the guests~!" I whined while smacking Taehyung's chest. My husband huffed and crossed his arms in annoyance as I hugged his waist to comfort him."Annyeonghaseyo~!" Seojun smiled, lowering his head to greet the elders, causing the twin to awkwardly glance at Hajin. She blinked and glanced away to avoid her former lover. Woobin briefly glanced at Seojun... suddenly steering Hajin... toward the picnic table."Aigo~! Let's not fight~! It's ruining the spirit of the gathering~!" Hoseok laughed while beckoning everyone, who shook their heads and strolled over the field to sit at the picnic table. Taehyung cutely huffed and glared at his cousin as Jimin dragged Jungkook aside... until they broke their deadly eye contact."You promised you won't cause a scene~! Yeobu~! If you behave this way- I'll get mad at you~!" I scolded my husband as he grimaced with folded arms. I tiptoe to peck his lips repeatedly before lowering my hand to pat his bum. Taehyung eventually gave in and hugged me, so I rubbed his back until I noticed... Seojun eyeing Hajin... who was clinging to Woobin."I'm not raising ducks!" Taehyung grumbled as he hugged me over the field."Jae Beom will raise it. Okay...? You can't insist on eating his baby ducks!" I chuckled while cupping Taehyung's grumpy face. The man frowned at me but eventually softened his look and nodded in defeat... so I kissed his cheek and finally turned around just as Yoongi strolled inside with his daughter. Taehyung stepped forward to greet his ally, and we spoke for a bit... until another young man appeared."Annyeonghaseyo~!" The handsome young man greeted us. Who is this...?"Ah! Hyunbin! This is my son! Chul Hyunbin! He just returned from abroad, so I'll reveal him to the society soon~!" Sungho appeared behind the young man."He's so handsome! Hajin would make a great match with him! Hajin-ah! Come here!" I waved. Hajin smiled cluelessly and walked up to us."Neh?" Hajin grinned."Meet Hyunbin. He's so handsome! Sungho always speaks of his achievements abroad~! You'll make a perfect match!" I giggled while introducing my daughter to Hyunbin, who nodded at Hajin with a faint smile."Anneong," Hajin smiled at the young man."He's too young for her," Taehyung muttered, slightly nudging me with a disapproving look."Only by three years," Sungho chuckled."What's wrong with younger men...?" I scoffed. Taehyung frowned at me."Ohoh!? You're trying to marry our daughter to a young man?!- No way! I won't let my daughter become a victim of obsession with younger men like you did!" Taehyung snapped at my face and suddenly spun around to storm off into the garden. I apologetically glanced at Hyunbin, who was chuckling at our arguments."Have a seat~! My husband is a bit cranky today~!" I chuckled as Sungho led his son to the picnic table. The young man chatted with Hajin, who brightly responded to him and strolled away with the guests. Where did he go again?! Why did he storm off like this?! I scoffed and raced into the garden until I spotted my husband... standing before Yangcha's grave with his arms on his hips."Oppa~! Let's head back! Why are you here?!" I whined and grabbed Taehyung's wrist."How can you prefer a younger man over me?!" Taehyung shrieked, darkly frowning at me. I pursed my lips at his pouty expression and bright pink nose. Is he seriously upset...?"Honey. What are you-""You obviously still prefer younger men! After all I've done for you?!" Taehyung suddenly cried. I gasped and hugged his waist in shock- utterly taken aback by his abrupt tantrum. Why is he crying?!"Hey~! Hey~! I love you the most, you know that! Don't cry~! You're the only man I love~! Why are you crying?! My love~!" I whined, gently pushing Taehyung to make him sit on the bench. He sniffled and rubbed his tears, so I cupped his cheeks to search his torn expression with a big pout."It's just that I-""Taehyung. I understand you are sensitive lately... but I need you to believe me, okay? You are the one I'm proudly holding onto right now. Everything in existence... right now... whether it's our household... family... or our relationship... it's all possible because of you. I swear... no one can ever beat your love in this lifetime... and I'm sure you're forever the winner of my heart... in all the other worlds. Hmm...? I love you," I sadly caressed his cheek. Taehyung quietly stared at me, so I gently kissed him until he exhaled and pulled me into a crushing hug."Promise me our love in every lifetime," He grumbled."I promise. I'll be forever in debt to you," I smiled, pulling away to rub Taehyung's cheeks again. Taehyung smiled and kissed my lips, so I firmly held his hand before glancing at the blooming cherry blossom with a weak smile."If you betray me... I will chase you in every lifetime and haunt you," Taehyung grunted."We're soul tied. I'll find you in every life. Okay...?" I grinned, softly pecking his lips. Taehyung chuckled at my cheeky grin, so I gave the man a comforting hug again... to reassure him of my endless love. He softly sniffled while rubbing my back and we finally returned to the picnic table to feast with the top ranks. The alphas chattered cheerfully... and of course... Taehyung and Jungkook would dart at each other with spiteful glares... but didn't cause a scene."Eomma... appa won't eat my ducks, right...?" Beom nervously whispered as he sat beside me with the ducklings box on his lap."I'll make sure to fry him alive if he touches your duckies," I assured while smiling at my son's anxious frown. Beom smiled at my response and glanced at Soomin... who was sitting beside him. She smiled at me... so I glanced down at the pair of ducks and at Taehyung... who was narrowing his suspicious eyes on the clueless ducklings."What if it's a spy-""Yeobu~! How can ducks be spies? You're making no sense," I giggled as I fed my husband a slice of chicken. Taehyung grumbled and drank from our wine glass... so I chuckled and patted his lower back before glancing to the end of the table to find Hajin grinning at Sungho's son... who was a pretty chatty young man. He chuckled and nudged Hajin, who giggled and covered her lips."Hajin. Do you want to grab liquor with me?" Woobin asked, slightly nudging her."Okay," Hajin nodded, quickly getting up from the table, left with Woobin, and disappeared into the mansion. Jae Beom drifted his gaze after the duo and glanced at his girlfriend with a weak smile. I exhaled and chatted with Yoongi and So-young over our delicious meals.
Yuri didn't attend the feast with Yoongi because... apparently... she's suffering from a hip injury and is still recovering at Min's residence.
________________________
Masquerade Birthday Party
The masquerade ballroom resonated with the melodious romantic music as the scattered pairs of the young generation of alphas... danced in circles before their parents, who were seated at their reserved tables with proud beams.
Beom smiled fondly at Soomin as she swirled under his arm with a golden mask over her pretty almond eyes. Kanghoon gently swayed to the side with Jiyoung as the couple spun beside Woojin, who was dancing with Mirae on the dance floor. Sora smiled and shifted her gaze to Hajin as she clung to Choi Woobin's neck as Seojun danced with Chungha around the stacked castle cake. Dohyun grinned cheekily as he held onto Soo-ah's waist.
"They're all grown up," Sora pouted as she sat beside her husband at their table. Taehyung softly kissed her cheek while playing with her fingers."We'll have to spend tons of money on each of their weddings," Taehyung whispered. Sora chuckled and smacked his chest. Taehyung happily rubbed his wife's shoulder as she leaned against his chest."How beautiful~!" Sora shrieked once the song ended, and the couples on the dance floor bowed at the elders. The young heirs smiled and separated ways to their seats."I need to pee~!" Hajin funnily lifted her dress and hurried away with Woobin, who left to escort her as Beom and Soomin settled on the chairs at a table nearby.The twins sat with their girlfriend beside Beom as Min Yoongi appeared at the curved staircase on the first floor with a beaming smile to greet the guests. Min Chungha climbed their stairs and strode forward to stand beside her proud father... where the spotlight was directed at the Mins... until another woman appeared by the father and the daughter.Chung Yuri graciously stepped forward... to stand beside her husband before the pack of powerful households. Sora smiled as she sat on her husband's lap with her arms encircled around his neck. The Min cleared their throat and thanked the alphas for attending their daughter's birthday ceremony with a formal speech. Chungha shyly smiled and spoke into the microphone as she stood at the top of the staircase to express her gratitude... until her mother requested the microphone."Why don't we all toast our glasses to celebrate the stability of the council?" Yuri smiled, lifting her glass in the air as she stood in a flaming red feather dress. The households clapped merrily to celebrate the society's harmony as the servers appeared with trays of red wine. Everyone within the room chattered with each other and took a glass to raise it with Chung Yuri as she beamed at the crowd below her."CHEERS!" The guest boomed. Sora smiled, softly clicking her wine with Taehyung and the couple lifted the glass to their lips when- BANG! The guests flinched in a panic at the single gunshot... from the far back of the room. Sora gasped in shock as Kim Taehyung clutched onto her waist with an alarmed frown."Shit!" Taehyung quickly stood up and yanked his wife behind his back as the startled crowd snapped their attention at the opened venue door... as a man stood... in a white suit with a fully ornamented crystalized... spotted face mask secured over his face."GUARDS?!" Yoongi snapped for assistance... but for some reason... the guards did not budge... and stood in their places... causing Kim Taehyung to freeze and glance at the motionless security team."Don't move! Everyone stay in your place!" Choi Do-hwan suddenly shouted. Sora glanced at her chief guard in confusion and back to the mysterious man with a racing heart.Taehyung darkly clutched onto his wife's arm when the mysterious man suddenly strolled forward in his white attire. The alphas gasped once they realized... he was... dragging a heavy mass behind him. The household quickly backed away to clear his path as he steadily hauled... a body... over the polished tiles... leaving behind trails of dark blood.Sora gripped her husband's forearm in fear as the tall and buff man marched past her with the mask over his face... so she fearfully glanced at the lifeless body... whose head was covered in a bag. The guests sucked in their breath as the man towed the heavy mass to the center of the ballroom until he reached... the looming birthday cake.
CRASH!
The twins protectively yanked their girlfriends behind their backs as Hajin clutched onto Woobin in fright once the man shoved the cake tower off the table at the center of the dance floor... sending the creams and crumbs... splattering onto the floor. Kim Seokjin darkened his frown on the anonymous man as Sora gawked at his sturdy physique with a terrified face.
THUMP!
The terrified guests flinched in a panic when the man roughly shoved the lifeless body under the spotlight beside the wooden table in the center of the room and slowly crouched down to yank the bloodstained bag off the man's head. Taehyung darkened his gaze once the masked man tossed the dirty bag aside. Fwip! Everyone quickly shifted their fearful gazes to the victim... whose face was entirely covered in blood."What's this madness...?" Hoseok whispered while frowning at the frightening scene. The man exhaled, snatched the victim's hair, and yanked him upward... causing the person to groan in discomfort. Kim Taehyung's eyes immediately... widened once he recognized the familiar feature."CHUNG MANSEOK?!" Kim Taehyung bellowed, utterly blown away by the cult leader's appearance before his eyes.The society gasped and eyed the injured man as he lifted his bloodshot eyes to stare at the crowd of power players within the room while kneeling on the floor in his ragged clothes. The mysterious man exhaled- effortlessly seizing the cult leader's beaten body- and hauled him onto the wooden table. THUMP! Sora slightly widened her eyes in horror as the anonymous man aggressively slammed the human body on the table with a deadly glower hidden behind... the spotted... golden mask."Taehyung-" Sora unconsciously tugged her husband's arm but winced in shock when the buff man suddenly stabbed Chung Manseok's nape. STAB! The guests shrieked and backed away in extreme hysteria- STAB! The masked man stabbed the cult leader again with the sharp birthday cake knife. Sora stood petrified in her place with her lips ajar as Taehyung slowly drew his wife against his chest to hold her with his unblinking gaze on the shocking butchery before their terrified sight.
STAB! STAB! STAB! STAB!

The mysterious masked man mercilessly plunged the blade into Chung Manseok's neck- who grunted in pain but wasn't able to move... until his dark blood trickled... from his lips... eyes... nose... and ears... leaking all over the table with every brutal puncture he received.

Squelch... Squelch... Squelch...

The mysterious man... viciously began sawing... the cult leader's wounded neck before everyone's frightened eyes... causing the young alphas to turn away from the disturbing scene... because they couldn't handle the gruesome slaughter before them.
The thick bloodpaste... of the cult leader... eerily flowing over the edges of the table and... dripping onto the polished tiles. Taehyung tugged Sora backward to draw her away from the bloody fluid... as it spilled all over the floor and seeped in all directions."Taehyung-" Sora whispered again. The man frowned and glanced down at his terrified wife as she stared at the mysterious man with swelling tears in her eyes. She is as pale as a ghost."Sora-""He- the man- he's-" Sora tried to speak, but her voice was stuck in her throat. Kim Taehyung frowned at his wife's shaken condition and snapped his head back at the golden mask to study the black spots with a dark frown.
SQUELCH... SQUELCH... SQUELCH- SNATCH!
Every soul within the room flinched in extreme fear once the man savagely ripped the cult leader's head from the lifeless body... causing the torn tissues and neck muscles... to detach from the shredded skin of his throat.Jung Hoseok suddenly barfed and turned away as Jimin hugged his wife on the side. Namjoon gripped Ah-young's hand as Seokjin stood paralyzed beside his son. Min Yoongi... fearfully hugged his daughter on the staircase as Yuri frowned at the mysterious man with a pale face. No one dared to utter a word but watch the lethal killer fume dangerously in his blood-soaked white suit.
THUMP!
A sweep of chills suddenly plagued the ballroom as the masked man slammed the cult leader's head over the table without uttering a single word. Sora suddenly sobbed and covered her lips as she eyed the savage beast. Taehyung frowned at the mysterious man while examining the killer's... familiar body proportion until... something struck him.Kim Taehyung abrupted stiffened in shock as he glowered at the masked man before shifting his startled gaze to scan his body physique again and glanced back at the cult leader's decapitated head... displayed on the tables... as his corrupted blood... flooded the tiles... viciously seeping toward the crowd of petrified players... who backed away in extreme fright to avoid being stained... by the dark substance."Hahaha~!" The masked man suddenly laughed under his breath as he stood with nasty blood stains all over his white suit and mask. No one could identify his voice because... it was somehow... altered by an automated device to eject a wickedly low tone.Kim Taehyung froze in his position with a drained expression as he frantically scanned the crowd of alphas before glancing at the killer who was laughing like a madman at the center of the room. Sora whimpered as she stared at the decapitated corpse and glanced at the head of the dead man... whose eyes... were bulging open with his lips ajar... and bloody tears... dripping all over his beaten face."Taehyung!" Sora whimpered, fearfully lifting her face to cry helplessly at her husband. Taehyung stiffly stared at her frightened expression and glanced back at the masked man... who slowly turned his face to stare right at... Jang Sora... as he straightened saturated his body... covered... entirely in the cult leader's blood. The man dully shifted his deadly gaze to sweep the room of petrified witnesses as he brushed back his sleek black hair with his bloody fingers and reached for the cult leader's entangled hair. Scoff. The killer deeply exhaled as he murderously presented... Chung Manseok's head... before the hushed crowd and suddenly shifted his evil invested gaze to... Chung Yuri... who was tearfully glaring at the mysterious man with her lips pursed from the floor above."Chung Yuri. Please make your way down the staircase or... I'll put a bullet into your husband and daughter's hearts," The man's low voice boomed from the under mask.Min Yoongi frowned at the killer's threat and glanced at Yuri... who remained cemented beside him with her unblinking gaze on the bloody man. Min Yoongi's heart abruptly leaped in fear... once he glanced down to find... a red laser spot on his... and his daughter's chest. Yuri pursed her lips in tears as she fearfully glanced at her husband and daughter... who was too frightened to budge as the guards aimed their weapons at them."E-Eomma- I'm scared," Chungha sobbed, shaking out of control until Yoongi tightly held his daughter's hand to comfort her."What is this madness?!" Jungkook impatiently bellowed while frowning at the killer who was gripping Chung Mansoek's detached head as the dead man's blood... trickled messily onto the floor."What are you doing?!- How dare you direct your laser beams on my family?! ORDER YOUR MEN TO PUT DOWN THEIR WEAPONS!" Yoongi shouted at the supreme alphas as Choi Do-hwan sternly directed his laser at Min Yoongi's beating heart. Taehyung blinked and glanced at his guard... confused and frightened by his men's scheme to assassinate the second-rank household without his awareness."Why don't you question your wife of her sick intentions...?" The mysterious man chuckled in a low tone. Sora sobbed in distress as she hugged Taehyung... who firmly gripped onto her shoulder once he too... recognized the identity of the masked man. The power couple refused to budge as they held each other in tears."STEP DOWN OR WE'LL FIRE-""I'LL STEP DOWN! LEAVE MY FAMILY ALONE!" Yuri fearfully shrieked, suddenly raising her hands in the air to declare her surrender.Min Yoongi scoffed and glanced at Yuri with a dreadful look. The woman pursed her lips as she fearfully... stepped down from the staircase in her flaming red feather dress with her tearful eyes on the mysterious man. No one dared to budge from their position and held their breath... until Chung Yuri... landed on the bloody ground floor. She cautiously approached the unknown masked man with her burning gaze on her dead father's decapitated head.

"Bring her one of the wine glasses served earlier," The mysterious man signaled a paralyzed waiter... but the average staff was too shaken to budge... so Seokjin snatched the glass and boldly stormed into the spotlight with a dark frown.The mysterious man chuckled like a madman as he retrieved the wine glass from Kim Seokjin and lifted it under the blinding spotlight to examine the red wine. He finally... handed the untouched glass to Chung Yuri... who stood with her bloodshot eyes on him as the nasty blood spilled from her father's ripped throat. The woman sniffled as she struggled to hold back her streaming tears and glanced up at her husband and daughter in extreme remorse... before reaching for the glass. The man smiled and stepped back once he handed the woman the liquor."Yuri?! What's going on!?" Yoongi shouted from the stair landing above. Yuri sobbed in distress but didn't answer her husband and slowly... lifted the glass to her red lips and drained the liquor in tears. She hastily flung the glass aside- SMASH! The shard shattered all over the pool of thick blood. The room didn't dare blink and stared at Chung Yuri as she stiffly stood over her father's bloodpaste."Spare my family," She shakily whispered with her torn gaze on the masked figure."I won't hurt them once you atone for your sins. Cheers," The man smirked. Yuri nodded uneasily and glanced at the crowd of baffled and bewildered households... while clenching her fist- Blurp! Yuri suddenly gagged and gripped her chest in pain. The woman cleared her throat with a pained frown- suddenly wobbling to her knees... with strained veins over her forehead... and neck as her eyeballs turned bloodshot."Eomma?!- EOMMA?!-" Chungha screamed, trying to race down the stairs but was caught by Min Yoongi.The daughter shrieked in distress when her mother violently vomited blood... onto the floor. The masked man blankly stared at the woman at his feet as she whimpered and lowered her head to resist the poison that was clogging her veins. Kim Taehyung scoffed and glanced at the untouched wine glasses on his table before glaring back at the woman... who was kneeling over the warm puddle of her father's fresh blood."I- I'm sorry-" Yuri whimpered... apologetically staring up at Min Yoongi and her broken-hearted daughter, who was screaming in distress upon witnessing her mother's purple face.Chung Yuri sobbed in extreme discomfort while gripping her aching chest- suddenly coughing out clotted black substances... until a stream of blood... dripped from her nostrils and ears. The woman jerked in distress once the poison engulfed her nerves- THUMP! Chung Yuri... suddenly flopped to the floor and twitched in extreme anguish in her red gown... once the deadly toxin fully infected her blood veins to terminate her... life in a split... minute."The war is over!" The man bellowed- SLAM!- violently slamming the cult leader's head onto the table, causing everyone to jerk in fear as they watched Chung Yuri twitch over the floor in the pool of her own blood... until her... dress... hair... and skin... were bathed with the sticky red paste of her family's cursed blood.
The woman... had planned a mass manslaughter with the poisonous wine to end the council under father's command... but her plan had failed tragically... after she was caught off guard... by a beast... that moves... silently in the shadows... with its predatory glare on the lurking evil of the  Black Phoenix... as the bird... attempted to... once again... rise from its ashes.

The untamed beast... snarled for the last time as it pounced ambitiously on its pointy claws to climb the ancient tree of the wilderness... as the blackbird burst from its nest... powerfully ascending upward... to expel its destructive fire rage.

And with its faultless precision... the beast leaped high... into the dangerous opening of the sky beyond its territory... brutally snatching the firebird with its fatal jaw force to prevent the creature from spreading its fiery wings... mercilessly... slamming the wounded bird back into... the pool of its own blood... to permanently put out the.... cursed flame... of the... deadly warfare.

The Jaguar.

A symbol of confidence, determination, power, protection and... loyalty.

Jae Beom.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Flashback
Kim Taehyung gradually climbed the stairs leading to his front porch in formal work attire upon his return from work in the city with a bag of goods for his wife and children. The man briefly glanced at his watch to ensure he was on time as he entered the mansion through the front door- but halted once he spotted the bowl-cut twins... lurking behind the staircase railing with their heads tilted upward. It appeared... they were hiding from someone on the floor above. The man smiled at their skittish behavior, cautiously creeping behind their backs, and crouched down to examine their fluffy hair before lifting his head to look up the stairs in curiosity.

"What are you doing...?" Taehyung whispered beside their ears."ARH!!?-*&!#^%?-" The twins screeched- jolting in a panic as they wildly spun around to find their father chuckling at their terrified faces."Are you trying to scare your siblings again?" Taehyung grimaced. The twins huffed in relief while patting their hammering chests before crouching beside their father with sweaty foreheads."Shhh~! We're playing hide and seek! Hajin is searching for us upstairs~!" Kanghoon quickly covered his father's lips. Taehyung chuckled at their cute frowns as he coiled his arms around the alerted twins to embrace them against his chest and softly pecked their rosy cheeks. "Appa will walk upstairs. If Hajin is not there... I'll clear my throat to let you know so you can come up, okay?" Taehyung smiled at the twins. They nodded cutely and glanced up the stairs again with cautious frowns, so the man stood up and ruffled their bowl cuts as he placed the gift bag aside before strolling up the stairs."Oppa~?" Hajin keenly poked her head inside her grandfather's room in her loose silk gown to search for the twins. The little girl scratched her head with a slight pout once she failed to locate her brothers and hopped through the corridor like a little bunny until she noticed her father approaching her."Hajin-ah~! What are you doing?" Taehyung beamed, swiftly bending down to scoop his daughter and gave her cheek a gentle peck. The father gasped in satisfaction as he absorbed the soothing baby scent from her mochi-soft skin."Appa~! Have you seen oppa~?" Hajin grinned as she clung to Taehyung's shoulders while glancing back and forth in suspicion to search for the mischievous twins. The man chuckled as he patted her back in the corridor."They're hiding downstairs. Hide here. Appa will call them upstairs so you catch them," Taehyung wiggled his eyebrows, carefully bending over to settle Hajin behind a massive vase. Fwip! Hajin cutely snatches the giant leaf to cover her face.[ Unofficial Picture Reference of Kim Hajin. She's so cute I couldn't blur her face XD ]

"Okay~! I'll catch them!" Hajin giggles while covering her lips as she crouches over the floor with her loose black hair."EHEM," Taehyung loudly cleared his throat while patting her head to flatten her wild strands and stood up again to signal the clueless twins on the floor below. The alpha chuckled at his act of betrayal as he dismissively strolled toward his bedroom... until he heard frantic footsteps racing up the staircase. Thump! Thump! The twins shoved each other in pure excitement, thinking their father was on their side, so they scrambled up the steps on their hands and legs, believing their father was signaling them to avoid Hajin, and raced into the first-floor corridor. The man hummed happily and entered his bedroom with an evil smile. "WAH!- GOTCHA!" Hajin shrieked, unexpectedly leaping out from behind the vase to fling her tiny body at Woojin, who screamed in a panic and tumbled backward. Thump! Kanghoon squealed, fearfully flinching in extreme bewilderment as Hajin roughly snatched their collars with a proud grin. "Ah~! Appa betrayed us!" The twin brothers whined at their baby sister in annoyance as she captured them beside the vase. Taehyung chuckled in contentment as the children playfully shoved each other around in the corridor. "Sora?" Taehyung called for his wife as he entered the bathroom to undress himself, but she was nowhere to be found. The man sighed, assuming she was assisting the maids downstairs... and took a bath alone before strolling into his closet room with a towel wrapped loosely around his defined hips. The man cluelessly pulled the door handle open to search for a shirt- but abruptly jerked in a panic once he noticed... a pale feet... sticking out from the base of the wardrobe."What are you doing?!" The alpha gasped, quickly clearing his clothes aside to find his wife sitting deep in his wardrobe with an ice cream bowl and snack bags on her lap. She blinked and looked up at him with... striking messy hair and chocolate smudges... on her lips.
Sora's POV
"Shhh~! They'll find me!" I quickly pressed my finger over my lips to hush my husband and thoughtlessly tugged his towel- causing the material to slip from Taehyung's waist. Fwip. The towel dropped to the floor, causing my eyes to widen in shock. The man froze and glanced down at his bare crotch before shifting his startled gaze to me. Well... I definitely did not intend to strip him naked. I gulped at his bare private part until my face flushed bright pink. "Do you want to suck my lollipop...?" Taehyung smirked as he stood over me."Ah~! Put on your clothes and come inside!" I whined and grabbed a set of folded clothes from the fallen pile to throw at him. He chuckled at my objection as he shamelessly dressed over me before crouching down with a baffled look to examine the melting ice cream in my bowl."Come inside...? Where? Inside you? Sure. Spread your legs for me and I'll make sure to come inside you," He teased. I gasped at his inappropriate joke and smacked his head, causing him to chuckle at my prude reaction."Hurry~! They'll find us!" I whined while tugging his forearms. The children asked me to play with them, so I hid in the closet, and they've been chasing each other around in the corridor. I'm not playing hide and seek! I'm intentionally hiding from them because I'm so tired! Taehyung exhaled and crawled into the spacious wardrobe to sit against the wall, so I quickly closed the door and leaned back in the dim closet to have my ice cream. "Why are you hiding in here...?" Taehyung whispered, funnily eyeing me up and down as he hugged his knees beside me. Why did he crawl inside without questioning me? I don't know. He's probably used to my silly behavior. I shifted my position... and then adjusted my butt to sit sideways on his thighs as the man stretched his legs beneath me. He huffed and leaned back against the wall with his dim gaze on my sulky expression."I'm not in a good mood because of my period. The kids are playing hide and seek... and I think they've forgotten about me," I mumbled. They couldn't find me in the last half an hour, so I have been here all alone... until he showed up. Taehyung gently kissed the side of my head while rubbing my shoulder to hold me against his chest as I scraped the creamy bowl with my spoon."Did you steal their snack?" Taehyung whispered as he watched me scoop the ice cream from the bowl. I glanced up at him and carefully fed the man... so he opened his mouth and accepted my offer with a faint smile."You only buy snacks for our children. So I stole their ice cream," I grumbled as I leaned sideways against his pulsating chest. Taehyung tasted the ice cream while massaging my hips as we hid from our children in the wardrobe."I thought my mini corndog was enough to keep you full," He whispered. I glared at the man and smacked his chest, causing Taehyung to groan in discomfort. He grabbed a gummy pack from the floor, tore it open and lifted one gummy to my lips, so I huffed and chewed it with a slight pout.

Life as a mother isn't easy! I enjoy being a housewife, but- but! I'm still human, and I sometimes get the urge to run away from my responsibilities because there are too many little devils in the house! They thrash the living room with their toys! They stomp over the carpets with fresh mud on their shoes! They cover themselves in paint and dirt! They draw on the wall! They squeeze out their soaps into the bathtub until the foam overflows!

I frequently clean up the mess myself- because the maids are occupied with their respective chores! Hajin brought a freaking living toad inside the mansion one time, and Beom almost fainted on the spot when the little creature jumped at him. Puppy went berserk and tried to eat the toad, so I had to chase the pup to stop him as Hajin sprinted around the house to scare the twins with her pet friend!
"Buy me ice cream when you return from work. Okay...?" I muttered with my puppy eyes to my husband. He chewed the gummy with a weak smile while scanning my face and softly kissed my lips, so I giggled and scooped another chunk of ice cream with the spoon."Come with me to work. I'll take you for an ice cream date tomorrow," Taehyung whispered. I nodded and fed him again. We softly chattered in the wardrobe to hide from our children until Taehyung's fingers gradually slipped to the base of my cold feet. The man exhaled once he noticed I was bare... and drew off his socks to pull them on my feet as I cheerfully conversed with him.
A moment later. 
"- Can you believe it?! I picked the apples first~! The woman rudely took it from my bag~!" I complained to my husband about my bad shopping experience at the local market... where an old ajumma seized my picked apples from my bag at a store."Seriously~? Wah~! How rude! I should knock on her door and confront her~! How dare she steal your apples?!- I'll sue that old woman for being so disrespectful!" Taehyung gasped as he massaged my shins."Right?! I could've snatched her hair if she wasn't older than me! I couldn't buy enough apples because of her!" I whined in annoyance. Taehyung gasped dramatically and pushed another gummy inside my mouth, so I grumpily chewed the jelly when- CREAK. Taehyung jerked in a panic and clutched onto my hips as we sat in the dark wardrobe with a terrified look. We fearfully shifted our gaze to the closet room... through the tiny gap to monitor the unexpected presence."Hajin-ah~? Hyung got gummies~! Come out now~! It's your favorite~!" Woojin whispered while creeping inside our closet room with a devilish smile to lure out his younger sister. Taehyung quickly covered my mouth with his oversized palm in the dark closet, so I gripped my spoon with a racing heart as we watched the boy... circle the hushed space."Hah~! Oh-" Woojin shrieked, flinging open a wardrobe door- thinking his sister was inside, but paused once he noticed it was empty. I pressed my face against my husband's chest as he intensely watched our son search the other wardrobes... until the child stood up with a slight grimace. He scratched his head... and eventually... walked over to our wardrobe with a suspicious smile. No~! We'll get caught! I shakily pant while cowering against Taehyung's warm torso as he firmly stifles my voice with his secured grip."Shit," Taehyung cursed, tightening his hand over my mouth as Woojin crept up to our door. I swallowed in fear as Woojin reached for the handle- Thud!-"YAH!- I SAW YOU! HAJIN!!! DON'T CHEAT!" Woojin screamed, wildly snapping his head toward our bedroom. Thump! Thump! Thump! We heard Hajin sprinting out of our room on her tiny steps. Woojin screeched in annoyance and quickly bolted out of the closet to chase after her. BANG! They slammed our bedroom door shut, making me exhale in relief as Taehyung lowered his hand from my lips. Phew~! That was close!"I didn't know hide and seek could be so intense!" Taehyung chuckled, weakly glancing at me. I smiled and softly kissed him until the man coiled his strong arms around my waist to make out with me in the dark. I giggled at the flavor of the sour gummy on my tongue as he transferred his spit into my mouth, causing me to inhale in satisfaction at the addictive taste of his lips while stroking his warm earlobe."This reminds me of the closet game we played during Hoseok's birthday party," I giggled between his lips. Taehyung grimaced and pulled away to fire me an offended look."You're still obsessed with the mysterious man?-""It was Seokjin-""Don't talk about him! I'll be your hot closet man!" Taehyung smacked my lips with his finger. I laughed at his disapproving glare, so he chuckled and forcefully kissed me again. He drew the bowl from my hand to place it aside while holding my nape to support my head as he forced me backward to make me lay over the pile of his folded clothes."What are you doing~?! Not in the closet!" I gasped as he groped my breast in the dark and softly pulled down my neckline to suck on my nipples. I shivered in distress as he hovered his strong body over mine to trap me beneath him. The man gently grinds his knee against my crotch to arouse me while caressing my fleshy bosoms with his slick tongue activities. Hngh~! He's chafing his kneecap against my lady part! And it feels weird! "I won't let you think of the closet incident anymore~! You'll only think of me once you see a closet from now on!" Taehyung lowly chuckled as he lifted his face to kiss my lips while pinching my nipple between his fingers, making me moan at the tingling sensation. I hugged his neck and curled my toes in extreme difficulty as he stimulated my lady part inside our dim wardrobe. "I'm on my period~!" I softly panted once he withdrew his parted lips from mine."We did it a few times while you were bleeding before~! You said you loved it~!" Taehyung chuckled. Why is he using his knee to hump me like this~? Ah~? I fumed in heat as the man inserted his tongue inside my mouth to suck the living soul out of me while pinning my wrists above my head until... my fingers fumbled upon something... warm and fleshy. I frowned in confusion while feeling the strange chunk over my head... but didn't open my eyes and responded to my husband's steamy love strokes as he pulled down his pants between my parted legs. What's this...? I felt the warm flesh unsurely with my fingers... and tilted my head upward with a slight frown until I noticed... a dark silhouette... sitting between the pile of clothes."Beom?!- Ah!?!- Sweetie~! What are you doing here?!" I gasped, abruptly freezing in extreme bewilderment as my heart leaped into my throat... once I noticed my son sitting between the fallen piles. Taehyung immediately snapped his head upward as he hovered over my bare breast to find Beom staring at us in the dark. I glanced at the warm flesh in my palm with a startled look... until I realized it was... Beom's chubby feet."Eomma~?" Beom yawned while rubbing his droopy eyes with his balled fists."Ah~! I almost flashed my dick!" Taehyung scoffed, quickly yanking the neckline over my breast, and pulled his waistband back to his hips as I frantically sat up to seize my little baby from the corner of the wardrobe. Beom clung to my neck as I drew him from the messed-up pile to sit the baby on my lap with a concerned expression. Why didn't I see him earlier?! Taehyung fumed in embarrassment while sitting back against the wall with a dark frown on the sleepy child."How long have you been here?" I gasped while stroking Beom's face. He cluelessly blinked and glanced at us with a dazed expression."Since we played hide and seek...? Beom got sleepy while hiding in here and took a nap," Beom grumbled. I frowned at the groggy baby and glanced at Taehyung's awkward expression. Did he see us?- Or was he asleep?"Aigo~! You scared eomma~!" I softly kissed my son's forehead while rubbing his back as he grumbled and snuggled his face against my chest to seek my comfort. "What are eomma and appa doing in here~?" Beom mumbled, curiously glancing at Taehyung, who gulped at the child's clueless inquiry and glanced at me."We're hiding from them too! Do you want gummies? Ah~!" Taehyung chuckled as he fed Beom a sour jelly. The baby opened his mouth and chewed the snack as he sat on my lap, so I exhaled and glared at Taehyung in annoyance."He could have seen us!" I mouthed with a slight grimace."How am I supposed to know he's here?!" Taehyung bickered as he hastily plopped the gummy inside his mouth. I exhaled and smiled at little Beom as the child munched the gummy with his eyes half open. How can he fall asleep while hiding in a closet? He could've gotten stuck in the wardrobe!"EOMMA?!- APPA?! EOMMAAAAAA!!!" The twins suddenly screamed from the corridor. Taehyung's eyes widened at the tone of their frightened screams, so he quickly shoved the wardrobe door open and scrambled out of the closet with a startled look. Why are they screaming?! Was there an accident!? I hastily lifted Beom and raced out after my husband as he flung open the bedroom door and sprinted out into the corridor with a dreadful expression."Wae?! Wae?!- Why are you screaming?!!" Taehyung snapped as he raced toward the frightened twins and Hajin, who were screaming in tears."Beom and eomma are missing! We can't find them~!" Woojin cried in fear as he held Hajin's hand, who was pouting at her father in her mini gown. Taehyung froze before the three frightened kids and face-palmed himself once he realized no one was hurt. I softly chuckled at their realization of their missing mother and brother as I stepped out with baby Beom in my arms. It took them almost an hour to notice my absence? Aigo~!"Eomma is fine! Beom was hiding with eomma~!" I chuckled. Taehyung deeply exhaled as he crouched before his anxious children, who gasped in shock upon seeing me in the corridor. Thump! Thump! Thump! The trio raced forward to hug my legs with big pouts. "We thought the giant mosquitoes abducted you!" Hajin cutely shrieked. I laughed and bent over to lower Beom, who giggled at the sight of his concerned siblings. The twins exhaled in relief and hugged my neck, so I patted their backs to comfort them as Hajin hugged Beom, who smiled and patted her messy hair."Let's head downstairs. No more hide and seek~!" Taehyung beckoned his children.The young souls gleefully shrieked and raced after their father to play on the ground floor, so I entered our closet again to organize my husband's messy clothes before stepping out into the backyard where the kids were playing in the playground. Imo is chatting with my father on the platform under the ancient tree as usual. I lifted my hand to shield the warm radiant of the setting sun as the lively children slid from the slides.
Their screams and endless chatter might sometimes bother me... but they are also the reason... I feel so... whole... complete and at peace with my existence. If could.... I'd preserve their innocence in a glass dome... so I could listen to their lively chatters and squeals forever. It scares me to see them grow because I do not wish for any of them... to suffer a tragic fate like I did.

I must protect them at all costs, and I will live until my last breath to cradle my children in the comfort of my motherly embrace.

A moment later.
I hooked an empty handle basket over my forearm while strolling over the backyard to enter the spring garden until I spotted Taehyung clipping the stems and leaves over a beautiful flower bed. Winter ended not too long ago, but the flowers are already... blooming its colorful petals. The man glanced up at me once I paused beside him and stood up in his loose tank top and shorts with dirt smudges on his cheek."Hello sir, I am here to purchase flowers," I formally greeted the man. Taehyung chuckled at my silly statement as he gently sprayed a blooming orchid."What flowers are you looking for, my lady?" He played along."I'd like some orchids, lilies, and daisies," I replied as I gently stroked a yellow rose with a faint smile."What's the occasion...? Why would a pretty lady like you purchase her own flowers?" Taehyung asked with a weak smile as he inspected the flowers to search for the best bloom."My husband is always busy," I shrugged. The man side-eyed me and bent down to cut the stem, so I crouched beside him with the basket to admire the delicate petals."What kind of a man is too busy to get his wife flowers~?" Taehyung chuckled as he placed the blooming flowers in my basket."That one, please~!- Right? My husband is so inconsiderate!" I nodded while pointing at a pretty stem. Taehyung snorted at my pretentious acts while shaking his head as he plucked a lily and handed it to me. I accepted the stem from the man and inhaled the soothing fragrance with a bright beam.
Flower bouquets are lovely, but can you imagine picking out whatever flowers you need from a flower bed planted by your husband? It's a paradise here! They say all the good guys go to heaven- and the bad ones bring heaven to you!- But Mr. Kim Taehyung?! He assembles his own heavenly realm for me with his bare hands!

A flower bouquet will eventually wither and lose its beauty, but a flower garden? The petals will endlessly bloom for me! Days and nights!
"Your husband must be a bare minimum man," Taehyung nodded. I smiled at the beautiful lily in my hand and scooted closer to him as we crouched by the flower bed."Are you taken?" I curiously asked while admiring his handsome side profile."Married, actually," Taehyung shrugged."Why are you alone in this beautiful garden...? Your wife doesn't like flowers?" I nudged his arm. Taehyung grinned and glanced at my cheeky smile. "Oh. My wife... doesn't care about my effort. My hands are blistering and my skin is burning off my flesh to groom this garden for her," Taehyung nodded and flipped his hand over to show me his dirty palm. I chuckled and gently smacked his hand with the flower.

"Aigo~! I wish my husband was this romantic," I wiggled my eyebrow while groping Taehyung's bum as he crouched beside me."Ohoh?!- Why are you touching me so inappropriately?- A married woman shouldn't behave this way!" Taehyung playfully sprayed the water on my face. I gasped at the cold mist and smacked his bicep in annoyance, causing the man to laugh, and quickly stood up to avoid my touch."I'm sure your wife isn't as beautiful as I am~! I'm good at cooking~! I'm good with children~! I can do house chores~! And I will definitely appreciate your hard work~!" I grinned, shyly getting up after the man to nudge his arm. Taehyung snorted at my flirty smile and wiped his nose with the back of his hand."I'm loyal to my wife~! And only her~! Please make payment for the flowers and return to your bare minimum husband~!" Taehyung smirked as he placed a few more flowers in my basket. I glanced down at the beautiful petals and back at the charming man."I don't have money," I pouted. The man widened his eyes with an offended look."Oh?!- Why would you ask to buy my precious flowers if you don't have money?!" He playfully frowned with his hands placed on his strong hips. I awkwardly cleared my throat and pretended to scan the empty garden before stepping forward with the basket."What if I pay with something else...?" I whispered behind my hand, carefully pulling my neckline down to show the man my cleavage. Taehyung stared at my boobs and glanced back at me with a startled look."Ohoh! You're not faithful to your husband?!- What's with this obscene act, woman~?! I won't sway over your pair of boobies! No way! I'm a decent man!" Taehyung scolded with an attitude. I pouted and gently held his waist."Why don't you be my husband instead...? I'll give you free boobies privilege!" I grinned, slightly tilting my head upward to wiggle my eyebrow at him. Taehyung bitterly glanced from side to side with his hand placed stubbornly on his hips, so I hugged his waist and puckered my lips until the man lowered his gaze to grimace at me.

"You're a naughty woman~!" He huffed. I gasped in a panic when he suddenly slithered his arms around my waist to grope my bum. The man lowered his face to kiss my lips, making me smile between our sweet kisses before the sunset as I held his nape... until he gently massaged my breast and lowered his head to press his face against my cleavage."I'll offer you my boobies every day if you agree to be my husband~!" I giggled. Taehyung laughed and lifted his face to peck my lips before hugging me again, so I cupped his cheek, softly kissing his lips as he kneaded my buttcheeks."I can never trust my wife with another man! Your wavering tendencies worry me so much!" He laughed as he lifted me off the ground with his arms secured under my bum. I giggled while holding his shoulders for support as the man carried me out of the garden."Aigo~! What's with you two?!" Imo gasped once she found my husband racing me over the backyard. I gripped the flower basket with a bright beam."I found myself a very lovely husband in the garden over there~! He's taking me home!" I waved at my father. The kids giggled from the playground at the sight of our affectionate interaction. I tapped Taehyung's arm until he settled me on the grass field after one of my slippers slid off my feet. My father shook his head in disbelief as my husband bent down to slip the shoe back on for me."I forbid everyone from permitting this naughty woman to leave the mansion without my presence! She will definitely try to seduce another man if he's more handsome than me!" Taehyung funnily ordered. Imo laughed and shook her head, so I shyly smacked his butt and strolled inside the mansion. Taehyung chuckled as he back-hugged me while groping my boobs until I whined at his shameless acts and glared at him in annoyance... but was greeted by a sweet kiss on my lips, so I giggled and placed the basket on the coffee table.
A moment later.
I carefully placed the clear vase decorated with my husband's hand-grown flowers over the cabinet in our bedroom after plucking out the leaves and cleaning the stem as Taehyung chatted with the twin boys on our bed. Woojin shrieked and rolled over the mattress as his father taunted him with playful scratches on the base of his feet. Smiling, I turned around to sit on my bed as Kanghoon hugged my pillow while sitting beside Taehyung to watch his father torture his twin brother."Yeobu~! He'll puke~! Stop torturing him~!" I chuckled and gently smacked Taehyung's back."Will you suffer the punishment for them then?!" Taehyung grinned and tried to tickle me instead. Slap! Kanghoon gasped at his father's evil intention and shoved his father's hand away from me."Andwae~! You can't torture eomma~!" The twins shrieked, protectively hugging me, causing Taehyung's jaw to drop in shock at their defensive response. "Oh!?- I'm so hurt! If eomma and appa were to drown- who would you save?!" Taehyung scoffed."Eomma!" The twins shrieked without hesitation. Taehyung gasped dramatically and slumped over the mattress to kick his feet in the air while faking a distressful cry. "I'm so hurt! How can you leave appa to drown?!- Fine! Appa will jump into the ocean and drown!" Taehyung pouted as he hastily scrambled off the bed, causing the twins to shriek at their father's suicidal statement. Thump! They wildly hopped off the mattress to grab Taehyung's hand with frightened looks."No~! Appa can't drown! We won't let you~!" Woojin shrieked as he hugged Taehyung's leg. Kanghoon cutely clutched Taehyung's waist with a worried frown, making me laugh at their clingy response to prevent their father from jumping into the ocean. The adorable duo securely captured their father's limbs to stop the man from leaving the room. "Fine! Then I'll jump off the terrace! Since you guys don't care about me!" Taehyung rudely shoved the twins aside, sending them tumbling onto the floor in their pajamas. The man quickly sprinted onto the terrace to flung his leg over the railing- causing the twins to squeal in fright."No! No!- APPA! DON'T HURT YOURSELF! APPA~!" The twins cried, fearfully sprinting forward to snatch Taehyung's pants. The man pretentiously tried to jump off the railing, causing the twins to shriek even louder as they towed their father's waistband to prevent the man from falling off."Yeobu~! Stop scaring them!" I chuckled as Taehyung funnily clung to the railing- but failed to resist the twins' cuteness and toppled back onto the terrace."You said you won't save me, so why do you care-""No! We love you too much! Appa can't die~!" The twins pouted at the man until father broke into a soft smile upon witnessing their irresistible cuteness. He suddenly lifted them both off the ground and climbed back onto the bed with our babies in his secured muscular arms. I softly chuckled as the twins clung to their father's torso with frightened pouts. Taehyung slumped back down with a contented smile while holding his sons over his sturdy body."Am I your favorite?!" Taehyung grimaced at the twins."Of course! Muah~! Muah~! You're our role model!" They giggled while showering Taehyung's face with sweet kisses. I fondly smiled at their heartwarming interaction while watching the twins cling to my husband's chest, so Taehyung exhaled and slipped his arms under their heads to cushion them on the pillow."Eomma is appa's favorite though. Not you two," Taehyung smugly smiled with his eyes closed. The twins gasped and smacked their father's chest with an offended look, causing the alpha to chuckle weakly before kissing each of their cheeks, so I rested over the mattress and extended my arm to hug the three babies on our bed."We love you both the same!" The twins giggled. Taehyung exhaled, effortlessly lifting Kanghoon from between our bodies, and tossed the kid into Woojin before scooting his body over the bed to hug me instead."I don't care about you two! I'm happy as long as my wife loves me the most~!" Taehyung chuckled. The twins shrieked again, quickly sitting up on the mattress and climb over our bodies to try and wiggle between us- but Taehyung refused to let the children break us apart and hugged me tightly. The baby boys whined and smacked their father's butt after they failed to separate us. Taehyung lifted his heavy leg to hook it over my hips with a smug smile as I hugged his waist, softly giggling at our sons' whiny tones."Let us in!-""Ah!?! Yah! You crazy punks!-" Taehyung suddenly screamed when they bit his bum. The father frantically lifted his head in shock as the twins shrieked and scrambled off the bed with cheeky grins."Goodnight~!" They poked out their tongue before dashing out of the bedroom as Taehyung rubbed his throbbing buttcheek, making me giggle in disbelief. The naughty duo suddenly scurried inside the bedroom again to give me sweet kisses- and sprinted back out to avoid their father... so I laughed out loud and hugged my husband's head as he grumbled and held me tightly in his arms after being bitten by... the coconut heads.
Fast Forward
Third Person POVKim Taehyung attentively fixed his tie in front of the mirror to adjust his attire as his wife groomed herself in the bathroom. The couple showered together earlier, but she's still taking her time... to pluck her eyebrows by the sink. The man cleared his throat and sat on the bed to check her bag out of curiosity... but there wasn't anything inside the pouch... but a tube of chapstick, a small perfume bottle, and her empty purse. The supreme alpha walks around without money because her husband is her human bank account. He pays for everything she asks for without hesitation. The man smiled, closed the purse, and glanced at his wife's clothes on the bed until he noticed her clean undergarment. The bored husbandman briefly glanced at the closed bathroom door, quickly fishing out her clean panty from the pile, and softly sniffed the cloth with a weak smile to absorb her lingering scent when- Creak. The alpha frantically yanked the panty from his nose and shoved it out of sight once the door opened."Oh...? You're already ready?" Sora muttered as she cluelessly walked forward to lift her knee-length formal dress from the bed beside her husband."Why do you carry a bag if it's empty?" Taehyung nodded at her pouch."I carry your chapstick," Sora muttered while strapping on her bra and tossed the towel on the bed. She lifted her dress again with a slight frown to search for her underwear."Your purse is empty," Taehyung shrugged. Sora chuckled and turned around in confusion as she stood butt-naked before her husband. Taehyung stared at the peachy curves of her bum with a weak smile as she glanced from side to side to search for her missing panty while scratching her head. "Where did my underwear go...? I thought I brought it out already?" She grumbled, cluelessly walking toward the drawer for a new underwear. Her husband unblinkingly watched her adjust the straps over her fleshy hips until she rotated her body and walked forward to draw on her formal dress with her back turned on him. "Should I give you an allowance...?" Taehyung smiled, carefully zipping the dress over her curved spine. She chuckled and walked away to sit at the vanity table as her husband settled back onto the mattress in his neat suit."No. I'll make you pay for everything I want," Sora glanced at the man through the mirror. Taehyung chuckled as he patiently waited for his wife... and eventually got up with her light purse to stroll out of their room and left the mansion to attend the Tower's general meeting in Seoul. 
She had been invited by the employees to attend the ceremonial event.

A moment later.
Sora's POV"We're so glad to know you're well and healthy!" Secretary Yoon held my hands with a pouty expression once we reunited at the conference hall packed with shareholders and executive directors. Taehyung was busy chatting with a few men on the other side of the room earlier, so I decided to approach... the familiar employees to greet them."I can't believe you guys are married now! How are the twins doing?!" Assistant Cha grinned."I heard you had another baby?" Assistant Ri chuckled."We have five children," I giggled, causing the employees to gasp at each other. Yup. Everyone pretty much reacts the same way every time I mention the number of our little spawns. Not everyone is mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially prepared for the lifelong commitment of raising so many children. Taehyung eventually walked over to greet his former employees, so I clung to his arm and beamed at the assistants."We wish to treat our bosses to a meal! Are you free for dinner~?" Secretary Yoon smiled at us. We glanced at each other and nodded in agreement, causing them to shriek in delight.
Dinner feast.
"Oh!- It's hot! Please be careful!" Assistant Cha smiled as she placed the sizzling meat on my plate. I thanked her thoughtful assistance, lowered my spoon to wrap the meat up with the fresh cabbage, and dipped it in the sauce before hand-feeding my husband as he sat crossed legs over the cushion at the end of the table with me. The directors and managers chatted loudly over their meals, so I glanced at the other tables until the employees politely lowered their heads at me from their seats. Ah~! I miss eating out with everyone! Taehyung opened his mouth to accept the food from my hand, causing the directors and the employees to gasp shyly at my priority to feed my husband. Taehyung doesn't like to eat with his hands, so I have to prepare the food for him."You guys are so sweet~!" Assistant Ri shrieked while covering her mouth with a flustered look. I laughed as Taehyung drank the beer from our shared glass."Aigo~! I thought we'd see you again at the main office, but you hired a new chairman to oversee the tower~?" Secretary Yoon complained as he flipped the meat over the grill to ensure it was thoroughly cooked."My wife is busy caring for our children and me. How could she possibly work at the tower?" Taehyung smiled. The directors chuckled at his comment."Oh! So she's staying home to look after the children now~?" The finance director asked from the far end of the table."Neh! My husband says I don't have to work because he can provide for me and our children! I stay home to care for our babies, and of course- I have to care for my lovely husband too~! He's a big baby~!" I giggled and gently tapped Taehyung's chin with my finger, causing him to smile at the keen employees. My husband usually refrains from speaking freely during an outing with outsiders, but that doesn't mean he doesn't enjoy the gathering. He's having a lot of fun, given he's been drinking and eating so much food since we arrived."Omo~! I wish my husband asked me to stay home too so I don't have to wake up every day for work~!" Assistant Cha gasped enviously."Not everyone is born lucky like our young lady and master~!" Assistant Ri giggled. I laughed and toast the glass with the employees inside the reserved barbeque restaurant. Chatter. Chatter. The employees from all the departments conversed loudly as they cheerfully ate their warm meals while clicking their glasses and fanning the smoking meat. I chatted with the operation director while rubbing my husband's lower back. His spine will hurt again if he slouches- I constantly have to remind him to sit up to ease his chronic pain by patting his lower back."Urgh~!" Taehyung suddenly screwed his face in discomfort. I quickly glanced at him to find the man fanning his open mouth with a bright red face."Oh no~! Is it spicy~?" I gasped in concern. He must've accidentally dipped his food in the spicy sauce! Taehyung nodded while rubbing his burning lips and furrowed his eyebrows in annoyance."Imo! Please bring us a small milk carton!" Secretary Yoon called. The shop owner quickly delivered the milk, so I poured it into the cold ice cup and handed it to Taehyung, who swallowed the drink and exhaled in relief. He can't handle spice. I patted his back again and glanced at the employees as they cheered over the charcoal grills."Wah~! I really miss eating here~!" I wiggled my body in extreme satisfaction as I chewed the juicy pork belly with a bright beam and tried to dip it in the spicy sauce when Taehyung suddenly grabbed my wrist to stop me."Don't eat spicy food," Taehyung mumbled, lifting the sauce bowl to place it aside. Oh? Why not?"Wae???" I blinked with a dumbfounded look. "Just don't eat it," My husband shook his head, dismissively lifting the glass to drain the cold beer. Taehyung never bothered before, so why won't he let me eat spicy today? I scratched my head unsurely and chatted with the drunk secretary, who was nagging the assistants about their delayed work progress over the table. Taehyung drew out his handkerchief to wipe his greasy lips until something caught my eyes- so I glanced at my husband to find him wiping his lips with a red cloth. Taehyung must've noticed the strange fiery red color too because the man suddenly withdrew it from his lips and unsurely unfolded the fabric before his face... with a questioning look... until... I found myself... staring at my missing... underwear. The stupid husbandman froze with the lacy panties in his hands and glanced at me awkwardly. He pursed his lips and glanced back at my panties with a flushed face. "Put it away!" I gasped, hastily shoving his hand down when the employees glanced at us from their positions. Taehyung quickly stuffed my panty back into his pocket and lifted his beer to drink it with a startled look... until he choked on the liquor and started coughing in distress. How'd he get my panty?! Did he steal it while I was in the shower?! I glared at the man as he eyed me in extreme embarrassment, so I shook my head and ate the meal with a slight grimace. Wah~! How can he wipe his lips with my panties before the employees?!
A moment later.
I uncapped the hangover drink and handed it to Taehyung as we sat in the parking space near one of the marts in the suburbs. He's a little drunk, so I had to stop him from driving to sober him up with the energy drink. The man quietly gulped the fluid and leaned back in the seat to recollect his intoxicated mind as I slurped the orange juice from a paper cup while rummaging through the bag for the gummies I bought."Why did you bring my panty~? You took it from my pile this morning, didn't you?" I grimaced. Taehyung chuckled softly with his eyes closed and turned his face to watch me chew the gummy."I sniffed your panty this morning- accidentally placed it in my pocket when you stepped out of the bathroom. I mistook it as my handkerchief earlier," He shrugged, lifting his hand to place it on my lap, and gently rubbed my inner thigh as we sat in the parked car."The entire table could've seen my underwear!" I glared while feeding him the gummy. Taehyung shook his head and exhaled deeply as we sat in the parking lot, waiting for the man to sober up so we could drive to the airport for departure."Is there a special occasion? Why did you want to wear red?" He muttered, suddenly drawing out my dirty panty from his pocket again. I flushed brightly red as the man drunkenly stretched my stained underwear before his face with a sly smirk."I pulled out whatever I saw! There's no intention behind it~!" I whined, trying to snatch the panty from his hand- Whack! The man swatted my hand aside and quickly turned away to sniff my underwear with a satisfied frown."Ah~! Maybe I should start bringing your panty to work from now on? It's a great energy source~!" Taehyung chuckled as he shamelessly snuggled his face against the red cloth."You're a sick pervert!- Stop it! Someone might see you!" I whined, trying to snatch the panty from his grip again, but he quickly jerked it away with a devilish smile."Why didn't I think... of using my wife's panty as my handkerchief? It should be normalized! Using my lover's undergarments to prove just how obsessed I am with you~!" He drunkenly tapped my chin with his finger. I glared at the man and playfully smacked his chest as he funnily chuckled in his seat. He softly pecked my lips so I grimaced and gripped his forearm as he fumed the reeking alcoholic odor in my face. "Sober up quickly~! We have to head home~ or the flight will be delayed again~!" I grumbled, slumping back against my seat to munch on my gummies. Taehyung shoved my panty back into his pocket and lifted his hand to hold my lap again."Are you bored...?" Taehyung hoarsely muttered as he sat against his seat with a tint of redness on his cheeks. The man glanced at me with his head tilted on the heat rest."Wae? I'm not bored at all," I shrugged as I shook my head."Give me a kiss," He smiled, leaning towards me from his seat. I frowned at his dazed expression and gently pecked him."Why?" I blinked."Poke out your tongue," Taehyung whispered. I uneasily observed the man's dazed expression before poking out my tongue as he had demanded. He suddenly tilted his face to lick my tongue with his eyes closed, causing me to suck in my breath in utter shock. What's with this behavior?!"So weird~!" I whined, shoving him away to make him sit in his seat. Why did he lick my tongue?!"You're not spicy. Good," Taehyung smirked, slowly averting his darkened gaze to me. I nervously stared at my drunk husband and glanced at the car nearby as it steered out of the parking lot.

"What's the matter with you?" I rolled my eyes, dismissively plopping another gummy inside my mouth."Why else do you think I asked you not to eat spicy...?" Taehyung chuckled with his head lowered, suddenly withdrawing his hand from between my inner thighs to unbuckle his belt. Click. Click. I widened my eyes in shock as the man loosened the lock and carefully slid the leather belt from his waist."Hey!?- What are you doing!-? We're outside!" I gasped, quickly grabbing his hand to stop him from stripping himself. Taehyung glanced at the crowded parking lot and the passerby on the pavement on the opposite road before shifting his drunken gaze back to me. Why is he pulling his pants down?!"No one will notice. Let me... borrow those... pretty lips of yours... for a moment," Taehyung sensually whispered while rubbing my lips with his thumb. My eyes widened in disbelief."You're drunk~!" I whined, trying to pull away when he suddenly clutched my throat and leaned forward to slam his lips against mine. Smooch. Smooch. I sucked in my breath in shock as he forcefully kissed me and tilted his head to fit his moist tongue inside my mouth. The man aggressively swirled his slick tongue inside my mouth as he firmly held me by my neck to make me submit to him until I started fuming in extreme heat.

"I asked you not to put spice in your mouth before I was even intoxicated. I had a plan, Sora," He chuckled in a low tone as he gradually pulled away to scan my flustered with his alluring gaze. I gulped intensely as the man lowered his hand from my neck to grab my wrist and gently made me touch his hard bulge over his loose pants. Swallowing uneasily... I glanced down at his unbuckled belt as he slipped out his raw private part and guided my hands to his bulge."You're a crazy man~!" I whispered as he wrapped my fingers around his warm shaft. Taehyung chuckled in satisfaction and kissed me again, so I exhaled and gave in to his request. He moaned softly against my lips while skidding his hand up my thighs to reach between my legs until I felt his fingers brushing me beneath the dress. I shakily screwed my eyes shut at his steady yet thrilling strokes and carefully rubbed his hard tip over his undone pants in our car. I'm crazy~! Why am I doing this?!"Milk the semen out of me~! Hmm~? Rub me harder~! Hah~! Yes- harder, baby~!" He chuckled after pulling away from the kiss to encourage me. I grimaced at the man's drunken behavior as I lowered my head to lean over his throbbing bulge, and carefully kissed his swelling tip. Taehyung stropped rubbing my panties, and leaned back against his seat with a satisfied smile as I bopped my head over his crotch to please him in the car while sucking his jiggly testicles to intensify the pleasure... until he started moaning in extreme satisfaction. The man shakily groaned with every stroke he felt while running his fingers through my hair and gently thrust his hips upward to increase the friction of his sensitive tip against the roof of my mouth. I suddenly gagged in distress but didn't pull away and slurped him with a slight frown."I can't believe you're making me do this in a parking space~!" I whined, briefly lifting my face to grimace at his stupid smile."Shhh~! Open your mouth, darling~! Let me feed my baby~! Sora... open your pretty lips... for me... come one... wider... baby... open wider. Swallow me like you usually do when you're hungry... hmm?" Taehyung playfully smacked his wet bulge over my cheek, causing me to groan in disbelief as he gently shoved his tip against my lips to insert himself back inside my mouth. Slurp... Slurp... Slurp... The man chuckled between his breathy moans while sitting back against the seat to watch the passing cars on the road as I laboriously sucked him and exhaled with my eyes closed to lick his flavor- until he reached his climax and ejaculated in my mouth."Stupid man~!" I whined, quickly sitting up to rub my lips after I swallowed the thick semen. Taehyung panted in satisfaction with his head tilted against the headrest while jerking his shaft to release the remaining discharge. I grimaced and lowered my head again to lick the leaking paste from his tip's opening until he grunted in difficulty. He eventually buckled up his pants after I licked him clean and leaned over from his seat to kiss my cheek with a proud smile."Thank you for your hard work~! Muah~! My wife is so lovely~!" He funnily squished my cheeks as I playfully glared at him. Taehyung pecked my lips repeatedly until I broke into a soft smile and kissed him back in our car seats."Reserve a hotel suite," I whispered, slightly pulling away to gaze at his charming face. "Oh? I thought you wanted to fly home-""Are you reserving a room or not?" I asked while stroking my thumb over his moist lips. Taehyung scanned my face with a funny smile until I leaned forward to gently kiss his lips again. Smooch. Smooch. He softly fumed his humid breath over my face as I tilted my head to deepen the steamy kiss and gently stroked his warm earlobe.   "Of course, I will! Hah~! My wife is asking me to book a hotel! Who am I to refuse?! I must serve her!" Taehyung chuckled, quickly drawing out his phone to contact an agent. The man beamed in excitement as he started the car engine. I deeply exhaled while adjusting my position over the seat until he freed his hand to hold my hand over my lap while reversing the wheels out of the parking space to race over the night street. We changed our plan to reside in the city for the night.
A moment later.
"Yeobu~! Which scent would you like to use tonight?" I smiled while clinging to his forearm as we strolled into the grand hotel's lobby. "Why can't we do it raw~? I want your flavor the most!- I gave you my tasty milk so you must return the favor and feed me your fresh juice~!" He chuckled while nudging my shoulder. I shrieked at his teasing smile and smacked his mouth as we halted by the registration desk to retrieve our room's card."Then why did you buy the condoms?" I whispered as Taehyung steered me toward the elevator.

"Just in case we get a little wild~! Oh-?" Taehyung lowered his head to peck my lips. We were about to enter the elevator when we noticed... two familiar faces... standing side by side in the compartment. The woman's eyes widened in shock once she recognized me."Eonni?!" Ah-young gasped as she stood by Namjoon's side, who suddenly flushed red and glanced at Taehyung, who was just as taken aback by our unexpected encounter."Since when were you pregnant?!" I shrieked, quickly releasing Taehyung's arm, and hurried inside the elevator to hold Ah-young's hand."Ah~! I'm due in a few months~! Oppa will marry me after we deliver our baby," Ah-young shyly chuckled as she patted Namjoon's firm chest. Ah-young and Namjoon are together?! That's unexpected! Taehyung awkwardly cleared his throat as he stepped inside the compartment to stand beside me. "I'll send you gifts~!" I grinned. Ah-young nodded at me and glanced at Taehyung before lowering her head to greet him with a weak smile."And what are you guys doing here...?" Namjoon dawdled as he patted Ah-young's shoulder."Ah~! We're on a break from our children! We're going to have a little fun together~!" I giggled, happily turning to hug my husband's waist. Taehyung flushed red at my blunt honesty and gently clutched my hips. "Ennoi- it's my first pregnancy- so I wonder if it's safe to sleep with my partner during the pregnancy?" Ah-young suddenly asked with a flushed face. Namjoon stiffened at his lover's unexpected inquiry and sideway glanced at me without turning his head."Oh?- Oh- Yeah! It's totally fine," I replied as my husband rubbed my back with his blank gaze glued to the numbers on the screen."Oppa says it's safe, but I'm quite worried," Ah-young giggled as she shyly held onto Namjoon's hand, who cleared his throat in embarrassment. The alpha refused to look at us and pretended to inspect the compartment with an unbothered expression. "You brought her here to sleep with her?" Taehyung asked with a dumbfounded look. "What else is a hotel for if it's not for resting and lovemaking~?" I giggled, lightly smacking Taehyung's chest, who was frowning at Namjoon with a judgemental look. Ah-young covered her mouth shyly and glanced at her stiff lover. Ding. The door slid open- so we quickly stepped out with an awkward smile."Oh!? We're on the same floor?!" I gasped once the couple stepped out as well. I glanced at the only two doors opposite from each other on either side of the corridor."This is a bit- awkward..." Namjoon cleared his throat as he held Ah-young's waist."Ah~! It's fine! You two have fun~! We're here for the same purpose!" I giggled as I clung to Taehyung's forearm and spun around to leave the couple when he suddenly paused and turned around with a troubled look."Uh- don't lay on your back too long- the side position... is the most effective for pregnant women-" Taehyung awkwardly informed Namjoon while scratching his head. "Ah- Thanks-""And use a condom so you won't leave a mess-" Taehyung continued, suddenly offering the convenience store bag to the couple. Ah-young pursed her lips awkwardly and glanced at Namjoon, who appeared somewhat embarrassed by the situation."Take it! We don't need it anyway! I hope this is your size?!" I gasped, quickly snatching the bag from Taehyung's grip, and sprinted forward to place it in Ah-young's hand. The young woman giggled at the bag of condoms, so I patted her shoulder and scurried back into hug my husband's arm. Taehyung scoffed at Namjoon's flustered face as he steered me toward our room, so I waved at Ah-young and entered the suite with my husband."That's unbelievable! Kim Namjoon and Yoon Ah-young?!" Taehyung gasped once he closed the door behind his back. I chuckled at the thought of their shocking love affair as we took off our shoes by the rack."I guess we'll have to go flavorless now that you gave away all of our condoms!" I giggled. Taehyung huffed and hugged my waist to resume our make-out session while guiding me toward the living room with his lips glued to mine. "Flavorless...? You're the best flavor!" Taehyung grinned, suddenly bending down to sweep me off the floor. I shrieked in shock as the man swiftly raced through the suite to shove open the bedroom door and slammed me down on the bed. Thump!"Ahah~! Don't rush!" I giggled while sprawling on the bed as Taehyung flung off his suit and quickly crawled between my legs."Give me your panty~!" He chuckled, hastily yanking the straps beneath my dress. I shrieked and tried to stop him by twisting my thighs- but he was quicker. The man shoved my knees apart to seize the white panty from my ankles- and quickly lifted it to his face to absorb the unfiltered scent with a perverted grin, making me whine at his inappropriate behavior. I softly kicked his bare chest in annoyance as he repeatedly sniffed my underwear with a drunken beam. "Stop being so weird! My panty is dirty~!" I complained. Taehyung chuckled as he drew my panties over his head before lifting my legs to hook them over his muscular shoulders."Dirty...? I can only sense your delicacy~! Spread for me, woman~!" He grinned while shoving my knees apart with a devious smirk. I chuckled and drew the pillow over the mattress to rest my head over it as my husband kissed my shin and proceeded to kiss my inner thighs.... gradually lowering his face to my sensitive crotch. I giggled with my legs hooked over his shoulders as the man knelt on the bed with my underwear over his head. "Shouldn't we shower first? We smell like roasted pork belly!" I giggled."No wonder I'm salivating so much~!" Taehyung smirked as he kissed my groin and blew against my sensitive area to make loud farting noises. Breep! Breep! I shrieked in distress at the ticklish vibration- and tried to wiggle free- but he effortlessly held my hips down, so I groaned and reached down to scratch his scalp with a weak smile as he skillfully pleasured me on the bed. 
And... yet again... we had a sleepless night together in the private suite.

What is happiness? Happiness isn't exclusively correlated with intimacy.

Rather... it's the quality time we spent together. Whether it's when we're lost in lust, whispering so cautiously in the closet to avoid our children, teasing each other in a garden before beautiful flowerbeds... or eating together in a crowded space packed with outsiders.

The most authentic form of love and happiness... is the precious moments we relish in each other's presence... during our shared lifeline.
End of flashback___________________________Present: Before the stabbing incident.Kim Hajin calmly stepped out into the rooftop opening at the academy to find another woman leaning against the railing, dressed in a plain white shirt and mini skirt. The heiress unsurely walked forward until Jeon Soo-ah briefly glanced at her before shifting her sly gaze to the alphas on the field below with a faint smile. The Jeon's daughter had requested to meet up with the heiress and although, Kim Hajin was clueless of her intent... she could clearly see the arrogant confidence in Soo-ah's usually calm expression. They both eye Kim Seojun, who is fooling around with his friends and the twins. "What is it that you want?" Hajin muttered in disinterest. "You got back together with him after the scandal?" Soo-ah asked, smugly turning her face to Hajin."Seojun apologized," Hajin shrugged. Soo-ah scoffed and shook her head with a mocking smile."Did he tell you about our secret affair together?" Soo-ah asked while smirking at the heiress, who didn't react and glanced downward to watch her boyfriend shove his friend aside."So you deceived him," Hajin nodded, calmly smiling at Soo-ah."I didn't deceive him. He willingly slept with me," Soo-ah chuckled while admiring her manicures."But it is me who... he's begging to be with. Not you. He doesn't even acknowledge you when you brush shoulders," Hajin chuckled, weakly shaking her head. Soo-ah's smile dropped at the heiress's unbothered response until a flash of insecurity swept over the confidence on her pretty face. "Do you actually believe you're that secure?" Soo-ah darkened her gaze."I will not fight to keep a man if he's unfaithful. You may take him from my grip if he's willing to betray me," Hajin shrugged, coldly spinning around on her heels, and left the rooftop without uttering another word. Soo-ah frowned at the apathetic heiress before narrowing her eyes on the alphas below with the extreme determination to prove her worth.
Fast Forward
"Beom!" Hajin shrieked in shock when the basketball violently bounced off the floor- smashing right against Jae Beom's face with its shocking force and sending the alpha toppling off the bench. Thump!"Shit!" Dohyun gasped, quickly rushing off the court as Beom sat up with a bleeding nose. Hajin gasped in a panic as she knelt down to wipe the blood off her brother's face."I'll take him to the infirmary~!" Hajin assured the twins as they raced up to their younger brother. Beom groaned in discomfort as he stood up from the bench in the auditorium and limped out of the crowded space to enter the infirmary office where he was treated by the stand-by nurse."I'm fine," Beom muttered to assure his sister as Hajin remained by the bedside with a sore frown to inspect the bloody cotton, lodged inside his nostril. "Eomma will not rest if she knows!" Hajin pouted at her injured brother."Don't tell her. It's silly," Beom chuckled while patting her head. Hajin chuckled and hugged her brother as she kept him company in the infirmary until the door flung open and rapid footsteps entered the clinic."Ah~! Ow~!" Soo-ah whined as Seojun carried her into the infirmary. The siblings averted their eyes to the Jeon's daughter as a couple of lower ranks escorted her to the spare medical bed."What happened?!" The nurse gasped as Seojun lifted Soo-ah's left leg to place her sprained ankle on the bed."Seojun stepped on Soo-ah's ankle after the match!" Someone explained. The alpha attempted to offer her water bottle to Seojun as he celebrated his victory- only to have the man stomp on her feet by accident. Hajin blankly stared at the nurse as she inspected Soo-ah's bruised ankle and glanced at Seojun as he worriedly eyed the young lady. Beom glanced at Jeon Soo-ah and back at Hajin's dark frown before patting his sister's back to comfort her. Seojun exhaled and walked up to his girlfriend."You're sweating so much. Why don't you go and shower?" Hajin smiled at him. Seojun nodded as he patted her head before strolling out of the infirmary to wash himself with the other guys. Soo-ah smiled weakly at the nurse and glanced at Hajin, who rolled her eyes and glanced back at Beom with an unbothered reaction.
A few days later.
Jeon Soo-ah limped in difficulty on her bandaged left ankle toward the guy's locker room until she spotted Kim Seojun, the twins, and Kim Dohyun... strolling down the corridor in their sweaty sports jerseys after a friendly match in the auditorium earlier."Ah!" Soo-ah gasped, pretentiously wobbling to the floor to capture the guy's attention, causing Seojun to glance at her."Soo-ah!" Dohyun gasped and was about to race forward when Soo-ah felt a strong arm hooking her underarms to prevent her from fully collapsing onto the floor. She gasped in panic and glanced upward to find Jae Beom standing beside her with a blank face. Fwip. He effortlessly hauled the alpha back to her feet."You shouldn't walk if your ankle is hurting," Beom muttered, cautiously releasing her from his clutch as the other alphas approached them. Seojun dismissively entered the locker room with the twins, so Soo-ah exhaled in annoyance and sat on the bench outside the room as Jae Beom backed away to sit on the opposite bench across the corridor with his hands clasped together while training his intimidating stare on the young woman."Beom! Are you coming?" The twins asked after they strolled out of the locker with Kim Dohyun."No. I will be there in a bit," Beom replied, still keeping his stubborn blank gaze on Soo-ah to monitor her every movement. She swallowed uneasily and glanced away when he wouldn't lower his unblinking stare, so the twins shrugged and walked off with Dohyun."Why are you staring at me?!" Soo-ah snapped in annoyance after a tormenting moment of muteness. Beom watched her with her vacant gaze and slowly leaned his back against the wall as he sat with his legs apart and arms crossed over his pulsing chest."Why are you waiting outside the guy's locker room?" Beom questioned in a dangerously low tone. She glanced at the empty corridor in annoyance and glanced back at him with a dark frown."I want to speak to Seojun!" Soo-ah snapped. Beom didn't react and stared at her blankly until Soo-ah grew super uncomfortable, so she quickly got up from the bench and shoved the door open- just as Seojun stepped out in his fresh clothes- but halted by the doorway once he found Soo-ah staring at him with a frightened look."What's the matter?" Seojun unsurely glanced at Jae Beom's dull stare as he slowly rose to his feet with his hands in his pocket."Please do not upset my sister. Hajin isn't a toy for your entertainment," Beom calmly spoke."Wae? Did she ask you to threaten us now that she's insecure?!" Soo-ah scoffed, causing Seojun to frown at her bratty attitude."Soo-ah-""You've been ghosting me since you got back with her!" Soo-ah confronted Seojun, who stood with his bag strap over his shoulder. The alpha grimaced and glanced at Beom again."You may do whatever you want, but I will not hold back... if you harm my sister. Please be mindful of your actions because I will never allow you... to scratch... Kim Hajin- even if it's an invisible bruise," Beom warned the duo and suddenly strose off without a bother. Soo-ah exhaled in annoyance before glancing back up at Seojun, who shrugged and tried to walk off, but she grabbed his wrist and yanked him back with all her might."Soo-ah!" Seojun snapped at her in frustration."How can you sleep with me and pretend as if nothing happened?!-""I was drunk!" Seojun refuted. Soo-ah clenched her jaw in anger until she heard soft footsteps approaching her, so she snapped her head to the side to find Kim Hajin... walking up to them with a blank expression. Seojun exhaled heavily as he yanked his arm out of her tight grip and walked up to the heiress, who smiled at her boyfriend and escorted him out of the corridor... leaving... Jeon Soo-ah... in tears. 
Still. Hajin didn't seem troubled by Jeon Soo-ah's persistent intent to seduce her lover.

A faithful man can never be swayed.

Fast Forward
"I WILL TELL MY FATHER AND YOURS ABOUT OUR AFFAIR IF YOU REFUSE TO SPEAK TO ME!" Soo-ah shrieked in the empty lecture room when Seojun tried to storm away. The alpha froze with a dark frown and fired her a fiery glare."Are you nuts?! It was an accident!-""How is it an accident!? You said you'd date me after you broke up with her that night! It's your selfish desire to have sex with me only to discard me! I will inform the elders of what you did to me if you refuse to address the issue!" Soo-ah screamed in tears with her fists clenched. Seojun restlessly gripped Hajin's bag strap over his shoulder with a stuffy chest as he glowered at the agitated young lady."You consented! Why are you trying to blackmail me?!-""I will not allow you to discard me like garbage!" Soo-ah shrieked in tears. Seojun rolled his eyes at her dramatic confrontation and spun around with his girlfriend's bag to leave the room but halted in a panic once the door opened... and Hajin stepped inside with a blank face."Hajin- I was gonna bring your bag-""Thank you," Hajin smiled at Seojun, who had thought she overheard their arguments... but she didn't seem to care."Let's head to my lounge," Seojun exhaled in relief, grabbed his girlfriend's shoulder, and spun her around to escort her out of the room. Hajin smiled as she held Seojun's hand until they reached his empty lounge."I'll use the bathroom for a moment," Hajin informed. Kim Seojun anxiously watched his composed girlfriend leave through the door until the door slid closed. He quickly snatched a small gift box from his drawer and quickly opened Hajin's bag to hide his present when he suddenly noticed... a shiny blade... inside the pouch. The alpha abruptly froze- stiffening in place as he slowly withdrew the kitchen knife from her bag to inspect it with a terrified expression. He gulped in fear... until the door slid open again- so he shoved everything back and sat down at his desk with a pale expression as Hajin cluelessly slumped on the couch."Are you feeling okay...?" Seojun nervously glanced at Hajin as she opened her bag to reach inside, causing his chest to pound in fear... thinking she'd draw out the knife to slaughter him for betraying her. "Yeah. Why?- Do you want tangerine?" Hajin giggled, unexpectedly handing her boyfriend a single tangerine before slumping back on the couch to peel her own. Seojun froze and glanced at the tangerine on his desk as Hajin innocently smiled at him."Oh- yeah- sure," Seojun stiffly nodded and picked up the tangerine with a sweaty hairline. Hajin weakly smiled at the alpha and ate her fruit as the Kim's heir uneasily watched her positive mood with an uneasy feeling."Oh! I have to see the professor about an assignment! I'll be back!" Hajin gasped, swiftly leaping from the couch to snatch her bag, and raced out of the lounge before Seojun could react. He blinked cluelessly before glancing at his laptop screen to study his material- and sat alone for about ten minutes when- THUD! THUD! THUD!"Seojun!? Yah!? Kim Seojun!-" Someone screamed while banging on the lounge's door, causing the alpha to flinch in a panic. He quickly rose from his desk to swing the door open until he found... Kim Dohyun... gawking at him with a dreadfully pale complexion."What?-""THERE'S A DEAD PERSON!- IN A- LECTURE ROOM! BLOOD- BLOOD EVERYWHERE!" Dohyun screamed, fearfully gripping Seojun's hand with a terrified face."What?- Where?!" Seojun snapped with his eyebrows furrowed. "The lecture room on the fourth floor!- The rumored room where the silent killer killed his victim before!" Dohyun shrieked. Seojun froze in place once the shocking reality struck him, so he wildly spun around to search for his girlfriend's bag... but she had already left with it."Shit! Alarm the principal and call the ambulance!" Seojun shoved his friend aside and spun on his heel to sprint down the corridor. The school president quickly climbed the staircase as the terrified student raced down the stairs in hysteria. "VACATE THE BUILDING!-" Seojun shouted as he climbed onto the fourth floor but halted in fear once he realized the entire floor was dark. He glanced at the corridor while struggling to contain his hitching breath and cautiously strolled forward with a wary frown on the room at the end... until uncomfortable chills swept his skin."H- Hajin?! Where are you!? Kim Hajin!" Seojun called, fearfully quickening his pace and shoved the door open with all his might. Thud! The alpha froze over the messy splatter on the tiles once he spotted... two bodies... sprawling in a pool of blood... between the fallen desk and chairs."Fuck!" Seojun gasped, quickly racing forward to flip a young lower rank over and gasped in shock once he uncovered a deep puncture on the victim's chest. The alpha scrambled over the slippery tile to find another student hyperventilating with a torn neck, so he quickly took off his jacket to compress her open wound- Sniffle. Seojun froze when he lifted his face to find a pair of shoes hidden behind a desk. His heart started pounding out of control as he stared at another presence inside the room. "H- Hajin...? Hey- is that you? Hajin...?" Seojun shakily whispered, quickly scrambling over the floor toward his lover- but halted in a panic once he found... Jeon Soo-ah... crying under the desk with her hand clasped over her lips as she hid from the killer."Seojun!" Soo-ah sobbed as he examined her shaken condition with his lips ajar"What happened!-""Shhh! The person- she was- stabbing those two- a moment ago!" Soo-ah whimpered in extreme fear as she hugged her knees to contain her shuddering body. Seojun frowned and glanced at the dead bodies with a troubled expression."We have to leave- come on-" Seojun exhaled, quickly grabbing Soo-ah's hand to draw her from under the table. THUD! THUD!- Soo-ah shrieked in a panic when a swift movement bolted towards her- SLASH! The Jeon's daughter screamed in shock once she felt the blade slashing over her lower hips. Seojun gasped as he swung his fellow alpha aside, and quickly grabbed hold of the woman with his firm grip when she violently tried to stab the Jeon's daughter again."Ah~!" Soo-ah whimpered as she clutched her bleeding stomach in tears. The woman tried to resist Seojun, who roughly shoved her back to disable her. He couldn't recognize the person because she was dressed in a black outfit with a mask over her face."Soo-ah! You have to leave! And call for help-""Seojun!" Soo-ah screamed, suddenly racing forward to shove the woman aside when she tried to attack him. CRASH! The killer aggressively snatched Soo-ah's hair with all her might- roughly shoving the alpha aside- sending her stumbling over the fallen chairs until she slammed her ribs against the edge of the desk. THUMP! Soo-ah groaned in pain as she slumped to the ground... drenched in her own blood. Seojun gasped and quickly launched forward to attack the woman, thinking it was his girlfriend."HAJIN! STOP THIS MADNESS!- ARGH?!-" Seojun screamed at her fierce glare from beneath the mask when- STAB! His eyes widened in shock... once he felt the sharp... blade digging into his chest. The alpha gasped and shoved the woman away before staggering over a desk with his palm gripped over the deep gash in extreme devastation. Seojun suddenly slumped to the floor as Soo-ah sobbed and tried to sit up with an injured stomach- so the woman roughly kicked Seojun in the face- sending the Kim's heir slamming onto the bloody tiles as he clenched his jaw to resist the severe pain in his punctured chest.DASH. The woman suddenly sprinted out of the room once the alarm went off all over the building, leaving the injured heirs in the pool of their thick blood. Seojun seethed in extreme pain as he clutched his chest until his head started spinning from the mild concussion. Jeon Soo-ah whimpered while clutching her injury... helplessly sobbing as she watched Seojun roll on the ground in extreme anguish.
Meanwhile.
"SEOJUN!?- KIM SEOJUN!?" Kim Hajin screamed in fright as she climbed the stairs alone to search for her missing boyfriend with the blaring alarm over her head. No one dared to stay on the floor... out of fear of being the next target. She cried and raced down the corridor to search for her lover until she noticed a person... bolting out of the last lecture hall... pouncing right towards her. Kim Hajin abruptly froze in fear as she watched the woman... sprint toward her with... a bloody knife."AH?!-" Hajin shrieked, thinking she was going to get stabbed when- THUMP! Someone violently swung her aside and tackled the killer onto the floor. Kim Hajin shrieked in pain as she slammed into the locker and wildly spun around to find Jae Beom strangling the woman... who gagged in distress while thrashing under his immense grip."Hajin!- Leave!" Beom snapped as he held the person down with his crushing strength. THUMP! Beom groaned and fell onto his back once the woman slammed her head into his."Oppa!" Hajin whimpered, quickly rushing forward to help Beom onto his feet as the woman scrambled over the tiles to regain her balance. Beom gasped in shock, roughly shoving Hajin aside again when the woman tried to stab the heiress with the blade but failed- SNATCH. Beom aggressively seized her wrist to disable the knife from her grip and hurled the woman with all his might- CRASH! She slammed hard into the staircase railing- violently tumbling off the flight of stairs- Thump! Thump! Thump!- slamming hard onto the floor landing below. THUD! The killer grunted in shock once she collided with a solid floor- but she hastily scrambled to her feet again and limped away as Jae Beom laboriously hyperventilated on the top landing. He glanced to the side to find... Hajin... crawling on the floor with a pained frown."Hajin- we have to leave-""Seojun! He's missing!" Hajin sobbed, quickly scrambling to her feet, and raced toward the lecture room. She shrieked in distress once she entered the room to locate the first two bodies she found... but it wasn't her boyfriend."HAJIN! WE SHOULDN'T CONTAMINATE THE CRIME SCENE!" Beom snapped, wildly racing inside the room- when she suddenly slipped and fell beside over the bloody tiles- but didn't have time to check on the other bodies once Beom caught up and seized her arm to drag her out of the room."Seojun is missing!" Hajin thrashed in distress as Beom clenched his jaw while heaving his sister through the dark corridor and finally dragged her down to the packed lobby... until they stumbled out of the building to find their anxious parents racing up to them in extreme bewilderment. Jang Sora screamed and raced forward as Kim Taehyung frowned at the condition of his children's bloody appearance with a terrified expression.
Fast Forward
"Do you feel any discomfort?" The doctor asked as he gently rotated Jae Beom's right wrist."No," Beom replied as the doctor examined the healed wrist... that he spraint during a fight with the killer."Does any other part of your body hurt? What about the bruise on your lower abdomen?" Taehyung asked as he sat on the side of the room to watch the doctor examine his stepson."I'm okay," Beom smiled at his father. The young doctor nodded and rolled his chair back to his desk."He seems alright. I'll trust you know your discomfort," The man chuckled as he prescribed a supplement for the alpha."Thank you for your service," Beom politely stood up from the stool to bow to the doctor. Taehyung chatted with the former head doctor's son, who has officially taken over his father's position to assist the supreme alpha's household."Are you hungry? Should we get something to eat? Eomma said you didn't eat breakfast this morning," Taehyung asked as he patted Beom's back while walking down the hospital's lobby."My stomach is growling," Beom chuckled, cheerfully lifting his arm to hold his father's shoulder. Taehyung chuckled and walked forward but halted in surprise once he spotted... Min Yoongi... steering his wife forward in a wheelchair."Oh! When did you arrive?!" Taehyung gasped, widening his eyes on his ally in surprise."Annyeonghaseyo~!" Beom beamed, lowering his head at the Mins."We arrived a month prior to prepare for our daughter's exposure at the alpha ceremony. My wife injured her hips," Min Yoongi greeted Taehyung with a firm handshake."Is this your son?" Yuri nodded at Jae Beom as she sat in the wheelchair."Ah- Yes! This is our third son. Jae Beom!" Taehyung chuckled, proudly patting the alpha's back. Beom smiled shyly as the woman observed him with a blank face... so he glanced at the scratch mark on her forearm and backed up at her tense expression as the elderly alphas chatted in the hospital lobby.
A moment later.
Jae Beom set the fork and spoon for his father before pouring him a glass of water as the father and son sat at a restaurant to dine on their late lunch. Taehyung quietly chewed his food as Beom devoured the double portion of premium Kobe beef steak with stuffed cheeks."Are you adjusting well to the academy?" Taehyung cleared his throat. Beom lifted his face with greasy lips as he struggled to swallow the massive lump in his throat."I followed Hajin to the academy because I wanted to protect her. But I enjoy studying at the academy," Beom shrugged. Taehyung nodded and lifted a few chunks of his steak to place it on Beom's plate.

"Thank you for always looking out for your siblings. Please don't get hurt. Abeoji is worried," Taehyung smiled. Beom chuckled and shook his head."My bones are made of steel. You don't have to worry," Beom smiled brightly. Taehyung chuckled at his son's reassuring beam."Oh- Right. Why haven't you spent on the credit card I gave you? Is it not enough? Should appa raise the limit?" Taehyung questioned in curiosity. "What is there to spend on? I always eat at home and hyung pays for the expenses," Beom shrugged, referring to the twin boys who love to splurge their parent's money."Well. What do you plan on doing in the future? I'm sure you're hiding in your room to work on your projects for a reason," Taehyung eagerly questioned the young man. "I'm not sure yet, but I might choose the tech industry," Beom smiled."Right. You little mad genius installed solar lights all over our property to keep the exterior light sources operating at night. You even collect rainwater for the garden with automated underground pipes, so we don't have to use water on the plants. The maid is mopping the floor less because of your spinning disks. And the guard doesn't have to stare at the screen all day and night because of your motion sensor... which can identify and detect motion from a distance. The expense of our household is decreasing significantly!" Taehyung proudly chuckled. Beom nodded with a weak smile."Do you want me to assemble a fuelless car using the sun's energy? I can do that- I only- have to develop a prototype for the core engine," Beom chuckled."Aigo~! Forget it! Why are you trying to save our money? Appa works hard to earn for our family, so you must appreciate appa's effort and use it!" Taehyung chuckled while waving his fork before his son's face. Beom chuckled and shook his head. The father and son chatted gleefully at their table before grabbing packed dessert for their family. They eventually returned home to be with Sora, who stayed back at the penthouse to care for her daughter, who had been sick since the stabbing incident. The academy suspended their sessions for two weeks to handle the crime scene, so the twins were instructed to remain home with their siblings during the restriction period.
Night Time.
Jae Beom casually strolled the night street alone with a hood over his head until he entered a local mart. He purchased a cup of ramen, grabbed an apple juice box, and sat by the counter facing the glass wall to slurp the steaming noodle as he skimmed the report of the crime documents he retrieved from the investigation team. He quietly reviewed the fatal stabs on the lower ranks bodies that took their lives and read about the shallow gashes on Kim Seojun and Jeon Soo-ah's bodies."She killed the lower ranks... but purposely only wounded the top ranks?" Beom whispered, softly tapping his finger over the table with a slight frown. He exhaled, closed the document, and ate his remaining food before returning to the building complex... once he stuffs his stomach with processed food. He often sneaks out to eat ramen because his old mother refuses to let him have any. She claims it's bad for his health.
Fast Forward
"Why are you so curious about the bombing incident?" Soomin asked as she tossed the file on the coffee table in her bedroom. Beom placed his partner's laptop aside and picked up the files to flip through it."I'm just curious. Things like this interest me," Beom replied. Soomin lifted her laptop and sat on the opposite couch to finalize their assignment with a slight grimace."Appa loathes the incident. The council had to resolve the incident with the government and paid tons of people to seal the news," Soomin shrugged. Beom nodded."The fatalities are high, yet effective," Beom muttered as he skimmed through Jeon Jungkook's reports."Your father was reckless, but he ended the cult. I'm pretty sure they were all crushed," Soomin replied."Can I borrow the file?" Beom asked. Soomin nodded as she typed on her computer screen with an unbothered look."Anyways. Are you attending the alpha ceremony?" Soomin asked, curiously lifting her gaze to stare at Beom."I think so. Eomma hired a designer to tailor our clothes a month ago," Beom shrugged without sparing the young lady his attention. Soomin intensely eyed the oblivious alpha as he placed the file in his backpack... quickly glancing away once he looked at her."What are you sitting there for? We're done with the work," Soomin asked with a blank face."Have a warm winter break. I'll fly back home tonight," Beom nodded as he picked up his heavy backpack, strolled out of her room without looking back, and left without another word. Soomin placed her laptop away while chasing her gaze after the alpha with a sore expression. The Jeon daughter exhaled and rubbed her face in annoyance after realizing... Jae Beom... didn't have any other intention but to be her work partner. The man left without ever hinting a glimpse of interest in her... which left her... baffled by his composed manner. J eon Soomin is used to men's excitement around her... but Jae Beom...? He couldn't care less and would only smile... if he noticed something yellow inside her room. 
Fast Forward
The sturdy thugs loudly chattered while shoving each other around by the loaded trucks until a sleek black car arrived at the property in the massive warehouse, causing them to stiffen in fear. The men quickly raced over the pavement as an elderly woman stepped out of the car in her black fox fur coat and strolled forward with black sunglasses hooked over her high nose bridge during a cold winter storm."My lady~!" The thugs bowed their heads to greet her as they stood in a straight line. The woman dismissively waved her hand to acknowledge them as she took off her glasses, sternly striding forward to enter the enormous warehouse in her maroon high heels with a designer birkin bag hooked to her arm. "Is the escort boy ready?" The woman asked as she passed her standby guards."He's inside," A thug lowered his head."He's not short, is he? Like one you brought the other week," The woman frowned at her men."He's 190 cm tall. Wide shoulders. Very sturdy," The thug informed. The woman nodded and stepped through the rusted door until she entered the lavish bunker at her drug warehouse and strolled into the spacious bedroom to find a sturdy man... sitting on the bed in a casual gray hoodie and sweatpants."What's this? Didn't they change you?" The woman halted once she noticed he was still dressed on her bed."They told me to undress before your arrival, but it's a bit cold in your room," The man responded. The woman frowned at the stranger as she dropped her handbag on a scarlet leather sex couch and slowly strode up to the man with a dark frown as he sat with his head lowered.

"Your voice is sexy. What's your name?" She smirked, gently lifting his chin with the tip of her finger to find an awfully... familiar pair of predatory eyes staring back at her. Badum! The woman flinched at his dead gaze- fearfully backing away in fright as her heart pounded against her ribs with a startling jolt. "Jae Beom," The alpha smiled at the woman, who was about the same age as his mother. "You- You're Jae Yangcha's son?!- What are you doing-""Relax. I'm only here to question you, ajumma," Beom smiled as the woman gawked at the identical clone of the silent killer. She thought Jae Yangcha had once again resurrected his soul to walk the living realm."How did you find me?-""You are distracting your lonely life with temporary prostitute men after the cult ripped your lover apart to terrorize the society," Jae Beom chuckled as he slowly rose to his feet with his hands in his pockets. Click! Lee Mira firmly snapped a handgun at the alpha with a dark frown as he towered over her. Beom didn't flinch and glanced at the cold barrel with an unimpressed stare as she sternly frowned at the young alpha. She almost had a panic attack just by recognizing the silent killer's deadly stare."My body... it's packed with explosive powder. If you pull that trigger... you too... will explode. I will burn down this warehouse with your decision to slaughter me. Even the slightest spark of heat will set off the explosion," Beom lowly chuckled while unzipping his jacket to show Mira the packs of... extremely reactive chemical powder... taped securely to his inner shirt. Mira's eyes widened in a panic. She snapped her sharp glare back at the alpha with a tensed frown as she firmly directed the gun at his face."You are a fucking psycho like your father! What do you want?!" She scoffed, quickly lowering her gun in disbelief. Jae Beom chuckled, smugly pulling out a deadly grenade from his pocket before walking forward to sit in an armchair as Mira cautiously observed the alpha's lethal darkness. 
A moment later.
"So you're not associated with the Black Phoenix anymore?" Beom repeated with his arms crossed. Mira sat on the armchair across from his with a frustrated glare."Obviously? Kim Taehyung bombed their cave, and it entirely destroyed their billions worth of weapons! Most of their men perished in the tunnel- and the man barely made it out alive! He's bankrupt, and the clients are actively searching for him after he failed to deliver the illicit firearms," Mira shrugged."And the drugs? Isn't this one of his infamous operations?" Beom asked as he glanced through the window to watch the thugs unload the drugs from the cargo on the underground tunnel below the warehouse, delivered through an unused mine tunnel."I ran off with the drugs. It makes me filthy rich," Mira muttered. Beom nodded."Give me Park Bogum's address," Beom exhaled, glancing back at the elderly woman in disinterred. Mira frowned."I don't know-""You see him often. I noticed you transfer allowances to Park Bogum every month," Beom chuckled, causing Lee Mira to freeze in her position at how well-informed the silent killer's son was about her personal affair.[ Lee Mira Official Picture Reference ]

"Park Bogum isn't the bad guy! He's a scapegoat! Chung Manseok is the one doing all the filthy work!" Mira insisted."I'm aware. Park Bogum is your husband. Is he not? You married him during their run so you could secure the cult's drug operation. You thought the cult would rise to take over the society again, but the cult went bankrupt after the explosion on the coast. And here you are... sleeping with male escorts every time you pay a visit at the drug warehouse," Beom smiled. Mira clenched her jaw at the alpha."You can't kill Park Bogum. The man is fucking hopeless-""I won't. I'm only targeting the root of warfare. I will not waste my energy slaughtering brainless minions. I'll attack the mastermind and end the warfare with a single strike," Beom lifted his thick eyebrow with his arms crossed."You're just as determined as your dead father. Killing for your mother?" Mira huffed."I have witnessed the cult's attack countless times. If I don't terminate the cult... they will forever torment my family. Three lower ranks died during a diversion attack, and two high ranks were wounded with the intent to tear the council apart. The firebird will rise again, so I must soak its ashes with its cursed blood," Beom grunted as he stared directly at Mira until she exhaled and lowered her face to process the alpha's words."I haven't seen Bogum in a while. He ran away after the cult collapsed. I sent him allowances because it was he- who saved me from being killed by the cult leader. Park Bogum warned me and my boyfriend... but Minho didn't make it and was murdered," Mira explained with a grim look. Beom nodded."I will find the man and bring justice to all of us," Beom assured. Mira lifted her skeptical gaze to the confident alpha and exhaled in annoyance. The woman suddenly rose from her seat, walked over to a drawer to lift a wooden box, and drew out an ancient dagger. She eventually returned to her seat and carefully placed the golden-handled dagger on the table."This is my family's heirloom. Soak his blood with the blade... I want it... plunged right into his beating heart," Mira whispered. Beom stared at the dagger, grabbed it without hesitation, and stood up with a faint smile."Send me the information, and I will deliver his head," Beom nodded, dismissively walking past her and opened the door to stroll out of the hidden bunker. Mira stepped out after him- just as the thugs spun around to gawk at the man with startled looks- but she lifted her hand to dismiss them as Jae Beom... strolled out into the cold of the isolated site and disappeared without a trace with the Lee's heirloom.
A few days later.
The construction workers waved at each other as they drunkenly strode down the dim village street until they separated their paths at an intersection. A chubby man patted a skinny man's shoulder before strolling into his house... leaving his colleague alone... whose home was further down the road.The man exhaled as he strode on his cement-covered boots in the dark of the night to climb the rusted stairs of a brick house until he arrived at the attic on the rooftop he rented out for his stay. He abruptly paused once he noticed a young man... sitting on the platform bench before his door to admire the village's light beyond the rooftop as the light snow drifted subtly over his head.

"Young man-?" The man spoke up as he strode forward while puffing his breath into the cool air."Annyeonghaseyo~!" Jae Beom brightly stood up to greet the man, who abruptly halted the instant he recognized the infamous silent killer's eyes. Halt! The man froze in shock as he gawked at Jae Yangcha's brilliant smile. He couldn't help but stare at the dead alpha's identical features on the young man's face. He repeatedly shook his dazed head with a startled feeling. "Who-""I'm Jang Sora and Jae Yangcha's son. Jae Beom," The alpha chuckled as he stood in his place. A flash of fear reflected on the man's face as he gripped the cold door key in his hand and suddenly backed away in an attempt to flee for his life."You shouldn't turn your back and run from wild animals, you know? Not when they're this close to devouring your flesh. They'll mistake your fear and target you as a defenseless prey," Beom chuckled, causing the man to halt in fear... just as he placed his worn-out boot onto the rusted stairs below. The man shakily turned around to find Jae Beom... standing... in his exact position with his hands behind his back. The alpha did not budge, yet the man's heart was hammering against his chest with his fearful gaze on the young man's unwelcoming presence."What do you want?!" Park Bogum sneered."You're shivering. We should sit inside your warm house so you'd feel more comfortable," Beom smiled without the slightest hint of malicious intent. Park Bogum glanced down at the flight of stairs and back at the alpha with a racing heart to contemplate whether or not he should run from the predator or face him.
A moment later.
Jae Beom carefully poured warm water from the steaming kettle into the cup while sitting with his legs crossed over the cold floor before the small table. Park Bogum shakily lifted the glass to sip from the warm rim while keeping his wearied gaze fixed on Beom's innocent smile. The man... feared the beast might snap his neck if he blinked."What do you need? Did Mira send you?" Bogum grunted, carefully placing his glass down after a prolonged silence between them."Your father. Where is he?" Beom bluntly asked. Park Bogum froze and glanced at the drifting snow outside his apartment window."I don't know-""I won't hurt you. You have my words. Let me ask you again. Where... is... your... father?" Beom keenly asked with his psychopathic dilated pupils nailed on the man, causing Bogum to stiffen in his place."I'm not sure. My father fled after the tunnel collapsed to avoid the clients- and I ran for my life," Bogum exhaled, cluelessly shaking his head."Is the cult still intact?" Beom asked without blinking."No. Most of our men died in the tunnel," Bogum shook his head in defeat."Then who... is hurting my family? There were stabbing incidents not too long ago... and it's not an alpha's act," Beom pressed while leaning over the table... until Bogum shivered at the sight of Jae Yangcha's deadly gaze through his son's pupils."I don't know. If it's anyone- it's those with the manpower and resources- not a helpless man," Park Bogum muttered between his chapped lips. Silence. Beom quietly examined the timid man with an attentive stare, causing Park Bogum to hold his breath as the beast... scrutinized his honesty with its narrowed gaze.

"Chung Yuri. She's married to Min Yoongi. The attack occurred after she returned to Korea," Beom exhaled, suddenly leaning back, causing Bogum to sigh in relief once the beast backed off without scratching his flesh."I really have no clue. But Yuri- she is a skilled fighter," Bogum nodded."Which weapon is she particularly skilled with?" Beom asked."Knife. Any tool with a sharp blade. She can slit open your throat and kill you with a single strike," Bogum nodded."Give me a few strands of your hair," Beom requested. The man frowned at the jaguar- taken aback by his bizarre request."What?- Ah!" Bogum shrieked when Beom suddenly leaped over the table to snatch a handful of hair from the man's head."Thanks," Beom muttered and quickly got up from the floor to place the man's hair in a plastic seal before pulling on his sneakers and left through the door without another word. Thump! Park Bogum scoffed in extreme confusion as he frantically got up to lock the door before peeking through the window to find... Jae Beom... strolling down the stairs and disappeared into the cold night.The man rubbed his chest in relief after he merely escaped the attack before strolling toward his cabinet... but halted in shock once he noticed... his storage... stacked with ingredients. The man stared at the water package and glanced at the ramen cups and a few sacks of rice grains. His storage... is loaded with supplies. The man exhaled and stared at the door in confusion after he realized the alpha had left behind gifts for him. The man scratched his head unsurely once he noticed his busted rice cooker... steaming from the lid... so he crawled over the floor to open the broken lid... but it was reattached again... and the rice... was warmly cooked... ready to be served.___________________________
Fast Forward
The harsh rainstorm tore through the village of an isolated area by the vast flowing river as an old man limped through the storm in his black raincoat. He impatiently climbed the slope, forced his door open to dodge the downpour and the strong wind gust before slamming the door shut and quickly tore off his coat to exhale in relief. He wiped his soaked eyebrows and grunted lowly before limping toward his filthy bathroom to take a bath. The man eventually opened his old rice cooker to scoop out the cold rice and sat on the floor to eat his late meal with spoiled kimchi that he had stolen from the steel factory.The man exhaled deeply while eating inside his dim four-by-four meter home while checking his bank deposit on his account until he noticed a new transaction from his daughter. The man chuckled as he stared at the money he received and sent her a text.Yuri: I've sent the monthly allowance.Manseok: When are you terminating them? I've secured a new client.Yuri: I'll execute the plan soon. You may return then. I'll use the Min's power to recover your lost resources.Manseok: Bring me the supreme alpha's heads.The man chuckled at his bright screen and placed his burner phone aside before lowering his head to eat his bland rice on the cold floor with a smug smile. The clamorous thunder loudly boomed over his head, followed by a blinding bolt of lightning- dangerously forking the dark sky into fractured bits. The man chuckled evilly while staring at the small window in his tiny shed until he noticed... a shadow... lurking up to his door. The man stopped chewing and froze with his dreadful gaze on the dark cast under his doorstep.
Thud. Thud.
The visitor pounded their fist on his metallic door, causing the man to stiffen over the floor with the food left unchewed in his mouth. He didn't dare budge as he gawked at the shadow beneath the door gap with an uneasy feeling. Thud. Thud. The visitor stubbornly knocked on his door at a steady tempo without retreating- so the man quickly scrambled toward his closet to search for his handgun and slowly crept up to the door with a clenched jaw. Thud. Thud. The person steadily pounded on his door, yet the man refused to answer- and gripped the gun tightly as he stood with his back pressed against the wall with his eyes closed... praying desperately for the unknown visitor to leave his isolated property.
Thump... Thump...
The man stiffened once he heard the wet footstep moving away from his door, so he exhaled in relief but didn't dare let his guard down and quietly waited by the door with the gun. Shaaaa~! The heavy rain drummed over his leaking rooftop as the man cautiously stepped in front of the rusted door with his back turned-"Ah~! Which fucker-" KABOOM! The metallic door suddenly blasted open with an immense explosion, causing the man to screech in shock as the solid steel slammed into him from behind- violently flinging the man into the opposite wall. THUMP! The man groaned in extreme pain once he slumped onto the ground while choking on the debris that exploded all over the place. Chung Manseok weakly tumbled onto the floor as the strong gust blew through the open doorway."Fuck!" The man cursed while rubbing his stiff back as he struggled to sit up with an aching chest- only to realize he had lost his gun to the fatal explosion. He gasped in a panic and frantically crawled over the tiles to search for the pistol... but halted in horror once he noticed a... tall and dark... shadow of a person... stepping through the doorway in a raincoat... drenched in rainwater."Who are you?!- Yah!?" The man roared, scrambling to his feet in anger, but abruptly stopped dead in his tracks... once the intruder drew the plastic hood off his head... dangerously looming over the man with an expressionless face."It's me, Jae Beom," The alpha introduced himself with a slight smile, causing blood to drain from the cult leader's face as he stood under the shadow of the deadly beast. Manseok swallowed in fear, petrified in place as he gawked at the silent killer's clone... with a thumping heart. Once a living soul witnesses the bearing fangs of the beast... their survival rate automatically drops to zero."Argh!-" The cult leader unexpectedly leaped for his gun, buried beneath the rubbles- and BANG! The man fired right at the alpha's chest, but Jae Beom did not budge an inch and stood his place with his vacant gaze on the man. The alpha dangerously lowered his blank gaze to the bullet hole in his stomach as steaming smoke sizzled from the burnt fabric. The man gulped in shock while eyeing the alpha's indestructible form... who didn't even flinch and- BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! The man fired repeatedly until smoke was steaming from the tip of his gun barrel yet... Jae Beom... remained... unblinking without a hint of discomfort. Click! Click! The man tried to fire more bullets... but... he was out of ammo. Badum! His heart sank in horror as he shakily snapped his head to the looming alpha with a pale expression."A gun... is a boring toy. It kills too quickly," Beom chuckled, calmly stepping forward to gently remove the gun from the man's hand, who trembled out of control and suddenly collapsed onto the dusty ground in fear with his bulging eyeballs on the indestructible alpha. Click- Click- Click. Clatter. Jae Beom effortlessly disassembled the gun into pieces with his unblinking gaze on the pale man, who whimpered in fear once he noticed the pieces of his weapon... dropping onto the ground. The alpha chuckled lowly and dropped the remaining components as he stood in his soaked raincoat with bullet holes in his torso."JAE BEOM!" Someone shouted, frantically rushing into the dark home while shielding his head. Do-hwan paused in shock with his lips apart once he found the alpha standing over the petrified cult leader."Is it him? I've only seen pictures of the man. He's a bit older than the picture with the shabby beard and heavy eye bags," Beom turned to ask Do-hwan, who widened his dumbfounded gaze on the captured man."ARGH!" Manseok suddenly attempted to bolt out of the house, but Do-hwan roughly flung his fist to slam it against the man's face- THUD! THUD!- WHACK! Do-hwan snatched the man's throat and immediately put him out until the cult leader slumped onto the ground... upon receiving a fatal strike to his neck. The chief guard scoffed in shock as the man rolled over with a bleeding nose at his feet and glanced back up at Beom... who was calmly staring at the chief guard."Let's keep it between you and me. Do not alert anyone about this," Beom instructed, suddenly turning around to search the ruined home until he recovered the man's burner phone. He snatched a handful of hair from the man's head as Do-hwan frowned at the alpha's bullet wounds on his torso and glanced back at Beom... who didn't seem bothered by it.
A moment later.
"How did you find him?!" Do-hwan dimly muttered as he stood in an abandoned warehouse with his arms crossed as Beom secured the man to the rusted bed with his wrists and ankles chained down."It wasn't that hard. I tracked Lee Mira's whereabouts and visited Park Bogum, who were both clueless. So... I tracked Chung Yuri's secret bank account. She transferred money to this old man every month so he could save up their investment money to run another illegal operation," Beom exhaled as he stood up from the rusted bed to slip off his raincoat, causing Do-hwan to frown at the bullet holes on the alpha's shirt.Jae Beom cracked his neck from side to side to ease his strained neck muscles before slipping off his shirt to reveal... a bulletproof vest. The alpha eventually took off the heavy armor from his upper trunk to expose... minor bruises on his torso caused by the bullet impact... before slipping his ragged shirt back on to cover his buff body and walked toward the chief guard."What do you plan to do with him? We have to alert your parents-""No. Don't scare his raven," Beom chuckled as he withdrew the burner phone from his pocket to show the man."Raven?" Do-hwan frowned."Chung Yuri will terminate the society. Min Yoongi will never allow us to harm his wife because he'll never believe she's behind all the acts. We'll have to put her under the spotlight with blood on her hands to properly execute the cult," Beom exhaled."Your mother is against your involvement with the society's warfare-""I live up to my dead father's legacy. Abeoji couldn't end the war... but I will," Beom shook his head and slipped the phone back into his pocket."How will you prove Chung Yuri's involvement? We can't risk provoking Min Yoongi. He's powerful," Do-hwan exhaled."Exactly. Yuri is waiting for the right opportunity to slaughter the supreme alphas. What happens when our household falls? Her husband and daughter... The Mins will acquire my stepfather's power because they're allies. I must gather enough evidence to prove her guilt and clean up this mess before another warfare breaks out. Your duty is to keep this man breathing until the day I order for his presence," Beom folded his arms as he stood by the chief guard."Do you want him beaten up?" Do-hwan muttered, sorely glancing back at the unconscious man. Beom dimmed his eyes- Creak. The two men turned around to find a flood of thugs entering the warehouse with weapons... causing Do-hwan to frown with an uptight look. "Don't get your hand dirty. They'll do the work," Beom patted Do-hwan's back as... Lee Mira strolled into the warehouse with her arms crossed."Bravo~! You actually found him?!" Mira shrieked as she hurried forward to examine the unconscious man... strapped securely to the bed with the chains."You can do whatever, but don't kill him. I'll do the final work," Beom nodded at her. Mira spat her spit at the man in despise and roughly kicked his face with her heels, causing a bloody gash to appear on the man's face. The cult leader grunted in pain... until he opened his eyes to find the mafias... snarling over his face like hungry dogs. "Anneong~! Old man~!" Mira giggled. The man's eyes suddenly widened in shock as he tugged his bounded limbs- but he was securely restrained in a vulnerable position."Are we supposed to leave him with them?" Do-hwan scoffed at Beom, who suddenly strode away with an unbothered look. "Don't worry~! Focus on your job~! We'll deliver him to your doorstep once Jae Beom signals us~! We'll take care of this old man!" Mira giggled at Do-hwan. Beom smiled and walked out of the warehouse, so Do-hwan turned and chased his young master in confusion."Why didn't you capture him earlier?!" Do-hwan asked as Beom stepped inside their parked car on the dusty road."Winter is eomma and appa's birthday weather. I didn't want to ruin their joyful spirit, so I waited until summer to end him. It'll be right after appa's death anniversary. Perfect timing to honor my father," Beom shrugged as he buckled his seatbelt. Do-hwan scoffed at the alpha's carefully curated scheme... after he somehow... managed to capture the cult leader without stirring up a commotion. ____________________________
Present
The guests stood paralyzed in their position with their gawking eyes on the blood bath with drained expressions as the mysterious man stood... staring at... Chung Yuri... after she... collapsed weakly over the warm paste of blood. THUMP! The man suddenly slammed a dagger right into the heart of the dead cult leader on the table, causing everyone to flinch at his ruthless acts. No one dared to budge in their position as they gawked at the vertical blade... plunged deep into the cult leader's headless corpse.Slowly... very slowly... the killer raised his blood-soaked hands to unclip the mask from his face and lowered the crystalized golden facade to reveal his deadly identity, causing the guests to gasp in shock. The twins frowned at their younger brother in extreme shock as Jeon Soomin covered her mouth in devastation once she recognized her boyfriend. Woobin tensely gripped Hajin's shoulder... who was shaking in fear. Gasp! The supreme alphas stared at the Jaguar's spawn in utter bewilderment as he stood under the blinding spotlight with a blank face. "Sora-!""Beom!" Sora shrieked, suddenly shoving her husband aside, and quickly raced over the bloody tiles in her gown to embrace her son's soaked suit with a terrified face. Jae Beom blinked out of his thoughts and glanced down- just as his mother cupped his face to whimper at his drained appearance. He sadly stared at her tearful eyes with a hollow chest."It's over, eomma," Beom whispered. Sora nodded with a forceful smile and pulled him down to hold her son in her comforting embrace as the guests stood stiff in place to watch the mother protect her cub. "HOW DARE YOU MURDER MY WIFE BEFORE MY VERY EYES?!" Min Yoongi bellowed in anger as his daughter helplessly cried on the floor landing with a broken heart."ARE YOU BLIND? SHE TRIED TO POISON ALL OF US!" Kim Taehyung bellowed."HOW WERE YOU SO SURE IT WAS MY WIFE'S ACT?!" Min Yoongi shouted from the stair landing above until a flood of his men raced inside the venue with loaded weapons. The guests shrieked in fear- but didn't dare move as the supreme alpha households snapped their barrels at the Mins people."LOWER THE WEAPONS!" Kim Taehyung demanded in fury, but the Min refused to abide by his order, so the twins quickly raced forward to stand before their mother and Jae Beom with dark frowns to form a protective barrier around their family. The jaguar suddenly lowered his body to flip Chung Yuri over and- STAB! Min Yoongi's eyes widened in fright as the alpha injected a substance into her throat- Clatter. The twins stepped immediately aside in fear as Jae Beom slowly rose to his feet again after he supplied the woman with an unknown substance."She won't die if she's rushed to the hospital now. You have an hour to save her," Beom exhaled with his gaze narrowed on Min Yoongi. "CONTACT THE AMBULANCE!" Hoseok snapped- and the hall suddenly erupted in chaos. The guests screamed in fright and scurried out of the room as the Min's guard raced forward to haul Chung Yuri's lifeless body from the blood pool. Beom roughly snatched Chung Manseok's head off the table before storming away with a stern expression... causing Sora to gasp in shock as she spun after her son."Oh?! Am I late!" Mira gasped just as she raced inside the venue in her formal gown."LEE MIRA?!" Jimin scoffed in disbelief once he recognized the missing alpha. Beom stormed up to the woman and- Thump! He shoved the nasty head into her chest. Mira froze in shock once she unconsciously lifted her hands to accept the man's detached head. The woman scoffed in disbelief and glanced at Jae Beom's straight face with her lips ajar as she clutched onto the man's bloody hair."Dagger to the heart," Beom muttered, sidestepping her. Mira averted her eyes to the startled alphas within the hall... and to the dagger plunged deep into the cult leader's chest with a broad grin."You are a fucking psycho!" Mira shrieked, suddenly racing inside the venue in astonishment to sweep the bloody floor with the tail of her white grown. The mafia boss clapped in extreme contentment as she examined the man's bloated corpse while rounding the bloody table to inspect his disturbing state.
The Hilltop Mansion
The twins anxiously paced back and forth with their hands over their hips as Kim Taehyung sat on the couch with his head lowered... dreading the potential warfare that may break out between the top ranks. Jang Sora was on the verge of tears as she sat beside her husband with her unblinking gaze on Woobin, who was hugging Hajin on his side as they sat on the opposite couch. Imo and Beomseok exchanged fearful looks... until Do-hwan barged through the door with a pale face."What's the outcome?!" Sora shrieked, quickly standing up as the chief stormed inside the living room."Chung Yuri is alive," He informed. The entire household exhaled in relief upon hearing favorable news before glancing toward the dark sea with a slight frown."Fuck," Taehyung cursed and rubbed his face in relief as he slumped against the headrest. "Everyone head to bed. We'll be okay," Sora smiled at her children. They frowned at her doubtfully and slowly walked up the staircase anyway."Can oppa stay with me tonight?" Hajin softly asked Woobin."Of course," Woobin muttered, gently kissing her forehead. Do-hwan exhaled and pushed imo's wheelchair to her room, so Taehyung helped his father-in-law to his bedchamber... leaving Jang Sora alone in the living room. She took a deep exhale and slowly... stepped out of the backyard door in her blood-stained gown to stroll over the dark field until she arrived at the garden. 
Sora's POV
I halted by a bed of blooming lilies to pluck out three beautiful stems before strolling forward over the dim garden... quietly passing under the warm light pole until... I noticed... a person... kneeling before the white marble grave. My heart suddenly swelled in extreme misery. I halted by Jae Beom's side and slowly knelt beside him as he sat before his father's grave in his bloody attire.

I didn't speak and carefully arranged the flowers in the vase before crawling back to kneel beside my muted son. He didn't blink and stared at Yangcha's tombstone with an empty void in his gaze, so I rested my head against his shoulder and hugged my son at his side. Jae Beom exhaled after a moment and tilted his head to rest it on mine as we sat together in the cold night to pay our respects to his late father."I'm very proud of you," I whispered, lifting my face to examine Beom's dejected expression."You are?" Beom asked while searching my gaze. I nodded and firmly took his hand in mine."Thank you for protecting our family," I smiled. Beom weakly nodded and finally drew me into a comforting hug, so I gripped his sturdy body and patted his back with a faint smile to congratulate his triumph."We're safe now. I can finally protect you after many years of waiting for the right opportunity," Beom whispered. I chuckled and rubbed his muscular back.
Third Person POV
"Jae Beom. You are your father's sole heir. This is your legacy. The war has ceased with your strike," Sora whispered. Beom deeply exhaled to savor his victory while snuggling against his mother with a weak smile as the mother and son embraced each other's soul before the late alpha's grave on the sacred hilltop._______________________
ELITE COUNCIL
Chung Yuri sat blankly in a wheelchair with an IV drip hooked to her wrist before the ring of the powerful households as her daughter anxiously stared at her mother from beside Min Yoongi, who remained grim in his seat with his darkened gaze on his sick wife... who had recently regained consciousness from her coma. Jae Beom calmly strolled down from the supreme alpha's first row with a single chip in his hand and walked up to the podium to submit the flash drive until the screens within the room lit up before the council."I, Jae Beom, stand before the council today as the representative of The Jae's household to charge Chung Yuri with treason. You may appeal my accusation after I prove my statements," Beom cleared his throat."Don't be scared," Sora smiled at Beom, who nodded at his mother with a weak smile."Chung Yuri was the Black Phoenix's spy. She has been feeding information directly to her father over the past decade. That's why all of the attacks and missions launched by the Jeon were unsuccessful because... the cult was always aware of the invasion beforehand with her aid. Are you guilty of a data breach? You are responsible for the unauthorized disclosure of classified information, are you not? If you deny, I will invite your brother, Park Bogum, to stand as a witness," Beom sternly questioned Yuri. The woman remained stiff in the wheelchair with a drained expression as Beom exposed her text message exchange with her father on the large screen."Yuri. You have to speak," Yoongi exhaled from his seat. The woman blinked out of her thoughts and glanced at Beom in tears."My brother is alive?" She whispered. Beom dimly stared at her pale complexion and signaled Do-hwan, who opened the door on his demand. Clack. Park Bogum appeared by the doorway and limped inside the council with a timid expression, causing the older generation of alphas to freeze upon his unexpected appearance as the man hurried forward to offer Yuri a warm hug. Do-hwan positioned an armchair for Bogum so he could sit beside his sister."Are you guilty of leaking the council's confidential information?" Beom pressed. Yuri wiped her tears and nodded."Guilty," She sniffled. Chungha pouted at her mother's confession. Yoongi exhaled and rubbed his temples in extreme frustration."You have stayed low and married a second rank as your father had instructed. Chung Manseok fled from the clients he owed after the fire destroyed the weapons and ultimately went bankrupt. A total of close to three hundred men and women perished in the tunnel. Chung Manseok sold all of his operations across the country to pay back the debts, but it wasn't enough... so he fled and hid. The cult leader strictly instructed you to deposit cash of one billion won every month into his hidden account. You transferred Chung Manseok your daughter's security fund... without your husband's knowledge because he entrusted you with your daughter's welfare," Beom exhaled and clicked on the screen to show the authentic bank statements from her secret account. Yuri gulped and glanced at her daughter's startled expression."Guilty," Yuri whispered in tears. "You killed three lower ranks during the attack at the academy and injured two top ranks but didn't kill them because it was your motive to get the top ranks clashing with the supreme alpha to weaken the society. You planned to initiate instability for your father's comeback. You fell off the stairs and injured your hips. That is how we met at the hospital with my claw marks on your forearms. I ran DNA tests with the hair strands and your skin I collected from under my fingernails, and the report is positive. Your DNA matches with Park Bogum and Chung Maseok. Guilty?" Beom asked, glancing at her again. Seojun and Soo-ah tensed up in their seats while frowning at the woman, who swallowed and nodded again to admit her involvement with the deadly stabbing incident. Kim Seokjin covered his lips in disbelief as Hoseok frowned at Yoongi, who was growing... paler by the second as his wife admitted to her disastrous offenses."Guilty," Yuri nodded as warm tears slipped from her burning eyes."And the deadly scheme to eliminate the entire society with the poisonous wine. It's your last text message to your captured father claiming you will end the society and use our combined assets to re-establish his illegal masterplan to traffic humans and weapons on the black market," Beom displayed another text message from the woman to her father, claiming to poison the alphas at her daughter's birthday party. Park Bogum frowned at the evidence and glanced at Yuri, who blinked at the screen with a lifeless stare. Her soul has left her body. She had little energy to defy her opponent in the murder trial as Jae Beom cornered her with his endless lists of evidence to back his claim."Are you guilty?" Min Yoongi suddenly spoke up to question his wife once she failed to respond to the final charge. Yuri pursed her trembling lips and eventually nodded in extreme regret, causing her daughter... Chungha to break down... sobbing weakly at the second rank row. Min Yoongi clenched his jaw and patted his daughter's back with his resentful glower at his sick wife."I didn't intend to kill you. I only needed you to prove your crime to the society with the poison, so I forced you to accept the drink to prove your guilt. That's all I have to say regarding the murder trial. The households that have suffered from Chung Yuri's war crime may step up to submit their penalties. The council will address the crime according to the legal procedures," Jae Beom bowed at the council and strolled back up to sit beside the twin brothers. Hajin exhaled and hugged Beom on his side, who smiled and held his sister's hand over the desk. Choi Woobin sternly stood with his father at the base of the council space to monitor the household with his deadly stare."The Min was never entangled with my crime. Only I, Chung Yuri is guilty," Yuri spoke up to evade the second rank household from facing the deadly punishments. She chose to bear the burden all upon herself. The society remained hushed in their seats as they dimmed their eyes on the woman... who had broken the hearts of her family with her treacherous offenses against the society.___________________________Flashback: Lunch Gathering on Hilltop"Oppa! Which liquor do you want?" Hajin cluelessly skipped along her father's liquor shelves to inspect the distinct bottles as Woobin closed the door and locked it to isolate themselves from the guests."You're oddly cheerful today," Woobin muttered, calmly walking forward to stand behind Hajin's back as she tip-toed for a bottle on the upper shelf."Wae~? Hyunbin said he had never tried the Jung's wine before~! Should I get that for him?" Hajin smiled while examining the age of her father's liquor. Woobin chuckled as he lowered his arms to hug her from behind and gently kissed the back of her neck, causing Hajin to shudder at his touch."I don't like it," Woobin muttered against her ear while reaching under her dress to touch her panty. Hajin pursed her lips as the man pinned her against the shelf. "Oppa~! What's the matter~? Hah~!" Hajin moaned as she leaned against his chest in extreme distress while hugging the liquor bottle."Why did you look at him like that? Hmm~? Are you interested in him...?" Woobin whispered beside her ear. Hajin shuddered helplessly as Woobin tortured her with the invasive strokes beneath her dress."What are you talking about~? I'm not interested in anyone but you!!!" Hajin whined, quickly spinning around to glare at Woobin after she pulled his hand from her soaked crotch. The man dimmed his gaze on her face with an unconvinced expression."It's not Chul Hyunbin that I'm concerned about. I saw the look you gave Kim Seojun. Wae? Do you regret leaving him?" Woobin confronted. Hajin frowned at his blunt question."It's just awkward! I wouldn't trade anyone with you!" Hajin pouted."I don't want to hear your excuses," Woobin whispered, sensually lowering his face to kiss her."Are you jealous?" Hajin giggled, pulling away to cup his cheeks. Woobin unsurely stared at her innocent pupils with his thick eyebrow lifted while fondling her plump breast over the fabric. "Do you like it when I'm jealous?" He smiled. Hajin laughed and smacked his chest."Put your scent on me. I'm all yours~!" Hajin giggled. Woobin chuckled and lowered his face to lick her neck up to her chin, causing the heiress to jolt at his wet strokes. The man nibbled her neck, purposely leaving trails of his spit behind her ears before shifting his lips back to hers while fondling her youthful perky breasts in the wine cellar. The heiress moaned softly when the man tugged her neckline and lowered his face to bite on her exposed nipples. She pursed her lips with a difficult frown while leaning against the rack until he knelt before her and lifted a side of her leg to hook her shin over his shoulder. Choi Woobin carefully tilted his face upward to lick her private part while holding her panty aside until she whimpered and lowered her hands to hold his head beneath her dress. Hajin panted in difficulty as the man lustfully pleasured her with his slick tongue movements until she ended up with the sticky discharge... spilling messily between her damp thighs. Woobin finally licked his lips and stood up to stifle her voice with his lips again while weaving his fingers through her hair. "I'll come for you tonight," Woobin pulled away to stroke her flushed cheeks. Hajin giggled and tiptoed to kiss his lips, so Woobin chuckled and hugged her in the wine cellar. The couple picked out liquor and eventually returned to the picnic table... so Hajin smiled and resumed chatting with Hyunbin at the table while clinging to Woobin's forearm as the elders conversed over their meals.___________________________Present | After Murder TrialSora's POV"Aigo~! Ah- Ah~!" I grumbled as I heaved the heavy bags over the side of the road after asking a taxi driver to drop me off near the woods. I pulled out my phone to dial my son with a slight grimace and lifted the device to my ear."Yeoboseyo~?" Beom answered my call."Where are you?!- Pick up eomma right now! I don't know the way to appa's place!" I snapped in annoyance."Moh?! Eomma?!- Why are you-""You ungrateful punk! How can you leave home and not inform me?! It's been a month, and you ignored all of my calls! You must be rotting inside that villa!" I scolded in annoyance while standing beside the heavy bags with a fuming red face. How can he run away like this?! I might die early worrying about his welfare! Aigo~! How are my children so mean to me?!!"Eomma~! You didn't have to come-""Are you picking up eomma or not?! If not- eomma will run into the forest and get lost, and maybe a tiger will eat eomma because you're a heartless son!" I screamed at the phone as I stood alone on the side of the road. Beep! I hastily hung up on my son and slumped down with a dark grimace. I'm here, but he won't even pick me up!? Only Jae Yangcha will come running the instant I call for him!"Aigo~! I had to steal a phone for him to pick up my call?!" I grimaced, sorely pulling out a soggy bun from my pocket, and crouched on the ground to munch the snack with a grumpy expression.
A moment later.
"Is he really not coming to pick me up?!- Yah! Jae Beom! You ungrateful punk!" I screamed into the forest, hastily bolting up to frown at the empty woods from the side of the road with a dark grimace. Doesn't he care about his old mother?!

"BOO!""ARGH- KAMJAGIYA!" I screamed in fright when someone seized my shoulders from behind, so I wildly spun around to find Jae Beom beaming over my head. He laughed at my startled reaction and quickly kissed my cheek."Ahaha~! Why are you so startled?" Beom giggled as he towered over me with his bulky body."Yah!- You gave me a panic attack!- You rascal!" I snapped, angrily smacking his chest, causing Beom to wince and race away to avoid my outburst, so I grimaced and tried to pick up the heavy bags alone. Beom smiled and hurried back to help me lift the bags. Of course, he has to come for me! His father will haunt his dreams if he leaves his old mother to be eaten by mountain tigers!"Why did you bring so much food?! I can go shopping when I'm out of food~!" Beom whined as he led me through the confusing wilderness."Eomma made fresh side dishes! Food is always better when made by eomma~!" I smacked his butt. Beom sideways smiled at me as he strolled through the forest while holding my hand to support me as I carefully stepped over the dead leaves to avoid the tangled tree roots."How did you know I'm hiding here?" Beom asked. I laughed."Where else can you go? Soomin told me you took her to your father's abandoned place during her visit at the lunch gathering," I smiled while following my son through the confusing woods as he effortlessly heaved the bags over his shoulder. "What about appa? He'll search for you~! And how did you get a phone?" Beom chuckled, briefly glancing at me as we hopped over a tree trunk."He flew to the city with the twins to introduce them to the corporation. And I stole Do-hwan's spare phone! It's not even a touch screen!" I whined while showing my son the outdated flip phone. Beom laughed at the old model and shook his head in disbelief."I'll assemble a secured phone for you," He nudged my shoulder as he shoved the tall grass aside. I suddenly pursed my lips once I stepped out into the opening... to be greeted by the... familiar looming door. "Oh my goodness," I gasped, quickly covering my mouth in disbelief as I hopped over the shallow stream. Beom opened the door and pushed it open, so I stepped inside with my eyes wide open to examine the unchanging... interior with my mouth ajar."Appa made sure the interior could self-operate before he passed," Beom explained as he strolled in after me. I pouted at the familiar scent of the villa as I spun around to gawk at the cozy space with an aching heart. How is everything still intact?!"Aigo~! I can still sense your father here~!" I gasped, softly sniffling in tears as I settled down on the couch to examine the knitted cushion covers with a big pout. I made this for him! It's still here?!"Right? I can sense him too," Beom chuckled as he placed the bags on the kitchen counter. I sadly gazed at the pool outside the villa and glanced at the property with a burning red nose. 
It was only yesterday when he was alive and well beside me. The pool he used to swim in. The couch he used to rest on while chatting with me. In the kitchen... he used to spend his time with me as I cooked our meals. The backroom that he usually sits in for hours to craft his things and the bedroom we used to share. The space contains so many memories... my heart wouldn't stop aching. How can Yangcha leave behind so much of himself...?
"Ah~! This is where eomma made you with appa~!" I sobbed as I pointed at the bed. Beom froze and glanced at my pouty expression with a startled look."Here?- You made me here?!" Beom scoffed. I nodded and cried in distress until Beom pouted at my torn expression and walked forward to embrace me, so I hugged my son and buried my face against his solid chest as he rubbed my shoulder to soothe my aching soul."Yeah. This is where you're made," I chuckled as the warm tears slipped from the corner of my eyes."It's a bit strange to know that," Beom chuckled, carefully pulling away to massage my shoulders."The twins used to sleep on the spare mattress," I muttered, walking over to sit on the small bed beside the master bed. He made the bed for the twins."Aigo~! I always felt envious of hyung for getting to live here, but I was made here? On this very bed? Hahah~! That's nice to hear," Beom smirked as he bounced on the mattresses, making me chuckle at his flushed cheeks."You can make babies on this bed too~! Did you have fun here with Soomin?" I smiled at Beom, who suddenly stopped chuckling and glanced at his hands with a downcast stare."We broke up," Beom muttered."Moh!?" I gasped, quickly snapping my head at my son."I broke up with her because... I didn't think she wanted to see me anymore after what I did at the ballroom," Beom muttered. I exhaled and slowly crawled onto the master bed to hug my sulky son."You should've... at least... spoken to her first," I patted his back."Soomin wouldn't speak to me so I- ended our relationship. Who would love a killer... like me?" Beom blinked in tears. I pulled away to cup his cheeks with a slight frown."Beom. Your family still loves you. Eomma loves you. Appa loves you. Your siblings love you unconditionally. Harbeoji and imo love you just as much," I shook my head. Beom quietly stared at me with a torn expression."But not Soomin. I must've scared her. Her parents would never allow her to be with me," Beom whispered. I mirrored his cute pout and pulled him into a crushing hug. Aigo~! My baby is heartbroken! Is that why he's isolating himself from everyone~? It breaks my heart!"Then you should search for someone willing to love you even on your darkest side," I smiled. Beom nodded and hugged me back as I patted his back to comfort him. We eventually left the bedroom after I changed into my gown and walked out into the opening to admire the property before returning to the villa to cook for my son, who disappeared to do who knows what in his father's computer room.
Three days later.
"Oh, jagiya~! When are you returning~? I'm already home!" Taehyung asked through the phone Beom had lent me as I chopped the vegetables on the counter."Tomorrow~! Beom will take me back home tomorrow~!" I chuckled while munching on a slice of raw carrots."Aigo~! Is he seriously hiding in that bunker?" Taehyung chuckled as he watched me cook in the kitchen."Wae? Do you want to visit too? Maybe I can bring you next time?" I chuckled."No! Bad memories! I almost died in there!" Taehyung firmly refused. I laughed and sent him a flying kiss through the screen. Taehyung gasped, snatched my invisible kiss, and pretended to swallow it- making me chuckle at his playfulness."How are Hajin and Woobin? Not fighting?" I chuckled."Oh!- That's right! Where are they?! I haven't seen them since I returned!" Taehyung suddenly sat up on our bed with a slight frown. I bid my husband goodbye and switched off the device after he left the phone unattended on the bed to search for our children. I carefully scooped the vegetables and dumped the identical chunks into the boiling pot."Did appa call?" Beom smiled as he strolled inside the kitchen in his sweatpants. I glanced at my son's shirtless torso and softly chuckled."Oh. Appa went to search for Hajin and Woobin... and since when did you get so toned? You have the exact same body as Jae Yangcha~!" I giggled while stirring the steaming pot.

Beom smiled as he pressed his arms on the counter beside the stove and heaved his sturdy body upward to watch me cook like he usually does. I picked up a slice of carrot and fed the child, who opened his mouth to accept the offering while sitting with his dangling legs. I used to lift him onto the counter because he wanted to sit with me, but he's grown now and can lift himself! So sad~! My babies don't need their old eomma anymore! Hic~! Hic~!"I work out all the time~! It's easy to get in shape because of appa's genes. And oh- What would you do if Hajin likes a person who's not an alpha?" Beom smiled as he chewed the carrot. I opened the fridge to pour a glass of fresh apple juice and walked forward to hand Beom the mug."What are you talking about? Hajin says I can select her love candidate~!" I chuckled as I added ingredients to the steaming pot. Beom quietly drank from the mug and lowered his cup."But what if she loves an ordinary man...? Would you let her?" Beom asked curiously. "I can't stop her, can I? She can choose her own path. I won't hinder her relationship," I smiled and stepped aside to clear the chopping board. Beom chuckled and kissed my cheek."I hope she has a happy ending like everyone else," Beom nodded."You will have a happy ending too," I smiled as I tasted the soup. Beom glanced at his empty cup and back at me."Eomma. Why weren't you scared to embrace me at the ballroom?" Beom muttered."You're my son. Why would I be scared of you when you grew up under my care all your life? My son will never lift his fingers to hurt a single soul," I chuckled, briefly glancing at Beom. He smiled."But I killed a person," He replied, unsurely searching my eyes."You did it to protect our family and the society. We've all got blood on our hands. I'd kill to protect you too," I smiled at my son. He sadly smiled at me."I was afraid everyone would treat me differently after the incident," Beom muttered while staring at his yellow mug. "The right people will love you regardless of your crimes. You're not a bad person, Beom. Don't be burdened. Everyone still loves you the same," I assured, carefully lowering my face to blow on the spoon and lifted the soup to his lips. Beom tasted the soup for me and reached out for the soy sauce, so I took it from his hand and added more sauce to the hot soup."I'm not guilty of the crime I committed. I'm actually very relieved now that we're no longer threatened by the cult. I've seen you cry... bleed and worry endlessly... since I was born over the warfare... so I'm at peace now," Beom smiled. I chuckled and nodded in agreement."It's not a crime. It's an accomplishment. You handled the situation so well, especially at the trial. I'm not a fan of bloody murders- but hey... it was pretty epic. No one would have the courage to be so ruthless!" I smiled. Beom chuckled."We're a little crazy, aren't we?" Beom grinned. I laughed."We are crazy! And there's nothing wrong with that!" I smacked his chest and switched off the stove."I'll set the table~!" Beom nodded, happily hopping off the counter to grab the plates from the cabinet as I carefully transferred the soup into the bowl and placed it on the dining table. Beom packed our bowls with warm rice before placing it with the other plates, so I turned to retrieve the freshly made side dishes from the fridge to transfer them to the plates and eventually had dinner with my son. And to my extreme relief... Beom... appeared... somewhat untroubled by the ballroom incident. I stressed that he's overwhelmed by the murder... but... I'm at peace now that he's unbothered by it. The young man is just heartbroken... because his girlfriend neglected him. 
The society didn't charge Beom for murder and chose to close the investigation without further investigation. Yuri is under house arrest, so she's currently confined within the walls of her household. Min Yoongi has compensated the lower ranks for the unfortunate deaths of the victims. Seokjin and Jungkook have decided not to press charges and agreed to settle the matter because they didn't want to stir, yet another conflict between the households.

The council chose to retain peace and stability after the Black Phoenix evaporated with its extinguished ashes.

And Lee Mira...? I haven't seen her since the day she showed up with her men to collect Chung Manseok's head and corpse from the ballroom. I heard she's preserving his body as a trophy to celebrate his tragic demise.

Mira often sends gifts to the council as gratitude... yet her household's seat remains... empty.

She left the pack to thrive on her own path.
_________________________
Third Person POV
Choi Woobin finally strolled out of the security department after the entire day of being occupied with his father's work while stretching his arms above his head to release the sore strains before scanning the front yard to search for Hajin, but she was nowhere to be found. He exhaled, strode over the field to approach the stairs, and climbed the steps to enter the front door... but even the mansion was oddly noiseless."Hajin-ah...? Eomma...?" Woobin called, unsurely strolling into the living room to search for their presence. He frowned and glanced at the back door until her spotted... Kim Hajin... sitting alone on the platform with a bowl during a windy afternoon. She was facing the sea view... so Woobin could only see her loose hair fluttering with the subtle current. The man opened the door and strolled into the backyard with the intention of scaring her... until he noticed she was grumbling under her breath."-How insensitive!" Hajin grumbled as she munched the sliced watermelon in the bowl and funnily fired the seeds from her lips onto the grass below. Woobin paused behind her back... uneasily contemplating whether or not he should scare the heiress... given she was in a bad mood."Who are you upset with?" Woobin asked, cautiously rounding the bench, but stopped dead when Hajin snapped her intense glare at him. Her face... stained with watermelon juice. The man observed her sticky hands and back to the seeds on her chin... too frightened to budge."Hmmp~!" Hajin rudely huffed, quickly scooting aside when Woobin tried to sit beside her. She aggressively chomps down on the massive watermelon slice while glaring at the vast sea with an attitude. He had asked her not to scream at him when she's mad, so the heiress kept her mouth stuffed to avoid yapping at her lover. The man blinked at her grumpiness with an unsettled feeling and glanced at her tangled black hair with his lips pursed. "Did I- do something wrong again...?" Woobin muttered, cluelessly staring at the young lady. He couldn't think of any particular acts- committed wrongly against her because she was very chatty and cheerful this morning... and he's been working since... so what could've possibly upset her emotions?"Nope! You definitely did nothing wrong!" Hajin snapped but didn't look at him and directed her anger at the calm afternoon sea. Woobin scratched his head and scooted closer when she suddenly shot the seed out of her mouth to blast it at his face. Flick! Woobin froze in shock once the wet splatter landed on his forehead. He calmly wiped the watermelon seed with a startled look and frowned at Hajin's shockingly childish manner.

"Yah! What's with the attitude?! Why are you picking on me for no reason?!" Woobin snapped at her persistent attitude in annoyance. Pause. The heiress abruptly stopped chewing with puffy cheeks while glaring at the man's harsh tone with an offended glower... until her nose turned bright pink. Hajin suddenly pouted and glanced away to stare at the sea with teary eyes as she fought to contain her distressing emotions."Never let a man make you feel guilty for being a woman!" Hajin grumbled by herself."What?!" Woobin frowned at her nonsense."Why should I be guilty of being a needy woman when it's you- who can't man properly?!" Hajin snapped. Woobin stared at the young heiress as if she'd gone insane. He sorely rubbed his forehead to disperse the throbbing discomfort until she cutely whimpered while hugging her bowl... and lowered her face to eat the watermelon in tears."Hajin~ah! What are you saying? Why are you upset?" Woobin sighed, scooting forward again. Hajin tried to spit the seed at the man again, but he quickly clasped his massive palm over her lips, causing her eyes to bulge open at his swift defense. Woobin couldn't help but smile at the swelling tears in her eyes as she muffled beneath the pressure of his palm... trying desperately to spit out her wet seeds."Ah! So annoying~!" Hajin snapped, roughly shoving his hand off her lips. Woobin ruffled her hair and hugged her on his side."Wae? Why are you so grumpy~?" Woobin smiled, gently kissing her soft cheek as he rocked her from side to side on the bench. Hajin sulked even harder upon receiving his consolation and glanced at Woobin with her soaked lashes. "How can you not visit me~?! From morning until afternoon! I've been alone all day!" Hajin whined with a quivering pout. Woobin paused to admire her upset frown and gently pecked her lips under the ancient tree."I had breakfast with you this morning-""And then you disappeared! All day!" Hajin refuted."I was working for my father-""Oh?! Then- why don't you keep on working?! Why even remember to see me?! You're probably just hungry!- That's why you came here!" Hajin shoved his chest in annoyance. Woobin closed his eyes at her silly attitude and clasped his hands together with a slight grimace to disapprove of her tantrum."Is it me that isn't sensitive to your needs, or are you just a very needy woman~?" Woobin chuckled. "Ohoh! So it's my fault as a woman to need you?! Nope!- Eomma said I should never allow a man to make me feel guilty for being a woman! I'm needy, so what?!" Hajin shrieked at the man. Woobin stared at her irritated frown and chuckled softly while shaking his head."Women are surely dramatic," Woobin exhaled, sorely averting his eyes away."A man will nag you for being a woman once he fails to man!" Hajin sneered. Woobin chuckled at her offensive statement while glancing around the backyard to search for unwanted witnesses as he cautiously curled his arm around her waist."Aigo~ Oppa is very sorry~! Don't be upset. Hmm...? So sorry for forgetting about my needy little baby~!" Woobin chuckled as he drew her into a comforting hug. Hajin pursed her lips at his teasing baby voice until she gave in and clung to his shoulder with a sulky expression."Mean man," She muttered. Woobin chuckled and kissed her forehead before cupping her sticky cheeks to gaze at her bitter glower."Are you hungry? I'll cook anything you like," Woobin smiled as he caressed her sticky face. Hajin blinked at the man unsurely as they sat on the platform bench before the vast sea."You'll cook for me?!" Hajin suddenly shrieked, unexpectedly flinging her body forward to hug Woobin, who flinched at the sudden burst of excitement as she rested her chin on his chest to beam at him with her sticky cheeks."You're suddenly not mad anymore~?" Woobin lifted his hand to pat her wild hair strands."Why would I be mad if you'll cook me food? I want to eat ramen!" She giggled while wiping her tears to dry the stains, and sat up with a content smile. Woobin glanced at the empty bowl she flung aside to hug him."Why ramen? Out of all things-""Eomma won't let me eat ramen~! The twins brought it from the city during their visit, so I stole a few packs! Cook it for me! Please!" Hajin giggled. Woobin smiled at her abrupt mood shift. "Okay. But you have to wash my hair first," Woobin nodded."Deal!" Hajin beamed, happily leaping to her feet with her hand out, so Woobin grabbed her hand- and unexpectedly bent over to sweep her off the ground as he picked up the bowl from the grass. Gasp! Hajin shrieked in shock as she hung upside down over his shoulder. Woobin smacked her butt to hush her endless complaints and strolled into the mansion with the heiress dangling helplessly from his muscular shoulder.
A moment later.
The eldest son calmly relaxed his body muscles on the spa bed with his head tilted over the headrest on the sink as Hajin soaked his hair with the shower spray. Kim Taehyung had initially installed a shower bed for his wife on the ground floor so she could receive proper hair wash during her pregnancy... but the bed has become a household necessity. 
Imo and Beomseok would always use the bed to get their hair washed by the maid or Sora, who had also offered to provide her service. And lately? Kim Taehyung has been using the bed too... because he felt better getting his hair washed while lying down. Sora often washed her husband's hair on the ground floor's shared bathroom so he could comfortably lie down and not sit with a stiff back on their bench in their personal shower stall.
"Is your scalp itchy?" Hajin whispered while sitting on the chair by the sink to rub Woobin's temples as he lay in a bathrobe with his eyes closed by the massive arch windows. He shook his head."The mansion is oddly quiet," Woobin muttered."Eomma left to care for Beom. She won't be back soon and appa flew to the city to help the twins with their first internship at the fintech company," Hajin smiled while rubbing Woobin's scalp with the foaming shampoo to cleanse his roots.

"I thought eomma left to be with the twins because she packed so much side dishes," Woobin chuckled. Hajin faintly smiled at his handsome face while weaving her fingers through his soaked strands. "Beom doesn't want to see anyone. Not after... the ballroom... incident," Hajin whispered. Woobin deeply sighed at the thought of Beom's dark side."He's never the type to hurt anyone- not even a fly," Woobin muttered. Hajin nodded in agreement."He did it to uphold his father's legacy. I was startled... but at the end of the day... Jae Beom is still my brother. He'll never hurt our family," Hajin smiled."He did the most for our household and the society. Appa and eomma are proud of him," Woobin chuckled. Hajin smiled as she rinsed his hair with cold water to wash off the foam. The heiress quietly admired the eldest son's defined facial features... until she turned off the shower spray."Oppa. Stay still," Hajin smiled as she gently dried his hair with a clean towel and suddenly placed the towel over his eyelids to cover his sight. Woobin frowned in confusion as he heard Hajin getting up from the stool above his head- Creak. He felt her climbing the spa bed and crawled onto his sturdy body."What are you doing?" Woobin exhaled with the damp towel over his eyes. Hajin giggled but didn't answer him as she gently undid his silk robe to reveal his torso and leaned down to kiss his sturdy chest. Smooch. Smooch."I want to try it again," Hajin whispered, suddenly sticking out her tongue to lick his nipple in the bathroom as she gently grinds her crotch over the hump of his pants."Right now? In the middle of the mansion's shared space?" Woobin muttered under the towel as she repeatedly licked his chest while caressing her hand over the firm ridges of his muscles. Hajin chuckled and finally sat up with her hands pressed over his abs. Woobin eventually removed the towel from his face to find her perching over him in her watermelon-stained gown."The chair wasn't comfortable. I think I can ride you better on this bed," Hajin shrugged, scooting backward to slip her hand under his waistband and gently slip out his bulge to stroke the soft shaft until Woobin groaned and closed his eyes upon her pleasuring touch, causing Hajin to giggle at his favorable response. She glanced out the arch window to gaze at the backyard with a weak smile while jerking her lover on the spa bed."The door is open," Woobin muttered, unsurely turning his head over the headrest to stare at the wide-open bathroom door on the ground floor. Hajin shrugged while adjusting her crotch to sit on the man, and gently pushed his raw tip inside her while biting down on her lower lips. Woobin fumed in difficulty as he penetrated her without foreplay until Hajin shuddered at the warm presence of his hard cock inside her crotch."I told the maids to take a break. Imo... and harabeoji left with your father for the medical checkup in the city. Eomma and appa aren't home... so it's just us in this empty space," Hajin giggled as she grinds her hips in the back-and-forth motion to ride her lover over the spa bed without removing her dirty gown. Thwop. Thwop. She steadily humped him with her hands pressed over his pulsing chest as he dimly stared at the faint blush over her cheeks.  Woobin scoffed at her daring acts to fuck him with the door open and lifted his forearm to rested it over his forehead as he watched the heiress ride him in the muted bathroom. Hajin lustfully sucked her fingers in extreme satisfaction with every surging jolt she felt between her thighs and steadily hump the man. Creak... Creak... she eventually opened her starstruck gaze to hold intense eye contact with Woobin with her moist tongue sticking out... until she felt every inch of her youthful body... burning with the heat of the pleasuring strokes."So...? What are you trying to confirm with this lewd tendency of yours?" Woobin chuckled as he rubbed the side of her thighs. Hajin lowered her hand to pinch his hardened nipple with her saliva-coated fingers and leaned forward to shove her lips against his. Woobin grunted softly with every squelching pulse he felt as Hajin tightened her muscles around his bulge to intensify the hot friction over his erect penis... lodged deep inside her."I like this. Haha~! I like to ride you like this~! It's so much fun!" Hajin moaned, lifting her head to frown at him in difficulty with her hands pressed over his firm chest to support her weight as she lustfully fucks him in the bathroom. Thwop! Thwop! The heiress aggressively accelerated the pace of her rocking buttcheeks until she seethed in extreme pleasure. "Lean back a little," Woobin smiled while stroking her flushed cheeks. Hajin nodded and slightly slanted her body backward as she sat over his bare crotch with her hands pressed on the spa bed. Woobin grabbed her legs to make her bend her knees on either side of his strong hips and spread her legs apart as she leaned her body backward with her head tilted back. The man slipped his hand under her gown to press his thumb against her clit and gently rub the sensitive spot until Hajin moaned in distress before lifting her head to frown at Woobin as he watched her pound his raw shaft with her untamed sexual thirst."So hot~! Ah~! I'm melting~! Ah~! You're so- fucking- hot~!" Hajin seethed with a troubled frown. Woobin smiled at her burning cheeks and tilted his head back over the headrest with a troubled frown once the heiress proceeded to ride his hard shaft in their bathroom... until he ejaculated inside her. Kim Hajin shakily gasped and lifted her hips to scoot backward as she jerked the remaining semen out of his tip while panting for air as Woobin groaned in distress and finally sat up to watch the leaking discharge... dripping messily from Hajin's swollen slit. Hajin giggled as she reached between her legs to rub the semen over her fleshy opening before lifting her fingers to suck his tasty flavor off her fingertips."Why are you so... dirty?" Woobin chuckled while brushing back his soaked hair. Hajin smiled and licked his lips with a mischievous smirk."I want you... to take control tonight. In my room... in whatever position. I'll spread for you," Hajin grinned while trailing her fingertip over his buff chest until goosebumps rose all over his thick skin. Choi Woobin scoffed at her naughty smirk and shook his head in disbelief as Hajin reached between her legs to smear her lady part with his semen before lowering her face to suck the remaining paste from his soft tip, causing Woobin to grunt in extreme difficulty as he watched her suck his swollen head clean with her pink tongue."Save the remaining semen for later. Come on, you naughty baby~!" Woobin chuckled as she lifted her lightweight body from his crotch, and slid off the bed to pull up his pants. Hajin giggled as Woobin carried her off the bed and took her to her bedroom... so they could shower together."Ahaha~!" Hajin giggled when Woobin playfully sprayed the water on her face."Why are you hugging your body? Are you shy?! After milking me?!" Woobin chuckled when she wouldn't stop hugging her exposed breasts. The man gently removed her arms as they stood under the warm shower, so Hajin bit her lips cutely as she stared at his fond gaze and stepped forward to hug his waist."It's our first time showering together! It's weird!" Hajin grinned while fighting to keep her eyes open beneath the subtle steam. Woobin gently stroked her damp cheeks and lowered his face to press his parted lips against hers while rubbing the arched curve of her spine and tilted his head to deepen their kiss in the fogged-up shower stall as they stood naked before each other to ignite their sinful love affair within the walls of their mansion.
A moment later
"Oh~! Did you add ingredients to it?! It's so tasty!" Hajin shrieked as she sat at the counter to slurp the hot ramen from her cup. Woobin placed a glass of juice for her as he sat beside her with a separate bowl."I added eggs and additional ingredients. Eat slowly-! You'll choke!" Woobin scolded as the heiress fanned her opened mouth to release the steam because the strands were too hot for her to chew."It's been so long! Oppa wouldn't let me eat it because eomma told them not to, but I always stole their snacks at the penthouse!" Hajin giggled. Woobin smiled and handed her a tissue."I'll get in trouble if eomma knows I'm feeding you ramen," Woobin chuckled while admiring her with his hand tucked under his chin. Hajin wiggled her body in extreme excitement before lowering her face to devour the steaming ramen again... until Woobin gently gathered her loose stands to place her hair up into a neat bun."Oppa. When should we disclose our relationship to the elders?" Hajin sniffled as she chewed the noodle on one side of her puffed cheek. Woobin calmly stared at her without responding."Not any time soon. The household just recovered from the aftermath of the murder trial," Woobin shrugged. Hajin nodded."You're going to tell them right? About us? Eventually? We can't live like this forever," Hajin nodded as she chewed her food. Woobin lowered his head to slurp from his bowl before placing a piece of his sausage in her cup."Of course. I'll let our parents know once the time is right," Woobin nodded. Hajin shrieked and hugged his forearm in contenement."I can't wait for us to get married~! We'll have many babies together! Should we have two children?- Or three?- Two boys and a little girl like me~! We must produce the Jang's daughter! For sure! Don't you think!? Eomma and appa will absolutely love our babies!" Hajin happily clapped as she fantasized about their future in their cozy kitchen. Woobin nodded in agreement and glanced at her brilliant beam with a slightly uneasy expression but smiled and nodded anyway, so Hajin happily kissed his cheek before shifting her attention back to her flavorful ramen and lifted the cup to drain the warm broth. Thud! She finally slammed her empty noodle cup over the marble counter while frowning in satisfaction with the red stains all over her puckered lips."Are you full?" Woobin muttered while smiling at her bright beam."Am I! Why aren't you eating?" Hajin asked, unsurely glancing at Woobin's full bowl and back at the man with a questioning look. He barely touched his ramen."It's a bit bland," He shrugged."Oh? Why? Is it bland?- Let me taste it~!" Hajin giggled, keenly lifting Woobin's spoon to slurp the broth, and tasted her lips with a slight frown to evaluate the flavor."How is it?" Woobin asked in curiosity. "It's delicious. Wae~? Is something wrong with it?" Hajin cluelessly blinked. "No. A flavor is missing," Woobin chuckled, suddenly grabbing her hips to lift her off the stool, causing Hajin to gasp in shock. She quickly clung to his neck for support as the man settled her on the marble counter."What- Ah?!- Oppa!" Hajin shrieked when he suddenly slipped his hands beneath her gown to remove her panties from her hips. The heiress gasped in a panic as he slid her underwear from her ankles and tossed the fabric aside before sitting back on the stool to make Hajin bend her knees on the counter with her legs apart... explicitly exposing her private part to his naked view."You didn't squirt earlier... so do it for me," Woobin smirked, gently raising his hand to flick her sensitive spot, causing Hajin to whimper in distress as she pressed her arms on either side of her body while spreading on the counter before Woobin, who was sitting on the stool with a smug smile. "I don't always squirt! Only sometime~!" Hajin complained. Woobin chuckled and lowered his face to lick between her slit before pushing his tongue deeper to stroke the entrance of her opening, making Hajin shudder in extreme discomfort. She bit down her lower lips as she watched him suck on her throbbing clitoris with his invasive lips."Do it. I need your raw flavor," Woobin chuckled, forcefully leaning inward between her thighs to kiss and tease her throbbing private part until the slimy discharge seeped onto Woobin's tongue. Slurp. Slurp. "Oppa~! Why in the kitchen?- Our family eats on this counter! Hah! Hah~! Hmhp~! Hngh~! Ah!- Ah~! Hah!" Hajin whined as she watched him bury his head between her thighs but shrieked in pleasure once he inserted his fingers inside her and gently stroked her throbbing inner muscles to taunt her stimulated nerves."I won't leave a trace of you here, and I won't rest until I make you squirt, so relax and cum for me," Woobin muttered while licking her fleshy groin and glanced upward to find Hajin... staring at him in difficulty as she struggled to regulate her breathing rhythm. She moaned in defeat and tilted her head back with her lips ajar. Squelch. Squelch. Woobin aggressively rubbed her in an upward motion before quickening the pace of his fingers to thrust between her legs, creating the squelching noises of her soaked lady part... until she started squirming in extreme distress."Can't we do it later~? In my room? I'll let you do whatever you want? Oppa~! Hah~!" Hajin groaned with her head lowered, but Woobin refused to let her off. The hungry man proceeded to slurp between her fleshy slit to suck out her flavor as he fingered her... until Hajin moaned out loud and curled her toes in distress to counter the jolting sensation within her burning crotch. The heiress stopped complaining after a taunting moment of resisting Woobin's merciless activities... as she weakly watched the man pump the choice out of her... until she was overstimulated by his thrusting fingers- and SQUIRT! Hajin shrieked in shock as the hot liquid blasted from her crotch, causing her inner muscles to convulse intensely... until sparkling stars spun above her head as her deflated lungs struggled to regulate the insufficient airflow. Squelch! Squelch! Woobin didn't stop at the sight of her successful orgasm and shoved his two fingers deeper to pump out the remaining juice as he swiftly slid his bowl right between her parted legs to welcome the jet of her fresh juice. Her colorless fluid... splattering messily... into his untouched ramen bowl. Hajin shivered in extreme shock after the man slid his slimy fingers out of her sore slit. Thump! The heiress weakly collapsed onto the marble platform with her legs apart once he emptied her... leaving the depleted soul to hyperventilate helplessly with sweat beads swelling all over her face. Clatter. Woobin carefully pushed his bowl aside and glanced at the messy puddle on the marble counter. The man smirked and lowered his face to mop his tongue over her fresh cum. Slurp. Slurp. He repeatedly licked her discharge from the counter while tracing his tongue over the glossy surface until he found his way up to her throbbing groin. Hajin covered her mouth in shock as he licked her up and down to clean the wet discharge between his soaked thighs and gently slurped her swollen private part, making her shiver in extreme difficulty. "Ah~ Just the flavor I needed- Fuck. You're so tasty," Woobin hoarsely grunted once he lifted his devious face from between her trembling legs. He grabbed the tissues to dab Hajin dry before pulling her panties back onto her hips as she weakly sprawled over the counter with her unblinking gaze on the kitchen's light above... too shaken to budge after he made her squirt into his bowl of ramen.

Woobin chuckled at her depleted expression and drew the silk gown over her crotch before closing her legs to grant her a break. The man eventually sat back on the stool with a satisfied smile. Hajin huffed as she rolled on her side over the counter to watch Woobin stir the bowl with his chopstick. She frowned at the man as he lifted the soggy ramen and slurped it hungrily."You're so sick!" Hajin scoffed as Choi Woobin devoured his flavored ramen."I'm only heating you up for tonight. It's rare to be left alone in this mansion, so we'll have more fun later. I have to fuel my energy with your flavor," Woobin smirked while patting her hips as Hajin lay beside his bowl with her wearied gaze on the man. Woobin groaned in satisfaction as he slurped the delicious ramen and lifted the broth to swallow her raw flavor from his evening meal, causing Hajin to flush red as the leaking stream trickled down his chin. The heiress covered her face in disbelief after uncovering his shameless fetish to ingest her discharge as she lay on her back over the kitchen counter.________________________
A few days later
"Hajin-ah!?" Beom shouted as he strolled toward the cabin on the dirt path in his usual shorts and loose shirt. The alpha frowned at the wooden cabin door and walked forward- Thud!"Oh!?- Oh! Yeah?! Why are you looking for me?!" Hajin gasped, suddenly stumbling out of the cabin door with striking messy hair. Beom paused to stare at her sweaty hairline as she stepped out in her gown, so he paused and glanced through the opened door to find Woobin pulling down his shirt. The alpha noticed a couple of bruises on his brother's torso and glanced back at Hajin as she waited for him to speak with a flushed face."Eomma wants to speak with you and Woobin hyung," Beom smiled."Okay! Yeah, let's go~!" Woobin replied as he stepped out of his cabin with a bright red face. Hajin scratched her head uneasily, so Beom spun around and walked over the dirt path to retrace his steps."Why does eomma want to speak with me?!" Hajin asked while racing after Beom to cling to his arm. The older brother blinked and glanced at her curious gaze."Seokjin ahjussi visited the place. I don't know," Beom shrugged."Ahjussi is here?" Woobin chuckled as he followed the siblings from behind."She probably wants you two to greet him," Beom smiled as he led his sister and older brother over the field and walked up to the mansion until they found... Seokjin chatting with Taehyung as Sora beamed at a young alpha."Eomma~! Why did you call for us? Annyeonghaseyo!" Hajin released Beom's arm and walked forward to greet Seokjin in the living room- but froze in a panic once her eyes landed on another presence. Seojun abruptly stopped chewing the snack provided by the supreme alpha once he noticed his former lover's ashen face. Pause. "Oh! Seokjin made an important visit to discuss your potential marriage!" Sora chuckled, quickly getting up from the couch to grab Hajin's hand. "Marriage?" Hajin widened her eyes in surprise. "Oh! Kim Seojun brought us gifts and visited with his father to ask for your hand in marriage," Taehyung nodded at the piles of gifts on the side of the room and smiled at Hajin. Seojun cleared his throat and stood up to greet her."I'm asking for your parent's consent," Seojun smiled at Hajin. She pursed her lips and glanced at Woobin, who was smiling at Seokjin with an unbothered look. The heiress gulped uneasily and strolled forward to sit with her mother, who was giggling beside her husband."Seojun asked me to speak with your household because... he wishes to pursue your relationship," Seokjin smiled at Hajin, who forced a smile and glanced at her mother as Sora held her hands over her lap."You want me... to marry... Seojun?" Hajin blinked at her mother in surprise."I know... your relationship didn't end well a few years back, but that doesn't mean he's not the right man for you. The Kim will sustain you after marriage... and Hajin-ah... eomma didn't want to blindly marry you off for power purposes. Seojun is the best candidate since he has sincere feelings for you. Hmm? There's no need to rashly make up your mind now. We only want you to reconcile... and maybe... things will work out again?" Sora chuckled as she stroked Hajin's cheek. The heiress glanced at her former lover and swallowed uneasily."Appa wouldn't be here and you wouldn't exist either... if your mother didn't consider granting appa a second chance. We're happily married with a beautiful family now, so you should also consider a second chance with him," Taehyung smiled at Kim Seojun as the alpha perched on the opposite couch beside Seokjin to anticipate Hajin's approval. The heiress gripped her hands and glanced at her brothers to find Beom side-eyeing Woobin's expressionless face and glanced back at Hajin, so she cleared her throat and shifted her gaze to her clueless parents."You must be startled," Seojun smiled at Hajin."She asked me to select a love candidate for her, so I did. Eomma believes... Seojun is most suited for you because I heard you treated him well. And he's able to handle you during your previous relationship. Our baby is a handful, but Seojun somehow... sustained your inner peace so... we believe he's the best match. All the other candidates in the society are quite young anyway," Sora chuckled. Hajin smiled at her mother's excited beam and glanced back at Seojun."Please consider my proposal. We can spend time together and you can make the final decision once you're ready. Don't feel too pressured. I hope... you'll allow me to make up for our past issue, Hajin. I meant it when I said I wanted to marry you," Seojun smiled warmly. Hajin tensed her body and forcefully nodded with an extremely uneasy feeling."I know," Hajin replied and glanced at her parents with a swelling chest once they unexpectedly paired her with the high-rank household.
The heiress couldn't object Kim Seojun's proposal on the spot because she didn't want to disappoint her parents, so she nodded and agreed to consider the marriage, thinking Choi Woobin would somehow step up to disclose their affairs before it was too late to address their secret relationship... but he stayed hushed and casually chatted with the elders with a bright smile.

Choi Woobin did not appear bothered by Kim Seojun's proposal to have the heiress's hand in marriage.
______________________Jae Beom sat at his desk to program his new chip in the hushed working space of his father's hidden bunker in the wilderness with a plate of honey biscuits beside him. His mother forced the heir to bring her baked goods once he insisted on returning to the hidden villa to complete the project he'd been working on for a while. Jang Sora didn't like the idea of him isolating himself... but Beom promised he'd return to live with his mother once he successfully finalized his work.
Thud. Thud.
The alpha snapped out of his thoughts with a slight frown when he thought he heard a soft thump from somewhere. He shook his head to shake off the thoughts and ate the biscuit while typing on the keyboard until he heard it again. The soft thumps. Jae Beom frowned at the disturbance as he cautiously rose up from his leather armchair to inspect the empty living room... and entered the kitchen to check on the disk... assuming its sensor had messed up and got stuck again... but the disk was mopping the floor without a defect."Am I hallucinating?" Beom mumbled while scratching his head as he strolled out of the kitchen. Thud. Thud. The alpha paused in the corridor of his vacant villa and turned his head to stare at the tall door at the end of the hallway. Thud. Thud. The soft thumps... knocking repeatedly on his door. He frowned."Oh-? Did eomma come after me again...?" Beom gasped, quickly steering down the corridor to race toward the door in a hurry."Eomma! I told you not to worry about me! How can you carelessly wander in the wilderness alone when you don't even remember the direction- ARGH?-!" Beom whined in annoyance as he swung open the door without hesitation- WHACK! A harsh blow collided against his face- sending the alpha toppling backward as the person bashed a solid surface at... Jae Beom... to disable him.
SLUMP.
The young man weakly rolled over the floor at the blunt force and flopped to the side with bleeding nostrils... upon encountering the deadly strike. The person fumed heavily over the lifeless alpha as she stood at the doorway with a frying pan gripped firmly in her shaky hands. The woman shakily lowered the cooking tool with her resentful eyes fixed on... Jae Beom... who was... sprawling lifelessly with his lips ajar."Dumbass," Jeon Soomin cursed, bitterly tossing the frying pan aside with a dark frown on her ex-boyfriend's helpless state.
Jae Beom was harshly greeted by Jeon Soomin's... premium quality nonstick frying pan... the instant he recklessly opened the door... thinking it was his mother.

Jeon Soomin clenched her jaw with her piercing glare on the motionless alpha and stepped over his body to storm inside his hidden bunker... leaving him... cold on the floor... with heavy blood... leaking from his nostrils... entirely... exposed... and vulnerable to her ill-intended visit.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Third Person POV

Boom. Boom. Boom.
Jae Beom groaned in discomfort while stirring over an oddly comfortable surface as he slowly regained consciousness from the darkness of his throbbing head. He suffered a mild concussion from the unexpected force on his face. The alpha had lost his sense of place and time as he stirred on the mattress... until his blurry sight adjusted to the plain ceiling above his head. He's in his bedroom.Beom turned his head over the pillow to squint at the warm light source in confusion as the upbeat music blasted at peak volume. He grunted at the frustrating noise disturbance- relentlessly hammering on his sensitive eardrums. The injured alpha attempted to move his arms above his head but- Click. Click. He couldn't budge."Uh...?" Beom groaned, unsurely tilting his head upward to find both his wrists... securely restrained to the bedboard with steel cuffs. The alpha froze and frantically tried to sit up- but gasped in discomfort... once a jolt of pain surged through his nose and up to his forehead."What the hell?!" Beom scoffed, wildly thrashing on the bed while tugging his wrists in a panic to free himself from the cuffs... assuming there was an ill-intended intruder within his villa... until he noticed movements at the foot of the bed. Fwip! He snapped his dazed face in the direction to find a familiar woman... dancing in a silk gown with a small... duck toy in her hand."You're awake?" Soomin smiled, suddenly pausing to stare at Beom's baffled expression as he remained helpless on the bed. The Jeon's daughter casually skipped over the tiles to switch off the blaring speaker on the cabinet... until the bedroom grew utterly hushed. Beom didn't blink and looked his former up and down with his eyebrows furrowed.  "What are you doing here...?" Beom grunted while sprawling on the mattress with a tissue lodged in his nostril. Soomin shrugged as she walked over to sit on the bed edge with his toy duck and glanced at the confused alpha. He couldn't believe she remembered the way to his secret bunker. Beom frowned at her lively appearance."Did it hurt? The blow to your face," Soomin asked with a straight face as she eyed the swollen bump on his left forehead. Beom squeezed his eyes shut to shake off the blurriness and grunted in discomfort once he felt the dull throb pulsing in his head."Free me. I don't like this," Beom hoarsely muttered in annoyance. The alpha yanked his arm again- yet failed to free himself, so he exhaled deeply to contain his swelling stuffiness and eventually slumped over the pillow in defeat."Why should I care about your discomfort?" Soomin scoffed. Beom calmly remained on the bed with his eyes fixed on Soomin's cold expression as she sat in his mother's nightgown."What do you want?" Beom mumbled, briefly glancing at the cuffs around his wrists with a slight grimace. His throat is super sore due to severe dehydration."I'm seeking revenge," Soomin smirked, slowly rising from the bed with the toy duck. The alpha gulped and glanced at the toy in her hands before glancing back at Soomin."Revenge...?" Beom muttered, dumbfounded by her claim. Soomin rolled her eyes at his clueless response."I'm going to smash your duck because you're an asshole," Soomin mumbled as she grabbed a hammer she had found in the back room and placed the duck on the floor. The young lady heaved the heavy steel to swing it above her head, causing Jae Beom to widen his eyes in shock. "Hey! What are you doing?!- Soomin!" Beom gasped, suddenly jerking in a panic once Soomin swung the hammer toward the yellow duck as the alpha screamed at the top of his lungs, desperately begging her to halt her hostile act. Thud! Thud! Jae Beom furiously yanked his wrists in fear with his bulging eyes glued to the little toy- Halt! Jeon Soomin abruptly paused mid-way upon hearing his upset holler. She shifted her angered gaze to her former lover... who was glaring at her with burning-hot tears as she gripped the hammer above her head... contemplating whether or not... she should seek brutal revenge and smash his duck."You're reacting harshly over a mere duck... but not with me? This is ridiculous," Soomin sneered at Beom's reaction, who had exploded for the first time since she met him.The Jeon's daughter assumed he was a naturally nonchalant man... thinking it was his personality to be unbothered... yet here she is... witnessing his glowing red face... fuming in extreme agitation over a mere toy. Beom grunted in discomfort while struggling to sit up, so the alpha shoved his feet against the mattress until his back aligned with the bedboard and finally sat up with his arms stretched out."My father gave it to me!- Are you crazy?!- You have no right to barge inside my home! Strike my face with a frying pan! Cuff me to my bed! And then smash my duckie!" Beom angrily bellowed with a dark frown. Soomin glanced at the unscratched duck on the floor with a bitter look and slowly lowered the hammer without striking his beloved toy... once she acknowledged the heartbreaking reality."Maybe I am the crazy woman for coming to see you like this...? Ah. What am I doing...? How did I let an asshole screw me over like this?" Soomin scoffed in disbelief with her face lowered."I said free me!- Soomin! I don't like this! I SAID FREE ME!" Beom snapped at her in extreme irritation as he repeatedly yanked his wrists between the cold cuffs. The alpha averted her torn gaze with a wrenching heart to find the jaguar fuming at her with an upset glower. She exhaled in defeat- Thud. The woman suddenly dropped the hammer, strolled forward to grab the key from the nightstand and carefully unlocked the handcuff from Beom's right wrist. Beom dimmed his sour gaze on his former lover. Snatch! The alpha roughly seized the key from Soomin to loosen the other cuff himself and angrily shoved the steel off his injured wrist."I was just joking- Ah!" Soomin apologized but gasped in shock once Jae Beom jerked his bruised wrist free, roughly shoving her aside, and scrambled off the bed with flaring nostrils. Thump! Thump! He stumbled over the floor, possessively snatching the yellow duck before snapping his attention towards the Jeon's daughter with a disapproving glare. Soomin weakly collapsed onto the spare mattress with her lips ajar... after he rashly pushed her aside."Leave. Don't make me drag you out of here," Beom clenched his jaw at her spiteful glare. Jeon Soomin sniffled at his harsh demand while rubbing the leaking tears from her damp cheeks as she glared at the alpha in extreme resentment."Maybe my biggest mistake was to believe a lowly man like you could ever treat me right," Soomin whispered as she sat on the mattress."What are you talking about?! You smashed my face and cuffed me and even tried to destroy my father's-""Does the swollen bump on your forehead or- the bruised wrists... or the stupid toy duck... bother you that much?!" Soomin screamed in anger as she desperately searched his face for a glimpse of concern... but Beom only frowned at her with a bitter look."Of course! You could've left a blood clot in my brain- and I could've lost my duck-""Who cares about you stupid duck!?- You're so triggered over everything!- But not my broken heart?!- Even at the sight of my flooding tears?! And helpless whimpers?!- You feel nothing at all?! Am I worth less than that freaking duck of yours?!" Soomin shrieked until another wave of pain tore through her wounded heart. "Of course, I'm bothered, but-""I came here believing- you're somewhat struggling to cope with the murder!- I convinced myself... you were only traumatized- and you didn't actually mean to break my heart- but I see it now! You don't feel sorry for me! You never cared about me!" Soomin tearfully confronted the heartless alpha as she rose from the mattress with her balled fists."I didn't break your heart. It is you who avoided me-""Okay, Beom. Okay. I had so many men chasing me with good intentions... but you...? You were never one of them. Why did I even throw myself at you... when you can't even treat me right?! Hah!- I'm so fucking disappointed in myself for choosing a prick like you!" Soomin sniffled while struggling to hold back her flooding tears. "I never mistreated you-""Never?!- NEVER?! One text!- You sent me one fucking text, Beom! Let's break up...? That's it?!- How can you be so fucking heartless?! How can you discard me over a shitty text?!- Three ridiculous words were all it took to sabotage me!- You didn't even bother to speak to me face to face- or at least- make a call!- A text!? That's all I deserve?!" Soomin screamed, angrily hurling the pillow at Beom, who flinched and glared at her in annoyance as he backed away with the duck."You didn't want to speak to me first!- I thought you didn't want to be with me anymore! How can I speak with you when you can't even look me in the face?!" Beom refuted in extreme anger. Soomin swallowed in difficulty as she challenged his upset glare with an intense glower."You never bothered to properly confess your feelings! It was me since the beginning- and until the end... you never bothered to make an effort! I guess I'm as worthless as a cowardly breakup text. Okay, Beom. I get it. I desperately prayed you had a valid reason to make me feel this insecure- but no. I am the pathetic woman seeking your validation!" Soomin nodded as she aggressively wiped her warm tears with her forearms until she burst out crying. The young lady was ashamed of herself for allowing a mere man... to break her precious heart so... recklessly. "Are you seriously blaming me?-""I'm leaving. If you can't do it. Then I will do it- given you're a fucking coward. Let's not see each other anymore and end everything here. This is the closure I need. Don't ever contact me ever again- and hold the fucking duck for the rest of your life!- I'll take care of the ducks you returned! I was a fool to paint myself yellow for a man who couldn't care less about my feelings, so I'll scrub off the color from my skin because- I never really felt comfortable with those stupid bright colors on me anyway! I hope you find an authentic yellow woman in your life!" Soomin harshly sneered at Beom as she fought to keep her voice stable.Jae Beom stood blank in his position to observe Jeon Soomin's miserable condition as she waited for him to refute her argument... but he did nothing. The alpha remained hushed. He did not deny her claim or even attempt to justify himself. He had drained the very last droplet of hope in Jeon Soomin's shattered heart with the brutal truth of his utmost recklessness towards her soul.The broken alpha had no words left to express because she had already accepted the depressing truth... so she hastily spun around with streaming tears and stormed out of the bedroom as Jae Beom stood grounded in his place to watch her stray from his territory. Soomin softly sobbed as she flung the door open and stormed out into the dark wilderness with gushing hot teardrops... trickling over her numbed cheeks... and dripping messily from her chin.The young lady whimpered in discomfort as she marched through the thick grass to enter the dense wilderness and strolled over the dead leaves while clutching her aching chest. Soomin fought desperately to stifle her pathetic whimpers. And despite the gnawing sorrow she endured... the woman did not stop... and stormed through the confusing woods without looking back.
Jeon Soomin grew up her entire life with a silver spoon in her mouth. Her parents had treated her like a princess. Offering... and granting... her everything she ever needed. Every man she met... would kneel for her... yet here she is... crying so pitifully over an asshole- who doesn't even care about her well-being... or her feelings. Soomin wasn't too upset over the childish breakup.

She's furious.

She's extremely disappointed in herself for allowing a lowly man to disrespect her- and yet she couldn't do anything... but weep over his negligence, knowing she deserved better.

How can she be a fool for love? Soomin is extremely ashamed of herself.
"Oh no~! I should've called appa to pick me up~!" Soomin whispered, suddenly halting to scan the dark woods in tears once she realized she was lost. The alpha couldn't recognize her way back to the freeway because the wilderness was too dark for her to remember the correct path. She sniffled and slumped on a dead trunk to rub her streaming tears before lowering her face to press her forehead against her knees and sobbed quietly."I'll wait for the sun to rise," Soomin gently patted her shoulder to comfort her aching soul as she sat alone in the dark and cold wood with a wretched heart. The alpha did not wander any further because she was afraid she'd get lost... so she chose to wait for the sunrise until she fell asleep with her arms wrapped around her body and head lowered to her knees. 
Lost in the calming woods infested with chilly air, swaying branches and calming insects' cries.

Next Day.
Jeon Soomin's eyeballs suddenly shifted beneath her eyelids as she struggled to escape her deep sleep. It felt like she had overdosed on sleeping pills because of the extreme drowsiness that left her eyelids glued to her lower lash line. The alpha eventually jerked awake with a dazed mind while stirring on the mattress as the steaming heat emitted from her stinging eyeballs."Did I have a nightmare?" Soomin groaned as she rolled on the bed to hug the pillow until she felt her body muscles aching all over. The alpha abruptly paused... once her blurry sight adjusted on a figure... at the edge of the bed. Blink. She unsurely focused her blurry vision on the man... until she realized... it was... Jae Beom. Soomin furrowed her eyebrows in extreme confusion. "You got lost," Beom whispered, dimly staring at her as he sat on the bed edge. Soomin froze in shock once she realized... she was back inside his hidden villa.The young lady scoffed in disbelief as she hastily rolled over to face the opposite side of the bedroom. She didn't want to look at his stupid face. And so... she stared at the artificial streams outside the glass wall without uttering a word... until she felt her sore heart aching again. Jae Beom exhaled heavily upon her refusal to face him, so he slipped under a blanket and shifted his sturdy body over the mattress to wrap his muscular arm over her waist."Don't touch me-""I'm sorry," Beom whispered, stubbornly tightening his clutch around her body with his face buried against her hair. "I don't want to hear your apologies-""I'm sorry. Soomin, I really am. I should've been considerate of your feelings. I thought you were a strong and independent woman- who didn't need my constant nurturing to feel secure. I thought you didn't need a loser like me to make you feel worthy... so- I never bothered- assuring you of my feelings," Beom whispered, unexpectedly sniffling in remorse as he hugged her on his bed with his burning nose pressed against her nape. Soomin frowned at his soft whimper until Beom trembled behind her back... so she quickly rolled over to shove Beom away with a glowering glare."How dare you cry-""My heart... it's been aching so much since you... stopped speaking to me. I wanted to speak to you so badly... I felt really hopeless when you wouldn't look at me. I thought you despised me because of the nasty blood on my fingers. Why would a perfect woman like you... want to be with a criminal like me...? I knew- if I held you... everyone will call you awful names... and you'd suffer from my crime. I was afraid... of tainting your image with the sins I committed," Beom whimpered in a broken voice as he stared at Soomin with swelling tears. The alpha pursed her lips as she stared at his bright pink nose and glanced at his torn gaze with an aching heart."I was startled. My parents refused to let me see you. Of course- I was scared- but did it stop me from running into the wilderness to search for you?" Soomin whispered. Beom nodded and gently gripped her hands over the mattress while searching her broken expression... until his flooding tears soaked the pillow with his misery. It's her first time... witnessing Beom's raw emotions. It made Soomin guilty for pushing his buttons because she desperately wanted to access his vulnerability."I knew you'd hate me for foolishly ending our relationship over a mere text, but I did it anyways because I wanted you to loathe me and move on- but- my heart- it's hurting so much-" Beom choked between his words until his voice broke into a ragged tone. The alpha started trembling from the immense pain that was feasting on his usually calm heart.Jeon Soomin suddenly cupped his firm cheeks and leaned forward to press her lips against his, causing Beom to wince in a panic at her unexpected reaction to his apologies. She suddenly jerked her face away to frown at the visible streaks over his firm cheeks. Silence. Jae Beom opened his eyes with a startled look to find Soomin scowling at him with an intense gaze as she firmly held his face between her warm palms. "You don't have to say anything. I only need you to answer one question," Soomin whispered as she sternly stared at him."One question...?" Beom whispered with a slight frown."What is it that you feel for me?" Soomin asked while scanning his pained expression. Beom blinked in tears as they lay facing each other in the dim room. He blinked again while examining her face with a slight pout."I love you," Beom sniffled. Soomin paused to examine the alpha's flowing tears and swallowed with a troubled feeling upon hearing his love affirmation for the first time."Are you sure?" Soomin asked, unconvinced by his words."My chest is swelling with this- invisible pressure. I don't know how to ease it," Beom tearfully whispered. Soomin stared at him in silence and suddenly jerked forward to slam her lips against his, causing Beom to grab her shoulders with a slight grimace. "Let's have sex," Soomin panted, impatiently drawing her lips away as she crawled onto his sturdy body. Beom stared at his lover in confusion as he sniffled beneath her."But-" He tried to speak but was aggressively hushed once she stifled his voice with the forceful strokes of her lips. The alpha panted heavily as his lover pinned his wrists over his head. She drew her moist lips away to kiss his throat and gently nibbled on his sensitive skin as Beom helplessly groaned over the pillow. "We'll speak after this," Soomin whispered, quickly sitting up to yank the silk off her body and toss it aside. Jae Beom nervously watched his lover sit naked on his body, so he raised his hand to stroke her soft cheek and quickly sat up to hug her waist with his parted lips, passionately sucking on her tongue while caressing the curve of her spine to soothe her aching muscles. Soomin fumed in extreme heat once Beom shifted his lips to kiss her neck while fondling her perky breast with his massive palms."I don't have a condom," Beom whispered, worriedly pulling away to frown at her with his rosy cheeks.Jeon Soomin shook her head to assure her lover and closed the gap between their bodies again as she lifted his shirt off his body and slammed the man back onto the pillow before lowering her face to kiss his toned muscles. Beom gently rubbed the side of her cheeks with his eyes closed as she nibbled his chest in the dim room while grinding her groin over his hump to arouse the jaguar until he burned bright red... with visible tear stains on his cheeks. The bleeding gash in his chest was suddenly numbed... by the sweet kisses... and touches from his lover.
A moment later.
"Hah~! Ah~! I'm almost there! Beom- faster! Hngh~!" Soomin moaned with her lips ajar as Beom steadily thrusts between her wet thighs while hovering above her overly stimulated body."Soomin! I'm cumming!" Beom warned as he repeatedly shoved his hips forward to penetrate her in a missionary position until he felt the thrilling surge jolting all over his crotch. Tug! Soomin suddenly pulled Beom down by his sweaty nape to make out with him, so the alpha grunted in distress as he fucked her on the bed until she felt him nearing his climax.Jae Beom frantically attempted to sit up and tried to pull out when Soomin forcefully wrapped her shins over his buttcheeks to secure his hips and firmly tightened her arms around his muscular back to seal their moist crotches... purposely holding Jae Beom captive... deep inside her as she reached downward to massage his sensitive balls... until the man grunted in extreme pleasure."Do it inside-""No! Soomin! You don't even take pills- AH?- HAH~! I'M CUMMING!" Beom thrashed in her embrace, frantically trying to sit up but Soomin refused to release him and screwed her eyes shut as she tightly hugged the alpha to trap the man... until his semen blasted from his swollen tip to fill her raw canal with its thick... creamy fluid. Beom gasped in shock as he gripped her shoulders in fear with his head buried against her sweaty neck."Lay still. Don't move," Soomin whispered as she clawed her nails into his muscular back, keeping her legs wrapped securely around his twitching buttcheeks to juice out his fertile milk. Jae Beom bit his lower lips in difficulty as he unloaded himself inside her while resting over her naked body with a racing heart. Soomin panted heavily with her eyes closed as she ran her fingers through his wild hair with a weak smile."I'll get you pregnant-""Beom," Soomin suddenly cupped his cheeks to lift the alpha off her chest. Jae Beom pouted at his lover's sweaty face as she remained beneath his scratched chest. Soomin softly chuckled at his cuteness. She sweetly pecked his lips to ease his anxiety... yet the alpha only tenses his body with a restless feeling."Soomin-""So what if I get pregnant?" Soomin smiled while stroking his firm cheek. Beom blinked at her unbothered reaction and glanced down at their joined crotch with a slight grimace."We're not married yet and our parents-""You can't run away now. I'll keep you by my side forever," Soomin chuckled as she poked his nose tip. Beom's face suddenly drained of blood upon the realization of her sly intention, so the alpha frantically shoved his body upward to lift his chest of her sticky breasts and quickly pulled out of her with a bewildered look... causing his semen to leak from between her thighs."Soomin~!" Beom whined while gripping his hair in bewilderment as he sat between her parted legs with a terrified look. Soomin funnily giggled as she reached downward to feel the thick paste and lifted her hand to stretch his slimy discharge between her fingers."You don't want to have a baby with me?" Soomin scoffed at the alpha's terrified reaction."No! It's just I'm not ready!- I'm freaking unemployed right now! How am I supposed to support you and our baby?!" Beom shrieked."I guess you'll have to figure it out~!" Soomin teased, gently lifting her feet to tap his chest. Beom pouted and slumped at the foot of the bed with a pale face after his lover tricked him into getting her pregnant."Appa will beat my ass~! He told me not to get anyone pregnant before marriage-""Ohoh! Why are you whining?!- I can't believe you're reacting this way!" Soomin snapped, quickly sitting up to glare at Beom. The man blinked at her fuming red face in fear, eventually leaning forward to embrace her, causing Soomin to huff in annoyance. Beom softly kissed her bare shoulder while rubbing her back as he gently rocked her from side to side."I love you. I really do~! But did you have to be this hasty~? Your body will never be the same again once you bear a child! I'm afraid to put you through motherhood at such an early age!" Beom pouted as he pulled away to tuck the wild strands behind her ears. Soomin suddenly giggled at his adorable nervousness before circling her arms around his thick neck to rest her forehead against his."I don't care. Let's start a family together," She smiled. Beom exhaled in defeat and hugged her back. Thump! The couple slumped back onto the bed with their limbs entangled with one another."Okay. I'll figure this out. I should be a proper man," Beom muttered while holding Soomin's sweaty flesh against his pulsing chest. She exhaled and pressed her nose against his shoulder."Your father won't beat you. He'll beat my father," Soomin whispered. Beom burst out laughing at her joke, so he pulled away to admire her gorgeous smile before kissing his lover repeatedly and drew her back into a crushing hug."Aigo~! You're right! I should be worried about our fathers quarreling over our love affair~!" Beom nodded in agreement. Soomin giggled and pecked his cheek. Beom rubbed her naked shoulder and softly planted a breathy kiss on her forehead as she hugged his firm waist with her face pressed against his chest.________________________Jang Sora repeatedly tasted her lips in her sleep while wiping her drool with her sleeve as she sprawled over the mattress with her right leg hooked over her husband's buttcheeks as the man lay on his belly with the side of his face pressed against his warm pillow.The alpha snored loudly beside his wife as she tugged on their blanket- so he unconsciously pulled the sheet back to prevent her from stealing everything and rolled in the opposite direction- ultimately yanking the blanket off her body.Sora grumbled with a slight frown as she searched the mattress for the blanket with her fumbling fingers but couldn't find it... so she rolled after her husband to hug his warm back as he wrapped himself with the sheet like a fetus. She unconsciously slipped her cold fingers under his shirt to absorb his warmth from his toned packs while curling her exposed toes to seek comfort until she slid her feet under his loose waistband and inserted her legs inside the sleeves of his pants with her face pressed against his back.
The couple slept soundly through the night while sharing Taehyung's loose pajama pants, endlessly tossing and turning over the mattress until the rising sun gradually lit up the bedroom to awaken their souls from the peaceful rest.
"Aigo~?" Kim Taehyung grunted as he lifted his head to find himself lying on the bed without his pants on. He scratched his head in confusion, glanced at his wife and back at his naked crotch. The man unconsciously slipped off his pants during his sleep because Sora had inserted her cold leg inside his sleeve. The supreme alpha had pulled on her husband's abandoned pants beneath her gown to trap her scarce body heat. Taehyung grunted and smacked Sora's head in annoyance, causing her to stir awake."Oh?- Are you awake already?" Sora grumbled, sleepily turning on her side to hug his body as her husband sprawled beside her without his pants on. The man rested his arm over his forehead and sighed deeply as his wife aimlessly roamed her hand over his torso... until her fingers fumbled against his morning wood."Why are you touching me there...?" Kim Taehyung whispered, unsurely lifting his head off the pillow to squint at his wife's firm clutch around his hard penis. "You're warm. Why are you hard? Did you dream of a sexy woman in your sleep?" She whispered with her eyes closed."Pervert," Taehyung grunted."Why are you naked?" Sora frowned, finally opening her eyes to stare at his bare private part as she played with his shaft."Why are you asking me? You're the pervert wearing my pants," Taehyung grumbled as he tugged her hand off his penis and sat up with messed-up hair. The old man groaned in discomfort as he crawled butt-naked off the bed to enter the bathroom. Sora finally sat up on the mattress and lifted her silk gown to find herself wearing her husband's pants. She couldn't recall pulling it on."You stole my blanket again~!" Sora whined while glaring at her husband through the open doorway as he stood before the bowl to release his swelling urine. Shaaa~! He ejected the fluid loudly with his eyes closed."I told you to use a separate blanket," Taehyung hoarsely replied while holding the shaft to release his urine."I told you to sit down when you use the toilet! You'll stain the bowl again~!" Sora scolded as she crawled off the bed in her layered clothes. "Shhh~! Don't whine! It's early morning, woman!- Give me some peace!" Taehyung snapped as he flushed the toilet and spun around to stride toward his wife without washing his hands. She grimaced and tried to smack her old man- but he quickly caught her wrist and kissed her lips."Hey! You didn't brush your teeth yet!" She grimaced. Taehyung chuckled at her visible eye wrinkles."Ohoh?! Why are you disgusted now?! You used to love my raw flavor~! You'd always suck my balls before!" Taehyung teased as he playfully lifted his soft penis to wiggle it for her."It's all saggy now! You're old!" Sora laughed. Taehyung grinned- THUD."EOMMA!?" Beom shrieked, suddenly barging inside the room without a warning, causing his parent's eyes to bulge open at the unexpected intrusion."Ah!" Sora gasped, frantically covering Taehyung's crotch, who stood frozen in shock as Beom halted to gawk at his naked father before glancing at his shaken mother. She quickly leaped forward to hide her husband's exposed crotch and shoved the man inside the bathroom while shielding his bare buttcheeks. Thud! Taehyung slammed the bathroom door shut."Don't you know how to knock, you punk!" Taehyung scolded from behind the door as Sora quickly slipped her husband's pants from her under her gown, pushed open the door to toss it in the bathroom, and slammed it shut again."What's the matter, darling~?" Sora smiled shyly once she spun around to face her son, who flushed red in embarrassment."Uh- Oh. I'll speak with you downstairs," Beom smiled, awkwardly spinning away and hurried out of his parent's room. Creak. Taehyung stepped out of the bathroom with his pants on as Sora glared at her husband for almost flashing his saggy balls at their son.
A moment later.
The groggy wife and husband eventually settled side by side on the couch in their night pajamas and gowns in the living room.... early in the morning to enjoy warm coffee and tea... before the open backyard door. Beom nervously perched on the opposite couch as he tensely watched his clueless parents inhale their soothing tea fragrance.

"When did you arrive?" Taehyung asked Beom, who had returned to the hilltop without a notice."Earlier this morning," Beom muttered as he nervously rubbed his neck."What's the matter? Have some tea," Sora cluelessly smiled at her timid son. Beom bit his lower lips- Thump! Both Jang Sora and Kim Taehyung flinched on the couch when Jae Beom suddenly dropped to his knees on the carpet to kneel before them with a pale expression."I'M PREGNANT!" Beom screamed in fright with his hands clasped together."MOH!?" The couple shrieked, freezing in place with their bulging eyes on their guilt-ridden son."I'M PREGNANT-""WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE PREGNANT?!- YOU HAD A PENIS THE LAST TIME I SAW YOU NAKED- AND WHOSE SPERM DID YOU ACQUIRE FOR YOUR TO BE PREGNANT?!" Taehyung spat his tea into the cup with a bewildered look."Oh!- I mean- WE'RE PREGNANT!" Beom snapped again once he realized his blunder. Sora frowned at her son in confusion."We- We...? Whose we?- Is someone else pregnant too?- You're not making any sense, Jae Beom!-" Taehyung shrieked at his son as the man tensely perched on the couch with a horrified look."Beom-""Soomin! Jeon Soomin!" Beom pouted. Taehyung sat with his lips ajar- suddenly freezing in his seat as he gawked at the guilty alpha in extreme shock. "Soomin...? Is she pregnant... or are you pregnant?" Taehyung asked with a dumbfounded look."I got her pregnant!" Beom blurts with a frightened look. Jang Sora suddenly dropped the cookie from her hand into her teacup with her startled gaze on her frightened son, who whimpered and quickly rubbed his palms together with a big pout. "What-""I'm sorry! She said she wanted to have a baby!" Beom hysterically explained with his anxious gaze on Kim Taehyung's blank expression... who appeared... as if... he was smacked in the face with a brick."She said she wanted to have a baby- so you gave her... a baby...?" Taehyung widened his eyes. Beom whimpered like a little puppy, repeatedly nodding his head in fright."So you didn't use a condom-""She said- we didn't need a condom because she wants a baby- ARGH!? APPA! HAH!- I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY! APPA! OW~!" Beom tried to explain when Kim Taehyung suddenly snatched his wife's slipper off her feet and scrambled over the coffee table to whack the alpha's shoulder. Beom screamed and toppled to the side as his stiff-back father leaped over the table... until he tumbled onto the young man. Whack! Whack!"JAE BEOM! YOU PUNK! ARGH!-" Taehyung screeched as he smacked the young man with his wife's slipper until Beom collapsed onto the floor with his arms shielded over his face."AH! AH! I'M SORRY!-""Oh?!- Why are you beating him?!" Beomseok appeared. The grandfather gasped in shock and quickly raced forward to poke Kim Taehyung with his walking stick in an attempt to help his grandson."HARABEOJI! HELP ME~! ARGH!-" Beom screamed as he shoved his stepfather aside, and dashed toward Beomseok. The alpha fearfully hid behind his grandfather with a big pout.[ Jang BeomSeok Picture Reference ]

"WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?! COME BACK- AND KNEEL SO I CAN BEAT YOU!" Kim Taehyung shrieked, hastily scrambling to his feet with the slipper, but halted abruptly when his father-in-law lifted his walking stick to poke Taehyung's chest, firmly nudging the man backward. Jae Beom fearfully gripped his grandfather's shoulder with his terrified eyes on his furious father."Back off. How dare you hurt my little Beom?" Beomseok cutely warned Taehyung."Abeoji! That jerk got a woman pregnant!" Taehyung snapped. Beomseok froze and glanced at Beom's frightened expression, so the alpha swallowed intensely and whimpered at his grandfather's startled reaction."She said she wanted a baby!" Beom shrieked. Beomseok suddenly wobbled to the side- clearly overwhelmed by the shocking news. Beom gasped and grabbed his grandfather as the man supported his body with the walking stick."YOU BRAT!" Beomseok abruptly threw his walking stick aside and pinched Jae Beom's ear, causing the young alpha to howl in pain as his grandfather twisted his earlobe with an angry scowl."HARABEOJI! ARGHHHHH!" Beom cried while struggling to remove his grandfather's grip from his sore earlobe."What are you standing there for?! Beat him!" Beomseok snapped at Taehyung, who immediately raced forward to beat his son, causing Beom to scream even louder as his grandfather restrained him by his ear so Kim Taehyung could whip Beom with the fluffy slipper... until the household resonated with chaotic loud cursing and cries for help.
A moment later.
Jae Beom cutely hiccuped in tears as he hugged his mother's waist with his head buried against her shoulder. Sora deeply exhaled as she hugged her son on her side with an ice pack compressed over his ear to console the terrified soul. She bitterly glanced at her upset husband and father as they perched on the opposite couch with their narrowed stare on the third son.

"Why are you babying him?!" Taehyung snapped while gripping his wife's slipper in his clutch. "Right?! He should be punished!" Beomseok agreed. The annoyed grandfather tensely gripped his walking stick as he sat beside his son-in-law with a disapproving glare. Jae Beom pouted and lifted his head to soften his mother with his puppy eyes. She saved him from the beating. Sora exhaled and kissed Beom's forehead while squeezing his shoulder before averting her stern gaze to the two men with a grim frown."You can't punish him-""WHY NOT?!" The men snapped with an offended look."Yah Kim Taehyung!- You got me pregnant by accident too!- And appa! Didn't you get eomma pregnant before she married you?!- How can you react so harshly when you were once a foolish man yourself!" Sora snapped at her husband and father. The men flushed red in embarrassment and glanced at Beom, who sniffled and lowered his face to snuggle against his mother's shoulder."But we warned him-""How can he control himself?! Young men and women are allowed to have desires! Reproduction is a natural human instinct! And beating him won't solve the problem!- Why didn't you two control yourself too if you knew it's wrong to get your partner pregnant?!" Sora glared at the men. Taehyung exchanged irritated glances with Beomseok. They huffed in extreme frustration."Jeon Jungkook is against their relationship!" Taehyung grunted as he sorely rubbed his aching temples. Beom softly sniffled while clutching his mother's waist until she pouted at her son's red earlobe. She glared at the men in annoyance and kissed her son's forehead again.The mother made her son lay on her lap and gently soothed his ear with the cold compress until Beomseok lifted his walking stick to jab Beom's stomach with a grimace, causing Sora to fire her father a warning glare. The grandfather huffed, quickly stood up, and stormed out into the backyard as Sora comforted Beom... who fearfully eyed Kim Taehyung's... unyielding glower with a restless feeling. The alpha didn't dare leave his mother's side out of fear of being beaten by his father and grandfather. So... he remained clinging to his mother for protection.
Meanwhile.
Jeon Jungkook grimly stood against his work desk at his lavish mansion with his head lowered and hand pressed against his forehead as Chul Hwa-young sat on an armchair...  darkly frowning at Jeon Soomin... who remained stiff with a terrified expression. Soo-ah awkwardly glances at her parents and back at her pale older sister within the muted space."Get up. We're visiting the hospital," Jeon Jungkook demanded, suddenly storming out of the corridor without another word. Hwa-young pursed her lips and glanced at Soomin in disappointment as the young lady patted her stomach with her anxious gaze on the positive pregnancy test on the coffee table."We can't have the Jae's son," Hwa-young exhaled as she rose from her seat and strode out after her husband. Soomin pursed her lips and quickly followed her parents out of the work office until she arrived at the front door."I love him! Why can't I be with him!? Eomma!" Soomin cried in desperation. Fwip! Chul Hwa-young suddenly spun around to grip her daughter's shoulders, making Soomin flinch at her mother's disapproving scowl."Jae Yangcha and his son are killers-""They saved us! The Jae saved the society from the cult! They aren't killers!" Soomin refuted in tears."No. I will not allow you to conceive a killer's spawn! Your child will carry their cursed blood! It's a disgrace to our household!" Hwa-young firmly sneered at her daughter, causing Soomin's face to flash in dread."But-""We're aborting the child! Get in!" Hwa-young snapped once Jeon Jungkook flung open the car door. Soomin's eyes widened in shock as she stared at her fuming mother and glanced at Jeon Jungkook in bewilderment as he darkly glared at his eldest daughter."Eomma~! How can you- No!- No!!! You can't abort my child! This isn't right!-" Soomin suddenly burst into tears once her father stormed forward to seize her wrist. The alpha screamed and thrashed in distress but failed to counter his strength as a few guards raced forward to seize her weak body over the pavement.Jeon Soo-ah frowned at her family's squabble as she watched her older sister beg her parents for mercy- yet they refused to hear her plea- and unexpectedly- Jeon Jungkook... slammed his daughter's vital spot to disable her. Soomin slumped weakly into her father's arms, so the guard quickly seized her motionless body to place her in the back car seat. And before Soo-ah could react... her parents had left with her sister's unconscious body to terminate... the fetus from Soomin's womb... without her consent.
A moment later.
Jeon Soomin gradually opened her droopy eyes to stare at a bright bulb above her head, unsurely lifting her head to frown at the blurry figures... dressed in a blue attire in confusion before glancing to the side... until she noticed... a sharp needle piercing into her veins over her restrained forearm. Her heart sunk in realization- CRASH!"NO!" Soomin screamed, violently thrashing in shock to yank her arm away and tried to sit up, but the nurses quickly forced her back onto the medical bed. Thump! Thump! Soomin's heart hammered against her ribs once she regained full consciousness in the operating room."My lady! Please refrain from-""NO!- NO!- YOU CAN'T MURDER MY CHILD! ARGH!- I WON'T LET YOU HARM MY BABY!" Soomin screamed in distress as she thrashed on the bed. THUD! A nurse suddenly collapsed to the side once the heiress kicked the medic with her bare feet."MY LADY!" The doctor gasped as Soomin aggressively flung her body off the bed and- THUMP! She rolled off the bed and collided hard onto the floor in her thin gown. A nurse rushed forward to seize her arm and tried to drag her back- but Soomin screamed at the top of her lungs and yanked her captured wrists free from their murderous grips."LET ME GO! NO! NO!! NO!!!- STOP IT! I WON'T LET YOU HURT MY BABY! NO!" Soomin screamed in tears as she flung the medics off her shoulders and sprinted towards the door... just as it swung open... and... Jeon Jungkook came rushing inside with his eyes bulging open."JEON SOOMIN!- ARGH?!-" Jungkook shouted- suddenly toppling backward when his daughter snatched the tray from the cart to smash her father's face- BANG!- CLATTER!Jeon Jungkook staggered out of the room once the tray collided with his head, causing Hwa-young to shriek in shock as she leaped from the bench to support her husband. The man gripped his swaying head in pain. Seizing the opportunity... Soomin screamed at the top of her lungs... and bolted out of the room to sprint down the corridor.

"CHASE HER!" Jungkook bellowed in extreme anger while gripping his throbbing head. Soomin shrieked at the sight of the guards, shoved the exit door open, and ran down the flight of stairs with a pale expression in the medical gown."HELP ME!!?- SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!!! PLEASE!- HELP ME! PLEASE!" Soomin desperately screamed for help once she burst into a lower floor. The alpha frantically grabbed a stranger, who flinched in shock at her starling aggression."Soomin!" Hwa-young snapped, appearing at the end of the corridor with Jeon Jungkook. A flood of guards suddenly crashed onto the floor through the exit door. Thump! Thump! Soomin cried in fear as she sprinted past the startled patients and medics in her gown while begging for assistance before spinning around the railing to fling herself off the floor landing."HELP ME! PLEASE!- I WON'T LET YOU HURT MY CHILD!- THIS IS UNFAIR!!!" Soomin screeched in tears as she stumbled into the busy lobby on the ground floor just as the elevator slid open... and the guards stormed toward her. She gasped in horror with messy tears over her damp cheeks as she wildly spun around and sprinted toward the exit with a frightened face."SEIZE HER!" Jungkook bellowed as he angrily stormed forward, causing the averages to snap their attention at the chaos in utter shock. Soomin gasped in desperation as she bolted towards the hospital exit until the flock of men raced forward to seize her arm just before she reached the entrance and roughly towed her back."APPA! YOU CAN DO THIS- NO! APPA PLEASE- AH! I'LL DO ANYTHING!- PLEASE~! EOMMA! PLEASE HELP ME!- I'M SORRY!" Soomin wailed as the strong men dragged her frail body over the polished tiles, causing the medics to step aside with a frightened look. SLAP!Soomin weakly staggered onto the floor in shock once her mother slapped her hard across her face. The young alpha gasped and clutched her burning cheek with a startled look as the hot tears swelled over her pained pupils, spilling messily from her lower lash line. She shakily lifted her frightened face to find... Jeon Jungkook and Chul Hwa-young... looming over her with a fuming glower."Did I ever raise you to be a fucking whore?!" Hwa-young screamed at Soomin, who whimpered and quickly grabbed her mother's skirt for forgiveness."Eomma! How can you be so cruel?!-""Cruel!? I warned you repeatedly to never be involved with the monsters!-""THEY'RE NOT MONSTERS! BEOM ISN'T A MONSTER! HIS PARENTS AREN'T MONSTERS! THE HOUSEHOLD AREN'T MONSTERS!- YOU ARE THE MONSTERS! HOW CAN YOU FORCE ME TO MURDER MY CHILD?!" Soomin screams in distress, causing Hwa-young to scoff in extreme fury upon hearing Soomin's offensive claim. The mother roughly snatched her daughter's hair- and repeatedly slapped her cheek out of anger. Smack! Smack! Smack! Soomin screamed in pain as she took the blinding blow to her face... until she saw sparkling stars... circling above her head from being beaten by her very own mother."YOU UNGRATEFUL BITCH! HOW DARE YOU RUIN OUR FAMILY FOR THAT FUCKING SCUMBAG-""HEY!" Someone bellowed as Hwa-young was about to strike Soomin's face again... whose lips were bleeding heavily. The angered mother abruptly halted at the daring interference and snapped her deadly glare toward the entrance until she noticed... a familiar identical twin... storming through the entrance."He- help me!" Soomin begged. The twins froze at the sight of the alpha's beaten condition as she helplessly knelt in her medical down with... messed up hair... fresh scratches on her sweaty face... and a quivering body."Why are you here?!" Jungkook sneered, darkly stepping forward to counter the alphas."Release her. It's a direct order from the supreme alpha," Kanghoon clenched his defined jaw."Jeon Soomin is my daughter! The supreme alphas have no right to meddle with my household affairs!-""The child inside Jeon Soomin is the future heir of the Jae's household! We have every right to intervene! Release her- or we'll charge you of assaulting a higher rank!" Woojin threatened the Jeon as the medics and patients gawked at the tension between the top ranks. Hwa-young huffed in annoyance and hastily shoved Soomin's head aside. Thump. The alpha flopped weakly onto the floor. "Who do you think you are?! Did you think you could threaten us with your power-""TOUCH ANOTHER STRAND OF HER HAIR AND I WILL SUMMON AN ELITE MEETING THIS INSTANT!" A booming voice roared within the hushed lobby, causing everyone to freeze in position... at the assertive presence of a powerful man. Jeon Jungkook tensely clenched his jaw once the supreme alpha stormed inside the room with his looming darkness and piercing eyes... on the flock of stiff guards."You-""I- Kim Taehyung... will charge you of murder if you harm Jeon Soomin or her child," Kim Taehyung dangerously snarled at Jeon Jungkook before shifting his razor-sharp glare to Chul Hwa-young's frightened expression. Soomin sniffled in tears as she sat on the floor with bleeding lips. The twins exhaled and stepped forward to help the wounded alpha onto her feet."I will disown you from the Jeon Household if you take another step toward the monsters," Jeon Jungkook warned, causing Soomin to freeze in her place as the twins supported her upper arms. She glanced at her parents with a frightened expression before glancing at Kim Taehyung, who stood sternly with his power card to ground the Jeons in their place."Soomin. It's your call," Woojin whispered as she gently gripped her shoulder. She blinked out her hot tears and glanced at her concerned step-brothers before glancing at her cold-blooded parents again."I don't know. I'm scared-""The supreme alpha will protect you and your child at all costs," Kim Taehyung assured the young lady. Soomin lowered her face to cry in distress until her shoulders shook from the immense pressure. "Eomma-""You are a disgrace to our family, Jeon Soomin. Soo-ah will never disappoint us," Hwa-young sneered at her broken daughter, causing Soomin's face to drain at her mother's brutal insult. She gripped her fists and glanced at Kim Taehyung with a troubled expression."Take me to Jae Beom," Soomin whispered. Jeon Jungkook scoffed, furiously snapping his glare at his eldest daughter in disbelief. 
The guard tensed their bodies... but didn't defy Kim Taehyung... as he stood his ground to repel the Jeons with his intimidating gaze... until Soomin passed him with the twins and left through the exit door.

A moment later.
Sora's POVMy husband contacted the household earlier to inform us he has safely rescued Jeon Soomin from her parents, so I'm waiting for their arrival with my son, who is anxiously chewing his thumb with shaking legs as he squats on the couch to await his lover's arrival until I heard the front door opening. Creak. Jae Beom immediately launched to his feet and raced toward the front door with a pale expression.I heard him gasping in shock... so I gripped my hands and glanced at my father and imo as they restlessly perched on the couch to anticipate Soomin's appearance. Kim Taehyung appeared first, sorely rubbing his forehead as he entered the mansion with his head lowered. Why does he look so dispirited? I glanced to the upper floor to find Hajin standing beside Woobin as the twins entered the living room after their father... and behind them... appeared... the Jeon's daughter. Badum. My heart sank in shock once I noticed her bruised left eye, light scratches on her cheeks, and swollen lips. What have they done to their beautiful daughter...? Jae Beom stared at his lover with a torn expression as he hugged her frail body on his side. Soomin lowered her head to greet me in embarrassment."I'm sorry-""Oh, my poor child~! What have they done to you?!" I gasped, quickly racing forward to draw the young woman into a crushing hug. Beom sobbed and lowered his head to rub his tears as Soomin shakily held onto my shoulders for support. How can anyone be this brutal to their child?!"Where is the head doctor?" Taehyung grumbled, weakly slumping on the couch with his arms crossed."On his way. Abeoji left to pick him up from the airport a while ago," Woobin replied from the top floor. I pulled away from Soomin to cup her precious face... until I felt my chest stirring with immense pity as I scanned her beaten face. I was so lost in my own happiness... I forget that... not everyone... is blessed with a beautiful and healthy family like mine. 
It breaks my heart to know some souls... like hers... are suffering so terribly under the suffocating grip of her cold-hearted parents.

A few days later.
Creak. I gently nudged open the door to Jae Beom's bedroom to find Soomin sitting on the bed with a bandage taped over her forehead, blankly staring at the vast sea view. The young lady blinked out of her deep thoughts at my presence and tried to get up, but I shook my head and carried the dessert bowl over to sit beside her. She's been resting in my son's room for the past few days, and we have the doctor over every day to treat her injury."I brought dessert," I smiled, gently taking her hands as she anxiously stared at me. Soomin's left eye is still swollen... but she's healing well."You didn't have to visit me yourself," Soomin whispered. I chuckled while patting her cheek and lifted the spoon to feed her."We don't often use the maids in our home. They're tasked with outdoor chores. I do the caring inside our living space, so you are my responsibility," I shook my head. Soomin frowned at me with an uneasy expression as she chewed the sticky rice with her bruised lips."I'm so sorry for burdening you," She whispered while staring at me with an apologetic look."Aigo~! You're definitely not burdening us!" I shook my head and fed her again. Soomin warmly smiled at me."I'll move out once I'm ready-""Where are you going? You can stay with us. We'll take care of you. Okay? This is Jae Beom's home, so you should feel at home too. You're not an outsider. Soomin, darling... you are our family. We'll care for you and your baby until you deliver your child... and you can reside with us forever on this property. We'd love for you to reside with us," I chuckled while patting her soft cheek. Soomin frowned at my generous hospitality. She suddenly leaned forward to embrace my body, so I pouted and patted her back."Thank you for welcoming me... so warmly," Soomin sobbed, suddenly breaking down against my shoulder. Oh no~! A mother shouldn't cry too much during her pregnancy~!"Soomin-ah. We might not have blood relations, but you are our family. This household needs more women's presence anyway, so please... consider staying with us," I chuckled while rocking her from side to side. Soomin nodded and clutched onto me until... Creak. We broke the hug and glanced at the door to find Hajin smiling at us as she stepped inside with a pile of clothes."Eonni. I brought you spare clothes," Hajin smiled as she strolled forward with he neatly folded clothes."Ah. You didn't have to. Jae Beom got me a lot of comfortable clothes," Soomin smiled at Hajin."It's windy on the hilltop, so a cardigan will keep you warm. It can be very humid too since we're next to the sea so you should wear a silk gown. It's very light so it won't suffocate you and- oh! Slippers... eomma and I love these... it'll keep your feet warm~!" Hajin chuckled as she placed the clothes at the base of Soomin's feet, lifted the pieces to show the alpha, and carefully slipped the fluffy white slippers onto her bare feet."You guys... are a strange family," Soomin chuckled in tears. Hajin grinned and sat down beside me as I fed Soomin our homemade dessert."Eomma, imo, and I are the only women in the mansion. The guys are noisy! So it's nice to have another woman's company! Especially someone my age!" Hajin giggled. Soomin smiled warmly at my daughter's cheerful beam. "I'll avoid being a nuisance in this house," Soomin smiled."Aigo~! Why are you bothering Soomin again?! She should rest!" Beom suddenly strolled inside the room."I'm feeding her!" I snapped at my son. He chuckled and sat on the armchair to watch me and Hajin crowd around our new family member."You feed her ten times a day!" Beom chuckled."She has to eat a lot because of the baby in her stomach! She was awfully skinny! You shouldn't be on a diet during your pregnancy! Oh?- It's okay to gain a little weight! Men love us a little fleshy anyways, so gain a bit more weight~!" I giggled. Hajin covered her lips shyly as she hugged my waist, so I smiled at Soomin, whose pale face suddenly lit up with joy upon hearing our family's playful bickers.Fast Forward | Six months later."Soomin-ah~! Sit here~!" I gasped, quickly hurrying across the bustling kitchen to support Soomin as she limped into the kitchen with her baby bump."I smell something delicious!" Soomin gasped. I helped her onto the stool as Hajin prepared the plates with Woobin."I cooked your favorite dishes!" I grinned and kissed Soomin's cheek, causing her to stiffen in shock."I'm still not used to your close-knit family," Soomin chuckled with glowing pink cheeks. I finally helped the young mother gain some weight, so she isn't awfully skinny like she used to be anymore! Her skin is much brighter too!"This is a home filled with love, Soomin ah~!" Taehyung chuckled, playfully smacking my butt before Soomin, who flushed red as the man helped my father settle at the table with imo."We're really affectionate with each other! You don't have to be shy around us!" Hajin giggled as she clung to Woobin's forearm. Soomin smiled at the family and glanced at the steaming dishes as Beom strolled into the kitchen with the twins after they left to practice self-defense with the security team."Double rice portion, please!" Beom smiled at Hajin as she scooped the rice."Aigo~! The table is a bit crowded! How will I fit my wife and children later?" Woojin chuckled as he glanced at Soomin, who flushed red again when Beom shamelessly kissed her lips before our family.
Third Person POV
"I will smash down the walls and extend the property! Everyone must have a seat in this house!" Taehyung laughed as he settled beside his wife, who was arranging the spoon and bowl for Soomin."Your meals are so tasty yet so simple!" Soomin gasped with a slight pout as she tasted the steaming bulgogi."Wae? Didn't your mother cook you delicious food at your mansion?" Kanghoon mocked."Kanghoon!" Imo snapped at the alpha. Soomin chuckled at her stepbrother's joke."We always ate meals prepared by a top Michelin star chef. But nothing can compare to the simple dishes here," Soomin smiled at her stepbrother."Eomma and imo are basically divine entities in this house! They keep us plump!" Woojin chirped while eating from his bowl. Woobin chuckled as he fed Hajin a cabbage, so she giggled and glanced at Beom, who was blowing over the warm soup on his spoon and carefully fed Soomin."Eonni! Let's visit the beach house together!" Hajin giggled from across the table. Sora chuckled as she poured water for her husband and father as they dinned noisily in the kitchen."You have a beach house?" Soomin smiled in surprise."Yup! Even our own beach!" Beom chuckled as he patted her lower back. Soomin chuckled and smiled at the supreme alpha's lively household... until Do-hwan joined the table last to sit beside Beomseok. The young alpha had always eaten alone at her parents' mansion without her family's presence... so it was strangely very comforting for her... to be able to experience... such a warm family bonding.______________________
Fast Forward
Jeon Soomin aimlessly wandered into the garden on her own to admire the beautiful blooming petals while carrying her heavy belly until she entered the grave site to uncover a few tombstones. She paused once she found Kim Taehyung tending the garden under the cherry blossom shade."Oh?- What are you doing here alone? Where's Beom?" Taehyung lifted his head to greet the young lady while kneeling beside Yangcha's grave."He's busy with his work again. Did you plant everything here? Hajin always brags about your hard work," Soomin smiled as she carefully settled on the bench to watch the elderly alpha pile the dirt."Yup! Everything here is the product of my blistering palms!" Taehyung chuckled. Soomin fondly stared at Jae Yangcha's tombstone and smiled."He must be a really good man for you to care for him even after his death," Soomin chuckled. Taehyung smiled at the young lady."Aigo~! No one is purely bad~! This punk right here is a good man- except for the fact that he stole my wife for a while. But aside from that- he's very competent. Like Jae Beom! You should be grateful for his existence because Beom wouldn't have existed without this psycho punk!" Taehyung laughed."He might be a good man, but you are the best. Beom really admires you," Soomin replied."Of course! My children look up to me! I'm always the best!" Taehyung proudly beamed while pounding his chest."The supreme alpha is a lucky woman," Soomin nodded."No, I'm the lucky man!" Taehyung huffed as he got up with a blooming daisy, and handed it to Soomin. She thanked the man and sniffed the flower with a faint smile while rubbing her belly."Thank you for saving me that day," Soomin smiled at Taehyung as he rubbed his sweaty forehead and slumped on the bench beside her to gaze at the distant sea."Don't thank me. Thank your younger sister," Taehyung muttered."Soo-ah?" Soomin blinked in surprise."Oh. Your sister barged inside my head office at the tower while I was coaching the twins to beg us for help. The young lady claimed your parents were attempting to abort our grandchild," Taehyung nodded bitterly. Soomin blinked and glanced at her hands in surprise."My parents detest your family... so why did you welcome me... so warmly? You loathe my father," Soomin asked in curiosity."I'm not childish like your parents. Adult problems shouldn't bleed onto the younger generations. You guys were clueless and young during our dispute... so why should we pass the generational traumas to you? The young generation shouldn't be burdened by adult problems. I only pray for the stability and peace of the society and my family," Taehyung shrugged."So... you're not doing this just because Beom loves me? Or perhaps because of the child in my womb?" Soomin blinked. Taehyung glanced at her and sighed deeply."Young lady. What did your parents say to you for you to be this doubtful of our family's affection?" Taehyung smiled at her."I'm just curious. How your household is willing to accept and love an outsider-""Aigo~! That man you're talking to?!- He loves to adopt children! Even if the child isn't his! He's a man with a big heart! He took care of the twins! Beom! And even Woobin as his own son! And we are adopting you as our own too!" Sora suddenly appeared with a tray of snacks. Soomin chuckled as the woman placed the tray on the small table and sweetly kissed her sweaty husband."I even adopted your ducks! Aigo~! They eat so much~!" Taehyung snapped as he pointed at the enclosure around the pond he installed in the front yard for the pair of ducks. "I heard you adopted puppy too," Soomin nodded at the small tombstone."This man is a lonely man- so he adopts everyone," Sora chuckled as she handed Soomin the biscuits. The alpha chuckled while rubbing her belly as she watched the woman feed her husband."I'm not lonely. My wife is too good at being a mother! That's why I keep her busy with our army of children," Taehyung playfully nudged Sora's shoulder.

"My child is already adopted by his grandfather," Soomin chuckled while patting her belly."Of course! I'll throw out the old playground and install a new one for my firstborn grandchild!" Taehyung beamed at Soomin. Sora laughed while hugging her excited husband on his side."Is he heavy? You've gained plenty of weight," Sora smiled at Soomin."He is heavy. I didn't know a child could be this massive," Soomin smiled as he rubbed her plump belly."The Jae's genes are different. Jae Beom was really heavy for me too! My belly was almost as big as when I had the twins~! But don't worry! I'm sure your child will be as calm as his father once he's out," Sora giggled as she slurped the cool lemonade."But Hajin was a small baby! She was the easiest to carry! See! I'm the best man again~! I made sure our baby wasn't too heavy!" Taehyung nudged his wife's shoulder for credit. Sora laughed and smacked his sweatshirt."But she screams so much once she's out~!" Sora rolled her eyes."Ah- right. Hajin is the fussiest one! High maintenance! Just like her mother!" Taehyung teased his wife. Sora glared at the man but didn't dare scream at him before Soomin, who shyly smiled at the bickering couple while munching her biscuit and chatted with them on the bench over the hilltop.__________________________
Hajin's POV
The lively household applauded and cheered merrily over the emerald hilltop on a sunny day after Jae Beom kissed Jeon Soomin to seal their vows before the breathtaking view of the distant sea. I happily clapped for my older brother and his beautiful bride with a broad smile, who is now married to his lover at our sacred property.

Jae Beom and Jeon Soomin decided to host a private wedding at the mansion without inviting the guests because they both didn't want to upset the Jeons with their marriage announcement. Eomma and appa... of course... agreed to grant their wishes without hesitation.

Will they accept my relationship with Woobin...? It makes me worry.

It's unbelievable, really. I thought the twins would get married first due to their extroverted nature around people- but it turns out the Jae's household is the first to wed! Beom's heir is already on the way to sustain his family!

Oh~! It was only yesterday when I made Beom take the blame for all my crimes to avoid getting in trouble because I knew appa and eomma, and the entire household were very lenient with him! The elders would scold and spank me and my twin brothers for the trouble we stirred, but they'd never scold Beom! It's unfair- but hey! Beom covered me many times, and I'm super grateful for his sacrifice to shield me from appa's scolding!
I smiled and glanced at Woobin's captivating side profile as he waved at Beom from our seat. Maybe one day... I'll get a happy ending too? I glanced at Soomin as she rubbed her almost due baby bump in her simple bridal gown as Jae Beom repeatedly kissed her cheeks to display his endless affection. Oppa promised to speak to our parents, and I have been waiting for him to disclose our relationship... but he's been busy taking over our chief guard position... so I didn't pressure him.
I'm still young anyway. What's the rush? I can wait.
A moment later | Evening FeastI tearfully laugh at my drunk grandfather... who is wildly dancing with eomma over the field as the twins grab Beom to sway the timid groom from side to side. The jaguar whined shyly as appa and Soomin laughed at the chaotic household from the picnic table. The guards and the maids happily cheered at their tables to celebrate the wedding between the top alphas. I beamed from my chair to watch the twins tease Beom with funny smooching faces... until Beom whined and shoved his brother away in disgust.
I can't believe Jae Beom got Jeon Soomin pregnant! She's like a goddess at the academy! Untouchable by men!- But he somehow won her over and she's now the mother of his child! Beom is a lucky man to have her! Soo-ah might've been problematic, but Jeon Soomin? She's a classy woman! She will never settle for less! And as expected!- She chose the best brother out of all!
"Do you want to head inside first?" Woobin whispered beside my ear after returning from the restroom, causing me to blink out of my thoughts."Right now?" I smiled at him. But everyone is still celebrating...?"Come on," Woobin smiled, turning around to stroll away, so I got up from my chair and hurried after the man in my dress to follow him up the stairs. He walked straight to my room and pushed the door open as I cluelessly followed him inside.

"Are you drunk?" I giggled when Woobin suddenly pinned me against the closed door, impatiently lowering his face to kiss me until I felt my chest fluttering with his love strokes. The man didn't answer me as he unzipped my dress over the curve of my spine.Woobin tilted his face to kiss my neck, so I exhaled and leaned against the door as he carefully slipped the dress from my body to strip me naked in my dark bedroom. We often get intimate, but usually... it's at his place... so I'm a bit taken aback by his boldness to do this with me in my room when our home is packed with our family. Woobin lifted me off the floor with ease and carried me to the bed, making me giggle in excitement as he gently tossed my body onto the bouncy mattress."Spread," Woobin instructed while nudging my knees apart. I intensely stared at his flushed face as he crawled between my legs and lowered his face to kiss my bare stomach. I shuddered at the touch of his tender lips while rubbing the side of his face as the man traced his wet tongue down to my groin to lubricate my sensitive clit. I curled my toes in extreme heat while biting down on my lower lips as he sensually brushed his lips against my lady part to stimulate my nerves with the poison of his skilled tongue movement.
A moment later.
Woobin steadily thrust his crotch between my soaked thighs as I wrapped my legs around his hips with a slight frown on his burning face. He's been hushed since we made love. Is he alright? Maybe he's just drunk? I moaned in difficulty as he pounded between my legs to smother me with the pleasure... so I gripped onto his lower back dimples... with my legs apart to welcome his addictive presence."Oppa," I whispered, gently cupping his cheeks to make Woobin look at me because he's been sucking on my swollen nipples for a while now."Hmm?" Woobin hoarsely grunted as he worked his hips forward on the creaking mattress."You'll marry me, right?" I whispered while searching his handsome face."Hmm. Sure I will," Woobin smiled and lowered his face to insert his tongue between my lips. I moaned in satisfaction as he sped up the pace of his hips to shove his way inside me, so I curled my toes and buried my warm cheeks against his broad shoulder as he clutched onto my waist to hold me down while grunting extreme pleasure. SPLURGE!"Hah~!" I groaned in distress once I felt him finishing inside me. Woobin exhaled in relief, weakly slumping over my moist flesh in exhaustion, so I tightened my grip around his neck as he fumed beside my sweaty neck."Did the elders set a date?" Woobin grunted as he pushed his body off the mattress to slip out of my private part, dismissively reaching out for the tissues on the nightstand to wipe my crotch clean as I pushed my body up into a sitting position."Seojun asked to take me on a date next week. Should I excuse myself?" I asked as I watched him crawl off the bed to slip on his clothes. Woobin pulled his trousers to his strong hips and buckled his belt before picking up his shirt to slip his muscular arms through the sleeves as I sat naked on the mattress to watch him get dressed with sticky thighs on my cluttered bed sheet."Go with him," Woobin exhaled after snatching a few tissues from the nightstand to dab his sweat-drenched neck."Are you sure? Shouldn't we disclose our relationship early on to prevent misunderstandings?" I whispered. Woobin pulled on his suit and fixed his hair by the side of my bed."We're not ready yet. I'm busy these days. I'll be out of the mansion for a week... so play along with eomma's plan," Woobin shrugged."Okay," I whispered. Woobin smiled and softly kissed my cheek.The man straightened his body and strolled out of my room without another word... so I blinked and glanced at the light bruise on my stomach before glancing at the wet stain on my bed sheet with a heavy feeling. He left instantly after we had sex... and I felt a little upset... but- I didn't fuss over it because I knew Woobin couldn't stay with me in bed with our family around. I'm too needy... so I should learn to control myself. Sighing, I shoved the blanket aside and entered the stall to shower.
The twins, eomma, and appa... were entirely wasted that night after the private wedding feast to celebrate the household's first wedding ceremony. The groom had to drag the heavy twins to bed with the guards as the maids escorted my parents to their bed chamber. Even my grandfather and our chief guard were drunk because of the liquor they consumed in the backyard. I woke up early the very next morning to assist imo and the maids because the elders were suffering severe hangovers from overconsuming the liquor.
"Appa~! Why did you make eomma drink so much? She can't tolerate liquor~!" I whined while setting the tray of warm soup on the table as my parents sat side by side in their pajamas with their striking morning hair. Eomma grumbled with her eyes closed, so I sighed and taped a cool patch over her forehead as appa slumped down to rest on her lap."Eomma used to love liquor~! She drank in my office lounge all the time!" Appa grunted as eomma sleepily stroked his wrinkled cheek. "She's not as tolerant as she used to be! Not since she had Hajin! Sora gets drunks super easily~!" Imo groaned while feeding the twins the warm soup as they sat on the couch with the woman between them. Kanghoon grumbled and tilted his head to rest on Imo's shoulder as she carefully fed Woojin, whose face was funnily puffed up."I summoned the head doctor. He'll be here soon. I told you not to drink too much~!" Beom chuckled as he helped Soomin down the stairs. I smiled and fed eomma the warm soup."Appa~! Sit up~! I'll feed you~!" I smiled while tapping my father's shoulder. He grunted and sat up in difficulty while rubbing his lower back."You should assist him. I can eat myself," Soomin smiled as she took the soup bowl from Beom's hands when he tried to feed her. Jae Beom walked forward to lift an untouched bowl and sat beside our father to feed the old man, making me chuckle at appa's whiny groans as I dabbled the grease from eomma's lips."Hajin-ah... did you respond to Seojun's invitation?" Eomma smiled as she fondly stroked my cheek."I did. Seojun will pick me up for the date," I nodded."Four left to marry off..." Appa grumbled. Soomin giggled at the sick elders and the twins while shaking her head as she had the bowl of warm breakfast... and I pretty much spent the next few days... assisting my sick parents and twins.
A few days later.
"Imo. Do you want me to bring snacks to the security department?" I curiously asked as I entered the kitchen to find the maids plating the freshly made dessert."Do-hwan and Woobin aren't home, so I'll send the maid later," Imo shook her head as she tasted the dessert prepared by the maids."They left already?" I blinked in surprise. Why didn't Woobin inform me?"Yup. Since last night. They'll be back next week," Imo nodded. I scratched my head and walked out of the kitchen to check my phone, but there wasn't a single text from Woobin.Hajin: Oppa. Where are you?Hajin: Why didn't you inform me of your departure?Hajin: You could've at least said goodbye~!Hajin: *sulky emoji*I texted him a few messages as I entered the twin's room to find them gaming on their television... so I exhaled and sat beside my brothers to watch them race on the screen while waiting for Woobin to read my text... but it took him longer than usual.
After an entire day of waiting... he finally checked my message.

Seen.
I quickly lifted my phone to frown at the screen in anticipation as soon as he read my texts... but for some reason... the man didn't reply and left me on read. I scratched my head with a stuffy feeling and tossed my phone away in irritation while rolling on my bed. Hajin-ah~! You know Woobin is busy! Don't be fussy about it! I'm sure he'll call once he has the time!But did he call? Nope. A few days flew by... and my text was still left on seen. I tried calling Woobin once I lost my patience... but I couldn't reach him... so I gave up and slipped my phone back into my pocket before shifting my gaze to Seojun as he approached me with a juice glass."You keep staring at your phone. Is there an emergency at home?" Seojun smiled, carefully settling the cool juice for me in his golf attire. I shook my head and sipped the sweet watermelon juice as we sat under the shade of a private lounge at the exclusive resort."I didn't know you were into golf?" I muttered while watching the guests swing their golf clubs over the grass field."I thought it's fun... but it's quite boring," Seojun chuckled as he sat across from me."It's your first time?" I smiled at him."Yup. You don't enjoy it either... so I'll plan a better date next time," Seojun chuckled as he ate his cinnamon roll. He lifted the piece with his fork and fed me from across the table, so I accepted it with a faint smile. "Do you not resent me? For leaving your side?" I questioned Seojun's composed manner. "I was startled, of course. But I understand that you need a break. I left to study abroad for a while because I also needed time to sort out my mind," Seojun shrugged. I nodded and sipped from the watermelon again."Why don't you select someone else? Why bother pursuing what's already broken?" I asked. Seojun smiled as he chewed his food while eyeing me across the table."I did see a few women because I thought I should move on, but it was really annoying because I had to introduce myself all over again... and again... to try to find the right match. You already know me... and I already know you. We click... so... why not? Plus- you're often on my mind, and there's a lot of regrets... so I'm trying my best to reconcile with you," Seojun nodded.
This is complicated. I do not detest Seojun, and I feel comfortable around him... but... I am in love with Woobin. My secret lover asked me to play along with my mother's wish to match me with the Kim's heir... so here I am... on a date with the Kim's heir.

I do not wish to mislead Seojun... so I'm... very anxious about our agreement to see each other again.

A moment later.
"Eomma~! I'm home!" I announced, happily strolling toward the living room to find my parents signing the scattered documents over the coffee table as Beom sat across from them with Soomin."Oh? Seojun is here too! Stay with us for dinner," Eomma gasped as Seojun strolled in after me with a weak smile."What's this?" I chirped after settling beside my mother to peek at the confidential documents."Ah~! We're signing as witnesses for Beom and Soomin's marriage license. And we're transferring absolute ownership of the Jae's assets to Beom," Eomma giggled. Jae Beom beamed at me as Seojun sat on the single couch to greet Soomin, who nodded at him with a weak smile."Appa will one day transfer our seats to you too~! But you have to get married first! I trust that Seojun can care for my daughter~!" My father chuckled after he signed the document and handed it to Beom."How was your date? Was it fun?" Eomma beamed at us."It's alright-""It sucked. I shouldn't have taken Hajin to a golf field~! We spent the day eating in the shade," Seojun chuckled when I tried to brush it off."Aigo~! That sounds like a nice date though~!" Eomma smiled."My daughter's skin is sensitive to the sun's glare! Just like her mother- so you shouldn't leave her under the sun!" Taehyung playfully glared at Seojun."Yes, sir. My apologies~!" Seojun laughed and lowered his head."Oh! I like this young man!" Taehyung gleamed at Seojun. I chuckled and hugged eomma as Soomin reviewed the documents with Beom. Seojun ended up staying back at the mansion to have dinner with us before boarding the plane and left with the twins to return to Seoul the same night."Eomma. Do you need help...?" I asked, curiously opening Beom's bedroom door to find my mother massaging Soomin's baby bump with scented oil on the bed. I'm convinced my mother found her new favorite child! And it's her daughter-in-law! "Nope! I'm taking care of my daughter-in-law~! She's almost due~!" Eomma chuckled as she kneaded Soomin's tensed belly skin."Have you seen my baby daddy?" Soomin smiled as I settled on the bed edge to admire her glossy baby bump."Appa dragged Beom into the garden earlier. I overheard he needed help unloading fertilizers," I shrugged."Oh! That stupid man! How can he force Beom to carry the sacks for him!" Eomma gasped and snapped her dark frown toward the terrace."You told him not to heave heavy things because of his stiff back. I'm sure Beom can handle it," Soomin chuckled as she sat against the bedboard."Beom should be with his wife because she's almost due! That man! I will scold him~! He's overworking the baby daddy~!" Eomma grimaced as he massaged Soomin's arms."How can you scold a perfect man like father? He works extra hard to maintain the garden for you," Soomin giggled at eomma."And then what? He returns with a stiff back! Yeobu~! My joints hurt! My muscles are cramping! Ah~! My back is stuck! I have to deal with the aftermath!!!" Eomma shook her head with a slight grimace."He's still strong and healthy~! That's all thanks to his loving wife~!" I giggled. "You should keep your husband strong and healthy~! So they won't fail to please us in bed!" Eomma giggled."Eomma!" I gasped, quickly covering my mouth in shock. Soomin giggled while rubbing her flushed face."Hey~! Men entirely drain us of colors and energy~! Look at Soomin! She used to be so vibrant and lively! Now her skin is dull, and she gets sick so easily~! Mr. Husband must be healthy so they can make us feel good! Even for a few minutes!" Eomma giggled, referring to a couple's sexual health. I laughed and shook my head."I don't mind losing a bit of my color for Beom," Soomin chuckled."Of course. You and I... we're lucky to be with good men~! They add colors to our lives after draining us~!" Eomma happily patted her daughter-in-law's hand. I sadly smiled at the married duo and glanced down at my empty ring finger. Woobin has been gone for a while. I sighed, eventually bid my goodbye... and left the room to stare at the endless missed calls on my screen. Why isn't he answering me...? I anxiously slumped over the pillow while chewing my nails and tossed my phone aside with a stuffy chest.
Hajin. He will return. Avoid getting upset over trivial matters. It's not like he abandoned you. Woobin is a hard-working man... who has been exhausting himself to secure the household, so you shouldn't make his life more difficult than it already is! The least you could do is to relieve his stressful discomfort.
The vivid scenarios of the active dreams within my mind gradually faded as I stirred on the mattress a little before dawn. Throb. I slightly twitched on the bed... once I felt a hot burn between my crotch... making me murmur in confusion as I lowered my hand to feel my inner thighs... only to fumble upon a handful of hair between my fingers. Throb. I moaned and lifted my head off the pillow with my barely open eyes... until I noticed... a blurry figure buried between my legs."Oppa...?" I whispered, sleepily closing my heavy eyelids as the wet strokes of his tongue caressed me up and down. The man slowly sat up between my soaked thighs... and before I could make sense of the situation- I felt his hard tip penetrating my slit. Oh~! Why is he horny in the morning~?"Did you enjoy the date?" Woobin asked as he pushed his hard cock all the way inside me. I arched my back over the mattress and softly groaned... still half asleep. I'm so sleepy~! Woobin leaned over my body to draw the sleeves off my shoulders."When did you get home?- Hah~!" I tried to speak but was immediately hushed by his powerful hip thrust inside the tight canal of my vagina. Woobin lowered his face to suck my hard nipple, suddenly biting down on the tip, causing my body to squirm uncomfortably as he fucked me on the mattress early in the morning."Answer me. Did you enjoy the date?" Woobin seethed as he lifted his stern face to stare directly into my eyes. I blinked away the drowsiness while staring at the dark cast over his poker face as he steadily thrust between my soaking wet slit to juice the discharge from my lady part."I did- It was alright- Hah~! Ah- Ah! Oppa! Wait!-" I gasped but before I could finish my words- he suddenly sped up the pace and fucked me harder until I felt my body stiffening at his relentless thirst to devour me. What the hell?!- I quickly lifted my head to stare at the soaked shaft of his penis sliding... and slipping... from inside my burning crotch before glancing at him with a frightened look."It was alright? Yeah...? Did you resolve the issue with him?" Woobin grunted in pleasure, roughly grabbing my cheeks to make me stare up at him. I swallowed at his oddly dark energy but couldn't think straight because he wouldn't stop pounding inside me... so I gripped his forearm for support and seethed in extreme pleasure."We did talk-""And he's still determined to marry you?" Woobin interrogated me."Yes-""Do you like him then? Hmm?" Woobin asked, suddenly lowering his intense stare to search my terrified eyes. I gulped at the man as he paralyzed me with his horny dick, so I swallowed and shook my head repeatedly. Thwop! Thwop! "No- I like you-""Yeah? You like me?-""Oppa! Calm down- Why are you so rough?!" I gasped, quickly trying to sit up... but Woobin snatched my throat and shoved me back down with his jaw clenched as he pinned me over the mattress. I moaned in distress with a loose sleeve over my arm as my bare breasts jiggled at the motion of his raw fuck."Why? Are you complaining...? You used to love it when I pleased you like this? Should I stop?" Woobin suddenly stopped thrusting inside me with a dark frown. What's the matter with him? I uneasily gulped at his cold stare while struggling to regulate my shaky breathing rhythms with a throbbing crotch... soaking wet from the friction of his hard shaft."I'm sorry," I whispered, pouting in defeat. Woobin frowned at my tearful gaze and lowered his face to caress his parted lips over mine, so I desperately hugged his neck as he resumed his steamy hip movement to stimulate my aroused nerves with the squelching thumps of his warm crotch... rubbing intensely against my wet groin."I will cum inside," Woobin whispered, finally drawing his lips away from mine. "Can't you use the condom...? I don't want to leave a mess on the mattress- Hah!- Hmhp! Ah~! Mmhp! Oppa~!" I begged, but he dismissively pinned my wrists over the pillow to hold me in place. Woobin beat my burning inside harder with his tip to suffocate me with the scalding pleasure, making me whimper in shock- but was ultimately silenced when he shoved his fingers inside my mouth to stifle my complaints. I stared helplessly at his almost... angry glare... until tears filled my eyes... so I sucked his fingers like a pacifier to contain my uncontrollable moans. SPLURGE!
Woobin grunted in satisfaction with his swollen penis lodged deep inside my sore canal. 
I stiffened over my bed with my toes curled as he thrust inside a few more times to fill me up with his semen. The man groaned and lowered his body to rest on mine as I shakily wheezed on the pillow with a sweaty forehead... until I felt the warm fluid... seeping out of my swollen lady part as he slowly withdrew his shaft to unload his thick semen. Woobin suddenly shoved his muscular body upward to kneel between my aching legs. He pressed his fingers against the sensitive slit to wipe his fresh cum... and crawled over my body to shove his fingers inside my mouth."I want you to swallow every drop of my cum," Woobin grunted after withdrawing his soaked fingertips from my mouth to wipe the semen from my lady part again and forced me to suck the thick paste.I didn't dare complain and swallowed his raw aftertaste in difficulty as he reached inside my vagina to scrap the remaining discharge from my canal, causing me to shudder at the motion of his fingers... but he didn't seem to notice my discomfort and shoved the remaining cum inside my mouth to make me lick his fingers clean. I blinked in exhaustion once he withdrew his fingers from my mouth, nervously pursing my lips with my legs apart... too... depleted to even budge."Are you upset?" I asked, weakly sitting up to hold his waist with an anxious frown. Why is he suddenly upset? Did I do something wrong? Did I spam him too much with my calls? Woobin darkened his gaze on me without replying. I pouted at his muted silence and tilted my face to kiss him softly until he exhaled and held my waist."Go and wash up. I want you to visit my cabin after breakfast," Woobin muttered, coldly pulling away to stare right into my eyes. I nodded and crawled off the bed in my loose gown to enter the bathroom so I could wash my lady part clean... and finally peed out the filth from my system before washing my hands and face to awaken my clouded mind."Oh?... He left?" I paused once I stepped out of the bedroom... to find an empty bed.I restlessly scratched my head as I strolled toward my messy sheets to stare at the wet stains with a sore expression before glancing out the window to find Woobin... striding over the field and disappeared into his distant cabin. He left again? He could've at least... stayed to update me about his work experience over the past week. I missed him so much. I sulkily drew the sheet off my mattress to put it in the basket and replaced the bedsheet before strolling out of my room to walk downstairs."Why are you up early?" I asked once I found Beom stirring two mugs on the counter in the dark kitchen. It's almost dawn."Soomin puked earlier because of her morning sickness. I came down to make hot chocolate," Beom whispered as he stirred the mugs. I blinked and sat on the stool to watch my brother prepare the warm drink for his wife."Do you often make her snacks or food after you sleep with her or when she's sick?" I asked with my hand tucked under my chin."Yeah. Of course. I usually give Soomin water first because she gets thirsty after we make love. And I definitely will brew hot chocolate so she can fall back asleep," Beom smiled. I dimmed my eyes on the steaming mug. I'm envious of their healthy relationship. "You're such a gentleman," I whispered. Beom chuckled and pushed one of the mugs across the counter to place it before me."Drink it," Beom smiled."It's mine?" I asked, looking at my brother in surprise."Oh. I made one for you and one for Soomin," Beom nodded as he lifted the other mug, circled the counter to kiss my forehead, and strolled out of the kitchen... leaving me alone on the stool. I glanced down at the warm drink and sipped it with a slight frown. Oh? He didn't add much milk like I always asked. How did Beom know I'd come downstairs this early...? He was already brewing in two mugs... so I assumed he made one for himself, but it's mine? I scratched my head unsurely but shrugged it off and sipped the warm drink with a faint smile.
I thought Woobin wanted to speak with me about our relationship disclosure to our household... so I quickly ate breakfast and hurried to his cabin with the meal eomma asked me to deliver to him. But you guessed it. The conversation I anticipated never happened, and I ended up... limping out of his cabin at noon with a sticky body. He insisted that we have sex again, so I agreed... thinking he simply missed me while he was away.

Woobin had breakfast at his cabin... so I waited to collect the dishes... but after he ate... he bent me over again and fucked me until he finished twice... and I was left with dripping discharge between my legs. He told me to shower in his bathroom... but I was feeling a bit nauseous at this point... so I left the cabin and limped toward the duck pond beside the ancient tree in the front yard to find appa feeding the ducks with Beom.
"Aigo~! You're so plump~! This one is fat enough to be eaten... don't you think? Should we roast it? Steam it? This guy can feed the entire household!" Appa chuckled as he cradled the massive duck in his arms."Abeoji~! You can't eat them!" Beom whined as he petted the other duck."Then why bother feeding them so much food?" Appa playfully grumbled until Beom fired our father a playful glare."Hajin-ah! Are you alright!? Did you get hurt?" Beom glanced at me as I passed them."I tripped and fell earlier," I smiled and limped away because my lady part was too sore for me to stand. I like the pleasure, but I already got myself pumped five times since early morning- I'm dizzy."Appa will call the head doctor-""I'm fine! Don't bother!" I chuckled and waved at my father before climbing the mansion's stairs to shower in my room.
Day after day since Woobin returned... I was summoned to his cabin almost too frequently just so we could make love... and I'd leave a mess every time. Did I complain once? Nope. I assumed Woobin was stressed over his workload... so I allowed him to do whatever he wanted with my body... hoping I could relieve his discomfort.

Did I feel upset? Nope. Woobin loves me. Why would he want to touch me if he doesn't love me?

A week later
Third Person POVJeon Soomin rolled her wheelchair into the living room during a humid afternoon to find Hajin napping on the couch with a sweaty hairline. The heiress's lips were ajar... and she was drooling with her legs apart. The older alpha grabbed a few tissues and gently dabbed Hajin's lips dry before sealing her mouth to prevent the leakage. Soomin frowned at Hajin's dark eye bags and chapped lips before lifting her hand to feel the heiress's feverish forehead. Kim Hajin used to always dress well, even in the mansion, and she'd appear her best every day, but lately? She's been dragging her feet over the tiles in her nightgowns with her wild hair."Oh? She's burning," Soomin muttered, worriedly glancing around the property to search for assitance.

"Eomma? Abeoji...?" Soomin softly called while rolling her wheelchair toward the opened backyard door to search for the elders as Hajin slept on the couch... when the front door opened and Woobin came storming inside the mansion with an upset frown."Hajin-ah! What's taking you so long?!" Woobin snapped."I think she's sick," Soomin quickly spun her wheelchair around, causing Woobin to pause by the couch with his dark gaze on the heiress's frail condition."She's fine," Woobin muttered, bending over to heave Hajin's weak body from the couch."Are you sure? She's burning hot," Soomin anxiously muttered as the eldest son attempted to carry Hajin back to his cabin."Yeah-" Woobin muttered, quickly spinning around but halted in place once he... came face to face with... Jae Beom... who had strolled down the staircase with a blank face. Beom lowered his vacant gaze to his baby sister's ashen skin and back to his older brother's tense expression. Woobin tried to step aside... but Beom quickly blocked his path to stop the man from leaving with her body. "She's sick. I already called the head doctor. Please let her rest," Beom calmly spoke. Woobin tenses his jaw at Jae Beom's instruction."She's not-""Her hairline is soaked. Hajin told me she had a bad headache earlier, so I headed upstairs to contact our head doctor," Beom calmly replied with his dull gaze on Hajin."Omo! What happened?! I left earlier to prepare fruits for Soomin! Hajin was fine~!" Sora suddenly appeared as she strode into the living room with a tray."Hajin is sick," Soomin muttered anxiously. Woobin possessively clutched her lifeless body with a frustrated frown once his family surrounded the weak lady, so he eventually gave in and placed Hajin back onto the couch.Jang Sora gasped in extreme dread at the sight of her ill daughter. She settled the fruit plate on Soomin's lap and quickly sat on the couch to feel Hajin's burning forehead. Woobin rubbed his lips in annoyance and slumped on the opposite couch... as Jae Beom kept his blank gaze on his older brother's timid behavior before striding forward to eat the fruit from the plates on the tray. The alpha assembled a wheelchair for his wife so she didn't have to walk with her heavy belly.
A moment later.
Jang Sora worriedly patted Hajin's pale face as the heiress rested her head on her mother's lap. Taehyung stood by the couch with his arms crossed to observe his daughter's weak condition, confused by her sudden collapse. No one knew why she suddenly fell ill. Beom calmly fed Soomin the fruit as the doctor studied Hajin's body to search for signs of discomfort."Where does it hurt?" The young doctor asked while examining Hajin's sunken eyes. Woobin tensely folded his arms while eyeing Hajin's tangled hair as Beom sideways eyed his older brother's grim frown."Only my head," Hajin muttered."Are you sure, sweetie?" Sora pouted at her daughter's pale face."Yes-""We should perform a full body examination," Beom suggested, causing Woobin to stiffen in his seat. Hajin sucked in her breath and glanced at Beom with a startled expression."I agree-""No. I'm fine," Hajin insisted, quickly sitting up on the couch to rub her drained face, causing Sora to sulk cutely. The mother scooted closer to her daughter to hold Hajin by her waist."I will prescribe medication and supplements for now. If Hajin doesn't feel better, please escort her to the hospital. I will perform a checkup," The doctor informed. Hajin hugged her anxious mother in exhaustion before averting her wearied gaze to Woobin, who darted her a warning stare as he sat across from her with his arms folded. Hajin knew she couldn't let the doctor perform a checkup... because she collapsed due to the rapid exertion of her energy.
Midnight.
Choi Woobin cautiously approached the looming bedroom in the vacant corridor once the household headed to bed. He carefully reached for the door handle. Creak. The man pushed open the door and stepped inside Hajin's room. She remained unconscious on her bed with the warm blanket wrapped securely over her feeble body while resting under the dim moonlight glow. The eldest son locked the bedroom door and slowly... approached the unconscious heiress to sit by her bedside. He lifted his fingers to push the loose strands behind her ear before lowering his hand to draw the silk sleeve off her shoulder. He is tempted... to wake her from her deep sleep. The man intensely stared at her luminous cleavage while stroking the visible ridge between her youthful breasts with his thumb. "She only fell asleep a moment ago," Someone suddenly muttered, causing Woobin to flinch at the unexpected presence. The eldest brother wildly spun around to find Jae Beom sitting on the built couch by the high arch window with his dim eyes on his older brother. Woobin quickly jerked his fingers from her silk sleeve and cleared his throat with a startled look."What are you doing here? Your wife-""Eomma asked me to keep an eye on Hajin for the night," Beom dully stared at Woobin, who quickly stood up from the bed to rub his burning neck."I- I wanted to check on her too," Woobin muttered, awkwardly shifting his gaze away to avoid Beom's unblinking stare."I'll stay with her until morning... so don't worry. Please have a good sleep," Beom replied while keeping his dim gaze on Woobin, who was still shaken by the third son's presence inside Hajin's room."I'll head back to bed," Woobin nodded his stiff head and quickly left the room without another word. Clack. The door clicks shut again. Beom remained seated by the window... until Woobin hurriedly strolled down the concrete stairs to race over the field in his pajamas.The eldest son briefly glanced at the window to find Jae Beom watching him... so he cleared his throat again and hurried off until he disappeared from sight. Beom dimmed his eyes and glanced back at Hajin's helpless state. The alpha exhaled as he got up from the cushion, gently adjusting Hajin's sleeve over her shoulder to cover up her cleavage, and tucked her into bed before returning to sit by the transparent window. The jaguar eventually directed its predatory gaze on the dirt path leading to the cabin again as he guarded his vulnerable sister under the dim moonlight glow. 
The next day.

Choi Woobin repeatedly tried to visit Kim Hajin in her room... but she was always surrounded by her family members after her collapse. In the morning, he walked in on Soomin chatting with Hajin... so he waited for the alpha to leave... but Beom showed up again to carry his sister to the living room for breakfast.

Jang Sora kept the heiress company on the ground floor to keep her mind off the discomfort and taught her daughter to knit with Soomin in the living room. Woobin eventually gave up on trying to isolate Hajin and chose to work at the security department... but he ultimately returned again during lunch to find Hajin resting on the couch because Beom insisted that she needed refreshing air from the backyard. The jaguar refused to let his sister out of sight.

Afternoon.
"The ducks are cute!" Hajin giggled as she crouched by the shallow pond to watch Beom feed his duckies. The heiress had finally recovered her energy after receiving intensive care from her family and decided to step out of the front door for the refreshing air in her lustrous silk gown until Jae Beom invited her to visit his ducks in the front yard during a golden afternoon. She agreed and followed him to the enclosure with an eager smile. 
Hajin's POV
"This is Yang Yang~! The female one is Cha Cha~!" Beom lifted the plump duck toward me. I shrieked in a panic as he placed the cute pet onto my lap."Yangcha? Isn't that your father's name~?" I giggled as the duck quacked at me. They're so adorable~! I carefully settled the wiggly duck down so it could swim in the cool pond.

"I didn't know what to name them," Beom shrugged. I laughed and smacked his shoulder. How can he name his ducks after his father?! It's hilarious!"Beom! Can you help abeoji for a moment?!" Appa suddenly called from the side of the mansion."I'll be there!" Beom shouted, quickly getting up to stroll away, so I exhaled and fed corn to the cute creatures with a weak smile. I giggled and splashed the water at the two ducks as they floated over the surface... until they funnily quacked at me. Are they annoyed?! Haha~! "We need to speak," Woobin suddenly appeared behind my back- startling me with his random presence."Oh! Oppa-!" I gasped when he suddenly bent down to grab my wrist and dragged me from the pond. Thump! Thump! I stumbled after him in my silk robe and glanced at the unattended ducks with a slight pout. "Why are you avoiding me?" Woobin asked as I struggled to keep up with his swift pace over the uneven dirt path. "Me? What?- I was sick-! Wae? Can't we talk out here?-" I gasped once we reached his cabin's door. What's with him??? Woobin shoved me through the doorway and banged the door shut, causing me to flinch in a panic with a frightened gaze on his stern frown. Is he mad? Suddenly? But why??? Thud! Thud! The man stormed forward to seize my waist and roughly pinned his lips against mine before I could react. Hmmp! I anxiously gripped his shoulders as he shoved his tongue between my lips to pollute my bland tastebuds with his flavor."Are you still unwell?" Woobin fumed, suddenly pulling away to frown at me. Why does he look so upset? "I'm feeling better- Argh! Oppa?!" I gasped in shock when he forced me onto his mattress and tried to undo my robe, so I frantically pushed his chest back with a startled look. Pause. The man firmly gripped my wrists with his intimidating gaze nailed on my nervous expression. "What? You don't want to?" Woobin frowned at my resistance."I- I'm not ready to do it yet~! I'm afraid my lady part will inflame- and I'll get sick again- and that I'll have to go through the check-up at the hospital," I shakily explained. I'm feeling better... but I'm still sore all over! Woobin darkly scanned my ashen face as he knelt between my legs. I cautiously sat up to observe his tense frown with a slight pout while holding his hands over his thick thighs. "Fine. Suck me," Woobin exhaled, suddenly undoing his pants, causing me to freeze in place as he impatiently reached under his waistband to grab his- Knock. Knock. Woobin froze at the unexpected disturbance and snapped his frustrated glare toward the door."Hajin? Are you in there?" Beom calmly asked. I widened my eyes and glanced at Woobin, who suddenly covered my mouth to stop me from speaking. I shakily panted as I clutched onto Woobin, who was hovering over my body, so I swallowed in fright and glanced at the looming shadow over the curtains... securely draped over the window."What do you want?" Woobin answered Beom's call."Seojun came to visit. Eomma asked me to fetch Hajin," Beom replied. Woobin clenched his jaw in extreme frustration as I fearfully eyed the bulging veins on his neck."I'm here! Woobin asked to help him fold his laundry!" I gasped, quickly scrambling to my feet, and swung the door open to find Beom towering over the cabin's doorway. I left my slippers outside! Of course, he knows I'm here!"Are you alright?- Why is your face flushed again?" Beom scoffed, suspiciously redirecting his dark stare past me as Woobin stood with his hands in his pockets."I'm fine! Let's go!" I grinned to distract my older brother. Beom sighed at my reassuring smile and placed his arm over my shoulder to steer me away... so I hugged his waist and skipped towards the mansion until I entered the living room to find Seojun conversing with my mother."Hajin~!" Seojun greeted me with his usual charming smile. "What brought you here today?" I smiled, stepping forward to give him a friendly pat."I'm here for our date, of course," Seojun unsurely gleamed at me."Oh! Hajin was sick yesterday! She must've forgotten to inform you!" Eomma gasped in shock."Oh? Are you sick?- What happened?" Seojun stared at me with a startled look."Hah. I'm fine-""I should cancel our horse riding session then," Seojun quickly pulled out his phone with an anxious frown."Horse riding?! I really want to try that!" I gasped in surprise. Seojun paused to stare at my approving beam."We can go another time-""Don't cancel it! Let's go! I've been feeling unwell lately- so I'd love to ride the horse!" I grinned with my hands clasped together. Seojun unsurely stared at me and glanced at my mother for her consent."She can't leave the mansion. Hajin barely recovered," Woobin suddenly spoke up as he strolled inside the living room with a blank face."It's fine. I'm feeling better-""You can barely support your own weight. What makes you think horse riding is safe? You can't handle the sun's glare anyways," Woobin clenched his jaw, slightly lifting his thick eyebrow to warn me with a death stare. "Woobin is right-""It's already afternoon. The sun won't harm her. The doctor recommended that she take a refreshing break. I'll escort her with Seojun. Soomin wants to see the beach anyways," Beom calmly interfered with our conversation. Eomma pursed her lips and glanced at me anxiously."Okay. Be careful. Come back for dinner," My mother exhaled while patting Seojun's arm and left to enter the kitchen. Beom smiled and nudged me up the stairs... so I hurried to my room to get changed and left the place with Seojun, Beom, and Soomin. 
A moment later.
"Ah~! Are you sure this is safe?!" I whined uncomfortably as Seojun lifted my body off the ground to seat me on the leather saddle. I didn't know a horse was this tall!"Don't scream! You'll scare the poor thing~!" Seojun chuckled as he held my waist to support me. I whimpered and gripped the reins with a racing heart as the alpha climbed stirrup to swing his legs over the horse and sat behind me as the unstable seat rocked from side to side. This is nothing like riding a man! What the heck?!"This is a bad idea!" I shrieked and pursed my lips with a flushed face while struggling to balance my weight over the gigantic living thing. Seojun chuckled at my dramatic exclaim as he held the leather reins to pilot the majestic horse. Tug. My heart thumped out of control once it slowly strutted forward... so I gasped and glanced up at the alpha with a pleading look."Hajin-ah~! Stay calm! You'll be fine!" Beom waved as he got on a mini golf cart with Soomin. The couple isn't horse riding because Soomin is pregnant... so Beom will drive her on a cart instead."Scary~! So Scary~! Seojun-ah~!" I whimpered until Seojun freed his arm to hold my waist. I fearfully cowered backward to press my back against his warm chest... upon feeling the rocky bumps that made me stiffen in fear. I might fall and break my neck!"Hajin, look at me," Seojun chuckled. I pouted and glanced up at him with my face tilted upward, causing Seojun to smile at my terrified expression. He's handsome, but that's not enough to calm my frightened heart! Why did I agree to this~?!"I'm scared," I whispered while blinking at him with my puppy eyes."You're safe with me. Okay? I promise... we'll have fun. If you keep whining- we won't make it in time to see the sunset over the cliff," Seojun smiled. I frowned and glanced at the orange sky with a slight pout."Okay," I nodded, nervously tightening my grip over the rein. I can do this~! Even if I die- I won't die alone! Seojun held my hand over the leather thread as the horse steadily stuttered out of the fences. Clip. Clop. Clip. Clop. I stiffly perched on the saddle as the massive mammal trotted its hooves over the wide opening of an elevated hilltop."We'll leave first!" Beom teased as he drove Soomin in his cart toward the cliff, leaving us behind. Seojun didn't dare speed up our horse and chose to walk us at a steady pace. I gripped the leather and leaned against his back for support. You're not a child, Hajin! Don't be scared of this!"Can we speed up a little? I don't think we'll make it on time at this pace. Just hold onto me. You won't fall," Seojun whispered beside my ear to assure me. I stiffly nodded in difficulty, causing the alpha to chuckle at my dreadful response. The horse suddenly jerked forward, I whimpered and sucked in my breath in fear as it raced toward the high cliff over the slanted slope."S-Seojun- I think this is too fast-" I stuttered when Seojun did whatever he was doing until the horse started galloping over the slope, causing my heart to pound even faster. Oh~! Oh! It's picking up its pace! Ah! Ah! I screamed on the inside while cowering against Seojun with my frightened gaze on the dangerous ground beneath us."What? I can't hear you!" Seojun grinned- and to my horror- the horse started galloping at full speed until I felt my organs flipping upside down."T- TOO FAST! SEOJUN?- HEY! HAH~ TOO FAST! OH MY GOD! OPPA! JAE BEOM! AH! AH!- HELP ME! ARGH- #^&*%$!~!!!" I screamed at the top of my lungs as the horse wildly bolted toward the edge of the hilltop until... we passed Beom's mini cart. I snapped my face toward the looming cliff beyond us with my frightened eyes... bulging wide open."Hold on tight-""WE WILL FALL OFF THE CLIFF!- BRAKE!- WHERE'S THE BRAKE?!- #^&*%$?!- SEOJUN- KIM SEOJUN! THE HORSE WILL JUMP OFF THE CLIFF! EOMAAAAAA~! YOU STUPID PUNK!" I screamed in fear as we fired toward the high cliff. Thump! Thump! Thump! I shrieked in despair as the strong wind gust blew back my wild hair strands. Seojun laughed at my frantic screams, so I cried and gripped his hand in extreme fright as I watched the edge near us. I screamed even louder until my voice cracked."Hah!" Seojun huffed once the horse took a sharp turn- abruptly avoiding the deadly cliff at the very last second, causing us to bounce off the saddle a little. I screeched and yanked my hand from his grip to hold his bicep in fear as the horse galloped along the edge instead. I could've died! I screamed again as the breezy gust blew against us. Seojun briefly glanced down at me as I clung to his bicep for my dear life with swelling tears in my eyes."Don't scream! Look at the sunset!-""I can watch the sunset at home! Argh!- You freaking punk!" I shrieked in frustration while clinging to him. Seojun chuckled at my upset response, suddenly slowing down until the horse stopped racing and trotted at a gradual pace as I struggled to breathe through my tight lungs. I could've died right then and there!  Seojun freed one hand to hold my waist with a weak smile as I glared at him with a resentful glower."Am I more captivating than the sunset for you to look at me like this?" Seojun teased, gently knocking on my safety helmet. I huffed and glanced at the beautiful golden sky, meeting the calm sea beyond the cliff until the pounding in my chest ceased as we calmly rode the horse before the beautiful sunset. Clip. Clop. Clip. Clop."It's not what I think it is," I whispered with my sparkling dilated pupils glued on the breathtaking golden disk as Beom trailed after our horse on his cart with his wife."What did you think it was?" Seojun asked as he pressed his chest against my back, slightly lowering his face to caress his lips against my earlobe. I giggled at the ticklish sensation."It's not as dirty," I shrugged. Seojun frowned."What?" He laughed."It's so stunning~!" I giggled, happily glancing at the alpha in delight.Kim Seojun smiled fondly at my approval, so he patted my stomach as we trotted along the high cliff to admire the distant sunset. I eventually calmed down as we stopped by a grass patch to let the horse have its meal. Seojun securely held me against his sturdy body as we sat on the saddle to watch the setting sun from the hilltop. I feel so much better! Maybe a scary ride is just what I needed to uplift my stuffy chest! Soomin hugged Beom on her side to admire the phenomenal scenery with us as she softly chatted with her husband on the golf cart.

"Can you rate this date?" Seojun whispered beside my ear. I smiled, weakly glancing away from the golden yolk to stare at his gentle gaze as the wind grazed our skin with its subtle current."9.5 out of 10. I almost peed my pants," I whispered. The alpha snorted, cutely throwing his head back- causing the horse to wobble a little, so I shrieked and gripped his thighs in a panic."You're stingy," He teased, lowering his face to rest his chin on my shoulder. I chuckled and glanced back at the purple sky with a wide grin. Woobin made me think so dirty of horse riding... but this experience? It's so healing! Horse riding is nowhere near man-riding at all!Seojun eventually steered our hardworking horse down the slope once the golden sun disappeared over the horizon, so I calmly leaned against his chest with a faint smile. It's not scary anymore. I'm already used to it. Beom followed us with his wife on his cart as we pulled back into the horse barn, so Seojun hopped off the saddle and gently helped me down. My legs suddenly wobbled, causing the alpha to jerk forward, quickly snatching my waist to stabilize my body weight. I laughed and bent down to massage my numb legs as Soomin smiled at me while rubbing her belly. We eventually returned to our mansion to join my household for dinner."How was horse riding?" Eomma curiously asked from across the table as she sat beside my father. I giggled and glanced at Seojun as he sat beside me with Seokjin ahjussi, who had flown to Busan earlier to join the household for dinner."Phenomenal! I loved it!" I grinned. Woobin lifted his face to stare at my approving smile from across the table as he sat beside eomma."You loved it? You were cursing so loudly! Kim Seojun!- You stupid punk!" Soomin nudged my arm, causing me to flush red. The table erupted with laughter, so I lowered my face with an embarrassed smile until Seojun patted my head to comfort me."At least she didn't try to jump off the horse! Her mother would have beaten the crap out of me for scaring her!" Appa nudged eomma. She fired him a playful glare."Hajin is easily startled... but she'll do anything for the person she likes!" Harabeoji grinned from the end of the table."Right! I'm glad you guys are getting along!" Eomma proudly smiled at us."Hajin isn't that difficult to handle," Seojun nodded."Of course! Only an incompetent man would nag his woman for being dramatic! Women often soften around the person they love, so it's our manly duty to make her feel safe!" Seokjin chirped while eating his food. My mother gasped and grinned at my father."Do you think I'm dramatic?" Eomma nudged appa."You're a handful, but I can handle you. I'd say I'm an expert at caring for Jang Sora!" My father beamed, shamelessly pecking his wife's lips before the guests. Seokjin cringed at my parents' affection and glanced at me in disgust, so I laughed at their teasing interaction as Beom shook his head and placed the food on Harabeoji's plate."Aigo~! A proper man will never complain about his woman~!" Harabeoji agreed."Right Beom?" Soomin nudged Beom's arm. He chuckled."You're definitely not hard to handle, but you're a little... feisty? You gave me a mild concussion with the deadly blow to my face!" Beom chuckled while shaking his head."A blow to the face?" Imo gasped, causing Soomin to flush red."She found her way to my hidden bunker just to whack me with a frying pan! A premium steel frying pan!- Right in my face!" Beom scoffed. The table gasped and glanced at Soomin in surprise, who stiffened in her seat with a flustered look. Soomin smacked Jae Beom with a frying pan?!"He broke up with me over text! What kind of a low-tier man would do that?! I felt offended that he took me so lightly!" Soomin funnily defended herself. I laughed and nodded in agreement."You deserved that!" I playfully glared at Beom."Right?! I brought him ducks because he's obsessed with it! I even wear yellow for him!- Oh? I ran away from home to see him!- And he broke up with me through text?! How disrespectful!" Soomin grimaced at her husband. Beom grinned and patted her back with an apologetic smile."Aigo~! Why haven't I ever thought of beating my husband with a frying pan? That's a genius idea! Should I beat some senses into him too~?" Eomma gasped, causing appa to widen his eyes in bewilderment at eomma's thrill to whack him."Hey! I already have a stiff back! Why are you trying to smash my skull?!" Appa nudged her. Seokjin laughed and shook his head as he drank from his wine glass. "Women should never settle for the bare minimum! Why would we lower our standard for a man who doesn't even bother to reply to texts at the very least? Or men that are cowards?" Eomma nodded at Soomin. I pursed my lips and lifted my face to find Woobin sitting blankly at his seat with the food... left unchewed in his mouth."Are you nagging me?-""Aigo~! No way! You're not the bare minimum anymore! You're the best husband!" Eomma hugged appa's waist with her head tilted against his shoulder. Woobin shifted his blank gaze to me as I uneasily chewed the rice. I glanced away."Anyways! Where are the ducks? Did you eat them?" Seojun asked appa. Taehyung laughed and shook his head."My wife will skin me alive if I touch Beom's ducks! I made peace with her and built a duck home with an artificial pond in the front yard! Didn't you notice?" Taehyung chuckled."No- I was too excited to see Hajin," Seojun shrugged, causing me to flush red. The elders gasped and giggled at Seojun's playful tease."I can show you the ducks later," I offered. Seojun nodded."Sure-""I'm full. Please excuse me from the dining table," Woobin wiped his lips with the napkin and suddenly stood up with a blank face, causing the chair to scrape loudly over the tiles."Oh?! You should have dessert first!" Imo gasped."Hajin can bring it to me. I've got work to handle," Woobin lowered his head to bow at Seokjin before striding out of the doorway, causing me to tense my body uneasily."I'll bring him the dessert," Beom smiled."No- It's okay. I'll make a quick run," I smiled, quickly getting up from my chair."Why can't he bring his own food?" Seojun asked in confusion as I opened the steaming pot to scoop the dessert into a small bowl."Hajin is his personal errand girl. They only reconciled because I kept sending her to him," Imo proudly chuckled. I smiled, placed the bowl on the tray, and lifted it to find Beom eyeing me anxiously from his seat."I'll escort you-""Ow~!" Soomin suddenly gasped once she felt an ache over her belly, causing Beom to shift his gaze from me to his wife."Are you okay?" Beom asked while gripping his wife's arm in concern. "The baby kicked- and I think I need to use the restroom," Soomin chuckled."I'll be back to show you the ducks," I smiled at Seojun and left the packed space. Soomin excused herself from the dining table, so Beom escorted her back to her room because she needed to ease her bowel movement. I listlessly sighed while strolling over the front yard with the tray and walked over the dirt path to push the cabin's door open.

"Oh? Oppa? Where is he?" I announced my presence in confusion as I stepped inside the dark space to settle the tray on the nightstand. Thud. The door banged shut. I flinched, wildly spinning around in a panic to find Woobin locking the door with his dark gaze on me. He was behind the door?!"Undress," Woobin demanded. I froze unsurely."I have to head back because I promised to show Seojun the ducks-""Don't make me undress you," Woobin narrowed his deadly gaze as he firmly blocked the exit. I gripped my fingers with a startled look upon hearing his threatening statement."Oppa~! Why are you behaving this way?!-""Is he more important than me? You've been acting differently since you agreed to see him!" Woobin snapped, suddenly raising his voice at me."I asked you to disclose our relationship! But you denied it and told me to agree with eomma! Why are you blaming me now?!" I snapped back in disbelief. He keeps looking at me with so much disappointment! What did I even do wrong?! I only followed his orders! "How can I disclose our dirty affairs?! It's a fucking disgrace!" Woobin blurted in extreme anger. A sharp stab suddenly jabbed my chest with its invisible blade. I couldn't move but stare at him with a drained expression."A- a what?" I scoffed while frowning at the man in extreme shock. Woobin clenched his jaw and suddenly stormed forward to seize my shoulders."I said- take off your dress!" He snapped, hastily slipping his hand under my dress to stroke my panty."OPPA!" I cried as he forcefully shoved me down onto the mattress, so I grabbed his arm in shock as he started touching me under my panties. Woobin didn't stop and invaded my body until I lost my temper and- SLAP! I strike him hard across his face- causing Woobin to freeze in shock until a red handprint appeared on his firm cheek. The man snapped his fuming glower at me as I frantically sat up on the thin mattress to pull my dress down in tears. Is he crazy?!"You fucking threw yourself at me in the beginning- now you're resisting me when I'm showing you love?!" Woobin seethed in anger while clenching his defined jaw."This isn't love! You're not the same anymore! What's the matter with you?!" I cried while hugging my knees in fright until I felt my chest swelling in extreme discomfort. I hate the way he touches me! All he does now is forcing me to take his erect penis inside my vagina and then he'd make me swallow his dripping cum! "This isn't love?! You pestered me endlessly before- because you wanted me to fuck you with my hard cock! Isn't that your definition of love?!- Now you're claiming my act isn't love?! What do you want from me?!- I CAN'T SEEM TO PLEASE YOU!" Woobin furiously fumed his heated breath in my face, causing me to back against the wall with trembling lips."I'm okay with you touching me! But- lately- it's all you've been doing! It's as if my body is all you crave! I feel uncomfortable, alright?!" I snapped, quickly wiping my flowing tears. Woobin clenched his jaw at my argument as he aggressively rubbed his face in extreme agitation."I'm restless! I'm fucking restless because you're going to marry that fool!" Woobin seethed. "You said you would marry me!" I snapped."Do you actually believe the household will accept our relationship?!" Woobin refuted."So you've been lying to me!? Claiming you'd inform our parents?-""WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO SAY!? THAT I'M FUCKING MY OWN SISTER!? ABEOJI WILL FUCKING KILL ME!" Woobin screamed in my face with his bloodshot glare. I whimpered at his raging wrath."THEN WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO?! FUCK ME IN A SECRET FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?!" I screamed in anguish. He wants to hold me- yet he can't bring himself to tell our parents!? Am I a mere fuck buddy?! Woobin suddenly released a deep exhale and lowered his face to rub his sore forehead with his eyes closed."You can marry him. We can keep this between us," Woobin mumbled. Badum. My heart sank at his careless suggestion. I couldn't react but stared at him with my gleaming pupils. "You want me to cheat on Seojun... after marrying him?! Are you nuts?!" I scoffed."I can't fucking tell the household about us! There's no way in hell- can I fucking admit the truth!- It's a fucking shame, Hajin!" Woobin sneered. I froze with my tearful eyes on his flaring nostrils as my mind spun like a whirlpool upon his harsh insistence to conceal our relationship. I'm enough for him fuck in private... but not enough for him to proudly hold before everyone...?"Shame? So being with me is a shame?- A disgrace? Yeah?-""Hajin-ah! We're siblings!-""THEN MARRY SOMEONE WHO WILL FUCKING GLORIFY YOUR IMAGE! WHY ARE YOU CLUTCHING ONTO A DISGRACEFUL PERSON LIKE ME IF I'M A SHAME TO YOU?!- HOW CAN YOU BE SO GREEDY?! YOU CAN'T BRING YOURSELF TO ADMIT THE TRUTH TO OUR PARENTS YET YOU WANT TO KEEP FUCKING ME WITH YOUR HORNY DICK?!- YOU DISGUST ME!- I'M FUCKING DONE! IF I'M A FUCKING HUMILATION- THEN DON'T FUCK AROUND WITH ME ANYMORE! I'M NOT YOUR FUCKING SEX TOY!" I bellowed at his face until my eyes flushed with burning-hot tears. Woobin clenched his jaw at my raging outburst as I scrambled off the mattress in extreme anger. My blood is boiling so much! I can't even feel the throbbing pain anymore! How can he call me a disgrace?!"Hajin-""NO!- NO MORE! WE'RE OVER! I DON'T WANT TO BE WITH A COWARD LIKE YOU! GO AND FUCK SOMEONE WHO WON'T TARNISH YOUR FUCKING REPUTATION!" I screamed, hastily showing the door open, and stormed out of the cabin with a fuming red face. I convinced myself repeatedly! To take his mistreatment with a grain of salt! But I was right! He is a fucking coward, and he still is a coward! I granted him a chance to save our relationship- but he deceived me and made empty promises just so he could keep fucking me!"Hajin!" Woobin snapped, but I didn't answer his call and raced over the field in tears until I noticed Seojun staring at the pond with his hands in his pocket. Shit!"Hajin?" Seojun waved at me before I could avoid him. I frantically rubbed away my tears while slowing down on the grass plain and walked up to him with my face lowered."You found the ducks," I whispered while hiding my face behind my loose hair. Seojun must've noticed my swollen eyes because he exhaled... drew a napkin from his pocket... and handed it to me."Why are you crying?" Seojun asked. "N- Nothing. An insect flew into my eyes," I forcefully chuckled to conceal my aching sorrow as we stood side by side. I sniffled and dabbed my puffy eyelids."The ducks are asleep," Seojun whispered."Maybe you can visit during the day? I'll properly introduce you to them," I whispered, finally lifting my face to stare at Seojun. He paused to scan my flushed face and bloodshot eyes before glancing past me to stare at the dirt path leading to the cabin."Excuse my interference but... why are you crying? Did he hurt you?" Seojun questioned, unsurely shifting his dark gaze back to me."No. But we argue a lot- don't bother. Everyone in the household has witnessed our fights," I shrugged. Seojun exhaled at my dismissive assurance and nodded... until we suddenly heard distant screams... from the front porch."GET THE CAR! HURRY-" Taehyung roared. We wildly spun around to find Beom carrying Soomin down the stairs with a pale expression."Argh~! Ow!" Soomin screamed in distress as she held her baby bump. I gasped in shock."Eonni! What's happening?!" I screamed, quickly racing over the field."She's in labor!" Eomma screamed as she chased the couple with appa."Seojun! Drive the couple to the hospital!" Seokjin snapped at his son."Please come this way!" Seojun quickly spun on his heel and ran to his vehicle. I gasped and entered the car with eomma and appa as Seokjin got in with the young couple and his son. ZOOM! We blasted out of the mansion into the cold night. Soomin was urgently rushed to the hospital that very night... and I was pretty much too occupied with her alarming delivery to even sulk over my fight with Choi Woobin.
The Next Day
Jae Beom fondly grinned from ear to ear while cradling the newborn in his arms as Jeon Soomin leaned against the bedboard with an IV drip hooked on her wrist. Jang Sora worriedly held her daughter-in-law's hand as she sat by the bedside to comfort the young mother. Meanwhile... Kim Taehyung... snored loudly on the couch in the VIP medical suite with his lips ajar."Giving birth is scary," Hajin mumbled as she watched her brother cradle his son. Beom chuckled at his sister, who had been awake since the night before to keep the couple company."It's not scary... but it's quite painful," Sora chuckled at her daughter. Taehyung suddenly stirred awake from his deep sleep and sat up to rub his puffy eyes with his head lowered. The man has been sleeping throughout the night on the couch."Appa fainted during eomma's labor, didn't you?" Hajin giggled while nudging Taehyung's arm."He did! The man fainted twice!" Sora chuckled."How can I not faint? I'm mentally traumatized by her ugly cries," Taehyung grumbled while rubbing his droopy eyelids."Beom didn't faint! He stayed right by his wife's side until the end!" Sora snapped at her husband."Jang Sora! I raised you since you were a child! You scarred me with your ear-bleeding tantrums and bratty behavior!" Taehyung fired Sora an annoyed look. Hajin chuckled as she hugged her father with a bright beam."You always bullied me when I was young! Appa plucked out all of eomma's lashes one time! Eomma had to go to school with a paper bag over my head the next day!" Sora told on her husband. Beom snorted and grinned at his bitter mother."Don't believe all her words! She asked appa to use the curler~! I didn't know the stupid tool would pluck out all of her lashes!" Taehyung refuted. Sora scoffed and gently patted Soomin's hand again."Aigo~! How is the mother and baby?!" Imo suddenly chirped as Do-hwan pushed her wheelchair inside the medical room.Kim Hajin stopped smiling once Woobin appeared, steering Beomseok's wheelchair after the chief maid. She blinked and glanced away to avoid looking at the eldest son. Choi Woobin wore a straight face as the households chattered loudly in the medical room... and Hajin eventually returned home with her parents the same day... leaving Beom with Soomin at the hospital.___________________________
Third Person POV

Kim Hajin and Choi Woobin fought their cold war again while sharing the hilltop property after their return from the hospital. The heiress would avoid the man... and he'd coldly brush past her with a stern expression. Neither were willing to submit to one another. Of course, the household noticed their loud silence... but Hajin assured them it was just a minor fight.
"Yeongwoo is a heavy boy~!" Hajin giggled as she cradled her nephew in the living room. Soomin smiled as she leaned against Beom's shoulder on the couch with a beanie over her head."The Jae sons are heavy," Sora nodded as Taehyung fed his wife peeled tangerines."Hajin. Have you considered marriage with Seojun yet?" Taehyung suddenly glanced at his daughter."We're still seeing each other. What's the rush? Seojun and I are still young. You should marry off the older brothers first. I can wait for a couple of years until Seojun is ready," Hajin giggled, softly kissing the baby's chubby cheeks as she paced back and forth."You're right! We should focus on the older ones first! Woobin is already in his 30s!" Taehyung gasped at his wife with a startled look. Hajin softly hummed while patting her nephew's bundle as she rocked him from side to side.
Fast Forward
Choi Woobin repeatedly patted his tight-fitted suit, tailored to fit his masculine broad shoulders and buff chest. His slick black hair... neatly combed backward to reveal his radiating visual. The eldest son entered the dining room at a reserved high-class hotel to find his parents greeting the Go household.Go Hera smiled and walked forward to greet Choi Woobin, who was seemingly taken aback by the guest's unexpected presence and glanced at the twins and his parents. They told him it was a family dinner, so he did not expect the guests. Hajin softly giggled with Kanghoon as she teased her older brother about his cute bow tie. The two households eventually settled around the massive circular dining table in formal attire to converse with one another.
A moment later.
"Marriage?" Woobin repeated, uneasily glancing at Sora and Do-hwan in surprise... who was fondly smiling at Hera."You're the only one without a match. Hera has been waiting for you to adjust to the society. You're finally ready now," Taehyung nodded at Woobin. The man gulped and smiled at the Go family as they dined on their warm meal in the private room."Hera insists on waiting for you because she prefers older men~! I don't wish for my daughter to marry a wrinkled man, so you should marry her soon!" Mrs. Go joked from across the table. Woobin blinked and glanced at Hajin, who was dismissively sniggering with Woojin over their piece of shrimp."You do have feelings for her, right? If you do... we can arrange the marriage," Do-hwan nudged Woobin's arm."Sure. The feelings are mutual," Woobin smiled. Hera giggled at his agreement and covered her lips shyly."That's wonderful! We'll schedule the wedding during fall then!" Sora chirped while holding her husband's arm."Fall?!- This fall?!" The twins gasped with their eyes wide open."Oh! Right before winter! So you two can keep each other warm during the cold storm! Isn't that lovely?!" Sora giggled, causing the table to erupt at her joke."I agree! My daughter should be warmed this winter!" Mr. Go laughed and glanced at Do-hwan, who smiled at the teasing statement. The alphas chuckled over their meals, so Woobin toasted with the households once the households agreed to solidify their alliance through the eldest son's marriage.
They are in the middle of the summer season... which means... Choi Woobin will wed a high-rank alpha... in less than two months.
_______________________
A month later
"I'll see you later! Get home safely~!" Hera chuckled while tip-toeing on her heels to peck Woobin's lips. He smiled and waved at her as the woman entered the mansion in her knee-length strapless dress. He exhaled and spun around to return to his car and drove to Kim Taehyung's apartment to reside for the night before flying back to the hilltop mansion after the exhausting day of attending a photoshoot session for his pre-wedding schedule with Go Hera.Choi Woobin suddenly jerked awake from his nap in the car once the driver steered into the property... so the man shoved the door open and stepped under the blinding sun glare with a blurry vision. The man halted over the grass plain once he noticed Kim Hajin... sitting under the tree shade... with Kim Seojun. They were happily chatting over a book in her hand. The heiress laughed out loud as Seojun teased her and shook her head with a flirty smile. Woobin unconsciously clenched his jaw as he sternly strode past them without greeting the alphas... and climbed the mansion to announce his return. It's been almost a year since they last spoke."You're back! Have you eaten?!" Sora gasped once she looked up from the knitted beanie with baby Yeongwoo rested on her lap. The grandmother has been knitting her grandson's mittens and beanies to prepare him for the upcoming winter storm."Nope. I'll search the kitchen for crumbs," Woobin smiled and strolled off to eat in the kitchen."Thank god I saved the meals for you!" Imo gasped as she poured fresh orange juice for the eldest son. Woobin thanked the woman as he hungrily chewed the food at the kitchen counter."They're a great match, don't you think?" Beomseok chuckled while gazing out the kitchen window. Kim Seojun was strolling with Hajin into the backyard to sit on the platform bench under the tree shade. The charming alpha smiled fondly at the heiress while holding her waist as she happily chatted and pointed at the distant island."Hajin is very composed around Seojun. I'm surprised! I've never seen her give him an attitude before! Not once!" Imo giggled, nodding in agreement. Woobin suddenly stopped chewing his food with his dead stare on the young alphas."Seojun plans on leaving Korea to live abroad after their marriage," Beomseok muttered as he munched his snacks. Pause. Woobin averted his dull gaze to the elderly man."Aigo~! Our little Hajin will have to part from us?" Imo pouted as she sipped her tea."She said she doesn't mind moving away. Hajin is a curious soul. The child grew up in the mansion all her life, so I'm alright with her exploring the world outside the wall. Seojun will protect her," Beomseok chuckled. Woobin suddenly dropped his spoon onto the plate and strolled out of the kitchen without a word... as the elder cluelessly praised the Kim's heir. 
Choi Woobin never bothered speaking to Hajin since the day they broke up and has been concentrating on his work and preparing for his upcoming wedding.
_______________________
One Week Before Wedding
The high-rank guests flooded the supreme alpha's sacred property for the very first time after over two decades of isolating their household from the world to host a grand birthday event for the twin brothers. Kanghoon and Woojin greeted the powerful households with confident beams after they successfully secured their seats at their father's corporation.
The young men are ready to sustain the household under the Jang's power. 
The lower ranks chased their envious gaze after the high-rank alphas as they proudly held their girlfriends at the event to expose their official relationship. Jung Mirae grinned as Woojin held her waist in the crowd. Kanghoon gleefully chuckled with Dohyun as he held Park Jiyoung's hand in the extensive front yard of the hilltop property.

"Abeoji! We're getting married next after Woobin hyung!" The twins winked at their father."Aigo~! You'll have to wait until next year! I can't handle too many weddings~! Your mother will stress over her gowns and accessories again!" Taehyung laughed."Make sure to hold them tight until they marry you! Don't let them get away!" Jimin nudged his daughter's shoulder as he held his wife's waist. "We're the ones obsessed with your daughters!" The twins laughed at Jung Hoseok and Park Jimin. The elders laughed with their champagne glasses until Woobin strides forward... to greet the high ranks with Go Hera, who politely bowed in her off-shoulder dress."Please don't forget to attend our wedding~!" Hera beamed at the senior alphas."Of course! This is the first grand wedding in history!" Seokjin chuckled as he stood with his average wife."That's not true! Beom got married first!" Woojin laughed."Oh! Right!- Why didn't you invite us?!" Hoseok glared at Taehyung."The Jeons didn't approve of their relationship- but the couple wanted to be together... so we hosted a private ceremony for them," Taehyung explained."Ah," Jimin awkwardly glanced around to search for the Jeons, but they were nowhere to be found."Can we see Beom's baby?- Where is Soomin?" Mirae keenly tugged Woojin's arm, who chuckled at his impatient girlfriend. She had been begging her boyfriend to see the newborn."Beom! Come here!" Taehyung suddenly waved its hand in the air until the tall alpha came striding through the crowd with Jeon Soomin, who was flaunting her yellow gown with a neatly styled bun."Omo! How adorable! Their genes surely run strong!" So-young gasped in shock once she noticed the newborn's identical chubby features. Beom cradled his son with a weak smile in a fitted navy suit as the guests curiously surrounded his baby.

"What's his name?" Jiyoung grinned while clinging to Kanghoon's arm."Jae Yeongwoo," Soomin smiled at the crowd. They all pouted at the firstborn baby of the sixth generation."So cute! I want a baby too~!" Mirae chirped, causing Taehyung to scoff at her thoughtless exclaim."You lady! Please do not tempt my son to give you a baby~! I almost went nuts fighting with Jeon Jungkook to save this couple!" Taehyung snapped at Mirae. She blushed cutely at the man's scoldings, so Woojin chuckled and patted her shoulder."We're not as naive as Jae Beom! Our younger brother is easily swayed by a pretty lady because he's so innocent!" Kanghoon laughed. Beom flushed red and smiled at Soomin."Hey! He's the hottest! I have to trap him for myself!" Soomin giggled as she clung to Beom's waist."I think we'll be the next to have babies. Right oppa?" Hera grinned at Woobin, who chuckled and nodded in agreement."Oh?!- Hajin is crazy beautiful!" Dohyun gasped, causing everyone to turn toward the mansion's opened front door. Kim Hajin appeared... strolling down the stairs with her mother.The captivating beauty of the heiress... was unmatched by those in her generation. The heiress is blessed with the delicate features she adopted... from her mother... Jang Sora. Sora proudly beamed in her sparkling emerald dress while escorting her graceful daughter down the stairs, dressed in a slim-fitted rose gold satin that hugged her youthful curves."Oh, man! My wife is so beautiful! I gotta go!" Taehyung gasped, suddenly pushing his way through the crowd. The alphas loudly chuckled at the man's mesmerized gaze as the lone wolf drifted toward his wife with his heart-shaped pupils."Seobang-nim~!" Sora cutely waved at her handsome husband."Your beauty is blinding my sight! You're the brightest star in the darkest nights!" Taehyung gasped, dramatically opening his arms to welcome his wife. The man shamelessly lowered his face to smooch her lips, causing the alphas to roll their eyes at the couple.

"Lipstick! It'll ruin your handsome face!" Sora giggled while rubbing the red stain from her husband's lips as he clung to her waist."Appa~! Am I not beautiful!?" Hajin whined in her gown."Aigo~! Who told you to show so much of your cleavage?!" Taehyung gasped once he noticed his daughter's racy outfit."Eomma says it suits me!" Hajin shrugged. Taehyung glared at his wife."Cover your shoulders! Here- take appa's suit-""Yeobo! Stop being so paranoid~! Let her flaunt her youth~!" Sora smacked Taehyung's chest when he tried to slip off his suit. The man grimaced at his wife's refusal to let him cover their daughter. Nudge. The supreme alpha pushed her husband aside to proudly hold Hajin, who gleamed at the crowd with her gorgeous smile as she stood in the ankle-length dress with a high slit up her tone's thigh."She looks awfully like you~!" Ah-young grinned while clinging to Namjoon as her hypnotized son gawked at Hajin's glowering skin."You're so freaking pretty! I never realized because you always dress down at school!" Dohyun gasped. Hajin glared at the alpha offensive exclaim."Ehem! I'm first in line!- Back off!" Seojun suddenly shoved Dohyun aside. Hajin's face immediately lit up upon Seojun's appearance in his black striped suit.

"Seojun~!" Hajin waved as he strolled forward to hug her."You're so pretty~!" Seojun whispered while stroking her exposed back. Hajin chuckled shyly and patted his back until he pulled away to admire her enchanting facial features."Be my date for tonight~!" Hajin grinned. Seojun nodded and glanced at the crowd as they gawked at the heiress's divine beauty, so she clung to his arm and beamed at the twins as they teased her outfit with funny looks."Oh? Yoongi!" Namjoon called, causing everyone to avert their attention to the alpha as he joined the birthday ceremony with his daughter, Min Chungha, who was somewhat frightened of the crowd."We didn't think you'd join us!" Hoseok gasped with a startled look. The Min has been laying low since the murder trial... and their voice has been suspended by the council for over a year."Aigo~! I've also got a beautiful daughter! I'm here for her sake!" Yoongi greeted the alphas with firm handshakes. Chungha shyly lowered her head at the elders as she stood beside her father before glancing at... Kim Dohyun's dashing side profile... who was fooling around with the twins.
A moment later.
Every layer of the hilltop's soil shook with the deafening vibration of the gigantic speakers, stirring the muted hearts of the guests within the property with its upbeat music. The twins roared at the top of their lungs to hype the crowd while bouncing to the melody with their robust charisma as their girlfriends matched their festive energy.Kim Dohyun funnily performed stiff robotic movements before Min Chungha to break the ice, causing her to smile weakly at his flirty wink... until the alpha eventually placed out her hand to accept his invitation. Dohyun grinned and pulled her from her seat to make her dance with him. Kim Hajin chuckled until her stomach ached as Seojun danced with Seokjin... who was imitating bizarre fishing movements. Hoseok shoved Jimin aside, who tried to harass him with filthy smooches as So-young laughed at her drunk husband. Min Yoongi loudly whined while being swung from side to side by his intoxicated friends. "Wooh~! Wooh~!" Woojin shrieked until Kim Taehyung shoved his son aside to make space, suddenly dragging Sora forward as she swayed her hips with her arms lifted sexily above her head. The man groped his wife's buttcheek, causing Kanghoon to gasp at his father's inappropriate behavior. The young man seized Taehyung's arm to stop him from squeezing his mother's butt and tugged his father away from her. "Hey! Where are you taking my husband?!" Sora scolded her son, possessively yanking Taehyung back to hug her husband with an annoyed pout. Kanghoon scoffed in disbelief once his mother firmly grabbed his father's hands to place them back on her firm bum. She shrieked and happily swayed her drunken husband while clinging to his waist until he frowned and gripped his stiff back with a slight grimace. "Wait a minute~! I'm stuck again!" Taehyung grunted, stiffly bending down in difficulty to rub his lower back. Ah-young and Namjoon burst into tears upon witnessing the man's chronic back problem. Sora suddenly grabbed Taehyung's hips from behind and started humping his butt, causing the crowd to widen their eyes in disbelief. Hump! Hump! Sora smirked with flushed cheeks while thrusting her groin against her husband's bum without a care for the traumatized guests. Hump! Hump!"Eomma!" Hajin shrieked in shock."Ah~! Ah~! Ah~! I love to hump him like this~! My husband is a sexy man~!" Sora drunkenly laughed as she repeatedly humped Taehyung, who was groaning in discomfort with his back bent over. He couldn't stand straight because of his stiff back- but to let his wife hump his bum before the bewildered guests. Hump! Hump! The man groaned at the force of her thrusts until he toppled over with his hands pressed against the grass and buttcheeks... perching upward to be harassed by his wife."Oh no~! Stop!- You're too drunk! Eomma! What are you doing?! Appa can't move!" Kanghoon gasped, quickly grabbing his mother's arm to stop her from humping his stiff-back father as Woojin hooked Taehyung's upper arm to help his father straighten his back.Jae Beom chuckled while dancing with Soomin as the twins dragged the drunk supreme alphas off the dance floor- when Taehyung suddenly shoved his sons aside and spun around to slam his lips against Sora's. Smooch! Smooch! She giggled and hugged his neck to secure him, shamelessly making out with her husband, causing the twin's eyes to widen at their shocking thirst for each other. Hajin shrieked and tried to yank their parents apart again- but Taehyung pushed his daughter's face away with his palm as he ate his wife's flavorful lips.

"Wanna make babies tonight?!" Taehyung shrieked, quickly pulling away with red lipstick smudges all over his lower face. "I'll give you plenty of babies!" Sora screamed with a wide grin. Smooch! Smooch! The couple aggressively made out again. "Andwae! You're too old to have another baby~!" The twins scolded their parents, but the supreme alphas refused to release each other- and nastily made out before the startled guests until Hajin screwed her face in disgust."Oh, I can't feel my stomach!" Imo shrieked with Beomseok in their wheelchairs as they watched Jang Sora grope Kim Taehyung's firm ass. Do-hwan chuckled as he cradled little Yeongwoo in his arms. Beom had placed a mini noise canceling ear muff over his toddler's ears to prevent the loud frequency from disturbing the child, who is entirely muted from the chaotic event."My daughter is a pervert! Not my son-in-law!" Beomseok screeched in tears as the couple made out in the crowd. Kim Taehyung gasped, suddenly jerking his lips away with messy lipstick stains all over his face, causing Jang Sora to squeal in extreme delight at her husband's runny nose. Hajin huffed cutely and spun around to find Seojun beaming at her. The alpha opened his arms to embrace the heiress, so she gave in and glared at her parents while dancing with her partner.The darker the night... the louder the crowd became. Everyone was lost in their own world as they sang and danced to the uplifting music... until they lost their voice and started sweating profusely. Soomin grinned as she jammed with Beom, who was shyly copying his wife's movement as he watched the elders groove freely with their wild moves. Meanwhile.Thud- Thud- Thump! Hajin parted her lips as she blindly stumbled inside her bedroom with her arms hooked around Kim Seojun's neck. The alpha slammed the door closed with his face tilted to the side as they steadily made out in her dim bedroom while the guests cluelessly danced in the packed front yard. The heiress softly giggled as Seojun slipped off his suit before lowering his hands to hold the thin silk over her waist.
Hajin's POV
Seojun lowered his arms to scoop me off the floor... so I clung to his neck for support as he climbed the bed to rest me down on the mattress. I had to use the restroom earlier. Seojun insisted on escorting me and we ended up... making out in the vacant mansion. I impatiently undid his buttons as he hungrily swirled his moist tongue inside my mouth to suffocate me with his slick skills. He still tastes the same. Just like I remembered him! The alpha chuckled once he felt my cold fingers roaming his toned abs beneath his undone shirt as he rubbed the side of my thighs between the slit of the dress. He reach upward and gently kneaded my buttcheek until I spread my legs for him. Smooch. Smooch. The wet noises resonated within the room as I sprawled on the bed with my eyes closed to savor my ex-boyfriend's love stroke."Let's make up... hmm?" Seojun whispered, steamily pulling away to meet my dazed expression."Let's talk in the morning," I smiled while gripping his lower back. Seojun scoffed and lowered his face to nibble on my collarbone as he groped my breast over the silk, so I exhaled in pleasure and tilted my head back while unbuckling his belt between my spread-open legs. He's always so gentle with my body~!"I don't have a condom," Seojun paused, suddenly withdrawing his moist lips from mine."That's fine. I'm on pills," I huffed. Seojun chuckled at my assurance and lowered his face to thrust his wet tongue between my lips again, making me moan in satisfaction as he tugged the thin straps off my shoulders. Hngh~! I licked his lips and reached under his undone trousers to feel his hard bulge- THUD! We jerked on the bed at the unexpected intrusion to find a man charging inside our room- and- SMASH!"ARGH!-" Seojun grunted in pain once something smashed against his head. I screamed in fright, hysterically sitting up on the bed with the loose sleeves dangling from my upper arms as the clear shards showered all over me."Seojun!" I shrieked, quickly scrambling over the mattress to seize the alpha in horror, who weakly rolled on the bed with blood trickling from his injured head."Fuck?!" Seojun furiously snapped his head toward the intruder. Choi Woobin."OPPA!" I gasped at Woobin's drunken state before glancing at the shattered vase on the bed in extreme bewilderment. Why did he attack Seojun?!"How dare you touch her with your filthy fingers!" Woobin bellowed, angrily snatching Seojun's collar to yank the alpha off the bed. I screamed and tried to grab Seojun- but failed- THUD! The Kim's heir tumbled weakly onto the floor at the eldest son's rough force. His fresh blood.... splattering all over the sheet and smearing messily over the polished tiles. "I consented!" I screamed with a racing heart... but Woobin didn't listen to my claim.The drunk man angrily hurled Seojun with all his might- sending the alpha colliding into my nightstand. CRASH! The lamp toppled onto the floor. Seojun seethed, suddenly launching to his feet as Woobin charged forward with his fists clenched- Thud! Thud! Seojun threw a wild punch against Woobin's jaw, sending the man wobbling to the side, but he immediately regained his balance and swung a deadly left hook."What the fuck is wrong with you?! Hajin is my girlfriend!" Seojun roared in anger as he swiftly dodged the blunt force, sending the eldest son staggering over the floor. "ARGH!" Choi Woobin roared in extreme fury until he strained his neck veins and- furiously pounced forward again- SLAM!- THUD! I froze on the bed with my eyes bulging open in shock once the glass door leading to the terrace violently exploded at the impact. CRASH! Woobin slammed Seojun's sturdy weight with all his strength- sending the high-rank alpha staggering through the shower of raining shards. Shit!"NO!- WOOBIN! STOP!- WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" I screamed through the booming music as the guests cluelessly danced on the ground below."SHE'S NOT YOURS!- ARGH!" Woobin bellowed in extreme anger as he clutched Seojun's collar, roughly shoving the alpha backward- until Kim Seojun dangerously slanted over the high railing. I shrieked in fright as I scrambled over the shards to seize Woobin's biceps- but he was far too strong- so I screamed for help while waving my hands at the guests below... but the music was way too loud for them to hear... my desperate calls."HELP?! SOMEONE!?- EOMMA!?- APPA! APPA! BEOM?!- SOMEONE HELP US!" I screamed in tears while waving my hands in the air when... Jae Beom... suddenly caught a glimpse of my frantic movements. He glanced up at my terrace in confusion until he noticed... Choi Woobin... forcing Kim Seojun... over the railing. Beom's eyes widened in shock. Fwip! The alpha immediately shoved Soomin aside and sprinted through the pack of guests- roughly bumping into the twins- who flinched and spun around to watch Beom bolt inside the mansion. "LET ME GO!" Seojun gagged in pain when the eldest son roughly snatched the alpha's neck to strangle him with his pitch-black pupils. I cried in fear and quickly spun around to snatch the fallen lamp from the floor. I have to stop him or he'll kill Seojun! I screamed at the top of my lungs as I violently swung the lamp at Woobin's head- SMASH! Woobin suddenly loosened his grip at the harsh impact. Fwip! Seojun tried to shove the man off his body while fighting to maintain his balance over the deadly opening beyond the terrace... when Choi Woobin roared even louder... and thrust Kim Seojun backward with all his might.

"NO! SEOJUN!- *&^!%$!#?!!!-" I screamed- unconsciously flinging my body forward to seize Kim Seojun as he tilted off the railing right before I could seize him. The alpha's eyes widened in terror as he firmly gripped the eldest son's neck- YANK!The guests on the ground below dreadfully shrieked as Kim Seojun plunged off the railing- stubbornly towing Kim Woobin with him... until the man lost his grip... and the two... ended up... flinging themselves off the terrace during their deadly squabble. I screamed in utter shock while clutching onto Woobin's forearm over the railing until my feet suddenly floated off the floor as the two men dragged me with them- Swift! Someone snatched me backward just as my stomach slid over the edge- causing my eyes to widen in shock... once my sweaty fingers slipped from Woobin's shirt- and THUMP! They both disappeared from my blurry sight as Jae Beom roughly yanked me back to hold my trembling body against his pulsating chest."Shit!" Beom cursed, suddenly releasing my body from his clutch. I screamed, hysterically sprinting forward to lean over the railing in fear until found... Kim Seojun... and Choi Woobin... rolling on the field below in extreme pain.The elders gasped in bewilderment as they sprinted toward the injured men on the ground below. I cried in distress while gripping the railing- suddenly wobbling to the ground as my shaken heart pounded out of control. How can he be so stupid?! I was too overwhelmed by the frightening trauma to budge... but to grip my chest and bawl out my despair. Jae Beom deeply sighed and bent down to hurl my lightweight body off the floor with ease."Oppa," I sobbed as I clung to Jae Beom's neck. He gripped my quivering body and entered his bedroom to rest me on his mattress."Hajin! You have to stop seeing Woobin!" Beom snapped in my face, causing me to suck in my breath with my startled look. 
Third Person POV
"You- knew?-""Of course, I knew!" Beom scoffed. Hajin's face drained in fear as the warm tears spilled over her flushed cheeks."We're not seeing each other anymore! I don't know why he did that!" Hajin sobbed in distress. Beom frowned at her statement as she remained petrified on his bed."You're not with Woobin anymore?" Beom repeated while gripping her shoulders."No! We broke up almost a year ago!" Hajin sobbed while rubbing her flooding tears, but she couldn't contain her aching emotions... so the heiress bawled harder until she felt her chest tearing itself apart from the distressing situation."Appa and eomma will surely question the dispute!" Beom huffed in frustration as he crouched at the foot of his bed. Hajin helplessly sobbed while staring at her disappointed brother until he eventually exhaled and drew her frail body into his embrace, gently patting her back to comfort her shaken soul.
A moment later.
The twins worriedly examined Choi Woobin's beaten face, who was unconscious in their bedroom after the man fell off the first floor with Kim Seojun. The high-rank alpha was immediately rushed to the hospital by Kim Seokjin and his wife. Jang Sora sighed to ease the swelling discomfort from her chest as she watched the head doctor treat the eldest son's bleeding nose as he lay motionless on the twin's bed. The guests were escorted out of the property after the shocking fight that broke out on the terrace... and only the household was present to assist Woobin."What happened?" Taehyung glanced at Beom anxiously as he stood in the doorway with a straight face."Hyung thought Seojun was harassing Hajin. It was a misunderstanding," Beom lied."They were getting intimate?" Kanghoon blinked at Beom in surprise."Oh. Hajin and Seojun were doing their thing in her room... and hyung thought he was taking advantage of her. He's intoxicated and couldn't make sense of the situation," Beom nodded in exhaustion. Sora groaned in disbelief as she turned to hug her husband."Is Seojun alright?" Taehyung muttered while holding his wife's head against his chest. The grim chief guard frowned at his son's unfavorable condition with his arms folded over his buff chest."Minor injuries. Kim Seojun suffered a shallow gash to the side of his head... but he's alright," Do-hwan nodded."Thank god the terrace isn't that high," Woojin grumbled while inspecting the eldest son's bruised forehead."Everyone should head to bed," Taehyung exhaled as he escorted his wife out of the room.The twins released a hefty sigh as they worriedly settled on the spare king-size bed to watch the head doctor treat Woobin. Fwip. Jae Beom spun on his heels and entered Hajin's wrecked room to find his senseless sister resting on her bed. Soomin was dabbing a soaked towel over the heiress's forehead as imo massaged Hajin's shins to soothe her aching limbs. The maids had vacuumed the shards from the floor... but the room was still in ruins."She can't sleep with a broken door. It's too cold," Soomin worriedly glanced at her husband."She can share the bed with you. I'll sleep on the couch," Beom nodded, calmly walking over to lift Hajin off the bed. The third son carried his sister out of his room and rested her on his bed as Jeon Soomin crawled onto the mattress to sleep beside the feverish heiress, who cried herself to sleep. Beom spread his blanket over the couch before striding over to the cradle to check on his sleeping child and finally switched off the light to get a good night's sleep.
The next night.
Sora's POVI sat alone on the couch in the living room at midnight with a cup of warm honey tea... listlessly gazing at the flickering fireplace... during a windy autumn night when I heard soft footsteps strolling down the stairs. My husband appeared with his eyes half open."What are you doing?" Taehyung grumbled while strolling into the living room to settle beside me on the couch. I exhaled and lifted my arm to hug his shoulder as he slumped against my side."I can't sleep. Why are you down here? Go back to bed," I whispered, softly pecking his forehead."I can't sleep without holding your boobies," He grumbled as he lifted his hand to squeeze my boobs. "I'm almost in my 60s! You're still obsessed with my saggy breasts?" I faintly chuckled while patting his head."Doesn't matter. Nothing can comfort me like you do," Taehyung smiled, weakly tilting his face to admire me."Seokjin called this evening. Seojun is okay," I whispered."It was a misunderstanding. We'll get Woobin to apologize. Aigo~! His wedding is in three days, and he's got bruises on his face!" Taehyung grumbled.Woobin was never a hot-tempered soul, so I'm still shaken by his violent outburst. We could've gotten into trouble with the Kims if Seojun suffered severe injuries. If it weren't for Hajin... Seojun would've pressed a charge for the assault. I sighed again and kissed the side of my husband's head until I noticed... a presence on the floor landing above. I glanced up the staircase with a startled expression."Woobin! Sweetie, are you okay?! Doesn't your leg hurt?!" I gasped. Taehyung quickly straightened his body and glanced up the staircase as our eldest son strolled down the wooden steps with a bandaged head in his loose pajamas."I'm okay," Woobin murmured as he limped on his left ankle cast and slumped on the couch across from us. The head doctor claimed he fractured his ankle!"Should we call the head doctor? You don't look well," Taehyung muttered while eyeing the young man. Woobin shook his head with his wearied gaze on us. Why does he look so... broken?  I tensed my body while observing the misery in his pupils. "What's the matter?" I whispered with a slight pout. "You don't have to worry too much. Seokjin won't punish you. You only have to apologize to Seojun," Taehyung assured our son. Woobin gulped at my husband's assurance... until a single tear stream slid from his puffy eyes, causing my heart to stir at our son's pained expression."I don't want to marry Go Hera," Woobin whispered, tearfully lifting his torn gaze to us. I opened my mouth to speak but halted once I processed his words- and glanced at Taehyung, who was just as taken aback."What?- Why? The wedding is in three days," Taehyung frowned at Woobin."Honey. Did you fight with Hera? If so- you can talk-" I tried to speak when Woobin suddenly slid off the couch to kneel before us with his head lowered. I froze, unconsciously gripping Taehyung's sleeve as we examined the eldest son's strange behavior. Why is he kneeling...? The last time our son knelt before us... it was because he got a woman pregnant. So what is this one... guilty of? I'm anxious. Woobin weakly sobbed with his face lowered. I pursed my lips and glanced at his shaking shoulders. "Young man. Why are you-" Taehyung muttered with a restless frown- but couldn't finish his sentence when Woobin choked on his own tears while struggling to swallow the hot lump in his throat. He finally lifted his tear-glazed cheeks to face us... and I saw it instantly. Guilt. There was so much guilt in his eyes."Sweetie. Talk to us. What's the matter?" I gripped my fists with a troubled heart. Woobin said he's comfortable with Hera... so why is he weeping now? We never forced him to choose her."I love Hajin," Woobin choked. I paused... and stared at his bloodshot eyes with a blank mind. What...?"We know that. Why else would you protect Hajin-""No- I have been... sleeping with her," Woobin whimpered, apologetically lifting his hands to rub his palms together. Taehyung abruptly stiffened on the couch beside me with his unblinking gaze on the frightened young man."Sleeping? As in... laying together?" Taehyung questioned. Woobin sobbed and lowered his face again to release his warm tears while gripping his pants in extreme guilt."No- our relationship is sexual. We've had sex- and I've- held Hajin's precious body... with my lustful desires," Woobin confessed, fearfully lifting his face to stare at me with swelling tears. I quickly gripped my husband's wrist to prevent him from launching over the coffee table once I felt Taehyung tensing beside me."Woobin. Are you sure you're making sense?" I whispered with a terrified look. Woobin nodded in difficulty to confirm his acts and glanced at Taehyung in fear... who was staring at the man with an expressionless face. Crackle. The deep shadow dimly flickered over Woobin's dreadful frown to illuminate his... hot tears... dripping endlessly from his chin... and splattering onto the carpet below."Let me ask you one question," Taehyung muttered in a dangerously low tone. I gripped his wrist and glanced at Woobin again, who shook in extreme fear. What's happening?! I can't seem to make sense of the situation!"Yeobu-""Was it consensual? Did Hajin agree to let you touch her?" Taehyung pressed... until angry tears formed in my husband's deadly gaze. He's on the verge of exploding. Woobin pursed his lips and nodded again, causing my heart to sink in shock. I'm devastated! Why wasn't I aware of their relationship?!"I'm sorry. I lost control-""Jae Beom. Wake Hajin this instant," Taehyung suddenly glanced at the dark staircase above.Woobin and I quickly snapped our heads upward to find Beom standing by the railing in the dark to watch us from above. The third son exhaled and slowly walked away at his father's command... so I interlaced my fingers with my husband's to hold onto him. Taehyung shifted his dangerous glower back to Woobin... who remained frozen on the floor... too terrified to budge but to cry before us."Yeobu-""No. I will not react until I hear Hajin's words," Taehyung clenched his jaw to contain his raging anger. I worriedly glanced back at Woobin, who sobbed and lowered his head again until I heard faint footsteps on the floor landing. Hajin appeared... with a confused look.
Third Person POV
The heiress rubbed her sleepy eyes as she strolled down the stairs in her gown to find her parent staring unblinkingly at her from the couch... but halted at the base... once her eyes fell upon Choi Woobin... who was kneeling on the floor with burning tears over his cheeks. Hajin's face flashed in fright at the unsettling atmosphere, so she glanced back at her father's sharp stare as her mother anxiously pursed her lips."Sit," Taehyung nodded to the couch behind Woobin. Hajin stiffly gripped her gown and sat on the couch as instructed... with her blank gaze on Woobin's vibrating shoulders."Why did you wake me-""How long have you been together?" Taehyung grunted, darkening his dilated pupils on his daughter. Hajin froze in place, fearfully glancing at her mother with a startled look upon the unexpected confrontation."We are aware... Hajin-ah. Please. For once. Be honest with us," The mother begged with trembling lips. Hajin gripped her fingers in discomfort and glanced at Woobin... as he helplessly sniffled with his head lowered."Since I tripped him in the kitchen," Hajin exhaled. Kim Taehyung closed his eyes to recall the harsh prank she pulled on the eldest son... causing his wife to glance at the boiling father in fright. He's fighting hard to remain composed."And you have been- sleeping with each other since...?" Sora whispered with a pale expression. Hajin stared at her parents with a poker face and nodded without blinking."We did. I consented," Hajin admitted with a racing heart, yet she maintained a straight face to mask her fear."Which one of you two kindled the affair?" Taehyung fired the duo a fierce glare."I did. I kissed Woobin first... and I insisted that we sleep together," Hajin confessed. Taehyung stiffened in his seat with his startled gaze on his blank daughter before glancing at Woobin... until blood drained from the man's face."And you agreed? You're her brother!- What made you think this vile act is justified?!" Taehyung seethed in anger. Sora quickly scooted over the couch with a frightened pout to hug her husband's waist when he slightly jerked forward."I tried to-""Appa. We don't share the same blood. This isn't a sin. Why are you so worked up? I'm a mature woman, and he's a grown man. There's nothing wrong with our affairs," Hajin calmly stared at her agitated father. Huff! Taehyung screwed his face in distress and slumped back with a fuming hot breath. "He's marrying in three days with a fucking third-rank alpha! How do you expect the household to deal with this madness without upsetting the Go?!" Taehyung snapped, angrily jerking forward to glare at Hajin and Woobin."So? We already broke up. I don't care. You can marry him to whoever you want," Hajin muttered, dismissively shrugging with her arms crossed over her chest. Taehyung frowned at her unbothered response and glanced at Woobin in bewilderment, who suddenly sobbed and turned to kneel at Hajin's feet."You broke up?-" Sora scoffed."There's nothing left between us. We can pretend like nothing happened... and Woobin can marry Go Hera. I'm not against his marriage. Our affair was nothing but a disgrace to the family, so let's bury it. I'll marry the man you wish for me to marry," Hajin replied with a straight face. Taehyung frowned at his blank daughter and glanced at Woobin with a baffled look."So why are you confessing now? If it's over- Why bother disclosing your relationship?" Taehyung clenched his jaw at Woobin for an explanation. The eldest son sobbed as he lifted his shaky hand to hold Hajin's silk with a pleading look."I can't- I don't think I can live like this-""You agreed to marry her," Hajin whispered, dimly lowering her cold gaze to the man. Stab. The icy frost... painfully pricking his already bleeding chest. Woobin sniffled in despair as he rested his head on her knees while shaking his head to beg for her sympathy."Hajin- baby- please- You have no idea how badly I'm aching right now-""You said I'm a cursed disgrace to your life. I begged you repeatedly to resolve this issue before it was too late, but you never listened to my plea. Because you were so scared of ruining your name. Now that everything is too late? You're ugly crying... on your knees to beg like a pathetic fool? You're only putting our parents in a difficult position with the Go household," Hajin muttered coldly. Woobin's lips trembled at her apathetic response to his wounded soul- but he refused to give in and desperately clawed her gown to seek her pity."I love you more than anything! I was- afraid the household would reject our love! You know it takes a lot of courage to disclose our relationship!- I really didn't mean anything I said that day! I kept touching you because I was losing my mind over your potential marriage with Seojun! I'm sorry! Hajin- Please believe me this once!" Woobin begged in desperation, leaving the supreme alphas utterly shaken in their place. Jae Beom exhaled as he watched the oldest brother kneel on the floor... pathetically begging the heiress for her forgiveness."Get yourself together, Choi Woobin. There's no way out of this. Your flooding tears will never waver me, and I do not wish to ruin the household with your betrayal against the Go's daughter. You reap what you sow," Hajin exhaled, suddenly rising from her feet, causing Woobin to gasp in a panic. Thump! Thump! The man frantically crawled over the floor to hug her legs."Eomma!- Please allow me to love her! Please- I promise I'll care for her! I'll protect her! I'll die for her! Jebal!- I'll do anything for her!" Woobin wept in distress as he clung to Hajin's leg. The heiress exhaled in annoyance and glanced at her petrified parents as they gawked at the oldest brother's desperate pleas... who were shattering into bits at Kim Hajin's feet."I believe you two need to sort this out between yourself. It seems you haven't granted each other a proper closure," Sora exhaled, lowering her face to pinch her nose bridge. Taehyung blankly stared at the eldest son before shifting his startled gaze to his cold-blooded daughter in dread. The heiress has... inherited the icy cold prick from... her very own... blood mother.Kim Hajin coldly glanced down Woobin's bloodshot eyes as he stared at her in desperation. She tugged her leg from his filthy grip, causing Woobin to whimper in despair as Hajin lifted her gown and strode up the stairs with a blank expression... leaving the man's beaten heart to bleed from its torn gashes.An invisible wound that can't be seen or treated is now... terrorizing the man's soul with the grievous remorse of betraying the heiress. Jae Beom exhaled at the sight of Woobin's broken state and glanced at his cold-blooded sister as she passed him and strode toward the room with a blank gaze. The alpha exhaled again and glanced at Woobin... who was helplessly... kneeling on the floor with... dripping snots... bloodshot eyes... and a broken heart.
The Jang's love curse.

This kind of pain ... doesn't burn like a fire that scorches a heart with stinging blisters.

Rather. The poison pricks.
The deadly frost... jabbing through the beating heart... ruthlessly slashing the heartstrings to infect the victim's emotions with agonizing sorrows that taunt the heart... until the vital organ withers upon the lethal touch of the powerful curse- and-  Crack .The deadly frostbite... freezing the pulsating heart to disrupt the blood flow with its frost... causing one... to suffocate from the fatal numbness.  Shatter-
The frozen heart then... explodes like broken glass... dangerously flinging the piercing shards into the deep abyss... and ultimately shredding... one's soul with its... poisonous pricks.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Third Person POV
The mega corporation's lobby scuttled with the standby employees and guards as they hustled back and forth to prepare for the founder's arrival at their annual general meeting ceremony. The head secretary signaled the assistants to step aside once the leading directors and executives strode forward in formal attires to await by the opened glass entrance until a luxurious black van pulled up on the driveway, causing the guards to stiffen in place.The employed men and women of all levels immediately patted their formal attire with their attentive gaze trained on the car door in anticipation as a guard strode forward to slide open the door... and out came... the corporation's founder.Kim Taehyung confidently stepped into the opening in his neat fitted tuxedo, brushed back black hair with a golden lapel pin worn above his left suit jacket pocket. A glimpse of the alpha's bravery scars could be seen just... above his white collars, fitted neatly around his muscular neck— an imperfection adored by his beloved wife. The man puffed out his chest with pride as he stood in his polished Oxford shoes with his arm extended for his wife's hand until the first lady gracefully stepped through the van's door with a young baby girl on her hips. A direct clone of the mother. Jang Sora smiled at the tense crowd by the door as she stepped into the opening in a formal off-shoulder rose gold gown to match her daughter's thin strapped mini-size dress. The founder carefully stabilized his wife as she carried his young daughter, who glanced at the crowd with an uneasy expression in her wavy pigtails."Annyeonghaseyo~! Kim Kanghoon and Kim Woojin!" The twins shrieked, energetically hopping off the van in their matching black suits, causing the crowd to gasp at the sight of their adorable bunny teeth and sparkly doe eyes. The duo cutely bowed at staff with their hands clasped over their plump belly.

The crowd immediately lowered their head at the twins in response as they grinned proudly to show off their LED glasses... flashing a mixture of rainbow colors. The secretary pursed his lips and glanced at Taehyung again as the alpha reached inside the van to retrieve a younger boy, who appeared last... turning paler by the second once his eyes landed on the strangers by the entrance."Be on your best behavior," Sora patted the twin's shoulders. The identical duo cheekily beamed at the crowd until the employees were hypnotized by the blinking lights from the mini glasses. Kim Taehyung carefully adjusted Jae Beom against his hips, who quickly hugged his stepfather's neck and lowered his head to avoid looking at the intimidating crowd."Kaja," Taehyung smiled, tenderly sparing his hand to hold his wife's waist as she carried Kim Hajin on her hips. The twins grinned cutely and skipped forward with their glowing glasses until the crowd lowered their heads to welcome the founder and his spouse.Kim Taehyung nodded at his people to acknowledge their courtesy while guiding his wife through the lobby to enter the private elevator and took his family up to his private office. Jae Beom eventually lifted his head to scan the curious gazes of keen-looking staff before lowering his face again to snuggle against Taehyung's neck with a timid frown.The father gently patted his stepson's back to comfort him as the twins shrieked at their silly reflection on the glass compartment wall, funnily pointing at each other as their glasses flickered with random colors. The supreme alphas failed to confiscate the glasses from the mischievous duo earlier during the car ride to the operation, so they compromised. The twins promised to avoid trouble, only if they were allowed to flaunt their cool glasses. The elevator door finally sealed closed from the employees... and the couple eventually ascended to the reserved floor with their children.
A moment later.
"Whoa~! So cool~! Do we get to work in this office too when we're older, eomma?! I want to be like appa~!" Kanghoon screeched as he spun counterclockwise on his father's leather armchair."We will work hard! So we can buy eomma and appa's nice things!" Woojin shrieked in agreement as he yanked open all the drawers at the desk in curiosity to snoop at his father's documents."Don't touch appa's file~!" Sora warned while changing Beom's clothes on the couch. The child ended up puking his early morning breakfast due to the pressure of his social anxiety. He's not fond of formal suits... so the mother brought spare clothes, knowing he might ask to change out of his attire."Hungry~! Where is food?!" Hajin whined while tip-toeing on her sparkly pink heels to peek over her father's work desk.  "Kids~! Stay calm!- Don't touch appa's desk!" Sora whined as she removed the suit from Beom's plump body before pulling on a loose yellow shirt and short pants over his chubby limbs. Jae Beom isn't as energetic as his siblings, but the child enjoys their company. The child weakly smiled as he watched his siblings stir up trouble within the corporate office while sitting beside his mother on the couch. Hajin funnily kicked off her sparkly pink heels to free her sore toes and skipped around the desk with a bright beam. "Eomma~! Appa said he'll bring us juice!" Woojin whined, impatiently standing up with an annoyed frown once he found nothing interesting inside his father's drawers. Kim Hajin sneakily crawled under the desk in her ruffle socks to grab Kanghoon's leg, causing her older brother to shriek in surprise and seize Hajin from beneath the platform. She giggled and climbed the armchair with Kanghoon, so he secured her body and pulled his baby sister onto his lap. "Appa has a brief meeting~! Stay calm!- He'll be back!" Sora chuckled as she fixed Beom's shirt. Little Beom beamed at his mother and hopped off the couch to join his siblings at his father's desk."Hyung~! Can I borrow the glasses~?" Beom giggled as he tugged Woojin's shirt. The older brother spun around from the glass wall, snatched the colorful glasses from his face, and placed them on Beom's high nose bridge."Sit still! I'll spin you~!" Woojin shrieked, suddenly skipping forward to spin the armchair as Kanghoon hugged Hajin on his lap. Sora chuckled as she watched the twin boy tease his siblings before glancing at Beom, who was groping the air with his tiny palms. The child funnily rotated on his feet with the twinkling glasses to stare at the mesmerizing illusion with a starstruck expression. "Ah!- AH! Oppa~! Stop! I'm dizzy~!" Hajin complained as she gripped the handrest with a pouty expression when the armchair wouldn't stop spinning like a whirlpool. Woojin grinned evilly and rotated the chair faster, causing Kanghoon to chuckle in excitement while spinning with his agitated baby sister on his lap."Yah! Hajin will vomit!" Taehyung shrieked, suddenly storming inside the office with a snack tray. Woojin immediately caught the armchair to stop his siblings from spinning before skipping forward to grab Taehyung's trousers as the man settled the plate on the table. Hajin cutely whined out loud as she struggled to defy her dizziness, causing Kanghoon to laugh at her pouty lips."Woah~!" Woojin shrieked as Kanghoon settled Hajin on the floor. The young girl funnily toppled into the Beom with her dizzy mind, so the third brother quickly supported his sister's wobbly body and dragged her across the office as Kanghoon skipped toward the delicious snacks on the coffee table. "Take off the glasses! It'll ruin your vision!" Taehyung snapped, quickly snatching the glasses from Beom's eyes, and handed them to Sora, who quickly shoved her children's glasses away before fixing her loose bun with the jade hairpin... gifted by her husband long before their marriage. The man smiled at the golden lining around the accessory in her hair as he took off his suit."Appa! Are we going to your apartment today~?" Kanghoon asked as he munched on a snack. Hajin grabbed a mini muffin as Beom hugged Sora's waist on the couch, so she lifted a chocolate cookie and handed it to the baby. Jae Beom prefers to have his mother select the food for him."I'll take all of you shopping if you behave," Taehyung chuckled while upcapping a water bottle and handed it to his wife. Sora accepted the mineral water and drank from the bottle as Woojin plopped directly on the polished floor to chew a peanut butter bread."All four at once? That's a nuisance," Sora chuckled. How will they manage four children at a supermarket? They'd need a leash on their collars to keep the little dumplings in check. Taehyung shook his head with a faint smile as he settled beside Beom and lifted the chubby child to seat him on his lap.Jae Beom offered Taehyung his cookie, so the father took a big bite, purposely devouring the snack to tease the innocent soul, causing Beom to pout in shock once he realized his precious cookie had entirely disappeared into his father's big mouth. Sora softly chuckled while shaking her head as her husband grinned at Beom's startled reaction with a stuffed cheek.Although Beom was disappointed by his father's greed... he didn't express his frustration, yet the child couldn't help but pout to mourn his lost cookie. The alpha eventually reached over the table for another cookie from the plate, replacing the one he had eaten in Beom's greasy fingers to appease the traumatized baby jaguar, who lit up again at the sight of a new offer."Five, you too. You can get whatever you want today," Taehyung winked at Sora. She chuckled at the smug man while dabbing Kanghoon's lips to wipe the smudge from her son's lips."Appa is feeling generous today~!" Sora sang while pinching Kanghoon's cheeks as Hajin wiggled beside Woojin on the floor with her tiny legs spread apart. The family had a little snack time in the founder's office until Taehyung received reports from the secretary, so he stayed in the noisy space to review the documents before concluding his work for the day and took his family out into the city for a bonding break.
A moment later.
Sora's POV"Eomma~! Can we have this too~?" Kanghoon asked while pointing at a toy gun on the rack."You can spend as much as you want. It's appa's treat," I smiled. Taehyung gets upset if we don't splurge his money enough, so we have to reach his ideal budget... which is... limitless. He loves to see a significant shift in his account digits, so we'd have to spend a lot to ensure his satisfaction. My husband claims the more we spend... the more he's motivated to work and provide for our family. Weird man."Yay~!" Woojin giggled as he hauled the heavy box from the shelf and flung it inside our cart."Puppy would love this," I mumbled while crouching at the pet section to pick out the toys until Taehyung appeared with Hajin... who was dragging her own mini cart with a pouty expression. Oh?- Hajin was cheerful earlier? Why is she grumpy again?"Eomma~! Appa is so mean!" Hajin whined, suddenly dropping the cart handle, and rushed forward to hug me with an upset frown. I gripped her tiny body, unsurely glancing at Taehyung as he held Beom's hand with a slight grimace. He took the younger heirs to the nearby aisle earlier."Wae? What's the matter? You've got plenty of toys!" I giggled, pulling away to examine the loaded toy in her basket. Still, Hajin didn't seem pleased and fired her father a cute side glare with her upside-down lips."Appa said I can't get a husband!" Hajin shrieked. I froze at her silly statement and glanced at Taehyung with a questioning look."H-Husband...? I don't think they sell your husband here-""They do!- Over there!" Hajin whined while pointing to the other side of the supermarket with an offended look."Hah~! How can she think of getting a husband at this age?!- This is ridiculous!" Taehyung scoffed as the twins handed Beom a small duck toy they found on the rack."What did she try to get?" I asked my husband as he dimmed his gaze on Hajin's resentful frown. The father and daughter coldly stared at one another, fiercely challenging each other to a deadly eye contact."See for yourself," Taehyung rolled his eyes, finally glancing away with an annoyed look before bending down to scoop Beom off the floor. Aigo~! I initially thought my husband would be protective of our daughter after I birthed her, and I definitely thought he'd spoil her- but they fight and argue so much over trivial things! They're bittersweet enemies! Hajin whined again, hastily snatching my hand to drag me away on her mini struts... so I cluelessly followed her as Taehyung steered the heavy cart after us while carrying Beom on his hips. My daughter dragged me past a few aisles until we ended up in a section filled with... popstar merchandise. I stared at the rows of... albums... magazines... key chains... mugs... cups... lightsticks... banners... and so much more... plastered with the faces of beautiful male and female stars. "See?!- This husband! This husband!- And also this husband!- So handsome! I want one!" Hajin pointed to a cute fan picket of a handsome idol with blonde hair and mochi soft cheeks."This is your husband...?" I giggled, briefly glancing down at Hajin's demanding frown as Taehyung pushed the cart after me with a bitter look. So that's why her father is so upset?! Ahaha~! This is hilarious!"Yes! Can I have him?!" Hajin firmly nodded with her tiny finger pointed at the blonde idol's fan.

"We're more handsome than him!" The twins shrieked as they examined the handsome superstars with cheeky smiles, causing Hajin to fire them a disgusted look. "Right?!- Look at appa! I'm the most handsome man! Why would you want to look at another man?! He's so ugly!" Taehyung scoffed as he settled Beom back on the floor. The uptight father strolled forward with his hands on his firm hips to scold Hajin, who didn't back away and glowered at her towering father with funny puffed cheeks and angry bird brows."But appa is already eomma's husband!- I want one too! A handsome husband!" Hajin shrieked at her father. I snorted out loud at her fierce demand for a husband. She's all grown!"Araso~! You can have him~!" I giggled while reaching out for the fan picket- Slap! Taehyung harshly smacked my hand with a disapproving look, causing me to gasp in shock as the man fired me a warning look."You shouldn't fall so easily for any man~! No husband!- Not until you're old enough! Let's go~!- She's barely five!- Kids these days are easily influenced by what they see on screen! I won't let her watch those shows anymore!" Taehyung snapped, suddenly dragging me away in extreme annoyance. Hajin whined at her father's refusal to buy her husband and stomped her feet over the floor to express her frustration... but Taehyung ignored her tantrum and dragged me with him, so the twins head-locked their baby sister and yanked her forward as Taehyung pushed the cart away from the aisle."Yeobu!- Where's Beom?!" I gasped, abruptly pausing to search the aisle.... but my third son had disappeared from our radar. Taehyung quickly pushed the cart through the supermarket to peek through the aisles with a drained expression."He was here a moment ago~!" Taehyung whined in disbelief."Beom?! Beom-ah! Baby Beom~!" I called while racing past the aisles to search for my son with a worried frown. How can he stray off on his own?!"Duck~! Look for ducks!" Taehyung snapped as he steered the cart after me, so I ran off alone as the father took the children into the fragrance section. Where did he go?! He's not the type to leave our side! Not out in an unfamiliar public place like this!"Beom!- Sweetie~!" I gasped, quickly sprinting forward once I spotted the chubby boy staring at the clothes section. The child turned around with a startled look as I frantically crouched down to cup his cheeks with an anxious pout. He almost gave me a heart attack!"Can I have this?" Beom asked, innocently pointing at the rack with squished cheeks, so I blinked... and glanced at the tiny duck-themed underpants with my lips pursed."You want underwear?" I laughed, unsurely lifting the tiny underwear to examine the material."I want ten of them," Beom muttered while touching the cute patterned underwear. He sure knows how to scare me!"Did you find him?!" Taehyung shouted anxiously as he pushed the cart forward with the other siblings."He wants underwear," I chuckled, standing up to ruffle Beom's hair and showed my husband the cute underpants. Taehyung scoffed in disbelief as I placed the bundle of duck underwear in the cart."Duckies are nice," Beom softly muttered as he glanced up at his father's disapproving frown.The man pinched his nose bridge in distress at the presence of his son's innocence.. before glancing at the clothing section with an uptight look. Taehyung would definitely snap and lecture the twins and Hajin, but once it comes to baby Beom... the father can only swallow his raging temper and respond calmly. It's hard to scream at Beom when he's so... gullible.
The child rarely misbehaves... so how can we scold him? He only wants underpants.
"Should we get a family set?" I suggested while pointing at the family set of duck-themed clothes.Taehyung scoffed at me with a funny look before glancing down at Beom's... irresistible puppy stare. The man eventually nodded in defeat, so I strolled forward to select the correct size for ourselves and grabbed a set for the other children as well. Beom ended up... buying all the clothes and socks with ducks on them... and we finally checked out the items at the counter with a cart load of items. Taehyung stood outside the supermarket's exit with the twins and Beom, leaving me to deal with the transactions as Hajin stood beside me at the cashier counter."Appa is so mean," Hajin grumbled. I glanced away from the screen and looked downward to find Hajin gripping my dress with a resentful grimace."Go and grab your husband. Hurry," I nudged her. Hajin suddenly beamed at my encouragement and sprinted away to fetch her fan picket, swiftly returning without her father's notice- so I grabbed it from her hand and placed it on the cashier counter while clipping my husband's black card between my fingers."You're the best, eomma~!" Hajin giggled as she clung to my hand and bit down on her lips in extreme excitement. Taehyung is envious of our daughter's interest in another man. It's natural for a father to behave strictly with his daughter, but Hajin is also a young girl with dreams and desires. I do not wish for her to conceal her feelings from us due to the fear of being scolded, so it's best if I gain her trust in me.
If she can't tell her father... I'm sure she'll come to me once she needs help.
I smiled and glanced at Taehyung, who was gossiping at the exit with the boys. They chuckled at their father's joke, so he ruffled their hair until the cashier packed our goods. My husband eventually strolled back inside to grab our bags and placed them in the family van before driving us to a high-class restaurant with a view of the city night. We had a lovely family dinner throughout the night and finally left the building to rest at Taehyung's unoccupied apartment.
Imo and my father... visited the hospital for a health checkup again earlier this morning... and we couldn't leave the kids alone at home... so we decided to bring them along. We often go on family trips together, but Taehyung never brought all of them to his workplace because it would be a nuisance. We had no choice today. That's why they're here with us in the city.
"Woah~! This is where appa lives?!" Hajin gasped as she examined the apartment with her mouth ajar."Ahah! We lived here before!- Appa made us plain porridge every day!" The twins shrieked as they barged inside the bedroom to check on their bed in extreme contentment."Is that hyung...?" Beom pointed to a picture frame on the cabinet while tugging my leg."Yup! They look sick, don't they?- Eomma had to deal with their nasty snot every day~!" I grinned at the twin's fetus pictures with slimy fluids dripping from their nostrils.Oh, those times! They were always sick! Beom laughed at his older brother's filthy appearance, and eagerly glanced around the apartment as the father organized the snacks and food in the kitchen. I bathed the kids first as my husband took care of the groceries we bought to sort them in the cabinets. And we eventually showered in the stall together before stepping out in our set of yellow pajamas. I did a soft twirl in the yellow duckie gown for the excited kids on the beds."So cute!" Beom chuckled with an approving thumbs-up while staring at us. The overly excited boy glanced down at his matching clothes with his siblings as they happily rolled on the two beds in yellow duck pajamas, filling the room with soft chortles and chatters. What's true happiness? It's the giggles of my children and family. 
Their presence... always soothing my soul and... warming my heart.
"We're a duck family today~!" Taehyung chuckled, strolling forward to embrace Beom on the bed, who wouldn't stop giggling at our family's duck pajamas."Eomma! How are we going to sleep~?" The twins curiously asked as they sat on their bed with their old stuffed animals. I glanced at Beom and Hajin on the other bed with a weak smile."I'll sleep with you two-""No~! You four must share one bed! Mommy must sleep with daddy~!" Taehyung swiftly seized Beom and Hajin's light bodies in either arm and flung the children onto the twin's bed, causing them to shriek in a panic as they bounced into their older brothers, who gasped and caught the babies with a startled look. How can he carelessly toss our children across the room?!"Too crowded!" Hajin whined, quickly sitting up in her yellow gown."I don't care! Eomma is mine!" Taehyung smirked, possessively grabbing my waist, and drew me onto his bed... so I hugged his back and rolled onto the mattress with him."That's unfair! You have so much space!" Woojin whined while glaring at his father, who swung his leg over my bum to lock me in and tightly held me against his chest over our spacious king-size bed. The children complained in annoyance upon their father's refusal to share his spacious bed, so I kissed Taehyung's lips and sat up to gaze at the pack of innocent ducklings as they pouted at us from their crowded mattress.
A moment later.
I patted the twins' upper backs on either side of my body as I cradled them on the bed with their heads rested on my upper arms. Faintly smiling... I lowered my face to kiss their foreheads as they snuggled against my chest with their arms wrapped around my waist to hold me in their sleep. It's rare for us to sleep together like this. I glanced at the other bed where Hajin slept between Taehyung and Beom with each of her legs hooked over their bellies.Taehyung slept on his side with his arm extended over Hajin and Beom's tummy to hold the youngest children. We couldn't let them sleep together on the same bed because the twins stir and grumble a lot... and Beom is a light sleeper, so Taehyung and I agreed to share the bed with each pair. I eventually dozed off with my family... until... I felt a slight movement grazing my feet."Yeobu," Taehyung grumbled at the foot of the bed while tapping my cold feet to wake me in the middle of the night. I blinked in confusion, carefully sitting up between the twins to examine my husband in extreme bafflement. Why is he waking me?"What's the matter..?- AH!-" I asked hoarsely but was cut short when my husband seized my ankles and tugged me over the mattress, hastily jerking me off the foot of the bed. I gasped in shock and grabbed hold of his forearm for support with my eyes... bulging open at his startling act. Why the hell did he pull me like that?! The man grumbled nonsense under his breath as he effortlessly lifted me by my waist and carried me out of the room, so I clung to his neck in bewilderment. Is he sleepwalking?!"I can't sleep without you," Taehyung mumbled, gently tossing me onto the couch in the living room. I rubbed my blurry eyes as he walked back inside the bedroom to tuck in the twins, grabbed a spare blanket from his drawers, and returned to climb the couch with me. I exhaled at my husband's demand to sleep with me and slumped on the spare cushions as he pulled the blanket over our bodies. He warmly back-hugged me into the dark living room, so I sighed and glanced at his puffy face over my shoulder as the man adjusted his position beside me. "It's just for one night," I whispered as he sleepily groped my breasts. I turned to lay on my back with a slight grimace on his barely open eyes. He's half awake. "You must remain with me every night," He hoarsely whispered. I chuckled, slightly tilting my face to kiss his lips, and eventually turned on my side to face him and lowered my arm to hold his waist. He has a habit of fondling my boobs until he drifts off to sleep. Aigo~! How did he sleep without me before?"You're a greedy man," I giggled. Taehyung softly scoffed and hugged me tightly with his face snuggled against mine, so I gently stroked beneath his shirt to feel the raised scar over his chest with my fingertips."You're all I have," He muttered. Smiling, I closed my eyes and scooted forward to snuggle against his pulsating chest. He pulled the blanket up to my shoulder and gently patted my back to put me to sleep while sharing the couch with me, leaving our children to share the spacious beds in the cozy bedroom. Actually, I can't sleep well without his warmth. I've grown used to absorbing the soothing heat from his bare skin and would unconsciously fumble my fingers under his shirt to feel his bare flesh. He's my greatest comfort. 
Early Morning
"Where are you up so early...?" I grumbled, groggily rolling over the couch to find Taehyung stretching in the living room in his pajamas. It's still dark outside."I'll go jogging," Taehyung muttered as I sleepily sat up to rub my heavy eyelids."I want to go too," I blinked at him. Taehyung scoffed."You hate jogging! You always complain and whine!" Taehyung huffed."You're too handsome. You might meet a sexy young lady with a great body proportion- and she might steal you from me~!" I grumbled, quickly getting up to hold his waist with a big pout. I must be wary of my husband's whereabouts! If he's not traveling to work- then I must cling to him so he won't waver from me!"Cheat on you...? At the risk of being murdered by our children? No, thank you," Taehyung teased, softly lowering his head to peck my lips, causing me to giggle with a swollen face as I clung to his waist.
A moment later.
"Hah~!- Yeobu~! I'm tired!- Break- I need a break!" I whined while struggling to keep up with my husband. Taehyung briefly turned to glare at me after I fell a few steps behind him. He eventually halted over the track and placed his hands on his hips with a bitter look as I dragged my sore feet up to him. He runs so fast! This isn't jogging! He's running a marathon- and my boobs won't stop jiggling!

"I knew it!" Taehyung sneered, firing me an annoyed look."You've been running for over half an hour~!" I shrieked, finally halting before the man in the dark park with an annoyed grimace. I can barely breathe right now!"It's been fifteen minutes!- I'm not even jogging that fast since you insisted- that we wear our couple pajamas instead of changing into proper sportswear! How am I supposed to run with this slipper?!" Taehyung scoffed, sorely glancing down at his black slipper as I stood in a fluffy pair. We are still dressed in matching yellow pajamas because I didn't want to change."Five minutes! I need to breathe!- Are you trying to kill me so you can marry a younger woman?!" I snapped, weakly slumping on the bench to fan my fuming face, and gasped in discomfort with sweat dripping down my hairline."You're the one with the most potential to marry a younger man!" Taehyung grunted, rudely strolling off without me. I glared at the man's back as he brushed back his soaked hair and jogged away, leaving me alone in the park. He can go wherever! I'll just sleep here until another handsome man finds me and makes me his wife! Tsk~! How can he expect me to be fit when I've already delivered four children?!- He should be grateful that my womb is still intact at this rate! I huffed and lay down on the bench with my arms crossed over my pulsating chest.

"Oh no!- What if he sees a pretty woman with a fit physique?!" I shrieked, suddenly jolting upward with a bewildered look. That's dangerous! This man is wealthy and hot! I can't lose him to anyone!- Child support is very important- especially when I have five children! I gasped, frantically scrambling off the bench, and sprinted over the path in a panic to search for my missing husband. I don't need his money to raise my children- but he's a super rare baby daddy! I need him to assist me with the exhausting labor work of raising five children! I nervously scanned the passersby as they roamed the park for their morning fitness routine until I noticed Taehyung.... helping a young woman onto her feet over the pavement. I knew it! He is a living magnet!"Are you okay?" Taehyung asked as he tugged the woman onto her feet. I gawked at her curvy body figure with a startled expression as she held onto my husband's forearm."I'm fine. Thank you-""Yeobu~!" I screamed from a distance with an upset frown, causing Taehyung and the woman to flinch in a panic at my high-pitched squeal. The stupid husbandman quickly glanced at me as the woman dusted her bleeding knees, so I puffed my cheeks and raced forward in my loose duck gown until I reached Taehyung. Snatch! I hastily hooked my arm around his forearm to yank him from her grip. The woman pursed her lips and glanced at our matching outfits with a startled look."You're a couple," She smiled."Yes! Nice to meet you and goodbye!" I forced a smile, hurriedly steering my husband away, causing Taehyung to chuckle at my possessive nature, so he lowered his arm to hold my waist as I struggled to contain my shaky breath."You are quick~!" He nudged my shoulder. I glared at the man in annoyance while clinging to his forearm."My husband is rich and handsome! I must be quick!" I shrugged. He grinned, pulling his arm away from my clutch to hold my shoulder, so I hugged his waist with a big pout as he steadily strolled over the path."You're richer and much more attractive than me, woman," He smirked. "I have to try so hard to be pretty! You're effortless!- People will stare at you even if you're dressed in duck pajamas!" I snapped while eyeing the passerby, who would repeatedly glance at our childish clothes.

"They probably think we're cute," Taehyung shrugged, briefly glancing down at me. I smiled and gently groped his firm ass as we strolled over the path until we spotted a group of elders stretching together on the grass field. I shrieked and insisted on joining them. Taehyung tried to drag me away, but I refused and sprinted toward halmeoni and harabeoji to join them. They happily welcomed me into their pack... so I imitated their movements with an eager smile."Sway your hips in a circular motion~!" The leader informed while rotating her hips. The other participants followed her movement, so I swirled my hips in a circular motion with my hands on my hips as Taehyung copied the movement with a sour grimace. He didn't look pleased to be amongst the ahjussi and ajumma."Hey! You're barely moving! Don't be lazy~!" I scolded my husband. He fired me a bitter look and rotated his hips harder."Arms in the air~! Stretch upward on your toes~!" The lady firmly instructed. I clasped my hands together and reached upward to stretch my strained body with a satisfied beam. Ah! This is relieving! Taehyung lifted his arms over his head without stretching, so I fired him a warning glare. The man grumbled and stretched his body beside me. This is much more fun than jogging~!"Imagine you're sitting on a chair and squat~! Oh~! Isn't it pleasing...?" The lady smiled as she squatted before us with her legs apart. I pursed my lips until my cheeks puffed up while struggling to maintain my balance before glancing at the elders who were effortlessly performing the movement. I'm still young!- Why is it so difficult?!- I huffed and squatted in determination. My ass hurts!-"ARGH!" Taehyung suddenly gasped, causing me to snap my head in his direction in a panic as he stiffly clutched his back while squatting over the grass."Omo?!- Young man!" A grandfather shrieked, quickly supporting my husband's forearm, who suddenly lost his balance and wobbled onto the grass. Thump! Taehyung groaned in extreme discomfort."Yeobo~!" I screeched, quickly standing up in my gown, and hurried over to grab his forearm."My back~! Ah~!" Taehyung whined as harabeoji helped him sit up on the ground."Is he okay?!" The crowd gasped, hurriedly rushing over to surround my husband, whose face flushed in embarrassment as I worriedly rubbed his aching lower back. "My husband suffers chronic back pain," I shyly smiled at the concerned elders to assure them of his condition."Aigo~! You're still young~! How are you so stiff already?!- You should stretch more!" Halmeoni gasped as I drew my husband back onto his feet. Taehyung seethed in extreme difficulty while holding my shoulder as I supported his weight with my arms secured around his hips. "My wife makes me work my hips every night until she's satisfied! This is the result of my hard work!" Taehyung exclaimed, causing my eyes to widen in shock. Huh?! The seniors suddenly burst out laughing at my husband's joke and glanced at me with wide grins."Oppa~!" I whined, flushing bright red while supporting his heavy body."Aigo~! Don't overwork your husband~! We men- get really tired if we work too much~!" Harabeoji chuckled. I grinned and hugged Taehyung's waist, so we briefly chatted with the elders and eventually left the site... so I could settle my husband on the bench."We should visit the hospital~!" I whined while massaging his hips and glanced at the now bright sky above our heads. We should return before the kids wake up, but Taehyung is aching too much to walk. Aigo~! "I only need my wife's support," Taehyung chuckled, weakly lowering his head to my shoulder, so I pouted and patted his back on the bench. "Let's contact the head doctor's son before we leave," I shook my head with a restless feeling.Taehyung sighed and hugged my waist... so I patted his shoulder, patiently waiting for the man's discomfort to subside before getting up from the bench to stroll over the path. We ended up in a nearby cafe to purchase our morning drinks and bread for the kids in our yellow pajamas. The customers and staff would eye our colorful outfits with weak smiles as Taehyung stood beside me to read the menu."Oh~! This is delicious~!" I grinned, happily slurping the fresh milk with sweet potatoes while walking beside Taehyung as he carried the paper bags in his hands. The man lowered his head for a taste, so I fed him through the straw."Not as good as your juice," Taehyung shrugged. I giggled and hugged his waist as we strolled over the morning sidewalk. We chatted all the way back to the building complex... and finally entered the apartment... only... to be greeted by the... blaring music. 
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Taehyung and I gasped at the loud shrieks, hurriedly rushing inside the apartment but halted abruptly- once we found the children jumping all over the couch while wiggling their bodies to the upbeat music on the television. Hajin screamed and cheered like a maniac with the fan picket in her hand when her favorite popstar appeared on the stage. The twins bounce around with the fake microphones and blinking glasses in their pajamas, causing my jaw to drop in shock at the sight of the scattered feathers in the living room before glancing at the... white face masks... on each of their faces."Hey!- The neighbor will summon the police on us!" Taehyung gasped, quickly racing forward to switch off the television."Oh?!- Husband!- Appa! Husband!!! MY HUSBAND?!- ^#*%$!?!-" Hajin screamed with the white face mask on her face and angrily smacked her father with her fan picket. Fwip! Taehyung snatched the fan from her tiny grasp- just as the twins hurled a handful of feathers at their father's face for disrupting them. POOF!"How did you get this?!" Taehyung scoffed while waving the picket over his young daughter."Eomma said I can have it~!" Hajin whined, aggressively snatching it from her father's grip. Taehyung scoffed and fired me a disapproving glare, so I shrugged and walked into the messy living room to sit on the couch covered in feathers when- WIGGLE!"AH~!" Beom shrieked beneath my heavy bum. I gasped in shock, abruptly launching upward to find Jae Beom jolting into a sitting position on the couch with a sleepy expression. The child was under the heap of feathers?!"Who told you to use eomma's face masks?!" Taehyung snapped as he dropped the bags from his clutch and quickly yanked the slimy mask off the twin's face before turning to snatch it off Hajin."We want to look pretty like the popstar~!" The twins grinned while dabbing the moist essence over their soft skin. I ruffled the feather from Beom's wild hair while frowning at my son, who was still half asleep- clearly cluelessly of the troubles stirred by his siblings. "Whose idea was it to stir up this mess?!" Taehyung snapped at the three siblings."Jae Beom!!!" The twins and Hajin pointed at the third son without hesitation. Taehyung and I glanced at the sleepy child again to find him sitting... with his eyes closed. Silence. We glanced back at the trio with a skeptical frown as they stood before the extensive television screen with a nervous look. "Beom...? You're telling me Beom told you to spill the feathers from the cushion?!- He told you to blast music early in the morning when he doesn't like loud sounds!- And he told you to put on eomma's face masks!?" Taehyung scoffed while holding the slimy masks before their frightened doe eyes."Yes! Right, Beom!?!-" The trio snapped their intense stares to Beom again."Oh?- Neh," Beom nodded with his eyes closed- Flop! The child weakly slumped back onto the couch without processing the situation and dozed off over the cushion with his lips ajar. How can he agree to cover his sibling's troubles like this?! Taehyung scoffed at the guilty children and picked up the bags to place them in the kitchen before hurling the face masks in the bin as I frowned at their guilty expressions.
A moment later.
I weakly smiled from the kitchen counter while watching the four siblings pack the light feathers back into the cushion covers... one by one.... at a time. Their upset father strictly instructed them to clean up the mess or he won't feed them their morning meals. Beom... being the kind-hearted soul he is... did not attempt to justify his innocence and helped his siblings tidy up the living room without a fuss. The man stormed out of the bedroom and approached me as I chopped the ingredients on the wooden board."Appa~! We're hungry~!" The twins whined while stuffing the feathers on the couch. "Achew~!" Beom sneezed repeatedly but didn't complain and quietly zipped a cushion before crawling over the floor to help Hajin, who was pouting in her yellow gown as she knelt with her striking messy hair."No! I want the living room in its initial condition! You can't eat until the place is squeaky clean!" Taehyung snapped as he rounded the counter to sit on the stool beside me. The man unpacked the bag to draw out a croissant, causing the kids to gulp in hunger while watching their father eat by my side.

"Don't be so mean to them," I smiled and briefly glanced at my moody husband. He fed me the warm bread, so I accepted it and glanced at the grumpy siblings with a slight pout. Why is he always so strict with them...?"I'm not raising spoiled brats. The only spoiled brat I can tolerate is you," Taehyung grumbled. I chuckled and nudged his shoulder with a faint smile. Smack. Taehyung spanked my bum as he narrowed his dark gaze on the children from the counter. Hajin suddenly leaned toward Beom and whispered in his ear. The youngest daughter nudged her older brother to encourage him... who blinked nervously in our direction. Beom suddenly got up from the floor to dust the feather from his clothes... and gradually... he inched toward the kitchen with his timid gaze on us."What are you doing here...?" Taehyung asked, blankly glancing down at little Beom as the child awkwardly stood by the stool with his puppy gaze tilted up at his father. The child glanced at the half-eaten croissant and back at his father as the man coldly chewed his food. "Can Beom have a bite...?" Beom asked, blinking nervously at Taehyung. The child is shorter than the stool... so he had to tilt his head all the way upward to beg his father for food."Which one of them sent you?" Taehyung lifted his thick eyebrow."I'm hungry-""I'll give you a bite if you snitch on your siblings," Taehyung smirked. Beom pursed his lips at his father's reasonable offer, tiptoed to peek at the bag on the counter to check on the variety of snacks, and glanced back at Taehyung to contemplate the risky deal. Gurgle. Beom's stomach growled loudly, making me chuckle at his cuteness as I sliced the cucumbers on the chopping board."I'll have water," Beom mumbled, suddenly wandering away from his father to tug my skirt, so I poured cool water into a small glass, and handed it to Beom, who took the cup and strolled back into the living room to hand Hajin the water. She whined and glared at her older brother after he failed to fetch her food, causing Taehyung to chuckle at their cuteness."Sorry," Beom mouthed his agitated sister and glanced at the twins as they frantically shoved the feathers into the cushion... so they could eat their meal. "Kids~! Leave everything there~! Eomma will handle it. Come and eat while the bread is still warm~!" I called while scraping the carrots off the chopping board to place them in the bowl."Yay!- Eomma is the best~!" The twins shrieked, happily flinging the cushions aside, and raced forward on their socks. Hajin beamed and followed the twins, so they helped the younger siblings onto the stools first... before climbing the chair to sit across from us at the counter. I grabbed the bag to pull out the fresh baked goods and placed it on the counter so they could freely pick their snacks."You should be grateful eomma has your back!- Because I could've fed every one of you plain porridge as a punishment!" Taehyung teased."We'll feed you plain porridge too when you're too old to walk!" The twins poked out their tongues."Ohoh?!" Taehyung scoffed in shock. I laughed at their playful exclamation and shook my head in disbelief. The twins wiggled their bodies in glee as they munched their bread, so I placed chopped-up vegetables in a small bowl and slid it toward Beom. He's the only child willing to eat fruits and vegetables. Beom offered Hajin a slice of carrot but she shook her head and munched on her pink donut with a brilliant beam."Don't be mean to appa~!" I smiled at the twins."We'll take care of eomma!- Not appa! He can eat plain porridge once he's old!" Woojin grinned."You rascals!" Taehyung playfully tossed the roll-up bag at their face. The twins shrieked funnily as they swatted the bag away and poked out their tongues at their offended father again. Taehyung suddenly pouted and hugged my waist, so I patted his head to comfort him as the man playfully teased the kids."Beom will take care of appa," Beom calmly smiled at Taehyung's pretentious whimper."Oh!- See?! I'll pass all my assets to Jae Beom! I have high hopes for him!" Taehyung gasped while grinning at Beom with an approving smile. Hajin didn't seem to care about the boys and her father as she admired her strawberry filling as if it were her first love... so I exhaled, washed my hands, and rounded the counter to tie up her loose hair as the sons argued with their father over the counter."They're so noisy~!" I kissed Hajin's cheek, causing her to giggle at the ticklish sensation. She grinned at my affectionate stroke, so I picked her up and sat on the stool between Woojin and Beom with Hajin on my lap. My daughter grinned and fed me her half-eaten donut, so I took a small bite and glanced across the counter to find my husband eyeing us with a fond smile."She's a clone of you," Taehyung nodded at Hajin and glanced back at me."Of course~! She's my treasure!" I grinned, lowering my face to pinch her chubby cheek. Taehyung glanced at the boys and back at our daughter with so much tenderness in his gaze as our family bonded at the kitchen counter to discuss random matters without a bother.
Just us... and their... lively chatters. Our happiness.
_______________________
Present
Third Person POV
Thump!
Kim Hajin calmly glanced at the transparent glass window while sitting on her built-in bench until a water droplet shattered before her downcast gaze. Splat. The heiress examined the flickering clouds in the night sky to observe the brewing storm until a few more icy droplets drummed against the tall arch windows as she sat in the darkness of her room with her arms wrapped around her knees.
Her parents are finally aware of her sinful relationship with the oldest son... and although... she thought she'd feel relieved about the exposure... the heiress was still troubled. What will her family think of her? How can her heart yearn for a person she calls a family? Someone she considered her older brother all her life? How can her heart burn... so intensely for her supposed sibling? Is there something wrong with her? Is there a defect?
She exhaled to ease the uncomfortable tension within her chest while staring at the pouring shower outside her window to observe the plain grass field. Choi Woobin... has not returned to his cabin after he confessed to his elderly parents. He's still inside the mansion.Knock. Knock. Hajin blinked out of her webbed thoughts and glanced at her bedroom door from the couch by the window without budging... until she heard the soft knocks again. The heiress closed her eyes to ignore the disturbance but... the knocking did not cease. Who would try to enter her room during a dark... and cold night... like this? She already recognized his presence without... having to open the entrance to welcome his visit.Kim Hajin eventually sighed at the persistent knocking and slipped off the bench to approach the looming door. Halt. The heiress unblinkingly lifted her slender fingers to hold the cold door handle. Creak. She unlocked the door and drew it back... until the dim moonlight cast its cool radiant on the broken expression of the... very person... she expected. Hajin stood blankly at her doorway to examine his swelling tears with a numbed chest as the man stood outside her door, shattering to bits in her icy cold presence."Can we talk?-""I do not wish to be disturbed-""Hajin, I don't have much time. Please," Woobin begged with a pained frown while searching her vacant gaze, desperately aching for the usual brightness in her pupils... but the heiress's gaze was as hollow as an empty void. Hajin stared at Woobin without blinking as they listened to heavy downpours... until a flicker of brightness lit up their entire property... followed by loud rumbles... causing his heart to ache in despair.

"What is it that you need?-""I love you- and I'm sorry," Woobin whispered, suddenly reaching out to hold her wrist with his shaky fingers. Hajin averted her dead stare to his warm touch and glanced back at the single teardrop... trickling pitifully over his cheeks. He claims to love her... but she can only remember him touching her body so inappropriately. Is it really love...?"Okay. I heard you," Hajin replied in a cold tone. Woobin furrowed his eyebrow in extreme anxiety once the heiress did not spare her sympathy... to his sincere apologies."I know you still love me- Oh? Hajin-" Woobin whispered as he lifted his hand to stroke her soft cheek while searching for a glimpse of weakness in her gaze. Still, Hajin didn't budge and only blinked at his wretched desperation."So you're here for closure," Hajin replied. "I can't seem to rest-" Woobin tried to explain himself when Hajin suddenly yanked the man by his collar to haul him inside her room. Thud. The heiress slammed the door shut and locked the door, causing Woobin to back away in a panic once she spun around to face him without uttering a word."Undress," Hajin whispered. Woobin frowned at her blunt demand."Hajin- I'm not here to-""It's either you undress or... you leave my room with your filthy broken heart- don't try to bleed on me," Hajin rudely interrupted, causing Woobin to gulp at her stony stare while fighting to hold back his swelling tears. Sniffle. The eldest son lifted his arms to draw off the thin shirt from his bruised torso and glanced at her in fright as he tugged his elastic waistband from his strong hips until... he was entirely naked before her dull stare. The heiress lowered her gaze to his visible erection... without blinking.[ Disclaimer: Adult Content ]"You claim you're not here for my body, but you're already hard?" Hajin muttered in disbelief as she slowly shifted her disappointed gaze to the man. He swallowed the lump in his throat and lowered his face in embarrassment."I'm sorry. I seriously didn't mean to-""Sit. At the foot of the bed," Hajin dismissively nodded at the bed.Woobin lifted his torn face to meet her stone-cold expression... silently pleading her to hear his plea... yet she refused to acknowledge his desperation. The eldest son took a shaky exhale and slowly backed away to settle on the bed edge while maintaining his blurry vision on her porcelain pale skin under the dim moonlight glow. Hajin released a hefty sigh, strolled forward, and knelt between his thighs with her empty gaze on the tip of his bulge, causing Woobin to tense his body in fright."Hajin- you don't have to- urgh-?!" Woobin tried to stop Hajin by holding her head back, but she roughly shoved his hands away and lowered her parted lips. Flick.The heiress softly licked his sensitive tip, causing the man to stiffen in discomfort. He stared at her pale face with a racing heart until Hajin leaned forward to suck on his shaft with her head tilted to the side. Slurp. Slurp. She licked him up to his tip... before swallowing his bulge... whole inside her mouth while using her hands to jerk his hard shaft... kissing and sucking his penis... until Woobin grunted in pleasure and tensed his body muscles... at the paralyzing poison of her tongue activities.The man held her head with a slight grimace as she sucked onto his soft tip without a break while massaging his balls to elevate the pleasure inside his crotch... until Woobin's gleaming tears ceased from his eyes... replaced by a light tint of red blush... on his manly cheeks. The man moaned in difficulty as he watched the heiress deep throat him until she withdrew his dripping wet tip... from her parted pink lips.Hajin dangerously averted her dark stare... upward to hold an intense eye contact with the stiff man as she lustfully swirled her soft tongue over his tip... gently licking his frenulum in a circular motion... and leaving behind the nasty wet trails of her saliva over his sensitive skin. The heiress softly jabbed her tongue up and down to massage the small opening of his cock while jerking his shaft... until the unbearable warmth seized absolute control of his sturdy body. Huff. Huff. Woobin gritted his teeth to withhold his lustful moan... until bulging veins appeared over his strained neck muscles. "If sex is what you need for closure... then... I'll gladly fuck your dick. It's what you've been doing... right? Thrusting deep inside me for months because you thought I'd marry another man... so you tried to have the most of me? Araso. I'll fuck you as much as I wish tonight before you marry another woman," Hajin sneered, slowly licking her way down his shaft until her wet tongue reached his sensitive sack.The heiress softly sucked his jiggy testicles between her moist lips with her unblinking gaze trained on his troubled face... until a low grunt escaped Woobin's parted lips. She steadily trailed her tongue upward... steamily planting her gentle kisses over the shaft and finally blowing a wet patch over his tip while slurping on his sensitive tip like a pacifier. Smooch. Smooch. The man groaned in extreme pleasure as she shifted her face to kiss his groin... carefully licking her way upward until... her taste buds roamed the deep ridges of his toned abs. Shudder. Woobin shook violently... until Hajin felt severe goosebumps... spreading across his body like wildfire. "It's not like that-""No. It's not about you. I'll do whatever I want with your body. Only for tonight. Move up," Hajin instructed with her dull gaze on the man's burning red cheeks.Choi Woobin swallowed his Adam's apple and scooted over the mattress to rest his toned body on the fresh bed sheet before lowering his head to the pillow with an uneasy feeling. Kim Hajin deeply exhaled as she crawled over his body to sit on his bruised torso, causing Woobin to groan in pain... but she didn't care and lifted her hips to slip off her panties from beneath her thin gown and tossed the cloth aside. "Will you talk to me? After this...?" Woobin anxiously questioned while lying naked beneath her. Hajin didn't answer the man and lowered her hands to climb his body until her bare crotch... hovered right above his face. Woobin glanced at the heiress with a startled look as she held onto the headboard above his head... and slowly... lowered her groin right onto his lips."I want you to eat me," Hajin whispered as she clutched the silk gown over her stomach and gently grind her soaked slit over his face.Woobin frowned at her erotic demand... but didn't complain and obediently stuck out his tongue to create a friction base for her throbbing private part. She gently rubbed her lady part over his tastebuds... until a jolt of pleasure surged up to her chest, forcing her to part her lips... until she lustfully expelled a soft moan. Hngh~! The youngest heir bit her lips and tilted her head back while holding the headboard... firmly locking Choi Woobin's head between her inner thighs as she made him return the oral favor. She moaned in extreme pleasure as she rocked her hips to increase the friction of his nose tip against her swollen clit before lowering her dazed gaze to find the submissive man staring up at her intensely as he jabbed her throbbing crotch with his raw tongue to invade the juicy flesh between her slit.The man suddenly thrust his tongue deeper as he held her fleshy hips and slurped on the sensitive nerves around her clit... causing Hajin to seethe in difficulty as he neared her sensitive spot. She suddenly lost her patience and roughly snatched his hair- Snatch! The heiress aggressively yanked Woobin off the pillow to slam his face against her burning groin. Hmmp! Woobin muffled in difficulty at the pressure of her wet private part over his face... until he could barely breathe- but didn't resist and sucked onto her clit... until Hajin gasped in extreme satisfaction as she face fuck the man on her bed. SQUIRT!"Urgh!-" Woobin coughed in distress when the heiress suddenly squirted the fresh discharge onto his face. Splatter! The fluid sprayed messily onto his flushed face... so the man screwed his eyes shut as she orgasmed on his face."Swallow it. Swallow every drop!" Hajin slapped his cheek, roughly sitting down on his parted lips. The man groaned in discomfort as he drank her flowing juice right from her vagina, causing Hajin to chuckle in satisfaction as she rubbed his red cheeks in admiration."Hah~! You're a filthy scumbag~!" She moaned while grinding over his lips to juice her fluid from the slit with a smug expression."Urgh!" Woobin coughed on her discharge once Hajin lifted her soaked crotch off his face and scooted down to sit on his torso while watching him choke on the pillow with her flaring handprint on his firm cheek."You told me... horse riding is just like... cock riding. Liar. How can you associate the dirty acts of your penis and my vagina with the soothing comfort of riding a horse?" Hajin chuckled while adjusting his bulge under her soaked crotch. And slowly... very slowly... she sat down to swallow his swollen tip between her dripping wet slit. The heiress furrowed her eyebrows in extreme anticipation with her fierce gaze on the dazed man. Squelch. Woobin lowly grunted with his head tilted over the soaked pillow... until he slid all the way inside her warm canal."Did you prefer your moment with him...?" Woobin muttered, lowering his exhausted gaze to watch Hajin hump his bulge in her silk gown."Kim Seojun...? He calms me with the slightest whispers of his voice. But your filthy presence? You make me think of your hard cock. You make my nipples hard until I feel like my skin is melting from the distressing desire to be fucked out of my mind! You're a fucking humiliation!" Hajin seethed as she bounced her buttcheeks over Woobin's crotch to fuck him at a steady pace while tugging the silk from her body and slipping the gown off her head. Fwip. She tossed the light fabric aside. Woobin moaned in extreme pleasure while eyeing her perky breasts and lowered his gaze to her sexy body curves as she bounced over his shaft to boost the blood pressure over his bulge."You're addicted to me. You know it," Woobin grunted. Squelch. Squelch. Hajin bit her lower lips with her head tilted to the side as she rocked back and forth over his crotch to beat his penis... until she felt the tingling sensation numbing her nerves with the scorching warmth."Addiction isn't love. You told me to differentiate love and lust. Haha~! I don't think I love you. I just love to fuck you~!" Hajin giggled, lowering her possessed gaze on the stiff man.Choi Woobin darkly stared at the heiress with a torn expression once she lost herself to her untamed sexual desire. The man suddenly shot off the bed and- Thump! Hajin gasped in shock as he roughly slammed her onto the mattress. She tried to sit up, but Woobin shoved her shoulders down and thrust his hips forward to beat his cock deeper inside her, causing the young heir to shriek in shock as he mercilessly jammed her inside with his burning presence. "You never loved me? Pfft!" Woobin scoffed while glaring at her flustered face with her thighs spread apart to welcome his dominance. Fwop! Fwop! Hajin's eyeballs suddenly rolled to the back of her sockets as she gripped onto his broad shoulder in a missionary position. Squelch. Squelch."Hah~!- Wae?- Wasn't it all about sex between us? You never really loved me enough to expose our love proudly! Appa says... a true man will fight for his woman, but you never bothered~! You don't even answer my texts! You don't answer my calls! You call me dramatic!- My presence bothers you very much unless you're fucking me like this! Ah!- Ah~! Hmph!- Then you'll tell me you love me! Is it truly love when you say I love you, Choi Woobin?- Stop lying to yourself. It is your hard cock that is begging to be suffocated inside my youthful vagina~!" Hajin giggled as she rudely slapped his cheeks to wake the man from his delusion.Choi Woobin scoffed at her offensive statement with an agitated glower and suddenly thumped his strong hips forward to smother the heiress with the searing presence of his cock. Hajin moaned and tilted her head back until her head dangled off the mattress at the foot of the bed. Slap! Slap! Slap! The smutty noise of their wet flesh... thumping relentlessly against one another over the rocking mattress... as the cold downpour fogs up the high arch windows with its chills to blur out the sweaty man's lower trunk as he unleashes his bitterness onto the feeble heiress, whose shins are securely wrapped around his firm buttcheeks. Thwop! Thwop! Kim Hajin screwed her eyes in extreme pleasure as he forced his way inside her with his stern glare on the heiress when- SPLURGE. Choi Woobin jammed his tip deep inside her throbbing canal to unload his thick paste against the opening of her cervix. Hajin groaned and rubbed her face in distress as she shakily wheezed over the mattress to catch her breath. Huff! Huff! The man suddenly lowered his face to grope her youthful breast and bit onto her hard nipple- causing Hajin to jerk on the bed in extreme shock."Yeah?!- Sex is all there is?! So be it!" Woobin darkly grunted as he aggressively sucked her sensitive tip while squeezing her bosoms, causing Hajin to shriek in discomfort as the man kept his bulge lodged inside her until her heart started pounding out of control."Hah~! Ah~!" Hajin moaned, weakly lifting her head to watch the man pinch her nipple while squeezing her other breast, so she groaned and jerked on the mattress helplessly to escape his taunting activities- Yank! Choi Woobin grabbed her upper arm to tug the heiress upward. She gasped and hugged his neck in a panic as he sat her on his crotch. Thwop! Thwop! He started bouncing her buttcheeks over her lap to resume their intercourse without a break."I'll fuck you... until you accept your feelings," Woobin angrily fumed in her ear as he clutched her sweaty body in a sitting position. Hajin groaned and lowered her face to his broad shoulder as the man thrust inside her from below.Kim Hajin bit her lips to counter the jolting pleasure and suddenly bit his shoulder, causing Woobin to jerk in pain- but he refused to stop and thrust deeper inside her until his semen spilled messily onto their lubricated groins with every powerful pump. Squelch. Squelch.  The heiress moaned with a dark frown as her teeth sunk deeper into his bare flesh. She clawed onto his back to resist the overwhelming pressure... but Woobin didn't yield and moaned even louder while bearing her brutal bite. The overly aroused man secured her frail body over his lap to cram his stiff shaft inside her sticky canal... and fucked her rough in the cold and chilly room... in the hope of weakening her headstrong nature. "Good luck, asshole. Fuck me all you want, and I'll only scream in pleasure," Hajin laughed, pulling away to smirk at Woobin's concentrated frown.The man glared at the smug heiress's provocative statement. Fwip! He unexpectedly slammed his lips against hers. Hajin gasped and leaned backward to avoid him- but he firmly supported the curve of her spine and hauled her back as he labourously swirled inside her lips to tackle her tongue... until the slimy spit... spilled messily from the corner of her mouth. Kim Hajin whimpered with her eyes screwed shut while being fucked in her lady part and mouth... infested with Choi Woobin's smothering tongue movement... until she could hardly breathe. "Argh!" Woobin gasped and suddenly jerked his face away when she bit his lower lips. Hajin laughed at his startled glare as the man bled from her bite."You like it a little rough, don't you?- AH! AH~? HEY~!" Hajin giggled but was cut short when Woobin roughly shoved her body off his thighs and slammed her face first onto the pillow. She tried to sit up but gasped in shock when Woobin roughly slammed his hard cock back inside her throbbing opening from the back. SQUELCH! SQUELCH! SQUELCH!The heiress grasped the pillow in shock as Woobin held her head down by her nape to muffle her scream and fucked her hard from behind with his strong hip thrusts. The man groaned in pleasure while pouncing against her peachy buttcheeks. THWOP! THWOP! THWOP! Hajin whimpered in shock as she frantically reached backward to smack his abs... but he refused to release her. Thump! The man suddenly dropped his heavy weight over her sweat-glazed back and seized both her wrists to trap her between his torso... and the soaked mattress."I don't mind bleeding at the hands of a feisty bunny like you. Hmm...? Did you think you could win me this easily? That's right... beg me for mercy as I raw fuck you like this~!" Woobin chuckled beside Hajin's ear, causing her to shiver at his low grunt.Woobin roughly railed the heiress from behind as he pinned her firmly against the mattress while laying over her body with his crotch joined against her flaming buttcheeks. SQUELCH! SQUELCH! SQUELCH! Woobin clenched his firm ass and thumped harder inside Hajin, who suddenly grew muted with her face shoved against the pillow."I can't breathe!" Hajin screamed, suddenly bursting from the suffocating pillow to gasp for air.Woobin smirked at her complaint, quickly slipping his hand under her pulsing stomach to lift her hips, and roughly yanked Hajin into a sitting position with her body facing the bedboard as he fucked her from beneath her bum. Thump! Thump! Thump! The man shoved his hard cock inside her slit to juice out her discharge in a doggy position. Hajin moaned in distress and glanced backward to glare at Woobin's bleeding lips, so he snatched her throat and towed her upward to jam her mouth with his nasty tongue, forcing her to taste the filthy blood from his injured lips. Hngh~! Hajin screwed her face in disgust while being restrained by her throat. "I dare you to bite me again," Woobin lowly grunted as he spat inside her parted lips, causing his blood to fill her mouth. Hajin screwed her face in discomfort with her sweaty back aligned against his sticky chest as Woobin relentlessly thrust under her buttcheeks. Thwop! Thwop! The man broke the suffocating kiss and lowered his hand to press down on her crotch, causing Hajin to seeth in pleasure as she sat over his thighs with her back arching over his feverish torso."Ah~! Ah~! Ah~! Hmmp~! Hah~!" Hajin gasped in difficulty with every thrust she felt inside her overstimulated canal until a burst of hot surge exploded violently... and she ended up squirting messily onto the headboard as the man mercilessly pumped her sore slit. He darkly chuckled while hugging her twitching body against his pulsating abdomen and reached downward to rub her swollen clit, causing Hajin to vibrate in distress as the beading sweat trickled from her hairline. Squirt! Squirt! She shivered against his chest as he clutched her by her throat to keep her arched back aligned with his bare torso while taunting her crotch with his slick finger skills.Woobin quickly pulled out from her raw opening to let her eject the warm fluid before slipping back inside the heiress without a break. Hajin groaned in exhaustion with her eyes closed... so the man lowered his hand to pinch her nipple while back hugging her as she sat facing away from him with his hard bulge lodged deep inside her convulsing muscles. "Say it, Hajin. Say you love me," Woobin seethed against her ear.Hajin coughed weakly as her mind swayed from the intensity of their intercourse... but she shook her head and stubbornly lowered her face. The man scoffed at her muteness, shoved her forward to make her slump on her hands and knees before lifting her plump buttcheeks and slipped right back in to torment her already strained lady part.The heiress grunted and gripped the drenched pillow with her eyes closed and lips ajar... as he slammed his crotch forward to stifle her with the warmth of his cock. Slap! Slap! Woobin mercilessly pounded her buttcheeks as he raw fucked her from behind until her bum jiggled at the harsh beating. Hajin moaned in distress as he leaned over her sweaty back to kiss her shoulder blade while thrusting inside her. Fwop. Fwop. Fwop. He nibbled her sweaty nape while clutching her fleshy hips to pound his hard dick through her tight canal. Woobin groaned in pleasure as he quickened the pace of his hip thrust and shoved his way inside her with his eyebrows furrowed. "Argh~!" Woobin gasped, suddenly tensing his muscles again as his semen violently exploded inside her for the second time. Hajin gasped in shock with her eyes screwed shut as she gripped the pillow for support once she felt his discharge trickling from her slit. Woobin quickly slid out from her throbbing opening and fingered her dirty inside, causing Hajin to squirm in difficulty. Hngh~! He quickly leaned over her back to hold her down by her nape while thrusting his fingers inside to scrape out the semen... causing the thick paste... to drip all over the soaked mattress."Hah~! You scumbag! If it's anyone- you're the one collapsing from cumming tonight!" Hajin laughed in hysteria with her face pressed against the pillow as the man reached deeper into her warm canal. She groaned until her buttcheeks twitched, causing Woobin to smirk at her weak condition."It's not over until you beg me to stop," Woobin drew out his soaked fingers to lick their mixed discharge and suddenly rolled her over. Flop! Hajin weakly flopped over the mattress while gasping for air like a dying fish as the man held her legs together and penetrated her again with her shins hooked over his shoulder. Hajin arched her back in pleasure while rubbing her burning face as he steadily thrust between her sticky slit to resume their intercourse. Woobin moaned in extreme satisfaction and tilted his head to kiss her shin with his lips ajar as he grinds over her sticky crotch. Squelch. Squelch.  Hajin pursed her lips in difficulty with her closed her eyes while laying in the hot mess of their reeking discharge... until Woobin parted her thighs again. He eventually made eye contact with her as the slimy drool... trickled from the corner of her lips."I will never beg a pathetic asshole like you," Hajin grunted with an intense glare.Woobin smiled at her raspy voice and lowered his head to lick her bare stomach, causing Hajin to tense up again at the wet stroke. The man softly kissed her sweaty skin over her ribcage and up between her cleavage... while fondling her breasts. He smugly lifted his head with his dilated pupils on her bitter glower... sensually... sticking out his tongue to suck on her nipple and... swirling all over the hardened tips to tease her aroused nerves... until a hot spasm surged all over her groin.Hajin moaned aloud while squirming under his drenched torso as he softly caressed her nipple and bit on it to tease her, steadily thumping his hips between her thighs. The heiress fumed in extreme difficulty as the man observed her reaction to his gentle pressure over her swollen tips. Woobin chuckled, eventually lifting his face to nibble her soaked neck, causing Hajin to tilt her head back at the hot strokes of his heated breath... until she lost control of her senses. "Are you sure you want to give up on me...? Hmm? Your body is saying otherwise, my love. You're squirming so helplessly at my touch. How long are you going to deny your feelings~?" Woobin whispered, seductively brushing his lips against her ear. Hajin moaned in difficulty as he thrust harder while kissing her earlobe, gently combing his fingers through her hair to soothe her strained soul... once he noticed her body submitting to his assertion.The heiress refused to speak and screwed her eyes shut to avoid his presence... but Woobin knew... she was weakening by the second... so he introduced his flavor inside her mouth again and steamily kissed her while stroking her cheeks to weaken her cold heart. Hajin eventually gave in to the surging pleasure and hugged his neck for support, causing Woobin to smile at her shuddering body as he held her sweat-coated... feverish body in the dark room until she started whimpering like a puppy... thrashing... squealing... and squirting throughout the night until she felt her soul... levitating from her... exhausted body.
Although the rooms were infected by the severe chills... seeping through the fogged-up high arch windows... the two bodies... sweated profusely as their bare flesh... rubbed against one another to produce the blazing heat with the sensual friction of their stimulated bodies.

Every now and then... their skin would be plagued... with thrilling chills that made their body hair rise... causing them to pant out their warm breath. The pair refused to yield at the cost of wounding their pride as they tormented each other with their raging lusts... until they both... collapsed onto the... extremely... dirty mattress... covered in each other's sticky... sweat... spit and... discharge.
Kim Hajin laboriously panted as she curled on the soaked bed with her sticky hair dangling... all over her face as Woobin sprawled on his back to stabilize his ragged breath. The both of them gulping thirstily... but couldn't budge their sore muscles to search for hydration... and so... the two fell unconscious on the bed with their numbed soul... after exerting themselves to win the love war.
A moment later.
Kim Hajin stood in silence under the freezing downpour in the shower stall to let the cool water wash away the reeking sex odor from her body. Creak. She turned off the shower head and stepped onto the cold tiles while dabbing her skin dry with a clean towel before pulling on a fresh gown and strolled out to find Woobin... snoring on the bed with his limbs spread apart.She sorely stared at the dirty mattress but was too tired to replace it... so she rolled back onto the bed and coiled into a ball until she drifted into a deep sleep as the rainstorm relentlessly tormented the region, striking the night sky with its blinding flickers and shaking the property with its clamorous thunders. Woobin unconsciously rolled on his side to hug the heiress's cold body and snuggled against her scented hair until Hajin flopped on her back, so he snuggled against her neck to chase her comforting fragrance... until she ended up rolling over to hug his sticky chest in her deep sleep to seek his comforting warmth.
Next Morning
"Hajin-ah? Come down for breakfast," Sora softly knocked on her daughter's door early in the morning."I'll be right there!" Hajin called. She heard her mother's footsteps fading from the door... so the heiress glanced back at the man... who was lying face-first on the bed with his mouth ajar. Still cold on her bed."Is he dead?" Hajin muttered, unsurely lifting her leg to poke Woobin's arm with her toes as she stood on the bedside. He still didn't budge. The heiress frowned unsurely while examining his lifeless body- Slap! She hastily slapped his cheek, causing the man to jerk awake at the blunt strike to his face, so she quickly backed away with a slight grimace."Get up! I have to change the sheet!" Hajin whined.Woobin rolled onto his back with his arm over his forehead to process the confusing the morning after their draining night. Hajin glanced at the visible bruises on his torso and back at the hickeys on his neck as the man rubbed his face and slowly crawled off the bed with a throbbing head. Hajin quickly stepped aside with her wary gaze on him until Woobin collapsed onto the couch by her window... too weak to make sense of his surroundings."Are you okay...?" Woobin grumbled as he weakly lifted his dazed face to scan Kim Hajin... who appeared... intact from the wild night they shared."That window is transparent and you're butt naked," Hajin grumbled as she sorely tossed the pajamas at the man, who gasped in realization and launched off the couch in embarrassment to hide his naked body. Thump! Woobin frantically crawled over the tiles to avoid the high windows and quickly pulled on his clothes as Hajin yanked the bed cover off the mattress. She snatched off the pillowcase and bundled up the reeking set before storming across the room to shove it in her laundry basket with a dark grimace."Can we talk...?" Woobin grunted, slowly limping toward the couch in difficulty and settled back down again with his striking messy hair... but Hajin didn't respond to his request and grabbed the mattress vacuum. Virrr~!The heiress intentionally switches on the machine to drown his voice while crawling all over the mattress to cleanse it, causing Woobin to dim his eyes on her intentional neglect. He didn't leave her room and groggily watched the heiress tend her bed... until she stretched her stiff back, and scrambled off the mattress to place the machine aside. Pause. Kim Hajin abruptly halted once she glanced up to find the man... staring at her with a blank face."What are you doing? Leave," Hajin lifted her eyebrows once she realized he was still inside her room. "I'm not leaving unless you speak to me," Woobin stubbornly replied. Hajin rolled her eyes while patting the bed sheet over the mattress."What do you wish to do? Negotiate and take me as your mistress after your marriage? No, thank you. I am definitely not a mere secret affair," She rolled her eyes while fitting the cover to the edge of her mattress. The man exhaled and closed his eyes at her rejection."I'll suspend the wedding until we sort out this mess," Woobin insisted. Hajin frowned and glanced at Woobin's puzzling statement."The wedding is in two days. What do you mean you want to suspend it? Appa will face a backlash," Hajin muttered. Woobin dimmed his eyes as the heiress patted her pillows and quickly climbed off the bed. Thud. The heiress yanked the door open and stormed out without another word, leaving the man alone in her room. He sighed, got up from the couch, and limped out after her on his bandaged ankle."Eomma!" Hajin greeted, cheerfully skipping down the stairs as her mother shared the warm breakfast with her father in the living room. Thump! Thump! The supreme alphas glanced up at their daughter uneasily as she skipped into the room with a dismissive beam."You should speak to Woobin- What are you doing up there?" Taehyung muttered at his daughter- but froze in his seat- once he noticed Woobin limping down the stairs after the heiress. The father glanced at Hajin with a baffled look as she snatched a garlic bread from the plate and slumped on the couch to munch on the crunchy bread. Jang Sora tensed her body on the couch once Woobin stepped into the living room and tried to kneel before them again."Aigo~! Don't kneel!- We never raised you kids to kneel for forgiveness! Sit on the couch!" Sora gasped, quickly launching from her seat to grab Woobin's upper arm. The man pursed his lips anxiously as his mother helped him settle on the couch beside Hajin... who was chewing her bread with her bright gaze on the distant sea through the backward door. Sora sighed and circled the coffee table to sit beside her husband again as he darkened his gaze on the eldest son's pale face.

"Did you two speak?" Taehyung pressed while frowning at the duo."Not really," Woobin shook his head and glanced at Hajin. She reached for her orange juice and loudly slurped the cool fluid... causing the elderly supreme alphas to eye her unbothered attitude with a bitter look."Why not? We asked you two to resolve the matter-""We didn't speak. We had sex," Hajin shrugged, suddenly glancing at her parents with a poker face. The couple stiffened in their seat with a startled look upon hearing their daughter's blunt statement."Wh-what?" Taehyung scoffed, briefly glancing at Woobin, who flushed red with his hands clasped together."We slept together the entire night," Hajin shrugged dismissively. Sora gripped Taehyung's hand at the heiress's clarification, so the couple exchanged dumbfounded looks before glancing back at their daughter with their lips ajar."Yah! Kim Hajin!- I asked you to speak with him!" Taehyung angrily scolded, trying to snatch his wife's slipper from her feet... but Sora quickly grabbed her husband's forearm to stop him from abusing their children."There's nothing to speak about!" Hajin snapped back at her father.  Taehyung widened his eyes at her rudeness in disbelief."So what now?!- He's marrying Go Hera is in two days!" Taehyung scoffed in extreme frustration."What else? He can't marry her," Hajin shrugged. Woobin blinked, suddenly glancing at Hajin's exclaim with a bewildered look. Kim Taehyung froze in his seat."Huh? He can't marry her-""I might be pregnant with his baby," Hajin shrugged while poking her index finger through the circular loop she formed with her other hand... to mimic their sexual intimacy. Awkward Silence. The entire living room grew hushed as the dumbfounded parents sat in utter shock. Nom. Nom. Hajin loudly chewed her bread as Woobin frowned at her deranged behavior... unable to make sense of her words."Don't you take pills?" Sora whispered in fright."I do. But- oppa finished inside me- how many times...?- I can't recall. I don't think the pill can prevent my pregnancy," Hajin giggled while covering her lips with her hand. Taehyung blinked at his daughter's dismissive reply until his jaw dropped open at her shameless transparency as Woobin stared at the heiress's bipolar mood swings in dread."CHOI WOOBIN!" Taehyung abruptly bellowed- JOLT! The man hastily scrambled over the coffee without a warning, causing Jang Sora to shriek in shock as the father knocked over the cups and plates. Clatter! Hajin screamed in fright and swiftly flung her body onto Woobin, causing the eldest son to flinch in a panic as the heiress protectively sat facing him on his thighs with her arms wrapped securely around his neck to block her father's deadly attack."Yeobo-!""Get off him!- I will beat him! I told you to speak- but you got my daughter pregnant instead?!- YOU PUNK!" Taehyung screeched in anger while struggling to yank Hajin off the eldest son- but she refused to release Woobin and hugged his head tightly against her chest. Woobin held Hajin's waist with his frightened eyes on Taehyung's raging glower as he sat stiffly on the couch... still baffled by the heiress's behavior as she protectively clung onto his body."No! Ah?!- You can't hurt my baby daddy~! No~! Go away~!" Hajin screamed while fighting off her father's hands. Smack! Smack! The father and daughter shoved each other back and forth until Sora gasped at her husband's outburst. She quickly launched forward to grab her husband's arm as Taehyung tried to tear the couple apart- but Hajin refused to release Woobin and hugged him tightly against her body to resist her father's force."BABY DADDY?! Are you nuts?!- Yah!- Kim Hajin!- I'll beat you instead!- YOU'RE THE ONE WITH A DEFECTIVE BRAIN!" Taehyung shrieked, furiously grabbing Sora's slipper, and spanked the heiress with all his might, causing Hajin to scream at the top of her lungs upon receiving her father's harsh beating. Smack! Smack! "Ah!- I love him! You can't marry him to another woman! He's my husband~!-" Hajin shrieked in distress while shielding her lover, causing Taehyung's face to flush even redder, so he spanked her butt repeatedly until Sora yelped and grabbed her husband's wrist to tug him backward. Fwip! Woobin quickly lowered his hands to cover Hajin's butt as she cutely whimpered with her face pressed against his bruised neck. Hic~!"Yeobo~! You'll feel sick if you let your anger overwhelm you!" Sora whined, quickly tugging Taehyung backward. Huff! Huff! The father wheezed in extreme anger with his bulging eyeballs... on the young couple. "Ah~! You fools!- Why do you keep taunting me like this!?!- I might just suffer a stroke and die early because of you heartless punks!" Taehyung whined as Sora pushed him back onto the opposite couch. She patted her husband's pulsating chest as he glared at the duo... with the slipper gripped tightly... in his hand. Hajin pouted and turned her head to narrow her upset gaze on her fuming father."I won't let you marry him off! He has to be my husband! You said I can choose my partner once I'm old enough- so I'm choosing him!" Hajin screeched at her father. Taehyung suddenly groaned and slumped back against the headrest in defeat as Sora worriedly rubbed his chest to soothe the man's temper."Did it have to be the man I call my son?!" Taehyung whined, aggressively kicking his legs in frustration, causing his wife to gasp at her husband's explosive tantrum. Hajin exhaled and finally slid off Woobin's lap to sit beside the man with her arm hooked around his forearm. Woobin unsurely glanced down at the heiress's pouty expression as she rested her head on his shoulder before shifting his apologetic gaze back to Kim Taehyung... as the man funnily wriggled on the couch in extreme frustration... after failing to tame his blood daughter. 
A moment later.
Kim Taehyung slumped against the couch with a drained expression after he burned up all his energy to confront his children. Sora gently massaged his thighs to help the man calm his temper as Hajin stubbornly held her lover's hand with their interlaced fingers. Woobin wanted to smile at her unexpected agreement to return to his arms... but he knew he was still in a dire situation with his adoptive parents... so he maintained a firm expression while eyeing Kim Taehyung's wearied condition with a restless feeling."So what's... the decision between you two...? Are you sure about this?" Sora worriedly glanced at her daughter while thumping her fists over her husband's thigh, whose soul had left his body. "Please allow us to be together. I will take responsibility for Hajin's welfare," Woobin nodded at his mother. Sora sighed while eyeing them and glanced back at Taehyung's soulless expression."You- you slept together on purpose, didn't you? So we can't separate you...?" Taehyung funnily glared at his daughter."Oh! I lured him into my room so he could give me a baby!" Hajin sneered at her father. Taehyung suddenly pouted and rubbed his flushed face, causing Sora to gasp at her husband's beaten reaction."Yeobo~! Let's move to an island together! I can't handle our children's affairs anymore~! She's so mean~!" Taehyung whimpered as he hugged his wife's waist, cutely breaking down against her chest with pouty lips. Sora pouted at his squeaky tone as she wrapped her arms around his shoulder to hold the man close to her body."Aigo~! Did you two think we'd separate you~? Why did you have to sleep together? Appa and eomma weren't going to oppose your relationship~! You should stop teasing your father! He's very sensitive these days~!- So don't be mean to him!" Sora scolded Hajin. Taehyung sadly pouted at his wife until she pecked his lips and patted his head to console his agitated soul."Appa doesn't approve of us," Hajin shrugged."Appa is shocked!" Sora chuckled while rubbing Taehyung's upper shoulder. He sniffled and hugged his wife with his face buried against her chest. The man refused to look at his daughter for the sake of his sanity. "Please terminate the wedding," Hajin muttered. Sora dimmed her eyes on her daughter's request and glanced at Woobin with a restless feeling."I'll speak to Hera and her family," Woobin assured his mother. Sora nodded and glanced down at her grumpy husband as he sulked against her breast, so she kissed his forehead and glanced back at the couple to find Woobin smiling weakly at Hajin as they held hands on the opposite couch."Anyways. Where is everyone?" Hajin asked, suddenly sitting up to scan the vacant property."Beom took everyone to the beach house so you two could speak with us," Sora replied while cradling her husband.Kim Hajin nodded and glanced upward to find Woobin eyeing her with a relieved look... so she smiled and softly pecked his lips. Gasp! Taehyung stiffened in shock with his terrified eyes on his daughter's affection toward the eldest son. The man suddenly gasped again- dramatically pretending to faint on Sora's lap, who giggled and patted her husband's cheek. Woobin chuckled at his father's silly reaction and kissed Hajin back while holding her shoulder... until she beamed at him and hugged his waist in extreme contentment.________________________
Fast Forward
The identical twins playfully nudged each other while sharing the couch with Jang Sora and Kim Taehyung as Jae Beom sat with Jeon Soomin, who was cradling her child beside Jang Beomseok and imo on the opposite couch. The household cluelessly glanced back and forth after the supreme alphas requested the family... to gather in the living room for an important announcement."Wae? What's going on? Are you transferring your assets to Woobin hyung since he's getting married tomorrow?" Kanghoon chuckled while clinging to his mother's arm."Why did we have to gather at the hilltop before the wedding~? We'd have to fly back to Seoul tomorrow," Woojin tapped Sora's thigh out of curiosity but halted once Hajin and Woobin strolled into the living room, causing everyone to glance in their direction. Thud. Thud. Kim Taehyung awkwardly cleared his throat and glanced at the clueless elders and sons before exchanging glances with his anxious wife. Sora suddenly tensed her body on the couch and averted her attention to the pair as they stood at the base of the staircase... awkwardly eyeing the lively household."Am I late?" Do-hwan barged inside the mansion- but immediately halted once he noticed his son standing beside Kim Hajin."Have a seat," Beom smiled. Do-hwan unsurely settled on the armchair across from Hajin and his son. The heiress stood with her hands behind her back as she stared at the curious household... not knowing what to say... so she scratched her head and glanced at Woobin.

"What's this? A farewell gathering?" Imo pouted at Woobin as he tensely cleared his throat and glanced to the supreme alphas for assistance. Sora blinked and shrugged to signal the eldest son, so Woobin cleared his throat and glanced at the household again."I'm engaged to Hajin!" Woobin blurted the first thing that came to his mind. The household sat in absolute silence with their bright gaze on the young man."We know that- WHAT?!-" Beomseok unconsciously replied but jolted in shock once he made sense of the statement. The grandfather widened his eyes on the man, so Woobin cleared his throat and drew Hajin's arm from behind her back to show them the ring on her left finger. The couple lifted their matching jewels before the household with a nervous expression. SILENCE. Jeon Soomin abruptly stopped rocking her baby... until her eyes grew wider by the second. Beom exhaled and patted his wife's shoulder while eyeing the dumbfounded twin brothers in extreme anxiety."What do you mean you're engaged to Hajin?!- Did you mean Go Hera?!" Woojin frowned while perching on the couch with a stunned expression. Do-hwan furrowed his eyebrows at his pale-looking son and glanced at Kim Hajin's unbothered smile with a restless feeling."Oppa! Are you deaf?! We're engaged!" Hajin snapped, suddenly interlacing their fingers before the frightened eyes, causing everyone to gasp dramatically. Beom pursed his lips at the twin's ashen face and glanced at his stepfather, who lowered his face to pinch his nose bridge in extreme exhaustion."Jamkanman!- How does that work!?- This doesn't make any sense!" Kanghoon quickly leaped from the couch with his lips ajar."Ah... right. Explanations. Yes. Do you want to speak?" Hajin asked while nudging Woobin, who stood stiff in place as he stared at Do-hwan's pale expression. He glanced at imo and Beomseok as they gawked at him from the couch... as if he'd gone mad."I'm in love with Hajin. She's in love with me too. We have been together for a while... without your knowledge," Woobin explained. Silence. Kanghoon froze on his feet with his terrified gaze on the eldest son."But Hajin is your sister!" Kanghoon shrieked, suddenly storming forward with a shocked expression. Whip! The household gasped in shock when Hajin suddenly swung out a spatula from behind her back to raise it before Kanghoon's face. The twin brother froze in disbelief with his eyes on the metallic cooking tool and snapped his face toward Hajin's fierce glower."Back off! Don't even think of hurting my husband!" Hajin shrieked while tightening her grip on the handle. Soomin quickly covered her mouth and glanced at Jang Sora's frightened face as the youngest heir threatened Kanghoon with the spatula."Yah!?! Are you nuts?! How can you marry each other?! You're siblings!- *Boink!*  OW!?-" Kanghoon tried to step forward- but shrieked in pain and quickly gripped his forehead when Hajin smacked him with the spatula. Jang Sora gasped as she grabbed Kanghoon's arm to hold back the older brother, who groaned and snapped his offended glower toward the crazy heiress. Hajin didn't lower her weapon and firmly held the spatula in her right hand as she protectively stood before Woobin to protect her lover."Wrong!- Woobin and I are not blood-related! We're not siblings by blood! Eomma and appa called him their son because they thought of him as our family! But technically- he's made with Do-hwan's genes with his wife!" Hajin shrieked at her elder brother. Beom bit his trembling lips and lowered his head to his wife's shoulder... softly sniggering at the commotion... but didn't dare make a sound."Yah!- How dare you hit your brother- *Boink!*- ARGH!?!" Woojin screamed, hastily launching to his feet, pushed Kanghoon aside, and tried to confront Hajin- only to receive a blunt blow to his head with the steel spatula. He was not an exception. The second twin gasped in disbelief and grabbed his forehead with eyes bulging open as Hajin widened her intimidating glare on them."Take another step closer, and I'll beat you both!" Hajin aggressively threatened. The twin's jaws dropped at her coarse attitude as the remaining household remained frozen in their seats."Eomma!- Appa! Why aren't you reacting?! THIS IS INSANE!" The twins shrieked at the supreme alphas in extreme devastation. The father bit his lower lips in difficulty and lowered his head in defeat as their mother cleared her throat and glanced at her manicured nails with a flushed face, causing the twins to scoff at their parents' obvious avoidance. "We already informed eomma and appa!" Hajin snapped."And you're both okay with it?!-" Kangjoon confronted his parents. Taehyung sorely lifted his head to stare at his shaken sons and glanced at Hajin... who was still aiming the spatula at the twins."What can we possibly do when she has a spatula in her clutch...?" Taehyung grumbled. Beom accidentally snorted out loud but quickly covered his lips and pretended to cough, so the twins snapped their heads at Sora... until she lifted her guilty gaze to them. The mother simply shrugged."This is unbelievable!" The twins fired their gaze back at the couple, causing Hajin to tense her grip around the spatula again."How-? When? What?-" Do-hwan finally spoke up with a baffled look."What? We're in love. When? Since I bruised oppa's torso with my childish prank. How? I found him super attractive, so we just- hit it off~!" Hajin casually answered the man. Do-hwan froze and glanced at Woobin in disbelief... causing the young man to blush bright red."H- Hit it off?!" Woojin shrieked, suddenly gripping his hair in distress. Soomin scoffed and glanced at Beom's trembling lips as her husband struggled to contain his laughter."Do you want me to explain in explicit terms...? We made out with our tongues and touched each other- and we undressed and-""S-Stop!-!? Yah! Oh my god!- &!^$#!&?!-" Kanghoon interrupted, shakily lifting his hands to halt his sister before spinning around to rub his face in extreme difficulty."So... all those time... you were clinging to him... and when he innocently kissed you... it's more than it actually is...?" Imo whispered in realization."Yup! I stole your sweet potatoes to impress him~!" Hajin giggled behind the spatula. Imo stiffened on the couch with her lips ajar and glanced at the supreme alphas in shock. "So what about the Go household?-""I requested to delay the wedding yesterday, and I'll personally speak to Hera and her parents," Woobin cleared his throat to answer Beomseok's questions. The twins screwed their faces in disbelief before firing the couple an infuriated glare."There's a ten-year age gap between you two!" Woojin scoffed."So? I prefer my man a little ripe," Hajin answered with a poker face. The twins flushed red and glanced at the eldest son as he nervously stared at his younger brothers' harsh reaction."And you prefer her a little unripe?!" The twins screeched, abruptly launching forward, causing Hajin to gasp in shock. Choi Woobin immediately grabbed her waist to draw her back as Jae Beom flung off the couch to seize the twins. The supreme alphas shrieked at the unexpected outburst and stood up to hold back the identical brothers as they threw wild punches and kicks to try and attack Choi Woobin- but were firmly held back by Beom as Hajin screeched and protectively swung her spatula at them. SMACK!-"URGH!" Beom grunted, suddenly stumbling backward when Hajin accidentally threw her spatula at his face. CLATTER! The third son lost his grip around his older brother's upper arm- FWIP! Woojin hastily launched for Woobin's neck- but Hajin roughly snatched her brother's hair and yanked him back with all her might. "Don't touch my husband!- You'll be responsible if he can't make babies with me because of his injuries!" Hajin screamed in distress while thrashing against Woobin's chest with her fingers entangled in Woojin's hair."MAKE BABIES?!- WITH SOMEONE YOU CALL A FAMILY!?- YAH! YOU LITTLE BRAT!!?- *&^#$%!-" Woojin screamed as he angrily slapped his sister's hand to loosen her grip. Kanghoon funnily shoved Taehyung onto the couch and roughly snatched Woobin's hair, causing the eldest son to yelp in pain. Beom quickly regained his balance and tried to break Kanghoon away... but the twin brother only yanked Woobin's hair harder... who didn't dare release Hajin from his clutch."Stop!- Hey! No fighting!- STOP FIGHTING!" Sora shrieked while smacking Woojin's shoulder, but the alpha didn't listen and snapped his determined glower at his headstrong sister."ARH?!-" Hajin screamed when Woojin aggressively snatched her loose hair. They started yanking each other's roots with all their might as Woobin seethed in discomfort while resisting Kanghoon, who was jerking his hair to the side. Beom cried in shock when Kanghoon grabbed his hair as well- because the third son... wouldn't stop meddling with their fight."Yeobo!-" Taehyung gasped when Woojin accidentally bumped into his frail mother, sending her toppling to the side. The father gasped at his son's reckless treatment towards his wife, snatched the cushion from under his butt, and started smacking Woojin- who screamed at his father to stop attacking him. WHACK!-"Don't hit my grandson!!!- They deserved to be punished!" Beomseok suddenly smacked Taehyung with his walking stick. The supreme alpha gasped in shock as her father raised his stick at her husband."OW!-" Taehyung gasped in pain when his father-in-law started beating him with the stick."Appa!- Stop! Don't hit him- His back is sore! APPA! I SAID DON'T HIT MY HUSBAND!" Sora shrieked, frantically scrambling to her feet in a panic. Fwip! She hastily seized her father's walking stick to stop him from whacking her beloved husband."Ohoh!?- How dare you defend him-! You two should be punished for allowing this to happen! How can they marry each other?!" Beomseok screeched as he angrily jerked the stick from his daughter's grip and whacked Sora's butt, causing Taehyung's eyes to widen in shock."Omo!- Don't hit them!-" Imo whined, quickly getting onto her feet to calm Beomseok as he raised his walking stick at the couple again- Snatch! The chief maid grabbed the man's stick... causing him to fire her a deadly glare."You can beat me! But not your daughter!- NOT MY WIFE! HOW DARE YOU BEAT HER PRECIOUS BUM!" Taehyung screamed, suddenly launching past his wife with a glowing red face. Sora shrieked in fright as her husband snatched the fallen spatula from the floor and threatened his father-in-law with the steel- causing the Jang Beomseok to sneer at his son-in-law's disrespectful resistance."Stay calm! Yeobo~!" Sora begged while hugging her husband's waist as Beomseok struggled to swing his stick forward because Imo was towing the old man's arm with a grimace.
The first-rank household exploded into a chaotic brawl... as the young alphas swung each other around with their fingers entangled in their wild hair while the elders pushed and pulled each other with the walking stick- leaving Choi Dohwan... frozen on the couch with his bitter gaze on the heated disorder.

The man groaned and lowered his face to his palm as he listened to frantic screams and cursing within the living room, clearly overwhelmed by his son's shocking relationship exposure with the heiress as Jeon Soomin hugged her sleeping baby with her startled gaze on the supreme alpha's internal household affairs.
____________________________
Fast Forward
Jang Sora carefully pushed open the wooden door and stepped into the refreshing opening of the backyard in her nightgown with a spare cardigan hooked over her arm. She steadily strolled toward Kim Taehyung as the man sat alone on the bench under the warm light pole to sightsee the dark sea in his night pajamas. The man had left their bedroom late at night for a refreshing stroll... to ease his overflowing mind.
Sora's POV
"Yeobo~? Why are you out in the cold? The winter breeze is approaching," I lightly called while rounding the benching, causing my husband to jerk at my presence. Sniffles. The man wiped his puffy eyelids as I settled beside him. Was he crying...?"You're right. The wind is cold tonight. Winter is almost here," Taehyung mumbled while rubbing his eyes, pretending to be unbothered by his tears. I sighed and pulled the warm cardigan over his body before massaging his shoulders to console his discomfort."What's troubling my old man's heart...?" I softly asked while eyeing his defined side profile. Kim Taehyung fully turned his face towards mine, so I admired his fluttering white hair and glanced at his distinct eye wrinkles before scanning the age spots on his loose skin. His youthful and firm skin is now saggy. Yet the man... still appears so perfect in my very pupils."It's nothing. I'm just a little sensitive these days," Taehyung blinked his teary eyes and glanced at the rough blister scars on his palm. I exhaled and took his hand to assure him of my support. The man lifted his torn gaze to look at me again... until I leaned forward to peck his lips. Our bodies might be withering... but our love is unchanging."There's nothing wrong with being sensitive," I smiled."It makes me weak," Taehyung cutely grumbled. I chuckled and lifted his hand to kiss his fingers before lowering it over my lap to heat our hands with our shared warmth."No one is as strong as my beloved Kim Taehyung. You have been so brave... and strong all your life... so it's definitely alright to be a little weak. You're in your 60s with a chronic stiff back and white hair. You might appear weak physically... but on the inside? My love, you are the strongest survivor," I whispered while patting his soft cheek. Taehyung stared at me with so much sadness in his eyes... it made me ache for his sorrows."I'm worried about Hajin and Woobin," Taehyung muttered, dimly lowering his gaze to our wrinkled hands."What is there to worry about?" I chuckled."I'm afraid... they're uncertain of their feelings and that their decision to pursue the relationship... will lead to a greater disaster. How long can I live to protect them?" Taehyung whispered in a broken tone and lifted his face to stare at me with swelling tears."We will protect them until our last breath... and I'm sure... they can protect themselves once we're gone. Hmm? You don't have to fret over their welfare," I assured."Are you sure you're okay with their relationship? It doesn't bother you at all?" Taehyung whispered. I sighed and glanced at the sea for a moment to sort my thoughts and glanced back at him."Taehyung-ah. Hajin is happy with Woobin. We have to trust her," I nodded at my husband."I'm afraid they're not a good match. You've seen them fight and argue-""Just like you and me. Hajin and Woobin... are no different from us. We were never really on good terms... even if we genuinely cared for one another. Our relationship wasn't a smooth sailing ship in the beginning... and we even parted at one point... but look at us now? Loving so beautifully," I chuckled while shaking my head. Taehyung pouted and leaned forward to peck my lips."I'm afraid the society will discriminate and reject them," Taehyung muttered with a pained frown."Just like you... my love... you chose to hold my hand again even if everyone disapproved of me. You could've chosen another woman over me... but you persisted and chose Jang Sora. Did you care about their judgments? No. You were sure of me. Honey. You always claim you're most thankful to me for granting you a second chance. But it is actually the other way around. It is you... who offered me a second chance," I smiled while patting his hands. "Kim Taehyung picked up my broken shards... and mended the rifts to put me back together. I was scared... to take your hand again... thinking we're fuel and fire... but no. You became my reality. My present. My happiness. You offered me comfort and security within this sacred property and maintained my soul so tenderly... with your blistered palms. If you had listened to their poisonous whispers... maybe I wouldn't be here with you today. I'd be lost in a miserable shadow on this hilltop... alone... without you," I whispered until I felt a hot lump forming in my throat. Taehyung nodded sadly and pulled me into a comforting hug.

"Why would I listen to their harsh whispers when it's my heart... that's yearning for you? You're my inner peace," Taehyung whispered, pulling away to gently stroke my cheek."It's no different for Hajin and Woobin. We can't disapprove of their love because... it is their souls that are bound together. Just like yours... and mine. We're soul-tied. What's important is that they're happy and comfortable with each other. Let's pray they'll possess the strength to fight for their love through all the unforgiving storms," I chuckled. Taehyung didn't appear gloomy anymore as he fondly gazed at my face."It's scary how their love story is so similar to ours," He chuckled, lowering his hand to my lap and glanced at the sea with a faint smile."We grew up thinking of each other as siblings too~! But you changed your mind after you saw my boobies, and I became obsessed with you after you made me squirt," I teased. Taehyung chuckled, lifting his arm to hold my shoulder and carefully tilted backward to rest our bodies on the wooden platform... so I hugged his belly with my head rested on his bicep."It still bothers me to know they were doing the dirty on our property! How inappropriate!" Taehyung huffed. I laughed and tilted my face to peck his cheek. Aigo~! My old man is jealous of Woobin because he's used to being Hajin's favorite man~! The man turned on his side to hold my waist under the ancient tree as I admired his handsome face under the warm glow. "Let's not overthink. Some secrets are better left unknown," I giggled. The man smiled and gently nudged his lips against mine... so I closed my eyes while patting his back until he pulled away and lifted his hand to comb his fingers through my silver strands with a fond smile."I love you," Taehyung softens his gaze."I love you more," I replied, lifting my hand to pat his cheek. He chuckled and lowered his face to snuggle against mine with his eyes closed."You are my little firefly. That's what you are. A soul... that shines from within. You're rare... and irreplaceable. You light my dim world with your presence," Taehyung whispered. I pouted and hugged him close to my body."I'll always shine for you in the darkness," I replied. The man chuckled, gently drawing me against his chest with his nose pressed against my soothing hair fragrance.
Our time might be limited... in every lifetime... but I do... pray we'll meet with every life we're offered. Even if one of us won't make it to the end... I do hope we part... knowing we're deeply in love with each other. This might be my luckiest life because... I can hold him until we're wrinkled... but even if another world exists where I can't be with him until old age... I do hope... he'd be the one to hold me until my last breath. Only then... can I be at peace.

Let us hold each other... and bloom our love... even if it's in... a desert plain... or a harrowing blizzard.

I will bloom for Kim Taehyung... in the deadliest storm... even at the cost of my own life.
_________________________
Fast Forward
Third Person POVA unit of sturdy men trained relentlessly on the field in the front yard before the chief guard, who stood with his strict gaze on the muscular men as they performed intense pushups on the grass, causing their low grunts to resonate all over the property during a warm sunny day."- Sixty-six! Sixty-seven! Sixty-eight! Sixty-nine! Seventy!-" The guards counted in difficulty while forcing their heavyweight upward until dripping sweat trickled from their chins to saturate the soil beneath them."Excuse me! Can I borrow my boyfriend for a moment~?" Hajin chirped, startling the chief guard with her unexpected presence. Do-hwan snapped his head to the side to find the heiress beaming cutely at him in her knee-length floral dress. Woobin paused halfway down and lifted his head to stare at Hajin as she grinned at him from under the tree shade. The other guards glanced at the chief guard unsurely and back at the heiress as she keenly eyed the annoyed man. "No. You may not disrupt his training session," Do-hwan sternly replied. Hajin pouted and glanced at Woobin as he laboriously panted on the grass."I brought cool juice for everyone~! Look!- I had to heave the cart alone!" Hajin snapped while pointing at the cart filled with fresh ice and clear bottles of various juices. Do-hwan frowned at the loaded cart and glanced back at her."The men are on a strict diet-""Father-in-law~! I didn't add sugar to the juice!- I even juiced white grapes, especially for you! No seeds!" Hajin pouted, suddenly snatching a cool glass to lift it before Do-hwan's face, who flushed red at her obvious bribery."Take a break!" Do-hwan cleared his throat- Thump. Thump. The guards weakly slumped onto the grass in extreme exhaustion."You're so kind, father-in-law~! Please have a drink!" Hajin grinned as she opened the cap, and offered it to the bearded man, causing his lips to curve upward at her irresistible cuteness- but the man immediately cleared his throat and straightened his expression again. He stiffly took the glass bottle from her hand before strolling away to avoid her attentive gaze as the other guards sat over the grass... under the scorching sun to squint at the beautiful heiress."What are you guys waiting for?!- Pick a juice while it's still fresh! I mixed it with ginseng extracts to boost your energy~!" Hajin beckoned the men, causing them to scramble to their feet. The sturdy guards approached the heiress as she stood by her ice cart to hand them their preferred bottle."Wah~! This is so refreshing~!" One of the men praised the heiress after having a gulp of the tasty juice."It's my pleasure! I can make it for everyone everyday~!" Hajin giggled as they surrounded her. "EHEM!" Do-hwan narrowed his eyes on his men... so they cleared their throats and backed away from her after retrieving the juice. Hajin glanced at Woobin... who was still pushing up alone on the ground... and skipped forward to crouch before her lover with a pineapple juice."Give me a moment," Woobin grunted as he thrust his heavy trunk upward again. Hajin giggled and stood up with an eager beam. She carefully settled her body on his muscular back, causing Woobin to groan at her additional weight. The guards chuckled as the heiress adjusted her body to lay over her lover's sweaty back."Can you support me...?" Hajin giggled as she wrapped her arms around his soaked neck while lying on Choi Woobin without shame. Do-hwan bitterly glanced at his men as they playfully nudged each other to tease the eldest son."Hey!- Are you trying to give my son a chronic back injury like your father?!- Get off him~!" Do-hwan scolded. Woobin chuckled at his father's complaints while struggling to support Hajin, so she lifted her head and fired the man an annoyed glare. "He's not complaining! So why do you care?!- This is nothing!- I'll be carrying his baby for nine months!" Hajin snapped back. Do-hwan's lips fell open at her blunt response, causing the guards to chuckle hysterically at her unfiltered statement. The man scoffed at the heiress as she beamed and kissed Woobin's sweaty cheek. Smooch. Smooch."Did you gain weight? You're heavier now," Woobin grunted, carefully lowering his body toward the grass again."Did you call me fat!?- How rude!" Hajin gasped, quickly pushing her body off his sweaty back, and got off him to sit on the grass with the pineapple bottle. Thump. Woobin shoved his body upward for the last time and sat up to stretch his arms above his head as Hajin intensely eyed his transparent body structure through the soaking wet shirt with a perverted grin."Why pineapple again...?" Woobin groaned, lowering his strong arms to sit cross-legs with his girlfriend. He prefers apple juice. Hajin keenly pushed the bottle into his chest before lifting her hand to wipe the trickling sweat over his hairline.

"So you'd be ready for me by nightfall," Hajin whispered behind her hand. Woobin froze at her mischievous smile and glanced at his father, who was narrowing his eyes on him as the guards shifted their attention to a mother duck... that was walking her hatched ducklings... towards the pond."Don't be naughty!" Woobin murmured, firing her a warning glare. Hajin giggled and covered her lips shyly as she chatted with her lover in the front yard.Woobin chuckled as he thirstily drank her handmade juice... so he'd taste his best for her... later. The man shook his head in disbelief as he lowered the empty bottle to the ground and wiped the stains from his lips while eyeing Hajin's enchanting smile. The couple sweetly kissed on the field, causing the chief guard's blood pressure to rise at their shameless display of public affection. Huff! Choi Do-hwan stormed off with his arms crossed, leaving the pair to flirt under the sun's glare. _______________________
Winter
Hajin's POVI stepped out of the elevator with a gift bag and strolled over the carpet in the corridor to ring the doorbell leading to a penthouse with a keen smile. Beep. The door slid open... and Seojun poked out his head in surprise... baffled by my unannounced visit."Hajin? What are you doing here?" Seojun asked in surprise as he fully opened the door to let me into his space, so I exhaled and stepped inside to slip off my shoes by the rack."I brought you gifts since you couldn't visit the hilltop after the incident," Hajin smiled and entered the penthouse to find another person sitting on the couch."Soo-ah brought me gifts earlier," Seojun cleared his throat. I nodded at the gift bag on the table and placed mine beside the bag."Will you excuse us for a moment? I have to speak with Seojun," I smiled at Soo-ah. She swallowed at my request as she got up without responding to me and left the penthouse without causing a scene. She's still here to see Seojun. Does she actually have genuine feelings for him? Seojun anxiously glanced at Soo-ah and back at me after she left through the door."She was just here to check on me-""It's fine. I don't mind," I smiled. Seojun observed my bright beam with an uneasy expression."I'll get you water," Seojun nodded, quickly strolling away to pour me a glass... so I patiently waited for the alpha to settle on the couch beside me. I have to speak with him before it's too late. He will probably despise me for misleading him. That's why I am here today. To make my intention known to him. Seojun curiously examined my face and tried to hold my hands, but I quickly scooted aside to avoid his touch. He blinked and glanced up at me with a questioning look."I'm engaged," I confessed while showing him the ring on my left hand. Seojun froze, quickly glancing down at the glistering jewel and back at me with a bewildered look."What?- With who?-""I'm sorry for... giving you false hope," I pursed my lips. Seojun frowned at my apologies as he unsurely searched my face with a pained gaze."But you almost slept with me that night-""I find a lot of comfort in you. I did- but... I'm in love with another man. I wish I could have informed you sooner," I apologetically dimmed my eyes. Seojun glanced back at the ring on my finger and suddenly lifted his dark gaze to mine. He's offended by my betrayal."It's him. Isn't it? Choi Woobin?" Seojun clenched his jaw once he connected the dots. I gripped my hands and nodded with my lips pursed."I'm sorry-""You deceived me? From the beginning? Soo-ah was never wrong about your relationship with him was she?" Seojun coldly questioned. I sat with my lips ajar while staring at his tearful glower, unsure of what I had to say to ease his aching heart."There was nothing between us in the beginning. I only got together with Woobin after we broke up-""So you pretended to see me while you're in love with another man...?" Seojun scoffed at me in disbelief."I did. I'm sorry-""You never really considered my proposal, did you?" Seojun scoffed again, hastily firing up from the couch to clasp his hand over his mouth in extreme shock."Oppa and I... broke up after the evening we went horse riding together-""But you have his ring on your finger now!- Why would you lead me on if you wanted him?! Did you think my sincerity was a joke?!- Something you can take ever so slightly to conceal your relationship with him?!" Seojun snapped, suddenly boiling in extreme anger. I stared at his red ears and lowered my face to process my thoughts."I thought you wanted closure. Let's call it a draw between us. I don't think I can love you knowing you betrayed me during my lowest time. I was always genuine with you during our relationship, but you blindly sought revenge on me for a crime I didn't commit by sleeping with Soo-ah. She has every right to be upset with you for confusing her. And you've also kept your affairs hidden to fool me, hoping I'd forgive you for the so-called accidental betrayal. Anyways. I visited you to clarify my feelings, so please refrain from lashing out at me. I did my best to make you feel comfortable," I exhaled, slowly rising to my feet with my dim gaze on Seojun, who appeared as if he was about to explode."Leave. I don't think I can contain my anger," Seojun huffed, spinning away to rub his face, so I nodded and strolled out of his penthouse- Halt. I abruptly paused when I found Soo-ah waiting in the corridor with her anxious gaze on me."Seojun and I aren't seeing each other," I muttered after closing the door."Eonni? Is she well?" Soo-ah asked while searching my eyes in concern."Soomin is well, and so is her son. Jae Yeongwoo. You should visit them," I informed while nodding at Soo-ah, who exhaled in relief.
Why did I fight with Soo-ah over a man? How childish of me.

The Jeon's daughter might've been envious of our relationship, but Seojun messed up when he cheated on me to be with her. Can I really blame Soo-ah? She liked him too, and she thought he had feelings for her when she allowed him to hold her body, only to be discarded by Seojun the very next morning. Sure. I should be grateful that he chose me over her... but why should I seek validation from a man... who used another woman to nurse his pain? And then left her hanging so carelessly?

I might be his priority today, but for how long? I might be his discarded trash in the future... once he meets a better woman. He might've been hurt during my scandal... but cheating is the lamest excuse to justify one's pain. No explanations can ever atone for his betrayal over a mere misunderstanding. He could have listened to me when I begged him to.

But no. The man chose to cheat on me.
I cleared my throat and walked away without another word to enter the elevator, leaving Soo-ah in the corridor and descended inside the enclosed compartment... until I stepped out to find Woobin waiting for me in the lobby. He smiled and walked forward to take my hand, so I took his warmth and strolled out of the building with my lover to exit the building complex._________________________
Fast Forward

My twin brothers refused to speak to me after uncovering the shocking truth behind my relationship with the eldest son. They didn't use the silent treatment to taunt me... but would give me an attitude whenever I tried to interact with them.

Harabeoji and imo were... of course... disturbed by the announcement at first... but they were quick to accept our love... so the only souls I'm struggling to appease are my older brothers. I'm not upset with them for reacting in such a way. I know they're beyond hurt by my decision to romantically love the eldest son in our household.
"Oppa~! I made a cake with eomma~!" I announced, carefully stepping inside the twin's room to find them lounging on the couch with their phones. They briefly looked up at me and glanced back at the screen in disinterest, so I walked inside to place the tray on the table and turned to stand over them with a slight grimace. How long are they going to ignore me?"Wae~! Why won't you speak with Hajinie~?" I pouted while crouching before them with my puppy eyes. I know I can soften their hearts with my cuteness. The twins shifted their eyes to scan my sulky facial expression with a poker face."Ah~! I sense a bothersome energy in our room~!" Kanghoon yawned, suddenly extending his leg to shove me aside with his feet, sending me toppling onto the floor. OW! How rude!"Right?! I can sense it too~! So nasty~!" Woojin agreed as he scratched his arms with a smug expression."Oppa~! Stop ignoring me~! Or I won't attend your wedding!" I threatened, quickly standing up with my hands on my hips to glare at the duo."And we won't attend yours!" The twin brother snapped their sharp glares at me. I stood in silence to glower at their stern stare. Should I lash out at them? But that will only worsen the problem. Hajin~! Don't be foolish!"Wae~? I'm sorry~!- I don't like this~! You should be happy for me~!" I whined while crawling between them with a big pout. The twins shrieked and tried to scramble away, but I quickly hugged both their necks and yanked them back with a weak smile."Let go!!!- Yah- Hey!-" Woojin shrieked, repeatedly tapping my arm as he choked under the pressure of my grip. I giggled as Kanghoon smacked my head to push away my face... but I resisted their force and clung to them with a wide grin."I can fight with anyone, but not you two! You're my favorite!" I grinned, softly pecking Woojin's cheek, and then kissed Kanghoon's forehead, causing the brothers to groan in annoyance as I pinned them to the couch."Yuck~! You kissed hyung with those lips!- It could've been anywhere on his body! YUCK! YUCK! YUCK!" Kanghoon pretended to gag at my affectionate gesture."I'm not letting you go until you love me again~!" I giggled, repeatedly kissing them all over their faces, causing the twins to scream in disbelief while wiggling under me."You little brat!" They screeched, suddenly grabbing my hips to slam me onto the couch. I gasped in shock, quickly attempting to sit up but was pinned back down by my shoulder. Woojin seized my wrists to restrain me as Kanghoon crawled over my torso and started tickling my waist."AHAH!- NO! OPPA! OPPAAAAAA! DON'T TICKLE ME- AHAHAH- AH! AH!- EOMMA!!! ARGH!- NO- I WILL PUKE IF YOU KEEP TICKLING ME!" I screamed in distress as the older brothers taunted me with uncomfortable tickles- until I jerked within their grips. Kanghoon chuckled at my frantic reaction and tickled my armpit, causing me to squeal in shock- so Woojin pulled my arms upward to expose my underarms, causing me to squirm in distress while being tortured by my older brothers."We're punishing you!" Woojin giggled. I breathlessly squealed until tears formed in my eyes while thrashing over the couch- THUD!"Hey, you two! What are you doing?!" Eomma shrieked, rushing inside the room with her eyes wide open once she noticed one of the twins sitting over my belly while the other.... knelt above my head to restrain me on the couch."I'm punishing your naughty daughter!" Kanghoon chuckled."Aigo~! You scared me~! I had to rush up here from the kitchen! Let her go~!" Eomma whined, walking forward to meddle with our affairs. The twins scoffed at her order and eventually released me, so I smacked Kanghoon's chest in annoyance and sat up to rub away my tears."Eomma~! They won't speak to me!" I pouted at my mother as she rounded the couch to examine us."Family shouldn't reject each other's apology~! Please be kind to each other~!" Eomma pouted, lowering her hands to pat the twin's cheeks as I sat between the buff brothers. They side-eyed me bitterly and crawled forward to hug eomma's waist."She's not kind to us! When was she ever considerate of our feelings?!" Woojin complained."But you both love her regardless~! Don't create unnecessary misunderstandings with your attitude~ And let's be happy together~!" Eomma smiled as she settled on the couch with us, and gently took my hand in hers.The twins funnily side-eye me with a disgusted look and glanced back at eomma as she picked up their hands to place their massive palms over and under my hand to hold us three... together. The twins eventually sighed and gave in... so I grinned and kissed their cheeks again. They mocked me with a sore frown, causing eomma to smack their arms with a weak smile... until they pouted and patted my shoulder to assure me of their forgiveness.
Dinner Time
The household chattered loudly over the kitchen counter as I ate beside Woobin, who was chatting with eomma over the table. The twins side-eye me again from across the table, so I rolled my eyes while conversing with Soomin and Beom on my side until Woobin held my waist and tugged me against his body. I softly pecked his cheek, causing the household to dart us an uneasy expression."Oh?!- Why is there another dumpling inside this one?!" Appa gasped, suddenly spitting out the steamed dumpling to poke the filling with his chopsticks."You're right! Why are there double dumplings?!" Eomma gasped, quickly tearing open her dumpling. I smiled at them and glanced at Woobin, who poked the dumpling with his fork to uncover the layers and glanced at the household in surprise."Aigo~! Did the maid make these?! How can they stuff one dumpling inside another~!" Imo gasped as she studied the dumplings on her plate."I made them," I smiled. The household glanced up at me with a baffled look. The twins bit off half of the dumpling to examine the small dumpling inside the steaming filling... and darted me a questioning look with their eyebrows raised."Why would you put a dumpling inside another one...?" Beom cluelessly muttered."Aigo~! Is it your new recipe?" Hareboji chuckled as he ate the dumpling with an unbothered look."Oh!" Soomin suddenly dropped the dumpling onto her plate and grabbed my arm with her eyes bulging open. I smiled weakly at her hilarious reaction as she gawked at me with her mouthing hanging open."Wae???- What's wrong?!" Appa asked, worriedly glancing back and forth between us. Soomin shrieked again, suddenly leaping forward to yank me into a crushing hug... so I welcomed her embrace... as the household eyed our lively interaction with their mouth ajar... still confused in their seats."A dumpling inside a dumpling!- Don't you get it?!" Soomin grinned at the households. Eomma froze and glanced down at her half-eaten dumpling... and slowly... she looked at me with a drained expression. I chuckled and glanced at imo, who gripped Harabeoji's arm with a startled expression."Is this a women's code or something?!- What's wrong with the dumpling~?!" Woojin impatiently whined."Omo!- Omo- OMO!!!" Eomma shrieked while covering her mouth in shock to contain herself. Appa snapped his attention toward his wife- when she suddenly wiggled her body out of pure excitement. Wiggle! Wiggle! "Wae!? Wae?- What's the matter!?" Appa raised his voice in a panic at his wife's muted excitement."A DUMPLING INSIDE A DUMPLING!?- YEOBO!" Eomma screamed, aggressively snatching appa's collar to shake the man to his senses, who funnily rocked back and forth as he frowned at my mother's deranged behavior. The kitchen grew hushed again... so I glanced at the confused men in the room and glanced at Woobin... who was also eyeing me with a clueless frown."I'm pregnant!" I announced."MOH!?!" Appa snapped his head in my direction in bewilderment. Harabeoji started coughing in his seat, so Beom quickly poured the man a glass of water."WITH HYUNG'S BABY?!" Kanghoon shrieked, firing me a startled look as the dumpling slipped from his open... splattering messily onto his plate."OBVIOUSLY!" Eomma chirped as she happily hugged appa's head. I chuckled as Soomin patted my back and glanced at Woobin, who stared at me with a scared yet... shaken expression."Are you serious...?" Woobin whispered, lowering his eyes to my stomach in shock. I chuckled and withdrew the positive kit from my pocket to show him."THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE!- YEOBO! WE'LL HAVE ANOTHER GRANDCHILD!" Eomma suddenly strangled my father's neck, causing the old man to choke within her grip. Fwip! Woobin scoffed in extreme disbelief, suddenly pulling me into a crushing hug, so I grinned and hugged his back with a proud beam."But you aren't even married yet!" Woojin shrieked from across the table."Aigo~! They can marry after she has her child! You two should focus on producing my great-grandchildren!" Harabeoji laughed at the startled twins. The identical brothers huffed at me again as Woobin pulled away with tears in his eyes, so the man lowered his face to peck my lips, causing Soomin to pout at us. Beom smiled and hugged his wife's waist as eomma grinned at appa, who held her hips with a dazed expression... still in too much shock to react."I'm so happy for you two!" Imo giggled while clapping her hands like a seal until I drew away from Woobin's lips... and glanced at the mixture of reactions before us as Woobin tightened his grip on my hand with his excited gaze on the positive pregnancy result.
Woobin didn't get me pregnant during our makeup sex during the rainy night because I was still on pills then... but I stopped taking the medication afterward without informing him. He eventually impregnated me a few months after rekindling our relationship, so I've got a baby dumpling in my womb now!

Why did I conceive a baby this early? Because I'm ready to raise my own family~! Eomma had the twins at around this age too~!
________________________
Sora's POV

How did time fly by before my eyes so quickly? It was only yesterday when I lived a youthful and carefree life as a young adult. All those premature love affairs... with endless men to search for the right one. The pain I endured to protect my relationships... and the tears I shed, hoping to achieve happiness in my unknown future... living another day to see tomorrow... even if I've lost hope in life.

What would have happened if I gave up on life and love?

I wouldn't be here today. Where would I be? Maybe succumbing to the bottomless abyss with my sorrow and misery? But here I am... with the opportunity to watch my family grow up on a beautiful hilltop. I am most thankful to myself for choosing to grant life and love another shot... because I am now reaping the rewards... of the painful sufferings I endured.

It was only yesterday when I thought my life would remain a wreck with the endless generational traumas of my corrupted family and warfare with the society that had torn me to shred. I live most of my life in constant fear and anxiety. What will happen tomorrow...? Will I make it to the end...? I did not have an answer. I was lost in a scary storm.

A storm... that kept me trapped all my life.

I thought there was no escape... but here I am... safe and secure... in my lover's arms.
I blinked out of my deep thoughts while sitting beside Kim Taehyung with our hands interlaced over his lap. He gently rubbed the wedding ring over my finger with a proud beam on the charming twin brothers as they held their brides on the raised platform in the expansive front yard, packed with high-ranking households and lower ranks. Kanghoon and Woojin proudly gleamed under the warm sunlight while holding their bride as I sniffled in tears and leaned my head against my husband's shoulder to celebrate their marriage.

The bear and the puppy were my first offspring. The boys were born from a tragic disorder that almost ruined my life, but I never gave up on their young souls, nor did Taehyung. It was my first time being a mother. And although my late mother... was never supportive of my life decisions... I cared for the identical twins... even if I was lacking as their mother. I relied on maternity books, doctors' advice, written articles on the internet, and taught myself the basic necessities as a young mother so I could properly care for them.

They were the heaviest of all the children. My belly was massive, stretching and tearing my youthful skin apart... to fit their tiny bodies. I struggled days and nights while carrying them both... but I persisted through the tiring nine months and safely birthed them with the medic's intensive assistance.

Of course, they were the toughest challenge for a young mother like me because how do I tell them apart? I sometimes feed Kanghoon twice, thinking it's Woojin... and I'd feed Woojin twice, assuming it's Kanghoon, only to realize I've mistaken one for the other... after they puke out my milk through their lips and nostrils... because I overfed them.

Motherhood wasn't easy because of the sleepless nights and endless duties to keep my babies safe and warm. Yet... I always... feel most relieved whenever they flaunt their toothless smiles at me. How can I give up on them...? Even if they weren't born with love between me and their father. They are the most precious souls because these young boys... have lived to witness the warfare.

A dark phase for our family and the society. They have been captured and mistreated by the cult and were constantly dragged back and forth because they didn't have a complete family.

"Why is eomma leaving~?"

"Eomma doesn't love appa~?"

"Wae~? Why are you guys not married~?"

The identical doe eyes kept asking me the same questions... because they didn't understand... how I was living separately from Kim Taehyung. A man they call their father. How could I have explained the unfortunate situation to them at such a young age? It's heartbreaking.

I feel the most sorry for them because they grew up believing their parents weren't in love and that they were simply a mistake, born without a purpose. A burden to their separated parents. They might have felt abandoned because I had another lover... but the truth is... my heart has always beat for them since the day they were conceived.

I was lost in that particular stage of my life because I loved Jae Yangcha, but the kids weren't his. I didn't know where to run or where to turn. I was in shambles and the kids...? They're constantly left alone to fend for themselves. Plain porridge... was all they had for years while I was away, and despite receiving Taehyung's love and care... I knew... it wasn't enough for the souls.

They needed both their parents to fulfill their lives, and I couldn't grant them their wishes.

Kanghoon-ah... Woojin-ah...

Eomma is very sorry for not providing you enough family security. Eomma... is terribly sorry... that you constantly had to question the purpose of your existence. Eomma loves you so much... you have no idea how guilty eomma is for not handling the past well enough to appease your doubts of my undying love for you two. And eomma is also thankful... that you never questioned eomma's decision and trusted eomma's every word... with those cute bunny smiles of yours.

"Eomma is leaving again~?"

"When will we see eomma again~?"

"Why can't eomma stay with us forever~?"

My heart breaks every time I bid you two goodbye at the doorway after a few day's visit to look after you at the apartment. Oh. How I wish I could hold you tight and never let go of your souls. Yet you two never made it hard for eomma to leave. The little puppy and the bear would nod without a glimpse of suspicion and bid me goodbye with so much hope in their eyes.

They trusted that I'd return to them every time I closed the door on them.

How were they so understanding even if they knew nothing?

Unlike Beom and Hajin... Kanghoon and Woojin... is a fated accident. They were my late mother's living tool to secure her ally's assets, born to acquire power from the Jeon.

An accident...? They're miracles in my life.

They were my first everything.

My first children.

My first spark of joy.

My first time being a mother.

If I could rewind time and live through the first moment of motherhood with them all over again... I would. I'd do anything to hold the bundles of joy in my arms.

I'd still sing them the soft lullaby every day to put them to sleep. I'd stay up late to pump my breast milk so they won't starve. I'd wipe their snots and even suck their clogged nostrils with my lips to clear their airway. I'd wake up to comfort their agitated souls when I barely had the energy to move my strained muscles. I'd change their smelly diapers every day to prevent uncomfortable inflammation over their precious skin.

I'd do anything to preserve our endearing moment together... even if you were too young to witness my undying love for you. I'd still do it all again because... these two... were the source of strength in my life when I was at my lowest.
"Aigo~! Why are you crying so much~? It'll ruin your precious makeup~!" Taehyung whined while examining my face with a concerned look. My heart is aching so much! He gently wiped the tears from my cheeks, so I hugged my husband and gripped his shoulders for emotional support.

"I feel so sorry for them," I sobbed. Taehyung sighed and patted my back."Sora... I don't think either of them... have ever doubted the extent and depth of your love. Don't make them sad on their special day," Taehyung muttered. I sniffled and lifted my face to stare at my sons as they pouted at me from the stage, so I forced a weak smile and nodded at them to assure the twins of my welfare."Thank you for choosing to complete their family," I glanced at my husband. Taehyung fondly stared at me as he adjusted the flower braid in my hair. The man had brought me flowers from the garden to decorate my hair for the twin's joint wedding ceremony."It's our fate to be together," Taehyung chuckled, lifting his arm to hold my shoulder. The man smiled at our sons and their wives as I clutched his arm while dabbing my husband's napkin over my soaked under-eye."Are those your flowers?" I chuckled while nodding at the flower bouquet in Mirae and Jiyoung's hands."Of course! I must show off my precious petals! I clipped them myself so the maids could assemble the bouquets!" Taehyung smugly grinned. I laughed and glanced to the side to find Beom holding his son over his lap as Soomin held hands with Hajin, whose baby bump were slightly visible under her dress. Woobin beamed at the twins as they kissed the Jung and Park's daughters before the guests... so I cheerfully clapped for them as my husband repeatedly kissed my cheek."I love you!" I shrieked at my sons once they drew away from their brides."We love you too," The twins nodded at me and Taehyung as I proudly held my husband and glanced at Hoseok, who was grinning at his daughter.Park Jimin proudly gave the couple a thumbs up as he sat beside his wife, So-young. I smiled and glanced at Seokjin, fondly staring at the couple with his average wife and son. Seojun dimly stared at Hajin and Woobin from the back row with a blank gaze and suddenly got up from his seat, swiftly passing Min Yoongi as he sat with his gorgeous daughter, Chungha.The young heiress happily chatted with Kim Dohyun with a shy smile as Namjoon and Ah-young monitored the couple's flirty exchange. I exhaled and glanced at Soo-ah as she sat beside her blank parents. Jeon Jungkook stared at the twins with little to no emotions as Hwa-young narrowed her eyes on our grandson, Yeongwoo... who was bouncing on Beom's lap in joy with his newly grown front tooth.
The twins have agreed to take over Kim Taehyung's legacy to sustain the Kim household and his fintech corporation. They refused to press Jeon Jungkook for his assets because they claimed... they didn't want to represent Jeon's blood. Not when Jungkook neglected them all his life. And so. The Jeon will reserve their assets for their youngest daughter, Jeon Soo-ah, a third-ranked alpha. The twins will share my supreme alpha power as a first rank, and Kim Hajin will inherit Kim Taehyung's assets after marriage with Choi Woobin.

And Beom? Beom requested that he succeed in his father's legacy... so he's splitting from our household to represent the Jae as a second rank with his wife, Jeon Soomin. We agreed because Jae Yangcha had already prepared for Beom's succession before his unfortunate passing. Thereby... Jae Beom has every right to utilize his father's resources and acquire his seat in the council to secure his wife and son.

The society is aware of Kim Hajin and Choi Woobin's relationship after our household requested to terminate the wedding with the Go Household, who were devastated by our startling decision. We compensated for our marriage retreat by offering the abandoned Seoul mansion to their family... but they refused the offer and were... of course... furious.

Go Hera... is heartbroken. Woobin personally admitted his relationship with Hajin to his former lover... so... the Go household isn't present at the ceremony. I tried desperately to avoid trouble with the household... but this is an issue I can't evade.

I wish Hajin and Woobin had been brave enough to inform us earlier because we could've avoided the issue. Taehyung and I would have never torn them apart... even if it was a severe shock to our old souls.

If they wish to pursue their relationship... then... my only duty with my husband... is to bless their love.
__________________________
Fast Forward
Jae Yeongwoo cutely cooed in my arms as I hugged the child over my lap while sitting on the couch in the living room during a cloudy morning. Jae Beom and Soomin went on a vacation for a break from parenthood, so I am babysitting my little grandson at the hilltop. The toddler grinned at me with his adorable two upper teeth, so I chuckled and pinched his chubby cheeks. Yeongwoo is a calm child. He doesn't cry or throw unnecessary tantrums... just like his father and late grandfather."Are you hungry? Halmeoni will make you some snacks~!" I giggled, carefully lifting my grandson's chunky body to hold him against my chest, and strolled out of the living room to find Hajin... baking alone at the counter with an apron secured over her baby bump."Eomma. Can you taste the cream for me?" Hajin leaned over the counter to feed me a spoonful of whipped cream. I tasted the sweet mixture between my lips to evaluate the formulation while rocking my grandson in my embrace."It's delicious! Did you mix it with ripe mango?" I gasped at my daughter in surprise."Yup! The mangoes are juicy and tender!" Hajin chuckled while nodding at the bowl of chop-up mangos."Transfer a few pieces to a bowl. Yeongwoo is hungry," I smiled as I settled at the counter with my grandson, whose lips were coated with saliva. The child doesn't scream for food, but his mouth often salivates when he's hungry. Hajin transferred a few mango chunks into a separate bowl, and handed it to me... so I secured Yeongwoo with one arm and squashed the chunks into thick pastes with a spoon."Have you seen oppa?" Hajin asked as she placed the cream bowl inside the fridge and turned to heat the pan on the stove."Your father dragged him to the garden earlier this morning," I replied while feeding Yeongwoo a spoonful of mashed mango, who cutely munched the paste until he suddenly wiggled and cooed in delight upon tasting the savory sweetness. Hajin chuckled at her nephew's joyful reaction, so I kissed his plump cheek and fed him again as he giggled on my lap."Ah~!" Yeongwoo cooed with his mouth open."Aigo~! Appa is crazy about that garden!" Hajin chuckled."He forced Beom to build a duck shed for the ducklings~! And he instructs the guard to cleanse the pond weekly," I chuckled. Hajin beamed as she poured the batter into the pan to make thin crepes."He threatens to eat Beom's ducks all the time," Hajin chuckled. Yeongwoo cutely licked his lips as I stirred the bowl and lifted another spoonful of mango paste to his mouth."How is your morning sickness?" I asked, curiously glancing at Hajin as she stood with her back turned away to monitor the batter on the heated pan. She's almost due. I'm worried about her."Not too frequent, but it's bad when I get it," Hajin replied while transferring the thin crepes layer onto a spare plate by the stove."It must be a girl then. The Jang's daughter has the same symptoms," I chuckled. Hajin laughed."My baby is only one year younger than Yeongwoo! Just like me and Beom!" Hajin smiled, briefly glancing at me. I laughed and wiped my grandson's stained cheek while rocking him over my lap. Yeongwoo cutely giggled while tasting his lips with his sparkly gaze on his pregnant aunt."Aigo~! I pray the twins don't actually have twin babies~!" I chuckled. That would be a disaster. We'd have an army of children if they gave birth to twin babies!"The hilltop won't be peaceful anymore with so many children!" Hajin agreed. Thud! Thud! I flinched in a panic when someone suddenly pounded on the kitchen's arch window, so we snapped our heads to find my old man peeking through the glass with a dark frown."Water~! Cool water! I'm thirsty~!" Taehyung demanded."I'll be there in a bit~!" I replied. The man huffed and stomped away in his dirty shirt, causing Hajin to chuckle at her father's brief visit."Why can't he get it himself?" Hajin scoffed while shaking her head."He claims everything tastes better when I feed him," I giggled. My daughter laughed and chatted with me in the kitchen as I fed Yeongwoo the sweet mango. I eventually placed Yeongwoo under my father's brief care after Hajin placed her crepe cake away and left to search for Woobin.
A moment later.
I quietly crept behind my husband as he bent over the soil to examine the new bed of young flowers under the scorching sun with his bum sticking out. Grinning, I placed the tray on the bench and tiptoed behind his back as he grumbled nonsense- POKE! I shoved my fingers deep between his lower buttcrack- causing the man to shriek in shock."ARGH!!?-" Taehyung screamed, wildly spinning around to glare at me while gripping his bum with a horrified look."Ahah~! Did it hurt?!" I giggled, apologetically lowering my hands to hold his butt."You poked my ball sacks!" Taehyung whined, so I cupped his cheeks and tiptoed to press my lips against his."I brought cool water~!" I smiled, quickly hurrying away to grab the glass and lifted the straw to his lips."I almost died from thirst! What took you so long?!" Taehyung scolded, sorely lowering his lips to suck the water as I dabbed the trickling sweat from his hairline."Yeongwoo was hungry, so I was feeding him~!" I chuckled and lowered the glass once my husband emptied it."Ah~! That rascal! How can he leave his baby behind for his old parents to babysit~?!" Taehyung grumbled as he rotated his body to inspect the budding stems over the soil while scratching his sore bum. I softly giggled as I walked away to settle the glass on the tray and strolled back to hug my old man from behind."Yeobo~! We used to do the same!- I'm fine with babysitting Yeongwoo~! He's a calm child," I chuckled, stepping aside to pat his buttcheeks while grinning and the sprouts in the mini pots."The longest we were away was three days at most! He's been gone for a week! And we don't even know where he's at!" Taehyung grunted as he tended the flowers with a small spray bottle. I chuckled while hugging his waist and crouched down to pluck two yellow daisies before standing up again to insert the flower in his white hair and one above my ear."There~! There~! They should be allowed to take a break from parenthood~! Don't stress yourself over trivial matters~!" I chuckled. Taehyung smiled and glanced at me as I admired the daisy in the mixture of his silver and black hair until the man lowered his face to peck my lips."And the newlyweds!- How long does their honeymoon phase last?! They've been gone since the wedding night!- And where is Woobin!?- He suddenly disappeared!- Did he run away again?!" Taehyung suddenly diverted his frustration on the twins while searching the garden for the eldest son with an irritated grimace. My old man loves to drag his sons to the garden, so they often avoid being near their father."Honey~! Why are you picking on our children!-""Ohoh! We didn't even get to go on a honeymoon because we were so busy sustaining the household~!" Taehyung argued, cutely glaring at me. He's oddly sensitive lately... and it's cute. The man goes around picking on everyone in the mansion- mostly Hajin... because she's the only one around. The father and daughter would always argue over ridiculous things~!"Every night with you for the past decades is the best honeymoon," I winked. Taehyung froze at my words, cutely flushing red. "What are you saying~!" Taehyung shyly nudged my shoulder with his signature boxy smile. I laughed and cupped his squishy cheeks until he lowered his face to plant a sweet kiss on my lips. The man suddenly dropped the spray bottle to hold my waist, so I giggled and tried to pull away... but he yanked me back and smooched my lips until I felt his hands skimming downward to grope my butt."Not in broad daylight~!" I giggled."When was the last time we made love? Should we do it?" Taehyung smirked. I scoffed at his invitation and glanced around the empty garden unsurely."Now? Here~?" I whispered while searching his eager face."I know a place~! Come on~!" Taehyung suddenly dragged my wrist, making me stumble after the man. Is he out of his mind?! Where is he taking me!- I gasped in shock when he suddenly kissed me before his storage shed, so I giggled and hugged his neck as he shoved open the squeaky door."Oppa~!" I playfully whined as he dragged me inside the cramped shed while groping my butt with our lips glued together. Smooch. Smooch."Wah~! You're so delicious~! Nom~! Nom~!" Taehyung teased, loudly banging the shed's door close, and groped my breast over the dress as he impatiently kissed me. I softly moaned while holding his waist. How is this man still sexually attracted to my old body? I'm not as elastic and firm as I used to be!"Your back might ache~!" I whined, anxiously pulling away to examine his flushed face."It doesn't hurt when I'm standing like this~! You just have to bend over for me~!" Taehyung chuckled as he swiftly spun me around, and playfully smacked my bum to tease me. Smack! Smack! The man back-hugged me in the dark shed, so I gripped the wooden rack for support as he snuggled his face against the side of my neck while squishing my breasts with his dirty palms."Ehem..." Someone suddenly cleared their throat. Fwip! Taehyung flinched at the startling presence of another person as he unconsciously gripped my boobs and snapped his head toward the sound... until we noticed... a man standing... with his back turned on us. My jaw dropped when I noticed two slender legs wrapped securely around the man's hips. Silence. I stiffly lifted my dumbfounded face to find... Hajin hugging Woobin's neck with her flustered face pressed against his shoulder."What are you doing here?!" I gasped, quickly turning around to gawk at the couple until I realized... Woobin's trousers were at his knees... and his shirt... barely covering his naked bum.I glanced back at Hajin in shock, who shyly smiled at me and buried her face against her lover's shoulder in her undone dress. Her bare body was fortunately covered by Woobin's massive body as he firmly hugged her with his back turned on us. Hajin sat awkwardly on the desk with her legs wrapped around his hips... so I swallowed uneasily and glanced at Taehyung... who was gawking at the couple in disbelief.
A moment ago.
Kim Hajin held her baby bump with a weak smile as she carefully walked up to Woobin, who was watering the garden near the shed with his back turned on her. She grinned and crept up behind her lover... with the intention... to scare him... when Woobin suddenly spun around to frown at her with a questioning look- causing her to flinch in a panic."I can see your shadow lurking behind me," Woobin chuckled, nodding at the shadow over the bush."Dang it! I wanted to scare you~!" Hajin whined and strode forward to hug her husband."Don't scare me~! I might hurt you and our baby by accident! You know I've got a fast reflex as the chief guard's son!" Woobin chuckled as he lowered his face to kiss her cheek. The man suddenly pursed his lips once he noticed Hajin's enticing plump cleavage... and glanced back at her pretty curled lashes."Appa is forcing you to do this again? It's scorching hot~!" Hajin mumbled, sorely glancing at the garden with an annoyed grimace."He's on the other side... caring for the new batch. Sit in the shade," Woobin lifted his hand to shield Hajin's face from the blinding sun glare. Hajin scratched her neck awkwardly and glanced at Woobin with a troubled expression."Can you spare yourself for a moment...?" Hajin blinked at the man."Wae? Do you feel sick...?" Woobin asked, worriedly frowning at her."Well- I was baking earlier... and I caught a glimpse of you through the window... and you were sweating all over... and I suddenly..." Hajin rubbed her upper arm uneasily... until her face flushed even redder."Suddenly...?" Woobin asked, attentively waiting for her to finish the sentence."I'm horny," Hajin whispered behind her hand in embarrassment. Woobin abruptly switched off the hose with one hand... as he towered over her with a dumbfounded look. Awkward Silence. The couple stared at each other without blinking."You're horny...? Again?" Woobin scoffed, briefly glancing at the baby bump and back at her apologetic expression."I can wait if you're occupied. I'll change the bedsheet and spray a sweet aroma in our room!" Hajin suggested- FWIP! Woobin suddenly tossed the hose aside, seized her body without a warning and carried the heiress in his strong arms- causing her to gasp in shock."How can I make you wait...?" Woobin smirked, playfully smacking her buttcheeks as he shoved the shed door open before closing the door and strode inside the dark space to settle Hajin on the wooden table at the far end."Here?!" Hajin covered her lips in disbelief as Woobin slipped his hands under her maternity dress to slip the thin panties from her full hips."I'm too dirty to enter our room, so we'll do a quickie here. I'll handle you again if you're not satisfied," Woobin whispered while gazing at Hajin's startled doe eyes. The heiress uneasily swallowed at the inappropriate setting while eyeing her father's storage shed and glanced back at her husband until he nudged his lips against hers, causing her to stiffen in place with her legs... dangling from the table."You're already hard...?" Hajin gasped once she unconsciously reached inside his waistband to search for his bulge... and surprisingly the man was... already stiff. Woobin softly chuckled at the teasing touch of her fumbling fingers over his penis and tilted his face to nibble on the crook of her neck while removing her dress's sleeves off her shoulders."The sight of your plump cleavage triggered a blood surge down there," Woobin chuckled, lowering his lips to kiss her swollen nipple. Hajin moaned in difficulty and gripped his head with one hand as she gently jerked his shaft until she felt her groin throbbing for his presence."Tease me a little... I like it when you rub over me," Hajin whispered. Woobin smiled and lifted his face to watch her jerk his raw tip as Hajin scooted forward with her legs apart and gently nudged his tip against her sensitive slit. The man carefully pushed her shoulder to make her lean back a little while stroking his hard bulge over her swollen clit to tease her without penetration... until Hajin shivered in excitement. "You're often in heat when you're pregnant," Woobin whispered while pleasuring his wife by rubbing his bare penis between her juicy flesh. Hajin softly whimpered and sat up to hug his neck once the man pushed his tip between the juicy slit... carefully penetrating her... until he felt her warm muscles clenching onto his hardened meat."The baby makes me favor you so much," Hajin giggled, pulling away to beam at Woobin. He scoffed and gently thrust inside her before lowering his face to stifle his wife's voice with their wet kisses.The heiress breathily moaned between their wrestling tongues while groping her husband's firm buttcheeks until his trouser slid down to his knees. Woobin grunted in pleasure as he steadily pounded between her thighs until her bulging baby bump thumped against his torso. Thwop. Thwop. The man lifted his hand to massage Hajin's perky breast before lowering his face to bite on her tip, causing her to shriek in pleasure.She lifted her shins to secure his hips as they made love in the dark shed until they started sweating profusely at the motion of their body movements- Thud. Woobin suddenly stopped thrusting and yanked Hajin forward to hide her bare body without turning around as the frantic footsteps shuffled inside the shed."Oppa~!" Sora giggled, causing Hajin to stiffen on the table as she hugged Woobin's sweaty neck with her... bulging eyes on her mother, whose lips were glued to her father. The man was groping her mother's buttcheeks. Smooch. Smooch. Woobin widened his eyes in horror as he held his lover against his racing heart in the unexpected presence of the supreme alphas."Wah~! You're so delicious~! Nom~! Nom~!" Taehyung teased while groping Sora's breast. Hajin clawed her fingers into Woobin's shoulder in fright as the couple remained cemented in their position... too afraid to budge."Your back might ache~!" Sora whined, quickly pulling away to examine her husband's flushed face."It doesn't hurt when I'm standing like this~! You just have to bend over for me~!" Taehyung giggled as he spun his wife around- Smack! Smack! The man spank his old wife's buttcheeks, causing Hajin to avert her terrified eyes to Woobin, who was turning pale by the second. "What should we do...?" Woobin mouthed Hajin in fear. He didn't dare turn and clutched onto her body with his hard bulge... lodged deep inside her. Hajin glanced back at the elderly couple to find her father back hugging her mother against the rack while touching her body inappropriately."Ehem..." Hajin suddenly cleared her throat to interrupt her parent's steamy moment. Choi Woobin sucked in his breath in fear once their playful giggles and chatters instantly ceased... at the unexpected disturbance. The man screwed his eyes shut as he stood like a stiff statue while holding his pregnant wife against his body... until he felt his heart hammering against his ribs.Kim Taehyung suddenly flinched with his palm gripped over his wife's boobs and snapped inside the shed to find... Woobin... standing with his back turned on them. The mother's jaw dropped when she noticed two slender legs... wrapping securely around the man's hips and lifted her started gaze to find... Hajin clutching Woobin's neck with her flustered face over his shoulder."What are you doing here?!" Sora gasped, quickly turning around to gawk at the couple.
Present.
Kim Taehyung stood frozen in his place with his hand over Sora's breasts as he eyed the young couple with a terrified expression. Sora covered her mouth in realization and snapped her embarrassed face to her husband, who blinked and glanced at her in shock."We- We're... in a difficult position right now. My husband- is a bit- bare- can you give us some privacy?" Hajin explained as she hugged Woobin's broad shoulder with an apologetic look."Yeobo~! Let's leave-""In my shed?!" Taehyung scoffed when his wife tried to drag him away."Appa~! We got here first! Please leave~!" Hajin whined while tightening her grip around Woobin's sweaty nape. Taehyung scoffed with an offended look. "Yah! This is inappropriate! How dare you-""You tried to do the dirty with eomma too!" Hajin complained. Sora gasped, quickly shoving the door open to drag her stubborn husband out of the storage space... who was clearly flabbergasted by their children's intimate affair in his shed."Yah!- This isn't right!- Not in my shed!- How dirty!- GET OUT!" Taehyungs shrieked in distress- THUD. Sora slammed the door shut and dragged her husband away. Thump! Thump! The couple quietly listened to the man's complaint as he lectured them loudly while thrashing in his wife's grip and tried to open the door again... but Sora hugged his waist and dragged the furious man back into the garden."Fuck-""No. Keep going," Hajin whispered, tightening her legs around Woobin's hips to keep him inside her when he tried to back away. The man frowned."But your father-""Don't bother about my father~! He's always like that~!" Hajin giggled, softly kissing Woobin's lips until he broke into a weak smile and responded to her tender strokes.The couple resumed their intercourse inside the storage shed to ease each other's straining nerves until they succeeded. Fwip! Woobin quickly pulled Hajin's clean panties back onto her hips and carefully lifted her off the table to settle her on the ground before pulling up his trousers with a slight smile. The couple burst out laughing at each other at the thought of getting caught by their parents. Smooch. They sweetly kissed in the dark. Woobin took Hajin's hand and pushed the door open for his pregnant wife before strolling out into the garden... but they abruptly stopped dead... once they found Kim Taehyung sitting on the bench with his narrowed glower on the couple while chewing the mango crepes in his mouth."How shameless!" Taehyung huffed. Sora smiled at her husband's agitation as she sat by his side on the bench."Appa~! It's my husband's manly duty to please me!" Hajin complained as she held Woobin's hand."In my storage shed?! How disrespectful!- You'd probably do it on my grave too when I die!" Taehyung snapped right back."Ohoh!? You were trying to get all dirty with eomma in there too!" Hajin shrieked. Woobin smiled at the father and daughter as they loudly bickered in the garden."Whatever- She's almost due! So why would you make love with her?!" Taehyung directed his annoyed glare at Woobin."Eomma said it's safe as long as we're careful!" Hajin defended Woobin. Taehyung scoffed and snapped at Sora, who froze at her husband's disapproving frown."You told her it's okay?!- After I pump the baby right out of your womb with my dick?!" Taehyung funnily snapped at his wife."Yeobo!-""Your mother wanted to do the dirty in a standing position in a bathroom- I fell for her seduction and did it with her while she was almost due- and guess what?!- I broke her water- and you!- Kim Hajin! Came rolling out of her lady part! We almost couldn't make it on time to the hospital!" Taehyung scolded his daughter with an annoyed frown. Hajin's jaw dropped in shock as she held Woobin's hand, who flushed red and glanced at Sora, who lowered her face in embarrassment while smacking her husband's chest for thoughtlessly exposing their embarrassing secret."What?!- That's how I was born?!- Oh?-" Hajin widened her eyes and tried to walk forward when- SPLAT. An unknown source of fluid suddenly dripped onto the hot concrete below her.Kim Taehyung immediately stiffened on the bench as he shifted his gaze to the water... trickling from under Hajin's knee-length dress. SPLAT. SPLAT. The father gawked in shock as Hajin stared down to find... water... dripping down her legs. She gasped at the sight of the fluids as it rolled down her shins... and soaking her slippers. Woobin widened his eyes and quickly crouched down to peek under her dress with his lips ajar until he noticed her soaked panties."Hajin~! Omo! Omo! OMO!!!-" Sora squealed, fearfully covering her mouth as she sat beside Kim Taehyung's stiff body, whose soul had left his body."Ah!- Ow! Oh no~!" Hajin shrieked, suddenly gripping her contracting belly in horror."Hajin!" Woobin gasped, quickly standing up to support her body as she clung to his arm for support."You're giving birth?!- #*&@^%?!" Sora jerked off the bench, hurriedly rushing forward to grab hold of her daughter with a drained expression."I TOLD YOU!- HAH! SEE?!-" Taehyung shrieked as he launched to his feet in bewilderment. Woobin clenched his jaw as he swiftly swept Hajin off the ground and sprinted out of the garden to race her away."AAAAAHHHH~! EOMMA! MY VAGINA HURTS!- EOMMA?!- &#^!%!*?!-" Hajin cried at the top of her lungs while clinging to Woobin's neck."OH NO~! MY BABY! MY BABY! MY BABY!-" Sora shrieked while chasing after her daughter with a blood-drained face. "I TOLD YOU!!!- I TOLD YOU NOT TO RECKLESSLY MAKE LOVE!- YOUR MOTHER'S WATER BROKE JUST LIKE THIS- AND I WAS SCARED FOR MY LIFE BECAUSE SHE CLAIMED IT HURT MORE THAN HAVING MY BALL SACKS TORN APART!!^&*!$#!" Taehyung screamed, limping after his wife while shouting nonsense because he too... was panicking."Yeobo-""YAH KIM HAJIN! THIS IS KARMA FOR DISRESPECTING YOUR FATHER!" Taehyung screamed as he raced through the backdoor to find Woobin storming out of the front door. Sora shrieked in a panic and chased the couple with her husband, who wouldn't stop scolding his daughter until his legs suddenly weakened over the front yard. Wobble! The old man funnily staggered onto the grass, causing Sora to scream in fright.Kim Taehyung groaned while crawling back to his feet in his dirty shirt as his wife grabbed his arm to support him. Choi Woobin frantically placed Kim Hajin in the passenger seat before racing into the driver's seat- and ZOOM! The couple blasted out of the property, causing Kim Taehyung's eyes to widen in disbelief."HEY!?- WHAT ABOUT ME!? HEY!- I HAVE TO BE THERE TOO! YAH- THE VAGINA TUNNEL MIGHT APPEAR SHALLOW- BUT THE BABY WILL TAKE FOREVER TO COME OUT- SHE GOTTA PUSH! PUSH- PUSH SUPER HARD! AND SHE WILL PUSH SHIT OUT OF HER ANUS AND PEE- AND FART- YAH!? YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO ME!- I'M TELLING YOU IMPORTANT INFORMATION!-" Taehyung screamed in extreme frustration as the car blasted out of the opened gate. The father shrieked in distress while racing over the field with his wife until a guard raced out of the security department to start another vehicle."Yeobo~! They're gone! Stop screaming!" Sora scolded while supporting her husband's arm, whose face was entirely drained. The man suddenly burst out crying and turned to hug her body in distress."I told them not to make love~!" Taehyung whined like a baby. Sora exhaled with a restless feeling as she held her unstable husband and gently patted his back as he sulked against her chest... until another car pulled up beside them. The supreme alpha carefully helped her brooding husband inside the backseat... and they raced off together to chase the pregnant couple._________________________
Fast Forward
Sora's POV"Ah- Ah- Right there! Oh~! Oh- Oh- Yeah~ baby~! That's the right spot~!" Kim Taehyung groaned in satisfaction while sitting shirtless on the bed to have his itchy back scratched by his wife."Here? There's a bump. An insect must've bitten you~! I told you not to stay out late in the garden!" I scolded my husband as I crawled off the bed to reach for an ointment and climbed the mattress again to apply the cream to the insect bites on his back."Who would bloom your flowers if it's not me?!- Those rascals got her hands filled with babies!" Taehyung snapped. I chuckled at his statement, tossed the cream aside, and gently massaged my husband's shoulders to ease his stiff muscles. He groaned in pleasure while sitting shirtless on the bed edge."Araso~! You're the best husband~!" I giggled and kissed his cheek from behind. Fwip! Taehyung spun around on the bed to sit cross-leg before me with an upset frown."Why did you go to the market without me today?!- Are you embarrassed now that I've got a fat belly?!" Taehyung pouted, sulkily glancing down his belly and back at my wrinkled-eyed smile. "You were asleep this morning~! I didn't want to wake you because I thought you had a hangover since you drank so much with our sons~!" I shook my head while patting my husband's tummy. Taehyung lost all his abs and sturdy muscles, but he's still cute!"This won't do. I'll work out starting from tomorrow~! I'll train with the guards! I need to recover my hot packs!" Taehyung grimaced as he scratched his white hair in extreme annoyance."No!- I love your tummy~! It's so comfortable to hug and squishy~!" I objected and lowered my face to kiss his belly. Smooch! Smooch! Taehyung grinned as he watched me snuggle against his stomach. The man flopped onto his back to rest on the mattress, so I sat beside him with a fond smile as the man narrowed his suspicious gaze on me."I don't believe you~!" Taehyung murmured as he sprawled with his arms extended above his head."Why not?! My arms are fuller now whenever I hug you~! Your belly is so jiggly and warm~! And I love it~! Muah~! Muah~! Muah~! My big baby is so adorable~!" I lowered my face to snuggle against Taehyung's belly again. He softly chuckled as he held my head, so I playfully blew against his flesh to make a loud farting noise. Breep! Breeeeeeep! Breeep~! Taehyung laughed out loud as he stroked my head, so I smooched his belly repeatedly to tease him- CREAK. "Eomma-" Hajin suddenly walked inside our room without announcing her presence, causing me to snap my head upward with a startled expression. She paused to stare at me with her lips ajar as I hovered my parted lips over my husband's plump belly."Hey! Don't you know how to knock?!" Taehyung snapped."What's the matter, sweetie~?" I chuckled, awkwardly sitting up to wipe my moist lips. Hajin chuckled and walked forward with the wiggling bundle in her arms."Woobin wants to take me out for a dinner date. Can you look after Haewon for tonight?" Hajin asked while holding her daughter, who was cluelessly eyeing us through her beautiful curled lashes."Of course! Have fun~!" I chuckled, quickly reaching out for my granddaughter."Bring me gummies from the mart!" Taehyung reminded as Hajin turned around to leave the room. Our daughter smiled and closed the bedroom door as I beamed at my little Haewon. She is close to a year old."Annyeong, Haewonie~! It's halmeoni~!" I greeted my granddaughter. The baby giggled and lifted her tiny hand to hold my face as my husband sat up to admire the baby."She looks so much like you too~!" Taehyung pouted and lowered his face to kiss her soft cheek."But she's not as fussy as Hajin," I chuckled. I was afraid Haewon would adopt her mother's habit of screaming throughout nightfall... but the child is very calm. She cried often... but only if she was hungry."Aigo~! She reminds me of our baby together~! My wife used to have such firm and bouncy boobies~! And I'd always get to drink her delicious milk~!" Taehyung grimaced as he held the child's tiny hand."Hey~! Is that all you miss about me?!- My boobies~? Harabeoji is a pervert~!" I smacked Taehyung's arm. He chuckled while stroking the baby girl's tiny fingers. She's so adorable!"I don't miss our memories together in the past all that much because we've lived a fulfilling life together, but I will forever cherish our history, even if it's bitter. I am living in the present with you still- so I'm very grateful~! Even your wrinkles, white strands, and age spots are beautiful to me," Taehyung whispered while examining the flaws on my face. I gently rocked the wiggling child in my arms as I admired my husband's handsome face."I appreciate your belly too," I whispered. Taehyung chuckled, leaning over Haewon to softly kiss my lips. The baby cooed cutely in my arms, so we fondly glanced down at her curious eyes as she stared up at us with her arms extended upward."Halmeoni~! Hareboji~!" A tiny voice called- Creak... the door suddenly slid open... and a young baby boy poked his bowl-cut head inside our room with a small duckie toy in his arm."Yeongwoo~! Why aren't you asleep, darling~?" Taehyung gasped at our eldest grandson. The three-year-old boy grinned as he carefully closed the door behind his back, and strode forward in his yellow pajamas, so Taehyung lowered his hands to pick up the child and drew him onto our bed."Wookie cannot sleep~!" Yeongwoo shrugged as he fondly hugged Taehyung's neck. The child cutely kissed his grandfather's cheek. Wookie is our nickname for the baby."Give halmeoni a kiss too~!" I smiled, leaning forward with my puckered lips. The child kissed me softly and glanced at Haewon."Wae~? Why is Haewonie here~?" Wookie smiled, curiously leaning over the bundle to admire his baby cousin, who giggled cheerfully at the sight of Yeongwoo's presence."Her parents aren't home, so she's sleeping with us," I chuckled as Taehyung hugged his grandson on his lap and kissed the boy's cheek while rocking his tiny body from side to side."Can I sleep here too~? Appa snores... very loud. Cannot sleep~!" Yeongwoo glanced up at his grandfather."Of course~! You can sleep here- but you have to let harabeoji hug you all night? Deal...?" Taehyung rested his chin on the child's shoulder with a broad smile. Yeongwoo nodded in delight and kissed Taehyung's cheek before glancing at me again as I cradled baby Haewon. We chattered softly in our warm room until Yeongwoo fell asleep in Taehyung's arms.[ Grandpa Tae Reference Picture XD ]

The grandfather cautiously lowered his motionless grandson to the soft pillow as I sat against the bed head, gently patting Haewon's back, who was also dozing off... with her lips ajar. Taehyung placed the duck toy beside the eldest grandson and drew the blanket upward to cover his small body. The grandfather eventually settled on his side with his arm tucked under his head to pat Yeonwoo's tummy with a fond smile. Creak. The door opened again... and Beom appeared in his night pajamas with his eyes half open."Did he come here again...?" Beom hoarsely muttered while strolling inside the room with one eye open to search for his missing son."Leave him here. He says you snore too much," Taehyung dismissively waved his hand. Beom smiled and rounded the bed to watch Haewon sleep in my arms, so I gently patted my son's butt. He works too hard! I'm worried for his health!"Get some sleep. Your corporation establishment must've been tiring," I smiled at Beom. He had recently launched his own technology corporation in Seoul with his wife, Jeon Soomin."Thank you for supporting me and my family," Beom whispered, lowering his face to kiss my cheek, so I smiled and returned a kiss to his cheek. The alpha rounded the bed to hug his stepfather, offered the old man a kiss, and strolled out of the room while scratching his head. I eventually got up from the bed to place Haewon in the crate beside our bed, switched off the light, and lifted the blanket to scoot in beside Yeongwoo."I can't hug you tonight," Taehyung whispered as I stared at my husband in the dim room with the child sleeping between us. I carefully lowered my palm to hold his warm hand over our grandson's pulsating stomach with a faint smile. "I'm still here with you," I assured, leaning over the child to give my husband a soft peck before kissing my grandson's forehead and finally settling back onto my pillow. Taehyung and I quietly stared at the little boy with a fond smile... until we drifted to sleep... with our interlaced fingers in our warm bedroom to rest through... yet another night... in each other's presence._________________________Fast Forward by Five YearsSora's POV
Hajin finally married Woobin two years after she delivered baby Haewon, but it wasn't a grand ceremony. Just like her older brother, Jae Beom, Hajin chose to host a private wedding with Woobin on our beautiful hilltop. Little Haewon was the flower girl delivering the rings to her parents. It was a heartwarming ceremony.

Kanghoon and Woojin conceived their baby immediately during their honeymoon, so you guessed it. Taehyung and I had to handle two more pregnancies right after Hajin delivered her baby.

Mirae and Jiyoung moved in to live with us on the hilltop for the refreshing breeze, so I was pretty much busy guiding the young mothers and educating them on their pregnancy as my husband helped Hajin, Woobin, Beom, and Soomin with their young children.

The grandfather enrolled the first two eldest grandchildren in the private school to free their parents during the day so they could solely focus on their workload.

Taehyung would pick up the duo every day from school and bring them back to the hilltop, and I would spend my day caring for my daughter-in-laws. Mirae suffered severe morning sickness, so she's very drained and prone to sickness. Meanwhile, Jiyoung was somewhat very fortunate. She didn't feel as sick but would crave so much sweets, so I made sure to prepare healthy meals and snacks days and nights to meet their individual preference.

I'd massage oils over their belly and bring them supplements for the baby in their womb until the day they safely delivered their children. Jiyoung delivered an hour earlier than Mirae, who struggled quite a bit... but... she also had a safe delivery.

And as expected, the twins produced baby boys. Of course. It appears only the heiress of my family can conceive a daughter, so yet again... Haewon is the only daughter of our household.

The young mothers eventually moved back to our hilltop mansion after birthing their children at the hospital. The Jung and the Park would visit us weekly to check up on their grandchildren with flooding gifts... and we'd often celebrate together on the hilltop with white grape wine... exclusively produced by Jung Hoseok.

And on a busy day... the parents would leave the mansion to attend their duties together, leaving the herd of young souls under my care. Taehyung didn't mind looking after them because he's fond of children... but Jungwon and Jihun were devilish... just like their twin fathers. 
T hey scream a lot during their toddler phase and are prone to getting sick. I spent most of my days wiping their sticky snot and feeding them medication.
They became little pranksters.

The twin sons are three times more vibrant and brighter than their father, so you can imagine... the volume of their screams, shouts, and endless footsteps storming all over the mansion. You can hear them from a mile away.

They dug up the grave site out of curiosity with the shovel they found in the garden. They poured paint into the pond, so the guards had to clean up the mess. They chased the ducks until the mother duck attacked them to defend her children- startling the entire household with their ear-bleeding screeches as they cried for help.

Some days... I'd find them sitting on the high tree branches, causing my heart to leap into my throat. On other days... their parents' bedroom would flood with foam after they poured the soaps and shampoos into the bathtub. And once... Taehyung walked in on them... blowing their father's unused condoms... mistaking the rubbers as balloons.
"Ah~! The mansion has been so peaceful the past few days~!" Taehyung grumbled, weakly slumping onto the couch with me. I extended my arm to let the man rest on my upper arm and turned on my side to hold his belly with my eyes closed. The parents took their kids out for a break in Seoul, so our property has been hushed... ever since the little dumpling left with their parents. Taehyung and I have been napping throughout the day to savor our peace."Should we run away when they return? To the beach house?" I chuckled. Taehyung turned on his side to peck my lips while holding me against his warm chest as we relaxed on the couch during the humid afternoon. Usually... we have to prepare an entire feast for the household... but I only had to make two toast today and a cup of fresh orange juice to share with my husband."No! This is our home! I'll kick everyone out! Those kids are worse than their parents!" Taehyung shook his head. I chuckled and snuggled against his neck while patting his back."Don't be mean. You love them," I chuckled. Taehyung has been sighing every now... and then for the past few days because he's bored without the little dumplings. We don't often have to attend the council or corporate meetings anymore since the heirs have fully taken over our household so... you can say we are now... retired.
A moment later.
"HALMEONI! HARABEOJI~!" The high-pitched screams echoed throughout the mansion as the front door blasted open, causing me and my husband to jerk awake from our nap on the couch. Thump! Thump! Thump! Frantic footsteps spilled into the property. I tried to get up, but Taehyung groaned and swung his leg over my hips to secure my body against his."We're back!" Haewon shrieked as she climbed the couch to smack our butts, but we didn't budge and pretended to be asleep."Halmeoni?!-" Jungwon leaned over Taehyung's shoulder to peek at us as we remained motionless in each other's embrace."Harabeoji?!-" Jihun smacked his grandfather's shoulder."Hello?!-" Yeongwoo leaned over the younger kids to tap us. Taehyung groaned and opened his eyes to glare at the four pairs of clueless eyes as they surrounded the couch to examine us."ANNYEONGHASEYO~!" They shrieked, suddenly bursting into the bright beams. We groaned at their ear-bleeding greetings as all four flung themselves over our bodies to hug us. Taehyung refused to release me and held tightly onto my body, so I gripped my husband's hips with my face pressed against his chest as the children attempted to wiggle in between us."Halmeoni~! We went to an amusement park together!-""It was scary!-""Haewon noona screamed so loud!-""Even Yeongwoo hyung was scared!-""Hey!- It's scary!-""Old people shouldn't be scared!-""We're not old! Yah!-""You're taller than us!-""But we're not old!-""Halmeoni! Do you like amusement parks?!-""Have you ever been there!? Harabeoji!-""We had delicious food!-"The kids screamed endless phrases in our ears to inform us of their entertaining outing together, causing Taehyung to grumble at their loud chatter. I chuckled and patted my husband's back as the kids leaned over our bodies to bicker with each other and shake our shoulders to obtain a response."Halmeoni~! We're hungry~!" Yeongwoo kissed my cheek, so I opened my eyes to find Haewon hugging my waist as Jungwon and Jiyun sat on Taehyung's hips and thighs with bright beams."Aigo~! Which rascal's baby is this?" Taehyung grunted, sorely lifting his face to grimace at their noisy disturbance."I'm Yeongwoo!-""Haewon!-""Jihun!-""Jungwon!- Harabeoji! Let's play soccer!-"The children screamed all at once, causing my husband to screw his face in discomfort as they wiggled over our bodies to press us for a response. I chuckled and kissed Yeongwoo's cheek, so Haewon scrambled over my body to get a kiss as well."Me too!-""Me too!-" The youngest heirs leaned forward to kiss me, so I gave each of them... a sweet peck. They grinned and pecked Taehyung's cheek while lying over their grandfather... oblivious to the old man's restrained frustration.[ New Generation of Alphas Picture Reference ]
Jae Yeong Woo
[ Jae Beom x Jeon Soomin ]
Choi Haewon
[ Kim Hajin x Choi Woobin ]Kim Jihun [ Kim Woojin x Jung Mirae ]
Kim Jungwon
[ Kim Kanghoon x Park Jiyoung ]

"Eomma~! Appa~! We're home!" The twins announced as they strolled into the mansion."Omo! You're suffocating your grandparents!" Soomin shrieked, hurrying over to lift Yeongwoo off my body. She then grabbed Haewon. Mirae gasped and ran forward to grab her son, Jihun... as Jiyoung lifted Jungwon from Taehyung's hips."Customer service! I demand a full refund!- These babies aren't acceptable!" Taehyung snapped at his sons. The twins chuckled as they took off their coats. Beom strolled inside with the gift bags, followed by Hajin and Woobin. The children screamed like maniacs and chased each other around the living room until Taehyung groaned with a slight pout. The man finally sat up, so I chuckled and helped him adjust his back until Woojin walked over to massage his father's shoulder as Hajin slumped down to hug my waist."Abeoji~! You claim you wanted us to live together!" Kanghoon teased as he lifted his son, Jungwon from the carpet. The child grinned and hugged his father as Jihun did a cartwheel over the carpet- slamming into the couch, causing Woojin to gasp in shock and quickly sweep the child off the ground.Haewon shrieked and tried to jump over the crouch- but Beom quickly caught his niece by her waist to stop her from leaping onto us as Yeongwoo playfully punched Woobin's butt to tease his uncle. Woobin chuckled and head-locked Yeongwoo, who loudly screamed for help. Hmmp! Woobin quickly covered the eldest grandson's lips as I sat beside my husband with a dazed expression and striking messy hair."I give up! Let us leave!-" Taehyung shrieked, suddenly launching off the couch. He snatched my wrist and pulled me onto my feet, causing me to gasp in shock."Yeobo!" I shrieked, funnily giggling as the man dragged me toward the front door."No more! You look after your own spawns! I've already fulfilled my duty to look after all of you, so don't make me deal with them anymore!- NO MORE!" Taehyung huffed as he shoved open the door. I laughed and ran barefoot down the stairs with my husband."Appa!- Eomma!" Hajin chuckled as she chased us out onto the front porch."GOODBYE!" Taehyung shouted at his daughter. I laughed and waved at the crowd of alphas and their clueless children on the front porch as the man ran barefoot with me toward his sidecar. Taehyung quickly helped me onto the side compartment."ABEOJI! YOU CAN'T DRIVE!- IT'S ALREADY EVENING!" Kanghoon bellowed as the man roughly slammed the helmet over my head and rounded the bike to hop on the seat."Ah~! AH- My back!- Oh no! They're coming! ARGGGGH!-" Taehyung stiffly gripped his waist when he noticed the young children scrambling down the stairs to chase us."Halemoni~! Harabeoji~! Wait for us~!" The little ones screamed while waving at us from a distance. The grandfather squealed in a panic as he frantically started the motor and- VROOM! I shrieked in horror as the bike jerked forward, causing me to stiffen in fear as my husband struggled to navigate the bike. The last time he drove was years ago!"OH NO! EOMMA!- ABEOJI- STOP!" Beom shouted, quickly running down the stairs. The parents gasped and hurried forward to snatch their kids as the sidecar wildly drifted over the property. VROOM!- VROOM!"Open the door!" Taehyung ordered as he steered toward the closed gate in determination to escape the property. VROOM!- VROOM!"Yeobo~! Stop!-" I shrieked, worriedly glancing up at his stubborn frown. I nervously gripped his pants as the man blasted toward the steel gate. VROOM!"OPEN THE DOOR! OPEN THE DOOR!- I AM KIM TAEHYUNG! YAAAAH!" Taehyung cursed at the guards, who refused to open the gate for us."YEOBO!" I screamed in fright as we inched closer to the closed gate. SLAM! I shrieked in a panic, almost flinging forward when my husband suddenly hit the brake with an offended look. Honk! Honk! He angrily honked at the motionless guards by the gate."ARE YOU DEAF?!- OPEN THE DOOR THIS INSTANT!" Taehyung screamed at the guards as they chuckled at us. I smacked my husband's lap while patting my racing heart. Is he out of his mind?! He could've slammed us right into the steel gate!"You stupid man! We could've gotten injured!" I shrieked, quickly getting up to smack his helmet. Taehyung gasped, funnily toppling off the bike, and dramatically fell to the ground, causing the guards to jerk forward to assist the man."Don't touch me!- Yah! I pay you to work here! How dare you disobey me! Fight me if you think you're so tough~!" Taehyung shrieked, suddenly scrambling onto his feet to throw a playful punch on his bare feet with the loose helmet over his head."Abeoji~!" Woojin whined as he stormed up to us."Ohoh!- I'll punish all of you! Hiya~! Hiya~! I used to be the strongest alpha in the society!- Don't you dare underestimate me!- That's how I won over your beautiful mother! Hiya!- Don't let my belly fool you!" Taehyung cutely lifted his leg to kick Woojin, who backed away with a weak smile until his father lost his balance and stumbled to the side."Aigo~! We won't burden you with the kids anymore! I promise!" Woobin laughed as he strolled forward to calm his agitated father. Taehyung refused to back down and pretended to punch his son's chest as they towered over their shrinking father with a faint smile."Hiya! Back off!- Ah?- Ah! Ow~!" Taehyung lightly slapped Woobin's cheek when he suddenly gasped- and grabbed his stiff back in pain, so I giggled and rounded the bike to hug my energetic husband."Aigo~! You're straining your back again~!" I smiled. The man grumbled and hugged my waist, so I cupped his cheeks to admire his tender gaze with a warm sensation in my heart. Smooch. I kissed him deeply, causing Taehyung to stiffen in place. The guards flushed red, so they quickly glanced away as our sons shook their heads at our lovey-dovey interaction with faint smiles. 
Who would have guessed my husband would be this adorable the older he gets?!

Ah~! He surely knows how to keep me full of joy! I love him so much~!
________________________
Fast Forward
Sora's POVFlip. Flip. The dull flipping noise repeated in my eardrums as I lay on my side with my eyes closed until I felt my husband shifting over the bed. Flip. What is my old man doing...? I turned on the mattress to find him sitting against the headboard in his pajamas with a heavy photo album on his lap, so I yawned and rolled over to hug his belly."Why are you up so early?" I grumbled while squinting at the photographs of our children and grandchildren as the man skimmed through the album I personally decorated for the family."I'm used to waking up early because of the little dumplings. They barge inside our room first thing in the morning all the time," Taehyung muttered while smiling at the twin's toddler photograph. I chuckled and patted his waist while snuggling against his chubby belly."Do you miss them? You complain when they're around, but you're yearning for them now?" I smiled. Taehyung grimaced and glanced at me."I didn't know their parents would take them away for this long!" Taehyung snapped."They've been away for only two weeks~! It's not that long," I laughed and patted his belly before pushing my body upward to sit beside him. Taehyung pecked my lips to grant me our daily morning kiss, so I hugged his wrinkled neck and softly kissed his ear while rubbing his warm chest."Pft!- Ungrateful punks! How can they not visit their parents?!- Is work more important than their mother and father?! I have no one to help me in the garden! And they always chop off my beautiful flowers during their visit for their wives! And those little spawns?!- They pluck out my young sprouts before it even blooms!" Taehyung resentfully smacked the twins' photographs, causing me to giggle at my husband's dissatisfaction with our sons."Aigo~! You're upset when they're present- but you're even more upset when they're not around? Why are you always picking on them? That's probably why they're not visiting anymore~!" I giggled while patting my husband's cheek."I should call Jae Beom and threaten to eat his ducklings once the new batch hatches!" Taehyung slammed the photo album closed and tossed it away with a cute grimace before searching the drawer for his phone. My old man is stirring up trouble on purpose because he misses his children and grandchildren! "Yeobo~! You can't call this early to wake Beom and threaten to eat his ducks!" I gasped, quickly snatching the phone from his grip."I said I'll only raise one puppy for him!- But he brought two more ducks! Now I've got an army of ducklings running wild over my property! Quack! Quack! I can't even eat the eggs!" Taehyung dramatically waved his hands all over the place. I chuckled at his cuteness and hugged the man to comfort him."Should we visit them? I know you're dying to see them," I suggested, brightly lifting my face to examine the wrinkles between his eyebrows from creasing his forehead over the past decade."Forget it! I don't need them! My wife is enough for me!" Taehyung smugly cupped my cheeks and pecked my lips, so I ran my fingers through his thin hair to deepen our kiss."Yeobo~!" I whined when he suddenly pushed me backward and pulled the sleeves off my shoulder to expose my breasts. The man grinned and lowered his head to bite my nipple, making me giggle at the ticklish sensation of his invasive wet tongue. Slurp! Slurp!"We haven't made love in so long~!" Taehyung chuckled while interlacing our hands over the mattress."We're so old already~! My breasts are deflated- and we're wrinkled!- Ah!- Ahaha~!" I chuckled while gripping the side of his head as he groped my ass, so I shrieked and smacked his back with a flustered face.[ Grandpa Taehyung x Grandma Sora Picture Reference ]

"I don't know about other wimpy dick men, but I am a perfectly healthy old man~! We might be old, but at least your lady bit works fine, and so does my pickled mini corndog~! We're a healthy couple!" Taehyung insisted, quickly pushing my gown over my belly to expose my crotch, so I chuckled and pulled down his pants."Aigo~! We did it a few days ago~!" I smiled as my husband crawled over my body to kiss my lips."So? Look at my corndog~! It's perfectly intact and functioning as it's supposed to!" Taehyung smiled, funnily sitting up to show me his private part. Wiggle. Wiggle. "It's wrinkled!" I laughed, reaching down to poke his soft tip."You won't be laughing once I'm inside! This is your favorite meal!" Taehyung smacked my hand. I laughed in distress as my old man knelt between my legs with his huge belly and saggy balls."Use lubrication~! Do you want me to be on top?- Your back might ache," I asked while smiling at the man. He shook his head and kissed my inner lap before burying his face between my thighs. Hah~! He's the best at pleasing my body~! I chuckled softly while weaving my fingers through his silver hair as he pleasured me with his mouth and tongue."Ah~! Ah~! You taste so good~! I'm so obsessed~!" The man chuckled, funnily lifting his face to grin at me from between my soaked thighs. I closed my knees to squish his cheeks, so he playfully shoved my legs apart again and crawled over my body to kiss my lips as I hugged his back with a bright beam."We should hurry~! Abeoji and imo are probably having breakfast already~!" I giggled, pulling away to examine his flustered face. Taehyung cutely wiggled his head from side to side in contentment with his lips puckered to stroke my lips as he steadily penetrated me over the mattress. "I prefer doing it during the daytime because it gets difficult to see at night~!- Can't find the holy hole! Oh~! There it is~!" He joked while wiggling his hips to tease me. Wiggle! Wiggle! I laughed at his playfulness and kissed him affectionately once the man started thrusting between my legs... so I gripped his back and moaned softly. Taehyung isn't as energetic as he used to be in bed... so the man thrusts his hips very steadily... but I still enjoy our time together because it's not all about sex! I enjoy having trivial conversations and teasing him the most!
A moment later.
"Hah~!" I gasped for air once my heavy husband slumped over my body with his belly pressed against my stomach, so I patted his sweaty back and reached down to grope his saggy bum with a satisfied smile. He smells so good~! I repeatedly kissed his burning red cheek as he shakily fumed against my face. "Oh~! I'm so tired~!" Taehyung groaned while snuggling against my sweaty neck. I smiled at his weary grunts as my husband's chest shakily vibrated over mine. Huff! Huff! He eventually rolled over to slump beside me, so I turned to hug his belly with my head rested over his bicep as he gently grazed his fingers over my bare spine."I really enjoyed our time," I smiled in appreciation. Smooch. Smooch. Taehyung chuckled and gently patted my messy hair while kissing the breath out of me until he huffed and broke the kiss with an entirely flushed face.  The man tenderly stroked the faint scar over my wrist as I snuggled against his warm neck with a faint smile. "This is our love story," He whispered while examining our matching scars. I nodded as we interlaced our fingers over his pulsing chest- RING! RING!- Taehyung jerked off the mattress to snatch the vibrating phone, suddenly flinging me aside. Flop! I gasped in shock once I slammed face-first onto the mattress. "THEY'RE CALLING!- OH!" Taehyung shrieked in excitement as he picked up the call after flinging me away to answer our children's call. Did he just toss me aside?! "Abeoji?! Where are you?!-" Woojin shrieked through the speaker."YAH! HOW DARE YOU SCREAM AT ME FIRST THING IN THE MORNING-""ABEOJI! WE TOLD YOU TO VISIT THE BEACH HOUSE TODAY FOR A CELEBRATION! WHERE ARE YOU~?!-" Woojin shouted through the phone. Taehyung frowned as he sat naked on the bed, so I sat up to back hug my husband and gently kissed his sweaty nape with my chin hooked over his shoulder."WHAT?- YOU NEVER TOLD ME ANYTHING-""I did! I told you and eomma during my brief visit a few days ago! Harabeoji is here with us with imo- and they claim they've already reminded you the day before~!" Woojin shrieked. I gasped at our son's annoyed exclaim and glanced at Taehyung with a startled look. How did we not remember?!"YAH! DON'T GASLIGHT ME- NO ONE TOLD ME ANYTHING-""APPA! HURRY UP! YOU'RE ALREADY LATE!- DRESS FORMALLY!" Hajin suddenly screamed through the call."WE'LL BE THERE!- GET UP~!" I gasped, hastily smacking Taehyung's shoulder as I scrambled off the bed after our son hung up on us. Beep! Taehyung scoffed in bewilderment as I yanked the man onto his feet."I SWEAR NO ONE TOLD ME ANYTHING!- OW?!" Taehyung furiously insisted while widening his eyes on me. Smack! I slapped his bare bum and quickly hurried toward the bathroom."What are you screaming for?! Hurry! We're late! Aigo~! We're so forgetful!" I whined, frantically pushing the bathroom door open. Taehyung wouldn't stop grumbling about how our children never informed us of the celebration... so I shouted at the man and quickly showered him before racing out of the bathroom to pull on a knee-white-length dress. "Yeobo~! I might be old~! But I'm not that forgetful!" Taehyung whined as he sat on the bed with an upset frown. The man cutely frowned in his underwear so I sighed and shoved the suit into his arms. I helped him get dressed as he buttoned up his shirt and quickly buckled his belt over his plump belly before gripping his shoulder and forced him back onto the mattress. Thump. The man huffed in annoyance as I frantically patted the creases on his shirt before slipping a tie around his collar to ensure his perfection. "Araso~! It's their fault~!" I grimaced while combing his thin hair layer to cover his balding scalp. The man softly grumbled in resentment while glaring at his phone."Those punks~! How can they blame us for being late if they've never even informed us!" Taehyung scoffed. I quickly spun around to toss the comb aside and clipped on my jewel before opening the drawer to search for our wedding rings."Where's our ring?!- It's gone!" I gasped, wildly spinning around to search the nightstand. Did I misplace it!? Ah~! We're so late!"Didn't you take it from me yesterday to cleanse it?" Taehyung asked with a dumbfounded look. I frowned and crouched down to search for our rings. Where did I keep it?!- RING! RING! My heart started pounding out of control at the pressure of our absence."ABEOJI! WHERE ARE YOU-""YAH! DON'T RAISE YOUR VOICE-""ARASO! WE'RE GOING!- WE'LL BE THERE IN A BIT!" I gasped, hastily standing up to snatch my husband's wrist when he tried to scream into the phone."The wedding rings?!" Taehyung shrieked while chasing after me in a hurry as I grabbed his polished shoes from the rack and crouched down to slip them onto his feet. The man can't bend down- so it's my duty to help him wear his shoes!"I'll find it once we return! Let's go~! They're waiting~!" I shrieked while adjusting my feet inside the sparkly medium heels. Fwip! Taehyung gasped as I yanked the man out of the bedroom with my dangling purse... and we ended up racing down the stairs and bursting out of the front door to race toward a standby car."Those rascals! I will beat them for rushing me like this!" Taehyung screamed in annoyance as we slipped into the back seat. I wheezed out of breath and quickly fixed my hair as Taehyung tugged on his tie in extreme irritation."You can't yell at them!-""Why not?! Look at my precious wife! She's barely breathing! Did they think your old lungs could handle such pressure?!" Taehyung snapped while glaring at me. I chuckled at his adorable concern for my feeble health. He's so cute!"Pucker your lips," I encouraged as I drew out a chapstick from my purse.Taehyung puckered his lips with his eyebrows furrowed, so I gripped his chin and rubbed the substance over his dry lips as the man frowned at me like an angry duck. I chuckled at his cuteness while encouraging him to rub his lips together. He intimidated my lip movement to grind the moisturizing paste over his crusty lips, making me smile at his obedience."You forgot to put on lipstick," Taehyung finally softened his upset face. Oh?! I gasped in shock while digging through my empty purse as the car drove out of the property."Oh no~!" I gasped and pouted at my husband. I didn't bring a spare lipstick with me!"Should I reverse the car?" The driver asked while smiling at me through the rearview mirror."No need~! I have her lipstick!" Taehyung waved his hands as he proudly pulled out my worn-out lipstick tube, causing me to gasp in shock."You brought it?!" I shrieked, quickly snatching the lipstick to uncap it before swiping the red pigmentation over my pale lips."Of course! You carry my chapstick, so I'll carry your lipstick!" Taehyung beamed while holding his phone screen before my face so I could fix my lips through the camera lens. I rubbed my lips together while patting the messy smudges as my husband watched me apply the lipstick with a prideful beam."Better?" I asked, slightly lifting my face to smile at him. Taehyung lowered his phone to examine my face as we drove along the hilltop road with a view of the vast sea below."It's too red. Give me a kiss to fade it," Taehyung smugly wiggled his white eyebrows. Smiling, I leaned forward to peck his lips... and twice more on either side of his cheeks to leave the lipstick stain on his face. Smooch. Smooch. The driver faintly smiled as he watched us from the rearview mirror, so I shyly chuckled as Taehyung lifted his phone to examine my lip prints on his cheeks. Snap. He took plenty of selfies of himself and lifted the phone upward to fit me in the frame... so I clung to his arm and posed for the camera with a cheeky grin."I'll use my lipstick as your blush. Your cheeks are too pale these days," I chuckled, gently turning Taehyung's chin to make him face me. Pat. Pat. The man cutely puffed up his cheeks as I dabbed the red pigmentation into his skin, giving him a natural rosy glow over his cheeks.

"The secret to being a confident man is to wear your wife's lipstick on your cheeks! That's why I'm still attractive after all these years~!" Taehyung funnily glanced at the driver from the back seat, causing the young man to chuckle at my husband's prideful beam. I smacked my husband's chest with secondhand embarrassment until he held my hand and sweetly kissed my fingers as we sat side by side with our eyes trained on the beautiful morning sea.
A moment later.
"Am I handsome...?" Taehyung asked as we stood before our beach villa. I carefully adjusted his loose tie before combing my fingers through his silver hair to repair the volume as he proudly beamed at me with his chest puffed out in the fitted suit."Of course! You're the most handsome man!" I nodded while patting his shoulders."Wait! Give me another kiss!" Taehyung funnily puckered his lips again when I tried to walk away- so he seized my waist and tugged me right back. I shrieked as he forcefully kissed my cheek, leaving a wet stain on my skin. He laughed and tried to kiss my lips, but I shoved him away. Hmmp~! He pouted at my harsh rejection, stubbornly refusing to budge from his position until I surrendered to his overloading cuteness and gave him a tender kiss on his lips. "Yeobo~! Hurry up~!" I whined while tugging my husband's hand."Aigo~! Don't rush me~! My back is stiff~!" Taehyung whined as he limped with me."Eomma~! Appa~!" Hajin called from inside the beach house."Those rascals! What's so important this early in the morning anyways?!" Taehyung grumbled as he held my hand. I patted my dress to flatten the crease as I strode inside the villa to find a crowd of guests... not inside... but outside the beach house... seated on decorated chairs on the seaside before the calm morning sky."Whose birthday is this...?" I asked once I found Beom standing beside Hajin by the door to wait for us. There are too many grandchildren to remember!"I'm sure not one of you rascals informed me of the event~! I might have a stiff back, but I'm definitely not forgetful~!" Taehyung grumbled as he narrowed his eyes on Beom. Hajin chuckled."It's a surprise event for you two~!" Hajin giggled, suddenly pushing a flower bouquet into my hands. I pursed my lips while eyeing her bright beam and glanced at the guests until I noticed my... sons... grandchildren... my father... daughter in laws... and even the elderly alphas. I frowned and glanced back at my daughter for an explanation. What surprise...?"Oh? Is it our wedding anniversary today?" Taehyung scratched his head unsurely while counting his fingers and gasped in shock before glancing at me in surprise. OH!"It is! Come on~!" Hajin giggled as she squeezed between us to hook her arms with each of our arms, and dragged us onto the seaside."Aigo~! You didn't have to host an event for us!" I laughed shyly as my daughter dragged me onto the aisle. We chuckled and strode over the carpet with a flushed face, so I glanced at Hoseok and Jimin as they sat with my daughter-in-laws. I happily waved at Haewon as she sat beside Woobin in her fluffy pink dress. Yeongwoo shrieked and waved at me while sitting on Soomin's lap, so I chuckled and glanced at my in-laws. This is somewhat awkward!"Ohoh~! What's with this setup~!?" Taehyung frowned at the rows of white seats before shifting his suspicious gaze toward a slightly elevated platform beside the seashore... where my elderly father sat in his wheelchair in a neat suit to await our arrival."Oh!" My husband and I flinched in shock- when they started showering us with flower petals. Jungwon and Jihun grinned at us with their missing front tooth as they repeatedly threw the scented petals at us... so I ruffled their soft hair and glanced forward in anticipation."Oh!?- Did you pick my flowers again?! Hey!- That looks my my precious flowers!- Who gave you permission to pluck my garden?!-" Taehyung shrieked, funnily widening his eyes at the flowers thrown at him. Hajin helped me onto the stage with my husband... and dragged us toward my father... who sat composedly in the wheelchair with a cushioned pillow."Appa~! What's going on~?" I smiled as I lowered my hand to squeeze my father's shoulder."Aigo~! I finally live long enough to witness my precious daughter's wedding~!" My father chuckled as he lifted the velvet cushion upward. I unconsciously giggled- but paused unsurely once my eyes landed on the pair of... familiar jewels on the cushion."Our wedding ring?!- We couldn't find it this morning!" Taehyung gasped at Hajin in shock."Eomma. Appa. This is your wedding day. Why are you so startled?" Hajin pouted. Blank. I froze in my place with my eyes on the ancient ring and slowly lifted my gaze to meet Kim Taehyung, who also paused in realization. We stiffly turned to look at our family on the seaside beach as they proudly smiled at us and slowly... glanced back at each other. Oh..."Our wedding...?" I whispered and glanced at my daughter with a dumbfounded look."Do you plan on never hosting your wedding as husband and wife? I heard you never had an appropriate ceremony," Hajin nodded in tears as she lifted the cushion from her grandfather's lap. Taehyung stared at our daughter with a troubled frown and glanced at me as she encouraged us to pick our rings."I want to give you two a proper blessing before I pass," My father chuckled from his wheelchair.Taehyung deeply exhaled and took the ring from the cushion, so I did the same with a swelling chest. My emotions are all over the place. Why do I feel so sad...? Hajin planted a kiss on our cheeks before steering her grandfather's wheelchair off the platform to position him in the front row with imo... who was wiping her tears with a napkin. We glanced at the muted household as the subtle sea breeze gusted against our wrinkled skin... causing our white hair to flutter with the light current. I blinked and glanced back at my husband... who stood before me with an emotional gaze as we held each other's ring before the calm sea with an aching heart. Did it really take us a lifetime to get married...? "Can I speak first?" Taehyung whispered. "Of course," I nodded as we stood before our emotional family. The man took my hands... and held me tightly... until a hot surge of tears filled my glassy pupils as I stared at his upside-down pout."We have been married for over forty years of our lives... and every day... for the past decades... I've always treasured our precious moments together. Sora... I'm sorry for not doing enough as your husband and choosing to love you with minimal effort. I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting this long to seal our love... and I'm also thankful you chose to love me regardless of my failure to properly marry you," Taehyung confessed, apologetically staring at me with trembling lips. I always thought I was wedded to my beloved husband because we have always been so in love. I slightly shook my head as the warm tears spilled from my eyes while gripping his shaky hands."Do you all think this man... is the bare minimum?" I asked, sadly glancing at the crowd beside us. Kanghoon and Woojin shook their heads as they sat with their children on their lap. We glanced at Hajin and Woobin. They shook their heads as well... and so did Beom and Soomin... who were staring at us with a big pout."You wouldn't believe me even after I told you numerous times that I am more than lucky to hold you, Kim Taehyung. You might assume you're not enough... but my love... you are more than enough. You are a blessing in my life. My source of strength. My warmth during the coldest winter storm. My most effective pain reliever to soothe my aching soul. My strongest soldier on the frontline. My most loyal hero... who had devoted his life to protecting our family. My precious gardener... who keeps the petals blooming for me through the changing seasons. My children's most beloved father figure... and lastly... you're my most endearing husband. You built a destiny that heaven and hell couldn't shake with your blistering hands... to ensure my utmost comfort and security. So believe me... when I say... I am the luckiest woman to hold you in this lifetime," I whispered as endless tears spilled over my cheeks. Taehyung nodded in tears while struggling to hold back his flooding emotions."Ah~ I'm usually good with my words- but why am I blank today? Your beauty is hypnotizing me again," Taehyung chuckled, shyly lowering his head to blink out his tears and lifted his face to smile at me again. "He's shy," I giggled and glanced at the crowd to find them sniffling in their seats as they listened to our emotional speech. Taehyung gently squeezed my fingers, so I glanced back at him as he tried his best to remain composed before me. "Thank you for being so patient with me. I'm a bit late... but... as of today... will this beautiful woman... Jang Sora... take me... Kim Taehyung... as your husband?" He asked in a broken voice. The man pursed his lips and lifted his burning eyes to meet mine. I smiled through my glazing tears."It's my honor," I chuckled while pouting at him. Taehyung cutely sniffled and lifted my ring to slip the loop over my ring finger, causing more tears to spill from my stinging eyes. "Thank you," Taehyung whispered and lifted his forearm to wipe his flooding tears. I gripped his warm fingers while struggling to calm my throbbing chest with my swelling gaze on my husband."I knighted you as my husband since the day... I laid eyes on you, my love. But today... I won't force you against your will... so... will this charming man... Kim Taehyung... accept his forever duty... to be my... husband?" I grinned, releasing yet another stream of hot tears. Taehyung chuckled and nodded with a troubled pout."I'm all yours," Taehyung whispered. I laughed and slid the jewel onto his left ring finger, causing Taehyung to break down upon our formal ring exchange.The seaside beach suddenly erupted with loud applause and cheers to congratulate our marriage. My old man sniffled and pulled me into a crushing hug, so I tightly clutched his back with my eyes screwed shut as he gently rocked from side to side... until our hearts pulsed with the joy of our bonded souls. He finally pulled away to cup my cheeks, so I pouted at the messy tear streaks on his face while gripping his hand over my face."I love you," I whispered with trembling lips. Taehyung nodded as the endless tears tore down his cheeks."I love you more," Taehyung replied, shakily lowering his face to press his lips against mine... so I closed my eyes... gently lowering my hand to hold his waist as the man tilted his face to stroke his soft lips over mine... kissing me so tenderly... before our family until I felt my chest spasming with the comforting warmth of his... genuine love gesture.We finally drew apart after the breathtaking kiss before the peaceful morning sea... and shyly glanced at the cheerful family members as they waved at us in tears to celebrate our everlasting love. I never thought we'd ever get the chance to properly wed each other... so I couldn't help but cry in tears of joy. Did I actually believe I could leave this world without marrying my beloved Kim Taehyung? I fondly stared at our young grandchildren as they cluelessly giggled at our interactions before shifting my gaze to my father... who was watching us in tears as imo hugged Do-hwan for emotional support. 
They were all crying for the hardship we endured to protect our love.

Third Person POV
Jang Sora glanced back at her husband as he held her waist and... in that split second... the supreme alpha found herself... staring at Kim Taehyung's youthful self. The wrinkles and creases on his skin had disappeared... replaced by his familiar firm honey-tanned skin. The white hair over his balding scalp... suddenly turned pitch black. The age spots on his face... suddenly faded away... leaving behind only the beauty spot under the tip of his nose.Kim Taehyung stared at his youthful wife with an aching heart to admire her lovely puppy gaze. He searched for her wrinkles... but her skin was soft and firm... just as he had remembered her. The alpha blinked as he stared at her pretty curled lashes before lowering his gaze to her plump cheeks until his lips trembled, causing his soul to ache at the thoughts of their lifetime journey. The man could not help but sob upon the realization... that he had already shared his youth... with her and together... they were beginning to fade from the world.

The couple stood staring at each other while recalling the precious memories of their peaking youth. It was the moment they wished to withhold closest to their beating hearts. They prayed desperately to preserve their love... like a beautiful blooming flower.
Once... they were just like a matured flower... blooming so beautifully in each other's arms with the blessings of their youth.

The laughter of their contented hearts...
The  melodious  echoes of their children's cries...
The pacifying touches over their flesh...
The  soothing comfort  of their teasing whispers...
The warmth of their shared affection...

The intensity of their burning souls... glowing for one another... to kindle their undying love with eternal flames.

It was all too familiar.

They could recall their love voyage... so vividly... as if it was just yesterday.

.

.

.

The flower cycle.... is a bittersweet journey.

First... the seed sprouts its healthy leaves.... to signify its birth from the rich soil. Steadily... the sprouts will rise with sufficient sunlight and air... until... the beautiful flowers bloom its captivating petals... to showcase its ethereal beauty to the world... but nothing is meant to last... so gradually... the stem will lose its hydration... the petals will wither... and eventually lose its colors... until it detaches from the stem... to meet it's end.

That's the beauty of a flower's life cycle.

Death of the fallen petals isn't a tragic end where hopes are lost... it's the beginning of a new birth... before the breaking dawn.

A new life... patiently waiting to bloom... again from the very same stem.

And so... the beautiful flower never really dies.

It's a never-ending story.

We bloom for one another... knowing we'll fade and drift away at the end of time... but as predetermined by fate... we'll find our way back together... and we'll bloom again... in the presence of each other's... warmth and comfort.

.

.

.

We shall meet again, my love. 
 __________________________
The Cycle of Life and Love is Inevitable

We live to die.

And to live again... we must die.

Am I afraid to love you?

No.

I will live through every lifetime to greet death and love you... even with a fleeting gust of my breath...

I will live to love you... and die to live again... just to be with you.

This is...

Our Love Story.

The End.
__________________________ Bonus chapters will be available!Stay tuned. __________________________

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

__________________________     
The End of a New Beginning

In Remembrance of Jang Sora and Kim Taehyung.
     __________________________ 
BONUS CHAPTERS UP AHEAD!

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

An Alternative Universe | One Shot - Part One

Sora's POV

Flick. Flick. Flick. Flick.
The blinding camera flashes flickered relentlessly before my face until I could no longer see the packed audience, desperately fighting to keep my eyes open. I repeatedly blinked at the blinding camera gleams below the platform while standing on stage in my uncomfortable formal gown beside my prideful parents as they greeted the unfamiliar faces in the crowd.Why is everyone staring at me so intensely? Men and women of all ages are gawking in such a creepy way. They weren't smiling. Rather. They were eyeing me up and down as if I were an unknown creature from outer space. I cleared my throat uneasily while rubbing my bare shoulders as the cold chills of the room numbed my skin. I feel uncomfortable. I kept my head lowered as my mother proudly held my waist before the powerful households. It's been almost a decade since I last saw the outside world... so I was genuinely excited to finally interact with everyone... but it appears... no one is enthusiastic to witness my exposure.
Loud Applause.
I stiffly bowed at the crowd once my father concluded his speech, strolled off the stage before my parents to avoid the blinding spotlight, and strode into the packed crowd without lifting my head as everyone turned their heads after me. This is not the environment I anticipated when my parents claimed I'd be exposed to the society after imprisoning me behind their mansion walls~! People are scary! And I want to return home!Thud! I shoved the door open with a slight grimace, quickly hurrying away from the crowded venue to search for the bathroom in the corridor. I need to adjust my dress! Something is pricking my back nonstop~! Sighing heavily, I entered the empty restroom to stand before the mirror, twisting and turning my body cluelessly to search for the annoying prick over my back... but I couldn't locate any abnormalities. What's pricking me?! It's stinging so much!"What's the matter with this dress...?" I softly whined while reaching behind my back to tug the fitted fabric- but the jabbing sensation wouldn't cease no matter how desperately I searched for the source of discomfort, so I exhaled in defeat and stormed out of the bathroom... until I noticed a young man tugging on his tie with an uptight frown. He pulled the knot repeatedly, appearing to be struggling with it. He huffed in annoyance and looked up from the door leading to the men's bathroom, abruptly freezing in place once he spotted me in the corridor.
For some reason, he didn't budge and stared right at me with an awkward look.
"Do you need help with your tie? Is it suffocating...?" I asked, slowly approaching him. The man stiffened with his oddly sparkly gaze on mine. He looks young. He's probably younger than me."Uh- No- I'm fine-" He replied but paused when I lifted my hand to touch the entangled knot. The man blinked, uneasily glancing down at his tie in embarrassment as I examined the mess with a weak smile. Did he mess it up? How can a man not know how to fix his own tie? Well- He seems young, so he's probably an amateur.

"Did you do this yourself?" I weakly smiled, lifting my gaze to meet his startled pupils. I've never seen anyone mess up their tie this badly. It's hilarious."It was tight... so I undid it... but it's suffocating me now," He mumbled, stiffly towering over me in his black suit."I don't think you're supposed to adjust your tie like this. You're strangling yourself," I chuckled while loosening the maroon thread and carefully weaved the tie to form a perfect knot.
My mother makes me practice minor duties like this at the mansion because she claims I should be skilled to properly handle my future spouse. Crazy right? She's treating me as some sort of hidden princess with the intention of pairing me up with a powerful man. And my duty? To be his wife. His caretaker. His servant.
The young man repeatedly gulped while standing stiff against the wall to watch me adjust his knot, so I exhaled, finally stepping back to beam at the perfect knot and lifted my eyes to meet his. Why is he so timid? Is there something wrong with me?

"T- Thank you," He stuttered, nervously gripping his hands on his sides."I have a favor to ask. There's this- prickling sensation over my back. Can you check it for me?" I asked while observing his overly attentive gaze."Oh sure-" He tensely nodded, so I exhaled and rotated my body, gently combing my loose hair aside so he could examine my back."It's somewhere over... the center of my spine," I muttered. Silence. I felt him touching my dress over my back. He's a quiet one."Here?" He asked, gently pressing on the spot, causing the sharp prick to jab me harder."Ah!" I shrieked, abruptly jerking forward in pain."I'm sorry!" He fearfully apologized as I spun around with a startled frown."Why are you sorry?! Take it out~! It's annoying me so much!" I whined and turned my back on him with a slight grimace. The man cautiously felt the area again while making sure not to apply pressure over the sensitive spot."I think it's stuck under the layers," He mumbled."Unzip my dress and take it out," I grumbled."Neh?-""Hurry up~! It's pricking me again!" I whined, briefly turning to glare at the man as he stood with a flushed expression. Why is he so slow?!"Okay," He nodded, so I huffed in irritation and turned my back again until I felt him sliding the zipper down my back. Why is he so shy...? Don't men get excited when they touch a woman? Why is he acting as if I'm a filthy entity he's afraid to touch?! Jeez! How disrespectful! I clutched onto my chest to hold the dress in place as he examined the undone zipper until I felt his warm fingers brushing... tenderly over my bare back... causing a wave of goosebumps to sweep my skin like wildfire. I shuddered with a slight frown at the touch of a man."Is it out? What is it?" I curiously asked as he slid the zipper upward again to seal my dress... and the prickly sensation suddenly ceased, so I exhaled in extreme relief as I turned around to find him... cushioning a small sewing needle on his palm."The designer must've forgotten to withdraw it," He looked up at me."It's fine. Thank you!" I beamed,  carefully picking the needle between my fingers to place it in my purse, before strolling away to enter the venue- until I noticed my anxious parent searching for me in the crowd. I will show the needle to the designer! How can he be so careless?!"Sora!" Eomma waved and beckoned me toward her."I went to the bathroom," I informed while strolling up to my mother with a weak smile as appa chatted with a crowd of households."Greet the elders! This is Kim's household," Eomma nudged me toward the high-rank alphas, so I lowered my head at the elderly man and woman before shifting my gaze to a charming man as he stood by their side. He must be the heir."Kim Seokjin," He smiled as he placed out his hand, so I shyly took his warm clutch and glanced at my beaming father as he patted my back with a proud smile."Where is Jeon Jungkook!?" Mr. Jeon scoffed as he pushed through the crowd to approach me."Maybe he ran off with his girlfriend again?" I joked while smiling at the anxious man. Mr. Jeon grimaced and turned his head in different directions to search for his missing son, so I exhaled and scanned the venue until I noticed a group of lower ranks eyeing me from their huddles.
Who am I? I'm Jang Sora. The society's crowned supreme alpha, entitled to the most powerful seat in the ring of crazy rich households. My parents ultimately exposed me to the council at the age of twenty with the purpose of marrying me to an equally powerful man.

The society was always aware of my presence at our Seoul mansion- but my mother never allowed me to leave the high wall, so I've been stuck inside for almost a decade.

The only alpha I'm familiar with is Jungkook because he lives with me... but unlike the hidden princess I am... the elders permit Jungkook to leave the wall as he pleases. Ah. Kim Taehyung? He's living abroad. The alpha left Korea after the drowning incident, so he was already gone when I woke up from my coma.

I've never seen or heard from him since... but the Kim does live with us. 
____________________________
The Elite University
Jeon Jungkook rubbed his sore forehead while escorting me inside the university's extensive premises as I nervously clutched my bag with my curious gaze on the grand interior of the building, packed with high-rank alphas and the lower ranks. The alpha was out partying last night, so he's not in a good mood, not when he's having a bad hangover.
Jungkook gave me a brief tour around the building and took me to my first class, which is a level lower than the other alphas because I didn't pass the expected qualification. I've been home-schooled since my recovery, so I'm a bit frightened of the amount of people around me... and the noisy chatters? It is like a zoo— the class.
"I'll fetch you at lunch, so don't wander around," Jungkook patted my head. I nervously nodded while hugging my bag, so he turned around and strolled out of the lecture room, causing the lower ranks to chase their gaze after him. He's popular. I expected that. Of course, he's a sensation. I scratched my head and glanced at the observant gazes of my classmates, who appeared somewhat nosy about my personal affairs, but no one approached me. Why? I don't know."How uncomfortable," I muttered and drew out my device to skim the lectures beforehand.
I was pretty much an outcast during the first week of class at the university... but it didn't bother me because I preferred the comfort of seclusion anyway. The prying crowd makes me uneasy. Jungkook would drag me to the noisy canteen for the first seven days... so I could join his girlfriend, Kang Minah... but they were always flirting over their meal- it made me cringe, so I decided to eat alone during lunch once I got familiar with the building.

I blinked out of my thoughts while chewing my packed lunch on the bench under the tree shade when I noticed someone circling the field alone. It's the kid I met at the ceremony. I tried to greet him the first time he passed me, but he didn't lift his head, so I pouted at his neglect once he passed my bench without acknowledging me. I sorely chewed my plain rice while watching him stroll away.And after a moment... he appeared again with a headset hooked around his neck. This time... smiling at me... so I returned the awkward smile. Still, the kid didn't speak and walked in a loop with his head lowered. Round and round... I watched him circle the premises with a questioning look. What is he doing...?"Are you okay?" I frowned when he passed by for the fifth time. He paused abruptly at my concern for his odd behavior and shifted his timid gaze to the lunch box on my lap. We're the only two souls in the outdoor space because everyone else is lounging in the air-conditioned canteen inside the splendid building."What?-""You've been circling the place for a while," I pointed out. The kid flushed red at my confrontation, so he cleared his throat and stepped forward to stand under this shade. I frowned at his awkward behavior until he reached inside his pocket and handed me a small cylinder tube."For you," He muttered without explaining himself, so I reached for the treatment tube with a puzzled look."Huh?" I blinked, unsurely averting my questioning gaze to the young man. The first gift I received from a man... is a treatment tube?

"Your back was bleeding during the ceremony," He muttered, briefly glancing away to avoid my eyes. I blinked again and lowered my gaze to the cream tube with my lips ajar... utterly taken aback by his concern. The ceremony was over two weeks ago."I think it's healed," I whispered and looked up at him with a dumbfounded look."You can keep it... for other... injuries..." He shrugged, suddenly spinning around to flee the premises, leaving me hanging on the bench. I gripped the tube with a funny look while chasing my gaze after the weird kid as he quickly entered the lobby and disappeared without a trace. What the hell? Did he think I didn't have treatment creams at home?
A few days later.
I aimlessly wandered the university building during the lunch break, poking my head here and there to search for a presence- but the person was nowhere to be found. Is he a lower rank? Or an alpha? I can't recall his rank. I scratched my head with an uptight frown once I failed to identify his familiar face amongst the noisy crowd and spun away from the packed canteen- but abruptly halted once I found a person standing behind my back with a brilliant smile. Ah?! He scared me!"Are you having lunch? You should join us," Park Jimin beamed. My face suddenly flushed red at the alpha's charming smile, so I gripped the paper bag nervously and glanced past him to find a crowd of alphas strolling through the corridor, chattering noisily with each other."No- I have to study," I shrugged, quickly dodging the alpha to the side, and jogged away with my head lowered. They're freaking geniuses! I feel out of place around them!"Yah! Where are you going?!- Aren't you eating?!" Jungkook called as he walked beside his girlfriend."I've got work!" I shouted and raced past the looming men with my head lowered, causing them to spin after me with baffled looks. Why am I avoiding them, you may ask...?
My mother is strict with my love life. I'll get in so much trouble if I get involved with anyone, so it's best to avoid getting lured by their magnetic fields!- And also! I was never allowed to interact with outsiders for almost a decade!

I simply do not know how to socialize!

A moment later.
I carefully pushed the library door open and strode inside to check on the occupied desks in curiosity until I spotted a familiar face sitting alone by the far window with his head buried in a textbook. Hah! Bingo!- So he's a nerd! That's why I can't find him anywhere! I happily skipped forward to yank the spare chair back and plopped down beside him with a keen smile. Fwip! The kid flinched in a panic and glanced up at me with a startled look, so I glanced at the thick-frame glasses on his nose bridge and back at him... until he slightly widened his eyes at my unexpected appearance.

"Are you busy...?" I whispered behind my hand, smiling weakly to request his attention. He blinked again and glanced at the paper bag on the table with an uneasy look."Wae...?" He unsurely whispered while straightening his back over the chair, and drew off the glasses to place in a velvet box."I made- peach-flavored cake- and mango-filled muffins~!" I whispered, eagerly widening my eyes at his awkward stare. He didn't respond to me and shifted his blank gaze to the bag again... still unimpressed by the gift."Okay?" He replied. I frowned at him with a dumbfounded look."It's yours!" I blurted by accident, causing the other students to lift their heads, so I quickly covered my lips in a panic, causing the kid to stiffen in his seat."Why?" He asked. I scoffed at his oblivious remark and pushed the bag forward in annoyance. Do people normally question your purpose when you bring them a gift!?! He's weird!"You gave me the cream- so I thought- I should return my gratitude," I grimaced."Ah~!" The kid finally gasped in realization and quickly lifted the gift bag to peek inside. How sluggish are his brain neurons?!"What's your name by the way? I'm Jang Sora," I nudged his arm."I'm Jae Yangcha," He lifted his sparkly eyes to meet mine."What's your rank?" I keenly asked while eyeballing his delicate facial features."I'm a fifth rank," Yangcha replied. I blinked at his cute dimple before lowering my gaze to his textbooks."You're younger than me, aren't you? Why are you reading high-level resources?" I muttered with a questioning frown. The young alpha chuckled while searching my clueless eyes."Because I am in the advanced level," He informed. I widened my eyes in disbelief."What!?- You must be a genius!- I didn't even pass their qualification!-" I shrieked- but flinched in surprise when the alpha firmly clasped his hand over my lips with a startled look. He scoffed at my loud chatter while eyeing the other students in embarrassment. Oops. I pursed my lips apologetically as I perched on the chair with restrained lips."Shh! This is a library!" He scolded, cutely frowning at me. I shifted my bulging eyeballs to stare at the annoyed-looking students before glancing back at him."Sorry," I cleared my throat once he lowered his hand with a slight grimace. The kid darted me a bitter look, causing me to flush red in embarrassment.

"Thank you for the gift," Yangcha nodded at the bag. Ah~! I'm such an embarrassment! I really thought we could get along, but I'm humiliating him with my childish acts!"I'll get going-""Wait!" Yangcha suddenly snatched my wrist just as I stood up from my seat. I paused and glanced at his firm clutch around my wrist before averting my questioning gaze to the alpha's abrupt demand to hold me in place."Shhh," I lifted my index finger to his lips. He blushed at my teasing gesture and lowered his head apologetically at the irritated students."Can- Can I have your contact...?" Yangcha whispered while staring up at me. I pursed my lips at his innocent gaze."Wae?-""I can help you with the school work- if you're struggling. I applied to be a tutor for the academy," He explained."Oh- Sure. I guess my mother won't mind," I nodded.Yangcha quickly pulled out his phone, so I dialed my number in his contacts before handing it back to him. He smiled and nodded weakly, so I bid him goodbye and left the library to eat my home-packed lunch on the usual bench under the tree shade. A man finally asked for my number... but it was for school purposes. Ah! Life is nothing like the movies!
Seoul Mansion
Eomma dimly flipped through my exam outcomes regarding the application for the advanced placement program with a bitter grimace before firing her disappointed gaze in my direction- so I quickly lowered my head and gripped my hands in fright. She's unhappy with my poor performance."I asked the university to reconsider your level... but... this outcome... is vastly lower than their standard," Eomma huffed in dissatisfaction."I'll study with the lower ranks until I can-""Jang Sora. You're a supreme alpha. Does it make sense for you to study at the lowest level? Even the newly revealed anonymous alphas are acing the advanced level," She scolded. I apologetically stared at my mother and lowered my gaze to my hands again. I used to be a bright student in school when I was younger... but ever since the drowning incident... my brain doesn't work the same anymore."I'm sorry-""Being sorry won't resolve your failure. You have to retake the exam. I'll speak with the principal," Eomma exhaled after closing the file and tossed it aside."Maybe I should sign up for the tutoring program? I'm sure one of the alphas can help me-""Absolutely not!- They can't be aware of your struggles-""He's a fifth rank! A nerd!- With big glasses! Younger than me- but he's a genius!- I think...? He's pretty timid and has no friends- I can study with him until I'm prepared for the exam. I'll ask him not to inform anyone! I promise!" I blurted with my puppy doe eyes on my mother's grim expression. The woman pinched her nose bridge in distress while struggling to contain her anger."Who is he?" My mother skeptically lifted her eyebrow."Jae Yangcha! That's all I know about him-""Bring me his application form. I'll run a background check," My mother waved her hand to dismiss me, so I quickly got up with my head lowered and left her office to find Jungkook strolling drunkenly into the mansion with lipstick stains on his cheeks.He is always... out partying. I sighed heavily while following him down the corridor, and left to rest in my bedroom. Jungkook was eventually revived from his coma after the hit-and-run incident... and for some unknown reason... he said he didn't want to pursue our relationship anymore. I had no choice but to agree with his decision.
I was sad, of course, but I guess... our childish courtship was never that deep, so I moved on from our fleeting love without a struggle. Even if we were together... we'd probably break up along the way.

He only favored me because I was the only girl... allowed to see him.
________________________
Fast Forward
"Noona! You're early today!" Yangcha greeted me once I arrived at his front door with my bag. My mother agreed to let me study with him after performing a thorough background check on his family... but I'm not permitted to visit his home alone. A guard is always on standby with my personal driver."I didn't have an afternoon schedule, so I figured I should visit early," I shrugged. Yangcha brightly chuckled as I strolled into his modern glass villa to find a maid beaming at us."My lady," The maid greeted, politely lowering her head. I smiled at the woman and followed Yangcha to his bedroom room for my tutoring lesson. My mother has agreed to let me study with the fifth-rank alpha under the strict condition that he doesn't disclose my academic deficiency to the other alphas... because she claims it's a severe humiliation to the household's reputation. Yangcha doesn't have other acquaintances, so I'm pretty sure he won't leak my privacy."Noona. Are you hungry? Should I get you snacks? Drinks?- Anything?" He asked, attentively following me through the doorway as I placed my bag on the chair at his desk and sat down with a weak smile."Water will do," I replied. He chuckled at my usual request.The alpha picked up a baseball bat from the floor to place it aside before walking over to his personal built-in fridge. He's almost always alone inside his villa, and I've never seen his parents around. The alpha grabbed a cool water bottle from the fridge and strode across his spacious bedroom to settle on the armchair beside mine. I have been studying with him for a few weeks and he's... actually a lively kid. He talks a lot. Like- A LOT.

"I think you're ready for the second section, so we'll start with practical theory application and case studies," He informed while uncapping the bottle and handed it to me.The alpha carefully placed the materials he prepared on the desk as I straightened my body while nodding at his instruction. He has a passion for teaching because... he excels at simplifying the theories for me. The alpha is oddly very patient as well... and would always encourage me to do my best... even if I made repetitive mistakes. We gradually grew closer after only two months of studying together until we somewhat became close friends.
My lacking knowledge and skills have also improved significantly in the academic field with his help.
"Are you okay?" Yangcha asked while waving his hand before my blank gaze to snap me out of my deep thoughts. I slightly flinched and glanced to the side to find the kid staring at me in curiosity as we sat at his desk."Did I zone out again...?" I muttered and blinked at the texts on the paper with the pen gripped in my hand."Let's take a break. You must be tired," Yangcha chuckled, gently withdrawing the pen from my hand to place it away and pushed a bowl of sweets forward."I'm sorry for burdening you," I whispered, glancing at him with an apologetic look. I'm taking up so much of his time over something so basic."Ah~! Don't bother! I'm also doing this for the credits!" He chuckled while shaking his head. I picked out a chocolate bar, tore the packaging, and lifted it to his lips. The alpha stopped smiling to question my offer until I nudged it against his lips again. Crunch. He took a bite from the chocolate as I fed him, making me smile at his cuteness. I eventually munched the remaining bar while smiling at the scattered documents on the desk."The food might be poisonous, so it's best to share it with you," I teased. Yangcha chuckled and shook his head at my joke. "Why would I poison the supreme alpha?" He huffed while staring at me with his hand tucked under his chin."Everyone wants to achieve security with my position. I can't trust anyone easily," I shrugged.The alpha suddenly stopped smiling at my statement and kept his blank gaze fixed on mine. Yangcha does it often. The staring without speaking behavior. It was very uncomfortable at first because he'd suddenly stop talking -and stare at me dead in the eyes, leaving me dumbfounded by his uncomfortable muteness- but I soon realized... it was just his habit. I think... he pauses once in a while to organize his thoughts- it's like a little break for his jumbled mind. It's cute."I won't hurt you," He whispered. I blinked and glanced at the kid with a funny smile."And you expect me to believe your words? Is this a fairytale?" I chuckled."You don't believe me...?" Yangcha smiled, tilting his head to the side in curiosity. I shrugged."I can't trust anyone. Especially not a kid's word," I teased. Yangcha laughed at my statement while rubbing his flushed face before darting me a weak smile. And he blushes a lot! His face will literally turn bloody red for no apparent reason!"This kid... is much... bigger than you," Yangcha lifted his eyebrow to tease me with his strong physical appearance. I narrowed my eyes at his tender gaze and leaned forward to search his stern face with a cheeky smile. He's a softie on the inside. The alpha didn't budge and scanned my face with his sparkly pupils until I felt his fuming breath... panting softly over my face."You appear... pure... and innocent, but I won't let my guard down around you either," I chuckled while squinting my eyes at his bright pupils. The alpha suddenly leaned forward, and before I could react- Smooch. I froze with my eyes wide open once he withdrew his soft lips from mine, causing me to stiffen in place. Yangcha quickly pursed his lips... until his cheeks flushed bright red."Uh-""Hey!" I shrieked, smacking his chest in shock and shoved him away with my hand clasped over my lips, causing the alpha to freeze in his armchair. He blinked at my offended reaction in a panic."I- I'm sorry! I didn't know what I was doing!- Noona- Noona?!" Yangcha gasped, trying to grab my hand to explain himself- but I shoved his armchair aside- sending the alpha rolling away in his seat. I frantically scrambled to my feet with a burning hot face- snatched my bag and sprinted out of his bedroom with a racing heart. My face is numb~! HSSKJJKQH?!"I'm heading home!" I shrieked, wildly sprinting down the stairs without looking back to flee the bewildering situation- but halted in shock once I noticed an elderly couple entering through the door with their luggage."Oh?-""Annyeonghaseyo!" I greeted and sprinted past them, bolting right out of the villa without looking back as Yangcha chased me with a terrified look. I quickly hopped into the standby car with a pulsating heart until the driver reversed the wheel and drove out of the property. Huff! Huff! I frantically fanned my fuming face with a slight frown.What the hell?! I'm so flustered! I glanced at the villa to find Yangcha standing outside the front door with his hands gripped in his hair, tugging his root with a pale expression as he watched me leave the property. Why did he kiss me?! Sora! Why are you panicking?!-
I don't know! It was so sudden! Eomma will kill me!- Why would you tell her?!- Right! We can't tell her about this! Or Yangcha will lose his head! But why?! Ah~! I'm so doomed! I can't properly speak to a man! Let alone- kiss him! SHGqgddejhw! It feels weird! 
_________________________
A week later.
Jae Yangcha nervously gripped his hands while pacing back and forth before a packed lecture room in the vacant corridor until the clock struck 3:00 PM... and out the door came a flood of lower ranks, dismissively strolling past him with their study materials.The alpha stepped aside to back against the wall while searching the dense crowd with his wild eyes, desperately searching for the supreme alpha... until the professor stepped through the doorway and strolled away to vacate the corridor. Yangcha paused in confusion and quickly stepped inside the empty lecture room to search for the supreme alpha... but she was nowhere to be found. He frowned at her absence before lowering his anxious face to the unread texts on his phone.She did not answer his texts for an entire week after he accidentally kissed her on impulse. The alpha bit his lower lips anxiously while hovering his thumb over the call button."Should I call her?" He muttered, contemplating whether or not he should disturb her peace until he noticed someone strolling down the corridor, so he looked up to find Jeon Jungkook walking forward with his gaze glued to his phone."E- Excuse me- Have you seen noona?- I mean- The supreme alpha?" Yangcha quickly blocked Jeon Jungkook's path, who lifted his head to question the alpha's audacity with an eyebrow raised."Who are you?-""I'm Jae Yangcha. A fifth rank," Yangcha replied, nervously bowing at the third rank."And why are you looking for her?-""I- I'm her tutor. I'm not supposed to tell anyone because her mother asked me to keep it confidential until she passes her exam. You live with her, so I wonder if she's alright? The exam is in a month," Yangcha explained, causing Jungkook to fire the young kid a skeptical look."I don't know. We never really see each other at home. She's always in her room- but I did overhear our chief maid speaking about her fever or something. The head doctor visited... so she's probably sick," Jungkook shrugged with his stern gaze on the kid."Oh," Yangcha muttered. Jungkook dully raised his thick eyebrow at the alpha again, who blinked out of his thoughts and quickly stepped aside to make way for the higher rank. Jungkook bitterly glanced away and strolled off without another word... so Yangcha exhaled and walked in the opposite direction to approach the supreme alpha's locker."She could've at least brought her material home to study. Should I visit her and drop off the materials?" Yangcha mumbled as he tapped on the pin to unlock her locker. He unzipped his bag to withdraw the books and placed the additional materials inside the compartment with a heavy heart. Thud. Yangcha closed the locker with an uneasy frown, cluelessly turning around- only to find a ghostly pale face staring... right... at him."KAMJAGIYA!" The alpha screeched, fearfully backing against the locker in a panic upon witnessing the startling sight of her familiar doe eyes and curled lashes. SLAM! His back collided hard against the solid lockers. Badum! Jae Yangcha gulped in fear... with his bulging eyeballs on the supreme alpha as she listlessly stood in front of him in a short skirt and pink hoodie."What...? Do I look scary?" Sora asked, cluelessly blinking at his terrified face. The alpha scoffed at her bright pink nose and glanced at the dark circles beneath her eyes. He eventually shifted his worried gaze to her peeling chapped lips with a racing heart as she stood with the hood over her head."Noona!- Are you sick?- Why didn't you answer my texts?! I was worried about you!" He gasped, quickly lifting his hand to feel her feverish forehead. Sora dismissively swatted his hand away, pushed him aside, and opened her locker to retrieve the school materials.

"I'm fine. Go home," Sora hoarsely muttered as she withdrew her things and closed the door before turning to stroll away with her head lowered."Noona! But your exam is in a month-" Yangcha called while chasing after her in concern. Fwip! He abruptly halted when she suddenly spun around with an annoyed frown on the alpha's obliviousness."Keep your distance," Sora grumbled. Yangcha pursed his lips at her demand and quickly took a step back while gripping his backpack strap."Are you mad at me because of the incident...? I'm sorry. You can be mad... but I really want you to perform well on your exam," He muttered while staring at her sickly condition with an apologetic look."Do you want to be infected with my flu?" She dimly murmured while examining his timid behavior. Yangcha gripped the strap harder while eyeing her drained face."I don't get sick that easily. You can come over... I have a medication that can relieve your discomfort. My grandfather is a senior doctor," He offered. The supreme alpha contemplated his genuine invitation with a sore expression before lowering her face to stare at the books in her hands. She had skipped school for an entire week because of her sickness.
A moment later.
Sora's POVI quietly sat crossed legs on the carpet in his tidy room to scribble on the textbook while wiping my stuffy nose with the tissue until the door slid open... and Yangcha entered with a teacup and a few packages in his arms. He placed the warm tea beside my book as he carefully settled across from me before lowering the rectangular packages onto the table."What's this?" I grumbled at the steaming teacup."It's honey tea," Yangcha smiled. I blinked and lifted my face to stare at the alpha's cheeky smile until Yangcha lifted the spoon to scoop the fluid and tasted it to assure me. I sighed and lifted the porcelain cup to take a sip before lowering it back onto the plate and wiped my lips. The medication makes me sleepy."Thank you," I whispered."These are medications for your cold. You can take it if you want- It's non-drowsy, so you won't feel tired after taking them," Yangcha eagerly pushed the boxes forward. I blinked at the medication labels and looked back up at him with a questioning look. Did he think I didn't have medication at home? I nodded in defeat and lowered my face to write on the book again. Yangcha didn't speak and quietly sat across from me as I sniffled over the confusing case study... until I lifted my head again to find him staring at me with his hand tucked under his chin. Doesn't he have anything else to do?"You can work on other things. I'm doing fine," I whispered. Yangcha blinked out of his thoughts."I shouldn't have forced you to work when you're clearly still sick," He mumbled in guilt. I exhaled, took another sip from the teacup, and deeply exhaled to sort out my fuzzy mind."I'm sorry for not greeting your parents properly," I replied."Don't worry about it," He chuckled."They're not around often?" I asked curiously. Yangcha nodded."They usually stay abroad for their business," He smiled."At least they are actually occupied," I muttered. Yangcha lifted his eyebrow to question my statement."No one really speaks to you at home?" He asked. I nodded."My parents are always home... but we're distant. Only the maid would visit me... but they rarely speak... and the drivers... drive me in complete muteness," I muttered. Yangcha warmly stared at me from across the table. He must be pitying me.

"Is that why you chose me to tutor you? Because I'm chatty?" He chuckled. I stared at his fond gaze for a brief moment."I don't feel comfortable with anyone else," I shrugged. Yangcha nodded and lowered his eyes to my lips... causing me to freeze in place, so I quickly sucked in my runny snots and lowered my gaze to scribble on the book without another word. I can't stop thinking about the kiss! It might've been accidental, but my poor soul is not prepared for the mature deeds!
Oddly enough... the young alpha did not bring up the random kiss between us... and he never attempted to repeat his act either. Maybe he's uncomfortable too? He probably doesn't know what he was doing either.

Yangcha would patiently guide me through my work like he usually does... and we eventually overlooked the incident as I prepared for the upcoming computer-based examination... which is the first stage of the qualification procedure.

Did you think wealthy kids always have it easy in life because we're rich? No. We're not the typical rich kids you see in movies or films. The alphas are expected to excel in every field the instant we are born. There are no breaks for us, especially during our prime years... because... the household relies on our competence to lead the council.

Our failure is a disgrace to our parents.

Thereby, we are constantly pressured to overachieve in life.
_________________________
After the first exam
I listlessly strolled over the pavement with my blank gaze on the busy street to observe the occupied averages as they hustled over the sidewalk to reach their end destination. It's been a decade since I was allowed to experience the outside world, so this is refreshing. Did I ever leave the mansion's wall... at all? Nope. I have not left my home since I recovered from my coma.I sighed deeply to relieve the stuffiness inside my chest and strolled aimlessly to wherever I was heading. I left the university without informing my driver because I was overwhelmed by the exam I had taken earlier. The driver wouldn't dare report my absence to my mother because he'd get in trouble too, so it doesn't matter. I'll text him when I'm ready to head home- Pause.I stopped dead in my tracks once I felt a... lingering... presence behind my back... and slowly turned around to find... Jae Yangcha... following me from behind. He paused about five meters away, so I stared at him with a poker face as he innocently blinked at me with his hands in his pocket. He's carrying his usual backpack with the straps... securely fastened over his broad shoulders. He's been following me? He's like a puppy. A golden retriever to be exact."Why are you following me?" I asked, dumbfounded by his presence. Yangcha cleared his throat and walked forward with a flustered look.

"The supreme alpha shouldn't wander alone-""And you think you can protect me if someone was about to murder me?" I skeptically muttered with my eyebrow lifted. He stared at me with a weak smile. It's weird how he's always so calm...? Doesn't he know how to get mad?"How did the exam go? I'm responsible for your outcome, so I wish to know your performance," He shrugged to dismiss the topic. I exhaled and walked forward again. I can get in trouble alone, but not with him. I don't want him to become a target because of his association with me. The alpha quickened his pace to match mine and walked along my side with his eager face turned in my direction to await my response."I passed," I muttered, still wearing a grim look."And why are you so down...? If it's a positive outcome?" Yangcha unsurely questioned me. I sighed at his endless questions."Because something else is bothering me," I muttered.

"What is?" Yangcha pressed, curiously tilting his head. I didn't respond and walked forward... so he gave in to my muteness and remained hushed, following me in all directions... until... we unconsciously... ended up in his neighborhood. Yangcha eventually invited me inside... so I agreed and followed him. I'll just let my driver know I'm at his place so I won't get caught for wandering the city.
A moment later
"Are you really unbothered?" I asked after the alpha dropped his backpack on the couch in his bedroom. Yangcha turned to question me unsurely."Unbothered...?" Yangcha blinked, cluelessly eyeing my poker face. Thud.I dropped my bag on the couch and stepped forward, causing the alpha to back away with a startled look. He gripped his fists uneasily until I stepped forward again- and as expected- he quickly moved back with a frightened look. Thump. Yangcha's legs eventually hit the bed. He unconsciously plopped down on the mattress... so I stepped forward again with my suspicious gaze trained on his sparkly pupils. Is he pretending... not to remember the incident between us? How can he kiss me... and pretend like it never happened?"You. You're bothering me so much," I whispered while frowning at the nervous alpha. Yangcha swallowed anxiously as he stared upward with his charming puppy gaze."M- me? Wae- What have I done wrong?-" He tried to speak- but pursed his lips when I suddenly crawled onto his lap to sit facing him on the bed with my intense gaze on his glassy pupils. He stiffened at my bold act, but I didn't blink and maintained the... stern eye contact with the timid soul. The room grew hushed for a solid minute... as he tensely stared at me without blinking.His face... flushing redder... the longer he gawked at my face, so I lifted my palm to feel his cheek as he sat stiffly on his bed with a startled look. He's flushing red. I examined the visible rosy tint, covering his cheeks and gently stroked my thumb over his firm skin... until the alpha stiffened under me. He cutely clutched the blanket as I sat facing him on his lap. Smooch. I thoughtlessly leaned forward to kiss the introverted man with my eyes closed."N- Noona-" Yangcha stuttered, so I pulled away to gaze at his shaken expression while combing my fingers through his soft hair."Why did you kiss me... that day? I can't stop thinking about it. You do realize... it was my first adult kiss, right...?" I questioned while searching his terrified eyes. The alpha uneasily swallowed at my confrontation as he cutely struggled to regulate his breathing rhythm until I felt his skin heating up under my palm."I like you- a lot-" Yangcha confessed, freezing in place. I paused briefly to examine his ashen face... until I noticed his cheeks flushing even redder. Smooch.I kissed him again but didn't pull away this time and parted my lips to meet his tongue. Yangcha suddenly moaned in difficulty with his eyebrows furrowed and slowly lifted his arms to hold my waist. It's weird how the presence of his lips wouldn't leave mine, even after so many days and nights of refusing to acknowledge the strange sensation that kept stirring inside my chest. I gripped his burning nape and deepened the shockingly steamy kiss until I felt my face fuming with an unexplainable warmth.
I wasn't startled by the kiss. In fact... I was enjoying it a bit too much.
"I'm burning all over..." I whispered, finally drawing my spit-drenched tongue away from his mouth to frown at the alpha with a troubled look. Yangcha pursed his moist lips while panting against my chest... and although I could sense his extreme discomfort... the alpha did not budge and stared at me without blinking."Are you uncomfortable?" He whispered, slowly clutching onto my waist until my body shuddered helplessly at his touch. I shook my head with a troubled expression and lowered my hand to hold his shoulders for support. I'm in heat."Have you ever... been with... anyone before...?" I asked while searching his innocent gaze in curiosity. Is he genuinely gullible or... is this all an act to seduce me? Because... his charm... is effectively making my womanly body tweak."No. You're my first kiss... and I've definitely never touched another woman before," Yangcha shook his head. I chuckled at his almost... frightened response and leaned forward to press my lips against his again, causing the alpha to groan against my lips as he caressed his tongue over mine. I always thought making out was dirty... to invade each other's mouth with filthy tongues and the idea of exchanging spit used to make me gag... but... as I'm exploring the warm and wet space between his lips... I can't help but want to taste more of his flavor. It's weirdly addictive.Yangcha desperately chased my lips when I attempted to break the kiss, so I clutched onto his shoulder and resumed the kiss without taking a proper breath. I lowered my hand to hold his wrist and carefully lifted his hand off my hips to make him touch my breast. The alpha froze, suddenly jerking his lips away to stare at me in bewilderment before glancing down at his inappropriate hand placement."I think... you're supposed to touch me here too," I whispered while holding his palm over my chest, flushing redder at the sight of his nervous reaction. I didn't know a timid man could be this attractive. He's so transparent. It makes me want to tease him more."Noona- I don't intend on taking touching you inappropriately-""Even if you have my permission? You don't want to...? Wae? Am I lacking- AH!" I shrieked in shock when Yangcha suddenly seized my body and- FLIP! He forcefully flipped my body over and slammed me onto the mattress. Huff! I gasped and gripped his shoulders in bewilderment as he hovered above me with his jaw clenched to suppress his raging temptation. Thump! Thump! My heart started pounding like crazy at the sight of his enticing gaze. What am I doing?! Sora! It's dangerous to lose yourself like this!"How can I not want to hold you...?" Yangcha whispered while searching my face with a conflicted look. I don't even know what I'm doing... but one thing for sure... is that I wanted to hold him close to my burning skin."Then why are you hesitating...?" I asked, unsurely lifting my hand to hold his adorable face. Jae Yangcha gulped again as we held intense eye contact inside his dim bedroom. Silence. The alpha suddenly shoved his massive body off the mattress and pulled me with him, so I sat up in confusion as he grabbed the hem of his loose shirt to lift the fabric off his head and tossed it aside to expose his bare body. Fwip!I briefly glanced at the shirt as it fluttered to the floor before shifting my gawking eyes back to his shirtless torso for the first time. My cheeks abruptly heated up at the sight of his toned body, so I parted my lips in surprise and glanced up at the alpha as he knelt on the bed with a nervous look. Oh? He always wore oversized shirts so I never really... knew his body was this insanely hot...?"Is this enough for you...? My body...?" He muttered while watching me stare at the deep grooves of his ripe muscles. I unconsciously lifted my arm to feel his hard pecs with my cold hands before lowering my fingertips to gently graze his defined abs... unable to tear my eyes off his shockingly masculine body. This is my first time... seeing a man's shirtless body. Sure, I've seen Jungkook's shirtless body when he works out- but- this- he- he's so- hot. How can he be so sturdy? The man can crush my skull with the force of his bicep alone."What are you saying...?" I whispered, suddenly frowning at the alpha, unable to make sense of his question. He suddenly lifted his hand to hold my palm over his left chest until I felt his heart pounding rapidly under his solid muscles. We remained on the bed in absolute silence as I monitored the intensity of his heartbeat and shifted my gaze to his rosy red face again."This is all I have to offer," He muttered. I stared at the alpha with a slight frown, weakly scoffing at his statement in disbelief."You're cute," I giggled, causing Yangcha to blink at me in confusion."Cute?" He smiled."I have never seen a man as... sexy as you in my entire life," I beamed- but halted abruptly when he leaned forward to peck my lips. Badum. Badum. Badum. My heart pulsed so hard against my chest- I felt like fainting on the spot."Noona... you're so... gorgeous. Did I ever mention... I'm often hypnotized by your beauty... and scent...?" He whispered while frowning at me in difficulty as he lowered his face to fume over my lips.I uneasily smiled at his alluring gaze and hugged his neck as Yangcha coiled his arms around my waist to shorten the gap between our bodies, gently pressing his lips against mine to make out with me as he slowly lowered my body onto the mattress. The alpha steamily caressed my tongue while stroking my cheek with his thumb until I felt his breath growing heavier by the second, making me gulp at the extreme heat that was emitting between our humid breaths."I'm- a virgin," I whispered, causing the alpha to pause with his lips pressed against mine. He slightly drew his face away to study my flushed cheeks as I gently stroked his jawline with a nervous frown. I don't know what I'm doing."I know," He whispered, weakly smiling at my confession. I gripped his face in embarrassment."I don't know how it works. I do read stuff, but-""You read? Huh...? What did you learn from reading about intimacy?" He asked, hoarsely chuckling while searching my eyes before pecking me again. I pursed my lips at his smug smile. Is he teasing me?!"I think it feels better without... clothes on?" I whispered. The alpha tilted his head over mine before lowering his gaze to my shirt as I lowered my hand to hold his muscular shoulders, nervously clutching his tense muscles."Do you want to undress...?" Yangcha muttered, lifting his eyebrow to question me. I uneasily swallowed while staring at his shirtless body and shifted my gaze back to his teasing smile."You can do it," I nodded. Yangcha smiled at my approval as he sat up between my short skirt and lowered his hand to graze the buttons over my shirt. He lifted his eager gaze to mine as he carefully... loosened the buttons... one by one... to reveal my bare flesh.The alpha tilted his face in curiosity to watch me sprawl in a vulnerable position... and gently pushed the fabric aside to expose my white bra... strapped securely to my chest. He paused, flushing slightly redder at the sight of my cleavage. I gripped my hands uneasily as he calmly sat between my legs until he lowered his hand to unzip the skirt, cautiously drawing the hemline off my waistline and gently... pulling it down my thighs... before slipping it off my ankles and tossing it aside."Your lingerie doesn't... match," Yangcha pointed out, briefly lifting his face to mine once he noticed my baby pink panties. I blushed over the pillow as he lowered his hand to touch my bare stomach, causing severe goosebumps to rise all over my skin upon the thrilling contact with his foreign touch. Hah~! What am I doing?! I'm scared but- I'm so so so curious!"Does it bother you?" I mumbled while chewing my thumb with an intense gaze on his hot body.Yangcha chuckled at my timid response as he grabbed my hand and pulled me upward until I sat up on the mattress to face him. Smooch. He panted, softly stroking my lips until our nose tips brushed against one another. I closed my eyes to savor the ticklish sensation over my virgin flesh as he skimmed his fingers over either side of my thighs... to ease my strained muscles.Clip. The alpha suddenly undid my bra, drew the straps off my shoulders and tossed it aside without breaking the kiss as I gripped onto his strong hips. I shivered helplessly when he pressed his bare chest against my bosoms to rub his warm pecs over my bare nipples. Hmmp~! I want to make noises, but I'm too embarrassed!Yangcha suddenly withdrew his moist tongue from my salivating mouth and tilted his face to kiss the crook of my neck, causing my body to jolt at the pleasuring strokes of his thrilling lips on my sensitive skin. I bit my lips with a slight frown as he kissed my throat, sensually pressing his wet tongue over my skin to lick the flavor of my flesh, so I held his head nervously until he lifted his hand to grope my breast for the first time. JOLT!I suddenly stiffened at the presence of a man's touch over my bosoms, unable to breathe for a moment as he fondled my sensitive flesh while nibbling the crook of my neck. My body started twitching with the pressure of his touch as he rubbed his thumbs over my hard nipples. HNGH~! I quickly pushed his head away with a startled expression before lowering my gaze to my chest in a panic. Yangcha paused, unsurely watching me wheeze out of breath as I perched stiffly at the tenderness of his touch over my chest."Wae...? Do you feel uncomfortable?" He whispered, unsurely lifting his eyebrow to question me. I nervously stared at his fingers as he massaged my breast and shifted my anxious gaze back to him.He smiled, suddenly lowering his face toward my chest, so I sucked my breath and gripped the bedsheet in fright as the alpha kissed my hard nipple. The man sensually stuck out his slimy tongue... and gently stroked the tip in a circular motion... leaving behind wet trails over the hardened tip.... making me whimper in discomfort. Why is my body tingling so weirdly?! Yangcha tilted his face to the side and pinched my nipple between his lips until my body convulsed in extreme heat- making me gasp with my jaw clenched as he stimulated my nerves with his arousing strokes."Hah~! I feel strange~!" I moaned, shakily lifting my hand to hold his broad shoulders. The alpha panted shakily as he nibbled onto my extremely sensitive tip until I started squirming on the bed to resist his touch. He fondled my breast with his massive palm before shifting his head to soak my other nipple... making me moan even louder at the paralyzing pleasure. My crotch is throbbing! Why is this so stimulating?!"Tell me if you're uncomfortable," Yangcha whispered, finally withdrawing his lips from my soaked breast as I knelt on the bed with my legs tucked under my weight.I glanced at my swollen tips... entirely coated with his spit... and back at his burning face until he straightened his sturdy body to remove the elastic waistband from his muscular hips. Thump! Thump! Oh, man!- He's undressing!- &^$!#$%?! I didn't think it would escalate this quickly!- Eomma never taught me to do any of this- but I can't stop myself!I gulped intensely with my attentive gaze on his manly trunk as the alpha removed the oversize sweatpants from his muscular legs and tossed them aside. Fwip. I didn't blink and lowered my bulging eyes to his naked groin... until my eyes... landed... on his bulge. My cheeks suddenly surged with extreme heat until I grew numbed at the raw sight of his meat, so I quickly lifted my horrified face to gawk at him with my lips ajar. That's what it looks like?!- AH! I'm going to faint~!"It looks... funny," I whispered, utterly shaken by his exposed penis. Yangcha chuckled at my stunned reaction and lowered his hand to hold the shaft, gently jerking his penis before my eyes, causing the nerves in my body to throb for no apparent reason. I want to scream and run, but at the same time- I want to touch him even more! Am I crazy?!"Do you want to touch it...?" He whispered, smugly smiling at my shaken reaction. I averted my frightened gaze to the chunk of meat again... until I felt a weird pulse over my crotch. My lady bit is screaming! What the fuck! Swallowing intensely... I lifted my shaky hand as the alpha gently stroked himself while kneeling before me. Poke. I touched the soft tip with my lips ajar. Oh~! It's so mushy~!"It's... soft... and warm...?" I whispered, slightly leaning forward to examine the upward curvature of his raw tip in extreme astonishment. This is unbelievable!"That's the most sensitive spot... touch it again," Yangcha whispered as he lifted my hand to his lips. Slurp. Slurp. I froze in shock as the alpha sucked my fingers to coat me with his spit before lowering my hand to his crotch again and gently... made me press my wet thumb over the tip, causing my body muscles to contract upon feeling the soft texture of his raw flesh. Yangcha lowly moaned at my touch, so I lifted my flustered face to gawk at his lewd noise in shock."Does it feel good...?" I whispered while staring at him in curiosity. He nodded with a difficult frown while panting unsteadily as I massaged my thumb over the swollen tip... until he lifted my other hand to make me hold his solid shaft."Jerk me like this..." He steamily whispered while staring at me with his sensual gaze. I swallowed and glanced back down as he made me stroke his veiny meat until I felt the tight layer of his skin... sliding over the stiff shaft. Squelch. Squelch. Yangcha groaned in distress until I felt my body heating up at his hot moans. The more he makes those sounds! The more I want to slam him onto the bed and please him- AH! JANG SORA! YOU DIRTY FREAK!"Can we kiss?" I whispered while staring up at his troubled expression. My body is throbbing so much because of him!Yangcha nodded, quickly lowering his face to kiss me aggressively with his fingers entangled in my hair, so I held my breath while caressing our wet lips to create steamy squelching sounds. Eeek~! I can feel a pulse in my panties! He softly moaned against my lips as I jerked his hard bulge until he laid me over the bedsheet and lowered his hands to tug the strap of my panty from my hips.I began hyperventilating under his heated trunk as the alpha slid the fabric down my legs. What's happening?! I can't think straight! I slightly grimaced to counter the fear in my chest as he stifled my voice with his invasive tongue... until I felt the cold air gusting over my naked groin. Yangcha finally broke the steamy kiss and sat up between my legs as I helplessly spread on the mattress... after releasing his hard boner. Badum! The alpha calmly examined my raw lady bits... causing me to tense my body uncomfortably. Oh no! I think we went too far!"Have you ever... touched yourself... down there?" He asked."No- no- but I- hump... my pillow-" I replied in embarrassment. Yangcha suddenly snorted and lowered his face with a weak smile."You hump a pillow? But you've never touched yourself?" He scoffed, weakly lifting his rosy red face to meet my timid eyes. I smiled and nodded shyly."Why are you laughing?" I giggled. He shook his head, gently kissing my kneecap, and slowly made his way toward my groin. I arched my back uneasily once I felt his lips nearing my lady bit... so I curled my toes and lifted my head to watch him nibble my groin with breathy kisses. The alpha lifted his head again as he pressed his tongue over my extremely sensitive slit, causing me to suck in my breath in shock- once a jolting prick exploded all over my body."Show me your most sensitive spot when I find it. Okay...?" Yangcha whispered, barely lifting his head off my groin. I stiffly nodded at his seductive gaze as he rubbed the pad of his fingers up and down between the moist slit to arouse my nerves- causing the extreme heat to expand all over my crotch. I gripped my hand in anticipation as he carefully explored my lady part to search for the pleasure zone- until he touched a spot- JERK! I flinched in shock, quickly snatching his wrist with a startled expression."Oh!" I gasped, lifting my face in fright. Yangcha pursed his lips as I firmly gripped his hand."Is it... there? The clitoris?" He asked while examining my bewildered look. The alpha gently removed my grip from his wrist and pressed on the spot again. I whimpered and arched my back in extreme distress as he rubbed in a circular motion- until I moaned and seized the pillow for support. Hah~! Hah~! What is he doing?! Oh my god~!"Hah~! Feels weird!" I panted, fearfully lifting my face to watch him rub the spot. Yangcha stared at my lady part with a slight smile."It's okay. I guess this is your pleasure spot," He smiled while holding my wrist over the mattress to stop me from pushing his hand away, so I moaned and gripped his fingers tightly."Hngh~! I'm burning~! Yangcha~!" I frowned at him with a pleading look.Yangcha quietly watched me squirm on the mattress as he applied subtle pleasure over the swollen bump to infect my body with flaming jolts. Hah~! I seethed and arched my back while running my fingers through my hair to resist the unbearable throbs. The alpha finally lifted his thumb off my groin and scooted his hips forward, so I weakly slumped back onto the mattress and lifted my head to stare at him in a panic. Is it over yet?!-"Do you want to continue?" He asked while holding my hands, sweetly kissing my wrists to assure me of our intimacy. I gripped his fingers with a difficult frown as the wet fluid seeped between my legs. I'm burning all over!- I don't feel satisfied at all!"I'm okay," I nodded.Yangcha nodded in agreement and gently... he nudged his tip against the slit of my flesh, causing my crotch to throb intensely. What are these feelings!?!- It's like there's a magnet inside me that's attracting his bulge! I intensely stared at our naked bodies as he softly jabbed his tip against my moist flesh, sensually rubbing his moist shaft over my groin to stimulate our crotches until we both moaned in extreme pleasure. Yangcha stared at me with a troubled look as he moved his hips back and forth to grind my clit with his bulge... until I covered my face in embarrassment."I'll enter you," He whispered after a few minutes of humping me. I whimpered and gripped the pillow with my legs apart as he nudged his bulge against my lower slit... but he didn't rub. Instead... he pushed slightly deeper... causing an uncomfortable ache to surge all over my crotch. Yangcha lifted his face to monitor my reaction as I nervously bit my lips... until he pushed... again... entering deeper... and deeper inside me."Hah~!" I groaned, gripping tightly onto his wrist. How deep can he go...?"Does it hurt? Noona... speak to me," Yangcha paused. I uneasily panted while staring at him as he sat between my thighs."It hurts... a bit- but I'm okay..." I whispered. Yangcha blinked and gently inserted himself all the way inside- causing me to seethe in discomfort. He clenched his jaw with a troubled look as I felt my inside muscles clutching onto his hard penis. "Okay. I'll give it a few... thrusts... if it's too painful for you. We'll stop. Okay...?" He assured. I nodded with a slight pout."Can we hug?" I sniffled. Yangcha nodded and crawled over to hug my body, so I clung to his neck with my face buried against his soft hair as he massaged my hips to soothe my tense body."Ease your body a little," He whispered, softly kissing my ear.I took in a deep exhale as he slowly withdrew his bulge and thrust forward. Ache. I gripped his nape but didn't complain. Thrust. The alpha pushed himself inside me again, causing yet another uncomfortable sensation to surge all over my crotch. Thrust. I clawed my fingers into his shoulder as he steadily pounded his hard cock inside me until... I felt... the warm sensation... jolting all over my body with the friction of his searing presence. Thrust. Thrust. Thrust.I shuddered intensely while clinging to his shoulders as he kissed my earlobe to comfort my tense muscles. Yangcha paused, slightly lifting his face to kiss my lips again, so I gripped his cheeks as the alpha steadily thrusts inside my slit to fully fill up my inside. I suddenly moaned after a few minutes of raw penetration and pulled away to pout at his intense gaze as he examined my face with an anxious frown."Does it hurt? Hmm...? I'll stop if you're uncomfortable," Yangcha whispered while stroking my cheek, steadily thrusting inside as I clung to his neck with my dazed gaze on his attractive visual. It's a bit uncomfortable- but I don't want to stop."I'm okay," I whispered while shaking my head to assure him.Yangcha smiled at my positive response and lowered his face to push his tongue between my lips, so I softly exhaled as he grind his chest over my breasts while hugging my sweaty body over the mattress in his dim bedroom... until my soul levitated out of my body... entirely overpowered by the unexplainable pleasure that made my body throb so intensely to the point I could barely breathe.
Yangcha wasn't forceful and would constantly ask if I was comfortable... to which I responded with a stiff nod. I refused to release his waist... and clung tightly to his back for support as he repeatedly juiced my burning lady part with his powerful hip thrusts.

A moment later.
I drew the skirt onto my hips before settling back on the mattress to button up my loose shirt until the door slid open... and Yangcha strolled inside the room with a mug. He smiled and walked up to me, so I accepted the hot chocolate from his grip, drank it thirstily, and finally wiped my lips with my nervous gaze on the alpha. He took the empty mug away and placed it on the nightstand before crouching at my feet to hold my hands over my lap."Do you feel okay?" He worriedly questioned my pale expression."I'm fine," I whispered while searching his gaze."I made sure to pull out... so... please keep track of your menstrual cycle, alright? Let me know if you feel any discomfort," He assured me, gently gripping my hands. I nodded anxiously. What if I get pregnant...?"Can you... keep this between us? I'll get in trouble if my parents find out," I blinked. Yangcha nodded."Of course. Don't worry," The alpha assured, leaning upward to peck my lips. I stared at Yangcha uneasily as he stroked my cheeks... until I broke into a soft smile and hugged his neck."I had a great time with you," I whispered."I did too," Yangcha nodded while patting my back, gently rocking me from side to side in his bedroom with his face buried against my shoulder.
And that's how I lost my virginity during a supposed study session! Making love was a hell of an experience- and I truly enjoyed the intimacy... but the pregnancy scare wasn't so fun because we did it raw.

But did it stop me from getting naked with a man? No. I did it again. And again. And again.

Will there be an end? No.

My fully mature body is craving a man's touch, and I can't seem to contain the addiction.
_________________________
Fast Forward

I thought it was going to be an awkward situation between Yangcha after we took each other's virginity for the first time, but we got along afterward. Yangcha became attached to me and I liked his presence, so I agreed to see him without establishing a defined label over our relationship.

We're friends. But friends don't taste and touch each other. Are we lovers? No, we're not there yet. So what are we? Friends with benefits? That's too harsh.

We kissed often, and we'd make love at his place from time to time during our study sessions and- I'd panic whenever it was over because we never really used protection- so I asked him to get me pills... to which he agreed and got the medication for me.
"Sora! There you are!" Hoseok gasped, suddenly racing up to me as I walked with Yangcha through the school premises. I halted to stare at the alpha as he wheezed out of breath."What's the matter?" I smiled."My birthday party is on Friday this week! Please come by!" Hoseok invited, brightly beaming at me. I stared at him and glanced at Yangcha as he awkwardly stood beside me. Isn't he inviting Yangcha...? No...? Right. Yangcha isn't popular... and I'm only invited to events because I'm a supreme alpha."Well- I have to study-""I'll see you at the party!" Hoseok patted my shoulder and walked off, so I pursed my lips and glanced at Yangcha again."I won't go. You said you'd bake with me," I assured.Yangcha nodded without a bother... so we strolled out of the building together and headed to his place for our regular study session until our fingers began roaming each other's bodies. I ended up making out with him on the armchair as he fondled my breast between the unbuttoned shirt. Yangcha tenderly sucked on my hardened nipples as I grind my soaked panties over the hard hump beneath his pants to simulate the hot pleasure... until he lifted his face to fit his wet tongue inside my mouth again. I softly moaned against his lips as he gently pinched my hard tips- VIRR! I flinched, jerking away from his steamy lips to snatch my phone from the desk to find a text from my chief guard... announcing his unexpected arrival at the villa."You're leaving?" Yangcha asked in surprise, pausing to stare at the text with his hand clutched over my buttcheeks beneath my skirt."I need to be at dinner with my family today!" I smiled, quickly getting off his lap to button up my shirt after adjusting my loose bra, so Yangcha quickly helped me pack my belongings in my bag as he sat shirtless in the armchair.He softly pecked my lips to bid me goodbye, making me blush at his sweetness, so I quickly pulled on my shoes and hurried out of the room. The young alpha followed me down the stairs to send me away as usual. Smiling, I waved at him from the window as the car drove out of the property. I smell like him! I sniffed my shirt and glanced at Do-hwan as the man blankly stared at me through the rearview mirror. Yangcha might be clingy, but he doesn't stop me when I have to leave.
A moment later.
"We're dining at a restaurant?" I asked, attempting to step out of the car before the restaurant entrance when the chief guard suddenly held me back by the shoulder."Your shirt's buttons are misaligned," Do-hwan muttered, swiftly slamming the door closed after shoving me back into the backseat. I gasped and quickly fixed the buttons with a slight grimace. That was close! The chief guard eventually opened the door for me again, so I awkwardly stepped out with a flushed face."Why didn't anyone tell me my button was misaligned, all morning...?" I awkwardly grumbled.Do-hwan blankly stared at me without a reaction, so I stiffly turned and strode into the lavish restaurant with him until we were greeted by an employee. They quickly bowed at my presence and led us through the hushed corridor. Thud. Thud. We entered a spacious dining room... filled with loud chatter. Halt. I stopped dead by the doorway once I found my parents seated with the Jeons and Kims, so I shifted my face to an unfamiliar face... sitting right beside Mrs. Kim. He stared right back at me with an awfully dark stare."Sora! Have a seat! Taehyung has returned to the society!" Appa beckoned. I stiffened in place with my startled gaze on the strange man as he dully eyed my drained expression without a glimpse of emotions in his gaze. Shivers. A flash of dreadful memories suddenly flooded my mind in his presence. H-He's back...?

"A- Annyeonghaseyo," I stiffly lowered my head and rounded the table to sit beside my mother, awkwardly glancing at Kim Taehyung as he unblinkingly stared at me before shifting his vacant gaze away without a bother."Say hello to her!" Mr. Kim scolded his son's rude neglect."Hey," Taehyung dawdled, rudely glancing away again. The elders grew hushed and exchanged awkward glances as I nervously gripped my skirt- THUD!I jerked at the banging door when Jeon Jungkoook came storming through the door with a dark grimace. Did he fight with Minah again? I've seen them argue more than I see them kiss! The alpha marched inside the room with his eyes fixed on his phone and hastily yanked the chair to sit between his parents without greeting anyone. Yup. They're definitely on bad terms again."Jeon Jungkook!" Mr. Jeon scolded his son's discourteous attitude. The alpha huffed after shoving his phone away and lifted his annoyed frown to Kim Taehyung, who stared at his cousin's rude entrance with a poker face."Annyeong?" Jungkook greeted with an attitude."You didn't change," Taehyung spoke lowly with an almost disappointed gaze on the alpha. Jungkook tensed up in his seat but didn't lash out at the man and glanced at me as I restlessly sat in my seat with the uncomfortable traumatic memories. Sora! Don't think about it! The past must remain in the past! Eomma will never let him hurt me again!_______________________
Friday Afternoon
Jae Yangcha quickly gathered his books, shoved his materials inside his bag, and raced out of the library to meet the supreme alpha when a group of lower ranks suddenly approached him. Halt. The alpha abruptly paused at their smug smiles, uneasily backing away from the ill-intended lower ranks."Yah, Jae Yangcha! Where's the work you promised to complete for us?" A lanky lower rank stepped forward to confront the timid alpha."I'm not done- AH!" Yangcha tried to excuse himself but was roughly shoved backward. THUD! The alpha sucked in his breath in a panic as the lower rank gripped his collar with an intimidating glower."Get it done by tomorrow... or I'll expose your dirty little secret," The lower rank sneered. Jae Yangcha's face suddenly turned pale upon hearing the threat, so he stiffly nodded in agreement with his lips pursed.The lower rank aggressively ruffled the alpha's hair to mess it up... and beckoned the other lower ranks forward... so Yangcha clenched his bag in fear and quickly raced off in the opposite direction to sprint down the stairs until he spotted Sora... strolling out of the entrance with Kang Minah... who was clinging to the supreme alpha's arm. The two alphas giggled at each other... so Yangcha slowed down his pace to stroll behind them, patiently waiting for the supreme alpha to notice his presence.The alpha waited on the opening field for Jang Sora's return to the lobby... but Sora simply chuckled, strode off with her friend and disappeared through the gate with Minah. He assumed she'd return to fetch him for their baking session... so he waited patiently on the bench to avoid suspicion as the excited lower ranks and alphas chattered about Jung Hoseok's birthday party.Yangcha: Noona.Yangcha: Where are you?Yangcha: Should we meet at my place?Yangcha: I'll head home first to prepare the baking supplies.Yangcha texted the supreme alpha repeatedly, but she didn't read his texts, so he exhaled and left the university after dusk to wait for her at his villa. The alpha entered his kitchen to prepare the ingredients he had gotten for her in extreme excitement before racing into the living room to slump on the couch. He impatiently tapped his feet while peeking at his glass door to await her appearance... but she... never... showed... up as she had promised him. The alpha frowned and glanced at the time on the wall. 10:37 PM.Sighing in defeat, Jae Yangcha strolled up to his bedroom and slumped on his bed with an upset feeling after she failed to visit him for the baking session. The alpha switched on his phone to check on the alpha's social media... and clicked on Kang Minah's story until... a newly posted video popped up to reveal the soaked... young adults... partying in the pool at Jung Hoseok's mansion. Yangcha stared at the alphas in their colorful hot bikinis and swimming shorts as they waved at Minah's phone to pose for her content."SORA! She's so gorgeous! The supreme alpha is single- so hit up on her! Say hi~!" Minah shrieked in the video, suddenly grabbing Sora's arm and dragged her into the frame. Yangcha sucked in his breath once he found Sora grinning widely in a golden bikini. Her body and hair were soaked... from head to toe as she beamed at the camera in the exposed swimwear."Hello~!" Sora giggled while waving at the phone with a flushed face. Yangcha's heart painfully dropped as he lay on his bed until the video ended... so he frantically clicked on Minah's stories to search for Sora's presence, but that was the only glimpse of her. The alpha huffed in disbelief, quickly jerking upward to stalk all the other accounts until he tapped on a lower rank's private account to find his bully... filming Jang Sora from afar.SHE'S FUCKING HOT! 🔥Jae Yangcha read the inappropriate caption about the suprema alpha as the lower rank laughed at each other in the video while zooming on her wet cleavage, shamelessly objectifying her body with their dirty jokes while filming her without her consent as Sora drunkenly danced with Minah in the pool with her arms raised above her head."SORA!" Jimin shrieked, suddenly leaping into the water.The drunken supreme alpha shrieked and backed away in shock as the massive wave splashed into her, causing the lower ranks to shriek at the sight of her bouncy breasts, barely covered by the thin bra. Park Jimin chuckled and swam towards her with a devious smile. Sora gasped and tried to paddle away but was caught by the alpha and was yanked back. Sora giggled shyly while holding Jimin's bare shoulders as he fired her a flirty smile... causing Yangcha's chest to swell in discomfort."Hey! Hands off her!" Minah snapped, hastily shoving Jimin aside and grabbed Sora to yank her away."Let her have some fun! The girl is a nun!" Mira teased in her black bikini."Will you dance with me?!" Minho grinned, leaping forward to grab the supreme alpha's arm. Sora gasped and tried to swim away, but Minho back-hugged her body and forcefully kissed her cheek, causing Minah to shriek in disgust."Not you!- Let her go! Yuck!" Minah snapped and shoved the pervert away.Jang Sora didn't seem to mind as she grinned at the shirtless men in the pool, entirely losing herself to her intoxicated mind as she partied with adults her age. Hoseok playfully splashed at the supreme alpha, so she backed away until her back collided with Kim Seokjin, who held onto her shoulders with a flustered look. Sora gasped, quickly spinning around to stare at the handsome alpha with a cute beam- Fwip.Jae Yangcha suddenly switched off his phone and tossed it aside before slumping onto the bed with a burning chest. He gripped the blanket with a dark frown as his chest pulsated in extreme disappointment. The alpha did not like the thought of Sora... being with the other men. He hated that she was offering her attention to everyone else just like she did with him. The alpha huffed and pulled the blanket over his head in extreme distress while struggling to contain his boiling anger.__________________________
Fast Forward
Jae Yangcha eventually calmed down after he woke up the next day and resumed seeing Jang Sora after school hours to prepare her for the oral exam where she had to present before the professors. He spent his time... tirelessly reviewing her scripts and helping her prepare the content of her work until he noticed... she was constantly distracted by her phone."You're popular these days," Yangcha muttered. Sora beamed."They're all so nice to me!" She nodded cluelessly. Yangcha sourly stared at her bright smile as she texted whoever it was on her phone."Are you attending Mira's birthday party tomorrow?" Yangcha asked."Yup! She's hosting it at a club! I've never been to a club before!" Sora nodded with an enthusiastic grin. Yangcha clenched his fists in discomfort and glanced at his computer screen."But the presentation is in the morning after the party. You should rehearse," Yangcha suggested."I'll be fine~! Anyways! I gotta go!- Jimin asked me to see him for dinner today~!" Sora nodded, quickly standing up from the chair."Park Jimin?" Yangcha asked while staring at her in surprise as she packed her bag."He's cute! Jungkook will be there too~! My parents are okay with me hanging around Jimin because he's our ally," Sora beamed as she swung her bag over her shoulder and quickly skipped out of his room without a bother.Jae Yangcha blinked at her abrupt departure and leaned back against the armchair with his eyes closed. The alpha thought... Jang Sora... had favored him because of their shared moments... but recently? She didn't seem to care about him anymore. She'd leave the study session early... or... she'd entirely skip the session to hang out with the popular alphas at parties or events.
And despite his displeasure... Yangcha... never... stopped... her.
The supreme alpha had made it clear she didn't want their relationship to evolve, so Yangcha knew... he couldn't dictate her freedom to see other men. But he loved her. He loved her so much... he could feel his chest rotting in her absence. Drip. Yangcha sat up to wipe his nostril with the back of his hand... until he noticed bright red blood... staining his skin. He gasped in shock, quickly snatching the tissue to press against his nose, and got up to use the sink in the bathroom.
The Next Night
"WHOOOH!" The crowd of drunk alphas and lower ranks jammed to the thundering music on the packed dance floor. Sora wildly swayed her body to the upbeat bass while bouncing in the crowd with Kang Minah, who was bobbing her head with a cheeky smile. The duo... screaming the lyrics aloud until their voices cracked.

"I'm so tired!" Sora gasped, suddenly forcing her way out of the crowd to search for her drink. Gulp! Gulp! She thirstily drank from the unattended glass on the counter until Jimin slumped on the lounge beside her. The both of them... completely out of breath."I love your dress!" Jimin smiled at her slim-fitted sequin dress as he sipped from his glass, sweating profusely from burning out his energy with the other alphas."Thank you! Do you know where the bathroom is at?!" Sora shouted, carefully placing the empty liquor glass on the table as the hyper-crowd shrieked to the blaring bass."I'll escort you! I need to use the bathroom too anyways~!" Jimin nodded, so the duo quickly pushed their way through the dense crowd of drunk adults until they stumbled into a chilly corridor."Oh~!" Sora wobbled to the side, so Jimin grabbed her hips to secure her weak body."Careful!" Jimin smiled while grinning at her. Sora laughed and clung to his neck as he led her through the dim corridor."Thanks~!" Sora grinned at the alpha as he cautiously released her from his grip. Jimin opened the bathroom door for the supreme alpha, causing Sora to giggle shyly at his sweet gesture, and stumbled inside in her high heels with a dazed mind."I'll wait for you outside!" Jimin reminded."You don't have to! I'm leaving after this! It's past my curfew~!" Sora shook her head. Jimin pouted at her words before closing the door and strolled away to enter the men's bathroom with a weak smile to deal with his business. And down the dark corridor... a mysterious man appeared with his hands in his pocket and head lowered. He smirked at clueless drunks on the dance floor as he calmly strolled toward the women's bathroom... at the far end of the corridor... slipping quietly through the door and disappeared into the secluded space.
The Next Day
Jae Yangcha nervously lingered outside the meeting room at the academy to wait for the supreme alpha, who had entered the room to present her work earlier this morning after she collapsed from the severe alcohol influence the previous night. Thud. Jang Sora suddenly stormed out of the room with a downcast look. Yangcha quickly launched off the wall with a paper bag to greet her. He didn't have a schedule since it was the weekend- but he visited the academy anyway to offer her his support."Noona! How did it go?!" Yangcha beamed, but she didn't look at him and marched away in tears. He abruptly paused at the sight of her swelling pupils and glanced at the principal with a startled look, who had stepped out of the room with a bitter frown."She's not prepared," The man grimaced at the alpha, who scoffed and quickly chased after the supreme alpha. SLAM.Jang Sora banged the women's bathroom door shut and disappeared, causing Yangcha to freeze in his place as he stood outside the door in extreme anxiety. He wanted to barge inside to console her... but he didn't want to invade her personal space... so he waited patiently... until... Creak. The door finally slid open half an hour later... and Sora stepped out with a torn expression."Noona..." Yangcha whispered with an aching heart, causing the supreme alpha to halt in place with her tearful eyes on him. Sora pursed her lips and strolled away without acknowledging the alpha... so he sighed and followed her quietly through the empty building until she entered the alpha lounge and slumped on the couch in exhaustion.Jae Yangcha frowned at Jang Sora's depleted condition... but he didn't invade her boundary and settled down on the opposite couch to watch her sob against the cushion. She is extremely disappointed in herself... and he knows. He had warned her of her negligence... but she didn't listen to him and attend the parties... and as a consequence... she failed the second stage of the qualification. Yangcha did not disrupt the supreme alpha and allowed her to bawl her eyes out... until she fell asleep in the vacant space... with messy tear streaks on her flushed cheeks.
A moment later.
Yangcha gently dabbed the supreme alpha's runny nose as she laboriously breathed on the cushion with his jacket spread over her body to trap her warmth. She suddenly opened her swollen eyes and stared up at the alpha. Yangcha pursed his lips and scooted back a little to grant her some space as she groggily sat up and swung her legs off the couch to rub her sore forehead."I ordered you a smoothie earlier. Take the painkiller if you're having a headache," Yangcha muttered as he handed her the smoothie cup. Sora sniffled and lifted her face to stare at his thoughtful offer before accepting the drink and sipped from the straw as he placed the medication in her palm, gently patting her back with a weak smile. She took the pill without hesitation... and closed her eyes to process her dizzy mind."Thank you," She whispered while rubbing her sore temples."You can do better next time. Don't worry," Yangcha smiled brightly to uplift her gloomy mood."I'm sorry- I should've listened to you and stayed home to rehearse," She whispered, apologetically lifting her tearful eyes to meet his."Don't be sorry. I'll help you until you make it, okay?" Yangcha assured while rubbing her back. Sora stared at the alpha in tears and leaned forward to hug his warm body, so he exhaled and gripped her back with a slight pout."Did you bring me home last night?" She sniffled, pulling away to slurp her smoothie from the straw, and glanced at Yangcha in curiosity with her puffy eyelids."Yeah. You called," Yangcha nodded. Sora unsurely blinked as she stared at the opposite couch to recall her fogged memories."Did anything happen between us...? Last night?" She asked, glancing back at the alpha with a slight frown. She had woken up with faded bruise marks on her body... and... her lady bits felt a bit sore... which only happens when she has sex with him."No. You were drunk," Yangcha smiled while shaking his head to assure her. Sora nodded in relief, sniffled through her runny nose, and chatted with the alpha in the lounge until she calmed down. Yangcha eventually took her home after consoling her wearied soul.___________________________
A few days later.
"Sora! Can I talk with you for a moment?" Jimin called as I sat in the library to study my material. I tore my gaze from the book and lifted my head to greet the alpha once he halted before my desk. Yangcha turned his face from the nearby table to watch us with a blank face."What's the matter?" I smiled while staring at Jimin as he drew the chair to sit beside me with his usual cheerful smile. "Do you want to have dinner with me tonight?" Jimin asked. I flushed red while staring at his charming face."Sure," I nodded without hesitation."I'll pick you up," Jimin smiled. We chatted briefly until the alpha got up and left my side, so I exhaled and lowered my face to read the content in the book again."What about our baking session...?" Yangcha whispered from the other table. I lifted my head with a startled look."Oh! I forgot again!- What should I do?- Can we delay it?" I gasped, quickly glancing at Yangcha in surprise. The alpha stared at me without replying, so I pouted until he nodded and glanced back at his book. I promised to bake with him today! Ah~! I'm so forgetful!
The next day
I happily strolled through the university premises with my bag until I noticed the huddles of lower ranks chasing their prying gaze after me. Why are they staring at me again...? I shrugged off their attention as I entered the building to take the elevator, and headed straight toward the packed alpha's lounge. Creak. I pushed open the door and entered the noisy room with a bright beam- Silence. I cluelessly lifted my face to stare at the alphas in surprise once they averted their overly attentive gazes to me. The noisy chatter... abruptly dying down in my presence."What?" I asked, dumbfounded by their uncomfortable gazes. I glanced at Kim Taehyung as he sat in the corner of the room, dismissively scrolling through his phone with an unbothered look. Is it because of Taehyung?"Yah~! I really thought you were a nun! But you're a devil in disguise!" Mira chuckled, suddenly breaking the silence. I slowly entered the room and darted Minah with a questioning look."What are you talking about?-""Who is that lucky lower rank?! I'm curious!" Minho sniggered from his seat while eyeing me up and down with a perverted grin. I glanced back and forth between the muted alphas in confusion until I found Jimin staring at me with a slight frown, so I glanced at Hoseok and Seokjin... who cleared their throats and glanced away to avoid looking at me."Huh?-""Don't mind them! They're talking nonsense! You can't blindly believe the rumors!" Minah snapped at the alphas, quickly grabbing my hand to pull me down with her. I stared at her unsurely. Even Minah... is tense by my presence."What rumor?" I asked, dumbfounded by her statement."The rumor that you were fucking a lower rank with a big cock, of course! You weren't aware?! They say you were screaming in pleasure!" Minho laughed. I froze with a startled gaze on the alpha and glanced at Minah's anxious frown."Yah! Mind your words! Sora would never lower her standard for a lower rank!" Minah snapped at Minho."I wonder who it is~?-" Minho chuckled, causing Minah to shriek at him in annoyance."JANG SORA!" Jungkook suddenly stormed through the doorway with a dark frown. I quickly turned around just as he seized my wrist and yanked me to my feet, so I gasped and stumbled after him in shock as the half-blood dragged me out of the room without explaining himself."What!? Why are you dragging me?!" I screamed, trying to tug back as we passed the gawking eyes of the crowd. Jungkook clenched his jaw and proceeded to drag me toward an empty lecture room, shoved me inside, and slammed the door shut. THUD!"WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING?!" Jungkook angrily fumed at my face. I stared at him with a dumbfounded look. Why is he screaming at me for no reason?!"What are you talking about?!" I scoffed."They say you're secretly dating a lower rank! And that you've been sleeping with him!- Is it Jae Yangcha?!- The one that's coaching you?!" Jungkook confronted me. I turned pale at his words."NO?!- ARE YOU CRAZY!? WHY WOULD I DATE A LOWER RANK?!" I snapped right back. Jungkook clenched his jaw in distress upon hearing my denial, drew out his phone, and handed it to me, so I frowned and glanced at the blurry video in confusion."Hmph~! Ah~! Ah~! Ah~!" I listened to the lewd noise of a woman's moans.My heart suddenly sank in extreme shock until my soul collapsed and my head swayed... intensely to the point... my vision grew blurry from the shock I was in. It was a video of the lower gap of a dark bathroom... and two pairs of feet... were in it. One... in sparkly golden heels... and the other... black sneakers. I gawked at the footage with a frightened look while listening to my undeniable loud moans in extreme devastation."Is that not you?!" Jungkook snapped while glowering at me in disbelief. My lips trembled at the shocking evidence, so I quickly lifted my frightened face to stare at him in tears."I- I- I never touched anyone at the club! What are you talking about?!" I shrieked to deny my involvement. Jungkook frowned at my harsh reaction in confusion."Sora. I need you to tell me the truth! Who were you with...?" Jungkook suddenly softened his voice, stepping forward to withdraw the phone from my hand as my heart hammered out of control. What is this?!"I was drunk that night! I can't remember anything after I went to the bathroom with Jimin-""PARK JIMIN!?" Jungkook widened his eyes in horror."NO! HE LEFT THE BATHROOM!- I DON'T REMEMBER ANYTHING AFTERWARD!" I screamed in tears. Jungkook stared at me in disbelief. "Are you sure? But you were conscious-""I remember my body burning up! I was in extreme heat!" I cried while rubbing my tears in distress. This doesn't make any sense! I would never be involved with a man so carelessly! Jungkook sternly stood with his hands on his hips as he kept his doubtful gaze on my pale expression."Which fucker was with you then?!" Jungkook scoffed. I sobbed in pain while shaking my head as the overwhelming emotion tore through my aching chest. I don't remember being with anyone so how is this possible?!Jungkook eventually exhaled at my heartbreaking whimpers and stepped forward to draw me into a crushing hug, so I gripped his back and howled in despair while clutching onto him for support. How can this happen?! Was I with someone?!- Yangcha!?- But he would never- Who was with me that night?!
A moment later.
I was on the verge of tears with my hands clasped together as my parents and the elders frowned at me in the living room. The rumor and video took the society by storm until everyone was darting me dirty looks... claiming I was raped in the bathroom. I fearfully pursed my lips as my mother strained her neck from side to side to withhold her raging anger. I'm in so much trouble!"Are you sure you don't remember anything?" My mother pressed, darkly averting her razor-sharp glare to me. "I don't remember!" I denied while shaking my head. Mrs. Kim exhaled heavily and hugged me on the couch... so I sobbed and hugged her back as Taehyung blankly watched me sulk before the elders."Who brought you home that night?" Appa asked. I fearfully lifted my gaze to Do-hwan as he stood by the door with his arms crossed over his chest. Yangcha escorted me home... but how can I tell my parents? They'll lash out at him."I did. I picked her up," Do-hwan replied, sourly replying to the elders. I gripped my fingers and glanced at the elder with an aching heart. How can I be so foolish? I'm pretty sure I wasn't too drunk that night before I returned- so why did I blackout?!"I told you to avoid sketchy parties!- That's also the reason you failed the presentation! You went to the party instead of studying to pass the qualification!" Eomma scolded me. I gripped my robe and lowered my head in extreme guilt."Aigo~! Don't scold her about her presentation-""If you studied that night- this wouldn't have happened!" Eomma seethed. I softly sobbed until my shoulders shook from extreme anguish as she scolded me before everyone. Is that all she cares about? The qualification...? I was assaulted!"I'm sorry-""I ALLOWED YOU TO EXPLORE THE WORLD- BUT YOU WENT COCK RIDING WITH A FUCKING UNKNOWN STRANGER! THIS IS YOUR FAULT- SO DON'T WHIMPER!- GO TO YOU ROOM!" Eomma screamed in anger, causing me to stiffen in place at her brutal statements, so I whimpered and lifted my soaked face to stare at my disappointed mother as everyone else remained muted within the room. Right. It is my fault.Sniffling softly... I slowly rose from my seat, causing the Kims and Jeons to stare at me anxiously. I bowed my head at the households in extreme humiliation before strolling away while wiping my messy tears and left to brood in my room.... after my mother lashed out at me.... for my carelessness to yield unnecessary... trouble for the households.
No one took my side. I was the blame.
___________________________
A week later
I ultimately returned to the university a week later after being grounded in my room by my infuriated mother. She wouldn't let me eat anything but plain bread as a punishment, so that's all I've been having three times a day for a week. Of course, no one dared to interfere, not even appa. My father did bring me juice and dessert at night because he felt bad for me, but I didn't touch the snacks because I resented myself for the chaos I stirred. I deserve her punishment.
Everyone would eye me in extreme disgust, so I had to walk around with my head lowered... and although I thought the rumor had subsided... everyone still gossiped harsh things about me wherever I went. How can they view me with so much disgust?- I was the victim- yet they're- slut shaming me for being taken advantage of...? How can they be so cruel towards me?

Isn't the culprit... the bad person for assaulting me...?- So why am I... the only person at fault?- Ah... because I was a rebellious fool who went clubbing when I was strictly told not to?

I'm a fucking disappointment to everyone and myself.

Blink.
I listlessly stood by the railing on the vast university rooftop as the dark storm brewed intensely above my head. Should I die? If I jump off this building- I won't be hurting anymore. I won't burden my family... and hopefully... my death will appease everyone. If I'm a heavyweight in everyone's chest- then I'll disappear. I shakily gripped the railing and tried to heave my body off the ground as I hooked my left leg over the cold steel- THUD."NOONA!" Yangcha shouted, suddenly bursting onto the rooftop. Fwip! I snapped my head toward the rusted door with a startled look while clinging to the railing. He hastily grabbed my waist and yanked me with all his might, so I shrieked and gripped the steel in tears. I want to die!"Let go! I want to die! I want to die!!!- I hate my life!" I wailed in pain while thrashing in his arms to shove him away. Yangcha stubbornly clutched my body as he dragged me away from the high railing, so I screamed at the top of my lungs as the strong wind gust blasted against our bodies, causing my loose hair to flutter messily with the current."Stay calm!-""CALM?! HOW CAN I STAY CALM!?- I WAS FUCKING TOUCHED ALL OVER! SOMEONE RAPED ME- AND I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHO IT IS!- I'M DISGUSTED! I'M DISGUSTED WITH MY OWN BODY! I WANT TO TEAR OFF MY SKIN!" I bawled in tears, violently kicking to break free from his grip. Yangcha aggressively spun me around to face him and gripped my shoulders with swelling tears in his eyes.

"IT WAS ME!" Yangcha snapped, causing my breath to hitch in my throat and my heart to sink at his startling confession. I gawked my bloodshot eyes on his guilt-ridden face in horror as I stood... frozen in place... too shaken to react."What?-""You were with me! Alright!?- I was the one in the bathroom with you!" Yangcha shouted in my face. I stared at him with my mouth ajar while gripping his forearm until I felt blood draining from my face."What?- Why would you-""You were drugged!- At the party! I was there- to see you- just in case you needed assistance and you were drugged! You complained about being uncomfortable, so I let you use my body in the stall! Can you calm down now?!" Yangcha explained, tightly gripping my shoulders as I stared at him with a wrenching heart."You told me nothing happened between us!" I screamed, horrified by the truth."I didn't want you to be aware of the drug incident because I figured you'd feel disturbed!" Yangcha gripped my arm to keep me standing as I stared at the anxious alpha without blinking. What is this madness?"What the fuck-""Noona~! It was me!- Alright?! No one touched you inappropriately! It was me! Don't be disgusted with your body!- I was there with you so you wouldn't lose yourself to whoever tried to take advantage of you!" Yangcha pleaded as he gripped my arms, gently shaking me to my senses."How am I supposed to explain this to my mother-""Can't you expose our relationship? Oh?- Noona- We've been together for so long- I'll take the blame if I must- and I'll let everyone know I'm responsible! We can fix this! How long do you plan on concealing our relationship?!" Yangcha lifted his hand to cup my face as I stared at him with a terrified look."Relationship...? We were never dating!" I snapped at him in shock."But- You- You always enjoyed my company! You kissed me! You touched me! We shared so many memories together-""I WAS JUST CURIOUS!- BECAUSE I'VE NEVER BEEN LOVED BEFORE! THERE'S NOTHING BETWEEN US! SO WHAT MAKES YOU THINK IT'S OKAY FOR YOU TO HANDLE ME WHEN I WASN'T EVEN CONSCIOUS?!" I shrieked in anger. Yangcha froze in place, suddenly flushing red before me.

"I thought you liked me-""I DON'T!- I ENJOYED YOUR COMPANY! BUT I DON'T NEED YOU IN MY LIFE!- DID YOU THINK I'D SETTLE FOR A LOWER RANK?!- I TOLD YOU THERE WAS NOTHING BETWEEN US- SO WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!" I screamed with an aching heart, angrily shoving Yangcha backward, causing him to wobble to the side- but he quickly regained his balance with a dreadful look."What do you mean? Noona!- I love you more than anything! I did everything you wanted!- Oh? What do you mean you don't need me?! Was I just a toy in your life?!- A man good enough to be used- but not appreciated?!-" Yangcha argued, hastily grabbing my arm with a pained frown."Used?!- I am the fucking victim here! You could've taken me straight home, but you fucked me instead!?- I'm fucking disgusted by the audacity you had! Did you think you were the only man allowed to handle me!? Moh?- I shouldn't feel violated because it was you who fucked me?! What is wrong with your rotten brain?!" I shrieked at his face in extreme rage as the boiling tears spilled from my lower lash line. Pause. Yangcha grew hushed at my brutal outburst as he painfully searched my fuming face with a broken expression."Noona- I'm sorry- I thought you wouldn't mind because we were always together-""I DO MIND! IT'S BOTHERING ME SO MUCH! I CRIED EVERY FUCKING NIGHT AND KEPT BLAMING MYSELF! AGAIN AND AGAIN!-""I'm sorry! I'm sorry- Noona!-""FORGET IT! I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU ANYMORE!" I cried, shoving him aside, and tried to storm away, causing Yangcha to burst into tears. He quickly blocked my path to hold my shoulders back... but I pushed him aside and tried to sprint away- when he roughly back-hugged me."Noona! Please- Please!- Listen to me! I really didn't have bad intentions when I held you! Believe me!-""YOU FUCKING ASSULATED ME!" I screamed, angrily thrashing within his grip, but he refused to release me and whimpered in distress while clutching onto my body. Is he crazy?! Why is he holding on to me like this!?!- I don't want to be touched!"Forgive me! Noona- I promise- I'll make it up to you! I thought you loved me too~! Noona~! How can two people be together without feeling anything for each other?! How is that possible?!- After all the moments together?! Please think this through-""I SAID LET GO!- YOU FUCKING RUINED MY LIFE!" I screeched, violently breaking free from his grip, and sprinted toward the door."Noona!- Noona?!- Listen to me! Stop!- Please!!!- Talk to me! You're all I have-" Yangcha cried, frantically chasing after me. He's a fucking crazy bastard! I cried in fear as I raced down the stairs to avoid his clutch and leaped over the narrow steps as Yangcha sprinted after me in desperation- THUD! THUD! THUD! THUD!"ARGH!" Yangcha bellowed at the top of his lungs after he accidentally missed a step, and tumbled off the stairs. I quickly spun around in horror as he rolled down the steps, so I shrieked and grabbed his arm to support his massive body."YANGCHA!" I screamed in fright.The alpha hastily shoved my grip off his arm to avoid dragging me with him- BANG! My eyes widened in horror once his head smashed against the railing, sending him tumbling past me. Gasp! I gripped onto the steel for support- THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! The alpha rolled violently over the steps- until he slammed onto the floor landing below. THUD! Jae Yangcha collapsed onto the floor with his twisted left arm. My eyes widened in shock as I watched the alpha grunt on the floor in extreme pain until... thick blood paste... seeped... from under... his injured head."Urgh..." Yangcha groaned while gripping the side of his bleeding head- and Slump! He suddenly became motionless as I gripped the railing with a racing heart."Yangcha?- Yah!" I gasped, quickly scrambling down the stairs to grab his shoulders. Slap! Slap! I smacked his face in horror, but he didn't budge and remained lifeless on the floor... so I screamed in fright at the sight of the seeping blood. There's an open gash on the side of his head!- SHIT!"What's the matter?!" Someone came rushing up the stairs. Kim Seokjin's eyes widened in shock once he spotted Yangcha lying in the pool of his own blood."HE FELL DOWN THE STAIRS!" I cried in distress. Seokjin dropped his lunch box and sprinted forward to feel the alpha's pulse with a startled look."Call the ambulance! YAH! I SIGNED UP TO BE A SCHOOL PRESIDENT! NOT TO RESCUE A FUCKING DEAD CORPSE!" Seokjin shrieked, quickly lifting Yangcha's body off the floor, and raced down the stairs to the lower floor... so I cried and chased after the alpha while dailing the ambulance with my blurry sight."Yah!- What's the matter?!" Hoseok called from the floor landing below."AGH!" I shrieked, suddenly missing a step, and stumbled down the stairs- CRACK! My ankle snapped violently, causing me to howl in pain- so Hoseok gasped and leaped forward to cushion my body before I slammed onto the solid tiles."CALL THE AMBULANCE! WHY IS THIS ASSHOLE SO HEAVY?!- *!^#%$?!!-" Seokjin screamed while carrying Yangcha's body toward the elevator. Hoseok widened his eyes at the bloody trail on the floor as he clutched onto my waist, so I whimpered and clung to his shoulder to resist the sharp pain in my ankle."Shit! Sora! I'll have to put you down first!" Hoseok gasped, quickly settling me onto the floor as he withdrew his phone to contact the ambulance with his shaky fingers.I helplessly sat on the floor, sobbing in distress as I watched Yangcha disappear with Kim Seokjin... until my chest swelled in pain. Am I a fucking curse?! Why am I endangering everyone around me?! I sobbed and lowered my head in grief as Hoseok shouted at his phone to summon medical assistance while patting my back to comfort me. I sniffled while examining my bloody hands in tears before shifting my frightened gaze to the fresh blood stains on the bloody floor... until my heart wrenched in extreme anguish. Ah! I'm going insane! What the fucking hell is wrong with me?!
A moment later
I blankly sat at the infirmary in silence to get my sprained ankle bandaged by a nurse as Jungkook wiped the blood off my palms with sanitary wipes. The alpha exhaled and lifted his face to frown at my grim expression as I leaned against the bedboard without blinking... or budging... too numb to even blink."Can you walk? If not, I'll carry you," Jungkook muttered as he got up from the bed, so I gripped his forearm and stood up with him."Please compress ice on your ankle once you arrive home," The nurse worriedly stared at my feet."Thank you," I muttered and limped forward with Jungkook... so he exhaled and held onto my waist as I clung to his shoulder with puffy eyelids from bawling my eyes out."Are you alright???" Seokjin called while racing through the empty corridor with a bewildered look. I glanced at the dark blood stain over his shirt and back up at his pale expression. They called an ambulance and Yangcha was immediately rushed to the hospital."I'm fine," I nodded."What happened? Why did he fall off the stairs leading to the rooftop?" Seokjin asked as Jungkook supported my weight in the corridor."I don't know. I wanted to go up there for a refreshing break- and he- was already... unconscious on the floor- so I cried for help," I lied. Jungkook stared at me with a skeptical look. I can't disclose the truth about our explosive arguments. Seokjin nodded with a bitter look on my bandaged feet.The school president eventually stepped aside to let us through, so I weakly forced a smile and followed Jungkook to his red sports car in the empty parking lot. He helped me into the passenger seat, making me seethe in discomfort once I felt the surging pain expanding over my wounded ankle. Sora! Don't complain! This is the result of your reckless acts!
Eomma will scream at you again if you whimper about it!
"You have to get it examined by the head doctor," Jungkook sighed while arranging my sneakers on the compartment beside my feet, slid the car closed, and got into the driver seat... so I exhaled and leaned back with an aching head. We didn't speak on our way home- but Jungkook did escort me to my bedroom- compressed ice on my ankle and eventually left for his room after I assured him of my condition._____________________
A few days later.
I listlessly sat on the bench in the peaceful garden to stare at the water fountain without blinking during a late night because I couldn't fall asleep. Ding. Ding. Ding. I lowered my face to stare at the spamming texts on my phone from... Jae Yangcha.Yangcha: Noona?Yangcha: Can we talk?Yangcha: Please hear me out.Yangcha: Please?My chest throbbed uncomfortably at his pleading texts, so I lowered my face to my palms with an aching body while sitting alone... in the dead of the night until I heard faint footsteps approaching me... so I lifted my head to find... Do-hwan strolling into the garden with his flashlight. The man paused to examine my sickly appearance with a grim look."Did you fight with him? Jae Yangcha. He was hospitalized," Do-hwan questioned. I stared at my chief guard and glanced at the transparent water with a heavy heart."No. He fell-""How convincing," Do-hwan muttered. I pursed my lips and darted the man an annoyed glare."You don't actually believe the stupid rumor?-""He brought you home that night. You were clinging to him," Do-hwan sighed bitterly."Are you seriously suspecting my involvement with him?-""Jae Yangcha brought you home. You were wearing those sparkly heels... and... he was wearing... black sneakers," Do-hwan shifted his sharp gaze to me without turning his head, causing me to stiffen in place as I stared at the man with a restless feeling."There's nothing between us-""Whether you have anything to do with him or not... it's none of my concern," Do-hwan shrugged while standing with his arms behind his back.

"Why did you lie to my mother if you knew he was the culprit? You could've told on me," I asked, unsurely staring at the man."You grew up behind this wall all your life- so I figured I'd turn a blind eye to your misaligned buttons and love marks on your collarbones whenever I picked you up from his place. And why would I confirm your identity in that video with the alpha? The rumor will turn into the truth once verified. Your parents will be bewildered if I speak of your intimate relationship with him. It's best... if we leave it as mere rumors... because the scandal will eventually fade if you avoid reacting to their foul tales. The truth can't be erased... and people will use it against you... so it's best if we leave them questioning the authenticity of the scandalous footage," Do-hwan replied as he sternly stared at the marble fountain. I swallowed at his calm confrontation while gripping my nightgown... and glared at the water fountain in annoyance."I don't remember anything from that night," I muttered, lowering my head with a slight grimace."But you were calling his name in your sleep," Do-hwan muttered. I blinked and glanced up at the man with a startled look."What?" I frowned."You kept apologizing to Jae Yangcha for canceling your baking session with him in your sleep. You knew it was him that night," Do-hwan glanced at me with a doubtful look. I gripped my dress and glanced at the clear water again."I don't like him. We have no future together," I muttered."At least you're aware. You can have fun as a young woman, but don't leave a mess for the household to handle. This isn't the end of your life, so quit playing the victim," Do-hwan sighed and lowered his head to excuse his presence before strolling away to patrol the property with his men. I sorely glared at the man's head, finally stood up from the bench, and limped back inside the dark mansion to stroll the corridor... until I noticed someone walking in my direction.I abruptly halted once Taehyung lifted his face to meet mine. He was shirtless with a towel wrapped around his firm hips. We awkwardly exchanged glances, so I cleared my throat and walked past him as he ruffled his wet hair and strode away without a bother. We have never interacted since he moved back to the mansion... and I prefer to live that way... being invisible in his eyes... because I'm frightened... of his darkness._________________________
A few days later
"Does your ankle still hurt?" Minah asked, worriedly staring at the bandage around my feet as she hugged Jungkook on the opposite couch."I can use the stairs now," I smiled while lounging beside Jimin as he gamed on his phone."No more going up to the rooftop! Ah~! It was a nuisance! I will resign from my presidential seat if another one of you flings yourself from that height again!- I'm handling the academy for free- so don't burden me with your clumsiness!" Seokjin scolded the alphas while massaging his forehead. The school president, Kim Seokjin, has strictly instructed the alphas to stay clear of the highest floor after Yangcha's accident."Yah, Kim Taehyung! Are you seriously challenging Seokjin's position this year?" Minho smirked from the armchair beside Mira. Taehyung lifted his dark gaze to stare at Kim Seokjin and lowered his dull gaze back to the textbook without a bother."He's rude!" Mira huffed."Anyways! Who were you with that night?!- I'm still curious! He seems to please you so well~! How big was his dick? Did you do it raw?!" Minho teased. I grimaced and shook my head in annoyance. The rumor has evolved into a mere joke now... so I'm not as bothered anymore."Yah! It could've been another woman!- Stop taunting her about it!- Jeez! You spend your free time slapping your saggy balls anyways, so why are you reacting as if intimacy is a crime?!" Minah shrieked at the alpha. Minho rolled his eyes and glanced away in annoyance. I abruptly stood up from the couch, causing Jimin to seize my wrist in panic- thinking I'd lose my balance."Are you going somewhere? Should I escort you?" Jimin asked, anxiously looking up at me."I'm fine. I'm returning a book," I smiled, tugged my hand free from Jimin's grip, and limped away. I walked out of the lounge without a bother and headed to the library until Namjoon appeared beside me at the counter with a book for checkout."How's your ankle?" He muttered."Should I kick a rock to check?" I replied. Namjoon chuckled at my joke and shook his head."I definitely do not recommend rock kicking," He smiled warmly. I briefly chatted with him at the counter before limping out of the library and headed toward my locker on the floor above. Ah~! There's still a chronic ache over my ankle~! It's so difficult to lift my leg! Should I see the head doctor again? I gripped the railing in difficulty to climb the stairs until I landed on the vacant floor where all the students were studying in their respective lecture rooms. Thump. Thump. I weakly limped toward the locker section until I noticed... a person... rummaging through my locker."What are you doing?" I frowned, abruptly pausing in place. Yangcha flinched at my voice, quickly slamming the locker shut and glanced at me with a startled look. I stared at the white bandage... wrapped securely around his head with my lips ajar. He recovered?"I was just- organizing your locker! And I brought extra material to prepare you for the presentation!" Yangcha nervously explained as he jogged forward to approach me- but I quickly backed away to maintain our distance while looking him up and down. Why is he so lively? He almost split his skull in half!"Don't come any closer," I lifted my hand to halt the alpha. The brightness in Yangcha's eyes suddenly dimmed at my disclaimer once he halted about five steps from me with his hands clutched over his backpack's strap."Are you still upset...?- Noona- I'm sorry. If I knew you didn't consent- then I wouldn't have-""Forget it," I muttered."Okay. How are your ankles? Is it still hurting?- I'll bring you a soothing cream-""No- No! I said don't touch me!- STAY AWAY!" I snapped, frantically backing away again when he suddenly crouched down to examine my ankle. The alpha abruptly froze at my hysterical objection and glanced up at me with his innocent doe eyes."Do you feel uncomfortable around me...?" Yangcha asked, slowly standing up with a pained frown. I swallowed the hot lump in my throat while staring at the bandage around his head."I'm extremely uncomfortable around you," I nodded. Yangcha tensed his body at my statement and lowered his head for a moment before lifting his tearful eyes to search my face with a torn expression."I'll try not to-""Let's not see each other anymore," I whispered. Yangcha stood with his parted lips, suddenly frowning at my words. His nose turned bright pink... and tears... suddenly filling his shaken pupils.

"What do you mean...?" He shakily whispered while searching my poker face as I stood my ground with a firm stare."I don't want to ever... associate with you again. You don't have to waste your time coaching me after class anymore. I'll find another tutor to help me-""Wae-? Noona- Wae? Why wouldn't you want to see me anymore?" He pouted with lips trembling, causing a sharp pain to convulse within my chest... yet I remained emotionless upon his obvious misery."I just don't want to. There's no reason," I replied, coldly turning away from him and was about to limp away when- Tug! Jae Yangcha hastily snatched my wrist to hold me back."I'm sorry! Noona!- Please! It was my fault!- Oh?- I know I'm at fault for pushing you to accept our relationship!-""Let me go," I whispered, darkly lowering my gaze to his secure grip around my wrist as he held onto me with both his hands. Yangcha whimpered at my demand, stubbornly tensing his clutch with a pleading look."Can't we be friends?- At least let me coach you- Oh? I'll help you pass the qualification!- I promise I won't touch you again! Please? Noona~! How can we stop seeing each other like this?! I don't want to- I don't want to stop seeing you!" Yangcha begged in desperation, suddenly bursting into tears. Stab. My chest contracted painfully at the sight of his streaming tears- utterly taken aback by his bloodshot eyes and hopeless whimpers."No. We can't be friends. We were never friends- and we were never lovers," I exhaled, sorely withdrawing my wrist from his grip.

"Why don't you like me? Why?- What is wrong with me? Can't you tell me? What is it about me that you don't like? Am I- a bad person in your eyes?- But why?!- I don't understand! How can I be bad when all I did was love you?!- Why is loving you bad?- Noona! I promise I have no bad intentions toward you! I only held you that night- because I wanted to relieve your discomfort!" He coughed in difficulty until his shoulders shook from the agonizing strains inside his heart as I bitterly stared at his pitiful state. "I don't know. You're a blank space in my life. I feel nothing for you... and... there's nothing about you... that I find intriguing," I whispered. Jae Yangcha froze in his position. His torn face... draining of blood at my harsh statement as he towered over me with glazed cheeks. The light in his eyes... tragically died the instant I spat... the brutal words at his soul.The alpha violently trembled as he wiped the messy tears from his face, so I exhaled and backed away from him before turning around and left the alpha... weeping in the corridor. Yangcha helplessly cried behind my back but didn't chase me anymore... causing my heart to ache in extreme discomfort. Thud. Thud. Thud. I sternly walked forward with my fists clenched to neglect his desperate call... leaving his poor soul to bleed from the puncture I formed in his heart.
Why was I so careless? How could I allow myself to be involved with him... when I knew we had no future together...? How can I be so greedy like this...?

You're not a bad person, Yangcha.

It is me. I am the bad person in this story.

And so. We never spoke again for the next three months.

I never really saw Yangcha again... until his existence slowly... faded from my mind as I hung out with my new friends at the university. The rumors about me were eventually forgotten... just as Do-hwan had foreseen... and no one seemed to care about my welfare anymore.
"I'll see you tomorrow!" Minah waved while skipping after Jungkook, so I nodded with a weak smile while arranging the books in my locker when- Clatter. A yellow gift box came rolling out from the back compartment."Oh?" I whispered as I carefully withdrew the pretty box with a curious smile, and opened it to unveil... a cute snowflake keychain. How cute~! I picked up the dangling gift and closed the locker before glancing at the note in curiosity. Who gave it to me?"Sora! Bring your textbooks!" Seokjin reminded me at the end of the hallway."I'll be there!" I nodded as I dismissively shoved the gift inside my bag, and chased the school president to study with him in the private lounge. Seokjin left the door open for me... so I smiled and entered the room to sit across from him with my books."I'll use the bathroom for a moment. We'll start with the new section today," Seokjin informed as he placed his bag aside and strode out of the lounge. I nodded and unzipped my bag to take out the letter, curiously flipping it over- but pursed my lips... once I read the content inside the letter. The smile on my face immediately faded once I realized who it was from- Beep."How long is our study session today?!- Oh!" I spun around on the armchair, expecting it to be Seokjin... but Taehyung appeared instead. He paused to stare at me with a dumbfounded look before shifting his gaze to the empty desk on the other side of the room. The alpha cleared his throat as he moved his materials inside the lounge, so I quickly spun back to flip the textbooks with a flushed face. That's right! I heard Taehyung passed all the qualifications and has been voted to be the school president with Seokjin!The second-rank alpha, Kim Seokjin, eventually returned from the bathroom to coach me as Taehyung inspected his desk and drawers. We didn't interact because Seokjin appeared bitter about the presence of his competitor and chose to keep himself distracted with our studies. I asked him questions, nodded at his hints- and quietly practiced in the room until it was time to head home... so I left with my driver as Taehyung stayed back to speak with Seokjin regarding his tasks as the new president._____________________
Flash Back
Bathroom IncidentJang Sora drunkenly slouched on the toilet bowl with her eyes half open as she rubbed her feverish arms uncomfortably until she felt the sensitive nerves throbbing... all over her private part. Huff. The supreme alpha sorely twisted her body with a troubled frown once she felt her body heat... expelling from her feverish skin. She wanted to tear off her clothes because the surging jolts were strangely stimulating her youthful body... for no apparent reason. The heiress softly groaned as she flushed the toilet before stepping out of the stall with a blurry vision- Thud. She grumbled in discomfort when she suddenly bumped into a solid surface.

"Oh-?" Sora lifted her distorted vision to frown at the blurry face above hers as the man stared darkly from under the black cap. She cluelessly blinked while shaking her head to recollect her fuzzy mind until he coiled his arms around her waist to sustain her balance. The supreme alpha gripped his forearm with an unsettled feeling and glanced up at his familiar face again."Are you okay, noona?" Yangcha asked while examining her flushed cheeks as he stood before her in a black outfit with a cap fitted over his head to hide his face."What are you doing here?" Sora whispered while shaking her head to recollect her dizzy mind. Creak. The bathroom door suddenly opened, so Yangcha quickly shoved her into the stall and slammed the door closed, causing her to gasp in shock. The alpha quickly gripped her waist to stabilize her weight as they stood in the cramped space."Shh," Yangcha shushed the intoxicated supreme alpha, who grumbled and lowered her head to his pulsing chest with her eyes closed."Sora...? Are you okay?" Shin Minho suddenly called for her from outside the stall. Yangcha frowned at the alpha's baffling presence inside the ladies' restroom and unsurely glanced at the gap below the door until he noticed the looming shadow inching closer to them."I'm here-" Sora answered- Fwip! Yangcha firmly clasped his hand over the supreme alpha's lips to hush her while holding her inside the cramped space."The toilet is under maintenance," Yangcha cleared his throat. Silence."She's not here...? I'm sure she came here with Jimin?" Minho muttered upon hearing Yangcha's voice, thinking it was the maintenance staff- Thud. The alpha left the women's bathroom without another word... so Yangcha exhaled and lowered his hand to close the toilet bowl while supporting Sora's waist... before lowering her sluggish body onto the lid as she aggressively scratched her neck with a flaming red face."I'm burning all over!" She whined, lifting her drunken face to stare at Yangcha as he dimly observed the faint rashes on her skin."Shin Minho spiked your drink," Yangcha whispered. Sora blinked at him in confusion."What?" She asked while scratching her dizzy head. Yangcha exhaled and crouched down to hold her hands over the mini dress as she struggled to make sense of the situation."Let's go home-""I'm burning! I feel weird~!" Sora whined and shoved his hands away in annoyance to yank the thin strap off her shoulder."Are you... aroused?" Yangcha whispered, anxiously lifting his eyebrow to question her. Sora nodded with a grimace. The alpha eventually exhaled after a moment of contemplating his thoughts and leaned upward to softly kiss her lips. Smooch. The heiress firmly held his head while making out with the alpha in the packed toilet enclosure."I'm burning all over. Do you want to touch my body...? Hmm...? I want to have sex with you," Sora whispered, sensually withdrawing her moist lips from his to search his dilated pupils. Yangcha towed the supreme alpha onto her feet to sit on the lid and unbuckled his belt as she held his shoulders with a flushed look."Use me. I'll take you home after the drug subsides. Your parents will suspect if you return home in this condition," Yangcha whispered, carefully slipping his hand under her dress to withdraw the panties from her hips.Sora nodded in agreement and climbed his lap to sit on his bulge. Smooch. Smooch. She sweetly brushed her lips over his with her hands clutched around his neck to make out with the alpha until he drew away her parted lips to kiss her neck, gradually arousing her stiff body with the pleasing foreplay. The supreme alpha moaned intensely with her head tilted backward as the club's blaring music echoed within the isolated bathroom stall.
A moment later.
"Hngh~!" Sora moaned while holding Yangcha's shoulder as he made her bounce her buttcheeks over his hard crotch. She whimpered and lowered her face to kiss his lips while groaning in distress as he repeatedly thrust beneath her."Lower your voice," Yangcha whispered while fingering her tongue with his thumb to hush her lewd noise. Sora nodded in difficulty, so he pressed his lips against hers again while massaging her bare breast as the supreme alpha had sex with the alpha in the bathroom with her overly stimulated body... due to the drug influence.Sora accidentally moaned out loud again- so Yangcha quickly covered her lips to stifle her voice as he repeatedly thrust inside her. Squelch. Squelch. The man frowned at her troubled expression while working his hips with the motion of her rocking hips to push his bulge deeper inside her warm canal. Sora groaned under his warm fingers as she hugged his neck for support while grinding her sticky groin over his pubic area to intensify the pleasure- until Yangcha stiffened beneath her. SPLURT!He quickly lifted the supreme alpha off his lap and jerked himself in extreme distress until he unloaded the thick semen with his head tilted backward and jaw clenched. Jang Sora gasped shakily while holding onto the wall for support as the alpha covered his tip with the tissues to stop himself from cumming onto her. Yangcha grunted in distress as he unloaded himself- but Sora got impatient and leaned forward to kiss his neck again, lustfully licking his throat while tugging on his wild hair strands."More~! I want more~! Can we do it again? Yangcha~! I'm not satisfied~!" She whispered, steamily tracing her lips over his sweaty neck... and up to his lips. Smooch.Jae Yangcha froze on the toilet lid upon witnessing her impatient thirst while holding her fleshy hips as she rubbed her bare crotch over his penis to beg him for more. The alpha grunted in shock once the supreme alpha inserted his semen-soaked penis back inside her. Thump! Thump! She started humping him again... causing them both to seethe in pleasure.The alpha groaned in extreme discomfort and flung his head backward while holding her waist as she aggressively bounced over his thighs with a difficult frown. Fwop. Fwop. Jang Sora leaned forward to nibble on his throat like a leech while rocking her hips back and forth to ride the man's hard cock until she released an uncontrollable moan. HNGH~!Yangcha gritted his teeth in pleasure while watching her perky breasts jiggle at the motion of their heated bodies and lowered his face to suck on her bare nipples. Jolt! Jang Sora gasped in pleasure while gripping his sweaty nape as the man fondled her chest until she shakily twitched against his pulsing chest. The pair ended up... hitting it off twice more.... until the supreme alpha... suddenly collapsed to the side in exhaustion. Thud.Yangcha gasped in shock- quickly grabbing her spineless waist to support her weight. The supreme alpha could no longer support her depleted body... because the drug was unfortunately too strong for her to handle. The alpha stood up from the toilet to switch their position and carefully settled the supreme alpha on the bowl. Fwip.He quickly pulled up his pants to buckle his belt before snatching the tissues and crouched down to wipe between her soaked thighs with a slight grimace. The young man eventually pulled her panties back onto her hips as she dozed off on the toilet with swelling sweat beads over her forehead. The supreme alpha is completely wasted with... a throbbing private part."Noona...?" Yangcha whispered, gently stroking the sweat from her hairline. Sora opened her dazed face to stare up at him."I'm thirsty," She grumbled."Can you stand? I'll take you home," He whispered with a worried frown.Sora nodded and tried to stand on her high heels but wobbled to the side, so he quickly secured her waist as she weakly leaned against his body for support. Yangcha cautiously opened the stall door to peek at the vacant bathroom before drawing her out into the chilly corridor. He had to get her out of the packed club without getting caught.The supreme alpha grumbled nonsense under her breath as she clung to Yangcha until he lifted her off the ground and hurried out of the corridor to leave through the back exit on the far side of the club. Jang Sora flopped unconsciously to the side with her head tilted backward... so the alpha gripped her weakened body and hurried her to his parked car.And as promised. Jae Yangcha delivered her right to the gate... where the chief guard waited to retrieve her body in his night pajamas. Do-hwan dimly carried Sora's lifeless body in his arms with his suspicious gaze on the alpha as Yangcha stood with the cap over his head."What's your relationship with her?" Do-hwan asked suspiciously."We're only friends. She asked me to pick her up, so I did," Yangcha smiled and strolled back toward his car. The chief guard exhaled restlessly as he watched the alpha step back inside the vehicle and took his young lady inside the mansion without another word.What would have happened if he wasn't there to assist her? Would she have become a victim of sexual abuse? The alpha somehow felt really guilty for allowing himself to handle her heated body when she was evidently under a powerful drug influence. Huff. Jae Yangcha sighed deeply as he sat in his car seat with his dim eyes on Sora's dangling legs and arms and lowered his head to the steering wheel with a slight grimace. Why did he submit to her drunk plea? How can he agree to ease her discomfort when she's clearly unable to make sense of the situation?
He should have brought her straight home.

End of flashback._____________________
Present
I stared at the keychain without blinking while sitting on the couch in the empty mansion on a boring weekend afternoon. Where is everyone? Jungkook is probably on a date with Minah again. I heard Taehyung visited the tower corporation with his parents today... and the maids are busy with the feast in the kitchen... so I am of course... alone. I've been alone like this all my life. Even with the presence of my family, the households, the maids... and the guards... we pass by each other quietly. It's as if I'm invisible to everyone in the house."Yah. Did you make the cookies? It's quite sweet," Jungkook asked, suddenly strolling out from a corridor leading to the kitchen, causing me to snap out of my thoughts."Huh? Oh- Yeah- You're home today?" I asked, quickly sitting up to question him."Minah is on a trip with her family," Jungkook shrugged while strolling away with my cookie, so I exhaled and glanced back down at the transparent keychain.
I overheard the principal speaking with a professor about Yangcha's absence. They claim he's sick... and I've been thinking about him since. Why do I feel so stuffy? I can't seem to dismiss his broken expression since the day we parted. Was I too mean to him...? I loathed it when my mother spoke harshly to me... but I'm repeating the same mistake by lashing out on Yangcha.

I'm no different from her, aren't I?

A heartless woman.
I exhaled deeply with my eyes closed and slumped on the couch with the keychain clutched against my chest. Jolt! I quickly bolted upward and scrambled out of the living room to search for my remaining cookies in the kitchen- causing... imo and the maids to greet my unexpected appearance with startled looks.
A moment later.
"Do you want me to escort you inside?" Do-hwan asked after opening the car door for me as I stepped out with my gift bag."I'll be quick. I'll drop the gifts and return," I replied before following a standby guard toward the villa until a maid appeared to greet me at the opened door and warmly invited me inside. I'm here to see Yangcha. I don't think I can sleep, knowing I've hurt his feelings. I stepped into the villa with a faint smile. I refused to be my mother's clone, so I'll apologize."Are you here to visit our young master?" A maid politely asked as I settled on the couch and placed the bags on the table, nervously glancing around the villa to search for his presence. Should I speak to him? Or should I leave the gifts and leave?"Is he well?" I smiled. The maid stared at the paper bag and glanced at me with a sad smile."You must've not heard the news," She whispered while gripping her apron with a dejected frown as she sat across from me. I stared at her gloomy expression with a baffled look until the woman teared up and glanced upstairs with her lips pursed. Huh? Why is she crying? I searched the familiar interior and glanced back at her trickling tears as the woman fought to contain her overflowing emotions."Did something happen?" I whispered with a tense feeling."Our young master has a brain tumor," She sadly nodded at me. And in that very split second- I couldn't process her words or my feelings. My mind was suddenly muted by the shocking news. I averted my unblinking gaze to her swelling tears... as the woman disclosed her young master's unfortunate illness to me... but I could no longer hear her words... but listen to the dull... static buzzing... white noise... ringing relentlessly in my ear drums.Snap. I suddenly blinked out of my numbed mind and glanced upstairs with a startled look before lowering my gaze to the keychain in my hand. I wanted to return the gift- but what? Yangcha has a tumor? Since when?- My chest suddenly twisted uncomfortably with an extremely hollow sensation... that left me feeling lost in my scattered thoughts... until I felt my head swaying... from side to side upon uncovering... the alarming news.
A moment later.
Do-hwan stared at me bitterly as I stood before the door leading to the medical suite with a frightened look. What am I doing here? I don't know, but I screamed at my chief guard to escort me to the hospital the instant I returned to my senses. A standby guard opened the door for me, so I gripped my gift bags and nervously stepped into the dim room to find a single warm lamp sitting on the nightstand beside the medical bed.
Beep... Beep... Beep...
I glanced at the health monitor with my lips ajar as Do-hwan closed the door behind my back to grant me some privacy. I slowly walked up to the lifeless person on the bed with small plastic patches... stuck to his steadily pulsating chest. Unconscious tears... unexpectedly filled my eyes as I slowly approached his bedside with trembling lips. I scanned his yellowish skin and glanced at his familiar bony face. My heart sank at the sight of his swollen eyelids. Badum.I felt a terrible ache in my chest as I averted my attention to the bandage over his head. How...? He was so... lively. I weakly settled down on the chair beside the bed and glanced at the oxygen tube in his nostrils. He's barely alive.
The only proof of his existence is the heartline on the screen. How did he change so drastically? His once healthy complexion and youthful smile... had entirely disappeared... in just a few months.
"H- Hey..." I whispered, trying my best to greet him without breaking down, but nothing came out of my mouth. A hot lump suddenly formed in my throat... so I pursed my lips with my tearful gaze on the alpha's dire condition. How can he be this weak and frail? He was a healthy young man!"Why- Why didn't you tell me- about your- sickness?" I whispered while searching his face for a response... but he didn't answer me like he used to with his usual beaming smile.Yangcha remained cold and motionless over the pillow until the surging emotions took over my body. I suddenly burst out crying - but quickly covered my mouth and lowered my head to grieve beside him. How can I disturb his peace? After wronging him? How dare I express my discomfort so selfishly- when he's the one suffering before me?!"How can you not inform me about this? You- stupid fool!" I whimpered and lifted my face to scan his awfully shrunken state, shakily reaching out to hold his cold fingers. My heart throbbed in extreme guilt at the realization of his warmth absence, so I whimpered and lowered my face to his fingers while bawling out my eyes with my hands clasped over the invisible wound inside my chest.
What have I done?! I thought he recovered! But he was suffering from the tumor all along?!

Third Person POV

Jae Yangcha had suffered an unfortunate brain tumor after his fall from the flights of stairs. His skull fractured at the impact, and the severe injury eventually weakened his immune system... until he lost consciousness to a deadly seizure a week after he parted from the supreme alpha. The Jae booked an immediate flight to assist the heir of their family... and he has been hospitalized since.

And two months before Jang Sora's visit... the alpha had to undergo a few brain surgeries, which left him depleted of energy. Jae Yangcha had not awakened for a month... since the last surgery he received. The soul... had descended into a deep coma... and the medics... could not do much... but patiently wait for his return to the world.

And with the shocking news of his illness... Jang Sora... succumbed to the pit of her despair. She couldn't help but blame herself for his unfortunate condition- and for the first time in so long... she felt her heart aching with a familiar pain.

A pain she swore to never encounter again... yet here she is... gripping tightly onto the fading soul... begging hysterically for his forgiveness as the remorseful tears soaked her pale skin.

The ruthless pain of a heartbreak... tearing mercilessly through her bleeding heart... to torment her aching soul.... with the deep ruptures that can't be mended.

So she cried. She whimpered. She apologized.

And she pleaded him to forgive her terrible mistake... of leaving him to suffer silently... just so she could achieve her selfish desire... to please the world.

The supreme alpha foolishly chose to abandon a pure soul for... the cruel... world that didn't care for her wellbeing.

And Jae Yangcha agreed.

He agreed to grant her wish... even at the cost of his own welfare...

Note:

Dear, noona.

I hope you find happiness with the right person.

Please be happy.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

[ One Shot - Part TWO ]
Sora's POV
Murmur. Murmur. The inaudible voices did not make it through my eardrums as I sat in the lecture room with my head rested sideways on the desk, emptily gazing at the golden afternoon sky until a tiny bird flew toward a tree to rest its feet on the crooked branch and cutely chirped through its beak. The creature glanced back and forth while sending the melodious signal across the vast opening to search for its mate.

I weakly smiled when another bird appeared, hopping over the branch to meet its lover. The birds pecked each other's feathers and snuggled against one another's warmth, making me pout at their cuteness as I stared out the window during a warm afternoon without paying the slightest attention to the professor. Smack. I jerked out of my deep thoughts upon feeling a soft impact and quickly sat up to find a rolled-up paper on the floor after it struck my head from the side. What's his business? I glared at Jungkook... who widened his bitter gaze on me."Focus," Jungkook mouthed, sternly nodding at the professor."Mind your business," I rolled my eyes in annoyance as I folded my arms over my chest to dismiss his concern, causing the alpha to huff at my rudeness, so I exhaled heavily and glanced forward to find Seokjin sitting beside Taehyung and Sungho with Namjoon at the front of the class.How did I end up in the advanced level? I passed all the qualifications because studying was the only distraction to numb the hollow void in my chest. My dull gaze gradually drifted to the snowflake keychain... attached to my phone case. It's been months... since I last visited him. Should I see him now that I've made it to the advanced level? But what's the point? It's not like he can hear me. I sighed- Virr. I blinked out of my thoughts when a notification popped up on the blank screen.Jimin: Can we see each other after school?Jimin: I would like to address an important matter.I stared at the notifications and unsurely lifted my face to stare past Jungkook until I spotted... Park Jimin... smiling at me from his desk. Should I see him...? I've been locking myself inside my bedroom for hours on end... during the past months to study for my qualification... and I've once again lost grasp on reality. Sighing deeply, I lifted my phone off the desk and lowered my thumbs to type on the text box.
Click Clack... Click Clack...

Virr.

New notification.
My blank gaze gradually shifted to the new text, popping at the upper part of the screen. Pause. I suddenly froze in my seat with my eyes glued on the notification from another person- and for a solid second... I couldn't process the name... shown on my screen. My heart violently leaped into my throat once my sluggish brain made sense of the message. Badum! I quickly tapped on the new text to confirm the source. Am I hallucinating?!- I stiffened in extreme bewilderment once I received a few more texts from the person. JOLT!"Kamjakiga!" Jungkook yelped when I suddenly launched to my feet, causing him to flinch in shock. The professor immediately paused mid-sentence at the blunt disruption, causing everyone to turn in my direction in confusion as I gawked at the texts with my bulging eyeballs. This can't be?!"Excuse me!" I shrieked, hysterically shoving my chair aside to scramble past the other desks, leaving everyone frozen in their seat as they watched my deranged behavior with a startled look."Sora!" Jungkook snapped, but I ignored his warning and sprinted toward the exit as the professor stood fixed in his position- THUD!I shoved the door open, wildly steering down the corridor with a racing heart- and was about to sprint toward the elevator when a person... suddenly stepped out of the compartment. He turned to limp in my direction with his head lowered. My lips fell apart in disbelief once I recognized the undeniable familiarity of... his usual oversized jacket and sweatpants.

Thud... Thud... Thud...

Even the patterns of his footsteps... were all too familiar.
The alpha abruptly halted in his place once he found me gawking at him in the empty corridor with a dreadful face. Neither of us budged for a few seconds... but stared at each other in absolute silence as my temples pulsed intensely in his bewildering presence."Sora?!- Yah! What are you doing?!-" Jungkook stepped through the door in confusion- SWIFT!I bolted forward without blinking, dashing as fast as I could toward the person as he watched me race toward him with his dark circles. The man gasped at the speed of my sprints as he unconsciously limped forward with a yearning frown while holding his arms open- THUMP!I slammed hard into his chest, sending the alpha stumbling backward at the immense force of my body weight- but he didn't tumble over and clutched tightly onto my waist as I frantically clung to his neck with my eyes screwed shut. I'm afraid to look him in the eyes, but I don't want to ever let go of him again! My heart throbbed with a terrible ache once I inhaled his faint fragrance, making me pout at his shocking presence. I coiled my arms around his nape with my face buried against his chest as he tightly hugged me in the empty corridor. RING. The school alarm suddenly went off above our heads to signal the end of school hours- but I refused to budge. Instead, I possessively fastened my arms around his soul to hold him close to me."Noona," Yangcha whispered against my ear as I stood on the tip of my toes. Creak- Creak. The door to every lecture room slid open, so I quickly withdrew my body to observe his gaunt cheekbones as Yangcha stared down at me from under the hood of his jacket. Smooch.I gripped his cheeks, tugged him down, and kissed him firmly, causing Yangcha to freeze in place at my thoughtless act. The alpha shakily held my waist while bending over me as I tilted my head to make out with him in the noisy corridor. Hush.The chattering students suddenly froze in the hallway, but I couldn't care less and kept my lips glued to his severely chapped lips, panting heavily between the moist strokes... too afraid to release him... even at the cost of my suffocating lungs. Yangcha tensed his arms around my back as he pressed his heated face against mine to deepen our kiss... until I felt warm blood... rushing to my cheeks.I pursed my lips after almost fainting from the breathtaking kiss as I shakily withdrew my damp lips from his, and finally opened my eyes to gaze at his swollen right eyelid with an aching heart. How long has it been? He's been away... for over half a year. Yangcha softly fumed his humid breath over my face as I rubbed my thumb over his bony cheek to... savor the fulfilled craving that had been feasting... on my depleted soul.
I missed him like crazy.
"Hey," I whispered with a weak smile to greet his return.Yangcha gulped at my flushed cheeks before lifting his face to stare at the startled alphas and lower ranks in the crowded corridor as they gawked at us with their bulging eyeballs. I blinked back to my senses and turned around to find Jungkook staring at us with a drained expression. Kang Minah glanced back... and forth between the towering alpha and me while clutching her books in her arms... unsurely eyeing our interaction with a dumbfounded look."What's this...?" Jimin questioned, turning slightly pale. Taehyung stood amongst the crowd with a poker face as Seokjin funnily eyed Yangcha up and down."Who is this? I don't remember seeing him anywhere," Hoseok scoffed while frowning at us as Namjoon stared at the lipstick smudge over Yangcha's lips until he lowered his face to hide under his hood, so I rubbed my lips and carefully interlaced our fingers before the prying witnesses."No way! Is he the rumored man?-""Oh. I was with him that night. And he has a name. Jae Yangcha," I sternly nodded at Minho. Mira covered her mouth in disbelief as the stunned witnesses shifted their startled gaze to Jae Yangcha again, who stood with his head lowered."A lower rank? Are you serious...?" Minah whispered, briefly glancing at Jungkook's ashen face."He's a fifth rank. Yangcha is an alpha," I replied, faintly smiling at the timid alpha as he hid his beaten face from the crowd. They can't recognize him because he lost a lot of weight during his battle with the deadly tumor."And what's your relationship status...?" Jungkook scoffed with his thick brow raised. I glanced down at our interlaced fingers and raised our arms to show them our firm grip. Isn't this obvious?"Yangcha is my boyfriend. We've been together since the beginning of the year," I smiled. Jungkook widened his eyes in extreme shock."So the rumor-""Oh. I was having fun with my boyfriend in the restroom. Stop making a fuss about it and mind your business," I dully shifted my gaze to Mira again.Yangcha tightened his grip around my hand, so I smiled and patted his stomach to comfort him. No one uttered a word as they gawked at us in the muted corridor. He doesn't like the attention. I eagerly glanced up at Yangcha's tender gaze as he stood with his head down. The alpha didn't react to the crowd's judgemental stares and stood in utter silence after I disclosed our relationship to the society.
I might be doing this recklessly... but I know for a fact... it's the only solution to appease my remorseful soul.

A moment later.
I calmly strolled over the sidewalk by the busy street while gripping tightly onto Yangcha's sweaty hand. He didn't speak and was oddly hushed as we roamed the city together. What am I doing? I don't know- but I don't want to release his hand, out of fear of losing him again. A few cars rolled past us until Yangcha carefully switched our position to make me walk on the inner side lane and gently interlaced our hands again.Still, we didn't speak and wandered aimlessly until a colorful stall caught my eye. I stared at the delicious-looking ice cream as we passed it, curiously turning my head to watch ahjussi hand an ice cream cone to a little girl and her mother. Halt. Yangcha suddenly stopped walking, so I glanced up at him just after we passed the stall. He shifted his gaze to the vendor and back to me."Do you want ice cream..?" He hoarsely whispered."I don't have money," I shook my head. I left my belongings behind. The alpha quietly studied my face and suddenly steered me around, so I pursed my lips and followed him to the ice cream stall."A double vanilla and chocolate cone, please," Yangcha politely requested as we stood before the man, who greeted us with cheerful chatter. I glanced up at Yangcha in surprise... as he rummaged his pocket until he pulled out a banknote and handed it to the man.

"Here you go~!" The man chuckled as he handed me the cone, so I accepted the ice cream with a faint smile."Thank you," Yangcha politely bowed at the man, gently tugging me with him again. I quietly licked the tasty flavor and followed him over the sidewalk after he bought me the ice cream without having to ask for it.

Our aimless venture eventually landed us at a peaceful park in the evening. We settled down on the concrete stairs to gaze at the flowing river current in an area far from the crowded public space. Yangcha still didn't speak as we sat side by side until I lifted the melted ice cream to his lips. The alpha carefully took a small bite, making me smile at his cuteness. Why didn't he take a big bite? Is he afraid I'd sulk over my lost ice cream?"You should head back home. It's late. Your parents must be worried," I finally mumbled while licking the ice cream. Why did I bring him out here? He's still healing from the surgery. Yangcha gently patted my hand with a gloomy gaze on the flowing river."I'm sorry," Yangcha whispered. I stopped licking my ice cream and stared at the melted chocolate with a wrenching heart until I felt the stinging warmth piercing the tip of my nose... yet I refused to give in to the aching emotion... and shakily bit the crunchy cone.A flood of warm tears unconsciously spilled from my burning eyes as a hot lump formed in my throat, ultimately clogging my vocal cords with an uncomfortable strain. Why did he apologize? I weakly pouted while staring at the ice cream with a heavy feeling... until a soft whimper escaped my lips- so I balled my hand into a tight fist and lowered my head to counter the misery in difficulty. I shouldn't cry! Why am I crying?! I have no right to cry in front of him like this!"Why are you sorry- when it's my fault...?" I shakily whispered, unable to look him in the eyes. Yangcha sighed as he watched me sob helplessly over the melting ice cream. How can he apologize for a crime he didn't commit...?"You must've been worried about me when you found out about my illness," He whispered. I pouted harder and tried to eat the ice cream, hoping it could calm my discomfort, but I only sobbed harder. Ah~! Why am I crying so shamelessly?! I should be sorry!"I was- so terrible- to you," I whimpered, briefly lifting my glassy pupils to frown at the alpha's sickly skin. He's sick because of me. Yangcha stared at the messy streaks on my face and shook his head to deny my claim while brushing the warm tears from my cheeks."Don't blame yourself-""I was mean to you. I- I- I'm a terrible person. How can I hurt you so badly and make myself a victim when you're the one hurting? I'm really sorry- I didn't know what I wanted because I was scared- I was frightened- so I intentionally hurt your feelings- thinking you'd despise me if I pretended to be a bad person- hic- I'm sorry- I thought I could neglect my feelings once I push you away- hic!- But- I feel so terrible- for being so- mean- to you- hic!- You didn't deserve- the harsh treatment," I sulked over the melting ice cream as he sadly stared at me with a tearful gaze. He didn't stop me from venting out my aching discomfort and quietly listened to my soft whimpers as I wept with the soggy cone clenched in my shaky grip."How can I ever hate you? I knew... you were pushing me away... for the sake of my welfare," Yangcha whispered while scanning my flushed cheeks. How can I be so cruel to the person I love? I finally gained the courage to look at his swollen eyelid, peeling chapped lips, and awfully pale skin, tearfully scanning his beaten condition until my lips started trembling in guilt. Huff! I apologetically shook my head and cried in extreme remorse upon hearing his sympathetic response.

"My mother- I think she will- marry me- to another man. Kim Taehyung. I was afraid to hold you because- I'm afraid my mother might harm you and your family- I didn't know what to do- so I- I- bashed those cruel words- to break your heart," I bawled apologetically while clutching the ice cream cone.Yangcha glanced at the sticky paste between my fingers, gently withdrew the cone from my palm and carefully wiped my fingers with a tissue to dab off the sugary paste. I wept even harder at his thoughtful gesture... and lowered my head to squeeze out the hot tears while sitting on the concrete stair with my face pressed against my bent knees. I'd be happier if he resented me!- But he's holding onto me so tenderly after I split open his skull?!"I know. I knew," Yangcha whispered.I pathetically choked on my spit at his calm response and lifted my puffy face to bawl beside him until my stretchy snot dripped messily from my clogged nostrils. Hic~! The alpha weakly smiled at my slimy nose while wiping my nostrils and drew me into a comforting hug. He's killing me with his kindness! I coughed in pain while clutching onto his back with my soaked cheeks pressed against his jacket."I like you- I like you a lot- but I didn't want to ruin your life- I'm sorry- Yangcha, I'm so sorry for being so heartless- I wish I wasn't so mean to you when you need me the most- hic~! You were always there for me- but I left you stranded- hic- I'm so sorry~! I'm so terrible!" I bawled against his chest in extreme pain."If you wanted to... walk away for my own good... then why did you run to me? Why did you hold me? Why did you... kiss me?" Yangcha whispered while hugging my frail soul in his firm embrace."Because I love you!- I missed you so much! I don't want to live like a puppet!- Hic~! I want to freely hold you and hold you close forever~! Why do I have to marry another man? Why can't I be happy and live with you?! I'm so stressed because I really like you, but- all I did was break your heart when you loved me the most~! Ah~! I'm a terrible person~!" I whimpered. Yangcha deeply exhaled while patting my back on the concrete stairs to console my despairing apologies."Let's love each other. I'm sure we can figure this out," Yangcha whispered while clutching my back with his face buried against my neck, so I nodded and hugged him tightly.The alpha didn't release my body and held me securely before the vast river while stroking my head to console my distressing emotions as we remained in that position for a while to sulk in each other's arms. It's the alpha's tradition to marry for power, just like the royalties- but- how can I live that way? Why must I marry a man who doesn't even care about my welfare? Why must I submit to a cold lover... over someone so warm and lovely...?
Life is too unfair in this cruel world!

A moment later.
"Achew!" I sneezed over the railing while standing against it. Yangcha smiled as he stood beside me to admire the dark river with his forearms hooked over the cold bar. He patiently waited for me to recollect scattered emotions as I rubbed my stuffy nose with his napkin and glanced at his swollen right eye. It's as if someone punched him with a steel fist... and it makes me feel so sorry."You'll get sick if you cry too much," Yangcha smiled with a bright pink nose. He cried as well while holding me earlier... so the strained veins... are causing his eyes to burn bright red. I pouted at his beaten face."You look hideous," I pouted."Should I hide my face then? If I'm ugly?" He chuckled in tears while leaning against the railing to admire my puffy face. I whined and hugged his waist with a big pout, so he gently drew me against his body with a faint smile."Why are your eyes so swollen~?" I whined, slightly tilting my pouty face to scan the dark bruises around his eyes. He had brain surgeries- but his eyes are bruised and swollen!"It's the side effect of the surgery. The swelling will cease- I'll wear black glasses if it bothers you," Yangcha smiled as he gently tucked the loose hair strands behind my ear so I pouted again and tiptoed to reach his lips. Smooch. "Will you be my boyfriend?" I whispered. Yangcha gently stroked my cheek with his thumb while holding my waist with his other arm."Why are you asking me...? Didn't you announce our relationship earlier?" He asked with a weak smile as we rocked from side to side by the railing."I disclosed our relationship without your permission. You confessed before but I- rejected you... so I'll let you decide," I blinked my glassy pupils while looking up at him."I'll be your boyfriend. On one condition," Yangcha whispered."One condition?" I replied, unsurely searching his tender gaze."Let's never break up," Yangcha muttered as he sadly stared at me. I pursed my lips with my torn gaze glued to his swollen face as the subtle wind gusts against our bodies beside the river."Does that mean you want to marry me?" I asked, cluelessly lifting my arm to hold his neck."Of course. There's no divorce in the alpha world, so hold onto me until I find a way to marry you," Yangcha replied. I swallowed the hot lump in my throat while staring unblinkingly at his pale face."I trust you," I nodded. Yangcha chuckled."I accept your proposal. Let's be lovers," He whispered, lowering his parted lips towards mine so I closed my eyes to await his tender stroke-"Ehem," A man cleared his throat on our side, causing us to flinch in a panic at the sudden disturbance, so I gripped Yangcha's shoulder and snapped my head toward a familiar face."What are you doing here?!" I shrieked at Do-hwan as he sorely stared at us with his arms crossed. Did he overhear everything?!- &^!%#!$?!!- AH! WHAT A CREEP!"It is my sole duty to ensure your safety, my lady. I was suspicious of your location on my system because it's close to the bridge over a deep river," Do-hwan mocked me. I gripped Yangcha's neck and hugged him with a big pout. He's here to take me away!"I don't want to go home!" I whined and pressed my face against Yangcha's chest as he held my waist."It's okay. I'll see you tomorrow-""No! I don't want to leave!" I snapped, repeatedly shaking my head with a big pout. Yangcha pursed his lips uneasily at my stubborn refusal and glanced at my chief guard's bitter expression with an apologetic look."Your parents will return tomorrow at noon, so I expect to see you at the mansion before their arrival. And if you don't show up... I will give your lovely boyfriend... another black eye," Do-hwan threatened with a poker face."Hey!" I snapped at the man in disbelief."Eleven A.M sharp by tomorrow, or I'm coming after him," Do-hwan glared at Yangcha. The man suddenly strolled off with his hands in his pocket, leaving me dumbfounded by the railing. "Did you think I'd let you bruise his precious skin?!- Hey! Old man!-" I shrieked, trying to chase the man, but Yangcha chuckled and held me back by my waist, so I screamed and kicked my legs in extreme annoyance."Scream again- and I'll drag you home after I dump his body in the deep water!" Do-hwan snapped without looking at me. I scoffed at his offensive threat before glancing at Yangcha as he held my frail body against his chest."Let's be smart and protect our relationship when the world is generous, okay? Appreciate the good people in our life," Yangcha smiled. I pouted at his bruised right eye and turned to hold his waist again. I want to cry every time I see the bruise on his pretty eyes! Gurgle...My stomach suddenly growled. Yangcha pursed his lips and glanced at me as I looked up in embarrassment. Gurgle. I flushed bright red, causing Yangcha to snort at my obvious hunger, so he lowered his face to peck my lips while shaking his head at my random gurgling stomach. How can I be hungry in this situation?!  So embarrassing!
A moment later
Sizzle~! I carefully flipped the boneless short ribs on the barbecue tray to ensure it was properly cooked and tender before placing the warm slices on Yangcha's plate as he hungrily ate beside me. My boyfriend picked out almost everything from the menu... so our table is packed with various meat platters. Yangcha rubbed his runny nose and glanced at me with his swollen eye, still hiding his face under the hood."The odor will stain your clothes," Yangcha muttered apologetically. He wanted to eat grilled pork belly and beef... so I agreed to dine at a local restaurant with him. I'll do anything for him."Don't worry about my clothes. You have to recover quickly, so eat as much as you can," I shook my head while chewing the delicious meal as I wrapped a fresh lettuce, dipped it in the hot sauce, and lifted it to his lips. Yangcha opened his mouth to accept the warm ssam without hesitation, so I pushed the cabbage into his mouth and gently wiped the stain from his greasy lips."This isn't the kind of food you'd eat. I'm sorry," Yangcha muttered as he watched me lick the sticky sauce off my thumbs."Hey~! Why do you keep apologizing?! Any food will do as long as I'm full," I chuckled while nudging his shoulder. The alpha still has a big appetite, so I must feed him as much as I can to sustain his weakened health. I gently kissed his lips and flipped the sizzling meat over the grill again.

"Why did you expose our relationship?" Yangcha asked in curiosity."I think we're both better off this way. I felt terrible for concealing our relationship despite having feelings for you... and everyone wouldn't stop gossiping anyways- so I'll just let everyone know we're together," I shrugged while pouring cool water for my boyfriend."What about the bathroom incident...? Does it still bother you? You were devastated," Yangcha tilted his head to study my face as I examined the packed tables inside the smokey restaurant."No. I was bothered at first because I couldn't remember anything and assumed the worst. But- I didn't feel bothered anymore after I realized it was you. It's a relief that you were there with me, actually. Another man could've taken advantage of me. I- recalled the memories afterward," I smiled in embarrassment. I was the one begging him to ease my body but dared accuse him of assaulting me? Ah. I'm a terrible person."So my touch... doesn't bother you anymore?" Yangcha asked, slightly widening his clueless eyes. I chuckled and glanced at the adorable man with a bright beam."It never bothered me. You and your warmth. I welcome it," I shrugged.Yangcha grinned, leaning forward to peck my lips until I shrieked and quickly flipped the burning meat over the charcoal. He cutely laughed at my determination to rescue the meat over the grill as he tenderly held my waist. This is our first date~! After we bawled out our emotions! So we're both sitting with puffy eyes and runny noses! Our love isn't as flawless as the romance in movies, but I'm still grateful!

We happily chatted over the table while enjoying our first dinner date together at a local restaurant. I insisted on sharing a soju bottle with Yangcha after I watched the other customers toast their drinks. He was hesitant at first... so I begged him to have a cup with me... until he gave in and agreed to share the liquor."Noona~! Stop drinking! You're tipsy!" Yangcha scolded, quickly grabbing my wrist when I tried to pour the remaining bottle into my glass."You're not drinking, so I'll finish it!" I chuckled while tilting the bottle over my cup- Snatch!Yangcha suddenly seized the bottle from my hands, causing me to gasp in shock as the alpha chugged the half-empty bottle into his mouth. Oh?! Why is he drinking it all in one go?! I gawked at his bulging Adam's apple and glanced at his grim frown as he effortlessly ingested the clear liquor with his face tilted upward. Thud! He finally slammed the empty bottle on the table and quickly wiped his lips with a slight grimace."No more! One is enough!" He cutely glared. I laughed at his beaten face and playfully smacked his chest."You can't glare at me with a swollen eyelid!" I teased. Yangcha flushed redder and lowered his face in embarrassment, so I giggled at his sulky pout and grabbed his wrist with a drunken smile."We should leave~! It's late!" Yangcha whined."Aigo~! Why are you hiding your face? Show me your swollen eye~! Ah!-" I giggled, trying to remove his hand from his face, causing the alpha to whine at my annoying behavior. He playfully pushed my face away- until I lost my balance. Wobble!"OH?!" Yangcha gasped, swiftly snatching my arm in shock when I tilted backward, almost tumbling off my chair. I chuckled weakly and hugged his forearm with a numbed face as everything around me revolved in slow motion. Why am I so happy?!"Soju is much stronger than red wine! I wasn't even that drunk at the parties!" I giggled while poking his swollen face. I can't stop laughing! Why is everything funny?! Yangcha grimaced at my soft giggles as he clutched my senseless body over the chair to stop me from tilting backward. I was okay with the clear liquor at first... but why is my head swirling so suddenly?!
A moment later.
"Should we hail a taxi~?" I mumbled while hugging Yangcha's waist as we strolled over the busy sidewalk in a popular area. Yangcha repeatedly shook his dazed head while leaning against me for support."Noona~! I'm spinning!" The alpha whined and tilted his face back to frown at the dark sky above us as we drunkenly swayed from side to side over the pavement. He lost so much weight, but why is he still heavy?! I slightly grimaced while struggling to support his heavy weight."Do you have money?! I'll summon a taxi!" I smacked his chest to wake Yangcha as he struggled to walk forward. Thump! He accidentally bumped into a woman, causing her to dart us an offended look. I apologetically lowered my head while supporting his sturdy weight."Too dangerous to ride- taxi!- Ah~! Why is the world spinning?!" Yangcha groaned, suddenly wobbling to the ground. Thump! I gasped in shock, quickly bending down to heave his arm but couldn't tow him back up. I'm too feeble~! And he's as heavy as a boulder!"Get up~! The road is far away!" I whined, tugging his arm repeatedly until Yangcha shook his dazed mind and glanced up at me with his rosy red cheeks."The roads are all wiggly~! I can't walk~! Ah~! Ah~!" Yangcha cutely whined while crawling on the ground before rolling over with his hands clasped over his burning face, causing the passerby to stare at our drunken state. His parents will scold him if I send him home in this condition! I'm drunk myself, so who will look after who?! I grabbed my boyfriend's arm again to stop him from crawling away."Get up~! A few more steps ~! Let's stay nearby~!" I crouched down to cup his cheeks. If he blacks out here- then I'll have to sleep with him on the street because I definitely can't heave his body! Yangcha squinted his droopy eyes at me as he slouched on the ground with a cheeky smile."You're so pretty~!" Yangcha chuckled, suddenly puckering his lips like a duck. I shrieked and smacked his lips, hastily towing him back onto his feet."You're so heavy! Get up~! Baby~!" I whined while pulling on his forearm. Yangcha grumbled at my complaints and finally forced his body upward- so I hugged his sturdy body to secure his balance as he weakly slanted over me for support."You're so pretty~! My girlfriend is so pretty~! Jackpot~! Hehe~!" Yangcha grinned while straightening his body to squish my cheeks between his warm palms, causing me to frown at his drunken behavior. I didn't know a big man like him would lose to a mere soju?!"Let's stay at a motel!" I slapped his hand off my face and dragged him through the crowd. Why did I make him drink?- He can't handle liquor at all! Yangcha loudly complained about his dizzy mind as he stumbled after me until I found a love motel and entered the sketchy place with him to find a middle-aged man... standing at the counter.

"One bed?" The man asked while chewing his gum as I supported Yangcha's body on my side."Yes, please- baby-? Where's your spare change?" I tapped Yangcha's chest, but he only pouted and lowered his head without responding to me- so I huffed and searched his pocket until I found a crumpled banknote in his jacket."40,000 won," The old man dawdled, pushing the room key forward as I handed the cash.The man returned the change, so I snatched the worn-out banknote and dragged the heavy alpha forward to search for our room in a narrow corridor. Creak. I shoved the door open and pulled Yangcha inside the cheap-looking motel room with a sore grimace. This is a scam! The room smells like crap! Yangcha grunted in discomfort as I lowered him to the old bedsheet until he settled down with his head lowered under his hood."Do you want to shower?- Ah~! The place smells like a cigar!" I grimaced while scanning the peeling wallpapers and the rusted boiler on the cabinet before glancing at the flickering red light through the small window."Hic-" Yangcha suddenly sobbed, so I quickly spun around to find him pouting on the bed."Hey! Why are you crying~? Do you feel uncomfortable?" I asked, worriedly crouching at his feet to lift his chin. Fwip. The hood suddenly slipped off his head, so I glanced at the white bandage wrapped securely around his scalp with an anxious frown. Is he in pain? Should I contact his household? Maybe I should send him home-"You think I'm ugly~? Why won't you kiss me~?" Yangcha pouted cutely as a tear stream trickled over his flushed cheek. I frowned at his intoxicated state. Huh?"You're not ugly-""You say I look hideous! My eyes are swollen! I got no hair- and I've lost all my muscles! I'm ugly~! How am I supposed to secure a beautiful woman like you~? The handsome men will sweep you away~! Hic~!" He whimpered while rubbing his warm tears. Aigo~! He's such a cutie! I smiled and leaned upward to squish his cheeks between my palms."Are you crazy~? No one can sweep me off my feet aside from you! You're my strongest warrior!" I chuckled, softly kissing his lips, causing Yangcha to whimper against my lips, and tried to pull away, but I grabbed his nape and pushed him backward until he slumped onto the mattress. He softly panted while holding my hips as I crawled onto him while unzipping his jacket between our bodies- Slump. Yangcha sprawled over the bed with his lips ajar while staring up at me from below. The liquor has entirely disabled him. It's adorable."You're so pretty~!" Yangcha whispered while fighting to keep his eyes open- but the alpha, unfortunately, lost the battle and fell unconscious- weakly flopping underneath me. Is he okay? I pursed my lips, unsurely sitting up on his torso to feel his forehead. He's not burning."Hey~? Are you okay?" I asked while tapping his cheek.Yangcha grumbled with a slight frown and turned his head on the pillow, so I exhaled in relief and crawled off his body to sit on the bed. I shouldn't have asked him to drink~! Sighing in defeat, I pulled the jacket off his body so he could sleep comfortably in his loose shirt and crawled to the foot of the bed to undo his sneakers before pulling off my cardigan and crawled back onto the mattress with him."Goodnight," I whispered, gently kissing his lips and slumped on the pillow beside him. I scooted closer to hold his pulsating chest in the stinky motel room until I drifted off into a deep sleep, completely wasted by the soju I consumed.
And together... my boyfriend and I... shared the night together... for the very first time.

Next Morning
The chief guard strolled out of the security department with his sharp gaze fixed on his watch. 10:58 AM. The man sorely stared at the distant gate from the mansion's front door before averting his dim eyes to the clear sky above his head while standing with his arms crossed over his buff chest... until he heard frantic shouts from the front entrance. Do-hwan squinted at the front gate in the distance until he noticed... two figures... racing hand in hand... through the entrance."We're here! WE'RE HERE!!!" Yangcha screamed, frantically sprinting across the pavement while dragging Sora on their bare feet as she clutched onto her shoes."What the-" Do-hwan pursed his lips as the couple steered towards him with their striking messy hair and shabby clothes."AH!- WE'RE NOT LATE!" Sora screeched, collapsing onto the pavement before Do-hwan with heavy sweat beads over her forehead. HUFF! HUFF! Yangcha rolled onto the ground, turning pale as a ghost while struggling to regulate his ragged breathing rhythm. The chief guard raised his wrist to stare at the time on his watch again. 11:00 AM."Good. And you. Go home," Do-hwan sternly nodded at Yangcha as the alpha wheezed out of control while kneeling on the ground with his girlfriend."You can't send him away yet! He'll suffer a stroke!" Sora shrieked at the chief guard in disbelief as she patted Yangcha's back to soothe him."Your parents will enter the gate at any moment," Do-hwan muttered. The couple gasped in a panic. Fwip! Yangcha scrambled back to his feet."Goodbye, sir!" Yangcha funnily bowed, hastily grabbing Sora's cheeks to smooch her lips, and dashed away on his bare feet to race toward the gate."Oh?! Yangcha!- Your sneakers!- BABE!" Sora screamed, quickly snatching his forgotten sneakers from the pavement in bewilderment, but the alpha had already disappeared through the gate.Do-hwan frowned at his young lady as she screamed for her lover to fetch his shoes until a car pulled into the mansion. She shrieked in a panic upon her parents' arrival while collecting her sneakers from the ground and dashed into the mansion in a hurry with her lover's belongings to dodge her parents' suspicion.The chief guard exhaled sourly with his dim gaze trained on the vehicle until it came to a halt... and the Jang stepped out of the car in formal attire. The man sternly lowered his head to greet his boss and stepped aside to make way for the elders after he... permitted the young couple... to stay out for the night.
Choi Do-hwan wanted to put his young lady's lover to the test, and although the man did not expect the alpha to abide by the rules... Jae Yangcha kept his word... and brought her right back to her doorstep.
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Fast Forward
Jae Yangcha stirred under his warm blanket over the mattress in his bright modern bedroom with a beanie over his head to protect his bandaged scalp from the chills. A doctor had visited earlier in the morning to inspect his healing surgical scar... and he was told to rest in his room until he was awakened by the maid for lunch. The alpha ended up falling asleep again after he took the drowsy medication and dozed off on the pillow."BABY~!" Sora shrieked, suddenly bursting through the door, causing the alpha to jerk awake at her unexpected presence."Oh?- Oh!- Urgh?!-" Yangcha lifted his head to squint at the supreme alpha- but gasped in shock when she flung herself onto him. The alpha grabbed onto her body and rolled over as she cupped his cheeks to shower his face with affectionate kisses."I missed you!" She shrieked while hugging her boyfriend over the blanket, causing Yangcha to groan in discomfort... but he didn't complain and held her weight over his torso."You didn't have to visit~! School is already tiring," Yangcha grumbled, sleepily admiring her gorgeous smile as she sprawled over his body."My parents aren't home today, so I can stay with you tonight!" Sora grinned and sat up on his torso with a weak smile. Yangcha scoffed and pushed his body upward to hold her waist as the supreme alpha eagerly examined his bruised eyelid."Don't get yourself in trouble," Yangcha whispered hoarsely, leaning forward to kiss her. Sora giggled against his lips while hugging his neck as she sat on his thighs, so Yangcha smiled and deepened their kiss- Creak."I brought- Omo!" The maid shrieked in a panic once she opened the door to find the couple kissing on the bed. The woman flushed red in shock, causing Yangcha to jerk his face away from Sora's lips with a flustered look."Annyeong~!" Sora greeted the maid as she hugged Yangcha's head against her face with a cute beam."I brought appetizers-" The woman smiled, strolling inside the room to settle the tray on the coffee table before straightening her body to admire the young couple. The maid stared at the visible lipstick prints over her young master's face with a shy smile."She's my girlfriend," Yangcha weakly informed the maid."I always thought you two were a perfect match! Your parents will be thrilled to hear the news!" The maid beamed at the couple, causing Sora to grin even wider as she clung to Yangcha until the maid left the room, so she shrieked in excitement and resumed smooching him on the bed."I miss you so much~!" Sora pouted while hugging his body, causing Yangcha to chuckle at her sweet affection."I miss you too," Yangcha whispered, pulling away to gaze fondly at her delicate face. Sora giggled and slumped onto the bed with her thighs hooked over his extended legs. The alpha gently massaged her bare shins as she chatted about her tedious day at the university without his presence.
A moment later.
"Are you sure you can stay over?" Yangcha questioned while crawling onto the bed as his girlfriend read a book in her fresh nightgown. The clingy supreme alpha insisted on staying over, even after the alpha assured her of his well-being."Do-hwan gave me permission," Sora shrugged, placing her book aside and straightened her body with a brilliant beam on her lover as he admired her gorgeous face."What about your parents? Are they aware of our relationship?" Yangcha asked in curiosity."They're not aware yet. My parents are busy right now, so I'll introduce you later," Sora shrugged, suddenly shifting her curious gaze to the beanie over Yangcha's head. He smiled and lifted his hand to stroke her soft cheek."Wae...?" Yangcha uneasily raised his eyebrow while rubbing his beanie when she wouldn't look away from his head."Can I see...? The scar...?" Sora keenly whispered.Yangcha quietly stared at his girlfriend's eager pupils with a restless feeling. He wasn't comfortable with her request, but he couldn't say no either. He sighed in defeat and scooted forward to sit facing her, slowly withdrawing the beanie from his bald head to reveal the scar for the first time, and lowered his head to show her the fresh stitches over the swollen incision line. Silence. Sora pursed her lips while stretching her neck to examine the curved scar along the side of his right scalp. Yangcha nervously gripped his hands as she studied the visible surgical wound... until he felt her fingertips... grazing over his sensitive scar."It's ugly... isn't it?" Yangcha whispered. Sora didn't reply and quietly examined his scalp with her glimmering doe eyes. She finally pulled away to stare at her bald boyfriend until her face... flushed rosy red as she knelt on the mattress with her legs tucked beneath her."You're so sexy," Sora giggled, covering her lips shyly while eyeing Yangcha's nervous frown."What?" Yangcha smiled, lifting his hand to feel the raised scar on his head."Can I kiss the scar? Please...? I really want to kiss it," Sora gripped his hand eagerly with her hypnotized pupils on his scalp. Yangcha chuckled and lowered his head again, so she quickly leaned forward to kiss the scar, causing the alpha to blush bright red at the ticklish sensation."You're a weird person," Yangcha muttered, unsurely lifting his face to find his girlfriend covering her lips in extreme delight. She cutely wiggled her body in excitement with her hands clasped together."No~! You're so hot like this! Without hair!- You look so manly!" She giggled, suddenly leaning forward to hug his neck. Yangcha chuckled at her positive reaction as he coiled his arms around her waist."So I wasn't manly before?" Yangcha whispered and softly kissed her earlobe. Huff! Sora pushed back his shoulders with flushed cheeks while staring into his soul with her sparkly pupils."You were cute and youthful before! But you're a sexy man now! Why are you so shy~?- You're really handsome! And the scar makes you look so badass!" Sora beamed while cupping his face with a cheeky smile. The alpha thought she'd hate his nasty scar but it appears... she's crazy in love with his new feature. Yangcha scoffed at her endless praises with his attentive gaze on her plump lips and leaned forward to kiss her again as he rested her frail body over the mattress."Do you really favor this look? I look sick," Yangcha smiled, turning on his side to hold her waist as she adjusted her head over his upper arm. The supreme alpha smiled warmly while grazing her fingers over the imperfection on his scalp and glanced back at her lover's face."You won't look sick once your face is less bloated. Your eyes are still a little bruised, but you'll be crazy hot afterward~!" She shook her head, shyly biting her lower lips. Yangcha chuckled again and pulled her close to his body while rubbing her back with a weak smile upon realizing she was unbothered by his insecurity. "Should I try a buzzcut?" Yangcha asked, pulling away to gleam at her pretty curled lashes."You have to! This is totally your style! And oh~! I should get ice- be right back!" Sora gasped, suddenly jerking upward to crawl off the mattress. Yangcha tried to stop his girlfriend, but she didn't listen and opened his fridge to retrieve a frozen gel patch from the freezer.
A moment later.
"I can care for myself, you know...?" Yangcha chuckled with his head rested on her lap as he sprawled on the bed in his pajamas. Sora fondly smiled at his harmonized facial features while sitting against the headboard with her legs extended as she compressed the gel on the towel over his bruised eyelid."I'm the reason you're sick," Sora pouted. Yangcha opened his spare eye to stare up at his girlfriend's sulky expression."No. The tumor was already evolving in my head even before I fell off the stairs. If the accident didn't occur- I wouldn't have discovered it. Harabeoji claimed I got lucky because we were able to treat it on time. The tumor could've been fatal if left unattended," Yangcha shook his head while holding his girlfriend's free hand over his pulsing chest."I still feel so sorry. You bled so much," Sora pouted while patting his cheek."You saved my life. Thank you for splitting my skull open," Yangcha teased. Sora whined at his joke and gently slapped his cheek so Yangcha beamed at her pouty look and softly kissed her wrist."You have to live healthily," Sora smiled. He nodded and gripped her fingers with both hands as the supreme alpha gently compressed the gel pack over the towel to fade the bruise over her lover's eyelid.
Jae Yangcha calmly breathed with his eyes closed while spending quality time with his lover in his bedroom. The couple eventually headed to bed to rest for the night... warmly snuggled up against each other with their newly... blooming love.
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A month later.
The lower ranks playfully shoved each other around on the crowded floor during a short break... until the elevator door slid open... and a tall alpha strolled out into the corridor with his face lowered under his hood. Everyone immediately paused to gawk at his presence as he calmly walked in his loose jacket and sweatpants with a headset secured over his ears. The young man dismissively strode through the crowd without sparing anyone his attention.The high-rank alphas within the lecture room abruptly stopped chattering as the person stepped inside the class with his bag strapped over his broad shoulder. Thud. He lowered his bag to the floor and settled at his desk to rummage for his study materials. Jungkook sideways darted the alpha an annoyed look until he heard frantic footsteps racing inside the lecture room. Clack! Clack! Jang Sora suddenly appeared with a paper bag in her medium sparkly heels. Thump! She slammed the gift on the desk, causing Yangcha to pause at her presence and lifted his startled eyes to meet her beaming pupils."Noona," Yangcha greeted."For you," Sora smiled, leaning over the table to peck his lips before rounding the desk to sit at her empty seat beside the window. Yangcha glanced at his girlfriend with a questioning look as she hooked her bag to the chair."What are you doing here...?" Yangcha asked while eyeing her in confusion."Ah! I made it to the advanced level!" She winked. Yangcha paused to stare at the supreme alpha in surprise as she proudly tapped the desk with a cheeky grin to show off her achievement. The alpha blushed at her pretty smile and glanced toward the podium as the professor stepped inside the room with his device.Jae Yangcha awkwardly pursed his lips once he noticed... Jeon Jungkook... narrowing his suspicious gaze on him. The half-blood refused to glance away and darted Yangcha a dead stare... so the young alpha cleared his throat and glanced past Jungkook to find Park Jimin... frowning at him with a resentful look. All the popular alphas... were darting him dirty looks because he was dating the supreme alpha."Ahem," Yangcha cleared his throat uncomfortably before shifting his gaze to the professor as he slipped the headset off his head."Welcome back, Yangcha," The professor greeted the alpha from the front of the class."Ah- neh," The alpha lowered his head at the professor and glanced at Sora on his left as she beamed at him in admiration with her hand tucked under her chin."I'll grant you a month to finish the undone work so you can catch up with your peers," The professor smiled at the alpha."I've already completed my work. Do you want me to hand it in now? I'll email the soft copies after class," Yangcha replied, causing the other alphas to widen their eyes in disbelief."Oh? How could you have completed everything-""I did half of the work before my surgery, and I finished the other half during recovery," Yangcha smiled at the professor as he withdrew the organized folder from his bag, stood up from his seat, and strolled past the alphas to hand in his work.The professor quickly flipped through the organized folder with his lips ajar to inspect the labeled document, neatly categorized together before lifting his startled gaze to the alpha in disbelief. Yangcha politely lowered his head again and excused himself to his seat with a weak smile on Sora's prideful beam. The alpha lifted the gift box off his desk to hold it over his lap... refusing to put his girlfriend's gift away and glanced at her again. He couldn't stop staring at her captivating visual."You're so cool," Sora mouthed, cutely giving him a thumbs up. Yangcha couldn't help but grin shyly at her approving gesture and gripped the box over his lap with a red face.
Lunch Break
As usual... on the empty field below the building... two souls remained under the cool tree shade... during a sunny lunch break while everyone else enjoyed their high-class lunch in the air-conditioned canteen. The supreme alpha's voice could be heard chirping beside her introverted lover as he ate the lunch she had prepared for him.

Jae Yangcha quietly inspected the neat slices of premium steak and grilled fish... in his lunch box before glancing at Sora's small food proportions. He smiled, lifted a piece from his box, and tried to place it on her lunch box- when she whined and pushed his wrist away in annoyance."Don't feed me! I made lunch for you- so could you recover quickly!" Sora chuckled, grabbing Yangcha's wrist and forcing the alpha to feed himself."But you made so much~!" Yangcha grumbled while chewing on the side of his stuffed cheeks."Look at the size of your body! How can you eat so little? It's double proportion," Sora smacked his chest. Yangcha softly chuckled while gazing at her adorable grimace."Do you hate it that much now that I've lost all my muscles? Trying to bulk me up again?" Yangcha nudged her arm."It's not about your muscles! I want you to stabilize your health so you won't fall sick again~!" Sora whined while shaking her head. Yangcha weakly chewed his food while staring at her stuffed hamster cheeks, so he leaned forward to peck her lips, causing Sora to blush bright red at his unexpected love stroke."I'll be back in shape in no time. Don't worry," Yangcha assured, lifting his arm to hold her shoulder over the bench."I really don't mind~!" She pouted at Yangcha, so he chuckled and opened his mouth to let her feed him a slice of carrot."Why didn't you tell me about your qualifications?" Yangcha asked, curiously staring at her pretty lashes as she hugged his waist while sitting crossed legs on the bench."Because I wanted to surprise you!" She beamed. He lowered his face to peck her lips again. Smooch. Sora wiggled her body out of pure excitement while munching her food with puffy cheeks as her boyfriend rubbed her shoulder.

"Did another alpha tutor you? The person must be a genius," Yangcha smiled while playing with her loose hair."Seokjin agreed to coach me temporarily, but I did most of the studying myself. You left the extra materials inside my locker- so I utilized your guide and taught myself," Sora chuckled."See? You're not dumb. You only have to try," Yangcha proudly tapped her chin."I felt really sorry after I found out about your illness, so you were my motivation. Couldn't have passed without your presence in my heart~! You gave me so much strength!" Sora nodded while wiping Yangcha's greasy lip with a napkin. He softly chuckled and pressed his face against hers. The couple giggled at each other to savor their peaceful relationship while conversing under the tree without a bother about the world.
Meanwhile.
"What an eyesore," Jeon Jungkook grumbled with his narrowed eyes nailed on the supreme alpha and her lover as he stood on the second floor to stalk them. Yangcha laughed out loud and cupped Sora's cheeks, causing her to scrunch her nose cutely at her boyfriend."Does it bother you?" Minah asked, suddenly appearing behind Jungkook's back. The alpha glanced at his girlfriend and back at the couple."She's going to cause so much trouble for the household," Jungkook muttered. Minah glanced at Jungkook's grim side profile before shifting her dim gaze to Jang Sora as she fed Jae Yangcha an apple slice. "It seems... she's also bothering your heart," Minah grimaced, striding away with her arms crossed, causing Jungkook to grimace at his girlfriend... but he didn't budge and shifted his dark gaze back to his first love.
The half-blood hasn't paid attention to Jang Sora since his recovery from the hit-and-run incident in Busan because... he knew... his neglect was the only way to keep his family safe.

Jungkook knew... she was destined to wed Kim Taehyung. Thus, he forcefully withdrew his young love from her... and although he thought he had moved on... his heart aches to see her sharing joyful moments with... another man.

It used to be him. The center of her world.

It used to be Jeon Jungkook.
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Sora's POV
I sat alone in the dining room to have my steaming meal when the door suddenly swung open... and my mother came marching inside the room with her furious glare set on my face. I didn't stop chewing as she slammed her palms on the table to disrupt my peace, causing the plates and cups to clatter at the impact of her blunt force. She's upset again...?"What are you up to?!" Eomma snapped, angrily firing a glowering scowl."Eating... rice...?" I answered, dumbfounded by her question. The woman tensed her neck at my blunt response and suddenly clenched her shaky fists."They say you're dating a lower rank!" Eomma screamed across the table. Can't she speak calmly? Why is she always so angry? "Ah. Right. Do you wish to see him...? I can introduce him to you-""JANG SORA!" Eomma seethed, angrily raising her voice in extreme agitation. I sat calmly to examine her boiling anger... and fuming smoke from her red ears."He's not a lower rank. His name is Jae Yangcha... and he's a fifth rank," I smiled while eyeing the red flames in her pupils. My mother flared her nostrils upon witnessing my unbothered response."Your tutor?!- I sent you to study with him, but you were fucking around?!" She shrieked, hastily snatching the glass to splash the cold water at my face. SPLAT! I closed my eyes to welcome the wet splatter without budging as the fluid spilled over me... messily trickling... onto my lustrous nightgown.
Why would she splash water at me if she's so upset? She should puncture my heart with a knife instead. But no... she keeps me alive... just so she could abuse me. I'm her punching bag.
"We spent most of our time studying... but I did fuck him... and he did fuck me. So what? You wanted me to enter the advanced placement level, so I did- with his help... and I got my virgin vagina pumped with his big dick because I love him. What did I do wrong? I've fulfilled my duties as the heir of our household by qualifying for the advanced level. Did you believe I'd preserve my purity to be fucked by another man's hard cock once you trade my young... and tight... pussy for power?" I replied, sternly lifting my face to challenge my upset mother. She scoffed at my inappropriate language in disbelief."Break up with him this instant, or I'll-""You'll what? Kill me...? You can't do that. You need my existence to sustain the household," I laughed at my mother with a drenched face. She sneered at my rudeness and suddenly stormed around the table to snatch my collar, hastily yanking me to my feet- but I wore a blank face to oppose her raging fiery."Did you think you challenged me? It takes only one command to lock you up-""Lock me up again... and I'll make sure... to wreck the household from within," I smirked, causing my mother to stiffen in place with her tight grip around my collar."What can you do?-""Should I tell Mr. Jeon... about his first wife's tragic death? How... she took her own life because of your poisonous threat? Or should I tell Mrs. Jeon... Kim Taehyung killed her average husband... to appease your greed? Hmm...? Or should I... disclose the truth... about... your secret affair... with Park Jihyun? Should I tell... appa... I'm not his blood child? Mother? Which... card should I play first? Did you think I was scared of you... just because I stayed quiet all these years? No. I simply waited for my young self to grow up so I'd have enough strength to resist your evil," I darkly chuckled until I felt a sharp chill... surging up to my neck... and bolting up to my skull."Jang Sora-""The reason... you're always... so upset with me... is because you fear me. You knew... I knew... your dirty little secrets to achieve power. Wanna lock me up again?- I'll destroy your household and alliances with your dirty little secrets. How will Jeon and Kim react to your wicked crimes? And appa...? Did you think... he'd... stay muted once he realized... you've deceived him all his life?" I snarled while narrowing the dead stare on my mother. Gasp! The terrified woman suddenly released my collar and stepped back with a resentful glower."You wouldn't dare-""Test my patience again... and I'll show... just how... daring I am. Mother," I smirked, stepping forward with a clenched jaw, causing her to back away in fear."You have to marry Kim Taehyung!-""Marry a man who almost killed me? I'll marry Kim Taehyung only if you can revive time to undo all of your filthy sins because I will not allow your cursed karma to get back at me! You must atone for the crimes you committed! And I will shield you no more!- I dare you to test my limit again, mother!" I sneered, darkening my evil-infested gaze on her frightened face. The woman couldn't utter a word and scoffed at my resistance with her lips ajar. She despised my existence because... I'm Park Jihyun's spawn... but I saw deeper... she feared me because of the trauma the dead man inflicted on her."Aigo~! We're hungry~!" Mr. Jeon groaned, cluelessly strolling through the doorway with the elders, but they abruptly paused in their position once they noticed... my drenched face and hair. My father glanced at my mother in bewilderment, who suddenly cleared her throat and glanced away in displease."Omo! Why are you soaked?!" Mrs. Kim shrieked as she rounded the table to examine my gown."I spilled water. Please enjoy your meal," I smiled at the woman before strolling out of the dining room, coldly passing by Kim Taehyung and Jeon Jungkook. They darted me dark stares... but I didn't bother and left the dining room to the household.
I knew I had no strength to oppose my parents when I was younger, so I patiently heeded their orders... but now that I'm grown and mature... I know for a fact... that I have the upper hand in this revenge game against my mother.

She can't afford to lose me... or her power will perish... and she'll lose everything to the starving wolves.
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University Compulsory Trip
Sora's POVChoi Do-hwan effortlessly lifted my suitcase from the car trunk to settle on the ground in the packed parking space as I adjusted my small strap bag over my shoulder in a loose tank top and short jeans. The man hauled the luggage over the pavement, so I quickly chased after him while fixing the sparkly clips in my hair until we arrived at the standby buses packed with alphas and lower ranks."Sora!" Yangcha beamed at me, so I snatched the suitcase from my chief guard and dragged it forward to sprint toward my boyfriend."Did you pack your toothbrush? I bought a new one! Just in case!" I shrieked, slamming right into his solid body for a crushing hug, causing Hoseok to eye our affectionate interaction weirdly as he hauled his luggage into the lower compartment."Oh no! I think I might've forgotten to pack it~!" Yangcha gasped in realization. I giggled and pulled away as he took the luggage from my hand in an attempt to heave it... but I grabbed his wrist to stop him."Don't lift the luggage! I can do it!" I grinned and pushed Yangcha aside to heave my heavy luggage."It's fine- I can-""No! The doctor said you shouldn't lift heavy things yet!" I tugged my luggage from Yangcha's grip. He sorely exhaled at my refusal to let him assist me as I lifted my luggage in difficulty and tried to force it into the compartment... but it wouldn't slide inside. Oh? Why is it stuck? Thump. Someone suddenly lifted my suitcase and shoved it all the way in... so I gasped and glanced to the side to find Taehyung... arranging the suitcases with a blank face. He didn't look at me and shoved his suitcase in after mine."Let's wait inside the bus," Yangcha smiled as he placed out his hand for me, so I took his fingers and strolled past the alphas to climb the bus until we discovered the luxurious interior of the mega bus with only sixteen armchair seats. There were only four lounges made of four seats with a table between each pair. Yangcha strolled through the spacious aisle to sit on the back lounge on the right side of the bus."Can I sit by the window?" I requested. Yangcha nodded and stepped aside to let me slip into the armchair by the window before settling down beside me to rest his arms on the table. He carefully leaned over my body to search for the seat belt... and buckled it for me before leaning back against the backrest as I eagerly peeked out the window to watch the alphas load their belongings inside the compartment below."Aren't you cold?" Yangcha asked, slightly nodding at my short jeans as he held my hand over the table."I think it's going to be hot at the beach," I shrugged while leaning against the armchair until Jungkook entered the bus with Minah.
They took the back section beside ours as Jimin followed Taehyung to sit across from Minah and Jungkook. Mira and Minho took the front compartment with Namjoon and Sungho as Min Yoongi settled beside Gae Haerim across from Ryu So-young and another fifth-rank alpha in the front compartment, leaving two seats in our section vacant.

No one wanted to sit with us.
"I guess we'll have to join you two~!" Hoseok mumbled. He strolled down the aisle to sit across from me by the window as Seokjin settled across from Yangcha with a slight grimace."Let's not fracture our skull again and have fun," Seokjin teased the alpha, causing my boyfriend to blush bright red. Yangcha is still recovering from the surgery, so I'm quite worried about his feeble health. The professor advised him to rest at home but he refused and insisted on escorting me on the trip. I glanced at the brown beanie over Yangcha's head as he dismissively patted my hand over his lap to avoid the bitter-looking school president.
A moment later
The high-rank bus finally departed from the university after the professors confirmed our attendance. The alpha immediately grew muted on the road trip. No one chattered as they keenly stared outside the window in disinterest. The professor had arranged a bonding program for the students in Busan... so I'm nervous because of past traumas there. Sora! Just have fun! There's nothing to worry about.I blinked out of my thoughts and glanced at Seokjin, who was dozing off on the slanted armchair as Hoseok typed on his tablet with a slight frown. Minah was reapplying her makeup as Jungkook and Jimin gamed on their phones. Taehyung, on the other hand, was sitting with his empty gaze on the scenery with his arms crossed over his chest. The other two sections were asleep... so I gripped Yangcha's hand and looked up to find him sitting with his head lowered. Is he asleep...? I tilted my head to check on him."He's asleep," I whispered, gently nudging my hand under his chin to support his head. He's always drowsy because of the post-surgery side effects. I carefully helped Yangcha lean back against the headrest before tapping the button to slant his seat backward until he comfortably rested over the armchair. Fwip.I zipped up his jacket all the way to his neck and leaned over to peck his lips before pressing the button to slant my armchair backward. We'll hopefully arrive at our destination once I wake up from my nap. I disabled the handrest between our seats, finally slumping back onto the headrest to hug Yangcha's stomach with my leg hooked over his thigh and snuggled against his neck with a faint smile.
Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung eventually averted his unblinking gaze away from the boring scenery on the side of the road and glanced at the section beside his to find... Jang Sora... sleeping with her arm and leg hooked possessively over her boyfriend. The alpha dimly stared at her exposed thighs and glanced at her thin tank top as she dozed off against the alpha's neck until Jae Yangcha stirred awake... sleepily turning his head to search for his girlfriend.

Yangcha frowned at his girlfriend's uncomfortable sleeping position and slowly sat up to hold her bare thigh until he noticed goosebumps... spreading all over her delicate skin, so he unzipped his jacket, pulled it off his shoulders, and gently spread the warm material over the supreme alpha's body... completely covering her exposed limbs with his oversized jacket. She grumbled in her sleep and turned to lay on her back.Yangcha leaned back against the slanted armrest, carefully slipping his arm under her head and gently turned on his side to hold her over his jacket until Sora turned her body again to snuggle against his warm chest. Smooch. Jae Yangcha softly kissed her forehead and closed his eyes as he cradled the supreme alpha over their joint armchairs."Aish..." Seokjin grumbled with his sleepy eyes on the lovebirds before him. Hoseok funnily sniggered while shaking his head... and glanced to the side to find Taehyung staring darkly at the cuddly couple."They're quite cute, don't you think?" Hoseok smiled while nudging Seokjin, who shook his head bitterly while rubbing his sore face and glanced out the window."Cute? They were doing the dirty in the club's bathroom!" Mira sniggered from the front section."Yah! Keep your mouth sealed if you have nothing better to say! Leave them alone!" Seokjin warned the alphas and crossed his arms. Kim Taehyung took a deep exhale, tilted his head against the window, and closed his eyes with a bitter look.
A moment later.
Kim Taehyung strolled out of the bus last to enter the hotel lobby crowded with the lower ranks as the professor sorted out the room keys by the reception desk. He noticed Jungkook arguing with the professor as Kim Seokjin stood between them with a dark frown. The school president unsurely glanced at Jae Yangcha, who was getting scolded by the half-blood as he carried his unconscious girlfriend against his chest. Sora unconsciously hugged her boyfriend's neck with her body pressed against his torso as he held her like a child with his arms secured under her bum and his jacket... draped loosely over her shoulders."-Does it make sense? He's not our ally! She can't share the room with him!" Jungkook frowned at the professor."But they registered together!" Seokjin snapped while waving the checklist before Jungkook's irritated face. "What if she gets hurt?- Will you take responsibility?! How can a supreme alpha carelessly share a room with a lower rank!" Jungkook shrieked at the school president. Taehyung calmly walked up to the crowd and glanced at Sora, who was asleep against Yangcha's shoulder as he firmly supported her body."Then what do you want to do?! Share the room with her? Minah is upset!" Seokjin nodded at the crowded elevator as Minah frowned at Jungkook with an annoyed look."Can we wake her?" The professor asked, uneasily glancing at the supreme alpha as she clung to her boyfriend."Noona," Yangcha whispered, carefully patting her back and gently settled her down, causing Sora to stir awake. She rubbed her heavy eyelids and shifted her groggy gaze to the elderly man."Do you wish to share the room with your partner?" The professor questioned."Of course. I'm staying with Yangcha," She grumbled, sleepily accepting the card from the professor, causing Jungkook's eyes to widen in disbelief."Problem solved. I doubt you have a room now that your girlfriend is upset," Seokjin rolled his eyes and handed a key to Kim Taehyung, who had requested to sleep alone in a suite."Don't think of coming to my door," Taehyung muttered after taking the golden card from Seokjin and strolled away with a blank face. Yangcha lowered his head to excuse himself while supporting Sora's shoulder as she stood with her eyes closed and steered her away... so she turned and followed her lover in his oversized jacket."My duty is over. Excuse me," Seokjin mocked Jungkook and walked off with his card to share the room with Jung Hoseok, who was chatting with Gae Haerim by the elevator. Jungkook huffed in annoyance and stormed after the other alphas, causing the professor to shake his head sorely as he turned to watch the young adults separate their ways.
After Dinner
Sora's POV"Is it still sensitive?" I mumbled while rubbing the cream over the scar on Yangcha's scalp as he sat crossed leg on the bed in his pajamas."Nope. It's healed, but the doctor asked me to apply the remaining cream," Yangcha shook his head. I chuckled and lowered my hand to close the tube. Smooch. The alpha leaned forward to caress my lips, making me smile at his affectionate strokes."You shouldn't play with the alphas tomorrow. You might get injured," I pouted, gently holding Yangcha's hands over my lap. It might be a bonding activity, but the alphas are fiercely competitive! A friendly match might turn into a bloody disaster- I'm worried for him!"I'll be okay," Yangcha beamed, pecking me again, so I giggled and kissed him back before crawling off the bed to place the treatment tube away and stretched my arms before the glass wall with a view of the dark sea."They're all at the pool," I mumbled while peeking down at the crowd of alphas and lower ranks swimming in the private pool by the seaside."Do you want to swim?" He asked as he crawled off the bed to stand beside me."It's fine. You go to bed early-""You brought a bikini though. Don't you want to wear it?" He asked while nudging my arm. I smiled and glanced at him with a questioning look."You're okay with me wearing a bikini?" I asked. Yangcha chuckled."Why would I not be okay with you being confident in your own skin?" He lifted his eyebrow."Ohhh~! You're such a secure man!" I chuckled while hugging his waist so he cupped my cheeks and lowered his face to peck my forehead. I thought he'd get upset at me for wearing revealing clothes- but is he okay with it? That's so nice of him!"Let's swim," Yangcha insisted. I nodded in agreement, quickly walking over to the wardrobe to withdraw my yellow bikini and entered the bathroom to get changed before stepping... into the bedroom again... to find Yangcha... pulling a loose white shirt over his torso."So? What do you think...?" I asked, shyly twirling in the yellow bikini with ribbons on either side of my hips. Yangcha paused to eye me up and down with his lips ajar."I don't know if it's the color or- no. It's you. You're gorgeous," Yangcha nodded, giving me a thumbs up. I grinned at his approval and skipped forward to hold his waist."What about you? You're going to swim in your pajama pants and a shirt?" I asked, lightly smacking his chest. He's still insecure about his body!"My body isn't toned yet," Yangcha shrugged. I laughed and smacked his stomach before strolling away, so Yangcha grabbed a clean towel and followed me to the door. Creak- THUMP! I shrieked in a panic when a person came stumbling into me as soon as I yanked the door open. The man crashed right into me- so I gripped his shoulder in bewilderment."What are you doing here?!- Were you eavesdropping?!" I shrieked, shoving Jungkook away, who quickly straightened his body with a flushed face."I WAS JUST- WHOA!- I WAS... J- JUST- Just!- What are you... wearing...?" Jungkook frantically tried to explain his suspicious presence outside my door- but widened his eyes in shock once his startled pupils landed on my revealing bikini. The alpha stood awkwardly with his mouth half open and snapped his gaze back to me in bewilderment."Do you have an issue? Noona wants to swim," Yangcha calmly stood behind my back. Jungkook blinked out of his thoughts and snapped his flustered face at Yangcha."I wanted to borrow her soap! I forgot my mine at home! We use the same brand, so share it with me!" Jungkook stuttered. I sorely exhaled as Yangcha strolled away to grab my soap bottle and push it against Jungkook's chest before nudging me out of the doorway, so I stepped out with my narrowed eyes on Jungkook's flustered face. Why is he following me around?! Yangcha would never hurt me!"Are you seriously wearing that to the pool?" Jungkook asked while gawking at me as if I was crazy."Why not? Is something wrong with it?" I asked, briefly glancing down at the thin fabric over my crotch and breasts before glancing back at him."They might speak nonsense again-""The only issue with her swimwear is that she's very beautiful in it," Yangcha responded as he closed the door behind his back with the towel hooked over his shoulder. Jungkook grimaced at the alpha and suddenly stormed off with an attitude, so I scratched my head and walked with Yangcha to the elevator. Jeez. What's with his attitude? He goes to parties with almost naked women all the time... so why is he picking on me?"Maybe it's too revealing?" I muttered while hugging Yangcha's forearm as he led me through the ground floor. Why did Jungkook react so harshly? I thought I looked pretty~! We stepped through the automated sliding door into the windy opening off the distant beach to find the crowd shrieking at each other in the pool area."Oh?- The infamous restroom couple is here!" Mira shrieked while waving at us, causing everyone to avert their attention to me as I clung to my boyfriend, who stood in his casual pajama pants, plain white shirt, and a beanie over his head,"How did that scruffy dude get you anyways?!" Minho teased as he leaned against the pool wall. I grimaced and walked forward with my boyfriend."Yah! Don't cause trouble! I won't help you if you get into a fight!" Seokjin shrieked, quickly sitting up on the pool bench with a warning glare."Whatever is in your pants must be massive!" Mira mocked Yangcha, who maintained a calm expression and helped me toward the edge. Neither of us responded to their offensive statements and chose to protect our peace. They'll get tired of speaking if we ignore them.
Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung gradually shifted his dull gaze from Gae Haerim's flirty smile from across the pool... to settle his eyes on... the opposite side until he found himself... staring at... the supreme alpha's almost naked body as she stood on the poolside in her yellow bikini. The alpha didn't blink and watched Yangcha slip into the water in his pajama pants and shirt before reaching for Jang Sora. She carefully sat down on the edge and slid into the water with her lover as he supported her underarms."Cold! Cold~!" Sora shrieked while clinging to her lover with chattering teeth."I really thought she liked me," Jimin grimaced. Taehyung lifted his eyebrow and glanced at the alpha's envious frown on Jae Yangcha."You pursued her?" Taehyung muttered with his arms extended over the edge of the pool."I did, but she was already with him in secret," Jimin rolled his eyes while flipping back his sexy wet hair."Hey~! How did you hit it off?!- It's strange how you're so clingy to a lower rank! Is he big?!" Mira shrieked while sitting on the pool edge in her drenched black bikini, constantly picking on the couple to press for their reaction."Don't start a fight! I'm warning you!!!" Seokjin funnily shrieked at the alpha as they teased the supreme alpha and her lover, causing Namjoon to chuckle beside his friend, who was working extra hard to preserve peace amongst the alphas. Taehyung sorely watched Sora hold Yangcha's thick neck while paddling like a child in his embrace without a care for the world. She kissed him sweetly... causing the other alphas to groan at their public display of affection."Hey! You're making all of us comfortable! Don't do anything inappropriate in the water!" Jeon Jungkook suddenly appeared to pick on the couple again."What's your problem?!" Sora shrieked at Jungkook as he stood with his hands on his hips to fire the supreme alpha a disapproving look."Just don't embarrass yourself!-""Yah! Why are you protective over her and not your own girlfriend?!" Hoseok snapped at Jungkook, who grimaced and glared at Minah. She rolled her eyes at her boyfriend while lying sexily on the floating flamingo with sunglasses hooked over her nose bridge.Taehyung shifted his dull gaze to Jang Sora again as she playfully splashed at Yangcha, who leaped forward to hug her in the water, causing her bouncing cleavage to rub against his chest. The couple proceeded to tease each other shamelessly until Kim Taehyung heaved his shirtless body out of the water and got up to sit on the bench. The man calmly drank the cocktail from a glass and leaned back to watch the lower ranks and alphas mess around in the water... until he noticed Jae Yangcha hauling himself out of the water.Jang Sora grabbed onto the alpha's forearm as he heaved her body out of the glowing pool water. Kim Taehyung stared at her soaked buttcheeks and glanced at her glazed cleavage with a blank expression as she shook the water from her waist-length hair. The alpha traced his dull gaze over her little belly fat until she took her lover's arm and they quickly ran off without anyone's notice. The second rank alpha watched the infamous couple... disappear down the concrete steps... heading toward the dark sea... before shifting his blank gaze back to the cocktail in his hand as he calmly rested on the bench with an arm tucked under his head."Hey," Haerim suddenly appeared, sitting on the bench beside his in her pink one-piece swimwear. Taehyung shifted his gaze to her pretty pupils as she fired a flirty smile while tucking her hair behind her ear.
Meanwhile.
"Noona! It's dark! We shouldn't wander too far!" Yangcha called from behind. The supreme alpha dismissively splashed over the ankle-deep sea water as they strolled away from the looming hotel territory."I want to go over there! To the giant rock!" She pointed ahead as her lover followed her with a towel over her shoulder. Yangcha chuckled, suddenly stopping to crouch over the wet sand to pick up something with an eager smile."This seashell is pretty!- Noona...? Noona?!- Where are you?!" Yangcha called once he lifted his head to search for the supreme alpha, but she was nowhere to be found. The alpha widened his eyes in a panic at her absence- and quickly sprinted after the fresh footprints on the sand... until he reached the giant rocks on the dark shore."BOO!" Sora leaped out from behind a rock, causing the alpha to flinch in shock."Don't run away so suddenly~! You might get hurt!" Yangcha scolded her as she giggled and softly pecked his lips. The heiress suddenly backed away again with a keen smile on her lover, who smiled at her bubbly mood with his attentive gaze on her moist skin as they stood under the dim moonlight."No one can see us behind this rock," Sora grinned as she reached behind her back to undo the knot and slipped her bra right off her breast, causing Yangcha to freeze in place. He stared at her hard nipples with his lips ajar.

"What are you doing?! Sora!" Yangcha gasped, jerking forward in a panic to hug her body with the intention of hiding her bare bosoms."No one can see us! Why are you so scared?!" Sora giggled, slightly pushing him away. Yangcha stared at her naked breasts with a flushed face and glanced up at her in disbelief."Put it back on~! We're outside~!" Yangcha pouted and tried to take her bra from her hand, but she shook her head and stepped backward to splash into the shallow water with a weak smile... unbothered by her nudity."You haven't touched me since you woke up from your coma~! Why...? You don't find me attractive anymore~?" Sora asked, briefly glancing at Yangcha in curiosity as she crouched down to poke the sand for a seashell. Yangcha exhaled and walked up to her."Do you have to take off your clothes to appear attractive to me?" Yangcha asked, gently grabbing her hand to draw the supreme alpha onto her feet. Sora giggled and pushed him away again."It's normal to be aroused~! But you don't even want to touch my body when I'm almost naked like this! So I'll search for a man who can handle me!- AH?! HEY!- HAH~!" Sora teased and tried to sprint away over the damp sand with her uncovered breasts- causing Yangcha to gasp at her escape. FWIP! The alpha swiftly bolted forward to snatch her waist and tugged her behind the high rocks with a startled look.

"Are you crazy?!- Why wouldn't I want to hold you?!" Yangcha chuckled as he dragged her deeper between the jagged rocks on the seaside with his palms gripped firmly over her breasts to cover her nipples. Sora giggled shyly and tilted her head upward to stare at his flushed face until Yangcha sat down on a rock. He tenderly embraced her naked body over his lap and kissed her shoulder blade as the couple stared at the calm sea before them."You're healthy now~! So how long should I wait...? Is it because you're afraid I'd accuse you of harassing me again~?" Sora pouted, tilting her head to stare at Yangcha as he massaged her bare breasts."It has nothing to do with you. I'm just not ready," Yangcha whispered in her ear while back-hugging her.
Sora's POV
"You're not ready? What do you mean?" I asked while sitting on his lap, facing away from the alpha as he groped my breasts in the deep shadow of the rock. He exhaled, softly kissing my bare shoulder again, and lowered one of his hands from my breast to touch me over my soaked panties. I tightly gripped his veiny forearms while leaning against his chest, keeping my dim gaze trained on the calm tides... over the glistering ocean surface."I lost my shape during the coma, so I'm trying to bulk up for you," Yangcha chuckled, gently pressing his fingers over the fabric covering my groin, making me shudder at his thrilling touch."I don't mind~!" I whined, moaning in difficulty as he rubbed my pleasure spot in a circular motion."I'll ease your body if that's what you need," Yangcha whispered as he firmly held my back against his pulsing chest. I deeply exhaled while sitting on his thighs... until the alpha slipped his fingers under the hemline to stroke my sensitive slit with his finger pad. Shiver. I trembled against his sticky body with my head lowered as the overwhelming pleasure expanded over my throbbing crotch."Hah~! It feels good-" I moaned, tilting my head back over his shoulder with my lips ajar as he carefully applied pressure over my clit and gently rubbed the swollen nerves. Jolt! My muscles... twitched intensely at the wet strokes of his skilled foreplay as I held his forearm on the dark beach... until I lost control of myself and moaned lustfully."Does it feel good...?" Yangcha whispered in my ear.I nodded in difficulty as he gently inserted his middle finger between the fleshy slit and rubbed in an upward motion, so I moaned again and lowered my face to watch him finger me under the panties... until I felt my body tensing up with the friction of his strokes. Yangcha pushed my thighs apart to make me spread before the sea view, making me seethe in pleasure with my head tilted over his shoulder. I sensually stuck out my tongue and sucked on his neck like a pacifier... until the scorching warmth... jolted all over my inside. Squelch. Squelch."Baby~! Can't we do it? Hmm~? I really don't mind the shape of your body~!" I complained, desperately tilting my head to plead Yangcha as he rested his chin on my shoulder while fingering me under the soaked panty. Hngh~! I want him so badly! I cupped his cheeks to make out with him in the dark shadow while twisting my body uncomfortably.Yangcha steamily fumed against my lips while swirling his slick tongue in my mouth to muffle my troubled moans as he thrust his fingers inside my throbbing crotch. Huff. Huff. I clutched his moist nape, lifted my weight off his lap, and rotated my body to face him until his hand slipped out of my pantie. The alpha fumed in heat as he pressed his palms over the rock with his body slanted backward, so I gripped his shoulders and carefully sat facing him over the rock."You want to do it out here?" Yangcha whispered, unsurely frowning at me as I caressed his flushed cheeks."Why not? It's thrilling," I chuckled, softly kissing him to ease his anxiety. He shakily exhaled and reached inside his soaked pants to pull out his hard boner, so I pursed my lips and glanced down at his raw bulge as he jerked his penis between our soaked crotches before tugging the pantie fabric aside and pushed his way inside me.I gripped his shoulders with a slight frown as I lowered my weight over his lap to suck him inside my aroused canal until we moaned in pleasure at the presence of each other's warmth. Hngh~! It's been so long since we had sex- it feels like I'm going to cum just by sitting on his hard cock! Yangcha sensually massaged my sensitive breast and kissed my neck softly as I rocked my hips back and forth to make love with him between the massive beach rocks. Am I afraid to get caught? No. I'm not ashamed of loving him like this."Hah~! You're so warm~!" Yangcha frowned while thrusting under me, so I pursed my lips and lifted his soaked shirt upward. I want to feel his flesh~!The alpha took off the damp cloth and tossed it onto the rock beside us before coiling his arms around my soaked waist and pounded his way upward to juice my inside. Thwop! Thwop! He lustfully licked my collarbones and sucked onto my neck as I clutched his shoulder while bouncing my buttcheeks steadily over his rough pubic hair to devour his hard bulge. Fwop! Fwop! I moaned in extreme pleasure when he lowered his face to suck on my nipples, intensely fondling my breast to taunt my sensitive nerves... so I hugged his head against my chest and kissed the sexy scar over his scalp. He's so hot~! I feel like my skin is melting into his~!"Do you love me? Hmm...?" I groaned while biting down on my lips as we fucked in the shadow of the looming beach rocks. Squelch. Squelch. Yangcha steadily trusted inside me before lowering his flustered face to study my naked body as our bare chests chafed against one another in the chilly opening."I worship you. You're a goddess in my eyes," Yangcha whispered while frowning at me in difficulty. I moaned out loud and flung my head back while humping his penis between my juicy slit, causing Yangcha to groan in distress as he held onto my arched spine to support my weight. Squelch. Squelch."You have to marry me no matter what. Promise me," I whispered while panting against my lover's parted lips. Yangcha thirstily poked out of his wet tongue to lick my lips, so I moaned and opened my mouth to suck onto his flavor tastebuds while bouncing over his thick thighs."I won't let anyone take you from my grip," Yangcha nodded, pulling away to catch his breath with a flustered face. Thwop! Thwop! We stared intensely into each other's eyes until I noticed his eyes softening and his flushed cheeks... glowing bright red. I can trust him. I know I can trust him because I've never seen a man look at me in such a way before.I nodded with my lips pursed and kissed him deeply until Yangcha groaned and thrust inside quicker to pump the discharge out of my opening. I moaned and clutched onto his muscular shoulder while rubbing my sweaty breasts against his chest. Squelch~! Squelch~!Yangcha seethed in extreme pleasure until he accidentally bit my shoulder, making me whimper in discomfort but I didn't resist him and lowered my face to lick on his Adam's apple. Hah~! I'm losing my mind because of him! I intensely sucked his throat with my eyes closed as he roamed his fingers over my bare back to grope my buttcheeks, encouraging me to bounce harder onto him until I felt my canal clenching onto his throbbing shaft- repeating beating inside me to intensify the intercourse."Don't pull out. Cum inside me- baby- cum inside me- Hngh~! I'm so close-" I whispered while rocking over his crotch to swallow his stiff penis. Yangcha moaned in distress as he nibbled my throat, so I clawed his bare back and humped him harder."I'm cumming~! Sora~! Hah~! Urgh- Cum with me- Ugh- Baby, cum with me- Fuck!-" Yangcha groaned in extreme difficulty until I felt him stiffening inside me, so I bounced harder to pump the semen out of his tip as he tightly gripped onto my sweaty back. Thwop! Thwop!I gasped in shock once the blinding hot surge blasted all over my inside- so I whimpered and clutched onto his shoulders while sucking on his neck like a leech with a numbed face. Twitch! Twitch!  Yangcha groaned aloud as his penis intensely twitched inside me until... the warm discharge exploded inside my throbbing canal. SPLURT! I loudly moaned his name upon hearing his sexy grunts. Oh~! I've been deprived of sex for months because of him!"Good- Hah~! Good job~! Hah~! You're so manly!" I chuckled, lowering my face to rest on his shoulder as he hyperventilated under me. Huff! Huff! Yangcha groaned again once our heated bodies stopped moving and curled his arms around my hips to hold me close to his moist skin."You have no idea... how far... I'll go... to protect you. Sora... I will gouge out my heart with my bare fingers if you asked me to," Yangcha whispered, gently kissing my earlobe, causing me to shudder at his hot breath. I pursed my lips with burning tears in my eyes while hugging him with my face buried against his moist neck. He'd give me his heart? How... sexy."Yangcha... I'll give you everything I have. I'll crown you... as the king of the society. I'll marry you... and I'll allow you to be the father of my children," I whispered, finally lifting my head off his shoulder to gaze at his sweaty face as his semen leaked from between my thighs. He nodded in agreement and kissed me passionately under the moonlight, so I tightly clutched onto his head as he sucked the spit from my tongue while rubbing my moist back to soothe my strained muscles before the dark sea.________________________
Bonding Activities
The reserved private outdoor arena on a vast green field erupted with booming uproars as the lower ranks cheered for the high-ranking participants on the territory below. The elders waved at their heirs while sitting on the bleacher under the shade as the young alphas stretched their toned bodies on the racing tracks below.

Jang Sora rotated her hips with her hair tied in a high ponytail in her loose sports shirt and shorts as Yangcha stretched his sturdy body beside her. The couple exchange flirty smiles, causing Ga Aera to frown at her daughter and her lover's bruise marks on their necks with a disapproving grimace. The woman huffed and glared at the other households while watching the alphas bond in the extensive opening.
A moment later.
Jang Sora shrieked at the top of her lungs while hopping in the potato sack to outrace the other female alphas during a competitive sack race. Yangcha perched stiffly on the bench to monitor his girlfriend as she hastily rounded the orange cone in her sack and bounced tirelessly back toward the endpoint. The boyfriend cutely gripped his fists over his thighs with his attentive eyes on his lover in anticipation while praying for her victory. Thump!Minah whined- weakling tripping to the side when her loose hair wouldn't stop blocking her view. Haerim huffed in determination as she chased after the supreme alpha on the field until- SMACK! Sora shrieked in shock when Mira roughly bumped into her- sending the supreme alpha toppling to the ground. Yangcha flinched at her downfall, quickly shooting up from the bench with a startled look, but halted in annoyance once Sora sat up in the sack and shook her head at his sore grimace."HEY! THAT'S A FOUL!" Hoseok screamed in shock.The crowd erupted loudly once Mira arrived at the end line and quickly hopped out of the sack with a prideful smile. Sora softly whined and got up from the ground to dust her knees in annoyance before glaring at Mira, but she didn't make a fuss and waved at Yangcha instead. The judge didn't seem bothered by Mira's dirty play and allowed the alpha to win that round... but as the team competed in various... games... Lee Mira... kept targeting Jang Sora.The alpha would trip... bump into her... and even shove the supreme alpha away to achieve an unfair victory in whatever game they were playing... until they participated in the chicken fight game in a square boundary. Sora glared at Mira's smug expression as the two alphas stood over the sand on one foot.The referee blew their whistles to signal the game, so Sora shrieked and charged forward, causing her opponent to tense up in her place. Mira smirked and dodged Sora's impulsive leap, roughly hoping on her leg to bump into the supreme alpha's shoulder, who almost toppled over- but she regained her balance and spun around to glare at the devious alpha. Mira smirked at Jang Sora's irritated glower, suddenly charging forward as Sora stood her ground and- THUMP!"WHAT THE FUCK?!-" Seokjin screamed, leaping to his feet when the supreme alpha head butts her opponent right in the head. Mira shrieked at the blinding impact and staggered backward, slamming right onto the sand and rolling over in pain with her hands clasped over her forehead. Scoff! Sora shrieked at Lee Mira's defeat and jumped around in excitement to celebrate her victory with a bright red forehead. "Yah! You cheated!" Mira shrieked, suddenly scrambling to her feet to confront the supreme alpha."You were cheating the entire time!" Sora screamed at the alpha."You should be eliminated!" Mira screamed at the referee for interference."YAH! I LET YOU WIN THE OTHER GAMES!- OW!" Sora tried to confront Mira when the alpha suddenly shoved the supreme alpha aside- sending Jang Sora stumbling over the sand. Minah gasped at the shocking brawl and quickly sprinted forward to lift Sora from the ground with her sharp glare on Mira."What's the matter with you?! Accept your defeat!- SORA!" Minah snapped at the Lee's daughter- FWIP! Sora suddenly bolted off the ground with her fists clenched and roughly snatched Lee Mira's hair with an angered scowl, causing the crowd to gasp in shock."YOU'RE THE CHEATER!" Sora yelled at Mira in anger."OW! OW!- LET ME GO! YAH!" Mira screamed as she angrily snatched the supreme alpha's hair."Hey! Why are you abusing your peers?!- You crazy witch!" Minho cursed, suddenly racing forward to shove Sora backward, who stumbled to the side- so Minah quickly caught the supreme alpha again as Minho supported Mira with an annoyed grimace."Crazy witch?! You bastard!" Minah shrieked to defend her friend. Jang Sora furiously screamed at the top of her lungs after she lost her cool and dashed forward with her fist directed at Shin Minho- who widened his eyes at her aggressive outburst- SNATCH! He roughly seized her wrist in disbelief."AH!- LET GO!" Sora screamed in pain when the alpha angrily twisted her wrist while towering over her. Minah gasped and sprinted forward to smack Minho as he glowered at Jang Sora with his raging glare."How dare you use your power to abuse others?!" Minho sneered at the supreme alpha until Kim Taehyung rose to his feet unconsciously as the buff alpha tightened his clutch around Sora's pained wrist."Ow!- You're hurting me!" Sora screamed in tears as Minah struggled to free her friend from the alpha's taunting grip, but Minho only twisted her wrist harder. Taehyung clenched his jaw and was about to dash across the field when- ZOOM! Something swift bolted across the field- and- WHACK! Shin Minho violently flung backward at the blinding impact once an alpha skillfully leaped off the ground with a deadly spinning kick- bashing the alpha hard in his face with a solid shin.THUMP! Shin Minho roughly slammed onto the ground after receiving the fatal blow to his face. Silence. The noisy audience abruptly froze in their seats with their gawking eyes on the alpha as he gripped his bleeding lips in horror and coughed out... a few loose teeth... from his bleeding lips."Oh shit!" Hoseok shrieked, quickly covering his mouth in shock as Minho spat out his fallen teeth.Kang Minah stiffened beside Jang Sora, who was just as stunned by the startling attack, so she quickly lifted her face to find... Jae Yangcha... looming over Shin Minho with his dark gaze nailed on the alpha... whose lips were bleeding heavily. The professors remained... frozen... on the bench as Minho scoffed in disbelief before snapping his raging glare at Yangcha's... blank expression."YAH?! WHAT THE FUCK-" Mira screamed, suddenly racing forward to kneel beside Minho but he roughly shoved her aside and launched to his feet in extreme anger, hastily swinging his steel fist toward Jae Yangcha. Thump! Yangcha firmly raised his hand to seize the alpha's wrist, causing Minho to flinch in shock at his brisk reflex. The injured alpha shifted his startled gaze to Jae Yangcha's stern stare... as the fifth rank stood with a straight face."YAH!- HOW DARE YOU HURT A HIGHER RANK- ARGH!?!!- *%^$!#&!?!- ARGH!- ARGH!!!!" Minho tried to yank his hand free when- CRACK. Kim Namjoon flinched, unconsciously dropping his water bottle in shock once Jae Yangcha twisted the alpha's wrist without budging his muscles- causing Minho's joint to snap at the force. Mira shrieked, quickly covering her mouth as Minho... hollered in pain... yet Jae Yangcha didn't release his broken wrist. Kim Taehyung frowned at the alpha in disbelief while standing on the sideline."Apologize," Yangcha muttered, darkening his gaze on the alpha. Minho whimpered with trembling lips as his bloody drool dripped onto the ground."Never- ARGH!" Minho sneered- painfully grunting in extreme discomfort once Yangcha tightened his grip and twisted his wrist harder."Another... turn... and you won't be able to use your right hand... ever... again," Yangcha warned, staring dead at the alpha... whose eyes were bloodshot with swelling tears."Yah! Yah! Cut it-" Seokjin quickly launched from the bench but paused in a panic once Jae Yangcha shifted his predatory pupils toward the school president, signaling the second rank to back off."Apologize. Both of you," Yangcha instructed, sternly averting his piercing glare to Lee Mira's terrified expression."YAH! HE'S IN A HIGHER RANK- FUCK!?" Jimin shrieked- but winced in shock when Yangcha released Minho's wrist and- THUMP! The alpha violently stamped Shin Minho in his chest with the base of his sneaker... sending the alpha slamming hard onto the ground until he helplessly rolled over the dirt with a broken wrist. "No...? You won't apologize...? Who are you to bruise her precious skin...? Hmm?- You drugged her once at the club... and she was almost harassed by you. Yet you have the audacity... to unleash your anger on her now that she rejected you...? Does an apology hurt your ego?- After you went around slut shaming her because you can't touch her divine body? Die with your ego then," Yangcha sneered, dangerously lifting his shoe to compress Minho's head, causing the alpha to grunt at the pressure. Mira widened her eyes in horror as the lower rank resentfully pressed his weight over the alpha's skull- causing Minho to thrash over the ground in extreme discomfort."I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY!- ARGH!" Minho cried in distress while holding Yangcha's ankle to resist the crushing force over his skull. Yangcha paused at the alpha's frantic apologies and shifted his gaze to Lee Mira... who stood paralyzed in her place."Sorry- I'm sorry!" Mira shrieked, glancing at Sora in a panic.Yangcha suddenly lifted his shoes off Minho's sweaty head- who coughed in distress while clutching his wounded wrist on the ground, so Mira whimpered and slumped beside Minho to hug his weak body. Huff. The alpha deeply exhaled to expel the swelling anger from his chest.... and glanced at Sora... who was clinging to Kang Minah. The both of them... gawking at the fifth with a terrified look upon... witnessing his chilling... darkness."Let's get your wrist inspected," Yangcha muttered, placing out his palm for his lover.The supreme gulped at his hand gesture and lowered her gaze to his open palm with an uneasy feeling. She had never encountered his dangerous nature before because she had always assumed he was a soft-hearted human. Jang Sora slowly released Minah and stepped forward to place her fingers in his grip. Yangcha gently wrapped his fingers around hers and tugged the supreme alpha forward. She nervously clutched his forearm as he blankly turned on his heel and escorted her away... leaving every soul within the arena petrified by his defensive aggression to protect the goddess.Mrs. Jang gripped her dress restlessly with her eyes fixed on her daughter as she walked along the side of... not a... weak puppy... but a deadly... beast. The Jaguar. Kim Taehyung frowned at Minho's adverse condition... who suddenly lost consciousness on the ground with bleeding lips and shifted his dark pupils after the skilled alpha as Jungkook scoffed and walked forward to inspect the broken tooth on the ground."Yah- Did you see that kick?" Hoseok gasped, frantically racing forward to count the teeth on the ground with Jungkook."Five teeth... and probably a fractured rib with the second kick..." Jungkook clenched his jaw while evaluating the fatal strike and lifted his narrowed gaze to watch Jae Yangcha escort Jang Sora inside the medical tent."Is he a pro?!- Yah! You're the only black belt I know! What level is he?!" Hoseok funnily nudged Jungkook, who swallowed intensely and glanced at the unconscious alpha with a grim look."He's definitely not as defenseless as he appears. The lethal kick... can only be achieved by a black belt... and his reflex is acute. He didn't even flinch at Minho's left hook," Jungkook shook his head. Hoseok covered his lips in shock, nervously glancing at the tent as Seokjin rubbed his face and slumped on the bench beside Min Yoongi... who remained terrified in his seat."Call the medics!" Namjoon shrieked at the paralyzed guards until they sprinted forward to assist the motionless alpha."Yah. Do alphas normally knock out... each other's teeth during... a friendly match?" Yoongi whispered while nudging Seokjin's arm until the school president shifted his sore gaze to the newly revealed alpha's ashen face and shook his head."Usually... it's a light bruise... not... broken teeth... bleeding gums... and broken wrist..." Seokjin grumbled as the professor frantically rushed over the field to check on Minho."I should sign up for defense class," Min Yoongi gulped with a tense body as he stared at the bloody roots of the scattered teeth on the ground."Did you see how fast he bolted toward Minho? I couldn't even see him..." Sungho muttered, still petrified in his seat. Yoongi nodded sniffly. The alphas' faces drained in fear as they exchanged nervous glances before lowering their gaze to the fresh blood on the saturated ground and the knocked-out teeth on the dirt... utterly taken aback by Jae Yangcha's lethal strike.______________________
Fast Forward
"You have to stop seeing him!- Sora!" My mother snapped, tugging my arm with an uptight frown as I strolled into the living room."No. Yangcha won't let me go- so please refrain from interfering with our relationship," I firmly turned to face my mother."Shin Minho will call for a council meeting and the alpha will be punished! You can't side with him!" Eomma insisted. Creak. My mother snapped her dark frown at the opened door with a baffled look, suddenly halting in place once Do-hwan appeared with a man at the doorway."Please excuse my unannounced visit," Yangcha smiled, lowering his head at my mother, whose face drained of blood in his alarming presence."I invited him over for dinner because he wishes to speak to you and abeoji directly," I announced, causing my mother to stiffen in her place with her terrified gaze on Jae Yangcha. I smiled and walked forward to take his hand, gently patting his warm fingers as he fondly stared down at me. Do-hwan stood beside the door with his expressionless gaze on the alpha as my parents gawked at his threatening presence.
A moment later.
My father quietly shifted his uptight gaze to my tense mother, who had been hushed since she entered the dining room to share a warm dinner with my lover. The woman eyed the visible scar on Yangcha's scalp with an uneasy feeling before firing me a disapproving look as Yangcha piled the food on my plate."So you're a fifth rank?" My father cleared his throat to break the tension."Neh. My family is a fifth rank," Yangcha smiled, politely lowering his head at my parents."You're the lowest rank amongst the fifth ranks," My mother cleared her throat. Yangcha chewed quietly with his attentive gaze on my father and glanced at my stern mother as we sat across from them."I worship your daughter... and I will-""It's not about your pretentious treatment. My daughter is a supreme alpha. How do you expect to sustain her with your trivial influence in the council?" My mother frowned, gripping the fork in frustration. I exhaled at her rude remark and glanced at Yangcha as he nodded at her words and calmly sipped plain water from his glass."How can power come before your daughter's welfare?" Yangcha lifted his eyebrow after placing the glass aside."Be realistic. This is the game of survival. Not a fairytale," My mother sneered over the table."So you're thinking of... marrying her to a man she doesn't love? It doesn't matter if he mistreats your daughter? As long as you can secure power?" Yangcha chuckled, briefly glancing at me with a worried frown, so I pursed my lips and returned a smile. Yangcha can do the talking. I trust him."How can you desire to hold my daughter with nothing in your hand? Aren't you too greedy? You're only putting her future at risk with your reckless determination to pursue her," Appa spoke up to defend my mother. Yangcha smiled and shook his head."She loved me when I had nothing in my hands. Did you think... I wouldn't give her my all... once I obtain everything?" Yangcha smirked, lifting his sharp gaze to my parents."How are you going to do that? She's supposed to marry a powerful second rank. You'd have to be at Kim Taehyung's level to achieve her," My mother smugly clasped her hands under her chin. Yangcha didn't seem bothered and placed a slice of meat on my plate again."I am the highest-ranking academic achiever this year. And in terms of physical strength... I'm a master in martial arts. Sora doesn't only have a lover... I am almost her protector," Yangcha replied. My mother rudely rolled her eyes."And power? It doesn't change the fact... that you're from a lowly family. You're useless," My mother lifted her eyebrow. Yangcha quietly chewed while nodding his head at her harsh comments."So I'd have to be a second rank to achieve your consent?" Yangcha asked, smiling at my mother."Even if you work for the rest of your life- you'll never-""I can ascend to the second rank overnight if that's your wish, but you'd have to ensure the society is prepared for my ascension. I do not wish to startle the higher ranks with my capabilities... but if you insist... I must prove it to you," Yangcha chuckled, causing the smile on my mother's face to fade from her red lips."What do you mean you can ascend the council overnight?" My father froze in his seat. Yangcha chewed the food in his mouth in a composed manner... leaving my parents gawking at the alpha with a startled look."My parents did not integrate our whole assets and chose to acquire the lowest rank seat in the council because they're wary of the cult. But if you... can give me your word... and allow me to wed... your daughter... then I will prove power to you. My hasty ascension will stir unrest amongst the household... so... are you willing to take the risk?" Yangcha calmly explained. I lifted my face with a startled look."I won't believe you until you show me," Eomma firmly shook her head to dismiss his confident claim. Yangcha smiled at my mother while cutting into his steak."Very well. I will secure the supreme alpha at all costs," Yangcha confidently nodded."How can you possibly do anything without your parent's consent?" My mother grimaced."I will contact them and arrange a meeting with the Jang household. Please excuse us," Yangcha suddenly pushed away from the desk and stood up without a warning, causing me to glance up at him in confusion."You're leaving?" I asked in bewilderment. Suddenly?"Let's go. I have plans with you, noona," Yangcha placed out his hand."Where do you think you're taking the supreme alpha this late?" My mother scoffed in disbelief."I will return her in one piece. Please excuse us," Yangcha assured my dumbfounded mother, so I lifted my hand to hold his- utterly confused by his invitation and stood up from the table as he had instructed.My father frowned at the alpha uneasily, but they didn't stop us as we made our way through the doorway... leaving my parents flabbergasted in their seats. The alpha gently squeezed my hand as we exited the front door... and we ended up... leaving the property in his car. Where are we going? It's already nightfall! Yangcha didn't speak and kissed my hand repeatedly as the driver drove us out of the city... so I exhaled and glanced out the window with a clueless look."Wae? I'm not properly dressed," I whispered once we stepped out into the vast opening... to find a helicopter parked on a field. Are we leaving Seoul...?"It doesn't matter. You'll be in my territory, so you can dress however you like," Yangcha chuckled and tugged me forward with him, so I gasped and walked after him in my silk gown."You're not flying me across the country to see your parents abroad, right?!" I shrieked, quickly tugging his forearm in bewilderment. Yangcha paused at my resistance and shifted his smug gaze to me."You don't wish to meet my parents?-""No! It's just I'm not properly dressed right now!" I gasped in a panic while patting my thin gown. I'm in my sleepwear!Yangcha chuckled at my complaint, lowered his face to peck my lips, and drew me forward... so I anxiously gripped his shoulders as he grabbed my waist and lifted me off the ground to place me on the helicopter as a few guards lowered their heads to greet us. Yangcha climbed onto the seat next to mine, fastened the belt around my waist, and placed a headset over my head to secure my ears."Trust me," Yangcha chuckled, gently taking my hand to assure my anxious soul. I scoffed and glanced at the pilot in the front seat... until the engine of the aircraft whirred to life... and we suddenly elevated off the ground."SCARY!" I shrieked, quickly hugging his forearm with a racing heart. Yangcha chuckled at my timid behavior and lifted his arm to hold my shoulder as I tightly hugged his waist with my face buried against his chest. Where is he taking me?! Why by a helicopter?!- I'm not used to this!- I've never flown out of Korea since I was born!!!
A moment later.
I gasped in extreme bewilderment while gripping the lustrous silk as my boyfriend dragged me through a dark wood in the middle of nowhere. It's very late~! Where is he taking me? I gripped his hand in fear while glancing around the confusing tree trunks as I stepped over the dead leaves on the ground. What the heck? He flew me in a helicopter at night! We landed!- And now we're walking through the woods?!-"Where are you taking me!?!-" I shrieked, suddenly grabbing his hand to halt the alpha."You don't trust me?" Yangcha scoffed at my terrified face."My trust in you left my body since you dragged me inside the wilderness!" I snapped while frowning at the calm man. How can I trust him when he's taking me to the middle of nowhere?! He quietly examined my flushed face and lowered his face to peck my lips again, making me whine at his suspicious acts."You're cute when you're scared," He chuckled."Jagi~! I don't like this!" I whined, but Yangcha refused to stop and lead me through the darkness. I whimpered in fear and tightly hugged his forearm while glancing back and forth to search for scary monsters. What if a tiger eats us?!"We're almost there. I promise you'll be safe," Yangcha smiled, lowering his weak gaze to me. I glared at the alpha in annoyance and followed him. He might ditch here me if I'm too fussy!"You're a crazy man!" I shrieked as he shoved the tall grass apart and pulled me after him, so I whined out loud as the ticklish grass brushed against my face until- Splatter. I halted in shock once I stepped onto a small creek. Yangcha suddenly grabbed my waist to lift me over the shallow stream, so I gripped his shoulders and glanced at a tall black door installed in the plain concrete wall with my lips ajar."We're here," Yangcha announced, walking forward with my body in his strong arms and lowered his hand to press on a small black pad- Beep. Clack. The door smoothly slid open. I sucked in my breath in surprise while clinging to his neck before snapping my face toward the smug alpha with a drained look."Are you kidnapping me?!-" I gasped. Yangcha chuckled softly at my absurd exclaim as he stepped through the door while carrying me in his arms, so I gripped his nape and glanced at the dark corridor in fear. Trust me?!- I trusted him! Now he's taking me inside a hidden bunker?! This is straight out of a horror movie! I always knew I was never the type to die fast in movies because I'd run for my life the instant something felt off- but I fell for a hot man's lie... and now I'm trapped!"Stand still. Close your eyes. Give me a few minutes. Okay...?" Yangcha cupped my terrified face after he settled me onto the floor. Gulps. I shifted my startled gaze to the looming black door as the lock sealed shut on its own to separate me from the wilderness.I nodded stiffly and closed my eyes as he had instructed. I usually don't obey orders! But he's a hot man with a hot body! So I'll do as he says! Yangcha released my waist and strolled away... leaving me... alone in the darkness beside the door. I swallowed intensely once the place grew hushed until I felt my skin crawling with the chills of the frigid atmosphere. Why is it so cold?!"Baby~! This is scary!" I shrieked with my eyes closed."Calm down! I'm here with you!" Yangcha's voice echoed from the far end of the corridor, so I shakily exhaled and stood in place for about five minutes. Why did he make me shut my eyes? Should I peek?- HAH! I'm so scared~! I puffed my cheeks in extreme discomfort while gripping my hands on the side."Yangcha? This isn't funny~!" I whined in annoyance."Open your eyes and walk forward. Don't be scared," Yangcha's voice echoed again... so I flung my eyes open to gawk at the dark corridor. Where is he?!Swallowing intensely... I took off my slipper, fearfully stepping over the polished tiles with my balled fists until I noticed... warm flickering candlelights... scattered over the floor. Pause. I stopped at the spacious opening once I noticed... Yangcha... standing at the center of the living room. I can smell the faint fragrance. I blinked at the romantic setups and glanced at the bed of red petals as my boyfriend stood at the center with a colorful bouquet in his arms."Oh?" I whispered, unsurely walking forward with a weak smile and halted... right outside the massive heart-shaped flower bed... to examine the fresh petals in bewilderment."Will you take my hand...?" Yangcha smiled, placing out his hand for me. Sora. You're lucky he's not a serial killer because you wouldn't be standing in a romantic candlelit room like this... if you were to follow another man to the middle of nowhere.I swallowed at his welcoming gesture, stepped onto the red petals on my barefoot to reach him... and finally held his hand with a startled look. I'd run from ghosts, monsters, and strangers! But a hot man with a sturdy body? I'd run after him- and he'd be the death of me. Yes. He's my weakness because I'd bend all my safety rules to be with him."Did you do this yourself...?" I whispered, softly nodding at the romantic-scented candles and the flower decorations around us. Yangcha smiled as he placed the bouquet aside... and... lowered his body... before me. I abruptly froze over him as the man knelt on one knee... slowly withdrawing a black box from inside his pocket. The alpha popped the case open to reveal... a twinkling diamond ring.

"Will you marry me?" Yangcha proposed as I stood over him with a shaken expression. I stared at his hopeful smile with a slight frown... until unconscious tears flushed my startled gaze... so I pursed my lips and slowly crouched down to face him. Yangcha blinked at me in confusion as I quietly admired his handsome face."Are you going to trap me in here until I say yes?" I teased, placing out my left hand for him. Yangcha chuckled and shook his head with a cute beam as he reached for my fingers."I'll take you back to your doorstep even if you say no," Yangcha tenderly searched my gaze. I laughed while crouching before the kneeling alpha."Yes. I'll marry you~!" I grinned. Yangcha chuckled at my approval as he carefully withdrew the ring from the velvet black box to insert the loop over my ring finger, causing my heart to flutter in extreme contentment. The man eventually leaned forward with his lips puckered- THUMP!"AH!" Yangcha gasped in shock when I suddenly shoved him backward. Flop! The man funnily collapsed onto the bed of red petals with a startled look, so I quickly crawled onto his torso, roughly pinning down his chest to keep him sprawling over the delicate flowers."Hah~! Thank god I was always prepared for the proposal~!" I grinned while reaching inside my bra to fish for something. Yangcha lay over the roses with a startled look and quickly sat up to hold me over his lap until I pulled out a glistering ring from my bra."You got a ring too?!" Yangcha funnily widened his eyes."I got a ring in case my mother refused to let you marry me! I planned on running off and marrying you whenever and wherever!" I giggled. Yangcha scoffed in shock as I lifted his left hand to fit the ring onto his finger and gently patted his hand before shifting my bright beam to his stunned expression."I love you! I love you! I love you~! Muah~! Muah~!" Yangcha shrieked, suddenly cupping my cheeks to kiss me on my lips, making me giggle against his breathy pecks. I hugged his neck firmly with my lips glued against his until the man rolled me onto the red petals. Smooch. Smooch."I love you too~!" I grinned as the alpha hovered his sturdy body above mine. Yangcha impatiently yanked off his suit jacket to toss it aside before lowering his body to kiss me again, making me giggle at his hasty manners as he groped my breast over the fine silk. I can't believe he proposed this early?! I ran my fingers over his prickly hair roots to feel the bulging scar on his scalp until he shifted his moist lips to my neck, softly nibbling my skin while interlacing our hands over the red roses.  The manly alpha carefully spread my thighs apart and sat up with a flushed face to unbuckle his belt, making me blush at his sexy smirk as he undressed himself between my legs. Yangcha chuckled and kissed my shin before trailing his wet love strokes over my inner thighs as he lifted the silk of my youthful body... drew it off my head... and hurled it aside. Fwip.The man slipped his strong arms under my arching back to unclip my bra, pulled down my panties from my ankles, and tossed them away before tearing his white shirt apart- sending the detached buttons scattering all over my body. Clatter! Clatter! I shrieked funnily and lifted my hand to feel his hard pecs as he crawled over my body to merge our heated souls again."You're so beautiful," Yangcha whispered, suddenly tensing up his masculine body as he dimly watched me sprawl naked over the red petals. He's just as attractive~! Inside out! He's perfect! I bit my lips while poking his sturdy abs with my toe as he sat back to admire the view of my stripped vulnerability over the flower bed."Give me your baby," I whispered, reaching downward to rub my aroused slit with my alluring gaze on his crazy hot physique as the candle lights cast a deep shadow over his defined muscle ridges. Yangcha watched me play with my lady bits with a flushed face, so I moaned and tilted my head over the flowers until he started jerking his penis between my legs. Fwop. Fwop. I intensely watched him beat his thick shaft between my thighs in difficulty while biting down on my lower lips."You want to have a baby right away?" Yangcha chuckled. I nodded."I can give you as many babies as you desire," I grinned. He scoffed at my daring offer as he crawled over my body to nudge his swollen tip against the throbbing opening over my crotch, so I pursed my lips and gripped onto his thick thighs until the alpha shoved his strong hips forward- Squelch. I quickly gripped his thick shoulder, shuddering intensely once I felt his warm presence sliding inside me. Yangcha groaned with his eyebrows furrowed, steadily thrusting forward to invade my moist canal... until I curled my toes in pleasure."One baby is enough," Yangcha chuckled, sweetly kissing me. I smiled against his lips while hugging his nape and drew down his nude body to grind my naked flesh against his. Hmmp~! The alpha eventually lifted his flushed face to gaze at my eyes while stroking my cheeks... making me blush at his attentive gaze on my face... so I shyly clutched onto his back muscles as he steadily thrusts between my parted thighs. Squelch. Squelch."Wae...?" I fumed, unsurely questioning his muted gaze."Can I do whatever I want with your body tonight?" He asked while holding my face between his palms."Why are you asking that question when you've got my frail body captive under your rock-hard body...?" I chuckled, fondly gazing at his charming visual. I can't escape his clutch even if I wanted to.Yangcha smiled and lowered his head to stroke my lips again. The both of us... panting in extreme heat as he inserted his tongue inside my mouth to caress my taste buds. I tensely rubbed his spine before lowering my hands to clutch his firm butt cheeks, making him shove his bulge deeper... between my thighs. Thwop. Thwop. The alpha moaned softly and lowered his face to suffocate himself between my cleavage... so I gasped in pleasure and tilted my head back... as he slurped onto my hard nipples while pinching the sensitive tip between his fingers to stimulate my nerves."You're so addictive," Yangcha grunted, sexily frowning at me once he lifted his chunky trunk off my pulsing chest with his arms pressed on either side of my head. Hngh~! I shoved my elbows over the scented petals to push my feverish body upward... so he gently held onto my back and drew me onto his thighs while keeping his shaft lodged inside me. The alpha carefully sat over the floor as I perched on his lap in a sitting position with a numbed face. Silence. We stared at one another... with a troubled frown while having sex on the floor. Squelch. Squelch."Will let me show you... just how much... I crave to touch your body?" I whispered while rubbing my thumb under his defined jaw as he worked his hips against my soaked crotch.Yangcha chuckled at my request and nodded with an eager smile, so I leaned forward to kiss his muscular neck, causing him to tense his body at my teasing touch. I lustfully trailed my tongue over his Adam's apple, down to his collarbones, and softly nibbled on his pulsing chest before lowering my lips to his hard nipple. He shuddered intensely as I gently pushed my tongue against his tip... sensually biting down on his chest and sucking onto his nipple to provoke his nerves."Hah~! That feels weird~!" Yangcha cutely shivered as I steadily bounced my butt cheeks over his thighs to intensify our pleasure."Lay down for me," I chuckled, slightly pushing his shoulder back until he released my body and slumped onto the flower bed with a flushed face as I stiffly perched on top of him for the first time. I've never... been on top of him before. Pause. I stopped moving my crotch and lowered my gaze to examine the man's helpless state as he struggled to regulate his breath beneath me. How is he so... submissive? When he has all the power to overpower me?Yangcha shakily fumed his humid breath while gazing up at me, so I kissed his chest and moved my lips down to his ripe trunk, smooching and licking thirstily... between the deep trough of his solid abs... until chilling goosebumps swept across his sensitive skin. I smiled at the plain sight of his standing body hair. He likes it when I lick him...?I tenderly stroked his hard packs with my moist tongue and scooted downward, carefully releasing his erect shaft from my moist slit. Smooch. Smooch. I softly kissed his hairy groin- causing the man to tense up underneath me as I sucked the bulging veins over his defined V-line abs... before tracing my naughty tongue... downward to search for his raw cock."Noona- not too low~! I didn't even shave down there!" He whined, nervously gripping my head to stop me. I paused and lifted my alluring gaze to examine his flushed face before glancing down at his pubic hair with a weak smile. Why is he ashamed of his body hair? He's always been a hairy man since the day I let him take my virginity. How adorable."It's just a bit of texture," I chuckled, gently kissing his wrist to assure him.Yangcha moaned in distress once I licked the base of his penis and gently smooched onto the shaft, lustfully coating his private part with my slimy spit before moving my lips up to his sensitive tip. Slurp~! Slurp~! I gently jerked his hard bulge while swirling my tongue over the tiny hole of his cock... and sucked onto him like a pacifier while blowing a wet patch over his soft tip to tease him with the chilling vibration. Urgh~! Yangcha made strange noises as I sucked his hard cock until I felt his body stiffening beneath me so I gripped his parted thighs and licked him all the way down to his massive sacks.The alpha groaned in extreme pleasure as I took him deep inside my mouth and bopped my head over his crotch while holding his muscular thighs apart... until he sat up over the petals to hold my bouncing head. He lowly grunted while holding my loose hair in his clutch, so I moaned at the flavorful taste over my tongue and lowered my face to massage his firm ballsacks with my lips, softly sucking onto his jiggly testicles- until Yangcha moaned out loud... seething in extreme difficulty."Hah~! Sora~! I'm going to cum!" Yangcha gasped, trying to push my head off his stiff penis- but I didn't stop and shifted my lips to suck on his tip- rapidly jerking him until I felt his shaft twitching intensely between my fingers- SPLURT!A load of semen... ended up exploding inside my mouth, but I didn't pull away and unloaded his discharge in my mouth to empty his bulge before withdrawing my lips from his glazed penis... leaving behind the stretching spit... over his swollen tip. I exhaled and lifted my head to find Yangcha frowning at me with a flustered face as he struggled to breathe... so I pressed my palm against his sweaty packs to calm him... mischievously licking my dirty lips to tease the man.I didn't know what I was doing when I went down on him- but I love it. The taste of his raw cum over my tastebuds. I swallowed the thick semen down my throat... and leaned forward to press my lips against his... making him groan at the taste of his own flavor as I swirled my filthy tongue inside his mouth to exchange our dirty fluids. Hngh~! I lustfully sucked his smooth tongue while rubbing his heated chest with a faint smile."I've always wanted to taste your flavor like this right from your... penis," I chuckled against his lips. FWIP! Yangcha suddenly seized my body and slammed me back onto the flower bed, so I gasped at the shocking force as he lowered his face between my thighs to shove his mouth against my lady bits."I won't stop until you squirt for me tonight," Yangcha shakily whispered while licking my swollen slit, causing my body to tense in distress- so I moaned and reached downward to hold his head as he sucked onto my clit while inserting his fingers to stretch my inside. A hot surge violently blasted all over my nerves upon his aggression... causing my face to grow numb with the shocking friction of his finger's presence inside me."Hah~! I don't think I can squirt~!" I moaned, weakly lifting my head to watch him devour my lady bits, but Yangcha didn't stop and kept sucking me all over until I felt my clit going numb from the endless throbbing sensation. I shrieked in distress while gripping red petals between my palms with my legs apart and back arching helplessly over the tiles- until he sat up between my legs with dripping-wet lips- Thump! Yangcha shoved his hard cock back inside me and- Squelch~! Squelch~!I arched my back like a stretching cat in the warm living room while scratching my neck in distress as he penetrated me and roughly thrust forward with his strong hips to overwhelm my body with the shockingly pleasuring intercourse. Oh~! He's beating me so well!- Hngh~! Why am I suddenly so aroused?! I pursed my lips in difficulty and lowered my gaze to his sexy sweat-coated honey-tan skin with a pleading look as he railed me with all his strength to juice out the discharge from between my thighs."Urgh! Urgh!" Yangcha grunted, sexily flinging his face upward to frown at the ceiling with his eyes closed while jamming his penis inside my vagina. Fwop~! Fwop~! I curled my toes in distress to resist the scalding burn inside me while watching him beat my raw crotch with his insanely powerful thrusts."Fuck- Sora- I love you so much," Yangcha cursed, suddenly lowering his body over my moist abdomen and shoved his lips against mine again- so I clutched onto his buzzcut head with my face tilted to fit my nose against his as he pleased our bodies with his manly hip thrusts. Hah~! Why does it always feel so good with him?!Yangcha fumed steamily and lifted his face to lick my earlobe, making me shudder helplessly at his wet strokes. Fwop~! Fwop~! The alpha heavily grunted as he bit my ear, so I clawed my fingers into his back as his muscular chest chafed the humid moisture between our naked skin. JOLT!I stiffened in shock when he suddenly hit a hot spot that made my body stiffen. I gasped and tried to push him off me, but Yangcha stubbornly coiled his arms around my head, causing me to suffocate against his left chest as he hugged my head against his sweaty shoulder. JOLT! JOLT! His hard penis tip... stabbing the tingling spot repeatedly until I felt like peeing myself. JAB!"I can't breathe- HAH~! Hah~! SO HOT!- BABY- MY INSIDE IS BURNING!- BABE!!- MY INSIDE IS SWELLING!" I screamed in fear while smacking his back to make him release me... but Yangcha refused and fastened his muscular arms around my head as he mercilessly thrusts his dick against my cervix opening, making me moan in distress until I could barely breathe- so I whimpered and helplessly clung to his sweaty back as he trapped me under his heavy body.

Squelch~! Squelch~! Squelch~!

Fwop~! Fwop~! Fwop~!

I desperately wanted to cry for his mercy... but my stifled voice couldn't leave my windpipe because his firm chest had entirely compressed my airway. SQUIRT! I shrieked in shock once the hot liquid burst between my legs- yet Yangcha didn't stop and jammed his cock back inside me, repeatedly hammering inside my canal to pump on the wet discharge. SPLAT! SPLAT! I twitched and whimpered in extreme distress with my face buried beneath his chest- but could not flee his strong clutch, so I cried and hugged his sweaty back in fright as the overwhelming pleasure consumed my soul. Hah~! I feel so dizzy~!"I'm almost done- hang on me! Sora- We're almost done~! Hah~!- Ugh~! I'll make sure- to make you- the mother of- our child- URGH~!- HAH!" Yangcha grunted, furiously whispering in my ear as he thrusts between my floppy thighs until his semen exploded messily inside my squirting canal. I slumped weakly onto the petals after I lost my strength from the extreme sexual intercourse. Shudder! Yangcha tensed his body muscles while unloading his discharge deep inside me. SQUIRT~! I felt my vagina ejecting yet another wet splatter that made my body convulse violently- yet I was too tired to react but to whimper in extreme difficulty.The alpha groaned in relief, finally releasing my head from his suffocating chest... causing my head to flop weakly onto the floor with my lips ajar. Thump. Thump. My temples pulsed intensely as I blankly sprawled on the floor with an entire numbed face. Yangcha lowered his face to kiss my lips while fuming his shaky breath over my face as I stared at the ceiling with swelling tears in my eyes... utterly disabled by the shocking explosion from between my legs... until I saw sparkling stars above my head."Hah~!" I groaned, weakly shifting my weary gaze to my lover as he lowered his manly body over mine. He smells... so good. I can't get enough of him- even if he's sweating profusely like this. I remained motionless on the tiles... with the red petals... stuck to my moist flesh... unable to budge my sore muscles but to hyperventilate helplessly with paralyzed nerves. I turned my burning face to press my nose against his damp neck as the extremely humid heat... expelled from beneath my... feverish skin layers.Yangcha grunted, eventually pulling out his softened penis- causing a gush of thick semen to flow from between my swollen slit. He huffed in exhaustion and rolled onto the petals, flopping weakly beside me with his limbs extended. Huff. Huff. The both of us... staring unblinkingly at the ceiling as his trickling cum... seeped from my swollen lady bits.I thirstily swallowed as Yangcha turned his burning face to examine my soulless body, worriedly eyeing my pulsating chest as I struggled to remain conscious beside him. He exhaled and cushioned my head beneath his bicep, gently seizing my waist to make me lay on my side, so I closed my eyes to recollect my scattered mind as I gripped onto his sweaty hips with my numbed face pressed against his beating chest.Neither of us spoke within the reeking living room as the heavy sweat beads... dripped from our feverish skin... soaking our hairlines and... staining the red petals with our dirty fluids. Yangcha took a deep exhale after a moment, turned on his side to hold my sweaty body, and gently ran his fingers through my damp hair as he sweetly kissed my forehead. I softly inhaled his body pheromones with a faint smile. I can do this every day. Even if it drains me. The alpha gently rubbed my spine to ease my sore muscles until my eyes dropped closed... and I ended up... descending into a deep sleep after he emptied my soul with our exhaustive sexual intercourse.
A moment later
Yangcha quietly crouched at my feet in the shower stall to wash my shins and feet as I sat on the built-in bench, too weak to budge my muscles but to stare at the scar on his scalp, still visible between the growing hair root. Scrub. Scrub. I watched him stroke the soft sponge over my legs up to my thighs until he lifted his face to examine my drained expression."Do you feel sick?" He asked as I dimly stared at his face."How are you so good to me?" I whispered, lifting my hand to stroke his cheek. Yangcha smiled as he washed my sticky flesh until he placed the sponge aside and rinsed my body to wash off the slippery substance from my skin.He gently pulled me onto my feet to soak my head and washed my back as I clutched onto his hips with my head lowered. I can never find a man... as good as him. How is he real? I didn't know. He feels like a beautiful daydream to me. Yangcha eventually rinsed my face, tenderly wiping away the water from my eyelids, and finally switched off the shower head. Pat. Pat. He tenderly dabbed my skin dry with a fresh towel and pulled a gown over my body before carrying me out of the bathroom to settle me on the edge of the bed."I'll be right back," Yangcha smiled after handing me a cup of hot chocolate, and returned to shower in the stall, so I quietly sat at the foot of the bed to enjoy the warm drink and glanced down at the silk gown over my body. He even prepared silk gowns at his hidden villa to ensure my comfort. How thoughtful. I swallowed the last droplet of the hot chocolate from the mug, got up from the bed to place it aside, and turned around just in time to find Yangcha... stepping out shirtless into the bedroom in his loose pajama pants. I stared at the love bruises I left on his torso and limped forward with a weak smile. He's so perfect~!"I think you bought the wrong gown," I whispered while feeling the silk between my fingers to show him the loose design."Wae? What's wrong? Is it too loose-""This is a maternity gown," I chuckled, lifting my head to gaze at his startled face. Yangcha pursed his lips in realization and gently placed his hand over my stomach."I guess it's meant for you when you have our baby," He chuckled, lowering his face to peck my lips. I nodded, softly chuckling as he held my hips, so I lifted my arms to hug his neck with a weak smile. I feel so worthy and safe in his arms."I love you," I whispered, exhaling in extreme relief."I love you more," Yangcha replied, gently rubbing my back while holding my waist to support my frail body. I chuckled as he rocked me softly against his chest to soothe my strained muscles... as we held each other in the warm bedroom.
I used to feel so lonely and detached... in my dull bedroom at the mansion... thinking no one... would ever hold me with so much love... but here he is... providing me with his warmth and loving me so delicately. Where has he been all my life?
________________________
ELITE COUNCIL
The rings of power players remained seated in their armchairs inside the circular room as Shin Minho glared at Jae Yangcha with a bandaged wrist. The jaguar apparently fractured the higher rank's rib with his deadly kick, took out five front teeth, and dislocated the alpha's wrist severely without breaking a single bone. He hurt Minho... just enough to punish the alpha.Jang Sora tensed up in her first-rank seat beside her grim parents as she watched Yangcha stroll up the staircase with his parents in a fitted black suit. The household frowned unsurely as the lowest rank alpha climbed the stairs with a blank expression, passing by their previous seats. And to everyone's surprise... The Jae... unexpectedly joined Kim Taehyung, Kim Seokjin, Min Yoongi, and Chul Sungho in the crowded second-highest row.Lee Mira widened her eyes in fear as Jae Yangcha settled beside his parents before shifting his blank gaze to the lower ranks below, causing Mrs. Jang to frown at the alpha in disbelief. Jang Beomseok widened his eyes at the Jae's unexpected ascension and glanced at the middle man with a startled look as the man waited for everyone to settle in their respective places.The Jae had officially chosen to disclose their true assets figures to the society... and it was beyond everyone's expectation. The households gawked at the official ownership documents in extreme bewilderment as the moderator announced Jae Yangcha's wealth and power security to the council. Kim Taehyung frowned darkly and glanced at the young alpha with an anxious look as Jungkook sat on third rank with his mouth ajar. Jimin scoffed and glanced at the alpha before shifting his gaze to Shin Minho... turning paler by the second... once he realized the Jae was significantly more powerful than his household."Do you wish to launch a trial against the Jae concerning your injury?" Yangcha sternly shifted his gaze to Shin Minho in the lower row."Everyone witnessed your attack! You hurt him!" Mira defended the injured alpha."And everyone saw him hurt the supreme alpha. Did you expect me to stand by and watch you abuse Jang Sora?" Yangcha asked, firmly lifting his thick eyebrow to question the alphas."Yah! I didn't even hurt her-""No? Sora couldn't move her wrist for a week. And oh... you attempted to assault her at the club, remember? Do you wish for me to disclose the camera footage of you... spiking her drink?" Yangcha smiled at Minho."I didn't even touch her! The supreme alpha was with you that night!" Minho refuted in disbelief. Yangcha clicked on his screen at his desk until a dark footage appeared on everyone's screen.Sora pursed her lips as she watched the footage from her desk. Shin Minho sneakily wandered... toward the unattended lounge while the other alphas were too busy dancing on the dance floor... and to everyone's shock... the alpha could be seen adding unknown substances to the glass on the counter. Jang Sora appeared shortly after to drink from the contaminated cup... and she disappeared to the bathroom with Park Jimin until... Shin Minho stepped out from the dance floor to follow her inside the lady's restroom. Mrs. Jang scoffed, firing Minho a frustrated glare as Mr. Jang sorely rubbed his aching head."She was with me because I was there to watch over her welfare. If she hadn't met me in the bathroom... her body would have been assaulted by your filthy touch. And... those unknown slandering posts and gossip about the supreme alpha that left her in a wreck were all initiated by you because you couldn't stand her rejection. So you tried to taint her image to nurse your ego. Should I continue? How you... paid the lower ranks to stalk and take inappropriate pictures of her at parties?" Yangcha lifted his eyebrow. Shin Minho nervously glanced at the evidence on the screen and back at the alpha with a tense expression."And who are you to defend the supreme alpha?! You're not even her ally! If it's anyone- you're the creep stalking her!" Mira scoffed."I am her fiancé. Jang Sora is my future spouse," Yangcha firmly stated."Moh!?" Jungkook snapped his head toward the Jaguar in bewilderment. The Kims stiffened in their seats and glanced at The Jang... who was just as petrified in their place. The council scoffed at Jae Yangcha's claim and glanced at Jang Sora... who remained composed in her seat."What do you mean?!-""I proposed to the supreme alpha... to ask for her hand in marriage. Jang Sora agreed and I have fulfilled her parents' wishes to secure her with my assets. Therefore, her problem is automatically my problem... and I will not settle unless you're properly punished for your crimes," Yangcha exhaled, lifting his left hand to flaunt the ring on his finger. Mrs. Jang froze in her place, immediately snapping her gaze at Sora's ring finger to gawk at... the matching jewel on her... slender finger."Sora!" Jungkook scoffed with his lips ajar."You can't claim her without the household consent-""The household permission was never a concern. It is Sora's choice and her heart alone that matters. You promised marriage if I ascended the rank, so I did. I have been patient and respectful enough to grant your household wishes, so please refrain from taking back your words. I will not settle for less," Yangcha shifted his stern gaze to Mr. Jang once the man tried to disassociate the Jang's involvement with the Jae household."Let her speak! Why is she muted?!" Mira shrieked in extreme frustration. The council grew hushed, so everyone glanced at the supreme alpha as she stared at the crowd with a poker face."Sora!" Mrs. Jang frowned at her nonchalant daughter."I am pregnant with Jae Yangcha's child... and I have chosen his household as the future leader of the council," Sora exhaled to announce her marriage, causing her mother to stiffen in place with her bulging eyes on her daughter.Jeon Jungkook's face suddenly drained of blood as Kim Taehyung... remained... blank in his seat. Seokjin pursed his lips anxiously while exchanging restless glances with Kim Namjoon as Hoseok covered his mouth and glanced at Minah... who was just as startled. The Jae... nervously stared at their son and glanced at the supreme alpha at the sight of the council's displeasure... but Yangcha had asked his parents to trust him... so they remained muted and agreed to let him handle the matter.
Although the Jang were against their daughter's relationship with the Jae's son... a newly rising household... no one dared to object to their marriage. Jae Yangcha was far too powerful for any household to resist because... the Jae... is in fact... wealthier than the supreme alpha in terms of their assets.

Jae Yangcha threatened the Jang to overtake the supreme alpha seat by integrating his remaining wealth from abroad to dominate the council... which would likely cause an uproar amongst the households due to the power imbalance... so Ga Aera had no choice but to surrender to the wild card played by the Jaguar to sustain her household as the first rank and to appease the other households.

The Jae promised security and peace to the other households if they accepted the marriage so... without a choice... all of the powerful households yielded to his demand to grant the Jaguar his bride. No one dared to challenge the power card... gripped securely in his claws.

Hence... Jae Yangcha successfully... married the supreme alpha... just two months after their engagement announcement at the Elite Council.
_____________________
Fast Forward
The alpha lounge loudly buzzed with soft chatters as the young heirs conversed with one another during a freezing winter afternoon... until the door slid open... and the supreme alpha appeared in a faux fur dress. Jungkook pursed his lips in her presence and glanced at the baby bump over her belly as she gleefully strolled inside the room, passing by Kim Taehyung, who shifted his dull gaze after her. Sora did not greet anyone and walked straight forward with her heart-shaped pupils glued on... the only handsome man in the room... as he sat alone in the corner of the lounge to study his material."Seobang, nim~!" Sora shrieked, cutely strolling up to Yangcha, who blinked out of his thoughts and glanced at her in surprise."What are you doing here...? I thought you weren't feeling unwell?" Yangcha asked, unconsciously reaching for her waist as she settled on his thighs with a small gift bag."I made you sweet rice cakes~!" Sora giggled and pushed the box in his hand. Kim Taehyung tensed his body as he watched the supreme alpha exchange sweet kisses with her husband by the glass wall as the other alphas bitterly watched their interactions from afar.

"You shouldn't overwork your body~!" Yangcha softly chuckled while rubbing her belly as Sora picked a fresh rice cake from the box to plop it in his mouth. She giggled and kissed the scar over his head until he returned the favor and fed her the purple tteok."Can I stay with you...? I'm bored at home," Sora smiled as Yangcha tilted his head upward to kiss her scented cheek. Jungkook clenched his jaw in annoyance and averted his eyes away as Seokjin signaled the alphas to avoid provoking the couple.Jae Yangcha nodded at his wife and scooted to the end of the empty couch that was facing the glass wall, so Sora exhaled and slumped down to rest her head on his lap as her husband drew his jacket over her lap and patted her head. The alpha shifted his eyes back to his device while chewing the delicious sweet made by his beloved wife as she rested on the couch to gaze at the drifting snow outside the glass wall."I'll wake you up once I finish my work," Yangcha assured while patting her back."The snow is pretty~!" Sora pointed at the fluttering specs."Just like you," Yangcha muttered, weakly stroking Sora's cheek. She giggled at her husband's sweetness while resting sideways on the couch- all snuggled up under her husband's jacket. She chattered softly with him during her visit... causing the other alphas to shake their heads in defeat. No one was prepared for the hasty marriage between the young alphas... so they're still... restless around the couple.
A moment later.
"Let me carry the lunchbox~!" Sora whined while strolling along Jae Yangcha's side as he strode the corridor with a firm expression. The alpha no longer wore his beanie to hide his visible scar so anyone could see the crescent surgical mark on his scalp."Carrying the baby is enough work for you," Yangcha chuckled while patting his wife's back as she held her small belly. The couple suddenly halted once they noticed a few lower ranks approaching them with nervous looks. Yangcha's smile dropped at the sight of his former bullies."Uh- We'd like to express our apologies for... our harsh acts in the past," The bully fearfully lowered his head at the second-rank alpha. Sora blinked cluelessly at the group of lower ranks and glanced up at Yangcha with a questioning look."Move out of her way," Yangcha coldly instructed, causing the lower ranks' faces to ashen in fear. They quickly stepped aside, so Yangcha patted Sora's back and escorted her forward without sparing his attention to the lower ranks... and the couple disappeared together to enjoy their family outing after Yangcha completed his schedule at the university.______________________________
Fast Forward

The society had obviously anticipated the downfall of the young couple's shallow relationship after they agreed to wed each other on impulse- assuming their relationship wouldn't last... but as Jang Sora's baby bump grew bigger... Jae Yangcha would only work harder to support his wife without ever complaining.

The supreme alpha never relied on her parents throughout her early pregnancy and would battle the hardship with her husband through all the draining days and nights until... she successfully... delivered her healthy baby.

And even after all the struggles as young parents... Jae Yangcha's undying love has never ceased as he held his beloved wife with genuine devotion to grant her a comfortable life.

He studied and worked tirelessly to secure his family even after the Jang refused to pass their assets to the supreme alpha... claiming she would only inherit the assets after their passing... but Sora didn't mind because her husband was a powerful man.

Booming Applause.
The society and the employees applauded loudly within the venue to celebrate the first corporate establishment under Jae Yangcha's legacy. Kim Taehyung remained numbed in his seat as he watched Jae Yangcha hold... Jang Sora's waist... on the stage as she cradled a healthy newborn son in her arms.The alpha blinked out of his deep thoughts while examining her radiant smile as she lifted her face to gaze at her husband... who had granted her forever happiness so effortlessly... causing Taehyung's chest to swell in remorse because... the only memories... he had left of her... was her frightened gaze... flooding tears... and lifeless body... after he almost took her life. The alpha glanced to the side to find Jungkook frowning at the happy family with an envious gaze... and deeply sighed. She was better off without them.

Jang Sora happily held her baby before the crowd below the stage as Yangcha kissed the side of her head before greeting the audience with a mega-tech corporation with his grasp. The couple beautifully flaunts their smiles at the crowd of sore-looking households, who have nothing but... envy for the couple after they choose to protect their love and secure each other's welfare from the brutal world.
Jae Yangcha has not only loved and cared for Jang Sora as her precious lover. He was also the father of her child and her biggest supporter. He raised his firstborn son with her and even... established... a nonprofit organization... under his wife's name since it was her dream to help the unfortunate.

The supreme alpha became the founder of Philanthropy with Jae Yangcha's sponsorship.
______________________
Fast Forward
"Virrrr~!" Jae Beom shrieked, zooming back and forth inside the living room as his mother prepared the ingredients in the kitchen. The child raced energetically around the villa in the wilderness with his toy plane in his yellow duckie pajamas, abruptly stopping by his mother's side with his mouth open- expecting to be fed, so Sora chuckled and pushed a small cucumber slice inside his mouth.

"Chew properly~!" Sora reminded as she watched the two-year-old bolt all over the villa until the child entered the kitchen again and climbed the baby stool to sit on the counter with his toy as the young mother clumped the dumplings on the tray."Beomie want to eat~!" Beom shrieked while pointing at the dumpling with his sparkly doe eyes."It's not cooked yet~! We'll have it for dinner~!" Sora chuckled, weakly smiling at the chubby baby boy. He pouted and glanced at his plane toy while struggling to regulate his unsteady breath."Eomma~! Can Beom have juice~?" The little boy cheekily beamed at his mother."Aigo~! How are you always hungry~? You sure have your father's appetite!" Sora chuckled while dusting her hands and turned around to open the fridge. She poured the cool apple juice into two cups before placing the small baby cup for Beom."Yum~!" Beom beamed after he sipped the juice, causing Sora to chuckle at her son's mochi cheeks. The mother sweetly kissed his cheek and lowered the boy to the floor after he emptied his cup.

"Bring appa this juice~! Be careful, okay~? Don't spill it~!" Sora smiled as she handed the mug to her son, who cutely licked his empty baby cup to drain the last droplet and carefully accepted the juice from his mother."Why is appa's cup so big?" Beom asked, cluelessly looking up at his mother with a slight pout."Appa is a big man~! If you're not full eomma will pour more for you, but bring it to appa first~!" Sora ruffled the little boy's hair. Beom nodded and happily skipped away... until the mother reminded her son not to spill the drink again as he disappeared down the corridor to search for his father.
A moment later.
Jang Sora carefully placed the dumpling tray aside and wiped the marble counter with a napkin before washing the empty baby cup in the sink. She finally settled on the stool to eat the leftover carrots in the bowl until Yangcha appeared with baby Beom on his hips. The mother smiled at her husband as he patted little Beom's back... who had dozed off on his father's shoulder."Is he asleep~?" Sora giggled as Yangcha rounded the counter to sit beside her.

"He refused to leave my workroom, so I let him sit on my lap- until his head flopped against the desk," Yangcha chuckled as his wife pecked his lips. Sora gasped in shock once she noticed the red bump on her son's forehead."I'll get ointment~!" She shrieked, quickly getting up to search through the medical kit before returning to find Yangcha chewing the carrot slices while holding his son in one arm. The mother lowered her face toward her sleeping baby and gently dabbed the ointment on her son's forehead. She exhaled with a slight pout and kissed his soft cheek before sitting back on the stool as Yangcha sat shirtless with his son held against his buff chest."Do you want to visit the city with me tomorrow?" Yangcha asked while feeding his wife a carrot chunk as Beom stirred against his father's chest with his baby-pink lips ajar."I don't want Beom to be isolated in the wilderness," Sora pouted. Yangcha chuckled as he patted Beom's back to soothe the toddler."We'll enroll him in school once he's ready. I'm searching for our forever home," Beom assured. Sora nodded and leaned forward to peck her husband's cheek so he fed her the carrot slice again and patted her head. The couple chattered softly before exiting the kitchen to rest in their spacious living room. Yangcha settled Beom on his right side as Sora hugged her husband on the left side of his body to share the couch... and the small family eventually dozed off into a brief nap.
A moment later.
Sora's POVI groggily stepped out into the refreshing opening to stretch my stiff arms before the clear pool during a warm afternoon to admire the peaceful wilderness around the property. I had a good nap. My husband and son are fast asleep in each other's arms so I'll rest a little before preparing dinner for them. I crawled over the hammock bed and gazed up at the clear blue sky with a faint smile... until Yangcha stepped out... of the glass door with a puffy face."Good nap?" I smiled at the red prints on his face. My husband nodded as he strolled toward me with his eyes half open. Fwip! The man unexpectedly yanked down his pajama pants right before my face... causing my eyes to widen at the sight of his manly bulge."Can you suck me? I'm so horny~! I had a really erotic dream~!" Yangcha grumbled with his eyes half open, funnily stepping forward to shove his hard penis tip against my face. I laughed and smacked his thighs in disbelief."Are you crazy?! What happened to hi and hello?!- How can you strip naked like this?- Beom might see us~!" I playfully whined. Yangcha smiled at my disapproving glare and nudged his soft tip against my mouth, so I exhaled and pulled him down onto the hammock bed with me. My husband grinned as he sat facing me until I lowered my head to give him an oral favor out in the opening."Hah~! Feels so good~!" Yangcha moaned as he spread his legs to let me please him. Slurp~! Slurp~! I intensely sucked on his bulge while jerking the shaft in the opening of our home for roughly ten minutes... until he successfully ejaculated inside my mouth. SPLURT!The alpha groaned in extreme relief, suddenly seizing my body and rolled onto the hammock with me. Having a young husband can be a bit challenging because his sex drive is almost always at its peak! Yangcha funnily swung his leg over my body to secure my hips, so I hugged his bare hips and gently groped his firm buttcheeks as he snuggled his warm face against mine to savor my fragrance. Smooch. Smooch. We kissed softly under the afternoon sky."Eomma...? Appa...?" Beom's small voice suddenly spoke up, so I gasped and rolled over to find the child rubbing his droopy eyes by the doorway."Put on your pants!" I gasped, frantically snatching Yangcha's pants to throw it at my husband, who chuckled and pulled the pants back onto his hips."Go and wear your swimsuits! Appa will teach you how to swim~!" Yangcha smiled at the sleepy boy, who nodded cluelessly and strode back inside... so I huffed and smacked his bare chest for being so careless."Don't be so shameless around our son!" I shrieked. Yangcha laughed at my playful glower as he sat beside me on the hammock and softly kissed my lips to express his apologies."You too. I'll teach my wife and my son basic survival skills. Join the swimming club~!" My husband smiled against my lips. I glared at his unbothered smile, shoved him aside, and stood up to stroll inside the villa until I found my son pulling on his yellow swimsuit while sitting on his mini bed beside our bedside. "Sweetie~! The shirt is inside out~!" I chuckled, quickly walking over to draw off the swimsuit from his body and flipped it over before helping my son back into his swimwear."Goggle~!" Beom giggled as I strapped the elastic goggles band over his bowl-cut head."Eomma will be with you in a bit. Go and warm up with appa," I kissed his chubby cheek. Beom nodded in excitement and skipped out of the bedroom as I opened the closet to search for a bikini, pulled on a white set... and finally strolled back out to find Yangcha supporting Beom's belly as the child frantically splashed over the stable surface."Don't splash~! Keep your legs under the water and paddle~!" Yangcha chuckled as he escorted his son over the pool surface, so I smiled and slipped over the edge to enter the cold pool."I'm a fish~! Eomma! Beom is a fish~! Wee~!" Beom shrieked, wildly kicking his mini legs to force his body forward, causing the cold splashes to spray all over my face. I laughed and shook my head at his cuteness as our baby paddled over the water with the inflatable floaties secured around his upper arms. Yangcha eventually released the boy... who shrieked in fright but didn't sink and cluelessly wiggled away with his determined gaze on the opposite side of the pool."He's doing so well~!" I chuckled, opening my arms for my husband as he drew me against his shirtless body. Smooch. Smooch. He sweetly kissed my lips as I hugged his nape to make out with him. Yangcha gently fondled my breast under the water, making me giggle at his naughty behavior."You won't sink... considering your plump breasts. They'll keep you afloat," Yangcha chuckled after drawing his moist lips away to admire me with a teasing smile. I shrieked at his joke, lightly smacking his chest as the man squished my breasts over the bikini bra. He lowered his face to peck my wet cleavage... making me blush bright red at his teasing strokes as he supported my weight under the water. He definitely will try to get me out of my panties tonight since he's this touchy with me!"Ah?!- Ah! Appa~! Eomma~! Help~!" Beom suddenly screeched in a panic. We snapped our heads in his direction... to find the child floating aimlessly over the calm surface with a big pout. His head barely... hovering above the surface... as the floaties supported his chubby weight."Stay there! You won't drown~! Appa told you to kick, so why are you staying still?!" Yangcha chuckled, dismissively turning to kiss me again. I smacked my husband's muscular shoulder as he stroked the side of my thighs under the water to stimulate my body. Yup! He's definitely not satisfied with the oral favor I gave him earlier!"Babe~! Don't scare little Beom~!" I giggled as my husband touched me between my thighs until my face flushed rosy red at his sensual touch."Ah! Ah! Help~! Eomma~! Eommaaaaa~!" Beom cutely shrieked while wiggling his body like a jellyfish, so I forced my husband away and leaped across the pool to retrieve my frightened baby. The boy quickly clung to my neck in fright as I kissed his wet cheeks to comfort him- until Yangcha swam over to back-hug me in the pool."Aigo~! Appa is so mean to Beom~!" I pouted at Beom's tearful eyes. The child whined in annoyance, angrily smacking his father's chest with his tiny fist and pressed his pouty face against my cleavage for emotional support."Appa- mean! Mean!- So mean~!" Beom shrieked, cutely glaring at Yangcha as the man coiled his strong arms around my waist to hold my back against his torso."Appa is sorry~! Eomma needed appa a moment ago~!" Yangcha chuckled, gently splashing the water on Beom's face as I hugged my agitated son. The child screamed in annoyance and splashed back at his father in resentment. Splash! Splash!"AH! AH! AH!" Beom shrieked, playfully splashing at his father. I laughed and covered my son's face as the father splashed back at his son- until Yangcha pulled me against his bare body again to trap Beom between us."Aigo~! Appa is sorry~! Muah~! Muah~! Forgive appa~!" Yangcha chuckled, lowering his face to kiss Beom's cheek until the child giggled in glee while clinging to my neck. I kissed Beom's head as my husband held the two of us against his body in the outdoor pool within our isolated property."We love you," I chuckled at Beom's flushed face as Yangcha dragged us toward the built-in bench on the shallow end.I securely hugged Beom over my lap while sitting over my husband's thighs to bond... with my wholesome family. Yangcha hugged my waist tightly with his chin rested on my soaked shoulder... funnily teasing our son as we remained in the pool together. Beom cutely bickered with his father and pressed his chubby face against my breast with a big pout... once he failed to win his father in the argument... so I giggled and rubbed the water from the child's damp lashes.
Third Person
The young mother fondly admired her toddler as the father teased the innocent soul while holding his wife firmly over his lap, securing them both under his protective embrace to assure them of his sincere affection and everlasting comfort as their soft chatters... and giggles... resonated across the peaceful wilderness... safely thriving together... without the undesirable disturbance of the greedy... and cruel world beyond their territory.
The family lived happily ever after.

Jang Sora might've owed her love debt to Kim Taehyung for most of her lifelines... but in this particular... world... she is happily... married to... Jae Yangcha.

And so... she raised little Beom... with her destined lover.

.

The beast is the only soul... capable of offering the supreme alpha... a comfortable lifeline without... poisonous pain...  tragic miseries... or deadly plot twists.

In the embrace of his devotion... she was happy and safe... until the end of time.

The jaguar and the goddess... are destined... endgame... only in a world free... from evil.
.
Jae Yangcha is Jang Sora's only fairytale in the ruthless... Game of Survival.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung sternly marched into the private middle school's lobby in his beige trench coat and polished Oxford shoes until the dreadful-looking staff greeted him at the front desk. They lowered their heads at the supreme alpha's presence and led the anxious man through the hushed corridor during a gloomy afternoon. The front desk had contacted the father for an urgent visit, so the alpha had to arrange an immediate flight and fly from Seoul to address the dire situation in Busan.The alpha glanced at the classrooms on the sides as the young children peeked through the glass windows to stalk his movement with their curious pupils. Was there an accident? The man didn't know for sure because the staff claimed they were just as clueless. Kim Taehyung clenched his jaw and followed the front desk employee toward the school principal and a teacher as they guarded the restroom door with timid looks."Where's my daughter?" Taehyung asked and glanced at the closed bathroom door with a dark frown."Hajinie refused to let anyone inside the restroom," The middle-aged teacher pursed her lips to inform the father. Taehyung lifted his thick eyebrow at the teacher's statement and glanced at the door again. Why would his daughter lock herself inside the bathroom?"We heard her screaming earlier, so the assistants tried to enter- but she told us to stay away and to call her parents," The principal apologetically stared at the alpha for disturbing his time."Open the door," Taehyung instructed, stepping aside to make way- so the principal quickly slipped the key inside the knob to unlock the door for him. The father carefully leaned against the wooden door and knocked several times to announce his presence. Knock. Knock."Stay away! I won't talk to anyone!" Hajin screamed from inside the bathroom to threaten whoever was trying to invade her space."Hajin-ah~! Appa is here. Can I come in~?" Taehyung asked, calmly holding the knob with his ear pressed against the door. There was a moment of silence. The principal exchanged uneasy glances with the staff as they stood beside the supreme alpha."Okay," Hajin's small voice finally spoke up from behind the door. The teacher and principal exhaled in relief at her approving response. Creak. Kim Taehyung carefully turned the knob, pushed the door open, and stepped inside the restroom before closing the door behind his back while searching the vacant space for his young daughter."Where are you?" Taehyung asked, unsurely frowning at the empty sinks."Here," Hajin whimpered from the far end of the restroom. The heiress sounded super frightened, which made the father's chest swell with extreme discomfort- but he didn't overreact and calmly stride past the unoccupied stalls, trying his best not to startle his already terrified child.Taehyung deeply exhaled to prepare his mental state once he halted before the closed door of the last stall. What's the worst thing that could happen to a child her age? He wasn't prepared to face his daughter, but she needed him. The man cleared his throat- Creak. The father gently pushed the door, expecting to see the worst with a racing heart as the hinge squeaked open until it softly thudded against the wall.Kim Taehyung stood, cemented in place while roaming his eyes all over the tiny space... until his gaze fell upon the young girl, hugging her knees on the closed toilet seat and trembling like a lost puppy with her unknown misery. The father examined Hajin's sweaty hairlines, snotty nose, swollen eyelids, and flushed cheeks without budging- unable to react to her messy condition. She was in perfect condition this morning before she departed from her hilltop home. Kim Hajin pouted at her father's presence as he stood in the doorway with a slight frown on her loose pigtails before glancing at the scattered tissues on the floor."Did someone hurt you? What's wrong...?" Taehyung asked, uneasily crouching before the toilet to inspect her upside-down plump lips. Hajin didn't answer his concern and pouted harder while sniffing her slimy snot through her flaring nostrils until... Kim Taehyung detected a glimpse of his wife... in his daughter. The child is an identical clone of Jang Sora. Hajin cutely hiccuped while staring intensely at her father with her mother's curled lashes... soaked with warm tears. "I think... I'm dying," Hajin whimpered, unexpectedly weeping in extreme anguish and lowered her face to mourn her miserable emotions with her arms wrapped around her bent kneecaps. "How can you speak such nonsense? If you're hurt... appa will take you to the hospital," Taehyung assured while crouching before his young daughter. Hajin shook her head repeatedly before lifting her face to bawl at her father again. Hic~! Hic~! The little girl shakily breathed through her clogged nostrils as she lowered her legs to dangle her feet from the toilet bowl. Taehyung unsurely studied his daughter's disheveled condition... until she lifted her school skirt... to show her father her... stained underwear."I'm bleeding~! Appa Hajinie is dying~!" Hajin cried with her eyes closed until a snotty bubble formed in her nostril and popped over her flushed face.Taehyung frowned at his daughter's smudged underwear and glanced back at her frightened face, dumbfounded by the situation he was in. The father eventually released a deep exhale to ease the swelling dread within his chest... and lowered his face to rub his forehead in disbelief."Aigo~! Stay here. Appa will be back~!" Taehyung muttered, suddenly rising to his feet, and quickly strode out of the bathroom to request sanitary pads from the infirmary. The man headed back to his car to search for his children's spare clothes in his trunk before returning to the bathroom to find Hajin... sobbing with her head lowered... still seated on the toilet bowl."Is Hajinie getting punished for being naughty~? I'm sorry~!" Hajin cried as Taehyung lifted his daughter off the toilet bowl and crouched down to pull down her dirty underwear. The man stared at the dark blood stain as he carefully placed the fabric in a black bag and gently pulled out a wet napkin to wipe between her legs as she helplessly cried before him."Why would appa let anyone punish my precious daughter~?" Taehyung chuckled, slightly shaking his head as he drew the spare underwear through her ankles. The father carefully hooked the thin fabric between his daughter's parted knees and unfolded a fresh sanitary pad to paste it over the base of her panties. Hajin whimpered while holding her father's shoulder as he lifted the panties upward to secure the straps around her hips."Because Hajinie was naughty~! Hajin stole appa's gummies yesterday~!" Hajin pouted while squeezing out warm tears from between her soaked lashes. Taehyung scoffed, weakly smiling at her cute confession as he collected the scattered tissues on the floor to place them in the trash bin... and eventually lifted Hajin from the floor to settle her on the sink. The father washed his hands to cleanse his fingers before pulling out a wet wipe from the package to press the sheet against Hajin's blocked nostrils."Blow out your snot," Taehyung encouraged. Wheeeez! Hajin screwed her eyes shut while sitting on the sink to expel her slimy snot. Taehyung crumpled the dirty wipes and tossed them aside as Hajin frowned at her father's unbothered reaction to her dire condition."Appa~! Why aren't you sad~?" Hajin whined in frustration. The man wet his clean palms and gently rubbed the cool water over his daughter's burning face as she pouted at him with her teary doe eyes."You're not dying~! Don't worry-""But I'm bleeding! I will die!" Hajin whined, cutely kicking her dangling legs in frustration."Appa knows an effective cure, so don't worry~! You're definitely not dying~!" Taehyung smiled at his daughter while patting her cheeks dry with the tissues."A cure~?" Hajin whispered, cluelessly blinking at him with a startled look. "Oh. Eomma bleeds like you too~! But appa knows a cure, so you'll be okay~!" Taehyung assured. Hajin frowned at her father's easygoing reaction as he dried his hands, picked up the black bag, and lifted his daughter off the sink.Kim Hajin quickly wrapped her arms around his neck as the father patted her back and finally stepped out of the bathroom to find the principal waiting with the teacher and assistants. The heiress quickly buried her puffy face against Taehyung's shoulder to avoid the anxious stares as her father thanked the school staff and carried his eleven-year-old daughter through the hushed corridor until they exited the school building.

The supreme alpha carefully settled his young child in the passenger seat, buckled her belt, and rounded the car to slip into the driver seat. Hic~! Kim Hajin wiped her puffy eyes again and glanced at her father with a curious look as he reversed the wheels and drove out of the property. She had expected her father to grieve and mourn her death, but why is he smiling? She couldn't understand. Kim Taehyung finally freed one arm from the steering wheel to hold Hajin's tiny fingers over her lap, gently squeezing her hand to assure the young girl of her... bloody crisis. Hajin pouted and leaned back against the seat while playing with her father's oversized fingers with a troubled feeling.
A moment later.
Kim Hajin stood cluelessly on the aisle between the tall racks with a small straw between her lips, quietly sucking the tasty fluid from the juice box with her doe eyes trained on the colorful packages in the feminine hygiene section as her father inspected the products by her side. Taehyung withdrew a pink package from the top shelf to read the content as the clueless daughter stood by his side, nervously gripping his pocket in her loose pigtails. The man narrowed his gaze on the written instructions and flipped the package over with a slight frown.

"Does eomma use these...?" Hajin muttered while tugging her father's coat to grab his attention. Taehyung briefly glanced down at his daughter and patted her head."Oh. Eomma uses the big size with cooling effects- but you're still young. Aigo~? Why isn't eomma answering appa's text? Should we buy her size~?- But it's too big for you~!" Taehyung grumbled as he took pictures of the rack before sending the photos to request his wife's assistance."Eomma doesn't have a phone," Hajin mumbled, slurping the juice again as she uncomfortably tugged the underwear beneath her skirt. She's not used to having the pad's presence in her undergarment."Appa gave her a temporary phone for her trip with Beom to Seoul," Taehyung shook his head. The man eventually lost his patience while waiting for his wife to acknowledge his texts, so he repeatedly spammed his wife with endless calls until she finally answered him through her phone."Oh!- Yeobo~? I'll be home soon! Why are you calling~?-""Hajin got her first period~! Which pad should I get? Your size is way too large for her-""Moh?!- Hajin got what?!" Sora screamed through the phone, causing her husband to withdraw the phone from his ear in discomfort."I'll explain once you return-! Which one should I get?! Answer me first! We're at a mart right now!" Taehyung snapped at his wife and carefully pressed the phone against his ear again."Search for the teen-size ones~! Make sure it has wings so she can secure it to her panties~!" Sora replied."Araso~! Come home safe with Beom~!" Taehyung replied and hung up on his wife before narrowing his eyes again to search for the smaller-sized pads until he spotted the label and gasped in excitement, causing Hajin to blink at her father unsurely. The man snatched a couple of baby pink packages from the shelves and finally led his daughter to the freezer."Appa~! Should we go to the hospital for a cure~?" Hajin pouted as Taehyung peaked over the freezer."We don't need to go to the hospital~! Hah-! Here! This is the cure! Eomma loves this~!" Taehyung dismissively slid open the freezer to grab a fruit punch popsicle. Hajin blinked at the cold pack in her father's hand with a baffled look as the man nudged it against her chest."This is the cure...?" Hajin asked, unsurely taking the popsicle from her father's hand."Yup! Appa will load the popsicles in our fridge so you and eomma can enjoy it~!" Taehyung beamed, closed the fridge, and strode toward the cashier to place the pads and ice cream on the counter. Hajin frowned at the melon popsicle with a skeptical look but didn't question her wise father any further as the cashier checked out their items on the counter.The father finally paid for the products and strolled out of the mart to sit on the bench... facing the evening beach with his young daughter. Taehyung carefully unwrapped the popsicle and handed it to Hajin as she wiggled and kicked her legs over the bench, unable to remain still because she was somewhat... restless with her father's apathetic reaction to her life-threatening illness."Are you sure this is the cure~?" Hajin pouted at the popsicle. She innocently glanced up at her father as he sipped her leftover grape juice from the mini carton."Oh~! It'll help you feel better~!" Taehyung chuckled while patting her loose pigtail. Hajin frowned at the popsicle again. She eventually shrugged and slurped the flavorful stick as instructed by her father.

"So Hajinie isn't dying~?" The young girl chirped, finally beaming at her father once the sugary flavor seeped over her dull taste buds."Not under appa's watch. Appa will chase away the grim reapers even if they try! They can't take my precious daughter away!" Taehyung nudged Hajin's shoulder, causing her to giggle at his protective claim."Phew~!" Hajin huffed while licking the popsicle with her stained lips. Taehyung fondly stared at his chubby daughter... until he was reminded of his old days with his plump wife. The man couldn't help but smile at his daughter's strong resemblance to her mother and gently hugged her warm body against his side."You can't let any boy or man touch your body from now on!- Okay?! Don't touch boys!" Taehyung suddenly cupped her plump cheeks and glared at her innocent doe eyes. Hajin blinked at her father cluelessly."Wae?" The child whispered through her puckered lips."It's dangerous for a girl to be near boys when she starts bleeding! It's super dangerous~! So don't get close to anyone! Especially boys~! You might get pregnant with nasty worms if a boy touches you!" Taehyung squished her cheeks, causing Hajin's glossy lips to pucker cutely. She blinked at her father."But appa... is touching Hajin," She whispered, widening her eyes in fear. Taehyung froze at her claim, scoffing at her naive gaze, and lowered his face to kiss her forehead."Appa is an exception~!" Taehyung chuckled.Hajin beamed and puckered her glossy lips for a smooch, so Taehyung gently pecked her and pulled away to lift his daughter onto his lap as she clutched tightly onto the popsicle stick. The father and the daughter chattered softly before the evening beach... until Hajin finished her ice cream. The father picked up his daughter, carried her in his strong arms and drove her back to the hilltop with their bag of popsicles and menstrual pads.
A moment later
Sora's POV"How was the hospital visit? I could've escorted you and Beom next week," Taehyung muttered while brushing my hair before the vanity table as I sorted my skincare products in the drawers. My husband loves to brush my hair these days! It's so sweet of him to help me with tasks I can handle myself!"Beom wouldn't stop stressing over his minor injury. He claimed it could be life-threatening," I chuckled. Beom complained about an abnormal pain in his pinky finger and wouldn't rest for the past few days, so I took him to the hospital- only to realize he got a splinter lodged under his skin. He probably got it from helping his father groom the blooming flowers in the garden."It should've been you to assure Hajin of her period! It was so awkward and tough for me to handle her~! I tried my best to stay calm, but she kept blabbing nonsense about how she was going to die because she wouldn't stop bleeding-""AHH! AHH! AHHHHHH!-" Hajin's high-pitched screams terrifically echoed all over the mansion, causing me to freeze in place, so I swiftly shifted my startled gaze to Taehyung through the mirror. My husband abruptly stiffened with the hairbrush over my head upon hearing her alarming vocals from the living room below- Clatter! Taehyung tossed the brush aside, grabbed my hand, and sprinted out of the bedroom with me as Hajin hollered at the top of her lungs. Thump! Thump!"Sweetie~?!" I yelped, frantically racing down the staircase with a hammering heart until I spotted Hajin rubbing her burning skin aggressively in her loose nightgown as the twin brothers gawked at their terrified sister with their lips pursed. Did they upset her again?! "I'm pregnant with worms!- Eomma!- I'm pregnant!- They touched me!" Hajin shrieked in tears. Fwip! I quickly bolt across the living room to embrace her tiny body with a thumping heart. I hate it when she cries! It's my worst nightmare!"What do you mean you're pregnant!?!" I gasped, quickly pulling away to cup her burning cheeks with a started look. Hajin bawled at the top of her lungs and pointed at the frightened twins as they stood by the opposite couch with a confused yet dreadful look upon her explosive hollers that almost made our ears bleed."Did you hurt her?!" Taehyung confronted the twins as they stared at Hajin with dreadful looks."No?!- I touched her hand- and she started screaming! I really didn't do anything!" Kanghoon shrieked, glancing up at Taehyung in fright."They will make me sick~! And I'll have a baby~!" Hajin cried as I clutched onto her trembling body. What?!"What do you mean?! We didn't even-""Hajin, sweetie~! Why would you claim such nonsense~?" I gasped, tightly gripping her trembling shoulders to support her frail body as I knelt on the carpet beside her. Hajin pouted at me with messy tear streaks over her rosy red cheeks until she started hiccupping in extreme discomfort. Her hollers and damp tears are my greatest trauma! "Appa said I shouldn't let boys touch me!- He said they're bad for Hajinie because I'm bleeding! I'll have a baby~!" Hajin whimpered, fearfully pouting at me... and for a moment- I couldn't process her words, so I blinked and glanced at my husband, who stood beside the twins with a dumbfounded look. Taehyung's face suddenly flushed bright red. He told Hajin what?!"We're not supposed to touch her when she's bleeding?!- You're bleeding!?!- Where?!" The twins gasped, widening their eyes at their younger sister in concern. Hajin whimpered and tried to lift her gown to show them her panties- but I quickly pulled the silk down and drew her into a crushing hug. Aigo~! She's so clueless! I should've educated her sooner about her body!"I don't want to be pregnant with nasty worms~!" Hajin weakly coughed while clutching onto my shoulder with her tearful cheeks pressed against my neck, so I exhaled and stood up with the young child in my arms. Taehyung awkwardly glanced at the pale twin boys as they held his hands with anxious frowns. "What's with the frantic screams~? I can't sleep because you keep upsetting each other~!" My father whined while standing on the upper floor with Jae Beom, who was staring at the commotion with his eyes half open."It was a misunderstanding~! Let's head to bed~!" I chuckled while patting Hajin's back to soothe her frightened soul as she hugged my shoulders, sniffling in tears as I gently rocked her against my chest.Taehyung exhaled deeply, placed his palms on the twin's bowl-cut heads, and escorted the identical boys up the stairs. What did Taehyung tell her for her to be this frightened? Aigo~! My poor child! She's so startled! The twins briefly turned their heads to study their sulky sister as they followed their father up the stairs- so I carried my daughter to our bedroom and gently rested her on the mattress."Eomma~! I don't want baby worms~!" Hajin whimpered while patting her stomach as I wiped her tears and settled on the bed with her, worriedly studying her flushed face with an apologetic pout. She's so innocent! It's adorable~!"What did appa tell you about your menstrual cycle?" I lifted my eyebrow."Appa says boys shouldn't touch me- or I'll have baby worms in my stomach~! He says boys are dangerous~!" Hajin whimpered, tearfully staring at me with her upturned lips. I frowned at her terrified face while stroking her warm cheek to erase the tear streak from her soft skin."That's not true. Appa is speaking gibberish," I chuckled, gently squeezing my daughter's fingers to assure her troubled soul."What...?" Hajin blinked, tearfully staring at me as she sat crossed legs on the mattress. I gently brushed my fingers through her loose black hair to tuck the wild strands behind her red ears. How can Taehyung scare her like this...?"The period is an indication that your womanly body... can conceive a baby in your womb- but it doesn't mean you're ready to have a child. Okay? Matured women... bleed monthly... once we're grown... and it's totally normal. Those blood are bad fluids... released from your system... and you have to release them every month to stay healthy as a woman. Think of it as draining dirty water from the sink," I assured, weakly smiling at my flustered child."And what about... boys? Are they dangerous?" Hajin pouted."No. They're not dangerous. Appa is concerned about your welfare because boys can cause a lot of trouble. Yes... they can get you pregnant... but not with baby worms. You can grow a human baby inside your womb... but Hajin-ah... you're only eleven. Baby, you're not in the state to have a child until you're of age. Do you understand...?" I asked and lifted my palm to hold her chubby cheek. She blinked at me, uneasily processing her thoughts, and nodded after a moment of silence between us.

"But why did appa lie to Hajinie?" She sniffled."Appa wants to protect you, of course. You can touch a boy, and he can touch you. It's totally okay- but... you have to understand that... no one... should touch you against your will, especially not your private parts such as your breasts... between your legs... or your butt cheeks. No one should ever touch you there. Not even your family or friends. And no one should touch your hands... legs... face... or anywhere over your skin... if you're uncomfortable, okay? You have the right to say no and refuse their touch," I whispered as she held my hand over her lap."So I have to bleed every month...?" Hajin whispered anxiously."Yes. Women must bleed every month. She only stops bleeding once she's pregnant," I nodded. Hajin cutely blinked her bulging doe eyes while struggling to process my words until the door slid open... and Taehyung appeared... awkwardly glancing at his daughter... who grimaced and fired her father an annoyed look."Appa is a liar~!" Hajin whined as Taehyung closed the door behind his back."Yah~! You seriously shouldn't touch boys! They're bad for you~!" Taehyung bickered, firmly crossing his arms over his chest."But eomma says it's okay to touch-""No! It's my personal rule! You must not touch any boys!- Aside from your siblings and family! No boys allowed until you are an adult!" Taehyung sternly snapped back at Hajin. She pouted and leaned forward to hug my body, so I exhaled and rubbed her back."What about my husband~?" Hajin whined, pulling away to stare at me with her anxious pupils."Ohoh!?- Are you still obsessed with that pop star?! He's more than twice your age~!" Taehyung shrieked, stepping forward to confront his daughter. Hajin clutched onto my waist and buried her face against my chest with a big pout. Why is she so much like me?! We only care about our husbands! She's so adorable!"Eomma~!" Hajin whined as I tightened my arms around her warm body."I'll let you touch your husband all you want- but only after you're grown. Okay? Don't worry about your husband yet~! He's all yours to hold once you're ready~!" I assured. The child huffed at her father, so I chuckled and lifted her off the bed to carry my daughter toward the door.Hajin held fierce eye contact with her agitated father, making me giggle at their cuteness. Why are they glaring at each other like enemies? Aigo~! I closed the door to break the tension and strolled to her bedroom, carefully tucking Hajin into bed in her shared bedroom with Jae Beom, who was already asleep under his warm blankets. I kissed their foreheads to bid them a good night's sleep before returning to my room to find Kim Taehyung... sitting against the bedhead with a dark frown."I'm withdrawing her from school," Taehyung muttered. I crawled onto the bed and gently took his hand in mine. "Honey~! Don't overthink-""She's basically a woman now! How can I trust her alone at the academy? The twins study in a different high school- and Beom is home with us!" Taehyung grimaced as I sat by his side with a conflicted smile. I always feared Taehyung over protectiveness over our daughter."We should trust her-""Hajin has your face, Sora!" Taehyung snapped at me. I paused to study the man's agitated frown and exhaled deeply."What about my face?-""Men will chase her! They'll try to lure her into their nasty grips!" Taehyung scoffed. I chuckled while shaking my head. Can I blame him? He's traumatized after all the troubles we went through together."But that's what you did with me too~? Isn't it normal? You lured me into your grips!" I teased. Taehyung darted me an offended look."But I had genuine feelings for you! Oh?- I might've been hot-tempered, but I've always loved you! Not every man is like me! They might fool our precious daughter!" Taehyung cutely pounded his buff chest, making me giggle at his adorable gesture."Araso. We can homeschool her with Beom if you're anxious. Don't fret," I assured, finally nodding at my husband in agreement. Taehyung huffed in annoyance and leaned forward to press his face against my cleavage, so I sighed and hugged his head to console his restless soul."I want to free her from cruel heartbreaks because... I'm afraid... she'd be treated poorly... just like... how I was so reckless... with you..." Taehyung sniffled. I pouted and kissed the top of his head."Hey. Don't sulk. It's okay. I'll allow you to protect Hajin until she's grown. Okay? She should be allowed to love and experience the world once she's ready... so promise me you'll free her once she's of age," I muttered, gently lifting his face between my palms. Taehyung pouted with an uptight look... but he nodded anyway... and leaned upward to kiss me. We can't imprison her behind our walls forever."Okay. Let me protect Hajin until she's ready," Taehyung muttered, sadly pulling away to stare into my eyes, making me pout at the father's distressing concern for his maturing daughter. The most difficult part of raising our family... is watching our kids grow before our eyes.
I wish I could preserve their innocence forever.

Third Person POV
Jae Beom groggily rolled over the cozy mattress with his eyes barely open and snuggled against his pillow... until his blurry vision landed on Kim Hajin. She repeatedly tossed and turned on the bed to search for a comfortable position, softly groaning and grunting in discomfort. The older brother frowned at the youngest daughter as she grumpily murmured on her bed with her arms wrapped around her lower abdomen and scrunched her eyebrows together to resist the uncomfortable ache. Meanwhile.Kim Hajin clutched the heated blanket pad over her stomach with her eyebrows furrowed. Her young soul... tormented by the menstrual cramp for the very first time. She groaned every few minutes as she held the warm pad over her stomach to ease the discomfort... because her mother claimed the warmth would relieve her pain... but it didn't- and her back and bum were pulsing with a dull contraction. The young heiress huffed in irritation and twisted on her side to curl into a ball. She finally opened her eyes while grumbling softly- only to find another pair of white eyeballs... gawking... at her in the dark... beside her bed."ARGH!" Hajin screamed, roughly smacking the person with her fist. Thump!"Ow~!" Jae Beom gripped his forehead, tumbling back onto the floor in shock as Hajin jerked into a sitting position, her eyes bulging open in bewilderment."What are you doing?! You scared me!" Hajin shrieked in disbelief as Beom sat up with an annoyed look."You keep grumbling~!" Beom whined. He grabbed his sister's bed to haul himself back onto his feet before glancing at the heated pad over her stomach."My stomach is hurting~! Eomma says it's because of my period~!" Hajin softly whined. Beom worriedly stared at her pitiful condition as he settled at the bedside to observe his sister's miserable menstrual side effects."Do you want hot chocolate~? Oppa will make hot chocolate for you," Beom whispered while gazing at her sunken eyes. Hajin pursed her lips at his offer, so Jae Beom took her wrist and gently escorted the heiress off the mattress."Eeek~! It's so weird~!" Kim Hajin groaned as she followed her older brother into the dark corridor with her legs apart while tugging on her panties beneath the silk gown to adjust the bothersome menstrual pad that was rubbing against her groin.
A moment later
"You can make hot chocolate...?" Hajin asked while climbing the stool as Beom switched on the kitchen's light and tiptoed on his feet to reach the cupboard above his head.The older brother carefully retrieved the cacao container, boiled the water in the automatic boiler, and quietly measured the dark powder with a tablespoon before adding it to a red mug. Jae Beom turned to search for milk in the fridge, leaving Hajin seated on the stool with her messy hair dangling all over her face. She groaned again and rested her head on the cold counter with her arms wrapped securely around her belly. The third son poured the warm water into the mug, mixed it with the cool milk to buffer the high temperature and carefully stirred the mixture with a spoon. Cling. Cling. He finally spun around and slid the mug toward Hajin as she keenly watched him from the counter."Eomma always drinks hot chocolate when she's on her period. Appa makes it for her," Beom nodded as he rounded the counter to sit beside his baby sister with a cup of plain milk.

"Your appa? Or mine?" Hajin asked while blowing the hot steam. Beom sipped his cold milk as he sat on the stool in his silk pajamas."Both. Your appa is also my appa, and my appa is also your appa. They both love our mother," Beom chuckled, lowering the cup to the marble counter as Hajin carefully slurped the hot drink."Hmmm~! It's delicious~!" Hajin gasped, suddenly snapping her dilated pupils at her older brother with an approving grin."I know. Eomma loves it," Beom nodded."Who taught you the recipe?" Hajin smiled."I always watched appa brew it for eomma during her pregnancy when she had you. Appa often visits the kitchen late at night to bring eomma water or hot chocolate because of her morning sickness," Beom smiled, referring to Kim Taehyung's devotion to ensuring his wife's utmost comfort during her pregnancy with their youngest daughter."I hope I earn a lovely husband just like appa~! Someone as caring as Beomie oppa- and handsome as our twin brothers~!" Hajin grinned at Beom, causing the older brother to chuckle at her hopeful exclamation. He lifted his hand to stroke her head as Hajin enjoyed her hot chocolate at the counter.
A moment later.
"Does it still hurt? Your stomach? Should I wake eomma?" Beom asked while tucking his baby sister into bed."I feel better now~! Thank you for the hot chocolate~" Hajin nodded. Beom anxiously stared at his sister with an unconvinced frown. Her skin was as pale as a ghost and her fingers were abnormally cold. "You can wake me if you're scared or sick. I don't mind," Beom nodded, leaning over to kiss her forehead, so Hajin cupped his cheeks and returned the kiss."Wanna share the bed? It's been a while since we cuddled~!" Hajin offered, weakly smiling at Beom. He nodded without hesitation, lifted the blanket, and slipped in beside his baby sister. Jae Beom wanted to share his warmth with Hajin in the hope of easing her discomfort. Hajin shifted her body to the side to make space before turning to hug her chubby brother on the bed."I won't be able to hold you anymore when you're older, so I'll hug you now," Beom muttered while adjusting his head on the pillow."Why not~?" Hajin pouted, lifting her face to stare at Beom with a startled look."You're a maturing woman. I have to respect your boundaries," Beom chuckled, softly poking her nose with his finger. Hajin whined cutely as she coiled her possessive arms around Beom's plump belly and pressed her face against his chubby cheek."Hajin will always favor oppa the most~! We can still be close~!" She whined. Beom smiled at his sister and turned on his side to slip his arm under her head."Your husband will hit me if you favor me more~!" Beom chuckled. Hajin snorted and gripped her older brother's back."He can hit the twin brothers but not you~! Not Jae Beom! You're the family's golden child~!" Hajin giggled. Beom patted Hajin's soft hair strands while chatting with his sister to distract her from her menstrual cramps... until she fell asleep in his arm... and he eventually drifted off into a deep sleep as well after ensuring the heiress was comfortable on the shared mattress in their cozy bedroom.__________________________
Fast Forward
The humming bees buzzed busily over the blooming flowers of colorful petals to search for the sweetest pollen within the beautiful garden on the sacred hilltop as a man crouched by the sprouting stems during a hot summer day. Kim Taehyung inspected his fresh batch of flowers under the glaring sun ray until he noticed a shadow lurking behind his back. Thump. Thump. A child appeared... crouching beside him in a bright yellow outfit. The father glanced at baby Beom as the boy keenly squatted beside him to inspect the flower pots.

"Don't you have class?" Taehyung asked, unsurely staring at his son's unexpected presence."Ssaem is ill," Beom shrugged, cutely glancing at Taehyung with his monolid eyes."Sit in the shade. Your skin will burn," Taehyung nudged the child, but Beom didn't budge and remained crouching beside his stepfather."I want to help. Can I help?" Beom asked, curiously pointing at the pots."No. You're useless. You wouldn't stop whining about the splinter in your pinky until eomma took you to the hospital the last time you helped- so sit in the shade," Taehyung grimaced while shaking his head to dismiss the child.Jae Beom pouted at his father's objection but didn't complain, got up to his feet and strolled away to sit on the bench under the cool shade. Taehyung exhaled and turned to pat the damp soil on his knees until he briefly glanced at the child again to find Beom sitting with... a bright pink nose... and tearful eyes. The father frowned at Jae Beom's sulky expression as the child repeatedly wiped his streaming tears while dangling his chubby legs from the bench."Do you want water, appa~?" Beom pouted, blinking at his father in tears."Why are you crying?- Yah! You sure take after your mother!- Why are you brooding for no apparent reason?!" Taehyung scoffed, suddenly getting up to wash his dirty hands with the water hose, and quickly strode under the tree shade with his startled gaze on Beom's damp cheeks."Nothing-""You're shedding tears- yet you claim it's nothing? Do you feel sick again?!- Answer appa!" Taehyung asked while feeling the boy's forehead. Beom shook his head repeatedly and wiped his tears again."Why did appa say I'm useless~? Beom has ten working fingers- just like appa~! Beom can see well~! And Beom can do a lot of things~! Eomma says Beom is a helpful boy~! So why did appa say Beom is useless~?" Beom sobbed, cutely puckering his lips while staring up at his stepfather, causing Kim Taehyung to freeze above the child as the poor soul helplessly cried on the bench.The father sighed in defeat... upon the realization that he had... hurt the child's feelings by accident... so the alpha slumped beside the sulky boy and lifted Jae Beom's chunky body to place the child on his lap. Taehyung wiped the hot tears from his son's chubby cheeks and patted the little boy's back to soothe him. "Are you hurt because appa says you're useless~?" Taehyung asked, weakly smiling at the child's upset pout. Beom nodded, fighting hard to hold back his tears- but his nose tip only turned redder."Is something wrong with Beom~? Hic~! Everyone is okay with Hajin and hyung doing house chores or running errands- but no one tells Beom to do anything~! Hic~!" Beom hiccupped while searching his father's face, causing Taehyung to chuckle at the child's cuteness."Hey, young man~! Why are you upset that you're the favored child in the house?" Taehyung poked his nose."Appa says I'm useless~!" Beom argued while frowning at the father, who was obviously enjoying his son's emotional outburst too much."Araso~! Appa is sorry~! You're not useless~!- Appa didn't want your skin to burn under the sun~!" Taehyung assured and gently hugged the child against his chest. Beom gripped Taehyung's shoulder for support with a big pout. "I don't mind-""But eomma minds!- She will get mad at appa for giving you a sunburn! Your skin is extremely sensitive to heat~! You'll get rashes again~! Oh?- Appa really appreciates Beomie's company- but eomma will get extremely upset if you get another splinter in your pinky~! She will beat appa for irritating your precious skin~!" Taehyung gently held the chubby boy's hand. Beom pouted sadly and glanced at his red skin with a sore look."But I want to help~!" Beom insisted while blinking at his father with his glassy pupils. Taehyung grimaced at the boy's determination to assist him."I'll let you help me only if you wear long sleeves and a hat. Okay? And sunscreen!" Taehyung pinched his son's nose, causing the boy's gloomy face to abruptly brighten in delight upon hearing his father's approval."Okay!- Appa can boss Beom around! I'll do all the work!" Beom grinned."Bring appa a cool glass of water~!" Taehyung softly kissed his cheek."Okay!" Beom chirped, frantically hopping off his father's lap, and scrambled away. The father shook his head in disbelief as he watched the chubby child race over the backyard and glanced at his garden again. Kim Taehyung loves to spend his time with his children but his wife is against him exploiting the young kids under the scorching sun. 
Meanwhile.
Jang Sora fanned the freshly made honey biscuits on the plate when Beom suddenly rushed inside the kitchen with a winter jacket zipped up to his neck and a beach hat fitted over his head. The mother frowned at his outfit and glanced at her son's mismatched knee-length socks, pulled over his loose pants as he stood in his yellow rain boots. Fwip! The child flung open the fridge to snatch the cool water jar."Why are you wearing layered clothes? And what's on your face?" Sora frowned at the white substance over his face."Appa says Beom can help him only if Beom wears long sleeves~! A hat~! And sunscreen! It's Beom's first mission to bring appa water! Cool water~!" Beom grinned, quickly pushing the jar back inside the fridge, grabbed the glass, and hurried out of the kitchen causing the mother to huff in disbelief. She quickly glanced out the window to find her son... racing over the hilltop in his beach hat and thick jacket with the spilling cup."He'll suffer a heat stroke~!" Sora whined and glanced at the scorching summer glare in the clear blue sky after her son disappeared from her sight. She sighed deeply while compressing tissues over the biscuits to absorb the excess oil from the warm snacks."Do we have snacks? I smell honey~!" Jang Beomseok asked as he chased the savory scent into the kitchen."Have the fresh biscuits," Sora smiled, turning to place a plate on the counter as Hajin followed her grandpa inside the room with a grumpy face."Eomma! Why can't I go to school~?" Hajin asked while climbing the stool beside her grandfather to grab a honey biscuit in her cute yellow sundress."Appa is arranging for you to study at home~!" Sora chuckled."Wae?" Hajin blinked at her mother in surprise."Because appa wants to protect his pretty daughter~!" Sora smiled and rounded the counter to massage her father's shoulder."How will my husband find me if I'm always inside our house~?" Hajin pouted."Aigo~! You're too young for a husband!" Beomseok chuckled. "I'll find imo so she can wash your hair. Hajin- bring the biscuits to your father and Beom in the garden," Sora patted her father's shoulder and left the kitchen to search for the chief maid.Kim Hajin nodded at her mother's order and quickly hopped off the stool. The little heiress lifted the plate from the stove and skipped out of the mansion to race under the scorching sun while stealing the biscuits from the pile until she found her father sitting under the shade. The man was overseeing his son's work performance from the wooden bench with his leg hooked over his kneecap. Beom was watering the soil with the hose in his thick jacket and a beach hat... secured over his sweaty head.

"Appa! Biscuits!" Hajin announced as she settled the plate on the wooden table."Did you eat everything already?!" Taehyung scoffed at the leftover honey biscuits on the plate."No! I didn't eat them!" Hajin shrieked, dismissively plopping onto the bench beside the man to deny her involvement with the missing snacks. Her father grimaced at the obvious honey stains around her mouth and greasy lips before glancing at Hajin's sticky fingers."Jae Beom, sweetheart~! Come and have the snacks~! Eomma made biscuits!" Taehyung called as he sipped the cool water from the class, so Beom turned off the water and quickly sprinted into the shade to snatch the biscuit with an excited beam. Hajin giggled at her older brother's silly outfits."Appa~! Aren't you eating~?" Beom glanced at his sour-looking father. "A fat pig already ate most of the snacks~! You can have the rest~!" Taehyung smiled at Beom, causing Hajin's face to flush red. She snapped her offended glower at her smug father in shock."I DIDN'T EAT IT!" Hajin shrieked."I didn't say you ate it! Why are you offended?! I said a fat pig~! Oink! Oink!" Taehyung mocked his daughter while pushing his nosetip upward, causing Hajin's face to flush even redder."I'M NOT A PIG!" Hajin smacked her father's arm with her tiny fist. Taehyung scoffed at her bratty attitude in disbelief as his daughter glowered at him with her puffed cheeks."Hey! Appa didn't say it was you!" Taehyung frowned at her fuming red face, causing Beom to giggle at their ridiculous argument."Hmph~!" Hajin cutely folded her arms and directed her glare away until her mother appeared with a tray."Aigo~! Why are you always upsetting Hajinie~?" Sora chuckled as she settled the tray with a fresh pile of biscuits and a jar of orange juice. The mother knew her daughter would charge expensive errand fees by stealing the snacks... so she brought a new batch for her husband and son. "Appa called Hajin a fat pig!" Hajin shrieked."Hey! The biscuits disappeared- so I said a fat pig ate it! You said it wasn't you, so why are you offended?!" Taehyung playfully nudged his daughter. Sora snorted and shook her head in disbelief as Hajin fumed at her father's mocking smile."Yeobo~!" Sora laughed while pouring the juice into the glasses. The father grinned and reached for the fresh biscuit as the mother handed Hajin and Beom the icy juice.

"Appa is a meanie!" Hajin grumbled, sideways darting at her father an annoyed glare. Sora chuckled and walked over to unzip the thick jacket from Beom's body and carefully withdrew the thick material from her child's body... to reveal his damp sweat... soaking all over his inner clothes."How can you wear a winter jacket on a hot summer day? You'll suffer a stroke~!" Sora scolded and placed the jacket on Taehyung's lap before drawing Beom forward to make him sit beside his stepfather on the bench. The mother grabbed the wet wipes from the package and gently rubbed the excess sunscreen off Beom's face as he thirstily slurped the orange juice from the straw."I want to help appa~!" Beom shrugged."Eomma will get you protection sleeves. Don't wear your jacket- it's not suitable for the heatwave," Sora wiped the sweat from Beom's hairline and finally sat by Taehyung's side as Hajin brooded alone at the edge of the bench with her juice cup."I wonder which fat pig ate all the biscuits~?" Taehyung squinted his eyes at the garden from under the shade, causing Hajin to direct her furious glower toward her father again."Eomma!" Hajin pouted at her mother."Yeobo~!" Sora chuckled, carefully lifting her daughter to seat the child on her lap as Hajin resentfully glared at her father. Taehyung scooted away to place his arm over Beom's shoulder and slurped the sweet juice from his son's cup as the mother comforted her agitated daughter.

"Beomie is the best child on this hilltop~! Such a useful baby~! He helps me out with my garden~!" Taehyung proudly pinched Beom's cheek, who was smiling at Hajin's upset frown."And Hajinie is perfect just by being pretty and lovely in her beautiful dress~!" Sora chuckled, lowering her face to kiss Hajin's cheek. The daughter's upset scowl suddenly softened at her mother's love stroke. The child pursed her lips and lifted her pretty face to her mother."Really~?" Hajin giggled as Sora reached across the table to pick a biscuit."Of course! You're a gorgeous lady~!" Sora nodded, causing Hajin to wiggle her body in glee. Sora chuckled and held the child close to her chest as Taehyung side-eyed his daughter's glowing smile."Aigo~! Beom is such a competent man for sweating profusely for his family! I have so much gratitude for you~!" Taehyung pulled Beom against his body, who giggled and hugged his father on his side. Sora laughed at their playful tease and distracted her daughter by feeding her child the sweet biscuit, gently smacking her husband's shoulder to stop the man from taunting their daughter.Kim Taehyung beamed even brighter at his wife's warning glare and lifted his other arm to pull her against him. Sora chuckled and rested her head on her husband's shoulder as Hajin sourly glared at her father... until Beom offered her a biscuit from Taehyung's lap. The young heiress gladly accepted the peace offer and munched the snack under the shade with her family... before the extensive blooming petals... in the beautiful garden._______________________
Fast Forward
The timid secretary clutched the device in his arms with his nervous gaze trained on the intimidating founder as the man stared sharply at the crowd of executive directors and shareholders within the packed meeting room with his hands clasped over the wooden desk... until the nervous men lowered their heads in fear to avoid Kim Taehyung's deadly glare."I have made my intention clear, did I not? Dividends will not be granted, and all profits will be used to fund future research and development to ensure continuous corporation growth. Everyone within this room has agreed to the decision a year prior- so why are you requesting a dividend payout before the expected achievement?" Kim Taehyung's low voice boomed loudly across the room, causing everyone to stiffen in their seats."It's been over a decade since we invested, and we have never once-""Dividend will be granted once the company achieves the benchmark, but we are underperforming! You may give up on the shares if you're unsatisfied!" Taehyung frowned at the men and women with his piercing glare."I'm sure the company will declare dividends in the upcoming year once we secure the market share," The chief executive officer assured the shareholders, who have called for an urgent meeting to discuss their concerns."Reclaim the shares from the unsatisfied shareholders. I will not tolerate impatient fools," Taehyung fired the CEO a harsh scowl before launching his feet- and stormed out of the room without another word. Clatter! The men quickly rose to their feet and lowered their heads to the founder. The secretary anxiously grimaced as he dismissed the meeting and chased the supreme alpha back to his private office.Kim Taehyung hastily undid his suit's stuffy buttons while storming through the lobby in his polished shoes, causing the assistants to jerk to their feet upon his unannounced presence. The alpha angrily shoved open the door and stormed inside the office with fuming ears as the secretary scurried after him with the files."Sir- Oh! My lady~!" The secretary quickly lowered his head once he noticed Jang Sora organizing her husband's desk."You're dismissed," Taehyung grunted while slipping off his suit jacket to hook it on the coat hanger and marched toward his desk with a dark glower. The secretary lowered his head and quickly left the office to grant the founder privacy with his beloved spouse. Clack. Jang Sora lifted her face to examine her husband's creasing eyebrows as he rounded the desk, slumped heavily on the armchair, and pressed his face against his palms without greeting her.The supreme alpha calmly monitored her husband's unfavorable mood while setting the packed lunch on his table and quietly arranged the utensils on the napkin without disturbing him as the infuriated man struggled to calm his temper with his head lowered... fuming heavily within the muted space. Smack! Kim Taehyung roughly slapped his wife's buttcheek."Ah!" Sora flinched in shock, abruptly freezing in place and glanced at her husband's dark expression as he leaned back against the armchair with a grumpy look."Why aren't you speaking with me?" Taehyung confronted her muteness."You didn't appear like you wanted to speak," Sora shrugged as she unclasped the lunch box for him. FWIP! Kim Taehyung suddenly yanked her dress upward, causing Sora to gasp in shock. She quickly pushed the fabric back down with a startled look."Show me your panties," Taehyung demanded. The supreme alpha widened her eyes at her husband in disbelief, utterly taken aback by his absurd request."What?-""Show me your panties!" Taehyung whined, forcefully grabbing her dress again- and hastily lifted it upward to peek at her crotch. Jang Sora scoffed at his perverted behavior and quickly slapped his hand off the fringe with a slight grimace. "Why are you demanding to see my panties?!-""Because I'm upset!" Taehyung snapped, tightly gripping the fabric as his wife attempted to hold her dress down. The supreme alpha gawked at her husband's flushed face in disbelief while fighting with him to secure her dress until the founder tensed up in his seat. Silence. She frowned at him with an uptight look. The couple glared at one another in absolute muteness until Jang Sora emitted a deep sigh, ultimately surrendering to her husband in defeat.
Sora's POV
"Yeobo~! I wore a worn-out panties today~!" I pouted shyly."Doesn't matter. Show me," Taehyung stubbornly shook his head with his determined gaze on me. I exhaled and lifted my dress to flash my panties with a slight grimace. I'm afraid he'll make a habit out of this whenever he's upset! The husbandman shifted his sharp gaze to the worn-out underwear over my crotch, scooted his wheelchair forward to hug my hips, and gently pressed his face against my panties with his eyes closed. Why is he acting so weirdly?!"You're a pervert," I chuckled, lowering my hand to pat his head.Taehyung didn't speak and remained motionless with his face pressed against my crotch, so I awkwardly stood with my dress lifted to my hips until the man withdrew his face with a satisfied frown. Taehyung pecked my panties once before spinning me around to shove his face against my bum, causing me to whine loudly at his bizarre behavior. What's wrong with him!? How did sniffing my panties become his shameless practice after I flashed him once?!My husband kissed each side of my buttcheeks and finally released my dress, so I quickly spun around to frown at him with a flushed face. I'm alright with him behaving this way at home but- at his workplace?! It's uncomfortable! The secretary might barge inside at any moment, and I definitely do not wish for the employee to gossip about their founder's obsession with my buttcrack!"I'd quit this job already if it weren't for you and our children," Taehyung grumbled, gently drawing me onto his lap. I hugged his neck with a slight pout on his dark grimace."Should I help you ease the work burden? I'll work with you," I suggested as he softly pecked my lips. Taehyung shook his head, slid the armchair forward to pick up the spoon, and dug into the warm lunch in the containers."No. Your only duty is to ease my heart and wimpy corn dog~! I'll take care of the remaining work burden~! Just be the beautiful lady you are~!" Taehyung smiled and lifted the spoon to my lips."You'll surely get wrinkles from frowning so much~!" I smiled while stroking the area between his eyebrows to flatten the creasing skin as I accepted his spoonful of food. "We should focus on feeding those five crackheads so they can grow up quickly and inherit the stress from me! I'll retire as soon as they're married!" Taehyung funnily complained, making me chuckle at his cuteness."Okay! I'll make sure to stuff their bellies so they can grow up quicker to take over their father's legacy~!" I giggled, causing Taehyung to smile at my agreement as he chewed on one side of his cheek. My husband is getting older by the day, so we should prepare our five children for their future duties! I can't wait to retire with my husband!We loudly chattered at his desk until my husband scraped the lunch boxes clean, leaving behind no leftovers. I love to feed him because he always finishes my food! Not a single rice grain is left behind! I quickly got up from his lap to clear his desk so he could resume working on his tasks."Ah~! I have another meeting after this~!" Taehyung grumbled as he strolled out of the private bathroom with a soaked face. I quickly rummaged through my bag for a small towel and gently patted his skin dry as he cuffed his sleeves."Do you want me to sit with you? I can offer emotional support," I chuckled."Good idea. I need my wife's presence today, or I'll flip the table over!" Taehyung smiled, lowering his face to kiss my lips. I giggled at his teasing strokes, pulled away to grab the suit from the coat hanger, and helped my husband into it before fixing his buttons and tie. Taehyung fondly admired my face while towering over me."Oppa~!" I giggled as he playfully groped my buttcheeks.Taehyung took my hand after I groomed him, and we finally left his office together to attend another meeting. I ended up sitting beside my husband like a doll before the directors. Taehyung's bright expression instantly darkened again as he scolded the men within the room... until I noticed him straining his tense spine. He'll hurt his back. I gently patted his lower back... but he didn't seem to ease at my touch.. so I blinked at the directors as they nervously proposed their plan to the agitated founder from the far end of the table.
Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung grimly sat with arms crossed over his buff chest while being in an extremely bad mood with his piercing stare glued on the screen across the room. Jang Sora repeatedly shifted in her seat until the man averted his glowering stare to his wife's distracting movements, quietly watching her reach for something under the table."Are you uncomfortable?" Taehyung whispered, lifting his thick eyebrow to question her."I have something for you," Sora straightened her body with her gaze fixed on the screen as she clutched something in her balled fist. Kim Taehyung lifted his thick eyebrow again to question his wife as she cautiously observed the other men, who had their attention set on the opposite side of the room. The supreme alpha carefully grabbed Taehyung's hand under the desk and pushed a soft fabric into his grip... without much explanation. The unsettled founder slowly averted his dark gaze to his hand as his wife beamed in contentment and sat back in her seat. He opened his palm... unsurely... stretching the thin... fabric under the desk... and suddenly froze in place... with his unblinking eyes on... the familiar-looking panties."Are you nuts?" Taehyung whispered, snapping his face toward his wife in horror as she grinned at the screen with a smug look."Wae...?" Sora teased, firing him a naughty smirk. Kim Taehyung scoffed at her inappropriate behavior and shifted his startled gaze back to his wife's panties in disbelief."You're bare underneath in a room full of men," Taehyung furiously whispered, firing her an uptight grimace."I'll always remain bare for you," Sora giggled with a flirty smile, causing the alpha's cheeks to flush red. The man gripped her panties under the desk and glanced back at his men, suddenly losing track of whatever the director had said. "You're unbelievable," Taehyung murmured with his dim gaze on the screen as he crumpled the soft fabric in his oversized palm and suddenly lifted his hands upward to press his wife's panties against his nose, causing Jang Sora's eyes to widen in shock. Gasp! She gripped her husband's forearm in an attempt to stop him- but froze in a panic once the men turned in their direction to find Kim Taehyung... sitting at the end of the table... with a cloth pressed against his nose. No one reacted. They had mistaken the material for the founder's handkerchief."Put it down!" Sora whispered, lowering her hand to smack his thigh under the desk... but Taehyung didn't budge and inhaled her fragrance deeply with his eyes closed, making her flush even redder at his sensual frown."Enlighten me with the new protocol," Taehyung nodded at his men, finally opening his seductive gaze with his wife's panties pressed firmly over his nose. The directors cluelessly nodded and resumed briefing on the strategic approach, causing Jang Sora to stiffen in her seat with a numbed face as she glared sideways at her husband. Taehyung smirked at his tense wife before lowering one hand to rub her inner thigh, making her swallow uneasily at his teasing touch. She averted her frightened pupils to her husband again as he gently clutched her beneath the desk. "Oppa~!" Sora pouted as she gripped his forearm with a pleading look."We're staying overtime in my office tonight," Taehyung mouthed, deeply absorbing her scent from her panties before shifting his sharp gaze back to his men, leaving his wife paralyzed in her seat as he shamelessly sniffed her underwear in a room packed with his people. Jang Sora bit her lower lips and lowered her head in extreme embarrassment as her husband caressed her thigh under the desk to arouse her nerves with his roaming fingertips.
A moment later
"Everyone may leave early today," Taehyung dismissively waved his hands once he entered the private lobby, causing the secretary and assistants to eye one another in surprise. The supreme alpha forcefully smiled at the staff as her husband led her inside his office while struggling to walk without her panties. Click. Sora quickly sealed the door behind her back and snapped her face toward Taehyung, who was slipping off his suit."Oppa~! Give me back my panties~!" Sora whined, quickly walking up to her husband with a cute grimace."Oh? You gave it to me- so why are you trying to take it back?-" Taehyung playfully shoved his wife aside when she tried to shove her fingers inside his pocket."I don't have anything underneath! It's cold~!" Sora whined while twisting her legs with a big pout as her husband drew out her worn-out panties from his pocket with a devious smirk."I'm not giving it back!" Taehyung shrugged, dismissively spinning his body around to stride in the opposite direction. Sora gasped at his refusal."Yeobo~! Give it back! I feel uncomfortable!" She shrieked, desperately chasing after him, and tried to seize his forearm when Taehyung swiftly spun around and suddenly shoved her onto the couch- Thump! The supreme alpha shrieked in shock once she crashed onto the cushions."You want it back~? I'll give it back if you take responsibility for teasing me~!" Taehyung smirked as he stood above his wife with his tongue pressed against the inner flesh of his cheek."I'll give you a new panties at home! Whichever you like~! That one is old-""Exactly! Old panties have more of your flavor and scent saturated in them~! I prefer this one~!" Taehyung chuckled and lifted the cloth to his nose again. Sniff! Sniff! The man shamelessly inhaled her scent with a difficult frown- causing his wife to whine at his perverted behavior."So annoying!" Sora shrieked, lightly smacking his stomach. "Lay down," He instructed, suddenly sitting down with her."No-""Don't make me repeat myself," Taehyung narrowed his eyes at her upset frown as she glowered at him with inflated cheeks."Oppa-""Sora," Taehyung lifted his eyebrow to disapprove of her disobedience, causing the supreme alpha to purse her lips restlessly- so she huffed, kicked off her heels, and slumped onto the couch in defeat."Fine! But you can't get my dress dirty!- I didn't bring a spare!" Sora snapped at her husband as he sat beside her body on the couch. The alpha lifted his hand to massage her shin before averting his smug stare to her irritated scowl."Why should I care... if you get dirty? I like you dirty," Taehyung chuckled, lowering his face to kiss her kneecap while stroking her inner thighs until he felt her muscles stiffening at his touch. "Ah~! But this is your office~!" Sora whined, quickly covering her flustered face as the man lowered his face to kiss her inner thighs, causing her body to twitch at his pleasuring strokes. Kim Taehyung lifted his handsome face to admire Jang Sora's nervous expression while fondling her inner thighs under her dress... until she whimpered... and bit her lower lips. The man deeply exhaled as he stretched her panties and slipped the cloth over her ankles.Jang Sora suddenly dropped her hands from her burning face and lifted her head to stare at her husband as he drew the panties up her legs to adjust the straps back onto her fleshy hips. He then lifted her dress upward to expose her stomach and leaned downward to plant a moist kiss... just below her belly button... causing a sweep of goosebumps to sweep across her sensitive skin. The alpha eventually raised his face from her lower abdomen and pulled the fabric back down to cover her sensitive body. He didn't force himself onto her. "I guess you don't favor my body anymore," Taehyung smiled while fixing her dress after he fitted the underwear back to his wife's hips without escalating their intimacy, knowing she wasn't in the mood to have her body touched. Sora quickly sat up to hug his neck with a big pout. "I promise I'll let you do as you wish at your apartment!" Sora pulled away to cup her husband's cheeks, causing Taehyung's lips to curve upward... at her desperate attempt to console him."I was just teasing you. My work is overdue... so I'll sort it out first," Taehyung chuckled, sweetly pecking her lips as he coiled his arms around her waist and gently patted her back on the couch.  The founder eventually stood up with his wife in his arms and chose to perform his work at the desk with his wife seated on his lap. Sora chuckled happily and kissed her husband's cheek... every now and then... while clinging... to his body with her head tilted against his shoulder chest to keep him company inside his isolated office.
Next Morning
Kim Taehyung rolled over the mattress to search for his wife's body with his eyes closed until his fingers fumbled upon her thin silk. The man groggily lowered his hand to feel her bare flesh between her thighs. Frowning unsurely, he opened his blurry vision to find the supreme alpha... curled up into a ball with her loose nightgown drawn all the way up to her waist. He scoffed, lightly smacking her exposed bum before pulling the silk back down to cover her legs until she grumbled and turned to lay on her back. The man scooted under the blanket to hold her body close to his warm trunk, softly breathing against her messy black hair while patting her stomach to gently wake his wife from her deep sleep."Do you want to go jogging with me...?" Taehyung hoarsely whispered while holding her waist. Jang Sora grumbled under her breath and shook her head before turning on her side to face away from her husband. Taehyung aligned his torso against her back and held her body close with their legs entangled under the warm sheet. He dozed off for another ten minutes before jerking awake again... and crawled off the bed, tucked his wife back to sleep, and left the apartment for a morning jog... leaving the supreme alpha... sprawling alone... on the bed in his apartment. She was too sleepy to chase her handsome husband and chose to sleep in for the day.
Sora's POV
Thud. Thud- Creak. I sleepily opened my heavy eyelids to scan the bedroom door once my husband came strolling inside in his sweaty attire. He's done jogging? I exhaled deeply at his presence while snuggling against the pillow as he drew off his pants from his firm hips to toss them in the laundry basket before walking up to the bedside. Squelch. Squelch. I closed my eyes briefly and opened it again to find the man jerking his bulge by the bedside. I frowned and lifted my confused stare to him as he pleased himself by the bed... right above my face. Why is he beating his meat so suddenly...?"What are you doing...?" I grumbled, groggily blinking at the man until Taehyung crawled onto the bed, lifted the blanket off my body, and pushed the silk up to my waist."Let me borrow your body for a moment," Taehyung smiled, quickly pulling my panties off my hip bones and hurled it to the floor as I lay sideways on the bed with a dazed mind. Oh no~! He's aroused..?"Hey~! You're dirty~!" I whined once he lifted my left thigh upward and shifted his crotch forward to push his tip against my opening... but he didn't penetrate me right away. Instead. He sensually rubs his shaft over my slit to prepare my body for his entrance. I lifted my hand to smack his damp shirt in annoyance. He's so sweaty~!"We can shower together once you're dirty~!" Taehyung chuckled while stroking his warm meat against my opening... so I groaned and lowered my face against the pillow."Why are you horny early in the morning~? Did you see a sexy lady during the jog?" I whined, firing the man an annoyed look as he leaned his torso mine over to thrust his hips forward, carefully penetrating me in a scissoring position.My horny husband steadily entered my throbbing entrance as I was resting on my side with my left leg hooked over his thigh. Squelch. Squelch. I gripped the sheet with my lips ajar. Hmm~! I'm barely awake and I'm too weak to stop him~! The hot spasm suddenly exploded all over my crotch as he steadily thrusts forward to initiate our intercourse, so I exhaled and closed my eyes in defeat. He's so warm~! Hah~!"You didn't want to do it at the office yesterday, and we were too tired last night," Taehyung grunted while pouncing his hips forward and lowered his face to kiss my thigh as he clutched onto my legs to keep my groin latched to his crotch... causing me to moan softly with every hot thump I felt inside my throbbing lady bits."Did we have to do this early~?" I grumbled, turning my head to grimace at his sexy frown as he railed me on the bed with my gown pushed up to my stomach. Fwop. Fwop. Taehyung leaned over to loosen the buttons over my chest and pushed the fabric aside to reveal my bosoms. I tilted my head back in pleasure as he massaged my bare breasts with his palms until my motionless body rocked helplessly over the mattress with the motion of his manly hip thrusts.I don't mind our intimacy, but I'm still half asleep! And he's drenched in sweat! I'll have to change the sheet again and do the laundry~! Hah~! My mind suddenly stopped functioning once the flaring pressure seized control of my senses, so I moaned out loud while laying on my side as my husband grinds his moist groin against mine to pound his bulge inside my moist canal... until my body started burning in extreme heat."Wae~? Why are you complaining so much?!- Do you not like me anymore~?" Taehyung playfully beat my buttcheek while thrusting forward, making me giggle at his playful complaints."Of course, I enjoy your presence! I'm just sleepy right now~!- Ah~! Hah~!" I weakly moaned once I felt my inside throbbing with the pleasuring surges, making my husband chuckle at my difficult frown. Smack! Smack! The man kept spanking my ass to tease me until I felt my heart thumping out of control. How is he so energetic this early in the morning~?!
A moment later. 
"Urgh~!" Taehyung groaned, stiffly thrusting inside me one last time to empty his swelling ballsacks as his semen spurted inside me, so I rubbed my burning face in relief as he kept his twitching meat inside me and leaned over my body to kiss my lips. Smiling. I hugged his sweaty nape as he tenderly caressed my tongue before withdrawing his moist lips to suck on my nipples, sensually entertaining my nerves with the arousing strokes as the man pinched and fondled my bosoms to his liking."Daddy~! Carry me to the bathroom~! I don't want to walk~!" I grumbled after he lifted his body off mine and carefully slipped his meat chunk from between my soaked slit. Oh~! That was so good! The alpha quickly dabbed his leaking semen between my thighs as I lay on the bed with my legs spread apart until he seized my waist to lift me off the mattress, carried me off the bed in his strong arms, and entered the bathroom together so we could cleanse our sweaty skin under the warm shower.Taehyung wouldn't stop teasing me and would repeatedly bite my breast as I rinsed my hair under the lukewarm water, so I shrieked and smacked his firm ass. Smack! He loudly chuckled in the shower stall while rubbing his stinging butt. Lovemaking used to be intense and sexy during our early days together... but lately? We're pretty laid back. 
We'd joke around with each other and laugh throughout the sexual intercourse instead of just plainly thrusting... or moaning in lust.

A moment later.
"Did you buy these?" I grumbled while sitting on the couch to unpack a bowl of kimchi fried rice as Taehyung rummaged through the fridge inside the kitchen."You said you craved fried rice yesterday, so I picked it up on my way back from the park," Taehyung replied as he closed the fridge and walked forward with a bottle of water to place on the coffee table. Oh~? My lovely hubby actually heard me? I blabbed nonsense the other day during my husband's overtime work hour because I was hungry. Taehyung didn't converse with me, so I assumed he didn't acknowledge whatever I said- but he did? How attentive. He grabbed the tangerine sack and slumped beside me as I dug into the warm rice."You listened to my nonsense?" I chuckled while scooping the warm rice and shoved it inside my mouth as my husband peeled the tangerine over his lap."I got tangerine too- because my wife is too lazy to peel it~! Oppa~ Should we get tangerine~? Ah~! But I don't want to peel them~! Nevermind~!" Taehyung nudged my shoulder while repeating the phrases, making me giggle at his attempt to imitate my voice. I scooped a spoonful of the flavorful rice and fed the man."You sure love me~!" I nodded happily and glanced at the morning view from our apartment with a puffy face while chewing the delicious rice. Taehyung smiled, plopped a slice of tangerine inside his mouth, and lifted his arm to hold my shoulder."I'm obsessed with my dumpling~! Say ah~? Let me feed my baby~!" Taehyung chuckled with a teasing smirk as he pushed the tangerine in between my lips, so I grabbed his wrist and bit his finger, causing the man to shriek in pain."You're too delicious~!" I giggled."My dumpling bit me~!" Taehyung pouted, playfully pushing me away, making me laugh at his pouty expression. The silly husbandman kissed his wounded finger, so I lifted a spoonful of food to feed my husband again until Taehyung chuckled and hugged my body on his side as we enjoyed our quality time together within our peaceful private space.______________________
Fast Forward
The private school lounge bustled with the talkative parents as they greeted one another within the room on a festive school conference day. The teachers have formally invited the guardians to update us on our child's academic performance. I held Woojin and Kanghoon's hands as they led me through the doorway, so I smiled at the other parents as they turned in our direction to admire our family. The twins waved at their friends within the room until we finally settled in an empty lounge. I'm so used to staying home! Why are people so noisy?!

"Eomma~! Can we play at the playground~?" Woojin asked, leaning forward to hug my waist as Taehyung adjusted Kanghoon's collar."No~! It's almost time for the consultation with your teacher! Sit still~!" Taehyung scolded our sons, causing the twins to pout at their father's objection. Kanghoon exhaled and sat on his father's lap as I hugged Woojin against my body."Eomma~! Can we eat fried chicken after this?" Woojin whispered in my ear as I massaged his tiny hand."Okay~!" I winked, breathily kissing his soft cheek, causing the father to narrow his suspicious gaze on us."Don't you dare convince your mother to buy you anything!" Taehyung snapped. I pinched Kanghoon's cheek as he picked a tiny lint on his father's polo shirt."Appa shhh~! You're so loud!" Woojin lightly smacked his father's lips, causing the man to widen his eyes in disbelief."YAH-""Shhhh!" Kanghoon giggled, firmly clasping his hand over his father's lips to stop the man from raising his voice. I softly giggled and smacked my husband's thigh with a warning glare. Taehyung cutely huffed and fired at our sons an offended look.
A moment later.
My husband firmly held my hand over his lap in the quiet classroom as we conversed with the homeroom teacher regarding the twins' achievements. I brightly smiled while flipping through their grade books to examine the exceptional results with a proud beam. They're super smart~! The twins scored an A on every subject!"Kanghoon and Woojin are the top students in our academy. They've outperformed their peers in every subject," The homeroom teacher informed from across the desk with a faint smile."They're smart- just like their father!" I giggled, happily glancing up at Taehyung's approving nod. He's their personal mentor at home! I expected these results!"And lovely just like eomma~!" The twins shrieked from the couch, so we turned to find them grinning cutely at us. Thank god they didn't inherit my sluggish brain! The homeroom teacher chuckled and shook his head."They sure take after their mother in terms of their personality," Taehyung nodded, glancing at me in agreement. I gripped his fingers and shyly glanced at the homeroom teacher again. The man updated us on the twin's overall academic performance... so we chatted with him to discuss our child's strengths and weaknesses until-"Achew!- Excuse me!" I gasped, suddenly sneezing into my palms, and quickly got up from the chair to use the restroom, leaving my husband to speak with the teacher.
A moment later.
"Are you okay?" Taehyung asked, handing me his napkin as we sat inside a fried chicken restaurant. I wouldn't stop sneezing!"I'm fine," I assured while clinging to his thick forearm as the twin enjoyed the crunchy fried chicken from across the table. Taehyung slid the orange juice toward me and gently patted my head."Eomma! How did you meet appa~?" Kanghoon asked as he hungrily chewed the fried chicken."We lived together since we were young," I smiled, lowering my face to sip from the juice."But how did you fall in love~?" Woojin curiously blinked at us. I glanced at Taehyung with an awkward smile. "Eomma chased appa, of course!" Taehyung replied as he chewed the chicken nuggets."No, I didn't!-""You did! Eomma was very chubby! Just like Hajinie~! She chased me with a melted popsicle and demanded that I be her husband!- Don't lie to our children! You did chase me!" Taehyung snapped in my face, causing the twins to howl in tears. They giggled and grinned at me with their greasy lips."Did eomma catch appa?!" The twins laughed, leaning forward in curiosity."Of course she did! How else am I here?! I'm trapped with her! Eomma abducted me!" Taehyung nodded, causing me to shake my head in disbelief. "Eomma said appa got her pregnant on purpose! That's why she's trapped with you! Because of Hajinie~!" The twins giggled at their father, who flushed red and snapped his startled glare at me.

"Hey! What nonsense are you telling our children?!" Taehyung scolded me."You're trapped with me," I giggled, puckering my lips at him. Taehyung beamed and softly kissed me, causing the twins to shriek at our shameless affection until their faces flushed bright red with secondhand embarrassment."No kissing in public!" They funnily pointed their chicken drums at us. I laughed at their cute scowls while hugging my husband's waist as he rubbed my back and darted our babies a teasing glare."Just wait until you get a wife! I bet you'll eat her face so shamelessly too!" Taehyung sneered at the bowl-cut heads, causing them to wiggle excitedly in their seats.

"What does appa like about eomma~? Boobies~?" Kanghoon giggled at Taehyung."Oh~! Her boobies are my paradise! I love her boobies~!" Taehyung nodded in agreement. I snorted at his statement and pushed his shoulder, so he chuckled and hugged my waist again as the twins sniggered behind their greasy hands."Pretty boobies~!" They shrieked, causing my face to flush red. Why are they so loud?! I glanced at the other customers and cleared my throat awkwardly as my husband and sons chattered about my breasts."Let's pack warm fried chicken for the household," I tapped Taehyung's thigh. The man slipped his hand inside his pocket and handed me his black card without hesitating, so I quickly excused my presence from the table and strode toward the counter to place an order as the father and son bickered over the table by the window with the stunning view of the evening beach.
A moment later.
Kim Hajin and Jae Beom happily chortled while enjoying their fried chicken in the living room with my father and imo as I handed Do-hwan the heavy bags so he could share the meal with the guards and the maids within the mansion.The twins loudly chatted with their grandfather to inform him about their pleasant day, so I smiled and entered the kitchen to grab puppy's bowl before filling it with warm chicken drums and finally joined the lively living room to find Beom feeding chicken nuggets to his pet."Puppy~! Come here, darling~! Eomma got chicken for you too~!" I called, causing the cute doggo to bark at me and galloped forward as I placed the bowl on the tiles. Bark! Bark! Puppy excitedly expressed his gratitude before lowering his face to devour the snack. I smiled and patted its head as the adorable creature wagged its tail."Yeobo~! I need a hair wash," Taehyung reminded me as he entered the living room through the back door, so I smiled at my dirty husband and sat directly on the floor to watch our puppy gobble his juicy chicken. The little cutie used to be as tiny as my palm when I found him in the closet- but he's so massive now~! Even bigger than Jae Beom! The twins wildly bounced around in the living room to dance to the upbeat music... blaring from the television screen."Yum! Yum~!" Hajin wiggled her butt while dancing in the living room with the greasy chicken in her grip, causing Beom to giggle on the couch as he munched on his nugget while watching his siblings hop around in the living room. My father chuckled at his energetic grandchildren and shook his head while slurping the newly juiced fruits with halmeoni and imo, who wouldn't stop wiping the coffee table with a napkin. The chief maid can't stand the slightest imperfection within our home!
A moment later.
"Don't fight over the game and switch off the lights before bed~!" I reminded the huddle of children while carrying the twin's laundry basket against my hips as the four siblings crowded around a cardboard game in the twin's bedroom."Good night~!" The four kids waved at me in their pajamas. I smiled, closed the bedroom door, and strolled down the stairs to put their dirty clothes in the washing machine... before entering the ground-floor bathroom to find my husband resting on the spa bed with his eyes closed."Are you asleep?" I chuckled as I walked up to him. I almost forgot about my husband. Taehyung opened his sleepy eyes and glanced at me as I collected the shampoo and oil bottle from the rack."Your service is pretty slow. I wish to speak with your manager," He grumbled. I dragged the chair forward to sit by the attached sink on the spa bed as Taehyung rested in his pajamas."My apologies, sir," I chuckled, carefully testing the water to ensure it was warm enough before rinsing Taehyung's hair to dampen the greasy strands. I have to wash his hair every day because he's always sweating in the garden~!"An apology isn't enough," Taehyung murmured. I smiled at his handsome face while hovering above his head. Can he wash his own hair...? Of course. But he won't do it and insists that I care for him because... the act of service and quality time is his love language.I squeezed the thick shampoo onto my palm and gently scratched his scalp to ease his strained mind, quietly massaging his head with a faint smile. Am I delighted to wash his hair...? Or his underwear...? Or even comb his hair...? Everyday? Of course. I'd feed him like a baby if he allowed me to. I enjoy nursing him. I finally stood up from the chair and rounded the bench to stand beside his head."Do you want to shave your beard?" I whispered while applying the conditioner to his hair."Sure," Taehyung nodded. I smiled and washed my slippery hands before grabbing the shaving cream, dragged the chair to sit beside his head, and gently smeared the foam over his lower chin. His prickly roots are growing again~! Taehyung opened his eyes to watch me lean over his face and suddenly lifted his hand to squeeze my breast over my gown."Sir, please stay still," I mumbled while scraping the sharp blade over his philtrum to shave off the facial hair- but Taehyung didn't listen and slipped his fingers under my collar to search for my fleshy breast, making me smile at his invasive touch. Ah~! I can't stay focused if he's pinching my nipple like this!"This should be your apologies," The man whispered. I smacked his lips to shush the mischievous husbandman... and carefully shaved his beard as he fondled and played with my breast."I charge extra for additional services," I giggled, sitting back on the chair to admire his captivating visual after wiping his face with a clean towel. Taehyung kept his hand under my collar... repeatedly squishing my boobies with a poker face."I won't pay you," Taehyung shook his head. I chuckled and lowered my face to peck his lips. Smooch."Why not?" I chuckled, pulling away to gaze at his dilated pupils."Because you're priceless. Money can't buy you, but your boobies are mine by law," He whispered. I paused to admire his tender gaze while struggling to contain my laughter until he drew his hand from my breast and gently stroked my cheek. How is he able to light up my mood so effortlessly? Is he a funny man... or am I just madly in love? I warmly rubbed his knuckles with a fond smile as he sprawled on the spa bed. He never fails to warm my heart."I'm all yours," I whispered. Taehyung chuckled softly, making me smile in response. I leaned forward to kiss his forehead before standing up again to rinse the slippery conditioner off his hair strands. The man exhaled deeply while resting on the leather bed to let me soothe his scalp until I dried his soaked hair with a towel and finally helped my husband sit up with my hand pressed against his lower spine. He might hurt his back if I don't assist him. Taehyung drew me in by my waist to hug me as he sat on the bed and tilted his head upward to caress my lips as I held his jawline with a weak smile."I love you," He smiled."ACHEW!" I sneezed, frantically spinning away to avoid blasting my spit at his face, causing Taehyubg to scoff in disbelief. I quickly raced toward the sink to rinse my runny nose."Are you sick?!" Taehyung huffed. He hopped off the bed and ruffled his damp hair with the towel."I was fine earlier~!" I whined while blowing out the snot from my nostrils. Why am I sneezing so much?! Did I catch a cold?!- During a hot summer day?! That's strange!
Next Day
I stirred uncomfortably under the warm blanket with a stuffy nose and sore throat... weakly opening my burning eyes to find... four pairs of eyeballs... gawking at me from the bedside. Oh?! I slightly jerked under the cover and stared back at my children as they stood on the side of my bed with intense stares. They scared me!"What are you... guys doing...?" I grumbled while rubbing my throbbing forehead with a nauseous feeling. Ah~! I can feel the heat expelling my eyeballs!"Eomma is sick!" Hajin shrieked, nervously grabbing Beom's hands as the twins intensely studied my puffy face."Don't come near eomma. Go and play downstairs~!" I chuckled, weakly pushing my elbows against the mattress to force my frail body upward, and lowered my face to collect my dizzy mind. I don't know how I contracted the flu- but it's terrible. I'm aching all over."But-""Hey!- No wonder the mansion is dead quiet! Appa warned you guys to stay out of eomma's room, but here you are!" Taehyung scolded, suddenly storming through the door with a tray, causing the kids to shriek at his presence. Thump! Thump! They funnily sprinted out of the room to avoid their father, making me smile at their cuteness."They're worried," I muttered with a sore throat as my husband settled the tray on the nightstand. He opened a cool patch to paste it on my feverish forehead, so I exhaled and closed my eyes again to savor the cooling effect. My immune system must be extremely weak... for me to catch the flu... during the heatwave. Aigo~!"I contacted the head doctor. He'll be here soon," Taehyung muttered as he settled beside me and lifted the steaming bowl from the tray."I can feed myself-""I know, but let me help you," Taehyung shook his head when I tried to take the bowl."I might infect you," I mumbled as Taehyung blew his gentle breath over the soup on the spoon and fed me the warm stew."I'll let you bite me even if you're a zombie- and I'd let you suck my blood if you're a vampire. Did you think I'm afraid of your mere sickness?" Taehyung murmured while gazing at my runny nose as I swallowed the herbal soup with a weak smile."Who would look after our children if you're sick?" I muttered. Taehyung chuckled as he dabbed my red nose with the wet wipes."They can fend for themselves~! I only care about my dumpling," The man shrugged. I scoffed and smacked his chest, making him smile at my disapproving glare. He lifted the spoon and fed me again."Who made the soup?" I asked, sleepily staring at his keen face."I did! I insisted that I brew the soup for you!" Taehyung beamed proudly. I swallowed the extremely salty fluid with a weak smile. I thought so. My tastebuds are numb."It's delicious," I nodded weakly, causing his eyes to light up at my approval. THUMP!"The soup is too salty!- I just tasted the pot- don't feed your wife the soup!" Imo suddenly barged inside our room, startling me and my husband with her unannounced intrusion. Taehyung immediately snapped his dark frown at the woman."She says it's delicious-""It is not! I had a spoonful myself!" Imo snapped and stormed up to me with a sour grimace. Taehyung scoffed at the chief maid's rude intrusion."You said it's tasty!" Taehyung snapped at my pale face as imo snatched the bowl from his hand."It is tasty," I shrugged. Imo fired me a playful glare."I know you love him, but not at the cost of swallowing an entire bowl of salt! I'll ask the maid to bring you another bowl! Don't try to kill your wife with your cooking skills! She loves you too much to complain! Aigo~! How can one love- so blindly when she can barely support herself?!" Imo smacked Taehyung's shoulder and stormed away with the tray, leaving my husband seated at the bedside in extreme bewilderment."Why did you lie to me?!" Taehyung snapped with an offended frown."It is delicious!" I chuckled- but was cut short when my husband suddenly leaned forward, seized my cheeks in his firm grip, and forced his tongue inside my mouth, causing me to freeze in shock... until the man pulled away to taste his lips with a startled look."Arh! Yuck!- It is salty! It wasn't salty earlier!" Taehyung grimaced, quickly launching to his feet to pour a glass of water. I chuckled at his cute grimace after he tasted the saltiness from my lips. The man pushed the cup into my hands, so I swallowed the refreshing fluid thirstily to cleanse the salty flavor from my tastebuds until he settled beside me with a big pout."It's okay. Everything about you is perfect," I assured. Taehyung huffed at my cheesy statement as he leaned over to hold my frail body."I'm sorry," Taehyung whispered, sweetly lifting his face to kiss my cheek. I smiled and pinched his cheek. It's the thought that counts."Oppa~! Don't hold me so tightly! You'll get sick and won't be able to work!" I shrieked, slightly pushing him away. I can't get him sick too!"I don't care! I'll cancel my work schedule and lay in bed- so my wife can nurture me!" Taehyung stubbornly flung his heavy body back onto me, so I chuckled and hugged his muscular back with a weak smile. He's headstrong!The man refused to release me from his clutch no matter what I said- so I gave in and allowed him to remain by my side the entire day until the head doctor arrived at our hilltop mansion to combat my flu with the prescribed medication. Taehyung pretty much stayed up all night to ensure my fever was down until the flu ceased... and I began to feel better after a few days of resting in isolation from the household. It'd be a nuisance if I infect the young children."Eomma~! Can we touch you?" Hajin shrieked once I rounded the platform bench under the ancient tree to sit with her and Jae Beom."Not yet! But eomma made fruit salads for you two. Have it," I chuckled, pushing the bowl toward Beom with a pair of forks. Beom giggled and ate the juicy fruits, so I got up from the backyard bench and headed back inside the mansion, leaving the young heirs alone before climbing the stairs to enter my bedroom."Honey?" Taehyung's voice echoed from the bathroom."Yeah?" I answered, pushing the door open to find him slouching on the toilet bowl with his undone trousers at his ankles."Come here," Taehyung beckoned. I lifted my eyebrow unsurely and strolled toward my husband, so he took my wrist and made me sit on his lap."What's this? You're pooping!" I giggled, lightly smacking his chest. He curled his arms around my waist and pressed his pale face against my shoulder with a troubled frown."I need emotional support because I'm constipated," He mumbled. I snorted out loud and hugged his neck before lowering my hand to pat his lower back. He's struggling to poo?!"Aigo~! My big baby is constipated~? Give it another push~! A little more push~! You got this~!" I giggled while rubbing his back to soothe his bloated guts. Taehyung tightly clutched onto my waist as I sat on his lap- until- Plop! Plop! Plop! His stool loudly plunged into the water bowl, so I hugged his neck and rubbed his back with a faint smile as my husband shakily fumed against my shoulder with his face lowered. BREEEP! BROOP! BREE- BREEP! He farted out loud, making me giggle at his ridiculously loud booty hole noises."Ah~! How relieving~!" Taehyung moaned with his eyebrows furrowed, finally lifting his flustered face to stare at me... so I chuckled and wiped the tears from his lower lash line before pecking his lips with a proud smile."You did so well, my love~!" I boop his nose with mine. Smooch. He softly kissed my lips, so I smiled and kissed him back while searching for the button to flush the toilet because of his reeking poo odor. Ah! The reeking odor is filling my lungs! Taehyung chuckled against my lips as he drew away from my face, so I got up from his lap, leaving the man to wash his booty hole over the bowl. He eventually pulled his trousers back onto his hips and walked over to the sink to wash his hands with his gaze on the window."Oh?!- &!%#!*%?!!- Those rascals!" Taehyung shrieked, suddenly bolting out of the bathroom, making me whip my head toward the window in confusion."What-""YAH?!- ARE YOU NUTS?! STAY STILL!" Taehyung frantically raced out onto our terrace to scream into the front yard before dashing out of our bedroom with a terrified look- so I quickly sprinted toward the sink by the window to find the twins giggling funnily with their heads tilted upward. Beom and Hajin were screaming for help from the tree branch above as they clung for dear life. How did they get up there?!

"Omo! My babies~!" I gasped, quickly dashing out of the bathroom, and sprinted through the corridor before bursting out of the front door to find my husband speeding toward the ancient tree."YOU RASCALS!" Taehyung shouted, hastily slipping off his slippers to hurl it at the twins, who shrieked in fear and sprinted in the opposite direction while dragging the ladder with them as the father dashed toward the tree with his bulging eyeballs on the younger heirs."APPA! I'M SCARED!" Hajin screamed in tears as she hugged the tree branch, so I gasped and climbed down the concrete stairs with a racing heart. How did the twins convince the two souls to climb the tree?!"Stay still!" Taehyung snapped, quickly reaching upward to reach for Hajin as Beom clutched onto the branch in tears- until Do-hwan raced across the field to assist us. They could've fallen and injured themselves!"Honey! How did you get up there?!" I shrieked, fearfully stopping under the branch with my face tilted upward as Jae Beom pouted at me in tears. I tried to reach for my son, but he was out of reach.

"Hyung told us there's a small squirrel nest on the tree~!" Beom whined as Do-hwan hurriedly entered the shade and extended his arms upward to retrieve my little Beom. I gasped in fear while reaching for Beom's chunky arm until the child hugged my neck for support as Hajin screeched at her older brothers for pranking her and the third son."Hold her!- I'm punishing those brats!" Taehyung shoved Hajin into Do-hwan's chest. The father hastily picked up his slippers from the grass and snapped towards the twins as they dragged the ladder away with wide grins."AHHHHHGDEYGDQH!" The twins screamed, dashing away in fear once they found their father pouncing after them. I clutched onto Beom with a worried frown on Hajin's tearful cheek as she clung to Do-hwan's shoulder."Hahah~!" Beom suddenly giggled with flushed cheeks, so I glanced to the side to find my husband seizing the twin boys by their collars under the sun's glare. They screamed at the top of their lungs until the father tackled them onto the grass field. Fop! Fop! Taehyung repeatedly spanked their bum with the slippers as they wiggled and thrashed in distress on the grass field. "Put me down! Put me down!" Hajin demanded while wiggling her body until Do-hwan settled her on the grass- ZOOM! I gasped in shock as Hajin bolted toward her older brothers on her bare feet."ARGH! APPA- HAJIN! ARGH!- SHE'S COMING! OH NO~!" The twins shrieked in fright, facing draining of blood... as the feisty heiress pounced towards them with her angry bird eyebrows.Taehyung wildly spun around just in time to find his daughter flinging her body onto the twins. THUMP! The father staggered to the side in shock as Hajin beat the twins with her fists, making me chuckle at the commotion. Do-hwan folded his arms with a weak smile and walked away while shaking his head."Don't hurt hyung~!" Beom cutely shouted as I carried him toward the squabbling siblings."Ow! Ow! Appa! Help!?!-" Woojin shrieked in pain as Hajin's head locked her brother with her tiny leg hooked around his throat while clutching Kanghoon's hair on the grass. Beom frantically wiggled in my arms once we got to them... signaling me to place him down... so I did."Hajin hajima~!" Beom laughed, sprinting forward to seize his agitated baby sister."Oppa is mean! Hajinie and Beomie could've fallen~!" Hajin scolded the twins as Beom dragged her backward.The identical boys whined in annoyance and sat up with twigs in their striking messy hair as our puppy pounced forward to lick the twins' cheeks. Taehyung is right. I don't have to worry about Hajin. She can protect herself. Woojin and Kanghoon glared at Hajin's fuming red face in extreme irritation as they dusted their arms and legs."Ah~! My back aches again!" Taehyung grumbled while struggling to get up, so I held onto his underarm to help the husbandman rise from the grass as Jae Beom hugged Hajin's waist to keep her secured on the ground... too afraid to release her. Hajin hastily swatted away her loose hair strands with her upset glare on the twins."You two could've seriously injured your siblings! Don't play on the branches!" I scolded the twins as they hugged puppy and rolled onto the grass field in their dirty clothes."We're sorry!" They giggled, funnily smirking at Hajin's red cheeks... so I chuckled and supported Taehyung as he seized the fallen ladder and dragged it away to prevent our kids from climbing the tree. I stayed back to lecture the children on the vast field before strolling off to massage my husband's back in the living room.__________________________
Fast Forward
The local market scuttled busily as the customers negotiated competitive prices with the sellers over the goods to achieve a fair deal. I picked the giant pears to place them in a bag at a rundown fruit store by a packed intersection. The fruits are just as fresh as the ones I order from the farm!I glanced at Taehyung as he stood with his arms crossed at the entrance with a grim frown, clearly annoyed by the hectic atmosphere of the humid market. The man darted the average irritated look while clutching onto my pink purse. He insisted that we order fruits directly from the farms- but we ran out of snacks for the kids- so I forced the man to bring me to the market for the time being. I'll ask the maid to request our supplies later!

"Oh~! The apples are nice~!" I chuckled, dropping the pear bag to pick the glossy red apples stacked neatly in the basket and carefully placed them in a separate bag... until I noticed a familiar-looking ajumma picking my chosen giant pear from the unattended bag I left on the other basket. Oh..? It's the same woman!"Excuse me! That's my wife's bag!" Taehyung suddenly snapped, storming forward to snatch the pear from her grip, causing ajumma to widen her eyes at his blunt confrontation. She darted Kim Taehyung an offended glare while eyeing him up and down... as if he was an extraterrestrial entity."The bag was left unattended!" She snapped back Taehyung. He scoffed in disbelief at her rudeness."It's clearly placed in a bag, picked by another person! Don't you have any manners?- Did you think you could take advantage of my wife- just because of your gray hair and crooked back?!" Taehyung sneered at the woman with a stern frown."Ohoh~?!- This young got no manners at all!" The woman shrieked at Taehyung. I gasped at my husband's hot temper, quickly hurrying over to grab Taehyung's hand and tried to hand her the pear to avoid unwanted trouble- FWIP! Taehyung snatched it right back from my grip and roughly chomped into the pear. Crunch! He hastily chewed the fruit... leaving behind a massive bite mark on the juicy sphere. The woman widens her eyes in shock."You're the one lacking manners! Ajumma stole my wife's fruits before too~! But she was too kind and let you off! I came today so I can confront you!" Taehyung bickered while chewing the massive pear in his puff cheeks, causing the lady to fire me an annoyed look, so I pursed my lips and gripped Taehyung's wrist anxiously."Young people these days are so rude! They take all the good things for themselves! How greedy!" She argued, angrily storming away with an attitude, causing Taehyung to tense his body in bewilderment."Ohoh?!- What nonsense are you saying?! Do you want to see my lawyer?!- I'll sue you for seizing another person's possession! Hey- old lady~! Come back this instant!- How dare you disrespect the supreme alpha!-" Taehyung shrieked, funnily trying to chase her, but I firmly held onto his arms."Forget it~! Why are you picking a fight with a random stranger twice your age?" I grumbled."She'll repeat her wrongdoings if I don't confront her!- Why do you want to sweat out here anyway?! I can order an entire truck of the finest food for you!" Taehyung snapped at me in annoyance. I stared at his sweaty hairline as he gripped the bitten pear in his hand until the store owner rushed forward to apologize to us- but I assured the man and bought the fruits."You complain so much~!" I whined as I walked with Taehyung through the crowded market. He won't stop complaining! He claims everything is dirty and of poor quality in the market despite having no clue about the food!"Why would you waste your time hand-picking the food?! I can hire people to do that for us! Just stay home! Be a mother! Be my wife! Be a pretty rich housewife! Your life can't get any easier!" Taehyung shrieked while chasing behind me with the colorful fruit bags. I chuckled and turned to hug his arm."Araso~! Just this once! I won't come back again!" I giggled. Taehyung glared at me and huffed with an attitude- so I smacked his bum while strolling out of the crowded area to return to our car and headed back to the mansion.
Kim Taehyung refused to let me visit the local market ever again after the incident and ensured that our food supply was delivered daily so the household wouldn't run out of ingredients. I wanted to go shopping in the local markets because I was bored and thought the interaction with the world would ease my mind... but how can I relax when my husband is constantly complaining and picking a fight with everyone around us? It's better to appease his soul and do as he wishes.

My duty is to be his beautiful wife and the mother of his children.

Aigo~! He's determined to ensure the utmost comfort for me and the household!

What a gentleman!

Winter Storm
"Should I summon the kids? The meal is almost ready," Imo asked as I tasted the steaming stew by the stove."I'll call them in. Please escort halmeoni to the kitchen," I smiled while slipping off my apron and strolled out of the kitchen to pull on my winter jacket. I carefully pushed open the front door and stepped out to greet the strong wind gusts. Ah! It's so cold! What are they doing in the snowstorm?! I found the kids shrieking at each other over the white plain as they hurled tiny snowballs at each other from opposite directions. Taehyung funnily leaped to the side, dodging behind a massive snow blockade with Beom and Hajin to hide from the twin's attack as they flung the snow at their siblings and father... from behind their giant snowman."Haha~!- Ah?!-" Beom shrieked the instant he peaked from behind the barrier- only to be struck in the face by a freezing snowball. Smack! The child tumbled onto his back upon the impact. I chuckled and cautiously walked down the stairs as Taehyung flung a massive snowball over the field, sending the chunk slamming against the snowman. The twins screeched in shock once their snowman's head toppled onto them."Time for dinner! Everyone~! Get up!" I walked between the boundary line to cease their snow fight."Eomma!" Hajin shrieked from the side. I glanced at her direction and- SMACK! A snowball slammed right into my face, sending me staggering to the side. Oh!? Did she just attack her own mother?! Hajin giggled and ducked behind the pile to avoid me."HEY! HOW DARE YOU HIT EOMMA!" The twins shrieked, suddenly sprinting from behind their barrier with their snowballs. Hajin shrieked in panic as the twins dashed towards her. Fwip! She quickly scrambled away on her hands and knees, cutely squealing in fear as she attempted to outrace her brothers. "ARRRGGHHHH!" Beom gained the courage to attack his brothers and charged toward Kanghoon, who flung the snowball at the little Jaguar. Smack! Beom toppled to the side in his yellow winter jacket but quickly got up and charged toward his older brother again."EOMMAAAAAA!" Hajin screamed while zigzagging over the snow in her white boots as Woojin chased her around the ancient tree in the front yard with his snowball... wildly smacking his sister with the chunky ice ball... until she backed against the tree trunk with her hands shielded over her face. Smack! Smack! "Guys! Dinner- AH!" I screamed in shock when my husband suddenly scooped up the snow pile with the shovel and swung it right at me- sending the cold showers... blasting onto my body at full force. Oh?!! I swiftly shielded my face... weakly collapsing into the snowman and stumbled to the side upon my husband's harsh attack. He's sleeping on the couch tonight!"Let's attack eomma! Ahhhhh!" Taehyung shrieked with a mischievous smirk. I frantically sat up in horror once all four of my children charged in my direction with their snowballs. SHIT?! IS HE NUTS?!"OW~!" I playfully yelped as they flung the snowballs at my body."Haha~!" Woojin giggled, suddenly flinging his body over mine- Slump! I fell back onto the snow as my son clung tightly to my neck."I will protect you, eomma~!" Beom shrieked, racing forward to tug Woojin off my body, so I reached out for Beom and pulled him down with me. Oh, my little warrior!"Hey~! You're suffocating eomma!" Kanghoon snapped as he dropped his snowball and raced forward to yank Beom upward."Weeee~!" Hajin giggled, flinging her body over her third brother, crushing me beneath their body weight- so Kanghoon chuckled and hopped over Hajin's back to pile over my frail body."Yah! Get off your mother! She's mine!" Taehyung gasped, sprinting forward to haul Hajin and Kanghoon by their hoods. Thump! The father carelessly flung them into the snow pile before seizing Beom and Woojin's collars, playfully hurling our children aside... until they tumbled over the scrunchy snow plain. Thump!  Thump! "Yeobo!" I shrieked in disbelief as I watched our children roll over the fresh snow after being thrown aside by their father- but was cut short when the man wildly flung himself at me, roughly slamming me back onto the snow with his heavy weight. THUMP! I grunted in discomfort while gripping Taehyung's back as the light snow drifted around us. I'm cold! My teeth suddenly chattered... so Taehyung chuckled and hugged my head against his shoulder."Eomma is ours~!" Hajin screamed, attempting to force her father off me. Taehyung clutched tightly onto my body and kissed me with his freezing-cold lips. I groaned in distress as the four children pushed and pulled their father's jacket to remove him from my body... but Taehyung refused to budge and pinned me firmly over the snow."Aigo~! I can't win all four of you~!" Taehyung laughed, finally rolling over to lay flat on the snow beside me- so I lifted my head to rest on his bicep as Hajin and Kanghoon crawled onto my body. Beom and Woojin slumped onto their father's chest for a warm hug as we sprawled over the snow sheet to cushion the wiggly dumplings over our heated bodies."You're all so adorable! I love you guys so much!" I giggled while hugging Kanghoon and Hajin over my body as they lay face-first over my chest."Get off appa! Appa only wants eomma!" Taehyung shrieked, but Beom shook his head and tightly hugged Taehyung's torso as Woojin kissed his father's cheek. I giggled and glanced at Hajin, who was snuggling her warm face against my neck as Kanghoon rested face first over my body. Taehyung exhaled in defeat with his arm extended under my head once the children refused to release us... so I freed my arm to hold his cold fingers over the snow. We fondly stared at one another while lying on the white sheet of snow... and glanced at the four children... desperately wiggling against our bodies to seek our warmth.My husband and I burst out laughing at our children's endearing behavior until Taehyung turned his head on the snow to kiss my forehead as I cradled my babies over my chest. I glanced up at the gloomy sky above us with a relieved feeling while resting in my husband's embrace."We're so lucky," I whispered while staring at the fluttering snowflakes under the evening sky. Taehyung gently rubbed my shoulder over the freezing snow... so I smiled and glanced at his tender gaze again to savor our precious moment over the hilltop... during a winter storm with our little cubs... safely snuggled against the warmth of our bodies.
This is the happy ending I've always prayed for.

Me... my lover... my children... and our everlasting happiness.

Third Person POV

Kim Taehyung and Jang Sora remained at peace over the thick layers of white snow with their affectionate gaze glued on each other as they held their children in their secured embrace... assuring each other of their eternal serenity... during their happiest lifetime... together.

And despite the harsh winter storm... the family... was warm and cozy.

Their undying love flames... acting as a protective barrier... to form an indestructible shield... around their forever dream home on the... sacred hilltop... to safeguard their wholesome love... and happiness.
____________________________
An Alternative Universe | One Shot - Part 1
A teenage high school girl keenly goggled the new faces standing at the front of the class with her hand tucked under her chin to support the weight of her head as the new students greeted their classmates in their fitted maroon high school uniforms. Jang Sora stared at a bunny face handsome boy, who was beaming at the class with a brilliant smile, enchanting everyone with his radiating charisma as his eager doe eyes roamed the pack of wealthy kids until he caught her staring at him. The young heiress blinked out of her hypnotized mind and glanced at the other boy as he stood with a nonchalant gaze on the cluster of curious classmates. She frowned at his dull energy before glancing back at the obvious extroverted sunshine, Jeon Jungkook. The confident third rank strolled forward to settle at the desk behind her while nodding at everyone he laid eye upon. Jang Sora eventually glanced at the cold boy again as he hooked his bag to the chair, calmly settling at the desk beside hers. He briefly glanced at Sora when she wouldn't drop her obvious prying gaze but she didn't look away and eagerly eyed her new classmate, waiting for him to acknowledge her presence. Kim Taehyung didn't greet her and shifted his blank pupils away in disinterest. Why isn't he smiling? She curiously studied the older boy's poker face with her head tilted to the side.

The homeroom teacher started speaking again, so she gave up on observing the kid and shifted her attention to the projected screen, quietly scribbling her notes until she felt a soft tap on her shoulder. The supreme alpha unsurely rotated her head to find a pair of... sparkly doe eyes... staring at her. She pursed her lips and glanced at the boy's cute bunny teeth as he chewed his lower lips."Can I borrow your notebook for a moment? I want to catch up on the past lessons," Jungkook whispered, firing her an adorable smile."Sure. I'll give it to you during the break," Sora replied. The alpha nodded and leaned back against his seat, so she exhaled and glanced at the stern-looking kid beside her again as he sat with his blank gaze on the screen. Still. He didn't budge and he didn't smile. 
Lunch Break
"Jungkook! Would you like to join us for lunch?" Park Jimin approached the new kid's desk with an eager smile."Oh- Sure!" Jungkook beamed and quickly leaped to his feet to greet his classmate."I'm Park Jimin!" The mochi cheeks kid shook hands with the bunny teeth."What about Taehyung? Would you-""He doesn't like to eat with anyone!" Jungkook suddenly cut off Jung Hoseok, who tried to speak with Kim Taehyung. Kim Namjoon glanced at Taehyung uneasily, who was reading his book... without sparing his attention to the disorderly room."I'm hungry!" Seokjin announced, leaving the class through the doorway with his hands in his pockets."Sora! Let's go~!" Yoongi beckoned from his desk."I'm coming!" Sora nodded, quickly closing her books to stack them aside and followed the alphas out of the study room to enter the crowded cafeteria. The supreme alpha picked up her food tray and strolled toward the high-ranking teenage alphas, seated beside Kim Namjoon, who was chatting with Hoseok as Seokjin shook hands with Jeon Jungkook over the table."-You moved from Busan?! I'm from Busan too!" Jimin gasped at Jungkook in surprise."Taehyung hyung is from Daegu, but he lived in Busan with me!" Jungkook chuckled, briefly glancing at Jang Sora as she lifted a portion of her rice to place it on Yoongi's plate."Sora! Why are you giving me your food again?!" Yoongi whined."I'm not hungry," Sora shrugged and lifted the sausage to place it on Seokjin's plate."Are you on a diet again?" Seokjin grimaced."You might collapse if you don't eat enough," Namjoon warmly smiled from across the table, but Sora shook her head and quietly ate her remaining food."Can I join you guys today~?" A feminine voice chirped. The alphas lifted their faces to stare at Kang Minah as she forced herself between Seokjin and Sora to sit right across from Jeon Jungkook, whose eyes suddenly lit up upon the sight of her captivating beauty. "Are you interested in Jungkook-shi?" Hoseok teased her."I'm Kang Minah!" The alpha beamed at Jungkook, causing his face to flush red. The other alphas sniggered over their food as the bunny boy shook Minah's slender fingers. Sora ate a few spoonfuls of food before turning her head to gaze at Minah's pretty visual."I'm full," Sora announced, dropping her spoon and quickly got up from her seat, causing Yoongi and Seokjin to eye her untouched food in concern."Sora~! Finish your food!" Seokjin called, but she simply waved her hand and walked away with a stuffed cheek. The supreme alpha exhaled heavily and jogged back inside the empty study room to find Taehyung eating his food in his seat with his eyes fixed on a pink cover notebook.
Sora's POV
"Is that my book?" I cleared my throat as I entered the room with my wary gaze on the alpha. He finally shifted his sharp stare to me while chewing his food, so I glanced at the lunch box on his desk and slowly sat down at my seat... by the window... with my curious gaze on his blank stare. Why is it that he has no emotions in his gaze? It's strange.

"You're quite young for this grade," Taehyung muttered, handing the book back to me. I retrieved it from his grip as he picked up his chopstick to dig into his food again."You could've asked for my permission," I mumbled, closing the book and placed it on Jungkook's desk. Taehyung chewed steadily on one side of his cheek and glanced at me again... until I stiffened at his blank stare. Why is he staring at me so intensely? My cheeks suddenly flushed red as the boy eyed my face up and down as if to study my facial features."You've got a smudge on your cheek," Taehyung muttered with his empty stare on me. I gasped, quickly turning away to rub the stain from my cheek in embarrassment, and glanced back at him when he suddenly smiled at me. It wasn't a big smile but I saw it right away, the little spark in his blank pupils. He can smile? And for a moment... I was... lost in the glimpse of happiness in his charming smile. Blink.Taehyung lifted his thick eyebrow to question my unblinking stare, suddenly flattening his lips again- so I immediately sealed my opened mouth and stiffly spun in my seat to stare out the window. Badum. Badum Badum. My heart pounded rapidly against my ribs until I felt warm blood rushing into my flushed cheeks. Sora! Why are you suddenly blushing?! I quickly lowered my face to the desk and pretended to nap to avoid his gaze. He's quite handsome!
A few weeks later.

Hi. I'm Jang Sora. The future supreme alpha of the Jang household. I'm sixteen and I am considered a chubby nerd at the academy. Everyone favors me- but not in a romantic way. It's a huge struggle, really. Every other guy in existence... is only interested in Kang Minah or Lee Mira because they're famous beauties at our school. I am popular too... but only in the academic field.
"Hey," Taehyung spoke up behind my back. Fwip! I jerked in a panic at his familiar voice, wildly spinning around to find him looming over me in his usual maroon uniform."H-Hey~!" I stuttered, nervously patting my high ponytail to ensure my wild strands were in place."Can I borrow your study materials for biology?" He asked. I stared at his oddly pretty dark brown eyes with my lips ajar. Sora! Snap out of it!"Oh-!- Of course!" I nodded, shakily snatching the book from my locker, and handed it to him with a keen smile."Thanks," Taehyung nodded, suddenly strolling away, so I nervously gripped my fist and leaned against the locker for support. I have a massive crush on him! And my heart goes crazy whenever he speaks to me!I pouted at his abrupt departure as I watched him enter the classroom and glanced back inside the locker. Kim Taehyung might not be as lively as his cousin- but he's pretty popular amongst the girls. I won't stand a chance- Sora! He rarely speaks to anyone but you! Maybe he likes you too?! I giggled alone, lost in my delusion as I arranged my locker. That's right! He's probably interested!-
And that's how a young girl like me... lost my way down the rabbit hole. I would sprint to class every day to meet him, even if he didn't often speak. I'd chase my curious gaze after him as he strolled the corridor or sneak glimpses of his side profile... during class. Helpless? I know.

Kim Taehyung suddenly became the center of my world... and I'd find myself preparing my notes and materials just in case he needed my help. I want to be helpful to him- so he'd favor me! Maybe he's not into physical appearance?!- Sora!

It's possible for a guy to fall for your inner qualities! You only have to snatch his heart with everything you're good at! He'll for sure see the qualities in me if I prove it to him!
"I brought you homemade cookies!" I beamed, accidentally slamming a gift bag on the desk a little too hard. Thud! Taehyung slightly flinched and slowly lifted his blank face to meet my excited gaze with a dumbfounded look. Did I startle him?- That's right, I should shake his heart a little so he'd notice me! He briefly glanced at the hushed study lounge."Thanks," Taehyung nodded, glancing back at his book. I glanced at the eagerly looking female students as they eyed our interaction from the other lounge. They must be jealous of me because he only speaks to me! I plopped beside him with my hands clasped together- causing the muted alpha to lift his face with a questioning look. Oh! He's looking at me!"Do you need help?- With anything? I'll help you-""I'm fine," Taehyung replied and glanced back at the textbook. I pursed my lips at his unbothered response and glanced at the pink gift bag. Why isn't he eating my snack? Maybe he's too shy to eat in front of me? I giggled helplessly with my hand over my lips."I made chocolate cookies! It's a new recipe! You should try it!" I nodded at the bag, trying desperately to initiate the conversation with my crush. What is he interested in?! I have no clue- but I'll find out!"I see," Taehyung nodded as he highlighted the texts over the page. I pursed my lips again and glanced at his lunch box. Maybe he's full?"Why don't you eat the food in the cafeteria?" I asked curiously, lowering my face to stare at his handsome side profile."I'm a picky eater," Taehyung muttered without shifting his gaze to me."Ahah! That's cute~!" I shrieked, accidentally smacking his arm, causing the highlighter to squiggle messily over the page. Taehyung paused and glanced at me with a slight grimace- so I flushed red in embarrassment and quickly withdrew my hand from him. Oops!"Sorry!" I apologized. "Don't you have anything better to do?-""I thought you'd need my help, so I-""I told you I'm fine," Taehyung replied, frowning at me with a baffled look, causing the smile on my face to fade at his obvious annoyance. Am I annoying him...? I blinked at the messed-up highlight on his book and glanced at his stern stare again."I'll leave," I nodded, quickly leaping onto my feet in extreme humiliation before jogging off to avoid him. Ah! Sora! Why did you have to hit him like that?!- You're so cringey~! I smacked my head and left to sulk alone in the library.
Fast Forward
Clap! Clap! Clap! I fumed out of breath as I did repeated jumping jacks in the auditorium with my classmates while struggling to maintain my balance as the class stood in a circle to warm up for the physical education session. I'm so tired~! The coach finally blew the whistle to halt the activity. Huff! Huff! I panted in desperation to inflate my deflated lungs and crouched down over my plump belly with a dizzy head, sweating profusely as everyone else chattered in their shorts and loose sports shirts. I'm already sweating so much over a mere warm-up session! I glanced at Lee Mira as she chatted with Taehyung, who was stretching his arms above his head. I look hideous when I'm sweating like this! What if I smell?!- I must avoid him!

"Sora! Are you tired already?!" Minah chirped, jogging forward to nudge me with her knee. I grimaced at her toned legs and glanced away in annoyance as she crouched before me with a teasing smile."Don't tease her!" Seokjin snapped at Minah."Hey, I'm just checking on my friend! She hasn't been eating lately!" Minah snapped back at Seokjin and glanced at my sweat-drenched face."I'm going to divide the team! We're playing dodgeball today!" The coach clapped his hands for our attention. My face drained in horror upon hearing the announcement... so I swallowed and stood up in extreme dread. They'll target me again because I'm the chubbiest and the slowest!A moment later.The coach blew a deafening whistle as I stood beside Yoongi, Hoseok, Namjoon, and a few other classmates. I glanced at Taehyung anxiously as he stood on the opposite side at the far back... between Seokjin and Minah. Jungkook eagerly gawked at the balls on the centerline... dividing the two teams apart. I'm nervous!"Sora. You stay put and avoid getting hit," Hoseok reminded. I anxiously nodded until the coach blew the sharp whistle again. THUMP! THUMP! The two teams fiercely charged forward to seize the balls at the center of the court. Jungkook was the quickest to snatch the first ball- and BAM!Namjoon gasped in shock after getting struck by the third rank in the very first second. The defeated alpha groaned in annoyance and jogged off our side as Hoseok seized a blue ball and swung it at Minah, who shrieked and quickly hid behind Minho- BAM! Minho whined once he got hit. I swallowed in fear as Yoongi merely missed a ball thrown by Seokjin."Ah!" I screamed, leaping to the side when Jimin suddenly targeted me from the other side."Be careful!" Hoseok snapped but gasped in shock when Jungkook attacked him with an accurate strike, hitting the alpha in his left shoulder. Thump!"Sora! Collect the balls!" Yoongi shouted as he flung the ball with all his might to counter the opposite team- BAM! Minah winced in shock once it slammed against her waist. She huffed and stormed off the boundary, so I snatched a rolling ball on the ground and spun around to find Jungkook flinging a ball at Yoongi- who swiftly backed away as Jimin snatched another ball to hurl it across the court, aiming at Yoongi but missed- so I gripped the ball in my hand and- WHIP! I flung the green ball with all my might- SMACK!"Ah!" Jimin shrieked when my ball struck him right in his stomach."HAH!" I shrieked in delight, causing Jimin to fire me a playful glare as he jogged off the court. BAM! Yoongi and Jungkook suddenly struck each other with their respective balls. The crowd laughed at the duo as they stumbled backward at the impact... and was called off the court by the coach. I nervously picked up another ball while standing beside Mira. She fiercely flung the ball at Seokjin... who effortlessly dodged the hit and fired us a sly smirk. Shit! We're definitely losing!"Do something!" Mira shouted at me. SMACK! She staggered to the side when Seokjin suddenly flung his ball at her, causing the alpha to complain in annoyance and stomp off the court with an attitude. I anxiously swallowed while gripping the bouncy ball and glanced at Seokjin again. I'm the only survivor on my team! Oh no~!"Sora! Win the game for us!" Hoseok cheered from the sideline."Hit me," Seokjin mouthed as he pretended to pick up a ball from the floor, so I grinned and flung the ball at him. Smack!"Sora! I'll treat you to dinner if you win this game!" Jimin shrieked from the side as Seokjin pretended to tumble to the side, surrendering to my ball without defending himself, and crawled out of the court to let me win, so I happily grinned at the cheering crowd before whipping my head around to face the last opponent."SORA!" Yoongi shrieked. WHACK! A blinding blow blasted against my nose- and I was suddenly thrown off my feet once the ball collided right in my face. THUMP! I groaned in shock once I slammed hard onto the ground, causing everyone to gasp in horror- so I lifted my dazed head to find... Kim Taehyung... standing alone on the opposite court with a blank face."Yah! Why did you throw the ball so hard?! She's the supreme alpha!" Seokjin confronted Taehyung as I rubbed my sore forehead. Thump! Thump! Jimin quickly rushed forward to check on me, followed by the other alphas."Sorry," Taehyung smirked, causing me to flush red at his mocking expression. Did he take revenge?! On me?! For ruining his note!?"Haha~! It's fine! That was fun~!" I giggled, pushing Jimin's hand off my sweaty forehead, and quickly got up to assure Taehyung. I thought he didn't care, but he's actually determined to seek revenge! He's definitely interested in me! Why else would he cause such a massive scene!?- Drip. I stopped smiling when something warm trickled from my nostrils... causing the alphas to widen their eyes in shock."Sora! Your nose is bleeding!" Yoongi shrieked, quickly launching forward to press a towel against my nose, so I gripped his arm in surprise as the coach called off the game... and I was unfortunately... escorted to the infirmary for treatment.
A moment later.
"Jeez. Did he have to be so rough...?" Seokjin grunted as he stood at the end of the medical bed."It's fine! Don't bother! I'm probably just dehydrated!" I giggled while resting on the medical bed. It's not Taehyung's fault! I was probably just excited!"You can like him- but you shouldn't blindly dismiss his red flags," Yoongi mocked me. Jimin sniggered funnily and shook his head, so I glared at the alphas in annoyance."I'm sure he likes me!" I complained. "Aigo~! She's head over heels for him~!" Jimin teased, lightly smacking Yoongi's shoulder, who grinned and shook his head with a disapproving smile."You're delighted that everyone is talking about the bloody incident between you and him, huh~?" Seokjin rolled his eyes with his arms folded. I glared at their annoying insult and huffed in annoyance until someone entered the infirmary- so I shifted my eyes to find Taehyung approaching me with a cool water bottle."I'm sorry for being... a bit... rough," Taehyung apologized as he handed me the bottle. BADUM! BADUM! My heart slammed repeatedly against my ribs. He brought me water?!"Thanks!- Ah!" I jerked into a sitting position and tried to seize the water from his grip when Yoongi suddenly clasped his hand over my forehead and slammed me back onto the pillow to prevent me from retrieving the gift from my crush."Stay still! You'll bleed again!" Yoongi snapped in annoyance as I whined with a tissue lodged in my nostril."I'm fine!-""I'll leave it here," Taehyung muttered, placing the bottle on the medical cart and turned to leave the room without another word. Seokjin and Jimin eyed the alpha sourly until he disappeared."Hey! Why are you hindering our interaction~!" I shrieked, quickly shoving Yoongi's hand off my face and jerked upward with an irritated glower. Taehyung probably dislikes their attention!"Stop being delusional! It's unhealthy!" Yoongi scolded. I scoffed, quickly scrambled off the bed to snatch the cool bottle and bolted out of the room. I can't miss this opportunity to get closer to him!"Sora!!!" The three alphas called for me, but I didn't care and chased after Taehyung as he calmly walked through the crowded corridor... causing everyone to chase their gaze after us."Taehyung! Wait for me!" I called, sprinting after him in my dirty sports attire with a tissue in my nostril... and you guessed it... I pretty much... became obsessed with Kim Taehyung and would chase him everywhere. I brought him snacks and drinks every day. I offered him my study materials. I volunteered in his media club. I cheered for him during the tournaments. I chased him around to speak with him wherever he went.
Valentine's Day
I beamed at my reflection in the mirror while adjusting the sparkling pink clips in my braided pigtail before stepping back into a cute knee-length dress. I'm pretty! I have to be prepared! Just in case Kim Taehyung asks me to be his Valentine! He asked if I'm available to see him at school today because of an assignment- but it's probably an excuse!"Sora honey! Are you done~?" Eomma knocked on my door."I'm ready!" I giggled while pulling on my sparkly short heels, and jogged out of the room to find my mother waiting outside the door. She pursed her lips at my exaggerated appearance."You're all dressed up today!" She giggled, leaning forward to kiss my cheek."I'm pretty, aren't I?" I grinned, happily twirling for my mother."Of course! You're the most gorgeous woman~!" Eomma beamed in excitement, so I grinned and walked along my mother's side to exit our luxurious villa until we found my father waiting by the car at the front door."Wow~! My daughter is so beautiful today!" Appa gasped, opening his arms to embrace my body. I grinned and hugged my father as he kissed my head before pulling away to examine my dress. If my parents think I'm pretty- then I am pretty! Taehyung will surely love my outfit!"Let's go~! She'll be late for school! I'm sure she's got plenty of confessions pending at school!" Eomma teased, causing me to flush red. I giggled and hopped into the back seat... and we drove out of the property together.
A moment later
"Hey, princess~!" Minah teased while eyeing my dress funnily as she stood in her white sundress."Don't you think you're overdressing~?" Mira laughed at my fluffy gown."It's pretty!" I snapped back while sitting at my desk."Stop bothering her!" Seokjin snapped at the alphas."You're only nice to her because she's the supreme alpha~! You look ridiculous in that gown! Did you think your prince charming would show up in a white horse?" Minho chuckled from his desk. I grimaced at their mockery. I won't let them put me down! I eagerly glanced at Kim Taehyung's empty seat. Where is he? He's late for class today. Minah chuckled and glanced at Jungkook... who had given her a Valentine's gift and a bouquet.

I expected to receive flowers... gifts... and confessions on the so-called love day... but even after lunch break... no one had asked me to be their Valentine.
Kim Taehyung briefly glanced at my dress when he saw me in the corridor and smiled but didn't utter a word. He liked it, didn't he?- See! He thinks I'm pretty in it! Taehyung shook his head and strolled past me, so I gripped my gown and turned after him. He definitely likes my dress! I happily hopped on my pink heels- Bang! I accidentally slammed into the metallic locker... so I gripped my forehead in pain and quickly spun around in embarrassment to find Taehyung turning his head to check on me. Shit! I hastily sprinted in the opposite direction on my clacking heels to avoid him. How humiliating! 
After School
"Will you be my girlfriend?" Jungkook asked Kang Minah with a cute red heart-shaped floating balloon. Minah giggled shyly with her hand over her lips."Of course!" She shrieked, happily hugging Jungkook, who beamed and clutched onto her back as she stood in her simple sundress. I blinked enviously and glanced down at my gown with a restless feeling.Should I confess my feelings to Kim Taehyung...? Maybe he's too shy...? The crowd cheered loudly for Jungkook, so I exhaled deeply and stepped out of the crowd with a small chocolate box. Sora! Be brave! You're pretty!- Let's find Taehyung and make your feelings known! I beamed again and skipped down the stairs of the building to search for Taehyung... until I stumbled upon the classroom and poked my head inside."Tae-" I opened my mouth to speak once I noticed him in the class- but abruptly halted by the doorway once I found him standing... with another girl. My heart sank as I watched them hug each other in the vacant classroom as Taehyung clutched onto a pink bouquet. I blinked and glanced at the scattered rose petals on the floor before shifting my startled gaze back to him... as he held the unknown girl by my desk."OH?! WE HAVE ANOTHER COUPLE!" Hoseok gasped, suddenly pushing past me to shriek at the couple... and before I knew it... everyone was cheering loudly inside the classroom."Gae Haerim?! That's unexpected!" Jimin scoffed as he clapped for Taehyung and the unfamiliar girl I'd never seen around. Haerim? Who is Haerim?The pretty girl with short hazel hair pulled away from Taehyung, who glanced at the crowd awkwardly while holding the bouquet until I felt my chest aching terribly... so I quickly spun around and pushed through the crowd with my head lowered until hot teardrops... flooded my cheeks... and dripping messily from my chin."Sora! Do you want to have dinner with us today-" Yoongi called from the side of the corridor- but I quickly sprinted away with my chocolate box and ran as fast as my legs could carry me to avoid everyone until I was entirely soaked in warm tears. My heart hurts~!
A moment later.
I aggressively sobbed inside my dim bedroom while stuffing the sweet chocolate in my mouth to stifle my voice, crying helplessly in my chocolate-stained sparkly pink gown with striking messy hair from running all the way home. Why doesn't he like me!?- I thought he did?! Is it because I'm fat!? Ah! I'm so frustrated! I wailed in extreme frustration with my broken heart while ingesting my chocolate in the corner of my room until I fell unconscious... and grew super sick the very next day with severe flu and a sore throat.
A week later.
Third Person POVKim Taehyung lifted his blank gaze off the texts in his book and glanced at the empty desk beside his. He unsurely glanced at the teacher and glanced down at something in his hand without blinking. Sighing, he placed it back in his pocket and lowered his face to concentrate on the book again... but... his eyes would... unconsciously... drift back to the vacant seat by the window. It's weird. Her absence.
The alpha could hear her... soft chirping voice. He could see... the sparkles in her innocent gaze... and he could almost smell... her faint fragrance. Taehyung could recall everything about her as if she was right beside him... yet her seat remained empty. He exhaled again, shook his head to avoid the wandering thoughts and focused on his work... until the bell rang to grant the students a break.
"Seokjin!" Hoseok gasped while waving at the alpha as the Kim's heir strolled inside the classroom."Where have you been?! You're not the type to skip class!" Jimin greeted the alpha from his desk."I was bidding farewell to Sora with Yoongi," Seokjin smiled at the alphas as he settled his backpack on his chair."Farewell? Sora?!- What?!" Hoseok gasped, widening his eyes in surprise."The supreme alpha is transferring abroad for her studies," Seokjin shrugged and slumped on his seat. "WHAT?! WHY DIDN'T SHE TELL ME?" Jimin gasped in shock."Why did she leave?" Namjoon asked in curiosity."No idea. Sora insisted that she wanted to study abroad. Yoongi called me earlier this morning- so we visited her together before her departure," Seokjin shrugged."Maybe the dumpling is heartbroken? Because Kim Taehyung doesn't like her? I saw her crying during Valentine's Day," Mira dawdled from her seat with her legs crossed. The alphas within the room suddenly grew hushed and shifted their dark gaze to... Kim Taehyung.... who remained unbothered in his seat."Stupid jerk," Jimin huffed and glanced away from Taehyung in annoyance. Seokjin grimaced and shook his head as Hoseok sorely eyed the heartless alpha.Kim Taehyung remained utterly muted in his seat as he processed the news in his head before rising to his feet and slowly strolled out of the classroom to approach his locker. Creak. He opened his compartment to stare at the organized materials... Jang Sora had lent him with a blank stare. He blinked... at the neat pile of her belongings before lowering his gaze... to the item in his hand again. The alpha remained numbed in position with his dim eyes on... the golden bracelet... in his palm.
Jang Sora.
Kim Taehyung stared at the engraving of her name on the bracelet before glancing at her familiar locker with a small lollipop candy sticker stuck to it. The alpha raised his hand to open her locker. Creak. He stared blankly at the hollow space with an unsettled feeling. Her books and materials... were gone. Did she visit to retrieve her belongings? He gripped the bracelet once he noticed a single letter in the locker... and slowly withdrew it to read the note.
You can keep the materials. I'm sorry for always bothering you.

Kim Taehyung stared at Jang Sora's familiar cursive handwriting with an expressionless gaze... until the noisy world muted around him... and he was suddenly left stranded in the dark gloom... of his guilt. The young alpha gripped the note... and glanced at her locker in remorse once the reality of her absence struck him... until his chest swelled with an extremely... uncomfortable emotion.
He liked her presence.

He always liked her... but he was never courageous... enough to disclose his genuine feelings.

So she left.

She left with a misunderstanding.

She left with a broken heart because he was a cowardly fool.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Third Person POV
The clamorous elite university floor hustled with the top-rank alphas from various households, teasing and nudging each other around within the lavish corridor as they strode toward the advanced placement lecture room, reserved exclusively for the top achievers. Kim Seokjin spared Kim Namjoon a brief glance as the alphas filled the room and settled at their respective seats, keenly scanning the space to inspect their competitors.Gae Haerim appeared in a cream pleated dress at the doorway, casually striding inside the room with Lee Mira and Shin Minho, and steered toward the far back of the classroom as Min Yoongi and Jung Hoseok settled beside each other in the third row.Jeon Jungkook appeared next to Park Jimin with their bags strapped over their shoulders, chattering loudly about a video game as they settled beside the window until Chul Sungho, Kang Minah, and Ryu So-young stepped through the door to join the pack. Sungho smiled at Seokjin as he selected the closest seat to the professor's desk in the front row. The second-rank alphas exchanged muted stares until Seokjin shifted his gaze to the empty desk beside his. Kim Taehyung's seat is unoccupied.The head principal gradually entered the room once the first lecture began to coach the class of overachieving alphas, followed by another person's presence. Jeon Jungkook dully glanced at Minah... his former lover... sitting beside the door in the same row as his before shifting his annoyed gaze to the unfamiliar presence with his thick eyebrow raised.The classroom suddenly grew hushed as all eyes... fell upon the woman's silky waist-length black wavy hair. Yoongi paused once he recognized her awfully familiar facial features- so he immediately glanced at Park Jimin, who was also frozen in his seat. Everyone stiffened at their study desk as the person stood before the high-rank alphas with a poker face and her hands... clasped together. She did not utter a word and stood like a statue beside the principal.Kim Seokjin stared at her familiar curled lashes with a slight frown and glanced at the light rosy tint on her cheeks before shifting his attentive gaze to her emotionless pupils, expecting to detect the sparkles- but her eyes were devoid of emotions. She didn't blink and stood with her chin held high. Kim Namjoon glanced at Seokjin briefly, who was just as stunned and averted his anxious gaze to their new classmate again. They were all caught off guard by her unannounced arrival."Annyeonghaseyo. I'm Jang Sora," The supreme alpha's voice boomed across the room as she politely lowered her head to greet the bewildered alphas within the space. Jeon Jungkook widened his eyes in disbelief as he looked her up and down with his mouth ajar. The alpha could not recognize her.Jang Sora's lips slightly curved upward as she scanned the timid gazes with her infested darkness, looming dangerously around her, causing everyone upon her sight to hold their breath in her presence. They were all too shaken to react. The supreme alpha slowly shifted her blank pupils to a youthful alpha sitting at the far back of the room. Gae Haerim. The lower rank alpha gripped her fingers nervously as she stared right back at the first rank with a restless feeling.
A moment later.
The private lounge bustled loudly during the first break as Jeon Jungkook entered the reserved space to find a crowd of alphas surrounding Jang Sora. They shrieked and laughed at Supreme Alpha in contentment to welcome her eventual return to the society."Why didn't you announce your arrival?!" Seokjin shrieked while holding Sora in a crushing hug, lifted her body off the floor, and funnily rocked her like a child."Hey!" Sora chuckled, smacking his shoulder to make him release her- but Seokjin refused and held her tightly against his body with a bright beam."You're awfully skinny~!" Yoongi grimaced once Seokjin settled the supreme alpha back onto the polished tiles. Sora pouted at her friend with her arms open, so Min Yoongi chuckled and stepped forward to hold her. He missed her... and she missed him too."Don't be stingy with the compliments~!" Sora giggled, pulling away to admire her best friend. Seokjin chuckled with a weak smile as he stood with his hands on his hips."You left without informing me! I was hurt!" Jimin shrieked, suddenly racing inside the room to confront Jang Sora. She pouted again- but was caught off guard when Park Jimin yanked her into a crushing hug."I'm sorry!" Sora laughed while patting Jimin's back until he pulled away with a playful glare."You're so light~!" Jimin whined as he held her hands to inspect her petite body proportion. Jungkook cleared his throat after blinking out of his thoughts and stepped forward to join the crowd... until Jang Sora averted her gorgeous eyes to him."It's nice to see you again. I didn't get to return your notes," Jungkook greeted her."It's a bit too late," Sora chuckled. Jungkook paused, unexpectedly hypnotized by her enchanting smile. He blinked again and cleared his throat awkwardly before shifting his gaze away to find Kang Minah glaring at him from the couch by the window."You entered the advanced placement course so effortlessly~! It's expected!" Namjoon praised the supreme alpha, casually joining the conversation as he stood with his hands in his pocket. Sora glanced at Namjoon's handsome face and covered her lips shyly, blushing a little."She was always the top student back in high school! And she will be our future supreme alpha! She'll always be the best!" Hoseok agreed. Kim Seokjin smiled at Sora's unchanging habit of flushing red whenever she's praised by the alphas. He was beyond elated to see her.
And on the other side of the room... Gae Haerim... kept her bitter stare on the supreme alpha... who had stolen the spotlight all for herself.

The Tower
The mirrored elevator door slid open on the top private floor of a corporate building to reveal a secretary and two assistants, who stood sternly before the compartment to await the supreme alpha's arrival. They immediately lowered their heads as Jang Sora stepped into the private lobby with a leather bag strapped over her shoulder in her fitted crystal heels.Jang Sora nodded at the employees to acknowledge their courtesy until the secretary invited her forward and they quickly led her toward the solid black door, leading to the private meeting room. Click... Clack... Click... Clack...The supreme alpha steadily strode toward the room in her medium sparkly heels as the secretary held the door open for her... until she entered the muted space with her dull gaze on the crowd of men and women, seated around the extensive meeting table.

Shuffles. Shuffles.

Every soul within the room instantly rose to their feet, fearfully turning in her direction and lowering their heads at the supreme alpha as she stood in the doorway with the secretary and assistants. Jang Sora remained hushed as she inspected the nervous-looking figures and finally stepped forward to approach the empty leather armchair at the end of the room with a view of the evening city.The board of directors nervously peeked at her intimidating presence as she carefully settled at the desk and redirected her sharp gaze to the only soul, who remained seated at the opposite end of the meeting table. The man did not rise to greet her. Jang Sora fixed her gaze on the direct reflection of her darkness as the man sat with his hands clasped over the polished wooden desk, keeping his stern pupils glued on her.

Kim Taehyung.

Jang Sora lifted her index finger to signal the men and women within the room, permitting them to ease their bodies. They quickly settled back onto the chairs with their attentive gaze on her as she stared straight at the rude man, seated across from her with a stern look. Silence. The atmosphere grew tense as the supreme alpha death stared the the man until the executive directors grew super uneasy with her unyielding gaze. They glanced back and forth between the two alphas to witness the intense eye contact between... Jang Sora... and... Kim Taehyung.The supreme alpha refused to lower her piercing gaze for a solid minute without budging an inch and sat in absolute muteness to challenge the man until he clenched his defined jaw. Slowly. The second-rank alpha rose from his leather armchair with his sharp brown eyes glued on the supreme alpha's poker face.The secretary stiffened by the doorway with the nervous assistants as Kim Taehyung relaxed his arms on either side of his body and lowered his head at Jang Sora. She didn't react and stared at his slick brushed-back black hair for an entire minute without uttering a word. The alpha stood with his back bent over and head lowered in her powerful presence."Have a seat," Jang Sora instructed in a monotonous voice.Kim Taehyung finally lifted his dark face and straightened his back with his emotionless gaze on her... causing everyone to strain their bodies at the unsettling tension between the strict leaders. The second-rank alpha composedly adjusted his suit before lowering his body to sit in his armchair again as Jang Sora kept her unblinking gaze on him until Kim Taehyung broke his eye contact and glanced at the document to avoid her intimidating darkness. He yielded, at last.
Dinner Feast
The merged mansions bustled loudly with the festive energy of clattering wine glasses and scraping utensils as the top households chatted over their warm evening meal to celebrate the supreme alpha's return to the society. Jang Sora quietly chewed her savory food in her satin long-sleeved dress before lifting her dull gaze to Kim Taehyung, seated directly across from her in a cream long-sleeved polo shirt. He too... was staring at her over the steaming dishes... as Jungkook sideways peeked at Jang Sora from his seat.
Sora's POV
"I can't believe my sweetheart agreed to enter the academy as soon as she arrived! You even visited the tower to oversee the corporation today~!" Eomma chuckled, proudly lowering her hand to hold my lower back. I shifted my gaze from Taehyung to smile at her. I didn't come home after my arrival. I chose to visit the university and the corporation."You must be tired~! Make sure to eat plenty! Aigo~! You lost so much weight!" Appa grimaced as he sat at the end of the table with his wine glass. My parents aren't too happy that I've shed weight during my studies abroad for the last five years."Honey~! Stop nagging her! She's beautiful this way!" Eomma chuckled, lightly tapping my father's hand over the table. I smiled at their cute bicker and glanced at the Jeon and Kim with a curious smile."I hear the allies are sharing the mansions? How come...?" I asked while smiling at Mrs. Kim. I thought I'd return to my old villa on the outskirts of Seoul... but my parents have constructed a new mansion to house their direct allies."It's better for us to stay as a pack! The mansion is too massive for our family alone anyways~!" Eomma chirped while holding my waist. The mansion is still too big for the three households. I couldn't find my room in the maze-like corridor earlier and had to ask the maid for assistance. This place is like a fortress with all the intensive security and defensive structures."I'll move out once I get married," I smiled."Move out?! Why would you move out?! You'll stay right here with us!" Mrs. Kim chuckled. My father glanced at Taehyung, who was calmly eating his meal across from me without interfering with the conversation. He's as cold as ice. Just like I remembered him."Actually. The household has come to an agreement regarding your marriage. Do you want to speak about it now?" My father asked. I stopped chewing and lifted my face to examine my cheery parents before glancing at the elders at the table. Can I avoid it? Of course not. I expected it."Sure. You did inform me I'd be marrying a powerful household upon my return," I nodded, smiling weakly at my parents."Sora, sweetie. Taehyung is your future spouse. The Kims have agreed to merge their assets with us. You guys were friends back in high school, right? I'm sure you'll get along," My mother gently rubbed my back. I stared at her keen almond eyes before shifting my gaze to Kim Taehyung again. He was staring right at me while chewing on one side of his cheek."You're a perfect match," Mrs. Kim agreed and proudly glanced at her charming son. He didn't appear pleased or enthusiastic about our marriage proposal."Can I not select my own spouse?" I smiled, innocently shifting my gaze to my parents. My mother's smile vanished at my thoughtless inquiry, causing the table to grow quiet... so I lifted my eyebrow to question her with a weak smile. Is this my fate? Marrying a nonchalant man with emotional deficiencies? I'd rather marry a dead corpse than live with an ice block like him."Sora~! He's a competent man. Taehyung is capable of managing the tower- and he's our trusted ally. It only makes sense-""Will you grant me some time to think this through? I'm sure there are other high-ranking candidates with as much potential," I interrupted my father when he tried to convince me. Jungkook pursed his lips awkwardly and glanced at Kim Taehyung, who suddenly stopped chewing and stared right at me with his dull gaze. My mother unconsciously opened her mouth to respond to my request, but couldn't utter a word and glanced at the Kim and Jeons with a startled look."O-of course! You have every right to consider the marriage proposal!" Mrs. Kim forcefully giggled from across the table. She nervously clutched her fork."Sora-""Kim Seokjin is handsome. He's also a decent man because he has... taken great care of me since I was in school. Min Yoongi is also a close acquaintance of mine... and they're both a second rank," I shrugged, causing the elders to grow hush. They glanced at Taehyung's dark stare uneasily. Am I wrong? Kim Taehyung isn't the only competent candidate."I'm sure Taehyung is the best among the others," Eomma smiled as she patted my back."I wish to marry a man- not only for his power but I also... hope to fall in love with his good qualities," I smiled at my parents. I can't fall in love with an ice block. My mother pursed her lips and stiffly nodded at my statement, so I lowered my head to dig into my meal again as the elders exchanged restless looks. They forcefully smiled at me, abruptly changing the subject to evade the awkward situation until I excused my presence from the table and returned to my bedroom.
Why did I leave Seoul to study abroad so rashly? Obviously. My naive younger self got my heart broken over a mere love affair. I assumed it was the best way to nurse my pain by avoiding Kim Taehyung. My parents convinced me to stay in Korea without being aware of my childish drama... but I refused... and departed without looking back.

I was a dramatic child, you see. Did I regret moving abroad? I did. Of course. I was homesick, but I didn't want to burden my parents, so I chose to grow up in a boarding school. I figured it was too embarrassing to return to school after running away over a mere unrequited love.
But hey. It wasn't so bad at all. I got used to living alone, and I did make new friends at my new school until my parents requested my return, so I granted their wish and flew back to Korea. I can never escape my destiny as the supreme alpha and I'm very well aware... that... there will be a marriage proposal upon my return. But did I expect it to be the boy I cried so pitifully over? Nope. Hah~! The world surely is a cruel place!- Knock. Knock.I lifted my head off the pillow to stare at the door in confusion. It's the middle of the night. Who would want to see me? Maybe it's the maid? I quickly scrambled off the bed, hurried toward the door in my nightgown, and swung the door open with a baffled look- Halt. I abruptly paused once I recognized his familiar brown eyes. I blinked at his neutral face and glanced down at his shirtless torso as he stood in his towel, loosely secured around his strong hips as the cold water streaks trickled from his damp hair. Why is he standing shirtless...?

Third Person POV
Kim Taehyung stood in Jang Sora's doorway with the loose towel secured around his defined hips. Sora frowned at him with a baffled look, utterly taken aback by his unexpected visit. She didn't appear startled by his presence as she remained emotionless before him while holding the golden door handle. The soaked man shifted his dim eyes to her... familiar rosy cheeks... and took a step forward without speaking- SLAM! The supreme alpha hastily banged her door shut in his face without a warning.

"Ugh!?!- *&%^#*$?!-" Taehyung grunted in shock with his hand gripped firmly over his throbbing forehead, stumbling backward with a file in his hand. The alpha snapped his sharp glare at the closed door in disbelief until he heard soft footsteps strolling down the corridor."What's wrong?" Jungkook asked his cousin, who stood awkwardly with his hand clasped over his bright red forehead."Fuck!" Taehyung cursed, spun around on his heels, and stormed to his room, leaving Jungkook dumbfounded with his gaze on his cousin's back muscles. The third rank unsurely glanced at Sora's closed door, shrugged his shoulders, and entered his room- BANG! Jungkook flinched in fright at the violent sound of Kim Taehyung's door banging shut._________________________
A few days later
Jang Sora calmly typed on her keyboard with her empty gaze on the screen to write up a report for a lecture assignment until she caught a disturbing stare from the first row. She uneasily shifted her eyes to the third desk from the professor's side until she found a pair of piercing dark pupils, burning in her direction. The supreme alpha froze in her seat and stared back at Kim Taehyung. He didn't blink and taunted her with his unyielding glower. Jang Sora looked behind her back with an unsettled feeling and glanced out the window to search for whatever he was staring at.
Sora's POV
"What's with him...?" I muttered, glancing back at my laptop with an uneasy frown. Why is the ice block staring at me so intensely? It's creepy.I sighed and resumed typing on my keyboard again until I felt a soft tug on my hair strands, so I froze again, thinking my hair got stuck between the seat and my back... but the tugging continued for a few more seconds. Is he tugging my hair? I frowned, turning my head to find Jungkook leaning over the desk with a bored expression to play with my loose black hair. The alpha shifted his doe eyes to mine as I raised my eyebrow to question his distracting behavior."What?" Jungkook asked with a straight face."Can you not touch my hair?" I mumbled with a slight from."Oh," Jungkook released my hair and lowered his face to read his opened textbook, so I exhaled deeply and turned back to my laptop. Jeez. Why won't he play with his own hair?
My parents agreed to let the alliance reside with us in our newly built mansion and although... we live together... I rarely speak to Jungkook or Taehyung. The elders aren't even around that often, so I pretty much only interact with the maids and the guards. I prefer our old villa because I could easily access the space, unlike the grand mansion. I have to travel tirelessly from one location to another. Why did they have to construct such a massive home when we don't even use most of the rooms?
The piercing school drill suddenly went off in the corridor, causing the bored alphas within the room to jerk from their seats. Jimin loudly yawned while stretching in his arms in his seat as Hoseok leaped to his feet and quickly approached Kim Seokjin, who was still working on the assignment. Namjoon swiftly packed his bag and left through the door as Yoongi lowered his face to the desk in exhaustion.Sighing. I placed my books inside my bag and exited the classroom to approach my locker until I noticed a person walking up to me with his hands in his trousers pocket. Why is the ice block following me...? I frowned and glanced at Taehyung, who stared at me with his usual dull gaze. Am I supposed to use telepathy with him...?"Sora! Do you want to eat with us?" Yoongi waved from the other end of the corridor."No! Go ahead!" I replied, quickly banging my locker shut and strode away with my bag over my shoulder. I won't talk to Kim Taehyung! Why would I speak to him first?! I huffed to dismiss his bizarre behavior and skipped down the stairs to search for an empty bench in the wide opening. I slumped down on an unoccupied seat and drew out my lunch box to eat my homemade meal. Why eat alone? I hate noisy places! It bothers me so much- and the alphas wouldn't stop teasing me about my past!
A moment later.
I calmly sipped from the small juice box while sitting crossed legs on the bench under the cool tree shade until I noticed someone jogging in my direction. Slump! The person plopped beside me without a greeting, so I bit the straw between my lips with a questioning frown on his pretty doe eyes. Jeon Jungkook darted me a faint smile."Hello," Jungkook greeted. I stared at the alpha with a dumbfounded look. We see each other all the time at home? Why is he greeting me now?"Hi...?" I muttered. Jungkook admired my face with his overly attentive stare and glanced away shyly before glancing at me again with his dilated pupils while chewing on his lower lips. What's with him...?"Did you mean it when you said you won't marry Taehyung?" Jungkook asked out of nowhere. I sipped the orange juice with my skeptical gaze on his bunny teeth."Yeah...? What's your concern?" I lifted my eyebrow. Jeon Jungkook awkwardly cleared his throat with his attentive gaze on me and glanced away again to squint his eyes at whatever he was staring at."Do you think I'm handsome...?" Jungkook asked, snapping his face back at me. I stopped sipping the juice and frowned at him. Huh?"What-""I think you're pretty," Jungkook shrugged, suddenly leaning his face forward with a flirty smile. Eh? He never paid attention to me back in high school... now he's blushing all over?"What about Minah?" I asked, raising my eyebrow unsurely. Jungkook huffed at the mention of Minah's name and glanced down at his limited edition sneaker with a sore grimace."We broke up during freshman year," Jungkook shrugged, glancing at me again."Okay...?" I replied, dumbfounded by the random conversation."Well. If you don't like Taehyung- then you can consider me. We're allies anyways," Jungkook suggested with a keen smile. I stared blankly at the alpha upon hearing his proposal. He's even weirder than Kim Taehyung."Uh... I-" I tried to speak when someone swung their long leg from behind the bench- causing Jungkook and I to jerk to the side in a panic. What the fuck?!- We snapped our heads around... to find Kim Taehyung heaving his body over the backrest and- Slump! The alpha effortlessly squeezed between us. Where did he come from?! I gawked at Kim Taehyung's unexpected intrusion in disbelief before glancing at Jungkook, who was just as stunned by his cousin's surprising presence."I'll see you in class," I stiffly nodded at Jungkook and launched off the bench. What's the matter with him!? Kim Taehyung didn't speak and sat calmly with his blank gaze on me until Jungkook cleared his throat and quickly hurried away to avoid his muted cousin as I rushed back inside the building and returned to the lecture room. And as anticipated... Taehyung followed me all the way back to class without initiating a conversation.
A moment later.
I entered the private work office at the tower for the first time after being summoned by my parents after school to find them seated on the leather couch, chattering gleefully with Kim Taehyung. Why did they call me over? I glanced at my cheerful mother as she beamed at me while holding appa's hand over her lap."Sora! Why are you slacking off?! You barely started!" Appa shrieked. I halted by the coffee table with a baffled look until Kim Taehyung shifted his dull gaze to me."What do you mean? I completed every task for the tower-""Taehyung said he waited three days for you to approve an investment proposal! Why aren't you cooperating with him? His work is delayed because of you~!" Appa scolded me. I frowned and glanced at Taehyung in bewilderment. What?!"What proposal? I never received anything-""Oh?! You didn't even review the document he brought to you~?" Eomma gasped in shock. I pursed my lips and shifted my irritated stare to Kim Taehyung, who smirked and averted his smug gaze away. Oh?! Is that why he followed me around!? This man!-"You brought me documents? Since when?" I gritted, huffing at the man in disbelief."I left it right on your desk at home," Taehyung smiled politely. I gripped my hands in annoyance before snapping a dark stare at my parent's uptight frown. Ah! That's why he visited me that night?! Kim Taehyung didn't communicate with me- yet he expected me to be aware of his intentions?!"Sora~! You shouldn't take the work too lightly~!" Eomma scolded me from the couch."He could've informed me! How am I supposed to know?!" I scoffed, firing Taehyung an annoyed glare."How could I have informed you when you slammed the door in my face before I could open my mouth...? I had a bump on my forehead for the past two days," Taehyung pointed at his forehead with a poker face. My eyes widened in horror, so I quickly shifted my startled gaze back to my parents."Sora~! Why are you so coarse to him?! Don't be a bully just because you're the supreme alpha!" My father lectured me. I flushed red and glanced at Taehyung's smug expression in extreme agitation. I can't believe this! He got me in trouble on purpose!"I'm sorry. I'll be cautious from today onward," I shakily exhaled and lowered my head in defeat. Is he seeking revenge on me? Huff! My parents grimaced at my attitude, so I fired Kim Taehyung a dark glower as he remained composed on the single couch with his legs hooked over his kneecap. I won't marry a man like him! NEVER!
The Next Day
My chief guard carefully steered the vehicle over the city road as I gazed out the window, dimly staring at the colorful flower petals and bouquets on sale in almost every street. I gripped my hands in extreme annoyance before glancing at the date on my phone screen. February 14th. It's Valentine's Day. Ah~! The alpha will surely tease me again! Should I skip class?!I pursed my lips with a conflicted frown once the car came to a halt in the parking lot. Do-hwan stepped out of the driver's seat to open the door for me, so I quickly stepped out in my heels and sternly strode inside the university with the usual blank mask. I won't let them bully me! They can say whatever! I don't care! Thud. Thud. I stormed through the corridor crowded with students... exchanging flowers, gifts, and chocolate boxes.I freaking hate the stupid love celebration! Why do people have to glorify love like this?!- Urgh! I am already in a shitty mood because of them~! I huffed, shoved the lecture door open with a sore grimace, and stormed inside the bustling space- but halted almost immediately when I noticed... a heap of something... on my desk. I stared at the gift boxes and flowers with my lips ajar. What's this?

"Is my seat your storage place? Remove the items this instant!" I snapped at the alphas, causing the loud chatter to die down. I won't tolerate their humiliation! Everyone shifted their startled gaze to me as I sternly pointed at my desk."I think... it's yours," Namjoon replied. I blanked out at his words and shifted my gaze back to the pile of flowers and gifts with my eyebrows furrowed, startled by the presents."You're popular these days," Mira chuckled. Who gave it to me? I walked forward to frown at the blooming flowers and glanced at the alphas with a questioning look. Sighing. I dropped my bag to the floor and sat on the chair with an irritated glare at the pile.

"Who brought this?! How am I supposed to study?!" I snapped, firing my sharp glower at everyone inside the room."I got you a chocolate box... the red one," Jimin awkwardly replied. I frowned at him."The pink bouquet is mine," Hoseok fearfully replied as he stood before Seokjin's desk."The gift box is mine," Yoongi spoke up next. I frowned at the alphas until I noticed Seokjin rubbing his red neck anxiously."I got you roses," Seokjin shrugged. Fwip. I snapped at the golden bouquet in disbelief."Uh- I got you- a gift as well," Namjoon nodded at the silver present. I frowned at the nervous-looking men until another person entered the room. Are they nuts? I glanced to the side with my eyebrows furrowed as Jeon Jungkook walked up to me with a giant teddy bear. He suddenly pushed the stuffed bear, almost twice my size onto my lap, so I unconsciously grabbed the stuffed animal in surprise.

"Happy Valentine's Day," Jungkook warmly smiled as he settled on the seat behind mine. I gripped the heavy bear and glanced back at the alphas with a red face until Kim Taehyung entered the room. He paused to stare at my packed table with a blank face."I can't study like this!" I shrieked, hastily spinning on my chair to shove the teddy back into Jungkook's face, who gasped in shock and quickly hugged the bear to secure it. I seized the bouquets and gifts from my table in extreme irritation. Thump! Kim Namjoon flinched at my aggression as I slammed his gift on his table. Fwip! I turned around to shove the roses into Seokjin's arms."Sora-" Yoongi tried to speak but was cut short when I tossed his gift onto his desk. Thud! Thud! I stormed to the third row to return the heart-shaped chocolate boxes to Park Jimin and finally forced Hoseok's pink bouquet into his chest. Silence.The shaken alphas remained stiff with their lips ajar as I brushed back my hair in annoyance and stormed back to my seat with an attitude. I hate that they're all nice to me only after I lost weight! Men are shallow! All they care about is our physical appearance! Not a single one of them paid attention to me in high school! Huff. I hastily tucked my loose hair behind my ears and- Slam! I forced open my textbook and glared at the context with a fuming red face as the alphas remained muted within the room, taken aback by my harsh response to their offerings.
Evening.
My worst night came to life once I entered the mansion to find a mountain of gifts, flowers, and chocolate piled in the living room. My mother happily shrieks beside my father as she admires the colorful petals as Do-hwan carries the gifts I received from the alphas at the university inside the living space. They refused to let me leave without the gifts, so I had to bring them home."My daughter is such a heartthrob~! The households sent you so many gifts!" Eomma giggled, brightly beaming at me while clapping her hands like a seal."I hate them! Leave it out here!" I snapped, angrily storming off with a dark frown, causing my parents to spin after me in bewilderment. Do-hwan sighed at my command and walked forward to settle the gifts on the couch as I hastily marched away and entered my bedroom to take a cold shower because I was burning up.
Why am I so mad?!- I don't know! But I'm upset! No one cared when I was ugly! But everyone is overly nice today~! I doubt it's because of my beauty! They only send those gifts because I'm at the ripe age to get married! Everyone wants to be on good terms with me because I possess the power to crown the next leader of the society!
I grimly stared at my reflection in the mirror while brushing my tangled hair until the maid arrived with my evening meal. I won't eat with the household because I'm in a bad mood. I ate alone in my room and spent the night working on my school assignment until I heard faint footsteps before my door. Knock. Knock. I glared at the door."What?!" I snapped from my work desk. The door slid open and Jungkook appeared with his massive teddy."It's rude of you to refuse the presents. At least take my teddy," Jungkook grumbled, funnily carrying the teddy over his shoulder. I lowered my face to rub my aching forehead in annoyance."Leave it on the couch," I muttered. Jungkook huffed and walked over to place the teddy on the couch before turning to me with an uptight frown."You shouldn't lash out at the innocent because of Kim Taehyung. It's unfair," The alpha fired me a bitter look.I pursed my lips with an irritated grimace on his sulky face until Jungkook grew uncomfortable with my muteness and awkwardly left my room without another word. Clack. I groaned and lowered my head to the desk with my hands balled into a tight fist. I want to slaughter the stupid fucking cupids and couples in this world! Argh!- Knock. Knock. I snapped my burning eyes toward the door again. Huff! I stormed around my desk and marched toward the door. Should I punch him?!"WHAT?!" I screamed, hastily flinging the door open, but paused in shock once I found... Mrs. Kim staring at me with a small gift box in her hands."Sora-""I'm sorry!" I gasped, quickly lowering my head in extreme fright. Shit! The woman frowned at me."I brought a gift for you from abroad," She nervously responded."Thank you~!" I quickly accepted the box with an apologetic smile."You're in a bad mood. That's okay. Have a good night's sleep," The woman smiled, patted my shoulder to assure me, and strolled off... so I anxiously closed my door and tossed the box onto the teddy before strolling back toward the desk and was about to sit when- Slip~!My eyes suddenly caught a clear folder, skidding under the door gap from outside the door. I paused to stare at the file and quickly walked toward it. It's a corporate document for a new investment proposal. Kim Taehyung. I snapped my sharp glare at the closed door with my fists clenched. Tsk! How disrespectful~?! I huffed, quickly stormed back to my desk to review the document, and finally signed the file before swinging the door open and stormed up to his door. Knock! Knock! I hastily banged on the door with my steel fist."Come in," Taehyung dawdled. I frowned at his instruction, scoffed in annoyance, and shoved the door open to find the alpha seated at his work desk."I'm the supreme alpha!- How dare you slip the documents under my door and order me to bring the files to you?!" I shrieked, angrily storming up to his desk. Slam! I banged the file before him- but Taehyung didn't react and lifted his dull gaze to meet my raging pupils as he calmly sat in his silk robe."Are you going to take responsibility for the bump on my forehead because of your childish nature if I knocked on your door again?" Taehyung asked, rudely raising his thick eyebrow at me. I stiffened at his words. Oh! How dare he?!-"Me?!- Childish?! You blamed the delay on me because I bruised your forehead! You're the petty one!" I snapped while fuming before his work desk. Kim Taehyung exhaled deeply and suddenly rose to his feet."Why are you so... tense around me...? Does my presence bother you that much?" Taehyung asked as he circled the desk to approach me. I gripped my fists with an intense glower on his poker face."You're intentionally getting me in trouble-""Sora. I never intended to upset you. You've been cold to me since your return and I have been patient enough to respect your boundaries," Taehyung stopped before me. I slightly tilted my resentful glower to his dim gaze as he stared down at me with a disappointed look."You're just like every other man. You only notice me because I'm powerful," I rudely sneered at his face. The alpha didn't budge and stared at my face blankly before shifting his gaze to the other side of his room and strode away without a word. I spun after him in confusion as he walked toward the shelf and carefully reached for a pink bouquet on the top rack."This is yours," Taehyung muttered, pushing the bouquet into my arms. I paused in confusion and glanced down at the... withered flowers. I snapped my offended gaze to him.

"Is this a sick joke?" I scoffed in extreme disbelief. Why on earth would he gift me withered flowers?"Five years ago... today... I got you the flowers... but you left before I had a chance to confess my feelings," Taehyung muttered, darkly staring at me. I frowned at his statement and glanced at the dried petals again. What is he saying?"You confessed to another girl-""Wrong. I was waiting for you in class, but Haerim showed up and confessed her feelings first. She hugged me right there and then. It was a misunderstanding, but you took it to the extreme and left without giving me a chance to clarify myself. I never dated Haerim," Kim Taehyung calmly explained as he towered over me. I gripped the withered bouquet and glanced at the dead petals with a doubtful frown."Then why didn't you contact me to clarify the situation?" I asked, skeptically looking up at his blank gaze. He could have contacted me if he was so certain of his feelings."I thought you'd return, but you didn't. You left without a word, so I preserved the flowers as a receipt to prove my genuine feelings towards you," Taehyung muttered. I unsurely studied the alpha's blank stare with a slight frown. I don't believe him."You never paid attention to me either. You don't have to lie to me and twist the truth to get on good terms with me for power purposes," I sneered while narrowing my resentful glare on his neutral face. This might all just be his scheme to earn my trust because I refused the Kim's marriage proposal."If I didn't like you, then why did I constantly approach you for your notes even if I perfectly understood the subject? Why did I purposely score lower so you could be the ace in class? If I didn't like you. Why did I eat your baked goods despite being a picky eater? Why did I intentionally bash your pretty face with a bouncy ball during a friendly match... because I didn't want another alpha to take you out for dinner? If I didn't like you... then... why did I grieve your departure? Why did I live the last five years of my life... yearning for you? Why did I work this hard to be favored by your household?" Taehyung lifted his eyebrow to question me."I never once felt your love," I replied without blinking."That's because I struggle to open up. Sora. It's extremely difficult for me to express my feelings. I might have been cold around you... but I always enjoyed your presence," Taehyung muttered to defend himself."Love doesn't work if your heart is sealed," I scoffed, quickly spinning around and stormed out of his room without another word, heading straight to my bedroom with the withered bouquet. Did he like me then...? Why on earth would he conceal his feelings if he liked me so much?________________________
Fast Forward

I adjusted well to the university after I transitioned from the boarding school and would spend my days studying to maintain my rank on the academic hierarchy... and life is pretty much better than usual, except for the fact that I felt extremely awkward around a specific... somebody.

Kim Taehyung.
I refuse to believe he had genuine feelings for me. Is he really the only man to favor me back in high school? I can't believe it! He didn't seem like he was interested in me at all! Because I was always the desperate person chasing him! Everyone knew that! I blinked out of my deep thoughts while chewing my food when Taehyung suddenly sat beside me with his lunch box. We're the only two souls to pack lunch at the academy."Can you not disturb me when I'm eating?" I frowned at the alpha in disbelief as he unpacked his lunch without looking at me. He keeps invading my space ever since he gave me dead flowers!"You used to enjoy spending time with me," Taehyung muttered."My feelings for you are as dead as the flowers!" I sneered, widening my eyes at his side profile. Taehyung lifted a chunk of steak with his chopsticks and carefully placed it in my lunchbox, so I paused and glanced down with a dark frown."You used to eat my food whenever I offered it to you despite being on a diet," Taehyung muttered, suddenly lifting his gentle gaze to me. My cheeks suddenly flushed red while recalling our past memories."Can you stop bringing up the past?!" I snapped at him in annoyance."Should we discuss our future then?" Taehyung smiled and raised his cocky eyebrow. I froze over the bench with my inflated cheeks while gawking at the man as if he had gone insane. Coughs! I hysterically coughed on my rice and quickly averted my gaze away in disbelief. Is he flirting with me?! The heartless man?!- This is unbelievable!"I am not marrying you!" I shrieked, snapping my fierce glare at his smug expression."You can't seriously still resent me over our unfortunate past? I've told you the truth... so why are you reacting so harshly? You see this bracelet over here...? It's supposed to be yours... but you left... so I enlarged the loop to fit it to my wrist," Taehyung dismissively lifted his wrist to show me the golden bracelet."You are pretty good at making up stories," I scoffed."It has your name engraved on the inside, but I can't take it off now. You don't believe me? I'll unscrew the bracelet at home to show you," Taehyung mumbled while chewing his rice.I pursed my lips at his poker face. I can't take him seriously! He's never been this chatty before! I huffed and scooted over the bench to eat my food. Scoot. The alpha lifted his butt to close the gap between us, causing me to snap at him with an annoyed look. Kim Taehyung stared at me blankly while chewing the food on one side of his puffy cheek and tried to place an eggroll in my lunch box again- but I quickly yanked my lunch box away from his reach."Hey! Are you trying to fatten me?!" I shrieked at him."Bones are for dogs," Taehyung muttered. I frowned at his neutral expression, huffed in annoyance, and grumpily ate my food. Is that a joke I'm supposed to laugh at?!- HAHAHAH!- What a dumbass!
And that was basically my life... for another two months... because the man would follow me EVERYWHERE! He didn't speak and would let me savor my peace, but his presence alone was enough to irritate me! I tried to switch places during lunch to avoid him- but he'd somehow find me and speak nonsense with me, trying to convince me of his feelings until I lost my temper and smacked his face with my lunchbox one afternoon... leaving Kim Taehyung... dumbfounded on the bench. He won't take no for an answer, huh?! Then I'll knock some sense into him!

Later that night.
Creak. I pushed the door open without knocking... to find Kim Taehyung sitting on his king-size bed with a book on his lap and legs extended over the mattress. The alpha lifted his face to stare at me with a startled expression as I closed the door behind my back and stepped forward without uttering a word. Kim Taehyung widened his eyes in a panic once I lifted my knees to crawl onto his bed in my nightgown, without an invitation."Stop!- What are you doing?! Don't try to harass me in my room!" Taehyung snapped, funnily pointing his index finger at me. I shifted my blank gaze to the bruised bump on his forehead and glanced back at him with a poker face. I forgot my lunch box was metallic when I struck him."I brought cream," I muttered, opening my palm to show him the tube. Taehyung stared at me with a startled look, clearly unconvinced by my thoughtfulness as he pressed his back against the headboard with a sour grimace."Why are you nice- all of the sudden?!" He snapped while frowning at me with a skeptical look."Let me apply the cream," I sighed at his timid behavior."I can do that myself! No thanks!" Taehyung sneered and quickly grabbed a pillow to hug it against his chest.I grimaced on the bed while sitting with my legs tucked under my weight and crawled forward again. Fwip! Taehyung shrieked in fright and flung the pillow at me- Thump! He smacked me in the face and tried to scramble away, but I caught his waistband and yanked him right back. Why is he running?! Taehyung funnily squealed on the mattress as he gripped his pants to prevent it from slipping off his hips before snapping his upset glare at me."Stay still!" I shrieked, angrily raising my fist in an attempt to smack him, causing the alpha to flinch in fear.Taehyung snapped his frightened face at my threatening gesture with his back pressed against the bedhead, so I huffed in annoyance and released his pants before squeezing the cream onto my fingertips. I sighed and leaned forward to apply a thick paste over the bump on his forehead. Why is he so timid? He's almost three times my size. Taehyung winced in discomfort but didn't try to escape again as I gently rubbed the healing cream over the dark bruise and finally retreated with an apologetic frown."Happy now?" Taehyung huffed as he lightly touched the bump with an annoyed look. I grimaced at his attitude and tucked my legs under my body again."The bracelet," I nodded at the golden loop around his wrist."What about it?" Taehyung rudely rolled his eyes."Show me my name," I muttered. Taehyung paused to study my composed behavior and glanced at his wrist with an uptight frown. Why is he hesitant? Didn't he claim to have my name engraved on the golden loop?We sat in absolute silence for a tense minute until he exhaled in defeat and got up from the bed to open the drawer before settling back on the mattress to unscrew the lock with the mini screwdriver. Click. Taehyung removed the bracelet from his wrist and handed it to me, so I took the loop and turned it over to inspect the engraving on the inside.
Jang Sora.
"Why...?" I asked, unsurely lifting my face to stare at Taehyung as he sat crossed legs before me in his silk pajamas. Why would he wear this bracelet?"Are you stupid? I said I like you," Taehyung huffed. I gripped the heavy loop and glanced at my name on the bracelet again."So you're telling the truth...?" I restlessly observed him. Kim Taehyung narrowed his eyes on my doubtful frown and suddenly jerked forward to challenge my stern stare."You're the one in denial, Sora," He fumed over my face without backing away as I suspiciously searched his dilated pupils. Smooch. I shortened the gap between us and gently kissed his lips without thinking. Fwip! I swiftly jerked away with a flushed face. Taehyung froze over the mattress with a dumbfounded look and glanced at me as if I were nuts."What?" I questioned his pale face. Gasp! The alpha dramatically covered his lips and jerked backward with his eyes bulging open in shock. What's the matter with him?!"Did you just kiss me?!" Taehyung shrieked, appearing somewhat offended by my love stroke."So what? I thought you liked me-""That was my first kiss!" Taehyung shrieked."It's my first kiss too- WHAT?" I widened my eyes on the man, suddenly freezing in surprise."THAT'S MY FIRST KISS! YOU STOLE IT!" Taehyung shouted at my face, suddenly flopping onto the bed with a dramatic faint... causing me to flinch in a panic at his ridiculous reaction."No way?!- You've never kissed anyone before- Hey!?!- What's wrong with you?! Get up! Yah!" I shrieked while smacking his chest as the alpha sprawled over the bed with his starstruck gaze on the ceiling. Taehyung didn't respond to my call. Whatever! I huffed and quickly scrambled toward the bed edge."Hey! Where are you going?!" Taehyung snapped, suddenly launching upward to seize my wrist, and yanked me back before I could crawl away."I'm leaving!-""You have to take responsibility for harassing me! I'm a pure man!" Taehyung scoffed, funnily widening his offended gaze on me. I frowned at his frustration and lowered my gaze to his firm grip around my wrist."What nonsense-""Ohoh?! Who are you to forcefully kiss a person and act as if nothing happened?!- Put your firm ass down, you sneaky woman!" Taehyung snapped, yanking me back onto the mattress. I gasped and tumbled onto the bed at his blunt force- but quickly jerked into a sitting position and fired the alpha an irritated glare. Ah! Why is he so childish?!- He said he liked me but is freaking out after I kissed him?!
A moment later.
I sternly sat with my arms crossed over my chest to mirror Taehyung's tense posture as we frowned at each other on the bed without uttering a word. I won't surrender to him! Taehyung finally huffed in annoyance and lowered his head for a second before lifting his uptight face to search my glowering frown again."Are you seriously not going to explain yourself...?" He grumbled."What is there to explain?" I muttered with an unbothered look."Hey! You kissed me!" Taehyung snapped his fingers before my face. Huff! I threw my head back to release a forceful scoff."What do you want me to do about it?!" I snapped back. Taehyung huffed with an attitude."I won't let this slide no matter what you say-""Araso! Be my boyfriend then!" I shrieked in his face. Taehyung froze over the bed with his arms folded over his chest and stared at me with his mouth hanging open. Why the fuck is he so triggered?!"Deal!- You can't take back your words!" Taehyung barked back. I bit my lower lips and was about to snap back- PAUSE. I suddenly couldn't utter a word from my windpipe once the bewildering reality struck me. WHAT DID I SAY?! I stared at him in shock... until the warm blood... surged up to my cheeks, causing me to flush burgundy red at the shocking realization. Why did I ask him to be my boyfriend?! Ah! I'm so stupid!"Can I go back to my room now...?" I mumbled, sighing in defeat."No! I'm not done!" Taehyung snapped. I frowned at his stern glare with an uneasy feeling."What do you want to do?!" I shrieked."Why are you screaming at me?!" Taehyung yelled with an offended look as I shakily panted to cool my explosive temper. I'm nervous!"You're the one death glaring at me! Of course, I'm tense!" I snapped back. Taehyung abruptly paused to observe my flustered face and suddenly relaxed his upset scowl. The alpha cleared his throat awkwardly while scratching his head and averted his eyes back to me."Can I hug you?" He asked. I stiffened at his request. Sora! Why are you so nervous?!"O- Okay," I stiffly nodded with a racing heart. We're lovers now?! What the heck?!Taehyung awkwardly opened his arms for me and stiffly leaned forward to hold my body as I sat with my arms folded. I shakily lowered my hands to grip his back as the alpha pulled me into his foreign embrace. Hah~! This is weird! I've never been touched like this before! I grimaced with my chin tilted over his shoulder until I felt my face... steaming with extreme heat. Taehyung suddenly pulled away with an uptight look. Why does he look so bitter? I pursed my lips unsurely as the man lowered his blank gaze to his arms with his lips ajar."That's disappointing," He grumbled."What's disappointing...?" I whispered, widening my eyes at his bizarre statement. The alpha shifted his gaze to me with a sour look. Why does he look so disappointed?!"I thought I could fully hold you in my arms... but you're so skinny. You don't feel full," Taehyung grumbled. I widened my eyes at his statement. OH? THIS MAN?!-"Hey! You're already shaming me-""I'm not shaming you! I really liked your chubs back in high school! But that's okay- you can eat more and hopefully- you'll fit just right in my embrace!" Taehyung snapped back. I pursed my lips with a startled look until I felt my face going numb. Sora! Stay calm! Don't overcomplicate your feelings~!"Is that all? Is there anything else you'd want to do? I'll leave if you're done complaining," I sighed in defeat."Are you sure? About your feelings...? Because I like you," Taehyung grumbled, doubtfully frowning at me. I lowered my gaze to ponder my thoughts while gripping my clasped fingers and finally nodded to confirm my decision."It was a misunderstanding in the past. I don't want to dwell on it anymore," I replied, finally softening my facial expression on him. Taehyung stared at me in silence."So... do you like me?" He pressed. We're grown adults yet it feels like we're teenagers! Why are we so awkward?!"I do. I do like you," I admitted while staring at him with a flustered face as we sat facing each other on the mattress."You'll marry me? You claim you didn't want to marry me," Taehyung grumbled."I'll marry you," I nodded. The man grew hushed again. Now what? What do we do after agreeing to be lovers? Should we hug again? Or should I leave?- Uh... I'm not experienced! And he's not helping at all with his obliviousness-"Can I touch your- boobies...?" Taehyung whispered, causing me to freeze in place with a startled look on his innocent stare. Taehyung lowered his gaze to my chest and back at me with an eager look."W-What?!-" I scoffed, quickly covering my chest in disbelief. What the hell is wrong with him?!"You're going to marry me anyways," Taehyung shrugged with a straight face. Is he for real?! Men and their audacity!- ARH! I'M SO FRUSTRATED!"The first thing you wanted to do is touch my boobs?!" I shrieked at the man. He blinked awkwardly."I hugged you already, so let me touch your boobs," Taehyung shrugged. I gripped my hands with a slight frown on his blank face. Sora! You're not a child! He's not a child either! Swallowing intensely, I lowered my face to stare at my chest and back at his eager gaze. Ah~? What the hell is this?! Do boyfriends usually ask to touch boobies?! Should I ask Jungkook for advice because this is so freaking awkward!"Okay," I agreed, closing my eyes in defeat. What can go wrong...? He's my boyfriend and my future husband.Taehyung suddenly scooted closer to me over the bed. I tensed my body while sitting with my legs tucked under my weight, hands balled into a tight fist over my lap. Fuck! I can't believe I'm letting him touch me! The alpha intensely stared at my chest and slowly lifted his hands upward... causing me to freeze in fear as I watched him... place his palms on my chest. Hah~! What am I doing?! How can I let him touch me this early?! Taehyung cautiously squeezed my boobs with his massive palm over the fine silk. Squish. Squish. I grimaced and closed my eyes in extreme anxiety as he curiously gawked at my chest. Squish. Squish. He softly groped my plump breasts again."That's disappointing," Taehyung muttered, suddenly withdrawing his hands from my breasts. I frowned at his sour reaction. HUH?!-"Why are you always disappointed?!- I don't live up to your expectations?!" I shrieked at the man in disbelief. He demanded a hug- so I agreed! He demanded to touch my breast- and I let him! And he's still disappointed!?!- What the fuck?!"You're wearing a bra! I can't feel anything!- Why don't you take off your clothes so I can properly touch you!" Taehyung snapped back. I widened my eyes at his demand in utter shock, suddenly flushing even redder at his argument. WHAT?!"You're a sick pervert!" I shrieked, quickly covering my boobs in shock, and scrambled off the bed in a hurry. I'm leaving! How can he be so perverted?!"Sora! Hey! I only- want to feel your- Let me feel it again! Hey~!- Sora-""HAH~! YOU'RE WEIRD!" I screamed, hastily swinging the door open, and sprinted toward my room as the desperate man chased me in bewilderment. BANG! I slammed the door shut, frantically locked the handle, and dashed toward my bed. Flop! I swung my body face-first onto the mattress and thrashed on the bed in extreme distress. What kind of a man asks to touch my boobs before he even kisses me?! Ah! I'm such a fool~!
Fast Forward
I didn't leave my room the next day during the weekend because I was too embarrassed to meet Taehyung. He did visit me a few times but I refused to let him in and chose to hide in my room. I don't know how to handle a relationship! I've never experienced love during my childhood and adult love is new to me! Ah! I frowned at my own reflection and squeezed my breasts with a slight grimace. Why is he so intrigued by my boobs...? I blinked awkwardly before lowering my face to stare at my chest with my lips pursed."Can I come in...?" Taehyung suddenly spoke up behind the door, followed by a few soft knocks. I snapped my face toward the door in fear. Sora! Stop being childish!- Ah! But I don't want to see him! I feel weird! I can't let him in! I WON'T LET HIM IN! I'M SCARED!
A moment later.
Taehyung stiffly perched on my bed, facing me as I stared at him without blinking, too scared to budge my muscles. Yes! My dumbass somehow opened that door and allowed him to enter my room late at night because he wouldn't stop disturbing me about my boobies! Taehyung quietly examined my rosy red cheeks as I swallowed at his charming visual. I promised to never let a man break me again- but I was never prepared for him to grope my boobies! What is this?!"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable," Taehyung apologized, gently taking my hand in his. I didn't respond to his apologies and stared at him intensely until he closed his eyes and leaned forward to press his soft lips against mine. Smooch. The alpha gently squeezed my hand and tilted his head to deepen the kiss as I shakily responded to his tender strokes... until Taehyung panted out of breath and slowly withdrew his lips from mine. Badum! Badum! My heart is fluttering at his touch!"Let's try again," I muttered, nervously staring at him."What?" Taehyung frowned."You can touch me again," I swallowed. Taehyung froze and glanced down at my chest."Are you sure?" He asked."I'm an adult. It's alright if we like each other," I shrugged.Taehyung weakly smiled at my encouragement and leaned forward to peck my lips again before pulling away to fix his tempted gaze on the pearl buttons over my chest. The alpha exhaled and lifted his hands to undo the buttons until I tensed my muscles at his touch. I watched him brush the thin fabric aside to expose my... white bra... beneath the lustrous silk. Taehyung intensely stared at my plump cleavage and glanced up at me with a red face.

"Can I take off your bra...?" He asked. I stiffly nodded with my eyes closed. I feel like I'm going to faint! The man gently slipped his warm fingers over my undone chest to reach behind my back and carefully unhook the restraining band. Click.I felt the strict garment loosening around my bust as Taehyung gently pulled the strap off my shoulders, so I opened my anxious eyes... to watch the bra slip... off my chest. The man pursed his lips once his dilated pupils landed on my perky bare breast for the first time. Hmph~!I stiffened in a panic as he stared at my bosoms without blinking. Taehyung gulped and lifted his shaky fingers to press his warm palms against both sides of my breasts, making me shiver at his foreign touch. Hah! I feel weird~! The alpha gently squishes my boobs in curiosity and gently bounces the plump flesh to make it jiggle, so I gripped his pants and glanced up at him with a startled look. Squish~! Squish~! Squish~!"Hah~!" I accidentally moaned and quickly covered my mouth in shock. Taehyung withdrew his hands to admire my hard nipples before looking back up at my tomato-red face."Your nipple- they're hard," Taehyung whispered as he pressed his thumb against both tips, gently rubbing it... until I felt a weird tingle... jolting down to my crotch. Why is he pinching my nipples?! I feel so freaking uncomfortable!"It feels weird~!" I whined as the alpha played with my breasts, so I gripped the silk over my thighs and nervously looked down to watch him tweak my nipples. CREAK-"Sora! Can I borrow- OH?!" Jungkook suddenly came storming inside the room without announcing his presence. FLOP! Taehyung hastily shoved me back onto the mattress and flung his heavy body over mine to pin me down, so I quickly hugged his neck in shock as the man firmly lay over my body to cover my exposed breast. SHIT!"DON'T YOU KNOW HOW TO KNOCK?!" Taehyung shrieked in disbelief. I screwed my eyes shut in fear, keeping my face buried against his shoulder as he pinned me under his body."What are you doing to Sora?!" Jungkook scoffed."She's asleep! I'm holding her in her sleep!" Taehyung frantically snapped at his cousin, who stood frozen by the doorway."Are you sure she's asleep and not dead under your weight?!" Jungkook snapped, trying to walk forward, causing my heart to pound in fear."Stay away! Yah! It's our private space!" Taehyung snapped his fiery glare at his nosy cousin."Are you harassing her?!-""No?!- She's my girlfriend! SHOO~!" Taehyung snapped at Jungkook as he approached the foot of the bed with a concerned frown."I won't leave! Is she okay-""I'M OKAY! WE WERE- JUST TEASING EACH OTHER!" I shrieked under Taehyung's heavy mass. Jungkook grew hushed for a moment. Fwip! I lifted my hand off Taehyung's back to give the alpha a thumbs up."Alright. I'll grab your notes and leave," Jungkook huffed, cluelessly walking toward the desk on the side of the bed. Taehyung securely fastened his arms around my body with his torso pressed firmly against my undone bust to cover me as I hugged his back with my fearful eyes on Jungkook. The alpha picked up my notebook and turned around to stare at us bitterly from the side of the bed."LEAVE!" Taehyung screamed with a red face.Jungkook huffed at his cousin's harshness and stormed away with an attitude- BANG! The alpha slammed the door shut, so I exhaled in relief and slumped weakly on the bed as Taehyung frantically pushed his sturdy body off mine to sit over my weight. He shifted his dark frown back to my exposed bosoms and suddenly lowered his face to my chest."HEY!" I gasped, wildly gripping his head when he suddenly sucked onto my nipple, making me squirm in shock. Taehyung grabbed my wrists to pin me over the mattress as he hungrily licked and sucked my bosoms until I moaned in distress. Oh?! My crotch is tingling~!"Do you want to do it? Hmm~? I'm so aroused!" Taehyung huffed, impatiently lifting his dazed face with a difficult frown. I stared at his moist lips in fright before glancing at my soaked boobies. Why did he bite my breast?! I only allowed him to touch me~!"Do- Do it?" I stuttered in fright.Taehyung impatiently lowered his heavy trunk onto my pulsing abdomen and nudged his lips against mine again, so I hugged his neck in response to his steamy kiss until his tongue found its way inside me. Why is my body burning?! I nervously grimaced against his lips as he sensually slurped my tongue while fuming over me with his hot pants until I felt him interlacing our fingers over the pillow."I've waited long enough for you. Did you know how difficult it was for me?" Taehyung muttered, finally drawing his lips away with a burning red face. I stared up at him with a numbed face. My mind- I can't think. Why am I suddenly so blank?"I'm a virgin!" I snapped at him."So am I," Taehyung chuckled, lowering his head to fit his face against the crook of my neck, so I moaned and gripped his shoulders with a troubled frown as the alpha groped my breasts and pinched my hard nipples to infect my body with the strange burning sensation.Taehyung swiftly yanked his shirt off his torso, causing my eyes to bulge open at the sight of his defined muscular physique. The man grinned and quickly lowered his body to press his warm flesh against my breast, making me shiver at the friction of our grinding bare flesh. I'm losing my mind! How did I let him strip our body like this?! AH! What is he doing to me?! I fearfully clung to his muscular back once he started touching me all over... roaming my virgin flesh here and there with his invasive strokes until I made strange noises.
Next Morning
I remained motionless on my side with the warm blanket tugged up to my nose while eyeing Taehyung's handsome side profile as he blankly stared at the ceiling above our heads. The alpha suddenly shifted his gaze to me, so I screwed my eyes shut and pretended to be asleep on his bicep, too embarrassed to face him. Taehyung suddenly shifted over the mattress to rest on his side and scooted forward under the blanket to hook his leg over my hips, gently pressing his bare chest against my heated face. I sucked in my breath and remained stiff against his naked body. I can't believe we had sex! That's how people do it?! Ah~! How did it happen so quickly?!"Why are you so shy...?" Taehyung hoarsely grumbled, lowering his face to kiss my forehead while grazing his fingers over my bare back. I shivered at his touch and gripped the blanket, stubbornly refusing to open my eyes."I wasn't myself last night," I whispered in a tiny voice. The alpha softly chuckled as he skimmed his hand down my back to hold my naked butt. I sucked in my breath as he touch me over my sore crotch and finally opened my frightened eyes to stare at him. I'm so embarrassed!"Are you embarrassed... that you made lewd noises?" He whispered while searching my flushed face."Don't you think I'm easy? I submitted to you too early," I pouted while staring at his sleepy gaze. Smooch. Taehyung softly pressed his lips against mine. I exhaled deeply at his reassuring strokes as he lifted his hand to hold my jawline and gently caressed my cheek."Early...? I waited five years. How is that early?" He muttered, pulling away to smile at me."But we just started dating-""So? Does it change the fact that I chose to patiently wait for you to return to me? Days and nights. I waited and waited for you to appear before me again. I'm an impatient man, you know? I waited through all the changing weather to finally hold you like this," Taehyung muttered. I stared at him over the pillow as he massaged my bare shoulder."Am I disappointing? My body...?" I asked, unsurely staring at him."I was just teasing you. How can I be disappointed? But- I do wish... for you to feel fuller in my embrace. You're awfully skinny... I'm afraid of breaking your frail body," Taehyung anxiously stared at me."You wouldn't have loved me if I was skinny in the beginning?" I asked while staring at his tender gaze."What are you saying? You're still Jang Sora either way and it is you that I love. I'm just concerned for your health," Taehyung muttered. My heart suddenly bloomed with an unexplainable warmth, so I gripped his firm waist and brightly smiled at him."Did you really mean it when you said you smacked me with the ball... on purpose?" I giggled, shyly hiding the lower half of my face under the blanket with my sparkly gaze on the man."I was going to let you win, but Park Jimin said he'd take you out for dinner if you won... so I swung the ball at you," Taehyung confessed. I snorted at his words, smacking his chest lightly until I got super shy again, so I tugged the blanket over my face and rolled over the mattress to avoid his face. Hah~! I wasn't delusional after all! He did fancy me! I knew it!"I can't believe it~!" I laughed as Taehyung scooted forward to chase my body and aligned his torso against my bare back with his arm wrapped securely over my stomach. He softly kissed my shoulder blade, making me giggle at his ticklish touch. He gently massaged my breasts beneath the sheet until I quivered against his heated body._______________________
Fast Forward
The packed auditorium burst into loud cheers to applaud Kim Taehyung as the principal announced the year-end winner of the thesis competition. I gasped and fired my boyfriend a brilliant smile as he stared at the professor with a prideful beam before glancing at me- Smooch.I froze in shock once he planted a soft peck on my lips while holding my chin, causing my cheeks to flush bright red. I shyly glanced at the other students and professors as Taehyung rose from his seat beside mine and strolled onto the stage to claim his victory. I giggled happily and clapped for him with a wide grin as Taehyung lowered his head at the professor to receive the trophy and finally turned to face the audience with a smug expression.

"You're so cool~!" I shrieked while waving at Taehyung from the front seat. Taehyung waved back at me, suddenly firing me a flirty wink, so I gasped and gripped my chest with a big pout. Ah~! He's so charming~!"Jeez..." Yoongi fired me an annoyed look as I fangirl over my boyfriend."You're a traitor!" Seokjin snapped at me after losing to Kim Taehyung."Hey! You won last year!" I giggled at the alpha, who rolled his eyes and sorely glanced at Taehyung as he posed with the principal for an honor photograph.The professors applauded Taehyung's exceptional work again until he stepped down from the stage with his arms open for me. I shrieked, happily leaping to my feet, and pounced forward to crash into his embrace. Thump! Taehyung chuckled and tightly hugged my waist as I celebrated his achievement, grinning so hard it made my jaw hurt."I love you," Taehyung whispered in my ears."I love you more!" I giggled, pulling away to beam at his handsome visual. He pecked my lips again, so I hugged the side of his body and grinned proudly at the audience. I'm so happy for him!"Yah! We should celebrate your accomplishment!" Jimin chuckled as he approached Taehyung, and before I knew it- we were surrounded by the dense mass. Taehyung firmly held onto my waist to keep me close to him so the crowd wouldn't push me away."Should we throw a party?! You never hosted a party!" Hoseok suggested, keenly following us out of the auditorium as I hugged Taehyung's trophy against my chest. My boyfriend made me hold it!"No. I've got plans with Sora. It's her birthday today," Taehyung refused. The alphas gasped in disappointment at my boyfriend's refusal to host a party. Oh?! Did he just say I'm his priority?! Taehyung chuckled and lifted his hand to hold my head- THUMP! Someone hastily bumped into my shoulder- SMASH!I winced in shock once the glass trophy slipped from my arms- violently shattering into bits on the tiles, causing the alphas to back away in a panic. Everyone froze in place. And the corridor suddenly grew hushed. I quickly lifted my face to find a shoulder-length hazel hair girl striding away without looking back and slowly averted my terrified eyes to the broken trophy in extreme shock. Oh no~?! I quickly lifted my face to stare at Taehyung's blank expression."I'm sorry!" I apologized, quickly bending down to pick up the shards when Taehyung suddenly seized my upper arm and drew me back up."It's okay. Leave it. You might hurt yourself," Taehyung assured, weakly smiling at me. I pouted in tears and glanced back at his wrecked trophy as everyone gawked at his shattered award. I should've been careful~!
A moment later.
I sniffled alone while sitting on the couch in the university's lobby to sulk over my mistake. How can I break Taehyung's trophy?! Taehyung must be upset!- Sora~! How are you so clumsy?! An alpha suddenly strolled past me so I quickly lifted my face just in time to find the same girl... strolling past me. Gae Haerim. Is that her? I blinked in annoyance. She bumped into me!- Sora! You lost your grip yourself! I huffed in annoyance as I watched her leave the building and glanced at my heels with a slight pout until Taehyung strolled forward with a file in his hand. He met with the principal earlier to retrieve his certificate."Why are you crying...?" Taehyung asked, unsurely walking up to me, so I quickly wiped my tears and pouted at him with my hands clasped together."I broke your trophy~!" I whined as he settled beside me on the couch. The alpha chuckled and pulled me in a comforting hug."The principal will send me a new one. Don't worry~! It's your birthday~! Why would you cry so messily like this~?" Taehyung assured, pulling away to brush my tears.
I couldn't help but blame myself for the incident... but the man refused to hold me accountable and distracted me with the birthday feast he prepared at home with the elders. And for the first time since I moved abroad... I was able to celebrate my birthday with the warmth of my family during the cold winter. Taehyung gifted me a set of jewelry and filled the mansion with all kinds of flowers to celebrate my special day. He's so thoughtful!

"Blow the candles~!" Eomma chuckled, happily clapping for me as I stood in the living room, surrounded by the elders. Taehyung smiled, fondly staring at me as he held the cake, so I made a wish and blew the candle with an eager beam. Jungkook clapped his hands like a seal as he picked the candles off the cake- so I chuckled and glanced at the elders- SMACK! I gasped in shock when Taehyung roughly slammed the entire cake against my face."KIM TAEHYUNG!" Mr. Kim shrieked at his son in shock as I tumbled backward with a face full of cream. What the hell?!"AHAHAHAAH!" Jungkook's laughter echoed all over the room until I heard Jimin chuckling on the side."OPPA!" I shrieked with my eyes closed as my mother quickly rubbed the greasy cake off my face with the tissues. I opened my sticky lashes... to find Taehyung... flaunting his boxy smile at me. How dare he?!"Happy Birthday, my love~!" Taehyung smirked."I WANTED TO EAT THE CAKE!" I screamed, furiously launching forward with my fist raised, but he effortlessly caught my wrists and pulled me into a crushing hug. I whined in annoyance as Jungkook and Jimin smacked each other funnily by the couch. How can he ruin such a delicious cake?! Imo giggled beside Do-hwan, who was fondly staring at me."Aren't you on a diet~?" Jungkook mocked. I huffed and fired the alphas a sharp glare until Jimin hugged his aching stomach and tumbled to the floor. Smack!Taehyung froze in shock once I smeared the cream off my face and slapped it hard against his cheek. He scoffed in disbelief, so I clawed the cake off my cheeks again and turned to smack Jungkook in the face. Jimin shrieked, fearfully scrambling to his feet as the stupid bunny teeth alpha howled in horror- causing the elders at the commotion to shriek in tears."Stay still!- Did you think this is funny?!" I snapped while chasing Jungkook with my dirty hands. The alpha screamed in fright while circling around the couch to avoid me... so I turned around to find Taehyung glaring at me in annoyance. The man jerked in a panic and sprinted away as well when I tried to smear his face again. He's such a bully!
A moment later.
I aggressively rubbed the foaming cleanser over my slippery skin to rinse the greasy cream off my face with my head tilted toward the shower above my head until I felt a swift movement entering the foggy stall. Oh?! I wildly flung my eyelids open to find a naked man standing before me, so I widened my eyes and glanced at Taehyung with a startled look."What are you doing?!" I screamed, quickly covering my naked body in shock."Oh, come on~! Why are you so shy~?" Taehyung chuckled, stepping forward to hold my waist as he entered the steaming water without his clothes on.

"Hey! This is weird~! Hey!?!-" I whined when the man lowered his face to kiss the crook of my neck, so I smacked his hard pec as the man encircled his strong arms around my waist to trap me against his naked body. I'm not used to showering with him!"I've seen you naked so many times already~! Please show me your beautiful body~! Don't be shy~!" Taehyung chuckled and lifted his hands to cup my cheeks with a smug expression. I frowned at his alluring gaze with a flushed face until he lowered his parted lips to kiss me again. Why didn't he wait for me after the shower? The water will wrinkle our skin~! I gripped his firm hips, slightly tilting my face to swirl my tongue around his as he intensely made out with me under the warm shower."Hah~!" I drew my face away to pant for breath. It feels like he's sucking out my soul!"I brought a gift for you~!"Taehyung smirked, suddenly taking my hands and gently made me hold his manly bulge. I froze in terror and glanced down as he firmly made me grip his shaft... until I noticed... a pretty red ribbon... tied around his penis. WHAT THE FREAK?! My face flushed blood red at the sight of the laces around his veiny meat."Oppa!" I scoffed while gripping his hard bulge. This is his gift?!"I'll please you throughout... the night. Hmm~? Are you up for it, my love...?" Taehyung whispered in a raspy voice while brushing his moist lips against my ear until a sweep of uncomfortable chills surged down my spine.I stiffened under the streaming shower and glanced down again as he made me jerk his boner under the shower steam until I felt my body heating up at the sight of his raw bulge. Hah~! He's so freaky- but I like it! I leaned upward to meet his lips again as I pressed my thumb over his hard tip.Taehyung let out a lustful moan against my lips while standing under the warm water, so I drew away from his fuming face to stare at the soaked ribbon with a difficult frown. Why is he so dirty? But so hot at the same time~? Taehyung suddenly seized my hips and pulled my body against his bare torsos, so I gasped and held onto his muscular back as he shoved his bulge between my inner thighs."What are you doing~?" I giggled, lifting my face to beam at him with my doe eyes as the man thrust his shaft between the flesh of my thighs without penetrating me. Squelch~! Squelch~!"Warming up for tonight," Taehyung sensually whispered, parted his lips, and hungrily ate my lips again, so I clutched onto his muscular back as he juiced his raw meat between my wet inner thighs to please his raging desire. Taehyung gently rubbed my lower back as we made out in the foggy stall. Shaaa~!
And sure enough... we stayed all night to pleasure our bodies... without undoing the red ribbon.

He penetrated me repeatedly with his so-called manly gift on my birthday night... and for the first time... I was extremely... aroused by his untamed behavior.

I loved it— His gift.
_____________________
Fast Forward
I happily hummed at my study desk while examining the glistering bracelet around my wrist to inspect the sparkly reflection of the rare diamonds, personally selected by my boyfriend until I noticed Yoongi staring at me bitterly from across the table in our shared study lounge. Why is he giving me that look?"I thought you'd treat him coldly, but it appears you are still obsessed with him," Yoongi muttered."It was a misunderstanding. Taehyung fancied me," I shrugged."Why would he smack you in the face with a ball if he cared-""Because he's afraid I'd win the game and Jimin would take me out," I giggled. Yoongi scoffed, funnily smiling at me while shaking his head. I quickly dug into my bag to grab a small cookie pack and slipped it toward Yoongi, just as Taehyung came strolling through the door."I can't leave early today," Taehyung informed. He settled beside me and briefly glanced at Yoongi, who was tearing the package apart to retrieve the cookie. My friends disapprove of my relationship with Kim Taehyung but it's understandable. I completely withdrew from school because of a minor love affair... so they're afraid Taehyung would hurt me again."Wae?" I pouted while clinging to his arm. Taehyung gently kissed my cheek while interlacing our hands over his lap."The principal asked me to fulfill the tutoring requirement- so I'd earn a perfect credit score before graduation," Taehyung shrugged."So you have to stay back every day...?" I asked, sadly staring up at him."Yeah. I never volunteered to be a tutor. I'll ask Jungkook to escort you home," Taehyung smiled, sweetly lowering his head to peck my lips. I exhaled deeply and glanced at Min Yoongi as he bitterly munched the cookie with his judgemental look on our interaction.

"What?!" I snapped him."I think he might've flipped your brain over when he struck you with the ball," Yoongi shrugged. Taehyung grimaced at the alpha, kissed my cheek again, and eventually left the lounge to attend his tutoring session, leaving me alone with Yoongi. Seokjin joined us afterward with Namjoon and Hoseok, so I spent my time chatting with them over our work until Jungkook beckoned me home after his final session ended."Here. It's peanut cookies. You're not allergic to nuts, right?" I asked, handing him a small package while sitting in the passenger at a red light. Jungkook glanced at the cookie with one arm on the steering wheel."I don't want to get my hands dirty," He shook his head to refuse the offer. How lazy~! I grimaced and tore the package open before lifting the cookie to his lips, so he opened his mouth and devoured the cookie in a single bite."Why did you break up with Minah?" I asked while staring at his handsome side profile in curiosity as Jungkook drove the sportscar forward with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows."She's too fussy," Jungkook shrugged. I nodded and glanced out the car window. Minah and Jungkook aren't on good terms because they would nag and pester each other wherever and whenever. They're cute though."Are you upset that I didn't consider your proposal?" I asked, blinking at him uneasily. Jungkook grimaced as he steered to the left intersection and briefly glanced at me."I'm a rank lower than my cousin. The elders wouldn't agree to let you marry me anyway, so you're better off with hyung. He liked you since high school and I never really paid attention to you, so he deserves you more," Jungkook shrugged. I stared at him in surprise."You knew?" I widened my eyes on him. Jungkook knew Taehyung likes me?"Of course. I grew up with Kim Taehyung all my life. He's not the type to allow just anyone to invade his personal boundaries. Not even me, but you were an exception. Hyung permitted you to invade his personal space all the time and he doesn't even get upset. Oh-! I accidentally ate one of your cookie gifts one time- because I thought it was cute. He almost broke my neck when he returned home. He's quite greedy. Kim Taehyung refused to share your snacks with me and would always have them alone in his room. Isn't it obvious?" Jungkook chuckled, weakly smiling at me."I didn't think he was interested because he was so cold," I shrugged."Hyung grew up alone all his life because his parents were always too busy to properly raise him. My parents looked after hyung and considered him as their own son. He's pretty much an older brother to me. He spends most of his time alone and doesn't fancy being bothered by anyone, except for me. He interacted with me when we were younger... but the household is very pressuring, you see? He's the oldest alpha. His parents restricted his freedom, so he was forced to satisfy their expectations with his perfect academic performance. That's why... we grew apart because I figured I was a distraction to him. He grew up withholding our family's burden so I can live comfortably," Jungkook explained. I pursed my lips and glanced down at my hands. Oh."Why did he favor me?" I mumbled."His life is dull. It's either plain black or white for him. He's probably drawn to your sparkly colors. Anyone can see your shiny hair clips from a distance. You're the colorful light in his life... and you were the only person offering to ease his burden. He's awkward around girls because we were homeschooled until high school- so you were probably scaring him. Pfft~! He was skinny back then- and you were twice his size! Of course, he's scared of you!" Jungkook chuckled. I giggled at the thoughts and nodded. I still can't believe he asked to touch my boobs! He's definitely not so innocent!
A few weeks later.
"Oppa~!" I announced my presence as I carefully entered his bedroom in my silk gown to find him reviewing the files at his desk."Oh?- I was going to head to your room after I finish revising my report," Taehyung smiled at me from his desk."It's fine! Keep working! I'll sleep in your room tonight!" I giggled, flopping onto his bed, and rolled onto my side before shifting my gaze to a yellow gift bag on one of his cabinets."Do you want snacks?" Taehyung asked, nodding at the gift bag."Where did you get it? Did someone give it to you?" I blinked, weakly smiling at my boyfriend."The person I'm tutoring gave it to me," Taehyung shrugged while flipping through the documents with an unbothered look."Then it's yours~!" I chuckled, rolling over to sprawl on my back as the alpha worked at his desk until I drifted off to sleep on the mattress. I might be clingy, but I know my boundaries! I won't disturb Taehyung if he's busy with work!
Taehyung would tuck me under his comforter and hold me throughout the night in his room during a busy day when he couldn't sleep early. It became our habit to share the bed... because I didn't want to sleep alone anymore. Why would I sleep alone...? When I have a warm human being to hold?

Elite University
I blinked out of the confusing context written in the textbook while struggling to understand the case study and lifted my face upward when someone suddenly approached Taehyung in the front row. Haerim beamed brightly at the second rank as she placed a small gift box on his desk. Taehyung glanced up at her with a questioning look."You said you enjoyed my handmade mochi! I made more for you with different fillings~!" Haerim grinned with her eager gaze on Taehyung."Oh?! Why are you only giving it to Taehyung?!" Hoseok scoffed as he stood by Namjoon's desk with his hands in his pocket."Taehyung is my tutor! I'm expressing my gratitude," Haerim flashed her beautiful smile at Hoseok and glanced back at Taehyung again."Thanks," Taehyung nodded, lifting the gift to place it in his bag, so I glanced at Haerim's rosy red cheeks and lowered my gaze back to my text. I shouldn't be bothered. Taehyung would never betray me.I brushed off their interaction and lived my day as usual, without a bother- until I heard strange rumors circulating in the corridor. The lower ranks would tease Haerim about Taehyung... and they'd fire funny looks in my direction, but I never cared because Taehyung did not change and would remain by my side most of the time. Why would I confront him? He's tutoring for his credit. I shouldn't be childish and burden him with trivial matters."Are you seriously okay with Kim Taehyung spending hours... alone... with Gae Haerim after school?" Mira suddenly appeared before me in the study lounge."Is there a concern I should be aware of?" I blinked, cluelessly staring up at her."Haerim is the reason you transferred abroad. She might snatch him from your grip," Mira smirked as she stood over me."Yah~? Why are you here to cause trouble? The couple is clearly on good terms, so don't provoke unnecessary drama," Minah scoffed, suddenly walking forward to drop her designer bag beside me and plop down with her arms folded over her chest. She fired Lee Mira a sharp stare as the alpha stood over us in her black furry coat."Rumor says Taehyung favors Haerim. Many candidates applied to be tutored by him, but he specifically chose Gae Haerim," Mira rolled her eyes, eventually striding away in her short black skirt, so I grimaced and glanced at Minah's annoyed frown on our fellow alpha."Mira fancies Kim Taehyung. She's trying to get you fighting with Taehyung over Haerim, so you'd break up," Minah muttered while shaking her head. I stared at her unsurely."And why are you telling me?" I asked. Minah was always mean to me in school. She didn't bully me... but she'd always tease me about my appearance."Don't look at me so bitterly. I was mean to you, I know. I'm sorry, alright? I really don't have anything against you anymore. You glowed up, so I'm happy for you," Minah rolled her eyes."What happened after I left...? Between Taehyung and Haerim?" I questioned. Why is everyone so enthusiastic about Taehyung and Haerim?"Nothing. Everyone thought Taehyung confessed to Haerim because he didn't clarify the situation, so we assumed he had feelings for her. Jungkook only told me afterward that Taehyung did not confess to Haerim. The bouquet was meant for you. Kim Taehyung was kind enough not to embarrass Haerim on the spot during the misunderstanding among the other alphas. Jungkook said Taehyung confronted Haerim privately to reject her confession. So... naturally... everyone thought they were dating for a while because neither of them said anything... but they never interacted either... so we assumed they broke up... but they never dated in the first place. Taehyung was just nice to her," Minah shrugged.I blinked at her glossy red lips and glanced at the bracelet on my wrist. That's why everyone is so nosy about their affairs? Because they thought he dated Haerim in the past...? Minah shrugged and drew out her device to work on her assignment beside me, so I exhaled and diverted my attention back to my work.
Third Person POV
The automatic door to the private student lounge slid open and a second-rank alpha came strolling out with his eyes glued to the cute wallpaper on his phone screen. It was his selfie with Sora where he was squishing her chubby cheeks to pucker her plump lips. Kim Taehyung pressed the elevator button and stepped inside the compartment before slipping the phone back into his pocket until he heard faint footsteps rushing forward. He held the elevator door open for Gae Haerim until he appeared with her heavy bag."Thank you!" Haerim gasped, quickly entered the compartment, and stepped back with her lips pursed. Taehyung nodded and clicked the ground floor button before stepping back with his blank gaze on the numbers on the screen. Silence. Haerim cleared her throat and looked up at him while clutching her bag before glancing at the closed door awkwardly. Kim Taehyung only speaks to her during the session."Are you heading home straight home...?" Haerim asked and glanced at him again. Ding. The door slid open. Taehyung stepped out of the elevator, so she quickly chased after him with an eager smile."Yeah. Is there a concern?" Taehyung replied without looking at her as they exited the empty university building to stroll under the warm lights over the dark path and finally entered... the vacant parking lot together."Do you- want to have dinner? I'll treat you! I want to thank you for coaching me~!" Haerim beamed while striding by his side toward the parked black bike."No. Sora said she's baking dessert for me," Taehyung briefly glanced at Haerim, causing her smile to fade from her pretty face."Oh?- Can you drop me off at home then? I think my driver is late-""Kamjagiya!- ?!" Taehyung suddenly flinched when his eyes landed on a creepy shadow, crouching by his parked bike. Haerim pursed her lips and quickly snapped her startled gaze at the crouching person."Oppa," Sora muttered. Taehyung scoffed at the sight of his girlfriend and quickly raced forward with his hand out. He didn't understand why she was in the parking space when she should be safe at home. The alpha gently drew her onto her feet with a worried frown."What are you doing here? I told you to head home with Jungkook!- How long have you been crouching here?" Taehyung complained while eyeing her pale face as he held onto her hands. Sora pursed her lips and shifted her dim gaze to Haerim's resentful frown before glancing back at her boyfriend with her puppy eyes."I wanted to wait for you-""I brought my bike today! Your parents will kill me if I let you ride-" Taehyung explained but abruptly paused mid-sentence once he noticed his girlfriend's sulky expression. The alpha frowned at her grumpy mood and glanced back at Haerim uneasily, just as a car entered the dim parking lot and a guard stepped out to greet Haerim."Araso. I have a spare helmet, but you have to hug me tight, okay..?" Taehyung exhaled, glancing back at his girlfriend's gloomy expression. Sora nodded in agreement, so Taehyung opened the trunk to draw out a spare helmet, carefully placed over her tiny head."It's a bit tight," Sora grumbled. Haerim huffed with an attitude and stormed toward her car."The helmet is loose. I have to tighten the strap for your safety," Taehyung mumbled, finally holding her shoulders with a proud beam as Sora stared at him with a slight grimace. The alpha finally lifted his girlfriend by her waist to place her on the leather seat before pulling on his helmet and mounted the bike."Ah~!" Sora whimpered, fearfully hugging his waist to support her balance. Taehyung glanced at her adorable squished cheeks in the mirror as she fearfully clung to him like a child."Don't you dare loosen your grip around me~! Or you'll fly off the seat!" Taehyung chuckled while twisting the gear to steer the bike toward the entrance, and entered the road with a slight smirk.Jang Sora anticipated a refreshing ride with her lover on his cool black bike, only to end up screaming in extreme fear as her boyfriend recklessly blasted through the street at a deadly speed. She howled and cried for his mercy... all the way home while clinging for her dear life... yet Taehyung only smirked at her big pout through the mirror until- BUMP!

Sora screamed in fear when her body briefly flew off the seat, causing Taehyung to chuckle at her cute whimper. He eventually slowed down the turning wheels and finally came to a stop before the mansion's front door. Jang Sora didn't budge as she fearfully clung to her boyfriend's back with her trembling body."We're home-" Taehyung announced- when she suddenly scrambled off the bike, tore the helmet off her head to push it into his chest and stormed inside the mansion with an attitude, leaving the boyfriend... dumbfounded on his bike. Taehyung deeply sighed as he watched her march away with her cute stomps and slowly drove into the garage to find Jungkook... inspecting his car engine in casual clothes.
A moment later.
"Sora...?" Taehyung called, gently knocking on her bedroom door.
The supreme alpha did not leave her room after she disappeared and refused to eat in the dining hall. Kim Taehyung wasn't aware of her condition and worked in his room, thinking she was just exhausted but Sora did not visit him... so he decided to check on her.
The alpha frowned once she didn't reply to him. Creak. He slowly pushed the door open and stepped inside the dark room to be greeted by the bright flickering light from the flat television screen on the wall. The alpha paused and glanced at the couch to find his girlfriend watching the film with a blanket wrapped around her body. She was awake... but she didn't budge. She didn't speak. Nor did she acknowledge his presence."Why are you upset? What's the matter?" Taehyung asked, uneasily closing the door behind his back, but she didn't reply to his concern and rested on her side with a blank gaze on the opposite television screen.Taehyung closed his eyes once he realized she was upset with him. The man had no idea... what she was upset about... but he knew... he couldn't leave her to sulk with an empty stomach. The alpha cautiously strolled over to the couch, climbed over her body to slump behind her back, and turned on his side to hold her waist. He curiously lifted his face to examine her side profile as she stared at the flickering screen without responding to his touch.
Sora's POV
Taehyung eventually surrendered to my muteness and held me quietly with his torso aligned against my back as we lay motionless on the couch, facing the television screen on the opposite wall. The man gently held my hand over the blanket with his nose pressed against the back of my head, yet I didn't react and remained stiff. What's wrong with me? How can he be so kind to Gae Haerim and allow me to leave with a misunderstanding?! He could've confronted her and ran after me that day, but he didn't and chose to protect her feelings! Hmph~!

"Hey. Why are you so quiet..? Talk to me. Jagi...?" Taehyung whispered in my ear. He chose to tutor her out of everyone?! He knew everyone misunderstood his involvement with Gae Haerim, yet he didn't care and chose her?! Everyone thinks he favors Haerim!The alpha suddenly sighed once I refused to respond to his call and pressed his body against my back, firmly hugging my waist as I lay in my button-up shirt and short skirt. I haven't changed since I returned from the university because I'm so frustrated- I blinked out of my thoughts when I felt Taehyung raising his palm off my stomach to hold my breast over the shirt. Still, I didn't react and continued watching the television as he playfully groped my chest. What is he doing?! How can he fondle me like this when I'm clearly upset with him?!"Are you going to stay muted with an attitude? Hmm...?" Taehyung muttered in a low tone. I frowned at the screen without an answer as he shifted his hand over my chest to undo the upper buttons, causing me to stiffen under the blanket. I won't talk to him!"I'll do whatever I want with our bodies if you don't speak. Hmm...? I'll take it as your consent," Taehyung chuckled in a devious tone, causing a wave of goosebumps to sweep my skin, yet I refused to react to his touch as he brushed the undone fabric aside and gently compressed his warm palm on my bare stomach.I shivered at the ticklish touch of his fingers over my nude flesh as the man skimmed his fingers over my short skirt to reach beneath the hemline. Is he seriously touching me?! I gripped the blanket uneasily once I felt him squeezing my inner thighs. The alpha suddenly lifted his face to kiss my cheek from behind- so I quickly shoved his face away but didn't speak and fired the television screen a frustrated stare. Shivers! I intensely shuddered once I felt his fingers... brushing over my thin panties.I swallowed with a restless feeling as he applied pressure over my lady part, gently rubbing me in a circular motion to arouse the nerves between my legs. I won't submit to him~! Not like this! Sora! Hold back your urge! Taehyung fumed his hot breath against my ear as he carefully slipped his fingers inside my panties to play with my private part- until I felt my inside throbbing intensely with his teasing touch. Shit! Hah~! I want to moan! No- NO! I won't make a sound for him!"You're quite stubborn. Are you going to stay hushed...? You're so wet, my love," Taehyung teased, softly kissing my ear again- but I refused to respond and glowered at the movie with my eyebrows furrowed. Squelch. Squelch. The man inserted his fingers inside to stretch my slit open. Hah~! I tensed my body and gripped the blanket tightly to resist the burning sensation inside my crotch."Fine. Let's see how long you can endure my love strokes," Taehyung lowly chuckled while kissing my ear as he fingered me beneath the skirt. Hah~! I'm burning up! I closed my eyes with my lips pursed while struggling to contain my whimper as he rubbed his fingertips in an upward motion to taunt my sensitive nerves with his invasive strokes."You're burning hot inside. Ah~ You're so warm inside~! Do you like this...? Should I reach deeper? Why aren't you moaning when you're pulsing so intensely...? I can feel you throbbing, Sora," Taehyung lowly chuckled, causing my chest to thump rapidly at the presence of his hot breath against my neck. I will not surrender! Did he think I'd lose myself to lust?!- Squelch. Squelch. Kim Taehyung quickened his fingers to jab my throbbing canals until I almost screamed in pleasure but held back the urge and closed my eyes again to recollect my thoughts. I won't let him win!The alpha suddenly withdrew his fingers from under my skirt, so I huffed in relief as he shifted his manly body behind my back to pull down his waistband. Oh!? Sora!- You have to stop him- NO! I will not speak to him!- I fearfully sucked in my breath when I felt him pushing... his warm stiff shaft between the fleshy meat of my inner thighs and gently thrust against my panties. Hah~! Fuck- This is hot!Taehyung groaned in extreme pleasure as he firmly hugged my waist with his face pressed against my head, moaning sexily in my ear until I started shuddering at the sound of his lewd noises. The alpha skimmed his invasive fingers upward to draw out my breasts from under my bra. Hah~! I'm in heat! I screwed my eyes shut and pressed my face against the cushion to stifle my voice as he pinched my nipple while humping his bulge between my thighs- until I felt my inside jolting desperately for his presence. No! No!- I will not beg to have him inside me-! AH!- I slightly flinched when he suddenly pushed his tip beneath the panties strap and nudged his warm tip against my juicy slit. Hngh~!"I'll fuck the attitude... out of you. We can speak afterward. Okay, baby...?" Taehyung grunted in a low tone with his lips pressed against my ear as he slowly penetrated me, so I frowned in extreme difficulty as he entered my tight canal. Hah~! I can't believe he's doing this! Squelch. Squelch.The alpha started thrusting his powerful hips from behind to shove his hard cock deep inside me while clutching my lower stomach to hold me in place. Sora~! This is crazy~! I clenched my jaw, stubbornly refusing to make a sound as the man lustfully groaned behind my back while pounding his groin against my buttcheeks. Squelch~! Squelch~!- Fwop! Fwop!I tensed my muscles with every burning stroke I felt until heavy sweat beads emerged over my glazed forehead as my body rocked with the force of his pleasuring thrust, making me quiver in despair- yet I refused to surrender and chose to lie on my side with an overly stimulated body. My heart is pounding out of control! Hah~!- Hngh~! Hngh~! I buried my shaky breathing against the cushion as he mercilessly juiced my inside with his raw penis."Come on, baby~! Moan for me~! I know you're enjoying this~!" Taehyung chuckled, suddenly wrapping his fingers around my throat to yank my face off the cushion. Thrust. I didn't make a sound and bit my trembling lips as the man leaned forward to suck on my neck while fondling my breasts until my lips parted at the intensity of our raw fuck. Fwop! Fwop! Fwop!Taehyung roughly shoved his crotch against my buttcheeks to thrust in and out of my slit while fucking me from behind until all the wild thoughts left my mind and I was left with an extremely sensitive body. Thrust. The man intensely licked my jawline and yanked my face backward with his hands gripped over my cheeks as he forcefully shoved his slick tongue inside my mouth, making me groan in difficulty.I refused to respond to his suffocating kiss and screwed my eyes shut while being fucked from behind my back. I shakily huffed without breathing for almost a minute- until he withdrew his dripping wet lips to wheeze for air. Thrust. I coughed, weakly slumping with my eyes closed and toes curled to resist the searing sensation. My inside is burning hot! Taehyung railed me harder until my back arched over his sweaty torso... desperately... struggling to endure the unbearable pleasure that was taunting my body. Hngh~! I'm losing my goddam mind!"Fuck~! Fuck- Arh~! Ah~! Shit- Sora- Baby- I'm cumming~!- Hah~!" Taehyung groaned in distress while thrusting repeatedly to poison our bodies with the smothering sexual intercourse until I felt a hot liquid spewing inside my lady bits and- SQUIRT!My aching body contracted violently as the warm fluid blasted from between my legs- FWOP! FWOP! I softly whimpered with my face pressed against the cushion. THRUST. Shit! Hah~!- THRUST. I gripped the blanket while struggling to regulate my ragged breathing rhythm as Taehyung picked up the pace to pump out the hot juice from inside my canal. FWOP! FWOP! FWOP! I bit down on my lips in extreme distress while enduring the shocking speed of his aggressive thrusts. SQUELCH~! SQUELCH~! SQUELCH~!- SPLURT!"URGH!" Taehyung gasped, tightening his grasp around my shoulder with his sweaty face pressed against my nape once his semen exploded violently inside my lady part. THRUST. I squirmed in distress with my wild hair strands sticking all over my damp face as I felt his cum... blasting against my cervix opening- yet I didn't make a sound and trembled weakly against his rapidly pulsing chest.The alpha finally pulled out his warm bulge from between my thighs, causing the thick semen to spill all over my sore lady part, so I deeply inhaled with my eyes closed to recollect my scattered thoughts. Taehyung slumped behind my back in exhaustion but refused to release my burning body and hugged me firmly against his pulsating pecs. This is embarrassing~! I peed myself! Did he notice that?!- Ah! I kept my eyes closed to avoid looking at the man. Huff. Huff. He groped my perky breast with his steaming face pressed against the back of my head as he intensely grunted in extreme satisfaction.
A moment later.
I calmly rested on my back over the bed to watch my boyfriend pull warm socks onto my cold feet as he sat at the edge of the bed. Taehyung carried my motionless body to bathe me in the tub earlier after we successfully made love on the couch. And although I refused to speak with him... he didn't seem to mind and took care of me regardless of our tension.
Earlier.
The man tenderly rinsed my sweaty skin with a body sponge, washed between my sticky legs, and eventually pulled a loose nightgown over my trunk. He carried me to bed before cleaning up the dirty mess on my couch, finally switching off the television and settled down to keep my feet warm in absolute muteness."Are you still upset?" Taehyung asked and scooted over the edge to sit beside me. The man took my hand and gently kissed my knuckles as I stared at him with a wearied gaze until I felt my chest swelling with a stuffy feeling, so I pouted and opened my arms for his embrace. I don't want to speak, but I do want to hug him. Taehyung sighed and lowered his body to hold me, gently patting my shoulders as I pressed my face against his pulsing chest with my eyes closed."Stay with me," I whispered in a small voice.Taehyung nodded, pulling away to peck my lips, and crawled onto the bed. Am I overthinking everything? I feel so sorry. I lifted the blanket to welcome his sturdy mass and turned on my side to hold his waist as he slipped his strong arm under my head and drew me closer to his body. We didn't speak afterward and chose to hold each other. Maybe we should stay hushed during a time like this. I'm afraid of spitting out hurtful words without actually meaning it... so I'll wait until I'm ready to address the situation.
Early The Next Morning
I sat motionless with my puffy eyes half open while sitting on the bench to admire the marble water fountain in my nightgown, peacefully savoring the subtle wind gust during a gloomy morning. Thump. Taehyung slumped on the bench beside me with a steaming hot bun. The alpha handed it to me, so I cupped the napkin around the white bun and munched on it as he hooked his arm over my shoulder to hold me against his body.

"You can be mad at me, but don't skip your meals. You're too frail," Taehyung mumbled as he softly kissed the side of my head. I sulked quietly and glanced at him with pouty lips while chewing the bun, so Taehyung smiled and opened his mouth to take a big bite from my bun."Why didn't you tell me you're coaching Haerim?" I sadly stared at his face. Taehyung gazed at me unsurely while chewing the bun on his left cheek."I figured you'd feel uncomfortable if I mentioned her," He shrugged."Why did you pick her out of everyone?" I pressed, pouting harder at him. Why her..?"Because Haerim has the highest grade out of all the candidates. I figured I could easily train her temporarily and earn the credit," Taehyung calmly replied. I blinked at his weak smile and lowered my face to take a small bite. See? Sora, it's not as complicated. Why didn't you communicate with him?"And those gifts...? It was always hers? You prefer her snacks over mine?" I frowned at him. Taehyung released a funny snort and leaned downward to peck my lips. I cluelessly blinked at his dismissive reaction with a stuffy chest. What's so funny?"Why don't you ask Jeon Jungkook? I gave everything to my cousin. I lied and said it was delicious without ever eating it," Taehyung poked my nose with his fingertip. I fired him a doubtful look and huffed in irritation."Why didn't you clarify your relationship with her to everyone?! They thought you dated her years ago- and everyone thinks you're still into her!" I whined while nudging his arm in annoyance. Taehyung funnily sniggered and hugged my waist on his side, making me grimace at his cheery mood."Are you jealous~? Aigo~? You're a possessive girlfriend~! I'm amused! " Taehyung smirked, pulling away to admire my face with his eyebrow lifted."Is this funny?!- You wanted me to speak, but you're making fun of me?!-" Smooch. I sucked in my breath in shock once he planted a sweet kiss on my lips, gradually drawing his face away to gaze at me with a teasing smile until my cheeks flushed bright red. I can't stay mad at him for long. Not when he's this good with me!"I find you extremely adorable. Why would you care about what others think? I love you and only you. My heart will never waver for another woman~!" Taehyung chuckled while clutching my shoulder as I skeptically frowned at him. I huffed again and darted the water fountain a frustrated glower. Loving a man is a deadly gamble! I don't know if he's sincere or not- because anyone can lie and pretend to love!"You like me because I'm an entertaining clown~! And also because of my boobies!" I shrieked, snapping my fiery gaze on the alpha. Taehyung warmly smiled at my attitude and tried to kiss me again, but I quickly leaned away in annoyance to avoid his touch. Smiling. Taehyung lowered his face to peck my cleavage instead... causing me to widen my eyes in disbelief.

"You make me the happiest man~! And- of course! I love your boobies because our babies won't have to worry about their milk~! Their gorgeous mother will keep them full~!" Taehyung chuckled, drawing away to chuckle at my uptight frown. How is he so unbothered?! Taehyung leaned in to kiss my lips again, making me whine in annoyance as he softly caressed my lips. I scooted away to munch on my bun with an attitude, so Taehyung chuckled and tilted his body to rest his head on my shoulder."How can you tease me with sex?" I grumbled."You didn't want to talk! What am I supposed to do?!" He laughed. I whined."Annoying man!" I shrieked."You can be upset all you want- but don't avoid communication. I do not wish you to leave with a misunderstanding again. Yell at me. Scream at me. Cry at me. Rant or cuss at me... but don't leave like you did. Stay and face me. I'll do my best to comfort your restless heart. Okay?" Taehyung smiled, averting his gaze to stare up at me as he kept his heavy head on my shoulder. Why was I so childish? I shouldn't avoid him."Okay," I sighed in defeat. Taehyung funnily puckered his lips like a duck, so I sighed and lowered my face to peck him, finally feeling much better after stressing over the nonsense for the past few days."I'll marry you no matter what. Don't let the foul rumors ruin your day. Sora, you know you are my priority, so trust me," Taehyung assured. I sadly stared at him and nodded in agreement. I should only trust him. No one else can tell me otherwise. Taehyung chuckled and hugged my waist, making me smile at his affectionate consolation as we spent quality time on the bench in the manicured garden to enjoy the peaceful morning breeze.
Next Day.
Kim Taehyung unsurely frowned at his upset girlfriend in the corridor as she sprinted up to him with tearful eyes, so he unconsciously quickened his pace to reach for her- Thump! She slammed hard into his chest, causing the lower ranks to glance at the couple from the side."What's wrong?" Taehyung questioned, anxiously pulling away to cup her burning cheeks as Jang Sora sulked under him with her hands clasped around her neck."There's something wrong with me~!" She whispered, suddenly grabbing his wrist and yanked him away. The alpha unsurely followed her inside an unoccupied lecture room. Thud."What-""My neck! There are bruises everywhere! It wasn't there last night~!" She whimpered with her worried pupils trained on Taehyung, who shifted his gaze to the deep bruise marks over his girlfriend's neck. Sora sniffled in fear as she stood beneath her towering boyfriend."Why are you crying-""Everyone was teasing me! I don't know- They keep saying I've been bitten by a mosquito! What kind of a mosquito would leave this kind of bruise?!" Sora shrieked, cluelessly blinking out her tears, causing Taehyung's lips to curve upward at her oblivious whimper."A mosquito? Oh no~! That's concerning~!" Taehyung frowned, suddenly darkening his gaze on her throat."What kind of a mosquito would leave- Ah?!- Oppa!" Sora shrieked in shock when Taehyung tilted his head to press his lips against her neck. She jerked backward in a panic- but the alpha grabbed her waist to hold his lover in place. Smooch. Smooch. The supreme alpha winced uncomfortably as her boyfriend sucked onto her neck and finally pulled away with a devious smirk on her flustered face.
Sora's POV
"That's how a mosquito bites you," Taehyung chuckled, leaving me dumbfounded. I can feel his spit on my neck!"What are you saying?! This isn't funny! I'm sick-""Kiss me," Taehyung interrupted, suddenly holding my shoulders with a stern gaze. I paused to stare at Taehyung with a questioning look. What is he saying...? Smooch. I tiptoed to peck his lips without hesitation."Can you take me to the hospital-""Kiss my neck, not my lips," Taehyung shook his head and suddenly leaned over me with his neck tilted to the side. I stared at the man as if he was out of his mind and glanced at his bulging Adam's apple until Taehyung lifted his hand to hold the back of my head and drew my face closer to his throat. What is he doing?!"Oppa-""Suck onto my skin. Gently. Like you're sucking onto my lips. Use your lips and tongue," Taehyung lowly muttered in my ear, keeping his hand clasped firmly over the back of my head. Is he crazy...? Huff. I pressed my lips against his throat and gently licked him with my tongue to create a moist patch before sucking onto his skin as he had instructed. He gently rubbed my back and finally drew his body away after a minute. Why did it ask me to suck on him...? I opened my eyes to frown at the man in confusion."Is there a bruise?" Taehyung smirked with his head tilted to the side. I glanced at his throat in irritation- but abruptly halted in shock once I noticed a fresh red bruise over his neck. I blinked in surprise and glanced up at him, unconsciously rubbing my neck in bewilderment."Oh...?-""I left those marks on you while you were asleep. It's not a mosquito bite. It's me. I was tasting you all night," Taehyung chuckled and lifted his hand to caress my cheeks until I flushed bright red at his shameless confession. He did what?!"Is that why they made fun of me!?!- The alphas kept sniggering!" I shrieked, covering my mouth in surprise."It's called hickey. A love mark. It'll fade, so don't worry too much, and don't be embarrassed. Everyone knows I'm all over you because of those marks. No one will spread foul rumors about my involvement with another woman anymore," Taehyung smiled, sweetly kissing my lips again. I gripped his waist with a flushed face. Oh!"Haha~!" I burst out laughing once the worry left my chest, so Taehyung drew me into a comforting hug as I clung to his neck while tiptoeing on my shoes. He's a funny man! I almost had a panic attack because of the deep bruises!We finally exited the classroom together after Taehyung fixed my collar and I was no longer embarrassed by the marks on my neck. The lower ranks sorely eyed us as I held hands with Taehyung while strolling the corridor. Hah! In their face! This man is mine! Taehyung smiled as he led me into our lecture room and we finally parted to settle at our seats. Jimin softly sniggered at us while eyeing the fresh bruise on Taehyung's neck, causing me to grin at the alpha and shyly rub my neck.
A moment later
Slam! I frantically jerked awake from the desk during an afternoon break to find Gae Haerim glowering over me with a fierce scowl. She glanced at the love bruises on my neck in irritation before firing me a spiteful look, so I glanced at the other alphas as they spun on their seats to stare at us."Aren't you too much?!" Haerim snapped at me without appropriate context."What?" I blinked, cluelessly staring at her raging glare. I'm half out of my mind~! How did I even provoke her just by napping at my desk? Jeez..."Aren't you being too petty over a mere tutoring session?!" She confronted me. I frowned at her blunt statement and glanced at Taehyung's empty desk unsurely."Why are you bugging me-""Are you that insecure- for you to make Kim Taehyung withdraw from his duties to tutor me?!" Haerim furiously snapped in my face. I blankly stared at her raging glare until Taehyung strolled inside the classroom with an uptight look."Haerim. That's enough-""Why would you quit tutoring me because of her childish jealousy?!- I won't allow her to ruin my studies! This isn't fair!" Haerim screeched at Taehyung. My boyfriend paused at her accusation and glanced at me as I awkwardly stared at him. He's withdrawing?"Sora never asked me to stop tutoring you," Taehyung exhaled, walking over to stand by my side and gently held my hand. Haerim scoffed at his calm response before darting me at the fiery flames in her pupils. All I did was breathe... and I'm still hated...?"It's clearly her idea because she couldn't stand the rumor about our past-""Gae Haerim. We were never involved in the past. I only stayed hushed because you begged me to avoid embarrassing you after I rejected you. And so what if I quit tutoring you because of my lover? Jang Sora's feelings are my utmost priority, and I will do anything to appease her soul. Kim Namjoon has agreed to tutor you in my place- and he is the top achiever in our academy, so why are you making a fuss out of this? If you're unsatisfied- then talk to me. Do not bother the supreme alpha because she is not the person to blame," Taehyung sternly frowned. Haerim tensed her body in discontent with her raging glower fixated on Kim Taehyung, who had stepped in to defend me. I gripped his hand and blankly stared at her from my seat. It's not my problem. I shouldn't care."I won't give you a full rating!" Haerim threatened. Taehyung dimmed his eyes."Do as you please. I am not hurting her feelings over a mere credit score," Taehyung coldly replied. Haerim clenched her jaw at his negligence and suddenly stormed off. I worriedly glanced up at my boyfriend as he glared at the alpha before dragging the chair from an empty desk to sit beside me."Taehyung, you don't have to stop-" I tried to speak, but he shook his head and leaned forward to hug me."No. I will not burden your heart with unnecessary issues. There isn't the need for me to earn full credit at the cost of harming your feelings," Taehyung assured while patting my back to soothe my anxiety, so I exhaled and hugged him back before glancing at Haerim as she fumed in her seat at the back of the class with her spiteful glare directed at me."Yah Haerim~! Your cake is pretty sweet! You should tone down on the sugar~! Taehyung isn't a sweet tooth," Jungkook chuckled, cluelessly strolling inside the room with a yellow gift back. Haerim frowned at the familiar gift she sent to Taehyung and snapped her offended glower at me again as Jeon Jungkook... munched her dessert at his desk."Aigo~! How pitiful~! How can one wish to seduce another woman's man when he's clearly not into you?" Minah taunted Haerim while inspecting her red-manicured nails with a smug smile. Taehyung finally pulled away from me, so I smiled and held his hand over my lap."Chingus~! You're invited to my birthday party on a super yacht~!" Jung Hoseok suddenly burst through the door with a pile of formal invitation letters in his arms. We glanced at his cheerful beam as he funnily handed out the folders while dancing around the class, making me giggle at his comedic presence._____________________
Fast Forward
I hastily forced the car door open on the side of the road and sprinted out on my bare feet in my loose beach dress with a brilliant beam on the navy blue sea. Hah~! It's been years since I last visited the beach! The chattering alphas on the concrete dock suddenly paused to watch me race toward the shallow end of the seaside. Splash! I happily leaped into the cold water with my dress lifted to my knees. Oh~! I love the salty sea breeze and the humid air! Splash! Splash! I kicked the salty water while hopping like a bunny under the scorching sun's glare with my eyes squinted to eliminate the blinding sunlight."Sora! It's burning hot!" Taehyung shouted from the parked car on the asphalt road with a disapproving glower while waving my beach hat in the air, but I shook my head and crouched down to dig the wet sand for seashells. Jung Hoseok is hosting his birthday party on a super yacht- and only the high-ranking alphas are invited to the two-night cruise over the ocean."Oppa~! I found a seashell~!" I shrieked, quickly standing up as Taehyung stormed over the beach in his flip-flop."Your skin will burn!- I told you to cover your shoulders with a scarf!" He whined while pulling the beach hat over my head as I giggled at the small shell in my palm."It's hot~! I don't want to cover up~!" I whined, turning to throw the shell into the water while standing by the shore with him."Yah!- You two! Hurry up! We must board the yacht!" Hoseok snapped from the concrete dock above, so I lifted my face to grin at the alpha."We'll be there~!" I waved at the birthday boy as Taehyung crouched at my feet to pull the sandals onto my bare feet."The sand is too hot. You'll get blisters," Taehyung grumbled while dusting the sand off the soles of my feet. I giggled and glanced at the elders as they boarded the yacht with their luggage."You're such a gentleman~!" I giggled as I watched my boyfriend adjust the strap around my ankle."I'll gladly fix your shoelaces in public, but I'll firmly hook your shins over my shoulders in private," Taehyung chuckled. I flushed red at his statement. Oh?!"Hey!- Ah! Hahaha~! Hey~! Put me down~!" I shrieked and smacked his cheek when he suddenly shot up and lifted me off the sand with his arms wrapped securely around my bum. I giggled in delight while hugging his neck as the man carried me over the sand and climbed the dock to walk me toward the yacht in the harbor. Hoseok bitterly shook his head at us, so I waved at the alpha while hugging Taehyung's shoulder as he climbed the bridge and entered the yacht with my light body weight."You two are seriously too clingy~!" Minah scoffed while smiling at us. I giggled and kissed Taehyung's ear as he entered the spacious deck before settling me onto the floor. I beamed in excitement and glanced at the other guests while adjusting the loose beach hat over my head.
A moment later.
"This is unbelievable! The scenery is so stunning~!" I gasped in shock once I entered the highest bedroom on the fourth floor with the stunning view of the vast ocean. Hoseok is so thoughtful for granting us this suite! I happily spun around to clap my hands like a delighted seal as Taehyung heaved our shared luggage inside the room.

"Should we get a house on the seaside after our marriage?" Taehyung chuckled, finally placing his hands on his firm hips to examine the glass enclosure surrounding our top-floor bedroom."Sure! Let's live on the seaside! So our kids can play on the beach!" I nodded, cheerfully skipping forward to hold his waist. Taehyung chuckled and lowered his face to kiss me while rocking my body in his arms in the lavish bedroom reserved for our stay.

Evening Feast
The younger generation of high-ranking alphas shared an extensive table on the exterior deck decorated with flowers and twinkling romantic lights as the elders shared another table, merrily chattering over their evening meals. Taehyung poured me a cup of cool water as I attempted to peel the shrimp with my fork and spoon."Yah! Who the heck peels shrimp with utensils?!" Seokjin snapped at me from across the table."Why would we want to get our fingers dirty?! My manicure is ruined! They should've pre-peeled them~!" Minah whined from beside Hoseok. Taehyung suddenly lifted the shrimp off my plate to peel the shells for me, so I gasped in anticipation and opened my mouth until he hand-fed me the food, causing the alphas to groan at the sight of our shameless display of public affection."I'll peel it for you if you don't want to get your hands dirty," Taehyung smiled while peeling the seafood for me, so I wiggled my body in excitement as I watched him dip the crab meat in the sauce and fed me again. Food tastes so much better when he's feeding me! I can eat all day~!"If they can't peel a shrimp themselves... they don't deserve to eat shrimp," Yoongi mocked, playfully nudging my shoulder. Jimin snorted out loud and shook his head. I fired Yoongi an irritated glare before glancing at Namjoon, who was peeling the shrimp for Haerim and Minah."Namjoon is a gentleman! Minho! Peel them for me~!" Mira shrieked and smacked Minho in annoyance."I'm allergic to seafood!" Minho snapped at her. Sungho smiled and placed a peeled shrimp on Mira's plate, causing her to shriek in delight."Thank you!" Mira grinned at Sungho, who nodded shyly, earning a glare from Minho."Ah~!" I tapped Taehyung's lap and lifted a clam to his lips until he opened his mouth to slurp the juicy flesh, making me giggle at his satisfied beam. I carefully wiped his stained lips and licked my fingers. Seokjin funnily fired me with a disgusted look. Ah! I love this environment! I'm so happy because the trip is so refreshing~!The alphas loudly conversed over the table as the elders toasted their drinks before the dark sea and I pretty much spent the entire night devouring whatever Taehyung fed me until I felt a little nauseous. The motion sickness is making me light-headed! Is it because of the high tides? I rubbed my dizzy temples until Taehyung glanced at me."Are you okay?" He asked."I'm okay," I beamed at his handsome visual. Smooch. He kissed me before the festive alphas, making them groan again. I flushed bright red. Ah~! He's so sweet! I chuckled and glanced at Yoongi, who was shaking his head with a sore grimace."Public display of affection is a crime! You're assaulting my eyeballs!" Seokjin shrieked while pointing a giant lobster's claw at us. I giggled and hugged Taehyung's waist on his side."You should see them at home~! They're always joined at the hip!- It's so stressful to watch them love so shamelessly!" Jungkook whined while sipping his wine.Taehyung glared at his cousin for siding with the alphas while wiping his fingers with a sanitizing wipe, so I smiled and drank the remaining water from my glass. We pretty much spent time with the households until close to midnight... when I started to feel extremely nauseous. Taehyung eventually excused our presence from the table and escorted me back to our room. Oh no~! The alphas will play with fireworks later~! I want to join them- but I feel like puking~!We ended up undressing in the bathroom and shared the private hot tub together because Taehyung claimed it would soothe my mind and it did. Temporarily. We splashed around in the warm tub, made out, and touched each other bare flesh all over while admiring the sparkly fireworks through the tinted glass wall until I felt nauseous again, so we quickly showered and I finally collapsed on the bed. I'm seasick."I brought medication," Taehyung handed me a pill and cup, so I jerked from the bed and swallowed the pill with the water he offered before exhaling deeply to soothe my dizzy mind. Ah~! Can I survive the trip?!"The yacht is a fun experience, but I feel so sick," I grumbled. Taehyung settled beside me on the bed and gently tucked my loose hair strands behind my ears."Should we leave? I'll arrange for a boat to escort you back to shore. We can stay at a hotel," Taehyung worriedly inspected my pale face. I grimly stared at his dashing visual and shook my head before leaning forward to hug his torso."Nope! Let's enjoy our time here! I'll feel better if you hold me~!" I giggled, grabbing his arms to make me hug me, so he chuckled and kissed my forehead before slumping onto the bed and lifted his heavy leg to hook it over my hips."I shall stay up all night to heal my precious dumpling~! You ate so well today- so I'm very proud of you~! I'll make sure to plump you up to your original size~!" Taehyung muttered while hugging my head against his warm chest. I smiled and tightened my grip around his sturdy body."I love you so much," I grumbled."I know. You're a simp," Taehyung teased. I shrieked and smacked his chest. The man laughed and tightened his grip around my back again."I can't believe my crush is my lover~!" I giggled against my firm chest."My crush will soon become my wife~!" Taehyung patted my back. I smiled and snuggled against the comfort of his embrace. I'm so fortunate in this life~! I hope we'll continue to love each other beautifully until we're old~!"You didn't say I love you back! That's rude!" I shrieked, shoving him away in annoyance. Taehyung cutely chuckled as he reached over to stroke my cheek, but I swatted his hand away and rolled over to avoid him."I love you! Do I have to say it back when I'm holding you like this?! You can definitely feel my undying love for you~!" He chuckled, firmly hugging my back, and lifted his face to peck my cheek repeatedly until I giggled at the ticklish sensation and turned to glare at him. The man funnily wiggled his thick eyebrows before lowering his face to caress his lips over mine until I submitted to his teasing invitation.
We headed to bed that night without doing the deed... because I was really ill.

Next Morning
"Aah!- %^&!*$#!&*!?!- Oppa!" I shrieked while gawking at my reflection in the mirror with a horrified look."What?" Taehyung dawdled from the bedroom. I screamed in distress until the man casually entered the bathroom with his arms folded over his shirtless buff chest."Why did you give me hickeys again?!- How am I supposed to wear my bikinis!?!" I screamed at him in disbelief before snapping my glowering face at the mirror to inspect my deeply bruised neck. Did he stay up all night to care for me- or to suck me like a vampire?! Taehyung smirked at my fuming red face as he calmly leaned against the doorway."It's scorching hot. You can't wear revealing outfits, or you'll get rashes again," Taehyung smiled as I unwrapped the towel around my chest. Fwip! The towel slipped to my ankles. I gawked at the love bruises... scattered all over my naked skin with my lips ajar."Oh no~! It lasted for a week before!- TAEHYUNG~!!!" I whined while twisting my back to examine the hickeys on my shoulder blades, over my spine, and even on my buttcheeks. I gasped and quickly spun around to stare at the bruise on my crotch before bending down to find another pair of hickeys on my inner thighs. Fwip! I straightened my body in horror to stare at the deep bruise over my cleavage and on my stomach before shifting my resentful pupils... to his cocky expression in the mirror."Stay in the shade with me," Taehyung smiled, walking forward to hug my naked body while gazing at my bruised body in the mirror to admire his territorial marks. I shrieked in frustration, quickly spinning around to thump my fists over his firm chest, and stormed into the bedroom with boiling blood. Flop! I hastily flung my body face-first onto the mattress and kicked my legs in distress to throw a tantrum. He's so mean! How can he ruin my skin like this!? I wanted to wear my bikini!"I hate you! I hate you!!!- I really wanted to wear a bikini~!- I spent hours waxing my limbs and even scrubbed my groin for the trip!" I bawled, firmly pressing my soaked cheeks into the pillow while sprawling naked on my belly to express my extreme discontentment. Smack. Taehyung playfully slapped my bouncy buttcheek- so I screeched and snapped my spiteful glare at him."Ohoh!? How dare you throw a tantrum?!- I brought a swimsuit for you, so wear it if you want to swim!" Taehyung grabbed a swimsuit from the drawer. Hic~! I hastily sat up butt naked to snatch the full coverage jumpsuit from his grasp and lifted it before my face to inspect the long sleeves with pouty lips."It's ugly!- I won't wear it!" I screamed, angrily hurling the swimsuit at his chest, slammed my body back onto the bed, and wildly kicked my legs again. I'm so frustrated! I hate him so much! Why is he so mean to me?!"I'll punish you if you don't obey me!" Taehyung snapped, suddenly launching over my back, and tried to grope my breast, so I screamed in distress and shoved the man off me.Taehyung chuckled at my explosive attitude and tried to tackle me onto the mattress- but I angrily thrashed and- WHACK! Taehyung gasped in pain- when I accidentally kicked his face. THUD! He toppled off the bed edge and slammed hard onto the floor, causing me to widen my eyes in fright."I'm sorry!" I whimpered, hastily crawling to the edge of the bed, just as Taehyung sat up with a bleeding nose. He rubbed his nostrils in shock before lowering his fingers to examine the red blood with his lips ajar... too shaken to react. The alpha shifted his darkened gaze to me in displease. Huff!He thrust his body off the floor and stormed inside the bathroom to rinse his nose, so I pouted while kneeling on the mattress without any clothes on. Taehyung angrily marched out of the bathroom, yanked on a shirt, and stormed out of the bedroom with an upset scowl. Thud! He slammed the door shut. He's so mean! I whined at his upsetting behavior and collapsed back onto the bed, angrily pulling the sheet over my body with my tearful doe eyes on the sunny clear sea as the other alphas lounge freely on the outdoor swimming pool.Taehyung didn't leave the room for long and eventually returned to cuddle me on the bed without speaking as I brooded under the cover until I plunged into a deep nap. Stroke. Stroke. I opened my blurry gaze after who knows how long to stare at the distant golden sky and shifted my puffy eyelids to Taehyung as he fondly patted my hair with a tissue lodged in his nostril. He averted his dull gaze to me. I frowned at his emotionless stare and huffed in irritation."Are you hungry?" Taehyung asked, softly pinching my cheek."No," I grumbled. The man gazed at me in silence and lifted his face to nudge his lips against mine, trying to get me to respond to his love call but I didn't budge until he pulled away with a sulky expression."Kiss me back. I'll forgive you for breaking my precious nose," He negotiated. I frowned with my head rested on his bicep and firmly shook my head."No," I denied. Taehyung cutely grimaced and leaned forward again, softly brushing his lips over mine while coiling his arms around my waist to soothe my stuffed emotions. Smooch. Smooch.  I closed my eyes, calmly lying in his embrace as he tenderly handled... not just my body... but my soul with his comforting affection. He's such a sweetheart."I won't let you go until you kiss me back," Taehyung whispered while gazing at me from under his wild black hair and puckered his lips for a response. I stared at his lips and glanced back up at him. He's not a cold soul. Not at all. Kim Taehyung is very gentle and warm. He lifted our interlaced hands and kissed my knuckles with his dilated pupils on my unblinking gaze."I refuse to marry you," I whispered, lightly tapping his lips to refuse the kiss."What nonsense-""You're so mean!" I huffed. Taehyung pursed his lips for a moment, deeply exhaling as he withdrew his arms from my body and sat up on the bed in defeat."I'll take you for a drive. Come on," Taehyung muttered as he picked up the swimsuit from the floor. Fwip. The man seized my wrist and yanked me into a sitting position.I grimaced in extreme irritation as he slipped the elastic jumpsuit over my ankles, drew it up to my hips, and slipped my arms into the long sleeves before bending over to seal the zipper over the curve of my spine. I glared at him resentfully once he stepped back to smile at the swimsuit, covering almost every inch of my flesh with its elastic material."I hate you," I sneered."No one can see your bruises," Taehyung assured, took my wrist and drew me onto my feet. I softly whined and grumpily followed the man out of our bedroom. We strolled down to the main deck to find the alphas and the elders lounging around in the outdoor space."Oh! Is it a fish!?-" Seokjin shrieked as he repeatedly tugged the fishing rod while standing by the railing with Min Yoongi, who was resting on the bench, patiently waiting to catch his fish. I pouted at the alphas as Taehyung walked me out into the opening and we finally landed on the lowest deck leading right into the calm ocean."What's this?" I grimaced while staring at the jet ski, parked by the swim platform of the yacht. This is the ride...? Taehyung drew his shirt off his sturdy trunk and slipped off his pants to stand shirtless in his swim shorts. I stared at his hot body with a sore grimace. He can walk around naked, but I can't? So unfair!"Up for a ride, my lady...?" Taehyung smirked and swung his long legs over the jet ski as I stood on the rocking swim platform with a slight grimace before glancing at the setting sun with a restless feeling. Why is he always making fun of me during a fight?! He doesn't even care about my raging temper and would laugh it off! Grrr~!"Are you sure it's safe...?" I grumbled with a slight pout. Taehyung chuckled, suddenly flinging the life jacket at me. Click. Click. I sorely clipped the vest and stepped onto the rocking platform as the sea water gently splashed over my feet."Careful," Taehyung muttered, reaching for my waist to help me climb the jet ski. I nervously sat behind his back and tightly hugged his waist in my life jacket as Taehyung started the engine, causing the watercraft to make a loud vrooming noise. VROOM! I fearfully clutched onto my boyfriend as he slowly steered the jet ski away from the super yacht and steadily drove us over the golden waves."Not too fast," I grumbled as he steered in a circular motion to warm up the engine until we drifted further away from the yacht."Sora~!" Hoseok's voice echoed from a distance, so I quickly turned to find the alpha waving at me from the high deck. Smiling, I freed my hand to wave back- ZOOM! I squealed in horror when the jet ski violently blasted forward, so I quickly secured my embrace around Taehyung's hips with a pounding heart."OPPA!- HAH- WHAT THE FUCK?!" I screamed in fear as we blasted over the rocky surface, causing the wet splatter to splash all over me.

"WHOOOOOH~! SO REFRESHING~!" Taehyung screamed as he wildly drifted over the bouncy waves, making me shriek in fear once I felt my body swaying to the side. Badum! Badum! Badum! My heart slammed repeatedly against my chest, so I whimpered and screwed my eyes shut in extreme fright. THIS IS TOO DANGEROUS!? ISN'T HE AFRAID OF DYING!?"OPPA- AHHH! AHHH~! ARRH!!- #%$^&!- OPPA STOP!- I'M SCARED! OPPA!" I begged, fearfully smacking his bare abs while clinging to his body as we bolted across the vast opening until I felt my soul drifting out of my body. I'M GOING TO DIEEEEE! ARGH!"HANG ON-""I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU~! YOU'RE SO MEAN! I WON'T MARRY A MEAN MAN LIKE YOU! STUPID ICE BLOCK MAN!" I hollered at the top of my lungs as a flood of warm tears gushed from my lower lash line and- VROOM! Taehyung sped up over the tides until we wobbled violently over the surface- causing blood to drain from my face. I will fucking fly off the jet ski! Is he trying to kill me?!!- ARGH!?"ARGH!?- *&%^$^!#*!?!- SORA!- ARGH!-" Taehyung suddenly screamed in pain when I angrily sunk my teeth into his bare shoulder- THUMP! The engine suddenly died, sending the jet ski skidding wildly over the unsteady surface. Taehyung gasped in shock and frantically twisted his toned trunk around to gawk at me as if I was out of my mind. He gripped the bleeding wound over his shoulder in disbelief."I HATE YOU! I WILL NEVER MARRY YOU!" I screamed and angrily smacked his shoulder in tears, causing Taehyung's eyes to widen in disbelief."FINE! GET OFF IF YOU'RE NOT GOING TO MARRY ME! GO WHINE ALONE!-" Taehyung bellowed, aggressively shoving me with all his might."AH?!- AH!-" I screamed in horror at the force of his harsh shove. OH NO!- I shrieked in shock once my body slanted off the seat- and SPLASH! My frail body suddenly submerged under the cold surface. GASP! I cried in fear once I burst from the dark surface, wildly splashing over the salty sea water in my blurry vision."I'M LEAVING!" Taehyung glared at me. VROOM! He blasted the jet ski away, making me screech in shock as the massive water jet... bashed harshly against my face. IS HE CRAZY?!"OPPA!- AH! KIM TAEHYUNG! WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!! HELP- ME! YOU HEARTLESS JERK!- EOMMA!? APPA?! SOMEONE SAVE ME~! OPPA!- DON'T LEAVE ME!" I cried in fear while wiggling my legs in the bottomless depths as my asshole boyfriend drifted his jet ski away. Taehyung did not return to rescue me, so I shivered and rotated helplessly over undulating seawater with my bright orange life jacket strapped securely over my frail torso. I frantically waved at the distant yacht for help... but no one seemed to notice me."Oppa~! I'm sorry! Why are you so mean~?!" I cried, spinning around to find Taehyung gliding alone on the far left of the vast opening as I fearfully paddled over tides.I burst into tears and howled in extreme frustration after my boyfriend left me stranded in the sea. I will die out here after sunset! I sobbed and tried to kick forward... but I was too frightened and bawled in distress while floating aimlessly with the rocking tides. VROOM!- I shrieked in surprise once a powerful water jet sprayed in my face- so I rubbed my stinging bloodshot eyes and quickly spun around... to find Kim Taehyung... sitting on the jet ski with a dark grimace."Oppa~! The shark will eat me~!" I sobbed, wiggling my body helplessly with my arms extended for his assistance."The sharks won't eat you because you're skin and bones!" Taehyung huffed as he rudely folded his arms to dismiss my pleading whimper. I sobbed in distress and smacked his feet on the jet ski."I'm sorry~!" I pouted, loudly bawling at the top of my lungs as I floated over the water with a quivering body."Will you marry me then?" Taehyung asked and lifted his eyebrow to question me as he coldly sat on the jet ski."I'll marry you!- I promise-! Taehyung~! I'll marry you~! I'm cold~!" I whimpered, frantically reaching for his hand with my desperate gaze on his poker face, so he sourly exhaled and reached downward to clasp his fingers around mine. I coughed in distress as the man effortlessly hauled me out of the water and drew me onto his lap. Gasp! I quickly hugged his neck with my burning face buried against his shoulder. I don't want to be eaten by sharks!"You'll marry me?" Taehyung asked while patting my back to comfort me. I hiccupped and repeatedly nodded while sobbing against his bare chest, so he exhaled and tightened his arms around my waist as I sat sideways on his thighs over the rocking jet ski. My teeth wouldn't stop chattering and the flooding tears, soaking my flushed cheeks."I'm sorry for being so fussy~! Please don't leave me here!- Hic~!" I hiccuped, pulling away to pout at him as the slimy snot trickled from my nostril. Taehyung bitterly rubbed my flushed cheeks. I'm freezing~! He suddenly reached inside his zipped-up pocket for something... so I sniffled and rubbed my snot with my forearm."Will you marry me? I'm not taking you back to shore unless you marry me," Taehyung muttered, weakly smiling at me as he lifted a diamond ring before my blurry gaze."Of course! I was joking! Of course, I'll marry you!" I frantically nodded and raised my left hand for him. This is how he'll propose to me...?- In the middle of nowhere?! I'm a mess! Taehyung chuckled and slipped the loop over my ring finger as I pouted at him with a thumping heart."I love you so much more," Taehyung whispered, gently gripping my wet fingers. I sobbed and nodded in agreement until he drew me against his damp honey-tanned torso again."Please don't be mean to me~! Hic~!" I coughed against his broad shoulder while sniffling against his deep collarbones.Taehyung affectionately kissed my head as he rubbed my lower back to soothe my frightened soul before drawing himself away to kiss my lips on the jet ski. I firmly gripped his forearm as he tilted his head to deepen our kiss over the vast sea with the breathtaking view of the golden setting sun under the purple-tinted sky as the squawking seagulls soared over our heads."I was only teasing you," Taehyung chuckled, finally breaking the tender kiss to gaze fondly into my bloodshot eyes. I nodded with my lips pursed and glanced down at the engagement ring on my index finger with a faint smile."I'm pregnant," I whispered and lifted my puffy eyes to meet his gaze. Taehyung suddenly blanked out at my words as he held me over his lap. The alpha blinked once, briefly glancing down at my stomach with a started look, and looked back up at me with his eyes bulging open."What?" He scoffed, suddenly tightening his arms around my waist."I tested my urine this morning," I whispered, weakly smiling at him with gushing tears over my damp cheeks. Taehyung's jaw dropped open at the shocking announcement as I stared at the golden glow on his firm skin until his eyes suddenly swelled with warm tears. The alpha huffed and leaned forward to embrace my body in extreme bewilderment."I love you! Sora, I love you so much~!" Taehyung sniffled, pulling away again to cup my cheeks between his damp palms as the fresh teardrops messily streamed down his face. I giggled and softly kissed him before the warmth of the afternoon sea breeze. Smooch. Smooch. Taehyung suddenly broke down against my trembling lips and lowered his head to make sense of the situation, so I exhaled and hugged his neck with my cheek pressed against his bare shoulder."I'm pregnant with our child... so don't be mean to me," I chuckled with a slight pout.Taehyung whimpered cutely against my shoulder as he circled his strong arms around my waist to hold me close, clutching securely onto my body to ensure my safety in his embrace as I calmly stared at the setting sun... beyond the distant horizontal line.The alpha eventually calmed down after breaking down against me and we finally pulled away to gaze at each other without uttering a word until our chests bloomed with the healing warmth of our undying love for one another. Taehyung proudly stroked my wet cheek with his thumb as I patted his back with a delicate smile and we kissed once again... over the calm sea to seal our predetermined fate.
The sea... the sky... the sun... and the wind... were the sole witnesses... of our everlasting love commitment.
__________________________
Wedding Night
Jang Sora happily lifted her arms in the night air to feel the chilly breeze between her slender fingers as the groom drove over the curved hill slope with the stunning scenery of the dark sea below in their convertible open-roof car. She beamed and glanced at Kim Taehyung's dashing side profile as he steered the wheel in his fitted black tuxedo. The alpha briefly glanced at his beautiful bride and shifted his charming gaze back to the road as he steered the wheels through an open gate."Is this our honeymoon location~?" Sora chirped, curiously glancing around the brightly lit property as she sat in her extravagant bridal gown. Taehyung halted the car near an ancient tree as his wife turned her head in confusion to examine the empty property until her husband got out of the car and rounded the vehicle to open the door for her.Sora happily accepted his hand and stepped out in her white bridal gown on her signature crystal heels. Taehyung smiled and led her over the emerald field until they stepped through another gate. Sora grinned at Taehyung's handsome face as he guided her forward, finally halting on the unfamiliar property. The bride eventually averted her enthusiastic anticipation to the luminous mansion before her sparkling gaze on a vast hilltop."This is our forever home. You, me, and our children," Taehyung smiled as he held her waist, lowering his free hand to pat her baby bump as Sora stared at the splendid property with her lips ajar."This is exactly my dream house! How did you know?!" Sora gasped, glancing at her husband in shock."Your dream is our reality, my love," Taehyung smiled, leaning forward to peck her lips. Sora cutely gasped with her hands over her lips and quickly turned around to hug his body with a big pout."You're the best!" The supreme alpha shrieked as Taehyung held his wife with a faint smile."Should we begin our journey together?" Taehyung smiled, slowly drawing away to admire her pretty doe eyes with a fond smile until they both felt an intense emotion stirring within their swelling chest."Of course! Let's live happily, seobang-nim~!" Sora giggled, cheekily grinning at her husband while holding his warm hands before her new home. Taehyung chuckled at her adorable contentment and nodded in agreement."Welcome home, my lovely bu-in~!" Taehyung chuckled, softly booping his nose tip against hers, causing Sora to wiggle her body in extreme excitement. [Bu-in means wife in Korean]The newly married couple firmly held onto each other's hands before averting their gaze to their dream home again and stepped forward with an optimistic smile, steadily matching each other's pace to climb the concrete stairs... leading to the warm front porch.

Kim Taehyung firmly supported his wife's back while holding her hand until they arrived at the polished wooden entrance.

Jang Sora excitedly glanced at her husband again as he reached for the handle and finally pushed open the door... fully exposing their souls... to their forever home.

Kim Taehyung nodded at his wife with an encouraging smile... so she stepped forward in her bridal gown... gently tugging him with her.

And so... the groom followed his bride inside their private living space and disappeared through the doorway with her... as her transparent wedding veil... fluttered delicately with the subtle... wind current.

Thud.

The magical door ultimately sealed shut... behind their back to safeguard their beautiful love story... separating their souls from the evil and darkness of the world... and blessing the couple... with a sentimental happy ending... within the protective shield... of the sacred hilltop property... as they forever remain... in debt to each other.

I will live to love you... and die to greet you... so I can live... to love you... again.

I promise.

THE END.